Stella & Dot Friday

This Friday, we are featuring our favorite piece from the new Fall 2011 collection.  For Emily, like stated last week, she likes more bold pieces.  The Contessa Jade necklace is just that.  It's not in-your-face bold, but a subtle chic boldness.  The varying colors of green are just gorgeous and the stones are just beautiful.  It is a very light necklace, and not heavy at all.  Even though green is the key color in this necklace, it is very versatile and could go with numerous ensembles.

Contessa Jade Necklace

How We Keep in Touch

While we talk openly about our differing opinions, we also have a lot in common.  For five years, we both worked in the same human resources department in Tiny Town, USA.  Then within six months of each other, we both left the company and the town for new adventures.  Now, we are miles and miles away from friends and family.  Have you gone through a similar transition?  Here is how we keep in touch... 

• Facebook.  This is almost a no-brainer these days!  Everyone is on Facebook.
• A blog.  We started this blog together, and it has definitely kept us in touch almost on a daily basis.  However, you might consider a family blog that will keep everyone updated on the little ones or even just you and your personal adventures.
• Phone calls.  We are sincere believers that if you truly want to catch up with someone, just pick up the phone!  We even schedule our phone conversations to make sure we both have plenty of time (and no distractions... uh, can you say screaming children) for a chat.
• Text messages.  However, if you just want to check-in with someone and make sure they are doing okay... a text message lets them know you are thinking about them!
• Visit.  We love to see other too... so, we have made a pact to see each other at least once a year.  Its easy when you can hop on a plane and be there in 2 hours!  (Hopefully, you will get to see our pics from our 2011 Rendezvous this fall!)

What are your tips?  We would love to hear them (and possibly give them a try)!

What We Wore Wednesday

We're linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!!

Emily's What I Wore 

Ok, I wore this a few weeks ago, but I love this dress....and it was only $24.99 at Target.  Can't get much better than that!!!  Please excuse the dress looking like I have a hoop skirt underneath - it was really windy!! :)

Dress: Target

Shoes: Elle at Kohl's

Jewelry:  Stella & Dot and Coach

As the hubby was away on business, I had to photograph myself with my iPhone, so I apologize for the cheesy in-the-mirror shots :)  My Nikon D300 is just too heavy to hold one handed!

Dress: Bought it off a coworker who didn't want it...I think she got it at Bergner's

Shoes:  Steve Madden

Jewelry:  Stella & Dot

New Hair:  Irina at RUMM Color Studio - LOVE her!!!

So thankful I get to wear jeans on Fridays at work.  I didn't have that luxury with my old job - ever!  My yellow wedges just make me happy when I wear them.  I scoured the web looking for the perfect yellow...and I am so glad I finally found them!

Shirt:  Bought it on clearance at the Fox's Den in Decatur, IL

Shoes:  Bandolino via Piperlime

Capris:  Joe's Jeans

Jewelry:  Stella & Dot

Next week I'll be showing what I wore on the cruise each day/night!! I'm so excited!!!

Elisabeth's What I Wore

Ah... yes, I am jealous of Emily's little vacay.  However, I got to spend this past weekend at home with ALL 7 of my brothers and sisters.  It was a fabulous time!  Here are some of the comfy, casual clothes I wore... yes, I could wear jeans everyday, but I opt for something a little more comfortable :)

This entire outfit is Old Navy (expect the bracelets - they are Stella & Dot - I love the layered look).  And my mom has the perfect mirror for picture taking... I might invest in one to give my husband a break!

Tunic - Francesca's Collections

Leggings - Banana Republic Outlet

Sandals - Target

This was the perfect "driving-the-three-hours-home" outfit. While I still have a couple LBs to lose from baby Ava, the stretchy-ness of leggings is perfect - I have multiple pairs.

Best Mascara

Emily’s Pick – benefit They’re Real

I am a religious follower of the Second City Style blog – keeps me somewhat connected to Chicago! One day, I noticed they reviewed benefit’s new They’re Real mascara.  The author loved it and swore it made her eyelashes longer and fuller.  Well, I’m always skeptical about mascara.  But, I went ahead and spent the $22 at Ulta to try it out.  The verdict.  It really works!!  I L.O.V.E. it!!! Goodbye eyelash curler!  This mascara seriously curled my lashes itself.  And no clumps.  I loathe clumps.  The brush looks a little funky…and like it might hurt you…but it really makes the mascara work.  As the website says –“ The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define & curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result...luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump or dry out.”  There’s no way Lizzy is winning this duel. This mascara tops everything else I have ever tried!

