Sephora Wishlist

Tomorrow is the last day that Beauty Insiders can get 15% their entire purchase so of course I'm planning my shopping bag in my head.  Although I can't justify buying everything listed {or even close to it}, here are five items that I would love to try - all perfect for transitioning your look for spring and summer. 

 Benefit Cheekathon Blush & Bronzer Palette

I love Benefit's Hoola bronzer and Dallas blush, plus I've been wanting to try their Dandelion blush so why not get all of these in one plus two more colors - all are full size!  

Benefit Hoola Bronzing and Contouring Brush 

This item is actually sold out online currently but maybe they still have some in stores.  I need a better bronzer/contouring brush and this one looks fun! 

Burberry Eye Palette

This eye palette is stupid expensive, but I've just heard that Burberry shadows are amazing quality.  I own a few of the Urban Decay palettes that are $54 and honestly while you can justify the price in your head since it's a large palette with tons of colors, I only end up using a few of them.  It might be worth investing in a nicer palette that I truly love...plus this will take up less space and maybe I can do a palette clean out!  I have my eye on the Gold and the Mocha versions. 

NARS Hot Sand Illuminator

I've heard great things about this product from both personal friends and bloggers.  Most people mix this with their foundation for a glowy skin finish.  This seem perfect for spring and summer.  

YSL Lipstick

Another popular item that is getting a lot of buzz lately are these YSL lipsticks.  I have not tried them so I can't speak about the formulation, but I've heard it's creamy and moisturizing with a lot of color payoff. 

What else should I add to my list?  

Have you shopped the sale yet?  

What did you score or plan to purchase?


And don't miss my post on Houston Moms Blog about doing a spring beauty refresh with both splurges and steals.

Weekend Recap

Hello Monday.  I'm not too pleased that you are here again, especially since Sunday blurred into Monday for me when Colin couldn't sleep all night.  Actually he did sleep, as long as I was holding him upright - which meant mama didn't sleep.  By 3am I had decided that I would call in sick to work and sleep all day, but alas I started feeling guilty and made it to the office. 

We had a busy weekend and were all nursing colds {except Jason, lucky bastard}. 

FRIDAY

On Friday I cut out of the office a bit early in order to get a few things done for our busy weekend.  It's so much easier to run errands without kiddos.  When I got home though I was sad to find Jack looking super sick.  He was acting normal and kept saying he felt fine {probably because he wanted to play outside} but looked awful with a runny nose and watery eyes.  We took it easy that evening and put the boys to bed early.  Jason and I did a mini Walking Dead marathon since we got behind this season.  We still have 3 more episodes to go!

SATURDAY

I attended a luncheon for The Boys & Girls Harbor at the Houstonian and had to leave mid-morning. I met my mom up there who was staying at the camp all weekend.  My Aunt Vicki was being honored for her work with the organization and in the community.  She is the owner of More Than You Can Imagine, a designer consignment store in Houston.  If you ever want a new designer handbag, shoes or clothing {or to sell one of your own} this is the place for it. 

The luncheon and fashion show was great.  My cousin even walked the runway!  I wore this dress and these earrings. 

Saturday afternoon was spent back at home being lazy and getting everyone well. 

Jason decided to get on a health-kick this week so I cleaned out the kitchen of all the crap and made a long grocery list and meal-planned.  You can never accuse me of not being a supportive wife!  Go big or go home. 

SUNDAY

Sunday morning was the only time I had to hit the grocery store so I did this as soon as I woke up.  It took longer than usual and cost twice as much since we are trying to eat cleaner.  I kept telling myself "stay away from the interior of the store."

Jason left for church when I got home since he was a volunteer that morning.  I stayed home with the boys since all three of us were feeling bad.  I swear, all weekend Jason and I were just playing tag - as soon as he would get home it was time for me to leave.

After lunch, I headed to a local salon to get my makeup done and get a blowout for new head shots with Houston Moms Blog that evening.  I was 80% happy with the results, but did have to come home and fix a few things.  My go-to salon for these things is closed on Sundays, but I made do!

I ran home for a quick change, nursed Colin and got the boys going with dinner and then I was out the door again for the photoshoot at No Label Brewery.  Momma's Gonna Snap took the photos - the same photographer who did my maternity and Colin's newborn shots so it was great to see her!   I enjoyed catching up with all of the fabulous contributors and also just enjoyed some quiet car time to and from.

After much debate on Instagram of wearing this shirt or this shirt for headshots, I went neutral and paired it whit these earrings again and this necklace.  Shoes are super old from DSW and jeans are from Loft. 

I'm glad I got bit of quiet time because the rest of my night was anything but quiet.  Poor Colin was so congested. 

