April 29, 2011

Review: New Beauty Test Tube

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There were a few products in this test tube that I got back in February that I am so sad I am out of! Here are the ones that I highly recommend!

Pevonia Bontanica: Age-Defying Marine Collagen Cream
I am truly sad to be out of this sample! My face is too! I have noticed a difference since I stopped using it! My skin looks dryer not and less shiny. Guess I'm buying this one if the items in the next test tube do not include a great moisturizer!!

Smashbox: Photo Finish Foundation Primer
I do not put makeup on without it! Period! It is amazing and smooths out all lines so no makeup settles into said lines! This is a product I will use forever! LOVE it!

Ahava: Dermud Body Cream
Seriously softest lotion ever. My skin stays moisturized for an extremely long time after applying! Great for winter, elbows, and feet!!!

Can't wait for my next test tube to come. It's already been shipped out. Post coming soon!! ;)

April 27, 2011

This weeks "I want what she has!"

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This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Michelle McSweeney. I love the entire look. At first all I saw was the amazing belt! Then I was starring at her jeans, then I saw the bracelet, the color of the blouse, LOVED!!
It's so funny, I swear people must think I'm giving them the stink eye half the time and all I'm doing is gushing over items they have styled! And this look was styled flawlessly!

Blouse: $29 (on sale) Loft
Jeans: $35 (on sale) Gap
Belt: $60 Nordstrom
Bracelet: $25 Nordstrom

I was about to go online and order that belt as soon as I got home that night and then she told me she got it years ago (as well as the bracelet). BOOOO! lol Amazing outfit Michelle! Loved it head to toe!

April 26, 2011

Chop Salad

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Here's another one of the wonderful lunches my mom made for me last week. Yes, it is just salad. Who needs a recipe for a salad right?! It seems so simple and obvious, but it's a great meal and I feel everyone should know how to make it! My hubby even eats these because you put whatever you want on them making it your perfect salad!
I also realize these look giant. They were! I ate half for lunch and then the other half the next day.

Ingredients: (most organic)
Romaine Lettuce
Avocado
Bacon
Black olive
Hard boiled eggs
Carrots
Tomatoes
Mushrooms
Cucumber
Candied almonds
and a Hawaiian bread roll for the side

I went with a balsamic vinaigrette but you can use whatever dressing your little heart desires! Eating veggies does not need to be boring! ;)

April 25, 2011

Easter Sunday

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Dress: Agaci
Cardigan: Forever 21
Shoes: DSW
Earrings: ?? Gift
Charm Bracelet, Ring, and Necklace: Tiffanys & CO

After a week of taking it easy, and not wearing anything but sweatpants it was so nice to wear a dress! I love this maxi dress because it is short! By that I mean I don't have to wear heels with it. (Most of my maxi dresses require 3-5 inch heels so I don't trip over the material.)
We had Easter in the morning with my hubby's side of the family with lots of yummy food and a egg hunt. From there we went to a second party with my side of the family with more yummy food, a desert competition, and another egg hunt/kite flying/bubble blowing/baseball playing party! It was a wonderful day and this dress was the perfect pick. My feet were not tired by the end, I ate all I wanted (hey, there's no waistband in a dress!), and it was still casually dressy enough for both parties! I hope everyone had a wonderful day with their families! xo

April 22, 2011

Cozy flats

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I'm not much of a flats wearer, but lets be honest, some days flats just work better! My mother-in-law and sister-in-law wanted to make me feel better after my injection and got me these beautiful shoes! I love the color and texture on the toe, and check out the inside.....so cute!!! Beauty aside, they are so cozy!!! Forget breaking them in, I walked around in these for 5 hours the first day wearing them and it was like wearing slippers!!! I kinda want them in every color now!!! Thanks Kaitlyn and Mafer for thinking of me! I am lucky to have you two in my life!

Rocket Dog Shoes: DSW $34.95

Oh, and I'm getting another injection next Friday so if anyone wants to cook for me or buy me things, it really does seem to make me feel better!!! lol

April 21, 2011

What guys really think

Blunt bangs with short hair



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Jesse J

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Brittani from Americas Next Top Model

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Katie Holmes

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Katie Perry

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Fashion. Beauty. Trend

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Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Lisa: Oh gosh, I'm so torn. I think it looks cute on Katie and Mary but it's more edgy then I'd be willing to go on the other beautiful ladies. I prefer long hair myself, plus since I've had bangs on and off most of my life I know how annoying the maintenance can be! ;) So I guess I'm not this looks biggest fan.
Now here comes my twisted part... if I ever was MADE to cut all my hair off, Katie's hair cut above would be my short hair pick! See?! I'm no help!!

