New Closet Additions :: April

April is always a fun shopping month for me because... it's my birthday MONTH! Yes, I use the entire month of April as an excuse to celebrate my birthDAY.  This year was particularly crazy due to the fact that we moved on Easter weekend, so my birthday took second place to the excitement of our move.  I'll have to do another whole post on that.  Anywho, I added some fun new spring/summer pieces to my closet this month and I'm super excited about it.

1. Gap Chambray Boyfriend Button-Down. $25
2. Gap Body heather capris. $25
3. Target Sam and Libby Bow Flats. (These are much cuter in person.  And comfy!)$20
4. Target Mossimo Roll-cuff Denim Shorts. $15
5. DSW Converse Classics. $37

Total: $117

Wish List: T-shirts, Running Shorts, Summer casual wear!

New Closet Additions: March

I'm a little late on this update, and most of the items I purchased are not available online.  Therefore, there aren't many exciting pictures to show you.  (Way to really intrigue the reader off the get-go there, huh?) :)

1. Gap Outlet Boyfriend Cardigan.  Bought in Mint, Camel and Coral. Similar. ($12 each). Total $36

2. Gap Outlet Light Weight Striped Oxford Button-Down. Similar. $12

3. Gap Outlet Dark Skinny Jeans. Similar. $18

4. Gap Outlet Skinny Khakis in Green. Similar. $15

5. JCPenney Racerback Tanks.  Bought in White, Olive and Coral. ($6 each). Total $18

6. JCrew Factory necklace. Similar. Gift!

Total: $99

Wish List:

White Converses

Distressed Denim Jacket... like this one!

Running Shorts

T-Shirts

New Closet Additions: February

New basics are always fun to add to my closet because I know they will be worn often. I had been eyeing these Gap jeans for a while and finally pulled the trigger. They're a very blue jean :) I love how skinny and stretchy they are, but they do seem to stretch out quickly. I like them best right out of the dryer. I spotted this black dress in target and knew I would snag it once it went on sale. I plan to wear it at a bridal shower soon and maybe even the wedding too- it has a great, girly shape. The dark jeans are fine... They are cheap and they work, but again they feel like they stretch out easily...wish I would've sized down. The earrings were an impulse buy because jcrew can't advertise free shipping on any purchase without me finding something.  The Loft silk top was also an impulse, but hopefully it will get good wear. Its comfy, can dress up jeans and be worn throughout the seasons. Win.

1. Gap Jeggings. $25 after GapCash

2. Target Merona Cap-sleeved Dress. $18

3. Target Mossimo Dark Skinny Jeans. $18

4. Jcrew Factory Sunburst Earrings.  $6

5. Loft Silk Lace-print Blouse. $10

Total: $77

What I'm Loving Lately: SHOES!

1. Hunter Original
2. Old Navy Or' Say Flats
3. Toms Desert Bootie
4. Toms Cutout Classic
5. Converse "Shorline" Sneaker
6. Sam & Libby for Target Bow Flats

Baby Favorites :: 2 Months

Baby Favorites

2 Months

1. Carter's Long-Sleeved Onesies. Perfectly stretchy and cozy.

2. Aquaphor. This winter has been SO dry.  Thankful to have this on had to help with the baby's dry, flaky skin.

3. Sleep Sheep. This attaches to the crib and plays a variety of white noises.  My only complaint is that I wish it were louder!

4. Rain Rain App. Lucas's FAVORITE white noise.  We joke that he needs his own iPhone already... but really. ;)

5. Summer Infant Video Monitor.  Our house is tiny, so this probably isn't absolutely necessary, but it's definitely convient, especially in the middle of the night.  This one has been great-- easy to set up, good image quality, compatible with apple products and good battery life.

6. Snap 'n Go. Hands down easiest way to "carry" the carseat.  This is a MUST! They are everywhere, so before you buy a new one, check craigslist or consignment sales.  I found this one for $30, but I've seen them at garage sales a-plenty for as little as $10.

7. Baby Bjorn. This is another consignment find.  I don't know that I'd pay full price to have this, but it's definitely nice to have around.

8. 4Moms Momaroo. I'm borrowing this from a friend and it is so awesome! Lucas didn't seem to love it at first, but this month he's SO relaxed and soothed by its gentle "tree swing" and loud white noise.

