Sweet Made Sweeter: Baseball Edition

It was a Saturday, and we got to sleep in (those 8am basketball games were killing us!)  Basketball season had ended and baseball season was in full swing (see what I did there?)  In one of those rare aligning-of-the-planets, my sons didn't have conflicting schedules.  We spent the day lazily watching one baseball game after another; even my sons were getting along, bonding with male athleticism (eye roll - where's a girl when I need one?!)  Was it a perfect day?  No.  It's May and the wind chill (it's always one-hundred times worse at the ballpark) made the temperature feel right about 33 degrees Fahrenheit.  I was wearing a jacket for goodness sakes (this one, if you're wondering,) and many parents were wrapped in blankets! It was my son's birthday, and I hadn't planned anything but their regularly scheduled ball games; his team had lost the game.  Our faces were showing the effects of the wind, and our noses were starting to turn pink (it's like I can't remember sunscreen until after the first big burn of the season.....)

It wasn't perfect (it rarely is,) but this is our life, and we love it just the way it is.  Would it have been nice if we hadn't needed our jackets?  Sure.  Would it have been sweet if we had won all our games?  As sugar.  But in the end, I wouldn't change these moments (sitting on a cold curb, laughing) for anything in the world:

ShoeDazzle and Summer Neutrals

You know I'm a die-hard shoe fan, right?

Meet ShoeDazzle.  An online shopping experience with hand-picked choices just for you.  Take a quick style quiz and be shown a smattering of shoes that fit your profile.

Meet my favorite picks:

Meet my favorite summer neutral picks:

Need I say more?

Go take the style quiz and tell me which shoes are your favorite.

*Thanks to ShoeDazzle for sponsoring today's discussion.

Fit and Flare in Stripes (for the win)

I haven't posted an outfit in awhile, but I am dying over these stripe dresses.  Found in luxe boutiques, mass merchandisers (like Old Navy and Forever21,) and everywhere in between, these dresses are worth every penny you spend (or don't spend!)

Dress: Forever21 (in pink)

Cardigan: JCrew

Belt: JCrew

Shoes: Rock & Republic for Kohls

And yes, even my son is rocking the obnoxious neon trend, sigh.

While we're on the topic of hot trends (or cute classics, as the case may be) I can't leave out the metallic heels that abound this spring!  Whether they are barely metallic or mirror-like, you will love wearing these (I don't want to wear an outfit if they won't match these darn shoes, lol!  p.s. theses particular ones come in a rose gold, yes rose gold, people.

What do you think?  Are you rocking stripes and metallics this season?

"Eye Got You Covered": The Man, The Vision, The Gift

Meet my little brother Morgan:

He's in the prime of his life; he's lived his life as a good, upstanding young man.  Always a gentleman, the modicum of politeness and selflessness.  Volunteering first, leaving last, always with a smile on his face and a good sense of humor.  A young man who's always served as a positive role model for everyone he meets, the unrealized mentor.  I've loved him since he was born, held him up to impossible standards since he started talking, and support his most recent decision to serve a mission - devoting the next two years of his life to serving God and his fellow man.

As the older and inexplicably wiser sister, I am constantly looking for ways to look out for him.  No longer a student protected by statutes, he is no longer covered as a dependent under his parents; yet he isn't an independent either - with no sustainable job, and no sustainable benefits, about to depart for Ghana, a country far different from America.  When presented with an opportunity to gift a one-year vision insurance  plan from VSP, several people came to mind (my father who suffers from glaucoma as well as bad eye-sight, any number of my siblings who have all been cursed with poor eyesight.......) In the end, I wanted to give this to my brother, but I also didn't want it to be some lame handing over of a piece of paper, or a quick explanatory phone call.  In an effort to capture the essence of my brother, I asked him if he would mind me photographing one of his Schleuderball games.  What young man could refuse his sister, and pass up an opportunity to ham it up on camera?

I didn't let him know why I was doing it, or what I was going to do with the footage, and he didn't seem to particularly care.

Every Sunday, my brother comes over for Sunday dinner; I asked him to stay afterwards so I could give him a special gift.  I handed him two pieces of paper and we sat down (in the kitchen, because that's where everything good happens in a home, right?!)  Watch this quick, yet very entertaining short film to find out what happens (and adjust your volume accordingly, please.)



Gosh I love that kid, and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for him.

What was on those pieces of paper I gave him?

A handwritten note (yes, I asked him if he could even read it!) with words that express that I have no words.....

