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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Highlights from Fixes 11-14

To say I've been a little Stitch Fix obsessed lately would be an understatement. 

I actually had 3 fixes arrive in May alone. 

Seriously.

My main goals were to receive a few interview worthy dresses and some fun pieces for summer.

With Fix #15 scheduled to arrive today, I figured it'd be fun to showcase a few pieces from my most recent fixes.

Here's a look at just some of the pieces I received:

Skies are Blue Tula Keyhole Detail Blouse
Skies are Blue Tula Keyhole Detail Blouse

This bright pink top just screamed summer to me. 
It's lightweight and sleeveless which are necessary here in Texas. 
I kept this one without question.

Jill Michael Coleman Double Ring Necklace
Jill Michael Coleman Double Ring Necklace

I went out on a limb and asked for a dainty necklace or a bracelet in one of my fixes. 
I typically ask for only clothing pieces in my fixes because I'm just not a huge jewelry fan. 
The only pieces I wear every single day are my wedding ring and a pair of CZ studs. ;)
This piece is cute, but the gold is quite yellow and I just didn't love it. It went back.



Level 99 Giovanni Straight Leg Jean
Level 99 Giovanni Straight Leg Jean in gray

Perfect fit in the waist (that never happens), but these jeans were too pricey for me and the color seemed washed out. These went back, too.

Market and Spruce Sam Hi-Lo short sleeve tee
Market and Spruce Sam Hi-Lo short sleeve tee

This top is casual perfection. Nice fit and lightweight. The material is ridiculous soft. 
I wear this all of the time. 

Fun2Fun Baker Split Neck Blouse in dark pink
Fun2Fun Baker Split Neck Blouse in dark pink

I really like the fabric of this blouse and the fit, but I wasn't crazy about the print or the split neck.
It went back. I kind of regret it. 

Gilli Sondra Faux Wrap Dress
Gilli Sondra Faux Wrap Dress

I was {this close} to keeping this dress. It was extremely flattering and fit me perfectly.
I wasn't crazy about the tie waist or the pattern on the skirt. 
Also, with it being long-sleeved, I wasn't sure how much wear I'd get out of it. 

Papermoon Summa Crochet Detail Knit Tank
Papermoon Summa Crochet Detail Knit Tank

I wasn't sure about the crochet detail on this top at first, but that pop of color and the fact that my husband really loved this one won me over. It's one of my favorites now.

Le Lis Tessa Lace Detail Dress
Le Lis Tessa Lace Detail Dress

HANDS DOWN one of my most favorite pieces ever. 
The fit is perfect and this is such a classic piece. 
I actually wore this (along with a 3/4 length sleeved blazer) to an interview yesterday & received a ton of compliments on it. 
Easy to dress up with heels or dress down with wedges or sandals. I LOVE it. 

Gilli Kary Drape Front Knit Dress
Gilli Kary Drape Front Knit Dress

This is a wonderful dress for summer and while it's described as red, it's more of a vibrant poppy/orange color. It's lightweight and easy care, but it also ties in the back and for some reason I just can't get over that.

Haven't signed up for Stitch Fix yet? Getting signed up is easy! Just go here and sign up for this fabulous service. You won't regret it.

I'd also like to invite you to check out two of my Pinterest boards:
Here and here.

The first is clothing I've received from Stitch Fix and the second is my inspiration board for pieces I'd love to receive. 

What great summer pieces have you received lately?

The above links are my unique referral link. You by no means have to use it, but I'd be incredibly grateful if you did. Once you sign up, you'll receive your own unique referral code too!


Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Dial® Body + Hair Wash & Dial® Kids Foaming Hand Wash {Giveaway} CLOSED


Exciting news from Dial®!

Dial® is venturing into the babies' personal care arena with the release of two new products:

Dial® Kids Foaming Hand Wash

and

Dial® Baby Body + Hair Wash



Dial® Kids Foaming Hand Wash makes hand washing fun for all ages. 
My daughter thinks the foam is so fun and loves the watermelon scent.


