November Necessities

 Here are a few things I am loving this November! 

Sorel Boots

Cold weather is a new phenomenon for me, and I am ill-prepared for snowy weather.  You can't wear flip flops all year... what?!  I asked a few of my Midwestern friends what I should splurge on, and they all said to get a good, sturdy, warm, cute (OK I added that) pair of snowboots.  They all recommended Sorel boots.  Both Brent and I purchased boots on sale at 50% off online, and we Love them with a capital L.  I got the boots below except in a darker grey.  They are the warmest, coziest, cutest boots my feet have ever touched.  It's snowed twice already and my tootsies were warm and dry.  Bring it on, winter.

Merona Knit Brim Hat

I picked up this hat for $10 on sale the other day at Target, and it makes me look about ten times more hipster than I really am.  It's so cute with hair down or up, and it covers my ears and has a built in visor to boot.  They come in all sorts of colors, but I loved the Ivory! 

Cover Girl Hunger Games Capitol Collection

Raise your hand if you're excited about Catching Fire!!!!  I have not been to a movie theater since I saw the Hunger Games.  True story.  But you can bet my next movie outing will be Catching Fire.  Cover Girl has this totally wacky new line inspired by the movie.  I can not (will not) wear 90% of this stuff, but I'm loving the tiny "glosstini" nail polishes.  They have all sorts of trendy glitter colors, but at $3 a pop, you can try it without much commitment.  I picked up "violet flicker" for my nails.  If you like Hunger Games and want to have some fun and see some cool makeup, go here:  http://www.covergirl.com/capitolbeautystudio

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

I saw that this blush won an Allure beauty award, so I tried it when my old blush ran out.  This stuff is amazing.  It's not a powder or a cream - it's a hybrid of both.  It goes on creamy and sets in a powder finish.  I think all of the colors are super flattering and subtle, but they stay on all day!

Cover Girl Clean Whipped Creme Makeup

A while back, I posted about my favorite face makeup - Nature Luxe by Cover Girl.  I used it for years, and then they went and discontinued it in stores.  Rude.  I was forced to find something new, and I'm so glad I found this.  The "whipped creme" foundation comes in this cute little pot, and it goes on like butter.  It is incredibly lightweight and covers really well.  It does not go on shiny, so there is no need for powder.  I love this stuff, and I'm already on my third pot.

 Fisher Price Music Table

Now that Ava is standing and cruising, this is our GO TO toy.  She gets a little obsessed.  She can play with it for 30+ minutes and never get tired of it.  It's a workout, too, because she literally walks laps around it.  My nephews loved this toy, so I knew we had to get one as soon as she could use it.  It plays over 50 songs, and I do believe I have all of them memorized.  Sometimes after  Ava has gone to bed, our conversation goes like this:  Brent:  "Which song do you have in your head?"  Katie:  "Polly wolly doodle."  B:  "Yeah. I had that for a while.  Now I've got On Top of Old Smokey."  We are really cool.

Balboa Baby Shopping Cart Cover

When Ava was old enough to sit in a shopping cart or high chair, life got a whole lot easier.  Now we can go to Target, the grocery store, and restaurants with ease.  Ava likes to lick anything in arm's reach, so this shopping cart cover has been essential.  It is also a high chair cover, so we use it all.the.time.  People always ask me where I got it because it's pretty darn cute and functional too.  I got mine from Buy Buy Baby, but you can buy it online too.

Bath and Body Works Leaves Candle

This is my all-time favorite fall candle.  It smells AMAZING.  You wouldn't think leaves would smell good, but this candle sure does.  I'm on my second one of the season!  When I get that "2 for $22" email, I'm all over it.

Out of the Spin Cycle by Jen Hatmaker

This book has really blessed me lately.  It's not new, but it's new to me.  The daily devotions are short, funny, but oh-so-deep and oh-so-true.  It has really resonated with me in ways that other devotional books have not.  Her stories hit home as a new mom, and they have not only changed my actions but also my heart.  Love this book!

