Tar'Jay

I LOVE Target!! I am there 2-4 times a day- YES! Its ridiculous!!

 

One of the (many) things I love about Target are the affordable fashions. Everything they carry is always cutting edge and completely affordable! AND if you are wanting something very fashion forward, that may possibly be only "in" for one season, affordable is what you want! Save your big purchases for the more classic items that can be worn throughout multiple seasons to come.

 

Some major trends this fall are Animal Graphic Tops (Especially OWLS), Peplum Tops/Dresses, and Animal Print Jeggings (REALLY Jeggings in any print/color).

 

The Burberry Prorsum Top Below (in long sleeved) runs $1,295.

 

 

I purchased this Mossimo Owl Light Weight Sweater Below at Target on SALE for $17.00!!!!!

 

 

The Alice & Olivia Peplum Top Below Retails for $198.

 

 

 

 

The Peplum Top Below Can Be Purchased In A Similar Red Tone At Target For $14.99.

 

Have A Daughter?? The Grey Cheetah Jeggings Below Can Be Found At Sophie For $62.

 

 

Buy Your Daughter An Almost Identical Pair At Target For $16.99.

 

PLUS I can buy groceries, birth control, make up, and guinea pig food while I'm there (at Tar'Jay). What more can a girl ask for?!?!

 

 

Leather, Brocade, Fur, Jewels, and Velvet..OH MY!

This Fall is all about textures! Leather, brocade, fur, jewels and velvet....oh my! I decided to rock several different textures together Saturday night, inspired by Blue Moon Market.

 



 

 

                                        Faux Fur/Sweater Vest         Gold Sequin Top

 

 

 

The Finished Look

 

I paired the two items with black leggings and my Nina black sequin boots (purchased 2 years ago from Sophie- my FAVORITE boots).

 

AND YES! Girls- leggings are still a wardrobe must!!! Whether they are a denim, leather, or pant!

 



"Fall"ing Into Trends

I absolutley LOVE fall!!!! EVERYTHING about it!! Its my Favorite Season!!!

I always take my daughter apple and pumpkin picking at this time of year at Shank Farms. We buy mums and taste the (flavored) honey (straws) they cultivate there, while watching the bees scurry about within their hives. Its Ashlyn's favorite! And of course there is Barnyard Days, pumpkin flavored everything, Halloween, candy corn, hay rides, corn mazes, and fun fall parties.
ANOTHER thing I love about fall is the FASHION! Its cooler out, so wearing layers of (fabulously textured) clothing, hair flowing, and full on makeup is no biggie.

THIS year's Fall Fashions are right up my alley!! I've decided to feature one/two item(s) a day for the next few days....

COLORED DENIM is a MUST this fall! You can find skinny jeans in an assortment of colors  including bright, bold, neon, and muted/soft tones.

I chose to purchase a Red Pair of Skinny Jeans from Blue Moon (on the left $45). They are almost identical as the Express pair (on the right, on sale for $49.90).

Another trend this fall is leopard print. I paired my own red jeggings up with this sparkly leopard print top from Express (on sale for $19.90) and (Jessica Simpson)

leopard print heels from Sophie. Don' be afraid to layer on the leopard print! Too much leopard is never enough!

What is your favorite fall trend so far???

 

 



The Best BirchBox EVAAAA!!!!!!!!

I absolutely LOVEEEEEEEE this month's Birch Box!!

Schick Hydro Razor with a $4 (off) coupon for refill blades. We all know that Razors and Refills are FREAKIN' expensive (cuts into my shoe fund), so thought this was very COOOOOOOL!!!!

Pixi Beauty Line Relax Serum. FULL SIZE, a $32 value.

Talika Lash Serum Sample, that is plant-derived.

Caldrea Hand Soap Samples.

Juicy Couture, Viva La Juicy La Fleur, Sample.

****A $10/mo Birchbox subscription gets you multiple deluxe samples every month. Product samples received are based on info given with subscription. For Example- my friend and I get different samples because of our hair/skin/color type. However, sometimes its fun to swap samples depending on what we get/like!!!!!****

Event Hostess with the Mostess (to the stars)

One of my (many) Ulter Egos is an Event Planner (in my head- for the "stars").