Dial® Baby Body & Hair Wash gently removes environmental dirt for a head to toe clean. 
My daughter is pretty sensitive when it comes to body wash and this is a great option-- no eczema flares for her after use.

Both products:
- Developed with pediatric dermatologists
- Hypoallergenic
- No added paragons
- No artificial dyes
-pH balanced

Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive two FREE product coupons to try out both new products.

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which of these products you'd most like to try.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 4/20/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of both products in exchange for an honest review. All the opinions expressed here are my own.


Thursday, April 2, 2015

Stitch Fix #10

I'm still really loving Stitch Fix. I love the convenience of having five hand-picked clothing items show up on my doorstep each month. I firmly believe it's the very best way to shop. 

This month I asked for some fun, flirty pieces and Miss Kirby certainly delivered. 
I also asked for petite sizing (a new option!), but sadly only received 1 piece from that collection. 
I'm hoping with time the selection of petite items will expand. 

Here's what came in this month's box. 

Skies are Blue Moraga Cut Out Detail Blouse {$48}

Skies are Blue Moraga Cut Out Detail Blouse

This blouse fit perfectly and I adore the color (orange is my most favorite ever to wear), but I just couldn't get past the cut outs. I'm not sure exactly why. 

Liverpool Sally Cuffed Short {$48}

Liverpool Sally Cuffed Short

Dark denim, which I love, and a good price point for a quality pair of shorts.
Unfortunately, these were huge on me. 

Daniel Rainn Ishara Lace Detail V-Neck Blouse {$68}

Daniel Rainn Ishara Lace Detail V-Neck Blouse

This is the one petite piece I received. I love the v-neck and the lace detail, but this top was much too sheer for my taste and the price was much too high. 

Papermoon Piko Knit Tank {$38}
Papermoon Piko Knit Tank

I love the different patterns and that bright pop of orange. 
Comfy material, too. Keeper.

Gilli Mitchel Maxi Dress {$78}
Gilli Mitchel Maxi Dress

This is, by far, the most adorable piece of clothing I've ever received from StitchFix. 
It fits like a glove and is incredibly flattering. The back is super, super sexy. I love it paired with a dark denim vest. I know this is one I will likely regret sending back, but it's about 3" too long and I don't ever wear heels. 

If you're interested in receiving a box of fabulous pieces delivered to your doorstep, go here and sign up for Stitch Fix. You won't regret it. 

The above links are my unique referral link. You by no means have to use it, but I'd be incredibly grateful if you did. Once you sign up, you'll receive your own unique referral code too!





Dial® Miracle Oil Hand Soap Giveaway


I talked about how much I loved Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash last month, but did you know they have a hand soap, too?

New Dial® Miracle Oil Hand Soap brings nourishment and skin hydration to your hand washing experience. Let the smooth feel of Miracle (Marula) Oil gently remove dirt from your hands and leave them feeling smooth and refreshed. 
Miracle Oil is infused with Marula Oil and uses Micro Oil technology to nourish and deeply hydrate your skin while protecting it from skin damaging free radicals.
And just like the body wash, this deep cleansing hand soap smells fantastic! I'd describe it as mostly floral with a hint of sweetness. Dial® is the perfect soap for the entire family. We have it all over our home-- in the kitchen and both bathrooms. I've even taken a bottle up to the school to use in the nurse's office, because I'm constantly washing my hands. This soap provides refreshing moisture and the micro-scrubbers leaving me feeling confident that I've thoroughly cleansed my hands.

Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive 2 FREE product coupons for Dial® hand soap. 

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which Dial® product is your favorite.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 4/5/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of Dial® Miracle Oil Hand Soap in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Purex® Crystals ScentSplash Giveaway

Purex® has been rolling out some fabulous new laundry products lately and this one is no exception!


There's something so comforting and relaxing about warm clothes & bedding right out of the dryer. Bonus points if it also smells ridiculously amazing. 

New Purex® Crystals ScentSplash in-wash fragrance booster infuses your clothes with the power of liquid freshness. Simply add a little or a lot (the latter in my case) directly into your washer -- either into the tub directly or the in-wash tray. 

