November 30, 2010

Thanksgiving: Part 1

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Top: Hautelook
Pants: Target
Shoes: Forever 21

Well, my tops fit me again! The bottoms are another story! With 19 pounds left to lose, I really don't want to buy anything in a size I don't plan to be in that long. I really don't sit down much during the day between both kids schedules so the weight just seems to be falling off!
Having said that, getting ready for Thanksgiving was a bit depressing! Nothing fits on my new, much rounder bottom half! I ended up giving in and wearing maternity bottoms this day (I didn't want to wear leggings even though those are my non maternity option). I realize I had a baby 3 weeks ago, but I just can't wait to be back in my normal clothes! Patience is a virtue... ;)
Anyway, I love this top. Who knew I'd ever wear anything with shoulder pads after 1990!? The beautiful detail on the shoulders was enough sparkle for me so I went with no jewelry this day. Plus my little bean is a total hair and jewelry puller so I am learning to pick my battles.
Hope everyone ate as much yummy food as I did this day! I've got 2 more Thanksgiving parties to attend so maybe I'll have to run to Target and get a cheap pair of jeans in my new size. I'm sure there are some great deals that would make it worth the trip out! Oh, okay, I'll go shopping!!! I'm glad we had this talk!

November 29, 2010

Great find: $5 hat/ear warmer

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How cute is this?! I recently purchased this hat/ear warmer (I'm not sure what the official name of this item is) at the Creatively Yours purse party I attended. I can't believe it was only $5! I actually think it was 30% off of that price too! They had them in all colors and I am half tempted to call the lady and buy a few more for gifts. Maybe I think they are greater then they are, but I really like it! It doesn't ruin your hair like a hat, or add the static cling that a hat might, but your ears are still warm. Solid!

November 26, 2010

Kristin Hassan

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My friend Kristin Hassan has a few exciting things happening right now. Her blog has been revamped and her new line is out and can be purchased online here! Putting the fact that she's my friend aside, Kristin is super talented!
I have always been a big fan of her blog so I'm very excited to see what's to come. She's definitely a girl with a lot of style and it's inspiring to see what she mixes and matches!
I am also a fan of her clothing line. I actually just placed my order this week and can not wait for my order to get here!!! Seriously so excited about the new line! Here are a few picture of my favorite pieces! (I'm totally getting this first dress...yay!!!)
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Make sure you sign up to follow her blog so you can get special offers, discounts, and information on exciting events!

November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Hope everyone has a wonderful day filled with family and more food then any one person should consume! ;) That's what I'll be doing! xo

November 24, 2010

Product Review: Moroccan Oil

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This is one of the product samples that I received this time around with New Beauty Test Tube. I AM IN LOVE!!!

Moroccan Oil: $32

Is it worth it? YES!! You put the cream on damp hair and leave it in for 5-10 minutes then rinse it out. The oil then goes on the clean damp hair and you dry and style as usual. The result? WAY less frizz and more strait hair. Plus the smell is intoxicating. Seriously, I love the smell.
I even skipped the oil one time and just did the mask and let my hair air dry and it looked great! Let's just say I would NEVER go with out my straightener, but I actually didn't need it this day!
Have any of you tried this product? Were you as happy as me with it?

November 23, 2010

This weeks "I want what she has!"

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This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Jaclyn Javurek. This purse is stunning! I just love the color! It's a great twist on a neutral bag that goes with all looks!

Purse: $395 Tulah Ray (found at Nordstrom)

I guess I could actually give the props to Jaclyn's mom because she is the one this great bag belongs too! How fun to have a family member that you can share with! I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to borrow my things....well old enough to borrow and not ruin them! Otherwise I might end up like that mom from The Real Housewives of D.C. and get a finger printed lock on my closet! haa

November 22, 2010

Dry Shampoo: Is more expensive better?

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Ojon: $24 Sephora

I have used this brand for the past 2 years. I love the smell, it works amazing, and I have never thought to change brands before. I ran out of my dry shampoo a few months ago, and based on the price alone I never re-purchased it.

