It seems like flamingos are where it’s at for summer 2015, but unlike other trends, this fun print isn’t limited to adults. Little ones can also sport this rosy-hued bird. Here are just some of the adorable flamingo-inspired items currently topping my “oh this would be so cute for my Little Caroline” list.
The Miami heat is in full force which means I’ve officially retired my jeans until fall. Every summer I find a go-to dress that can be easily dressed down for running errands or dressed up a bit for date night with the Mr. or brunch with friends {I wore this one a lot last year}. Though I’ve yet to find the dress for 2015, here are just a few options catching my eye…and they’re all under $100!
What’s your go-to look for summer?
I recently had my hair lopped off into a nice short “lob” {ya, I find the term annoying too but c’est la vie}. Though I liked my waist-length hair, I needed something practical, less time-consuming and cooler now for summer. While I’m thoroughly enjoying the new ‘do and love how much less time I need to spend on styling it, I find it’s a lot more difficult to hide imperfections. Not wanting to break the bank, I headed to Target, on the hunt for some new products. After reading countless labels and smelling half a dozen bottles {I’m big on scents}, I settled on Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Perfector Straightening Mist.
Though I’m sure the quality of flat iron used has something to do with it, I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with this product. I washed my hair and gave it a quick, rough dry and went to bed. The next morning, I sprayed this all over my dry hair and proceeded to flat iron it. After being out for 6 hours, which included some time spent outside in the Miami heat and humidity, my hair was as sleek and frizz-free as when I left. Bonus: My hair felt silky soft without any sticky residue some products leave behind. AND it costs less than $5! Needless to say, I’m adding it to my Hair Must-Haves List.
Hope everyone has a great long weekend!
Check in next week for some fun desserts, a style post, different ways to wear my favorite new versatile pants and more! 
Now with our little one here it’s not always easy to make the time to do my nails but when I do {thanks to the Mr. who takes over!}, I need efficient, easy-to-use products. After years of trying countless products {I’m a beauty product junkie!} here are my tried and true favorites.
skin softeners | Mary Kay’s Satin Hands Set is by far the best exfoliating/moisturizing combo I’ve ever tried. It leaves your hands {and feet} feeling silky smooth, setting the ideal foundation for a good manicure. I typically rub some of the hand softener on the front and back of my hands and follow it with the scrub. Then immediately follow it with the cuticle tamers {see below} and then seal in moisture with the hand cream. Seriously. Your hands will never be softer!
cuticle tamers | There’s nothing like cuticles gone wild to instantly ruin the look of your manicure. The Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover works very quickly and after just a few uses you’ll notice your hands needing the Cuticle Nipper less and less and finding that the Cuticle Pusher is enough to do the trick.
nail file | Your nails, like your outfit, reflect your style. Whether you like them round, square or squoval {you know, sorta’ square sorta’ oval} a good nail file is key to achieving the look you want. I prefer ones with a decent amount of grit {like this one} to quickly get the shorter look I like.
nail polish | All polishes are not created equal, and good polish does not mean more expensive. Revlon Colorstay Gel Envy is definitely my favorite drug store polish. The built-in base coat eliminates an extra step, and the topcoat gives nails a salon-looking finish. {budget-friendly tip: Target typically sells them for $5…about $2-$4 cheaper than places like Walgreens, Ulta and CVS}.
If you have any favorite products, do share! Though I love these, I’m always excited to try something new.
I really enjoy visiting fashion/style blogs and checking out the clothes and accessories. I love being inspired by other women and their take on style, and though I don’t take my blog all that seriously and simply use it as a fun, creative outlet, sometimes I can’t help but look at other blogs and feel inferior. I am sometimes left feeling…not good enough. Ugly if only thoughts pop into my head…If only I had more money for clothes. If only I was thinner. If only I was prettier. If only I had her closet. I find it difficult some days to not compare myself to others.
Now that I’m a mom to a little girl, I think of how awful I would feel if she ever doubted her worth and was plagued with those if only thoughts. It would break my heart. I now refuse to give in to them, knowing I need to set a good example for her as she grows up. I want her to know that she doesn’t need to compare herself to anyone EVER, and that she is – just by being herself – good enough.
On that note, I’ll be starting my outfit posts again and having fun sharing my style point of view.
Thank you, my sweet little Caroline, for forcing me out of my bad habits and giving me a reason to be better.
Every summer there is a print I fall in love with {see here & here for previous favorites}. Thanks to Kate Spade’s new collection, I’m all about flamingos this time around! And now that I have a little one to dress, I’ve included some pint-sized options too.
LOOK 1
LOOK 2
Janie & Jack Flamingo Rash Guard Set $39
Carter’s Kissing Flamingos Rash Guard Set $17.99
Gymboree Flamingo Rash Guard Set $9.99
Which look is your favorite?
I’m not much of a drinker but after trying the white peach sangria at Brio a few weeks ago, I knew I needed to figure out how to make it at home. I took a look back at their menu and did a little bit online research along with some tweaking and settled on this recipe. It’s light and refreshing, making it perfect for summer. While making it a day in advance is ideal for flavor, it can easily be thrown together for an impromptu barbecue or get-together with friends and still hit the spot! I look forward to getting creative and making new incarnations of this new favorite.
What’s your favorite summer cocktail?
Getting used to my body after the baby has not been easy. During the last couple months of pregnancy, my feet and legs got really swollen so shedding those first few pounds in the weeks following our baby girl’s birth was easy. I gained 42 lbs total but the first 20-25 lbs melted right off as the swelling went down. It’s the last 15 that are sticking around. With summer right around the corner – and let’s face it, here in Miami there’s already beach weather – I wanted to find swimsuits that offered a bit more coverage but still had a fun feel to them, because a few extra pounds are not going to stand between me and a delicious day by the ocean or pool with the Mr. and our little one.
Here are a few of my favorites…
After several weeks away from the computer, I’m back on the blog. I’ve been enjoying time with the newest addition to our family… our sweet Caroline Rae. She surprised us and arrived about 2 & 1/2 weeks ahead of her due date. She was born weighing 7lbs 1oz, measuring 19″ long and with a full head of hair. All bias aside, she’s pretty much the cutest thing ever. I love her so much it hurts. I can feel my heart breaking into a million tiny pieces every time I look at her. More on her in future posts {you can sneak a few peeks of her on Instagram}. For now, here’s a Mother’s Day Gift Guide for new moms.
So tell me, what are you getting for the mom in your life? …or if you’re a new mom too, what’s on your wish list?
Oh hey, beck 