Homecoming Gifts

There's nothing like coming home from a week away and having tons of packages waiting! The first gift was one from myself and the last is one I can't show you quite yet! But S and I had a smorgasbord of fun things to open upon our return from Virginia and I wanted to share them with you.

I bought myself a clearance apron from Plow & Hearth while visiting my mom. It's so me- bright yellow, ruffle, and a pocket for when I need to carry my spatula around the house. Convenience is key.

 My sweet, sweet friend, Megan, sent me a package full of fun goodies! I was so excited and am still very, very thankful for such a wonderful friend!

 In my package, I received pacis, chocolate, and itty bitty little onesies! These are actually 3-6 month size. I think I forgot how little babies are. Bean is going to be sooo wittle!

My husband thought these Soothing Breast Wipes were a funny gift, but I don't think anyone knows how much I've talked to Megan about my fear of nursing! I'm not afraid to do it. I'm afraid it won't work out! These just showed me that she's listening and is here to help when I need it. And I think these little wipes just might come in handy! 

 I also got these awesome commuter flats from Megan! She's not much of a flats girl. Check out her blog and you'll see what I mean. I, on the other hand, am rarely caught in heels (especially in my current state of enormity). 

 My lovely friend, Aline, of the Polkadot Sweater, sent me this pattern that I won in a giveaway of hers a few weeks ago! I *really* hope that I can manage the sewing project, because the purse is absolutely gorgeous. We'll see if I can fight the zipper!

 Some of you might remember me begging and pleading for your help on facebook about two weeks ago. Because you're awesome, Mikarose sent this dress for Little S! Isn't it so pretty? I'll definitely post photos as soon as she wears it (likely to church this Sunday).

 My Granny sent S an awesome Easter package, complete with two outfits, headbands, barrettes, a book, and a little chicky! Thanks, Granny!

There's something so awesome about receiving fun things in the mail, isn't there? I wish I had more money so I could send presents all the time!

Guest Post: Megan of The Frugalista Diaries

5 Things A Stylish Mom Should Have ...

Being a mom is no excuse for not being fashionable, because as a mom of 2 rambunctious boys I know that it's completely possible and practical. Now I'm not saying you have to wear heels and dress up every days to be stylish, because you don't. Here are 5 things every stylish mom needs in her life....

1. A Maxi Dress

One of the most versatile pieces in your closet next to the little black dress is the maxi, it can be dressed up, dressed down, worn as a skirt and is always in fashion. I can't go a week without wearing one. Plus they come in an array of colors and prints, and always add a little bit of bohemian elegance to your style, whether you're playing with the kids at the park or catching up with your girlfriends over lunch.

2. A Good Pair Of Jeans

Jeans are obviously the easiest piece to have in your wardrobe, you can wear them with just about anything depending on the wash and style, which is why mom's should own at least one pair of "Good Fitting Make You Feel Like a Million Bucks" Jeans. Shopping for jeans can either make or break one's day, we all hate that dreaded feeling that it's not going to look good or fit, remember what works for one person doesn't always work for you, and that's fine because clearly you're fabulous too. So try one different fits, you might be surprised how good it looks, and don't be discouraged if it doesn't, your 'fit' is out there, promise!

3. A Great Big Fabulous Bag

You know to hold all that mom stuff inside, whether it's snacks, toys, diapers and wipes, we all have a load to carry for our little ones, why not look stylish while doing so.  Totes, satchels and carry alls now come in amazing shapes, prints and prices, making it easier to add a little pop of style.

4. When In Doubt Wear Red

When you're having one of those blah days going through your closet and feel like you  have "nothing to wear", look for the first splash of red to brighten your day, whether it's a pair or ballet flats, a colorful clutch or even a red top or dress. I guarantee you'll leave the house in a better, more confident mood.

5. A Sturdy Yet Chic Pair of Wedges (or Heels)

Sometimes heels aren't the most practical of shoe choices for chasing kids around, but it doesn't mean they should exist in your closet.  Wedges are the easiest to wear, and can be found in a number of heights from 1'' to 5'', plus they can be worn with just about everything. 

I hope you liked my 5 Things Every Stylish Mom should have and I hope you visit me over at The Frugalista Diaries for Outfit Ideas, Designer Looks For Less,  Recipes, DIYS and more!

xo Megan

A big thanks to my IRL friend, Megan, for popping in to guest post for me! Isn't she amazing? And don't forget to enter for your chance to win my Lulu's dress. The giveaway ends tomorrow!

Guest Post: The Frugalista Diaries

Good morning, friends! It's hubby's and my 5th anniversary week (actual day- Friday) and I've lined up some lovely guest posters to handle the week while I pack and get out of town! Today's featured blogger is Megan of The Frugalista Diaries and she's here to talk to you a little about the five minute face that most of us busy mommies have to embrace!


The Frugalista Diaries 5 Minute Make Up Routine


I spend enough time standing in my closet, racking my brain on what to wear, so my make up routine needs to be quick, simple, and of course, put together- not resembling that of a clown. I wish I had all the time in the world to sit around in front of the mirror putting make up on, but since becoming a mom of two, 2 and under, it gives me about oh, say 5 minutes.


