Closet Additions: May

Hey guys, it's another closet addition! I mentioned in my last closet additions post that I don't bring in enough new items to make this a monthly series but as it turns out, for the month of May I did!

1. Scallop Chiffon Tank               Orig. $9.99     Sale $5.90    

2. Heart Sunnies                          Orig. $9.99     Sale $3.90    

3. Nude Necklace                        Orig. $7.90                         

4. Floral High-Wasited Shorts    Orig. $17.99    Sale $7.90  

5. Kisslock Bag                            Orig. $37.29    Sale $23.25  

6. Rolo Bracelet                           Orig. $5.90                          

Total Original Cost: $89.06
Total Sale Cost: $54.75
Saved: $34.31

(all items still available at sales price!)

I've been trying to acquire some more jewelry and general accessories of late. I find that when I'm recreating an outfit that I've been inspired by, something is always missing. After trying to figure out what it was, I realized it was the accessories that were always lacking. I never paid much mind to such things because they just seemed tiny and inconsequential. Now I'm realizing that was a huge oversight and accessories can play a huge role by really tying an entire look together and polishing it in a major way. They are the single difference between "clothes" and an "outfit".

So here I am, looking to correct my error and my hunt has been made easy because of Oasap. They have the most amazing prices on accessories and that is imperative for me. Im. Per. A. Tive. I have to limit my spending. Statement necklaces, admittedly, do not have any longevity; I have already dubbed my dearly loved, much sought after bubble necklace "last season", so I really do not want to invest a lot in pieces that will not get a whole lot of wear. Oasap allows me to get the current styles I want without any guilt involved. Thank you, Oasap!!

Gurl, You Better Cover That! [Video]

Our story begins with a lovely lady and her knight in shining armor. The couple met, they wooed, they fell in love and decided to get married. The lovely girl then found herself in need of bridesmaids, as you do, and was set with the task of finding such fair maidens that would do the job credibly. After filling all but one of the coveted positions, this lovely girl decided to present her best friend (that's me) with the prestige of being her matron of honor. The best friend (that's still me) was pleased as punch to have this honorable position bestowed upon her and was even more excited for the opportunity to don a beautiful, fancy dress to the event. For occasions to wear such a beautiful frock came along so infrequently for this mommy of 3 and she was excited to spend an evening in style.

Over the next few months, the dresses were chosen, the shoes were coordinated and excitement was shared by all. When the festive occasion finally arrived, the girls crowded the mirrors, applying lipstick and spraying hair. The bouquets were handed out and tears were shed. All was right with the world and the night went off without a hitch. All of the ladies looked beautiful in their flowing gowns....until months later when the pictures came back....

 Now, you are probably wondering where this poorly articulated, ridiculous (but true) story is going. I promise there is a purpose! This particular story is leading into my first run-in with an ill fitting dress. Honestly, I am quite small; I don't have a whole lot of experience with the dreaded "bulge" but I'm not completely immune to it...as you are about to see. So what I thought at the time was a beautiful dress, turned out to be a whole lot less than flattering on me. It was all caught on camera and the pictures definitely don't lie...

Can't a Girl Get a Date Around Here?

This outfit I feel like would be the perfect "date night" attire.....but, poor me, I can't get a date! Even if we did have the time for one (which never happens) I would definitely look out of place next to the hubbarino. Do any of you have problems trying to get your husbands to dress like adults or am I the only one? Basketball shorts and a t-shirt do not an outfit make. Sorry honey but we're going on a date, not the gym!

Damn, it Feels Good to be a Gangsta...

Ok, I don't really know if it does or not. Geto Boys says it does....or at least it did in 1992. But you know what does feel good? To be back! 

As you may know, we just moved recently. But we didn't just move either, we moved into a house that was built in 1940. Aka: a house that needs a lot of love and effort spent on it's many quirks. I love an older home that has charm and is not the same cookie cutter that everyone else lives in; they have their own unique personality and they tell a story. But all that "charm" has definitely swallowed up every second of my time, trying to bring it back to life....we're still not even close to being done (I don't know if we ever will be) but I have finally gotten enough out of the way that I can spare some time for you guys! You have no idea how relieved this makes me! I've missed you!

Spring Closet Additions

Hey, guys! I thought I'd try something new and a little different from my normal posts today. I am a huge fan of Danielle over at Goodwillista; if you've read my blog for any length of time, you probably already know that. She was the inspiration and motivation behind the starting of this here blog of mine. She is the most thrifty and frugal shopper I've ever seen and she always looks gorgeous! It's impossible not to be motivated by that!

