What I bought - March

I've seen a lot of bloggers doing monthly budget posts talking about how much they spent and I thought it would be a lot of fun to try myself.  I tried to not let anything that I bought slip through the cracks.  I really liked the idea of doing posts like these because I feel like it will shame me into not overspending anymore. lol!  I have a BIG shopping problem!  I always think I "need" everything.  

Here are the things that I absolutely "NEEDED" this month:

The top left section are items that I picked up at thrift stores this month.  I found a lot of great things! 

Thrifted items:

Satin Leopard Top - $1.99

Red Blazer - $4.99

Black Satin Top - $4.99

B&W Polka Dot Dress - $6.99

B&W bodycon dress - $6.99

B&W striped peplum top - $2.99

Total: $29.94

Other Items:

(I added links for items still available)

Leopard Cardigan - $14.54

Grey Blazer - $18.00

Striped scarf - $9.80

Leopard Sandals - $4.99

Arrow bracelets - $4.90

Chain necklace - $4.90

Black sandals - $16.96

Striped blazer - $19.94

White blazer - $19.94

Fushia top - $19.90

Striped bag - $9.97

White lace top - $19.90

Total: $163.74

Jewelry:

(All jewelry was BOGO Free!)

1. - $8.99

2. - $3.99

3. - $8.99

4.- $ 4.99

4. - $3.99

5. - $ 3.99

6. - $4.99

7. - $6.99

8. - $8.99

9. - $4.99

(Saved: $28.95!)

Total : $34.19

(i didn't realize that I made two #4's until really late and I was too tired to change it, sorry!)

GRAND TOTAL : $227.87

I got a little bit out of control this month...I am going to try to do better next month, but no promises!

linked up with: Franish

Getting out of my "darker clothes" rut

Can you believe it's the end of March already?!  I can't believe how fast it flew by.  I can't say I'm too sad about it though, because I have really been looking forward to some warmer weather!  I'm so sick of the cold!  The weather around here has been really bipolar lately.  One day it was close to 70 degrees and the next day we had snowflakes!  I also ended up with a cold...or allergies.  I haven't figured it out yet.  So far it's just my nose going crazy and a dry throat.

Over the weekend I did some thrift shopping!  I found so many great things too!  I'm going to be sharing a March budget post tomorrow and share everything that I bought.  So no judgement!!  I got a bit carried away this month!

 

I swear I've been wearing my white jeans constantly!  I just can't get enough of them!  I've been trying to force myself out of my "dark colors rut" that I've been in lately too.  I'm trying to get into the spring spirit and wear some lighter colors.  I just seem to gravitate more toward darker colors, I guess.

Our weekend was spent running around like crazy. lol!  We are house sitting for my father in law and feeding his cat while he's on vacation, so we've been back and forth there, grocery shopping, and summer clothes shopping for our little one.  BUT  I didn't have any headaches so I guess that's a plus!  This week is supposed to be my bad week for headaches/migraines so we will see how it goes.  Luckily, I got all my post written for the week, just in case!

Did you do anything fun over the weekend?

linked up with: On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me, Cha Cha the Fashion Genius and Pink Sole, Rhea etCetera, A Touch of Tartan, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, I do deClaire, Style Elixir

Bourbon, Lipstick, and Stilettos & A Giveaway!!

If there was an award for best blog name ever, I'm almost positive Lindsay would win that title.  I knew I was in blogger love the second I read the name.  I love it!  It's also great to know that someone else has the same social media pet peeves as me.  I'm not alone in my rage, and that is a beautiful thing.

As you all have probably heard me mention a bunch of times by now, I've really been on the hunt to find beauty products that I really love.  I love her product picks posts and I can't wait to give a few of them a try!  If beauty products are not what floats your boat, she's also shared a few of her tv show recommendations that I will definitely be adding to my "watch" list, and I've already started "You're the Worst" and I'm LOVING it!  Thanks girl!!

