...from the web Fridays, July, 25, 2014

Umm, this is the last Friday in July?!  That is SO not cool. 

Here are some links to get your mind off the fact that summer is practically over...

{We Hate You Too, Single Traveler} Traveling with kids is not easy but the title of this article is somewhat misleading.  It's more (reproachful, admonishing, accusatory) than hate really.

Photo courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.com

{Freezer Meals} This lady is a beast at freezer meals.  Great for those who dread cooking.  Cook all day for one day and have a month of meals.  I don't know how she does it.  And on the cheap! 

Kids, you can bring mom's (or dad's) cooking to college with you...IF you can get her/him to give up her/his weekend to whip up a month's worth of meals.  But for you?  You know she/he will!

Photo courtesy of www.aturtleslifeforme.com

{Kate Spade does Swimwear} She can't be stopped.  Bags, shoes, jewelry.  Now swimwear.  You can bet it will be cutesy and classic - just my style.  Can't wait!

Photo courtesy of www.racked.com

 {What to Expect in Your 30s} In case you need a list of things that tell you you're old.  Except this one is specific to your 30s.  

How do I get the job where I get paid to tell people the obvious?  You know, things you already know?  It's like those infomercials that sell things for the simplest of tasks, like cutting a banana, (buy it here)

Photo courtesy of www.forsmallhands.com

or those clever ideas on Pinterest, like labeling your cords with the plastic bread closer things.

Photo courtesy of www.homehacks.com

We are convinced we need them and wonder why we never thought of them before.  

Apparently there is some camaraderie (read --> misery loves company) built when reading about things you already know are happening to you?  Idk...

Photo courtesy of www.tressugar.com

 ^^Get it girl. Run like you're not in your 30s. (hehe)^^

{Signs you're getting older}  Because spotting your first gray hair and seeing your first wrinkle aren't sign enough...

My personal favs: #s 16-17,19-20, 26-30, 35-38, 41-44, 47-50. I guess if I like that many of them, I'm old! (Listing numbers like that made me feel like a teacher again  #homeworkisonthesideboard)

To make you feel better about aging, here is some aging humor to give you a giggle:

Photo courtesy of www.my-ramblings.com

^^  Right?!^^

Photo courtesy of www.mattdavidky.blogpsot.com

^^Gotta sneak in my English teacher humor somewhere! (Why is it that English teachers and Math teachers are always at odds?  Why not English and say, Science or History???  I digress...)^^

But in all seriousness...

Photo courtesy of www.kaleyann.com

 Be grateful to wake up each morning; life's a gift.  Don't waste it. 

Carpere auctor! (Seize the weekend - thanks Google translate)

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

Summer Fashion, Part III: Tops

Here are some of my favorite summer tops: 

{South Moon Under, Billabong Salty Ocean Crop Tank Top} $26.50  Perfect casual beach tank.  Pair with distressed jean shorts and a bikini.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, House of Harlow Quilted Voile Noa Top} $44.95  A little bit hippy, a little bit country, this flowy top is perfect for a summer concert.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{Sabo Skirt, Carlisisle Crop} $48  For a night on the town.

Photo courtesy of www.saboskirt.com

{F21 Floral Cropped Knit Top} $22.80  More floral but in a print that can transition to fall.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{F21 Lacy Surplice Back Top} $22.80  Simple and versatile, you can pretty much pair this with anything.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{F21 Pleated Rose Print Top} $15.80  Classic shape that can be dressed up or down.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{F21 Sheer Southwestern Print Top} $15.80  A casual tank for casual summer nights.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{F21 Split Back Crochet Tank} $22.90  Can you say festival wear?

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

Happy shopping!!

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

...from the web Fridays, July 18, 2014

At work on this beautiful Friday?  Here are some links to make it look like you're busy working...

{Benefit vending machines in airport} This is genius! I always feel like a hot mess after a flight, no matter how cute I looked getting on the plane.  

Photo courtesy of www.blog.benefitcosmetics.com

{Want that designer purse, ask yourself these questions} Ok so this may be too late for me, considering I already bought that Prada two years ago, but it's a classic shape and a classic color so that makes it ok, right????

Photo courtesy of www.stylecaster.com

{App checks up on you after a walk} 
Should've had this years ago.  Would've given me, and my mother, piece of mind.  The app checks up on you to make sure you made it home ok.  After living by myself for four years this would've saved me the trouble of having to juggle my school bag, dance bag, and gym bag while squeezing the phone to my ear and assuring my mother I was not being attacked on my walk home from the car to my apartment.  Also good for the nights I walked home from the bars alone.  Sorry Mom, it happened!  But only sometimes, and I always walked 'with purpose' and 'with keys in hand' as you always told me.  (insert sheepish grin and shoulder shrug here).  Love you, Mom!

Photo courtesy of www.kitestring.com

{Tip your hat to Jeter} El Capitan.  #2. No matter how you feel about the Yankees, he's a damn good baseball player.  He's leaving us this year and baseball will never be the same - at least in this NY girl's opinion.  Thanks, DJ, for some good baseball and some good eye candy.

