Necessary

It's been a while again since I showed up to this little space. Every time I think I'm going to be able to come up for air, the busy season continues. I am beyond burnt out, and my mouse pad in my office that says "I need a vacation" could not be more true right now. Between my full time job which I work way more than 40 hours a week, freelance gigs with local businesses, blog campaigns and being a mom, wife, sister, friend and daughter I have a lot on my plate. Social media never sleeps, so my brain is just always on. 

I've fielded a lot of questions from family and friends about how I do it all, and the truth is I don't. Not even close. Wife and Mommy are by far the two most important titles I have, and it saddens me when I'm not fully there for them and they deserve the world. I'm making more of an effort to be there for friends, family and also myself. I need self-care and unplugging even if it's just going to get my eyebrows waxed or my hair done or a barre workout or cooking for my family. It's necessary. 

Also necessary - date nights. It's SO important to have one-on-one time as a couple even if we're grabbing a quick dinner. Having an adult conversation without being interrupted every few seconds - priceless. Last weekend we dropped Lil' Miss off at gymnastics for their monthly "Parents Night Out" (watching parents peel out of the parking lot on a mission each time is my favorite part - you can almost hear them saying "GO GO GO!!!"), and we headed to a new to us local spot for dinner that is an old jailhouse converted into a restaurant. The food was delish, and we then ventured over to a hidden tiki bar for a night cap before heading back to get our sweet girl. 

Twisted OTS Sweater {only $24} | Lace Bralette | Super Soft Skinny Jeans | Ankle Booties | Barrettes | Camera Bag | Lipstick in Twig

Also necessary - time with "framily". We hadn't gotten together in far too long. I had seen her for a birthday dinner in November, but didn't get to catch up much and hadn't seen her since. It had been so long that she was asking to see all my photos from Vegas, Venice, Panama, Brazil and Dubai (my work trips throughout the fall). 

We went for a wine tasting at a new local spot, then came back to the house for grilling and hot tub time with our husbands and the kiddos. Oh and of course s'mores. Lil' Miss fully approved. 

In other news - we had a global marketing summit at work, and I spoke on our social media strategy. Our local department was in the room, but it was streaming to our team members around the world which meant we started each day at 6:00 a.m. to respect the time zones in our Asia-Pacific region before they went to bed for the night. The exhaustion was real, but it was fun to make waffles together in the café before we got started for the day. And even though I spent far too long over analyzing my PPT, and let my nerves get the best of me I feel it went quite well. It's been amazing to see our counterparts around the world already adopting some of the tools and strategies I mentioned, and I'm excited to watch them grow. 

Side note - I forgot how uncomfortable work clothes are. Sitting all day in work pants and heels was not for the faint of heart. I could not be more thankful for remote work for so many other reasons, but this is just another bonus. 

I mostly cook our meals, and we don't eat out or order takeout much except on Saturdays when we try to head out and do something fun. So, I got a little teary eyed when opening up my recipe book recently and a card with my grandmother's handwriting fell out. Needless to say I tried her recipe that week, and it was nostalgia fresh from the oven. Man I miss her... and her sass! 

And last, but certainly not least! I took Lil' Miss to dinner last night to celebrate one of our "framily" members birthday. About 20 of us surprised him, and it was SO good to just all be together. We try to get the girls together for brunches or dinners here and there (and the guys get together too), but it had been way too long since we all came together including our kiddos who were also excited to see each other. Perfect way to celebrate one of our best friends! 

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There Must Be Some Toros in the Atmosphere

A cold front has moved in, and it's been time for sweaters and boots. It was 37 degrees when I took Lil' Miss to school yesterday morning, and it wasn't for the faint of heart especially when the wind gust came through. I always joke that I didn't move to Florida to be cold, and it's true that your blood thins out. I grew up in Connecticut where it got MUCH colder than this for way longer, and now I get can't get warm when it drops below 60. 

Pullover {15% off} | Faux Leather Leggings | OTK Boots | Lipstick in Twig | Sunnies | Double Ring

I purchased this pullover for my work trip to Dubai in November as something that can be thrown over anything to cover my shoulders and respect their modesty standards. It was light and airy enough for the desert, but also great for the recent drop in temps back here at home. 

I paired it with my favorite faux leather leggings which are ridiculously comfy and a pair of OTK boots that I scooped up at Nordstrom Rack a few seasons ago. 

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Winter Sunshine

Am I finally playing catch up? Other than being sick for the better part of 2 weeks, not much has been going on. Once we were able to move freely outside the house again, we've mostly been supporting local and enjoying the Florida winter weather (which is more like fall weather up north - chillier but warm enough to enjoy being outside). 

