5 Gym Bag Must Haves

I love the gym, there I said it. I practice yoga 2-3 times per week between a local studio and my living room (using the Daily Burn), but I also go to the gym. I find that doing cardio 3-5 times per week in the mornings really makes me feel better during my days. Since I tend to get ready for my day post workout, I have come up with a few hair hacks. I mean, I have to get through the rest of the day without looking like I sweat all morning, even though I actually did just that. ;)

 Top //Pants // Bag // Sunglasses // Shoes // Fitbit

I usually have my gym shoes in my bag too (as my gym doesn't allow outside shoes on their equipment), but here are my top five must have gym bag essentials:

1) Deodorant (natural)
2) Dry Shampoo
3) Perky Pony
4) Headband
5) Headphones 

I either put my hair in a pony tail as soon as I get to the gym, then dry shampoo after and I'm good to go. Yes, the dry shampoo I tagged above is seriously the best and I am able to not look like I just worked out. My other solution is the Perky Pony. This thing is a life saver post gym! Also, it's perfect for everyday wear making your regular pony tails (and braided up do's) much fuller and beautiful! They are under $20 and come in all hair colors.

Before & after using Perky Pony:

What's in your gym bag? 

Giveaway: Pop Culture Living

I am so excited to tell you about my latest collaboration with Pop Culture Living. Fabulous living, celebrity style is their slogan and they sell beautiful, chic, stylish items ranging from home decor to glassware and dinnerware to entertaining items (and trays! Oh how I love trays). 

If you are anything like me, then you love all things Lisa Vanderpump. From the Housewives of Beverly Hills to Vanderpump Rules, I have been a fan of hers for years. Let's be honest, that woman can do no wrong when it comes to style and decor! It only makes sense that she is one of the celebrity contributors to Pop Culture Living! I love so many items from her line, but I am also loving pieces from all over their site. Here are a few of my favorites: 

I am so tray obsessed. Check out these beauties below: 

If you want to do a some shopping, Pop Culture Living is giving Stilettos and Diaper Bags readers 25% off of their order using code "Stilettos". If that's not a great reason to go shopping, I don't know what is. Their price points are great so it will be hard to not rationalize doing a mini shopping spree today! I say go for it, I will be! ;) 

Now let's talk about the giveaway. Pop Culture Living is giving away a set of 2, Tinsley Mortimer Bubble Rocks glasses. She is another one of their celebrity contributors and I just love these glasses! 

Enter below, good luck to all! And make sure you come back often as you can enter daily on Instagram by liking & commenting on photos! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Plus don't forget to use code "Stilettos" to receive 25% off your order on Pop Culture Living! Happy shopping! 

It's All Happening!

You guys, I met Kate Hudson! OK, let me start from the beginning. Kate is currently on her book tour for her new book, Pretty Happy. I knew she was going to be about thirty minutes away from my house, but I also knew I had plans that day so I didn't get tickets. Fast forward three more weeks and my night freed up. Somehow there were still spaces and I got to go with my friend Lindsay.

Kate Hudson is my number one female celebrity. My whole life I have loved both her and her mother in all things movies (and in fashion) and when she named her son Ryder 11 years ago I always said if I had a son his name would be Ryder. Well, my Ryder is about to turn eight years old, so thank you Kate for the amazing name idea. I can't imagine my son having any other name! I have also always been told I look just like her. Which is a huge compliment because she is adorable!

You guys know how much I love 70's style, so in honor of Almost Famous and meeting thee Penny Lane herself, I had to wear this outfit. High waist denim, lace top, major shoes, a few of my favorite accessories, and this look was good to go! The moment I knew I wore the right outfit? Kate looked at me and said "Look at you! You are beautiful!". OK, I died a bit in that moment. I must have looked like such a goof as I fanned out and stumbled on my words, but it was really a great moment meeting someone and have them be as wonderful as you thought they would be! She was funny, and bubbly, and forgot her train of thought (which I do daily), further proof we would be besties in real life. 

Top // Jeans // Shoes // Watch // Necklace // Sunglasses // Gold Pave X Ring // Bag // Coat

I just started reading Pretty Happy last night and so far it is kind of amazing! I am very impressed and can't wait to finish it. I will for sure do a review of this book for you guys on the blog as soon as I finish it.

Here is my moment with Kate. You know, two 36 year old women who are also mothers of two, just hanging around. (We have so much in common! lol)

Shop my Penny Lane inspired look below: 

Have you ever met your favorite celebrity and have it exceed your expectations? Are you a Kate Hudson fan?

Everyday Weekend Wear

My weekends have been super casual lately (which I'm honestly loving) but dressing casual doesn't have to look sloppy. A simple skinny jean, ribbed tank, and long cardigan is so cozy but by adding the correct accessories it can look way more put together then it actually is. I decided to mix in a few neutrals by adding my olive boots, light brown hat, and brown saddle bag. To finish my casual look off I added a leather necklace and I was ready to hang with the family and run a few errands. 