Purex® Crystals ScentSplash is safe for regular and high-efficiency (HE) washers, and for all loads of laundry including towels, activewear, and children's sleepwear.  It's your favorite in-wash fragrance booster taken to another level--- It contains refreshing scent beads that release bursts of fragrance with irresistible freshness that lasts!

Available in three scents:
Fresh Spring Waters
Fresh Lavender Blossom
Fresh Mountain Breeze 

Want to try Purex® Crystals ScentSplash for free?

Thanks to the generous folks at Purex®, ONE lucky winner will receive a TWO FREE product coupons for new Purex® Crystals ScentSplash. 


Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which scent you'd like to try.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 4/5/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

Purex® provided me with a sample of Purex® Crystals ScentSplash in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own and not influenced in any way.  

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Introducing Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap by Dial® + GIVEAWAY {CLOSED}



After finally receiving a few days of warmth and sunshine here, the three of us were eager to get outside and DO something. My husband spent his weekend getting our lawn in tip-top shape, I've been pulling weeds, and our daughter has been swinging herself silly in the backyard and playing with friends. Needless to say, we've all been pretty grubby at the end of the day and our hands aren't necessarily in the best shape. We've all got dirt under our fingernails, blisters from working and playing hard, and dry spots from this crazy winter we've had. This was the perfect time for NEW Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap to show up on our doorstep. 



NEW Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap is the newest member of the Dial® Boutique Collection Hand Soap line, bringing luxury to your hand washing experience. With an indulgent scent inspired by freshly cut Sugar Cane, this premium formula with gentle micro-scrubbers cleanses deeply while moisturizing and smoothing skin. 
The Boutique Collection Hand Soap provides:

  •  Vibrant scents
  •  Refreshing moisture
  • Gentle micro-scrubbers 
A deep cleansing formula help give you clean, healthy hands and skin.  
Dial Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Micro-Scrubber

Moisturizing formulas with skin conditioners hydrate your skin and visibly improve skin dryness while micro-scrubbers help gently remove dirt from your hands to leave them feeling smooth and refreshed. 
I personally love the gentle polishing action of the micro-scrubbers -- smoothing out all of the dry spots on my hands with each use. This is a luxurious feeling soap, too -- thick, rich, and full of refreshing moisture. 


With a completely new bottle and design with rich colors, you can add a personal touch of style to your home. As you can see, the new Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap matched my kitchen perfectly!

With it's effectiveness, gentleness, and affordability, I'd have to say that Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap is the perfect family soap for us. 

GIVEAWAY


Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive 2 FREE product coupons for Dial Hand Soap:

{1 FREE Dial® Liquid Hand Soap}
and
{1 FREE Dial® Boutique Collection Sugar Cane Hand Soap}

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which Dial® hand soap scent is your favorite.

Bonus entries:
Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 3/24/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.


The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of Dial® Sugar Cane Husk Scrub Hand Soap in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Dessange: The Holy Grail of Hair Care


Holy Grail of Hair Care? 

I must be exaggerating, right? Wrong.

My daughter's thick, tangle-prone hair has her in tears and me at my wit's end most mornings.
I feel like I've tried every lotion, potion, detangling spray, and special brush on the market, but none of them have ever worked very well. All of that changed when I received the Dessange VoxBox from Influenster.

I had big plans to use this on my own color-treated, heat-styled, ultra-thick and super long hair (and I did), but I also figured I had nothing to lose by using it on my daughter's hair, too. What a difference this stuff makes! No more tangles, no more tears. No kidding.


DESSANGE Paris introduces Oleo Miracle Collection, a hair care line infused with nutrients from nature's most precious oils. Bolstering delicious notes of orange, gardenia petals, and sandalwood, the reparative collection works to help transform hair suffering from thermal, chemical and environmental damage for a visibly softer, healthier look. Offering intense nourishment, the formulas are infused with three key natural oils: Argan Oil, Camelia Oil, and Pracaxi Oil, leaving hair smooth, bouncy, and manageable. 


Our first shampoo infused with micro-drops of precious oils, the lightweight formula offers supreme nourishment to hair without weighing it down. 