MONDAY - PREMIERE DAY

All three of us seem to be doing a bit better today so I'm hoping the worst is behind us! 

One happy thing about today is that tonight is the premier of The Real Housewives of Dallas on Bravo!  In honor of this I wrote a post on Houston Moms Blog about why Houston is Better Than Dallas {after watching this promo of the housewives talking trash about Houston}.  It's all in good fun and I even teamed up with Dallas Moms Blog so they could have a say in why they think Dallas is superior. 

You see, Houston and Dallas have a major rivalry going.  That is until you ask us who is better Oklahoma or Texas.  Then we unite for the greater good of the state.  It's a fun little rivalry that I can appreciate since I've lived in both cities - I was even more in Dallas!

Will you be watching Real Housewives of Dallas tonight?  I'm going to try and Snapchat during {if the boys will let me}.  Username theperfectcatch

Happy Monday!

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Linking up with Biana and Meghan for Weekending! 

Why The Tory Burch Travel Flat is So Much Better Than the Reva

We've all seen the Tory Burch Reva Ballerina Flat - you know the black ballet flat with a metal medallion, usually gold at the toe.  I see them everywhere!  They are practically part of the uniform for the Junior League of Houston members.  I purchased a pair of these expensive flats a few years ago.  I'll admit that part of it was because it was the shoe and I wanted to be apart of the cool kid club, but I also thought the large gold logo made the shoe a bit dressier than your standard ballet flat and therefore perfect for the office or going out when you just aren't feeling a heel.

For $225 I would expect a lot out of a flat - comfort being at the top of the list.  It is a flat after all.  I expect a heel to be somewhat uncomfortable, but a flat needs to feel good.  That's why we are wearing them!

My Tory Burch Reva just never felt comfortable.  I assure you I purchased the correct size with help from a Nordstrom associate.  I gave myself plenty of time to break them in and even watched a handful of YouTube videos on how to effectively break them in.  I worked on these things like a twelve year old would break in their baseball glove.

So all that to say, they never really worked for me.  $225 lesson learned.

Fast forward to now, I heard that the Revas were redesigned so I gave them another shot as I'm always looking for a dressy flat.  I sized down as they suggested - nope.  I tried my true size - nope.  Size up?  Nope.  Nothing worked.  They were still stiff and just not working for me.

Enter the most helpful Nordstrom associate at the Houston Galleria who suggested I try the new Tory Burch Minnie Travel Flat.  I never gave them a second look because of the gathered heel - I/m usually not a fan and just assumed they would feel like the Reva.

I put them on my feet and they were like buttah.  The leather is so soft and there is extra cushion on the sole.  They are called a "travel flat" because they fold in half and come with a great travel bag.  Nice for ladies who like to start the day in heels, but want to carry flats in their purse just in case!  I don't own a pair of Tieks, but these remind me of those.  Chime in if you've tried both!

For sizing, I find them to be true to size.  I teeter between an 8 and 8.5, but more often an 8.  The size 8 was perfect in these.  The shoe will stretch a little bit (especially the heel) and they are supposed to mold to your feet.  I haven't had mine long enough to say anything about this.  

The travel flats are still expensive - the exact same price as Revas - but at least these look and feel good.  I love that they come in so many color choices.  I opted for nude (light oak leather) but would love to expand my collection with the gold metallic..or black...or navy!

My only complaint is that the logo is leather, matching the color of the flat.  I do love how subtle it is, but still think I prefer the shiny, metal look that dresses it up.  Other than that, these flats are perfect in my eyes. 

Have you had a chance to try these yet or are you a Reva fan?  Any other flats that you are a fan of?

Five on Friday

Hello Friday!  So happy to see you.  I'm exhausted from doing some solo parenting this week so let's jump right into my random five...

ONE

I was really sad to put up the Easter decor yesterday, but I was happy to still have a little holiday decor to play with on my Happy Everything Platter!  I wanted this thing for so long and my bestie got it for me last year for my birthday.  It's been so fun collecting new attachments throughout the year.  I keep it displayed in my kitchen year-round and just change the attachments out each holiday or season. 

TWO

I feel like a basketball wife this week.  Jason works for the city of Houston and is helping to host the Final Four that is in town this weekend.  He's been assigned one of the teams and has been with them since they arrived in Houston on Wednesday.  He's been attending fancy dinners with the players and coaches and I've been entertaining a two year old and 5 month old with Mickey Mouse and chicken nuggets.  Super fair.  Are you following Final Four this weekend?  

THREE

Mark your calendars and set your DVR's because Southern Charm is coming back to Bravo this Monday, 4/4.  It's so good - I can't wait!

