Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Recent Purchases + #NSale


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Yay! My #nsale buys have arrived! Oh wait, I only bought ONE DANG THING from the sale. Everything sold out so quickly! I can’t believe it, next year I’m not gonna wait and instead buy all the things immediately. I did however, manage to buy a boatload of MAC (check out my fave lipsticks post) beauty products that I could have bought at anytime during the year. That’s just how life goes sometimes.

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These booties are a dream! I literally woke up at midnight and added them to my cart as soon as the sale started! I’m so glad I did too, because they sold out so quickly, and since I wear a size 10, there’s typically less of my size in stock. They are so pretty and soft in person and have nice cushioning inside so they should be comfortable for a full day of wear. I’m so happy I bought them, I can’t wait to wear them with skinnies and dresses. I would also really love to add some ankle height flat booties (maybe these?) to my closet too, they had a few pairs included in the sale, but all of them had sold out during early access.

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I was so excited about these sunnies, they’re a gorgeous blue and I thought they would be a sure thing. The color and shape are super cute and they were totally perfect, however, they just dominated my face and I ended up returning them. I’m so bummed they didn’t work for me. That’s the biggest drawback to online shopping, you never know how things will fit! Clothing is a bit easier sometimes if you’ve bought that brand before or if there’s a lot of reviews in terms of sizing, but not much can help you with the fit of sunglasses.

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This palette is so pretty!! The shades blend so beautifully together and are a really great mix of neutrals, making it super versatile for different skin tones and events. I’m not sure if I would call this a Holy Grail palette just yet (I want to play with it some more), but it is absolutely fantastic if you’re just starting out. It has fifteen eyeshadows, four permanent shades and four re-promoted shades. I think it’s more versatile than some of my other palettes in terms of every day shadow looks for me, I think I’ll wear more of these colors than I do in other palettes I own- 12 of 15 shades instead of 7 of 12, for example. The pots are full size, so it’s an amazing price point for the amount of shadows you get, and much more cost efficient than building your own palette through MAC.

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Springsheen // Dollymix Blushes
So in my Currently Craving post I talked about how I’ve been wanting Lovecloud or Peony Petal and when I checked them out in person, they looked like every other pink blush I owned. If you’re new around here, I own a million pink blushes that all range from light pink, bright pink, cool, warm, blue hued, etc. The colors are gorgeous, but seemed too similar to my faves Pink Swoon and I’m A Lover. Instead, I ended up going with Springsheen, a beautiful pinky peach shade with a golden pearl finish and Dollymix a bright candy pink. Yes, I own a ton of pinks, I just said that, (dramatic pause), but this one is much brighter and has shimmer, where as my other pink blushes do not. SHIMMER guys, I obviously needed it. Honestly though, I felt that it was different enough to add to my growing pile of blushes. Springsheen is beautiful and almost has a highlighter built in, when I wore highlighter with it the first time, my cheecks were like “BAM! Look at me!”. Between the two, I thought I’d be wearing Dollymix every day, but I have found myself reaching for Springsheen more and more. It’s seriously a lovely shade that blends so prettily on the cheeks.

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A few weekends ago, I went through my makeup drawers and cleaned out under my sink and found 12+ MAC products that were empty, expired, or haven’t seen the light of day in I don’t know how many years. If I’m not going to use a bright purple eyeshadow, I may as well turn it in for a pretty nude lipstick right? Pure Zen has been on my radar for a while, it’s a frost warm nude and a lot of my lipsticks are a pink/nude color and I loved that this one had a peach nude feel to it with just a hint of pink. Crème D’Nude is a peach nude as well, but I think it’s more nude than peach and is a warm enough color to keep it looking like concealer or giving me “dead” lips. I’ve been wearing them both a ton and I’m happy to add them both to my beauty drawer.

How did your #NSale shopping go? Did you score a ton of great stuff? I literally just bought this top after stalking it daily, I can't believe it came back into stock! I'm so excited, I know literally everyone has bought it, but I can't help myself when it comes to stripes. They're such a staple item for me and so easy to wear and layer. Did you miss out on anything? Keep checking back!

