Get Your Shop On – Labor Day Sales

September 7, 2015

Happy Labor Day, folks!

If you have a clingy baby who is into pulling hair, screaming at the sight of strangers and becoming a daredevil who jumps at the chance to lunge herself out of her stroller (no seriously) then you are not shopping! Nope, you’re not.

So, thank you digital shopping cart! I can even buy those earrings and jeans on my cell phone as a dash across the room to save her from putting that piece of dirt that is invisible to the adult eye but baby radar vision can pick-up up on and place in mouth. I mean seriously we just mastered tray to mouth baby puff food eating, how in the heck she finds pieces of food, dirt, fuzz, etc is beyond me.

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The Great Swimsuit Search

May 13, 2015

Lord help me. It is swimsuit season.

We got hit with a warm spell the last week or so and while I was happy to break out my favorite flip flops and tanks… it hit me. This chick HAS to buy a new swimsuit.

I HATE swimsuit shopping. I LOVE shopping. I HATE swimsuit shopping.

For men to relate I share this… It is like saying you can drive a car really fast, but you have to use your current vehicle no matter the make, model or year and you have to pull it out on a Nascar Track with all the Nascar drivers and their cars whizzing by. Some men would get super excited, some would look forward to it but most would still be super apprehensive. That is me with swimsuit shopping. I am over here like, “Hey, I will sit this one out.” I will be the gas can guy (you may only get that if you have watched a pit stop on Nascar).

Okay, seriously though, who goes from swimsuits, to Nascar, back to swimsuits. This girl.

This season I decided to toy with the idea of a one piece, so Baby Lo and I can have matching swimwear in the sand. Just kidding. I have always been super jealous and in awe of the women who can rock a cute one piece. There are some very cute and stylish one pieces out there.

Little did I know in my search that a common trend this summer season is strings galore. And, these in my opinion, do not relate to my statement above about ‘stylish one pieces out there.’ I seriously can’t stop laughing at these options. Not the models. Honey, you look fab. Sorta. I mean…

1) Holy tan lines! Seriously? People make fun of the “farmers tan,” could you imagine?
2) New term for string bikini.
3) Could you imagine washing this thing? It would take me HOURS to untangle. I would feel like someone cursed me with one of those crazy brain teaser puzzles as I tried to untangle a fabric ball.
4) I keep envisioning me as a package of cinnamon rolls. You know that moment when you undo the wrapper and push in on the package line to pop the seal then POOF! The rolls explode out. Yeah.

So, after my good laugh with these, I focused my attention on what I could handle. These options are winners in mind!

1. ASOS – 96.00 | 2. Victoria Secret – 48.50 | 3. Forever21 – 24.90 | 4. Nordstrom – 68.00 | 5. J.Crew – 118.00

Are you rocking a one piece this season? Do you think they are in style? If you found a great style, please feel free to share below.

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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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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!

February Favorites

February 28, 2015

It is the last day of February! Hard to believe that we are heading into March, but to be honest, I am looking forward to the flip of the calendar as we enter a new month. We are one step closer to Spring… one step closer to temperatures above freezing… one step closer to not having to scrape car windows… one step closer to busting out flip flops! Man, I miss those flip flops.

If you have been following my Blog, you know that I am a New Mommy. We hit the 10 week old mark today which translates to – “Mommy, is starting to get the hang of this thing.” With that comes some new found personal time to start pampering myself again. Even if pampering means a 10 minute shower and 10 minutes of quiet, peaceful bathroom time alone to focus on me. I will take what I can get!

