A Blondie State of Mind: May 2013

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Milly for Banana Republic

Today launches the new Banana Republic Milly collection. I've always been a fan of Milly's clothing. I especially love her prints.

Here's what's on my wishlist.

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The countdown for the beach has begun...less than a week away from feeling the sand on my toes, hearing the ocean, and feeling the sea breeze on my face. To say I am excited would be an understatement. I look forward to this trip with the Vicars all year. This year I am especially excited because the boys will be able to experience the beach. Last year they were so small that they really didn't know what was going on. Since I have beach on the brain, I thought I would share some of my beach essentials.

I usually buy a new swimsuit every year. This year is no different. I rarely stray from Victoria's Secret when it comes to swimsuits. I just love the variety they offer, the easy mix and match separates, and the sizing. They also have great sales. Here is what I found for this year's purchase.

My favorite style of swimsuit is a halter. I really liked this suit in blue too. Since I'm notorious for buying a lot of blue, I decided to branch out and do the coral instead.
{Gorgeous Swim Collection}

This is my suit from last year. This is one of my favorite colors. I actually didn't get to wear it much last year because I was still trying to loose baby weight, so I am very excited to be able to put it on this year!

{Push Up Halter and Ruched Bottom in Seafoam Glow}

I purchased this suit 2 years ago, and it is still one of my faves.

{Push-Up Halter and Ruched Low Rise Bottom in Amalfi Blue}

A great cover-up is another essential of mine.
I love a cute dress that can easily be thrown on.

I am using this awesome tankdress for one of my cover-ups.

This picture doesn't do it justice, but it's a hot neon pink which I love.

Plus, it's so comfy!

{J.Crew Factory Tankdress}

Next up, I have to protect my face and skin from the sun. I have to be honest, I haven't always done the best job of protecting my skin. I do love a good tan, but this year is different. Maybe it has to do with turning 31, but I am starting to see the negative effects of the sun on my skin. I am going to be smarter about applying sunscreen (not just tanning oil-what?!) whenever I go outside and especially when I am laying out.

I found a cute hat to keep the sun off of my face.

{Mossimo Fedora}

I am never without my shades, even on a cloudy day.
These were actually my birthday gift last year from my hubby.

I am obsessed with Ray Bans. These are so classic!

{Wayfarer}

The days of tanning oil are in the past.
I'm going to borrow the boys' SPF 50 for my face and
keep 30 on everywhere else while on the beach.

{SPF 30} {SPF 50}

What would the beach be without flip flops?

I have had these for years, and they have been the best flip flops I've ever had.

I have them in hot pink too. :)

{Havaianas}

I also have my eye on these for a little more dressy look.

{DV by Dolce Vita Gold Thong Sandal}

I have to have a big beach bag because I have a lot to carry with 2 kiddos in tow.

This is the perfect bag for holding all our beach essentials. It's big enough to hold everything we need. The best part about this bag is that it is water resistant and easily wipes clean. I have an older print, but I love this chevron.

{Scout Bag Deano}

I just updated our beach towels. The ones we have are several years old and faded.

I love a striped towel, so beachy!

The best part about these is that they were $10.00 and an additional 15% off with coupon, yay!

{Striped Beach Towels}

A beach trip wouldn't be complete without some good reading material.

Here's what is on my beach reading list:

{Grace: A Memoir}

{Mrs. Kennedy and Me}

{The Happiness Project}

{Spring Fever}

Ok ok, I have one last thing that is essential to a day on the beach...

Rum

Pineapple Juice

Lime

Oh yes! You have to a cocktail beachside.
Adam and I love a good beach drink. This is so simple. All you need is rum with a little splash of pineapple and a squeeze of lime. We started a new tradition last year. As soon as the boys go down for their afternoon naps, we grab our cooler and run down to the beach for an early happy hour. I can't wait for this year!
These are super easy to make and sooo easy to drink. :)

Now, who's ready to hit the beach?!

Friday, May 24, 2013

31...Now What?

Today I turn 31. For some reason this birthday is hitting me a lot harder than 30 did. It may be because I was so busy with 2 five month old babies that I didn't have time to process it, ha. It also may be because I all of a sudden feel all of 31. I have started noticing lines and wrinkles that didn't used to be there. My energy levels aren't what they used to be. The years are going so freakin fast. I mean, how did I get to be 31? Insane! My 20s seem like a blur. I have decided to make this next year really count. I am slowly coming out of the baby fog (of course, I don't think that ever fully goes away) where I'm not totally consumed by the survival of 2 baby boys, Adam, and myself. For me the first year of twins was mainly about survival. I know that sounds terrible, but it's very true. I was so worried about when the next feeding was, did they eat enough/too much, how many poops have they had, have they slept enough/not enough, what should they be doing developmentally, are they behind...you get the idea. These are things that are constantly going through my mind as a mom-crazy, isn't it? As you can tell, my mind is constantly racing. I am definitely a Type A person which can be a bad thing sometimes.

