Summer Craft Time!

This morning we went for a fun family outing to Color Me Mine pottery in Frisco! What a great way to beat the heat! My youngest son made a snake, my mother a flip flop, and me a piggie plate! We can pick up our treasures a week from now. The prices are bit $$ but you can find a half off studio fee coupon on aroundtownkids.com 

https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&entry=s&sa=X&ftid=0x864c3cee35ba442f:0xa392f4098ad0de79&gmm=CgIgAQ%3D%3D

Another Face Mask...Whaaaat!?

Apparently, I'm all about face masks lately! I received this BioRepublic Green Tea Detox Mask inside of my last Birchbox. I decided to give it a whirl last night. It is one of those face masks that you fold out to cover your whole mug for 20 minutes. When you take it off you just rub in the remainder of the mask...no rinsing necessary. Then you follow up with your normal moisturizing routine. After the exfoliating mask I had done the previous evening, this product melted right into my skin and gave it a dewy healthy glow. 

BioRepublic Green Tea Detox Mask available through Birchbox ) $14.95 for a set of 3

A New Face Mask...Yes...Please!

So...I was on the hunt for a new face mask. I wanted something that would make my skin glow. I tried a few that I did not love and then I tried GlamGlow Youthmud from Neiman Marcus. You cleanse your face and then apply a thin layer of the mask. It has little leaves in it (don't let that deter you). After a few minutes the mask begins to tingle a bit (but not in an annoying way). After ten minutes you start taking it off with warm water and gently circulating it around your face to lightly scrub off dead skin. After you have all of the mask off its time to moisturize. The next day my face felt soft and my fine lines appeared a bit less obvious. This is a great mask to try out...see if you can get a sample first to test it out!

GlamGlow available at Neiman Marcus and Sephora GlamGlow Youthmud $69 

Hair Care Product Magic

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in product is awesome!! It helps moisturize, makes hair shinier, alleviates frizz, and acts as a thermal protector. It also has a fresh smell and is safe for color treated hair! 

Available at Ulta $18

Summer Is Coming: Beachy Waves Anyone?

Summer is coming, and who wouldn't want beachy waves for their mane??! I'm mad for Pureology Highlight Stylist Sea-Kissed Texturizer! You spray it on hair when wet or dry for non sticky/stiff beachy waves. It is safe for color treated hair and smells awesome! 

Highlight Stylist Sea-Kissed Texturizer 4.2 oz available at Ulta for $28 

Coconut Cream Pie Heaven

I am not typically a coconut cream pie gal...but the one at Capital Grille has made be a believah'!! The chef reccomended it to us and he was not joking about how yummy it was. The pie had a thick buttery crust, creamy filling, and lots of whipped cream on top! It is also adorned with a crispy cookie that was lots of fun to dip! Next time you go to Capital for din make sure you treat yourself to this dessert...you will not be disappointed!! 

Capital Grille Shops at Legacy

Food Truck Fun!!!

Today, I had the great opportunity to chaperone a field trip to the Dallas Museum of Art and it was awesome! We checked out great exhibits and then hit the food truck park at Klyde Warren Park. I had a banh mi sandwich from the Nammie truck and a stellar ice cream sandwich from Cool Haus. The ice cream was vanilla and the cookie was pretzel chocolate chip... I literally wish I could go back in time and eat it again!!! 

A Running Shoe Do!!

I am very excited about my new Adidas running shoes! I have been looking literally everywhere for the perfect pair. Something comfy but supportive...attractive yet sleek...and these totally fit the bill. The price is def a little steeper than what I would usually shell out...but when you know you know! 'Ultra Boost' Running Shoe available at Nordstrom $179.95

Burger 21: Try Out This Great New Burger Joint In DT Frisco

Went to a great new place in Frisco for lunch with the kiddos. Burger 21 is a fast casual eatery right in Frisco Square and has a wide variety of burgers, salads, fries, and shakes. I had a Gruyere burger with fried egg and asparagus...it was juicy and delish! The sweet potato fries were hot and crispy...extra thin just how I love them. Hubby and I split a hazelnut shake with torched marshmallows on top...this was insane...creamy and just the perfect ammount of sweet! Go check out this great new place!! 

https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&entry=s&sa=X&ftid=0x864c3bf850183775:0x9dae0c9b749401cf&gmm=CgIgAQ%3D%3D

Bobbi Brown At Nordy

Um holy cow...Nordstrom is price matching Bobbi Brown cosmetics right now!!! So get your shop on and get to your local Nordstrom or buy online at a deep discount! 

