Pretty in Pink

I've been pining after things pretty, flirty, light, and pink this summer. I have a sports bra in the color and that's about it. I really crave to get dressed up more often and not only for the blog. I don't know if the critiques suggesting that I change the name/face of the blog have thrown me back into a fashion loving frenzy, but whatever's happened, I need to keep my wallet tight and my creative juices flowing. There are about 15 sewing projects in my "to-do" pile that just keeps growing taller and taller.

I pulled some inspiration from Polyvore and these picks pretty much have me itching to shop.

Oh, budgets...

What color are you craving this season?

If you haven't entered my 400 Followers Giveaway, check it out!

Trust me, you don't want to miss it!

Project Self: Oh, SNAP!

What's the secret?

Good eating? Exercise? Confidence and the will to go on?

Forfeiting that amazing looking cake pop so weigh-ins aren't treacherous grounds?

Well, all of it, really!

I learned last week that one or two "bad" days or slip-ups can really sabotage weighing in. NOT that you should beat yourself up or not let yourself indulge. Because if you don't treat yourself every once in a while, you'll feel deprived and eat an entire bag of cheetos, a carton of chocolate covered pretzels, and a pint of Haagen Daas coffee ice cream.

No. Bueno.

So, I learned a little something from my neighbor this week.

Wear a rubber band around your wrist. I use a regular rubber band like the kind that hold newspapers in a roll. It's flesh colored and not noticeable by most onlookers. When you're about to do something or catch yourself doing something you shouldn't, just flick the rubber band against your wrist. 

Now, this isn't a masochistic pain-inflicting exercise. Don't go there!

The flick of the rubber band simple reminds you of what you're about to or are doing and lets you divert your attention away from the cupcake... err... bad.

Oh, SNAP.

Snap that rubber band, I mean.

Trust me. Last night at the Clothes Hound media and press party, I saw that table, my mouth watered, and I snapped my band. Divert... to clothes I can't afford. Worked perfectly.

And I left my money at home. Aren't you proud?

I also (re)started the c25k program this week! It's a program that allows you to do a walk/run three times a week, working up to running a 5K after 9 weeks of training. Now, I'm completely a craptastic runner. Walking? All day long. No problemo. Running? Pfft. So, it might take me 11 weeks. Or 30. But I'm going to get there! You should check it out. ESPECIALLY if you own a treadmill.

I don't, btw. I forfeited my treadmill for Zoe.

Zoe just looked at me and said, "Shut your face, Mom. I run, too."

And she does. She goes on my treks with me and makes me feel very safe and much less lonely.

Plus, that fur kid needs to run like nobody's business on MY WATCH so she doesn't try to take off, again. Or... I just need to watch my back and shut doors all the way. You know... it's whatever.

What's NOT whatever, though, is this:

BAM!

191.0

3.4 down

71.2 to go.

ahem, ONE pound 'til a pedicure!

What have you done for yourself this week?

Ready. Set. LINK!

Oh, p.s. - You should probably check out/enter my

GINORMOUS 400 Follower Giveaway!

It's kind of a really big deal.

Ginormous 400 Follower Giveaway!

Okay, first of all, I can't skip the cheesy intro. It's just not me to skip the cheese.

It's my favorite food.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. 

All of my amazing readers really stood up and backed me when I was switching planes with this blog. I've gone from daily outfit photos to being a foodie to getting hacked and losing a ton of posts to regaining interest to you.name.it. So what if I'm still trying to find my way?

Because I've got you, babe.

And to graciously pour love all over you and your sweetness, YOU could be the lucky winner of the biggest giveaway this blog as ever seen. Are you ready for it?

One lucky winner will receive the following:

Signed copy of Murder on the Boulevard, 

by Kori Donahue of Blonde Episodes

Can we say page turner? I read it in 24 hours (not straight).

Cannot WAIT for the continuation!

Kanzashi style flower hair pin made from dupioni silk 

from Nikki of Woven Camellia

8x10 standout print of your choice from the collection 

of Jackie Ranson Photography

Handmade beaded bracelet from Rochelle 

of Rochelle Approved

image via

NOT actual bracelet winner will receive

$25 Target gift card

from my SWEET little brother who is celebrating with me!

I love you, Ryan!

Handmade flower necklace

by Meredith of Yours, Mine & Ours

image via

This is Meredith. That is one of her handmade necklaces.

She will make one similar for you!

Fit & Pretty Skype Session

with Katy of Think {Pretty} Thoughts

image via

Wanna look like her? YOU CAN!

No lie. Katy makes getting fit understandable.

