Five Things

Happy Friday party people! 

Today is always one of my favorite days of the year because it's the Friday before Christmas and everyone is all excited to have a short week next week and spend time with family for the holidays!

This girl right here is pretty happy because I only have to work 1.5 days next week and we aren't traveling anywhere for Christmas, which hasn't happened in SO long. We will get to sleep in and just spend time the two of us (unless Camden decides to make his arrival before then!), which honestly could not sound more perfect to me. Not having to rush anywhere, not having to change out of my pajamas if I don't want to, quality time with my husband and pup, and just waiting for our baby boy to arrive? Done and done. You don't have to ask me twice.

Here's what I'm loving this week...

-ONE-

A little update (or lack there of) from my doctor's appointment yesterday...still not dilated, which is OK by us! My doctor wanted to do one final ultrasound just to confirm his position (he is head down, phew), so I got to see our little boy again which was awesome.

Oh, and this could NOT be more accurate...

-TWO-

These jeans are going to be my post baby treat to myself (using a promo code, of course!). It's already decided because they are pretty much perfection. And I think Billy will just be excited to see me in something other than leggings and a casual sweatshirt! I admit I've pretty much stopped trying to put together cute outfits at this point...#handsheadinshame.

 AG Adriano Goldschmied The Stilt Jean

-THREE-

Lusting hard after this Naked2 Basics Palette. Crossing my fingers that Santa brings this for me.. ;)

-FOUR-

 This North Face jacket. LOVE. It's one of those "I never want to take you off" jackets I'm sure...

 -FIVE-

A simple reminder...

Have a great weekend, loves!

Later today, we are headed to the CAVS game in Cleveland (woo!) and tomorrow Billy's family is coming into town to have a mini Christmas celebration with us. I'm making my Mom's famous lasagna recipe and we are exchanging gifts! :)

See you next week! 

Currently Loving

1. White Embroidered Dress 2. Essie Bikini So Teeny 3. Striped Tote (on sale!) 4. Gold Wedges (I just bought these-so comfy) 5. Equate Nail Polish Remover Pads 6. Panama Hat 7. Bikini Bag (first spotted on Ashley's blog-perfect for summer) 8. Flag Espadrilles (adore these striped wedge ones too) 9. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara 10. "Like A Boss" Nike Tank 11. Mini Striped Skirt 12. Halter Maxi Dress

 It looks it's going to be another gorgeous weekend here (can't get enough of this weather lately!) and I'm excited to spend some time by the pool, at a family birthday party, and dinner out with my girlfriends! I'm sure brunch will be included in there somewhere too...I'm wanting to take Billy to one of my favorite spots tomorrow morning that I've only visited with my girlfriends. Brunch outside on a patio is my kinda thing!

Rocky said he wanted to send you off today and wish you all a very happy weekend! ;)

LUSH Cosmetics

Leave it to Erica to inspire a blog post.

My mailbox is still smelling glorious from her birthday package she sent me! You know those girlfriends who never miss a birthday and are so thoughtful with their gifts? That's Erica. She is seriously the best gift giver I know!

She surprised me with a new Alex and Ani bangle that is my birthstone (love it!), Godiva birthday cake bark that has already been enjoyed by both me and Billy (you must try it-so good), and these LUSH bath bombs that smell out of this world amazing and fresh. It was then that I was instantly reminded about my love for LUSH products! (thank you friend :))

I think at some point in the past year I once had a post about LUSH products saved in my drafts, then completely dropped the ball on posting it. Have you heard or used LUSH products before? If not, now is your time! LUSH makes their products from organic fruits, vegetables, and oils and they only buy ingredients from companies who do not test on animals. They make all their products fresh by hand using little preservative or packaging. Two thumbs up!

I've used several of their products over the past couple years and wanted to share my favorites. Their face masks and cleansers (and of course these bath bombs!) are a part of my weekly routine and I swear by them. My skin feels amazing when I use them and the prices make them that much more appealing because they last so long. I'm talking several months for some of them.

