March Favorites

April 6, 2015

Hey, April, Hey! Seriously, can you believe we are already into a new month? We are officially 1/4 of the way through 2015! Yes, 1/4 of the way! It is super cray, cray (hip way of saying crazy).

My beauty picks for the month of March are slim pickings, but don’t let the quantity fool you. These three items pack a mean punch. So, much so, that instead of waiting to share, I decided to move forward with this post. As a new mommy, with a three-month old, I don’t have much time for lengthy regiments and I am not spending much money on myself these days. Instead my investments are in the form of wipes, diapers and cute little outfits that make me giggle in delight. The last time I got this excited over clothes was when Mattel started making hip Barbie clothes and I would go shopping with my chore money. The point is these items are all at a very affordable price point.

1 – Coconut Foot Creme – My absolute new favorite beauty item! I declare this product a miracle worker. Here is the gist. Cute shoes – check, Painted toenails – check, Pretty feet – cricket, cricket… Somewhere in the last few years I developed cracked heels. They become terribly tough and dry through the winter. Then when the weather finally turns around and I can break out my sandals, I feel slightly insecure. This cream, or should I write, creme (read it with a British accent too. It just makes it sound better) showed its power very quickly. In just three days I noticed results. I just lather up my heels and then wear a pair of socks to bed. So, easy!

2 – Prime Time Foundation – This product had been sitting in my bathroom cabinet just waiting to be used and now that I am using it I am so sorry I ignored it for so long. Really, Prime Time, I am sorry. See I typically use another primer brand and when I found myself out of that product last month, I turned to this here bottle. And, to the rescue she came! Why I am referring to Prime Time as a human and a female, I don’t know, but please play along with me. Here is how she works… apply a small amount to your face after moisturizing but before you apply your makeup foundation. It makes your face so smooth and provides an even texture making makeup last longer and look less cakey. I tend to have drier skin, so this product works for me. Although, if you have oily, I have heard mix reviews.

3 – Jergens Natural Glow Foaming Daily Moisturizer – Get yo’ tan on girl! That is what I said to myself as I starred at my legs. You could see my veils. Seriously. That is how pale I was! With the forecast actually showing 60 degrees, I know I needed to take some action. I picked up this bottle without any investigating into self-tanning products. I literally just grabbed her (there I go again) off the shelf and went on my merry way. Luckily, I am surprised with how much I like this product. After three applies I have noticed a difference. It no longer appears like I am wearing white hose! It is the quickest and easiest self tanner I have used. Tip: Apply a little moisturizer to your wrists, knees and elbows before applying, that way you don’t get and odd coloring in those locations.

That is all folks! Have any must-try, must-buy beauty products? If so, feel free to comment.

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Looks For Less

March 28, 2015

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I have a slight obsession with jewelry. Now before you roll yours eyes at me, please know this obsession does not impact my husband or our wallet because while I am all for accessorizing, I am also all about not spending a fortune.

Costume jewelry is much more my focus. Take me into Tiffany and Co. and yes I will smile and gawk at the jewels before me, but take me into a pop-up accessory store and I will jump up and down and scream like the audience members when Oprah announced everyone was getting a car.

In fact, I was walking through the hallway at work this past week, with a statement necklace on and someone stopped me and said, “I love your necklace! Kendra Scott, right?” (I had no idea who Kendra Scott was. Now I do.). I stopped, thought about telling a white lie and nodding my head yes, but instead replied, “Honestly, you won’t believe it but it was a Payless Shoes accessory find.” The kind woman replied, “Honey, you got yourself a knock-off!”

LEFT: Forever21 – 7.90 || RIGHT: JCrew – 99.00

LEFT: Tiffany and Co. – 650.00 || RIGHT: Baublebar – 28.00

LEFT: Banana Republic – 34.99 || RIGHT: Alexander McQueen – 365.00

LEFT: Charming Charlie – 8.00 || RIGHT: Barneys (Irene Neuwirth) – 3,080.00

How insanely close is the last example? I can’t get over the similarity visually and then to see a price point of $8 versus $3,080?!?! Say, wha!! Explanation point city happening right here. Moral of the story – you can look extra chic for extra cheap! Happy Shopping!

