Thoughts on Pleggings

I hope everyone is having a great week. I am because we had a  hint of spring weather and I found out that my thrifted Steve Madden Intyce boots in this photo, that were $4.00, are still in the stores for $129. 00. Score!! Now, to the post at hand. I was recently reading a magazine that was asking the question, "Since when, did leggings become pants?"  Personally, I have been wearing leggings more as pants. The reason for this are there is a larger variety of patterns of leggings. Now for a random thought I have been having, since I am wearing leggings more often as pants I like to call them pleggings. Actually, I looked up pleggings in the urban dictionary. It defines pleggings as leather leggings. To me, it makes more sense that pants leggings are pleggings, like jeans leggings are jeggings( just my thoughts). Now, even though I do seem to be wearing them more often as pants, I do follow the rule of covering my back side. I follow this rule for two reasons, number one I am a mom and my daughters role model. Also, because usually legging material is not as thick as denim and it can be unflattering.

F21 Floral Leggings- Similar, F21- High and Low Sweater, Thrifted Sleeveless Denim Shirt- Similar, Thrifted Intyce boots - Found them at Steve Madden

I had the best news yesterday, I was featured in Mom.me's Mom Fashion Bloggers to Watch in 2013. I am so excited to be included with these ladies that have a great sense of style and are mom's.

Do you wear leggings as pants or just for causal like working out?
I am linking up for WWIW at The Pleated Poppy.

Driving a Wedge, that is Sneaker!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was not a productive as I had hoped, but that happens when one of your rug rats gets sick. This post is on the wedge sneaker. I wasn't sure if I was going to partake in this trend, but after my foot slipped into one of these shoes, I knew they were for me. They are very, very comfortable, but give you the height of a heel. These will go great with everything. I can't wait until the weather warms up and I can wear them with a dress. These sneakers can be found everywhere. I found mine at Target, I liked the style it was similar to the ones that I showcased by Ash and Clay, but 1/4 the price.

AE Corduroy Mint Jegging

F21- Graphic T-Shirt

Target- Xhilaration High Top Grey $34.99

Ash/ Clay Bowie Suede and Canvas Sneaker $205

Do you think you will try a wedge sneaker?

Linking up at Visible Monday and My Style, Your Style.

The weather is cold outside, so get a project on!

This post is slightly long, but I love decorating. It is something I am passionate about and lately I am getting the itch again. I think if you live on the East coast or Midwest you would agree the temps have been slightly chilly. This weekend isn't looking much better, so pick a small room or two to redo. The first picture is of my laundry room. Most people are like hmm Carrie, you do laundry in there! Yes, I do and I unfortunately spend a lot of time in there and that is why I want it to be nice. 

The lighting in this room used to be this dull light. Well, I was talking to a friend of mine telling her I wanted to put a chandelier in there and she said, "I have one in my basement you can have."

She had this sweet number in her basement that she purchased at the thrift store for $3.00! So, it became mine. Thanks Cathi!

I took all the crystals off (gave the to my mom) because I am not a crystals gal. Sprayed it black and it was as good as new.

Took down my old light and put the new on up, all by myself.

So this was my room after light was up.

 A few weeks ago, I was feeling like I wanted to repaint my laundry room. I really wanted a rust color. The best way to pick a paint color is hang the ones you are interested in on the wall for a few days. Eliminate them as you walk by and that will eventually leave you with a winner. I love the change it can make and that it can be done in a weekend. The funny thing is my daughter walked in last night and said, "when did you paint this room."

So you say Carrie, I don't feel like painting, let's go to my second room. You could give your bathroom a make over. Bathrooms are easy because they are such a small space. I decorated my  master bathroom for under $60 and that is with some new towels.

This cabinet I have had. This was a little number I picked up at the thrift store $4.00. I think it was an old t.v. cabinet. I broke off a few things and covered the back with material. For my bathroom make over I recovered the back with some new material adding some new life.

