New Years Sparkle

I have never been all that excited for New Year's Eve, the over-rated, over-crowded and over-priced bars were never really my cup of tea. Even though there are some negatives to New Year's, there is one big bright spot and that is the clothes. It is the only night of the year that sparkle and glitter is not only advised it is expected. Amie has put together an amazing outfit that I am totally coveting!

Isabel Dress/ Parker NYC/ $396

Crystal Winged Necklace/ Bauble Bar/ $38

Mini Disco Cone Cuff/ Bauble Bar/ $38

Broderick Sequin Clutch in Gold/ Mimi Boutique/ $49.85

Audrey Brooke Hawkins Bootie in Pewter/ DSW/ $69.95

Christmas Crafts

My little guy, Daniel, loves to "help" so I have had to get creative when I want to get any DIY's done.  A year ago I made some Paint Swirl Ornaments and I thought this would be a great project for Daniel to try.  He was so excited to pick his own paints for each ornament.

After picking the paints for the ornament we started pouring paint through the opening at top of the ornament and moving the ornament around a bit to start the swirling process.  Daniel loved swirling the paint and was very proud of himself.  Once the ornament was coated with paint on the inside I placed it upside down on a paper plate to let the excess paint drain out.  I did have to go back to it a few times and move the ornament so there wasn't a huge build up of paint inside.  I have also seen people put the ornament upside down in a plastic cup which is genius I just didn't have a cup to use.

Here are our completed ornaments.  I added a ribbon loop to the top of most of the ornaments.  This was a really great project for Dan and he is excited to give them as gifts to his family.

Another project Daniel and I tackled together was painting this unfinished wooden tree I found on one of my trips to A.C. Moore.  I thought it would make a really cute decoration.  I started painting it a forest green and I let Daniel paint the back the same color.  

After painting the whole tree green, I used a sponge to dab on some white paint to look like snow.  As soon as Dan saw that he wanted to add "snow" to his side.  I mixed glitter paint with the white so the tree would have a little sparkle once the lights were added.

We bought colored lights for it and my little helper put them in place.

The tree came out really cute and Dan loves it which is all that really matters.

Influenster RoseVoxBox

I was lucky enough to be selected to receive the Influenster Rose VoxBox last month (yes I am very behind in posting about it.) The box included some really great items that I have started using.

The box included the following:

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara: $5.99 

This is great mascara.  It adds volume and does not go on clunky.  I think for the price it is a great mascara option.

Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions: $12.49

What's not to like?  This insoles essentially make any pair of boots feel like those comfy but not that fashionable boots we all wear.  I think these are totally worth it and will be purchasing more so I have a set in every pair of boots.

belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits: $3.69 for a box of 5 packets of 4 biscuits

I am always a little leery about breakfast bars.  I usually eat a big breakfast otherwise I am looking to pick all morning.  While I did think these tasted very good (especially for a breakfast bar) I was hungry an hour later.  It is a good alternative for people that need a quick breakfast on the go but I would bring an apple of banana to round it out.

Kiss Gradation Polishes: $6.99

I was very excited to receive this.  I had not see an ombre nail kit in the stores and I couldn't wait to give it a try. With two little boys I have a hard time finding the time to do my nails much less 3 different coats but I do like how easy it is to use.

Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles: $3.99 for a 5.1 oz bag

This was a welcome treat.  Who doesn't love some chocolate?!?!? Lindt chocolate is delicious but I would have prefered to receive dark chocolate...and have the calories removed.

*All products were received complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.

Keep Warm & Look Good Doing It

Like many of us, I am dreading the cold weather but cute accessories make the winter months a little more bearable.  I love a good hat or scarf.  They can make any outfit look pulled together and don't worry if you are having a bad hair day.  A hat like the hot pink beanie can be worn out or indoors warming up by the fire.  Amie and I have put together a collection of cute cold weather options that will be sure to keep you warm.