A screenshot summary of the Insurance Plan I gifted to him (that fist pump action?  when he read the "Contacts" portion, and exclaimed, "I can play sports wearing contacts?!"  He has only had insurance that covers eyeglasses.

Wondering what VSP can do for you? “Eye” got you covered. VSP Direct costs as low as 41 cents a day and is a great way for individuals and families to have vision insurance, even if it's not provided through work. Learn more about VSP here.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Cruzan Rum, or TGIF!

Just a quick video to say TGIF and hello to the weekend, right?

I'm ready for vacation, are you?

Could Someone Please Define Punk?!

Last night was the annual Met Gala.  I grew up thinking it was an evening when people wore couture and were really there just to be seen, photographed and generally look pretty - in stunning couture.  I still don't know what the gala's purpose is specifically.  I know it kicks off the season, but does it raise money?  Awareness maybe?  Up until this year, I didn't even realize attendees were matching their looks to any art themes! How does one dress for Punk and the Met Gala?  The two ideas are complete contradictions.  You can take the literal definition of the term punk (which leads you nowhere I assure you,) or you can take it to reference the punk culture.  Unfortunately for couture, punk culture was generally about eschewing excess and pretension, and often took on a "rub it in your face" sentimentality.  In other words, you can't wear couture - even if it's created in a "punk" fashion - simply because couture, even all safety-pinned (think Versace and Elizabeth Hurley) is the anti-thesis of what punk represents.

Why the long speech?  I was dying to see how stylists would style their clients to achieve punk, while still maintaining the ballgown/couture stigma of the Met!

Technically, most of the people on the worst-dressed list actually hit closest to home on the punk part.  Sadly.  Then there was Madonna, who just. won't. go. away.   Seriously - she looked like she was just trying to re-live her glory days (although I don't know why she would want to do that......)

There was lots of excessive black eye liner, a few very strange looking and in my opinion always awful mohawks, and edgy hairdos.  It was almost as if people didn't know where to find a Met-Punk dress, so they tried to use hair and make-up to get the Punk across.  It didn't really make sense for most of them.....

Alien meets Cleopatra meets Sid Vicious.....in the worst way possible.

Then there were a few who seemed to make understated statements (which is really what Punk was about, right?  Sending a message?)  My favorite (because I would wear this, in its' understated elegance) is Cameron Diaz.  Amazing color and understated elegance with just a touch of something different.  She didn't look like they were trying to hard; she didn't look like she was trying to own "Punk" as if it were her own (ahem, Madonna.)  Kudos to Cameron (or is it kudos to her stylists?!)

Who's on your best-dressed list?

 all images courtesy of msn.com

Triple P Giveaway: Mother's Day - Gift Card

Chasing Davies // The Mrs. & the Momma // Sandy a la Mode // TfDiaries // Jessica... Who?

Casey Leigh // Chioma's Evolution of Style // Pop of Style // GBO Fashion // Pretty Polished Perfect

Camp Patton // The Other Side of Gray // Chic on the Cheap // The Serena Saga // Lemons, Avocados, and the Bay

much love, illy // Kacie's Kloset // Smart n Snazzy // Citrus Refreshing Fashion // Oh to Be a Muse

A Beautiful Ruckus // the daily dani // Crowley Party // Wild & Precious // the Freckled Fox

Coupons.com is kind enough to bring you this giveaway today for not just one lucky winner, but TEN!  Five winners will receive a $50 Target e-gift card and the other 5 will receive a $50 Macy's e-gift card ($500 value)...just in time for Mother's Day! Make sure to check out Coupons.com for great Target and Macy's offers!

My Mother was a talented seamstress.  I have many memories of her sitting in her sewing room, covered in threads, with one of us impatiently waiting to see the final creation.  Oh my gosh - I can't even tell you how many photographs I have of me and my younger sister wearing matching jumpers and outfits, lol!  The 80's.....such good memories.  Anytime my clothing didn't fit right, I would run straight to my Mother, expecting some sort of miracle.  She was overly patient as she taught me all that she knew about textiles, garment design and alterations.  Even when she had to point out the impossibilities, she never hampered my creativity or my love of fashion.  She taught me to be resourceful - you don't always have to be in an authentic Oscar de la Renta to feel like a princess (or look like one.)  

In the spirit of mother's day, make sure to leave your mom's best advice she ever gave you (about anything!) in the comments below!

You can enter this giveaway through Rafflecopter now through Sunday, May 12th on any of the participating blogs.  Good luck and Happy Mother's Day to all your mamas.

