It's My Golden Birthday!!

- Lizzy

Today is my birthday.  I'm turning 31 on the 31st.  I know most of us celebrate our birthdays, but do you celebrate golden birthdays??  I was recently surprised when someone I was talking to had never heard of golden birthdays.  Really?!?!  It's seriously the only reason I accepted my 30s so easily... I had yet to celebrate my golden birthday!!  Hmmm... wonder what I can look forward to now?

In order to celebrate my birthday, I thought I would share what Em got me.  We all know she is seriously the best gift giver.  Ever.  While we were in Chicago earlier this month, I borrowed some of primer and beauty balm.  The combo of the two was amazing.  And as always, Em took note.  And just a few days ago, I received a little red box from Ulta containing both (plus, a much needed eyeliner brush). 

Pop Beauty Face Magnet Primer
This is great for keeping all my make-up on the entire day! Plus it keeps my face from getting too greasy!!



Too Faced Tinted Beauty Balm in Cream Glow
Em mentioned beauty balms earlier this year.  And she was right!  I love this!  It has made getting ready in the morning so easy!  I just apply this, a little blush and some mascara!  Easy as 1, 2, 3 and I'm done!

The Bubble Necklace

- Emily

Lizzy posted the other day about the J. Crew-inspired bubble necklace that is on Simple Addiction right now. A ton of bloggers posted last month about the same necklace on GroopDealz...but for $19, instead of the $14.99 that is going on now. I must say, it took a month to get my two necklaces in the mail. But it was worth the wait! I love these necklaces. In case you are wondering if you should break down and buy one (or two or three!), here's how I styled mine. 

Striped mint top from J. Crew, white jeans from Madewell, and yellow wedges from Bandolino

Yellow plaid shirt from Old Navy, No. 2 pencil skirt from J. Crew, and tan heels from Charles by Charles David

I've seen so many bloggers with these necklaces, so there is a ton of inspiration out there. If anything, tell your BFF, hubs, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, anyone that you want one for Christmas. It's never too early to shop!

What We Wore Wednesday

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

Here's our fashion inspiration for the week!

Day #1

Emily: I got this dress with Lizzy while we were in Chicago. I'm just drawn to polka dots. I love them dots (said in my best southern accent!). I like how the pattern switches right at the smallest part of my waist, giving me the shape I want. And who doesn't like when the dress comes with the belt?! Dress - The Limited; Shoes - Christian Louboutin; Bracelets - Coach and Stella & Dot

Lizzy: I took the fam on a tour of my college campus... ah... don't you love going back and seeing all the changes?? This outfit was a little warm for the day, but perfect for eating my fav pizza outside with an old friend in the evening!! Top & Jeans - The Limited; Sandals - Target; Necklace - Stella & Dot

 

Day 2

Emily: I bought this skirt on sale at Anthro, and when I got it home I realized I didn't know what to wear with it. And what do I do when all else fails?? Head for the chambray shirt! I thought the outfit turned out great, and I can't tell you the last time I actually tied the front of my shirt. Maybe 8th grade?! Shirt - Old Navy; Skirt - Anthropologie; Sandals - Kohl's; Earrings - Stella & Dot; Cuff - Juicy Couture

Lizzy: So..... I've been having camera issues. Does that really surprise anyone? This was actually taken with my phone. And does a fabulous job of showing how I look throughout the week. Yep, I'm not ashamed to admit that I wear my workout clothes most days (with no make-up and messy hair)!! I consider this one of the pros of staying home. Top - Nike; Bottoms - Lucy; Shoes - Asics

 

Day 3

Emily: I love this dress and wore it for Easter Sunday this year. It came with a hot pink belt, but I switched it out for the red belt so it would match my new red shoes that I just got for $25 at the Steve Madden store! I got a ton of compliments from all of the UGA fans at work. All of the women said how great of an outfit it would be for tailgating. Uh...tailgating...in heels? Oh Southerners, I will never understand your dress-up tailgates. Dress - White House Black Market; Shoes - Steven; Belt and Necklace - The Limited

Will You Peplum?

