Insta-lately

I can't believe it's already the end of May already!  What the heck happened?!  Here's a recap of May as told by Instagram.  If you want to keep up with my daily adventures on Instagram, you can follow me HERE.

OUTFIT: Tribal dress

I've been such a bad blogger lately,  I don't know what's gotten into me!  I think the little break was good for me though.  I got to enjoy some company from friends and family this Sunday at our cookout and Saturday we took Paige to our local amusement park (Kennywood) for the first time.  She has so much fun riding some of the kiddie land rides.  I was a nervous mama, of course but she was brave.  Unfortunately, yesterday I was in bed almost all day with another one of my migraines....yuck!  I'm feeling a bit better today.  We'll see what the rest of the week brings.

It has been really warm around here the past few days but I think there is a lot of rain coming this way.  It was a beautiful day for our cookout though, so I can't complain too much (and I was headache free too!).

I got these super cute wedges at a thrift shop recently for only $6!  They were never worn and they are super comfortable!  I'm super happy with them.  The dress and jewelry I've had for a couple years and don't remember where I found them,  the dress doesn't even have the tags on it anymore.  Oops! 

I plan on being around a lot more in June so expect to see a bit more of me!  I have a ton of new mini book reviews, fashion collaborations, thrift shop finds, and beauty reviews coming up!  I was also a contributor for a new online magazine!  I will share a bit more about that when it goes live so you can go check it out.  I'm really excited about it!

What have you been up to lately?!

Linked up with: The Pleated Poppy, Pampers and Pearls, and Style Elixir

Pack a Hat! from Cappelli Straworld

I was super excited when I was contacted about trying out one of these Cappelli Straworld Pack-A-Hats!  I've been looking for a fun floppy hat for the summer.  

This one comes in it's own convenient little bag that you can easily fold the hat into.  It's also big enough that you still have enough room for other things (cell phone, keys, etc.).  It comes in 5 different colors: Black, Natural, Toast, Royal, and White.  And it's only $25!  You know me, I love a good bargain.

Another great thing about this hat is that it offers protection from the sun for your face.  Now that I have hit the dreaded 30s, I have been more aware of my skin health (what took me so long!?!),  Not only is this hat fashionable but it has a UPF 50+ rating, and with May being melanoma awareness time now is the perfect time to get one.  

This hat is very light-weight which is very nice when you carrying an already heavy beach bag.  The only con to that (which I found out while taking these photos) is that it tries to fly away. LOL!  I'm pretty sure it would be that way with any hat though.

Are you interested in buying the Cappelli Straworld Pack a Hat!?  Click here to purchase!

**I was given this Cappelli Straword Pack-A-Hat! for free in exchange for an honest review, but as always, all opinions are my own.**

Birchbox & Ipsy

This is my second month receiving both Birchbox and ipsy and I still can't decide which one I like better!  I like half of the products in one and half of the other, just like last time!  Here's what I got this month:

Birchbox:

Benefit Lollibalm  |  Full size $18

I really like this tinted lip balm.  It had just a slight tint to it and moisturized my lips instead of drying them out like other lipcolors.  It does have a bit of a scent to it that I wasn't a fan of but it wasn't strong.

CoTZ Flawless Complexion SPF 50  |  Full size $20

This was thicker than I expected it to be and covered pretty good but left my face feeling a little greasy.  I did like that it has sunscreen in it too.  I'm trying to be a little bit better about applying sunscreen now that I'm older.

Harvey Prince Yogini  |  Full size $26-55

I wasn't too crazy about the scent of this one.  It was a little too strong for me.  But I loved the Harvey Prince "Hello" scent that I received last month so I didn't mind getting this one to try.

Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Oil Treatment  |  Full size $40

This was a really nice product for me.  It has been raining a lot around here so my hair has been frizzy.  This helped with the frizz without weighing down my hair.  It's a bit pricey at full price though so I probably wouldn't buy the fullsize

TokyoMilk by Margot Elena Bon Bon Shea Butter Rich Lotion  |  Full size $20

I LOVE the smell of this lotion.  It moisturized my hands really nicely too.  I will probably buy the full size one when I run out of the travel size.