You can also display jewelry in your bathroom. I use glass vases to display my bracelets. The metal basket was in my kitchen holding nothing useful. Make-up basket in the middle, just reorganized- needed desperately.

Add a new shower curtain. I actually don't need a shower curtain , these are glass sliding doors. I just like the texture a shower curtain adds.  T. J. Maxx on clearance $16.00. I had this full length mirror already. Every one should have one to check out the front and the back!

Adding a new rug in your bathroom can make a great difference.  This rug was $14.00 at T. J. Maxx. My mom hooked me up and made my curtain. Material for that was  $4.00.

I usually only have my mercury pieces out at Christmas, but I changed my bathroom to gray and neutral tones, so I thought these would work great around my tub. I love the silhouette is oh my husband when he was little.

These are more pieces I had around the house. Also, you need a magazine when in the tub.

When I am decorating a room I try to use things around the house I already have. You really don't need to buy more stuff, just rearrange the things you have. Also, shop around at places like T.J. Maxx, Marshall's, and Home Goods you really do get more for your money. That's why I show you the prices, even at Target (which I love) you are going to pay a lot more and not get these type of products.


I want to thank all of you for your support with the Circle of Moms Fashion and Beauty Contest.

Have a great weekend? Do you have a project to tackle or plans?

Glasses from Firmoo

In December, I ran a giveaway by Firmoo. Well, after my giveaway I took them up on getting a free pair of glasses(not name brand) with free shipping. This program is offer for bloggers (so check it out). I have had name brand glasses in the past, but the kids sit on them, loose them, drop them, you get the point. Because of this, lately I have been buying less expensive glasses. The glasses I picked from Firmoo were these fashion glasses that I had made into sunglasses.

I thought their fashion glasses gave me a larger selection for my style. I picked these because they have a slight vintage feel . One thing with the fashion glasses, when you add them to your cart , there are options to get them tinted for $4.95 and add UV protection for $4.95. Besides a great price point, I thought they had a great quality feel to them. I received them quickly and they came with a glass cleaner in this great case.

The cool thing about Firmoo is  they offer a program that provides free glasses to all new customers,  you will be expected to pay for shipping.  Whether it is a hot summer day or a 16 degree winter day(like in my photo) these glasses look great.

Have you ever tried Firmoo?

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product in exchange of my review in this post. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Dot Your I's with Inspiration

Happy Wednesday! I am always interested into how people get inspired to do things. I get inspired everyday through blogs, friends, magazines, celebrities, t.v., the Internet and the list could go on and on. Recently, when I was perusing through my J.Crew catalog. I came across a pair of polka dot pants (now sold out) very similar to the Forever 21 pants below. I have been looking for a dresser cafe' style pant for everyday wear.  The J.Crew pants were fabulous, but I wanted to have the pants and few other items. So for $16.00, these pants from F21 were calling my name. These pants are so very versatile, you will definitely see them in another post.  Both looks featured below with are very similar,  by just changing your shoes your look can go from day to night. I would love to be able to wear heels to work everyday, not practical or happening. So, my first look is for work and the second with my thriftef cobalt Steve Madden pumps is a night look.

F21 Polka Dot Ankle Pants

F21 Lace Front Sweater

How do you get inspired ?

Linking up at The Pleated Poppy.

 Today is the last day to vote for The 2013 Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Blogs. I would really appreciate your vote. Thanks for all your support,  I know you guys are as happy as I am that it is the last day of the contest!

A Case of the Spots and Dots

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I am lucky to have a three day weekend and have taken advantage of the long weekend. I am still on my kick to try to see every award nominated movie. I was able to see Zero Dark Thirty and I thought it was another great movie. So, I was able to check that one off my list.  I also have been working on some reorganizing, which I will posting about later. Lastly, I went and saw my mom. She altered a few of my thrift store finds, so this weekend has been very productive and I still have today!
For my post today, this would be the only time when I would recommend to have a case of the spots and the dots. For this, I have combined two prints that I love dearly animal print and polka dot. If you are a little apprehensive of the whole mixing prints trend, an easy way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is by using accessories. One of my best and favorite purchases has been this H&M leopard infinity scarf.

H&M Leopard Infinity Scarf- Similar

F21 Dress- Similar

F21 Polka Dot Tights - Similar

Xhiliaration Puff Sleeve Moto Jacket, Consigned Laredo Boots- Similar

Do you have a favorite accessory?  What would you say has been your favorite purchase lately?

Linking up at Visible Monday, Monday Mingle , and My Style, Your Style. Make sure to check what these lovely ladies are wearing.

The 2013 Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion and Beauty Blogs is really close. I am currently 27th, so if you could take the time to vote. I would really appreciate it and it will only take a second to click on this link and vote.

Red, White, and the Blues

Do you ever feel like your life is the like the movie "Groundhog Day", where each day is the same and is repeated over and over? I feel like this is especially true if you have kids. Your day starts with getting the kids up, shoving breakfast down every body's stomachs, and racing out the door to get everyone to school and work. Then we work, pick everyone up from childcare, do homework, make dinner- you get the point. So, to brighten these days and switch it up, you can change up your style or get a hobby. I try to do both. I am right now working on a project that I will be sharing later. Recently, I found this printed skirt at Target for $19.00. I have been really impressed with Target's merchandise lately. I feel like the print and material of this skirt makes it look like a more high-end item. This skirt is the only new item in this outfit and for me it really changed it up.

Xhilaration Belted Skirt,  Blue Wool Blazer- Similar

These are a few skirts that gave me inspiration for mine.

J.Crew Voile Skirt in Stripe

PS Navy Jacquard Polka Dot Skirt

Georgina Pleated Skirt

 How do your break up the routine of life's daily chores? What is your favorite store to shop at?

Linking up at for WWIW at The Pleated Poppy .

  The Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion Mom Bloggers Contest is still going strong. I would love, love, love for your to vote for me.  You can click on the icon. Thank you, so much!

Pastels

Happy Monday, hope everyone had a great weekend. Over the weekend I saw the movie, "The Impossible" and it was sooo good. I came out of the movie feeling so blessed for my family. Definitely go see it if you can. Now onto the trend at hand, pastels. Pastels were also a trend last spring, so I am glad to see the trend remain for Spring 2013. I feel it is so feminine.

Starting on left Blamian, Valentino ,DKNY,  Moschino's for Spring 2013

While I was shopping over the holiday, I came across this pastel tunic by Mossimo. I fell in love with the many pastel colors incorporated into this tunic. Plus, I can wear this tunic all year, it is long enough to wear as a dress and for $24.99, I could buy two!

Mossimo Women's Long Floral Print Tunic ,

AE Jegging

H&M Infinity Scarf -Similar

Blowfish boots - Similar

What is your favorite pastel color? Have you seen any good movies lately?

Linking up at Visible Monday,  Monday Mingle , and My Style, Your Style , so make sure to check out some of those ladies.

  The Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion Mom Bloggers Contest is still going strong. I would love for your to vote for me.  You can click on the icon on the right or at the link here. 

Thrifting

Happy Wednesday! I am glad the snow is finally melting and the sun is shinning. When I got back from vacation, I went to my local thrift store and came across this pastel J.Crew cardigan for $2.99.

These are a few reasons to go thrifting:
1. This is actually the best time of the year to thrift because everyone is purging(including myself) and are making donations.
2. We all just spent a million dollars (just kidding, but lots) on Christmas for family and friends.
3. You can add some trends for spring into your closet for under $20.00.

These are some tips before going thrifting:
1.  Make a list of the trends you will be looking for.
2. Try to find a store that you can visit regularly, because they get new goods in everyday!
3. Make a budget, don't get caught up in that it's only $2.99. Male sure that the item you are buying could replace something in your current closet.