With out further ado, Here's Lindsay:

1. Tell me a little about yourself and your blog.
I'm a 29-year-old Technical Writer from Kentucky. My blog mainly focuses on beauty products and tutorials, but I'll throw posts about clothes, shoes, drinks, television, and opinions. I also do a series every Thursday called "Beauty A-Z." I discuss my favorite products and tutorials as I walk through the alphabet!

2. Have you read any great books lately? If not, what are your favorite tv shows at the moment?

I am embarrassed to say that I haven't read anything lately, aside from blogs! My current favorite tv shows are Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Mindy Project, House of Cards, New Girl, and Mad Men. I'm SO SAD it's ending next month!

3. What are your biggest pet peeves?

My biggest pet peeve of all time is rudeness. I can't stand it. I also find myself increasingly annoyed with people who have bad manners.

4. If you had your choice of one food that you had to live off of forever what would it be?

Pizza! And chocolate. Can I choose two?

5. What are your favorite 3 posts that you wrote?
Can We Stop Being Judgmental About Food
Beauty A-Z: D is for Drugstore Dupes
Go Your Own Way

You want to know another reason why Lindsay is awesome?!  She is also giving you a chance to win this super cute Harry Potter print by entering the Rafflecopter below.  I don't know many people who don't like Harry Potter.  I am a huge Harry Potter nerd and this is my very favorite quote from the book/movie EVER!  If I could enter to win, I would! haha!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Guy Behind the Blog #2

Hi everybody!  I took a little bit of a blogging break yesterday and the day before because I had a pretty killer migraine.  But hopefully I have it under control again and can catch up on some of the posts that I am behind on.  ANYWAY, enough of that!  Today I am bringing my husband back again to take over my blog for Betsy's "The Guy Behind the Blog" link up.  Every month she comes up with new questions for us to ask our guys, so you can get to know them a little bit better too.  I like this link up because I think it's interesting to learn more about my favorite blogger's lives.  I'm nosey like that.. lol!  This is only my second time linking up.  If you want, you can read the first one here.

1. Do you have a good luck charm or ritual? (like a lucky coin, or you always used to listen to a certain pump-up song when you played sports in high school or college?)
Chris: Julie bought me a ring when we first started dating, kind of like a promise ring. It's a silver band with lightning bolts engraved into it, because she knows I love watching thunderstorms. I really feel strange if I'm not wearing it and I think its definitely my good luck charm.

Me: Awww!!  That ring is almost seven years old and he still wears it every single day!

2. What is your favorite dish that your wife/fiance/girlfriend makes for you? do you have any fun memories of a time when she tried to cook and it totally flopped or does she get it right every time?

Chris: More often than not, it's me that "flops" making dinner.  It's simple, but I love it when she makes spaghetti or ziti.
Me: He's just being nice.  I've "flopped" plenty of times!  And he's a great cook.  He makes coconut shrimp drizzled in honey that are to die for!

3. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Chris: Spider-Man.  Duh!  Or Batman... ok, let's make them fight and whoever wins that's who I'll be!
Me: hahaha!!  I knew this answer was coming.  He's such a HUGE Spiderman fan.

4. Which of the five senses is your strongest?

Chris: Spider-sense.  Duh!  Er.. back to reality.  I'd say my sense of sight is pretty good.  "I can see for miles and miles!"  (That was a Who reference that nobody will understand but me.)
Me: He does have really great eyesight.  I'm pretty jealous about it actually.  I am hoping that my daughter's eyesight will take after his though

5. Would you ever run for president?
Chris: Bahahaha.. bah. Bahahahahahaha.  Wait... seriously!?  No.  I'm not that great of an actor.  I'd just tell people how it is and likely start a war because I'd just tell the truth!
Me: Yeah, I can honestly say that I would never want that job either.  No, thank you!

Currently...

Currently...

Feeling happy!  My daughter has been in a very happy and lovey mood lately.  She's been very affectionate for the past week or so.  It's been AWESOME!  

Reading a book called Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner.  A lot of people are telling me that it's not as good as her others but for only  50 cents at my library sale, I'll give it a shot anyways.  

