Wordless Wednesday: El Yunque National Forest

Today I sharing with you several photos of our excursion through the El Yunque National Forest "Rainforest" outside of San Juan, Puerto Rico.  These particular pictures are of the La Coco Falls Viewing Area located inside of the Rainforest in Puerto Rico.

Although, my husband and I have travelled to Puerto Rico several times in the past, this was our first time visiting the Rainforest.  Also, while in the Rainforest the temperature was cool and it rained on and off, but overall it was a great trip there:)

Linking up with Crafty Spices for the Wordless Wednesday Hop, hope to see you there:)

Ipsy Glamour Academy

My Ipsy Glam Bag for the month August arrived recently, so I wanted to share with you my new beauty products and samples for this month.  For those of you who aren't familiar with Ipsy, each month subscribers receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Also, members can watch and play along with stylists with the same products that they are using.  All for only $10 a month.  To become a member click here. 

Here are the beauty products included in my Ipsy Glam Bag:

 My Ipsy Glam Bag

 NYX Blush "Angel"

 PACIFICA ALIGHT MULTI-MINERAL BB CREAM

 MICHAEL TODD true organics

JOJOBA CHARCOAL Facial Scrub

 PIXI Lash Booster Mascara

URBAN DECAY 

REVOLUTION LIPSTICK

in anarchy

Disclaimer...I'm a paid monthly subscriber to Ipsy, I wasn't paid nor was my Glam Bag complimentary:)

The Nails Files: CND - Shellac Lobster Roll

Hello Everyone!  I apologize for being absent this past week, but my husband & I were on an 8 day Carnival Cruise around the Caribbean, but it's good to be back.  So, for today's manicure while on my cruise last week I decided to make an appointment at the Carnival Breeze's Spa Cloud 9 for a speciality manicure.  Boy was it worth it!  So, I chose the CND Shellac nail gel polish Lobster Roll for my nails, and I love how my manicure came out:)

Linking up with Jennie from Well Shut the Front Door! for The Nail Files:)

The Nail Files: Joanna

For today's manicure I decided to use one of my new Julep Maven nail polishes called Joanna.  I originally wanted to use another polish along with Joanna, but it didn't work out:(  So, I decided to leave Joanna by itself.  I applied two coats of my Joanna nail polish and for my base & top coat I used Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear.

Linking up with Jennie from Well Shut the Front Door! for The Nail Files.

Julep in August

My August Julep Maven Box came in the mail recently, so I wanted to share with you the beauty products I received.  Also, I wanted to wish Julep a Happy 2nd Birthday & I hope that you have many more!!  Anyway, for those of you who aren't familiar with Julep, they're three simple steps to become a Maven.

First, take a quick quiz here, so Julep can pick out the right colors for you.  Then, check out your first Julep Maven Box with two pretty nail polishes, and other beauty products for you.  Congratulations, you're a Maven, and your box will be mailed to you in three business days:)

Here are the two nail polishes and beauty products included in my August Julep Maven Box:

 Julep Maven Bombshell

 FORGET-ME-NOT-SEEDS

 Julep DOUBLESTEP

Lacey - Bombshell

Bea - Bombshell

Disclaimer...I'm a monthly subscriber to Julep and I pay for my monthly boxes myself:)

Look What I Got: Mint Shorts

Zara Top (similar), Target Shorts (here), Nordstrom Sandals (here), Zara Tote (Sold Out), Michael Kors Watch (similar), Groop Dealz Bracelet (similar), and c/o ILY Bracelet (here).

Although I didn't jump on the mint color bandwagon by going out and buying a huge section of the mint colored pieces.  I did however purchase a pair of mint colored shorts at Target this past spring.  I only wore them once, but not on my blog so I thought I'd wear them again and blog about them:)  So, I decided to style my mint shorts with a blue polka dot peplum top, brown sandals & tote, and gold & mint accessories. 
Linking up with Tara from Penniless Socialite & Sharon from The Tiny Heart for Look What I Got! link up.

It's a Floral Kinda Day

H&M Top (similar), Target Capris (similar), Nordstrom Sandals (here), Zara Basket Bag (here), Michael Kors Watch (similar), ILY Couture Bracelet (here), and Sage K and Co Bracelet (here).


Today,  the weather here in Salisbury called for rain and thunderstorms the majority of the day.  Of course, it only rained in the morning, so I was able to get some great shots in:).  Also, as an added bonus I got a chance to take my two boys to the local YMCA to swim for several hours as well.  So, all and all it turned out to be a good day:)

 

What's in my Bag?

It's been awhile since I shared with you what's in my bag, so today I thought I'd show you what I carry in mine.  My bag for today is a Zara Tote I purchased last year, and it's one of my favorite totes as well:)  So, here's what's in my bag...a notebook & pen, my make-up bag, a pair of sunglasses, my IPhone, a pack of Orbit Gum, a Lillies & Silk zipper pouch, my Kindle, Kleenex tissues, my keys, a Cliff bar, and my Gucci wallet.

