Springing into Summer in Polka Dots

This adorable polka dot top has  been featured on the blog two times already, once featuring a professional spring look and again last spring paired with a floral skirt.  Today I am showing you a casual summer look.  I love when a piece of clothing is this versatile and I can wear it over and over again. This is one of the key features that I think about when adding new items to my closet.  Not only is it a financially important consideration, but I also really do want to be mindful of how my consumption of new items impacts the environment.  A couple of tips to help you think about how and when you should add new pieces:

1. Keep a list of items you would like to add to your closet, this avoids impulse purchases that you really don't need.
2. Get to know what's in your closet.  I don't have huge amounts of clothes in my closet/drawers, which means I am pretty much on top of what I have available to mix and match with any one item.  
3. Bring it home and make outfits.  If I am adding a $$ item to my closet I will often make up 3 -5 outfits before taking off the tags.  I like to make sure that I can wear it multiple ways before committing.

Anyway, back to the outfit.  This cute little outfit was perfect for our first HOT summer weekend.  We were going to do a few errands and it was just so dang cute, yet casual paired with denim shorts and flat sandals.  I love everything about this top, from the simple ruffle neckline, to the off the shoulder look (which I still love), and then add the bow shoulder ties.  It's just curtness overload, but without being tacky.  I added just the tiniest bit of sparkle by wearing my Hillberg and Berk initial necklace.  This little necklace is a daily staple and honestly I would recommend it as a gift for someone, or yourself.  

These running photos were actually taken because I was literally running from the rain.  Although it was a beautiful day, just as we went to take pictures the wind came up and was blowing intensely, that we had a hard time getting any descent pictures.  And then it threatened to rain but we already got everything we needed.  

Happy weekend and thank you for stopping by.  

Shop This Post:

Dex Polka Dot Top (old; Shein top)

ON Denim Shorts

Hillberg and Berk Necklace

3 Makeup Dupes to Save You Money

Hello!!!!  I am back.  This little unexpected hiatus just kind of happened.  Life got in  the way and honestly I didn't have the energy to do it all so I didn't.  Isn't that just the greatest gift of getting older?  You kind of learn to embrace, except and continue to move forward even when you drop the ball.  Anyway, today I am back finally sharing a post I've been meaning to for a long time now.  I am not a makeup guru and keep my supply actually pretty simple.  That being said, there are things I splurge on such as my Mac foundation, concealer and powder.  If you have a dupe that you think I need to try let me know, but I do love those products and I really appreciate being able to go into the store to have a trained person match my shade for me.  Everything else, I am kind of open to trying various things and here are three dupes that I think are 100% as good as the $$$ items I've purchased.

Stila Huge Extreme Lash Mascara $30  vs.  Voluminous Primer $7   & Voluminous Mascara $7

I got the Stila Huge lash mascara in my fabfitfun box and LOVED IT!!!!  I did purchase another tube on my own by the $$$ hurt and I really didn't want to continue to dish out that kind of money.  So I tried Voluminous Primer and Mascara combo.  You guys the primer makes a huge difference!  I am now on my second set of the combo and honestly I don't think I need anything more.  

Stila Stay All Day Eyeliner $29 vs.  Elf Intense H2O Proof Eyeliner $8

The Stila eyeliner was also in my fabfitfun box and it was super easy to use, but at $29 for a pencil I couldn't even entertain the idea.  My teen stepped in and introduced me to Elf Intese eyeliner and I see no difference.  Honestly, it's easy to use, great color, smudge proof, lasts all day, at a 1/3 of the price.  My daughter loves a lot of the Elf makeup products but this is the only thing I've tried so far.  

Mac Prep + Prime $40  vs.  The Ordinary High-Adherence Silicone Primer $5

Okay, the Mac primer I used for years.  I tried Smashbox and it wasn't good for my skin, I kept breaking out.  I would say the primer is fine.  I didn't love or hate it.  It got the job done and absorbed quickly and made my makeup go on nicely.  Well, guess what The Ordinary primer is 100% just as good in my opinion.  In fact I had an extra bottle of the Mac and I now prefer The Ordinary primer!!!!  And you guys is $5!!!!!

So there you have some of my dupes.  I don't mind spending a little extra here and there but lately I've decided to add a few key products into my skincare routine that I 100% feel are worth the investment as my skin is aging,  read about it here.  

Tell me your best dupes!!!!