Watching the episodes of The Blacklist that I got really behind on.  I still have 3 more to go until I'm caught up!  Love this show!  Once I'm caught up, I will have to find something on Netflix to get hooked on.  I'm thinking Once Upon a Time or Breaking Bad.  I've tried Orange is the New Black and wasn't crazy about it.  Any other suggestions??

Writing my grocery shopping list down.  If I go to the grocery store without a list, I end up forgetting everything I needed and ending up with some really random stuff.

Listening to my ipod on shuffle mode.  It gets weird sometimes...  It just went from Led Zeppelin to Andy Grammer.  

Wanting to eat every piece of chocolate in the house, but restraining myself.  Ohhh midnight cravings....

Needing to go to bed, I'm starting to get a little loopy.  ALSO, I need to see Cinderella...  I still haven't gotten to see it yet! And I would like to stick to an exercise schedule, but I think I say that every month sooo.....

Hoping my husband and I's weekend getaway (in May) doesn't fall through.  Part of me is REALLY anxious/scared about it because it's out first night being away from our daughter, but the other part of me really REALLY wants to get away for a little while...  and we have a pretty great little trip planned!

Have you read any good books lately?

OUTFIT: Dating my husband

Whoa, a second date day with my husband this month?!  Craziness!  A couple weeks ago when we went out, I wore some leopard print .  This time I went a little bit more girly with some floral print.  This past Friday was the first official day of Spring, so I have been trying to bring out the floral prints!  I'm not a huge girly girl so I love that this floral print has a black background, it tones down the girliness a bit for me.  

**Warning: my pasty white legs may cause blindness**

Blazer - Similar

Top - Similar

Skirt - Agnes & Dora (via giveaway)

Heels - Payless (on sale $14.99!)

It really needs to start getting warmer around here.  I need to get a little bit of color on those legs.  Yikes!  haha!

My husband and I went out to eat at PF Changs (soooo good!), I did some shopping at Charming Charlie, and then we went home to relax without the baby for a little while.  It was nice to get to lounge around and be lazy at home until my mom dropped our daughter back off at home.

You may have also noticed that I wasn't around blogland much this weekend.  I decided to unplug for a little while.  I think it's good to do that sometimes.  I feel refreshed and ready for this week now though!

Do you "unplug" on the weekends?

linked up with: On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me, Cha Cha the Fashion Genius and Pink Sole, Rhea etCetera, A Touch of Tartan, Classy Yet Trendy, Sydney Fashion Hunter, Shopping My Closet, The Pleated Poppy

Trying out a couple new beauty products

My amazing husband gave me the "night off" from mom duties, so I could have a little me time.  I definitely needed it.  I decided to pamper myself a bit with a few of the trial sized products that have been building up in my "to try" drawer.  I save all of the little trial size things that come in the mail or are given to me in one place until I finally get around to trying them....is that weird?  Am I the only one that does this?!  Probably.  ANYWAY, I tried out a couple new products and wanted to tell you what I thought about each one.

Lately I have been hearing people talk nonstop about different masks that they've tried so I wanted to give one a shot.  I've seen Mud Masks advertised all over the place, from commercials, to blogs, to magazines.  They seem to be everywhere!  I have never actually tried a mud mask before, so I was pretty excited to give this one a shot.  Here is the one I ended up trying:

Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask

Benefits: (taken from their Amazon site)

Renowned anti-aging properties tighten pores, reduce wrinkles and lines and promote youthful, healthy, natural skin. A weekly mud-mask will diminish and heal the most common skin issues including Blemishes, Acne, Breakouts, Pimples, Blackheads, Eczema and Psoriasis. Use as a facial mask, spot treatment or full body mask

 My opinion:  I had never used any sort of mud mask before so I wasn't sure what to expect.  Since it is a MUD mask I think I was expecting a sort of musty gross smell, but I was very pleasantly surprised when it had more of a eucalyptus scent to it.  I also expected it to be very gritty and rough, but it has a smoother texture to it.  It was nice and thick and went on very easily.  Because it has eucalyptus oil in it, it has a tingling feeling at times.  When I first put it on it actually felt like it was stinging my face (which made me pretty nervous) but then after a minute or two it lessened to just a cool tingle.  After I washed it off, my face felt very refreshed, but it did dry out my skin a bit.  After about 10 minutes I felt my face again and it was REALLY soft.  I didn't notice any "glow" right away which I was a little bummed about.  I also didn't notice any change in my wrinkles/lines or pores, but I've only used it once so far.  Maybe after a couple more times I will notice more of a difference.