Thursday, July 28, 2016

#FreeToBe Bubble Painting with all® Free Clear

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FreeToBe #CollectiveBias

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Every summer, I love to get outside and enjoy the weather and outdoor activities we look forward to each year. It’s also the one thing I know can calm down a fussy or whiny child and is a sure bet to wear them out! Growing up, we always played outside and ate dinner nearly every night on the back patio and I love doing the same with the girls. Matt and I will have our friends over for a BBQ and set up our corn hole, chairs, and a blanket for the littles and spend the entire day in our backyard. I’m really going to miss these days when the summer is over!

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Something we’ve been enjoying a ton of is bubbles! For Ellie’s third birthday party we did a bubble theme and all the fun is still going strong! Emma just loves to watch them float around and Ellie loves to catch them with her butterfly net. It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do with the girls because we can do it at any time and it’s nearly a no cost activity. Since her party, we’ve been bubble painting like crazy! Today I wanted to share how to do it, using all® free clear detergent to get the best bubbles!

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- Mix 1 tsp all® free clear detergent with 1 C water, stir gently until soap is dissolved. I had to play with the measurements a bit, but this seemed the closest!

- Add a pinch of white sugar to help your bubbles last longer

- Add 1 drop of food coloring to create “paint”

- Mix food colorings to create different colors/shades

- Get to blowing and popping those bubbles!

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Ellie LOVES this activity! It’s fun and gives each of her artwork pieces something special and unique! It's something that gets us outside and while Ellie "paints" I'll blow non-colored bubbles at Emma. It's simple to make and is easy to clean up, which is a must for toddler activities.

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Everyone in our household has sensitive skin and we’re very careful with what soaps we use from top to bottom. We once left a blanket at a family member’s house who washed it for us before returning (so sweet of them!) and when Emma used it, she had a rash all over her! We had to re-wash the blanket in all® free clear detergent to make it safe again for her sensitive skin. When I was first pregnant with Eleanor in 2013, I was worried about choosing the right soaps and having everything ready for her arrival so we could snuggle her without worry. I did some research and found that all® free clear is the #1 Sensitive Skin brand and doesn’t contain any dyes, perfumes, or irritating residues.

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Since switching to all® free clear, I knew I could trust it with Emma’s arrival as well and I depend on it greatly since Emma has shown to have the most sensitive skin of us all. It's so nice not having to worry and being able to send her to daycare with bedding for her to sleep on. We love the all® free clear detergent and their all® free clear Mighty Pacs®, for a fresh scent and no fading color.  We pick up ours at Target, my favorite place to shop! Interested in continuing the conversation? Join the all® free clear community and connecting with parents just like you!

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

OOTD: Blush + White

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Top // Moto Jeggings // Pumps // Watch // Bracelet // Earrings (on sale under $30!)

My girlfriends and I have been stalking these moto leggings forever and on their Instagram I won a free item after posting this Lace and Celery outfit so I snagged these beauties right up! I love the detailing and zippers, plus they're extra comfortable! I'm definitely going to need more pairs. I think they'll be adorable with booties too. They run a bit small, so I would size up if you're between sizes. This blush top pairs perfectly with my rose gold accessories, and my Jord watch giveaway is still live (runs through 08/02/16), so be sure to enter!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Jord Wood Watch + Giveaway!

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Every morning when I get dressed, I put on a watch- I have to wear one. It’s a must-have accessory for me and I feel naked without it. Even if my battery were to die, I would still wear my watch out of habit. Watches are timeless pieces that you can wear for years and years and worth the investment. With the right care, even an inexpensive watch can last you a lifetime. At my office, I see people every day and always take note of their watches. I notice their size, band, style and if I see them regularly, if they switch them out as their day changes. What people choose in a watch can say a lot about them and asking them about it can make for a nice ice breaker as well. My Koa and Rosegold Wood watch from Jord has been a big conversation starter for me everywhere I go!