Nordy Rules

I just love Jo Malone's Jasmine and Mint scent! It is fresh and yummy perfect for summer! Nordy Stonebriar took amazing care of me and my teacher friends showing us the best products and the newest cosmo finds! This scent is one of my delish goodies! 

Jasmine and Mint available at Nordstrom $65 

Make A Statement With a Statement Necklace

I love statement necklaces! So...when I came across this lil' gem for $14.99 at H&M I was in chunky jewelry overload!! The details on the website state that it has an antique-finish metal, oblong plastic beads, and an adjustable length. It also comes in green. I have worn it multiple times already...alone...and layered with other statement necklaces for added oomph!! Get one before they are gone!!!

Statement necklace available at H&M for $14.99

Face Mask Action

I grabbed one of these single use nugg face masks from Target the other day to try out. It gets the Allure magazine seal of approval, so I thought I'd give it a whirl! I finally put it on tonight and it is wonderful. It made my face feel super soft and was super rich and creamy if your feelin' dry. They are also super reasonable at $3.29!!!

Nugg face mask available at Target $3.29 

I'm So Excited...And I Just Can't Hide It!!!!

I'm so exited!! I've been waiting on this new St. Tropez self tanning lotion that you apply while you are showering...cool right?!!! I will be going to grab a bottle of this ASAP! 

Available at Sephora 

Express Yourself...My New Local Jewelry Find

Check out my new Expressions bracelet from Blue Door Boutique in DT Frisco! You can get any personalized coordinates stamped on them and choose from gold, silver, or rose gold. I chose to stamp mine with the coordinates of the hospital I had all three of my sons at...and it was only $27!!! This would make an amazingly sweet Mothers Day gift or just cuz. 

Expressions bracelets available at Blue Door Boutique in downtown Frisco 

Hair Care I Had To Share

One of my last monthly Birchboxes had the Number 4 Thermal Styling Spray inside of it. This nourishing spray helps to alleviate a frizzy do that has been feeling the burn from too much heat. You just spritz on this vegan product before styling and it makes hair much easier to tame. 

Thermal Styling Spray available online through Birchbox $30

I Got 99 Problems But No Boyfriend Jeans Ain't One Of Them

I have been dyin' for a great pair of torn up loose fitting boyfriend fit jeans... lo and behold H&M had a stylish fit at a reasonable price! Not only did I get a deal, but I signed up for their app and got an extra discount. I love these jeans for spring and cannot wait to pair them with my new off the shoulder tops!! 

Boyfriend Low Jeans in light blue available at H&M for $39.99

A Steal Of A Deal: The H&M Dress That Stole My Heart

I was super excited to find a great find at H&M this past weekend! The dress is long and flowy...with super lightweight fabric that is perfect for breezy spring evenings. When I tried it on I knew I was in love...and what a steal at less than $20!!!

Patterned Maxi Dress available at H&M $19.99

Get That Pretty Mug Prepped: My Picks For Best Face Exfoliators

This time of the year facial exfoliation is key. Whether it's for just keepin' your mug soft and smooth or if you are making it the perfect self tanner canvas...you must get that skin prepped and ready!! Below are a few of my favorite facial exfoliators. They are all gentle on the skin and come in a variety of price points to match any budget!! Make sure you follow up with your favorite moisturizer to plump up that beautifully prepped face!! 

Modern Friction $20 available at Origins 

La Mer The Refining Facial $90 available at Nordstrom 

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub $6.99 available at Ulta 

My Newest Running Accessory

Since the weather has been so much prettier lately, I have been running outside way more often. After I purchased my 6s i phone, the running arm case that I used to use no longer fit. Today, I purchased the belkin armband to make my outdoor running more comfortable. I have not tried it yet...but I definitely will be reviewing this sucker as soon as I have tried it out on a nice long run!! 

belkin pink and black i phone 6s armband available at Target on sale for $29 

Got A Sweet Tooth?? Check Out The Cake Boss's New Dallas Location

So ...the hubby must really love me, because he went out of his way to go to the Cake Boss's new location in Dallas. If you have ever been to or lived in the NY or NJ area then you know that bakeries are a huge deal and every morsel they sell is scrumptious! My hubby picked up my fave rainbow cookies, canoli, cheesecake and chocolate mousse cake. I cannot wait to dive in...good thing I worked out! 

