life, love, family, shopping...because there's always a reason to celebrate!

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Friday, May 30, 2014

...from the web Fridays, May 30, 2014

{Maya Angelou} A literary icon passed on yesterday and I would be remiss, not only as an English teacher but also as an educated adult in the U.S.A., not to mention her.  Maya Angelou, poet, novelist, and playwright, left us yesterday at the age of 86. Thankfully, we are left with her inspiring, powerful words.  
Photo courtesy of www.oprah.com
Oprah did a Master Class episode a while ago with Maya Angelou as the subject.  If you've been a student of mine you've probably watched this already (it was your homework Junior CP), but for those of you looking to get to know Ms. Angelou and her life, this is a good one.  Check it out here.  

You'd expect someone who has been through so much to be fiestier or more aggressive than this, but instead, her calm, motherly voice floats in your ears, and somehow it just makes you smile.  For me, it simply demonstrates her grace and humor in spite of the adversity and misfortune that befell her early life.


{Why Dads Should do Dishes} It's not the reason you might think!
Photo courtesy of www.babyzone.com

{Glamping}  Looking to get away this summer but you're not the camping type?  Try out some of these campsites and you're sure to be "sip[pin] champagne when [you're] thirsty."
Photo courtesy of www.sunset.com


{Sample Sales!!} In NYC, June is the month of the sample sale.  Get your retail therapy after this long winter and score some seriously good deals.  Arrive early and remember, 'bows out!  Check out the list of sales, here


{Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain}  Truly stains your lips. But in a good way.  I dot it on my lips, rub and I'm good for at least six hours.  I layer ELF's 'Runway Pink' over it because it truly is a 'burst of color' (well done, whoever named these bad boys) which may just be a little much for daytime with a two year old. 
Photo courtesy of www.revlon.com
Enjoy your weekend!

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


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Friday, May 23, 2014

...from the web Fridays 5/23/14

{Manny the Frenchie}  follow the cutest little French Bulldog and his friends on Instagram to get your dose of cuteness each day
Photo courtesy of http://writersrelief.com/blog/tag/manny-the-frenchie/

{Sonny's Soda Shoppe, Mondrian Soho, NYC}  The newest addition to the hotel, it looks chic, cute and retro.  Reservations required. Get some cocktails and gelato on a NYC rooftop, what's better than that?!
Photo courtesy of http://www.grubstreet.com/2014/05/sonnys-soda-shoppe.html

Photo courtesy of http://www.grubstreet.com/2014/05/sonnys-soda-shoppe.html

{Tone It Up} Need to get in shape for summer? If these girls are evidence of how well their plan works then sign me up! Find the 2014 Bikini Series, here.
Photo courtesy of http://toneitup.com/2014/04/the-1st-bikini-series-weekly-schedule-%E2%98%80/
I've been following them for a while (even before their show on Bravo) but I'm waiting till after this baby is born to get serious.  


{Friends Without Kids}  If you're a mom you will totally get this.  For those of you who aren't, relish in your ability to have an uninterrupted conversation or bathroom break.  For me.  Because I miss those simple things. :)


Or this article from the Huffington Post entitled, "Once we Become Parents we Don't Want to Hang Out with you Anymore (But Not for the Reasons You Think)" which is along the same lines.

Truth. 

{Don Draper Meme} For your Friday chuckle. Mad Men is finally coming to a close which makes me just that much more attached to the characters. I came across this and thought it was so 'Don'.
Photo courtesy of http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3vkd0p


{Happy Memorial Day Weekend!}  Remember why we are celebrating - many have given their lives, both literally and figuratively, to give us our freedom. That freedom is what allows you to go to the beach, barbeque and spend time with family this long weekend.  Many of them paid the ultimate price. Take some time to remember them and pay them tribute. They earned it and they deserve it.      

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

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Thursday, May 15, 2014

...from the Web Fridays - May 16, 2014

I'm excited to announce a new feature on this here blog.  One that I hope I can keep up with.  Maybe it's the nesting, maybe it's my crazy pregnant brain but instead of cutting back with the impending birth of our little girl, I've decided to ADD to my workload.  I must be nuts right?  I know.  So without further ado, I introduce you to a series entitled, "...from the Web Fridays."  