Here are my favorites:
+Ocean Salt (their best selling salt scrub for a glowing complexion-my personal favorite! I use this not just on my face but all over my body in the shower as well)
+Mask of Magnaminty (my favorite deep cleansing face mask-fresh peppermint and clay pull from your pores to give a fresh tingly sensation. I love it because it's not harsh on my skin, but my skin feels so fresh and awake afterwards!)
+Tea Tree Water Toner (brightens up oily, tired skin and balances skin tone)
+Love Lettuce (balancing mask for all skin types-an almond mask that scoops up dirt, oil, and debris and softens your skin)

If you love baths, you will want to try their bath bombs too. Here's all your options. Love all the creative names for these products, too! Next on my list is trying their shaving creams.

PS: LUSH has no idea who I am, I just really love their products and wanted to share about them! 

Wine2Go {20 WINNERS!}

A giveaway with twenty winners is pretty much impossible to pass up. Especially, and I mean especially, when WINE is involved. I just love this blogging community, and that I now get to make twenty of your guys' summers a little bit better!

Let's cut to the chase.

Did you see the pictures from yesterday with the Wine2Go included in my beach bag essentials? If not, here's everything you need to know: 20 of you will win a Wine2Go foldable wine bottle. It holds a full bottle of wine and is BPA free. You can use it to take to the beach, camping, boating, concerts, pool parties....the list goes on and on.

And I can almost guarantee everyone will want to know where you got this genius product! They also have smaller flasks for your other favorite types of alcohol, if you're interested. Entering is easy...just use the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And of course, a big thanks to Wine2Go for making this giveaway happen.
You rock. That's all. :)

What's In My Beach Bag

 bag {c/o, this one is so cute too}

hat {j.crew factory; no longer available but this one is similar}

back up battery {for iPhone; on sale}

sunscreen {the best if you are concerned about breakouts!}

revlon lip butter {in berry smoothie}

sunglasses {the gold version; blue isn't online but check the stores!}

cover up

wine2go {c/o}

Sometimes there is nothing more enjoyable than packing up a beach bag knowing full well that your day mainly consists of plopping your butt in the sand and not moving much else besides to eat and fill up your drink. Am I right?

Well, summer is almost here (amen) so I thought I'd share the things that I make sure not to leave at home when spending the day at the beach or pool. All are true necessities in my opinion, with of course your iPhone or iPad next to you to get some reading + music in too!

Let's talk about this beach bag from Hayden Reis. The biggest and cutest beach bag I've ever owned, without a doubt. It couldn't be more perfect as it has enough room to hold all my items and fit a towel (see more designs that they offer here!) The straps are also easy on your arms and shoulders which is a huge bonus. 

That wine2go flask? Holds a full bottle of wine + BPA free = Jackpot! Now you don't have to worry about leaving that favorite bottle of pinot at home!  

*PS-Good news...I will be giving away TWENTY of these tomorrow! Come enter because a. who wouldn't one of these? and b. your chances of winning one for yourself is pretty good!

What do you keep in your beach bag?

Happy hump day!

Don't forget to come back tomorrow to enter :)

LIFE'S LITTLE TIDBITS

one//my new favorite chucks! If you order, get a half size down (and also wearing the most comfortable denim shorts you will ever wear...two words: elastic waistband)

two//my favorite things to brighten up my desk space...colorful bag, flowers from Billy, and my seersucker monogrammed mason jar!

three//we had our first bonfire in the backyard this past Saturday night with friends! I could sit out there all night long...s'mores, anyone?

four//it's fro-yo season, friends. my favorite combo? raspberry with dark chocolate with oreos and gummy bears on top. I'm totally predictable and get it 99% of the time.

five//daily inspiration :)
six//when I was in Texas earlier this month, I found the cutest macaron trinket box while shopping and many of you asked where you could find it! After some searching, I found the same ones available hereand here! I like to put earrings or some of my rings in it, and it could even house some vitamins or pills

seven//Easter selfie

eight//after some super long days, we finished working in our yard this weekend! We are so happy we got it done so early this year (with the exception of planting some flowers next month), so an afternoon refresher (tito's mixed with la croix-amazing combo) it was!

nine//this little boy helped us work - aka sat on his butt and "greeted" all the neighbors that walked by...

