Fashion Friday

Seven Must-Haves this year!   

Have you tried on tassels? Rocked an arm party?  Invested in a good crossbody bag?  Own a statement mecklace?  Upgrade your sunnies? Layer on your necklaces? Take a trip with a stylish bag?

Calling on make-up gurus!! This adorable elephant print pouch is everything!! You can stash your daily makeup in here and off you go.  If you're a beauty blogger and would like to collaborate with me, I would definitely be interested in chatting!!  

Arm party love, from my girl Shelby.

Along with the new Amala earrings in gold.

As for my personal looks, well I managed to slap on some makeup most day, and throw on some easy jewels.  See?  You can rock a sweatshirt and still look super cute!! LOL I'm also having an online Posh Party--I had no idea how amazing this stuff was! NO JUNK (ie. chemicals)  I have legit switched from my bottled body washes to their chunky shower bars.  And my feet have never felt better with a little extra TLC and it takes a lot to help my feet.



Brooke's preschool birthday I went with jeans, striped shirt, olive jacket & our infinity scarf. I like mixing the prints!   And of course, my little fashionista looks adorable in her blue/green polka dot pants and bow-sparkle shirt.

I rocked the new Ezra on Wednesday, which sincerely dressed up my old Old Navy sweater from a few years ago.

This look.  It's so clean, fresh and simple!!

Our new ear climbers are adorable paired with the Emmeline statement and celestial choker.

This is your soft tone for Spring!!  So pretty. I am loving the neutral shades of dusk, taupe, cream, brown, and adding the different textures of the sweater, suede, metal and distressed denim. So much fun!

Same here, but with a little more pink-tones.  That side saddle bag and Antonia necklace have me drooling!!

The Waverly Covet bag is for sure a splurge I recommend and I just love the pop of a bright white peplum; I wouldn't have thought cream and white would look so cute and refreshing.  And gold. Lots of gold!!

If you're a silver girl, pile on the metals & add your gray top.  Our Carter bracelet is stunning.

I love sharing some of these looks to hopefully inspire you to change up your wardrobe, play with what you have and maybe even try something new!!

What's one trend you'd love to try this season? 

Top 5 Tips to Enjoy this Season

Whether you're single or married, have children or don't, this time of year can be absolutely crazy!!  I know that when I'm not careful, I get so stressed out over little things and end up not enjoying the moments.  I've been making it my intention this December to not let myself get too caught up in 'everything else,' and to really be happy amongst the chaos.  It is so important that I enjoy this season of our little kids and the season itself.  I want to create positive and happy memories for our children, not having them remember how frantic mommy was this time of year.  For me, having one in preschool was a game changer.  My loosey goosey schedule is a thing of the past and we now have to work in a few outside activities.   I quickly got myself together and figured out ways to keep happy.

Here are my top five ways I am keeping my cool this Christmas season.



1.  Plan Ahead.

It's a must.  I wish I had planned out my meals for the whole month like my friend Cathy, but if you can't plan monthly then at least do it weekly.  I also am trying to get better about looking at my day ahead, so that I am not totally blindsided (like I was last week!)  What can you plan ahead?  Date nights, shopping trips, menus, "down time/family time"--yes, schedule it in, holiday parties, school functions, workouts, grocery store runs, time to wrap presents.  The more you map out what is left to do and when you'll be able to do it, it's so much easier.  My problem is that I have my phone, my day planner and the family fridge calendar.  I have to get better at making sure all 3 are lined up.  I tend to remember things more if I actually write them, so that is why I refuse to give up my written calendars.  "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

2. Stay present.

When I start getting all uppity and such, I realize I need to focus: family, faith, friends.  Maybe that means putting down my phone and picking up the big camera.  Take some good photos of the kids this size.  Or maybe it means put away all cameras and just be there, playing, singing, laughing, eating, whatever with them.   We didn't take a single photo of us decorating the tree; in a way I was sad, but I am actually happy that we all enjoyed that time together so much, a photo was forgotten to be had.  Don't allow yourself to worry about what is to happen; the cookies will get made, the toys will be wrapped, the shopping we get done.  Just breathe in the moment.   Don't let yourself slip down what should have happened either, that's not going to change or fix anything.  Just focusing on where you are at and being happy, will help you de-stress instantly.

3.) Ignore the noise.

