Lift your Mood with Color

It's like riding a Bicycle

Distressed soft jeans, my favorite tote and a comfy top would be fitting for a picturesque bicycle ride. This adorable vintage bike is not mine, however, I do have an old bike I took out for a ride a few days ago. "It's like riding a bicycle" they say. And after many years of not riding a bike, it was not a pretty sight.

Wearing my helmet and old gym clothes, I felt pretty confident on my bike.  I felt invincible, as if I were a kid again.  So, I decided to go a little faster, when suddenly my life flashed before my eyes as I took a tumble. I was fine, just a little bruised. But, you will not see me on my real bike any time soon. Possibly never. 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

What I'm wearing:

Jeans: c/o Banana Republic

Tote: c/o Banana Republic

Top: Loft

Shoes: Michael Kors, TJ Maxx

Sunglasses: Warby Parker

This post was sponsored by Banana Republic.

It Takes Two

Two. This crazy little number has been the driving force in my family this past year.  Two weddings, two funerals, two homes sold, two homes built, two grandmothers moving, and two job promotions!

It's been one crazy ride. But, all of it has made us all stronger.  As a family unit and as individuals. As a family, we support each other unconditionally. We take pride in each other. As individuals, we learn compassion, empathy, selfless love, and true joy for others.

Top photo is my daughter's wedding and this photo is our family at my son's wedding.

As a mom and a wife, I am blessed to have a special bond with my kids and the support of my loving hubby. Now, with two weddings under our belts, we gained two extended families that are just as loving and fun. I can only hope that we end the year of two's with two grand-babies? Okay, just wishful thinking....but for now, B and I can enjoy at least two months in our Georgia home with a lot of much needed R&R.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

What I'm wearing:

Dress:  c/o Banana Republic

Shoes: Tory Burch

Bag: c/o Banana Republic

Hat: c/o Banana Republic

Sunglasses: Warby Parker 

This post was sponsored by Banana Republic.

It's Banana's...

My favorite Banana Republic Spring 2016 maxi skirt worn 4 ways...

Outfit One: 

Denim Jacket, a simple white tee, Banana Republic Maxi Skirt and lace-up sandals.

Hydrating and Repairing Your Skin Through Winter

Winter is one of my favorite seasons, but it wreaks havoc on my skin. Between the outdoor chill, the heater, and traveling, my skin is screaming for hydration.  My daily moisturizer is no longer enough to battle this beast. Drinking tons of water is not enough for me, I knew I had to find products to hydrate and treat my skin. STAT.  I recently discovered some "repair" treatments that have made a huge difference and is worth sharing with you.

Skin Repair Treatments:

My daily routine consists of a morning and evening night cream along with an anti-aging serum. I use primer before I apply my makeup and set it with a translucent powder.  Lately, the powder started settling into the fine lines around my eyes making my skin appear dryer than normal. When I explained this to a makeup professional at the Nordstrom counter, they suggested to stop using powder, try a water primer and use a repair eye treatment.

Smashbox Primer Water: This water not only works as a primer, but it also sets your makeup with a delicate spray mist. This has been the most noticeable change to my skin, leaving it soft to the touch.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye: I have never tried any treatment like this! The consistency of this treatment is a gel-like cream that glides on like silk when it touches your delicate
eye area. The fine lines around my eyes have dramatically improved.

Clinique Lip Repairwear Treatment: Don't forget to treat your lips too! I use a sugar scrub once every two weeks to remove any chapped skin. I recently discovered Clinique's Lip Repair treatment which helps hydrate and reduce wrinkles on and around the lips.  I apply it in the morning and at bedtime. My lips have never felt better.

Hydrating makeup must haves:

In addition to adding repair treatments, I have also switched from a powder contour and highlighter to a cream base for a more dewy look. Clinique has come out with an array of skin products that have completely transformed my skin. And NO, this is not a paid post, haha! All opinions are my own. I now carry all of the above in my makeup bag wherever I go!

Face and cheeks: Clinique Chubby Sticks are so easy to use. You draw a line on your cheek and blend, nothing complicated. They are creamy and leave a dewey. natural glow on my skin. The rose color chubby stick can be used as a blush and a lip balm throughout the day. The Clinique Cheek Pop is a silky cream-to-powder formula that looks like a natural flush instead of makeup. Love this!

Eyes: Clinique Pep-Start eye cream instantly brightens and hydrates my eye area making me look refreshed. Plus, it contains natural peptides to promote natural collagen. It is a Sephora exclusive, and a definite must have if you need an instant pick me-up.

Lorac Alter Ego Lip Gloss: I don't usually like lip gloss because of the tacky feel, but I love this one! It's rich and hydrating to get me through winter and no need to wear anything else on my lips.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: The name alone made me want to try this product, and after reading great  reviews and trying it for myself, it did not disappoint. The brush is very thick, so application can get a little messy if you don't have a steady hand. Love!

That's what is in my make up bag lately! Do you have any hydrating products that you can't live without?

Thanks so much for stopping by! Today, I am linking up with these fabulous blogs, be sure to stop by and show them some love!

So, This Is Happening...

What I'm wearing: Blush Moto Jacket, Banana Republic sold out, but similar and less expensive option here // Top, Loft // Distressed Jeans, Banana Republic // Bag, Rebecca Minkoff, sold out but similar styles here and here // Shoes, Stuart Weitzman, less expensive option here and here

BOTH of my kids are getting married this year! That means a lot of planning, parties, dresses, dinners and lots of tears of joy. As a mom, the happiness and the pride that comes along with watching your children grow up, get married and start families of their own are the ultimate rewards in life. It is a plus when you absolutely LOVE their significant others and your family grows and lovely memories are made. Both weddings will be held in Florida, starting with my sons wedding in March and my daughter's wedding in July. It will be a challenge for me living in Atlanta, but I couldn't be more excited! Stay tuned for all the fun happenings, beautiful dresses, outfits and my
travels! 

As far as why I am dressed for spring...a girl can pretend. I slipped into my sandals for one quick minute before it started pouring rain. We are expecting the cold this weekend, so bye bye for now beautiful sandals and hello rain boots.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Today, I am linking up with these fabulous bloggers, be sure to stop by their awesome blogs too!

Five Ways to Avoid Blogger Burnout

How To Get Out of a Funk

What I'm wearing: Anthropologie dress // Frye Boots // Coach Classic Bag // Nordstrom Hat // Jord Wood Watch c/o

Styling a Tunic When You're Petite

What I'm wearing: Tunic, Anthropologie // Jeans, Banana Republic // Coach Willlis Bag, old // Frye Boots c/o Shopbop // Sunnies, Warby Parker

Fringe and Wine

What I'm wearing:  Fringe Bag, Zara, lots of fringe bags here // Jumpsuit, Loft, sold out similar options // Sandals on sale now, Banana Republic // Sunnies, Warby Parker  // Beaded Bracelets // Beaded Necklace // Alex and Ani Bracelets

Fall Booties...Yes, Please

There are two things that I never thought I would wear until I started blogging. One, is wearing flat brown boots (here).  They sound boring, yet this boot has become a closet staple and how cute are they with fringe? They are the perfect transition to fall and are super comfy for weekend outings all year round.  Two, is wearing colored rain boots (here). I used to think they were only cute on kids jumping in puddles. However, living in Atlanta, I have discovered they are the ultimate accessory. The colors just make them more fun and fashionable for grown ups to splash in the puddles.

Being that we only have a few weeks left of summer, I have already made my fall wish list. Have you started shopping for fall yet?

Fall Bootie Wish List:

Kate Spade Moto Booties 

Sam Edelman Fringe Booties 

Hunter Pink Rain Boots

Sigerson Morrison Fringe Flat Boots 

Jeffrey Campbell Shoeties 

Rag & Bone Classic Ankle Booties

 Today, I am linking up with these fab bloggers. Thank you so much for stopping by!

Tutorial: How to Get a Sun Kissed Glow in Two Steps

I was recently asked if I had been in the sun or on vacation because of my sun kissed glow.  I have not been in the sun lately, I only recently learned how to blend a bronzer with an illuminating cream from the Ulta lady.  Here is what I learned:

Here is what you will need:

• Find a great powder bronzer that has illuminating shades in it like the Laura Gellar one that I used. 
• A bronzing brush. The Laura Geller bronzer I used includes one. I used it Cosmetics foundation brush.
• An illuminating creme. I used it Cosmetics, Hello Light anti-aging creme illuminizer. 

Step one:

After you have applied all of your makeup, you will add the bronzer first and the illuminator last. Swirl the brush in the bronzer to pickup all of the shades and apply in a swirl motion onto the apples of your cheeks and up to your temples. Apply a little bit on your forehead and your nose. 

Step two:

Once you are done with the bronzer, you apply the illuminator. You can use the same brush, I used a smaller foundation brush. Start with a "C" motion around the outer part of your eyes, on your temple. With the brush, gently feather it out to the top of your cheeks for a seamless blend. 

Apply the illuminator in a "T" motion on your forehead and the top of your nose. Finish with a touch on your chin and above your upper lip.

That's it! Once you get it, it will only take you about 5 minutes to apply. It gives me a healthy look even on days when I'm not feeling my best.

Thank you so much for stopping by! Today, I am linking up with these fabulous bloggers. 

Boho Mood

Free People Top // Loft Distressed Shorts, sold out, similar options // Schutz Sandals here and here  // Rebecca Minkoff Bag // Warby Parker Sunnies // Beaded Bracelets 

I am still coming down from what was a very eventful weekend for our family, so a relaxed boho vibe seems appropriate. You guys...both of my kids got engaged over the weekend! We are so excited and couldn't be happier that they have found the loves of their lives.  We celebrated one birthday, one graduation and two engagements all in one weekend! So much fun, my heart is bursting with emotion!

My daughter, Lexi, a few minutes after she said "yes" and my son Chris, on the right, proposing to Rebecca on her college graduation day!

Hope you have a great week, thank you so much for stopping by! 

Today, I am linking  up with these fab bloggers, be sure to show them some love too.

The Perfect Transition Shoe - Peep Toe Booties

Shop all of these peep toe booties here.

There is something about the month of August that has me craving for fall clothes, hot chocolate by the fire and cooler temps.  It's wishful thinking, being that we are currently sweating bullets with temps reaching the high 90's in Atlanta.  However, since the stores are already putting out fall clothes, I started to gather a few things and discovered that my peep toe booties shown above (Jeffrey Campbell last year, similar styles here and here) are the perfect heels to transition into fall. They are edgy, great with jeans and dresses, and you wear them without socks, so you stay cool. Could they be any more cuter or more perfect? 

Today I am linking up with these fabulous bloggers. 

Thank you so much for stopping by! 

In Two Pieces

Top and pants (sold out online), Loft, similar styles here // Tiny Necklaces & Beaded Bracelets  //Sandals, Target, tons of white slide sandals here // Rebecca Minkoff bucket bag // Warby Parker Sunnies

I love jumpsuits and rompers.  It seems to be a lasting trend that I just can't give up. However, running around in a jumpsuit is not really ideal.  Let's hope you don't have to make a stop at the ladies room, because trying to put yourself back together in a public restroom is not the most pleasant. So, what is a girl to do? You buy matching pieces and fake the trend! It's the perfect solution if you like to drink a lot of coffee, yet look trendy doing it.

How do yo feel about jumpsuits?

Today, I am being featured on livingincolorstyle.blogspot.com and 

stylininstlouis.com Spotlight Weekly Link up party! Be sure to also visit these fabulous bloggers that I link up with weekly! 

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Two Things: White Tops and Shorts

Distressed shorts, Loft, similar options // White Top, local boutique, Love these options // Rebecca Minkoff Bag // Gladiators, Banana Republic , on SALE! // Necklace, DIY, Love these options // Bracelets

Two things I'm crazy for this summer: 

1. White Tops - soft flowy, crisp cotton white tops are my favorite to wear on a hot summer day.

And 2. Denim Shorts - soft cotton, distressed, over sized, comfy shorts. I could wear them dressed up or casual with my sandals. Okay 3 things - I always go crazy for cute summer dresses. 

What are your favorite things to wear this summer?

Thanks so much for stopping by! Today, I am linking up with these fabulous bloggers.