September 27, 2013

Adorable Storage: Organizing Baby's New Room


Despite the best of intentions, that beautiful new nursery you so lovingly decorated will soon resemble last week's episode of Hoarders if you're lacking in functional storage solutions. A new baby arrives home with a startling amount of accessories, and keeping her room neat and tidy requires a dedicated space for each and every one.


Diapering Supplies

A changing table that doubles as storage is almost a necessity in a baby's room. Most changing tables come with some type of drawer or shelving under the table itself. This area is ideal for storing small supplies such as diaper rash ointment, extra newborn diapers, baby powders and oils, wipes and more. Shop your local home stores or baby retailers for attractive containers like these pink-gingham-lined wicker baskets to organize the space under your changing table.
Personalized Pink Gingham Lined Wicker Nesting Baskets by @TheRoyalDetails liked by wickerparadise, visit our wicker furniture selection.
You'll find these baskets in natural wood or color, with liners to fit every decor -- the fabric coordinates with your nursery-room curtains, while the wicker works to complement any woodwork in the room, including wooden blinds. Some brands even sell the liners separately, allowing you to mix and match. Different-colored liners also make it easier to remember which basket gets what. I actually have these baskets in my daughter's room still but they now hold hair pretties, lotions, and dolls (she is 2). 


Toys, Books and Stuffed Animals

If you have the space, wall units add tons of organization. Purchase a modular type of storage unit that you can build and configure to fit the layout of any room.
Creative Storage Solutions for Kids Rooms
Modular storage units like this actually grow with your child. While they work perfectly now to corral the abundance of stuffed animals you received at the baby shower, they'll eventually make versatile storage options for wayward video games, chapter books and tee ball trophies.


Baby Wash, Washcloths, Towels and Bath Toys

Except for the bathtub itself, baby bathing supplies take up surprisingly little space. Store these bottles of aromatic baby wash, tiny wash cloths, hooded duckie towels and small bathtub toys in a simple over-the-door rack.
Over the Door Storage Rack, Wicker Basket Door Rack | Solutions
Mount it on the outside of Baby's door so you can easily grab what you need in one hand as you're heading for the tub with Baby in the other.


Clothes and Shoes

Even the smallest closet benefits from a well-designed closet organizer. These simple, vinyl-coated metal constructions add abundant storage where there once was little-to-none.
Rubbermaid HomeFree series closet system
Combination systems that utilize several types of storage make the most versatile arrangements. They're also the easiest to keep neat and well-organized. Look for a closet organizing system that features both hanging rods and shelving, then add to it with various bins, baskets or covered containers. This will effectively quell those mountains of burp cloths, onesies, rompers, first walking shoes, mittens, coats, suits and frilly dresses.


Mattress Covers, Crib Sheets and Extra Blankets

Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, many new parents begin their careers with enough adorable receiving blankets to easily see Baby through college. Use the bottom drawers of a kid-sized dresser to hold extra mattress covers and sheets, but incorporate the cuteness of extra receiving blankets right into your decor. A plain, wire basket purchased from your local dollar store is all you need to turn these cuddly accessories into eclectic art.
Little Girl May Basket
Roll each selection of coordinating blankets tightly and tuck them into the basket. Display your collection on the floor next to your rocking chair for easy access when you need it most.

September 26, 2013

Outfit: Style Challenge- Neutrals


Each month T+J Designs hosts a style challenge complete with jewelry prizes for the winner. 
This month we are linking up over on the Red Soles & Red Wine blog
I am big on color but I also love a good neutral palette. 
Here is my neutrals look:
 photo ee3e5974-4bb1-4f0d-bf58-8e3ae1800e05_zps52a07cc3.jpg  photo outfitpost_zpsa469e907.jpg  photo 9bc39f69-86a4-4481-b9fb-81dd1b1fa661_zps682ee2ac.jpg  photo outfit_zpsc7641264.jpg  photo 80c1992e-08c5-4345-b653-79d6461f51b4_zps63342985.jpg
Peplum: Express (similar) // Vest: JC Penny (similar) (similar) // Pants: Victoria's Secret- Sold Out // Shoes: c/o Just Fab // Bag: Windsor // Watch: Fossil // Pave Chain Bracelet: c/o Sole Society // Necklace: Ax + Apple // Chain Bracelet: T+J Designs // Sunnies: Michael Kors // Lip Color: Rose Blossom by Bobbi Brown 

Black, cream, army green, tan, paired with silver jewelry was the way I decided to go. 
I have been DYING to wear my new pj style bottom for awhile now so when I saw there was a neutral challenge I though it would be the perfect time to debut them on the blog. 

