The Weekend's Magic Wand

Get your mind out of the gutter. I just realized that title could be interpreted in so many different ways...hehehehehe :) But really, this post is just about hair...nothing kinky here!!

Typically, my hair is like wavy frizzy. But not like a cute wavy. Like my hair can't decide if it wants to be curly or straight or even a little wavy so it just settles for a weirdness.

Sometimes when I am in a hurry I let it air dry and then it just looks weird so I end up pulling it back. Other times when I want to "air dry" it I use a diffuser and it at least makes it less frizzy and look halfway decent. BUT, there are times when I actually do have time to curl it. Straightening takes me two seconds, but I do have to make sure I have time to curl it.

I had been searching for a good clip free curling iron because I was tired of using my curling iron from 1998 (literally, like 1998) and the clip in it gave me kinks. When I curl my hair I just wrap it around the iron instead of using the clip and rolling it. After some searching, this past weekend I decided to purchase this Remington iron at Target for $29.99.

Remington Keratin Clip Free Curling Iron (1 inch)

What I love about this clip free iron is that it also comes with a heat protective glove. Since there is no clamp to hold your hair in place, your hand obviously has to act as the clamp therefore it gets pretty close to the iron. The glove really works wonders. (bonus: you may feel like Michael Jackson while wearing it and may want to break out into a song and dance). Unfortunately though, the glove is just black...silver sequins not included. 

Other features I love:

-auto shut off after 60 minutes (perfect for someone like me that can forget to turn it off!)

-heats up in 30 seconds. How awesome is that? 

-the keratin protein infused barrel supposedly strengthens your hair. Honestly, I didn't buy this one for that reason. 

So after bringing it home, I knew I immediately had to try it. We had a birthday party later that day...going to a boy's 2nd birthday party is the perfect occasion to give it a whirl, right? Jack, I hope you appreciated the time I spent curling my hair just for your birthday party. I hope you and Elmo dug it. 

Here are some pics of the outcome. This was actually several hours after I had curled my hair and had a grand old time at little Jack's party. 

And yes, they are selfies. I did not intend to do selfies as I can't stand  them. (only because I can't master the art of taking a pic of myself). But, a little something called reality got in the way (two kids and a dog, anyone???) and thus, I resorted to taking the pics myself. So enjoy these extremely high quality pictures! (its also a sneak peek of an outfit post later this week too!)

Another bonus was waking up the next morning for church and having it still look pretty decent. Used my favorite dry shampoo, Suave, (I compared several different ones and found Suave to be the best...you can read the post about it here) re-curled a few pieces and it looked good as new!

So a few things I learned this weekend:

1. Curling wands are way better than curling irons. Go get yourself one!

2. Two year olds know how to party.

3. I need to master the art of the selfie.

4. Dry shampoo is probably one of the best inventions ever. (Thank you SO much Heidt Montag..without you and your stint on cheesy reality tv us plain folk would have never had the chance to use it). 

For your viewing pleasure...the rise and fall of Heidi Montag and her dry shampoo (I know totally random but funny to watch.)

   
                                  

Linking up today with some lovely ladies, Sami and Leeann for Weekend Update!

I Want, I Want, I Want!!

This week has been hard to do any outfit posts. You see, my husband and I own a custard shop, so there are some days I schedule one of my employees to open- meaning she does all the grunt work of making the custard and waiting on customers while I freeze in my cold office doing boring paper work, payroll and have meetings. Those are the days I can actually wear cute stuff! Other days, the days I open and do all the grunt work and wait on the customers, I wear boring stuff like this...

Yep...pretty awesome. Some days I branch out and wear just a crew neck tee instead of a polo. The bright spot of the outfit, the little bit of me that I incorporate are the yellow Chuck's. I don't even wear cute jewelry....boring!

So anyway...onto the post...since I didn't get a lot of outfit posts this week because of the awesome outfit above, I decided to share some things that I have been crushing on. If anyone wants to purchase them for me, I will totally be ok with it :)

                    

Item Details

Tory Burch Reva Flats. Need I say more???? Classic. Timeless. Perfection. I've been debating on using my birthday money to get them or more Stella and Dot jewels. The jewels won. So, these are still on my wish list!