Each Friday I will post a handful of links to interesting things from all over this here interweb.  Just something quick for you to peruse and keep you busy over the weekend!  I hope you like it and let me know if there's anything specific you love (or hate) about it so I can keep y'all interested.  

Let's get started....

  • Scoliosis Article - I had scoliosis surgery back when I was 12.  It was an intense surgery in which the surgeon inserted two metal rods into my back to help keep my spine straight.  It was long, it was painful (yes, more painful than the c-section I had) and it forced me to give up gymnastics since I could no longer bend or curve my spine.  I read this article in the NY Times that seems to offer a new type of treatment, an alternative to surgery and bracing, for those struggling with scoliosis.  Check it out here 

Photo courtesy of NYTimes.com

  • Chocolate Chip Pancake Recipe - These are not healthy in any way but they are scrumptiously delicious!  We make it without the cinnamon cream - gotta draw the line somewhere.  No matter how you feel about Paula Dean, the lady can make a good pancake.  Check out the recipe, here.  
Photo courtesy of foodnetwork.com

  • Revolve Clothing - I'm enjoying browsing their site lately.  Gotta pop out this baby so I can shop!  Check them out here

Photos courtesy of revolve.com

  • Jaclyn Hill make-up tutorials.  I love this girl.  If you haven't already heard of her you'd better get on it! Check out one of her latest videos here.  
Photo courtesy of youtube.com

  • Looking to get away?  We went to a wedding in the Bahamas last summer and stayed at the cutest little boutique resort.  Don't expect the all-inclusive, hectic life here. Serene, quaint and endearing, Pelican Bay Resort on the island of Freeport in the Bahamas is where it's at.  Good food, nice staff, and if I hadn't known better I would've thought we had the place to ourselves.  Check it out here.  
Isn't it the cutest hotel???
The gorgeous wedding reception...
being silly...
one of the lovely staff members from Pelican Bay.


Let me know how I did for my first "...from the web Fridays"

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



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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Mother's Day

Can you believe it's May already?!  I have to say 2014 has been flying by and to be honest, it hasn't been the best year so far.  We can't seem to sell this house, sleeping while pregnant is impossible, chasing an active, demanding 22 month old while pregnant is...interesting to put it nicely,  having an amazing husband who happens to work all the stinking time and now goes to school at night really hasn't made 2014 the smoothest. 

BUT all complaints aside, things have happened in my personal and family life recently to remind me just how important it is to tell the ones you love just how much you appreciate them, and Mother's Day (and everyday really) is the perfect opportunity to do just that!

If you're looking to treat Mom to something special I've got some ideas for you.  

{From the Heart}  Let's be honest, a gift from the heart is probably a mom's favorite thing to receive. For the youngins making something is always sweet. But if you're too old to be making macaroni necklaces perhaps just a day spent together is enough.  Treat her to lunch at her favorite place, put your phone away and pay her some attention.  Catch up on her life, reminisce about life growing up and just enjoy each others' company.  Spending the day together with your siblings sans rivalry or fighting would bestill her heart as well for those of you still living at home. Lastly, breakfast in bed never hurt anyone. 

{Flowers} Maybe instead of the traditional bouquet you buy some garden flowers and help her plant them.  Or surprise her and have them all planted and ready to go when she wakes up Sunday morning! 
Photo courtesy of https://www.buildipedia.com
{Pictures} A framed picture, a picture printed to canvas, a printed picture book from Snapfish or Shutterfly - all of the above will make mom happy. 

Pictures of her loved ones that she can show off to her friends?  Winning.  I prefer to give my mom an iphone case from tinyprints.com with updated pictures of my daughter.  She loves it and takes it with her wherever she goes!  