 

Each month Danielle does a post on the additions she's added to her closet, how much she spent and how much she saved. I am always in awe of her "hauls" and how little she spent. It definitely raises the bar and makes me want to improve my money-saving game!

I'm hoping doing this for myself will help me document what I'm bringing in and how much money I've spent. It's easy to go over budget when you're not keeping track; as I'm sure most of you are aware! So I'm hoping this will hold me to my budget, encourage me to hunt a little more for deals, and maybe even help me come up with new ways to work the things in my closet. 

 

Summer Fashion Favorites: 30 Under $30

Ahh, tis the season! It's summa, summa, summatime...

Summer is my jam, ya'll. I mean, I like spring, I like fall (dread winter) but summer is where it's at.  It's also time to break out all the skirts and dresses! They're easy and absolutely ideal for those of us who are too lazy to put on pants; what's not to love?

So in anticipation of the upcoming heat, I've compiled some favs (30 to be exact) to share with you guys. Bonus: they're all under $30! Booyah! I love when people do a post and they're all like "save vs splurge" and the "save" is like $150. Get that ish outta here! That's a splurge, homie! None of those here, you're safe to peruse at your leisure. And with 30 options to choose from, you're bound to find something you love!

No Poo Means Grey Hair? No Way!

Hey guys! I've got another No Poo post for you! I know, they never end! But, if you're a No Pooer, you know that a lot of things about your hair care change and it's not always black and white; there's quite a bit of grey area (I threw that last bit in just for the pun). Hair dye is a particularly "ify" subject in terms of No Poo and I get asked about it often.

Now, I am not a No Poo "expert"; I don't know if there even is such a thing, but I do have a lot of people ask me questions and I just try to answer them the best I can based on my personal experiences. Hair dye is one of those questions and I definitely have the experience!

No Poo's main goal is to give you healthier hair while trying to avoid harsh chemicals. And hair dye? Well, you can't get much more harsh than that! Using it is a personal choice you have to make for yourself. Could my hair be healthier without it? Absolutely. Am I secure enough to let my grey hair flag fly? Absolutely not. Using dye is a choice I've made with the knowledge that using it is damaging my hair. I know this. Whether or not you choose to use it is a decision you have to make but you need to make it with that same knowledge; it will damage your hair. Do I suggest it to anyone? No, I can't say that I would. But if you're like me and feel like you need it, I can share with you how I configure it into my No Poo routine so you can decide how to work it into yours.

DIY: Trash to Treasure

Hey guys! I've got something a little different again for you today. Last week I shared some of my interior inspiration since I'm in the middle of a move and trying to make a new house into a home. Today I'm sharing one of the many DIY projects on my list. I love DIYing around the home. When it comes to just going out and buying some mass produced furniture piece or making your own, I always prefer to do it myself. It's work you either like or you don't but personally, I love building and creating my own special pieces! I love the sweat and tears that go into it and I love the pride and glory that comes out of it. I'm not afraid to get my hands a little dirty!

So since we have downsized and the kids are now sharing a room, I needed a sleeping arrangement for more than one. I really am not a fan of bunk beds so when I found these pallet beds I knew they the perfect solution.

Monday, Monday, Monday

I don't have anything for you this Monday morning. I know, what's new? I promise I've got loads coming your way soon but this week I'm on blogging break. Are you guys tired of hearing that yet? I keep promising some awesomeness is coming....and then it doesn't. This time it's legit though! We've moved! I spent all last week/weekend packing and boxing up, relocating and now trying to make some sense of the chaos that is our new homestead. 

Moving is never fun; it's a hassle. I spend weeks exhausted and sore all over. BUT at the same time, isn't it just a little bit exciting?? I love having a blank slate to put our stamp on. I can't give you a sneek peak yet but how bout some of my inspiration? I've been stalking Pinterest like my life depends on it and I have, undoubtedly, found so many amazing ideas...

#UniVoxBox

The time has come for another voxbox! I say this every time but I absolutely love these boxes from Influenster! I love not knowing what you're going to get and being completely surprised when you open it up. I always get to try something I might not have otherwise purchased in the store and I've discovered quite a few great products this way.

This particular box is the UniVoxBox and it's products are geared to all us college goers....even if I am a 30 year old mom and wife. Hey, I'm like those ITT Tech commercials "If I can go back, so can you!"  I know, my life's impressive.

1. Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure

2. Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

3. Playtex Sport Fresh Balance

4. Red Rose Real Tea Premium Water Enhancer

5. NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuschia

6. Pilot Acroball PureWhite