All My Pear-Shaped Ladies!

I never ever ever ever thought I would ever ever ever have anything (everrr) nice to say about Wal-Mart. But guys. Wal-Mart has done something wonderfully right. And it's a bathing suit, of all things!

Since I live in a beach town now, and summer is (albeit slowly) approaching, bathing suits have been on my mind. I needed one that would simultaneously cover up my post-partum uglies and nicely accentuate the better parts of my pear-shaped body. (That was the most awkward sentence ever!) I knew I wanted a retro, Esther Williams style suit, but they are really expensive (exhibit A and exhibit B.) 

I don't know what I was thinking, but a few weeks ago I looked at Wal-Mart's online swim shop and found these suits! I mean, they look just like the ones from Mod Cloth, but at a fraction of the price. The suits had hundreds of good reviews online, that I read through thoroughly. I then took a deep breath and ordered the striped one.

It came in today and all I can say is, wow. Seriously. Best fitting bathing suit I've ever owned. Good quality fabric, pretty ruching, good coverage without being prudish. And it comes in a wide variety of super cute patterns and colors. (And I'm very sorely tempted to order a few more of them!)

If you're looking for a retro style swimsuit but don't want to spent $$$ for one, I'd recommend giving these a try! I mean, at $33, you can't go wrong, right? 

P.S. I found the swimsuit to be true to size. Make sure to peek at the sizing chart before ordering!

A Quiet, Snowy Week

69 + 70 / 365

It was a little annoying to get another snow storm this week, but at least it was a small one. 

I finally watched Big Easy Express. It's funny how people's voices seldom seem to match their faces.

(Alex Ebert is really annoying. Jade Castrinos is adorable. I loved Mumford and Sons even MORE when they got the Austin HS band to play with them. Also, do indie rockers ever shower?)

Trying to explain St. Patrick's Day to a 3 year old is hard.

I'm making this cake for my babies' birthdays in less than three weeks!

Every time I see these posts I miss my sisters like cray-zay.

These smell JUST LIKE those orange marshmallow circus peanut things. 

We Roam

I have been a huge fan of Ryan Marshall's photography and videography for years.

The maternity series he did for his wife, Cole, is the best maternity series. Ever.
(And I hate 98% of all maternity photography. So there.)

This newest video of his that he shared today takes my breath away.

Basically he's amazing.

Check out his portfolio for more beautiful images.

These Last Three Days (52-54/365)

I've stepped away from the computer the last few days for a few reasons.

One being, I've got a new computer, a new version of Photoshop annnnd I have no idea what I'm doing yet. (But I'm having fun learning.) 

Secondly, this Whole 30 business.

The first day I was all arrogant and stuff. Like "this is so easy, I'm so awesome."

The second day I felt hung over all day. Migraine headaches and all.

Third day - migraines worsen.

Fourth day - I'm ready to die. Exhausted, weepy, head achy, irritable, just-want-to-hide-in-bed-all-day. Not really good with two active kids under 3.

But today's the 5th day and things are getting better. I'm already seeing some happy benefits (swelling and inflammation is already down a lot!) I am excited to see what improvements the rest of the month will bring.

Up above is a picture of a dairy free/crustless quiche I made with ground pork, spinach and peppers. It was pretty awesome.

Have you seen Life in a Day? I thought it was raw and human and beautiful and overall, pretty brilliant.

Macbook Bling?

As a disclaimer, I recognize that they're pretty cheesy.

[And that my husband would be horrified if I actually used one!]

But it's fun looking at these clever Macbook decals.

[All found on Etsy.]

Tic Tac Apple

Mac-Man

Apple Juice Box

 Apple Kite

 Plucked Apple

Apple Squared

Obviously I have a thing for the silly ones.

But these colorful ones are pretty nice too.

 Abstraction

Color Board

51 [Bare Feet]

I love winter light.

And I love having a little girl who loves to play dress up in frothy, pink tulle.

(My filthy kitchen floor adds so much character, don't you agree?)

So as I speak, I am enjoying GLORIOUS peace and quiet, because my saint of a husband cheerfully offered to take BOTH babies with him to the store to pick up some groceries.

