MMR: Shopaholic Tag

Question of the month: Lots of questions because it's the SHOPAHOLIC TAG!!!

THE QUESTIONS:

1. Would you consider yourself a shopaholic?
Yes! I think I got started young with this too because my mom said that no matter what kind of a store we went into, I always found something to buy. However, that being said, I do have a budget that I'm pretty good about sticking to and I'm not a hoarder so I try to think things over before committing to purchasing no matter what the price tag.

2. How would you classify your style?
I'm all about classic pieces. I love accessorizing with trendy, statement jewelry, layering with printed scarves, and wearing a really great pair of shoes- sometimes bold, sometimes neutral. I wear skinny jeans or leggings almost every day and you can usually find me wearing something that is either polka dotted or striped.

3. What store can you not leave without buying at least one thing?
H&M and Old Navy- their prices are great and they've had so many pieces that are right up my alley lately.

4. Where do you find the best deals?
Old Navy, H&M, & J. Crew Factory for clothing. TJ Maxx & Marshalls for home decor.

5. What designer are you willing to splurge for?
Chanel. I need a quilted Chanel bag in my life.

6. Do you have a "go to" shopping outfit?
Leggings, a tank top, and a cardigan or shorts and a tank top. Something simple, comfortable, and easy to try clothes on with.

7. What is your guilty pleasure? (Aside from make up)
I'm more of a home decor and baby clothes shopping addict these days but I also colkect wrapping paper. Weird, I know!

8. What is one staple clothing piece you cannot live without?
Skinny Jeans.

9. What is a trend you hope never goes out of style?
Peplum. I know it will but I just love it so much!

10. What trend did you love that passed way to quickly?
I'm totally stumped on this one.

11. Who is your fashion icon?
Lauren Conrad, her style is so classy and feminine. Followed by Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon who are both infamous for wearing classic pieces while looking perfectly put together.

• Alison*Elle - Alison has busted out all of her Fall staples in honour of her favourite season... plaid, faux fur, ankle booties, and more!
• Beautygirl24 - Noelle shared photos of her honeymoon in paradise!
• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's fall clothing haul: Camo Jeans, Sparkly Sweaters & Wrap Dresses
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is slowly transitioning into fall with some sparkly sweaters.
• Schnelle Couture -  Danielle took the leap.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette went for a fall stroll in her new Tory Burch Boots! 
• The Currently Obsessed - MEHREEN shared her lipstick collection with us this month !

MMR: Celebrity Doppelgänger

Question of the Month: Who is your celebrity doppelgangers? Do people keep telling you that you remind them of someone?

I've never really had anyone tell me that I look like someone else, unless my mom counts and I've never been told that I resemble a celebrity. This all changed this past week when I decided to dramatically change my hair.

This is the photo that I brought to the salon to show what kind of bangs I wanted. My stylist said that I look a lot like her. I don't really see it. Do you?  Then my father in law told me that I look like Lea Michele with my new bangs. I'll take it- I think she's beautiful! Maybe it would help if I could remember that every time I get second thoughts about my new hairstyle. Maybe.

• Alison*Elle - Alison is sticking to a tried and true combo of blush & black 
• Ella Pretty - Ella reviews her new Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC bag
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay loved the golden light at her maternity photo shoot...
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her favorite budget friendly beauty products.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle custom ordered mommy and me headbands
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette does Mod in the rain! 
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen dresses casual chic and breaks in her new Louboutins

Here are my Celebrity Doppelgangers that were generated via the My Heritage app.:

MMR: June 2103: Beach Bag Essentials

Question of the month from Kristen: What are your beach bag essentials?

From top to bottom, left to right:
Victoria's Secret Sundress- I always wear a sundress over my bathing suit so I can easily pull it on and off and it transitions nicely if I decide to hit the boardwalk

Prada Sunglasses- I'm never without a pair of sunnies at the beach. I don't wear makeup because i umm hello?? You're at the beach swimming, getting wet, in the sun, having fun, etc. All you need to do is throw on some some shades and...

Nars Turkish Delight Lip Gloss- No dry lips here and again, an easy way to feel polished when you hit the boardwalk.

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF 30, Dark Tanning Oil, and Lime Coolada After-Sun Moisturizer

Elastic Headband- to keep the hair out of my face and to still feel a bit put together

Clinque City Block SPF 25 Face- This is almost like a tinted moisturizer. I like using products that are specifically made for your face on my face so I don't have to worry about clogged pores and breakouts.

Magazines, Water Bottle, Fresh Fruit, Luna Bars (Chocolate Coconut and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut are my favorite), and candy. When I go to the beach I'm there allll daaayyyy lonnngg so snacks are a must!

What's in your beach bag? 

• Alison*Elle - Alison is obsessed with her new neutral colourblocked pants!
• Ella Pretty - Ella reviews the differences between Moroccan Oil and Macadamia Oil
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay's loving a printed maxi in Maui
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared Eleanor's birth story in pictures
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle got a pair of rainy day flats that can brighten up the cloudiest of days
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen wants you to come meet her newest addition to the family
  

MMR: May 2013: Go-To Recipes

Question of the month from Kristen: "What's your go-to recipe? Drink, dinner, dessert, whatever..."

I have several go-to recipes that are in our weekly dinner rotation but one of our favorite quick and easy dinners to make is Pan Seared Chicken with Shallots.

What you'll need:

• 3 tbs. butter 
• 1 tbs. olive oil
• salt & pepper
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1b. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Melt 1tbs. of butter and 1 tbs. of olive oil. Season the breasts with salt & pepper and pan fry. When the chicken is done cooking, remove from the stove, cover, and set aside. Add the shallots and garlic to the pan and sear for 30 seconds-a minute, just until they are slightly softened, then add the wine and chicken broth. Let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes or until reduced and slightly thickened, then melt in the remaining 2 tbs. of butter, drizzle the mixture over the chicken and serve! 