Hats

Faux Fur Trapper Hat/ Barneys New York/ $39

Slouchy Beanie in Hot Pink/ Banana Republic/ $34.50

River Island Buckle Side Earmuffs/ Asos/ $32.67

Jeweled Cap/ H&M/ $34.95

Carrie Pom Pom Hat/ Calypso/ $29

Scarves

Sequin Infinity Scarf/ Kenneth Cole/ $48

Chunky Knit Cowl/ Barneys New York/ $29

Gloves

Pearlized Crystal Gloves/ Ann Taylor/ $39.50

Ruched Leather Gloves/ Barneys New York/ $49

Leather Zip Glove/ Banana Republic/ $59.99

Stef Long Glove/ Calypso/ $19

Kitchen Backsplash

We have slowly been making our house a home but within the last 6 months we have really accelerated the process.  A backsplash in my kitchen is something I have been longing for.  I couldn't stand to see the splatter stains on the white walls behind the counter and they were near impossible to get out.  After a semi exhaustive search we made our decision.  

When we came across these Lantern Tiles at Home Depot I fell in love with the shape but the colors they came in did not work with the colors of our kitchen. After a little more research we found the perfect color online.  We ordered one sheet to make sure it did look as good as we thought and we were right!  

Here are a couple of before pictures.

Halfway done!

We chose to go with a dark grey grout that blends really well.

Here is the finished product.  My husband also added LED lighting under the cabinets.  The kitchen finally feels complete.....except for a curtain.  I guess there is always something to be done.

October Birchbox Review

I know I am super late in posting about my October Birchbox and for that I am so sorry.  Im not sure where the time goes and my boys have decided that 4:30/5AM is an acceptable time to start that day.

The theme for October's Birchbox was "Beauty Buzz" and was all about the products they love.  From award winners to celeb favorites.  Although I did love 2 of the items I received this was not my favorite month.

DDF® Wrinkle Resist Plus Pore Minimizer Moisturizer Serum - This serum is amazing!  I have a friend that recently signed up for Birchbox on my recommendation and received this in her first box. She immediately purchased it.  The serum is very lightweight and feels satiny on your skin.  It is great under make up and I actually have seen an improvement to my skin.  This item is a little pricey but as I get older and the wrinkles have started I don't feel guilty purchasing something that makes my skin look better and most of all makes me feel good.

Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine Cologne Absolue - I was not a big fan of this fragrance.  I do not reach for an orange/citrus scent when wearing perfume.  It was a nice smell just wouldn't be my go to.

theBalm® cosmetics Stainiac - This multi purpose stain was a great addition this month.  I love a lip and cheek stain and this one was my favorite so far.  The color gives a very natural, rosy, just ran a mile tint on the cheeks.  I do like it better on my cheeks than my lips.  It is a very subtle lip color which is pretty but I was hoping for something a little bolder.

SARAHPOTEMPA The HALF-UP™ -  (Not shown)  This is an item that is used to make a bun. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to use this product before I gave it to my sister.  She needed to wear her hair up for an occasion and thought it would be worth a try.

ChapStick® Hydration Lock - This addition to my Birchbox was something they like to call a "Birchbox Find." It is an item they find and believe to be so great everyone needs to own it.  I was not all that excited about seeing the Chapstick since I basically already have a lifetime supply but I will say this is great.  It glides on your lips and does not feel like you are wearing anything.  Definitely worth picking up as we are heading into chapped lip season.

Sign up here for Birchbox to start getting your own fun goodies each month. 

Holiday Party Perfection

We are moving into holiday time, and with that comes tons of invitations to parties, happy hour functions, and special events. Sometimes women struggle with what really is the right look to wear among co-workers, in-laws, and acquaintances. We don't want to overdue it. This outfit is not too hot, think little black dress with a plunging V neck. It's not too cold, think buttoned up cardigan and corduroys. This look is just right. The ensemble has just the right amount of dress-up to be able to wear to any one of those fun outings. And, emerald green is one the best colors for the upcoming months, as it screams holiday.

1. Crepe Jacket/ H&M/ $49.95

2. Scuba Top/ Intermix/ $39.00

3. Arctic Feather Earrings/ Anthropologie/ $14.95

4. Paneled Clutch/ Forever 21/ $19.80

5. Skinny Ankle Jeans/ Kohls/ $26.40

6. Capri/ Barneys New York/ $79

 From Amie's Fashion File

"10 Things To Do Each Day" Sign

For the past 10 years my whole family has taken a vacation for a week to Rhode Island every summer.  It was only last year that we discovered the cutest shop minutes from the house we stay in.  The shop features all sorts of great beach themed housewares that I absolutely love and after this past summer I walked away with more than a few DIY ideas.  This sign was the first thing I decided to make my own.  