Carlo's Bakery 8319 Preston Rd, Dallas, TX 75225

Not Over Overalls Just Yet

In crazy love with these Fire overalls from Nordstrom. I've been wanting to try on a pair (haven't worn overalls since high school...the 90's) and saw these and couldn't resist! The are a more fitted fashion forward pair and are lightweight in fabric and color to transition right into spring. Better yet they were on sale!!! 

Fire overalls $29 available in the juniors department at Nordstrom

 

Blonde Hair Don't Care: Color Balancing Shampoo

If you are a blonde then you probably deal with brassiness and fading over time. My colorist suggested Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo to fix this issue. Go ahead and shampoo with your normal suds then move on to the purple. I usually leave it on for two minutes then rinse and follow up with my fave conditioner. This keeps my color much prettier before my next trip to the salon. 

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo available at Ulta $15.99

This Workout Top Is A Beauty!

I am just crazy for my new Lululemon Stride To Tide Tank! It is light weight, super soft, and incredibly comfortable...plus it looks flattering and very pretty while your busting your butt at the gym. 

Stride To Tide Tank available at Lululemon store and online for $58

A Stellar Liquid Eyeliner: Let's Create A Hot Retro Cat-Eye

So, one of my fave Birchbox treats is the Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner. Every month I receive a lil' box of great cosmo samples to try out from Birchbox. This liquid eyeliner is very easy to apply and has a rich dark pigment. It is a great price point at $18 and makes a retro cat-eye easy to try out!!! Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner available for $18 at Birchbox 

Transition Your Scent For Springtime

A few weeks ago, I went to a Tom Ford event at Neiman Marcus and received an amazing "very large" sample of one of their fragrances. The fragrance in question is Mandarino di Amalfi Eau de Parfum and smells absolutely divine! The Neiman Marcus website lists its notes as a blend of citrus fruits, mint, thyme and wildflowers. It is warm and light and the perfect transitional scent to move right into springtime. 

Tom Ford Mandarino di Amalfi Eau de Parfum 1.7 oz. $220 available at Neiman Marcus

Eating Out...Let's Try Another New Local Spot!!

The hubby and I were wanting to try a new spot to eat dinner, so we hit up Crudo in Frisco and it did not disappoint! Our waiter quickly took our drink order and brought us out some warm flat bread with cheese, olives, and olive oil sprinkled over it...what a great way to to start our meal! We ordered our drinks and started with a calamari appetizer. The calamari was mixed with fried olives, calamari, and shrimp. The waiter reccomended it and it was absolutely perfect. Next, we ordered our entrees... I decided on the sea bass with lemon risotto and my hubby had the Wagyu beef with mushroom risotto. Both dishes were beautifully presented and absolutely succulent. So, if you are looking for a new restaurant to try def give Crudo a whirl it will not disappoint! 

Crudo Wood Fired Taverna 7004 Lebanon Rd. Frisco  https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&entry=s&sa=X&ftid=0x864c3c7b4970780b:0xe0b77e9f6283ce08&gmm=CgIgAQ%3D%3D

Shop Local: A Downtown Frisco Gem

Mad love for my new off the shoulder top from Blue Door Boutique Frisco! I'm crazy for the off the shoulder look this season and cannot wait for the weather to cooperate so I can wear it!!! Blue Door is a gem in Downtown Frisco! They are fashion savvy, passionate about their product, but not pushy. It is a wonderful experience to shop this boutique and I always leave with something adorable. 

Surf Gypsy Top $43 available a Blue Door Boutique 

Want A New Place To Grab A Nibble??

Tonight a friend and I went out for an evening of shopping and decided to stop at a local joint for a bite to eat. We ended up at Three Squares in Downtown Frisco Square and both decided on the Bahn Mi honey sriracha, crispy chicken wrap with lime cucumber slaw on a flour tortilla. I decided to get mine with grilled chicken instead of crispy and we both got salads instead of fries. The Siracha had just enough kick, and while filling the wrap was still very light. This is a very cute place with great happy hour specials, yummy fresh food, and happy hour half price apps...go check it out!! 

Dry Skin Blues: How Get That Glow Back

This weather...while lovely is def taking a toll on my skin. Today, I noticed how dry it was, and dry skin can make you look aged and fine lines will appear more pronounced. So, after my workout I used my cream cleanser with my foreo brush and then put on a VERY creamy moisturizing face mask. I left this on for around 20 minutes...rinsed...then followed up with my lip balm, La Mer moisture cream, and eye treatment. My skin already feels refreshed and is definitely on the way to recovery. The mask I used is from Organic Spa which is hard to come by locally, but I am a fan of origins and La Mer's masks, or you can head over to your fave retailer Nordy, Neimans, and/or Sephora to get a sample to try and see what works best. 

Orange Theory Update: Burn Baby Burn...Calories

I am totally digging my Orange Theory classes that I signed up for! I have been to four classes so far and each one has been different and challenging. It is giving me plenty of new ideas to integrate into my normal workouts, and each workout allows you to continually burn calories at a much faster burn up to 36 hours after your session. The first class is always free and I def reccomend giving it a shot! 

Summer Is Coming!! A Fragrance Swap To Get Into the Summer Mood

Summer is coming...well almost!! So, to feel more summery this weekend I spritzed on my favorite summer scent...Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche Skinscent. This fragrance smells like every nostalgic summer day rolled into one. The notes are Bergamot, Mandarin, Tahitian Gardenia Petals, Coconut, and warmed with Amber, Sandalwood and Vetiver. It is light yet warm and is the perfect way to feel summery when those long summer nights still feel ions away. 

Bronze Goddess available at Belk Price $62.00

Local Explorations

The weather was absolutely beautiful out today, so after a weekend of rain and gloom we decided to go out exploring! First stop was to feed the duckies (I knew all of that old bread would be good for something). Then, we took a trip to downtown McKinney and had brunch at Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen off Virginia St. We shared yummy pimento cheese and pulled pork tator tots, and split a grilled salmon club with a side salad. The food was fresh and tasty...and the weather was perfect for lounging on the patio. Next, we strolled along the streets stopping for puppy treats at The Canine Cookie Company, chocolate covered gummy bears at Mom and Popcorn Company, and finally a piece of chocolate pie with pretzel crust to go from Emporium Pies. The day was breezy and full of sunshine making it the perfect weather for seeing the local sites! 

Hair Masque Action: Revive Color Treated Hair

I'm always looking for new ways to make my color treated hair healthier, so I decided to purchase Pureology Curl Complete Moisture Melt Masque during my last trip to Ulta. My hairdresser Alison is a big fan of the Pureology products and this particular one deeply conditions to help fight against coloring damage. All I do is comb it through my wet hair while I'm in the shower...let it sit on my hair for a few minutes...and then rinse.

A few of the features and benefits listed in the Ulta site are:

• Anti-static, softness, conditioning
• Luscious formula envelops hair fiber with curve-enhancing polymers
• Provides enhanced condition, definition and bounce
• Anti-Fade Complex

So, if you are looking for a new hair product to soften, heal, and transform your hair then I would def give this one a go! 

Pureology Curl Complete Moisture Melt Masque available at Ulta $50.50

Hate Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes??? Me Too: Quick Waterless Brush Cleanser

I am absolutely terrible at cleaning my makeup brushes...so when I saw Japonesque Waterless Brush Cleaner I was intrigued. This brush cleanser is designed to  quickly remove all types of makeup residue and dries within seconds. You spray it onto the brush from about six inches away and then swirl the brush on a dry paper towel until no more makeup comes off of it. On my larger brushes I had to do this twice. Now, this will not replace actually washing your brushes, but it definitely is good between cleanings! 

Japonesque Waterless Brush Cleaner available at Ulta $16 

Pastel Nail Action

It was nex gen nail time today, and I went with a very pretty seafoam green color. This spring pastels are all the rage!!! My gal Vivi at Serenity Nails McKinney gave my nails a very pretty oval shape and got them nice and short just like I prefer. So, try a little pastel action next time you hit your fave nail salon. 

Nex Gen Nails available at Serenity Nails McKinney  

Closet Reinvention

Well...Spring Break is here and Spring Cleaning has been on the agenda for WEEKS! I finally got up the energy to tackle the epic project that is my closet and with some help from the Container Store...I am on my way to organization bliss! I purchased more of the Joy no slip hangers (which are amazing by the way). They create more room and can even stack items to consolidate! I also purchased some jewelry organizers to keep my items easy to view and access. I made it a point to get rid of items that I haven't worn this year...it is very hard for me to do this, but I kept my friend Emily in mind who is excellent at reinventing her closet and staying organized. I took the rejected items over to Plato's and Clothes Mentor (one man's trash is another's treasure) and received a total of $50! So, even though cleaning out one's closet is a huge feat...it is def work it!!! 

