Reclaim Your House After Kids Go Back To School

*Guest Post by Tracy McCubbin, Founder, dClutterfly.   It’s the most wonderful time of the year -- time to send the kids back to school and reclaim your household!  After a summer of camps and goofing around inside, your house may need a little tough love to get back into shape for the fall.  Research shows that the average American home has 300,000 items in it, and back-to-school is the perfect time to get rid of the ones that you don’t need anymore. As the kids head back to school and you take the steps to get your house back and order, I’m sharing ten of my favorite tips and tricks to declutter and organize your home this fall:   Pull out all the homework and artwork from the previous school year. Before the onslaught of this school year’s homework and … [Read more...]

Cruising in a Five Passenger Crossover with the 2017 Mazda CX-5

It is not often that I get to review a car that I like multiple times over the years. It is fun to see the changes that occur in technology and design. It is, even more, fun to see a good car get better over time. That's what I see with the 2017 Mazda CX-5. 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD in Soul Red. Source: Victoria Mason First Impressions I wasn't initially supposed to have the CX-5 but a small issue with my intended car brought this five-passenger crossover SUV back into my life and driveway.  I have always loved this car in years past and this time was no different. The 2017 model is redesigned.  That shows in the more upscale interior styling and with the Grand Touring (tested model) a few standard extras like, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping … [Read more...]

Seeing the Possibilities in a Sedan Again with the 2017 Genesis G80

It's not often that I drive a sedan like the 2017 Genesis G80 and think, "I might own this. I can see this car in my future." It's even less often that my husband says the same thing even after I tell him the sticker price. That was totally the case with the 2017 Genesis G80 with AWD. Source: Victoria Mason Seeing Sedans Fresh off a road trip with 'Chloe' my crammed full SUV, I was ready to climb inside a brand new spacious sedan with leather interior.  The Genesis G80, formerly the Hyundai Genesis, doesn't scream "take me on a road trip with kids!". Instead, it indulges you with its soft leather interior and ticking dashboard clock that takes you back to another time.  The time before kids or maybe back to the future. A time when I'm not shuttling those cherubs around anymore and … [Read more...]

Back to School Organization Tips & Tricks

With back to school just around the corner, here are 9 tips and tricks to get organized as summer comes to an end. 1 Make a list of school supplies needed and shop ahead of time. Whether your private school provides a list of necessary school supplies or you find a generic one online, make sure you bring it with you to the store. Not only is it nice to get everything in one trip, but while at the store your list will keep you focused and on track. Don’t wait until the last minute to ensure having the best selection. 2 Get your kids involved. We all know those weeks between when camp ends and school begins can be lacking activities for the kids. Turn the school supply trip to the store, into an activity - allow them to pick out their notebooks, pencil cases, and lunch box … [Read more...]

Beat the Heat: 5 Summer Running Tips

Weather Emoji says: Last week when I was at the beach and wearing this cute re:named floral jumpsuit from Shopbop? Torrential rains and gusty winds. But here we are in August already, it is the dog days of summer and I'm all about restoring myself and trying to take back a bit of what is left of these golden warm months that beckon to me just like my hammock outside. I've started taking yoga in the mornings at an outdoor class in my 'hood.  It's soul refreshing every time and perfect after my early morning runs. See my summer running tips below I had to buy this after my first class.  It makes me laugh every time I wear it and want to head over to yoga class.   Let's not forget the moms with little ones!  When my kiddos were super little one of the best … [Read more...]

Beauty Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Biggest Painless Beauty Trends in 2017

Many people crave to look like those supermodels we see on TV, but sometimes all the dieting in the world can’t give them what they desire, so they usually turn to expensive and risky surgical procedures. For instance, liposuction is officially the most popular procedure even though it hurts badly and leaves severe bruising and swelling after surgery. Some complications such as infections, skin reactions, asymmetry, hyper pigmentation and bleeding are possible as well. And not to mention it’s not very affordable. But, does beauty really need to hurt so badly and be that expensive? What are some alternatives to surgical beauty procedures you can try in 2017? Let’s take a look. Freeze that fat Forget about painful lipos, and say hello to cold! CoolSculpting and emsculpt neo is a technology … [Read more...]

The Perfect White Dress

Ah, summer.  You've been a whirlwind. But not so crazy that I didn't have time to find myself the perfect white dress. Meet Ali & Jay 'Kiss Me in the Candlelight', my perfect white dress. It comes in white or black. Both are fabulous.  The dress hugs me in all the right places and I can't wait to wear it for a date night or even dinner out while at the beach.  I love the tassels and the length is short but not too short for my over 40 self. Take a look at the straw bags I included that are all UNDER $50. Linking up with Mix It Mondays /The Pleated Poppy/Style Elixir/Style Nudge/Classy Monday Blog Link Up/Hello Monday Link Up An InLinkz Link-up … [Read more...]

Brighten Your Day: Beauty Tips to Start Your Day

The alarm sounds, and we are off and running before our feet even hit the ground. Mornings tend to be so chaotic and rushed when what really need is time to set our mindset and mentally prepare for a good day. With a few easy steps, it’s easy to look and feel your best and be ready to tackle what the day has in store for you. Exercise  Starting your day with some light exercise is an excellent way to get your muscles loosened up, work out any aches and kinks from the night before, ignite your metabolism, and clear your mind.  Whether it’s a simple morning yoga practice, a brisk walk, or an easy run, getting a workout done in the morning is an excellent way to invigorate the start to your day, strengthen and tone your muscles, and improve endurance and flexibility. It also serves as a … [Read more...]

Summer Dresses & Finds

While I know many of us have gone through a shopping frenzy that last week with the Nordstrom Anniversary (Access to the general public begins Friday July 21st, and the NSale is over Sunday August 6th) sale, I purchased a Caslon blazer and Lush blouse because tried and true classics are always a steal. But then I went on a bender of sorts at SheIn.  I haven't shopped there in here so long and with an upcoming beach weekend looming I wanted some cute, fun items that wouldn't break the bank. SheIn Summer Finds by jojobride featuring a drawstring waist dress Striped Curved Hem Tshirt Dress/Green Puff Sleeve Split Chiffon Blouse/Square Neck Drawstring Waist Dress With Fringe/Blackish Green Mock Neck Sleeveless T-shirt Dress/Gingham Open Shoulder Frill Trim Dress/Porcelain Print Crop Top … [Read more...]

7 Ways to Get Swimsuit Ready

*This is a sponsored guest post provided by a local cosmetic surgeon. When it comes to get swimsuit ready each season I prefer to be ahead of the game.  I like to eat right, workout and be ready all year round.  As I get older though I wonder if maybe surgery might be an option.  I've had laser treatments done for age spots already.  So why not remove some saddlebags or get a bit of a lift, if I can.  The choice is yours and if that makes you feel ready to rock the swimsuit then go for it. Make a Splash at the Beach This Summer – Seven Cosmetic Procedures That Will Get You Swimsuit Ready Swimsuit season can be a reason to show off the body in an itsy bitsy bikini or grab the terrycloth cover-up.  Suddenly, those spider veins, bulges and sagging body parts that have been hiding … [Read more...]