What noise am I talking about?  Well there is the adorable noise of the kids trying to sing/scream all the Christmas songs, (I usually try to applaud from the next room over!) but I'm talking about that extra noise.  The noise of others who don't intentionally make you feel bad, but after seeing all of their perfect holiday cards, it makes you think twice about your cheesy iphone one.  The girl on FB who always gets to wear gowns and looks like a movie star every weekend at holiday soirees.  The mom with six kids whose house is always neat as if she has a maid.  The younger friend who is out having fabulous cocktails with all of her friends.  The Martha Stewart on instagram who bakes and coordinates every little detail that makes you want to run to the store and re-create so your house can look that cozy.  Do not let social media steal your happiness.  If you start feeling jealousy while scrolling it's time to put down the phone/tablet/computer and do something different.  We all share our highlights and there is no faster way to steal your joy than starting to play the comparison game.

4.) Have fun.

What is it about this time of year that makes you smile?  For me it's the childhood memories of baking cookies.  I remember my mom would have her girlfriends over and they'd make different cookies and swap.  I used to do a cookie party before I had kids, but then it got too big and having kids made it tricky.  I'd like to start that up again one day!  This year I have already made 3 different kinds of cookies with the kids and Brooke is having so much fun helping me.  I put on some Christmas music and we just make a big old mess and make some delicious cookies.  If you're not into baking, maybe it's driving or walking around looking at lights/decorations.  Maybe it's just listening to Christmas music.  Binge watch a few Hallmark movies (while you fold laundry or wash dishes!) Or if you're crafty, go to Michael's or checkout Pinterest for a holiday DIY.  The kids love getting creative and your house looks super cute.  What's the point of this time of year if you're not taking time to do what you love?  December only comes once a year.  Enjoy it!

5.) Be grateful.

I have to say, this has been the biggest help lately.  As soon as I'm having a rough day, I will try to snap myself out of the funk.  I make myself think of 3 things I am grateful for.  It's hard to be unhappy when you start to train your mind to think of all that makes you smile.  I really am trying to write them down in the morning or at night, but at the very least I say them out loud.  Sometimes it's when I walk the dog, so I don't have anything to write it down on...but I quickly become humbled and remember all that we have.  Right now, say three things you are grateful for today.

I am grateful for my cozy slippers, this time to blog and this delicious vanilla spiced tea with Rumchata.  Nothing crazy or fancy, but I am so thankful this is my moment right now!!  

Remember to breathe, catch those snowflakes on your tongue with your tot, and enjoy that piece of gingerbread cookie.  Of course, voice texting to your best girlfriends who get you it also quite essential, but that's just a given.  It is the most wonderful time of the year, so let it be.

Top 10 Health Tips

I am by no means an expert, but I thought I'd share a few important health reminders.  As I've mentioned before, we really put a huge emphasis on our health because of Joe's Crohn's and we value our bodies so much!! We only get on body, so we should treat it like gold.  That said, I know that it's impossible to be perfect 100% and I'm totally guilty of enjoying a glass of vino every now and then.  Heck, I even give my kids McDonald's every once in awhile.

However, it's 90% of the time where we try our best to do the following.

1.  Sleep

I find that I work best on 7-8 hours.  It's not always easy, but man when I don't get my sleep--I feel awful, I act terrible and I just can't think straight.  Getting enough sleep would be my BIGGEST suggestion if you're irritable.  Mama I know it's tough when the babes are small and not sleeping through the night; it's insane.  DO NOT load up on coffee and other caffeine drinks. Simply try to get more sleep.  Get a sitter. Have your husband get up.  I wish I had taken my sleep a little more seriously with my second kid.  I definitely feel like I got a little nutty with no sleep.  Now we are BLESSED to have to babes sleep through the night.  It was a lot of tough love and work, but we never co-slept or even had the babies in our room. Personal preference, but man I am so thankful we did that today.  Our kids sleep 12 hours a night now, most nights.

2.  Drink Water 

I mean only water.  I learned that you should drink half of your body weight in water daily, and I swear it helps me stay alert, my skin is clearer and I don't eat too much junk.  Play around with the water to see what you prefer; I like mine ICE cold and Joe likes his water room temperature.  I'll add grapefruit essential oil to give it a new flavor.  Lemon or strawberries can be added to give it a different taste too.  I also have found how amazing products like Yeti or Corkcicle can keep your drinks super cold all day and all night.

3.  Move

I hate to say you have to exercise, but we really should try to sweat for 10-20 minutes (if not more) daily.  Get outside, get some fresh air, walk the dog. Chase your kids. Jump rope. Go on you tube and workout for free.  Find something that you enjoy and do it. A lot.  If you just make it a habit to do 10 minutes a day, I bet you'll surprise yourself and end up moving even more.  It's so good to keep our bodies stretching, moving and sweating.