Elisabeth's Pick - Cover Girl's Professional All-in-One

Hmmmm... it's funny Emily picked "mascara" as our second duel.  Make-up is definitely an area where I decided to save a little moolah while I stay-at-home.  I have always been a sucker for make-up.  Thanks to my friend Sara, I was introduced to Trish McEvoy years ago and absolutely love it.  However, these days I am lucky if I get a chance to put on make-up especially mascara!  My daily make-up routine consists of concealer to cover up the dark circles under my eyes, blush to give me some color and eye liner to provide a little definition.  Mascara is part of my going-out routine... haha!  So, with its limited use these days, I have opted for Cover Girl's Professional All-in-One mascara.  It's cheap (plus you can always find a $1 off coupon), easy to apply and provides just enough umph for date nights, weddings and girl's nights out (yep, that is my social life these days)!!


What's the verdict???  What mascara do you swear by?

Keeping Kids Stylish Without Breaking the Bank

When you look at our children’s closets, you’ll find a range of name brands.  Old Navy, Gap Kids, Baby Gap, Gymboree, Children’s Place, Circo, Carter’s, Sonoma, Osh Gosh, Juicy Couture, Justice…the list goes on and on.  Even though you may see some higher end brands in our children’s closets doesn’t mean we spend a fortune on our children’s clothing.  It’s all about the bargain shopping, baby.

Sales racks, sales racks, sales racks.  One of our favorite department stores, Von Maur, has the absolute BEST sales racks, especially in the children’s department.  They don’t advertise their sales, like a Dillard’s or Macy’s.  You just always know to look for the racks that have SALE on the top.  We both love finding those red price tags that have been marked down a few times. 

Coordinating Gymboree outfits - on sale!

Gymboree online.  When both of us lived in Decatur, the closest Gymboree was 45 minutes away.  So, that meant shopping online most of the time. Well, we both still shop online even though we have stores close to us now.  Why?  Gymboree’s website allows you to sort items by sizes, which eliminates a trek to the store (with children in tow who usually do NOT want to shop!) just to find out that dress is not our daughter’s size.  Many times Emily has put her “wants” in her shopping cart while logged in to her account, and then checks back periodically to see if the items are on sale yet.

Fortunately, Emily lives close to a premium outlet center.  It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on kid’s clothes at great prices.  But, don’t always be fooled just because it’s an outlet.  Let’s look at Carter’s, for instance.  Carter’s is one of those classic brands that not only has outlets, but can also be found in Kohl’s, Sam’s and Costco.  So be familiar with what the brand typically costs.  Most of Emily’s son’s Carter’s clothing comes from Costco because it’s so much cheaper than a department store or an outlet.

As you noticed we put Juicy Couture up there in the list.  While that brand is very expensive, we have found that Rue La La, Hautelook, and Gilt Group put it on their sites occasionally.  Emily has gotten numerous Juicy swimsuits for Sydney that way.  Heck no is a $90 swimsuit economical for a 7-year old.  But, a $29 one is. :)  (Even though our husbands might disagree!)

And the brands you love, sign up for their email lists.  We can’t tell you how many coupons we get via email by just being on their list.  If you don’t want all of the junk mail hitting your email account, think about setting up a separate email account just to use for online shopping.  So you know the emails that go to that account and probably full of money-saving coupons!

What are your tips and tricks for dressing your babes fashionably?

We LOVE our Jewels!

Elisabeth  can remember it oh so well... she had just hosted a jewelry party for one of her best friends, Erica.  Erica had recently started selling this new line she had never heard of before... Stella & Dot.  Have you heard of it?  The party was so much fun (not including all the FREE jewelry she received)!


Everyone at work really liked it (including Em!). 


All her friends adored it.


Her family crushed on it.


And of course, she loved it. 


It was sort of a no brainer... if her peeps like it so much, why doesn't she start selling it!  And thus, the obsession with Stella & Dot began.  Best of all, Emily decided to start selling... which kicked our obsession into overdrive.  Emily is more of a statement kind of girl... Elisabeth is more of a layering kind of girl.  Together, we are going to showcase some of our favorite pieces.  Check in with us over the next couple of Fridays for... drumroll please... Stella & Dot Fridays!!


So, do you LOVE Stella & Dot like us?  Check out our sites and let us know your favorites!


Emily
  
Elisabeth

How We Pack for Vacation

Down on the Farm with Lizzy


Lately, we have not ventured out of the STL area with our newborn. Now, don't be get me wrong... I love to travel, but there is something about putting a teeny, tiny baby on a plane that just bothers me, so we have opted for staycations. My husband travels a lot and I mean a lot, so the girls and I have been spending quite a bit of time at my parents' house. I love hot, summer days on the farm! I am lucky, too, because one sister is a teacher and two sisters have flexible schedules, so we get some quality time by the pool together.