9. Activity Mat. Not only is this one adorable, but it's easy to transport.

What I'm Loving Lately.

via

1. House of Cards.  This show (on Netflix-- we finally joined the modern world and have Netflix!), is IN.TENSE.  I'm usually a Keeping up with the Kardashian's, Real Housewives, Bachelor, Ellen.... you get the picture, kind of TV-watcher.  We watched the entire first season in about one week, and that was pacing ourselves.  Second season is due to come out on Feb. 14th.

2. Starbucks Chai Latte. I know, I know, I'm late in the game for this one. And I am embarrassed to admit, but I'm becoming a Starbucks junkie.  Also, this adds one more reason as to why I love Target.

3. Trader Joe's Cowboy Bark. An impulse buy, and so super delicious.  All my friends that are giving up sweets-- put this on your lists for later! It's dark chocolate with pieces of toffee, peanuts, almonds, jo-jo cookies, and pretzels, sprinkled with salt.  Yum.

4. Cartwheel app for Target.  If you shop at Target, you need this app! You search for items by category or name, then add coupons to your basket.  Some coupons last a few weeks, and others are for one day only.  After the cashier scans all of your items, have them scan the barcode on the app to receive the discount.  I tried to do this at self-checkout and it was a disaster-- just a warning. :)

5. Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil.  My face has been SO dry this winter.  I got a sample of this oil in a Black Friday purchase and have been using it ever since.  It takes just a TINY drop to do the job.  I usually put it on after a light moisturizer, and before foundation (if I'm wearing makeup that day...).  I think my sample will last a few months, which is good because the full size is not cheap! Good stuff.

6. This haircut. Do I take the plunge and chop my hair?!

Mom and Baby Favorites :: 1 Month

Posts like this were so helpful while I was pregnant, so I thought I'd throw together

  a list of my favorite things from the first months. Enjoy!

1. Nursing pads. 
2. Water bottle.  So. Thirsty.
3. Nursing tank.  I have 3 of these and could easily use 2 more. 
4. Energy Bites. I made a ton of these before I was pregnant and put them in the freezer.  They are GREAT for a quick bite when I'm starving-- which is always.
5. Diaper bag.  Cute, good size and has so many great features: changing pad, clutch, bottle holder, wet bag, stroller straps, crossbody strap and easy-clean fabric.  I also appreciate the soft fabric as I can stuff it into any space!
6. (not pictured) Nursing cover. DIY (tutorial here)  This was really easy.  I literally sewed ONE line.  

1. Pottery Barn Hayden Stroller Blanket (no longer available).  This is the perfect size and weight; we use it ALL. THE. TIME.
2. Board Books.  On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman is a great one.
3. Pampers Swaddlers Diapers.  I recommend buying only a few.  We ended up having exactly enough newborn sized diapers-- they didn't last long!
4. Life Factory Bottle. We haven't had too many bottles yet, but I'm so happy with these.  I should also have listed my pump-- it's the insurance-provided Medela Double Pump (similar to Pump-in-Style).
5. Fisher Price Rock 'n Play.  This is great because it is so light we can easily move it from room to room-- even with a sleeping baby in it! I move it from my bedroom to bathroom every morning.
6. Footed Sleepers. This from Gap feels so comfy!
7. Summer Infant Bath.
8. Swaddle blanket. This by Jennifer Ann is my favorite.  I bought it because it is adorable (and it was his first something with his name!), but it has turned out to be my favorite swaddle because its so light and stretchy! 
9. Changing pad (boppy).  Babies are dirty, and I love not having to wash my one and only changing pad cover all the time.  These are so convenient.
10. (not pictured) Burp cloths.  I made about 12 burp cloths over the summer and thought I was going overboard.  I could use 12 more!  They are all over-- house, car, diaper bag, etc.

2nd Trimester Must-Haves.

Now that I'm officially rounding off my second trimester and rolling into the third, I thought I'd follow up with some "must-haves" for the second-trimester.