My go-to dessert depends on the season and since it's summer, I'll share my go-to treat for the warmer weather: Hawaiian Delight Cake

What you'll need:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup coconut
• 20 oz. can unsweetened crushed pineapple with juice

Mix all of the ingredients together and pour into a greased 13x9 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, let cake cool, then frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 tbs. vanilla
• 8 oz. package cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar

Combine all of the above ingredients and frost! Optional: add cherries to top for garnish.

• Alison*Elle - Alison is giving white denim another go this season
• Beautygirl24 - Target did it again - Noelle found the perfect Summer wedges from the Sam & Libby collection.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's got a brand new bag!
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen is all ready for baby's arrival and shared her nursery with us.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle talks makeup and highlights where to save and where to splurge.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette has finally found her perfect striped skirt!
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen organized Makeup drawers.

MMR: April 2013: Blogging Etiquette

April was technically my month because it's my birthday month but May, May is a pretty exciting month for me this year. This May I'll be celebrating my very first Mother's Day as a mother. We're hosting our annual Mother's Day BBQ at our home again. I don't have as much time this year to spend on decorating as I did in years past but I'll be sure to share all of the details of the day with you. This month we will also be celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary! Very exciting stuff going on here...

Question of the month from Skylette: "What is blogging etiquette to you?  For example, do you comment on everyone's blog that comments on yours?  Do you follow everyone with a blog that reaches out to you?"

Great question, Sky! I've always wondered this about other bloggers so I encourage all of you to respond in the comments below about what your blogging etiquette is.

I try to respond to everyone's comments. Usually, I reply through email but some users aren't set up so that I can reply that way. Sometimes I'll respond in the comments section if I can't email you back but I prefer to email because I know that most of the time I don't end up referring back to the original post to see if the blogger replied to my comment. That being said, if I get a comment that is soliciting me to check out your blog, enter your contest, or things along those lines, I will not respond. There's nothing that bothers me more than the blogger who is advertising their blog through the comments section on my blog.

Speaking of things that bother me, I just love when I start following a blog that I really love, the blogger starts promoting an online store that they created, and they almost completely stop blogging after that. I feel so cheated when that happens, like they lured you in because they were seeking customers and left you hanging. Which brings me the the topic of following, I only follow blogs that I love. I don't have time to read the blogs of every single person who comments on my blog. I do check out everyone's blog who comments on my posts and if I like what I see, I follow back. I've actually come across quite a few blogs that way that I really love.

When I started this little blog I had no idea what I was doing and I really didn't know what to expect either. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many "friends"- so many women who I can relate to and who provide me with inspiration, and insight every day. Part of my daily routine is waking up each morning with my coffee, well lately it's a cup of tea and reading through your posts. That's my "me" time that I have each morning, well most mornings- things have changed a bit now that I have a little one. Anyway, what I'm getting at is I am so thankful for all of the love, support, recognition, and guidance that the blogging community has given me and I'm so thankful for my "friends."

So what's your blogging etiquette? 

• Beautygirl24 - Noelle has a serious sweet tooth this Spring. See what jewelry she likes to call her rock candy!
• Ella Pretty - Check out Ella's Mall Haul: Forever 21, Coach & Camo Pants
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay has some exciting news.
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen shared her Favorite Home Items that she can't live without.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle joined the ombre party.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette plays with the black & white trend here.

What I've Been Reading: December 2012

Question of the month: What make-up do you carry around in your handbag?

In my handbag you will find MAC Pressed Blot Powder, a NYX black pencil eye liner and a ton of lip products! I just cleaned out my bag and purged some products. It wasn't easy, but it needed to be done so this list won't be as long and sickening as it could have been.

This is my go-to lipstick and lip liner at the moment, along with NYX Pumpkin Pie (not pictured). 
NYX Thalia Lipstick - a pretty medium/dark rose hue
NYX Retractable Lip Liner in Natural - a great liner for just about any nude/neutral shade of lipstick

From top to Bottom:
Lorac Couture Shine in Vintage
*fun fact: I wore NYX Pumpkin Pie & Lorac Vintage Gloss on my wedding day*

Nars in Turkish Delight
-I originally purchased this to use with Nars Belle De Jour lipstick which I really liked together but for $25 a pop, there are better options out there and more importantly, there are options that aren't as sticky as Turkish Delight.

Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Gloss
- This gloss is great with any lipstick for added shine and it's also pretty when worn alone too

Danielle & Co. Organic Lip Balm in Pure Lime
-I'm so in love with this stuff and no, it's not because it is my name, although that is what attracted me to it in the first place. It doesn't leave a waxy feeling on your lips like some chapsticks and balms will, it hydrates your lips, and it smells amazing too!

• Alison*Elle - Alison shares a tutorial on how to make a super cute cupcake mani.
• Ella Pretty - Ella's posted her holiday party outfits, red skinnies & bubble necklaces. 
• Lilly's Style - Lilly's rocking a red blazer.
• Lindsay J Everyday - Lindsay tried a retro style dress & a new hemline...
• Love, Lipstick & Pearls - Kristen announced and shared her pregnancy story.
• Schnelle Couture - Danielle is expecting her little girl any day... or week now. Check out her 33 week BUMPdate.
• Sequins and Stilettos - Skylette says' "December is THE month for red, right?"
• The Currently Obsessed - Mehreen OOTD : 19 weeks pregnant