This year I really want to focus on being more in the moment and enjoy every second. I am bad about focusing on the tasks I have to do and completing them. I need to slow down and enjoy these precious moments with my boys. I need to remind myself that the damn laundry can wait, the kitchen doesn't have to be spotless, toys scattered all over the house won't kill me, and putting down the iPad and phone doesn't mean the world is going to end. Right now being the best Mom I can be to my boys is top priority. Of course being a good wife is top priority too. To be honest I need work in both areas. These first years of the boys' lives are precious, and they will be in Kindergarten before I know it. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at home with these little boogers, so I need not take it for granted. I just need to remind myself to slow down and enjoy. Just to set the record straight, this is the most rewarding but hard ass job ever! Some days I want to scream and run away, but that's where wine and hard liquor come in, haha. I'm just waiting for the day Adam comes home to find me with 2 empty wine bottles rocking back and forth on the floor drooling on myself while Mickey Mouse Clubhouse plays in the background for the millionth time. Ha, totally kidding! Well...kinda.

I am excited to celebrate my birthday with my family in Knoxville. Adam and I get to go out tonight for date night, which I'm ecstatic about!! My sister and my 3 month old niece (today) will be arriving tomorrow. I'm so happy the boys get to meet their cousin, and I get to see my sis! I know it will be a fabulous birthday weekend!

Here's to you 31!

I will leave y'all with a few pics of my fam.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Who Wears Short Shorts?

I will be the first to admit that I love short shorts. Shorts are my summer staple especially now that I have to chase around 2 little boys. For me, the shorter the better. That's only because I am only 5'4''. I'm not a fan of long shorts due to my height. I tell myself I don't need anymore shorts, but what do I buy? Yes, more shorts! I justify it because I wear them just about every day in the summer.
Here are some great pairs that I have found.

I will start with some personal purchases...

Obsessed with my new J.Crew shorts!

I'm so excited about finding these in one of my favorite colors.

J.Crew Pleated Short in Pacific Turquoise

Express Tank (similar here)
DV by Dolce Vita Tremor Wedge

Love the color!
As y'all can tell, I have a slight obsession with mint and turq.
I had to include the model pics because they look so much better.
Plus, it shows different ways to wear them.

These are a more casual short and can easily be thrown on
with a tank, cami, or tee with some cute flat sandals or flip flops.
Of course you could also do a wedge if you want a little more dressed up look.

Express Trouser Short in Mint

Here are some other shorts that are on my "wish list".

I love this print! I clearly love every short on this page, but you get the idea. Isn't this a great print and color? Perfect! Wear a white top or for something different do a mint top for some extra color. These are great because you can easily dress them up or down.

J.Crew Factory Printed Short

Hello flowers! Floral prints are huge this season.

Floral shorts are a great way to jump on this trend
without having to scream floral with your outfit.

Pim + Larkin Floral Shorts

I have to admit that I love the high-waist trend!

The trick to these is to make sure you pick a high waist that is flattering for your body type. I have the image in my mind of poor Jessica Simpson wearing her so-called "Mom Jeans". That is an example of how NOT to wear a high waist. Having said that, I'm obsessed with these shorts! I think I need to add them to my collection.

I mean, I don't have a red pair. ;)

Nautical High Waist Shorts

Y'all know I love Judith March's dresses. Her shorts are no different.

Aren't the colors great?

I would dress these up with some fabulous heels or wedges,
add a big chunky necklace and/or some bright bracelets. So hot!

Judith March Pink and Crochet Shorts

How summery are these? Easy breezy is what pops into mind.
I don't know which color I like better.

I am in love with the stripes.

Gap Striped Shorts

These are fabulous not only because of the great color and print, but they are $17.99?!
Are you kidding? Thank you JCP!
Go buy now!
JCP Twill Shorts

A great pair of denim shorts is a staple.
I have been a fan of BlankNYC for years now.
They offer designer quality denim at a price point of around $88.
I have several pairs of Blank jeans and love every pair!
BlankNYC Denim Shorts (on sale!)

Anthropologie has finally opened up in downtown Greenville. Of course I am ecstatic! Greenville continues to grow. Now if we could get a Lululemon store (we already have a showroom) and Nordstrom, I would be set. I found these online, but needless to say, I will be taking a trip downtown to try them on. You can't go wrong with black and white. I love a good ikat print too. Notice the waistline on these.
Anthropologie Ikat Shorts

How cute are these? Don't these look like the most comfortable shorts ever? I like that they have a drawstring and pockets. They are right on trend with a beautiful floral print. You really could pair these with any color top. So versatile!
Zara Flowing Printed Shorts
By the way, Zara offers free shipping and returns!

Happy shorts shopping! :)

Friday, May 17, 2013

J.Crew Factory Sale...Happy Friday!

What better way to start off the weekend than with a little online shopping? The boys are down for naps and I honestly should be working, but what am I doing instead? Yup, shopping!! I am a sucker for a sale, and I just couldn't resist taking advantage of J.Crew Factory's 30% off everything sale!

Here is what I found:

I've been looking for a casual dress/cover-up for the beach, and this is perfect.

I can wear it over my swimsuit and as a casual dress with some cute sandals and jewelry.

Neon Pink Tank Dress

I am the shorts queen. I have so many pairs

and find myself wearing them almost everyday in the summer.

That's how I justify purchasing another pair by the way.

I do need to update my white shorts since my current pair are starting to get dingy (the downfall of white). I might as well purchase them on a great sale, right?

These ended up being $24.15. #WIN

3" Chino Short in White