I'm at the end of day two of the Whole30 and it hasn't been too bad. The coffee situation hasn't been fun and I've had some ongoing, killer "I need caffeine" headaches, but they should be going away soon.

This stuff has become my new lover. Totally clean ingredients, and when mixed with a jar of coconut milk you feel like you're in comfort food heaven. Goes well with any combo of meats + veggies. 

I've been to a Lush store in Raleigh, and thoroughly enjoyed all the scents, colors, and demos. Never bought anything though. Since my diet this month is so strict, I've been trying to think of non-food related ways to treat myself. I might have to make an online order for some bath bombs. They look so fun!

Kimchi

Ecote

These two bags have given me the lust of the eyes. The Ecote backpack would be perfect for traipsing around town or to the beach this summer with the kids. And it doesn't help that they're on super clearance on Urban Outfitters online. 

Best of 2012 (TAG)

[my sister did this little "favorites" recap and I thought it would be fun to follow suit.]

-Beauty Favorites-

Face: 

2012 was the year I fell in love with BB Cream. I started with Garnier's since it was cheap, but gave up quickly because they only had 2 shades and the lightest was too obviously dark for my skin tone.(Girlfriend's paaale.) But then Maybelline came out with one with a wider variety of shades, so I tried again. BB creams give much lighter coverage than foundation, which was a difficult transition for me, but after using it exclusively (with a little setting powder on top) for a week, my skin's condition had improved dramatically. I mean, really dramatically. Pores shrank, redness disappeared, and I have had very minimal breakout issues since using it. I'd like to invest in a higher quality cream sometime soon, but if you want to give it a try with minimal investment I highly recommend Maybelline's. Also, last year I learned the immense value of a good primer, especially for eyes. (I use Mirabella's and highly recommend.) 

Cheeks: 

I laughed when I got a pack of these highlighter "papiers" in my last Ipsy bag because I had no idea what to do with them, but oooh my goodness, I love them! You tear out a sheet, and wipe over each cheekbone, down your nose, across your chin and forehead and get a very sheer, nice highlight. It gives your face a nice subtle "glow." 

Eyes: 

Eventually I would like to be a "big girl" and be able to wear liquid liner with confidence, but for now this Urban Decay pencil works well for me. It goes on like butter, and lasts all day. Best pencil I have ever tried (and I've tried a lot.)

Lips: 

Some swear by it, some laugh at it. I'm actually a big fan of Benetint. I like using it on my cheeks when I go for a bolder blush look, but I love it on my lips. A few light brushes and you get a nice subtle rosy color, or you can layer for a brighter red. I love products that allow versatility.

Skincare: 

Exfoliation! It makes such a difference for me. I just use a St. Ive's scrub for sensitive skin right now, but maybe 2013 will be the year I invest in a Clarisonic. (I've wanted to try one for a long time now!)

Nails: 

Every couple of months or so I become obsessed with finding the pefect shade of a certain nail color. This winter, I went on a long search for the perfect dark, dark red. Essie's "Wicked" is perfect. 

Hair:

This has been a rather bad year for my hair. It started with post partum hair loss (the worst!) and an ombre job from hell that had to be dyed over and has damaged my hair quite a lot. I tried all natural shampoo bars this summer, but ended up giving up on them because our water in WV was so hard and the recommended vinegar rinses weren't conditioning enough for my bleached out hair. So the best thing I've done for my hair this year has been trying to learn to leave it alone. I've started going longer stretches between washes which has been really helpful. I've also learned that I love the way curling with a straightener looks! 

Perfume: 

I'm still a huge fan of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle and want a bottle badly, though a friend gave me a sample of Bvlgari 'Mon Jasmine Noir and I liked it lots. 

-Fashion Favorites-

Clothing piece:

American Apparel jersey pocket skirt.

Accessory:

American Apparel jersey circle scarf. (It was the year of American Apparel for me.)

Shoes:

Flatforms. I'm still a bit obsessed. I got this pair last summer but would love to be the proud owner of a pair of Gee Wawas one day. 

-Randoms-

TV Show:

2012 was the year of Downton, of course. It was also the year of being ridiculously into "The Voice," "You Bet Your Life" (via Netflix) and "River Monsters." We also re-watched all three seasons of "The I.T. Crowd" for the umpteenth time. They are never not funny.

