Random Wednesday #36 - Kendra Scott

GET THE LOOK:

Forever 21 Dress (option) (option) // Kendra Scott Necklace (exact) // Forever 21 Earrings (option) (option) // Forever 21 Glasses (option) (option) // Target Sandals (exact) (option)

If you know me, you know I am a budget shopper. I tend to stray from spending extra dollars on clothes, accessories or shoes.

Today, I am straying from my beliefs. I will say that I have been a fan and will always be a cheerleader for Kendra Scott. Maybe it's because she is a fellow Austinite, but most likely it is due to the fact that she is a woman who had a dream and went for it. She started her business in her home when times were "rough". She didn't give up on herself or her kids. She dreamed....she visioned....she succeeded. 

Look at her now. She has been featured in almost every national style magazine known to man. Women of all ages and walks of life are wearing and styling her pieces. Can you get something similar to her brand for less money? Of course, but is it Kendra Scott? No. Her line is the epitome of classic elegance. I am willing to bet that most of us own a least one set of earrings from her line or at the very least lust over a set.

Ms. Scott started her empire in Austin and her original store is based here. If you live in the Austin area, I am pretty sure you are no stranger to her name and the South Congress shop.

She is an inspiration. She made her dreams reality. She didn't inherit a family business. She worked day and night for it. That's why I will support her, even though it may not be up my "budget" alley. I encourage you to do a little research on Kendra Scott. She will take your breath away and hopefully push you to follow your dreams and aspirations. I know she is definitely one of my role models.

I had the privilege of attending a benefit for the Dell Children's Hospital with my friend, Joy, at her Austin store last night. It was full of ladies, a cocktail and candy bar and of course filled with drool worthy jewels.

I scooped up a few new killer pieces that I can't wait to style and made a few new friends along the way.

No, I am not getting free jewelry or compensation for this post. I just truly have a passion for this designer, her philanthropist ways and her heart and drive. I believe that when you purchase Kendra Scott you not just buying a piece of jewelry, you are supporting someone's dream...a dream that we all have to make our mark on this world and to do something that actually makes a difference. Again, I encourage you to read Kendra' story. After doing so, I think you'll agree with me. 

Happy Shopping!

 **If you are linking up today, I kindly ask that you follow my blog and link back to it in your post. Oh, and go meet some new friends!

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Linking up with the Pleated Poppy.

Chippmunk Launch + Shopping Spree

GET THE LOOK:

Forever 21 Dress (option) (option) // Loft Hat c/o Chippmunk (option) (option) // Express Bag c/o Chippmunk (exact) (option) // Nordstrom Necklace c/o Chippmunk (option) (option) // Nordstrom Ring c/o Chippmunk (option) (option) // Payless Wedges (option) (option) // Forever 21 Sunglasses (option)

I am thrilled to help launch and team up with a brand new online site that shares shopping deals, steals and coupons galore. Plus, get ready to put together your best fashion style on a budget because five people are going to win a $100 shopping spree and one grand prize winner will receive a $250.

Are you ready?

Chippmunk is like Kayak for online deals. It’s a site for finding the best deal based on your budget. No need to try-and-try again when it comes to entering promo codes, as they guarantee their codes actually work. There are more than 400 stores to find a deal from! 

I was asked by the Chippmunk team to create a budget friendly summer style of my own.

I chose to put together a casual, but fun look that's perfect for a picnic in the park or outdoor concert. I styled a dress I already owned and added accessories from a few retailers on Chippmunk's site including, Loft, Express and Nordstrom. I was able to save over $60 by using the Chippmunk coupons and created a look that is perfect for the summer months.

And now for some exciting news!

Chippmunk is giving away $750 in store gift cards. Five people will win $100 each for winning Round 1 and one Editors Pick winner will be selected to win an additional $250!   

Just upload an image that conveys your own personal style to the Chippmunk Expert Shopper page. Then share your tips for other budget minded shoppers.  Be sure to share your look with friends via social media to get more "love"! 

In Round 1, Five "Most Loved" people will win $100 each.  Winners are determined by “love it” clicks. Each Round 1 winner will receive a $100 gift card to their favorite store.