She helped me get this far!

3 Piece Accessory Mystery Pack

from Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique

image via

Personal "e-Style" session 

with Leslie of A Blonde Ambition

image via

Leslie styled me last year with her "e-Style" session and I couldn't have been happier. One of my giveaway winners last year also received a session and truly enjoyed the experience. I hope you will, too!

And from little ol' me:

- 3 nail polishes

- photo frame

- 2 accessories

- pen and notebook

- $10 iTunes gift card

Can you dig it, friends???

So, here are the rules!

Mandatory entries:

(one comment)

1. You must follow Fashion Momma via Google Friend Connect (GFC)!

2. You must leave a comment letting me know that you follow and ask a question you'd like to see answered on the upcoming Q & A page!

Please be sure to leave a valid email address!

Extra Entries:

(one comment per extra entry)

- Follow me on Twitter! @FashionMomma22

- Like me on Facebook! 

- TWEET this giveaway and include @FashionMomma22 and a link back here.

- Facebook about this giveaway with @Fashion Momma and a link back here.

- Blog about this giveaway and link back here.

- Leave a comment with one praise & one constructive critique for the blog.

SIMPLE! You can have up to 7 entries!

Giveaway is open to readers all over the world!

Winner will be chose by www.random.org and announced on Monday, July 4.

I will contact the winner via email!

Major special thanks to all of the lovely friends who donated to this giveaway. 

Without you, it wouldn't have been a fabulous production and certainly wouldn't have been as giant of a celebration for my readers and me! 

Clothes Hound Media & Press Release Party

After driving to Raleigh, NC for the first time in my life, going to the shops P.O. box instead of their brick and mortar location, and finally making it to the party 40 minutes late, I had such a wonderful time at the Clothes Hound media and press party!

The voice behind @shopcltheshound on Twitter is Mary, and she knew me the second I walked through the door. My semi-fear of not having anyone that I knew there was instantly gone. We connected like sistas from another mista and had a wonderful time chatting it up. Mary also introduced me to Chelsea, the writer behind Haute Child in the City, a Raleigh-based style blog.

This post officially has more pictures than any other blog post I've ever created, so please bear with me. You won't be sorry that you looked through the entire thing. I promise. Well, you might be sorry once you get to the food section if you weren't there...

door to the shop

Clothes Hound was so neat, organized, clean, and bright. The decor was inviting with bright colors, clean lines, and southern charm. I had the pleasure of meeting Bryce, the owner, and she was gushing thankfulness for my driving all the way from Greenville for the party. So sweet!

Mary's being super official with the guests. 

And I love her!

poms on a branch above the register

fitting room area

You know, my weekly weigh-ins just HAVE to be Friday mornings, right? Those cake pops looked SO GOOD and the cupcakes behind them? Forget about it. I brought one home... but no touchy. 

I wanted to. 

I just couldn't!

I COULD, however, splurge on a little dress sugar cookie! 

Throughout the store, you'll find several little doggie accessories and toys.

Bryce has done a great job with  keeping true to the boutique's name.

Several proceeds from tonight and the grand opening on Saturday will be donated to the SPCA.

I DIE for this chandelier.

Dear navy, white, and red nautical dress, I'm sorry I had to leave you at the boutique. I'm poor, you see? And the thing is... I really want to wear you on July 4th.

I just couldn't walk out with you. I'm so sorry. Hopefully we can still be friends.

corals, tans, whites, and denim

singlehandedly my MOST favorite item in the store... and I didn't look at the designer!

agh!

Gucci, Mary's dog and the official boutique mascot was making comfy on the fitting area couch.

Chelsea, Mary, Me

What I'm wearing:

tweed skirt: thrifted

cream top: Charlotte Russe

belt: New York & Company

wedges: Sbicca via Ross

necklace: New York and Company

Me, Mary, and her dog (THE Clothes Hound, Gucci)

The Clothes Hound has been an online boutique based out of Durham, NC. The first brick and mortar store will open in Raleigh this Saturday, June 25, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The shop is located in the Brennan Station shopping center right off of Rt. 540.

At Clothes Hound, you'll find clothing from French Connection, Free People, Gentle Fawn, C. Luce, Karlie, and several others! The owner is even featuring a rack of pieces from a local design duo!

Most importantly, the Clothes Hound team is warm, inviting, helpful, and eager to please with top notch customer service. For any event from summer parties to bachelorettes to sorority events, Clothes Hound is the premier place to find designer clothes at real people prices! If you stop by, please let me know! I'd love to hear what you think!

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