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Since it’s arrived, I’ve been wearing my Jord watch nearly every day. The Koa wood is gorgeous and the rosegold face is stunning. I love the balance it creates between masculine and feminine, it’s added a unique touch to my look each day. Each time I wear it, I always get asked about it “Is that a wood watch?”, “it’s mechanical?”, “I’ve never seen a wood watch before!”. A few weeks ago I was wearing it for a family lunch, and my cousin and uncle kept eyeballing it, they both love watches and said they needed to add a wood watch for their own collections.

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Jord has beautiful watches in a variety of styles, wood, and faces so I know there’s one for you! Click HERE to be entered into a drawing to win $75 towards a watch of your choice, and even if you don’t win, you’ll receive a $20 e-gift card for entering! How cool is that? The contest starts today through 08/02 at 11:59pm, so don't miss out!



Wooden Watch Review

Friday, July 22, 2016

Friday Faves

Happy Friday everyone!!! The weekend is finally upon us! These last few days have just flown by for me and I'm hoping the weekend won't feel as quick. Have you shopped the Nordstrom sale yet? I posted my faves this week and will be checking out my cart this morning! I can't wait for it to arrive, I'll be sure to post some OOTD and reviews for you guys. I didn't order too much and I'm hoping a few items will restock. Did you get anything?

This weekend we don't have much planned, hoping to get some cleaning and errands ran and head to church Sunday. Ellie's hair is baby fine and the ends get knotted really easily so we've toyed around with the idea of getting her hair cut. When I mentioned it to her she flipped out and covered her hair with her hands saying she didn't want to cut her hair and that it will hurt. Poor thing took forever to settle down and I felt so bad. I only even contemplated it thinking that it may be easier to brush with that little bit gone. I've thought about taking her to a princess salon and having her watch other girls trim their hair and see how she feels about it. If we don't cut her hair, it's no big deal, I'd be devastated anyways because she has the cutest of curls only at the ends and I hate the thought of losing them. 

This week's Friday Faves is a bit of this and that, hope you all enjoy!

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This week I was putting Emma to bed when Ellie came in to give her kisses and say good night, she saw my feet on my the rocker and talked about how my toes weren't painted. She immediately left the room and came back with a polish and a napkin (to keep under my toes) so that she could give me a pedi. It was so sweet so I told her once Emma was down she could do it. I'm so glad I let her! Usually I'm too OCD and afraid that she would make a huge mess, but it was no big deal. It was the sweetest and funniest thing I've ever seen. It was all over my toes and so thick and wet in spots, she was so careful to get all of my nails covered in paint, going slow and as meticulously as she could. It was just the cutest thing. She has a heart of gold that little one.


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How cute is this leather trio set from Sutter Sisters? I love the colors, it's going to be perfect for now and transitioning into cooler temps...whenever that will be! It's been over 100 every day this week so far! The dark floral is my fave! I'm in love with this cookies and milk bow too! I paired with this bubble romper and I can't wait to get Emma in it this weekend. Sutter Sisters is also offering 20% both their shops (here and here) with KRISTEN20, so be sure to grab a set or two! There's a ton of super cute bows, moccs, and purses for your little ladies.


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Emma's birthday is just around the corner and the first of her party decorations have arrived! I'm obsessing over this cake topper from Rustic Daisy Designs, it's absolute perfection! Before I had settled on a theme, I knew I had to have it for her big day. We're doing a garden party and when I saw these sweet felt flowers from Wholesale Bow Supply, a million ideas zipped through my head. This weekend I'll be doing a few more crafts and picking up some items and then I gotta go to work on the details. I'm so excited for her party and can't wait to share more with you guys!

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I shared this pic already on Instagram, but I'm always, always wearing a hair tie on my wrist but I try and hide it under my watch because it can be such an eye sore, Maria Shireen sent me this gorgeous rose gold bracelet and you can wear your hair tie in it! It's the most genius thing ever! I love the look with the hair tie in or out of it and that you can even change your hair tie to something fun and bright to get a whole new look or pop of color. The bracelet is really well made and I love that it takes something so ordinary and transform it to something beautiful. Another item I'm listing in the "why didn't I think of that" category. You can support postpartum awareness and support with their Charity Ties and $10 for each bracelet sold is donated to Postpartum Progress to help build healthier families and build and support women.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Thank you for stopping by!