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Wednesday Wisdom

March 11, 2015

Is it just me or do Wednesdays seem to really be a breaking point in the week? I think it is the momentum from Monday crashing with the excitement of the soon-to-be weekend that leaves me feeling unrest. I had so much fun putting together my first Wednesday Wisdom post and promised more to come. Not every week, but when the time felt right and darnit… the time feels right.

So, if you are fighting any internal battles, not your best self or are searching for the words to turn your day, week or even month around; hopefully, one of these may strike your fancy and bring a new attitude and pep in your step.

Here is to Wednesday! May you be the catalyst for great things ahead.

By the way, the last picture is by far one of my top favorite quotes! It just makes me smile.

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Gingham Style

March 10, 2015

Eh – Sexy Lady oh oh oh oh
Oppa is Gingham style…

Try to get that song out of your head now! It is going to stick with you for a bit. And, to think it only took three years since it was released to finally fight the earworm off. I know I am sorry!

You know what I am not sorry for? This Spring 2015 fashion trend and these looks that hopefully will stick with you like that darn song…

Notice the trend? This Spring’s fashion points to all things Gingham and I love this look. It is a refreshing style that can be dressed up or down and as you can see from some of the inspiration pictures I pulled above, whether you are leaning on the subtle side of the Gingham fence or dare to be bold, this Spring trend is so versatile.

Ready to shop? Here are some Gingham pieces I am currently eyeing up.

From left to right: 1. Shirt – Forever 21 – 17.90 | 2. Skirt – Bloomingdale’s – 68.00 | 3. Dress – ASOS – Reg. 92.00, Sale 37.00 | 4. Coat – Nordstrom (Michael Kors) – 128.00

Now hurry up and turn on some music to get the song out of your head and start shopping!

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SALE ALERT: Extra 30% Off & Free Shipping

March 5, 2015

I am obsessed with pinning outfits on Pinterest. Have you seen MY BOARD? Problem is when you click the image and see the price points of the items that make up those outfits. WOW! Most of the time they are so out of my price range.

I like a good deal. So, I get a thrill out of replicating a look with less expensive, yet similar clothing items. What is even better? When the actual item you are eyeing up goes on sales. A really, really good sale.

Such is the case with this look I have been eyeing up on Pinterest.

Image credit

See that chain link bracelet? Yep! She has caught my eye for some time. Unfortunately, I was not willing to pay the price for her. So, when I saw that J.Crew Factory was having a FLASH SALE today I was all game to fill my shopping cart. Guess what? The bracelet… it is there and on sale too!

SAVE AN EXTRA 30% OFF with the code SHOPSALE. Below are some of my favorite sale items. Keep in mind… an extra 30% off J.Crew Factory Clearance!! It is a good day.

EDIT: Offer valid at jcrewfactory.com through March 8, 2015, through 11:59pm ET. Some exclusions apply.

Get your shopping on!

Mommy Dear

June 24, 2014

I titled my blog post today “Mommy Dear,” because as the story goes as a child I without any prompting referred to my Mom as just that. After time, “Mommy Dear” must have wore off because my memory has always been of calling her “Mom.”

Although, I think back to that name and smile because she is so very dear. And, just like most little kids go through the stage of calling their mother, “Mommy,” then graduating to “Mom” when it no longer becomes cool, my mom however, for the most part (except those weird pre-teen years) has always been cool to me.

My mom has always been my best friend and confidant. Through the awful middle school and high school years with the petty girl drama, when one week you had a best friend and then the next an enemy, my Mom was always there. When someone broke my heart, it was my Mom who always came to the rescue to boost my broken confidence. For the not so proud moments, Mom showcased her disappointment but never missed the opportunity to show her love. And, for every proud moment I had, my Mom was my biggest fan.

Being the oldest of five, she not only gets to be called the title of “Mom” from four other kids, but she also gets the stress and worry that comes with being a Mom of five kids. And, as much as I praise her now, she doesn’t always get all the credit, but bares a lot of the brunt from grumpy kids. They say you hurt the ones you love the most and my Mom has had to endure many of our bad days.

