Soaking It In

Spring's been in the air here in Austin this week. Temperatures hit 80 degrees on Wednesday without a cloud in the sky. The kids have been playing in our cul-de-sac until dark...in shorts. Crazy, right? Crazy good! I feel a little guilty even mentioning it since so many of you still have piles of snow outside your windows. All that glorious sunshine is about to end though. Nothing but rain and chilly temps are headed our way for the next several days.

I wore this outfit to lunch yesterday. My girlfriend and I hit an outdoor patio and soaked in all the sunshiny rays and breezes. I ended up taking off my blazer and wish I would have worn flip flops instead of heels. 

And yes, I am wearing my chambray top from the Loft again. Best purchase in a long time. I also finally found a pair of white denim....I think. I'm still on the fence, but I guess they're mine now since I already wore them. They are the skinny ankle style from J.Crew Factory. I was really excited when I tried them on. Finally, a pair that weren't unflattering! YES!! The downfall? They stretched out soooooo much by the end of the day. I was constantly pulling them up. So, if you are looking for a white pair of denim, I do recommend them, just be sure to go down a size.

Forever 21 Blazer (old: option here and here) // Loft Chambray (I am wearing an extra small) // J.Crew Factory White Denim (I am wearing a 28 waist, but should have sized down...they stretch) // Forever 21 Leopard Heels (old: option here and here) // Reversible Tote // Accessory Concierge Earrings c/o (sold out:option)

Below are the three ways I have worn this Loft chambray on my blog.  You can see the more of the other two posts here and here.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. We'll be selling Thin Mints, Samoas and Tag-alongs. I need these Girl Scout cookies out of my house. No willpower when it comes to frozen Thin Mints.

My Valentine $400 Giveaway

Okay, I know I have already posted a few times about Valentine's Day. I understand it's not even officially February yet, but you have to admit it's kinda fun. It's a girly type "holiday" filled with so much cuteness, sparkle, glitter, metallic and hearts. Plus, my favorite color is sprinkled everywhere...if you don't believe that I LOVE red, then just take a look at my past several posts. Sometimes I don't even realize how much I wear it until I look back at my blog.

Anyway, today is all about adorable finds that aren't necessarily just for February 14th + a chance to win $400!! Before I get to the AMAZING giveaway, I wanted to share a handful of items that I would be happy to have, use and purchase any time of the year. They just so happen to align with the upcoming Hallmark holiday. 

Pillow // Cosmetic Bags // XOXO Marquee Lights // Tervis Heart Water Bottle // Heart Sunglasses // Midi Skirt // Earring Set // Heart Cardigan // Crossbody // Heart Mittens // Home Mat // Nail Polish // PJ Bottoms // Alex and Ani Bangle // iPhone Back Up Charger 

I wanted this Old Navy pajama set, but the top to match the bottoms was sold out online and NONE of my local stores carried it. Don't make fun, but I called Old Navy's "hotline" and found out that almost every store in New York carried the top. Guess what? I called New York and my heart PJ set is happily on it's way to my door step...after the blizzard settles, of course.

A few other favorites? 

How could you not paint your nails red, white, pink or add heart sprinkles? This nail polish is the cutest.

Forever 21 is killing it with their cosmetic bags. I grabbed this polka dot one at their store this week, but also wish I would have seen this or the initial one. They are great for jewelry, make-up, toiletries or even a place to keep shopping receipts.

If all you need is love and a little wine, this pillow is for you....and me! I am not sure if Ross would approve of me placing this on our bed, but I mean, come on....it's the truth. 

And I already bought these sunglasses. Do I plan to wear them every day? Nope, but I do intend on packing them for our beach getaway...because I HEART the beach, sandy toes and sunshine.

Now to the REALLY good stuff. I have teamed up with 19 other bloggers for a Valentine's giveaway. You could win $400 PayPal cash or an e-gift card to your favorite store. You get to pick if you win! The contest starts now and ends February 13th....at 11:59 PM to be exact. Be sure to check out their blogs for more inspiration. Good luck!! This giveaway is open internationally.

Ashley Brooke | Mash Elle | Boho Nouveau | Upbeat Soles | A Lonestar State of Southern

Covering The Bases | Visions of Vogue | Pink Sole | A Vintage Splendor | Brighton The Day

Kayleigh's Kloset | Blushing Basics | Mix & Match Fashion | Styled Snapshots | Girl Meets Bow

For The Love of Fancy | Fash Boulevard | KB Styled | A Lily Love Affair | Because Shanna Said So

$400 Valentine's Day Giveaway #1

P.S. I got a little bit of a blog facelift yesterday. Ashlyn and I are still tweaking a few things, but overall this is my new "do". Please let me know if you see anything wonky or out of place. Installing and deciding upon a new design is stressful stuff. I don't plan on doing it again anytime soon. And Ashlyn, thanks for putting up with my late night texts!!

