Fashion Friday !!!

SPRING IS HERE!!

Well, the sun is shining anyways. It is still super chilly, but I ain't complaining! Jeans are still my main staple, as well as the Uggs, but the vitamin D boost from the bright orb in the sky has me in the mood to dress up a bit. I am bringing back my Fashion Fridays!! Of course, I am still a part-time working, stay-at-home momma, so there won't be any designer ensembles here. Just me and what I wear on a day-to-day basis.

Enjoy!

My fave MAC lipstick in Angel ... it's a frost and I adore how it makes my lips all girly and pink!

Rockin' a little Juicy Couture ... shades and necklace.

Hooded jacket from Charlotte Russe.

Thumb ring from Target and my beloved Nelle & Lizzy ring.

Zebra striped hoop earrings by Lia Sophia
(I know a wonderful rep if you are interested in their jewelry.)

Yay for sunshine!!

Oh ... I almost forgot to mention ... next week I will be hosting a FAB.U.LOUS giveaway!! You will not want to miss out, so be sure to check back in!!

Have a great weekend!!!

Blog Shout-Out to my Birthday Boy !!

Today, our little man Maddox turns 7 years old! His daddy is meeting him for lunch at school, he has treats for his friends, and we are picking up his Star Wars cake after school. He picked out an awesome dinner menu of chicken strips and mozzarella sticks, and is just glowing that today is his own special day!

♥

Happy Birthday, Bubba!!

xoxo

Try It Tuesday ...

{Click on recipe card to view larger}

A friend of mine made this dip at a recent get-together, and let's just say it is amazing! You definitely need to add this to your recipe box ... it was a huge hit!! I loved it with Wheat Thins crackers, but it could also be served with bread, tortilla chips and veggies.

She found the recipe online ... click on the link below to find even more yummy goodness!

Meet My New Nephew!!

My newest nephew was born this morning! Hayden Thomas weighed in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces! We are so blessed to have him in our family ... he and his momma are doing great!!

♥

Fist Pump Friday

The oh-so-beautiful Nicole Scherzinger ... she's been doing work away from The Pussycat Dolls for a while ... here's her newest single. Happy Friday!!

Mini Mall Haul

I put my blinders on yesterday to steer clear from all the cute Spring styles that are popping up in my favorite stores ... boy was that tough! I kept my budget in my head though and bought myself a few goodies to hold me over for a little while. Here's what got ...

Earrings at Forever 21 ... $1.50

Seriously the cutest accessories for the cheapest prices. L.O.V.E.

Bath and Body Works mini lotions ... $6.67

The minis are all on sale right now, 3 for $10. My girlfriend and I both went in on this deal and I got Apricot Vanilla (a light and yummy scent) and Dark Kiss. Has anyone smelled Dark Kiss? Oh my! Such a sexy scent ... kinda like berries and vanilla getting it on in the dark!

MAC Lipstick in Angel ... $14.50

My absolute fave lipstick and I seemed to have misplaced the tube I had. I went over a tad bit with my budget, but this was a MUST-HAVE!!

Overall, I spent $22.67 on goodies for myself, plus I spent $4.99 on my tea. That sounds like a lot for a cup of tea, and it probably is, but the tea was a loose-leaf mix from Teavana. More on that later, plus a post dedicated to my MAC lip colors!! A morning spent at the mall with only $27.66 leaving my wallet was a pretty big accomplishment for me. Not too shabby!

The Sun Is Shining !!

It is absolutely freezing outside, but the sun is shining here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! That makes any Oregonian smile! I hope that little groundhog will be correct with his early Spring prediction!
Soaking in the extra vitamin D definitely lifts my spirit ... and so does a trip to the mall for a coffee date with a girlfriend!! I may even buy myself a lil' something. I have been so very good on not spending this year, but this sunshine is getting me excited for warmer weather and brighter colors ... which means I may need a new accessory or scent to wear. I will be going with a $20 budget, so tune in tomorrow to see what I find!
Happy Wednesday!!