1 – Well-Rested Face and Eye Brightener – I strategically made this favorite item #1 on my list. I mean the name speaks for itself. A 24-hour span goes something like this… (starting at 8 pm) feed baby, put baby to bed, do some dishes,check baby, lay out items for work, check on baby, pack baby’s diaper bag for sitter, check on baby, brush teeth, check on baby, go to bed myself, wake up because baby cooed or made a new sound in sleep, back to sleep, wake up to crying baby, change baby, feed baby, put baby back to bed, lay awake staring at ceiling worrying about something, fall asleep, wake up to baby crying, change baby, feed baby, debate whether to go back to bed or just get up for the day, get up for the day, leave for work, work, multiple calls and texts checking on baby, lunch, work, drive home, pick-up baby, cuddle baby, feed baby, put baby down for nap, eat part of dinner until baby wakes, feed baby, change baby, bath baby, cuddle time and REPEAT. Yes… there are bags under my eyes! This product is amazing.

2 – Bed Head Colour Goddess Oil Infused Shampoo – The first and foremost reason I love this product is simply due to its scent. It oozes sweet caramel and I melt. My hair has never been smoother and it leaves a great shine. But again, back to its scent… while it is made for your hair, I have been tempted just to use as a body wash, because it smells that good!

3 – C.O. Bigelow – Vanillamint Supreme – I am a sucker for lip gloss. Always have been and probably always will be. I have never been a lipstick kind of girl. I feel most comfortable with a balm and if I am feeling extra fancy just give me the gloss. This product provides great lip moisturizer, includes a breath freshener and leaves a great walk-out-the-door, I really am trying, shine.

4 – Mary Kay Oil-Free Makeup Remover – Add this to a cotton ball, give your face and eyelids a few swipes and you have yourself a shiny clean face. I will admit I was a go to bed in makeup kind of girl, until I was introduced to Mary Kay’s Makeup Remover. I think I may have even heard my pores screaming when I would use a wet wash cloth and body bar soap to scrub away the daily grime. Thankfully those were my old ways. Plus, this product is hypoallergenic and great for those with sensitive skin.

5 – Essie’s Miss Fancy Pants – This is such a chic color and it reminds me of Spring. Essie while pricier than most nail polishes is just a better nail polish quality. It always lasts longer on my nails. Also, if you are currently pregnant, Essie is considered a “safe” nail polish to use. So, schedule that pedicure! And, to all, if you are looking for a good laugh… do yourself a favor and read this Buzzfeed article, One Man’s Attempt To Guess Nail Polish Names. It will leave you chuckling out loud and in tears.

Happy February!

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Marsala, And I Don’t Mean Chicken…

February 8, 2015

Pantone has collaborated again to bring us their Fashion Report for Spring 2015. This year’s colors have a softer theme than last season. (Here is the recap I did of their Spring 2014 picks with some style looks). Overall, looking at the colors it did resemble last seasons, with one big difference… marsala, and I don’t mean chicken! I had to go throw in a joke. A bad one, but a joke still.

Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth. – Leatrice Eisema, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute^®

Photo courtesy of Pantone.com

To be honest, marsala reminds me more of a Fall / Winter look. Therefore, I found it interesting to see if Pantone’s “color of the year” pick translated well into wardrobe options for the Spring. Surprisingly, my search uncovered some great fashion items of all different price points. Here are some styles I am eyeing up this season.

From left to right – 1. Jacket – Gap – 88.00 (Currently, a 30% Off Sale! Use MORE) | 2. Long Sleeve – Forever 21 – 12.90 | 3. Pants – Old Navy – 34.94 (Currently on sale for 24.97) | 4. Flats – ModCloth – 29.99 | 5. Purse – Michael Kors – 298.00 | 6. Necklace – ModCloth – 39.99

As the season changes, I will update the Blog with some new picks. Do you have any favorite marsala items? If so, please feel free to share links in the comment section below.

What I Wore: Week 29

October 27, 2014

Week 29! Eek! Actually, tomorrow is Week 30. I remember early on with the pregnancy thinking about the weeks that I am experiencing now just seeming so far away and now when I look back, I feel like then was such a long time ago. Overall, I am just surprised how quickly time is flying by. It is amazing how you look at time when you put it into perspective. If someone said, “You leave for your tropical vacation in 10 weeks,” you would think, “That is forever away!” However, when you think, “I have 10 weeks to go with my pregnancy.” The excitement of nearing the single digits and being so close to meeting this baby, you can’t help but think, “I got this!”