I'm a Liar

Yep, I am a straight up liar-liar-pants-on-fire. I swore in this post that I was going to put a stop to my midi skirt obsession. My intentions were sooooo good and I 100% realize that I'm fully stocked with this style of skirt. I just can't stop....especially when I laid eyes on this gingham number.

What's not to love? They cover most of my Snow White legs in the winter. They are more age appropriate for "my older age". They are flattering and keep certain areas under wrap. I don't have to pull them down to hide unflattering features when I sit, stand or walk. And they seem to come in the cutest patterns, colors and prints. Now do you see why it's so tough to say no?

SheInside Plaid Flair Midi Skirt c/o (I am wearing a size medium) // Forever 21 Cobalt Tee (option) // Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Blazer (old: option here and here) // Zara Heels (option here and here) // Forever 21 Quilted Bag (option here and here) // Itchelita Floral Necklace c/o

You guys, SheInside did it again! I mentioned before that I was holding out on ordering from them because of the whole shipping from "overseas" situation, but I swear I have been beyond pleased with every piece I've received. In my opinion, the sizing seems to be true to size (at least so far) and quality gets a five-star rating.

I snagged a few items from their website last week and two pieces already arrived....this plaid skirt and stripe blazer. I have two more items on the way and I cannot wait to show you more. Their prices are hard to beat. I understand that their website can get a little bit overwhelming, but it's well worth the time to search around and browse. I am pretty positive you will find something that you have been eyeing at another store for half the price tag....trust me. 

Here are a few more "I want this" items from SheInside. Hopefully, this will help guide you on your online journey. Happy shopping!

 **If you are linking up today, my only request is that you follow my blog with GFC or Bloglovin' and link back to it in your post. It's how weekly link ups work. Oh, and go meet some new friends!   

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Insta Life

Last week I had fun sharing a few of my Instagram outfits and moments. Most of my pictures on Instagram (not including the photos I share from a blog post) rarely get mentioned here. So, I figured I would do it again this week and possibly once a week from here on out, just in case you don't have an account or missed any posts. Hopefully you ladies take interest, find something you like and enjoy a post that's a little more laid back. 

 

Target Camo Jacket (similar here and here) // Old Navy Stripe Top (similar here and here) // Forever 21 Lace-Up Booties (almost sold out - similar here) // Forever 21 Bag // Daniel Wellington Watch c/o // Alex and Ani Bangles

I call this my "errand running outfit". I've had this jacket for a few years now. I found it on super clearance at Target and have worn it more than I ever expected. I seem to constantly pair it with stripes, but have also added a red tartan scarf a time or two.

 

Photo via Forever 21

Can I get an amen on this mug? Mornings and I don't get along. We never have. We never will. Even though I don't drink coffee, I want/need this mug. Forever 21 has a super cute line of coffee mugs with other witty sayings. Check them out here. 

 

Gray Cable Knit Cardigan // SPANX Denim Leggings // Plaid Flannel (similar here) // Gray Legwarmers (similar here and here) // Hunter Boots 

I can't stop wearing this cardigan. I have it's twin in another color sitting in my shopping cart that I need to purchase. It's easy to throw on, so cozy and at a super great price. Also, if you love SPANX, then you have to try these denim leggings. They are the ONLY pair of jeans that don't lose their shape by the end of the day...and they're on sale...FINALLY!

Ross and I had a last minute date night with our friends Saturday night. My girlfriend heard great things about Garbo's and their lobster rolls. Supposedly, if you don't get there early enough they sell out. Let me tell you, we may have had to wait for a little bit before we got our table, but it was well worth it. If you live in Austin make plans to head over. It's New England cuisine with an Austin twist. They don't take reservations, the wait can get pretty long and it's BYOW (yep, the W stands for wine). They do have beer on tap though. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! The owner is super sweet too. 

I know it's not Valentine's Day yet, but Landry's birthday is next month. Her and I came up with the idea of doing a Valentine's Day themed party. We went shopping the other day for decorations, craft ideas and cookie sprinkles and sparkles. I think I might be more excited about it than she is. I still cannot believe I didn't procrastinate and actually have time to prepare for her and her friends. Think painted wooden picture frames, duct tape flower writing pens and lots of photo props. Speaking of photo props, I was going to buy some from an Etsy shop, but ended up finding a set at Wal-Mart of $.98!! I bought three packages for that price!

I hope everyone is having a great week so far. To all my friends up north...stay warm and inside. All that snow is Crazy Town! I feel for you guys!

Who Ya Gonna Call?

A couple of weekends ago, I came across a blog post that a friend shared on Facebook. It was titled, "Are You Lonely, Mama?". I was intrigued and proceeded to click on the link. After all, I had been feeling a tad bit lonely lately, so I was curious to see what this mama had to say about it. 

Wow! She pretty summed up some up the emotions and thoughts I was having as a SAHM mom that doesn't get a lot of face-to-face time with women/friends my age with the same interests and hobbies. I found myself nodding my head and repeating, "Yes. Yep. Uh-huh. Me too!" out loud. This lonely mama wrote and said it better than I ever could.

