My On-The-Go Clutch Essentials

Thank you Tampax Pocket Pearl and Target for sponsoring this post. Go to Target.com or your local store to purchase Tampax Pocket Pearl!

These days I use a small clutch for my purse, because I have to lug around a big ol' diaper bag... so it only makes sense.  I've had to downsize considerably... my old purse was probably about the size of a diaper bag.. I'm sure it was just filled with old receipts, more pens than I really need, and some lost fruit snacks floating around the bottom.

So because of that, I love having a small clutch to just carry my essentials.  And, of course, all my essentials come from Target.  Because I love Target.  And if you say you do not love Target.. I think you're lying to yourself.  It's my favorite store.  And the dollar spot?  Gets me every.single.time.

And so do the clothes, shoes, home decor, feminine hygiene aisle... naturally. ;)

I've got my good ol' Tampax Pocket Pearl (obviously), some Burt's Bees's lip balm, "orange gum" as my child calls it.. it's her favorite, some ibuprofen for those headaches that sneak up on your at all the wrongs times, a pen... because you must always have a pen, and some hand sanitizer because I have kids and kids tend to touch the most nasty things.  ;)  

I love that the Tampax Pocket Pearl is small enough to fit in my little clutch and the design on the wrapper makes the cute and discreet - so it would be difficult at first glance to even know exactly what it is.  And who doesn't like cute things?  It's the little things like that, that make me smile a little.  ;)  They make it easy for me at work to just put one in my pocket and sneak off to the bathroom!  

Is Target the go-to store for anyone else?  If you carry a small clutch, what do you keep in yours?  Am I missing anything?  If I am, tell me and give me a reason to go back to Target!  Ha!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Go Out & PLAY {with Gymboree}

One of our favorite things to do on a beautiful day, is head to the park.  Lucky for us we have a few different ones close by to choose from.  We all love to get some sun and breathe some fresh air... but another benefit is that Clara gets to run all her energy off and ends up going to bed early - and then she sleeps like a rock!  ;)  And while at the park, it's important to be dressed properly - enter Gymboree's new Hop 'N' Roll collection.  This line of clothing was made with outdoor fun in mind, and cute mix & match styles.

Clara is wearing the Geo Print Romper from the Hop 'n' Play line.

This new line launched last week and is available for babies and kids (both boys and girls) sizes 6 months through size 10.  The absolute best part about this line.. other than the super cute clothes.. is that Gymboree is partnering with KaBOOM! to raise money to help 10,000 kids get active play every day in 2015.

Play is important for all children.  Playing is how they learn, how they grow... it's not only good for the physical exercise, but for their mind and overall well-being too.  There's nothing I love more than watching my girl run around at the park, playing in the sandboxes and climbing on the jungle gym.

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing all kids the childhood they deserve - full of active play.  Especially those growing up in poverty here in America.  Did you know that only one in four children gets 60 minutes of active play every day?  That makes this Mama's heart pretty sad.  I'm so thankful that KaBOOM! is taking action to build a place to play for kids across the country, and I think it's pretty awesome that Gymboree is there to support them!

Through May 31st, a portion of the proceeds from all in-store and online sales from the Hop 'n' Roll line will go directly to KaBOOM!  To help make this dream a reality, purchase Hop 'n' Roll clothes online, in a Gymboree store, or you can contribute directly to their campaign.  And currently, the new line is 50% off... which means you can find your kids some comfortable clothes at a price you can be comfortable with!

Gymboree provided me with a gift card for Clara's outfit - however, all wording and opinions are my own.  I think this is a FABULOUS cause they making a partnership with!

Ju-Ju-Be Bags {review}

So Ju-Ju-Be has some pretty awesome diaper bags, but they have other cute bags as well!  I received The Legacy Starlet (in the Duchess pattern) and the Legacy Be Set (also in the Duchess pattern) from them a few weeks ago and I was so excited when they arrived!  I chose the Legacy Starlet, which is similar to a small duffle bag, because I wanted to use it as my hospital bag for when I had to head out for baby boy's arrival.  I'm happy to say that when I had it all packed up, everything fit in there so nicely!  It's just the right size - it would also be perfect to pack for a weekend getaway.  It has an Agion treatment, which protects the bag and inhibits odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew.. so it would also be great for a gym bag!