- Lizzy

Fall is my favorite season.  I love the change in weather.  I love college football.  I love sitting by a fire.  And I love switching into a new comfy wardrobe.  I've been tracking some of this fall's trends... some of them I just might have to try.  Like polka dots (yes, please!), blazers (that's a no brainer), colored (of course) and printed (maybe) jeans. 

However, the one trend I just can't picture myself in is the peplum top.  I've never been able to pull of ruffles... and to me, this is just one big ruffle.  On the other hand, this trend is right up Emily's alley.  So, beings I'm such a good friend, I've put together a couple peplum looks for Em.

If you were to catch me sporting a peplum top, it would probably be something pretty tame like the gray top from Topshop.  Easy does it!

Peplum by lizzyc

- Emily

Look how sweet my friend is...pulling together looks for me! And she knows me, too well. I have bought one peplum top that I wore a few weeks ago. It's nice and subtle...and excuse me for actually pushing down the peplum part in this picture. But, it's not too "ruffly" in the first place, as Lizzy would put it. I know you can't see the back of this shirt, but it has an exposed zipper and is a great little detail. Of course it's from my favorite store, The Limited.

The Buzz on Facebook

- Lizzy

Just the past couple of days, I've noticed a lot of my FB friends "claiming" offers on what look to be some AH-mazing necklaces.  Have you noticed this too?

I finally decided to claim an offer of my own.  And I discovered this J. Crew-inspired necklace is actually $14.99 for everyone!  Just head over to Simple Addiction and see for yourself.  The offer is only good for a couple more days, so choose your favorite color (or two or three) and get to buying!!
 

Got To Love Chambray

- Emily

Chambray and jean shirts are everywhere this season! I first purchased by chambray shirt last fall at Old Navy, and I can't tell you how many times I've worn it since. I kind of feel like if I can't find the perfect shirt to complete my outfit, I head straight to my chambray shirt! I think it's a staple piece that you can wear all year round. It's thin enough in the summer and you can easily layer it in the winter.

As I was searching Polyvore for chambray, I noticed some great polka dot versions. I love polka dots, so I think I need to add one to my wardrobe...especially since Forever 21 and Target have great versions for $25.

Do you have a love for your chambray shirt, too?

Love Chambray by emilette

What I Wore Wednesday

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

My trusty cohort is taking the week off again, so hopefully I can bring you some fashion inspiration all by myself this week!!

Work Day

Excuse me while I prep my hair for a picture...or "fluffing" if you want the technical term.

Ok. Fluffed, but yet still looks flat. This was at the end of the day, and the day before a much needed haircut. But, I love this dress. I got it off of Haute Look. I bought my first Michael Stars dress last month, and wanted to add another one to my ever-expanding maxi dress collection. And just so happened that Michael Stars was on Haute Look...for over 60% off. Awwwwesome. Dress - Michael Stars; Watch - Coach; Earrings - Stella & Dot

Weekend Day

The kids wanted their favorite camp counselor to babysit, so we took full advantage of going out sans children. I had yet to wear this shirt, so it was calling to me as I was going through my closet. "Emily, wear me. Wear me already!" So, I obliged. And I got my hair done on Saturday, so you will notice it looks a bit more blonde and shorter :) Shirt - Victoria's Secret; Pants - The Limited; Bracelets - Coach and Stella & Dot; Shoes - Charles by Charles David

Hope everyone has a great rest of their week!

If You Only Have 15 Minutes

- Emily

Ok, I have to admit, I can tend to be very lazy. After a long day of work, sometimes I just want to sit my booty on the couch and do nothing but veg out and watch horrible reality TV. Even though I know I should get up and exercise, my mind tries to tell me that I don't have time to workout. 

While I got my weekly email from Pinterest, I saw this link to a workout by Shaun T. on the Dr. Oz show. Now, I'm not a Dr. Oz fan at all (thanks to my daddy who despises him, but that's a long story), but I've heard nothing but great things about Shaun T. and his workouts.

And the title caught my eye. Miracle 15-Minute Workout. 15 minutes?! Yes, please. I can definitely do that!

Click on the picture to link to the workout.

Now, I think I'm in pretty good shape. But holy freakin' jamoly! This workout kicked my butt!!!! I now see why it says "miracle" because it kicks all of your muscles' into high gear in just 15 minutes. My calves were absolutely burning for the next two days.