For our first visit this summer, I quickly realized I had forgotten how much stuff a newborn requires. Luckily, my mom has most of the bigger items on hand like a crib, high chair, exersaucer, etc. But I still have to pack:

• Diapers (and lots of them)
• Wet wipes (and lots of them)
• Numerous burp cloths, bibs and blankets
• The bouncy seat... I think they should make a travel one because it would just stay in my car... say, does anyone know of a travel one???
• My pump... something horrible would happen if I forgot that!
• Clothes for me, clothes for Ella, clothes for Ava
• Sunscreen for me, for the girls
• Phone charger (my husband calls constantly and frequently likes a pic or two)
• My jewelry... my sisters love to see what they can borrow



Packed and ready to go!

Emily's Put It On The List!

 

I self-proclaim the title Master Packer Extraordinaire.  Why, you may ask?  I can literally pack myself and the two kids for a 3-day weekend in about 20 minutes.  Including taking the clothes off of the hangers, folding them, and putting them in the suitcase.  (The hubby fends for himself, but with my fashion guidance of course.)  But, when it comes to a week-long, action packed, Passport-needing-vacation, I'm all about the lists!

 

It all started back in high school when my family and I traveled on a few cruises.  There was a formal night, land excursions, boat attire, etc. etc.  So, that's when the list started.  As we are prepping for our first family cruise on the new Disney Dream, I can certainly tell how my packing list has changed from 16 years ago!

 

When you are cruising to somewhere outside of the United States, passports and birth certificates are a must, so those are at the top of the list!  Also included, all of the required paperwork you need to print out to take with you.  Besides those few required items, the rest of the list comes from experience...and is completely random.  Since I start the list a few weeks in advance, the list is ordered by what pops into my mind at any given time.  Sunscreen, Day Bag items, camera charger, video camera, soft cooler, jewelry for Sydney, small purse, Pillow Pets, snacks for the car ride.... My suggestion is when you think of something, immediately write it down, even when it's not on the official "list."  I've brought home many posty notes from work :)

 

I didn't need to make a list for the kid's clothes.  I knew shorts were not "advised" for dinners, so Syd is wearing a dress every night.  Hayden luckily has some long pants that still fit him...and his Easter outfit will come in quite nice for semi-formal night.  And little boys are pretty easy to just put a polo shirt on and call it "dressed up."  I just took 15 minutes this last weekend and started pulling clothes out of their closets.  I didn't want the risk of them wearing anything this week and having to rush to do laundry before we left.  Before I start folding everything, I'll just do a quick pull of shoes and hairbows for Syd.  And one item we constantly keep in their travel bags is Children's Tylenol.  It's a staple!

 

One thing I love about my new closet is the valet poles we had installed.  It makes packing a breeze.  I've pulled the clothes I want to take, hung them on the valet pole, and then literally written on a posty what outfit, shoe, and jewelry I am wearing with each outfit.  And yes, I've even tried on the outfit and paired the shoes...wouldn't want to get on the ship and then be S.O.L. when I didn't like the combo!  I've found this to be the easiest, since I already know exactly what I am wearing each day - while this also eliminate overpacking!  Jim also pulled clothes and put them on his valet pole...again, with my fashion guidance. :)

 

And the best thing about the lists?  Getting to check the items off when they are packed!! I love checking off everything...it means one step closer to being out the door and on vacay!!!

Valet poles...LOVE them!

  

What I Wore Wednesday

We're linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy for our very first addition of What I Wore Wednesday!!

Lizzy's What I Wore Wednesday


Nothing says summer like this tank!  I was at Target the other day and just had to buy it!  You will most likely see this again... I have a feeling it will get mixed and matched a lot!

Tank - Target

Shorts - Banana Republic

Shoes - Old Navy

Charm Necklace - Stella & Dot

Please note, my husband is NOT a photographer... I had to practically beg him to do this photo!  Any tips on how to encourage him??

(Side note from Emily - Look how fantastic Lizzy looks!  She just had a baby almost 2 months ago!!  Lookin' good, girl!!)

Emily's What I Wore Wednesday

We've started going to church (yeah Andy Stanley and Northpoint Community Church!!), so I decided to throw on a skirt I had just ironed.