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Triple P Giveaway: Mother's Day Gifts - Jewelry

What never goes out of style and always fits?  Jewelry.  If you are thinking of getting your mother (or other significant women in your life) something along the lines of a say, vacuum.......don't do it.  Not only does Blue Nile have an amazing assortment of gifts for under $100, they are offering one lucky reader this pair of earrings:

Leaf Chandelier Earrings in sterling silver $40

Aside from the classic pearls (which they have for under $100), Blue Nile also has a fun collection of charm bracelets (not just for little girls anymore.)  The best part is, my kids (or The Mr) can get me a new (meaningful) charm every year that I can add to it.  It's not unlike the gift that keeps on giving.....

Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet $49

A few charms to get the bracelet started:

Wedding rings ($39) (the significance should be obvious here,) La Tour Eiffel ($49) for our honeymoon, and the camera ($59) to represent my love of photography.

Blue Nile would also like to offer you all a special discount, good through Mother's Day (don't forget MAY 12th!)  Use code MOMGIFT13 to receive 10% off your purchase of fine jewelry today (order soon for delivery before Mother's Day!)

Please follow the link if the giveaway form does not show up.

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This post brought to you by BlueNile.com

LBDs, WDs, and PDs

I have been a long-time fan of dresses - anything flirty, super-feminine, and fun (or cheeky) - and I don't think any girl can ever have too many dresses.

Let me direct your attention to www.MissesDressy.com, a newly revamped website (much easier to navigate, and cleaned up) bursting at the seams with dress selections.  They offer thousands of dresses, from $100 LBDs (the little black dress) to $6400 wedding gowns.  After perusing the wedding gowns, I think it's time for The Mr and to renew our vows......

Throw in prom dresses for teenagers, showcase gowns worthy of the diabolical (or maybe delusional is the more appropriate term?) Kenya Moore, shoes that range from slippers costing $20 to fabulous heels in the $400 range, undergarments and last but not least - handbags, and you've got a (not to be cliche) one-stop-shop.

Featuring over a hundred different designers, you can find gowns from Alyce Paris, Mac Dugall, Sherri Hall and Jovani.  

Where is your favorite place to shop for party dresses?

TripleP Giveaway: Mother's Day + Meadowbelle Market

We've got just under two weeks to finalize our plans and special gifts for our mothers. To help out, Meadowbelle would like to offer one lucky a reader a personalized sterling silver initial necklace.

I first met the owners and designers behind Meadowbelle Market at a Zaarly event (if they have a Zaarly event in your city, I highly recommend attending!) I asked my usual twenty questions and ended up buying an initial necklace in gold - they were super nice and let me customize the necklace, all the way down to the chain it was on.

The giveaway ends May 7th, so if you plan to give this as a gift, it will be in the form of a special code (sorry, there won't be enough time for shipping before May 12th!) Good luck to all!

 *please follow the link if the Rafflecopter form isn't showing up.


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Looking for more Mother's Day Gifts?  Enter more giveaways below:

This giveaway brought to you in part by Still Blonde After All These Years and Modly Chic.

Anniversaries and Parties, Oh My!

What's more fun than celebrating an anniversary with a party?  Shopping and partying.  That's what.

 

Rumor has it there will be champagne cocktails (I don't know what that actually means, but people seem to like all things champagne, so......,) a braid bar, express manicures and that giveaway?  Worth $100! 

 

See you there.

Granite Flats, Stolen From The Boys

I received an interesting email asking if I might be interested in taking a peek at the newest family tv drama show to hit the BYUtv airwaves: Granite Flats.  The show is set in the 1960s, and they had me at "vintage fashion."

I suckered The Mr into watching it with me late one evening (it's safe for kids, but have you ever tried to watch tv with three little boys running around?!) and let me tell you - it was almost shocking (gasp!) to be reminded of how terribly different life was then.  The social aspect alone.......the things we couldn't get away with now (a-kid-riding-shotgun-with-his-Sheriff-to-check-out-a-burglary-take-a-deep-breath?!)  But who cares about that really?  (Just kidding.)  Let's talk about the costumes.  I am sooooo glad I'm not sooooo ancient that I had to succumb to the trends of the early 1960s (assuming I wouldn't have been part of the hippie movement, or into that classic rock 'n' roll.)  Everything was so.....prim and stinking proper.  Popped collars?  I think not.  A single hair out of place?  Oh no you di'int!  I'd like to think if I had been born in that era, my penchant for rebellion would have led me to wear something as scandalous as this (sans bangs) :

Pants: Jennifer Lopez for Kohls (I know, right? but just in case, here's a similar pair)

Shoes: Converse (why do I feel like I just stated the obvious here?)