It's no wonder they call this trimester the easiest... it's definitely been pretty good to me.  There weren't a lot of things I couldn't live without.  The ease of this trimester might also have to do with the fact that I spent most of it on my behind doing whatever the heck I wanted.  Ah... a teacher's schedule in the summer.  I lived in comfy clothes most days and showered when I felt like it.  The weather was even pretty good!   Okay, here's the rundown:

1. Gap Cowl Neck Tank.  This was a great first maternity purchase for a couple reasons. One, it was LONG so it could cover up the fact that I was holding up my shorts and jeans with hairties (see #6). Two, it's comfortable. Three, it will last me through the fall by throwing on a cardigan. And, four, it was super cheap ($6.99).  So I got two. :)

2. New bra. I'm not brand-specific in this suggestion.  All I'm saying is the puppies grow, and they need support.  I've loved the ones I found at Nordstrom rack for $4.99 each like the one in the photo.  It's wireless, but has removable cups.  It's comfortable and stretchy and does the job.

3. Dresses! That awkward I-don't-want-and-can't-really-wear-my-pants phase is not fun.  Dresses are comfortable and flattering most of the time.  AND easy. One piece and you're dressed.  Also, many non-maternity dresses work for quite a while.  I'm still wearing a few these days.  (image: Target, no longer available online)

4. Camera.  The bump grows FAST.  Document in some way.  I'm still trying to learn how to use the camera I'm borrowing from my bestie. (Thanks, Ash!)

5. More dresses.  I have this one in black (duh) and green.  It was $12.99 from Banana Outlet.  I wore them at least once a week this summer. So. Comfortable.

6. Clear hairties.  The clear ones held my pants up better than the others because of the tighter elastic.  I used these for jeans and shorts up until about 22-23 weeks.

*Not pictured*

7. Maternity Jeans.  Again, I thank my bestie, Ashley.  She is letting me borrow a tub of her maternity clothes and it is AH-MAZING!  You guys, maternity jeans are so comfy.  (I'm using that word a lot this post... #comfyequalslazy) There are two pair in particular that I love.  One straight/skinny cut demi-panel pair from Gap and the other is a full-panel dark skinny pair made by Hudson.

8. Comfortable Shoes.  People tell me my feet will go back to normal, but I'm not convinced.  Anywho, my shoes don't fit.  It's one thing when your pants don't fit, but shoes??? Ugly.  Even shoes that fit hurt. Good thing it's still summer and I can squeeze into flip-flops.  I've tried on ballet flats and closed-toed shoes for fall and it wasn't pretty.  I'm dreaming of crocs................ yikes.  People wear flip-flops in winter too, right?

9. Belts.  My attempt to show that the belly is more shapely than gut-ly (I'm making up words).

My favorite online shops!

Wednesday, September 11th: Share links to your favorite online shops, preferably with a few photos of your favorite items in each shop.

One of my very favorite stores, both online and in-store, is JCrew Factory. They often have amazing promos where you can score additional sales and free shipping. And the quality is great, I find stuff for both me and my husband all the time. If I could fit into normal clothes, these are a few things that would be hanging out in y shopping cart:

Another online favorite is Sephora. I don't shop here often, but if I need anything, I usually buy it online. Why?! Free samples and bonus freebies!  Here are a few of my frequent purchases:

1. Smashbox Liquid Foundation.

2. Mens Fragrance Sampler.
3. Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser.

Birchbox Favorites.

Here I go again, raving about products I love.  As I mentioned before on this blog, I'm a subscriber of Birchbox, which means for $10 I am mailed 5 samples of new products each month.  It might be the most exciting mail I get each month, and it usually contains at least a couple things that I really like.  It's been a great way to try out new products, without having to commit to the whole thing.  Also, a lot of times the sample will last a VERY long time and they are great for travel.

Below are the products over the past year or so that are my absolute favorites.  If I haven't bought a full size of each of the product below, I've definitely kept it on my mind to do so in the future.

1. Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo. This stuff lasted me about 2 months, using it about 3 times a week.  It's only $18 for a full size, and it WORKS!

2. theBalm Stainiac Lip Stain. The sample lasted me about 3-6 months, wearing it a few times a week.  I bought the full size (I think about $15) with my birchbox credit and it has lasted me another 6 months, and I'm thinking it'll be around for a while still.  It's not a lipstick, not a chapstick, but literally a lip STAIN.  It lasts all day, and it just gives a little bit of color without the goopy feeling of gloss.  I usually wear it under a more nude gloss so that I still have some color after the gloss wears off throughout the day.