{Bag}
Who doesn't need a good, quality beach tote? I found this one from one of my favorite bloggers, McKenna Bleu (see her post here
Photo courtesy of www.mckennableu.com
Photo courtesy of www.haydenreis.com
This one is from Hayden Reis.  Made out of real sailcloth, this bag is made to survive the salt, sand and whatever you throw inside.  Monogram it for a personalized touch. (I want one for myself!).

Or go fancier and get her a clutch for a night out on the town.  It comes in a ton of colors.  


{Book}
A coffee table book such as the NY Times 36 Hours is great for perusing or getting some travel inspiration.  Find it on Amazon here.  

Or some mindless reading for the beach such as The Vacationers by Emma Straub.  Haven't read it yet myself but seems like my kind of entertaining beach read.
{Jewelry}
Some cute, trendy jewels may just be the ticket.  I'm loving this line called by Jasmin, a fashion blogger.  

Find it here

No matter what you buy or do, remember the many ways your mom has contributed to your life.  Even if your relationship with mom isn't the best, nothing can change the fact that she carried you around for nine months before you even knew what this world was. That's worth thanking her for.  It's mom's special day so treat her to something nice and spread some love!  

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

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Friday, April 4, 2014

Spring Favs for Face and Hair

Now that spring is upon us (I think!) it's time to start thinking about some products that will help us transition from the frigidity of winter to the impending warmth of spring. 

I've been using some products that I've been loving recently that I want to share with you.  



So fresh, so clean. This face wash does a great job cleansing my skin while not drying it out.  I've mentioned it before, but I'm still loving it so I figured it can't hurt to mention it again! I use it morning and night followed by a moisturizer and I have been happy with it so far.  I bought a travel sized one from Sephora to test it out and have since gone back for the full-sized version.  I travel a bunch so I saved the first container and I just refill and pack it in my makeup bag when I've got some traveling to do.  

This is a bit pricey but in my opinion well worth the splurge.  It's a teeny bottle (1.2 oz) with major payoff. It's designed to be used on a cleansed face to bring forth impurities, shrink pores, brighten, provide anti-aging, generate collagen, and controls bacteria. 

A little goes a long way.  Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin and wait 5-20 minutes before washing off.  (I wait 20 minutes to allow the product time to work, but also because after shelling out $70 for 1oz of product you better believe I'm leaving it on for the full recommended time before watching it slink down the drain!).  My skin looked brighter, clearer and was as soft and moisturized as a baby's bottom.  Even a day or two after using it my skin still felt baby soft.  

I slather this on each night after I cleanse my skin.  It's a thicker cream and soaks right in so you don't hit the pillow all greasy and oily.  I also use this after the mud mask I mentioned above, just to seal in all the moisture. 

It can be a tad pricey so buy it at Costco.  You get two for around the same price as one!

I am really picky about hairspray.  I have thick hair but it is made up of fine strands that tend to be slippery and terrible at holding a curl or a style.  I need to really 'dirty up' my hair in order for any style to last.  

I'll be honest, because it takes so much work for me to get my hair texturized enough to do things others do with ease, I don't really 'do' my hair that often.  I envy girls who have natural bounce, lift and who can throw it in a volumized bun without it slipping out immediately.  

That being said, when I do out in the time and effort to style my hair, that bad boy better stay put!  This Frizz Ease Hairspray is just the ticket.  Smells good, doesn't get flaky, and seriously holds hair in place without being sticky or crunchy.  

With the seemingly rainy spring ahead, this will keep your hair in place and frizz-free.  

This stuff is AH-MAZING. It smells divine and just a little bit gives your hair a ton of texture, which justifies the price.  I like to use this type of product in the warmer months because you can wash, spray, zhoosh, and go.  

I got it in one of my Glossybox arrivals and tried it in a date night with my husband to texturize my hair before curling it.  Combined with my Frizz Ease Hairspray, my curls lasted all night! 

Yet another way I try to add style to my thin limp locks, this root booster is great for volume.  The spray nozzle is not my favorite, however.  It has a little plastic nozzle that points out of the pump delivering the product in more of a stream than a spray. I find after I use it it has not only spritzed my hair, but also my bathroom countertops. But if you need a boost you need a boost, no? Just be ready to wipe down afterward. 