Mauve Jeans | Dolman Sleeve Tee {only $12} | Ankle Boots {60% off} | Jeweled Headband {only $12} | Camera Bag | Sunnies | Lipstick in Creme Cup

Last weekend we hit up a few local spots downtown, and picked up a cupcake from the food truck festival. It was the perfect nightcap and delish! 

Lil' Miss finally got her ears pierced, and loves posing for pictures to show off her pretty earrings. Breakfast dates and playground trips have also been on the agenda for my sweet girl. 

I've also been working on replacing some basics, and this tank is so soft and perfect for layering or on it's own. I picked it up in teal and in black during Target's 30% off sale which means they were only $3.50! It was perfect for football on the patio of one of our favorite local spots (and their $4 mimosas). 

Tank Top {only $5} | Shorts {similar} | Sunglasses | Barrette

We finally checked out Gideon's Bakehouse and in my best DJ Tanner-Fuller voice - OH MYLANTA they were worth waiting in line for! Instead of heading all the way to Disney Springs, we went to the one inside East End Market. The shop was adorable, and the décor gave me Harry Potter vibes which made it even better! We enjoyed our cookies in their garden along with some tasty drinks from the cutest bar that was upstairs, and were even treated to live music. Lil' Miss climbed one of the trees in the garden, picked me a flower, and danced her heart out to the music. Perfect Saturday afternoon. 

*Someone thoroughly enjoyed her cookie by wearing it*

Flannel Shirt in Lilac {only $20} | Ankle Booties {60% off} | Lipstick in Twig | Sunglasses

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New Year New to Me Beauty

Happy New Year! Is it ok to still say that on January 10th? Between the virus that shall not be named hitting our house for Christmas and into the New Year, and still being super busy at work I haven't had a chance to hop in here for a bit. Thankful to report that we are all much better, and if there's ever a time to get sick it's when school and gymnastics are out for Lil' Miss coupled with company holidays and PTO. We were able to hunker down at home eating Christmas cookies and watching holiday specials while Face Timing with the fam up in Connecticut. 

Since it's a new year, it was time for me to update some beauty items. I used to overspend at Sephora and went from VIB status to not even spending $1 in there the past few years. Needless to say, I needed to start replacing some of my staples and discover new-to-me products. 

Lipstick in Twig | Hair Dryer Brush | Shape Tape Concealer and Shape Tape Glow Wand

I was looking for another wear with practically everything lipstick, and finally scooped up MAC's Twig which went for a spin on girl's night out recently. Such a pretty shade! 

I'm a total dunce at doing my own hair (and makeup if we're being honest), so a tool that will help achieve that salon blowout look was calling my name. I'd seen so many people try the Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer Brush and alerted my husband to a great sale before Christmas. The look of surprise when it was under the tree on Christmas morning was Oscar award worthy. The only complaint I have is it doesn't do as great a job at controlling my fly-aways as my trusty regular hair dryer. 

Oh Shape Tape - the overpushed by influencers beauty product. Well, I finally decided to see what they hype was about and scooped up a duo that included their Glow Wand as well. 

Clarifying Shampoo | Total Face Sponge {only $6} | Perfume

Did you know you can purchase Ulta products at Target now? Well none of the Targets around me are fancy enough to carry the products in-store, but I was excited to order this clarifying shampoo with my Red debit card for free shipping and 5% off. It had been too long since I used a weekly clarifying shampoo and my hair was getting dull. Glad to bring some of the oomph back until my next salon visit. 

I've never ventured into a blending sponge for applying makeup, but now that I picked up the Shape Tape Glow Wand I wanted to properly blend it in for an extra glow. Enter the $6 e.l.f. sponge that I simply added to a recent Target Drive-Up order. 

I used to ask for a new perfume every Christmas, and realized I hadn't refreshed my collection recently. Maybe it was the Lady Gaga commercials, but whatever the reason Valentino's Voce Viva eau de parfum is the perfect blend of florals and vanilla. 

Dry Shampoo {only $9} | Rose Quartz Roller {only $15} | Honest Primer

I also hadn't replaced my dry shampoo for far too long even with less showers thanks to permanent work-from-home (can I get a hallelujah?) I wanted to try one that was specifically for brunettes, and got this dry shampoo from Santa in my stocking. 

Another score from my stocking was a rose quartz face roller. No matter how much sleep I get, I still have puffiness and dark circles around my eyes and let's not get started on the wrinkles creeping in. I picked one up a few months back, and after only using it once Lil' Miss picked it up and said "Mommy what's this?" and then proceeded to break it. Needless to say my new one will be kept safely out of reach. 

I'm working on trying to be better about clean beauty products, and have liked everything I've tried from Jessica Alba's Honest Beauty line. The Everything Glow Primer is the perfect base for a dewy look plus it contains hyaluronic acid. 

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