The second step to the Oleo Miracle ritual, this shine-boosting conditioner repairs the external layer of the hair's fiber for healthier, restored strands.
This is my favorite product out of the three. It is so thick and rich. It leaves my daughter's hair so silky. After shampooing, I just apply a quarter-sized amount of conditioner to my daughter's hair and then comb it with a wide-tooth comb. After combing, I give it a quick rinse and then allow it to air-dry. 

After her hair is dry, we add a few drops of DESSANGE Replenishing Oil after styling/brushing.


With just a few drops, this leave-in treatment nourishes dry, damaged hair without leaving a greasy residue.

I cannot say enough good things about this particular line from DESSANGE Paris. This is our go-to hair care line from here on out. Run to your nearest Target and grab the entire Oleo Miracle Treatment line. You won't be disappointed!

DESSANGE Paris
#JAdoreDessange


I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way. 







Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Stitch Fix #9-- Fun Spring Pieces + an EXCITING announcement from Stitch Fix


I've said it before and I'll say it again: every single time this little box shows up, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. It's been almost a year since my first Stitch Fix and I'm still loving it. 

 This month I specifically asked for pieces that flaunted my shoulders, cute casual tops, and maybe a dress/skirt or two. We've got several super-fun trips coming up and I wanted some fun, flirty pieces to pack. I also asked my stylist to please reference my Pinterest board
Here's what I received:

{THML Howard Embroidered Tie Neck Top $48}
THML Howard Embroidered Tie Neck Top

How perfect is this for an outdoor concert? I mean!
 I love it paired with distressed boyfriend jeans or cut-off denim shorts. 
Keeping this one for sure because hashtag black is my love language.

{TCEC Roxanna Chevron Open Knit Cardigan $58}

I've been asking for a neutral cardigan for the past several months now and finally received one!
Cute pattern, light-weight enough for spring/summer, but warm enough for fall. 
I'm still on the fence with this one simply because my record with cable-knit hasn't been stellar-- 
one wrong move by me and I've snagged it. #tragic

{Olive & Oak Astelli Colorblock Dress | $68}


I'm not a huge fan of navy and purple, but oh my, how darling is this dress?!
I loved the cut, the fabric, and the length was perfect!
Unfortunately, it was a little too big/loose in the waist. 
The color blocking is so vibrant and perfect for Spring. 
And those pleats! 
This picture does those pleats absolutely zero justice. 
Trust me, they are lovely.
I styled this with a dark denim vest and flats. 
I think it'd be adorable with cowboy boots, too!

{Pixley Tenille Mini Skirt | $58}
This skirt is perfect for an outdoor concert or date night!
I've got it folded over here, just FYI, it hits me right above the knees and I'm 5'3".
The pattern is so fun! It's printed on the front and solid black in the back.
Very flattering, but a little too big on me. 

{Papermoon Nedal Lace Yoke Blouse | $44}
Does this top not just scream Spring?!
Beautiful pale pink/blush color with delicate floral lace accents.
Lightweight and flowy.

Now let's talk about this exciting announcement from Stitch Fix. You ready?

First up, they are now offering styling for pregnant Mamas. 

Cute maternity clothes shipped right to your door! I remember being eleventy months pregnant and trying to shop for something cute to wear. I also remember it being ZERO fun. Let Stitch Fix help! Make sure to update your style profile with your due date.

And secondly, they are now offering petite sizes! This is such fantastic news!
I will be updating my style profile immediately!
I've already pinned some of their petite offerings to my Stitch Fix inspiration board. 
Check it out here.

Ready to schedule your first fix? It's so easy to get started.
Simply sign up, complete your style profile, and schedule your first fix.
You'll pay a $20 styling fee, but this amount will be deducted from anything you decide to keep. 
You'll receive 5 handpicked items delivered straight to your door. 
You have 3 days to try everything on. 
Whatever you decide against, just mail it back in the prepaid envelope. 
Love all 5 items? You'll receive a 25% discount!

The link used in this post is my unique referral code. You definitely don't have to use it, but I'd be incredibly grateful if you did! Once you sign up, you'll receive your own code, too. Just so we're clear, I was not compensated in any way for this post and all opinions are my own.