Also.. can I just say.. as a mom, I LOVE that these are machine washable.  It makes life so easy.  Not only that, but it's made with a Teflon fabric protector that helps repel stains - so it's tough and durable.  It has an outside zip pocket that makes it easy to grab the most important things quickly (phone, wallet, etc).  Plus, it's cute - and who doesn't like to be cute?  It's easy to carry and I received a lot of compliments on it while I was in the hospital!

I also received the Legacy Be Set, which is a set of three different sized bags/wristlets.  I love these because I can use these as my "purse" and throw them into my diaper bag so I can easily find my things vs. the baby things.  And again, these are machine washable - yes please!  They're also easy to just grab and go, if you're heading out for a night with friends.  I love that Ju-Ju-Be's bags are so versatile.

Clara had to jump in the photo with me.. and how could I say no?  She's just too cute.  :)

Have any of you owned a Ju-Ju-Be bag?  What one do you have, and what do you think of it?

I received two Ju-Ju-Be products in exchange for my review & opinion.  

Stitch Fix #2

First, I feel I need to do a little recap of how Stitch Fix works.

• All you do is head over to their website and fill out a style profile and make any extra notes as needed, and pay a $20 styling fee.  
• A stylist will pick out 5 pieces for you.. clothing, accessories, etc.  I tell them I don't want accessories, that I only prefer clothing.  But that's just my preference.
• When your box arrives, take a peek at the styling suggestions and try it all on!
• Within 3 days you need to log on to your account and tell them what you liked & what you didn't.  Then you can pay for what you keep and drop everything else back into the mail (they send you a prepaid bag for returns.. no hassle or extra $$$!)
• The $20 styling fee goes towards whatever you decide to keep!  Cool, right?

I'm like a kid on Christmas whenever my Stitch Fix arrives at my door step!  This time I requested more spring/summer items, since the cold weather is close to being over.  I didn't want to spend any more money on warm clothes.  My stylist did a rockin' job at catering to my requests!  She even took a look at my Style & Fashion Pinterest Board (I provided my link to them when I ordered my box).  

I love that the stylist writes you a little note, and they stick in styling suggestions for each piece.  It really helps when trying to get an idea of how you would wear that item.  Admittedly, I need a little help in that department.. One reason why I love Stitch Fix.  The other reason being they help me try something a little different and out of my "box"!

Now, here's what I received...

1  ::  Antioch Lurex Detailed Striped Sweater by Mystree

I really liked this sweater!  It's a lighter weight, so I could wear it well into spring (on those more chilly nights).  It's a navy blue and gold-ish color, and the design of it is just my style.  And it's very comfy & cozy.  Keeper!

2 ::  Ritz Mixed Pattern Front Pocket Knit Shirt by Ezra

When I first opened the box and looked at the clothes (before trying them on), I really liked this one.  It was unique and fun, and I liked how the front & back were different.  And the little floral pocket on the front was a cute detail.  However, when I got it on it wasn't very flattering to me.  It was very "boxy" and just kind of hung off of me.  I wasn't impressed with the cut... so this one was a no-go.

3  ::  Wilfred Abstract Print Tank by Renee C

I adore the bright colors of this tank top.  And the fact that it was airy and would be nice and cool for summer.  But the first thing I thought when I put it on was... I look pregnant.  That's not how you want to look when you're not pregnant.  Haha.  Needless to say, this one also got sent back!



4  ::  Wisteria Weave Detail Knit Tank by Mystree

This tank top is so comfortable!  I really like the neckline, and also the detail of the pleats in the front.  It's a pretty light gray color that would look great with some dark bermuda short (or American Eagle's midi shorts.. I love those).  Keeper!

5  ::  Tiburon Floral Print Tank by Fun2Fun

My first thought of this tank top when I saw it in the box, was that it was kind of old lady-ish.  But when I got it on, I actually really liked it.  The colors are very pretty, and it would pair nice with some white shorts in the summertime.  This is also a keeper!

This has been my most 'successful' Stitch Fix box yet.  My stylist did an awesome job.  I'm already looking forward to getting another box.  What did you think of these picks?