While I was at Ulta a few weeks ago, I purchased this brand:
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Rockaholic: $21 Ulta

I figured I would bite the bullet and get Ojon again, but they were out. I remember my friend Kristin saying that she had used this brand and thought I'd give it a try. I realize it is only $3 dollars cheaper, but hey, I had a $5 coupon with me so I rationalized it!
When I got home I put it away and 3 days later I went to use it and the bottle was empty?! Somehow the can got punctured and was empty! I tried to return it and they would not take it back!!! Shame on you Ulta! I'm not buying more expensive dry shampoo now!

So this got me thinking. Is more expensive better? Do I have to pay over $20 for dry shampoo?

When I was at Super Target I came across this brand:
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Salon Grafix: $3.99

Yes, that's $3.99!!! So I quickly came home with a proud face and tried my new product out. What a bust!!! It actually made my hair look and feel more greasy after using it. Since the entire point of dry shampoo is to take the grease out and give you another wash free day with great hair, this product was not going to work for me. ;(

Next up I found this one at Walgreens:
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Psssssst!: $5.99

Okay, this price is great, but will it work? I used this one when I was in the hospital after having my daughter and it worked! It makes you hair a little dry, but it works by far the best out of all the others I have tried! (Not as good as the Ojon, but good). For now my search is over. I will use this one until it's gone. However, I did see a commercial for Tresemme and a new dry shampoo they have. Maybe I'll try that one next!

November 21, 2010

New URL

I have officially change my URL from my first and last name to my blog name! If you have my "grab button" on your page, please delete it and put the new link up! Let me know when you do and I will happily put your link up on my page as well!
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

November 19, 2010

My new rain boots

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Boots: $39.50 Victoria's Secret

When I got rid of 7 pairs of shoes last month I treated myself to my new clogs and these rain boots. I love them! I even love the super cute inside! I was torn between this color and army green, but in the end I went with blue! I was told they were on back order until late December, but for this price I figured I could wait. I was very excited to learn they had come in early. Now I can get some use out of them before the end of the rainy season!
When I went online to grab the link so you could check out the great find, they were no longer there! They must have sold out and taken them off line. Sorry ladies! I hope you got yours while they were selling them!

November 18, 2010

Purse Party

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Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Top: Victoria's Secret
Leggings: Target
Boots: Colin Stuart
Necklace: Self made (you can find this style with real stones at Erin Gallagher Jewelry)

This was my first night out since I had our daughter. My little 9 day old bean came with me for a girls night out! ;)
Every year my sister Michelle hosts a purse party from a company called Creatively Yours. The best part is it's not just purses. There are wallets, scarfs, sunglasses, jewelry, and hats! Let's just say I get a lot of my Christmas shopping done at these things! I actually had to edit my pictures from the party due to the fact I shopped for 6 people (most of who read this blog) and your items were in the shots! It will be a surprise darn it!! ;)

I went with this outfit for the sole reason that none of it was maternity!!! Did you hear that?! 9 days out and no maternity!!! Okay, I had to get that out! Seriously, it took like 11 months for the weight to come off after my son. I'm 2 weeks out and half is already gone. LOVE THAT!!!

November 17, 2010

This weeks "I want what she has!"

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This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Michelle Kuhlemeier. How cute are these boots?! I love me a grey boot. They really go with practically everything! I actually have a pair like this in black expect they were closer to $80 from Bakers. Now that I know how much she paid for them, I'm upset! ;)

Boots: $34.99 Burlington Coat Factory

Great find Michelle! I always forget about Burlington. The few times I've been there I've found great coats, purses, and shoes. I think it's time I make a trip out that way....

November 16, 2010

My Push Present

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How amazing is my husband?! He gave me this stunning citrine necklace from Tiffany's & CO for having our daughter! It is the birth stone for November. So thoughtful!!! I love it and will cherish this necklace always!

I really love who ever came up with idea that you get a "push present". It's a very long 9 months with lots a body changes, pain, and emotions (and it obviously is crazy worth it otherwise who would do it?!). I think every woman should get a nice little gift for going through it as well!
Well played Mr. Fergus....well played!

November 15, 2010

What's happening in my world....