Shirt - Ann Taylor Loft Outlet

Skirt and Belt - The Limited

Shoes - Very Volatile

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Earrings - Stella & Dot

Bracelets - David Yurman

Time to get back to the grind...and since my spray tan still looks really good, I wanted to wear white since I wouldn't blend in to my clothing with this tan!  And it was a curly haired day...all with a curling iron :)

Shirt - BCBG MaxAzria Outlet

Skirt and Belt - The Limited

Shoes - Charles by Charles David

Necklace - Stella & Dot

Earrings - Tiffany

Bracelets - David Yurman

I stalked this skirt at J. Crew last summer.  I loved how the color fades at the bottom, and there was no way I was going to pay full retail price for it!  Thank goodness I have a J. Crew at my mall so I could stalk it every week :)

Shirt - The Limited

Skirt - J.Crew

Shoes - Steve Madden

Jewelry - Stella & Dot and Coach

1st Duel - How we spend our summer evenings

Emily's Summer Evening

Well, let’s see, after working all day, I just want to get home from work and relax.  Typically after the kids are picked up from daycare and we eat dinner (thanks to the hubby for cooking, since I loathe it!), my night usually is very low key.  Occasionally, we may have time to go to our neighborhood pool, but that’s a stretch.  After the kiddos are in bed, I usually hop on the computer to catch up on blogs, maybe do come work, and depending on the day, watch our favorite TV shows (can we say True Blood?!).  If the hubby isn’t traveling, I try to hit the gym as much as I can, too.  Gotta squeeze that health and wellness aspect into my life - especially since I write about the importance of being healthy all the time!!  So, yes, maybe that sounds a little boring, but sometimes I just love boring. :) 

Elisabeth's Summer Evening

Before I left my corporate job, I made a couple goals (I am sure all of them will be revealed eventually)... one of them was to start enjoying my Sunday evenings.  While working, I always felt that Sunday nights were a wash.  Before I knew it it was 5 o'clock and it was time for dinner, then baths, then bed so I could get up and do my early morning workout.  Now, I have discovered that you really need to enjoy EVERY evening in order to recharge, enjoy your family and prepare for the next day.  Here is how I do it... most evenings I start dinner between 5 and 6 (my husband ususally gets home around 5:30 and does an evening workout).  We eat dinner - hopefully at the dinner table.  I cleanup while daddy gets some time with his girls.  Then we head outside.  We might go for a walk, be rednecks in our lawn chairs in the driveway, visit with neighbors or play in the backyard.  I have also started to water my flowers in the evening... there is something about weeding and watering that help me end my day!  Then baths, reading, bedtime for the 2-year old - feeding for the 8-week old and finally bed.  Similar to Emily, nothing about this screams exciting... it's just relaxing and not a rush!

So....whose evening sounds better to you?  Vote by leaving a comment...and let us know how you spend you spend your summer evenings!

Our Summer Favorites

Tan without the Sun!

I’ll never forget one time I was called Casper the Ghost because I looked so pale.  Did it hurt my feelings?  Yes.  But, I tried not to let it bother me.  I’m sure my fair skinned friends out there use the term “pastey” a lot to describe their skin.  Yes, o’ yes, my skin is pastey as well.  As I have had (literally) ten moles removed because they were considered pre-cancerous by my dermatologist and had a spot of basil cell carcinoma on my forehead, I am not a sun lover.  But, I love how I look with a golden tan!  As I would love to have endless amounts of money so I can get a great custom airbrush tan at Solar Dimensions all the time, I have finally found an economical solution to help me with my pastey skin!  Let me introduce you to Neutrogena’s Build-a-Tan.  After using Jergens, I just found that smell to be overwhelming.  A few of my Facebook friends recommended that I try Neutrogena, and I fell in love.  The smell is definitely tolerable and the color is perfect.  It does not turn orangey after multiple applications.  Also, I found it doesn’t build up as much on the trouble spots of your elbows, knees, and ankles.  It takes at least two applications before you notice a great glow, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t notice much after just one try.  I would highly recommend this product!!  It usually retails for roughly $9.99.  - Em

It's Like Going on Vacation Everyday - Well... Almost!

  

For those of you who have made the transition to a stay-at-home mom, you know that there are a couple indulgences you must give up.  Going to one income has opened my eyes to what I really and truly need versus what I just really really want.  And despite my reasoninig, pedicures are one of those indulgences.  Yes, I was one of those ladies with an ongoing appointment (with the most fabulous nail technician I should add).  She saw me more often than some of my siblings.  But like all good things, this came to an end.  Now, it's my oldest daughter and I doing mommy-and-me pedicures in the comfort of our home. And that my friends is how I discovered my new favorite nail color.  In the past, I was an OPI girl (I've gone through countless bottles of Passion), but now it's all about Essie... e-nuf is e-nuf to be exact.  It is so easy to apply and is seriously the best color.  It goes perfect with reds, pinks and corals.  And when I look done at my toes, I can honestly see them sinking into the sand on the shore of Punta Cana (my favorite vacay location)!!  - Lizzy