Influenster

What is Influenster?

Influenster is a community of people who review and answer questions about products and experiences. Members can get exclusive deals for products, promotions, and more!

I joined a few weeks ago and am working on a few "Expert Badges" which match my blog's focus: "Pop Culture", "Sweet Tooth", "Beauty Queen" and "Fashionista". You can earn badges and improve your score by completing surveys, answering questions, and completing reviews. You can unlock 5 badges, so pick categories you're interested in. There are 16 Expert Badges to choose from.

I haven't gotten into it too much, but I'm loving the ability to review products and give my honest opinion, as well as answer other people's questions.

So if you're interested in sharing products, experiences, and have an active social media life, head on over and see what it's all about! 

Loving Lately: Blazers

If you've been around here before, you probably know that I loooove my blazers. 

(If you haven't been here before, then Welcome!)

I'm especially obsessed with this Navy blazer that I've worn as much as possible over the past month. Yeah, I have other blazers, sweaters, shirts, but I love this one the most. It's popped here up a couple times recently...

It's only $25 from Kohl's! I'm going back to get more colors!

You can find it here

Here are some other lovely blazers I'm lusting over...

H&M, $39.95

so many colors to choose from!

H&M, $49.95

This one has no collar which changes the style a bit but is even more chic in my opinion

The picture on this one won't show, but it's lace. And it's love.

So is this striped one. Both from Express.

So if I end up with a million blazers in my closet, the only one complaining will be Chris because we won't be able to buy groceries. At least I'll have a closet full of blazers that will never go out of style. Love love love them (is that obvious yet?)

What are you loving lately?

Friday!

Happy Friday!

Thank goodness for the upcoming weekend (don't I say the same thing every week?)

Here are my highlights from the week!

I'm normally not a huge fan of fall, but I loooove fall clothes.

Layering is a must when it's still a little warm outside during the day, cooler in the mornings/evenings, and FREEZING in the office. It's very confusing!

{1} I love this peplum top {I have to admit, I wasn't sure about the stripes at first. Now, it's love}

{2} New TV. Especially Private Practice and Grey's Anatomy.

Thanks, McDreamy, for not dying. I know I can count on you. Even though you look sad, and might not be able to do surgery for a while. It's going to be okay, I know it.

I went through so many tissues. I can't WAIT until next week. Can.Not.Wait.

{3} Ever have a day you don't feel like doing your hair and just want to put it up in a bun while it's wet? Well, I did the other day (and do a lot). I had some extra time and decided to just take a few minutes to dry/curl a little and ended up with one of the best hair days in a while! When does that ever happen??

Excuse my cheesin.

{4} Trying harder for positivity...

and to believe that things will get better!

source

Lately, things haven't gone exactly as planned in our lives. 

It's a struggle, but I'm trying so hard to just try and take control of the things I can and let go the things I can't change. 

source

{5} Weekend Time! We're going to the Haunted Pub Crawl in Annapolis...I got Chris tickets for his birthday a couple months ago and we're finally going. I'm so excited! Pictures to come, for sure.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Linking up w/ Lauren!

Loving Lately ~ Jewel Tones

I'm joining Loving Lately this week!

With fall coming, I'm totally loving the jewel tones.

Purple, magenta, green, dark blue, I love it all.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces...

Jewel Tones by alyssalianne featuring ballerina flats

Darker jewel tones aren't too overwhelming so you can wear a couple colors together if you'd like, or pair with black/neutral pieces for a professional look. I'm all about layering (especially during the fall) so I love versatile pieces that I can wear with different outfits depending on the occasion. 

What are you loving lately?

Don't forget to enter my group giveaway if you haven't already! :)

What's in my Bag?

I've seen many ladies post about what lives in their purse!

I thought it was a great idea, but of course, my purse is a constant mess.

I just got a new one (and am in love), so while I was organizing/going through things, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to show ya what's inside!

And pretend I'm normally organized.

You would probably think I have a purse for every outfit. Not true. I hate changing purses- I always forget something, don't remember what's where and it just makes my life more difficult. So, I like to find purses that are neutral and versatile. 

Now that I'm just putting it all out there, I haven't bought a new purse in over a year.

Hangs head in fashion shame.

1. Little pouch where random necessities hang out- extra contacts, eye drops, advil, hair ties, etc.

2. Other little pouch for receipts and pens- I have a problem with receipts floating around everywhere. This helps!

Here's a closer look:

3. Wallet. I'm currently in the "smaller wallet phase". I never carry my checkbook so don't really see a need to have a bigger wallet right now. There's a little zipper pouch for coins on the other side and it's perfect (Coach, Spring 2011)

4. Sunglasses. You can never have too many!

5. Beauty necessities:

Jouer lip gloss, Fresh Sugar Rose (all time FAVORITE)..both thanks to Birchbox!

Basin chapstick (Vanilla)

Revlon Lip Butter- love the sheer tint

Not pictured: at least a couple Burt's Bees chapsticks (my fav is Mango!)

J.R. Watkins Hand & Cuticle salve.. this is a hand saver! Again, a Birchbox goodie

Also, hand sanitizer. Always.

6. Randoms- Pocket brush, work keys, gum, snacks (ALWAYS carry snacks to prevent headaches)

7. Electronic stuff- Bluetooth earpiece, earbuds, cell phones (small one is my work cell).

So there you have it!

My new purse is from the Coach Factory Store (a fancy way of saying "outlet"). This lovely establishment is located 3 miles from my house. Dangerous.

Lucky for my bank account, I usually have pretty good self-control. 

I was desperate for a new purse, though, so I picked up this gorgeous thing!

