Sparkle & Shine

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Are you sufficiently styled for spring? I know I am still in planning and acquistion mode.  Actually, I might be in that mode 24/7.  And I'm always on the lookout for something that sparkles and shines its way into my heart. I'm like a bird that way, I suppose. I always have a few favored go-to places when I'm looking for seasonal items in everything from decor for my home or just something sparkly for me.  One of my first stops is always EleventhAvenue.com.  It is what used to be known as Groopdealz and I love it.  Need a fun statement bracelet or maxi dress?  You can find it at Eleventh Avenue.   They've got the best selection for fun footwear, cute clothing, and … [Read more...]

Sunny

Sunny. There is really no other way to describe it.  The sun has been out for days, the weather is warmer and like my long dormant yard I'm feeling sunny and alive again.  That's what sleep, a consistent exercise regime and deciding to just no longer care so much and let things play out can do for you. And like I said before, I took no time over spring break to get fabulous outfit pics.  And really, do you want more painter jean pics?  I didn't think so. Because that's what I wore for days as I painted even more things around my house.  This place is an HGTV host's dream.  Instead, I give you what I got.  Easter. Fashion stops for no one kid.  Except maybe a DIY project or three. You are never going to get us all perfect and at the same time.  Truth. SHOP THE … [Read more...]

Skin Deep

It's Monday.  Spring break has come and gone and the weather finally seems to have turned the corner.  Can I get an Amen?! How about a dose of sobering reality?   No filter.  No touch ups.  Pre-workout photo from last week.  In my in-need-of-a-makeover office. How about this one?   I was totally going to make my annual skin screening at my dermatologist, I swear.  Another mole was not playing nice. Except I just kept putting it off with lots of excuses.  It's a long drive, it sucks up work time and I can't find a sitter. Blah, blah, blah. All excuses. All the time.  Then the triple threat, as I am now calling it, appeared.  It doesn't look so bad in the photo, except that it was.  SO BAD.  It was painful, large and two days before so swollen I looked like I … [Read more...]

A Scarf Across the Pond: Swap it – Wear it!

  Blogging can create some weird moments.  It creates real friendships that span the globe, business opportunities and some funny fashionable moments, like this scarf.  A scarf that went across the pond for swap it and wear it. See it peeking out underneath the rubber gloves? I received this ridiculously pretty and fun Christmas box from a blogging Secret Santa group I joined last year.  Turns out my Secret Santa was an actual friend and she sent this beautiful scarf from California with some other fabulous items.  It was such a joy and surprise to open up the box. Then, a new blog friend Angele The European Malteser in Germany asked if I wanted to swap and style an item together.  Absolutely!  I immediately styled the scarf my favorite way and sent it off to Angele for … [Read more...]

The Daily Lace

It's spring break over here in our neck of the woods and I'm not going to lie.  While I may have wanted my kids to take their own little grandparent vacation sans parents, I decided to just go with the flow.  I'll be cramming as much work as I can into the wee morning hours so I can have some actual time off with my kids during the day to enjoy what just might be our first week of real spring weather. Huzzah! I'm relying on Best of the Link Up for this Monday!  There were so many looks I loved last week from Heather's J.Crew and gingham to Jenna at Visions of Vogue with her super floral spring look that just sings sunshine.  But for me, it was Irene from the Daily Lace and her mixes of patterns that really gave me spring fever! I feel like this isn't a common thing with many … [Read more...]

BUSTED! Beauty Myths Exposed

  It is time to fight back against the damage that winter waged with its war on your skin. Now is the time to seize the spring day and bring on some beautiful renewal with your skincare routine. Find out what is true and what is a downright lie when it comes to taking care of your skin. It’s a beauty myth smack down! True or False? Your Clarisonic brush is your exfoliating BFF.  Want the answer?  Read more on my Social Moms post. And to kick the weekend off right I'm including some of my FRIDAY FINDS True&Co. Bra of the Year + 40% Off Select Styles!   The bra that Marilyn Monroe made famous is having its moment once again! The Balconette is True&Co.'s Bra of Year! And for good reason! Truthfully, the balconette is almost too pretty to cover up with … [Read more...]

WAPA & White

Sometimes you just have to sparkle and shine.  Even when you initially wanted to wear a jumpsuit.That was the case for me last week when I used Rent the Runway for the 30th Annual WAPA Gala.  Then two days before they event RtR emailed me to tell me my jumpsuit was damaged. Would I like something else?  Absolutely!  Except there wasn't anything but the Maria dress by Badgley Mischka available. I think it turned out alright, don't you think?  I scrambled for last minute silver shoes that weren't strappy sandals and found them on Amazon for a steal! I felt a little like Claire Underwood from House of Cards in this dress. SHOP THE LOOK Maria dress by Badgley Mischka/Silver Heels (similar) (similar) An InLinkz Link-up TMC’s Whatcha Wearing Wednesday is looking for … [Read more...]

Shades of Blue

We had some beautiful weather this weekend that made everything we did feel even more special. I felt the need to bring out some denim on denim and mix and match things up. Perfect layers for the windy moments and for co-hosting with Lauren at Fizz and Frosting! And we got out to support our oldest, TD with her first ever lacrosse game. It was so much fun to watch her play after doing many months of clinics and practice. Here's to a great week! SHOP THE LOOK Halogen Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (ON SALE for $36!!!)/J Crew Factory Chambray Shirt/Lee Jeans/XOXO Leopard Slides (similar)/Bee Necklace (old) (similar)/Pearl Studs   Fizz & Frosting (Bloglovin') / The Mummy Chronicles (Bloglovin') Linkup Rules: Follow your host Fizz and Frosting (via … [Read more...]

Simple Sunday

Last week I hit my limit.  A simple Sunday was all that I wanted and needed.  Would I get it? Only after I put together a winter trunk show for Toyota. Then it was all about feeling the warm sun, peeling off a layer and digging in the dirt in our long-neglected yard.  Some neighbors came by to welcome us to the 'hood and I was so happy to see they had girls the same ages as mine.  What a gift!   This outfit strikes just the right note for talking cars, winter safety and still looking stylish.  I may be done with the boots but the weather sure isn't!  The wind whipped around hard and tying my hair back was the only option. SHOP THE LOOK Old Navy White Puffer Vest (old) (similar)/H&M Turtleneck Sweater (old) (similar)/Edyson Jeans (similar)/Leopard Scarf/LL … [Read more...]

Winter Trunk Show with Toyota

Welcome to my version of a trunk show with the Toyota Highlander with AWD! I had fun riding around during these last few weeks of winter with this Nautical Blue Highlander. While we might be safely out of the harsh weather here in the 'burbs of Washington, DC that is not the case everywhere. So I put together a handy list of what I stock my car with each winter and some additional items just to stay safe. I polled TMC readers asking them what items they keep in their cars and trucks in the cold winter months and in case they need to do snow plowing.  Here are the most popular and important.  Unless you live in Alaska, then you might want to add a sleeping bag and jumper cables to the mix. Stay winter-ready with snow removal company MJ Landscapers in Oakville. Their professional … [Read more...]