Today, for the first time, I'm linking up with {av} at Long Distance Loving and submitting this outfit into the Friday's Fancies series. Head over and vote for me!
Have a wonderful, safe, weekend ladies!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Bold Summer Style (Matching Not Required)
At long last, Friday is here and it's time for a long weekend of fun and friends. N and I are heading down to New Braunfels, TX to spend the long weekend on the Guadalupe River with friends, and I wish I was going to be wearing something like this instead of shorts and flip flops:
Today, for the first time, I'm linking up with {av} at Long Distance Loving and submitting this outfit into the Friday's Fancies series. Head over and vote for me!
Have a wonderful, safe, weekend ladies!
Today, for the first time, I'm linking up with {av} at Long Distance Loving and submitting this outfit into the Friday's Fancies series. Head over and vote for me!
Have a wonderful, safe, weekend ladies!
Things Every Girl Needs: A Well-Appointed Bed
Today I was feeling left out of the Things Every Girl Needs fun, so I'm adding yet another suggestion to the long list of must haves that my fellow bloggers have served up. I think that every girl needs a proper, well-appointed bed!
There comes a time when a mattress on a frame and a 9 year old bedspread just doesn't cut it anymore. As money allows, I think it's important to have a proper headboard and stylish bed linens that you aren't embarrassed for people to see if they take a tour of your house or apartment. This doesn't mean you need a $500 headboard and $400 linens, and there are some awesome options out there for every budget.
Here are some of my favorite combos, depending on your style:
There comes a time when a mattress on a frame and a 9 year old bedspread just doesn't cut it anymore. As money allows, I think it's important to have a proper headboard and stylish bed linens that you aren't embarrassed for people to see if they take a tour of your house or apartment. This doesn't mean you need a $500 headboard and $400 linens, and there are some awesome options out there for every budget.
Here are some of my favorite combos, depending on your style:
What style best describes your taste in bedroom decor? The first option has both my dream bed and bedding, although option four is growing on me too!
Do you want to participate in this series? I'm always looking for guest bloggers, so send me an email!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Reader Request: Mix and Match Wardrobe For Boys
I will admit straightaway that I have no children, but this week's request comes from a mom of elementary school age boys who hates buying clothes for back to school season. I offered to put together a capsule wardrobe that is fairly foolproof, using basic pieces from chain stores that aren't too precious to get dirty and will soon be outgrown.
I thought this would be pretty simple, but it definitely does take some shopping to get things that can be mixed and matched. I also decided to stick with pieces that aren't covered in logos and graphics since that tends to dress down an outfit so much that the shirts can't be worn as often. The combinations below can go from school to church to dinner with the family.
So, mothers of boys, how did I do?
I thought this would be pretty simple, but it definitely does take some shopping to get things that can be mixed and matched. I also decided to stick with pieces that aren't covered in logos and graphics since that tends to dress down an outfit so much that the shirts can't be worn as often. The combinations below can go from school to church to dinner with the family.
So, mothers of boys, how did I do?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Best. Shorts. Ever.
I envy those of you who can walk into Forever 21 and snatch up a pair of tiny shorts for $10 and go on your way. Me and my big hips/small waist combination are not so lucky, and it makes shopping for shorts an exercise in endurance and maintaining my self esteem. However, a few weeks ago I was lucky to stumble on what I think are the best shorts I've ever owned and I decided that the rest of you must know too!
I'm happy to introduce the 5" chino short from the J.Crew factory store
I have the black pair and wear them to death. They're not too short, not too tight, and just dressy enough that they can go with a dressy top and wedge sandals or a t-shirt and flip flops. I'll be picking up white and probably the yellow very soon since they're only $29.50. I did have to go up a size, but for a flattering shape and good price, I got over it very quickly.
Is there a summer staple in your closet that you think we should all know about?
I'm happy to introduce the 5" chino short from the J.Crew factory store
Is there a summer staple in your closet that you think we should all know about?
Monday, June 27, 2011
PSA: The Sun Savvy Pledge
Today I read something that reminded me once again how important it is to spread the word about important causes, even if only 1 of the 800 of you who see this page each day take it to heart.
I often get asked why I have so many scars on my back and arms, especially during the summer. I also get made fun of for being super pale, but I laugh it off and say that I've embraced my gorgeously translucent skin tone and then mention that I've gotten too close to skin cancer too many times to take chances. Then the laughing stops, and I show some of the 20+ places where I've had moles removed because I'm highly susceptible to skin cancer.
My mother had malignant melanoma when I was a child, and thankfully it was caught early and she's now fine. I've had a very close call, and have a 2 inch scar about the size of a small lemon wedge where the atypical cells began to spread beneath the top layer of my skin when I was 19. Now, for the rest of my life, I will see a dermatologist every six months for a head to toe skin check. It's not fun, and especially not fair since I never laid in tanning beds or had especially dark skin. I hate that tan is considered beautiful, when all it really is is a burn (for most).