Ryan: Ok, firstly - I looove bangs (just ask my wife - I never hide the fact that I'm constantly scheming to get her to cut them again - are you listening honey?). I think it harkens back to my Bettie Page/pin-up girl/retro-punk-rock obsessions from my 20's (and yes, I have a cheesy nautical star tattoo on my body - busted!). I also understand that I'm not the one who has to maintain said bangs, especially during the hot, sweaty summer months. Never the less, it's a hot, stylish look that I feel is an American classic. THAT SAID - I suggested this topic because I've been noticing this newer iteration of the look, with really harsh edges and shorter cuts. Not crazy about it! The Jessie J pic above exemplifies it perfectly - I love the black hair & bangs, but the harshness of the cut make her face looks a bit harsh as well, instead of, oh I don't know - "soft & flowy?" Am I totally off base here ladies?

April 20, 2011

The Best Sandwich Ever

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My mom has been making quite a few meals for me lately and I seriously have been loving every minute of it. This was my lunch on Monday. Be jealous! ;)

What it is:
Ciabatta bread
Yogurt ranch dressing
Turkey
Havarti Cheese
Romaine lettuce
Avocado
Bacon
Tomato

Just writing this post makes me want another one! I hope you all try it, it seems so simple but something about that type of cheese with the avocado and yogurt ranch dressing....it's beyond amazing!

April 19, 2011

This weeks "I want what she has!"

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This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Karen Javens. This ring is beautiful and look amazing on such tan skin!

Ring: $18 (was $36 but got it on sale) Carnival Cruise Gift Shop

So obviously I will not be able to run out and buy this, but since she is my mom, I might be able to borrow it! ;) Between the tan and the ring I want to go on a vacation even more! Thanks a lot!!! lol Great find mom!

April 18, 2011

This past Friday...

Sorry for no post ladies, I was so nervous about my injections, I totally forgot to load a post!
Has anyone ever had cortisone injections in their spine? It's seriously the worst, most painful thing EVER (and I've had 2 kids). I had no idea what to expect. They told me to come with a driver and bring my MRI and CT reports.
After a consultation, they made me get into a backless robe and go into the procedure room. I was asked to lay on my stomach with my chest on pillows and my forehead on the table. They placed a blanket over my head, sides, and back making an open square at the top of my neck where they would be doing the injections. After cleaning the spot repeatedly, they gave me the first injection witch was for the numbing. They told me it would feel like a bee sting followed by about 2 seconds of severe burning. It was closer to 6 seconds, and it was a long 6 seconds! ;)
Next they put the actual needle in. It is much thicker then a regular shot needle (my back looks like I have a purple mole sized cut as of today). When this needle goes in you feel an incredible amount of pressure. For the next 5 minutes I laid there while they took X-rays up and down my spine my moving the needle slight amounts looking for the problem disks. When I screamed out in pain the doctors words were "fond the worst one!".
Next was the second injection. This was a dye that would show how the cortisone would be moving down my spine. THIS SUCKED! I felt burning all up and down my back, my arms, my neck, my chest and this was the point I started crying.
Finally was the cortisone injection. He took 60 seconds to press the full syringe into my neck. It was hands down the worst pain ever. It was like I was on fire. I lost movement of my entire body and everything hurt from my head to my toes. At this point an alarm starts going off and the nurse says "her blood pressure is 89 over 40" and they quickly finished. The next thing I know they tilted the table so my feet were over my head and cold rags were all over me.
After about 15 minutes I was able to walk into the room where my clothes were and my hubby was waiting for me and I just kept crying. I was able to go home within 30 minutes of finishing this.
I have to go back on the 29th of this month for a second injection or to decide what the next step will be (I'm already against the idea of a second one even though I know it would be helpful).
They did tell me that the first is the worst because my disks were in such bad shape, but I'm still terrified to do it again. She then told me if I wanted to (and had the money to) I could do this at the hospital and they would put me on IV drugs! UMMMMMM DUUHHHHHH!!!!! Why would they let anyone go though it the way I just did!
So this is my new fun thing I get to live with. It's not cancer, it's not life or death, but boy is it stinky! In the grand scheme of things it is a blessing if these work and I don't need a bunch a surgeries throughout my life. But it's still stinky! ;) My dad also wants me to see a holistic doctor and look into the option of acupuncture if that's even something that I could benefit from. Between that and physical therapy, maybe I'll be a new woman for longer then they say. Positive thinking goes a long way!
Thanks for letting me vent!!!