I did a post the other week about this yellow blazer. I went to order it and they only had a large. I got it, thinking it will be a little big but not too big given my post baby hugeness. I had every intention of just getting it altered. Its HUGE. I mean that is definitely a good thing, but its just too big to get altered. Sooooo now I am on the hunt for a new one. If any of you find one, send the info my way. I was so disappointed!

This gorgeous cobalt foldover clutch by the talented Blair Ritchey. This isn't the first time she has made an appearance on my blog! I already have the mini Lulu in cobalt (seen here) but am ready to add to my collection. My fave color of the foldover is the emerald. Its to die for. Definitely check her out if you haven't done so. Her work is flawless, the quality is amazing and style impeccable. Plus, she is just an all around nice, genuine person. :) 

Hunter wellies. The red is perfect to add a pop of color to any outfit! I already have a couple pair of wellies, but really...I don't think you've owned, truly owned a pair until you have these. I am just in love. 

Lastly, I am thinking ahead to spring. The anorak coat from The Limited. Perfect compliment to any outfit really, and perfect for the in-between weather when its not too hot and not too cold. 

So what currently has you screaming "I want, I want, I want!!" like a child? :) 

Have a great weekend! 

Linking up with ABpetite and Glam Hungry Mom for Follow Friend Friday...head on over to their blogs and check them out...you won't want to leave!!

Loving Leopard Lately

Not so random fact: I love leopard. Love it. If you are a reader of my blog, you already know that of course. Random fact: I have a weird thing about the size of scarves. More on that later though...

So when Stella and Dot came out with their own line of scarves, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one...

I couldn't wait to style it. Besides it being a gorgeous print, it is the perfect size. This is where the totally random fact comes in: Yes, I am weird when it comes to my scarves. I like them to lay a certain way, and be a certain size....if it isn't I won't wear it. Not only do I like to use it as an accessory but I like to use it to cover up (I guess on the days I don't feel like sucking it in..hahaha). If I wear it a certain way, it has to be a certain length, a certain fluffiness, not too big, not to small. Wow...I just realized how weird this all makes me sound. Haha! But anyway, this is the PERFECT size. Perfect. What also is perfect about this outfit is that it is great for drinking wine (as is any outfit really). I wore it this past weekend touring wineries in Ithaca. Once again, perfect (as well as the man in the pic with me...my better half) :)

                                 

Now onto the outfit details, ladies!!

OUTFIT DETAILS: 

Blazer: Target (old) (similar, similar)

Tank: Target

Scarf: Stella and Dot

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Target

Shades: Target

ACCESSORY DETAILS:

Watch: MK

Bracelets: Stella and Dot: Eden Bangle, Gilded Arrow Bangle, Vintage Twist Bracelet, 

Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Christina Link Bracelet, Artemis Cuff, Harlow Bangle

You have got to check out Stella and Dot's scarves! Whats also awesome is they have a really cute video with all kinds of different ways to wear them! You can check it out here.

Lastly, today is the last day to vote for my blog to be a top 25 fashion and beauty blog at Circle of Moms. I am SO grateful and thankful for your votes!! You can vote here!! 

Today I am linking up with Lauren for Style Sessions, Shanna for Random Wednesday and The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

Getting to Know Me

So I know I always post about fashion and beauty and whatnot, but I thought it would be nice to take a little breather and link up with Whitney for today. Time to share some random facts about myself that I am sure you are all just dying to know :) So here goes...

ONE: I love Ranch dressing. I will put it on anything. Maybe even in a cup with a straw...its that delicious.

TWO: I like my showers scalding hot. Like make your skin red, burn your skin off hot. Its also a topic of debate with my husband when we shower together (too much information?).

THREE: I have a hard time unsubscribing from emails and websites that I sign up for. Even though I bitch every time I get an email update from a random website I purchased something from one time three years ago I just can't call it quits. Weird?

