I have been a fan of J.Crew since I first laid eyes on the catalog back in the early 90s. I confess to wearing the hell out of a bright orange windbreaker throughout both high school and college so much that my Dad threatened to burn it if I didn't retire it. You know what? I still had it after I got married. That's when H stepped in and asked that it be thrown out for the love of all that is holy. When J.Crew Factory came on the scene online and near my house years back? I near lost my mind with the sales. It gets better. Right now J.Crew Factory is hosting their CLEAR OUT sale and it is so good. That means you can take an additional 50% OFF already reduced prices. Just a few of my favorites to help get you started. Use the code CLEAROUT to get your savings of up to … [Read more...]
My Summer Favorites for Summer Fun
Summer officially makes its debut this week! That means more time by the pool, more time in the sun and sand and more time with the kiddos playing games outside and hanging out with friends and family. From backyard BBQs to weekend getaways and beach weeks there is always something to do and some fun to be had by all. Why not be prepared with a few favorites of mine? Let's Get Away! For that next weekender or trip to the pool stow your stuff in one of these lovelies. Fun for the Kids When school ends each year I welcome the kids home with a few gifts to kick off the summer season. This year the haul included TWO Water Warriors by Buzz Bee Toys. One was a Steady Stream X and the other an Outlaw (42 feet of blasting water!). I sprayed the girls with them when they got … [Read more...]
The Comeback
The line, "Don't call it a comeback..." from 'Mama Said Knock You Out' by LL Cool J has been playing over and over again in my mind the last few weeks. It has a double meaning for me. Yes, I've been here for years. Here in this space but mainly in this realm of not being well. My life as I knew it was forever altered last year by Lyme disease and I've been beating myself up over it and my lack of abilities ever since. It suddenly became very real to me that I needed to forgive myself and fast. It seems so simple, right? Just say, "Ok, self. You've been unwell. You have had to make changes to your personal life as well as your family life in order to get well. Do what you need to do." My diet had to change. That doesn't mean I'm changed. My ability to work and identify myself as … [Read more...]
Simple Summer Jewelry with AUrate New York
I'm a no muss, no fuss kind of girl when it comes to my daily jewelry. Simple summer jewelry is where it is at for me. Once I got sick this past year I just didn't even want to think about bracelets, rings, or necklaces. I didn't want to feel anything dangling, hanging off me or even touching me. Then I found AUrate New York and that all changed. AUrate New York is all about gorgeous collections of pieces that stand behind their claims of selling fine jewelry without concessions. What does that mean? It means something really incredible for you mean and everyone. It means real gold, at a fair price, that is also ethically sourced, made right in NYC, and the company gives back to kids in need. The pieces are simple but beautiful. I didn't expect to like the product as much as … [Read more...]
Lyme Awareness & Getting Out
May, my birth month, is also Lyme Disease Awareness month. Funny, that's exactly the month that I have been bitten and contracted Lyme twice now. I always do like being timely. These days I find I'm able to make it outside more. I'm attempting to run instead of walking and yoga. I've been able to add strength training back into my days. I'm seeing friends and doing things with my family that months ago I would have had to forgo. A month ago going out for coffee would have been my only activity for the day. Just this weekend we hit up the Cirque De Soliel show, Luzia and took in a baseball game. A NIGHT game. I wasn't asleep or crumpled in pain and needing a detox bath. This is HUGE. It is life-giving. Just look! And I got dressed in something besides leggings and … [Read more...]
What to Wear to a Concert
Who is ready for warm weather and outdoor concerts? Me too! Except, it is still not warm yet. Sigh. The days are cold, windy and gray. It feels like March in mid-April and I've got two concerts in the next month that I need to find something to wear for, which leads me to these two SIMPLE looks to wear to a concert. Guaranteed you have similar items like these in your closet too. What to Wear to a Concert: Look 1 First concert: Rick Astley. I know it dates me but he was my all time favorite when I was about 12. A giant poster on the bedroom wall and all. I'll throw my vegan leather jacket over this look when the temps get cool on the way home. Add some sparkle and you are good to go. What to Wear to a Concert: Look 2 In May I'm off to Jack White … [Read more...]
The Best Black Leggings
models ofurbanculture by veamason I love black leggings. Particularly ones for, oh wait, there's no real guideline here. I love Spanx type that looks like leather or just cotton. Fabletics capri or full-length black leggings for working out or just hanging around the house? Adore. That's right. And since this winter was endless and my disease makes me not want to wear anything that isn't super comfy my black leggings have been in a heavy rotation. I've gotten creative with my black leggings. So let's talk about my favorite black leggings. You can wear them all year round. And yes, I truly believe that black leggings are pants especially now that the athleisure trend is so hot. In no particular order. They're all AWESOME! Terez Black Skull Foil leggings. … [Read more...]
Easter Gift Ideas for Mom
I am a sugar sucker. A lover of treats. I love sweets! And, I absolutely love Cadbury eggs. Because I of my treatment protocol for Lyme Disease I cannot have any sugar. I could swear. OK, I do swear because I miss those eggs so much right now. Maybe that's why this year I actually want an Easter basket of my own. I make one for each kid. Naturally. I make a basket for my husband each year. I also make one for the dog. If we have guests, I make up something small for them too. My love language is obviously gifting. I love to give gifts. I never get anything in return and I don't mind. I have my Cadbury eggs. Except for this year and I admit. I want to see a little surprise just for me. I cannot be alone in this! So buy some treat for yourself- sugared or … [Read more...]
Operation Secret Makeover: Fixing Your Husband’s Fashion on the Down Low
Alright ladies, are you up for a challenge? Many of you have probably wanted to give your significant other a makeover at some point. After asking, you might have been shut down, or you might've never even asked, knowing what the answer will be. The trick is to start introducing stylish elements into his daily routine, and he probably will never even notice what you're doing. Here are some stealthy husband makeover ideas for this bizarre and hilarious project. Buy Manly Grooming Products The male grooming market grew to $20.5 billion last year, and is predicted to reach $60.7 billion by 2020. This is no coincidence, but rather indicative of an overall cultural trend that seems to be incrementally shedding traditionalist gender norms. While still not very many guys want to use … [Read more...]
Spring, a Shopbop Sale & Everything InBetween
As I look out my window today and type this the weather is raw and rainy. We are expecting snow tonight and everyone around me is grousing on and on about how they "just can't take one more day of winter." I feel you. Big time. Spring is so often associated with rebirth. This past winter with me being sick and indoors for all of it has been decidedly one of the hardest times in my life. It's been dark, people, really dark. I've been struggling with my treatments for the Lyme disease and all three of the co-infections. My spirits have sagged to new lows with the pain these treatments cause. The nausea all day, every day is such a highlight. I was just beginning to feel like I was turning a corner about two weeks ago and that I could see a light at the end of all this and BAM! … [Read more...]