Church Style: Red Stripes, Black Maxi & A Dash of Neon

Happy Sunday!

I'm in New Orleans spending some QT with my very pregnant sister, so this will be short and sweet.

Tank: TJMaxx

Halftee: Halftee.com

Skirt: Target

Wedges: Zulily

The cute toddler in the background with the messy hair was supposed to be napping... we see how well that worked out.

My sister currently lives in Ohio and almost didn't make it in town for her shower because of delayed flights. *sigh* But she made it and the shower was a success! Photos are on Instagram at the moment, but I'll do a special post later highlighting the various DIY's that I attempted and to show the amazing candy bar that my sis-in-law set up.

Necklace: Rue 21

Neon Bangle: Target

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Fine Linen & Purple and Plane Pretty.

Summer (Mom) Style: Maxi Skirt & Tank and a bit about Tri Training

Even moms who don't go to church have occasion to dress up, right?  On Wednesday night, the same day that my stylist gave me Miley Cyrus hair, I wore Outfit #15 to church.  So to keep my hair rockin', all I had to do was spritz on a bit of Pureology Sea Kissed Texturizer and it was ready to go!

Tank: Target

Skirt: New York & Company

Wedges: Zulily

Okay, I've mentioned that I'm training for a triathlon. I need to make a confession.  I'm most certainly not training to win. I'm not really even training to finish. I'm training to not drown. For reals, you guys. This whole swimming thing is getting me down!

If you've been following me for a while, you'd know that I began running a year or so ago and quickly fell in love with it.  After seeing my husband finish the Florida Ironman in November, I began to toy with the idea of doing a triathlon myself. But we have one tiny problem. I couldn't swim. As in, if I were ever in water over my head, I had a float. Period. Sure, I live near the beach, but I promise you anytime I went into the Gulf, I was clutching a floatie for dear life, praying that I wouldn't drown.

So, I started taking swim lessons.  It took me about 1/2 of the lessons just to get the hang of breathing and getting my stroke right.  I just finished my swim lessons last night and I can still only swim about 75 yards before I think I'm going to die. Straight up die. I get so out of breath and my legs start to feel like lead. I have three weeks before the triathlon. Three weeks to get myself to where I can swim 300 yards in open water without dying. Needless to say, I'm a little discouraged.

Sorry to be such a downer on this beautiful Friday... Do any of you have advice for me? Anything at all to buck up my spirits a bit?

I'm linking up today with Passion for Fashion, Two-Thirty Five Designs and The Life of the Party. 

Elephants & Battle Wounds

You all know how much I love my chambray shirt, right?  I mean, I only wear it like once or twice a week! 

Chambray Shirt: Gap, Thrifted

Maxi Skirt: NY&Co

Sandals: Boutique in New Orleans

Well, my poor chambray shirt has suffered a battle wound. I only hope that I can repair it and bring it back to life!

I was walking out of the door at work to go to lunch when I snagged my shirt on the door and ripped off the button! Not only did I rip off the button, but I also managed to snag a decent hole where the button should go. Since I am 100% inept with a needle and thread, I think I'll take it to a tailor and see if he/she can repair it for me.

Elephant Bracelet: Pondicherry (Purchase here) Won in a giveaway at Pink Chai Style

Coil Bracelet: Mimi Boutique Purchased with gift card won in a giveaway at BonBon Rose Girls

Isn't this elephant bracelet gorgeous?!? It's so unique. I just love it! When I showed it to my Little Guy, he gave it a cursory glance and went back to watching Curious George. Then he did a bit of a double take and said, "Oooh, momma! I like that!" =)

Necklace: April M Jewelry Won in Contest on their facebook page

Ring: I think I might have "borrowed" it from my sister and never gave it back. ;)

Pink Band: Road ID

I've worn my Road ID a number of times on the blog and you may have noticed it. I can't wait to tell you more about it tomorrow! And you'll definitely want to check back in, because there just might be something in it for you! =)

While looking through these photos, I notice that my hair is in desperate need of a cut and color! I really can't go much longer than 5 or 6 weeks before it start to look a little shoddy. How often do you cut and/or color your hair?

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, Watch What I'm Wearing and Coming Unstitched!

While you're here, don't forget to enter to win $100 to Monroe and Main!! It's the last day to enter. I'll announce a winner tomorrow!

Hearts, Humidity & A Heat Wave

Okay, I know. Everyone in the entire country is experiencing ridiculously high temperatures. So, I won't complain *too* much about the heat here in the panhandle of Florida.  But one thing I'm 99% sure we beat you on is the humidity. Oh. My. Goodness. The humidity.  It was so humid the other morning when I took this picture, that the lense on my camera fogged up and I ended up with this little beauty.