Photo courtesy of www.thescore.com

Enjoy your weekend!!

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

Summer Fashion, Part II: Bottoms

I have a hard time finding bottoms I like.  Shorts are oftentimes too short or too long for my 5'2" frame.  And it's hard to order bottoms online for they all seem to fit differently, which is why I always know my measurements - it makes choosing the right size soo much easier.  I hate having to return things.  

Here are some of my picks for summer bottoms, enjoy!

{South Moon Under, Flying Tomato Neon Maxi Skirt and Scarf Print Maxi Skirt} $69 I've been trying to expand my horizons and buy more printed and colored items.  If these don't fit the bill, I don't know what does.  

Photos courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, French Connection Chiffon Maxi Skirt} $97.49  Doesn't this just say comfy, cozy summer day? 

Photos courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, Sady & Lu Border Print Palazzo Pants} $84  I've wanted a pair of printed pants since last summer but never found the exact print I wanted.  Until now.  I LOVE these!

Photos courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{J.CREW Textured Striped Short in Festival and Hibiscus Floral Shorts} $69.50  Printed shorts make you look like you put in effort when you really didn't.  

Photos courtesy of www.jcrew.com

{Revolve Floral Cut Out Shorts in Coral} $47  Love the color, love the cut outs - perforations are very "in" right now.  

Photo courtesy of www.revolve.com

{Sabo Skirt Topside Shorts} $52 Too short for me but the youngins can pull them off.

Photo courtesy of www.saboskirt.com

{F21 Embroidered Woven Shorts} $22.80 A little more subdued, these give a nice subtle print and color to an outfit.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{F21 Textured A Line Skirt} $24.80 A little bit of texture and an A-Line go a long way for flattering a figure.  

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{F21 Unfocused Rose Print Skirt} $8.80  For $8.80 you can wear this once and get your money's worth.  Summery and light, this is the perfect hot weather item.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{JOA Organza Midi Skirt} $98 The mesh detailing is what makes this skirt awesome.  

Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com

Last but not least: jean shorts.  There are a million different styles and colors, so you really have to go with what you love.  

{One Teaspoon Classic Bonita Short}  From what I've heard, these are really hard to find because apparently everyone wants to get their hands on a pair.  I'm way too old to wear these, but they'd be adorable on a younger girl.  Just keep your top half more covered up, otherwise you may be mistaken for someone you're not...

Photo courtesy of www.shopbop.com

{Rag and Bone/JEAN, The Boyfriend Jean} $176  Pricey.  Love that they're destroyed but not too destroyed, and they aren't super short.  

Photo courtesy of www.shopbop.com

**Remember, if you know your exact measurements, ordering bottoms online is so much easier.  Use the largest measurement to determine your size.  

Shop, shop, shop! Lots of summer sales going on right now.

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

...from the web Fridays, July 11, 2014

How I'm managing to put up blog posts with a two week old is beyond me. I think I'm so sleep deprived I just operate in a daze, going about my life as normal - as if I was getting more than two hours of sleep at a time.  I've seen 3 am more than I can count in the last two weeks.  Our baby girl is doing great; we are just trying to get her to sleep better.  And more.  She's going through her two week growth spurt right now so she's been basically attached to me 24/7 nursing and sleeping.  It is rough.  But I try to remember she won't want to cuddle with me forever so I should relish it now! 

Here are some things from the web to keep your attention this weekend:

{Spiked Peach Pops} I'm allergic to peaches but these sounded too good not to pass along for all of you to enjoy.  Spread the wealth, you know? 

Photo courtesy of www.blog.anthropologie.com

{Having a Happy Marriage}  A good article with some interesting insight on why some marriages fail and some succeed.  Kindness matters - here's a little snippet:

"By observing these types of interactions, Gottman can predict with up to 94 percent certainty whether couples—straight or gay, rich or poor, childless or not—will be broken up, together and unhappy, or together and happy several years later. Much of it comes down to the spirit couples bring to the relationship. Do they bring kindness and generosity; or contempt, criticism, and hostility?

“There’s a habit of mind that the masters have,” Gottman explained in an interview, “which is this: they are scanning social environment for things they can appreciate and say thank you for. They are building this culture of respect and appreciation very purposefully. Disasters are scanning the social environment for partners’ mistakes” (www.theatlantic.com).

Photo courtesy of http://sharamaeyu.tumblr.com/post/51545210271

{Things I wish I'd known about parenting toddlers the first time around}  Having a second baby, who will eventually be a toddler made me wonder, "What can I learn from this lady about raising a toddler the second time around?"  I like number one, it's very encouraging.  

Photo courtesy of www.more4kids.info

{Blocking FB Baby Photos}  Because it's just for us. 