Huggable Hangers in black available at the Container Store $29.99

Luxurious Face Splurge

So, I promised y'all some details on the samples that my gal Shalisa got me set up with at Nordstrom Stonebriar. My friend Aim LOVES the La Mer Lifting and Firming Mask that she purchased a couple of months ago. I have been dying to give it a whirl! This mask is a luxurious treat. It is a cream mask that tightens, firms, and refines the face and neck. It is very easy to use and does not require a lot of time to add it to your routine. After cleansing your face apply a thin layer...massaging it in to your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. You can either tissue it off, rinse it off, or leave it on all night to let it infuse into your skin! You choose the best method based on your skin type. I'm a bit oily so I gave it a rinse when the timer buzzed. My skin feels super soft and I'm looking forward to seeing the long term results! 

La Mer The Lifting and Firming Mask available at Nordstrom $245

Springs Shoe Must Have: The Gladiator Lace Up

Super excited about my new fab shoe find at Nordy! The Steve Madden Sammson Ghillie Gladiator Sandal is hot hot hot! They are easy to get on (zip up the back) and fit my calves perfectly! The price point on them is reasonable and these sandals will look perfect with shorts, dresses, and skirts. The sandal does run a bit on the small side (I usually wear a 9.5 but I purchased the 9). I cannot wait to wear mine!!

Steve Madden Sammson Ghillie Gladiator Sandals available in sand at Nordstrom $89.95

Shop Local: Gettin' Saucy With La Casita Hot Sauce

A few weeks ago, I took the kiddos to the Vintage Market in McKinney. While there, I met up with some friends and we sampled La Casita Hot Sauce. The medium hot sauce was just the right amount of spicy, so I grabbed a bottle to support a local Texas vendor. We ran out of this tasty sauce a few weeks ago and I wasn't sure how to get a refill until....lo and behold they were sampling products at my local Kroger!!! I was totally stoked...and told the nice lady (Veronica) how I had been dreaming of their hot sauce and needed more! Their company was "born and created" in Royse City, TX and is locally owned and operated. The hot sauce is all natural, gluten free, vegan, low sodium, and has no additional sugars. Now, you can get it at your local Kroger since they have just been given shelf space in 29 of their stores!!! So, please support this awesome local company while you dip your favorite tortilla chip into their yummy sauce!!! 

La Casita Hot Sauce available at select Kroger stores 

Dry Brushing Facts

Why do I love dry brushing? A couple of years ago I went for a massage and they schooled me in the art of dry brushing your skin. So, let me tell you the benefits:

Lymphatic Support: One of the biggest claims of dry brushing is that it stimulates the normal lymph flow within the body and helps with the natural detoxifying process. 

Exfoliation: This process allows for the removal of dead skin cells through natural exfoliation.

Cellulite Help: This is def not a cure all but regular dry brushing can diminish the look of cellulite.

So, I'm not saying you are gonna look like a Victoria's Secret model after some dry brushing...but it is a great natural way to diminish the look of cellulite, get blood flowing to the right areas, and exfoliate your skin before your fave self tanner. 

Dry brushes available at most beauty retailers 

 

Want To Glow Like A Pro: Self Tanner Game

A friend requested I blast out a blog post about my go to spring/summer no sun glow secret! I was a devoted St.Tropez tanning mousse user for two years but....they came out with a brand new formula! Enter in St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse. Now don't get me wrong, changing formulas for me was a BIG decision...but this new one did not disappoint. It went on just as easy as the other, but the fast acting formula left me the perfect shade of bronze in just two hours! I apply with my hands since I have perfected getting if off, but I would def recommend you use the glove they sell until you feel confident in your self tanning skills. When the hours were up...I rinsed off...put on my body lotion...went to bed and was tan perfection by morning! Everyone at work said it was the perfect amount of color, and you must understand that I am as pale as they come. No streaks...no spots...no yucky smell...and definitely no orange hue! This product is available at Ulta and will save you a fortune in spray tan visits!!! I even used it on my face! 

St. Tropez products available at Ulta 

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse $44 6.7 oz