I just got my hair colored recently and I'm in love with the way it turned out.  I went for honey bronde (google it- it's a mix of blonde and brown) with a hint of ombré.  I want this gorgeous color to last so I use this color protectant spray from Pureology.  It smells intoxicating and I look forward to spraying it on my hair before using hot styling tools.  

Not to be confused with Japanese Cherry Blossom, this is a much lighter, cleaner scent.  I am so sad though because the girl at the store told me it's being discontinued, so I need to go online and stock up!! Great, light scent for spring that leaves you smelling clean and refreshed.  

Take a few minutes, think about how to pamper yourself for spring, and dive in! 

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

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Monday, March 24, 2014

Spring, a Long Time Coming

They say spring is on its way, but I'm not sure I believe them.  Snow, rain and ice have dominated most of this winter - not to mention the freezing cold temps. I don't know about you but I've had my fill of winter.  Seeing pictures of other people's beach vacations and watching Sandals commercials now make me irate instead of lustful.  I sure hope I'm wrong and spring is right around the corner (fingers crossed)...

In light of spring's (supposed) arrival I've been eyeing some happy spring and summer things to keep me going for the duration of these cold, trying days.  

{Crops and High Waists}
Still in from previous seasons, pairing a crop with a high waist avoids the need for showing your belly, which is good for a 30-something lady like me. The key to achieving this look is a crop that just graces the top of the high waist. Too long and you'll just look like you're wearing mom jeans. Too short and you'll look way too 90s.  Although the 90s are totally back. 
F21, Top here, Bottoms here

{Pastels and Florals - Peach and Mint}
I want everything in pastels lately. Soft and flowy with the ability to match almost anything, pastels can make you feel spring-like even if it's still freezing.  
Topshop, Crepe Notch Front Blazer $110.00
Shopbop, Rebecca Minkoff Bag $195


ASOS, Floral Blouse $18.82

{Matching Sets} Takes the guess work out of your outfit.  Put it on, dress it up and go! My kind of outfit.
ASOS, Native Rose Camisole Top in Patchwork Geo Rose Print, $84.69


ASOS, Knitted Tee in Textured Stitch $56.46
ASOS, Knitted Skirt in Textured Stitch $56.46
Francesca's, Scalloped Crop Top $34.00  and Short $34.00

{Utility Jacket} - to keep you warm on those chilly spring mornings and nights. 
Old Navy Utility Jacket, $39.94
{Tribal/Aztec/Mexi-Cali Prints}
Saw this on a maternity blog and although it's not a maternity dress I thought I could wear it pregnant and then afterward.  It's so flowy I can be comfy and cute all at the same time.  It ships from China so it takes a while to get stuff but you can't beat the price and I was surprised by the quality.  The top portion is hand-embroidered and is quite weighty, considering that it is so inexpensive.  Can't wait to wear it!
Sheinside.com, Tribal Maxi Dress $33.52
Sheinside.com, White Tribal Embroidered Dress $30.67

{D'Oray Flats} - Combines the pointy toe trend but without the heel. Very practical for the mom on the go. 
{Caged sandals} - Short or tall cages on heels and flat sandals are in.  Personally, I avoid these because I feel they just make my legs look bigger than they are but if you've got Olive Oil legs you can rock these all spring and summer.  
Before the past two seasons I would've scoffed at these heels that remind me of something out of my grandma's closet.  However, they've gotten an update with straps and color blocking. Comfy to boot!


Asos, $56.46
Piperlime, Clarks Shira Danika Heel $120.00

{Structured bags} - Think Kate Spade-esque. Sharp shapes, clean lines- the best ones have shoulder straps and handles. Perfect for throwing over your shoulder during the day while your hands are full and then tucking in and slipping the handles over your wrist for the night. 
So reflective you may blind people, they are going to be everywhere by summer so grab yours now. 
Nordstrom, Ray Bans $165.00
{Looking forward} Overalls and Bucket bags.  