But she is resilient and the most selfless person I know. Always giving up her time and energy towards her kids and to her loved ones. One of my favorite stories that showcases my Mom’s act of kindness was right after I accepted a promotion at the company I currently work for. I was heading in for my first day in the new role and had a big meeting. As I was walking into work I noticed blue streaks all over my light tan slacks. It wasn’t until I got in the door and a co-worker gasped that I realized my husband who is notorious for having pens in his pockets must have washed my slacks with his jeans and a busted pen. Blue ink all across my pants stood between me and my 10 am meeting. I called my Mom, because of course that is the first thing you do with a Mom like mine and she said, “what do you need me to do?” I knew I was pushing it when I responded, “go to my house and grab a new pair of slacks and drive them to me?” I work an hour away, but guess what without a sigh or complaint, to the rescue she came!

So, today, I celebrate you on your Birthday and say – thank you and mean it, for years and years of love. You truly are a dear Mommy to me and my siblings. We are blessed and lucky! Love you.

The Perfect Beach Cover Ups

June 20, 2014

On the eve of the first official day of summer, let’s get our excitement levels up as we swoon over the return of a great season. Life is better in the summer. I always feel healthier, have a little more pep in my step and enjoy the carefreeness that comes with the season. Who is with me?

With vacations in the near future, I find myself more concerned and excited over the perfect beach cover-up than the swimsuit itself. Think about it – you are showing off your cover-up more than your actual suit in most cases. I mean we choose this assemble for that very reason – to cover us up from our itsy bitsy teeny bikinis.

I get more excited over cover-up fashions than swimwear and this season there are some great cover-up finds.

1 – ASOS Cold Shoulder Beach Cover Up | $38.11
First, this one looks like an adorable dress. Paired with some wedge heels, this cover-up can take you from day to night as to hit the local hot spots or beach bars. Plus, the color is perfect for the season! Remember my Pantone Spring Fashion Report round-up? It is that Dazzling Blue.

2 – Forever 21 Floral Swim Cover Up | $15.80
Can you beat this price? I think not! Plus, bold colors and bold prints are very much in trend this season.

3 – Anthropolgie Offshore Caftan | $120
This would be my summer splurge! I adore everything about this cover-up. It is distinctly feminine, un-restrictive and reminds me of the perfect go-to as you walk the beach at night.

4 – Victoria’s Secret Relaxed Linen Pant | Orig. $49.50 – Sale $39.50
I love everything about this look. Particularly the word “relaxed.” That is just what a beach vacation or day at the pool should be… relaxing. With this outfit, you don’t have to care, but you look good doing it!

Happy Summer!

Dear Ol’ Dad…

May 6, 2014

I am sure we could all argue right now… but I don’t want to fight. But if I chose to go down that road with you I am sure the conversation would go something like this…

Me: “I have the best Dad!”
You: “So, do I.”
Me: “I know, but mine is really special.”
You: “Well, so is mine.”
Me: “I know, but I really think mine is the best of all bests.”
You: cricket cricket – blank stare – mentally you are thinking “Is she 5? Are we really going there?”

The point is for many, your Dad is the best of all bests. And, rightfully so. I mean he is your Dad. And how special is that? That we each have this special someone that we call our own and love through and through. He is the best and you couldn’t imagine anyone better to fill the shoes of the man you call “Dad.”

Well, that is how I feel and today is that special man’s birthday.

My Dad is a quiet guy. A man of few words. He doesn’t like attention. In fact, our family teases him on his seriousness. If he cracks a smile, well that is equivalent to your and my chuckle and if he chuckles, well boys and girls we just peed our pants with laughter. With all that seriousness comes respect. When he talks you listen.

But for me and my four siblings, we all know a different side to our Dad. There is a humorous and witty side that few see. For a man who is so quiet, I believe he fights uncomfortableness with goofy humor. And, I cannot tell you how many times he has made us children put our hands together and yell out the “rally cry” which he created and sort of sounds like a dying Falcon, just in case we ever get separated.

He is extremely difficult at times. So, set in his ways. If you didn’t know him well, like we do, he can be hard to read. He is meticulous in the manner in which he does certain things and by golly he is not a fan of you wasting money. So, don’t brag about something you bought because you wanted it.