Follow along for more updates via my instagram!
*Here is a post I did on all my favorite ways to edit your Instagram pictures. 

PS-Thank you all for entering the Bib Jewelry giveaway, I'm so happy with the response of this! Today is the last day so if you haven't entered, get to it. 

Happy Tuesday!!

6 Recent Favorites

(I have an awesome giveaway planned for tomorrow so I'm sharing some of my favorites today! Come back tomorrow to enter!)

1// The other night I had to come up with an easy, quick meal for just myself since Billy was working late and I was starving by this point (you know how that goes) so I threw together quinoa that I cooked in some vegetable broth, black beans, with a bunch of sauteed veggies then topped with feta cheese. I just used lemon juice and garlic salt to season...it was absolutely delicious and really filling. I made extra so that I could take it with me to work the next day for lunch, but ended up eating all of it. Whoops... 

2// There's no denying that summer is the busiest time of the year.  Fun? Yes! So many events to go to! But crazy busy with days filled with plans? Absolutely. Before I know it we will be in the middle of wedding season and the amount of free weekends will be close to nonexistent! Just in the next month, I have two bridal showers, Mother's Day, and a family birthday party. And you know what that means, right? Gifts. 

I typically try (try being the keyword here) to have all of my gifts bought well in advance because a. it makes me stress a lot less the week of and b. it's not a rushed gift so it's typically more thoughtful and unique. I admit that I've spent a lot of time in the past trying to find websites to keep in my favorites that have unique gifts items for all the events since I like bringing gifts that not everyone buys. UncommonGoods is one of my favorites that fits into many different categories...want to get a head start on those Mother's Day gifts?

 These state dish towels would be a great gift...they actually have a whole line of things (many of you asked me where the Texas glass I got was from-well this is the same company!), but these dish towels would look really cute displayed in a kitchen...

 This row boat salad bowl I came across awhile back couldn't be more perfect for my in-laws since they love boating!

They even have some really cool home decor items, like these agate coasters. I've seen almost identical coasters like this at much higher price points and I really like the color combinations of this set...

 And of course, I've been on the lookout for unique pots to plant succulents in and this striped set is affordable and super cute... 

Sidenote: Really loving this pillow case set for a master bedroom. How cute would they be for a newly engaged or married couple?! At less than $30, you can't go wrong there. This is just a small list of my favorites, you can shop more Mother's Day and home decor gifts here!

3// The Bluejackets coming back from being down 3-0 last night and beating the Penguins! Wow, was that a game to watch! So exciting! Since Billy has played hockey for so many years and is a ref (did you know that? he refs once or twice a week!), he's been extremely into this playoffs and that's putting it mildly. You should see him during the games...oy vey!

4// My work buddy and this candle. This candle...well, it is just heavenly. New favorite for sure.

5// This recipe for a Southwest Breakfast Scramble (loving all her recipes actually!) As one of the biggest breakfast fans out there, I must make this ASAP...

6// Have you seen this?! Give me anything wine related {especially something as fun as this...I mean, come on} and I'm a happy camper.

What are your recent favorites? Or your favorite websites for creative gifts? Share with me!

Happy almost Friday everyone!

Lovely Little Things: Valentine's Day Gifts

How can you not smile when looking at these things? Am I crazy or do they brighten up your Monday morning just a little bit?

With Valentine's Day being less than a month away (...where has January gone? it has flown by!), these items can help get you in the mood to celebrate. A cute piece of jewelry, a new iPad case, or a beauty essential are perfect little gifts where you can treat yourself and not feel too guilty or hope your significant other can pick up on your subtle or not so subtle hints (Billy..ahem..are you reading?)

1. Kate Spade Candy Stripe iPad Case
2. Bauble Bar L-Word Cuff
3. NARS Final Cut Blush
4. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Set (smells amazing & great deal)
5. Dior Lip Glow Color Bomb (have you heard about this? it responds to the color chemistry of your own lips to create a shade that is yours!)
6. Kate Spade Live Colorfully Perfume
7. Bauble Bar Angel Wings Cuff 
8. Kendra Scott Elle Boxed Oval Earrings
9. Bauble Bar Carmen Miranda Bib (get your pink/red fix!)
10. Kensie 'Kiss Me Kate' Pants 
11. Kate Spade Cobble Hill Wallet (under $100!)
12. Marc Jacobs Daisy Spray Pen
13. Moroccanoil Hair Treatment (my holy grail product)
14. Dogeared Heart Boxed Pendant Necklace

Yep, I may or may not want to gifts myself almost all of these...or is that against the rules?

*If you want to get a head start on some ideas for your man...here's a good list all under $100! 

What's Inside My Phillip Lim Bag

Somehow I managed to snag this Phillip Lim for Target bag a day and a half after his collection hit the stores. It was released when we were in Chicago and I completely forgot about it, but by total luck a Target about 15 minutes away from our house had two of the black medium satchel's still available (and this leopard print scarf that I attached to it!). I couldn't believe it. I love this bag and know I will get so much use out of it. I figured I'd share what you can find me carrying in it now on a daily basis. Besides, I'm nosey and love seeing what other girls carry in their bags!

I like to keep various compartments because it makes me feel more organized. I keep two soft Vera Bradley zip pouches in my bag at all times...

the bigger one has: L'oreal True Match powder (my favorite), a small tube of mascara (this one is Tarte), Burts Bees chapstick, and an Elf lip gloss.

the smaller one: headphones (don't you hate when they get tangled?) and a small mirror

The rest of the items:
+Michael Kors wallet
+Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses
+A small brush that also holds bobby pins
+My new "Eat Blog Love" notepad

>If you're a blogger, you need this notepad. The pages are titled "Can't forget to blog about..." so that you never miss an idea. More on this tomorrow (see below!) but if you want 10% off  any order right now, use the code: "KeepCalm"

+My planner (from Target)
+My new The Home t-shirt

>You're probably thinking-a shirt in your purse, is that necessary Katie? But it is (and not just because Ashley Greene has been wearing this shirt out and about, I kinda love her.) This isn't your regular t-shirt...it is the softest shirt you will ever wear and you can represent your home state at the same time! I call that a win.

Get yourself one here. I like keeping it in my purse/in my car for those times I want to change into something casual or need something to wear to the gym (they also donate a portion of the profits to MS research!).

**In regards to the "Eat Blog Love" notepad-hint hint there may be a giveaway for shop credit to Crystal Faye happening HERE tomorrow. Come back then. Happy Thursday!

What do you keep inside your favorite bag?
Share with me, since just what I need is more "stuff" in there. ;)

 

 

Beauty: The Dream Team {Skin Care}

Whenever I think of the dream team, this song comes to mind:

Chak a laka chack a laka chak a laka chak a. Don't ask me why because really I have no clue why. It just does. You have songs like this, yes? Except today, I'm talking about this dream team, something that makes a little bit more sense...

I've come to a conclusion. G-O-N-E are the days where I could wash my face just once a day, wear only bronzer to feel "covered" enough, and only worry about a pimple here or there every now and again. Yep, gone. Completely vanished. What happened to my low maintence, no acne skin? I WANT IT BACK! Thank you, sweet aging process. You're incredibly kind to me.

Nowadays, it takes much more work, and let's face it-research, to keep my skin clear and looking healthy. When doing my studies (er, stalking on beauty channels/youtube/etc) I came across the Avene line and everyone was raving about it. They were right...nothing else has worked for me quite like these products. I was getting so frustrated until I turned to these babies! They have cleared up my face and do a great job of keeping it under control (phew-SOMEONE needs to).