If you have followed my blog from the beginning, then you know that I have never posted pictures of my kids, nor have I ever mentioned their names. I always felt this blog was my special outlet. Mine. A way to express myself and my stories. I also felt it was safer for their privacy to not include them in this part of my life.
Lately I find myself realizing that they are not only a huge part of my life but also becoming a huge part of this blog. I think a lot of you are genuinely interested in seeing pictures of them and hearing about my mommy stories. I mean come on, I have the word diaper bag in my blog title! How long can I really go without sharing them with you?!
So without further adieu, I would like to announce the birth of my daughter!

Labor was awful, but quick! I went on Cervital by 9:00pm. My water broke by 2:30am. I had my epidural by 4:00am, and was on Pitocin by 6:00am. By 10:45 I was 9cm and ready to soon be pushing. I actually got her out in 4 pushes! I really wanted to be done! I hadn't slept since the day before at 7:00am so I was beyond tired! The cord got wrapped around her neck and she wasn't breathing so they had to get her out very fast and I wasn't able to see her for the first 20 minutes she was alive. Talk about longest minutes of my life! I knew she was okay, but they went ahead and started taking foot prints and stats. I was laying there like hello?! I haven't seen her yet!!! Then she was in my arms and hasn't left them much since!! She is perfect! A great eater, great sleeper, and generally not too fussy. Yes, I am very lucky!! So far so good!



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My son loves her and gives her lots of hugs and kisses. He actually calls her NeNe and likes to be the one who puts the bottle in her mouth at every feeding! He's the little helper. I am beyond lucky to have 2 happy healthy children, and I know it!

November 12, 2010

Holiday outfit

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I want to be in this! I would love to wear this outfit this holiday season.... alas, my budget will not allow it. Maybe I could find the look for less. Hmmm.....
I just love gold jewelry around this time of year and a red shoe is a must! What are you excited to wear this holiday season?


Items in this set:


Chain Print Bow Dress by Love Moschino
$511.50
my-wardrobe.com

Le Mont St. Michel / Hooded Wool Poncho
$495
lagarconne.com

Falke Sensual Touch Tights
$46
asos.com

Red Velvet Peep Toe Pleated Vamp Heels @ Amiclubwear
$25
amiclubwear.com

Susan Farber Collections Mezzo Sofia in Patent
$322
couturecandy.com

D&G Dolce & Gabbana Women's DW0661 New Anchor Analog Watch
$275
endless.com

Daisy Knights 22-karat gold-vermeil ball stud earrings
$160
net-a-porter.com

November 11, 2010

This weeks "I want what she has!"

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This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Bonnie from Flashes of Style. How amazing is this coat?! I love the colors, the zippers on the arms, and the hood! What a great coat for fall!!

Coat: BB Dakota

I really enjoy Bonnie's blog. I've only been a follower for a few weeks, but it has quickly become one of my favorite fashion blogs to read! I recommend you all go over and check it out!

November 10, 2010

Guest Blogger: Megan from Honey we're home

Hi there! I’m Megan and I’m so excited to be here visiting from my little corner of Blogland. I am honored to be among those lucky few who get to be guest posting for Lisa while she’s taking a little much needed break to be with her family.
I thought it would be nice to give Lisa a little “virtual” gift bag of goodies to help her relax and celebrate the arrival of her little one. Here’s my gift to you girl!
*A Massage* Massages should come free of charge to new moms after each delivery. And they should be given by an incredibly handsome young man:)
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*Starbuck’s* After foregoing coffee for the sake of a healthy babe, a big ole Venti mocha is in order.
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*Cushy Robe* Comfort is key during this time, so put on something super soft and cozy for those days spent snuggling with that little bundle of joy.
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*Flowers* And the really simple, beautiful kind. Pure, like a baby.
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*Makeup* We all know how much Lisa loves makeup and she’s probably going to be taking a gazillion pictures, so how about some new Dior eyeshadow.
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*Birthstone Necklace* Since having my own son, I’m quite sentimental about babies and the blessings that they are to us. Lisa, enjoy your precious little one!!
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Thanks for having me over! See you when you get back:)