How much are we loving this weather here in the Midwest? I know it is going back to cold this week, but these past few days have been bliss. The lower 60's on Friday, 50's on Saturday, and the upper 40's today...in February?! Loving it! I hope you have all gone outside and walked/ran/played as much as we have! 

Cardigan // Tank Top // Jeans // Boots // Bag (similar) // Hat: Target (Swap w/ Kaitlyn) // Necklace // Watch // Feather Cuff: Coach 

What is your go-to everyday weekend style? Have you bought a long cardigan yet? I am obsessed with mine! 

Recipe: Chicken & Bean Stew

I am forever on the hunt for new recipes to try and get my family eating right. I found this one in a Nature's Promise magazine in my latest Peapod order and had to try it right away! I did make a few tweaks, and since I loved it my way, I am going to share my altered recipe with you today. 

Here is what you will need: 

Ingredients: 

Cooking spray of choice (I love coconut oil spray)

12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast

1/2 bunch organic kale

3 cloves garlic, chopped coarsely 

3 cups cooked white beans or 2 cans

1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 tsp dried organic thyme

1/4 cup roasted, unsalted whole almonds, roughly chopped

Directions: 

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13x9-inch backing dish with cooking spray.

2) Cut the chicken into 1/2 inch cubes. Chop kale and garlic. Drain beans. Add chicken, kale, beans, tomatoes, with juice, thyme and garlic to the baking dish. Season with salt (in moderation) and pepper and stir to combine. 

3) Bake 30 minutes (until hot and bubbling). Divide the into four plates and sprinkle the top with almonds. Serve! 

I have to say, the almond crunch was amazing. I loved that my kids (and hubby) actually ate kale, beans, and tomatoes with their chicken. I'd say this is a must try for your winter recipe rotation. I can't wait to tweak it a few more times and try different ingredients to make it seasonal with what is at the local farmers markets this spring! 

Is this a recipe you will try? What is your favorite way to get kale into your dinners?

Red Lip Classic Thing That You Like

If you read my other blog Sisters Marie, then you know I had planned to wear this outfit this week. Let's start at the beginning of this story, shall we? I was at our family lake house and Kaitlyn & myself were taking outfit photos. In a last minute styling, I passed Katie my sweatshirt, coat, and hat and the pairing became my fast favorite. As soon as she added it to her skinny jeans and cut-out boots  I blurted out "I am literally wearing this outfit this week!" And here we are folks. I am, if nothing else, a woman of my word! How did I own all these pieces for so long and never pair them together? 

To make the outfit less of "style steal" (if wearing the same outfit can be less...lol!), I switched out the long layered necklace she wore for a delicate, single gold bar. I also added a bright infinity scarf to tie my winter essentials into the look. In the end I loved wearing it as much as seeing it on someone else! ;) Perfect example of everyday winter wear for me here in the Midwest. 

Jacket: Sheindsie (similar) // Sweater: The Rage // Jeans // Boots // Sunglasses // Scarf: Swap w/ Kaitlyn // Hat // Watch

Have you ever seen someone in your clothes and thought "I'm wearing that same styling immediately!"? What do you think of this pairing?

The Perfect Time to Shop for a new Scent

I love shopping for fragrances this time of year. For starters, it's February and Valentine's Day is right around the corner. What better way to love yourself then to treat you to a new scent (or a set for that matter)? And if you are with someone special this is the perfect time to send your man a subtle hint by emailing him a link to this post! ;) 

It's because I shop for new scents each year around this time that I tend to run out every February. Whatever the reason (or how you rational your shopping habits), I was in the market for a new perfume. I always re-buy my favorite (Jo Malone), but I wanted to try something new because I just ran out of two others (Daisy by Marc Jacob and Very Sexy by VS). Enter Memoire Liquide. Thank goodness they reached out to me, I have tried one body lotion of theirs in the past and it was one of my all time favorites! 

Memoire Liquide comes in five personal fragrances. Oh how I love Amour Liquide. Here is more about this scent: "Exhilarating, romantic love is remembered with soul soothing and breathtaking Pure Madagascar Vanilla, Tonka Bean and Incense." Yeah guys, it's amazing! I love how it smells and am mildly obsessed with the beautiful bottle it comes in. I am such of fan of displaying my perfumes on my dresser. Anyone else out these who loves a great perfume that also has a beautiful presentation? I do! (Use code Blog2016 to get 20%!)

I also received the body care lotion in Amour Liquide. Perfect timing, it is sub-zero here in Chicago and my hands, elbows, and knees have been so dry lately. I put this beauty to work right away and it now lives in my purse. I love that it is non-greasy and the smell is divine. The price point on this one is great too. You get a lot of bang for your buck!

Perfume & Body Care lotion: c/o Memoire Liquide (use code Blog2016 for 20% off)  

Do you stock up on new scents this time of year? What are some of your favorites?