In Round 2, one of those winners will be chosen by my fellow bloggers and I to win an additional $250!  

To be considered for the grand prize, you will submit a description of what awesome steal you would create with $250 in the form of an image created with your outfit.

Contest closes at midnight PST on June 18th.

On June 21st we’ll announce five (5) “Most Loved” winners who will each receive a $100 gift card to their favorite store. “Most Loved” winners are the community’s most loved steal – as determined by “love it” clicks.

Now go and style your personal look on a budget and start uploading today! This is a great way to gain exposure and win a free shopping spree.

Be sure to visit my fellow style judges and see what summer looks they created from using coupons from Chippmunk. I am honored to be on the Editors' Panel with these other stellar fashion bloggers:

Mix & Match Fashion

Marionberry Style

Penny Pincher Fashion

Have fun styling for this contest, good luck and go promote yourself!

**Thank you to the Chippmunk team for partially sponsoring this post. Please know that all opinions and content are my own.

Summer Shanna

I have been one crazy busy lady. Last week went by in a flash and I barely had time to catch my breath. It was worth the ten hyperventilations that almost occurred.

Here is a little glimpse inside Momma Shanna's world over the last 7 days.

Last week of school, Landry graduated Pre-K, blog post , Logan finished 2nd grade, blog post, last dance class and recital prep, blog post, teacher gifts finished, blog post, classroom parties attended, blog post, birthday lunch, birthday brunch, blog post, end of school pool party, major house/yard work, church, family coming into town and another birthday dinner with family and blog post.

Yep, it was one of those weeks.

Now for the warm and fuzzy photos...

Dinner with Ross and the girls at Z-Tejas. One of my favorites in all the world. Their seasonal menu is killer right now. I walked out needing a piggyback ride from all the food I shoved into my mouth. Ross and the girls got me a pair of yellow Kendra Scott earrings that I have been drooling over and a matching ring. I forgot to take a picture of these beauties. What's wrong with me? I am sure you will being seeing them very soon.

 

Then Friday, some of my best ladies took me to brunch at the Noble Pig. If you live in the Austin area this is a hidden gem on FM 620 and Anderson Mill. Best pimento cheese sandwich I have ever put into my mouth. And did I mention that these girls have been part of my life for over 15 years? We will definitely grow old together.

Next up, the last day of school. School's out for SUMMER!!! Yahoooooo! We ended the year with a little pool time at our friends' house and let the kiddos run swim wild.

Best part? My girlfriends caught wind of an Instagram picture I posted of me and my big brother from a "who knows what year I turned" birthday. My way back when cake said, "It's Your Day" and guess what? Yes, you guessed it, they got a birthday cake made saying the same thing and requested that I "recreate" my oh-so attractive look. See, I haven't changed too much over the years.

We are skipping Saturday because all that took place all day long was yard work, house cleaning and a short cool down in the pool. I was in bed by 10 o'clock Saturday night. It felt good, but you don't want to see pictures of that. 

Anyway, Sunday was church. We haven't been in a few weeks due to traveling. Another feel good. I love our church and this week was all about celebrating the kids and some clowning around. If you live in the Round Rock area, I would love it if you joined me on a Sunday morning sometime soon. You can find us at Celebration Church.

My big brother and parents came into town and of course we hit up the pool again. It's HOT here in Texas and it's what we do all summer long. It's kinda tradition around here. Gotta beat that summer heat somehow, right?

After a little dip in the pool, we headed to the Oasis for a sunset dinner with everyone. It was my last birthday hurrah and I went out with a bang...lake, family, clear skies, summer breeze, sunset and a couple of brewskies...life sure is good.

On another note, I was kinda MIA last week with reading blogs, commenting back and responding to emails. I apologize for that. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off, but enjoying life all the same time. Now that summer is here (aka school is out) I am not 100% sure how I am going to manage my time since both my girls are home with me. I don't want to neglect them or the time we have together. So, please bare with me if I am not the best at returning emails and blog comments. I promise I read every single thing you guys write me. I have to figure out how how I am going to make my non-summer blog routine gracefully transition into my summer at home with the  kids. Any pointers? Shoot them over. Thanks for hanging with me.

Linking up with Leeann, Sami, Molly & Carly.