November 9, 2010

Guest Blogger: Kaitlyn Fergus (my sister-in-law)

Because I am the daughter of one of the best dessert-makers I know, I guess you could say baking is in my genes, but it was only recently that I developed an obsession with all things sweet… more specifically: cupcakes. I know I’m a little late the party on this trend, but the way I see it, savory round frosted treats like these can never go out of style and the creative decorating possibilities are endless. I recently stocked up on a crazy amount of cupcake baking supplies (I kid you not, I don’t think there is anything left at Wilton’s!) and plan to bake up a storm during the holidays. I couldn’t wait to test out all of my new tools, so this weekend, I baked yellow cupcakes from scratch with white butter cream frosting and decorated them with all kinds of girly-cuteness in honor of my niece! Here is the cupcake recipe which is from one of my favorite cook books, “The Art and Soul of Baking.”

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Ingredients:
1 ½ sticks of unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted cake flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup sour cream

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and position an oven rack in the center. Lightly coat the pan with melted butter, oil, or high-heat canola-oil spray and fit it with a round of parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter with the sugar: Place the butter and sugar in the bowl of the stand mixer and beat on medium until very light—almost white—in color, 4 to 5 minutes. You can also use a hand mixer and a medium bowl, although you may need to beat the mixture a little longer to achieve the same results. Scrape down the bowl with the spatula.
3. Add the eggs: Beat the eggs and vanilla in the small bowl to blend. With the mixer on medium, add the eggs to the butter mixture about 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to completely blend in before adding the next. About halfway through, turn off the mixer and scrape down the bowl, then resume adding the eggs. Scrape down the bowl again.
4. Add the dry and wet ingredients alternately: With the fine-mesh strainer, sift the cake flour, baking soda, and salt into the medium bowl and whisk together. With the mixer on the lowest speed, add the flour mixture and the sour cream alternately, beginning with one-third of the flour mixture and half the sour cream; repeat, then finish with flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl and finish blending the batter by hand, if necessary. Bake the yellow or white batter in a standard-size muffin tin lined with paper cupcake liners, filling each cup to ¼ inch from the top of the liner. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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I did use a butter cream mix for the frosting (due to the chaos that was this Halloween weekend!) I then sprayed half of them with pink color mist and dusted those with silver baking dust. For the other half of the batch, I decorated them with pink and yellow sugar flowers, perfect for the pretty little girl we all can’t wait to meet. My favorite part of this process? Licking the batter from the bowl, same as my greedy dog ;) Enjoy!

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November 8, 2010

Guest Blogger: Tiffany from Fashion Ammo

Secret Weapon: Stilettos and Diaper Bags Edition

Hello my fellow fashionistas! My name is Tiffany, author of Fashion Ammo and serious fan of Stilettos and Diaper Bags. As you may imagine, I was thrilled and honored when Lisa asked me to guest blog for her while she has her baby girl (ah, so excited!). For today's post, I wanted to bring to you a secret weapon of mine, S&DB style.

Today's secret weapon focuses on minimizing the waistline, something I think all women, mothers or not, can definitely appreciate. These things are simple, easy to execute, and definitely worth it to create that small, hour-glass figure we all covet.

Empire waist dresses. Simple in silhouette, do so much for your waist. It seriously sucks you in at your tiniest and is very flattering. I was thrilled when I found this dress on sale at Anthropologie as I've been eying it for awhile. Seen here back in July.

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Tights. Sucks everything in: legs, waist, hips, butt, and some of them can even be stretched up to your bustline!

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Stilettos. Always flattering and make you appear thinner. I don't know why, but they just do.

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Creating lines. Mine, done with a longer cardigan here, creates long lines, which make you appear longer. Whether it's in pattern, accessories (long necklaces!), or hemline, this is an easy way to lengthen your body.

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Dress: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Tights: Target
Shoes: Charlotte Russe
Necklace: Vintage

Thanks again to Lisa for giving me this opportunity and congratulations to you and Ryan! As I'm sure, she will be yet another fabulous addition to your life, wardrobe (think of all of the cute things she can wear to compliment you!), and of course, your sassy diaper bag paired with stilettos.