And I loved the fact that real women were doing this workout in the background sweating right along with you. Not little fitness models that made it look easy.

You've got to try it! Your body will say thank you...and then you can sit back on the couch and go back to watching horrible reality TV like me.

What I Wore Wednesday

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

My trusty cohort is taking the week off, so hopefully I can bring you some fashion inspiration all by myself this week!!

Day 1

I'm always skeptical to wear white. For one, I always end up getting it dirty. And two, I usually am so pale that white really washes me out. Well, my spray tan was still going pretty strong, so I thought I would wear white. I've had this dress sitting in my closet for a long time with the tags hanging on it. I think I was just scared of the white! Now the tags are in the trash, and I really like this dress...when I have a spray tan :)  Dress - Bergner's; Shoes - Michael Kors; Bracelet - Stella & Dot

Day 2

It's hard to tell because I had to do my traditional hands-on-the-hips pose, but this top is a peplum. And I loved it with this pencil skirt. Being curvy, I definitely had to offset the peplum with something slim on the bottom. How do you think it looks? Dress - The Limited; Skirt - J. Crew; Shoes - Steve Madden;  Jewelry - Stella & Dot

Day 3

Yep! I got these wedges for a whopping $17 in the Von Maur shoe room. Love them! My friend, Alison, has a similar pair, and I have eyed this color since she bought them last year. And you can't beat dressing up a t-shirt with a great S&D necklace! T-shirt - LOFT; Skirt - J. Crew; Shoes - Steve Madden; Necklace - Stella & Dot; Watch - Michael Kors

Day 4

Finally, it wasn't a super hot day in Georgia, so I took full advantage of wearing jeans. I have to admit I'm ready to dust my boots off and put the flip flops and sandals away for a while. Tank - J. Crew; Jeans - Juicy Couture; Watch - Michael Kors; Necklace - Stella & Dot; Sandals - Kohl's

Day 5

This week's post wouldn't be complete without a 1st day of school outfit post! They were so excited to go to school, and I truthfully didn't mean to color coordinate them! It just happened. The bus comes early - 7:11 a.m. It's early mornings for momma, especially when the hubs is traveling! Shirt and Jeans - Old Navy; Sandals - Steve Madden; Watch - Coach; Necklace - Stella & Dot (Syd is in Justice and Hayden is in Gymboree)

I also just realized the fading progression of my spray tan in these photos. It was starting to look awful, and I had to Google ways to quickly get it off. You know what works the best? Use an exfoliant before you hop in the shower while your skin is dry and the scrub the crap out of your skin with a washcloth once you are in the shower and have washed the exfoliant off. You're welcome for the tip :)

Going Retro

- Lizzy

While Em and I were in Chicago, we had lots of random conversation topics. One that I brought up was the fact that my nail file was 10 years old! I bought it while I studied abroad in the Czech Republic. I still love it to this day! Then I got to thinking... there are a couple things I use on almost a daily basis that have many, many years on them!

For example, I have this bright neon yellow hair pic. I absolutely love this thing. It's easy to spot in my mess of a drawer and helps me get through my wet hair after every shower. AND I've had this sucker since I was in fourth grade!! That would be 22 years ago!! Isn't that crazy!?!?

I also have a set of nail clippers that my grandma gave to me. I don't remember the exact year she gave them to me, but it was when I was in junior high. That would be some time around 1995... 17 years ago! They have been "lost" so many times, but they always turn up!

So, how about you? Do any of your tools have some years on them?

My Baby is a Kindergartner

- Emily

I knew this day would come. The day my baby would head to school. When Syd headed to kindergarten, it didn't phase me. I knew she was ready, and that I had one more baby at home that would head to kindergarten...in three years. Well, that three years has gone by in a blink of an eye. And that three years ends today.

It feels like it wasn't that long ago that my water broke at work and I drove myself home before heading to the hospital. And wondering what I was going to do with a little boy. All I had known was everything pink and girly. But, it didn't take me long. While on maternity leave, we bonded. I remember after the hubs would go to work and Syd to daycare, I would put Hayden on my chest and we would fall back asleep in bed. And I barely put the little man down the entire 12 weeks I was on leave; he was just so cuddly and sweet. Yeah...that was almost 6 years ago.

