DailyLook Elite vs. Stitch Fix

I'm a junkie for packages arriving in the mail.  I would rather buy things online and wait the time it takes to return them to shop in a store.  With three kids and limited time who needs that hassle?  I sound like a bad infomercial, I know, but I'm a perfect candidate for those subscription box services.  Aren't I? After months of receiving both DailyLook Elite and Stitch Fix boxes, I'm not so sure.  Maybe, they are for people who aren't so sure of their style or want to experiment a bit.  I get that, and that's why I signed up.  So which one is better DailyLook or Stitch Fix? Let's see look at the boxes.  First up, Stitch Fix. I could not get a good picture of this Double Strap Tank but found it on DabbleinChic.com. Pixley Marie Abstract Chevron Dress … [Read more...]

Summer Travel Essentials

School's out! It's Summertime! Summer travel has officially begun and with the July 4th weekend right around the corner it is time to start thinking about packing. Whether you are traveling by train, plane or automobile (I'll be cruising down the highway with a 100lb. Doberman as one of my traveling companions. I think that is a separate blog post in itself.) you are going to need to pack and probably do it lightly.  When I have to take a bag for make-up and a bag for toiletries I get cranky. I love my stuff but I don't like hauling it. Neither do the airlines. Instead I've found a few tried and true products that make packing fast and easy while still being able to look good while I travel.   TSA Travel Goodies by victoriamason featuring Josie Maran Burt's Bees … [Read more...]

Put on the Damn Suit, Already

Yesterday, I took part in a different sort of blog link up.  The #MySwimsuitStyle could easily be pushed aside as yet another attempt at us telling ourselves we are beautiful no matter what so just wear the damn swimsuit already posts.  Each summer we do it, am I right? Then the summer turns to fall and guess what?  Winter is coming.  Before you know we are speeding headlong into another summer and we freak out all over again?  WHY?  Because we didn't reach some idea in our brain of what we *think* we should look like?  Because we read too many SELF magazines at the gym? Probably.  Sigh. What made the #MySwimsuitStyle challenge, created by VeryBusyMama, different was not the sponsor of Miraclesuit.  Nope.  It was that ladies from all over the world stepped out into the sun and showed … [Read more...]

My Swimsuit Style

How fitting that this past Sunday was my first day at the pool. The day I had scheduled to take photos of myself in my newest swimsuit for this weeks link up (which comes a day early because I just cannot even with this last week of school schedule) Guys, it was crowded. Our neighborhood was having a pool party and while the kiddos have already been a bunch of times with their Dad, I was "making my debut" as H called it.  I groan again just thinking how stressed it made me feel.  And why really? I posted this shot of myself years ago while pregnant with The Fifth Element. And even had a bit of a bikini rant before that.  I wasn't so much concerned about people seeing me in a bathing suit. I am what I am.  I work out, try to eat right and basically I do all that because I like my life … [Read more...]

BODYARMOR- The Alternative Sports Drink

Soccer and lacrosse may be over in our house but that doesn't mean we have ceased all activity around here. In fact, I think we are even more active in the summer months as a family. Whether it is bike riding, days at the pool spent swimming and playing, games in the backyard or going on walks with the dog it never stops. You know what else never stops? The request for sports drinks? On the way to the game they ask for it. On the way home from a game they ask for it. After playing outside in the yard for five minutes they ask for it. Packing for the pool? They ask for a sports drink. I kind of started to hate it. I hate all the dyes, the artificial stuff pumped into them. All of it. I was intrigued when BODYARMOR sent me a six-pack of various sports drinks to try. What is … [Read more...]

Welcome with Black & White

This weekend we had our housewarming party.  After weeks of working on small projects, finalizing a menu and looking for affordable portaloo costs we were set to welcome our friends and have a good time.  Not a single photo was taken.  I kind of can't believe that.  It will now exist in the fuzzy realm of my memory.  It was a whirlwind and a totally good time. I was so busy prepping and planning I forgot to pick out something to wear.  In a last minute frenzy I threw on this black and white pairing.   Black and White Summer Combo by victoriamason featuring greek sandals J.Crew Factory Colorblock Tank Top/J Crew Factory Black Chino Shorts (white)/Kate Spade Crystal Pave Studs/Gold Necklace (similar)/Mossimo Gladiator Sandals (similar) (similar) I went back and forth a … [Read more...]

Ready Set Camp!

As the school year wraps up we are in a whirlwind of end-of-the-year activities and with all the picnics, ceremonies, pool parties, recitals I'm having a hard enough time making sure I stay  on top of each day and send each kid off with the proper clothing, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. For snacks, I usually make them sandwiches using a french baguette loaf, ham, and as much vegetables my kids can tolerate. However, as I dropped them off yesterday I thought, "It's like I'm sending them off to camp and not school." CAMP!   That's right! In two weeks my oldest starts the summer by going to camp.  I'm not sure I'm totally prepared either. It's a good thing I'm working with MinuteClinic to get me in #ReadySetCamp mode!  And I'm not just talking about the camp physicals you can … [Read more...]

Top 3 Must Haves for Summer

Every summer I have a few items that are on my top 3 must-have for summer list. In the last few years I noticed a pattern. While trends may come and go, there are a few particular items I find I am always gravitating towards. I may buy an upgrade or replenish a worn item but these three staples are my 'Top 3 Summer Must-Haves'.   Top 3 Must Haves for Summer by victoriamason featuring distressed denim shorts SHOP THE LOOK J. Crew Striped Shirt (metallic version)/ Ted Baker Distressed Denim Shorts (similar)/Butter London in Cotton Buds/Ray Ban Classic Aviators/Nars 'Dragon Girl' Lip Pencil/Maurices 'Dory' Metallic Gladiator Sandal (similar) The addition of white nail polish is new.  It's a hot trend this summer that feels really fresh. I tested it out last date night and … [Read more...]

Ripple Effect

Sometimes a girl just needs to feel pretty. That was exactly how I felt on Saturday as H and I got ready to go into the city for my birthday dinner celebration.  A gorgeous night out, strolling around the leafy sidewalks, eating delicious food and having hours of uninterrupted conversations. Something that is all too rare for us these days.  I don't know about the rest of you couples with young kids, but it totally turns my perspective around when I get that time with him.  I've already scheduled a date night for later this month.  It may not exactly be another night at Ripple, but it will be needed.   I bought this skirt from SheInside back in March and hoped I would actually be able to do more than stare at it in my closet.  When I picked the place for dinner … [Read more...]

Reason to Dress

  Godey's Fashions by victoriamason featuring colored markers Godey's Fashions Coloring Book (Dover Fashion Coloring Book) /Frixion Markers We all need a little break now and then.  A moment or two to tune everything out and concentrate on something that has nothing to do with us, our lives, our work or whether or now we really do need another white tank top or set of distressed denim jeans.   Lately, I've been feeling the urge to create but I'm so not crafty.  I look at my girls coloring at the kitchen table and want to join in.  Except coloring Strawberry Shortcake and My Little Pony pics only takes me so far and I tire of using crayons.  I wanted more detail and design.  That's when I picked up my own set of markers and Godey's Fashions coloring book just for me.  I sat at my … [Read more...]