But for his family, we know that he is extremely giving, caring and kind. Being the oldest of five kids, which range from 27 – 11, I have watched him and my Mom make sacrifices over the years so each one of us in due time could have a car and go to college. And, I have seen him light up when he has spent more than he would ever allow us to in order to buy one of us something we wanted.

I have learned from my Dad that – life is not fair, you are not entitled to anything and that the best people in this world are the ones who get up, work hard and do it all over again. I have also learned that family comes first and if ever you need someone to be honest with you – Dear Ol’ Dad will be there. Whether it is what you want to hear or what you know you will hear but wish you hadn’t. The brutal honesty that comes from our parents, well it comes from a lot of love.

As, I get older I look at my Dad differently. He is my Dad yes, but also a great friend. When I watch him with the baby of our family, Liv, or as Dad likes to call her “Sugar Bear.” Well, my heart swells as I watch him and her interact and see their relationship change through the years like ours.

Happy Birthday, Dad! Oh, and there is that smile, or for all of us a nice chuckle…

Hey, Ladies… It’s Swimsuit Time!

May 1, 2014

It is the most dreaded time of year for females all over the world… Swimsuit Season. You know, the time where you psych yourself up, maybe throw back a shot or two and over and over in your head you prep yourself… “I got this!” And, then it happens. You stand there in front of three, sometimes you are lucky and there are five or maybe you have hit the jackpot and get the dressing rooms with full panoramic mirrors and, if you are like me, you cringe. Thoughts that go through your mind may include…

“I am so pale I can see my veins.”
“Who the heck invented florescent light?”
“Why does St. Patrick’s day fall between Winter and Summer? Darn dark beers!”
“Who the heck invented low-rise bikini bottoms?”
“Who the heck wears low-rise bikini bottoms?”
“Why does Easter fall between my New Year’s Resolution and Summer? Darn chocolate!”
“I could always walk sideways to the ocean.”

But Summertime comes and our mentality changes. I just love this saying…

It is true though! Especially, once you finally, finally get by the water. Cares seem to fade away. You forget about the materialistic side of life and the stress of being perfect and as you put on your summer swimsuit to head to the beach, you pass a mirror and say, “I got this!” and you mean it! Because who cares? It is summer! And hopefully, you are work and stress free with a beverage in-hand.

So, as I get into my summer mindset and face the reality that it does include swimwear of some kind. I actually push all those negative thoughts behind me and find the excitement in a new season and the carefree attitude that comes with it.

I cruise the internet instead of stepping foot in the store to find the perfect swimwear. For me, trying on my purchases in the comfort of my own home is much more appealing.

These are some of my favorite swimsuit fashion trends for summer 2014:

Bright Colors – Think Neon
One Pieces are back
Hello, Fringe and Ruffles
Lace and Vintage Looks
Bold Prints

1 – Saks Fifth Avenue – 165 | 2 – Victoria Secret – 42.50 (Top) and 18.50 (Bottom) | 3 – AE – 19.99 (Top) and 14.99 (Bottoms) | 4 – asos – 50.80 |- Anthropologie – 132

In honor of social media’s appointed #ThrowBackThursdays… I thought I would be vulnerable and share a picture of my all-time favorite swimwear. In all honest, after this winter it feels like it has been this long since I enjoyed sweet summertime!

Soul By The Sea – Nautical Trends

April 21, 2014

I am pretty sure that my soul belongs by the sea. During a stressful day or situation, when someone says, “Go to your happy place,” mine is always by the water. If I had my choice or say, I would always go with the ocean. The waves, the sand, the breeze… there is nothing better in my opinion. However, give me a lake, stream or bay and I am an equally happy girl!

Maybe it is the way of life of such waterfront towns that pull me in the most? Especially, those off the beaten path. Drive the coastal Carolina’s or even along the bay of good ol’ Maryland, and you will understand what I am saying. Kent Island, St. Micheal’s, Easton, Cambridge – all Maryland Bay towns, that you not only remember for their attractions but for the way you feel when you visit.

It is a way of life. A slower pace. A calm. I long for it this time of year.

The nautical trend is seeing its way back into stores and closets. Here are some of my favorite picks from this season’s trend. I plan on embracing the style while I work away in the mountains and long for my summer days by the sea! Enjoy!