I don't even know what to say about this. I was scrolling through Instagram one day and was instantly stopped mid-scroll, thumb hovering over the screen as I stared in disbelief at one of my favorite bloggers donning overalls.  Yes, overalls. 

They looked good.  Did I just say that? I'm pretty embarrassed to admit that in that moment I thought, 'They're not so bad. These are totally about to make a come back.'  

They weren't good the first time around, and as we moved forward I realized the only ones capable of pulling off overalls were Carrie Bradshaw and TLC. (Remember 'Don't Go Chasin' Waterfalls'?!  Perhaps it should be 'Don't Go Chasin' Overalls'). 
Image Source here
They are creeping up behind our backs so be ready people.  You will see them on regular people in regular places. Soon.  
Image Source here
I don't know that I can bring myself to spend $298 for these overalls below, but if you're going to buy them, you really have to love the way they look.  I'm going to look around for a quality imitation of these...
Intermix, Current Elliott Destroyed Short Overalls, $298
Luxury designers have been making bucket bags and backpacks for years but lately I've noticed them gracing the pages of magazine ads.  Hard to organize and find things, these bags are reminiscent of my days in 6th-8th grade. Hey, a Louis is a Louis is a Louis. Right?? 
Louis Vuitton, Noe BB Bag $1200.00

There are too many things I like for spring to possibly list all of them.  So many options, so many good choices.  Follow me on Pinterest to see some of my spring inspiration.  Happy shopping, my friends! 

~And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!~
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Sunday, March 16, 2014

Domestic Fridays

Dear Girl at Safeway,

You passed me, my husband and my little girl at 6pm on Friday in the frozen food aisle.  You turned to your friend as we passed with a snide, 'domestic Fridays' just loud enough for us to hear. 

I want to say I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you are not wise enough to recognize that my domestic Friday is more rewarding than any night you may have at a bar with your friends.  As you gathered up your cocktail mixers, I purchased cookies, diapers and bread. For my family.  

I'm sorry you do not know the joy of giving birth to a being who is solely dependent on you in every way. I'm sorry you don't have someone who thinks you walk on water. I'm sorry you don't have a little, round, perfectly porcelained face staring up at you with big eyes everyday, saying 'I livyoutoo, Mama.' I'm sorry that no one thinks you are as cool as to follow you to the bathroom while you poop.  I'm sorry no one tries to be you in every way - wearing your finest designer purse, your  fedora and your jewels.  I'm sorry you don't look over and explode with love watching your daughter read out loud to herself in gibberish.  I'm sorry you don't get to hear someone coo and babble in the morning in her crib. I'm sorry you can't have the pleasure of hearing your daughter, who has just pretended to hide her water bottle exclaim 'I find it!!' with pure unadulterated jubilation.

I'm sorry you don't have a man to accompany you through life. I'm sorry that man doesn't make you breakfast in bed or buy you Us magazine and flowers after a rough day. I'm sorry he doesn't bend over backwards and work like a dog to give you and your family all the things you want in life. I'm sorry he doesn't make you laugh till you cry and stay up with you when you are sad. 

I'm sorry you can't recognize that I was once you. I've woken up with my make-up smeared on my pillow from the previous night.  I've stayed out all night laughing and carousing with friends. I've bought those same mixers you are now buying. I've put on my pre-game playlist and gotten ready with my friends. I've talked to douche bags at bars. I've traveled the world.  I've thought family life was boring and terrible.  I've been you and that's why I kept my comments to myself that night in Safeway. I've had my fun. But I've moved on. And hopefully so will you someday. 

And maybe I'm being presumptuous about you and your life as you were that night in Safeway about mine.  You assume my life is that of a boring old maid or mom who is miserable in my life. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth.  Your comments are sadly those of an ignorant, immature child who doesn't seem to know what she wants in life.  Or perhaps they are those of someone who knows exactly what she wants in life. Either way, you came off bitter and jealous.  I'm sorry for that.  

(And by the way, if you're so cool, what were you doing at the Safeway on a Friday night? Just sayin...)

I wouldn't trade my 'domestic Fridays' for anything in this entire world.  

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