Five on Friday: Short Hair Don't Care

Happy Friday friends!  And even better...hello long weekend!

ONE

I haven't had my hair cut or colored since April which for me is a long time...especially when you are plucking the grays!  On a whim, I decided to go shorter and lighter.  I didn't even tell Jason - or anyone - what I was doing.  My inspiration was Ali Fedotowsky (yes, the former Bachelorette turned E! News Corespondent).  Straight it looks very "poshy" but when I curl it I should be able to recreate this look:

Another inspiration pic of the straight version...

I have lots of similar images pinned on my Hair Loves pinboard if you are looking for a similar cut.  Am I weird that I always grow my hair in the summer and cut it for the fall/winter.  No more ponytails for me!

TWO

I'm excited for fall TV to get started (although I'm not hating what is currently on - Hello Below Deck and Jersey Belle).  The show I am most excited for is The Voice with my girl Gwen Stefani!!!  To say I was obsessed with Gwen and No Doubt during my junior high and probably high school years would be an understatement.  I was equally as obsessed with her now husband Gavin Rossdale.  My room was covered in No Doubt and Bush posters, I even named my car Gavin.  OBSESSED.  I rocked the bare midriff a la Gwen and learned to play Glycerine on my guitar.  You get the point. 

Rumor has it that Gavin will be Gwen's partner during the season so needless to saw I will be glued to the TV two nights a week this fall!

What fall shows are you most excited about?

THREE

My first Stitch Fix box was delivered this week.  It was so fun to try on everything I received.  I only ended up keeping 1 of the 5 items.  I'm watching my spending so I was being super picky.  Everything but one item fit me great and I loved all 5 items.  My only complaint is that the items were all a little summery and I'm trying to transition into fall pieces.  Even though it will remain hot in Houston for awhile, I still like to dress like it's a different season.  Full review post coming next week!

FOUR

 If you haven't read this article yet about being grateful for what you have, please do!

FIVE

I love this idea of putting your favorite Football team's schedule on a chalkboard in your home.  I don't even like football, but I like the excitement of cheering on your team and all the social aspects of football season.  Plus Jason gets super excited about it so I can get on board with that! On Sundays we all wear our Texans gear (even Tucker) and make yummy "football food."

That's it for me.  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!  Any special plans?  Not for us so I will just have to live through you!

--

Mid Week Muse: Comfy Cozy

Comfy Cozy by chelseapurifoy featuring sweat shirts

 

Top Row: 1/2/3

Bottom Row: 1/2/3

 

One of my favorite things about cooler weather is throwing on a comfy sweatshirt and jeans or leggings.  When I was at Nordstrom the other day I noticed the number of cute and polished looking sweatshirts.  You don't have to look sloppy to be cozy! 

 

It won't be cool in Houston for awhile, but my husband likes to keep our house super cold so I can still get some wear out of these now.  I can also use my upcoming trip to Colorado as an excuse for something new and cozy!
 

Thanks to Pampers & Pearls for hosting this weekly linkup!

 

 

Taste of Tuesday

For today's Taste of Tuesday, instead of posting one recipe for you I'm simply linking to all of the great recipes I've been making lately that I've discovered through the blogosphere.  Thanks to so many wonderful bloggers I haven't had to crack open a cookbook in ages. 

Here's what we are eating this week:

Sunday - Spicy Tomato Burger, recipe via Red Gold Tomatoes.  Read more about this here. 
This is a great way to spice up your normal burger recipe.  I made a plain patty for Jack that wasn't so spicy and served with roasted sweet potato sticks. 

Monday - "That's a Wrap" Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps for Emmy Night!
These lettuce wraps are delish and super easy.  Bonus that the rest of my house loves them too.  Lucky me there is usually enough for my lunch the next day too!

Tuesday - Taco Turkey Casserole for our weekly "Taco Tuesday" theme
I love this recipe from Megan of Honey We're Healthy & Honey We're Home.  Again, super easy and there will be leftovers for lunch the next day!