Which, by the way, is borrowed from the boys.  

Women don't wear pants and Converse tennies are meant for little boys (and their dark-rinse, rolled cuff, cute-as-heck Levi's) in the little town of Granite Flats.  Chock full of Communist references (I'm not even sure if my sons know what that is yet!) and enough male condescension to make a feminist flip her lid, this show is actually thought-provoking and well.....what are all those mysterious flying objects?!

Have I hooked you yet?  The next episode airs April 14 at 6pm (Mountain Standard Time - hey, it is BYUtv after all!) and you can catch up on previous episodes online at BYUtv.org.

Social KC: The Mission Project + Tulip Boutique

By now you may have guessed that I love:

a) dressing up

b) hats 

and 

c) a good cause.  

These lovely ladies put together a fun little social hour (or two) of shopping, mingling and munching:

Robin - owner of Tulip, Kara Cowie (blue dress,) blogger at edit-kc.com, and a rep. from The Mission Project.  I was so impressed with their genuine kindness and authenticity - I can't say that about everyone I meet!

Proceeds of the evening's sales went to The Mission Project, and the sole reason Tulip had brought in a beautiful array of hats: the upcoming Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby Gala.

A chance to dress up, wear a spectacular hat and support a fantastic charity?  Sign me up, please.

And what do you do when there is a professional photographer at an event?  Post a heck of a lot of a pictures, that's what:

Trying on hats, and the accursed Social Media shot (hey, someone's got to do it, lol!

Jamie of White Table Style, Ngan of enVe Designs, and Emily, co-founder of K CBlogger Meetup

Are you ready for this? L to R: Charity, me, Lisa, Sarah, Julie, Emily, Kat, Sarah, Jamie, Kara, Melina, Ngan

I had to include this picture of two of the sweetest bloggers I know - Julie and Kara!  These are the sisters I wish I had, lol!

Triple P Giveaway: Firmoo Four-Eyes

I know there are quite a few online eyeglass/sunglass shops out there, and Firmoo would like to offer you all a free pair of glasses as a way to introduce themselves!

I first found Firmoo last summer, and there are two things (at least) to love about them:

1.  They have amazing prices and

2. If you need "coke-bottle" lenses I like do, Firmoo offers the highest index lenses (1.74, but it will cost you extra) I have found yet!

My favorite style?

I'm really digging the two-tone, fading/gradient trend that's happening now!

Firmoo offers prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, non-prescription glasses and sunglasses, bi-focals/progressive lenses and reading glasses.  With free shipping worldwide (on orders over $39,) and a virtual try-on tool,  it's easy to see why Firmoo is quickly becoming a favorite of four-eyes lens-wearers everywhere.

One lucky reader will win one pair of prescription or non-prescription eyeglasses, including frames (excludes designer brands and sunglasses) and lenses (with the standard 1.5 index.)

6 lucky readers will win vouchers for $30 towards designer frames (lenses included.)

Good luck!

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Shopping KC: Ross Dress for Less (plus a Triple P giveaway!)

When I got the email inviting me to the Grand Opening of the Ross Dress for Less store, I immediately accepted.  I kinda fell in love with this chain-store when they first opened in the Kansas City area last fall.  Rumor has it there is a store currently being prepped to open in Olathe, and trust me - when I find out when it is, I will social-media the heck out of that information.  Would you like to win a $25 gift card to Ross Dress for Less (and more prizes)?  You can enter the giveaway here (super-easy entries!)  Make sure you like their facebook page, they have some really great giveaways in the works (like giving away a $100 every week for four weeks!)

What's so great about this store?

a) It's like a treasure hunt (I can't leave the store without at least glancing down every aisle,)

b) the prices are generally better than other discount retail stores and

c) it has a little bit of everything.

Not unlike a thrift store, I have a little map of where to head first.  Shoes.  Does that surprise anyone?  After shoes, I head to dresses (I couldn't help but long for a daughter - or even my little sister - to dress shop with), from there I peruse the handbags, move onto the furniture, meander through the household goods, sneak a peek at any food items and then I wander through the racks and racks of tops, pants and skirts.  On my way out, I stop by the kids clothing, detour through the toys and then take a quick glimpse of men's.  To round out the experience, I glance through the jewelry in the last few feet to the cash wrap (last fall I snagged this beauty!)