Dole Banana Dippers with Almonds

How do I love these?  Let me count the ways.  (1) They are made with all natural ingredients:  bananas, dark chocolate, and almonds.  (2)  They have only 120 calories for a whole pack with almonds or 100 without.  (3)  They satisfy an ice cream treat craving in a much healthier way.  (4)  My husband doesn't like them so I get the whole box to myself.  These are life changing.  Get them. 

A Personal Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming soon, y'all!  As a new mom, I thought I'd post a mother's day gift guide.  These are all things I'd love to receive myself!  The gift ideas in this list are all personalized.  Sure, you can give a candle or a card, but what about something that's personalized for your very own mom and no one else?  Maybe it's the southern girl in me, but I love a good monogram.  There's just something special about receiving a gift with your name on it.  It gives the gift a little more meaning because the gifter spent time personalizing it just for you.  

Since these gifts are personalized, you'll want to order ASAP to get them in time.  If you can't get them in time for Mother's Day, you could always save these ideas for mom's birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or just a random Tuesday!

{pin me!}

1.  Initial Necklace ::  E Ria Designs on Etsy

I think these little necklaces are so sweet.  I think moms would love to wear their children's names close to their heart.  I love this delicate gold version. You can choose to add as many or as few letters as you want.  This would be great for kids or grandkids!

2.  Treat.com Personalized Card  ::  Treat

Treat.com is a new brand from an old favorite, Shutterfly.  Treat allows you to create and send personalized greeting cards for any occasion like birthdays and Mother's Day.   If you're going to send a card, why not make it personalized?  Treat will print your card with your mom's picture, your personalized message, and mom's name for as low as $1.99.  They even send the card for you!  Your mom will feel special when she gets a personalized card and everyone else gets a generic one from the card store!  Such a cute idea!

3.  Photo Canvas:  Canvas On Demand

What mom wouldn't want a huge picture of their little munchkin hanging in their home?  I know I'm going to get one (or ten) of these as soon as we move into our new home.  The gallery wrapped canvases are sleek and professional looking, and you can get them online for reasonable prices.  Search around online for coupons and deals.  I see them all the time!

4.  Personalized Notebook  ::  May Books

 I have a May Book myself, and I have gifted a few more.  They have a TON of designs to choose from and many different monogram styles.  They offer everything from a basic notebook to a baby book to a meal planner.  All of their designs are chic and modern with trendy colors.  Mom's to-do list just got a lot more fun!

5.  Personalized Melamine Tray  ::  Little Details NC on Etsy

How perfect are these trays for a summer pool party?  I can just see the tropical drinks, burgers, and watermelon slices now.  Plus... they are unbreakable, so they are perfect for outdoor use.  I'm pretty sure I need more than one.

6.  Instagram Magnets  ::  Stickygram

Even if your mom has never heard of Instagram, wouldn't she LOVE a pack of magnets with pictures of her kids and grandkids?  I think this is a precious idea and so fun.  Each pack comes with nine little square magnets.  You email them your instagrams, and they print the magnets!

7.  Disposable Monogrammed Coasters ::  Neiman Marcus

I love these and think they are so classy.  They are perfect for a cocktail party or just drinks with friends.  Plus, it's probably one of the most affordable things you can buy at Neiman Marcus!  I love the acrylic holder, too!

8.  Personalized Photobook ::  Shutterfly

I am in love with Shutterfly photo books.  They are super fun and easy to make, plus they are completely customized and surprisingly affordable.  If you're not the creative type, Shutterfly will create a photo book for you for free!  Just upload your pictures, and they will be added to a photobook layout instantly.  The possibilities are endless, and they make awesome gifts.  You can make one book of baby pictures and send it to both grandmothers with one click!

9.  Wooden Monogram  ::  Trendy Trimmings on Etsy

Where would this wooden monogram NOT look good?  Mom will love this for her front door, a party decoration, over the bed, in the nursery, in the kitchen... anywhere!

10.  Monogrammed Wine Glasses  ::  The Monogram Merchant

I am obsessed with stemless wine glasses.  They are so much easier and more casual then stemmed wine glasses.  With summer coming up, they are a less fussy way to serve wine.  And, as we all know by now, a little monogramming never hurt anything.