FOUR: One time, when I was on a cruise (I was 19. Circa 2001), some young girl asked me if I was Britney Spears. I said of course I am not...I am her cousin. She believed me and asked for my autograph. I obliged...didn't want to break the poor girls heart. Hahahahaha.

                                              

FIVE: My husband and I use Rock, Paper, Scissors to make a lot of household decisions. The more important decisions usually require best of 7. Smaller ones best of 3 wins. In fact, our business name is 123 Shoot, LLC. Rock Paper Scissors was taken, so we had to settle. A lot of people think we are gun enthusiasts because of the "shoot" part.

                                  

SIX: I asked my husband some random facts about me..our conversation went like this:
Me: "what are some random facts about me?"
Husband: "I don't know. Nothing about you is random to me."
Me: "Well if someone asked you to describe me to them what would you say."
Husband: "She's lovely. Thanks for asking."
Well then...thanks for nothing

SEVEN: I hate fancy cheese. Give me American, Provolone, Mozzarella, Parmesan. I'll pass on the Gruyere  Gorgonzola (yes that is fancy to me), and all the other fancy names I can't pronounce.

EIGHT: (courtesy of my husband) "You like your wine like you like your men...sweet." Very true. I LOVE sweet wine. The sweeter the better.

NINE: I would eat fast food for every meal if it weren't so bad for you and if I didn't gain weight so easily. I love fast food. Particularly Whoppers. Delish.

TEN: I have a foul mouth. I tend to swear a lot.

ELEVEN: I hate feet. They are gross. That's all.

TWELVE: I like to think I have become a really good speller thanks to my daughter. My husband and I have a lot of conversations that consist of spelling things out. We have no clue what we are going to do when she learns how to spell.

THIRTEEN: I once used a Downy dryer sheet in college when I was really drunk as toilet paper. My friends convinced me that I was going to get some weird disease from it so I called the 1-800 number on the box. No one was there. I left a drunk message expressing my concern. Would have loved to come into work on a Monday and hear that message.

FOURTEEN: My best friend is a singer/dancer on a cruise ship. She has been for almost 5 years. I miss her every day but she is doing what she loves and is passionate about. Just about the only person I know who is truly doing what she loves. She is also my cousin and we are one month and 8 days apart in age!

And thats all for now...Now go. Go and enjoy your day knowing that I hate fancy cheese.

Also, don't forget to vote for my blog! I am in the top 25 fashion and beauty blogs over at Circle of Moms! You can vote until January 23rd! I am THRILLED to be in the top 25!! Thank you so much for taking the time to vote! You can do so HERE!!



                                        

Plaid, Snow and Some Brew

Hey ladies! Hope everyone had a good weekend!

First things first, don't forget to vote for me over at Circle of Moms to stay in the top 25 fashion and beauty blogs! My goal is to remain in the top 25 until voting closes on the 23rd! So far I am holding strong and I have YOU to thank for it! You can vote every 24 hours right here!! Thank you so much for taking the time to vote!

This past weekend I had the pleasure of heading up north to Ithaca. If you have never been I highly recommend going. My husband and I go with friends every January for a weekend and spend our time hopping from winery to winery. We tend to stick to the same ones because we know we love them and they have good wine. Typically, we all come home with a case or so of amazing wine!! I had every intention of getting some blog pics but honestly, the weekend wine got the best of me and I only managed to get some pics after we got there Friday night. Probably the best view I have had thus far for my backdrop!!

Knowing how cold it was going to be, and that I was going to have a loooonnnggg car ride ahead of me I wanted to be comfy (but still cute of course). Sometimes I think its such a challenge to manage to not look ridiculous while bundling up, am I right? I just kept adding on layer after layer though!!

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Plaid shirt: Old Navy

White Tank: Target

Zip Up Hoodie: Old Navy (in store)

Jeans: Gap

Boots: Target

Vest: Old Navy (sold out)

Bracelets: Stella and Dot: here, here, here

 And enjoy these last two pictures....I believe I am trying to do the Sound of Music spin except I am no Julie Andrews and I don't think she was drinking some beer when she was doing her spin.

