Mondays Need Sequins (and Caffeine)

I was digging in my closet Saturday afternoon in search of a missing pair of H&M skinny boyfriend jeans that got lost in the two blackholes known as "laundry hamper" and "clothes rack".  Amidst the Great Jeans Search of 2014, I stumbled upon the outfit below, which I had purchased during November's Cyber Monday sales: the top and pants for a great price from Maude Boutique, and necklace from Hot Mama. I had honestly forgotten about buying the top and bottoms, but saw them lurking in the back of my top closet rack, all pressed and ready for their debut.

I mean, we all love the idea of a beautifully fitted, cropped trouser and a feminine sweater, but what sold me on the outfit were the sequins in the top. (What? You expected something more complex?) Yup, suffice it to say I'm a sucker for anything sparkly, you see. Like a moth to a flame...

Sweater and pants purchased from Maude  // tassel necklace purchased from Hot Mama (similar here) // Heels via ASOS last year (similar here) // bag c/o Emilie M. // bracelet from Groopdealz (similar here) // sunnies found here

Nail polish is "Lincoln Park After Dark" by OPI, found here

The weather may be a tad brisk, but the warm tones of this outfit definitely won't leave you feeling the chill. 

Special thanks to my dear husband, S. Saturday marks the third year in a row he's been clicking away at the camera for moi.  My gratitude for his sacrificing of many a televised sporting event, all in the name of blog photos, runs deeper than my love for stilettos and slingbacks.

To the moon and back, sugar. Love you, I do.

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

Another Friday, another Confessional! Let's do this, gals!

1. I confess that Caroline threw the mother of all fits in Walmart yesterday while I was buying diapers. And of course when I got to the register, I had forgotten to activate my new debit card. I had to call the bank, activate the card, then finish checking out - all while she was screaming like a banshee. By the end of our little excursion, I was sweating. In 20-degree weather.

2. I confess that I'm addicted to American Horror Story on FX. It's beyond strange and terribly creepy, but I'm loving this season so much.

3. I confess that I'm ridiculously in love with the new Caramel Flan Latte from Starbucks. I'm not even a fan of flan, but holy smokes, this drink is phenomenal. It'll knock you off your well-caffeinated feet.

4. I confess that I called accidentally called Ruby by Caroline's name yesterday. (For those new to the blog, Ruby would be our miniature dachshund.)

Take care, y'all!

Caroline's Newborn Photos

A couple weeks after Caroline was born, my friend Bethany McGhehey took the most lovely photos of her. I knew that I wanted Bethany to shoot her newborn pics because she has such a refreshingly simple and clean style to her photos.

Captured were back rolls, full cheeks, a perfect set of puffy bow-shaped lips and a head of chocolate-colored hair. Nothing forced or overly posed about it, as if she just happened to catch a moment in time.

I wept as I flipped through them. My baby girl, growing every day, each faster than the next.

I've found myself wanting to relive the day she was born, as well as those first few weeks, over and over again. To smell her and touch her porcelain skin for the first time; the same little being that shared my body for nine wondrous months.

In looking at these photos, I'm able to do just that.

Photos are property of A Blonde Ambition blog, and are artistic property of Bethany Blair Photography. 

My Winter Skincare Routine

Scarf from Zulily last month, Striped turtleneck from H&M (similar here)

When the temps drop, getting baby-bottom-smooth skin is almost impossible. Now, Arkansas is generally not too cold during the winter - mid 40s are the norm- but right now, we're in the middle of this crazy cold snap that hit the deep south this weekend.

With the frigid temps, I've had to tweak my skincare regime just a bit. Here's what my typical routine is during c-cc-ccc-cold weather!

1. I always start by cleansing with Mary Kay's Timewise cleanser for normal-to-dry skin.

2. Next, I like to follow up with Mary Kay's Microdermabrasion treatment every three days to keep those pesky dry skin flecks from cropping up.

3. Finally, I follow up with Clinique's Moisture Surge Intense Hydrator. This gel-based moisturizer is the bomb. (I realize nobody has said "the bomb" in a sweet forever, but I'm lame like that.)

4. Now, I love my Luminizing Black Mask by Boscia, but for winter, I also like to throw a good moisturizing mask in the mix. For that, I use Lancome's Hydra-Intense Masque.

It seems like a lot of product, but I assure you that if I can do it with a two month old, you can all do it too!

Let's talk tomorrow again, m'kay? Same time, same place?? I'll bring the words, y'all bring the coffee ; )

Confessional Friday: {Link Up}

 ‘Ello, bunnies. It’s Friday and we are confessing!

1.     I confess that I have a new clutch in my life and she's absolutely perfect, (and GOOOOLD.) Where did I find her? Oh, you know, Riffraff. She was part of the December 2013 "Love, Riffraff" Club box. Sign up each month to receive a surprise box from Riffraff, sort of like Birchbox, for only $50. Each month includes a clothing item and coordinating accessory with a style guide to show you how to wear it. It's like having a personal stylist, but for way less moo-lah. 

2.     I confess that I’m not a new mom who’s itching to get back into the gym. Has my body changed shape? Yes, a bit. Is this something that keeps me up at night? No way. I do not love the treadmill. I loathe weights. I don’t care for sweating. No need to go all crazy and try for six-pack abs or anything. My cardio consists of higher intensity stroller walks with Cee and my weight training is lifting her up and down eleventy million times per day. Has my body changed shape? Yes, a bit. Is this something that keeps me up at night? No way. I’ll take my hippier hips any day of the week over busting my hump to attain a physique that probably – let’s be honest – ain’t gonna happen for this post-Caesarean body anyway ; )

3.     I confess that one of my goals this year is to meet new friends! I want so badly to connect with you gals outside of blogging and such, so the Mom Talk chat sessions and Northwest AR mommy meet-ups are my attempt to do this. I highly encourage all of you girls who have kiddos or are expecting (or think you might want to be a momma some day), to join the chat group I’m organizing. Also, if you live in NWA, hit me up for details about the playgroup/meet-up. It’s going to be super casual and will definitely take place on a day and time in which all moms, both SAHMs and working moms, can participate.

4.     I confess that I shot some outfit photos yesterday (see Confession #1) and It. Felt. Great. Sometimes, it’s good for the soul to put on a cute outfit, slap on some make-up and run a curling iron through the ol’ locks. Mommas need to feel sexy, too. (Can I get an ‘amen’?)

5.     I confess that I just about fell over when I read somewhere that Brad Pitt is now FIFTY. As in 5-0. Let’s read this together slowly: we now live in a world where Bradley Pitt, Mr. Smith himself, qualifies for an AARP card. Good lord.

6.     I confess that I was at the Dillard’s annual New Year’s Day sale on Wednesday and some lady literally TOOK a set of sheets from my hand. And I said nothing. Not a word. I think I may have even smiled at her. This year, perhaps I should learn to stand up for myself.

7.     I confess that I have the Scentsy Cider Mill brick burning right now and it makes me want a Starbucks Caramel Apple Spice soooooo badly. And now, I’m deciding if I need to put on real pants instead of these sweats to go get one.

Your Turn!