What do you think? Do you ever rock an all neutral look?
Make sure you head over to Red Soles & Red Wine and link up or go show the other entries some love with comments! xo

September 25, 2013

Dressing to Music: Silversun Pickups- Lazy Eye


I know this song is older, but it's still in rotation at my house. I just love his voice and my kids love to dance to this one too!

 

Here is the look I styled as I danced around my room to the Silversun Pickups. It defiantly inspired me to just go for it with this look.

I realize that it is officially fall and a lot of you will now be putting most of your brighter colored clothes away, but I say wear them year round if you want. I listen to what we are "supposed" to wear and then make my own decisions. I wear what makes me feel pretty/sexy/comfortable and own that look! ;)

Here is me owning my neon and faux leather outfit in the fall: 
 photo 19288924-e8a6-4835-9372-37f94930a500_zpsb910e0db.jpg  photo 8ad25e8b-ca1d-47be-aa8f-aed9cd586771_zpse0c1acf2.jpg  photo fd985e25-83c3-43d0-a933-4dee4eabd39f_zpsd2e2ec83.jpg  photo Neon_zpsa7da575f.jpg  photo 801a9688-4b51-420b-9fb1-a5a451a9b628_zps0b3cb3d4.jpg  photo 6fed8549-94c9-42be-8998-9c0d0c811a94_zps1741fa4b.jpg
Top: c/o Persun // Skirt: Zara // Shoes: Shoe Ocean (similar) // Bag: Sole Society // Necklaces: c/o Sarah Aghili // Bracelet: Baublebar // Charm Bracelet: Gift // Watch: Fossil // Sunnies: Ray Ban // Ring: T+J Designs // Lip Color: Candy Yum Yum by MAC

I can't wait to wear this blouse in the spring with white denim jeans or shorts! 

What do you think of my outfit?
Do you like the Silversun Pickups?

September 24, 2013

Outfit: Everyday Wear


My daughter is starting her transition from Early Intervention into the school system (so exciting and also a bit scary as she is my youngest and is not even three yet!!). 

I am no stranger to this transition as my son also went from EI into the public school system. There are a lot of different meetings, paperwork, and testing to attend to and on  this day we had to be out the door by 8:45am.

Here is what I wore to my daughter's hearing and vision testing:
 photo 0c7bf418-eb21-44f2-89d9-3335a988ddfc_zps7759edf0.jpg  photo df76bd15-ba54-4c79-a187-206fc62e28a5_zpscfa306b5.jpg  photo silverjewelry_zps98648955.jpg  photo daa2c54d-25c7-4b41-8609-609937470995_zpsc597b926.jpg  photo 305c0b1e-4671-4f52-95d4-fdaef7ab92cd_zps69ad4c78.jpg
Dress: Piperlime (similar) // Shoes: BCBG // Bag: c/o Just Fab (similar) //Chain Bracelet: c/o Sole Society // Gem Ring: c/o Silver Speck // Necklace: Threadsence // Watch: Fossil // Bracelet: c/o House of Gemmes // Ring: Shop Jules // Sunnies: Michael Kors

The bean did great. Who knew her hearing and vision were so good? I guess we have a small case of selective listening on our hands. ;) 

Do you ever just toss on a shirt or shift dress and head out for your day?
It's as cozy as sweat pants but looks a bit more everyday wear appropriate, no? 

September 23, 2013

It's Time to Break out the Jean Leggings


I love me a great pair of leggings, they are just so versatile! 
You can cuff them, easily tuck them in boots or booties, wear them with heels, under sweater dresses, or layer up on them for the perfect fall/winter look in the coming months. 

Year in and year out these beauties keep coming back and this year is no exception. 
I like to stick to the dark colors or a simple print (OK, sometimes you just have to go for it and buy a funky pair) to ensure that I will be wearing them in the following year, especially if I splurged on them.

Here are some jean leggings I am currently gushing over:

1) Shop Frankies Washed Moto Leggings $44.00 

2) Just Fab The Perfect Jegging $39.95 

3) Persun Folky Print Leggings $9.99 

4) Rag & Bone $187 

5) Hue Leopard Jean Leggings $44.00 

6) Current/Elliott The Jean Leggings $70.50 



7) Rag & Bone Navy Jean Legging $143.00 

8) New York & Company $59.95 

9) Express Stella Printed Leggings $39.99 

10) Hue Camo Jean Legging $44 

11) Express Setlla Colored Jean Leggings $39.99 

12) AG Adriano Goldschmied Coated Leggings $205

What do you think? 
See any jean leggings that you will need to try out this season? 
That leopard pair is calling to me... ;) 

September 21, 2013

Book Chat: Stark Trilogy

I'm up to it again, smutty book reading that is! 
After I finished the 3rd Crossfire novel (see review here) I was left wanting one more epic love/lust book series. 

After researching books that seemed to have good reviews and were similar to Fifty Shades of Gray and The Crossfire Novels, I came across the Stark Trilogy.

Like all other smutty book series there are dark pasts, secrets, LOTS of sex, bondage, epic I can't breath with out you love, murder, more sex, and obviously a very wealthy leading man. 

Here is the Stark Trilogy:
 photo StarkTrilogy_zps99a29a1b.jpg

I read this series twice. I do that a lot (read and then re-read as I got through these 3 in a week) so I can really decided how I feel about the books. 
I liked this series. I liked the characters. The author fails to describe how Damien and Nikki look so you are left guessing. She does get to their descriptions eventually but there is just something missing in the way the books were written. 
She does not miss a beat in describing the sexual encounters and boy are there a lot of those in these books. If fact the wording and details on these parts left me with my hand over my mouth a few times (partially grossed out and partially thinking it was hot! lol).

It's almost anti climatic as each book runs into the next and the first 2 books are the span of a month tops. Then it fast forwards a bit but mostly its sex, something happens, more sex, something else happens, secrets come out, more sex, more sex, etc...I'm sure you get the picture. ;)

I did enjoy the books. I think Fifty shades and Crossfire were much better, but I did like these (I mean I read them twice already!). 

Have you read the Stark Trilogy? 
Do you read smutty books?

I need something to read next. Thinking I'm going to get away from the smutty books for a bit (they are all starting to run together in my mind) but I love series and trilogies. Any recommendations? 

September 20, 2013

What Guys Really Think

Fall Trends 2013: The Green Movement

Everywhere you look, green clothing is in high demand. Emerald is the color of the season, but all shades of green are showing up on the runway and in our local stores. 

Here are some green looks from the runway and some street style shots:





 Lisa: LOVE LOVE LOVE! I haven't even touched on the camo trend (which I feel is part of the green movement however they are different fall trends...blah! ;) but camo aside I am still super drawn to this color. 
A green trench, blazer, print pant, or knit would totally be up my ally. Clearly some of the looks above are runway and not ready to wear, but the trend transitions easy to the racks. I say this one is a must try this fall, even if only in a bag or a statement necklace, you must rock some green! 

Ryan: Fine lines Lisa; fine lines. I've always been a fan of military-green jackets on ladies looking  to sport a "rock" look without having to fall back on standard black pieces.  But, I would warn, it's all about the shade and type of green. Go too much on the lighter side, and you may run  the risk of looking like you're waaaay early for the St Patrick's Day parade, or worse, like an Elvish wood-nymph extra in Lord of the Rings.

September 19, 2013

Outfit: Getting More Out of Your Summer Dresses

A great way to get more wear out of your summer dresses is to layer up on them for fall. Not all of them will transition, but most will if you style them correctly. 

The simple stripe tee shirt dress I wore on the 4th of July was easily transformed into a less patriotic look by adding a jacket, hat, and bootie.

Here is what I wore:
 photo c2d5f4c5-40e9-4e06-93fd-6013749f1d32_zpsd94c4453.jpg  photo 46611220-3bad-4c9d-b5ab-9c48f92f1a72_zpsc9e2aae4.jpg  photo boho_zpse453a752.jpg  photo 5999268b-7524-4695-92f5-3176068a356a_zps71f56601.jpg
Dress: Golden Tote // Jacket: Express (NBC's Fashion Show 2013 design) // Bag: Rachel Zoe (similar) // Shoes: Dolce Vita // Hat: Victoria's Secret // Ring: Shop Jules // Sunnies: Prada

This outfit was perfect for my busy day filled with doctor appointments, a meeting, and then dinner with my in-laws. 
By the end of the day I had ditched the hat & jacket (it warmed up a bit mid day). That is probably my favorite thing about layers, you can take some off or add some depending on the weather throughout the day.  

Do you wear some of your summer dresses year round to get more wear out of them? 
Are you big on layering your looks?

September 18, 2013

Recipe: Burger Night (The Basics)

In my home I cook everyday. Some days I use the crockpot, some days I use a recipe book, sometimes I just figure things out by trial and error, and other days I use my grandma's and mother's recipes and just alter them to fit our dietary needs.
One of the most basic foods of summer is burgers. It's quick, easy, and when season properly it is darn good.
Ingredients:
1 pound grass fed organic beef (local if possible)
1 teaspoon Sea salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
2 teaspoons Turmeric
4 splashes of Worcestershire sauce

 photo hambergers_zps4a6246aa.jpg
What to do:
1) In a medium sized bowl, mix all ingredients by hand.
2) After they are combined separate into four equal parts.
3) Hand shape each burger (or you can use a burger press. I like to make less dishes and just hand shape).
4) Grill. I grill over low heat for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-well burgers.
We don't eat dairy often, but I decided to put cheese on mine and a gluten free bun.
I ended up serving it with a spinach salad with tomato's, cucumber, and mushrooms from our local farmers market.
 photo 292cb8d4-3fb7-43f8-9bf8-c175f82bb64b_zps0d86f970.jpg
What do you think?
Do you make your own burgers or buy pre formed patties?
Obviously you could add fun things like avocado, bacon, stuffed with cheese, lettuce, onions, etc, but I wanted to just cover the basics. ;)

September 17, 2013

Outfit: Midwest is Best

Ok, I'm partial as I live in Illinois, but isn't this top adorable?! I got it at a pop up shop at Lollapalooza this year and although I have worn it a few times, I keep forgetting to blog it. Not this time! ;) 

Here is how I styled my midwest is best tank:
 photo c2d63a69-bca6-460a-8329-d216028d15f3_zps6d42ec25.jpg  photo outfitpost_zps445e6a69.jpg  photo af99ee55-31d3-4201-a975-1e7f66a881ed_zps2f03121a.jpg
Tank: Megan Lee Designs // Jeans: 7 for all Mankind // Shoes: Dole Vita // Vest: JC Penny (similar) // Watch: Fossil // Bracelet: c/o House of Gemmes // Necklace: Castellammare Jewelry // Large Ring: c/o Willow House Jewelry // Stackable Rings: Shop Jules // Sunnies: Prada

This outfit was perfect for errands and a quick bit out with the family. 

What do you wear to early dinner dates?

September 16, 2013

Outfit: School Night

This past Thursday was curriculum night at my son's school. The heatwave is over and it's starting to cool down so I wanted to wear something practical. 
I have been holding this top since June waiting for cooler weather to wear it. 

Here is my off to the school look:
 photo GoldenTote_zpsb8820e33.jpg  photo bb42423d-77a5-438d-b850-f01176fd386a_zps71694a5b.jpg  photo EmeraldGreen_zps257dfb5e.jpg
Top: Golden Tote (June) // Shorts: Loft // Bag: Just Fab //Shoes: Victoria's Secret // Watch: Fossil // Ring: House of Gemmes (currently selling for $5!)  

Perfect for sitting in and learning about what my son is up to this year. 
Also perfect for this nuts weather we are having. It was 75 degrees when I got there and an hour later it was 63 degrees. I was actually kind of cold! ;) 

What do you wear for casual nights out?

September 14, 2013

Homemade Gak

Lately I've really been loving making our own play dough and gak. (see homemade play dough recipe here.) The kids have so much fun with it and I think it last longer and is more cost effective then buying it at the store.
Here is what you need to make gak:

Supplies:
Two 4 ox. bottles of glue
1 tsp. Borax (found in the laundry detergent section of the store)
Water
Plastic Cup
Bowl
Food Coloring
Directions:
1. Empty the glue into a bowl.
2. Fill each empty glue bottle with warm water and shake it up then pour/squirk warm water from the glue bottle into the bowl.
3. Add some food coloring. (My kids tried for purple but the bean put like 10 drops of blue in. There is clearly no science to making the right color! ;) SET ASIDE.
4. Add 1/2 cup warm water to your cup. Add 1 tsp. borax to the water and mix until borax dissolves. Pour into your glue bowl and stirring.
5. Use your hands. It should start to get stringy, keep squishing around. You will notice after a few minutes that it has become pretty gelatinous.
6. Let the kids play with it for a bit and it will become the perfect GOOEY consistency! ;)

This is one of my kids favorites. It smells like glue, but it's not terrible. It's really fun to play with and the kids use all the same play doh tools with it.

Hope you and your family enjoy!

September 13, 2013

Giveaway: Willow House Jewerly by Sara Blaine

How stunning is this cuff? I wore it in yesterday's outfit post and I am in love! 

It's the Eclipse Cuff from the fall collection of Willow House Jewelry by Sara Blaine.
You can check out the catalogue online in my boutique for more styles that will be coming soon. This cuff and the other fall styles will be available for sale as of October 1st. 

There is plenty of other jewelry to shop currently on the site so make sure you snoop around online. (I am lusting over the Ionia Double Band Cuff too, swoon!)

Here is a photo of the Eclipse Cuff you can win ($129 value):
 photo 301f39be-0471-4951-83f4-7fe2005b05bd_zpsaedc9fd2.jpg  photo jewelry_zps8efbd514.jpg
This beauty will fit most wrists as it is adjustable and can be tightened or loosened on your arm. I LOVE cuffs that you can bend!

To Enter:
 1 Entry (each that you do): -Follow my blog on GFC
 10 entries: Sign up for your very own online boutique (it's free and a great way to earn some extra cash!)

Don't forget to leave a comment below for each that you did. 
Winner will be announced 9-24-13 at 7:00am. Good luck! 

September 12, 2013

Outfit: Pre-Fall Layers

I love the weather right now. It's not quite fall but no longer summer (with exception to the amazing 90 degree heatwave we had this week).
It a great time to start layering up but not too many layers as it's still in the mid 70's during the day.

Here is how I styled my pre-fall layers look:
 photo bd359266-78ea-437a-b7f1-124b903439d6_zps25088ad2.jpg  photo e143911e-f94b-47b2-b142-b33b06b0e8a1_zps0d65e0ea.jpg  photo ee537436-00bb-4c0c-bf9b-f2a7177bc631_zpsf324cd1f.jpg  photo ankleboots_zpsca1a7019.jpg
Dress: Victoria's Secret // Vest: JC Penny // Boots & Bag: c/o Just Fab // Necklace: c/o House of Gemmes // Watch: Fossil // Bracelet & Ring: c/o T+J Designs // Cuff: Willow House Jewelry // Sunnies: MNG by Mango 

This shirt dress can clearly be dressed up or down so I chose the latter for this day of errands and appointments. 

As per my usual I used amazing jewelry to pull this outfit together. 
How great is this statement necklace? It's part of House of Gemmes fall collection and will be selling soon! In the meantime head over to House of Gemmes to grab a few fall necklaces that are already pre-selling (some already sold out, so grab them while you can!). 

Shop the look:


**Do you love the Willow House cuff? Check back tomorrow for a chance to win your very own!