Beyond The Zone Smooth Criminal Masque (for hair)

Benefits:

Hydrates dry, frizz-prone hair.  Smooths the cuticle and improves manageability 

My opinion:

This conditioning hair mask smelled SO GOOD (kind of like cocoa butter, I think). That being said, it didn't really do much for my hair at all.  It actually made my hair feel dry; which doesn't make any sense.  I wanted to love this one but I didn't.

Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion

Benefits:

Moisturizes instantly no sticky feel, with 24 hour plus moisture

My opinion:

I was really skeptical about this one.  I just didn't really understand it, I guess.  But it surprised me and I ended up really liking this a lot.  My skin felt so soft after my shower and still did the next morning when I woke up.  I will definitely purchase this in a full size.

( I received a free full sized product of the Pure & Essential Minerals Dead Sea Mud Mask  from Brandbacker for review, but as always all opinions expressed on this blog are my own.)

Have you ever tried any of these products?

My Target Wishlist & a HUGE Giveaway!

Bathing Suit  |  Quilted Shoes  |  Black/Tan Bag  |  Scarf  |  Dress  |  Sandals  |  Blue/Black Bag

My name is Julie, and I have a Target addiction. I go in for one item and come out with a cart full....and an empty bank account.  I just can't say no!

They have so many cute things.  I mean, how cute is that bikini (above) ?!  I have been seeing those black quilted shoes EVERYWHERE in blogland but I haven't been able to snag a pair.  I checked online and they didn't have my size.  Bummer!  That scarf screams spring to me!  If I wear it maybe these chilly days will go away and be replaced by sunny skies, chirping birds and budding flowers...a girl can dream, okay?!

Since I have such a HUGE Target addiction, I thought maybe some of you did too?  So I teamed up with a bunch of other bloggers to bring you a massive giveaway.  How massive you ask?!  (Come on, humor me!)  How does a $400 Target gift card sound?!  Pretty amazing, right?!  Enter with the rafflecopter below starting at 11am EST time,  And Good luck!!!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Prize: $400 Target Gift Card

Co-hosts: Jenn's Blah Blah Blog • Memoirs of a Clueless Woman • The Nerdy Fox • Taffeta & Tulips • Dressing Dallas • Michigan Saving and More • Allisonleighann. • Simply Stine • The Fashion Stir Fry • J. Frances • Peanut Butter and Whine • TheItMom.com • The Girl Next Door is Black • Here We Go Again Ready •  Artwork by JM • A Medic's World • Chasing My Halo • Virtually Yours

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck! (Please email becky@ohmygoshbeck.com with any questions.)

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 4/8 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1 Graphic Tee 5 Ways

When Claire from Fashion and Feathers contacted me about trying out one of her new tops, I jumped at the idea.  I think they are super adorable and so versatile.  To prove to you just how versatile I think they are I decided to show you five different ways to wear the exact same top.

This top was not only perfect for St. Patrick's Day yesterday, but it is also great for every day wear.  I look at it as a way to remember all of the things that I am grateful for.  Sometime life gets me down or I wish I was doing better or had more, but when I really think about it; I have everything I could ever want and need.  I have an amazing husband that loves me, the sweetest little girl, a roof over my head, and great friends.  I truly am a very lucky girl.