Wednesday - Sweet Corn and Zucchini Fritters with a big salad
Ya'll, these are to die for!  I made them last week as an appetizer when we were hosting Jason's family and they were such a hit that no one was hungry for dinner.  Thank you so much Natalie for sharing this recipe a few weeks ago!

Thursday - Black Bean Taco Soup with Guacamole for the Texans Game
I've made this a handful of times and I love that it is made in the crockpot.  Thursday afternoon/evening is a little hectic for us so I will be happy to have dinner ready to go when I get home.  This will be the perfect meal to eat with some other munchies like fresh guacamole for the Texans game. 

Friday - Pizza Night!
By Friday night, the kitchen is usually closed.  The routine is for Jason to either pick up something on his way home from the office or we order in.  Not super healthy.  We will see how the week goes and maybe mama can find the energy to whip up something a bit healthier for us!

Thanks for stopping by!  I'd love to hear what's on your menu this week. 

Linking up with Emily and Kate for Tuesday's Recipe Swap. 

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday!  Here's to an extra cup of coffee to get us going and have a great week!  We had a wonderful and productive weekend.  Even though I hate Mondays, I am loving seeing everyone's first day of school pictures and am looking forward to watching The Emmy's tonight.  I'm making "That's a Wrap" Lettuce Wraps tonight in honor. 

Friday

We are so predictable and ordered pizza for an easy dinner followed by some binge watching of Orange is the New Black before passing out from the long week.  We finished Season 1 and are now a few episodes into Season 2. 

Saturday

Jack had his last summer session of Little Gym.  He was so cute and it's amazing to see what a difference the classes have made for him.  His confidence level has sky-rocketed.  Our shy little boy was all over the place on Saturday - everyone but next to his parents!

We had a marathon grocery shopping trip, a nap and then Jason and I left Jack with "Pops and KK" so we could have a date night dinner at Ciao Bello for Houston Restaurant Weeks. 

 

The meal was fantastic, but having alone time with Jason was even better.  I've now had three Houston Restaurant Week meals - RDG, Cook & Collins and Ciao Bello.  I say that is pretty good for a busy mama!

 

I wore my Madewell Animal Print Shift Dress, Tory Burch Reva clutch and Stella & Dot Rebel Pendant.  Sorry for the terrible bathroom mirror selfie.  I was trying to hurry and take it before someone else walked in!

Sunday

We headed out for church, backpack in tow for the "Blessing of the Backpacks" during the service since school starts today for most everyone in our area.  Jack won't start school until next year, but we still brought his super cute backpack from Two Magnolia Lane.  Jack looked precious sitting up with all of the older kiddos and all of the backpacks. 

After church we had lunch with "Mimi and Papi" and my grandmother Grammy, who we have no nicknamed InstaGrammy. 

Afterwards, I ran a few errands while Jason stayed home with Jack.  When I came home just 2 hours later Jason had completely cleaned out and reorganized his side of the closet.  It looked so great so it inspired me to do the same!  I need to take pictures and write an entire post on this, but needless to say I was up past midnight working on my side which still isn't done!

I hope you all have a Happy Monday!

I'm linking up Lisa and Bella for Weekend Recap

Biana and Meghan for Weekending

Meg for Mingle Monday

Dear New Mom...

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today sharing some advice for new and expecting moms.  I would love for you check it out and comment with your own advice!

Image by Studio Ainsley

Target Tuesday

I'm at Target so often that I think a weekly Target post showing off all of my latest discoveries is a no-brainer.  Who doesn't love Target?  If you are like me and find yourself there always and often, join in on the fun either in blogland or on Instagram using #targettuesday

My first discovery of the week is a lace top by Xhiliration that looks much more expensive than it is.  It looks like a top from Anthropologie that would be around $125.  It comes in both black and cream and with that price, you should get both!  It's now available online here and my local Target has tons still.  I had to size up since it is junior sizing, but I also wanted a more flowy fit.  Here is the top in a sleeveless version.