"You write differently when you're only writing for yourself. You take pictures differently when you aren’t hunting for a shot worth posting...There’s no pre-written narrative for that scenario in a baby book: When did your baby first make you want to silently hug other dads? Our careful selectivity is certainly revisionist, but so is every decision to share a moment or a story online. Simply remembering is an editing process. We’re already editing our experiences before the lens cap comes off. We’re real-time revisionists. We decided to write our story on blank pages, offline, and we're writing it for us. Which is how it should be" (www.theatlantic.com).

Photo courtesy of www.allimages.com

{World Cup Parody} People in everyday situations getting bumped into and dramatizing their reactions - imitating some soccer players in the World Cup.  Good for a chuckle.

Photo courtesy of www.telegraph.co.uk

{Most Popular US Beaches}  I don't know that I agree with Rehobeth being the most popular.  I mean it's nice and all but it beats Hawaii's beaches?  That doesn't seem right...

Photo courtesy of www.washingtonian.com

Enjoy your weekend! Don't forget to stop by 7-11 for your free slurpee today! 

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

Summer Fashion, Part I: Bags and Accessories

Part I of a five part installment of "Summer Fashion" is here!

Bags upon bags upon bags, I can never have enough.  As soon as I get one, I find myself lusting after another one.  

As a SAHM most of these bags are impractical for my lifestyle of sippy cups, spit up and goldfish, BUT I don't care, I love bags.  

I have a hard time narrowing down accessories (besides purses) but I've included some of my favorites here for you too.  

Happy Shopping!

{Kent Reversible Tote} $54 Classic and preppy.  The other side is striped, perfect for summer.

Photo courtesy of www.francescas.com

{Super for J.CREW Gals Oracle Sunglasses}  $229  If you've got the dough to spare, these are adorable.

Photo courtesy of www.jcrew.com

{South Moon Under, D&Y American Flag Infinity Scarf} $26 We may be out of the World Cup but you can still sport your USA pride all summer long.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, Muche et Muchette Jute Large Aztec Beach Bag} $18.74  Inexpensive and cute - the perfect beach tote.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, Nixon Kensington Leather Watch} $125  Nixon watches are really in right now and the white band screams summer soiree.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, Pin & Tube Chambray Knot Headband} $16.95 Head scarves are making a comeback.  This one doesn't even require tying and is super cute. Pair with an edgier outfit so your not too cutesy.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, Seychelles 'Thyme' Printed Wedge Sandals} $52.49 Floral is everywhere so why not on your feet!

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{South Moon Under, Urban Expressions 'Trisha' Woven Foldover Wristlet} $32 Cheaper than the Claire Vivier, this is the perfect inexpensive clutch.  Love the color too.

Photo courtesy of www.southmoonunder.com

{F21 Classic Pimsolls} $12.80  Comfy, cute and beachy!

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{F21 Tortoise Frame Square Sunglasses} $5.80  Cheaper version of the JCrew ones I listed above.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

{LV Passport Cover} $320  This is on my wishlist.  

Photo courtesy of www.louisvuitton.com

{Tory Burch Beacher Flat Espadrilles} $87.50  Adorable flats that can easily transition from summer to fall.

Photo courtesy of www.toryburch.com

{Tory Burch Large Robinson Passport Holder} $135  If I don't get the LV one then I plan on getting this one.

Photo courtesy of www.toryburch.com

{Tory Burch Penny Wedge Sandal} $295  Another wishlist item.  I really want them in pink!

Photo courtesy of www.toryburch.com

{Kate Spade Catherine Street Mini Pippa} $208  Adorable and ladylike.

Photo courtesy of www.katespade.com

{Kate Spade Henry Lane Mini} $226  Similar in shape to the LV Speedy bags, this is a classic shape in a bold color.

Photo courtesy of www.katespade.com

{Kate Spade Holly Street Ruby} $160  Can be dressed up or dressed down, the bow adds a touch of femininity to this crossbody. 

Photo courtesy of www.katespade.com

{Kate Spade 2 Park Avenue Medium Beau Pouch} $100  Use it as a clutch, a giant wallet, or just a pouch to hold personal items, it is too cute not to love.

Photo courtesy of www.katespade.com

{kate spade new york 'cobble hill - mini carson' crossbody bag} $198  I tried to track down the larger version of this bag in the color Peach Blossom this spring but to no avail.  I may just have to settle for the smaller version in a different color.

Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

{Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini M.A.B.' Crossbody Tote} 

$195  Who doesn't need a tote? 

Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

{Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini M.A.C.' Crossbody Bag}

$195  This bag comes in so many different colors and is so versatile.  Its definitely a must-buy.

Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

{Saint Laurent, Y Ligne Clutch} $1050 (ouch!)  

Classic, streamlined, and iconic, this clutch can take   you years into the future with its clean lines, simplicity and sophistication.  An investment piece. Totally worth the splurge if you ask me!

Photo courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

You have some decisions to make.  Good luck!!

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~

**Some of the words got split up awkwardly and I'm not sure why.  Spent forever trying to fix it but no luck.  Sorry ladies and gents!**