Happy gifting!

Summer is Here!

Summer is here, y'all!  I'm excited that I'll be enjoying summer from Illinois where it's cooler than 110 degrees, thankyouverymuch.  Here are a few things getting my summer off to a fun start!

Essie Summer Collection

If you ask me, Essie's summer collection is just plain adorable, and a fresh way to update darker nail shades.  I'm especially loving that blue color - called "bikini so teeny".

Sunbeam Igloo Shaved Ice Machine

This cutie is $24 at Target, and I couldn't resist.  Sure, it's a uni-tasker, and sure, Brent is lamenting about yet another appliance to move, but a perfect shaved ice snow cone on a hot afternoon is SO worth it.  It shaves ice cubes right out of your freezer into snow-cone stand quality.  Then pour on syrup, concentrated Crystal Light, or fruit juice, and you're good to go!

Revlon Lip Butter

I am loving this moisture-rich, shiny balm.  It's like chapstick but with summery color.  I have "Fig Jam", and it's bright and beautiful.

The Webster for Target

When I first heard about "The Shops" at Target, I put it on my calendar so as not to miss it like I did with Missoni.  I went on day 1 and may or may not have bought 5 pieces.  I LOVE them.  If there are still some pieces at your Target, check it out!  Chic and cheap.

Crystal Light Mocktails

Sure, you love a good margarita, but maybe not at noon.  Enter... mocktails.  I love Crystal Light in the summer, and these new flavors are so fun!  The mojito is pretty good - nice and minty.

Salsa Picante

This recipe for homemade salsa from Cooking Light is A-mazing.  Addicting.  Brent and I ate a very large bowl in one sitting with crispy chips.  It's made with canned tomatoes, but it tastes SO fresh!  It couldn't be easier - throw it in the food processor and press the button.  Find the recipe here.

Maxi Dresses

I want to live in maxi dresses.  I have one that I call my "pajama dress" because you can literally feel like you're going out in your pajamas and still look polished.  Most of the maxis I have are older or sold out, but I took the liberty of finding a good option for you.  Here's an adorable maxi from Old Navy for $27.  Yes, please.

 

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower.  I can not believe my good luck that we are renting a house with about 6 very large hydrangea plants in the yard!  My neighbor and I clip flowers to our heart's desire, and they really brighten up a room.  If you don't have hydrangeas in your yard, sorry, but you can pick some up at the store!  Here are the bushes in my yard... be still my heart.

March Must-Haves

I've taken the liberty of rounding up ten things gauranteed to make your March amazing.

1.  Downton Abbey

If you haven't watched Downton Abbey yet... run, don't walk, to your Netflix or iTunes.  I don't like very many TV shows at all, but this one is just.plain.amazing. and one of my favorite shows ever.  Imagine a sumptuous, luxurious castle with rich sets and costumes.  Add incredible acting and zingers that will make you laugh out loud plus copious amounts of shocking drama.  This show is a major winner.  It's on PBS, so if being a nerd is wrong, I don't wanna be right!

2. A Spring Wreath

I'm becoming quite obsessed with having a wreath for every season.  After trolling Pinterest for ideas, I combined a few into my own spring wreath using a twig wreath, burlap, ribbon, silk flowers, and a little birdie (all from Michael's).

3.  40 Days of Prayer 

During this season of Lent, our church is participating in 40 days of prayer.  Summit Church is providing a free 40 Days of Prayer Guide that you can download on your computer or iPad.  Each day contains a scripture, short devotional, and prayer guide.  You can start anytime and don't even have to go in order.  Download it today and pray with me as we prepare for Easter!  Get your download HERE.

4.  Cover Girl Nature Luxe Foundation

I have been using tinted moisturizer for most of my life because I can't stand the feel of heavy foundation.  However, upon turning 30, I decided I should investigate some better coverage options.  I found this Cover Girl Nature Luxe, and I love it!  It's extremely silky and you truly can not feel it on.  It also covers well without looking caked.