This morning, while I was out running with a friend, it literally felt like I was trying to work my way through a cloud of moisture.  It's only July! Here in Florida, we get to enjoy tolerate suffer through this humidity well into October and sometimes, November.  You know, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure we've had some pretty darn humid Christmasses too!

Halftee: c/o Halftee

Tank, Maxi Skirt & Sandals: Target

Maxi skirt remixed here and here.

Speaking of Christmas, how do you like the little Christmas in July look I've got going on here?  There's something about red and black that has sort of a Christmassy feel to it.

Earrings & Bracelet: Premiere Designs Jewelry

Watch & Ring: Target

How are you surviving this heat (and humidity) wave that's hitting the country?

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly and Pink Chai Style. 

Diamonds are Forever - Anjolee Review

When Anjolee contacted me about reviewing their product, I emphatically said that I would love to!  I've seen a few reviews for various rings, earrings and tennis bracelets from Anjolee and was very impressed with what I read. 

Anjolee is a high-end jewelry manufacturer that is based in San Diego, California.  Their jewelry can be found in retail stores all across the United States and Canada, as well as on many websites.  They recently launched their own website so that they could offer their product directly to the consumer!  This allows you customize your order to get exactly what you want!

You know that I am a very frugal mom, who likes to scour the clearance racks and thrift stores for the best deals possible.  Well, I also understand the importance of having a few pieces of high-quality jewelry.  There are occasions when cute and trendy costume jewelry simply won't do. That's where Anjolee comes in!

When I was browsing their site, these diamond earrings jumped out at me.  When I saw that I could have them created in blue topaz, I was sold! 

Anjolee obviously only offers the best diamonds and gemstones to their customers, however the earrings I received were created especially for me in silver with high quality cubic zirconias.  I love them! Every time I got a glimpse of them sparkling in my ear, I smiled. 

Red Gingham Shirt: Old Navy

Tank: NY&Co

Skirt & Wedges: Target

Anjolee also offers a wide selection of beautiful engagement rings that can be customized to your specifications! What more could you ask for in an engagement ring?!? 

Y'all know how much I love to stack my bracelets, right?  Well, Anjolee creates an absolutely stunning bangle bracelet.  I would love to have an arm party with a few of those!

All in all, I really loved the earrings that I chose and would definitely let the Hubs use their site to customize something special for me. (Oooh, we did just celebrate an anniversary!) I loved them so much, in fact, that I re-pierced the second hole in my ears so that I could wear them again today. ;)

Have you ever purchased high-end jewelry online?  Would you consider it, if you knew you could customize your order to your specifications?

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde. 

Also, if you have a minute, could you swing by Monroe & Main's facebook page and vote for my shoe haiku? It's #44 on Page 3! You can vote once a day until June 30th and I'd appreciate every vote I can get!! =)

**Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.  I received free earrings in exchange for a review.  However, the opinions are totally honest and 100% mine!

The Pajama Trend & A Treat

The Pajama Trend

How do you wear your pajamas?  Once upon a time, I wore them to bed.... maybe all day on Saturday, if I happened to get so lucky. But I never ever ventured out in them!  Although, I totally could if I wanted to.  Even if the pajama trend weren't all the rage in Hollywood right now, I could fit right in at my local Wal-mart in a pair of spongebob pajama pants. I really could. lol

Anyways, do you want to hear something crazy? I accidentally wore my pajamas to work yesterday.  See, a while back, I found this super cute Calvin Klein blue gingham shirt at the thrift store. Of course, I snatched it right up!  It fit a little weird... it just seemed a little boxy. But I was determined to make it work.  And yesterday, I did. =)

After wearing it for a little while, I suddenly realized tha the buttons were a little different and the way the collar was made seemed off. And that's when it hit me. I was wearing a pajama shirt! The fact that I had paired it with a maxi skirt only made it seem more like pajamas. lol

Of course, this little number from Mimi Boutique along with the bracelets seen below made it feel a little bit less like pajamas. =)

I really do wish I had the time yesterday to take real photos, but it was a busy day and all I've got are my instagram shots. They'll have to do.

Have you embraced the pajama trend?  I think this is as close as I'll get! ;)

And now for the treat! =)

The Treat - Chocolate Cracker Pops (or Smores Pops)

I was craving chocolate and sugar like made last night. And we had nothing worthy of my cravings.  But I remembered seeing a pin on pinterest about smore marshmallow pops. I didn't pin it, but the idea of it stuck with me! So, when I was perusing the pantry for something chocolatey, I saw graham crackers, chocolate meltable candies and marshmallows... and I knew what I was going to make! ;)

These are super, super easy and downright delicious! You'll need the following:

Sucker sticks
Marshmallows
Chocolate meltable candies (or anything chocolate, really)
Graham  crackers

We cut the marshmallows in half, to make them more of a bite size candy.  Then, we stuck the sucker sticks into about 12 marshmallows halves.  We popped the chocolate in the microwave for about a minute and I stirred it up, while my kids begged and begged for me to let them eat the marshmallows. 

