2 Ways the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Help Us Create a Summer to Remember

Sunrise on the beach with the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser. Source: Victoria Mason Toyota loves to say, "Let's go places!" And that's exactly what we did with the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser with its V8 engine and 4WD this summer. We did a lot of traveling and spent a great deal of time together as one big family unit, especially during the month of August.  It was as if we were really feeling the waning days of summer and wanted to chase after them, even if it meant we had to get in the car and drive for hours on end to do so. I'm talking to you eclipse traffic. The Land Cruiser is part of those memories because it gave us the ability to do exactly what we wanted without sacrificing comfort or safety at any point during our two trips.  First, when we were northbound to Bethany Beach, DE … [Read more...]

Beat the Heat: 5 Summer Running Tips

Weather Emoji says: Last week when I was at the beach and wearing this cute re:named floral jumpsuit from Shopbop? Torrential rains and gusty winds. But here we are in August already, it is the dog days of summer and I'm all about restoring myself and trying to take back a bit of what is left of these golden warm months that beckon to me just like my hammock outside. I've started taking yoga in the mornings at an outdoor class in my 'hood.  It's soul refreshing every time and perfect after my early morning runs. See my summer running tips below I had to buy this after my first class.  It makes me laugh every time I wear it and want to head over to yoga class.   Let's not forget the moms with little ones!  When my kiddos were super little one of the best … [Read more...]

The Perfect White Dress

Ah, summer.  You've been a whirlwind. But not so crazy that I didn't have time to find myself the perfect white dress. Meet Ali & Jay 'Kiss Me in the Candlelight', my perfect white dress. It comes in white or black. Both are fabulous.  The dress hugs me in all the right places and I can't wait to wear it for a date night or even dinner out while at the beach.  I love the tassels and the length is short but not too short for my over 40 self. Take a look at the straw bags I included that are all UNDER $50. Linking up with Mix It Mondays /The Pleated Poppy/Style Elixir/Style Nudge/Classy Monday Blog Link Up/Hello Monday Link Up An InLinkz Link-up … [Read more...]

7 Ways to Get Swimsuit Ready

*This is a sponsored guest post provided by a local cosmetic surgeon. When it comes to get swimsuit ready each season I prefer to be ahead of the game.  I like to eat right, workout and be ready all year round.  As I get older though I wonder if maybe surgery might be an option.  I've had laser treatments done for age spots already.  So why not remove some saddlebags or get a bit of a lift, if I can.  The choice is yours and if that makes you feel ready to rock the swimsuit then go for it. Make a Splash at the Beach This Summer – Seven Cosmetic Procedures That Will Get You Swimsuit Ready Swimsuit season can be a reason to show off the body in an itsy bitsy bikini or grab the terrycloth cover-up.  Suddenly, those spider veins, bulges and sagging body parts that have been hiding … [Read more...]

Fierce Summer Activewear

Summertime sweat sessions are some of my favorite times to workout. I love getting up before everyone else and getting a good workout in. The only problem is half the time I end up at the pool for the kids swim practice afterwards and I'm still in my summer activewear. I need some fierce summer activewear so to speak to keep my motivation high and to help me continue working out all summer long and look good while doing it. The Nike Free TR7 Cross Trainers offer both stability and flexibility both of which I need when I'm doing my routines. I love the summery blue hues with the yellow streaking through the sole and sides. Add in the lemon tank labeled 'fierce' that makes me feel lighting fast ( I can dream, right?) and I feel fresh and ready to tackle the most challenging work out my … [Read more...]

TRY SHORTER, INTENSE WORKOUTS = GREAT RESULTS

Who wants spend hours in a gym in the summer?  Not me! I like to get up, get a workout in and go! That's why I asked nutritionist and personal trainer, Sloane Davis to share her short and effective workouts which will give you more time to relax and enjoy summer. Sloane is a mother of two and her story goes a little something like this- Throughout her 30’s and 40's she starved herself so that the scale read a certain number. Hungry, unhappy and deprived, in her 40’s she decided to end the obsession with food, intense cardio and on transition her mind and body – and did it work! See her profile in PEOPLE.com and RECENT TV http://pancakesandpush-ups.com/. Straight from Sloane Herself I'm not a fan of spending hours in the gym especially when it is summertime.  I have other things I … [Read more...]

Fourth of July Fashion Finds

It's that time again. Time to break out the red, white and blue! The Fourth of July is coming up and fashion is all about seeing the stars and stripes for the long weekend.  No matter what your plans are there is certainly something you can wear this year. And if you are like me you can just take from your closet staples and build from there.  But who can resist those cute wedge sandals? This year my 'Fourth Finds' include: Fourth Finds 2017 by victoriamason featuring a  Lilybridal Topshop Mini Star Hoop Earrings/Gentle Monster Round Sunglasses/Red, White, Blue Off the Shoulder Dress/Women's Splendid Venice Stripe Off the Shoulder Top/Star Mela Myra Embroidered Tote/Solid Stripe The Diana Swimsuit/American Striped Watercolor Swimsuit/ lace front wigs/Skechers 'Turtledove' Red Wedge … [Read more...]

Brains On Podcast is Fun for the Whole Family

Do you listen to podcasts?  Have you heard of Brains On? Piling the whole family into the car and setting out on a road trip is an American tradition, especially in the warm summer months.  I know we have at least three planned before school is back in session. Podcast-loving parents, such as myself, have a new family-friendly resource called Brains On! Think Radio Lab for the younger set. And this summer, the science podcast for kids from American Public Media is dedicating all five of its June episodes to cars! YAY!!!  You know I love it! Brains On! episodes offer variety: each program mixes science facts, expert interviews, experts interviewed by kids, funny skits, guessing games, and original songs. On June 9, 16, 20, 23 and 30, the car and road trip series will enthrall the … [Read more...]

Hello and Goodbye

I don't quite know where to begin guys.  This month is so full of hello and goodbye moments.  My last post was all about packing for my big trip to Alaska and there was so much excitement surrounding that trip.  I was seeing my bestie (since we were 3 years old!) for the first time in three years and heading to one of the only states I have not visited yet.  Only four to go! The trip was ridiculous and I mean that in a totally good way. I fished, guys!   West Glacier Trail. I hiked it and then kept going until I hit that glacier below. Inside an ice cave. Licking a glacier.  I seriously had the best time.  Juneau is a fun little town that offers a lot for such a small location.  Have lunch at 'The Hanger' and watch sea planes and cruise ships come in. Hike numerous trails and … [Read more...]

Summer Fun with Draper James

Memorial Day has come and gone but that only means that summer is just getting started.  For me, that means pool days, lots of beach time and a whole new collection of summer movies and shows to fall in love with for even more summer fun. One of my latest loves for summer fun is with Draper James.  The line created by Reese Witherspoon who can also recommend some serious beach reads as well as fun flicks and shows to soak up this season. Did you know that Draper James is available at Nordstrom now? Yes!!  It might take a bit for it to show up in stores everywhere but you can find it online. My favorite Draper James Picks for Summer Fun But even more important is that we travel often throughout the summer.  For me, that means picking up sweet and thoughtful hostess … [Read more...]