If you have blemish or acne prone skin, definitely give these products a try. I mean it. No one paid me to spit these lines, I just love these products and wanted to share in case any of you have the same problems. Then hopefully you will come rave about them to me later?

Avene Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser 6.76 fl oz.: Use as my normal face wash, gel cleanser gently purifies the skin. My little lifesaver in a bottle! Use both morning and night.

Cleanance K Cream-Gel 40ml/1.44oz: Combats acne breakouts and restores skins balance, targets clogged pores and blackheads. Apply to cleansed face and neck at night.  

Redness Relief Soothing Cream SPF 25 - Avene - Day Care - 40ml/1.35oz: You can use this to help with any redness and also in the morning before you put your make up on since it has SPF 25.

*When/if you shop these products online (or doing any shopping online)-make sure you are using your EBATES! I've earned so much money back on purchases that I make sure I never shop without going through ebates first. All of it adds up, trust me! If you haven't signed up, get a $10 gift card here when you sign up for free.

Wam. Bam.

Dream Team Over and Out.

PS: These products are all backed by my bff Steph as well, and actually she told me about product numero tres. We have been using the same face products for a long time and never realized it until my recent trip to Texas #bffproblems. So take this as a two-for-one "use these products" from the both of us!

 


 

COPY CAT CHIPOTLE GUACAMOLE...SERIOUSLY.

 

Whoa whoa whoa!

Life has been a little bit (ok, a lot bit) busy lately. Ever feel like hitting the "pause" button?! I could use that right this instant. I feel like there's so much going on now that the weather is steadily nice (this is not me jinxing it...right?) and even though the days are longer, I'm trying to fit more and more into them! But they are all really great things, so I can't complain.

I did make time for this. This meaning a COPY CAT CHIPOTLE GUACAMOLE RECIPE!

It deserves all caps. Chipotle's guacamole is like a dream to me... so amazing that if they ever forgot to put it in my bowl, I would get in my car, drive back there, and demand ask very nicely for not just the normal amount but a second scoop. It's serious business. 

If you are a guacamole fan, you must make this. Pin away, my friends! It's about to rock your world.

This recipe is pretty simple, but tastes very similar to Chipotle's....or it's just THAT good that I can't tell the difference between the two. Either way, you need it in your life like yesterday.

Copy Cat Chipotle Guacamole:

inspiration from this recipe

Ingredients:

+3 ripe avocados

+1/2 cup chopped red onions

+1/2 cup chopped cilantro

+1/3 cup chopped jalapeno

+1/8 cup of lemon and lime juice ~ 80/20 ratio

+pinch of salt (I didn't even use it and it was still amazing!)

What to do:

Peel and pit avocados, place in a bowl, and mash them with a fork. You want them to be a little chunky. Add the other ingredients and mix. Serve with your choice of tortilla chips - I highly recommend this flavor of Pop Chips! They are SO good and a healthier option for tortilla chips.

VOILA.

Then, you get your eat on....

 

Once you make this, make sure to tweet/instagram/facebook me and let me know how you like it.

Be back tomorrow for an exciting SPD project that you will be able to complete in under 15 minutes and it's perfect for summer! 

Any guesses?!

 

What Makes You Happiest?

{really really loving this song right now..on repeat daily..}

I'd like to think of myself as a pretty happy person. "I just like to smile...smilings my favorite!" who's with me? I'm generally a friendly person when you meet me...at least I hope so?! Can anyone step up and second this for me? Anyone...? ;)

However, on Mother's Day? One of the most difficult days of the year for me and the many others who have experienced the loss of a Mother. Everyday, I wonder if I'm making my Mom proud and if I will ever live up to the woman that she was. This year, I decided to turn my frown UPSIDE DOWN (yep-went there) and planned ahead to focus on the things that make me the happiest.