When I saw the new blogging venture headed up by {av} at Long Distance Loving and Danielle from Breakfast at Toast, I was so happy to see two women taking action to change this perception and spread the word about a very important cause. Please visit Sun Savvy and sign the pledge to take better care of your skin. It's a lifestyle change, for sure, but you'll be glad you did.
I often get asked why I have so many scars on my back and arms, especially during the summer. I also get made fun of for being super pale, but I laugh it off and say that I've embraced my gorgeously translucent skin tone and then mention that I've gotten too close to skin cancer too many times to take chances. Then the laughing stops, and I show some of the 20+ places where I've had moles removed because I'm highly susceptible to skin cancer.
My mother had malignant melanoma when I was a child, and thankfully it was caught early and she's now fine. I've had a very close call, and have a 2 inch scar about the size of a small lemon wedge where the atypical cells began to spread beneath the top layer of my skin when I was 19. Now, for the rest of my life, I will see a dermatologist every six months for a head to toe skin check. It's not fun, and especially not fair since I never laid in tanning beds or had especially dark skin. I hate that tan is considered beautiful, when all it really is is a burn (for most).
When I saw the new blogging venture headed up by {av} at Long Distance Loving and Danielle from Breakfast at Toast, I was so happy to see two women taking action to change this perception and spread the word about a very important cause. Please visit Sun Savvy and sign the pledge to take better care of your skin. It's a lifestyle change, for sure, but you'll be glad you did.
Cute cases for your phone + a guest post
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I spent it mostly asleep and watching movies with N. We're re-watching all seven Harry Potter movies leading up to July 15th because that's how we roll, and I just bawled by eyes out watching Love and Other Drugs (though I did enjoy the naked Jake, not gonna lie). Anyway, now for the real reason you're here:
Unlike the rest of my office, I don't have an iPhone. However, that doesn't stop me from appreciating all the awesome cases that have popped up lately. I especially love all these options from Case Mate and thought I'd share them so the rest of you can stock up! (I did throw in an iPad case since I actually do have one of those and was feeling left out)
Unlike the rest of my office, I don't have an iPhone. However, that doesn't stop me from appreciating all the awesome cases that have popped up lately. I especially love all these options from Case Mate and thought I'd share them so the rest of you can stock up! (I did throw in an iPad case since I actually do have one of those and was feeling left out)
I'm loving the blue color block option and would click buy if only I didn't have Sprint service. Maybe one day...
P.S. Check me out over at A Lived In Home today. I'm sharing my picks for summer must haves in the Dallas heat, including great dresses like these (two are only $44!)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Check me out at Love, Julie... yesterday
As I've mentioned, this week has been a little crazy for me. So busy that I've not had time for blog reading, or blog writing, and apparently so busy that I forgot that my guest post went live over at Love, Julie. Oops.
The lovely Julie is off enjoying the trip of a lifetime while we sit here at our computers, so please head over to her blog and check out my take on how to save space in your suitcase by packing with dresses and neutral accessories! Have a happy weekend, ladies. I hope to be back to my normal post/read schedule next week!
The lovely Julie is off enjoying the trip of a lifetime while we sit here at our computers, so please head over to her blog and check out my take on how to save space in your suitcase by packing with dresses and neutral accessories! Have a happy weekend, ladies. I hope to be back to my normal post/read schedule next week!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
And the winner is...
Now that I am finally home, I have compiled all the entries to the giveaway and ended up with 38 rows in my super official entry spreadsheet. Random.org selected row 29, and that matches back to:
Congratulations, Luciane! I'll be emailing you soon! Thanks so much to everyone who entered - I was excited to see a few new followers and I promise to host another contest soon.
Things Every Girl Needs: Every Day Must Haves
This week I'm happy to welcome Megan from A Lived In Home. She's a fellow Dallasite, and has begun writing a great decor blog that has become one of my daily reads. She's here to post about some of the things that she thinks deserve a place in your makeup bag and closet.
I was thrilled when Haley asked me to guest post on her stylish blog. I do, after all, love my cardigans!
There are certain items that every girl needs to feel stylish and beautiful. Here are what I deem the must haves and non- negotiables!
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer $28.50. My go to color is Sea Shell and it's always in my make-up bag.
We must protect ourselves from the sun! I use this Neutrogena non-greasy sunblock for my face and body. It's lightweight enough to go under makeup.
Essie nail polish in Mademoiselle ($8) is a timeless nail color and wearable for any special occasion.
Jo Malone makes a variety of delicious colognes that are appropriate for any age and smell so fresh. ($105)
A cute makeup bag to carry all the "goods" around- Kate Spade $65
A fun and flirty maxi dress is comfortable and cool on a hot summer day. Us Texas girls know about the heat all too well!
A comfortable and classic black ballet flat is a must! This Tory Burch Reva Flat $195 is my personal favorite. They are so comfortable and conform to your feet over time.
Lastly, my Ray- Ban's are my favorite sunglasses and are affordable at $129.
Maybe you already have one of these items or will add one of them to your "want" list. After all, they are things that every girl needs! Thanks to Haley for having me today!
xoxo Megan
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I was thrilled when Haley asked me to guest post on her stylish blog. I do, after all, love my cardigans!
There are certain items that every girl needs to feel stylish and beautiful. Here are what I deem the must haves and non- negotiables!
Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer $28.50. My go to color is Sea Shell and it's always in my make-up bag.
We must protect ourselves from the sun! I use this Neutrogena non-greasy sunblock for my face and body. It's lightweight enough to go under makeup.
Essie nail polish in Mademoiselle ($8) is a timeless nail color and wearable for any special occasion.
Jo Malone makes a variety of delicious colognes that are appropriate for any age and smell so fresh. ($105)
A cute makeup bag to carry all the "goods" around- Kate Spade $65
 |
| Bellatrix Strapless Maxi Dress from Nordstrom |
A fun and flirty maxi dress is comfortable and cool on a hot summer day. Us Texas girls know about the heat all too well!
A comfortable and classic black ballet flat is a must! This Tory Burch Reva Flat $195 is my personal favorite. They are so comfortable and conform to your feet over time.
Lastly, my Ray- Ban's are my favorite sunglasses and are affordable at $129.
Maybe you already have one of these items or will add one of them to your "want" list. After all, they are things that every girl needs! Thanks to Haley for having me today!
xoxo Megan
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Thanks for stopping by today, Megan! I love seeing what products other people can't live without!
If you'd like to take part in this series, send me a note and we'll schedule a date!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Can't get you outta my head...
Much like Kylie songs, you know how there are some items that just stay in your mind? You compare everything you see to them, and periodically check back to see if they've gone on some sort of miracle clearance sale. What, that's just me?
Since I'm still buried in work this week, I thought I'd share a quick glimpse at the things that I am coveting and wishing were mine. By Friday, I just might reward myself with one of them...
Ok, so maybe I won't be spending $589 on a dining room rug or buying a $300 bag but the bracelet is totally within reach! Do you have something that you can't get out of your head?
Since I'm still buried in work this week, I thought I'd share a quick glimpse at the things that I am coveting and wishing were mine. By Friday, I just might reward myself with one of them...
Ok, so maybe I won't be spending $589 on a dining room rug or buying a $300 bag but the bracelet is totally within reach! Do you have something that you can't get out of your head?
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Pinterest Roundup: Cute Stuff for Kids
This week is going to be really stressful for me outside of blogland, so forgive my lack of a real post and enjoy my roundup of super cute items for super cute little people. (You can check out each one on my Pinterest board and click through for the source)
What picture is your favorite? I'm in awe of that Peter Pan shadow in the nursery and seriously considered buying the zig zag sleeper for a friend's child but it doesn't appear to be available in the states.
Now I'm going to do more work and remind myself that I'm not ready for babies. :)
What picture is your favorite? I'm in awe of that Peter Pan shadow in the nursery and seriously considered buying the zig zag sleeper for a friend's child but it doesn't appear to be available in the states.
Now I'm going to do more work and remind myself that I'm not ready for babies. :)
Monday, June 20, 2011
Reader Request: Neutral Bridesmaid Dress
This week I've been enlisted to help my friend Julie find a neutral colored bridesmaid dress for a wedding where all the maids won't be matching. Personally, I love this idea and thought of doing it for my own wedding, but I see how there's suddenly a lot of pressure to find the right thing. Here's the instruction from the bride:
And here are some photos of what the other ladies have purchased:
And with that, here are my picks for dresses that I think will fit the theme, keeping in mind what Julie likes the idea of a pink or champagne colored dress:
My thought is to have mismatched, but coordinated, dresses. I hope you'll each choose a dress that you love that you know you'll wear again. Here are a bunch of pictures of ideas that you can use to guide you. The general palette idea is - Light colors, but more subdued than bright pastels. Champagne, neutralish pink, light yellow, ivory, light gray, etc. Solid or patterned is fine!
And here are some photos of what the other ladies have purchased:
And with that, here are my picks for dresses that I think will fit the theme, keeping in mind what Julie likes the idea of a pink or champagne colored dress:
What dress is your favorite? I'm liking the Banana Republic option (four) for re-wearability but woudl have to see it on a real life person. Also, I think the second Modcloth dress (five) would be a cheap way to fit the theme without investing much money.
Do you have a shopping dilemma you want some help with? I love tackling these questions because it feels like shopping and I don't spend any money. Send me an email and I'll give it a shot!