My beautiful daughter, Ashlyn, turned 9 last week! She has always LOVED animals, and has been either a zoo keeper or veternarian for EVERY halloween. We usually have a pool party, because of her summer birthday, but this year she wanted to try something different.

I spoke with the owners of our local Petland and they were willing to open an hour early on a Saturday morning for a private party.

Then I talked the Paws Vet Clinic, next door, into doing a private tour and Q&A for the kids, following Petland.

After the Vet, we headed, once again next door, to Qdoba for cake and queso (I purchased small drinks and queso/chips for the kids and they let me bring in my own cake).

The kiddos began with hamster races!!! How creative/fun is that?!?!

They then went on to hold/play with various other animals throughout the pet store. This would be Ashlyn holding a snake. One of her favorite animals.

We always have a "friend party" earlier in the day, and a "family bbq" later in the evening (for those adults who would rather not hang with the kiddos). I made these invites on my computer. 

We kept the animal print/pink theme with the cake. I took a pic of Ashlyn kissing Sophie (her guinea pig) and dropped it off at SAMS. $20 for a 1/2 sheet cake with a pic, and my choice of icing colors.

For goody bags I let each kid pick out their own beta fish!!!! Each fish came with a small glass bowl, hot pink rocks, care instructions, a Petland coupon, and fish food. This was a BIG HIT!!!! 

I printed off the cards attached to each fish bowl that said "Thank You" and Ashley at Petland put together the fish bowls and bags.

Ashlyn and her guests had a FABULOUS time at her birthday party!!!

Rob (my husband) keeps telling me I should open my own party planning business. Your thoughts???

BB Ready

I recently purchased two relatively new items from Smashbox.

The Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ($39), like most BB Creams, is a five-n-one wonder. Moisturizes, primes, perfects, oil control (my favorite feature), and protects with SPF 35. What I like best about this particular BB Cream is that it is truely weightless and blends beautifully into my skin (it comes in 5 different shades-I bought light/medium).

*Since I like a fuller coverage, I am still wearing my oil control MAC foundation over this BB Cream.*

The other product from Smashbox is the Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer ($29). LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!! Its ultra-hydrating and primes the undereye area so that your concealer doesn't appear "cakey." This primer is also said to reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, wrinkles, age spots, and dark circles. I have no complaints!!

Me rockin' the products!;>)

Breakfast At Tiffanys

I love  a great "Aubrey Hepburn" eye! She is an absolute beauty icon.

I've tried (to recreate) different gel liners in the past (i.e. MAC, Clinique, Elf, etc), but recently I discovered Loreal's 24 hr Lacquer Liner (WITH brush!!!!), and it is fabulous!!!!!!!

It really does have a 24 hr stay power. I prefer a thiner liner brush, BUT the brush that it DOES come with works beautifully, and is easy to handle.

The Loreal Lacquer Liner comes in multiple colors,but I use it in black.

My favorite (beauty) site on You Tube is "pixiwoo." Professional makeup artist(s) who can help you recreate any celebrity "look." This link will teach you how to do a phenomenal Aubrey eye!

Summer (Makeup) Lovin'....

 I always thought my summer routine was some-what simple until I started taking pictures of ALL my favorite summer products...

Always a best seller - Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler.

NOT shown is my MAC lipliner (limited editions) Shore Leave, and lipglass

Blessedly Rich (I wish!). Also Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash. 

I love Chanel eye shadow! Its expensive.....but whenever I try to be "cheap" and try another brand I am always disappointed and end up going right back to Chanel.

Winter Nights is one of my alltime favorite quads (however, I JUST found out its now retired - apparently Bella wore this quad for her wedding to Edward in Eclipse.)

My favorite mascara is Maybelline One by One Volum' Express in Blackest Black. 

MAC Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation is a longwear, oil control foundation (color NW30). A must have for (oily skin in the) summer!

MAC Mineralize Concealer (color NC30). Very hydrating, great for under your eyes!

Too Faced Shadow Insurance keeps your eyeshadow and liner in place all day. I have a friend who wears it in the summer (without eye makeup) to keep her eyelids from looking "oily."

Blush is MAC (limited edition) Fleet Fast. A great Peachy color! 

MAC bronzer in Refined Gold. Love the subtle sparkle. 

Chanel Eyeliner in Black Jade. A great black khol liner with a hint of green. I swear by this liner!

