Summer's new "it" flats

Love, love, love flats.

While summer is all about sandals and baring our tootsies whenever and wherever possible,

there's often times when the perfect casual flat is just... well, perfection.

While last year was all about Tom's, this summer it's all about Solodus.

Doesn't hurt that they're half the price as Tom's -- at just $28 big ones -- and feel a bit more feminine.

My only dilemma: which ones do I get??

 pink seersucker



lemon

papaya blue

There's at least two dozen more colors and patterns... this is just what I've narrowed down to.
And, while I don't need any black flats right now, I know a lot of ladies who are always on the hunt.
If you do, opt for a light-weight pair like this....

black

Outfit: Kisses for Red, White and Blue

So perfect I wore this pseudo-Americana outfit last weekend to share with you on Memorial Day!

I should start off by saying I just snagged this kissy-esque blouse at Urban Outfitters the night before I wore it for a whopping $9.99. Woot, woot!

Remember me telling you everyone needs to rid themselves of the "I have nothing to wear syndrome?"
Well my challenge is that I need more blouses. Like, STAT. I've been pretty good about sticking to that, only picking up a few needed items along the way.  

(Confession: I did just splurge on Friday... bought a Michael Kors white watch with swarovski crystals around the face for 40 percent off; I've only been eying this for two years so I think it's OK.
Gorgeous, right?? Obsessed.)

Back to the outfit: This look had an eventful day. I started off in Ft. Lauderdale to see my bff (best friend forever), D, try on her wedding gown and enjoy a bridesmaids lunch at Cheesecake Factory. She looked so stunning, and even more importantly, so elated and happy. That's all I can wish for her, right?
Here's us passing by an adorable baby elephant sculpture; mama is to the left of us!

After this, I made an unexpected pit-stop at a good friend/college roomie's place to meet her brand-new little girl, S. Man, she was a cutie! I forget how light these little cuties are. And, S let me hold her for almost an hour while I gossiped with her mom. Yum! Man, she is precious.

Then, after some time at home, we were off to Sweet Tomatoes (yum!) for a big Saturday night out with another couple and their little girl. Oh, how our nights out have changed. LoL.
But, no complaints here: I have a gorgeous family
(and Sweet Tomatoes has a pretty darn great salad bar, chili, muffins, desserts and way more!)

Assuming pink nail polish doesn't clash with red wedges...

 

PS: sometimes I get sick of all the paparazzi (i.e. my husband who so graciously takes these photos)

I guess it's where my daughter learned it from? hahahaha. Good thing she has the Elmo book.

blouse: urban outfitters

pink cami: gap

capris: old navy

wedges: banana republic outlet

wrap bracelet: tory burch

rings: tiffany & co. / gram

watch: michael kors leather band

bags: louis vuitton early in the day / carlos falchi for dinner

nail polish: forget me not, by essie

Perfect summer wedges

What's everyone been talking about this summer when it comes to trends?

Wedges + neutrals.

Well, here's a fab answer to both!

gap, elastic espadrilles, $59.50 (40% off in-store thru monday)

Just bought these today for around $30something (sorry, off-the-cuff math is not my thing!). They're soooo adorable and comfy, and looked killer with the million items I tried on in the fitting room.

I am all about the canvas in the front, which will look polished and professional with pants that cover most of the wedge, yet are still totally totally cool and comfy more casual looks.

ps: yes, it's a good size wedge, but the platform in the front makes this totally comfortable and wearable. they do run slightly big so be sure to try on in store (only big sizes left online!).

Put a Ring on it -- A Glam One, Of Course

Umm, Old Navy. I am in love. With you. And, your jewelry.

When did you start making such gorgeous baubles?

I've been seeing some pretty decent pieces here and there and then POW!

I stumbled across this oversized beauty... and there's lots more gorgeousness, too!

(Kim Kardashian is not the only who gets to have the ring fun!)

And, did I mention it's just $9.50??

Better yet, it comes in two more colors!

That turquoise is totally swoon-worthy if you ask me. 

Picture it with a flirty summer dress, a basic pair of jeans and solid tee, or simply a white tank with crisp shorts. Consider your look amped up.

I have a similar ring from F21 (it was whopping $3.80) that gets compliments like it's no one's business.

If you're looking to add some color, bling, glitz, fun and chic, I vote for this! Mmm mm.

Happy Memorial Day weekend, ladies. 
Enjoy three days of fun... just try to take a minute to remember why we get that day off of work! haha

5 Must Haves of the Moment

Meet Tiffany. One of my first Twitter friends when I started this bloggie, she is a constant source of fun, smiles (well e-ones!), support and laughter. I love keeping up with her daily happenings, most recently her adventures in cake pop making (see her #1 must have).