He has always been a shy guy, which is the complete opposite of his sister. Shy to the point where he'll bury his head into you or just pull his arm up over his eyes. We've had to battle him being pulled away from us at daycare. Yes, it even happened last week at summer camp. (Can we say working mom guilt over here?!?) So I'm just a little hesitant and worried about how he will do at school. His Pre-K teacher told us what a great student he was. But elementary school will be so different - and gigantic. Hayden just seems so little to me still. He told us he was a little scared, and all I want to do it to take away his fear. Protect him. But then I take a step back and look at my little boy.

He's ready for school. Ready to learn. Ready to explore. Ready to meet new friends. Ready to begin on this long journey of school. So I'm learning that I just need to be ready with him.

I just have one order though. Time, I need you to just slow down just a little. You are making my babies grow up way too fast.

Here's just a little progression of my baby over the years...from being in my (big as a house tummy!!!!) to now. I know I'm a little biased, but I think this little man is the cutest thing EVA! His smile just melts my heart!

Our Love of Self Portraits

When we were with each other last summer, we started taking self portraits. All. The. Time. So guess what? It's becoming a tradition. People have even asked, "Oh, would you like me to take your picture?" Uh...thanks, nice stranger, but we'd actually like to take a picture of ourselves instead. Ha!

Even though Emily loves her DSLR, self portraits are so much easier with a small Sure Shot. It's so much easier holding the camera with one hand, and our wrists aren't that strong to hold the SLR with one hand. Especially Emily's gigantic camera and lens!

So here is our self portraits from our weekend in Chicago!

Just chillin' after our flights

On the Magnificent Mile

It's much harder to do self portraits with a digital SLR! Hence this is our only one!

Getting ready to eat and shop it up!

Love this view behind us...even though our big heads are blocking it!

Cabbin' it up!

Last morning :(

What We Wore TOGETHER - Chicago!

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

That's right. We were actually together last weekend! It had been a very long time! So let's see what we wore in our weekend in Chicago...

Friday Night

When we got to Chicago in the afternoon, what was the first thing we did? Well of course go over the jewelry we brought...had to compare our Stella & Dot! And then...shopping! Lizzy had a few things on her "must get list," while Emily was just perusing the racks. After Lizzy knocked a few things off her list, we headed back to the condo to get ready for dinner at Rosebud Steakhouse.

Dress - Juicy Couture Outlet; Jewelry - Stella & Dot

Dress - H&M; Shoes - L.A.M.B.; Jewelry - Stella & Dot

Saturday Shopping

It was HOT in the city on Saturday, so we both opted for cool outfits. Of course we had to eat at Emily's all-time favorite pizza place, Lou Malnati's. We met an old coworker and friend of ours as well and had a fantastic time! Both of us had The Limited virtual dollars to use, so use them we did! We each got a few new great pieces for not a whole lot of money. We love our bargains!

Tank - Banana Republic; Skirt - CAbi; Sandals - Target

Shirt and Shorts - The Limited; Shoes - Kohl's; Watch - Michael Kors; Necklace - Stella & Dot

Saturday Dinner
Emily's cousin lives in Chicago and her uncle was also visiting, so we got to spend time with them on Saturday night. We had a wonderful dinner at La Madia, and even got to shake our booties a little on the dance floor.  Let's just say we enjoyed ourselves and stayed out a little too late.

Dress - Anthropologie; Shoes - Charles by Charles David; Jewelry - Stella & Dot

Dress - BCBGMaxAzria; Shoes - Guess; Jewelry - Stella & Dot

Don't you love our matching Louis Vuittons?? Yes, we are dorks.

Sunday - Our Last Morning
Do we look a little tired here? Uh....we definitely were! But it was a beautiful, sunny morning in the city. We walked to a wonderful breakfast place, The West Egg. Yummmmmmmy!

Emily: Dress - Sky; Flip Flops - Old Navy

Lizzy: Shirt and Shorts - The Limited; Sandals - Target

So needless to say, we had a fabulous time together! It's always great to catch up with your best friend - and blogging partner! So how do you think we did on dressing for our weekend in the city?