If you want to order yourself a Stitch Fix box, go ahead and do that HERE (referral link).  It's a pretty fun experience!  And if you do, let me know how you liked it (or leave your link in the comments if you blogged about it!). 

Check out my Stitch Fix #1. 

Beauty Must-Haves for the Holidays

1.  Hello breath spray; all natural oral care.. to keep that breath fresh!

2.  Yes to Cucumbers daily calming moisturizer; keeps my face from getting dried and irritated in the cold winter months.

3.  theBalm Nude'Tude eyeshadow palette; my all-time favorite palette.. go natural or go smokey.

4.  EOS lip balm; to keep my lips moisturized.

5.  Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stain; I love the colors sweetheart and & honey (pictured).

6.  Essie's Bahama Mama; the perfect deep berry color perfect for winter (and holidays).

7.  Vera Wang's Princess perfume; because you have to smell good too.  ;)

These are just some of my most favorite products, that I've been using a lot lately.  I was given the opportunity to try out Hello Breath Spray, and I gotta say, it's now a must-have in my purse.  I love how compact it is, and I think the sleek design is very appealing.  It comes in 4 different 'flavors'... supermint breath spray, grapefruit mint breathspray, mojito mint, and sweet cinnamint.  This breath spray leaves you good to go... the perfect dose of freshness while you're out and about this holiday season.  No alcohol, no ouch, and no worries.  You can find this little cuties at places like Target, CVS, and Walgreens.

 

What are your beauty must-haves this holiday season?  Comment below, I'd love to hear from you!
And while you're at it, why not enter my giveaway?  Hello has been very generous, and they are giving one of my readers 2 products of their choice!  U.S. residents, 18 and older please. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is sponsored by Hello, but my love for their breath sprays is all my own!

Stitch Fix #1

So I got my first Stitch Fix box last week!  I was so super excited to get it.  It's been a while since I've been shopping for myself.. with work, kid, and husband.. it's kind of tough to get out for myself now.  But this made it easy, and it came right to my doorstep.. really can't get much better.

When you sign up for Stitch Fix, they will have you fill out a style profile... a detailed survey asking you questions about your personal style and about what you like and don't like in your wardrobe.  You can even send your stylist a link to your "style" pinterest board so they can get a little better idea of what you want to see in your fix.  Then they'll put together 5 items for you, and send it off!  Sometimes they'll include something that's a little "out there" for you.  But that's the fun part - because you might just like it!

So here's what I got in my very first fix...

1 :: Jasmen Striped & Layered Hi-Lo Shirt by Ellison

It was comfortable, but I'm not a fan of hi-lo things... shirts or skirts.  I know I didn't get a shot from the side, but to me they just look funny.  Not my style - I will be making a note in my next fix for no hi-lo items.  I returned this item.

2 & 3 :: Johnny Skinny Jeans by Kensie Jeans and the Darby Printed Short Sleeve Henley Blouse by Fun2Fun

The jeans were really cute and comfy, however, they were a little pricey for me... there's one particular place I get all my jeans from.  So I didn't really need them.  I returned the jeans, and will make a note for no more jeans in my fixes.

I absolutely adored the blouse.  I love, love, loved it.  It's fun, it's different.. I liked the print.  It's a looser cute shirt, so I think I could have used a smaller size.  I will have to change my sizes in my style profile for my next fix.  I was sad that I ended up returning this item!!

4 :: Kirsten Printed Stud Detailed Blouse by Caramela

I feel that this blouse was a little bit edgy and out of my "norm".. however, I loved it!  But again, the same problem as with the previous blouse.. I would have been more comfortable in a smaller size.  So I had to return it.

5 :: Cavalry Open Lapel Sweater Tunic by Miilla

I fell in love with this tunic!  First, I love tunics.  This one was so soft and the color was a deep purple that I loved.  The open lapel was a fun detail.  And yes, I ended up keeping this one!  I wore this just the other day actually.. I was so excited to put it on.  :)

All in all, I had a really good first experience with Stitch Fix!  I will definitely be ordering another box.  I feel like after ordering my first one, I now know what to put in my notes for the future... like a smaller size, no jeans (I also requested no jewelery or accessories), and no hi-lo's.  It's so much fun to open the box and see what your stylist picked out for you.  They also send you style suggestion tags with each article of clothing, to help you style an outfit with the item!