Look #1

Top - Fashion and Feathers

Flannel - Similar

Jeans- Similar

Shoes - Similar

Look #2

Top - Fashion and Feathers

Jacket - Similar

Maxi skirt - Charlotte Russe

Shoes - Similar

Look #3

Top - Fashion and Feathers

Jeans - Charlotte Russe

Cardigan - Similar

Heels - Payless

Look #4

Top - Fashion and Feathers

Jacket - Wal Mart

Pants - Charlotte Russe

Heels - Payless

Look #5

Top - Fashion and Feathers

Jacket - Similar

Skirt - Express - Similar

Heels - Payless 

The top is super comfortable and soft.  I feel like it also runs true to size (I am wearing a size small).  The writing on the front has crisp lines and is easily legible.  Overall I am VERY happy with this top, and I definitely see myself wearing it all the time.

Claire is awesome enough to give my readers 10% off any purchase with the code: ARTWORKBYJM10 until March 25th.  So hurry while you can to take advantage of her opening sale!!

What is your favorite way that I styled the graphic tee?

linked up with: The Pleated Poppy, Shopping My Closet, Style Elixir, Gracefullee Made, Cappuccino and Fashion, Sydney Fashion Hunter, Classy Yet Trendy, Pumps and Pushups, The Brandied Pair

OUTFIT: A little bit of green for St. Patrick's Day

I can't help it, I still enjoy dressing up for holidays.  I wore red for Valentine's day ( and again HERE) and now I have to wear a little bit of green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  It's the little kid in me, I guess.

As I was looking for something green to wear, I realized that this is one of the only green tops I own, other than an olive green spaghetti strap.  I must have gotten a little too carried away when I decided to purge my closet recently...oops!

I used to go out and party with my friends in the city every St. Patty's Day but I haven't done that for quite a few years now.  I like to relax, stay at home, and drink a few on my couch with my husband instead.  I not much into the big screaming and stumbling crowds of drunks anymore.  I must really be getting old or something. haha!  

Pittsburgh had their celebration on Saturday and there was also a hockey game that day, so it was extra rowdy out there, I'm sure. I've lived in Pittsburgh for years and have never actually seen the parade.  I was supposed to one year but my friend was already drunk by that point and we had to get her home.  Ohhh...college years... 

What are you doing for St. Patrick's Day?  Did you already celebrate?

linked up with: I do deClaire, Trend Spin Linkup, Induffinitely Me, The Pleated Poppy, Style Elixir

OUTFIT: Girl's night out

For the first time in MONTHS, I actually got a girl's night!  I actually can't even remember the last time I got to go out with my girls.  I blame the holidays.  Everyone is always so busy around that time of year and it takes a while to get settled down again.

On Saturday night we got together and went a a purse bash in my neighborhood.  It was $25 to get in and they call a giveway every ten minutes (the prizes were Coach or Michael Kors purses, and also cash prizes).  On top of that, they also had raffles, half the take tickets and a Chinese auction.  It was so much fun!

My mom actually ended up winning a super cute little Coach purse!  I didn't win anything but I got to let lose and have some fun, so that's okay with me.

Top - Wet Seal - Similar

Blazer - Wal Mart

Jeans - Charlotte Russe - Similar

Shoes - Payless

Necklace- Premier Designs

I bought this super cute blazer a couple of weekends ago when I got to go on a little shopping spree.  I mentioned last week that I am planning to do a monthly spending post at the end of the month, so you will see it again.  I think it might be a teeny bit big but I can always take it in if I need too.

What did you do this weekend?  Have you ever been to a purse bash?

linked up with: On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me, Rhea EtCetera, Pink Sole and Cha Cha the Fashion Genius, A Touch of Tartan, I do deClaire, The Pleated Poppy

Tell me what you want, what you really really want...

Oh yeah, that's right, I went all 90s Spice Girls on you!  Don't lie you used to like that song too!... No?  Okay maybe not, ANYWAY...

I have a quick survey I'd love for you to answer. It is about my blog, and it helps me understand more about my readers and what they would like to see from me...and also what they aren't enjoying, which is very helpful to me. So please do me the honor and answer it (it's super short, anonymous, and multiple choice).  

Click here to take survey

And thank you so much in advance!

Also, don't forget I am offering 25% off my ad spots until the end of the month with the code: SPONSORJM