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

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

OUTFIT: Striped maxi and denim jacket

We had a pretty low-key weekend this time around.  I decided to try and clean up around the house on Saturday because it was too cold to do much else (40 degrees at the end of April?!  Craziness!) and on Sunday it was much warmer so we spent time playing around outside and grilling out.

I'm still wearing my maxi skirts like crazy!  I can't help it, they're so comfortable!

I just realized that my husband and I only have 2 and a half more weeks until our long weekend vacation and I'm starting to get really nervous now. I mentioned before that this will be our very first time being without Paige for even a night.  I know she'll be fine because my mom is watching her but it still makes me nervous.  I am really excited to go though!  I will be nice to have a bit of "us" time.

In July we have another long weekend planned but that one is a family vacation to the beach, so that will be really fun.  I have a family reunion at the end of July so we always make a trip of it and go to Ocean City, MD since it is only about 45 minutes from my family's house.  Paige had a blast at the beach last year so we're hoping she loves it again this year.

Do you have any fun vacations planned this year?

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

OUTFIT: Black lace with a red maxi skirt

It's finally getting warm enough for me to pull out the sandals and sleeveless tops!  I'm more than a little happy about that one!  I am definitely a warm weather girl.  I was so excited that I even painted my toes! haha!

Whenever I wear lace, I like to add a few edgier pieces with it to balance the feminine feeling pieces.

I've still been struggling with my migraines/headaches, so please be patient with me!  I've been catching up with everyone's posts and emails as fast as I can.  I've been having a pretty rough time with the pain for the past week or so.

Top - Express

Skirt - Charlotte Russe

Belt -( ? super old!) Similar, Similar

Sandals - Forever 21, Similar

Bracelet - Craft fair - Similar

I had to add the picture of the hair in my face just because it never fails, the wind always goes crazy as soon as I want to take outfit photos.  I think it's funny!

linked up with: Style Elixir, Sweaters, Stripes, and Sweets, Trend Spin Link up, Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Shopping My Closet, The Pleated Poppy

Skirt and dress inspiration - Blogger love

When it warms up outside I always find myself wanting to reach for dresses or skirts.  I have been seeing so many great skirt/dress outfits in blogland and Pinterest lately that I thought I would share some of my favorites (in no particular order) with you.

Putting Me Together  |  A Memory of Us  |  Upbeat Soles  |  More Pieces of Me

Leopard Martini  |  Lace and Locks |  One Little Momma  |  Style Elixir

Exploring My Style  |  M Loves M  |  Style Elixir  |  Nany's Klozet

I love every single one of these looks!

Which one is your favorite?

April Goals & GIVEAWAY

Hi everybody! I'm a little late posting this morning because I've got a bit of a headache forming...bleh! So this will be pretty short, but don't forget to stick around until the end because there's a great giveaway! So here we go:

April Goals:

// I would like to get back into doing my art posts every Friday. It's been a few months now since I've posted anything, so I need to get back on track with that.

// On the same note, I would like to get some prints made of my artwork that I do have completed and open my Etsy shop (finally!). I would like to get all of this done this month and hold a giveaway for one of my prints. Sound good?! And I will also offer a promotional code for the grand opening, so stay tuned!

// I will continue to be posting 4-5 days a week. That seems to be working well for me. And I will continue to always have a personal fashion post every Monday, people seem to enjoy that one!

// I would LOVE to start some Spring cleaning this month. Our house really needs it. Our basement has become our "just throw everything in this room" zone, and I would love to turn some of the space into my home office/studio. Fingers crossed!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March Recap:

// I started selling ad spots on my blog! That's a pretty big deal for me! I've been having so much fun with it already.

// I was a part of TWO giveaways! Both are still currently running. $400 Target Giveaway and Harry Potter Gold Foil Quote Print (<--ends tonight so hurry!!)

// I posted 9 outfit posts this month! I also gave a survey to see what everyone enjoyed seeing around here and almost every person that took the quiz said they enjoyed my fashion posts, so I will keep up with those.

And now here comes the fun stuff...

Details

Prize: $50.00 Etsy Gift Card

Hosted By:

The Nerdy Fox |  A Fresh Start On A Budget | A Little Too Jolley | Tiffany Refined | Rachel’s Junk In The Trunk | Dazzle Mag | My Open Sketchbook | Artwork By JM

Organized by: The Nerdy Fox (Please email contact@thenerdyfox with any questions or concerns)

Rules: Use rafflecopter to enter daily until 4/30/15. Open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email and has 48 hours to respond and claim their prize. If they do not respond, a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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