Ipsy:

Briogeo Rosarco Milk Reparative Leave-In Conditioning Spray

This had a really pretty smell and I am very happy with it so far.  It made my hair so soft and helped with my frizz.  Definitely a fan!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil + BONUS Revolution High-Color Lipgloss

This was my first time using a Urban Decay lip product.  I like the pink color they sent me but the dark purple was a little bit "much" for me, I think.  I enjoyed trying it tho!  The primer really semmed to help it stay in place too

BelláPierre Cosmetics Waterproof Mineral Gel Eyeliner Pencil

I was a bit disappointed with this one.  It went on really thick and ended up flakey in my eyelashes.  The tip came to me broken too, so I was a bit disappointed with that.

AMIE Morning Dew Matte-Finish Moisturizer

If I'm being honest, I didn't really see or feel a difference after using this product.  I was hoping it would make my face really soft and it didn't really, bummer!

Luxie Beauty Tapered Blending Eye Brush 205

Well....it's a brush. lol!  I wasn't too excited to receive this in my bag.  I feel like I could buy a brush anywhere and it doesn't really make a difference which one I use

If you would like to try Birchbox, I would love it if you used my referral link, it's only $10 a month.  Ipsy is also $10 a month and if you think you would rather try that one, this is my referral link for that one.

Currently...

Currently...

Feeling sleepy....as I'm typing this I still haven't finished my first cup o caffeine.  So if I seem delirious....sorry!

Reading If You're Not the One by Jemma Forte, it's about a woman who is not happy with her current path in life, when she is injured in an accident that leaves her in a coma.  While in the coma she is given the opportunity to see how her life might have been different if she had chosen a different path.  I just started it this morning and am enjoying it so far.  I've read a lot of books lately that have started strong but lost it halfway through so I'm hoping this won't be one of those.

Watching nothing at this exact moment but I got to watch the season finale of The Blacklist last night!  So good!  I don't know how I'm going to wait 4 months for the new season!  I'm not a patient girl. lol

Writing a billion emails and comments on other blogs.  I have a lot of catching up to do since my vacation!

Listening to my daughter sing song from Strawberry Shortcake to one of her stuffed animals.  She's the cutest, I can't handle it!

Wanting to get out to a pool sometime soon.  I love laying around soaking up the sun when it's nice out.  The wave pool near us opens this coming weekend so I may have to make some plans with my girls to go very soon.

Needing motivation to catch up!  I only left for a long weekend but I can't believe how behind I got with things!  It doesn't help that my brain is still in vacation mode either. lol

Hoping we have a nice weekend so we can have some people over for memorial day.  Right now the weather says it's not going to rain but you never know!

What have you been up to lately?

What I've read lately

I was a reading machine this month!  This is probably the most I've read in a month EVER!  I'm actually really proud of that. lol!  Also, I've already hit my Goodreads goal for the year....so that's crazy.  Next year, I will have to pick a higher number.  I honestly thought I was going to struggle to read 20 books this year, but I've really been enjoying this a lot!  I have such a long reading list that I will probably never catch up.  I read a total of TWELVE books this month!

Down the Shore by T. Torrest
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I thought this was a really fun read. I really enjoyed Livia's character a lot because she's not the typical "damaged" or "weak" girl. She knows exactly what she wants and she's not afraid to show it. While obviously being a happy romance book, it still doesn't have the feel of a typical romance novel. Sometimes, I need a good "fluff" type of book to break up the darker ones I read.
(c/o NetGalley)

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Speaking of the darker books I read..... this is definitely one of them. I didn't end up enjoying it as much as Dark Places and Gone Girl but I still thought it was okay. I think the main thing about this one that I didn't like was that the end didn't seem quite as shocking as her other books. I had already kind of guessed who the killer was...so that kind of takes a little away for me, I guess.