While Tiffany is a few years younger than me (ok, at least 7 or 8, I think), I find her infinitely wise, sincere and thoughtful... way beyond her years. Wow, how old do I sound saying that?? Lol. She's just totally fabulous in my book.

A pre-law student who loves fashion and baseball (go Yankees!), she's also loves to cook and bake... all while tweeting! You can also catch her blogging Welcome to Fashion Court... the Verdict is In! Doesn't she sound like the best?

So, without further ado, here are Tiffany's 5 must haves of the moment... in her words!

BabyCakes Cake Pop Maker (or donut hole maker!)

If you follow me on Twitter, you know I have been PREACHING the BabyCakes Cake Pop Maker (found here and at Kohl’s in store) like it was a religion. You. Need. This. In. Your. Life. Like, yesterday. Traditionally, making cake pops is a very messy and long process. With this? You fill the batter in the wells, close it for six minutes and PRESTO! Cake pops! You can also make donut holes (the pic shows red velvet ones I recently made).

Little Black Dress

I can’t stress how much I love a little black dress. It seriously is universally flattering. Whoever says LBDs are outdated…well, they’re crazy. Little white dress? Doesn’t quite have the ring to it, does it? You need a black dress in your wardrobe – you can dress it up or dress it down. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Invest in a substantial piece (I prefer Michael by Michael Kors because his Petite cuts are perfection). Above is one that I really loved by Wren (found here).
TAGG tip: if the Wren is beyond your budget, check out F21 and other affordable shops like Gap for great looks right now. Here's a statement maker.)

Bold Nail polish Colors

Summer is the perfect excuse to stray away from your normal nail polish colors. Try out something you’d never imagine yourself wearing. Neon colors look AWESOME ! The above color is from Color Club and it’s actually scented!

Glittery heels

While you’re trying some new looks out with your new LDB and bright nail polish…you might as well buy some new shoes, right? Do you really *need* an excuse to buy shoes, ever? Try out a glittery pair of heels this summer to bring a little sparkle in your life. I bought the above pair for my birthday in November and I plan to get use out of them this summer too. Wedges are also a great option!
TAGG tip: how fun and pretty are these glittery wedges (gold or silver) on Zappos right now?? Delish!

Mocha coconut frappuccino

Treat yourself to a Mocha Coconut Frap at Starbucks (img via here). THAT IS ALL. Trust me.

 
 

Giveaway WINNER + Your Beauty Faves

Hello, lovely ladies!

So beyond thrilled to see the support for my latest giveaway. 160+ entries! WOW!

Thank each to every one of you for taking the time to read my bloggie that could and leave your comments for the giveaway (plus a lot of love, too).
While of course I wish I could give everyone a little sephora thank you love,

only one is getting that wish... at least for now!

Even if you're not the winner, hopefully you'll at least enjoy this list of everyone's favorite beauty products.
I often wonder how there can be so many stinkin' beauty brands and then I read your list. There's only three or four repeats in the whole thing (bare escentuals)!
Clearly there's a need out there. :)
Read the list below or feel feel free to scan through the comments here.

Have to say that your comments are a major highlight of blogging... not because I need a lot, but because I get emails every time someone leaves a note and I just love reading your thoughts, opinions and insights about what I shared that day. Promise: my eyes light up during each time.

Soooo.....keep reading for the winner,

and take a look at all your beauty faves (from a lot of bloggers out there)!

Your Beauty Faves

MAC eyebrow gel (Image Envy)

Clinique superbalm moisturizing lip gloss (Fashion by Alicia)

Maybelline lash stiletto mascara (For Better or for Worse)

Smashbox Photo Finish primer (Much Ado About Nothing)

Lancome dual action face powder (Haute Lunch)

Benefit Boi-ing concealer (Girly Things by *e*)

Smashbox foundation (It's a Lifestyle)

Sephora-brand foundation (Smart n Snazzy: Stylish Without Going Broke)

Seche Vita topcoat

Burt's Bees chapstick

Bliss lid+ lash wash (Ramblings of a Small Town Girl)

Bare Escentuals

Bare Escentuals (I Have a Degree in This)

Sephora Mattifying Foundation

Nars Orgasm blush (Glam Kitten's Litter Box)

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in blackest black

Any products by Boscia

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (People, Places & Things)

Stila pomegranate crush lip stain (Ready Heart)

Pur Minerals pressed powder (Blue Paper Lanterns)