So, what's in your bag?

The Nail Files: Happy Ending & 8-Bit Digits

Lately, I've become a big fan of Jennifer's etsy store Mod Lacquer and her pretty nail lacquers, so much so I've already purchased several bottles of my own:)  So, today for my weekly manicure I applied two coats of Sinful Colors Professional nail colour Happy Ending and one coat of Mod Lacquer's 8-Bit Digits.  I love how my two nail polishes look together, nothing like pretty neon nail glitter to end my day:)

Linking up with Jennie from Well Shut the Door! for The Nails Files, Heather from Glitter & Gloss for Mani Monday...Hope to see you there!

My Sewing Projects

I've been chopping at the bit to start sewing again, especially since my family and I are now settled in Maryland.  However, I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't sew again until I purchased a new sewing machine.  My other machine was always scrambling my seams, which meant I'd have to undo all of my seams with my seam ripper and start over again:(  So, I went out a bought a newer and better sewing machine:)  Then, I made a list of the handmade summer sewing projects that I'd like to tackle before school started.

It feels so good to be sewing again, and I can't wait to cross off more sewing items off my project list. There's nothing like carrying around something that you made by yourself:)


Here are my new sewing items:

 A Market Tote

An Ipad Mini Case

A Zipper Pouch

Guest Post: Tricks for Revamping a Stale Wardrobe

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Liz Becker, a freelance writer, and my guest behind today's blog post.

Now, I'll let Liz take it from here...

It may be tempting to reinvent your wardrobe year after year, but it’s really expensive and unnecessary. By pairing what you already have with some fun accessories and inexpensive clothing, you can revamp your wardrobe for summer, giving it an entirely new look and feel.  

Whether you prefer neutrals or summer brights, you’ll find adding a few small items can really pump up your wardrobe for the warm months ahead.  As with the rest of your closet, choose your favorite accessories and see if you can’t blend them in too.  Mix and match everything, to find what works and get the most for your hard-earned money.

Bold Jewelry 

Bold jewelry pieces can make the same outfit look different.  Choose some large chandelier or hoop earrings.  Pair these with a delicate necklace. If earrings aren’t your thing, why not try a large, eye-catching necklace?  A large Lucite cuff or bold silver bracelet draws attention to tanned, bare arms.  Big, sparkling rings are another statement piece.  Make sure jewelry colors compliment your outfit.

A word of advice: If you’re going bold with your jewelry choices, make sure to choose only one statement piece.  You don’t want to overpower your outfit with multiple chunky bracelets and a statement necklace.

Graphic Tees

Graphic tees are always in style.  These cute tops feature pictures or sayings printed on the front.  You can use a slim-fitting graphic shirt to show your body shape for a casual day or if you're feeling stylish, use one of Vineyard Vines' graphic tees - as an intentional "boyfriend shirt" - with a pair of shorts or a knee-length skirt. You can dress this tee up or down, depending on your plans.  Graphic tees are perfect for wear-to-work and a day at the beach.

You can choose a weathered, vintage-inspired graphic tee for a look that’s totally now.  If you can’t find a vintage tee, why not try and distress a shirt yourself?  This DIY project requires that you wash a vintage t-shirt over and over again.  Rub sandpaper to fray the fibers and make the shirt appear more worn.  It should also be really soft after this process.

Change Up Your Sandals 

Sandals are a staple of spring and summer. You probably have a closet full of summer shoes. A new pair of sandals may be a good buy, especially because a pair of solid wedges or gladiators may change your entire look.

To change the look of some old flip flops, use mod podge mixed with super fine glitter.  Paint the glitter onto the sandals to create a sparkly new look.  Other sandals can be fixed up with a scarf or craft paint.

Add a Tote

In summer, you can’t go anywhere without a big bottle of sunscreen and at least two books.  To carry all that stuff around, you need a slightly oversized bag – larger than your normal shoulder bag or purse. This bag is a tote.

Snag yourself a new tote and dress to match it.  Wear whites, stripes and navy blues for a nautical themed tote.  For something more colorful, choose bright oranges and yellows.  Opt for a clear, white or black bag if you want something that matches everything.

A tote is a great option, because it’s so versatile.  If you’re heading to the beach, look for a bag made from PVC.  This material is easy to clean.  Sand and dirty roll right off its surface.  It’s also perfect for keeping towel, books and other items dry.

Look What I Got: My Vintage Dress

Vintage Dress (Thrifted), Nine West Shoes (Sold Out), Ulta Flower (similar), Chanel Handbag, and Michael Kors Watch (here).


A couple of years ago I stumbled into my first vintage thrift store and I was hooked.  Not only was I hooked, but  I also found out I loved the look and style of the clothing from the 50's, 60's, and 70's era. So much so, I bought several dresses that day, this particular dress was one of them and I also only paid $15 for it too.  Even though I haven't been vintage thrifting for sometime now, I really enjoyed trying the clothes on:)


Linking up with Penniless Socialite & The Tiny Heart for Look What I Got!  Hope to see you there:)