Polka Dots and Kitty Kats

COVID really made me fall in love with lounge wear, 🤣.  I think we can all agree that the past year or so has made most of us trade in our fancy wear for comfort wear.  Sleepwear that make me feel pretty and comfortable  are a wonderful addition to my wardrobe.  In the past year or so  I've slowly added a few pieces of lounge wear that make me feel pretty such as my floral bathrobe, see here, and then some cozy winter pajamas here, and most recently I picked up this Joe Fresh set on a whim while getting a few groceries.  This little set was a steal of a deal for like $15 and my teen and I both loved it instantly.  It's super lightweight as the weather improves and the nights get warmer.  I love the little button down p.j. look that has made a comeback and kind of reminds me of something Blair Waldorf would wear in Gossip Girl, except hers would be silk and be coming from a designer not your grocery store find, LOL.   Anyway the style, color, polka dots, and the light weight fabric was just a win all around, and upon a closer look the cute kitty cats sealed the deal.  

I absolutely covet my weekend mornings.  During the week I am trying to find a balance of early morning run/workouts and time to blog and drink coffee before the busyness of the day starts at 7a.m. On the weekend Logan and I like to enjoy at least one morning of waking up, reading our books and drinking coffee.  This often lasts a couple of hours and we both love it sooooo much, especially now when we can enjoy our coffees on the deck with the warm morning sun.  The other day, usually Sunday, I get up and do a long run, then have coffee with Logan, followed by a couple of hours of meal prep before noon.  

What does your weekend morning routine look like?  

Do you have special sleepwear or do you wear whatever you can find?

Year Goal Update: Where I Am At

I wanted to check in with everyone to see where they are at in terms of their goals that  they set for themselves at the onset of  2021.  I like to have check-ins with myself every four or so months.  Its nice to see if I am making progress and reevaluate where I am in terms of those goals and also if the goals are still relevant to me.   If we've learned anything in the last year and a half is that we can and must pivot our paths when life  throws us curve balls.  So let's get right to it!

My word  for the year was CONNECTION.  I really needed that word to get me through the depths of this past winter that also coincided with that third pandemic wave.  There were a few times in February and even March where life just felt so hard and I felt very much alone.   My word of the year helped me by reminding me to focus on Connecting with Friends and finding ways to stay grounded.  So goal my first goal was...l.

#1 Relationships.  I've been able to connect with friends by getting outdoors either for walks, cross country skiing, running and now patio visits.  One of my closest friends and I run 2x a week so that always fills my cup, plus helps me reach goal #2.   I've also been making a conscious effort once a month  to set up a walking date with a friend that  I don't get to connect with on a regular basis.  Another relationship that I feel has grown  is my time with my teenager.  We've been spending a lot more time together in the car as I am trying to drive her a couple of times a month to her riding lesson which is 30 min. out of the city.  The roundtrip there, back and actually watching her ride is approximately  3 hours and since it's her passion, the focus of our time is strictly on her.  I try to mostly let her talk so I can get all the gossip that she is immersed in and it's a great way to check how things are going in her world.                        

#2 Run 1000km in a year.  I am on target for the most part.  At the end of April I had ran 344 km which averages around 80km/month.  I have also continued to include 1 or 2 beach body workouts/week to keep working on strength and switch things up.

#3 Read 12 books.  I am doing really well and have read 6 and listened to 2 audio books.  I am going to write a book review and update next month, for June 4th.

#4 Blogging.  I have not made headway in terms of getting a concrete working schedule that's predictable and untouchable.  Sigh.  This is something I know I have to figure out.  I am working at taking photos for several posts at one time so that I have a bigger bank to work from and don't have to do the photos weekly.  I have connected with a few people but would love to collaborate more!!!!  

#5 Finances.  We are still doing pretty well and actually reached the  goal I had in mind,  but then we bought a hot tub.  Hahaha.  We got a crazy great deal on a second hand hot tub from people my parents knew, and we just couldn't pass it up!!!!!    I don't know about where you live, but the price of wood here has gone up 300% so building a deck for the hot tub was costly.  We also want to build a gazebo type structure but  that's on pause.  All in all I haven't been buying much but at the same time I feel like I am spending more.  I think I need a finical one month check-in to see what I am actually doing with money.  I think I will do that in June, to check -in on my habits.  

#6 Photography.  I did my first lifestyle newborn shoot for a couple of friends and that was fun!!!!  It was  laid back and in their home.  I also took dance photos of my daughter and her friend  in our home and I think they turned out nicely. I am hoping to get back to shooting families in the summer when we can do work outdoors.  Please check out my page at A & H Snapshots.

                     

                         

                        

                     

That's a wrap for me!  Although my word seems less needed at this very minute, as things are started to change and hopefully will begin to open up over the next month, I still feel like its there in the background , for when I need to remember what I am striving for.  So although it's not at the forefront as much as it was in the first few months, I think that's what I needed in that moment.

Did you set goals?  Where are you now?  Do you check-in and reevaluate?  

Acid Wash Jeans Three Ways (Mom Edition)

 

If you follow me on IG (and do if you don't 😀), you might have seen my IG stories and my shopping adventure for jeans with my teenage daughter.  I don't own a lot of jeans, a pair or two, because they aren't something that I can wear to work other than Fridays so for the most part I tend to buy things that can double up as both work and home appropriate.  I have been saying I need to update my jean game for a while now but honestly didn't know where to start.  I also knew that I wanted to go with a "mom jean" look this time around, although I am still keeping my one pair of skinny jeans.  I wanted  high waisted, relaxed fit and a lighter denim for spring and summer.  I also needed to avoid holes because I can't wear them to work.  My daughter LOVES shopping at Garage Clothing so she took me there.  MOMS, I found not only one but two pairs of jeans I was really contemplating and they fit perfectly.  I was instantly drawn to these slightly acid washed, marble jeans but the other ones I tried on were more that classic look and light blue denim color.  The girl at the store said these might be a little more difficult to match and pair up with various tops, so I decided to bring them home and see what I had in my closet to go with them.  I have LOTS of options and ended up keeping them and loving them!!!  Here are three ways that moms who don't want to wear a crop top can style these jeans!

#1  Edgy Style:  Graphic Tee, Mom Jeans, Leather Jacket + Sneaks

I love this look, probably because it's a little bit like playing dress up for me.  If you are a regular reader you've probably noticed I am more of the classic and feminine, flirty, style.  But I absolutely love this look and feel completely comfortable in it.  A good oversized graphic tee, my leather jacket and sneaks.   I also through some shades on because a) it's spring and sunny and b) they add a little more drama. Weekend ready!

#2 Off to the Office:  Mom Jeans, Oversized Blazer + Pumps

They totally work for the office and  you are ready to meet up for a drink on a patio right after work!  I love how this look came together and it's one that I have already worn to work and had a ton of complements on.  I added some H & B sparkle to the outfit with the earrings and a simple initial necklace, and even though I have to wear a mask in the school, when I am gong to be having zoom meetings, I also through on some bold read lipstick.  

#3 Pop of Color:  Jean, Shoes & top same color family, Pop of color (purse/jewelry)

I love my Kate Spade bag and it's bold color!  It's a favorite in my closet in the spring/summer and always puts a smile on my face.  One day when we are allowed to travel again, a visit to a Kate Spade store is going to be right up there on my list.    This look is fairly monochromatic with the greys and blues, and the unexpected pop of coral from the purse just gives this outfit enough interest without being flashy or trying too hard.

Thanks for stopping by friends!  Have a lovely weekend.  

 

Shop This Post:

Garage Clothing Mom Jeans

Garage Clothing Graphic Tees  (old; similar Levi's Varcity Tee)

Kate Spade purse (old; similar)

 

 

Spring Dress: Flirty and Smooth

Finding normal in the third wave of the pandemic has been somewhat challenging.  I think part of me kept wishing and hoping that life would surely return to normal one year post shut down but it hasn't worked out like that.  That being said we've gotten into new habits and they aren't all bad, such as walking outdoors daily, seeing friends but only outdoors including in the winter months, my youngest daughter and friends have been gathering outdoors for old school games and using the playground.  Last Friday evening we unexpectedly had kid free time upon us, Anya was going to the park with friends and Halie was at horseback riding for a few hours and my dad had taken her.  Mr. and I got a little dressed up and headed out on a beautiful spring evening.  Since we are back to only having immediate family in our homes, although we can sit outdoors with up to 10 people, and we can be at a restaurant in groups of four, we gave friends a call to see if they wanted to meet up for patio drinks.  My BFF/ running mate  and her husband joined us and we had the BEST time.  We laughed, like belly laughed, while being watched and attacked by pigeons.  We talked about serious stuff but also laughed about parenting tweens and shared stories of the past.  It was an evening that filled my bucket and my JOY meter was once again full.  

I also took the opportunity to snap some photos of my outfit for the blog.  You guys, I get sooooooo embarrassed when people see me taking photos!  Anyone else?  Any tips?  I just hate it.  Anyway, I love this dress and it's absolutely perfect, I think it's the perfect combination of being flirty but smooth.  One of the Pantone colors for spring is green ash, and they describe it as " a mentholated green that cools and soothes." I love it's simplicity, but also the flirty cute ruffle sleeves e.  Another great feature of the dress is the fuller skirt that begs a person to do a twirl, which of course I just couldn't resist.  I paired the dress with some striped wedges, stacked delicate bracelets for a little bling, clutch and my trench coat but I also think this would be super cute with a denim jacket.  This is my first spring purchase this year and I got it from a friend that was running on online boutique but has since expanded her family and was selling out the last of her 2020 stock.  I've linked the dress by the same company below.  

What are you adding to your spring wardrobe this year?

 

Shop This Look:

Mikarose Dress 

Hillberg and Berk (sparkle bracelets)