Urban Decay Primer Potion (Chic & Pink)

Laura Mercier moisturizer tint

Covergirl blush (♥two.twentyfive)

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero (effervescent evelina)

Seche Vite topcoat (Sweet As Honey)

Almay liner in black and brown (Angie's Stuff)

Jergen's natural glow moisturizer

m2 skin refinish

Lancome eyeliner (Little Assembly Required)

Smashbox Photo Finish

Clinique Lash Power mascara

Smashbox lip gloss

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes mascara

Benefit High Beam (Orangie's Attic)

Lipgloss from Target (Mom Military)
Kendi oil for hair (A Little Of This...)
Covergirl pointplus black eyeliner
Jergens Total Nourishment Lotion (Fall/Winter) & Skin Renewing Lotion (Spring/Summer)
Shu Uemura eye lash curler (Antiques & Collectibles Too)
Dr. Brandt's Crease Release (Makeupyourmind)
Benefit Posietint (KrispyTinCan)
Bare Escentuals
Nars Laguna bronzer
Dior Addict's Lip Glow
Revlon eyeliner (Chronicles of a Monster-in-Law)
Benefit Benetint
Make Up For Ever concealer (Work Wardrobe for $200)
Benefit's Some King of Gorgeous foundation
Philosophy supernatural airbrush canvas
NARS orgasm blush and laguna bronzer duo
Bare Minerals
Anything by Boscia
Clinique eyeliner
Bobbi Brown corrector for undereye circles
Diorshow mascara
Nars lipgloss in tempest
Too Faced Shadow Insurance (oh, rebecca)

Giveaway Winner
OK, the real moment you've been waiting for. Selected by random.org, the winner of a $30 gift card to Sephora is.....
(drumroll, please.......)

CONGRATS, Renee (#93)!! Let's connect via Twitter or email.

Quick Bites: Roasted Garlic Recipe

Mmmm, roasted garlic!

Are you a fan?

It's so phenomenally easy to make, low in calories, and most importantly.... tastes incredible
(not super garlicy at all!).

After some time in the oven, the garlic cloves caramelize, taking on an almost buttery consistency.
Totally heavenly.

If you've never made or tried it, you're in for a treat. It's one of those crazy, super-easy recipes

(trust me, this girl  is quite "average" when it comes to cooking skills!) and always is tastes great.

The key is to be sure it roasts long enough.
Better to roast roast for more time than less. Otherwise the garlic doesn't spread very well,
and still tastes garlicky.
Make this tonight... you'll enjoy!

Ingredients

2 heads of garlic

olive oil

fresh crusty bread

(also great to serve with: goat cheese, olives, etc)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

(TAGG tip: I use my toaster oven so it takes a nanosecond to heat up)

Cut the top (pointy end) of the garlic so the cloves are partially exposed.

Arrange heads of garlic on their own pieces of tin foil.

Drizzle olive oil over each garlic head (approx. 2 tsp, but never too much!).

Wrap garlic heads in tin foil with just the top exposed.

Cook for approx. 40 minutes for average size garlic heads.

Let sit to cool, and then serve.

We paired our roasted garlic and fresh baguette with a "dinner for two" deal from a fantastic local market, Joseph's Classic Market (three locations in South Florida. Check here). You get a salad, two sides, entree and dessert (blueberry pie!) for just $14.99 (some, like this steak were $15.99). It's our new favorite steal. Get to enjoy amazing home cooked-meals without the time or fuss!

In case our meal wasn't garlicky enough, I selected broccoli tossed with breadcrumbs, Parmesan and sliced garlic, plus roasted potatoes with garlic, for our sides. Our entree was a moist london broil.
How good does this look??

Can't wait for leftovers!

Outfit: A Dress & Wedges. That is All.

Love, love, love summertime.

One of the best perks? Summer dresses!

Wanted to share with you one of my spring/summer outfit from a few weeks ago to Houston for my cousin's engagement party (congrats Caroline and Jeff!).

Though I forgot a few fun bangles (mental note not to pack five minutes before bed at 11:30 pm for a 7 am flight!), I'm still loving this look enough to share.

Plus, I totally felt great that day... maybe it was because I had so much family close by, but either way, feeling good is really all that matters!

Let this be your summertime guide....

Dress + wedges = summertime chic!

dress: mossimo from target
wedges: nine west outlet
watch: michael kors
earrings: michal negrin

A Few Women Who Make Me Smile

Ahh, summer reading! I should be reading more books, yet I find myself mindlessly gazing at the pages of People, Star, Life & Style or some rag. I absolutely adore seeing what celebs wear and the latest trends, but these magazines can get cruel, too. Pointing out cellulite, the is it a "baby bump/big meal/gaining weight" insanity and glamorizing crumbling marriages to sell more mags. Boo!

Let's take a minute to remember that these are real women.

Yes, they're making gazillions of bucks (must be nice) but many are not crazy pap-seekers.
They're just trying to live their life under a microscope that I'm not sure I'd like to be under.

Think about the same with friends and female acquaintances, and all the little conversations and gossip that takes place about them. Drop it, unless it's a compliment. Just take them for what they are...
another gal just trying living her life, trying to be the best version of her.

Here are a few classy celebs whose smile makes me smile!

Happy Friday, friends!

 and, of course....

5 Must Haves for Summer Not to Miss

PS: Head on over to a blog fave, Haute Lunch, asap... I'm sharing helpful tips to look Haute in a Hurry (get ready fast while still looking fashionable!). Enjoy!

Meet Erin. A super impressive "Manager of a Future Productive Member of Society" (love this! aka, a full-time mama --- hardest job in the world!) who is determined not to become invisible while raising her adorable little one. Find it really cool that she's recognized this and started a blog, Moms Have Style, Too, to document her daily outfits and latest life happenings along the way. She's a real woman with great, attainable style that has definitely provided me some inspiration.

Seeing as though she's a fashionable, real gal like the rest of us, I'm thrilled she's sharing her 5 must haves for summer that she can't live without. She totally hit the mark on this --- at least to me! I LOVE her must haves.

So, without further ado, in her words, here's Erin's 5 must haves for summer that she absolutely cannot live without!

Stripes

Anything and everything is striped this season! Nautical stripes are such a classic and they fit right in with my love of all things preppy.

Statement Necklace

A beautiful and bold piece of jewelry can add spice to a casual look or amp up that summer dress for date night. This Stella & Dot turquoise necklace is just right for spicing up a summer dress.

Maxi Dresses

A summer dress is the perfect way to stay cool and still look feminine and pulled together. Even better, a maxi dress is comfy and allows you to disguise things you might not want on display. And yes, you can even ride a bike in one!

Nude Pumps

These little babies go with positively EVERYTHING! I love a versatile shoe that magically makes you feel sexy.

Army Green Jacket

The perfect compliment to every outfit. Dress up a tee shirt or dress down a maxi dress. How can you go wrong?
TAGG mention: did you see the photo of Erin? Yeah, she's rocking the Army green jacket (with a striped shirt AND she had nude pumps on. This gal totally wears what she preaches! Thanks again, Erin, for sharing these fab must haves!)



Pour Your Heart Out: Weight

I was soooooooo relieved a few weeks back when I poured my heart out about feeling lonely sometimes and you gals comforted me, sympathized and shared what's happening in your life.
Seeing as this blog is for real women who deal with weighty issues (pun intended),
I wanted to broach the topic of weight, and... I'm sharing my number.

{ps: this is me again participating in Pour Your Heart Out from The Things I cannot Say.}

First of all... weight: UGH!

It's soooooo frustrating sometimes.
It's how we look, it's the stupid number that gets so many women riled up.
Is it up, is it down... do I weight less than her?! 
Most women are lying if they say they've never compared themselves to another woman and felt a teeny tiny satisfaction knowing they weigh less than the other. Don't lie.
Heck, I'll admit it: I have, and I've come to realize how absurd that is. No one is like me.
She could be five inches taller, have breasts three times the size of mine, anything. Why am I comparing??

At 31-years-old I need to know it's pointless.
I'm over it. At least, I'm going to try my damnedest to be!
This is who I am. A 124-lb. woman who is proud of her body. I have to be.
This body is my vessel taking me through life. In just two years it's carried a baby and has come back from paralysis. It's created life and overcoming freaking paralysis. Pretty incredible.

About me: I'm a Weight Watcher lifetime member who's lowest weight hovered around 115 pounds. In remember in elementary and middle school I was always the girl who was a little overweight,
and in high school and college I was always in the 140s. Not the 1-teens or 120s like the "popular girls."

I remember talking in high school to a best friend (an adorable little thing who must have weighed nothing and ate more carbs than you could imagine)... she told me this awful story about how her brother had a party and put some crappy note on the door that only women under 120 lbs could enter. I just said how obnoxious and moved on. Yet, 15 freaking years later I still remember that conversation. Why? Because, I, at 140ish lbs, would not have been invited inside my best friend's door.
I guess that's what started my "number fixation." Thanks, dude.

After college in 2002, I got a desk job that caused my thighs to expand and my pants to practically bust at the seams. A clasp even broke off the waistband. Embarrassing truth.
Can't believe I'm posting this: here's me in early 2002. Did I not realize this dress didn't fit??

Soon after, during a random doctor visit  the nurse had to move that little thing on the scale from the 100 to 150 bracket. I knew in that moment that I needed to do something.
My size 12 pants were getting awfully tight.

Weight Watchers was hugely successful. I started at 153 and went down to about 115 at my lowest.

Here's me at a bridal shower in 2003, I believe.

WOW, check out that chick's jawline and little waist! haha.

Cruel life (weight) truth:

Just because you're thin -- and at your supposed dream weight -- doesn't mean you're happier.

After being a size 10 my whole life, it took me years to see the woman I am now. I'd pick up clothes that were a size 6 or 8 thinking it was me, but I was typically a size 2. Body dismorphic disorder for sure. And, it was at my thinnest that I compared myself the most. Weird, right?
I noticed dimples on my thighs that looking back, I don't remember agonizing over when I was "bigger."

I think, how could I have been happier at that weight? Yet, I was. Had friends, had boyfriends.

I'm sharing this because I know many of us struggle with our weight. I'll be honest. My goal is 120 pounds, three pounds less than where I'm at. HOWEVER, I'd be thrilled to stay where I am if I could be more toned and fit. It's something I'm working on (did pilates this morning!).
Focus on being healthy. I recognize I needed to lose weight years ago and am happy I did so. It knocked my cholesterol below 200 for the first time in my life. I eat healthier and am more conscious of myself. That's what it's about. Not the number, not the spots on your body that you wish were different.

LISTEN UP:
Do not let your weight consume you and be who you are. Do not be so hard on yourself.
If you have a bad meal, weigh more than you want or have thighs with a few dimples, deal with it. LIVE.
I know now I rather enjoy great meals than be five pounds less. You might disagree with me, and that's fine, but to me that's living life and enjoying it.

After going through what I have these past two years I've learned we can't keep bringing ourselves down about our body. "I look so fat in this outfit," yada, yada, yada.
It's so damn consuming, negative and miserable.
Stop yourself, and instead find something -- anything -- about yourself that you're happy about and say it aloud. Believe it.

You are who you are. Embrace it.

(thanks for listening)

 

Review: Birchbox (beauty to your doorstep!)

It’s about time I shared with you my beauty love: 

BIRCHBOX.

Have you heard of it yet? If not, read carefully. This is important scoop:

Let’s call it a beauty club. For $10/month, Birchbox sends to you deluxe beauty samples of the newest, best and often, the most coveted  products.

I just received my second box (they come once a month) so now I'm fully capable of giving you my two cents… actually, a lot more!

Here's how the box looks once unwrapped from mailing box...

Moi's vote on Birchbox after two month's of service? A!

Before I tell you why I graded it so well, must confess that I’m not a beauty junkie or the gal who would ever test out and cross compare four eyeliners, for example.

However, as I’m getting older (and wiser!), I am interested in products that can keep some lines at bay and keep my skin looking young and vibrant. I also increasingly find myself seeking affordable new products to make me look my best.

What I find so appealing about Birchbox is that I get to try products and brands I never would have purchased on my own. Some of which, by the way, are only available online or in upscale stores that might make me feel uncomfortable to test products. Those women can be so rude or snooty! Haha. 

The $10 monthly price is worth it right there!

Before you receive any products, Birchbox requests you complete a quick beauty profile. This way, they send you the types of items you want and that are ideal for your needs.

Here’s what my Birchbox looked like this month when I opened it.

And, here's last month's...
(mental note to fully unwrap before snapping pics; lots more beauty goodies hidden inside!

Last month, a favorite was Zoya nail polish in a shimmery gold. This month, my fave is the Jouer moisturizing lip gloss. I’ve been ddyyyyiinnngggg to try this brand the past few weeks so was thrilled to see it here.

(And, it is indeed amazing; ample moisture with a sparkly shimmer).

Each box comes with this handy dandy card like this one to give you the full deets on each product.

If you love an item so much you want it full size, you can buy it from Birchbox and earn loyalty points along the way good toward future purchases. And, during the month, Birchbox sends you a few informative emails with a make-up tip or trick, the scoop on a new product or something else.

I haven’t tried all my products yet (or confession: even one or two from my last box),

however my $10/month is totally worth what I have tried so far…

and nothing beats the fun of getting a package in the mail every 30 days.

Happy holidays to me!

Have you tried Birchbox? Are you a fan?

Or, are you going to give it a go?