5.  The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

This is a GREAT book I just finished!  It's a psychological thriller that turns paranormal at the end.  It's about a teenager, Mara, who wakes up in the hospital after a terrible accident that killed her three friends.  She has post traumatic stress disorder which causes her to hallucinate and not be able to tell what's real as she tries to put the pieces of her life back together and figure out what happened.  This is definitely a page-turner!  I highly enjoyed it.

6.  Quaker "Quakes"

My mom used to feed me rice cakes as a kid, and I seriously hated them.  They tasted like pressed sawdust.  Well, apparently in the last 20 years, there have been some breakthroughs in rice cake technology.  Brent & I are obsessed with these Quakes - especially the cheddar kind.  I sometimes crave cheddar chips, and these do the trick perfectly.  They are very crispy, light as air, and have a really delicious flavor.  There are 18 in a serving size with very few calories.  Delish!

7.  Mothering From the Heart

No, I'm not a mother (yet), but I have been so encouraged by this resource.  My blogger friend, GraceAnna, does a radio show with her mom called "Mothering From the Heart".  They answer questions from women about being a Godly wife & mom.  They always give such good, practical, biblical advice.  I sometimes listen to the archives when I'm working, and I always feel like I have a new perspective on something that applies directly to my life or something that I will for sure remember for the future.  You can listen to any of their archived shows on demand on their website HERE.

8. Target Leandra Flip Flops

Spring has sprung, and I'm pretty sure you need some bejeweled bright colored flip flops.  And... they are only $7!!  They come in white, teal, pink, and coral.  Pretty sure you need them all.

9.  Essie "Bahama Mama" Nail Polish

I am loving this shade for both nails and toes these days.  It has just a hint of "bright" for spring, but it's still dark enough to be a good bridge between winter and spring.  Plus, it's a shade of super-chic purple.  I love this stuff!!

10.  Ann Taylor Loft Striped Belt

I am rediscovering the greatness of belts.  I recently picked up this adorable striped belt from Ann Taylor Loft.  It's stretchy and goes with anything!  I love the bold stripes, and I plan to wear this with navy, gray, or yellow!

Here's to a marvelous March!

Seeing Stripes

Stripes are in, people.  You can't look very far at any store without getting an eyeful of striped tops, skirts, dresses, and scarves.  I am loving the trend, especially with spring coming up.  The other day I went in search of affordable (cheap) striped cuteness.  At one point I did have to tell myself (out loud):  "NO MORE STRIPES" when I realized that literally everything I had in the dressing room with me was striped in some way.  Let's face it: If you're not wearing stripes, you're not cool.  :-)  Here I have for you, dear reader, a collection of savvy stripe options ($32 or less) and more splurge-worthy striped pieces, um, above $32.  Happy shopping!

Savvy Stripes

Target Mossimo Supply Jersey Dress

($18! SUPER comfy and flattering... hello summer)

{shop here}

Old Navy Black & White Striped Dress ($16!)
(at $16, you can get one in every color)

{shop here}

Old Navy Striped Maxi ($29!)
(love the subtle chevron pattern)

{shop here}

Old Navy Bright Striped Shift ($32!)
(with leggings, boots, and a sweater to finish up winter?)

{shop here}

Old Navy Yellow Cap Sleeve Dress ($25!)
(this screams summer, and I love that it's not too short... i'm going to replace that tie with a cute belt)

{shop here}

Ann Taylor Loft Red Striped Tee ($29!)
(goes with anything and could be layered)

{shop here}

Splurge-Worthy Stripes

Ann Taylor Loft Striped Trench
(bright and cheery for a rainy day)

{shop here}

J.Crew Boatneck Popover (...and I'll take the pink pants, too.  Thanks.)
(um... do you see the mini-pockets?  so cute I don't care that they are pointless)

{shop here}

Banana Republic Striped One-Button Cardigan
(i would wear this on every plane ride ever plus every weekend)
{shop here}

Nordstrom Eliza J Dress
(spring wedding, anyone?)
{shop here}

Anthropologie Otta Dress
(not exactly stripes, but stripe-y and still adorable)

{shop here}