Monday, March 2, 2015

New Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash + GIVEAWAY

Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash

Raise your hand if you're #SoOverWinter 

While our weather in Texas doesn't even remotely compare to what's going on in the Northeast, it is cold here. And we Texans quite simply don't do cold. We've got our heat cranked full blast and that means dry, cracked, and itchy skin for all. 

We were going through lotion like crazy until we switched to new Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash. 

Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash


New Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash is infused with caring Marula oil for beautifully, soft skin. This restoring body wash is formulated with Micro Oil Technology for a luxurious, clean-rinsing lather that leaves skin feeling clean, soft and smooth. It also has a fantastic scent. To me, it smells lightly floral mixed with sweet vanilla. 

{Look at that lather!}

It's even gentle enough to use on my daughter's sensitive, eczema-prone skin, which makes it perfect to use as family body wash or for bubble bath fun! 



Now for the giveaway:

Thanks to the generous folks at Dial®, 1 lucky winner will receive 2 FREE product coupons for Dial Miracle Oil Body Wash. 

Entering is easy!

Simply leave a comment below letting me know which Dial® product is your favorite.

Bonus entries:
- Follow me on Instagram and leave a comment stating that you did so
- Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment stating that you did so

Giveaway will end 3/9/15 at 9 pm CST. Open to US residents, 18+ only.

The Dial® brand provided me with a sample of Dial® Miracle Oil Body Wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 





Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Books I'm Loving Lately


I'm a reader. Always have been and always will be.

I go through phases, though, where either I read voraciously or not at all.

I'm in total book consumption mode now.

Here are a few books that I'm loving lately.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I'm a huge fan of Holocaust historical fiction/biographies. I was completely in awe of The Diary of Anne Frank and Night by Elie Wiesel is one of my most favorite books ever. The Book Thief did not disappoint. Here's the description from Amazon:

The extraordinary #1 New York Times bestseller that is now a major motion picture, Markus Zusak's unforgettable story is about the ability of books to feed the soul.

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. 

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak, author of I Am the Messenger, has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

Reminiscent of Eleanor and Park & The Fault in Our Stars, this is truly a beautiful book. It started out a little slow for me, but by the last page, I had to close it and wait awhile because I did not want it to end. Description via Amazon:

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death, and he constantly thinks of ways he might kill himself. But each time, something good, no matter how small, stops him.
 
Violet Markey lives for the future, counting the days until graduation, when she can escape her Indiana town and her aching grief in the wake of her sister’s recent death.
 
When Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at school, it’s unclear who saves whom. And when they pair up on a project to discover the “natural wonders” of their state, both Finch and Violet make more important discoveries: It’s only with Violet that Finch can be himself—a weird, funny, live-out-loud guy who’s not such a freak after all. And it’s only with Finch that Violet can forget to count away the days and start living them. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink.
 
This is an intense, gripping novel perfect for fans of Gayle Forman, Jay Asher, Rainbow Rowell, John Green, and Jenny Downham from a talented new voice in YA, Jennifer Niven.

Three Little Words: A Memoir by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

I'm only about 10 pages into this one, but I'm hooked already. 

An inspiring true story of the tumultuous nine years Ashley Rhodes-Courter spent in the foster care system, and how she triumphed over painful memories and real-life horrors to ultimately find her own voice.

"Sunshine, you're my baby and I'm your only mother. You must mind the one taking care of you, but she's not your mama." Ashley Rhodes-Courter spent nine years of her life in fourteen different foster homes, living by those words. As her mother spirals out of control, Ashley is left clinging to an unpredictable, dissolving relationship, all the while getting pulled deeper and deeper into the foster care system.

Painful memories of being taken away from her home quickly become consumed by real-life horrors, where Ashley is juggled between caseworkers, shuffled from school to school, and forced to endure manipulative, humiliating treatment from a very abusive foster family. In this inspiring, unforgettable memoir, Ashley finds the courage to succeed - and in doing so, discovers the power of her own voice.

What other books should I add to my wish-list? What are you reading now?