1. I start with a fresh face. I normally don't wash my face in the morning, so I just throw on a nice amount of moisturizer which serves as my 'primer' so make up just glides on. Then I sponge on a little compact make up in my troublesome areas or wherever redness occurs.

2. Next, I dab some concealer under my eyes and blend. If I'm fighting a pimple, I dabe and blend on that as well.

3. After the concealer dries, I sweep my cheekbones and temples with a little bronzer.

4. Eyes usually follow and I tend to go with the winged eyes. I slowly line my top lid and add a little wing at the end to 'open up my eyes.'

5. Add mascara to the top lashes- I rarely do bottom lash mascara because it's been known to age and enhance dark under eye circles.

6. Then I sweep my entire face with a mineral make up to set the rest.

7. I'm a fan of bold lips, so I often throw on a little color, such as this bold pink.

8. And, Voila!

A big thanks to my IRL girlfriend, Megan, from The Frugalista Diaries! She's beautiful without make up but I'm so glad she could share her five minute face with us, because I still don't have it down! And... crap. I use mascara all over the place. Probably including my under eye circles. Oopsie! Head over and visit Megan to see gorgeous outfits of the day, splurge vs. steal posts, and lots of coupon and discount codes! You might even get lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her sweet little ones every once in a while!
Please take a minute to check out the October refashion collaboration I'm doing with Required 2 Be Inspired called Old to New in October!

Prim & Prismatic - Frugalista Diaries

Readers, it's the fourth installment of...

Prim & PRISMATIC

Style Bloggers and Their Use of Color

7.4.11 - Frugalista Diaries

Don't forget to head on over and check out Megan's awesome blog!

Do you think you’re bold when choosing colors to wear? If so, what makes you so attracted to colors and why are you comfortable in them? If not, why? I think so, I often pick lots of color when I need a 'pick me up.'

If you could choose to put a bright, flashy piece in your wardrobe, would you choose an accessory or a basic staple? Accessory - more wear.

What is your favorite boldly colored wardrobe item in your closet? Either my Magenta 'Alexa' Look-a-Like or My Purple Peep-Toes.

Do you incorporate bright colors in other aspects of your life (ie: decorating, art, gardening, etc.)? Absolutely!

Fill in the blanks:- If I could only choose one color to wear for the rest of my life, it would be some shade of Wow, that's a toughy, Green, maybe?
- Most people think my personal style is Bohemian & Edgy because I push the envelope.
- If I had to wear hot pink or kelly green, I’d definitely pick Kelly Green.
- The craziest color combo I’ve ever rocked is Green and Purple. Now that I say that it seems kind of boring.

Thank you so much for being July's Prim & Prismatic featured blogger, Megan! YOU KNOW how much I love you and I know my readers will, too! If you haven't, yet, please check out my super stylish friend's blog!

The winner of my 400 Follower Giveaway is:True Random Number Generator
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I hope everyone is having a safe and happy 4th of July!!!

3 Days

 Yes, friends. 

Three more days until I'm done working at the university. It was all sweet until it became bittersweet at graduation on Friday. I cried like a baby, watching our graduate students walk across the stage, listening to my favorite faculty members speak, hearing the chair's closing remarks... As much as I'm ready to leave and as tough as the road has been, there will be things I miss about this place.

And people. Like you, down the hall. You know who you are.

In other news, I had a wonderful time at the beach with Christina. We went dancing on Friday, I had too many drinks, and we walked on the beach with some new friends that we'll never see again. The wedding was beautiful on Saturday- perfect bride, perfect location, perfect weather. And the gloom got us packed up and on the road in time for me to eat Mother's Day lunch with my family, yesterday. I came home to a pristine house (thanks, babe) and a baby girl that was bounding with energy and lots of hugs! I really couldn't have asked for a better weekend. All I wish is that I hadn't left the four hard ciders that I'd just bought in the hotel fridge. Oh well... Hopefully housekeeping enjoyed them.

 dress: Sonoma via Kohl's

cardigan: New York & Company

flip-flops: Mossimo via Target

headband: Goody via Walgreens

purse: D&L Fashion, handed down from Shelly

I could totally wear this to my new job, right? That's why I bought this dress (50% off!) on Friday. Man, have you been to Kohl's, lately? LOVE that place! And speaking of what to wear to my new job, have you entered my Nanny Style Contest, yet?

You know that when you submit an outfit set (which is actually FUN), you're entering to win a $25 gift card to your choice of one of the four stores I shop at, regularly?

Yep! I said it. MONEY for SHOPPING! Who doesn't love that stuff?

So head over there, nizzow and dress me up!

Click the picture, below, and submit your entry before Friday evening!

Important notes:

I guest posted about pregnancy on The Frugalista Diaries, yesterday! Stop by and check out some important tips and see some of my professional maternity photos, taken by Jackie Ranson Photography!

I was also featured, today, on Blogs from the Heart at My Heart Blogged. Wonder where I shop for deals, how I make the most of my closet, and how I suggest incorporating color into your wardrobe? Head there, now!

And stay tuned! Mansome Monday is coming up in just a bit!