Want to schedule a fix for yourself?  Click here!

Coconut-Lime Sugar Scrub {diy}

I love sugar scrubs.  And I love coconut oil.  When I first saw this, I knew I had to make it.  There's just something about the smell of lime and coconut that is tropical and summery... makes you feel like you should be sitting on a beach somewhere.. with a pina colada or mojito in hand.  Beach or not, I kind of wish I had a mojito right now, as I sit here on the couch binge watching Gossip Girl (don't judge).  And don't even get me started with coconut oil.  There are so many uses for it.  This is just one of them.

*Disclaimer:  If you buy coconut oil, please buy it unrefined.  Or better yet.. buy virgin cold-pressed coconut oil.  It's better for you.  I didn't realize I bought the wrong one until it was open and on my counter, so I won't be using this for cooking.  I guess that's what happens when you have a distracting toddler with you on your shopping trips;)

I love how silky and soft my skin feels after I use this.  I didn't even need to use lotion after I got out of the shower (though I might need to in the winter).  Your skin will just soak up the coconut oil, but won't leave it feeling greasy.  I prefer to use regular granulated sugar... it's coarse enough for me, and I have sensitive skin.  But if you like the grains to be bigger, then you can sub it out for turbinado sugar. 

Also... this would make a great gift!  Birthday, Mother's Day, Christmas... just because.  :) 

Coconut-Lime Sugar Scrub

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• zest of one lime
• 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
• lime and/or coconut flavoring/essentials oils (optional)

Place all the ingredients in a bowl.  You may or may not have to warm up the coconut oil in the microwave for a few depending on the temperature.  It's so hot out right now that mine is pretty soft, but in the winter it might need to get warmed up.  Stir to combine.  Feel free to add lime or coconut essential oils to give the scent some more oomph if you so wish.  :)  And play around with the oil/sugar ratios if you need to, until you get your desired consistency.  It's not a science... just throw the stuff together until it works for you.

Store at room temp for several weeks (I just keep it in my shower).  Exfoliate, moisturize... enjoy!

New 'Do

I won a free haircut through a drawing.. this is big.  I never win anything.  Ever!  So I started going through my Pinterest board to see what I could come up with.  I've been debating on chopping my hair for a very long time now. 

I needed something cute, fresh... and easy.  Because let's face it.. I have an almost-2-year-old (say what?) and I don't have time to stand in the bathroom blow drying my hair for at least 45 minutes - yes, it took me that long to blow dry my hair.  My hair is thick.  And it retains water, really really well.  And for it to air dry.. yeah, 6 hours.  No thanks.  So pretty much 6 days of the week my hair would be up in a pony or a bun.  And I was tired of it.

I told my husband that I was going to cut my hair and he even asked me, 'How long is your hair anyway?'  Yeah, that's how often I wore my hair down.. he didn't even know how long it was.  Haha.

So anyway, I decided on a pretty cut a la Julianne Hough in the movie 'Safe Haven'.  I was nervous.  And then I would see other beautiful (long) hairstyles on Pinterest.. and think, I don't want to cut my hair.. because I want to try all these pretty ways of styling my hair while it's long.  But who am I kidding.  Ain't nobody got time for that.

But I ended up chopping it, and I love it.  Love, love, love, looooooove.  I'm happy.  A good hair cut always makes a girl feel GOOD.  Am I right or am I right?

How about a little before and after...

Now I feel like I need to go shopping.. a new wardrobe to go with this haircut?  Yes, I think so.  :)

Present to Me!

Bought the cutest boots in the world today at the BX.... thanks to my dear Husband!  :)

Madden Girl Women's Zoiiee Boot

I have been wanting a pair of riding-style boots so bad.  Something comfortable... a flat, casual boot... and something warm for winter.  These are PERFECT and I love them.  These are definitely the best pair of boots I own.  Skinny jeans/leggings, riding boot, thick sweater/a great coat, and a classic purse = the best look for fall, IMO.  Can't wait to wear them!

Thanks, babe!!  :)