4.  80/20

I personally feel my best when I don't eat packaged or processed junk. I know it's easy and convenient, but it's not worth the price of feeling like garbage.  I think our plates should be mostly veggies/greens, fruits--basically anything that has been grown! Also focus on lean proteins like organic chicken, pork, and lots of fish. I know it's so tempting to eat pizza, burgers and fries all the time but it's just not good for us.  The more veggies and fruits you eat, and reduce the starchy carbs, you'll be amazed at the energy and awesome feel good vibes you will have!

5.  Limit Sugar 

It's a tricky one, that sugar! It sneaks into everything we eat and drink, even if we are trying to be aware.  Watch those expensive Starbucks drinks; I am guilty as charged.  Just had to reign in my bad habit with over 40 grams a pop for most of them, it's not good for our guts OR bank accounts. Just sayin.  Sugar is so addicting and really does a number on us.  I try very hard to limit sugar going into my kids' mouths and will definitely be donating or throwing away most of their candy after Halloween.  2 & 4 they don't need all that junk! Enjoy the holiday, but don't overdue it. That's my motto.

6.  Don't stress

Stress kills.  Slow down and breathe.  Take some time for yourself; if I'm getting worked up, I try to stop and ask myself, will this matter in 5 minutes? 5 days? 5 months? 5 years? Most likely, no.  Chill out and stop stressing.  Find some good habits like taking a walk, a bubble bath or reading a book to take your mind off of whatever is bugging you.  Essential oils helped me a lot; I breathe them in, do some yoga and move on. #namaste

7.  Personal Development {PD}
Kind of becoming a trendy thing, and I'm super excited about this! I think EVERYONE should listen or read something motivational every single day.  Just like our bodies, we have got to take care of our minds.  What we think about, becomes.  What we believe, we can achieve. If you can learn to train yourself to "not go there" down the path of worry, stress, anger, madness...and focus on positivity, gratitude, and becoming better than yesterday, life gets so much better. I'm not perfect. I still get upset, yell, become frustrated, but I know each day I work at it to become a better version of myself. (see these posts for more)

8.  Laugh

I do believe laughter is the best medicine. Once I learned to stop taking life so seriously, I've become a happier person. Watch more comedies. Hangout with people who are funny.  Enjoy being silly and goofy with your kids. Lighten up. Life is too short to get all twisted over a bunch of garbage; so just laugh it off. I am so thankful my husband taught me this 9 years ago.  I was so uptight and worried about so much, it's a wonder I enjoyed much of anything!  Pull up some funny memes, go to you tube, whatever makes you crack a smile, go do it on the daily.

9.  Vitamins/supplements

Obviously work with a Dr. or healthcare professional.  I strongly believe in taking some supplements to stay healthy.  I think vitamin D is super important up here in NY because we never see the sun from October until pretty much May it seems.  I know that omegas help immensely with a lot.  A solid multi-vitamin is also key to staying healthy.  Probiotics have got to be my #1 recommendation if nothing else.  Good gut bacteria is essential and with all of the "food" we eat, it's not always helping our guts.  Find a good probiotic or two and add them into your diet. Kombucha is also really good, along with Kefir.  Even yogurt in moderation is awesome.

10.  Green Tea {matcha}

Since my reflux, I just can't do anything that has a lot of caffeine.  I've always enjoyed green tea, so I usually have a cup of that.  I have however, found a new love: Matcha.  I've talked a lot about it lately, but I can't stop raving about it.  It gives me a slow released energy all day. No high. No crash. It's just a subtle calming energy.  Google it; there are TONS of benefits!  Sure I love one from Starbucks but it is loaded with sugar and it's $$.  Here is my homemade recipe; I ordered the matcha powder from Amazon. 

Favorite Beauty Products

I'm definitely not a beauty guru, but with the help of my girlfriends, I am slowly becoming more confident with makeup.  I have some tried and true favorites as well as some newer additions to my routine.

I am not a huge makeup risk taker, but I am trying to venture out of my comfort zone and am willing to try new things!  That said, my skin is super sensitive and very picky.  I have to be really careful with what I use so that I don't breakout. These are just my thoughts and no, I'm not getting paid or sponsored to talk about about any of these!!

Lashes:
I use an eyelash curler and L'oreal has never done me wrong!  I am lucky to have decent lashes and I struggle trying to apply fake ones, so I gave up on that. This is my current favorite!

Toner:
I love the feeling of something freshly sprayed on my face before applying makeup or after taking it off at night.  This Rose water from Younique smells amazing and really helps refresh my skin.

