Friday, March 30, 2012

Get one before they are gone!

It is my duty to let you in on a little secret just in case you didn't already know.  Pam with ColorBlock Shop on Etsy is down to her last few candy collar necklaces.  If you love this necklace as much as I do, you better get one before they are gone!



I discovered ColorBlock shop from Meghan's blog, Little Girl in the Big World, back in February, and fell head over heels in love with all of the handmade neon, rhinestone jewelry. 


I had been searching high and low for a neon, yellow rhinestone necklace.  Ann Taylor was the only store I came across that had one and it was $88.  No, thank you...I could get 8 necklaces at Forever 21 for that price!


   So, I decided to contact Pam at ColorBlock Shop to see if she would make a custom necklace that was just yellow. And guess what?  She said, YES!  So, if you don't see a color on her shop that floats your boat, send her a message and let her know what you want.


And, did I mention that it is half the price of the Ann Taylor one? The drive out price, with shipping was $41!  Nope, that is not a typo, my friends...$41!


Here is a picture of the one I got.  You can also see a few pictures of me wearing it here and here.



It's a beauty, right?  Her earrings and bracelets are equally fabulous! 

And by the way, I am not getting paid or receiving FREE jewelry by writing this post.


Have you purchased anything from a shop on Etsy lately?  I would love to hear what you found!


Cheers to a little rhinestone bling for half the price!


I am also linking up with Blonde Episodes today!  Check out more fun fashions here!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Birds of a Feather...

Today is going to be short and sweet...one simple message...I LOVE my new top from Zara!
 
Sending a Texas-sized shout out to Miss Krystin Lee with Suburban Faux-Pas for posting a photo of this top on her Instagram. I have REALLY been trying to stay "clean and sober" from shopping, but I fell off the wagon with this one. I just couldn't help myself.  It was seriously chirping my name!

 Comfortable + Mint + Birds + Doesn't Wrinkle = Happy Shanna








Top:Zara | Crops:Old Navy | Shoes:Nine West | Belt:From Another Dress | Ring:Forever 21



Have you bought something lately that you really didn't need, but just couldn't say no?   

Cheers to getting back on the wagon with my cute little birds! 



Side notes:
Thanks, Brooke, for shooting these pictures in the drizzle this morning!  Best.Co-worker.Ever!
Happy 7th Birthday to my spunky, mini-me, Logan Marie! 

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Black, White, Stripes and Cobalt Blue

Today, I have the privilege of guest posting over at Feathers + Futons.  These lovely ladies were so gracious to honor me with the Blog of the Month.  Hop on over and let me tell you why I have fallen in love with the little BIG world of blogging. And while you are there, give these girls some well deserved love!

So, the hubs is BACK!!  Hallelujah!  Thanks for hanging in there with me yesterday, reminding to pour another glass of wine and all the "you can do it" words of encouragement.  I survived...minus a few nerves!  Just kidding!

So, I have come to the conclusion that I have a little obsession and it's called black, white, stripes and cobalt blue.  I didn't realize it until I took these pictures {well, until the hubs took these pictures} that I have been sporting this color/pattern combo quite frequently {here and here}. I am okay with that...and you will probably see it again real soon.  I have a tendency of getting obsessed with things...it's part of who I am...and I don't plan to change "me" anytime soon! I know you are tapping your toes right now with anticipation of the next post showcasing this combo!!  Patience is a virtue, my lovelies!!  It will come, I am sure of it.

By the way, I just scored this skirt at Target for $18!!  It was on sale and they have a few other colors available. 





Two thumbs up for the hubs being home and Xen Tan!

Top:Forever 21 (old) | Cardi:Forever 21 (old) | Skirt:Target | Shoes:Target | Necklace:Thrifted | Other Jewels:Forever 21



Side note: Both of my girls got their ears pierced last night!!  They were so brave!  It's kind of like being initiated into a sorority...they are officially little ladies!!


Do you have a favorite outfit combo that you have been migrating towards?  Or is it just me?

Cheers to black, white, stripes and cobalt blue!


I am also linking up with these fab ladies...be sure to check them out!!


 
 

pleated poppy

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Life is Glamorous!

Forgive me for this post.  I really hope you don't unfollow me, or if this is your first time visiting, I can only hope that you will come back tomorrow.  This is not normal, but then again, I am not feeling so normal right now. 