Premiere: A Love Story by Tracy Ewens
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I had never heard this author's name before but I REALLY enjoyed this book! It was such a sweet love story. I am a huge theater lover and even hold a degree in back stage theater so this one was right up my alley! It was an easy and refreshing read.
(c/o NetGalley)

Nothing Like Looking by Chris Van Hakes
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Honestly, I thought it was a little strange that the main character faked being gay to be popular at her new school. I actually went to school with quite a few gay friends and it in no way made them popular. If anything it made them more of outcasts, so that took me a little bit to wrap my head around. I think I mostly enjoyed this one because of the J R R Tolkien references. lol!
(c/o NetGalley)

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this one a lot.  I loved the dorkiness of the main character with her fanfiction, because I can totally relate to that.  lol!  (I'm a big Harry Potter nerd)  I read Attachments by Rowell last month and liked that just a teeny bit more so that's the only reason that it has one less star, but I really did enjoy their love story.

Beyond A Doubt by Nancy Cole Silverman
My rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Honestly, I got about 35-40% of the way through this book and decided to give up on it. The main character, Carol, is investigating disappearances/murders of women in the area so she goes to a few nightclubs that she thinks they may have disappeared from, BUT for some unknown reason, decides to bring her underage daughter with her...??  Why would she do that?  What mother would do that?  Then she doesn't watch her at the nightclub (mother of the year award) and she ends up finding her drugged in a bathroom...duh!  Ugghh  I was just frustrated and done at that point...lol.  I only gave it a 2 star because, who knows, maybe it got better after I stopped reading.  I just couldn't get into the story at all.
(c/o NetGalley)

Don't Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This one was a lot different from the usual mystery/thrillers that I've been reading, and I really enjoyed it! It has a more paranormal story line than I'm used to but it was done in a really good, non-cheesy way. It was really creepy and had me guessing the whole time.
(c/o NetGalley)

One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I think it's safe to say that I've found a new favorite author.  I really liked Me Before You when I read it last month and I loved this one even more!  I've added a bunch of her other books to my "to read" list now too.  I can't get enough.  I love the way she writes her characters and makes you really feel every emotion that they are going through.

Damage Done by by Amanda Panitch
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
This one was definitely a page-turner for me, I think I ended up reading it in one day actually!  I ended up guessing the ending before it happened but it still held the creepiness factor.
(c/o NetGalley)

Don't Get Me Wrong by Marianne Kavanagh
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
I was a little bit disappointed with this one.  They were saying if you loved Jojo Moyes than you would love this one, and also that it was a sort of modern day Pride & Prejudice type of story.  I felt as if the prejudice was all very once sided in this one.  I also felt like they rushed the love at the end...  The ending wasn't much of an ending and leaves you to sort of make your own guess too.
(c/o NetGalley)

The Ice Twins by S.K. Tremayne
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This one was super creepy!  It's a thriller about a 7 year old girl that lost her twin sister, and everyone in the family is keeping secrets from each other.  What is it about children that can end up being so scary?!  lol.  It definitely had the hairs on my arms standing up more than once. I didn't see that ending coming at all either!  I love a good twist ending.
(c/o NetGalley)

Flipped by Ines Saint
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This was definitely the type of book I needed after that last creepy one.  It was a light fluffy type of romance book, but I really enjoyed the characters a lot.  It is actually going to be a series, going through each one of the brother's lives and I will definitely try to keep up with them because the brothers were my favorite part!

What have you been reading lately?  If you are on Goodreads, we should be friends!

OUTFIT: Pastel tribal mini skirt

Hey everyone!  So you've probably noticed by now that I haven't been around as much as I usually am.  I was blogging 5 days a week and now I'm down to 3.  I think blogging 3 days a week is a much more attainable goal for me right now.  As you (probably) know, I've been suffering with migraines A LOT lately.  It's very frustrating when you have things you want to do and you can't get out of bed; so that's one of the reasons I've cut back a bit.  Too much computer time seems to bring them on.

Another reason I would like to cut back for the next few months is honestly because it's summer!  I want to enjoy that sunshine with my daughter as much as I can.  The winter felt like it was never going to end, so now that it finally has, I want to soak up all the outdoors time I can.