Skin Care:
One of my sister's good friends sells MK so I decided to give it a shot. I have had a few pimples, but I don't think they were caused by this.  (I do get a few every other month) so far I've been using this routine for about a month and a half.  I think my skin is looking quite nice and so far I'm very pleased!  I feel confident just wearing a little cover up and my complexion rescue out and about.



Primer:
After I moisturize, I will put a little bit of this around my nose and forehead.  I feel that it helps my pores look smaller & keep the makeup in place.



Foundation:
This is the hardest for me; I love trying new and different kinds of foundation but my skin really only likes Bare Minerals it seems.  I do like their original mineral powder, but lately this has been my go to.  I like the "Natural 05" shade best for me.  It gives a little bit of a tint; I don't like to look pale.



Under Eye Concealer:
I've tried others, but ALWAYS come back to this. It helps the dark circles and I use it to cover up blemishes too.



Setting Powder:
I didn't really "get" what this did until recently.  After I apply my complexion rescue, I brush on a little bit of this to keep it in place.





Bronzer:

This is a great little travel case and my favorite bronzer right now.  I love that it has a place for lip gloss as I always need gloss.

Brush:
I scooped this big boy up at Target and love using it for my bronzer. It's big and fluffy!

Blush:

If I'm feeling extra flirty, I'll add a little blush to my cheekbones. This is my favorite!

Eye Liner:

I use Bare Minerals. I like the absolute black and usually only line my upper lids slightly; if I want more dramatic (date night) I will line the bottom too.

As for eye shadows, I tend to stick to neutrals/browns. I do like pinks/jewel tones, but I'm still playing around with those.  

New Products:

Eye cream

Liquid Lip 

Eye shadow palette. 

I need to play and report back on these!

Eye cream:

I do wear this at night.  I try to put it on in the morning but there's a lot of other stuff going on and I don't always remember.

After my birthday facial, the girl told me this would help with my "pregnancy mask" and to apply it in the morning.  I am almost out of it and my skin issues have resolved...but the sun has disappeared, so it could be that too! I like this though and would probably use it again.

Removing makeup: 

I'm lazy at night. I try to wash, but some nights I just wipe. These are my go-to.

Sunless Tanner:
My favorite sunless tanner is still this one. I like others, but this gives me the best non-orange, no streak look. I can apply it a few days and it doesn't look weird.  I'm out and need more before Vegas!

I am half tempted to do a get ready with me video, just because it may be fun! But I don't know if I'm ready for that.  

What are your favorite beauty products?  Any tips to share?

Tips for a New Blogger

I am by no means a blogging pro.  I don't earn an income off of blogging and I don't follow a set schedule.  I have been blogging since 2011 and still blog, so I guess I have some ideas to offer!

1. Figure out your why.  Why do you want to blog in the first place?  For me, it's about clearing my mind, sharing my heart and possibly helping others. I love to document our family experiences, life happenings and what I love.  I also fill that creative writing need that I feel frequently and I enjoy it.  If I ever feel that it's not fun, I'm sure I'll stop.  I've certainly changed what I share throughout the years, but that's only fair since I was a newlywed, no kids and staying home by myself...now I juggle so much more!

2.  Have confidence.  No matter what your purpose is for blogging, just be confident in that and go with it! Don't sit around second guessing yourself; just start typing, add a few photos and voila.  Putting something out there on this web is a little frightening; if you worry about what others will think you'll never have anything to share.  If you feel like you've got something to say, then it's important to say it! You never know who you could be helping by sharing your thoughts online.

3.  Connect with others.  The best part of blogging was the relationships I made when I first started.  I met other wives who stayed home and then became pregnant, now our children are growing up and it's so cool to see that! I have to say that blogging has certainly changed throughout the years, partially I think because social media blew up.  Now you can snap chat, instagram and facebook your day away and don't really need to blog. I still love my little blog, so that's why I still come here.

4.  Consistently post.  Whether it's daily, weekly,  Tuesday and Thursdays, whatever, you really should have a bit of a routine. I feel that when I don't post regularly, I don't have people coming back say hello!  I know life gets busy, but if you don't stick to something, you'll feel guilty and probably give up.  If you happen to post more than what you original thought, awesome!

5.  Be you. Part of me wants to say, don't even worry about what others think.  Everyone has a tip or suggestion these days; I kind of feel overwhelmed in ways.  Blogging is no different.  If you're looking to monetize your blog, it will take a lot of time and effort--more than I currently have to give! But I know it's possibly.  Your blog is your space and you should always have fun.  Don't get caught up with what everyone is doing, and focus on yourself.

Do you want to start blogging? What would you say?