My hubs is out of town for work and I am playing single mom.  I have soooooo much respect for all the single moms out there because, although I love my girls, I am about to pull my hair out.  So, hence this post.  No time to blog about beauty, fashion or anything super fun today...just trying to make it out alive and stay sane until the hubs comes home!! 

This is how I feel right now!!!!  Can't we all just get along and not fight!


  Life is glamorous!


Rats!!!

Somebody better call a priest...

On the other hand, don't call a priest, just pour me a glass of wine!!



I should be back to my "normal" self tomorrow...hopefully!  By the way, I really do love my kiddos, and wouldn't have it any other way...well, maybe I would change a few things...but I do love them!!
 Please come back and visit...

Cheers to the hubs coming home, extreme patience and a couple glasses of red wine!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Birchbox, Boo on You

My last Birchbox post was "Birchbox Brag", this month it's "Birchbox, Boo on You".  If you have never heard of Birchbox, I can give you a quick run down here.

I saw several posts of what other friends got before mine came in the mail and everything was worth well over $10 (the Birchbox monthly subscription).  I just knew I was going to get the Essie nail polish or the Tarte Lip Stain or the Stila eyeshadow or even the fun little twist band...but NOPE!  Not me...not even one of those beauties were tucked in my box.  I kept digging after I opened everything, in hopes of finding at least one of those sought after products hiding in my little brown box.

I know, I must sound like an ungrateful brat, but gee-whiz Birchbox, you teased me with all of the other fab goodies my friends got.  Couldn't I have at least just gotten one of them?  Maybe they got my profile mixed up with someone elses. 

So here is what was in my box this month...don't be jealous!


Harvey Prince Ageless perfume sample.  This smells kind of nice, but I get REALLY
bad headaches from perfume.  I can only use lotion and body sprays.

This color is okay, but I would have MUCH rather had an Essie brand.  Essie gave out two different colors this month.  I have never heard of this brand before.  Have you?

This is probably my favorite sample in my box because the name Lulu Orangics is the nickname we have given my youngest daughter (Lulu, not Orangics).
And two, I am always looking to try new dry shampoos because my hair is SUPER oily and I don't like to wash and dry it every day. 

I don't really drink much tea...maybe I will add a little liquor to it for a Spring-time cocktail. 
What do you suggest I mix it with?

These could come in handy, but I typically just carry a bottle of sunscreen with me to the pool.  I
 got two packs of these which only contain one towel in each packet.

One Love Organics - Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm
I am picky about what I put on my face because I have super sensitive skin.  So, if you want this, send me your address and I will drop it in the mail for you!


So, there you go, I told you not to be jealous!  However, I am jealous of those of you that got one of the Essie nail polishes or the Tarte Lip Stain.  I am not giving up on you yet, Birchbox.  I know you will make it up to me next month!

Did you like what you got this month?

Cheers to getting fun stuff in the mail for $10 a month, even if this month kind of sucked.

Today I am linking up with Fabulous but Evil
Check out what some of the other ladies got this month.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

No Oompa Loompa Here!

Not only is the weekend upon us, but it is going to be a beauti-mous one here in Austin!  Spring has definitely arrived!  Bring on the shorts, sleeveless tops, sandals and possibly SWIMSUITS....swimsuits?  Yes, I said swimsuits!  YIKES!!!!  I know, I am FREAKING OUT too!  I am as white as a ghost, and when I say white, I mean so white that my veins look like bruises on my legs...attractive, I know!

Well, don't fret my lovelies, I have the cure for our winter white bodies...are you ready?  Of course you are.  It's called Xen Tan!

I would prefer to call it A Gift from Sweet Baby Jesus.  Okay, maybe I am being a little outrageous, but seriously, this self tanner is by far the BEST one I have ever used...and believe me, I have purchased plenty!

Xen Tan has several product lines. I use the Transform Luxe Daily Self-Tan in Light/Medium.  It does not give you instant color.  It is gradual.  The best part...okay, there are two best parts...it does not leave you looking like a big, orange Oompa Loompa and it actually smells good...think vanilla.  Oh, I fogot another best part...it is only $30!  I got mine at Ulta, but you can also get it online here and at Sephora.

I always apply mine at night and I wake up to a fresh, non-stinky glow.  Also, I must add that it fades nicely and doesn't leave you splotchy. 

Check out a before and after picture...CAUTION...you might need to put on your sunglasses for the first picture...don't say I didn't warn you!  It looks like I am wearing white pantyhose...HOT!

BEFORE
{never did this outfit post because of how white my legs were}

AFTER
{subtle, right...not too over the top tan?}

I know there are several other, Non-Oompa Loompa looking, self-tanners out there.  St. Tropez and Fake Bake have gotten amazing reviews as well.  I just found this one to be my favorite one so far! 

Do you have a favorite self-tanner or a funny self tanner experience?  I am willing to bet my bank account that anyone that has used one before has a funny, OMG I turned orange story!!  Mine was with the Sublime Loreal one...I was a HOT MESS!!

Cheers to getting our tan on!! 

A Birthday and Total Awkwardness


Yesterday was a milestone birthday for one of my most favorite ladies in the entire world.  We have been buds since my freshman year of college and were pledge sisters in our sorority.  We have been in each other's weddings, watched each other's babies come into this world, made some crazy traveling memories {most recently, our Vegas trip}, laughed and cried together and most importantly have been by each other's side through our most trying moments.  I consider her more of my sister than my friend.  So, this post is dedicated to her.  I am so lucky to have shared your birthday with you, and for those who know the story...she likes to party like it's 1998! 

 


Before dinner I had the Hubs snap up a few pictures of my outfit.  Okay, I must say, this was total AWKWARDNESS!!!  If you have been reading my blog, you know that most of my outfit posts are taken in the comfort of my backyard.  WOW!  I give props to you ladies that go out and shoot pictures in public.  I am not a shy or introverted girl, but I felt like a HUGE DORK posing on the sidewalk in downtown Austin.  People were seriously staring and giving us the, "you are so shallow for taking all these pictures of yourself look." All I wanted to do was shout out, "This is for my blog, people!!"  Oh well, at the end of the day, who really cares, but I will say again, big high fives for all of you that do this all the time...I think I am going to head back to my little piece of privacy.

Dress: c/o Strut in Austin | Blazer: Lauren Conrad for Kohls | Shoes: Steve Madden | Jewelry:F21
   
Can you tell that I look a little nervous in the pictures? Through my super fake smile, I was telling the hubs to hurry up and keep snapping! God love him for putting up with me. I know most of us bloggers depend on our devoted {and annoyed at times} better halves to be the men behind the scenes! Let's all go home tonight and tell them that they have been promoted to co-producer.  Do you think they would accept or decline the offer? 

Cheers to birthdays, backyards and better halves!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Today's New Blog Name Is...


Today, my blog will be called "Because Erin Said So", Erin with Currently Coveting that is...

Why you ask?

Because she introduced me to this ahhhhhh-mazing website called Ruche.  Most of you have probably already heard of, but I just got word from my blog bud, Miss Erin, a few weeks ago and can't believe I have been missing out for so long. 

Actually, I should probably be cursing the fact that I was exposed to such a place...I mean, it could get ugly...REAL UGLY for my bank account.

They have the cutest stuff and it is AFFORDABLE...now that's what I'm talking about!  I would describe their collections as classic, feminine, flirty and vintage-boutiquey {is that a word?}. 

I seriously want every single piece of fabulousness on this site...okay, maybe not the pet stuff
{yes, they even sell stuff for your furballs}, but even all of that is precious beyond belief.

And what entices me continue to ramble about Ruche, is that it all started with a love for fashion and a dream...a dream of a wife and husband that came true through hard work and sacrifice.  Their success wasn't handed to them on a silver platter.  Look at them now...they are kind of my new hereos. 

So, my friends, this is one of my fave finds from none other than, yep you guessed it...Ruche
Dress: Everly (sold out) | Shoes: Old | Flower Belt: NY&Co | Jewelry: Forever21


My only disappointment in this dress is that it's a little baggy under my arms. I am somewhat neglected when it comes to the upper portion of my body...are there any others out there that can relate?

Cheers to Ruche, dreams coming true and wishing for a bra that can truly make my boobs bigger!

Today I am linking up with:










pleated poppy

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