What's in your bag?

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Oh, and by the way...

Check out Stephanie's giveaway! I'm giving something away... and here's a little hint :)

That's not a hint at all. I just spoiled it. 

GO ENTER NOW! 

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Last but not least.

I can't believe it's been 11 years. I'll never be able to forget the feelings of shock, fear, and confusion {and so much more}. I'm thinking of the families of those who lost their lives and can't even imagine how they must feel. The patriotism and unity that resulted from this tragedy makes me proud to be American. I hope that everyone can take a moment to remember <3

Weekend Update!

Well, that weekend went fast!

I got so much done... I always feel so behind when I come home from a trip. This weekend consisted of catching up on cleaning, laundry, and some diy projects I've been wanting to do.

I was on-call for work this weekend, so couldn't really do much else but it was so nice to just chill.

I can't wait to show you what I made- the yellow flower is a hint! 
I also made a couple bracelets... I used to love making jewelry and haven't done it in a few years so I decided to get back to it.

I went shopping... and found an adorable lace top that I'll no doubt be wearing to work this week. I've really tried to cut down on the shopping this month (and done a decent job) but I found clothes I actually liked at Kohl's and just had to.

Can you believe the amount of sprinkles I got on my soft serve? I ate the whole thing... of course!

Sunday evening I baked some fluffy chocolate chip cookies that were amazing! I used this recipe found on Pinterest... usually I don't like to stray from the regular Tollhouse recipe, but I decided to try this one and am so glad I did!

I finally feel like I'm back in one piece after a relaxing weekend.
This week will be a short one... the Baltimore Grand Prix is in town, and my office is located right downtown... so I'll be in the office the first half of the week, working from home on Thursday, and off work on Friday! 
Chris bought us tickets to the practice rounds on Friday... I'm hoping to either meet Patrick Dempsey or Arie from the Bachelorette. I probably won't, but I'll be stalking them down  keeping an eye out! Kidding, kidding, Chris...
(That's how he got me to go last year. Told me Patrick Dempsey would be there. I looked and couldn't find him anywhere... It was sad)

That's last year.

I'm pretty sure it was the best day of Chris' life thus far. Hoping this year will top it!

A couple bloggy notes...
In case you missed it, I'm taking ad's via Passionfruit. Check out my sponsor page for more information.
Don't you love my new banner? Dani made it! She's the best! 

Of course, I am linking up with Sami, Dana, and Leeann for Weekend Update!



How was your weekend? I hope it was great!

Shabby Apple

Have you ever heard of Shabby Apple?

If not, head on over and see what it's all about.

They're an online women's clothing boutique that also sells jewelry and accessories.

I am loving the lace trend, and am having trouble picking just one lace item to order!

My favorite so far is the Women's Mad Hatter Dress

What are your favorites?

Thank Goodness for Friday!

As always, I couldn't be happier for Friday!

This was a really long week for some reason. It was busy and just drug on...

I'm looking forward to some down time this weekend.

Lets get to the best things from the week!

{one}

I'm loving my casual outfit from earlier this week.

I'm lucky enough to work from home 2 days a week. When I do go out to see clients on these days, I can wear jeans! Sweet gig huh?

White tee, Watch: Nordstrom Rack, Summer 2012

Necklace: Old Navy, Summer 2012

Belt: NY&Co Summer 2012

Jeans: Express

Flats: Lucky Brand

{two}

This is my lifeline throughout the work day:

No, this picture isn't stretched out. That's really how big my Starbucks tumbler is.

My brother got it for me for my birthday and it's been love ever since

(Sweet tea in there of course, I guess I technically am a Southern girl :) )

That's one of my homemade coasters!

{three}

Chris picked these throwbacks up from the store the other day...

So good and only 50 calories each, so not bad!
Pink is my favorite.

{four}

As I was sitting in traffic today, I noticed I was driving on a race track.

Yep, the Baltimore Grand Prix is in 1 month and they are starting to set up barriers!

Part of the race track is on the street in front of my office. Is that cool or what?

{five}

This little journal.

Thanks, TJ Maxx! When I don't want to drive the extra 5 minutes to Homegoods, TJ Maxx always pulls through with stationary and home items!

I also got this spatula

{find the lemon cookie recipe here!}

As an added bonus to the awesome things from this week...

Niki @ Gumdrops & Gloss is hosting a MAJOR group giveaway this SUNDAY, 8/5 at 12:01AM, EST.

I may be giving away something pretty fabulous :)

There are 11 prizes. You won't want to miss it!

So, don't stray too far from blog land this weekend. You won't regret it!

I'm linking up with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Casual Summer Outfit

I've been loving the bright shorts, simple tops, and fun jewelry this summer!

I wore this outfit last week for Chris' birthday fun- going on a boat then to dinner. 

I wanted to wear something casual enough, yet pulled together and appropriate for dinner out

Top: NY & Co (Fall 2011). Necklace: Old Navy (Summer 2012). Shorts: NY & Co (Summer 2012). Wedges: Payless (Summer 2012)
{I later changed into flat sandals because I realized we would be walking a while in the city}

Want the look?

Check out a similar outfit I put together...

Casual Summer Day by alyssalianne featuring longchamp handbags

What is your favorite look for the summer?

Summer Outfit Must-Haves!

Even though Pinteresting Wednesday was yesterday, I had to share some of my favorite summer outfits/pieces I found via Pinterest. (To view sources, visit my Pinterest)

To sum it up:

Bright colors (especially bright shorts!)

ORANGE <3

Comfy, effortless dresses

Statement jewelry

Color block

I'm still not sure about the high/low skirt. Thoughts?