3. Stila Smudge Stick waterproof eyeliner. This came as a full size in my box and lasted me more than 6 months.  You only need a TINY bit, and it lasts all day and does not smudge.  I have the purple and brown.

4. Jouer Matte Moisture Tint. I got a teeny-tiny sample of this in my box and threw it in my bag for our cruise over spring break.  I couldn't believe that I wore it all seven days were were gone.  It's great because it has SPF 20 and it literally stayed on all day long swimming in the ocean, walking waterfalls, snorkeling, etc.  I only had to use a tiny bit. A summer vacation MUST HAVE.  Full size is $30.  I haven't splurged, but I really want to.

5. Lulu Organics Jamsine Hair Powder. Basically another awesome, yummy-smelling dry shampoo, but this one is a powder, not a spray.  They accidentally gave this sample to me twice, so they gave me a $10 credit to the shop.  I was not a bit disappointed to see it in my box again.

6. Nail Polish. This is always fun to find in my box.  It lasts forever, no need for a full size.

7. Beauty Blender and Cleanser. The beauty cleanser came in my box and I used it for about 3 months to clean my make-up brushes.  It's amazing and works in about 3 seconds.  I went ahead and got the Beauty Blender from Sephora after all its hype, and it has also not disappointed.  You wet the sponge and then use it to blend in foundation.

8. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. This came in my box a long time ago, and I still haven't forgotten about it.  It's pricey full size, I think around $50.  I haven't splurged, but again, I think about it.  I used the for a LONG time.  It's a sand-like powder that you use on your wet face to exfoliate.  My face felt so smooth and clean. Love this one.

What I'm Loving Lately.

1. Candy Crush.
Can't stop. Won't stop.  It's on my ipad and my phone.  I'm up to level 28 in 5 days.  Thank goodness they make you stop after 30 minutes of continuous play or I'd be in real trouble.  I haven't been this addicted to a game since Tetris, or SNAKE!

2. Sprinkles. 

They just make food fun :)

3. Berries.

Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and my ultimate favorite, raspberries.  Every. Single. Day.

$5.  Not really necessary, but maybe I'll paint it some day for fun :)

Books! $0.25

Infantino Carrier and Hotslings carrier. $15 total

Bumbo with tray $3

$1. EE!

$2 Galvenized Wall Orgnaizer, $5 Pottery Barn Wall Clips, $1 Easel/Sign.

Too lazy to turn this right side up/don't know how on blogger. $2 each. So friggin cute.

More coats $2 each.

New with tags $3, $2.

4. Garage Sales.

I have had school on Thursday mornings (the prime time FYI), but I've managed to hunt down some pretty good finds for the baby lately.

5. Reality TV.

Bachelorette, Voice, American Bake Off, SYTYCD.  Really missing Bravo (we downgraded our TV package), but there is still plenty to see!

6. Dresses.

Here are a few I've purchased from Target lately to get me through this awkward phase. Oh, and a bright orange necklace, too.

7. Eyebrow Shadow Urban Decay.

I picked this up at Ulta this month (along with a separate brush) and it has been worth every penny. I got the darker of the two versions.  This lady will tell you all about needing your brows up to snuff.  I'm trying my best!

The hunt for a good garage sale.

Can you guys believe it is already May?! I came across this post on Story of My Life a while back. Although I'm already a day late (what's new?!), I'm going to attempt the blog every day day in May challenge she has posted. 


I haven't felt particularly inspired as far as posts come lately, so the scripted days seemed like a good practice. Lets hope I can keep it up! Anyone want to join in? The directions and post topics are all listed here.

So here we go...

Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at. Take any approach you'd like (serious and educational or funny and sarcastic)

Now, this so called "skill" mostly boils down to some good luck, a little planning and a lot of patience. That is, garage sales. I've been going to garage sales going on 4 years now, and you'd think I'd have enough used junk to last me forever. 

The thing is, the more you go, the more you find, and therefore the more exciting it is to go back out on the hunt! I've found the most random things from supplies and posters for my classroom and my favorite brand new curling iron and hairspray to practically all the furniture in my house. The best part? You never really know what you're going to find. The worst part? Sometimes you find nothing.