Rediscovering a Friendship

- Emily

Needless to say, Lizzy and I had a great time together in Chicago. I don't think there is anything better than being with your best friend for two days. 

We shared a lot, listened a lot, ate a lot, laughed a lot, vented a lot, and shopped not as much as we thought we would (you are welcome hubbies!). 

But I also learned something on my trip. 

Lizzy is one very special friend. 

She's a person who has a great heart. 

A big heart.

And I'm so glad that I have her in my life.

She's a wonderful wife and mother and sister and friend.

She's dependable.

She's beautiful...inside and out.

It's amazing how opposite we are, yet the same all at the same time.

It's not very often you find that characteristic in your friends.

And no matter how far apart we are, I know she's there for me no matter what.

Love you, girl. I hope you know how much!

(This really wasn't meant to be this sappy!!! It just kind of turned out that way...)

Look for our WWWW tomorrow to see what we wore on our weekend together!

It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since we got to see each other. But today starts our long weekend together in Chicago!! No kids, no husbands... just the two of us! We are so excited to catch up, eat some famous Chicago pizza and do what we do best... shop!! We have even carved out time to catch up with some old friends (and some of Em's family).

As always, you can hear about our time together next week!

This pic is from our first trip to Chicago together in 2008!

In with the New: Bracelets

- Lizzy


Last week, I shared some of the new necklaces from Stella & Dot's fall collection. Today, I want to showcase the trend that is still in full force... bracelets! Emily and I've been layering our bracelets for awhile now, and the trend is still going strong. Some things I've learned by listening to the S&D's creative team are to first and foremost not be afraid. Always do what is right for you. But also venture out of your comfort zone a little. Think about mixing up different types of metals. Rose gold is really big this year. And finally use different textures... I love my leather wrap bracelets mixed with beads. And Emily has some spikes I would love to get my hands on!


Here is the Sparkly Bardot. It does a great job of mixing metals and textures all in one. You can see it in last week's People on Bachelorette Emily.

This is the Nina Bracelet. I just love how it has the threading throughout. I think it would be great by itself or layered with some of the new bangles!

What We Wore Wednesday

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

Happy August Everyone! Here's to a month full of fashion inspiration!

Day 1

Emily: Although I've wanted to have mint jeans, I couldn't find affordable ones anywhere, so these are the closest things I could find! And I really do love the color a lot. And this is the first pair of American Eagle jeans that I own, and I have to say that they kept their shape the WHOLE day! I highly recommend them, although I wish the pockets were a little deeper. Shirt - LOFT; Jeans - American Eagle; Shoes - Charles by Charles David; Necklace - Stella & Dot; Cuff - Louis Vuitton

Elisabeth: I actually got this dress last fall and wore it through the holidays with leggings, boots, etc.  And it turned out to be perfect for a little summer girls' night out too! Dress - Old Navy; Jewels - Stella & Dot; Sandals - Target

Day 2

Emily: I just love this cobalt blue color. It's one of my favs! I felt a little sparkly that day, so hence the the sparkly shirt :) Tank - F21; Cardigan - Gap; Jeans - Ted Baker; Belt - Talbots; Shoes - Lauren by Ralph Lauren; Cuff - Tiffany

Elisabeth: My husband surprised me with Train tickets. I wanted a "rocker chic" look. What do you think? Did I get it? BTW - AHhhhmazing concert!! A must see if you like Train. Top - The Limited; Jeans - Gap; Flats - Target; Jewels - Stella & Dot

Day 3

Emily: Me in colored jeans yet again?! You don't say! I seriously think I have the color of the rainbow now. Wait. I take that back. I still need orange! These jeans are oh so comfortable. And even better, I got them about 75% off! Shirt - Old Navy; Jeans - Juicy Couture; Belt - Banana Republic; Sandals - Kohl's; Watch - Michael Kors

Elisabeth: This pic should actually be Day 1 because it's my last pic with my darker hair! Here is a sporty look... the family went to a minor league baseball game and this was perfect for a fun family night! Top - LOFT; Shorts - DIY (Express); Shoes - Converse