 

Kendi posted this image on her Instagram account last week wearing this top.  I know a TON of people commented after she posted this saying they ran out and bought one or both tops so get them while you can!

 

 

We all know that Target started carrying Honest Company products.  When it initially launched my store only carried wipes and some diapers, but as of this week it seems to have the full line of Honest products even things I haven't seen at honest.com before!  I may have gone a little crazy on some of the cleaning products including some lavender hand soap, dish soap and multi-service cleaner. 

These gift sets would make a great shower or house warming gift!

Sidenote: I'm not a fan of Honest diapers (love their cute designs) but not a fan of the actual diaper.  Nothing wrong with them, I just prefer Pampers.  I do however LOVE their wipes and will only use them now.  I like the way they smell and love the texture.  I'm also a huge fan of their body wash/shampoo {for Jack} and foaming mandarin handsoap {for me}.  Jack has majorly sensitive skin and has done great with all Honest products. 

My obsession for Halloween PJ's continues and I've been on the hunt for some cute ones for Jack this year.  So far no luck in size 2T, but I did spot these cute PJ's in stores now for sizes NB-9 Months.  I found these online, but I'd prefer to not pay shipping for something of this price point.

Finally, if you aren't already a follower of Pinterest Told Me To, jump to Sheaffer's post from yesterday where she did a Target edition of Shopping with Sheaffer. 

And in non-Target news, I'm over on Instagram under the account @HoustonMomsBlog for Takeover Tuesday.  Follow along to see what a day in the life of Chelsea looks like.  #takeovertuesdayhmb

Ode to the Herringbone Vest

 

 

 

Herringbone, Herringbone I love you so

I waited and waited
And waited some mo'

You started at J. Crew
for the stylish, lucky few
We saw you on Pinterest
And instantly knew

You sold out quickly
And our hearts skipped a beat
Stalking Ebay and others
With sighs and defeat

J. Crew Factory picked you up
Hip Hip Hooray
But again, gone too soon
What the eff, gone in ONE day!

Others tried to copy you
Even a version at Coldwater Creek
For those of us not fast enough
We began to feel weak

When finally this summer
I spotted you online
Good 'ole factory came through again
This time you will be mine

I snatched you up so fast
Final Sale be damned
Click, Cart, Checkout
The most stylish mom in carpool land

I can just picture that popped up collar now
Red Starbucks cup in hand
With skinny jeans and tall, tall boots
Or those TB Revas in popular demand

But now the joke's on us
As we all show up alike
The curse of the herringbone vest
Just made it's final strike!

--

 

Thanks to Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls for hosting the Mid Week Muse weekly linkup!

 

 

Beauty Product Hauls: Hits, Misses and Old Faithfuls

Over the last few months I've purchased a handful of items at Ulta, Sephora and the drugstore.  I also got motivated and cleaned out my makeup and beauty products drawers so I could re-discover all of the good stuff I already had!  I've stumbled upon lots of hits and just a few misses.

I also included my old faithful products that I use everyday no matter what look I'm going for.  I have fun playing with my eyes or {usually} lips keeping everything else the same day-to-day. 

Hits

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection -If you like neutral shades, this is a must-have.  Great mix of matte and shimmer in a compact tin case.  Too Faced shadow stays on all day and goes on easy, blending well.  I prefer this shadow over my Naked Palettes (gasp)!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Double Ended Eye Pencil - goes on easy, stays on all day even in the Houston heat and I love that there are 2 colors in one pencil! Great for travel.

Urban DecayAll Nighter Long Lasting-Makeup Setting Spray - I thought this was sort of gimicky and an unnecessary step in my makeup application, however I really think it works.  For the past 2 weeks, I've used this product off and on to see if it's really making a difference and it is.  Perfect for the Houston heat when normally your makeup sweats off your face in a hour!