My husband recently treated himself to a new router and cut out 2 pieces of wood for me to choose from. 

After picking the rectangular piece I typed up all 10 sayings in different fonts and layed them out on the  wood for positioning.

  

Once all in place I rubbed pencil on the back of each piece of paper and traced the letters.

After tracing all the letters I picked out the paints I wanted to use and started painting....very carefully.

Each letter was painted at least once.  Some needed a second and third coat to fill them in and make the paint look even.  I found an image of a scroll online, printed, traced and painted it on to give the sign a finished look.

I am really happy with the way this sign came out and have it hanging next to the boys room.  Such a simple list and I am going to try to do each one every day!

Horsing Around for Halloween

I apologize...I am getting you Amie's Halloween fashion look a little late. Halloween is really great for the kiddos but it is exhausting for Mommy! Well better late than never....and I am loving this dress!!!

Here's an idea for an elegant way to dress up for Halloween. Go from sporting my little pony as a girl to rocking this beautiful horsey dress as a grown up fashionista. Also, all of the pieces paired with this dress will become instant go-to's to wear all the time with your current wardrobe. And, if you've never rocked the dark nails look, it's really the perfect week to try. Instead of going completely black, try this beautiful purple shade for your fingers and toes. 

 Note: This is really a look you can wear everyday, but using the "It's Halloween" excuse may give you the extra push to go ahead and splurge.

1. Cherie Scarf in Aria Alpaca Blend/ Theory/ $75.00

2. BCHARLEE/ Steve Madden/ $45.00

3. Mix No. 6 Baylee Pump/ DSW/ $49.95

4. Jami Printed Drop Waist Dress/ Club Monaco/ $198.50

5. Essie Nail Polish in Black Purple LUXEDO/ Salon Supply Store/ $5.25

6. DKNY Opaque Tights/ Belk/ $15.00

Glitterized Skull

While at the Dollar Store the other day I came across a plastic skull.  I am not much for the realistic, scary Halloween decorations but thought I would give this standard spooky skull my own spin.  I gathered up my Mod Podge, a foam brush, and black and purple fine glitter and got to work.  

I apologize for the lack of before pictures but I thought it would be a fun project to do with my almost 3 year old.  Not sure what I was thinking..Mod Podge, glitter and a 3 year old..not my smartest idea.  I had him help with the first coat but I finished it up during his nap.

I applied a layer of Mod Podge to the upper part of the skull and poured the glitter on top.  I repeated this until the whole skull was covered.  After the initial coat I had to go back a few times and go over the sparse areas.  Wait for the Mod Podge to dry between layers!  Seems obvious but I was impatient and learned the hard way.  

I am loving the way it looks.  

We had some old mini wine glass candles that I put around it and placed it in the front entry way.

My little guy admiring our work.  He likes to call the skull "Spooky, Spooky."  I think I will be glittering more things in the future!

Purrr-fect Look for Day or Night

Here is another entry from Amie's Fashion Files.  This is outfit that would be great for work or a night out....or why not both!  All of us struggle with those day to night looks and here is a perfect option. Simple but cool jewelry help style the outfit while this glittery pink nail polish is just the right pop of color.  

1. Camel Funnel Neck Coat/ Dorothy Perkins/ $89.00

2. Tunic Dress - City Leopard/ New York & Company/ $69.95

3. Retro Dome Studs/ Forever 21/ $3.80

4. Edgy Pyramid Stud Cuff/ Forever 21/ $8.80

5. Crown Vintage Wendy Bootie in Tan/ DSW/ $49.95

6. NAILS INC. In Pinkie Pink/ Sephora/ $9.50 

($1 of sales goes to Breast Cancer Campaign)

Children's Room Initial

Last year when I was getting my now almost 3 year old ready to transition to a new room and a "big boy bed" I decided to give him a sports themed room.  I made this chair and with the leftover scrapbook paper I decide to make him a matching "D" for his door.

I decided my little guy Ethan needed a letter of his own.  He is still in his nursery, which is a Winnie the Pooh theme.  I picked out a piece of scrapbook paper that was complimentary but not too matchy and could carry over to when he has a big boy room of his own.