 And I think I look strung out in this picture but for some reason my husband liked it and told me to use it....hahahahah. I think it might have been after several drinks he said he liked it so we will just go with it :)

When you have to dress warm and all else fails...pull out the plaid and your boots and you will be good to go. I feel like plaid button ups are sort of Old Faithful, you know?

Linking up today with Molly for YOLO and Sami for Weekend Update...head on over to their blogs and link up! They are lovely ladies! Also, don't forget to vote here!

Have a great day!

This Week's High Fives!!

I am SO excited for this weekend....here is why!

This is Lake Cayuga in Ithaca, NY. My husband and I are going there this weekend with friends. We have gone every year for the past several years. We rent a limo and spend all day Saturday visiting all of the wineries trying and drinking wine, wine and more wine. This year we are throwing in a stop at a cider place to sample all kinds of hard cider too. Yes, please!! It is a great time, and we also come home with a ton of wine. If you haven't been, you need to visit Ithaca!!! 

These beauties....the Tory Burch Classic Reva Ballet Flat. They aren't something that I would just randomly buy one day because I felt like it. My husband would probably not be too happy. My suede green ones I already have (and love) were something I saved for. I have leftover Christmas and birthday money left over (amen to having a birthday two weeks after Christmas!) that I am debating on using for these gorgeous and comfy kicks. Oooorrrr....I could use the money and do some major shopping. Oh decisions, decisions!!!

The spring Stella and Dot line is now here and my goodies arrived this week. Was having such a blast wearing them! You have got to check them out!!!

Lastly (I know its only four, but this last one is so awesome to me it counts for two!!)

I have been nominated, along with a lot of other awesome ladies to be a top fashion and beauty mommy blogger on Circle of Moms. I am beyond thrilled as this is something that I am so passionate about and love to do! It would be an honor to remain in the top 25! You can vote HERE every 24 hours until January 23rd. Thank you so much for supporting me!!!

Linking up today with Lauren for High Five for Friday! Grab the button on the sidebar and link up! Have a great weekend all!!!!

Accessorize Two Ways

I have worn this orange-ish blazer before. Plenty of times. Its so comfy and easy to move in (which to me is important. Nothing worse than wearing a blazer that you have a hard time moving in...am I right?).

I paired it again with navy blue, because I just love how well the color compliment each other. Accessories though, including shoes, are what I think make this outfit pull together! I wore it two different ways, just changing shoes and accessories!

Details: 

Blazer: Charlotte Russe (old)

Top: Target

Jeans: Gap Legging Jeans

Booties: Target

Shoes: Tory Burch

Bracelets: Groop Dealz, Stella and Dot, Stella and Dot

Necklace: Stella and Dot

I look like I am thrilled in this pic, don't I? Hehehehe

I was dying to get my hands on the new Stella and Dot spring line....have you checked it out yet? The gorgeous green Jolie necklace I am wearing is just as gorgeous in person!!

Also, if you would be so kind as to vote for my blog to be in the top 25 fashion and beauty blogs at Circle of Moms! I am loving what I am doing with this little blog of mine so it would be an honor! You can vote every 24 hours until January 23rd! Vote HERE! Thank you!!

Linking up today with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday and Shanna for Random Wednesday! Have a great day, all!

Bright Blazers to Brighten Your Day!

You all know my love for Old Navy. Cute clothes, inexpensive prices, you get the idea. I have been eyeing these cute blazers for some time now and am so eager to purchase them. I can just picture them hanging in my closet now, particularly the yellow. How beautiful is that shade of yellow (lemon curd)?!?! I am picturing it being worn so many different ways!! AAaaaahhhh!!

DETAILS

Here are a few different ways I am thinking of wearing it...

Outfit Details

Outfit Details

Outfit Details

I love how many different ways I can wear these blazers (particularly the yellow one, obviously!). What I also like is the incorporation of the new Stella and Dot spring line. Gorgeous. If you haven't checked it out, you should definitely do so. And there are a TON of pieces under $50! How cool is that?