NYX Cream Blush - I love this long-lasting cream blush on days that I'm not doing a full face of makeup, but don't want to scare small children.  There are a ton of colors to choose from, but I went with a brighter shade (Glow) to give me a flushed look.  If I'm running errands on the weekend I might just do this, concealer and mascara. 

Revlon Colorstay Moisure Stain (Barcelona Nights, Shanghai Sizzle, Cannes Crush) - LOVE this line.  I want every single color.  The three colors are have are bright and vibrant, stay on longer than most lip products and feels light.  It has a great, glossy look without the stickiness. 

Also loving the NYX Butter Gloss and Maybelline Color Elixir.  Both are very similar to Revlon Moisture Stain - all around the same price point, great color pay off and glossy look.  Moisture Stain does last longer and is my favorite.

Misses

 

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Eye Palette {not pictured} - I ordered this eye shadow palette online not out of my love of the movie (I've never seen it), but out of my love for a neutral, matte palette.  This was a miss for me not for the actual makeup, but the packaging.  It is HUGE, but with very little actual makeup.  It was too large for my makeup bag so back it went.  Instead try: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette  If you want something similar, but less compact, .  And it's cheaper!

Maybelline Eye Studio Tattoo Eyeshadow - This shadow is very similar to Mac's Paint Pots for a fraction of the price.  It's actually not a bad product, but I've been spoiled by Mac and prefer their version.  The color I tried - Bronze to the Bone - didn't have the color payoff I was looking for and did not last all day.  It also melted into my crease as the day went on. 

Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Mascara - This was just okay.  Nothing special.  Seemed to lengthen a little, but did not add any fullness.  Instead try: L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga. 

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Coral.  I've heard great reviews by beauty bloggers on this product so I decided to try it despite the $21 price tag.   This is typically more than I will spend on a lip product.  I was not impressed.  It was very dry and smeared easily.  Instead try Revlon Moisture Stain (see above) in Cannes Crush. 


Old Faithfuls

• Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer
• Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow
• Mac Paint Pot in Painterly (I have a few colors of Paint Pots, but this one gets used the most because it is a great neutral base that I use like a shadow primer).
• ybf beauty Automatic Universal Taupe Eyebrow Pencil
• Tweezerman ProCurl Eyelash Curler in Rose Gold

The Friday Five

TGIF!  I've gottta keep this one short and sweet...blogging while working...ssshhh!

ONE

Ashley and I already started the hunt for cute Halloween PJ's for our little men.  So far, Carter's and Old Navy have a few online.  I love these Boo!  PJ's from Old Navy, but am holding out until they arrive in stores (hopefully) to avoid shipping.

TWO

August in Houston = Houston Restaurant Weeks!!!  One of my favorite times of the year.  It's not quite so easy anymore with Jack, however I am managing a brunch this weekend with some friends and hopefully Jason and I can sneak away for a date night in the next few weeks.  What HRW menu are you dying to try?

THREE

I gave Jack his first keyboard yesterday after he loved playing on Grammy's piano so much last week.  I read tons of great reviews from other bloggers about this B. Meowsic Keyboard.  It's not available online right now, but was $10 off at my local Target store yesterday and there were tons in stock!  Love this brand - Jack loves their stacking blocks too!  There is also have a matching guitar and drum, but I resisted.  Gotta leave some things for the grandparents, right?

FOUR

I signed myself up for Stitch Fix, but it doesn't come until 3-4 weeks.  Excited to share what I receive!  I figure if I don't like any of it, I'm out $20, will cancel, but will be left with a great blog post.  I LOVE reading other Stitch Fix blog reviews.  The vast majority seem to love it, but there are a couple of negative reviews out there. 

FIVE

Confession: I've fallen off my at-home workouts.  It was bound to happen.  I have no self-discipline and my husband is an enabler.  Our new Orange is the New Black episode binge has pushed me over the edge.  I'm trying to really up my steps this week to make up for it.  Jack and I even walked to CVS yesterday rather than driving to the grocery store like we would normally do.  So hot, but I reached my 10,000 daily step goal!  And I'm going to try and make it to a few Pure Barre classes this weekend. 

Jack: 13 Months & 14 Months!

 

Length:  31.5 inches
Weight:  23.8 pounds
Head Circumference:  18.25 inches
Size 4 Diapers
Wearing 18 and 24 month clothing (even some 2T PJ's), Size 4-5 shoes

Milestones this month:

• Crawling...yes, at 14 months you finally started actively crawling.  Don't worry - you've been getting around just fine with your butt-scoots, but have decided that tummy is okay now too. 
• Eating more and more new foods
• Talking more and more

Things you like this month:

• Stacking blocks and knocking them down.  These are your favorite.  You like to stack them in a tower and then stack them inside each other...over and over!
• Riding in the car
• Tucker
• Little Gym "Birds" classes
• Reading Books
• Food!  You are a great eater and willing to try anything.  You love Avocado, Mac & Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Berries, Bananas, Oranges, Pears, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, Turkey, Scrambled Eggs, and String Cheese.  You recently tried and loved lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and Hamburger.  Chick-fil-a is another fave!  We always get you the grilled nuggets and fruit cup. 
• Swimming in the pool
• Bath time
• Wagon rides
• Chicken is your new preferred stuffed animal over racoonie

 

 

 

Things you don't like this month:

• Being left in the church nursery
• Being told "no"
• Watermelon and green beans
• Waiting too long for your food to be prepared when you are in your highchair

Special memories this month:

• Your first coloring session
• Graham's First Birthday Party and trip to Tyler
• Our first road trip together (just me, you and Tucker) when we met dad in Corsicana
• Your second trip to Matagorda for your second Fourth of July
• Little Gym classes with mommy and daddy every Saturday morning
• Getting drenched at the grocery store in a summer rain storm. 

 

Catching Up :: Chelsea Lately

Last week was so busy so although I didn't get to blog I wanted to catch ya'll up on everything going on in our world. 

-  For Jason's birthday (in March) I bought him Counting Crows tickets.  The show was (finally) last Tuesday and was amazing!  We had great seats to see Adam Duritz up close and personal. 

-  Last Thursday we hosted a dinner for our church dinner group.  It was so fun and a major success.  I get nervous cooking dinner for a large group (especially on a work day while also wrangling a one year old), but everything was great.  I made a simple pasta dish and a big salad and others brought apps and dessert. 

-  Is it sad that I'm actually HAPPY the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is over?  It was just too tempting to go on a shopping binge with all of the great deals on fall and winter items.  I didn't buy any of the higher priced items like boots or bags but I did grab a few pieces that I think will be great wardrobe staples for this fall - all recommended by Sheaffer.  Good thing Ashley and I don't live in the same town anymore since we purchased all of the same items!

What did you purchase?  Let me know if you'd be interested in doing a linkup sharing all of our goodies from the sale. 

-  We are planning a trip to Estes Park, Colorado next month to see my mom's new place.  If you have been to Estes, please share all of your recommendations on your hits and misses.  I think Jack needs this shirt for Colorado by Hanna Andersson...especially since our backyard is being overtaken by raccoons at the moment (check out Instagram).

-  I'm obsessed with Revlon's Colorstay Moisture Stain.  I love everything about it - the packaging, the price, the pigmentation and the applicator.  I have Cannes Crush (below) and Shanghai Sizzle (bright red) and want more!  Next time you are at the drugstore, pick one up!

Thank you to Meg for recommending it here!

-  I'm reading Orange is the New Black and even though I haven't finished it Jason and I started watching the series on Netflix last weekend.  We got through 7 episodes already in 2 days and we are hooked!

World Breastfeeding Week

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, Houston Moms Blog is highlighting different stories from our contributors about their journey with breastfeeding. 

You can read my post here about making it work as a working mom.