Don't get me wrong, I do have friends, great friends, ones that have seen me through thick and thin. We just live in different parts of Texas, have families, jobs and obligations. Trying to find the time to get together is tough, but we do it...or at least try once a month.

So, I took Kristen's advice and reached out to a woman I met through school. Her son and my daughter were in the same class last year. We have casually hung out a few times in a group setting and for some reason I felt a connection with her since we were introduced.

Forever 21 Turtleneck (option here and here) // Old Navy Denim // Leopard Fur Vest (old: lots of options here and here) // Forever 21 Lace-Up Booties (almost sold out: option here and here) // Fringe Bag (option here and here) // Wrenn Jewelry Druzy Ring // Kendra Scott Elle Earrings 

I really wanted to go to Le Garage sale this past weekend (if you live in Austin, get on their email list for the next one because it's AWESOME), but I didn't want fly solo. So, Friday I texted her on whim to see if she wanted to join me. And guess what? She did! I know this may sound silly, but it took a lot for me to reach out to woman that I haven't spent one-on-one time with, but wanted to. Guess what else? We had the BEST time...laughed, shopped and conversation was far from a struggle. I bought the fringe bag in today's post while we were out + too many other things for killer prices! Ha!

Okay, one more "guess what" moment...she felt the same way I did. She had been hoping to connect with me as well, but was a little unsure on how to go about it. Go figure!!

                                     

I guess the moral of the story is, sometimes you just have to go for it and ask a girlfriend out on a date. We all get lonely and need genuine girl time with women we can relate to and who can relate to us. Take the initiative, muster up the bravery and seek out new friendships. You never know, a strong relationship might be formed and a new friendship could bloom...one that's been under your nose for quite some time.

Please don't go through life feeling lonely. Yes, a husband, partner, kids and family are the GREATEST, but forming friendships with other females is sweet release...even better when retail therapy, chips and queso and possibly a Mexican martini are involved.

So, who are you gonna call/text this week and set up a much needed girls day/night out?

 

LuLu*s - Galentine's Giveaway - Win Free Dresses for a Year!

With Valentine's just around the corner, it's time to start planning your hugs & kisses holiday style. Lulu*s is running their Galentine's Day Giveaway again this year. You and your best gal pal could win a new dress every month in 2015! Pretty fabulous, right? I'll get to the details on how to enter in a few.

I didn't give it a second thought when Lulu*s asked me and my best blog buddy, Jenn with The Stylish Housewife to partner up and style a few Valentine's Day looks. Jenn and I have become great friends. Actually, I consider her one of my best girls. We were roomies last year at a conference and were able to meet up this past summer. We chat several days a week...sometimes several times a day. Even though geography physically keeps us apart, we have built a crazy amazing bond and I can't imagine not having her in my life...sisters from another mister for sure! I am pretty positive that if we lived in the same city we would be having our own Galentine's Day celebration with shopping, lunch, a bottle of champagne, plenty of laughs and inside jokes.

I chose three dresses from Lulu*s. I wanted to create three totally different looks and styles...hopefully a little something for everyone. If I could pick one word to describe each outfit it would be: Sexy, Glamorous and Playful. Honestly, these dresses are perfect for any special event, date night and the last one can be worn anytime...it's that's versatile.

Be sure to stop by The Stylish Housewife and see the three dresses Jenn chose for more Valentine's Day outfit inspiration.

 Lulu*s Exclusive Love in the First Degree Black Lace Dress c/o (I recommend sizing up) // Gigi New York Clutch c/o // Red Ankle Strap heels (old: option here and here) // Wrenn Jewelry Druzy Rings c/o // Forever 21 Earrings (old: option)

Lulu*s All That Shimmers is Gold Maxi Dress c/o (Fits true to size) // Zara Heels (old: option here and here) // Flower Belt (old: option) // Thrifted Clutch (option here) // Forever 21 Earrings (old: option here) // Wrenn Jewelry Druzy Ring c/o

Lulu*s Exclusive Skirts So Good Black Midi Dress c/o (Fits true to size & is low cut. A black camisole was added underneath for modesty.) // Go Jane Ankle Strap Heels (old: option here and here) // Red Heart Scarf (old: option here and here) // Lookbook Store Mirror Belt c/o // Red Sunglasses (old: option here) // Sweet Tea Jewels Bangles c/o // Gorjana Ring c/o

MORE VALENTINE DRESSES I LOVE FROM LULU*S

Contest details:
Forget the flowers, treat yourself to fab frocks for Valentine's day! Lulu*s giving away an entire year of free dresses to one lucky gal (and her best pal) for all of 2015!!

All you have to do is subscribe to their email newsletter by entering your email address! You'll get a coupon code for immediate shopping upon entry and kept up to date on all the latest looks and chic styles! Want an additional entry (and a better chance to win)? Refer a friend! Get entered here!

The winner will be announced on February 14, 2015 on Lulu*s blog. Don't miss out, be sure to spread the word and tag you BFF for your chance to win!