Julianne

My Zoya order arrived a couple weeks ago, but being I had the Shellac on, I couldn't paint my nails until now. {Side note ... I chose to peel off the Shellac instead of going back in to the salon for the 'special removal', and it worked just fine ... no more damage than acetone would have done. And I peeled off the mani before it started lifting, after 2 weeks, because I was too anxious to try out my new Zoya colors. Ha!} Here are the indoor and outdoor shots of the mani ...

Meet Julianne! When I ordered this polish, I liked it because it looked like it had a touch of blue in this deep purple shade. Upon application, there is indeed flecs of blue in it. For such a glittery polish, it went on pretty smooth and layered fine ... I used a base, 2 coats of Julianne, and a topcoat. The mani lasted a few days before the tips began chipping. My only gripe was that it didn't have enough shine. I am not into matte polishes, and while this one is not a matte, the lack of shine reminded me of one.

Did you take advantage of the Zoya Facebook special? Can't go wrong with 3 FREE polishes!! Which ones did you order and are you lovin' or hating them?

Pep in a Bottle

5-hour ENERGY® is a liquid energy shot that can help you feel sharp and alert for hours. It contains a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids and nutrients. There is zero sugar, zero herbal stimulants and only four calories per shot.
The key ingredients in 5-hour ENERGY® are also available in every day foods – like broccoli, avocados, bananas and apples – or already in you. It contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
My hubby loves these little energy shots and takes one with him to work every morning. I love the little clarity boost for my sleepy brain. These are not designed to make you run around like a crazy person hyped up on stimulants. For me, they lift the fog so I can see a little clearer and focus a bit more. They do not give you jitters like other energy products on the market, and they definitely don't give you wings. The extra vitamins and aminos are a nice daily boost.
We buy them in bulk at Costco (24 for $36), otherwise they are about $2.50 per 2 oz bottle.

Fist Pump Friday

What are your thoughts on Brit's newest single?? I needed time to warm up to it, but I gotta admit ... the girl still has it!!

I tried it ... In-Shower Lotion

Olay Quench In-Shower Body Lotion ... this product called for me from the shelves of Target. If I could save time by lotioning up while showering, then sign me up!! It is a great smelling, rinse-off lotion you apply in the shower that claims to help break the cycle of dry skin within 5 uses.
My opinion ... it's not bad. Did I see a dramatic difference in my skin after using this? Not so much, but doubled up with my regular body lotion applied after showering made for a nice duo. The price was $3.99 if I remember correctly, and I had a coupon for $2 off. Definitely worth $1.99!!
Have you tried this yet? Are there any other similar products you'd recommend?

The Durty Jerz in Italy

MTV reported yesterday that Season 4 of Jersey Shore will be held in Italy. I am all about another season of this train wreck, but Italy? Really? First of all, not all of these kids are Italian! J-Woww is Spanish-Irish and Snooki is Chilean. Trying to represent that you are a guidette in the mother land is so not appropriate. And speaking of appropriate, to bring this kind of drama and trash into such a beautiful and cultural place is unimaginable. Let's hope they can clean up a bit and learn to be classy and polite before they board the plane.

Rump Shaker

Anyone love getting on a treadmill or an elliptical machine and working up a sweat for an hour? Anyone? Yeah, me either. I am turning 30 this year (holla!) and have realized the sad, sad fact that my bootay is gonna need some cardio to keep it in shape. {Insert sad face and a big sigh.}

I work at a gym ... one night a week ... and receive the wonderful benefit of free gym membership and free tanning for me and my hubby. Woot! But I had the job for months before I actually used these perks! My lazy butt was not interested in working out ... its long and boring and takes for-evah to see results. Then, we hired on two Zumba instructors ....

Oh to the yeah!! Turn up the music and tell this girl to shake it for 60 minutes ... you won't hear me complaining! In fact, I take all 3 classes every week! (That is a lot for this couch potato.)

