Oh how I love to shop.

June 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

And guess where I get to shop for FIVE straight days with no kids??? None other than NYC! We leave in a month and I am so excited! Yes, we are planning on doing a few other things that don’t involve shopping, but man am I ready to hit 5th avenue and Soho! So, here’s a little huge list of things I’ve got my eye on. We’ve been planning this trip for a while, and we are staying for free {Marriott rewards points = sweet hook up at the Ritz!} and flying for free {thank you to Trey’s company for all of those airline miles he’s racked up to and from DC}. So, that leaves our budget for mainly shopping and eating!

 

New York Shopping List

 

Clearly I won’t be buying all of this! It’s just a list to help me prioritize, otherwise I’ll spend all of my budget on the first day! I’ve been eyeing a new pair of white jeans for a while now. That gold watch has been tried on many, many times. Oh and the flats, too. After traveling to the beach I realized I need a fun makeup bag. The mint-y striped tank is from Uniqlo- a new-to-us store we can’t wait to check out. And the coffee mug- I always buy a coffee mug on vacation to add to my collection. I broke my last Jonathan Adler one not too long ago, so I’ll be looking for a replacement. The wrap bracelet- I just love it! The Kate Spade earrings would be a nice happy-anniversary-to-me if I do say so myself. And, I’ve always wanted a cashmere sweatshirt {y’all know how much I love my sweatshirts}. So, we’ll see what I end up buying, but it sure has been fun browsing online and making a wish list for NYC! The countdown is on!
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Birchbox.

January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Confession. I am a makeup junkie. You wouldn’t know it, because I don’t wear a ton, but I love makeup. LOVE. IT. I would buy new products daily if the budget allowed.

I wish this was my vanity.

 

 

No seriously. The table, the lights, and all of those products. I want!

Well, to help feed my obsession, Jenn gave me a subscription to Birchbox for Christmas. She knows how much I love to try out new products- I’m a sucker for samples- so this was the perfect gift!

I hadn’t heard of Birchbox, but it is an online beauty store similar to Sephora’s site. It has all of the brands of skin care, makeup, hair products, etc. I get one box per month filled with 4-5 samples of products picked especially for me based on the questions I answered when I did my profile. And, the website is also full of articles and how-to videos.

My first box came in the mail last week. It had five new-to-me products and I’ve had fun trying them! A few of the samples included this time: dry shampoo {I’ve been a huge fan for a while, but this was a brand I hadn’t tried}, navy eye liner, and a great pink lip gloss! Love it.

I’ll let you know when I find any “keepers” that I buy and add to my {still organized} makeup drawer!

So, if you’re looking to try some new stuff without having to really commit, or looking for a fun, unique gift… Birchbox is your answer!

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There is just one thing I neeeeeed.

December 19, 2011 By 2 Comments

Ok, maybe not just one. Alas, here is my {Under $100} Christmas wish list. You can click on the picture to get all of the sources.

1. Capri Blue Candle, Volcano, from Anthropologie. Yes, that’s the scent you smell when you get home and unwrap your Anthropologie goods. I’ve never had one of their candles, but I’ve always wanted my house to smell like that!

2. Comfy sweatshirt from JCrew. I have a knock-off of this from Target and you can ask Trey- I wear it almost every day. It is sad, I know. But I would love to upgrade to this version. A comfy gray sweatshirt is probably one of my top five favorite things of all times.

3. Williams Sonoma Christmas Carols Mugs. I want a set of Christmas coffee mugs, and these are beautiful!

4. Anthropologie Spoon Rest. Pretty much anything from Anthropologie that is under $100 should go on this list. But I love this spoon rest!

5. Joule sweatshirt. I saw it on this blog and I love sweatshirts {see #2}. It is 59 Euros. Is that under $100? Too lazy to google that, but I want it no matter what.

6. Le Creuset baking dish. I love this color.

7. Anthropologie dish towel. I got the Birthday one from Krista for my birthday and I love it. Now I need to make it part of a collection.

8. Kate Spade iPhone case. My Otterbox has seen better days and I’m ready for something pretty and not practical.

9. Fresh Sugar Lip Balm. Jenn says it’s the best. I can’t wait to try it!

10. Anthropologie Pot Holders. Again, I’ll take anything from their kitchen section. However, my pot holders are mostly wedding gifts. That means they are 10 years old. So, technically, I need these.

Oh, I almost forgot. In my Over $100 Christmas Wish List Post, I mentioned some knock off Lululemon Groove Pants. I got this Target version and I love them. They may not be “magic” like the groove pant, but they are definitely meeting the need of a comfy yoga pant to accompany my gray sweatshirt from Target!

 

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I don’t want a lot for Christmas…

November 29, 2011 By 4 Comments

Ok so our Christmas budget doesn’t really allow for me to get even ONE of these things for Christmas, but it doesn’t hurt to dream, right? I thought I’d share my top wants {over $100} with you today… maybe your Christmas budget is bigger than mine and this will inspire your list!

Here are my favorite things {right now} from left to right:

  1. Sperry Top-Sider rain boots in purple. I need them for the 4 times a year it rains/snows in Dallas. ;)
  2. Seven for All Mankind skinny jeans. I only own a cheap pair of skinny jeans and need to add to my designer jean collection.
  3. A Tiffany gold everyday necklace. I have an everyday silver necklace but I’m feeling the gold these days. (see #8)
  4. Mac Book Pro. Have I told you the computer I am blogging on at the moment was purchased in TWO THOUSAND FOUR??? Yessiree. I am blogging on an artifact right this very minute.
  5. Ray-Ban Sunglasses. I bought a pair of cheap aviators and have worn the heck out of them. I think it’s time for a real pair.
  6. Givenchy Hot Couture perfume. This is not over $100 but I need the small one too, for my purse. :) I love this scent and get compliments on it whenever I wear it.
  7. Lululemon Groove Pant. I read on a blog somewhere that these are magic pants and I totally agree. I tried some on but didn’t purchase them. I did get some cheaper ones at Target and they are a good substitute for now.
  8. Gold Chunky watch. I have a great everyday watch but would love something like this to bling up an outfit!
  9. A new peacoat. I love the camel color but since making this board I actually purchased a black one from Banana. I love it. The last peacoat I owned was purchased in 2001. And, yes, I wore it last winter.
  10. Frye Melissa Button Boots in black. I’ve drooled over these for over a year. Someday, Sherry. Someday.

If you click on the picture it will take you to the sources. What’s on your list? Can’t wait to add to mine!

P.S. I’ll be doing an under $100 list too. Coming soon!

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My makeup must-haves

August 18, 2011 By 5 Comments

First, before I forget, I have some fun news! Jennifer just got featured on Apartment Therapy’s Ohdeedoh Blog! Tripp’s nursery is THE CUTEST NURSERY EVER and I am so excited that Jenn’s hard work and amazing design skills are being shown to a bajillion readers. You can see the feature on his nursery here.

Now on to the important topic of makeup. If you’ve known me forever, you know I haven’t always worn a lot of makeup. In high school I was a mascara and Burt’s Bees chapstick kind of gal. In college I wore a little more, but it probably wasn’t until the last five or so years that I have expanded on my daily beauty regimen. Part of wearing more makeup has been out of necessity {hello, I am 31, remember}, but a lot of it is that I really didn’t know what makeup worked for me. I started to experiment a ton and over the last few years I’ve found some definite keepers. I still don’t wear gobs of makeup, but my daily routine is definitely more than mascara and chapstick. ;)

If forced to, I could live with only these eight items in my makeup drawer.  I use most of these every single day and pretty much can’t live without.

my makeup must-haves

From left to right:

  • Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara in Jet Black, Waterproof.
  • The Present by Philosophy. It’s a moisturizer and primer in one. I still use a separate moisturizer because I have very dry skin, but this helps my makeup go on even and stay put all day.
  • Laura Mercier Lip Gloss. I have loved every color I’ve tried of this, but my favorite for the summer is Desert Rose
  • Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh. This makes my lips soft and is especially useful in the winter months.
  •  Benefit’s Smokin’ Eyes. I love this kit! It comes with everything I need for my eyes and it is all in one place. After it starts to run low, I’ll probably replace with individual Benefit products, but I have loved this easy, go-to kit for my eyes.
  • NARS the Multiple Sticks. I have a pink color for a quick touch of color for cheeks and lips, and a shimmer color for highlighting. The pink color is my favorite beauty product period.
  • Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. I was a Clinique girl for foundation forever, but about a year ago I switched to this and oh my goodness. It has made a huge difference in my foundation regimen. I pair it with LM’s loose powder and eye illuminator and I’m covered all day.

I have a lot more than eight products in my makeup drawer. I am definitely addicted to trying out new ones, too! My college friend Emily recently posted her  Working Mom Survival Kit, and there are a couple of new-to-me products I can’t wait to try. How about you? What makeup can you not live without? Please share. I’m always looking for new ways to spend money at Nordstrom! :)

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25 things I love about Dallas

July 11, 2011 By 6 Comments

Dallas_Skyline_01

We’ve lived in the Dallas area for 9 years. That’s a long time, folks. From someone who was born in West Texas, it took me a while to love this big place. But, alas, I DO. So, today I though I’d share 25 of my favorite things about Dallas. I’m sure I could think of more, but 25 sounds like a good number to start with. They are in no particular order.

  1. Northpark Mall. Best shopping in DFW. Period.
  2. The plethora of taco stands. Torchy’s Tacos is my new fave.
  3. Chuy’s. Need I say more?
  4. The Cowboys. Always been a fan. I still love you, Troy.
  5. The Mavericks. 2011 NBA Champions. I heart Dirk.
  6. The Rangers. Love me a hot dog at The Ballpark.
  7. Keller’s Hamburgers. Poppy-seed bun? YES.
  8. Neiman Marcus. Hello.
  9. Joe T. Garcia’s. Technically not Dallas, but Fort Worth is close enough.
  10. The State Fair of Texas. Corn Dog. Fried Anything.
  11. Fearings. BEST. MEAL. EVER.
  12. The Mansion at Turtle Creek. Where we celebrated our first anniversary.
  13. The SMU Campus. Beautiful wedding chapel and also great for an after-dinner, date-night stroll with the hubs.
  14. West Village. Love to shop and eat here. Especially when it is not 100 degrees outside.
  15. Society Bakery. I said this list was in no particular order, because if  it was, you know where this would be. Bring on the cupcakes.
  16. Five-Sixty by Wolfgang Puck. 30th birthday celebrated here. The bomb.
  17. Tillman’s Roadhouse. Brunch. Lunch. Dinner. Anytime.
  18. Central Market. I love to take the kids here for a lunchtime outing.
  19. Freebirds. This love carried over from College Station.
  20. Sample House & Candleshop. Best place to buy a gift. For myself.
  21. Chiloso. It followed us from Rockwall and we are so happy.
  22. In-N-Out Burger. Praise the LORD this made it to Texas.
  23. Pokey O’s. Soft and gooey Snickerdoodle with Blue Bell. Thankyouverymuch.
  24. The Dallas Arboretum. Beautiful. Anytime of the year, but especially during “Dallas Blooms”.
  25. Cafe Brazil. Their coffee bar is the best. And their french toast is pretty great, too.

What do you love about where you live?

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Lots of Links

March 10, 2011 By 3 Comments

First, you need to click HERE to watch a video of Jack. I have his pacifier attached to him with one of those pacifier clips and he can’t seem to figure out how to get it to stay in his mouth. We were cracking up and I think you will too.

I’m a little late, but if you haven’t read Big Mama’s blog post about the God who is worth our devotion, you need to. It is EXACTLY what I believe about my relationship with Christ. Whether you are a believer or not, take a minute to read Melanie’s heartfelt post that is TRUE, y’all.

I found this new blog that made me smile. It has Kate Middleton pics and funny commentary. Great stuff.

I want this purse organizer from a shop on Etsy. Does this make me a dork? Oh well. I want many other things on Etsy, too. It’s almost as bad as my J Crew obsession.

And, this isn’t a link, but I know you need to see a picture before you go! I caught Chloe sitting just like this talking on the phone to Mary Grace (her cousin) the other day. Such a mess.

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I’m obsessed with J Crew.

March 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Someone needs an intervention. Me! I can’t stop shopping at J Crew. Every time I walk in, I find another something that I need! I guess that means I just shouldn’t go anymore. But then I’d shop online anyway, so that’s not a solution. Anyway, here are my favorite must-haves:

I want this shirt to wear with my white skinny jeans. It also comes in a green color called dark seaweed. I need it.

I almost bought this dress for a good friend’s wedding in two weeks, but thought the color might wash me out a little, so I bought a similar one in black. But I love this dress!

This skirt would be so cute with a white tee and some espadrilles. It looks a little short on one of the models, but she looks really tall. Since I’m opposite of both model and tall, I think it’d fall somewhere right above the knee for me.

I bought this Suckered Plaid Shirt because I felt it was calling my name. Then I saw it on a friend’s blog, so I must be doing something right! I love it…brings the flannel/plaid look into spring. I can’t wait to wear it with my denim shorts and Sperrys, or over my new black dress with some fun sandals like these or these.

There are 100 more things I could list! I love getting fashion ideas from others online, so I thought I’d share mine. My favorite spots to look are I like It, I love it, Big Mama’s Fashion Friday, and Cardigan Impire (all are links in the column to the right). I know there are more fashion blogs out there, so tell me if you have one you love!

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A week in iPhone pics

February 2, 2011 By 2 Comments

Tuesday- find out there is a Chiloso coming to North Dallas. It was our favorite breakfast spot in Rockwall, and now it will be 5 minutes from our house instead of 30. YAY.

 

Wednesday- watch Chloe write her name for the first time all by herself! It may look like not much to you, but to me that is one beautiful name!!

Thursday- shop with my two favorites at Lowe’s to buy a curtain rod for the master bedroom.

Friday- Chill out with these two girls and their brothers. Chloe LOVES Lola, and I do too!

Saturday- Have our daily ritual of  a pretend birthday-tea-party with {fake} cookies and {real} coffee (for me).

Sunday- Enjoy the family at our {weekly} visit to Chuy’s. Also, Jack gets to eat a tortilla for the first time. Will he love Mexican food like his parents and sister? I think so!

Monday- Find this lamp at TJ Maxx for our bedroom. Score!

Tuesday- Stay at home and in pj’s for Ice Day and play with this little guy. He’s showing off his first battle wound which happened while I was holding him. I think it hurt me as much as him! 

Well, that’s a typical week of pictures from my phone.  I love that I always have it with me and I often find myself looking back at all the pictures I’ve taken on it since July ’08. My Camera Roll has over 1,400 pictures, which means A TON of memories. Although I love my new DSLR and enjoy it almost daily, the iPhone will always be my way of documenting life through pictures. I’m glad you stopped by to look at a few of them today!

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PSA: I love J.Lo

January 27, 2011 By 4 Comments

 

And I always have. Not sure when my love for her began, but I think it was sometime after watching her for the billionth time in The Wedding Planner opposite my favorite Matthew. I faithfully kept up with her marriages/engagements especially when Ben was involved. Thank you, US Weekly. I even bought a fake ring just like her pink engagement ring to wear in Hawaii. I am a total dork, I know. But, I had two friends lose their wedding rings on trips, so I knew my real one wouldn’t be going with me. When I went to buy a cheap-o ring, the fake, huge pink diamond won me over. And, by the way, you wouldn’t believe how many compliments I got on it.  How could anyone think it was real? But they did, people. Crazy.

After watching The Back-Up Plan Monday night and American Idol for the last two weeks, I’d say I’m still as big a fan as I was when she was Jenny from the block. And, if I didn’t love her, I’d still love her hair. It is absolutely fabulous. Do you love J.Lo or am I the only one?

PS- American Idol. It has hooked me again this season. I thought I would miss Simon, and I do, but so far this season has been fun. And there is definitely talent. Did you see the kid last week that sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow? Holy smokes. And, to make it even better, we are letting Chloe watch a little of it with us. Not sure if that is good or not but she LOVES singing and LOVES to watch it. So, we’ll be tuning in every week again this year, despite my claims otherwise.

Thank you for reading this Public Service Announcement. The End.

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