Like any grand opening, the store was crazy hectic (I'm pretty sure all of Lawrence, minus the hungover party-goers, and there were customers who were giddy with excitement (I'm not even kidding - the things I heard......I can't even repeat,) and some who didn't think the long lines were worth it.  Those who thought it was worth it made out with some great deals, and a free re-usable tote bag (which was way too small for all the goodies one can find in these stores, though I can't complain about free eco-friendly totes!)

*This post is brought to you by Ross Dress for Less and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Social KC: 18th St. Fashion Show - Gilded Summer

What are two of my favorite things?  Dressing up and fashion shows (they are not mutually exclusive either.)  Last summer I attended the 18th Street Fashion Show - Triple Crown Summer and loved it.  Held outdoors on 18th Street (you saw that coming, right?) the fashion show was a celebration of local businesses and the multi-cultural crowd that was there to witness it.  

This year's theme is Gilded Summer:

The free show (free means standing room on the sidewalk vs. VIP being an actual seat,) will be held Saturday, June 8, at dusk.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.westeighteenthstreet.com.  

What does gilded summer mean exactly?  The powers-that-be at 18stFS take the term from the Gilded Age, a period lasting roughly from the 1870s-1900s.  This article has a great quote, "We think of clothing as being cheap and disposable.  In this time period, clothing was more of an art."  While I don't wholly agree with that statement (and I think most designers wouldn't agree with it either,)   it was a time when "society" only saw you in your finest - or art.  Keeping in mind that Mark Twain satirized what he would describe as "an era of serious social problems hidden by a thin layer of gold."*  (Again, I disagree.  When has there ever been an era in which serious social problems aren't generally sugar-coated or avoided?  Also, this was an important time in history for woman's suffrage - no layers of gold there,) this gives fashion-lovers the perfect opportunity to pull out their artsiest pieces and wear them!  While I don't suggest satin and crinoline ball gown types (it will be summer, it will be warm) I'm excited to begin the hunt for the perfect outfit!  Any suggestions?

p.s.  Designers - it's not too late to send in your applications!  Application submission ends March 18th........I'm so excited to see which amazing designers will be chosen this year.

*quoted from Wikipedia

TripleP Giveaway: Spring Fashionista Event

Imagine waking up super early on a Saturday morning, slipping on an easy (but still cute, come on) dress (courtesy of JUNIEblake,) a pair of equally cute sandals (maybe from Ross Dress for Less?) sliding on some chic accessories (R Treasures Boutique for the win!) grabbing your super-chic, uber-green forager tote (thank you CivitasNow) and heading to the local farmer's market.  Maybe you'll meet up with your girlfriends and you can impress them with your laissez-faire style.  Maybe you'll meet the man of your dreams (thank goodness you look cute, right?)  Maybe you just don't care and simply want to snag the best produce before anyone else........

Enter to win a $45 credit to JUNIEblake (a trendy online boutique that specializes in modest clothing,) a $25  gift card to Ross Dress for Less (the retailer that sells designer goods at up to 60% off the retail value,) the <3 ring and arrow bracelet from the trendy and playful R Treasures Boutique, and to round out your outfit - the forager bag (made from what?!) from the super-green (and let's face it, super-hip) company CivitasNow.

*New Sponsor Alert - Meadowbelle Market has just joined the party, and would like to offer one lucky reader a Dual Birthstone Ring!  They sell handmade sterling silver and gold jewelry - they also take requests and customizations!

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*follow the Rafflecopter link if the form doesn't load.  Hoping to participate but don't have a US address?  Leave a comment below.

Like Giveaways? These great bloggers are linking up with me this week for the great Fashionista Giveaway Event (don't forget to enter the grand prize drawing!):

For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, they gain one entry toward the Spring Fashionista Events Main Event Prizes. Go here to enter Main Event==> $1200 in Main Event Prizes

The Main Event Prizes total $1200 and include:

 ■$600 White Gold and Citrene Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds (WOrldwide)
 ■$100 Amazon Gift Card (WorldWide)
 ■$250 Gift Card from Midnight Velvet (clothing, accessories and home decor) (US ONLY)
 ■$250 in Shoes from Bobbi-Toad (adorable children’s Shoes) Worldwide

*The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years  and Katy from ModlyChic . K Squared Glamour  is our co-host!

*Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Modly Chic, K Squared Glamour and Spring Fashionista Events Giveaway or the Spring Fashionista Events Giveaway are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby.