50 x Fifty Update

July 31, 2014
bags


So my birthday is this weekend and if you haven't noticed with my recent wish list I am excited!  Yes I know, this is a milestone and I am okay with it!  It is a pretty surreal.  I have gotten so many surprised reactions from people when I tell them I am turning 50 that it has actually made me feel pretty good!  Just yesterday a new acquaintance I made wanted to know what eye cream I use because she could not believe it when I told her my age! Makes me feel pretty darn good! So I figured it was time for an update on my 50 x fifty list!  I still have several things to check off, but I did allow the list to be for the whole year not just up until my birthday.  

the one thing I really learned from this list is that it became something to reach for.  Obtainable goals o work into everyday life.  Several times my girls at the office have asked "so what on your list have you done, or what needs to be done? " It has been great and I may do a smaller version every year for goal settings! So here it is... the list! 

1.   Attend  "Blog Shop" preferably in person
2.   Visit Gayle, my bff She spent the long 4th weekend here during my staycation!
3.   Shop in the West Bottoms on First Fridays
4.   Finally have my Grandmothers barrel chair reupholstered
5.   Go on vacation in Naples  I sent Joe for three weeks and took a staycation... does that count? I think so!
6.   Complete the redesign and branding of my blog.  Keeping the design I love and the branding has been coming along well.
7.   Completely redecorate my Master bedroom (Picking paint now) Almost finished
8.   Do something just for me...every week  Loving this one and so doing it every week!
9.   Lose 20 lbs
10. Take a photography class
11. Girls road trip weekend
12. Invest in another designer bag I have it narrowed down... did you see my birthday list?
13. Clean out my closet (for real, deep clean what is never ever going to be worn again) DONE!
14. Take all the grand kids to the zoo Spent Mother's Day 2014 with them!!
15. Go to Dallas for the Weekend
16. Try Bangs... again!  Completed Feb 27 and I actually am enjoying them!
17. Take a yoga class  Woot!  The girls and I currently are in a class.
18. Make a weekly meal plan and follow it Working at it.. still needs a little work
19. Start a new linkup on my blog, Who wants to join?
20. Partner with more brands I love Working this one for sure and love all the new opportunities.
21. Have a stay cation
22. Create a gallery wall (Already gathering the pieces) Completed and on the blog very soon!
23. Take new professional blog head shots Done... but may take a few more.
24. Have my blog featured Thrilled this happened here and here .
25. Do a 5k Already planned for August
26. Visit a local winery
27. Create a will
28. Bake a carrot cake from scratch (my sis in laws mother's recipe I shared here)
29. Shop at the new Ikea... Opening in KC this fall
30. Try a new candle fragrance Love this one!
31. Answer all emails timely  This is going well!
32. Transition from Vegetarian to Paleo..... this is a little scary Decided against this...
33. Pay for the persons coffee in line behind me
34. Write more handwritten notes and snail mail send them Needs some work here
35. Try 3 new to me restaurants  One down , two down, there down!!
36. Try something new on the menu at my favorites places to eat (I'm a creature of habit) This was easier than I imagined!
37. Share words of affirmation with my kids every week for encouragement  Accomplishing this and starting to see the results of positive actions from them.
38. Attend Go Blog Social again (Here in KC this April) Missed it!  But not next year.
39. Bake gluten free treats Have them... just need to bake them now!
40. Host a party at my house
41. Attend my nieces wedding in Minneapolis
42. Plant a vegetable garden Total fail....
43. Take updated family photos with all my boys
44. Take my daughter in law shopping at Nell Hills (The best shopping ever)
45. Surprise my mom with a visit
46. Eat the brown M&M's last (inside joke for those that know me) Gab forced me... but I did it.
47. Go to a concert  Amos Lee at the Uptown March 4th
48. See a Dermatologist Completed and so glad I went. 
49. Give up something other than cookies for lent. Completed!
50. Celebrate my birthday in style Did you see my wish list? 

Beauty Favorites

July 24, 2014
Beach
Hi everyone!!  How is your week going so far?  With summer heating up and the sweltering temps it can sometime be challenging to feel fresh and put together.  I wanted to share a few new beauty favorites of mine.  I recently cut 6 inches of my hair off.  Yes... 6 inches.  It was looking drab and lifeless and I was so ready for a change and with my birthday approaching what better time then now to begin a new year with a fresh doo!!  With every thing we put our hair thru it's no wonder some of us have any body and bounce to it at all.  I have thick hair so a conditioner is a must.  Introducing S Factor by Tigi Serious Conditioner. 
 The name Serious Conditioner does not play around either.  This stuff is serious and it doesn't hurt that it smells so good.  I have definitely noticed a change in my hair since adding this to my hair care.  Serious Conditioner is available in tubes or a tub which is a better buy, adds moisture while deeply conditioning your hair to help protect it from the summer wear and tear we put our hair thru.    I recently stocked up with 6 tubes it's that good! 



These.... are a game changer.  I know several of you have heard of them, and for that matter I'm sure alot of you have used them.  I know girls use them because there are too many ooompa loompas running around.  Yes I said it.... some girls turn orange.  Loreal Tan Towels are fabulous and I didn't turn orange. I don't recommend using them for several days straight as I don't know what color you will turn, but I can bet you it wouldn't be pretty!  I bought the body towels and cut each one into 4's sealing them up in a ziplock baggie to stay fresh until the next time you need one.  

 I protect my face from the sun with an SPF 30 and a hat to prevent any more aging.  These tan towels are perfect for evening out your skin tone on your face to blend with your neck and shoulders without the harmful effect of the sun.  They are designed for the body but gentle enough for the face without feeling heavy or clogging your pores.  Loreal Towelettes are infused with Vitamin E and Alpha Hydroxy Acid to smooth and soften your skin.  

Thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate your face, then pat dry.  Then take one of your cut sections of the tan towel and gently rub over your entire face gently making sure to go all the way to the hair line and to the ears and over the chin.  Toss the used towel away and rinse your hands well with soap to prevent yellowing of your nails.  Once your face is dry you may apply your makeup and go on with your day.  Your color will gradually appear over the course of the next few hours.  I am happy with my color and it last about three days before I would even consider applying again.  

 What beauty finds have you come across lately?  Shop for these and more below.










#NSale Weekly Favorites

July 23, 2014
Events
For this weeks favorites I've curated some of my favorite pieces that I have my eye on at the Biggest sale of the year.   Nordstrom's Anniversary sale began last Friday and it's  a sale you don't want to miss.  They only have these great prices for a limited time so don't miss out on fabulous opportunities to score big for your closet.   My list is plenty big including this Kate Spade case, a new pair of Tory Burch sandals, and in preparation for fall... these gorgeous over the knee boots.  I love both of these jackets and at the sale price I can get them both too!! 

 My favorite fashions and designers are on sale and I love getting rewards for shopping for sale items too.  Want to earn rewards just for purchasing what you love?    Sign up for the debit card and all purchases will be taken out of your bank account (this is what I do) and you still receive the Nordstrom rewards :) 


Tory Burch Sandals / Paige Denim Jeans  / Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac  / Michael Kor's Watch  / P J Salvage P J's  / Enzo Angiolini Boots / Sam Edelman Quilted Jacket / Kate Spade Phone Case / Laura Mercier Makeup / Thread and Supply pea coat 


Shop this post and more below!








Linking up here too.


Tip my Hat

July 22, 2014
fashion
Either you can wear a hat or you can't!  Which are you?  I can wear a hat and rock it pretty comfortably all day so when I picked up this hat at H&M I knew it would be versatile all summer.   I have long worn a baseball cap for the days I need a quick hair solution on the weekends for errands, and you will always find me at the pool or beach with a hat in my bag.  This is definitely more fashionable than a baseball cap don't you think?  The humidity and temperatures were high the day I wore this outfit so light colors were in order for a day of outside shopping.  I prefer to shop outside malls rather than larger enclosed malls.  I think the enclosed malls distract me from shopping and I end up frustrated.  Do you ever feel that way too?
 In case your wondering about these sunnies that are on my birthday list I posted here, these are Gayle's I borrowed for a test drive to see if I really liked them.... and I do!  If you follow me on instagram, than you know that I cut 6 inches off my hair after these pics were taken.  I was so ready for a change and could not believe it was so long.  I can't wait to share pictures with shorter hair to see what you think!










Jeans (Exact) ~ Blouse (Exact, option, option ) ~ Hat (Options here and here) ~ Sunnies (Exact, options on sale too) ~ Necklace c/o (similar, love this one too) ~ Watch (Exact, love this one) ~ Bracelet (Exact in diff color here, options here, here and here) ~ Shoes ( Almost identical options here, here, and here) ~ Clutch c/o (Exact, love these option, option, option, and this option) ~ Toes (Exact, options here and here)


Like this outfit? Then Shop this post and more below! 












Black and Blue

July 21, 2014
Ann Taylor
Happy Monday!  I remember growing up things you didn't do were mixing patterns, and black and blue together!  Ha... things have come along way! I picked up this Loft sweater on sale recently for the whole purpose of draping it over my shoulders. I paired it with all black and a few pops of white in my accessories to complete the look.  I have been steering away from so much black in my outfits with bold colors and pops of neon.   This blue and white softens up the black well.  

 We are having unseasonable cooler weather at night and while the days are plenty warm, you can get a little chill in the evenings.  I love that this outfit stills looks light and summery while still being functional while out.  Restaurants are generally freezing and I hate to sit in the cold and you never know if a movie theater will be cold. 

Loft-blue -sweater-black-cami


Alexis-Bittar-Lucite-Earrings-Loft-Sweater

Draping-sweater-loft-aura-necklace

link-necklace-alexis-bittar-earrings



loft-sweater-black-slim-pants

Chanel-sunglasses-aura-necklace-loft-sweater


Sweater (Options here and here) ~ Tank Cami  (Options here and here) ~ Pants (Exact)  ~ Earrings (exact, options here and here) ~ bracelet (exact, and this one too) ~ Wedges (option) ~ Sunnies (love these here , here, and here) ~  Necklace (Exact) ~ Lip color (Exact, this option is pretty too) Toes Exact 


Enjoy this look?  Shop the post below and for more options.











#NSALE Shopping

July 18, 2014
bags



Today is the day!  Are you ready for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?  I know I have been anxiously awaiting.  This is literally the biggest sale of the year among finer department stores!   There are tons of beautiful pieces at wonderful prices.  The best part is that they are pre-fall items, not discounted spring/summer pieces!  I've curated some of my favorite pieces that I have my eye on.  Want to earn rewards just for purchasing what you love?   Don't want another credit card?  Sign up for the debit card and all purchases will be taken out of your bank account (this is what I do) and you still receive the Nordstrom rewards :)  So what are you waiting for.... lets get to shopping! 


What is on your #NSale list?  I'd love to hear!  XO



Sheer Blue

July 17, 2014
Bracelets
 I  mentioned last week that my best girl was back in town.  She took these pictures for me as we headed out for dinner on the plaza. We had a wonderful  long weekend catching up and just enjoying some girl time.  I cannot believe summer is half way over too!  I mentioned last year several times that I really wanted to add more color to my wardrobe.... and particularly the color blue.  Do you ever just look at your closet and feel it's missing a spectrum of the rainbow?  The good news is... I now find myself shopping for blues and greens, with pink always an option!  

 What I want to point out is this blouse is my first purchase from H&M.  I have mentioned before that I always felt like it was geared for much younger girls, and cut for them too.  Gayle talked me into giving them another try and I am glad I did.  We found this perfect longer blouse for wearing with legging.  I love that the shoulders are a full cut too so a strapless bra isn't necessary.  I layer my blouse over a lace bandeau, threw on my favorite wedges and it was a comfy outfit for a girls dinner, and for running around it's perfect with flats too.  I picked up several pieces form H&M and love them all.  I'm so glad I gave them another chance.  Now that's not to say I will always be this lucky there, but I will keep it as an option for sure!  Do you have a store that you pass on?  Maybe you should give them another look.... I'm glad I did!   









Blouse  (Options, options) ~ Shoes (Exact, These are great too) Leggings ~ Chain bracelet c/o ~ Loren Hope Bracelet ( exact, love this one) ~ Dainty blue bracelet c/o ~ Monogram necklace (Exact, Options here, and here)  ~ Single initial necklace c/o (options here, and here) ~ Polish



 

Weekly Favorites

July 16, 2014
arm party

Maya-Brenner-Necklace-Alex-Ani-bracelet



Happy Wednesday friends!  I am sharing this weeks favorites hot on the heels of my birthday list!  I bet your asking how these didn't make the list aren't you?  Well... I couldn't make the list too big now could I ?! Some favorites that caught my eye are these 
Alex and Ani bracelets.  I have seen a few friends wearing them and love them.  I want a stack of about three to add to my bracelet collection and what better than my initial.  You can't go wrong there! I also love this, and this for my stack!  Speaking of initials...  Maya Brenner  jewelry is such a dainty option and I love the triple initial necklace.  I would have my three boys initials of course.  This is a perfect  Option  as well.   The new Kate Spade Agenda for 2015 has been released and I love the green.  It is not easy to switch up from the polka dots in gold but hey... every girl needs a little switch up every now and then right? 



With my gallery wall finally in place in my office I am ready to start taking photographs and share my work space with you.  I have the perfect spot in my office for this Boll and Branch cable throw to curl up with on fall nights. Doesn't is just look cozy?    Now I know you have seen the pineapple love this year all over the place, but tell me... how stinkin cute are these Hattan Home jars? Seriously?  I love them.  No favorites would be complete without sandals or pink... or better yet both!  These  Loeffler Randall Sandals are screaming summer fun!  


So what are some of your favorites right now?  Share with me what's going on in your world today!! 
Linking up here too. 


My Birthday List

July 14, 2014
arm party
My Birthday is coming up...and not just any birthday, but the big one!!  Yes... I will be turning 50 on August 3rd.  So... with that being said I decided to round up a few things that are on my list.  I tend to be a sentimental person when it comes to gifts but this year I am leaning more towards fabulous treats for me!  Who wouldn't want a Disco bag for their birthday... or a new pair of Sunnies and a great stack of new bracelets!  This girl that's who!! I want  every. Single. Thing. on this list! 





1 / 2  / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7  / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 /14



Shop this post below.














Zoku Slush Maker

July 10, 2014
Cocktails
With the temperatures finally warming up cool refreshing treats are a must.   I like a frozen treat or drink but not always chunky icy treats.  Enter the Zoku Slush Maker.  I received my Zoku Slush and Shake maker a few weeks back from Zoku to try out and make a few fun treats with it.   With several colors to choose from I selected the blue. My son was all excited about it and was the first to want a shake. 
It is so simple and perfect for a quick frozen treat without a lot of fuss or dragging out a blender.  In a matter of less than 15 minutes you have a perfect treat.  I want to get one for each of my boys for gifts so when they want a sweet treat all they need to do is just add their favorite cold beverage and stir. 

First up is our raspberry limeade.  Fill the insert that you froze over night with your cold beverage.
Blue Zoku Slush Maker

Zoku Slushie

 Stir after a few minutes and continue stirring and scrapping the walls until you have this....
Zoku Limeade

Limeade in Zoku

Zoku Cherry Limeade


Pure sweet slush!


The next thing we made in our Zoku was a chocolate shake.  Want to know how simple it was?  We poured chocolate milk in up to the line and stirred and scraped the walls as it froze.  Less than 15 minutes we had a delish treat!

Chocolate Zoku Slush

Chocolate Slushie in Zoku


Zoku Slusk Maker with Chocolate milk


This little guy couldn't get enough! 
Zoku has a wide assortment of fabulous products for cooling you down for the hot summer and enjoying a sweet treat or two! 
 Shop some of their other great products below. 













Girls Weekend

July 09, 2014
Celebration
I'm finally back after the holiday weekend.  My bestie Gayle flew in on Friday Morning for a girl's weekend that we extended into a four day girl's weekend!  We have been besties for 23 years and have lived in the same cities twice together.  I posted about her moving here.  We had a great time relaxing by the pool, exploring every inch of the plaza just like old times, and dining at our favorite restaurants .... and we always order the same things everywhere!! We got pedicures on Saturday after shopping all morning and oh what fun we had.  I got tons of new things and will be sharing some fun outfits with you later.  She  even got to try her hand at taking outfit pics.  We did a little shopping online to take advantage of the great holiday sales and I bought this on sale.  



Remember when I shared my new prints I wanted to hang on my office wall? Well... we got them hung up and it looks sooooo good!  Look for an office update soon too! 

I'm catching up on sleep where we had late nights, but well worth every single one, and will be back tomorrow with a fun post!  

Happy hump day friends! 


Fourth Favorites

July 02, 2014
Celebration



I love Independence day! Not only because of what it stands for, and the fact that its a day off from work, but because there is something that just feels good to wear your countries colors proudly!  It's not every day you can sport a flag tee, tank, or scarf and not feel a wee bit out of place unless it's celebrating the 4th! 

  My Bestie and I will be hanging out at the pool, taking in a few good restaurants and overall enjoying some quality girl time!  I'm positive we will laugh our pants off the entire long weekend!  What are your plans?  Headed to the lake? Or maybe staying in town and catch the local fireworks display?  Let me know what you're up to! 

Did you know you can shop my post now?  Simply click on the images below to find your favorite from this post and some of my other favorites.












Linking up here too. 

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