I then rolled the marshmallows in the warm chocolate, while my Little Miss screamed and cried for me to let her eat the marshmallows. You'd think I'd break down and let her have one, right?  Nope.  It was too close to dinner time and I tried explaining to her that these were for an after-dinner snack!

I crushed the graham crackers and the kids rolled the sticky chocolatey marshmallows in the graham crackers.  They then whined and cried for a solid 10 minutes to let me eat the chocolate cracker pops, as my Little Guy called them, until the pizza came out of the oven and then they happily switched gears and devoured the pizza. =)

When we did finally eat them... holy moly, they were amazing! I think I ate about six of them by myself. =)

I'm linking up today with the lovely ladies at Monday Mingle!

Also, while you're here, could you possibly drop by Monroe & Main's facebook page and vote for my shoe haiku? It's #44 on Page 3! We can vote once a day. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! =)

OTI - Kayla's Pick

Today's Open to Interpretation look was chosen by Kayla and I could not love this look more.  Seriously, check out the original inspiration photo here.  Isn't it wonderful?? The denim vest, the bright maxi skirt, the nude wedges. I just love the boho chic vibe of it! Upon seeing this photo, I promptly ran to the thrift store in search of a denim vest and a bright maxi skirt. I was disappointed to find nothing.  So, I had to work with what I had... kind of. =)

Chambray Sleeveless Shirt: Thrifted

Tank & Maxi Skirt: Target

Wedges: Cato (gift from my aunt!)

When I couldn't find a maxi skirt at the thrift store, I promptly went to my next favorite place . . . Target! =) They had many to choose from and I decided on this simply black one because I can do so much with it! 

Then I tried my best to recreate something similar with what I had in my closet.

Bracelets: Target, JCPenney, Scarlet Samples (puchase similar here), Tara Lane Designs (purchase here)

Orange Ring: Ellis & Wiles (purchase similar here)

Other Rings: Target

Isn't this zipper bracelet adorable?? I won it in a giveaway hosted by the lovely Alicia and have been wearing it pretty much every day since I received it! =) It can be worn with nearly anything and is such a fun addition to a stack of bracelets.

Have you ever won a giveaway?  What's your favorite item that you've won?

I'm kind of all over the place today! =) I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Transatlantic Blonde for What I Wore Wednesday.  Don't forget to stop by Freckles in April and see how everyone else interpreted Kayla's outfit! 

Last, but not least, I wasn't able to participate in the Trends Fashion Challenge today, but if you're interested in seeing how other bloggers are wearing florals and tribal prints today, then swing by Megan Mae Daily! =)

I hope you're all having a great Wedensday!

Tasty Tuesday - Pie Oh My It's a Maxi Skirt!

It's A Maxi Skirt! 

Okay, let me preface this post by saying that I live in Florida, where it's 38 degrees on Monday and 75 degrees three days later. This was one of the warmer days, so I decided to wear some colors that were more fall appropriate with a sleeveless shirt that was more summer appropriate. You do what you gotta do when dealing with the weather in Florida! =)

Shirt: Target ($4-ish)

Skirt: Maurices (Borrowed from My Sis)

Booties: Madden Girl from 6pm (Gift)

Belt: TJMaxx ($10)

Jewelry: Don't Know (Borrowed from My Sis)

Before today, I had only ever worn summery maxi dresses. I'd never worn a maxi skirt before, especially one that was made for fall or winter.  So, when I saw this little beauty hanging in my sister's closet, I just knew I had to wear it! 

Trying out Erica's blue steel face Seriously, she has this look down to an art!

My sister has the best accessories!

Tasty Tuesday - Pie Oh My

When the Hubs was a kid, his mom used to make this amazing chocolate cake that they called Pie Oh My. She happened to stumble across the recipe and promptly sent it to the Hubs.  He made it for us this weekend, and let me tell ya, folks, this stuff is amazing. The best part is that it's made in the crock pot, so while it's cooking, the entire house smells like chocolate decadence.  It's drool inducing, my friends!

Okay, yes, I realize that this is actually a cake. And they called it pie. What can I say... they're from Minnesota. =)

1 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 cup and 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cups boiling water
vanilla ice cream
toffee bits

Mix together 1 cup brown sugar, flour, 3 Tbsp cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Spread over the bottom of the slow cooker.  Mix together 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.  Sprinkle over mixture in slow cooker.  Pour in boiling water. Do not stir! Cover and cook on High for two to three hours, until it looks like it's finished.  Ours took about 2 1/2 hours.  Then scoop up some ice cream, sprinkle on some toffee and enjoy!!