I have been workin' it out for about a month and a half now, and my tush is definitely tighter. Plus, my legs and thighs are stronger and firmer, my core gets worked, and it has been proven that you can burn up to 800 calories per class!! I don't have a gadget that tells me my caloric burn, but I sure do sweat!!

Zumba is fun to do alone, but even funner to do with your girlfriends! Classes are held at gyms, community centers and local YMCA's. Check into them within your area ... guaranteed you will have a blast and get a killer work out as well!!

The following is a video I snagged from You Tube ... just a sample of what a class is like. ALL fitness levels are welcome, no dance experience required! It is a monkey-see, monkey-do kinda class, and you go at your own pace.

Fresh Start

I don't know about you all, but I eat so badly on the weekends! Hubby is home and our days are filled with events and activities ... who has time to cook wholesome meals and pack them up to go? This weekend was filled with pizza ... and lots of it!
Mondays I get right back on track though, and my body thanks me for it! One thing I love cooking up for lunches is roasted veggies. I pick my faves - sweet potatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms and broccoli - chop 'em up, drizzle a little olive oil over the top, and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. I will pair them with a piece of fish or chicken if I have some leftover in the fridge, or make myself a sandwich or quesadilla (quick and easy).
The smaller the pieces, the quicker they cook. And I like to chop up all my veggies at one time and store them in a zip-lock bag in the fridge for easy access. This is also great for omelets in the morning ... yum!!
What are some healthy snacks you like?

Fist Pump Friday

Until the weather warms up for cute outfits, Fashion Fridays will be on hold. No need to fret though ... Fist Pump Fridays will be taking over until then. I'll post my video or song of the week to help jump-start your weekend! This DJ also takes requests, so if you wanna shout-out a fave, please do so!

...

Waka Flocka Flame ft. Wale and Roscoe Dash ... No Hands

The more deals, the merrier!

Have y'all heard about this site yet? No More Rack offers 8 deals per day, Monday through Friday. Make-up, clothes, shoes, handbags, home items and more ... outstanding prices up to 90% off!! The offers only last a day and are first come, first serve. The quantities are limited, so if you want something, be sure to snag it quick! Shipping is super cheap, too! Just $2 per item.

Sign-up is quick and easy ... in fact, if you use my link to register, you will get a $10 gift card to use on No More Rack! The sales open at noon every weekday, so hurry and sign up!

I tried it ... Shellac

It's the latest technology in the nail world ... a nail polish that goes on as a polish, but sets like a gel. Shellac is for natural nails and is said to last at least 14 days, giving a flawless look with tons of shine and extra strength for your nails.
I went in to a local salon and tried it out. The manicure process took about 40 minutes total ... the nail tech took time to treat and trim my cuticles, shape my nails, and prep for the Shellac. There is a series of UV layers that are applied: a base coat, 2 coats of color, and a top coat. Then a special UV oil is applied at the end for added shine. Between each coat, you put your nails under a UV light to set each layer. After the Shellac was applied and finished, the nail tech gave me the standard hand and arm massage with lotion ... immediately after the UV oil was put on my nails! There was zero dry time needed, the polish was set!
My trip to the salon was on Friday and this is a pic of my nails today. So far, so good! No chipping of the polish, and no splitting of my nails! The manicure cost me $28, and I think $25 is the average. There are limited colors in this line, most of them in the pink family. The color I have on is called Fedora. I believe there are nail wraps of sorts to remove the Shellac when it starts to wear off, but I have also been told that it peels right off without damaging your nails. We will see when that time comes.
I would definitely have Shellac applied again, maybe not on a regular basis due to the cost, but it has been nice to have such shiny and flawless nails for longer than a day or two. I get so many comments on them, too!! For more information, you can click on the purple link above and it will take you to the Shellac website.

Have you tried this yet?

Buh-bye Muffin Top!

I recently came to grips with reality that I could no longer rock form fitting tees and I started a liposuction fund. Seriously.
I have 2 boys. They are my world and I love them more than life itself. But the punks left me with a midsection that has more rolls than a bakery. I gained a whopping 85 pounds between my 2 pregnancies. I lost every pound and then some (thank.you.very.much), but the lovely belly bulge and love handles* decided to stick around. No tightening back up in this region and so stinkin' depressing! *There is no 'love' in my handles. What a dumb name! Jeans are always fun to fit into. I am a size 26 (2), but the low-rise waists sit just under my gut, enhancing a fabulous muffin top (not the yummy kind that you eat). And I just love having to adjust the flab when I sit down so that it doesn't all bunch up above my jeans. <--Did ya hear the sarcasm there?
So how excited am I with the newest clothing trend that is popping up this spring?? I am giddy!! It's the return of the high-waisted jeans!! Can I get a whoop-whoop!?! Takin' it back to the old school days of the 70's with higher rises, flared bottoms, and sexy curves (not bumps and lumps). My imperfections will be hidden and smoothed, and there will be no need to purchase maternity tops that have extra belly room. Plus, my hubby would much rather I spend $$ on new jeans rather than a plastic surgeon. See, it's a win-win situation!

What are your thoughts on the spring trend this year? Love it? Hate it? Anyone wanna buy my jeans?

What is that smell ?

My mom-in-law got me the newest Juicy Couture purfume set ( Peace, Love & Juicy Couture )from my Christmas wish list, and I am loving it. I own all four scents and each of them are perfect for many occassions. My hubby is a huge cologne pimp and has so many different varieties. He is the master of scents and even mixes them. He gets so many compliments and he always smells amazing! I must admit that I am a bit jealous.
Even with my newest addition, I am kinda getting bored with Juicy. I just finished up my bottles of True Religion and Couture Couture. Ed Hardy's Eternal Love ( a strawberry-vanilla pudding scent ) is almost gone, but that scent lasts all of 20 minutes, even when heavily applied. So I am looking for a couple new scents that will wow me ... and have others asking what is making me smell oh-so-amazing! What are your favorites? Which scents do you recommend? I am going to write out a list of the ones y'all like, head to the mall and start sniffing. If I fall in love with your pick, I'll treat you to a coffee (sent in the form of a gift card, of course)!

Get your drink on ...

I am a vodka girl, especially the flavored varieties. My favorite flavor of the hour (happy hour that is) is Pinnacle's Whipped Vodka. Oh my ... a yummy whipped cream taste that mixes well with just about anything and has only 69 calories per ounce with zero grams of sugar. Not too shabby! Here are a couple recipes to try at home ... you will love!


Whipped Cream Soda
2 oz. Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
4 oz. 7-Up (I like the diet variety and there really is no taste difference when you are mixing.)
Mix in a glass with ice.


Whip It Up
2 oz. Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
Mix and garnish with a cherry. I also like to add a splash of Diet 7-Up for the bubbles.

Orange Dreamsicle
2 oz. Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
2 oz. orange juice
2 oz. Diet 7-Up
Splash of grenadine
Mix and serve over ice.

Pink Martini
2 oz. Pinnacle Whipped Vodka
1 oz. black raspberry liqueur
Shake over ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.


Pinnacle offers 100 different recipes for the Whipped Vodka ... just click here to visit their collection.

Do you have a favorite drink? Please share ... I love trying new recipes!!

Get your groove on ...

Whether you are in the car ...

... or in da club ...

... dance like you just don't care!

Whether I am out with friends, jamming out in the car, or having a dance party in the kitchen, I love to get down! Music makes me happy, helps me unwind, and puts a smile on my face.

Just Dance! -Lady Gaga

Outfit deets:

Dress/top ... Forever 21

Skinny Jeans ... AG

Shoes ... Endless.com

Bracelets ... Nordstrom