Its super simple to do and makes a cute, inexpensive decoration.  I traced the letter on the back side of the paper and cut the paper to size.  Then I applied Mod Podge to the E, carefully placed the cut out scrapbook paper on top and smoothed it out.  I painted a layer of Mod Podge on top and once dry painted the edges a coordinating color.  

Here is the finished letter.

Black & White Weekend Wear

Amie has done it again.  She has put together a fun, fabulous outfit that I am going to be duplicating!

Everyone has a go-to outfit for the weekend.  This is the perfect ensemble to throw on for just about anything on a Saturday or Sunday. Brunch with the girls, shopping in the city, movie night, whatever.  And, if you're chasing around little ones, pair the look with ballet flats or boots without a heel.  But, if you can manage, the over the knee boots are all the rage. These boots from Steve Madden prove a bit more comfortable with a wedge heel, rather than a skinny spiked one. 

1. Mini Brim Fedora/ Calypso/ $59.00

2.1969 Ponte Legging Jeans/ Gap/ $69.95

3.Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation Striped Oversized Cardigan/Kohls/ $88.00

4. Love Quotes Linen Hand Knotted Tassel/ Zappos/ $92.00

5. BAFFEL/ Steve Madden/ $118.98

6. Uptown Drop Earrings/ Ann Taylor/ $38

September Birchbox Review

As usual, my September Birchbox was amazing.  This month's theme was Heritage.  September was the third anniversary for Birchbox and all members were given a 30% code for anything in their "Customer Favorite" shop.  

RUFFIAN Nail Laquer in Hedge Fund - This is RUFFIAN's first nail polish collection and I was a big fan of it.  I was pretty excited to get this pretty green color especially since it is not something I would normally buy myself.  I also liked the fancy bottle!

Mèreadesso® All-In-One Moisturizer - This may be one of my favorite things I have ever received in a Birchbox.  This moisturizer  claims to be an an "anti-aging day/night cream, serum, eye cream, toner and primer."  I was amazed by how silky it felt on my skin and went on so smoothly.  I love any product that serves more than one purpose.  The only disappointment I have with the product is the lack of SPF in it for the price I would like to have SPF in as well.

Beauty Protector Protect & Shampoo & Beauty Protector Protect & Condition – This shampoo and conditioner were wonderful and smelled great.  My hair looked shiny and I did notice some volume after using it.

GlamNatural™ Cream Blush – This blush is fantastic. The package says to use sparingly and they are not kidding.  A little bit gave a nice natural look.  I have not tried it yet, but the product does say it can be used for lip color.  

Use this link to sign up and get your own surprises each month - http://birch.ly/17xH1n1

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Casual Fall Style

My sister Amie is one of the most fashionable people I know.  Seriously, it gets a little annoying.  I will show up at my parents house on a Saturday in yoga pants and she will be decked out looking like she just stepped off the pages of a magazine.  Since she is so up on all things fashion I have asked her to collaborate with me for Amie's Fashion Finds (working title).  Amie is going to channel her inner Rachel Zoe to style some ensembles and keep us up to date on the latest trends.  

This first outfit is perfect for a fall casual date.  Best part about most of the items below is how affordable they are.  Everything but the clutch is under $75!!!  We had to throw in one splurge item...A girl can dream.

1. Imitation Leather Bike Jacket / H&M/ $24.95

2. Double Spiked Necklace / Forever 21/ $6.90

3. Phillip Lim for Target® Shirt Dress -Floral Print/ Target/ $39.99

4. Crown Vintage Ivvy Bootie/ DSW/ $69.95

5. Parlance Clip Set/ Anthropologie/ $12

6. Leather Bracelet/ H&M/ $9.95

Dream Piece

7. Pilot Clutch/ Rag & Bone/ $595

How to: Throw a Great Girls Night

As I have mentioned before, there are a group of guys in my neighborhood that are in a fantasy football league and get together every Monday to watch Monday Night Football.  The wives always talk about  getting together but it hardly ever happens.  I decided to stop talking about it and organize a fun night for the ladies.

Instead of sending a standard text or email I used the app Red Stamp to create this fun invite that I was able to text everyone.

  

We had plenty of wine for the night but I also put out Limoncello and Prosecco to make a yummy cocktail.  Pour a splash of Limoncello into a champagne glass and fill remainder of glass with Prosecco for a delicious drink.