One thing though that I am trying really hard to say “I got,” is dressing my new body. I have very few maternity items. I am trying so very hard to not spend a lot of money on such clothes, but there are some key pieces, or must haves in my opinion. I am saving some money by trying to work with what I got. Sometimes I pair it with a maternity item, and other times I can rely on pre-pregnancy items to work. Here is what i wore during week 29.

Pants: Leggings (Lauren Conrad – Kohls)
Top: Button-up (GAP)
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats (Payless)
Scarf: Gift
Jewelry: Watch (Michael Kors) and Bracelet (TJ MAXX)

Dress: Maternity Long-Sleeve (Liz Lange – Target)
Hose: Previous Owned (Vera Bradley – Kohls)
Shoes: Mary Janes (Kohls)
Belt: Black Belt (Mossimo Supply Co – Target)
Jewelry: Bracelet (Gift) and Necklace (Owned for so long, I forget where I purchased)

What I Wore: Week 27

October 13, 2014

So, I am really putting it out there with today’s post. When I first found out we were expecting, I threw myself into reading and researching. I remember the very early weeks becoming quite overwhelmed. The more I read, the more I felt like I should have been preparing for baby long before I knew there was a baby. I remember thinking… “how am I going to have enough time to accomplish all I need to do?”

Slowly, as time went by and the weeks past I learned that you just have to take it day by day. You will feel overwhelmed some days and other days you will simply enjoy the process of being pregnant. One thing I focus on is the things I can control, which is taking care of myself. From trying to eat healthy, getting rest and quite frankly making myself feel good. Your body changes and I will be the first to admit that it has not been easy. Aches and pains that accompany pregnancy and then the selfish thoughts of “will I ever go back to my pre-pregnancy self?” enter my mind as I stand in the mirror. Again, taking everything day by day seems to really help. Some days I am tired and miserable and other days I feel such an inner glow and truly enjoy this time. I think it is natural for most women.

I bring all of this up because superficially, making yourself feel good, really can have an impact on your pregnancy. I feel better when I get up and do my hair, put on make-up and dress my best than I do on days when I lounge in sweatpants with a messy bun on my head. Maybe it is just me? But I feel more myself put together. Now don’t get me wrong… there are days when sweatpants are the answer and believe after a long day at work, the first thing I do is go home and change into lounge wear.

Dressing a pregnant body can be hard. Especially when you work in a field where professional attire is required. It is also hard when you are stubborn like me and are trying to watch your every dollar by making your current clothing work and not spending a fortune on maternity. I did break down and buy Maternity Jeans and oh my goodness… heaven! Do yourself a favor ladies… accept it and enjoy the pure bliss of comfortableness.

As I mentioned before I have thrown myself into reading and searching the internet. I LOVE the many week by week pregnancy blogs out there. It is super helpful to hear what other women are going through especially during the week you are in. I even found myself in those early stages excited at the thought of dressing myself as my body changed. Now here I am! So, here are a few outfits I wore during week 27:

Dress: Black Summer Maxi from Target
Sweater: Cardigan from Target
Belt: Target
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats from Payless
Jewelry: Silver Bracelet (Cannot remember where I bought. I have owned for awhile)

None of the items in this outfit are maternity, so you really can work with what you have to make an outfit work. I love summer dresses! They are great paired with tights or leggings or a sweater to push them through the Fall and Winter seasons.

Jeans: Motherhood Maternity
Tank Top: Gap
Sweater: Cardigan from Gap
Shoes: Steve Madden Boots
Scarf: Purchased for me as a Christmas Gift. Not sure the brand.
Jewelry: Watch from Michael Kors and Necklace from the Jennifer Lopez Collection at Kohl’s

With this outfit, the only thing maternity is the jeans. Everything is items I wore before I was pregnant. Tops that you own that were once flowy are now perfect when your pregnant. That is what i did with the Tank Top in this this outfit.

Do you have any fashion advice for dressing when pregnant? If so, share in the comments below!