For my top lash line I like more of a liquid look - Bare Minerals Bon Bon (this may be retired as well, I purchased mine off of ebay) with i.d. Weather Everything Line Sealer. Its the perfect color match to the Chanel Black Jade eyeliner. 

For more formal occasions I like to use Ardell Fashion Lashes #116 in black.   

Finished Product!

"Long Time, No See"

 LOOOOOOONG Time NO SEE!

I've apparently taken the summer off of blogging....We have had several BIG summer trips, along with Ashlyn's summer camp(s)/activities.....

But.....(que Arnold's voice) "I'm BACK!!!"

 Laundry done, house cleaned, Rob back to work, no more summer trips, (still have to chauffeur Ash around tho- but LOVE being a "soccer mom"), and excited to say I got July's (CAN YOU BELIEVE ITS ALREADY JULY) Birchbox ($10/mo sample subscription)!!!

Ada Cosmetics Bronzer- Shimmery Mineral Powder. I love anything shimmering and its a great color. I typically use a bronzer as a blush, so works great for me.

Blinc Mascara- I'll admit to being a mascara snob.....I LOVE the look of long, full, flake-free lashes, so I have my favorites (in my blog tomorrow I'll be detailing my summer makeup along with my (current) fav mascara).

Harvey Prince "Hello" Perfume- LOVE!!!! Perfect blend of lemon, white grapefruit, and pink plumeria. Ashlyn actually has "stolen" this from me.

Klorene- Shampoo sample for blondes. I gave this to Ashlyn because she is a (natural) platinum blonde, who's hair turns very green with chorine. She gives it 2 thumbs up.

Larabar- A healthy snack bar packed with dried nuts and fruits. Quite yummy!!

Earbuds- Neon earbuds!!! I've put these in my makeup bag because Ashlyn is always needing earbuds (restuarants, car, etc to use on my iphone or ipad).

TOMORROW I will be posting my favorite summer makeup!!

Ashlyn (my daughter) and I are two peas in a pod.

 Of course there are times she drives me absolutely crazy, for example when she decides to play dress up in my closet, throwing my clothes all over the floor and leaving my heels strung throughout the house (which incidently happened earlier today).

But there are other times where I am completely lost without her. When she's at school I wonder around aimlessly, not knowing what to do with myself (although I'm usually shopping while wondering around aimlessly).

Thats one of the reasons why I love summer break! Ash and I get to spend lots and lots of time together....which is probably why she was hiding in my closet from me today.... 

AND one of my favorite things to do with my best gal pal is to go get our nails "did." Today we tried a new place (bc our regular nail chic is on vaca this week).

our manis-mine fake, her's real

our pedis

Love spending time with my Ash!! She's growing up so fast....

**We had a great nail experience at Pro Nails on Maiden Lane**



I have been such a LAZY blogger this last month!!! I am so glad that I received my June's Birchbox yesterday to inspire today's blog.....

This month's theme was "Jet Set." Which is perfect since I've been on my own little blogging vaca lately!

*beautyblender- beauty utensil cleaner

*Comedynes- self tanner towelettes

*Number 4- leave in detangler and conditioner

*theBalm- two in one lip and cheek stain

*tili- perfectly sized decorative zip lock bag for getting through airport security

*John Varvatos- men's fragrance in honor of Father's day

For those of you who have never heard of Birchbox, it is a fabulous beauty website full of the best products and make up tips. You can subscribe for $10/month and receive a box every month full of deluxe beauty samples. There is also a Men's Birchbox subscription for $20/month that would be fun for the guy who likes his products too.



Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Incredible Moms out there! Our job is one of the hardest and most important.

My beautiful daughter, Ashlyn Faith, went to Sophie, armed with Daddy's credit card, last week and surprised me with these goodies this morning....

Thank you baby girl! You are my world, and I love being your mommy! Your innate goodness and beauty inspires me to be a better person, mother, teacher, friend, and wife every day. I cannot imagine my life without you, and can't wait to see all the amazing things you do as you grow. I know for certain that you are going to make this world a better place.

High Five For Friday!

Here are my 5 top things of the week...