I love to entertain but I tend to take on too much and always make too much food.  Instead of over doing it, I decided to keep it simple but still impressive.  I love a good cheese plate so I stocked up on yummy cheese and fun items to accompany it.  I also had out 5 different crackers so people could make as many combinations as they pleased.  It was a big hit!

 Instead of making a dessert (that I know no one would eat and I would end up eating all of it the next day) I put out some bowls of candy and chocolate.  Perfect to pick at!

We had a great night snacking and chatting.  Most of us are Nashville fans too so we all watched the premier together.  Love me some Deacon!!!  Can't wait for the next girls night!

Back to Baking

I have been severely slacking in the baking department the past few months.  I try to limit the amount my oven is on in the summer, plus I have no will power so even though I may say I am making treats for my boys there is no way I can walk past a plate of cookies or cake with out breaking off a piece and I just did not need that kind of temptation.  This week I decided it was time to try out some new recipes.  I had some peaches around and I was afraid they were going to go bad so I decided to look up a peach muffin recipe.  I stumbled upon this Roasted Peach Muffin with Cinnamon Streusel recipe over at Healthy. Delicious.  I gave it a try with a few modifications and the muffins came out delicious!  

I swapped out 1 cup of the all purpose flour for 1 cup of whole wheat flour (not for nutritious value but because I was lazy and I ran out of the all purpose flour) and I switched the quantity of the brown sugar and white sugar in the topping.  This also was not premeditated.  I read the recipe wrong and figured how bad could it be!  I also added more cinnamon to my topping just because I like it!

These muffins were kid approved....my 2 1/2 year old said "Dese muffins are dood..Hanks Ma"

Since the oven was on, I decided to make a quick treat for the hubby.  I went on my Pinterest recipe board and came across this quick and easy cake cookie recipe from ImaLazymom.  These could not have been easier to make and perfect for when you have a little helper.  I added a TBSP of water and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract to the batter.  They got the thumbs up from the hubby.  He just brought a plate of them of them with him to watch football with the guys. (Again, I can NOT have this stuff in the house.)  I would totally recommend these if you need a quick dessert to bring to someones house or a something for the kids.  

August Birchbox Review

I look forward to my Birchbox every month.  I have said it before but it is like Christmas once a month.  For August, Birchbox teamed up with Ann Taylor to give a guide to fall's best beauty trends as well as a coupon for 20% one item or 30% multiples items at Ann Taylor.

Also included in the box were the following items:

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+: I used this in place of a tinted moisturizer or foundation.  I really liked this product.  I gave this beauty balm the true test and tried it out when my face had broken out like I was back in high school.  I was impressed by the coverage and it did not feel heavy which is always my fear with products like these.

Jasmine Seven™ Wipes:  These wipes are perfect for when you are out and about.  Last weekend I had spent the whole day walking around NYC with some girl friends and we were going to go out at night.  While we were getting ready for our night out, I used the wipes to freshen up my feet because they were feeling a little grimy.  I was happy I got these in my box but don't think I would purchase them again.

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick in KITTY:  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this lipstick.  I usually go for a gloss because I feel like colored lipstick looks weird on me but this stuff is great.  When I originally saw the color I didn't think I would like it but once applied it is a really pretty pink with a little bit of shimmer.  It also did not feel cakey like some lipsticks can be, it was nice and moisturizing.

It's a 10® Miracle Leave-In Product:  I had tried out this product before because my sister received it in a few months ago in a box.  I am a big fan so I was pretty excited when I saw that I had gotten a bottle for myself.  My hair felt very soft and had a nice shine after using.

TanTowel® Classic Formula Self-Tan Towelettes Half Body:  These towelettes are great.  I hate moisturizer.  I use it because I know I should but I hate the way it feels while I am waiting for it to dry.  I also do not go tanning at all so the TanTowel is a great compromise for me.  I was able to achieve a nice color without looking streaky and I did not have to wait too long to let the color dry.


I was very happy with this months Birchbox and I was excited to try out some things I would never have bought myself (Jasmine Seven Wipes & TanTowel).  Click this link for your own Birchbox subscription: http://birch.ly/17xH1n1.


* All opinions are my own.  I am a paying Birchbox subscriber and have not been provided any of the products for free.