Movie:

"The Artist" was the cutest movie ever. I loved every second.

Book:

I finally read my first "Vonnegut" and was sadly underwhelmed. Disappointing, but I suppose I should try another of his books before giving up completely. I also read J.D. Salinger's short stories and loved them. I am still reading "What is the What" by Dave Eggers, and it's been the most raw, moving story I've read in years. Really good but difficult to get through quickly.

Food: 

Sweet potato.

Drink:

Iced Americano

Song:

"Harvest Moon" by Neil Young. 

Anyone else want to play along? I'd love to hear your favorites from 2012! 

  

December Ipsy

All in all, it was another great bag! (I love love love the Mirabella primer!)

This is my last "ipsy" post as I'm taking a break from the subscription.

However, I would highly recommend them to anyone who likes pretty surprises in their mailboxes!

(Not an endorsed post by the way. I just really enjoyed the service!)

After I get moved and settled again I might try a new subscription box service, so I'll keep you posted.

xox

What I'm Loving: American Apparel

I know the owner of American Apparel is a sleaze bag, and their advertising is horrible. So I'll get that out of the way first off. I know of several people who boycott the brand because of these reasons and I respect their actions.

I'm not a fan of the company's founder's morals, but I am a huge fan of the products they produce. I love the fact that the clothing is made in the USA. I love the quality of the materials they use. And I love the versatility of the clothing.

Here are some of my favorite American Apparel products, and why they've become the work horses of my wardrobe. (This is not an endorsed post - I just enjoy writing reviews of products that I really love!)

The Unisex Circle Scarf. I bought my first circle scarf in 2010. It was my first ever AA purchase. I have worn and washed the heck out of it and it still looks brand new. For reals! What I love about it - it's ridiculously versatile. There are dozens of way to wear and style the scarf, from simple loops around your neck, to a hooded scarf style. It can even be worn as a skirt or strapless dress! The material is very high quality, thick jersey. It's so warm in the colder months and comes in just about any color you could want. It's one of the best things I've ever bought.

The Jersey Pocket Skirt. The best skirt ever. Seriously - if I could buy one for every woman I know I would. They look amazing on everyone, and are so so comfortable. I wish I could buy one in every color, but for now I just own the black one which goes with everything. This is another product that has held up amazingly well under lots of washes and wears. The jersey material is really top notch!

California Fleece Pullover Raglan Hoodie Dress. I bought two of these with a Groupon deal last year when I was pregnant with Silas and they are the best sweatshirts I have ever owned. I know, sweatshirts aren't very glamorous or anything, but  the cut and fit of these are very flattering. The quality of the material is SO good. I know I've said it about the other two products, but seriously, every American Apparel product I have purchased holds up extremely well under lots of washes and wears - which is very important to a Mom of very small children! They don't really work as dresses (at least not on me, I'm too curvy I think) but work well over skinny jeans or leggings. These would be great for taller girls who have trouble finding sweat shirts that are long enough in the waist.

The Interlock High-Waist Skirt. An awesome, very high-waist skirt that is made of thick, high quality jersey. It's a modest, longer length (mine hits right below the knee as I'm pretty short) but I always feel sexy and confident when I wear it. It just hugs and flares in all the right places! It's on sale right now too for just $10!

California Fleece Tulip Skirt. Another great, versatile skirt of amazing quality. This one's shorter, and works best for me over tights.

California Select Original Cut-Out School Girl Dress. I don't own one of these, but it's high up on my wish list! I tried one on in D.C. a couple of months ago and the fit is so, so good. The material doesn't feel as durable as their other products, but the dresses are made from recycled vintage fabrics. The fabric for these dresses are gorgeous, and each one is unique! 

Roll Away Your Stone

Have you heard of Mumford & Sons?
I just started listening to them, and their album "Sigh No More" is swiftly becoming a new favorite.

Their music is poetic and uplifting. This is my favorite song of theirs.

You have to listen to the end! Such good lyrics.

Afterglow

If you have not heard of THIS APP, please get it as soon as possible. It is SO good and so much fun. It's really sparked my creativity and I love when that happens.