You know...the stomach kickers. The things where I just stop, right in the middle of the moment, let out a big sigh and say, "this is the life!" The things that light a big ole fire in my heart.

I rounded up a list of those stomach kickers that make me happiest. They might seem small and not worthy of such a title, but to me, they are! I truly believe that by focusing on the small things in life, they can and will help your attitude and make you appreciate everyday you are given. I can definitely thank my Mom for that, she was the queen of gratitude and was appreciative for everyday! So, here we go...

+Country music while cooking dinner  
and in the car...and at concerts...and with friends while cooking out in the backyard
+Trying new things 
going to a new city, new restaurant, checking something off my bucket list
+Cooking out in our backyard / sitting by a fire with friends
what is it about that smell?! ahh...
+Traveling 
and having a special couple that you love traveling with (cc: Steph and Beau)
+Swinging in our hammock
+That feeling after a long run / hard workout 
+Seeing my friends and Billy happy 
+SUNSHINE / the beach / Corona's 
because they all go hand in hand..

 

+Rocky in the window waiting for me to get home everyday (and his unconditional love)
+A clean house
ah! feels so good, right?
+Finishing house projects with Billy + that feeling of accomplishment!
+Comments on my blog and social media
2.5 years later I STILL read every comment you guys leave on my blog. I love them oh so much. Thank you, thank you!
+A beer in a frosty glass
+THE POOL on a hot day

 

+Finding random love notes around our house from Billy :)
+Reading my Mom's journals
+Making plans and being so excited that you have a countdown!
+Ohio in the summer / fall
+Talenti, Sea Salt Caramel Gelato
+Celebrations with family and friends
+Boating with Billy's family in the summer

How can one NOT feel blessed after all those wonderful things?! AND now....bum bum bum...as I mentioned on Friday, I asked you all on Twitter last week to tell me what makes you the most happy. Seeing all the results come in made me smile just by reading them! I want to share some of them (if you aren't listed-please don't hate me, it's just because I couldn't keep up and some were repeats of others!:)) not just so you can read them but because you will now have some AWESOME ladies and their blogs to follow!

Ashley said waking up on Saturday morning and going for a run with my husband and fur babies. Chelsea mentioned when her plane touches down in Jamaica and surprises (AGREE! I love a good surprise...) Tess and I must have been on the same page because she said experiencing new things as well. Touche! Alexa said dinner with friends, her pup, vacation, sleeping in! Callie told me monogrammed things, drinking on the patio on sunny days, sweet tea vodka, her fiance, and baseball. Samantha sounds like she was reading my mind when she said country concerts, pedicures, Nashville (YES!), quiet nights at home with her boyfriend, and puppies. Erin confessed crawling into a freshly made bed after a really long day. Kay told me hour long phone calls with her sister, fresh flowers, all the little things. The lovely Ashley said a hot bath with a glass of wine in hand and no technology. LOVE THAT ANSWER. :) Lastly, Tori said finding a surprise love note in her wallet from her husband. So sweet and awesome!


And just like that, you have some fabulous new blogs to go explore and fall in love with. Happy day.

In other news-this weekend we took my parents to dinner at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant. This is our second time here since they opened late last year, but my parents haven't been yet. We did a wine tasting that I'm pretty sure is normally supposed to take just an hour, but ours was about two hours long. We chatted and chatted with the workers and had a BLAST! They even gave us a couple extra wine tastings that weren't included in our package.. who can complain about that?! We had great service for dinner as well and all of us loved our food... definitely one of our favorites now here in Columbus!

PS: I can tell you one thing that doesn't make me happy. Unloading the dishwasher...I avoid that like the plague.

PPS: Thank you to those who took time out of your own Mother's Day to send kind words, emails, etc. my way. I can't tell you how blessed and happy I felt when reading them. I'm so thankful for this amazing blogging community!

*If you haven't watched the video on my Beachy Waves Hairstyle post, go watch & enter for your chance to win!