 Consigned Laredo Boots- Similar, H&M Leopard Dress- Similar, Thrifted J.Crew Cardigan- Similar, Forever 21 Bow belt -Similar

Do you have any tips to share about thrifting? What has been your favorite thing you have thrifted lately?
Linking up at The Pleated Poppy for WWIW.

  I would love to have your vote in The Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion Mom Bloggers Contest.  You can vote once every 24 hours until Jan 23, 2013. You can click on the icon on the right or at the link here. 

Style Resolutions for 2013

Style is not just about clothes, makeup, and accessories. Style is about how you feel on the inside and express it on the outside. Style is taking care of yourself. With everything that life entails with being a mom, I think it is important to make sure that we always take pride in ourselves.  That is why I came up with a few style resolutions and normally I don't make resolutions, because I know I will break them. I know there are three style resolutions I can stand behind. and stick too.

Xhiliaration Puff Sleeve Moto Jacket, Blue Converse,  American Eagle Jegging, Forever 21 scarf - Similar

My Three Style Resolutions for 2013

1. I am going to make more of an effort to paint my nails. I hardly ever paint my nails because I do a lot of projects that I feel mess up my nails. I think I can make an effort to paint them once a week. When I do paint my nails I have many people notice, so that is telling me that is something I neglect and should easily be able to take care of . Usually, if I had the option of taking a nap or painting my nails, I chose the nap. No more!

2. I am going to lay out my outfit I plan to wear at least 3 times at week.  I am great at laying my kids clothes out every night, but for myself I usually have in mind what I want to wear. When I wake up in the morning and I am very tired. I go for something more comfortable. So, to stick with my plan I will lay out my outfit, I think 3 days a week is a reasonable goal for me.

3. Lastly, I am going to put on my outfit and add an extra accessory. I am very good about wearing my bracelets, watch, and earrings, but that is usually about it.  The outfit above I added my Forever 21 scarf as my extra accessory, so I am off to a good start!

Do you make resolutions? Do you think you have a few style resolutions you could make?

Linking up at Visible Monday and Monday Mingle.

Small home interior changes for the New Year

 With taking down all my holiday decorations came a little sadness. So, to brighten these winter months you can make a few small changes to your home's interior. I have made three small changes to start off 2013. All of my changes involve using a chevron print. That print can update your home interior.

One easy project that you can do is recovering an ottoman. It only takes about an hour and the outcome can enhance any room. I found the material at Hobby Lobby and it was $7.99 a yard and you can always use a coupon. That is the nice thing about smart phones, you don't need printed coupons anymore.

A second project is find a focal point to enhance in your house. Sometimes that can easily be done by using items you already have in your house,  but rearranging them differently. I chose to work on my plant ledge above my front door. I haven't done anything with it since we have lived here. I am a firm believer in less is more when you really aren't sure what you want to accomplish in a space. Plus, I never really understood the plant ledge, it's not like I am going to get a ladder out to water plants and fake plants would just get dusty. So, when I recently came across these two canvas paintings at the thrift store for $5.99 I became inspired.

The canvas on the left is the original paint. I took free paint and applied one coat. I applied this coat, so you would not be able to see the print through the material.

I covered the canvas with chevron material, added a few accessories I had around the house. Lastly, I added a small print and voila. I love the change. Small but definitely made a difference.

Third an easy change is to buy new pillow covers for your current pillows on your couch. This is an easy and inexpensive change.

These pillow covers were $6.99 at Hobby Lobby. These were a steal at that price. I loved the pillow underneath the cover, so when I get tired of the chevron I can go back to my original.

This was my original pillow.

 I tend to like to change things, so these are just a few projects that you can do around the house. They are very inexpensive and easy to accomplish. I like to incorporate different prints in my interior and this chevron print can be incorporated into any room.

Have your made any small changes in your home lately?

Also, I am participating in the The Circle of Moms Top 25 Fashion Mom Bloggers Contest.  I would love your vote. You can vote once a day until Jan 23, 2013. You can click on the icon on the right or at the link here.  Thank you so much. Have a great weekend.