April 14, 2011

What's happening in my world....

Busy, busy, busy, busy! So much is going on, and the day to day is getting a bit crazy. But not too much crazy, just busy crazy!

My hubby has a show this weekend with Lucky Boys Confusion at Penny Road Pub in Barrington. I won't be there, but if you're in the area you should check it out for sure!

Both kids doing great. My daughter is officially mobile. She rolls, pushes, and slides all over the floor. She's also sitting pretty well by herself.
Just trying to figure out what to do with her while we play outside. I was holding her and my son wanted to get in his swing and I was juggling 2 kids and realized I need to start planning to set her in or on something outside! ;) I did get a popatot (which I will be writing about soon) but she is still too small for it. Maybe a blanket or something for now!

I'm freaking out a little bit about tomorrow. I am getting injections in my spine (c-4) to relieve a bulging disk from pushing on my spinal cord.
Perhaps I should give you a little back story......
I had a cervical fusion of my C-5 C-6 2 years ago and since then I have been fine! About 4 weeks ago my neck pain started again and a CT and MRI later I found out that the disk above the surgery site and the disk below are bulging. The one above is worse and instead of jumping back into surgery they are trying injections first. I guess if it doesn't work tomorrow they will try one more time before they recommend surgery again. Not ideal, but my doctor tells me this is something that will keep happening throughout my life. Best case scenario I will get a few years in between treatments.
So wish me luck!
A positive spin on this is that I will not be able to lift either kid for a few days, so it will be like a little mommy break!  Hey, I'll take what I can get! lol

April 13, 2011

Great trend for summer

Silk dress
$5,735 - alexandermcqueen.com

Dolce Gabbana glam dress
3,185 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Jil Sander silk dress
$2,445 - net-a-porter.com

D G couture dress
$1,526 - my-wardrobe.com

Tibi ruffle dress
$891 - my-wardrobe.com

Alice Olivia sheer dress
$550 - net-a-porter.com

Tea dress
425 GBP - suzannah.com

TopShop floral cotton dress
$72 - topshop.com

Dresses tube dress
$45 - delias.com

Dress
27 GBP - republic.co.uk



Okay, I realize a lot of these dresses are WAY out of most peoples price ranges, but a girl can dream right?! ;)
I love a great print dress for the summer! The bold colors look great and I don't know about you, but I find they put a little spring in my step! I have 3 print maxi dresses and about 4 bright print short dresses that I can NOT wait to wear this summer! What do you guys think? Love the bright print dress for the summer? Or not so much?

April 12, 2011

Giveaway: The Baby Bullet System

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I am so excited to announce that this giveaway is for the complete baby bullet system! I use mine all the time and just love that I know where the food I'm feeding my little bean is coming from. It's super easy to use and you get both the refrigerator and freezer storage systems, plus 3 separate containers to blend/chop the food in, 2 blades, a mini spatula, a recipe guide, and cooler bag! This giveaway is an $80 value!

All you have to do to enter is follow my blog and leave a comment below with your name and email address.
For additional entries (leave a comment for each):
-follow me on Twitter
-follow me on Bloglovin
-follow me on Facebook
-Tweet about this giveaway and tag my twitter page in the tweet

Good luck everyone! Winner will be announced May 9th.

April 11, 2011

Taking Care of Business

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Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Top: Gap
Jean Leggings: Target
Shoes: Forever 21
Heart Ring: Jewelmint
Ring: Baublebar
Earrings: House of Harlow
Bangles: Baublebar

I love this look, but I really love my jewelry here! I'm so into gold right now, and I love the gold jewelry I have recently added to my collection. I got these earrings for my B-day and am obsessed with them. I also really love my Baublebar finds! I got 4 new pieces from them and they are some of my favorites right now! (you'll see the other 2 soon...promise!)

I was all set and then I decided that the red lip was a bit much for a 5:00pm meeting so I went with a simple gloss instead! Better, right?!
Here's a picture of me and my sister-in-law/business partner. We had a very big week last week! We officially became a LLC., filed for a federal trademark, opened our business banking accounts, hired our web host, and interviewed web designers! It's all happening!!! Announcement on our venture coming very soon! As soon as we have a launch date, we will be spilling the beans on our baby!!!

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April 8, 2011

Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Glaze

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My friend Katrina came over this past Sunday and surprised me with this bad boy! It tasted stupid good and since it is gluten free, my little man was able to enjoy it too! I really have such thoughtful friends, don't I?! LOVED this cake so much that I felt I would be doing my readers a disservice if I didn't share the recipe! It comes from Whole Foods Market online recipes.


Serves 12
We received this sumptuous flourless chocolate cake recipe from one of our gluten-free readers who said, "My gluten-eating friends now all use this recipe because of its taste and simplicity." We made it natural with the addition of real butter in place of margarine and unbleached cane sugar. We replaced the light corn syrup with honey. Enjoy this luscious cake — a little goes a long way!

Ingredients
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) plus 3 tablespoons butter, cut into chunks
1 1/4 cups sugar
6 eggs
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon gluten-free vanilla extract

Method
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper. Spray the paper with cooking spray, too, then set the pan aside.

Place two-thirds (8 ounces) of the chocolate and 1 cup (2 sticks) of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat. Stirring often, melt chocolate with butter until completely blended. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. (Alternatively, you may use your microwave to melt the butter with the chocolate, if desired). Add sugar and mix well. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Sift cocoa into bowl and stir until just blended.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cake has risen and top has formed a thin crust. The cake should be just firm in the center when done. Cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate, removing sides of springform pan. Remove and discard parchment paper and set cake aside to cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the chocolate glaze. Melt remaining 4 ounces chocolate and 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in milk, honey and vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly.

When cake has cooled, pour glaze onto the center. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, very gently smooth glaze along the top and sides of the cake. Chill cake, uncovered, for 30 to 60 minutes before serving to set the glaze and make the cake easier to slice.

April 7, 2011

this weeks "I want what she has!"

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This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Abbey Kenny. I am loving this dress!

Dress: $54 Urban Outfitters

I love the colors, I love the open back, I love this dress as a whole! Abbey even wore a black and white stripped bandeau bra to give it a bit more contrast in the back. Which means she can wear a different color one (or non at all) each time she wears this dress to change up the look a bit! Love that! Great find Abbey!

April 6, 2011

Winner Announced: Nicole Smith Family Trees Giveaway

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The winner of the 5 by 7 framed "love addition" family tree with up to 12 people is:

Tracey from Just another mommy blog

Congrats Tracey! I will be contacting you with the information you need to order (and collect) your new family tree!


New giveaway announced next week. Get excited new moms and moms to be! ;)

April 5, 2011

Charm & Chain

I found another jewelry site to LOVE! I actually stumbled across this one when I took a survey for Rachel Zoe's: Zoe Report. When I finished the survey, I had a 20% off Charm & Chain code waiting for me in my inbox. Woo hoo! I love finding new jewelry sites to LOVE! ;) The code is RZSURVEY if anyone else wants to take advantage.
Okay, so this site varies in prices because it is all different designers (and some are VERY pricy)! They have everyone from Kenneth Jay Lane to House of Harlow! (and we all know how I love Nicole Richie's line!)

I am now the proud owner of the "feather row ring"! It comes sometime this week and I couldn't be more excited! Well, actually I can be because I paid for said ring with the money I made from you the readers shopping my closet! So thank you to all! And for all that have no idea what I'm talking about, check out under my blog header and start shopping!! ;)

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April 4, 2011

Bonnie's Bachelorette Party

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Dress and Belt: Agaci
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Cardigan: Forever 21
Necklace: Tiffany & CO
Large Ring: Charming Charlie
Chain Ring: Tiffany & CO

On Saturday night I attended my friends bachelorette party. We had great Mexican food, drinks were flowing, relocated at a beautiful suite at the House of Blues hotel, naughty gifts were given, male entertainment went down, oh and did I mention drinks were flowing?! lol
I had such a fun night even though I bailed before 11. (Hey, I still have a 4 month old who gets a middle of night feeding! Oh, and my kids get up at 6am for the day!)
It was great to see my friends in an out setting and it looked like Bonnie had a wonderful time! Here are a few pictures from the night!
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Congrats again Bonnie and Jason! I hope you have a beautiful wedding in Mexico next month! xo

April 1, 2011

this weeks "I want what she has!"

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This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Ali Orebaugh. These boots are outstanding! Sadly Ali does not remember where she got these or how much they were! BOOOOOO! lol
I'll let that slide only because she showed up to my house the next time wearing these bad boys:

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Okay Ali, I'm loving your footwear! These will go with anything and everything this spring/summer/ and maybe even fall!

Shoes: $25 Forever 21

Well played Ali. I have shoe envy for sure!