So, some tips.
1. Plan your route. Craigslist is a great resource, especially if you're looking for something specific. Don't waste your morning wandering.
2. Go to your most promising ads first. Early bird gets the worm!
3. Neighborhood sales are the jackpot!
4. Don't buy something just because its a good deal, make sure you'll actually use it.
5. Don't buy something unless its a good deal. You can always buy it new!
6. Bring yo bills. Not the big ones.
7. Don't be afraid to offer less than its priced, they could always say no.
8. Greet the sale owner when you walk up. I don't know, it's just weird not to if you're looking through all their stuff, right?
9. Don't get get discouraged when you don't find what you're looking for. It takes time! Also, don't be afraid to put a little love into something that is a little beat up if you can picture it's potential.
10. Have fun! (Duh.)

Enjoy,
-m

Spring Work-Casual Style.

With the end of the school year in sight and the weather getting (a little) nicer, I figured the time has come to break out some spring colors and sandals.  Plus, there's lots of new cute clothes in stores! Here are a few things I've had my eye on lately.

1. Shoes- Payless.

2. Blouse- Mossimo (Target).

3. Crops- Old Navy.

4. Peplum Top- Mossimo (Target).

5. Mint Leather Tote- Gap.

6. Jewels- J.Crew Factory.

1. Eyelet Dress- Old Navy.

2. Jewels- J.Crew Factory.

3. Sweater- J.Crew Factory.

4. Scarf- Old Navy.

5. Tank- J.Crew Factory.

6. Crops- J.Crew Factory.

1. Jewels- J.Crew Factory.

2. Sweater- J.Crew Factory.

3. Pants- Old Navy.

4. Sandals- Gap.

5. Skirt-J.Crew Factory.

6. Belt- J.Crew Factory.

Can you guess what my favorite store is? :) They just have such great, quality pieces for great prices.  I can't resist. Happy shopping!

-m

What's in my {hair} bag?

1. Lulu Organics Hair Powder.  This came in my Birchbox about a year ago, and I'm still using the sample.  You only need about a dime sized amount to spruce up day-old hair. Smells so fresh and clean!
2. Biolage Shampoo and Conditioner for color-treated hair.  I've tried many shampoos but this one is my new favorite.  I stock up when Ulta or Beauty Brands has their liter sale.
3. A shower cap.  A must have.
4. Big Sexy Hair Root Pump. Just a little pump or two before blow-drying and my hair has so much more volume!
5. Matrix Hair Oil.  This was a free sample from Beauty Brands and I've used it every day since! I just use about two pumps worth after drying my hair to protect it from the curling/flat iron and to add some shine.
6. Hot Tools 1.5 Inch Curling Iron.  The larger size gives more of a soft wave than a full curl.  Plus, it takes less time in the morning :)

What are your favorite hair products?

-m

A little Quiz (or 3).

Remember in middle school when we passed around surveys asking questions like spoon or fork? sweet or salty? blue or pink? etc... and everyone read eachothers and then sent it to five of their friends?  Well, apparently I've been sent back about 15 years because I've been on a survey kick and can't stop giving the Internet a piece of my mind for an a quick analysis of my life's purpose.  If you're crazy like me, here's some fun, QUICK, surveys.

1. Personality Test. This first one fascinated me when I read my personality description.  It was like I was reading my own mind.... I'm an INFJ.  I made my mom, dad, and husband all take it too.  Crazy accurate, and it's not like I thought long and hard about answering these questions. BTW, my husband is the exact opposite, ENTP.  I guess opposites do attract. :) What are you?

2. Archetype-me.  Not as accurate, but still fun.

3. What your favorite Instagram filter says about your personality? Not a survey, but entertaining none-the-less.  I'm a Walden lover all the way, but apparently this article didn't consider that.  I'll go with Earlybird. 

-m

Suited up.

I know it's only 30 degrees outside, but what better time to stock up on new swimwear than when it's 60% off?!  I love that LimeRicki has cute suits that actually cover your behind and don't make you feel like you have to tip to around in order to be sure all of your parts stay in the right places.  Two years ago I ordered a one-piece suit and was very satisfied with the quality.  Here are the pieces I snagged a few days ago in preparation for our Spring Break trip.  

Best part? My grand total was only $30 with shipping!

Happy shopping!

-m