1. Tuesday Ash and I had an awesome dinner date, with our neighbor and friends, the Lett girls.
1/2 off pizza at Gusanos (my favorite is a Veggie Salad with the Herbivore Delight Traditional Pizza and Ash's the Cheese Traditional Pizza).
The weather was so beautiful that we ate outside on the patio.
Afterwards Ash walked three store fronts down to Sophie on her own (well, with her friend) and did some Mother's Day Shopping (calling daddy in Dallas to pay for it over the phone).
We then came home and watched (the first) Harry Potter movie in the basement theatre.
* Can't wait to see what she got for me for Mother's Day! She is growing up WAY to fast!!!

2. I only (subbed) taught one day this week, so was able to catch up on all my favorite dvr'd shows...........in a successful atempt to avoid working out.
Real Housewives of New Jersey on Bravo
Real Housewives of Orange County on Bravo
The Killing on TMC
The New Girl on Fox
Grey's Anatomy on ABC
Law and Order SVU on NBC
Grimm on NBC
GCB on ABC
These are the only shows I watch/record to attempt to watch.
I also LOVE Sister Wives on TLC. Season premier tomorrow night!!
*I really need to download the 1st season of The B in Apartment 23 on ABC. I've heard GREAT things and dying to see!!


3. Read several novels.....
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood- a dystopian novel (I believe written in 1985- I would've been 7 at the time). People are living longer, but the population is decreasing. Handmaids are (chosen) to help procreate while increasing the population, when the wives cannot. I found it very interesting, very confusing, and very disturbing.
I'm still very wierded out.......
I have downloaded on my kindle if anyone is interested in me loaning to them.

Fever (2nd in the Chemical Garden Trilogy) by Lauren DeStefano- another dystopian novel. I read the first in this series, Wither, last month, and my OCD won't allow me to stop a series once I start.
Scientist have perfected the human race, but their offspring are dying, Girls at 20 and Boys at 25 of a viras. So (rich) men are kidnapping women to marry (in polygamy) to produce as many children they can before they die, in hopes of discovering a cure.
In this second novel, the main character has escaped, been captured by a crazy carni madam, is traveling with her "lover" that she never seems to make "love" to (I guess it IS a young adult novel), tracked down by her crazy "husband's" (genetics doctor) father, and experimented on.
I highly recommend. ;>)
I also have this on my kindle if anyone is interested in me loaning to them.

Right now I'm in he middle of Born to Be Brad: My Life and Stye So Far by Brad Goreski- Autobiography. Stylist who used to work with Rachel Zoe, and has his own show on Bravo.
So far this book is inspirational, witty, poignant, and laugh out loud hilarious. He shares stories of his childhood in a small town in Canada, coming "out," drug abuse, strong women influences, finding love, and making his own way in LA. In side bars he offers his grandmother's recipes, fashion tips, and iconic (fashion) movie reviews. So far my all time favorite!
Also on my kindle if anyone is interested in me loaning to them.

4. Bought this Fabulous dress at Sophie on Tuesday, and wore to school meeting last night.

5. Just figured out how to put false lashes on!!! My favorites so far are Ardell (Natural) Lashes #116. Approximately $5 at Ulta. 

Thinking about posting a tutorial on my blog. What do you think???

Linking up with http://www.frommygreydeskblog.com/ for my high five top five.

Nail Art

Being incredibly cheap and lazy last weekend, I decided to do my own nails (instead of going to get a "fill"). ANDDDDDD (surprise, surprise) all week I have been repeatedly asked about my nails.....

I used Sally Hansen "Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips" from Target, paying less than $10. The name of  this particular set is Love Letter.

They are super easy to apply yourself (including on artificial nails, like I have). You file the nail's surface with the mini file the set comes with, find the correct sticker size for your nail, place adhesive side down on the nail, smooth onto service, and file off the excess at the end of your nail. Easy-Peasy!!  I put them on Saturday, and they are still looking great in this picture I took today.

To remove just use nail polish remover.

I just saw at Ulta the other day that Sally Hansen is now making them for toe nails too!!!!

"GCB"

Just finished watching my dvr'd GCB from last night. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this show!!! I love Kristin Chenoweth (who plays Carlene), I've really enjoyed Miriam Shor's character (Cricket Caruth-Reilly), and am THRILLED Annie Potts is back on tv (as Gigi)! Here are some of my favorite quotes from this first season....

 

 

Carlene: “Cleavage makes your cross hang straight.”

Cricket on having another baby: "I am just not in the position to give up alcohol, sushi, or grabbing stimulus dollars for nine months."

Zach on Sharon's new "Losin' It With Jesus" Diet Meal Plan: "Sharon, you might just be on to something, I don't recall any fat people in The Bible."
Sharon: "I know, right?"

Cricket: "The closest I ever came to abstinence was no salt in my margarita."

Amanda: "How do you apologize for shooting someone?"
Gigi: "That is an etiquette conundrum you will not find in Emily Post. You know, I have Dick Cheney's number someplace."

Gigi on the internet:

Will: "Grandma, I mean Gigi, do you have internet?"

Gigi: "Oh why would I, I don’t watch porn!"

Gigi on Soberity:

Amanda: "I’ve been sober for 18 months."

Gigi: "Why?"

Gigi on Amanda’s decision to raise the children without religion: “Cut the commie crap! My grandchildren are going to church so they can go to heaven. End of story, Amen!”

Amanda: "You’re teaching my son to mix drinks?!?"

Gigi: "Yes. He’ll be employable someday."

Gigi on Big Texas Hair: “Big hair is a sign of confidence and confidence never goes out of style.”

Gigi on Amanda’s daughter’s breast: “Breast who knew… And the best part, her’s are real. That’s going to save you some money missy!”

Gigi on Amanda’s decision to avoid eligible bachelors: “If you don’t put it in the window who’s going to know it’s for sale.”

Gigi on her relationship with God: “God often speaks to me through Christian Dior.”

Gigi and Amanda quarrel:

Amanda: "I’m not a heifer!"

Gigi: "Exactly, you’re not young enough to be a heifer!"

Gigi: "I've been through too much to cry. Husband's death, family trauma, democratic administrations. Don't worry. I'm with ya."

Gigi on California: “I mean why would anybody in their right mind leave Dallas for Southern California. We got the same weather without the liberals.”

If you're not watching this show (ABC Sunday, 9pm) you're missing out!

 

 

(I found the above quotes through a google search on these two websites:

http://www.tvfanatic.com/quotes/shows/gcb/

 and http://tvfiends.com/2012/03/05/gcb-quotes-annie-potts-gigi/)

Mint Condition

For my birthday I got some awesome swag (thanks Jamie Lett) from Ulta and this polish is one of my new favs....

Its called "Mint Condition." 

Look how fun it looks with my lime green BCBG heels (from several seasons ago)!!!



Another Year Younger

Had a great night out with the girls celebrating my birthday!!!

 29......AGAIN!

My friend Branden bought me this FABULOUS dress from Blue Moon Market on Main Street in Joplin. I love the detail in the back.....

My BCBG Shoes from Sophie are a PERFECT match!!

This FAB bracelet is a gift from my sister in law, also from Sophie.

Earrings I made for each guest as a party favor. 

Great group of Girls! Thanks to each of you for helping me celebrate another year! 

Look how short I am!!!;0)



Having Fun in the Big D

Ash and I are in Dallas for a looooong weekend visiting Rob (who is here working).

On SATURDAY we spent a FABULOUS day shopping at the Galleria, where I got some great finds at H&M!!!!
Had a (crazy) lunch at the American Girl Bistro/Store, where Ashlyn got one of her doll's hair "did" and acquired a new tennis outfit for her doll (because dolls also need to be fashionable on a pretend tennis court).

After lunch Ash went ice skating for the 2nd time in her life, and rocked it!!

(Rob was golfing during our Galleria excursion....which works out best for all parties involved.)

SUNDAY was ROB's  Big D Half Marathon!! This was the first one he's ever ran in, and he completed 13.1 miles in 1 hour and 52 minutes, 17th in his age division, AND in the POURING rain!! We are very proud of him!!!

Ash with my inlaws, who also came down to see Rob run.

Rob crossing finish line.

Rob with his medal on, sporting my Juicy Couture bling umbrella.

MONDAY we hit the Dallas ZOO.

Always love feeding the giraffes.

Ash riding Mitch the Camel.

Ash dissecting an albatross' bolus (the stuff that is regurgitated from the birds......gross).

TOMORROW the Grapevine Aquarium and more Shopping at the Grapevine Mills Mall!