Anyway, how would you wear these blazers? The bright colors are enough to brighten up any outfit! Head over to Old Navy or online and grab one. You can pre-order the Lemon Curd online if you are super excited about it, like me!

If you haven't had the chance, please head on over and vote for me as a top 25 fashion and beauty mommy blogger. Its something that I am beyond thrilled to be apart of and would love to remain in the top 25. You can vote here every 24 hours until January 23rd. Thank you SO much for voting and supporting me :)

Linking up today for the GFC Blog Hop...grab the button on my sidebar and link up!

Sequins and Weird Jeans

Ok let me start off by saying I hate jeans that have what I call a "fake fade." You know which ones I mean, right?

source

You know...those ones. The ones you see and you are like...no way have you worn those so many times that they are naturally worn in and faded like that. I just really can't stand them. Which brings me to my outfit from the weekend. No seriously...it does.

I was, what you would call, a waste of space this weekend. Didn't do much that amounted to anything, and honestly, it was pretty awesome. I love weekends like those every now and then. I  did  though get dressed and out the door for church on Sunday. This is where the fake fade jeans come in.

As you know, I had a baby in September and along with that gorgeous little Charlotte came a boatload of weight. Woo. Hoo. So in my attempt to lose the baby weight, I don't want to keep spending $70 for pair after pair of jeans while I am shrinking and shrinking day by day (or month by month is more like it). In comes my Mossimo jeans from Target. Usually I am a fan. Inexpensive jeans, comfortable. Get the job done. Then, I saw my outfit pics....

Can we talk about whats going on from my knees to my thighs?? (which, by the way, happen to be one of my LEAST favorite parts of my body...why not accentuate them?!?!). Its the fake fade. How did I not see this? Why did my husband not tell me before we left the house?!?! Why didn't anyone at church, being the good Christians that they are, not tell me?!?!?!?! (Oh right, probably because that days sermon was about not judging others...duh) Instead, I walked around all day with these ridiculous jeans on. Maybe its not as bad as I am making them out to be...right? Right? Maybe? 

Bad jeans aside though, I was excited to wear this shirt. I got it on sale...no way was I paying full price ($80) for it. Neiman Marcus, you are awesome, but seriously...$80 for a shirt at Target? Don't think so. I even think I could have gotten away with getting a size smaller, which kind of makes me do a little cart wheel in my faded jeans!

Once again, wasn't sure how to wear it but knew I wanted it...like all my other clothes, it was laying on the floor next to my leopard flats....why not?!?! Another accidental pairing, just like this outfit.

Outfit Details:

Shirt: Neiman Marcus for Target

Jeans: Target

Jacket: H & M (old)

Shoes: Target (old)

Bracelets: Stella and Dot, Groop Dealz

Watch: MK

Lastly, if you could be so kind as to take a second ( I will have you know that I had to retype the word "second" several times because I kept typing "sexond." Guess its on my mind!) and vote for my blog. I have found this to be an awesome outlet for me and something I have grown very passionate about. I would be honored to remain in the top 25 at Circle of Moms! You can vote every 24 hours until the 23rd! Vote HERE!!!!!! Thank you so much!!!

Today I am linking up with these beautiful ladies: Sami  and Leeann for Weekend Update and Molly  and Carly for YOLO! Take a look at their awesome blogs and link up!

Have a great Monday!

Mascara, New Addictions, and Jewels

Happy Friday everyone! Glad its finally the weekend!! These are some things that have been pretty awesome in my mind lately (the last one being the coolest)...check 'em out!

Number one- its finally Friday. YAY!!! High five for THAT!

Next...the new Stella and Dot spring line is finally here! I am obsessed! As a stylist I was able to purchase some items a little early...this is one piece that is on its way and I am DYING for it to get here. I am already planning my wardrobe around it!

Jolie Necklace

 

 

I am now also obsessing over Starbucks Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher. Its low in calories and yep...you guessed it! Refreshing! I am LOVING it!!!!

 

 

 

I have said before how Cover Girl's Lash Blast Mascara is a must have for me. Has been since 2008. Literally! I randomly try other mascaras (both expensive and not expensive) and I always go back to the Cover Girl! Recently, they came out with a new version of Lash Blast....

 

Cover Girl Clump Crusher by LashBlast Mascara

 

I must say...its just as awesome as the original!!!

 

 



Lastly, (and the one I am the most excited for!) I have been nominated for the Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Blogs. If you would be so kind as to take a moment and vote here I would love it! I am beyond excited to be nominated and can only hope and pray I make it to the top 25...how awesome would that be!  Please and thank you in advance.

 

 

 

Honestly, without you readers supporting me it would be a no-go so THANK YOU :)

 

Have a great weekend, gals!

 

Linking up with Lauren today for High Five for Friday!



 

I Just Want to be Comfy

I wanted to be comfy yesterday. No way around it. I just wanted to be comfy (and still look somewhat cute of course).

This sweatshirt from Target is super soft and super comfy and I got a lot of compliments (and by a lot I mean one of my employees and my husband. Oh and my 4 yr old daughter). I can't wait to wear it again with a pair of cute flats!

 

Outfit Details:

 

Sweatshirt: Target

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Sperry c/o ShoeBuy

Necklace: Stella and Dot

Shades: Target

 

Not an over-the-top stylish outfit, but honestly, some days it just feels good to be comfy and the complete opposite of over-the-top. Aaaaaahhhhhhh!!!

 

 

Now go check out these sweatshirts at Target....I'm telling you- so comfy!

 

 

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy! 

 

 

Owl Always Love You

...get it?? Haha. I know, I am a tool.

Anyway, onto todays outfit. Another gem from Old Navy. I am loving these sweaters. I know they are a fad and in a few years I will probably be like what the heck was I thinking but right now I love it!

Side note, when my husband takes a pic of my "arm candy" he always seems to include my crotch in the pic....good thing I never have camel toe. THAT would make for a disturbingly funny picture.

Now come on....this is serious stuff here. Back to the outfit...

 

Outfit Details:

Sweater: Old Navy (sold out)

Red Gingham Button up: Gap (not available online)

Jeans: Old Navy

 

 

 

Shoes: Gap (similar)

 

Bracelets: Stella and Dot, Coach (similar)

Watch: MK

Ring: Tiffany's

 

 

I can assure you this will not be the last post that features a sweater with an animal on it (think foxy!!) or that has a close up of my crotch (isn't that a gross word) in it.

 

 

Linking up today for the GFC Blog Hop! Join in!

 

 

Stars and Burgundy Forever

I had every intention of taking so many pics this weekend of my outfits then things just got in the way, like the weekend and maybe a little laziness.

Plus I spent the majority of Sunday bundled up at the Ravens game (to which my husband told me was NOT indeed a fashion show when I was deciding what to wear). Needless to say, a fashion blogger I was not! We thought it was going to be freezing so I just threw on whatever to be warm. We ended up being directly in the sun most of the game...SO HOT! So I had my jacket open revealing my awful outfit. I refused to actually take the jacket off though to cool off because what I was wearing looked ridiculous. Aaahhh!!

Anyway, I did get a few snaps while out and about Saturday. Just went out for a few errands (exciting life I lead!!).  I was really excited to get this shirt for Christmas from my parents, along with the shoes. I wasn't sure how to wear it to be honest and then one day I saw the shirt laying on my closet floor next to my pair of burgundy skinnies from Target (I would say the majority of my wardrobe is on the closet floor.) and a lightbulb went off. What a perfect pairing!

I love to mix patterns so I thought the leopard booties would look awesome. I was also tempted to throw on the trusy leopard flats, which is also a great option.

 

 

 

Outfit Deets:

Jacket: H & M (old)

Shirt: Gap

Skinnies: Target

Shoes: Old Navy

Watch: MK

Bracelets: Stella and Dot, Charlotte Russe (old)

Shades: Tory Burch

 

Linking up today with Sami for Weekend Update and Molly for YOLO! Check these ladies out...you won't be disappointed!!