I also got rid of my sponsorship ads on my sidebar.  I will still be offering the free ad swaps to other bloggers willing to display my button on their site.  I just want to wait until I feel like I can give 100% of myself again and be able to offer more time.

I know I didn't really NEED to give you my excuses but I thought I would let you know what's been going on with me.... But anyway, onto the fun stuff!!  What I'm wearing:

My daughter actually picked this skirt out for me to wear.  I was a little unsure about it because my legs are sooo pasty, but if I never let them out they will stay pasty! lol!  Maybe while I'm on vacation later this week I will be able to get a little bit of sun.  The hotel we are staying at has a pool!  Woohoo!  It's the little things...

I'm still REALLY nervous about leaving Paige for the first time over night (even thought I know she is going to be fine) but I am definitely getting really excited now!  I can't wait to spend some non-interrupted time with my husband.  It feels like we are always running around doing something or chasing Paige, so it will be a nice change to go at a more relaxed pace and hold an uninterrupted conversation! lol

Outfit details:

Top- Loft (thrifted)

Skirt - Old? - similar (on sale!)

Necklace - old - similar

Sandals - thrifted

Bracelet - Premier Designs

How was your weekend?!  Do you have anything exciting coming up?

linked up with: On the Daily Express and More Pieces of Me, Rhea EtCetera, Pink Sole and Cha Cha the Fashion Genius

The 6 remix: Floral skirt collaboration

I was so excited when Ada from Elegance and Mommyhood contacted me about styling our floral pencil skirts 6 different ways between our two blogs.  I knew it would be a lot of fun.  I always love to think of how to wear one piece multiple ways.

Here are the 3 ways Ada style her skirt:

I love that I had a dark version and she had a lighter version of the floral print skirt.  I think it adds nice variety! lol!  And she seriously has the cutest shoes ever!

Here are the 3 ways I styled my skirt:

Outfit #1 - Brunch Look

Honestly, I wasn't sure what a brunch look looks like so I kind of just assumed dressy but not business-y, and this is what I came up with.  I wanted to lighten up the look a little bit so I added a white top and dressed it up with a pearl and black beaded necklace and bracelet.  I actually got this top on clearance at a thrift shop for only $2!  It's a Loft top and it was never even worn.  Score!

Outfit #2 - Work Look

I'm actually really happy with the way this look turned out.  This is definitely something I could have pictured myself wearing to work (when I worked in an office).  I usually go the easy route and add a blazer.  It dresses up any look

Outfit #3 - Casual Look

I decided to go really casual with this last look because this is probably how I would wear it for a bbq in the backyard with friends or any other casual event.  I go for the comfiest possible look.  I just went with a regular red ribbed tank, black sandals, and a long necklace just to finish it up a bit.

Which one is your favorite look?

OUTFIT: Leopard and mint

For the past few weeks I haven't been on the blog as much as I normally am.  A lot of the time it was due to my migraines, but some of it was just me needing to take a little step back for a while.  I was spending way too much time on the computer and not enough time outside or playing with my daughter and I didn't like that.  I went from blogging 5 days a week to 3 so it wasn't a drastic change but it definitely helped me come back feeling energized and ready for this week.  Sometimes, I think it's nice to step back for awhile.

I have really been enjoying the warmer weather we've been getting.  The weekend is was absolutely beautiful!  This week I think it's even going into the 80s!  I'm going to have to start pulling out the shorts!  I REALLY need a tan...as if you couldn't tell by how pasty I am in these photos. lol!

I also got to see the Avengers 2 over the weekend.  I thought it was really good but not as good as the first one.  I was excited to hear James Spader's voice as Ultron.  That was pretty cool.  I became a huge from of Jame Spader from The Blacklist.  It's such a good show!  Only a few more episodes until the season finale!! I can't wait!

I've actually worn every piece of this outfit in different blog posts on this blog!  I styled a winter weather outfit of this skirt a few months ago when it was still really cold.  The tortoise shell necklace I'm wearing is from Charming Charlie.  You may remember it from my cobalt and leopard outfit a couple weeks ago.  And the mint top I wore with an aztec mini last summer!

Did you do anything fun over the weekend?

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