FOUR

If you are planning on taking family photos soon be sure and check out my latest post on Houston Moms Blog with 25 Stunning Spring & Summer Family Photo Ideas.

FIVE

If you live in Houston and are a blogger, did you hear about the Pinterest Workshop on June 12?  Tickets go on sale today and I'm hoping to snag one!   Pinterest is something I've never put much effort into except to pin recipes, but I'd love to see more traffic to my blog and think this will be a way to improve. 

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Linking up:

Weekend Recap :: Easter

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and Easter Sunday.  Ours was busy and fun and also weird because Jason was out of town all weekend for work.   I hate that he missed Colin's first Easter, but sometimes work has to take priority.  Don't feel too sorry for him - he was in Chicago attending college basketball playoff games, sleeping in and enjoying lots of yummy meals.  I know he would have rather been home with us, but at least it wasn't a total bust. 

On Friday morning Jason left for Chicago until Monday.  This was the longest I would have the boys on my own, but I was up for the challenge!  I checked out of work a little early to get a mani/pedi before our nanny was off.  I knew this would be my only "me time" the entire weekend so I fully enjoyed it.

Essie Fiji

Friday afternoon my mom came and picked up Jack to spend the night with her so I could have one night caring for just one.  Jack had a blast at Mimi's house that night making cookies and playing.  Colin and I ordered pizza and got as much rest as we could since I knew the rest of the weekend was going to be cray!

On Saturday morning my mom took Jack to an Easter Egg Hunt at my grandmother's home while Colin and I slept in.  Creepy bunny alert.  I'm shocked Jack wasn't scared of him!

Once my little tornado got home from his hunt it was back to crazy toddler life!  We packed up the car and headed to my dad's house across town for an early Easter celebration.  Jack hunted eggs with his cousin Brody and we had a yummy lunch.

On Sunday we were up early to see what the Easter bunny brought.  We face timed with Jason so he could be part of the fun, but because we did that I have no pictures of their baskets before they were tore into!  I had every intention of taking the boys to church by myself, but after attempting to get us all ready among the crying and chaos I finally waved the white flag and just got us ready for lunch at my mom's giving us much more time.  I've taken the boys to church by myself before and it was exhausting - I just didn't have the fight in me this time, especially knowing that the service would be longer and more crowded than usual.  #easterfail

We had a great afternoon at my mom's eating lunch, too many sweets and egg hunting.  Jack had a blast squirting everyone with water guns and playing outside for hours and Colin had fun being passed around all afternoon.

He and Colin were exhausted by the time we left so it was quick baths and bed for the boys followed by lots of laundry and picking up for me so Jason didn't have to come home to a disaster zone! 

It's been a hectic time with Jason being out of town, planning his birthday celebration that we had yesterday and now he is wrapped up with Final Four.   Hang on with me as I navigate through the crazy and hope to post more consistently. 

Weekend Recap :: Gearing Up for Easter

Ever have one of those weekends when you just feel like a crazy person running around?  That was us - the hot mess express family!  The good news is that we all survived and had fun doing it just laughing along the way.  When I was a mom to one I tried so hard to show everyone that I had it all together.  With two it's obvious that I don't have it all together, but I've learned if you can laugh at yourself and have fun, others will jump on board with you (for the most part).

Friday

On Friday I tried to leave work early to get a mani/pedi.  I had just enough time to get one before I had to be home to relieve the nanny, but my place was so crowded!  I tried to hang and make it work but started getting anxiety that I wouldn't be finished in time so I left and just grabbed a coffee and ran a few errands.  #nailfail

I was pleasantly surprised though to find my new Easter wreath was delivered a few days early and looks great!  

Wreath by The Wreath Chick

Jason was playing in a golf tournament Friday afternoon to kick off the Superbowl being hosted in Houston next year so I knew he would be home later than usual.  The boys and I played outside and then ordered pizza #healthydinnerfail

I promise he ate fruit too!

Saturday

The boys let me sleep in since I was up a few times with Colin during the night - just when I thought we turned a sleep corner!  Oh well, Jack and I hit the donut shop when I got up and were lazy.  

Jason wasn't feeling great thanks to my lovely breakfast I provided my family of donuts and kolaches so he stayed home while I braved Target on a Saturday with both boys.  I've taken both boys out with me alone before, but never to do a major shopping run.  My plan was to put Jack in the shopping cart and Colin in the baby carrier, but when we arrived Colin was OUT and sleeping so peacefully that I didn't want to wake him so I carried his infant seat in.  We grabbed a cart inside and by the time I had Jack sitting in the cart and the infant carrier inside the cart, there was no room for actual items! 

There was a couple there loading up there one child and watching my hot mess self.  I just looked at them and said, well this will be interesting.  They laughed and asked what I was going to do.  I told them improvise.  And that we did...we managed to get everything I needed strategically placed underneath the cart and around Jack.  It was tight (and a sight) but we did and had fun.  Jack ate his way through the store since there were so many Saturday samples going on.  He even complained that he wasn't ready to leave - and Colin cried too to show how much he loved Target (or how much he hated that I stopped the cart to checkout) ha! 

We grabbed another healthy meal of Chickfila on our way home for lunch and then worked our way towards nap time.  I enjoyed a peaceful house while all three of my boys (husband included) slept for two hours.  Colin fell asleep on me leaving me to not be productive but I took it as a sign that I should be still too.  Plus I miss our afternoon snuggle sessions since going back to work. 

Jason wanted to get out of the house and I wanted to continue my weekend cooking strike so we went to our usual weekend restaurant for dinner and for a walk around the square. 


Sunday

Sunday was a super busy day and I seemed to be 15 minutes behind to everything #allaboardthehotmessexpress!  I drove across town Sunday morning for a baby shower for my friend Lauryn.  Lauryn and I have been friends since elementary school and we lived in college together for 3 years!  Anyone who can live with you for that long is a true friend.  She is having her second boy in May.  The shower was beautiful.  I fell in love with the invitations and all of the details that day were perfect too.

After the shower I raced home to get the boys ready for the Houston Moms Blog Eggstravaganza.  Again, we left late, arrived late and had to leave early because it was so cold.  The event was a major success - Jack got to hunt eggs, hug the Easter Bunny and eat donuts.  Poor Colin was freezing.  He didn't want to sit in the stroller and I forgot a hat to keep his head warm while he was in the baby carrier so I wrapped his head in burp cloths, lol!  After I put in my volunteer time we left and headed to dinner, because why start cooking now?

 

 

The restaurant we ate at was super crowded and they sat us at a table that was what I call "New York style" where we all sat super close to other people and shared a long booth bench.  The couple to our right kept staring at both kids looking super annoyed (turns out Jason learned when I took the boys to the bathroom that the couple was actually in a baby naming fight with each other and warmed up to us throughout the meal).  The family to our left kept getting grossed out at Colin's constant spit-ups (and my lack of concern for it) and the the lady across the aisle complained (a little too loudly) that parents should be more aware of their baby's eating schedules so they don't have to do it in public.  I wasn't even nursing, but evidently my bottle feeding followed by burping/spit-ups pushed her over the edge.  I just smiled at her so she knew I heard her and carried on with my happy family.

By Sunday night after baths, I was more like the Walking Dead than anything else...so tired I couldn't even handle an episode of The Walking Dead #ohtheirony and went to bed.

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Hope you had a fun weekend too and are looking at a great week! My goal this week is to get some workouts in and make better food choices...anything is better than my weekend food choices.  I made that easy for myself!

Five on Friday

TGIF!   Keeping this short and sweet today - I hope you have a great weekend!  We have a busy one ahead with a baby shower, egg hunt and all of our usual weekend shenanigans. 

ONE 

This week I've been loving a new Nars lipgloss I picked up in the color Salamanca.  It's the perfect blend of pink and red and great for everyday wear this spring.

TWO 

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog talking about ways to refresh your beauty collection for spring!  What new products did I miss that you are loving?

THREE

Loft is currently doing $25 off all dresses, skirts & cardigans - even the new arrivals.  There are some really great dresses for spring.  This shift made it's way home with me somehow.  It's very figure flattering and perfect for the office, church and when you want to look effortlessly put-together!  Sale ends Sunday. 

FOUR

I desperately need to get on board with some type of diet/workout plan.  I was going to jump back into drinking Shakeology and doing the 21 Day Fix since I already have everything and even joined an accountability group that starts on Monday, but now I'm worried that starting a weight loss diet isn't the best idea while I'm nursing.  I also took to the internet last night about drinking Shakeology while nursing - mixed reviews on that too.  Anyone have thoughts or experience with this?

I realize this sounds like me making excuses, but nursing right now is top priority.  I should just eat good and workout, but I do better if I'm on a specific plan.

I do plan on getting back into Pure Barre 1-2 nights a week and already talked to Jason about this - not that I need his permission, but I do need him on board since it will affect his schedule.  I also signed up for a free trial of Les Mills On Demand.  I absolutely love these workouts, but lack a close gym that offers them.  Now I just need to get off my over-tired butt and do them!

FIVE 

If you are looking for something to do this weekend and are in the Houston area, there are still a few tickets left for the Spring EGGstravaganza hosted by Houston Moms Blog.  Get tickets and more info HERE. 

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Linking up: