END OF THE YEAR SALE

NORDSTROM SALE

Laying low this week and doing all my shopping from my computer! There are so many great end of the year sales going on right now and Nordstrom's is one of my favorites. I find it so easy to order from them and they make returning by mail or in-store really simple which is essential these days!

• If you're shopping for a basic black boot this one is great. I like suede because it dresses things up a little and you can wear these day or night. This stone colored pair is a great neutral!
• I have these booties in brown suede...love the patent and so comfortable!
• I know stocking stuffer season is done but this love necklace is so sweet and would make the best gift! 
• LOVE these sunnies in black 

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NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

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Motherhood is easy (said no one ever)! It isn't easy but it is a journey that for me, has changed my life in the best way possible. On January 2nd it will be three years since my sweet Luke made me a mom...a day I will never forget. Since then, motherhood has been a string of decisions...thousands of them. In the beginning it was, "Can he sleep like that, Should we feed him that?, Can we take him there?" now the questions are bigger like "Did I say the right thing? and How do I explain that?" Sometimes my work schedule gives me only one to two hours a day with the kids and its never uninterrupted. I'm always asking myself, "How can I get more time?", and then the mom guilt sets in. Last week I started to make a list of goals - all the things I wanted to accomplish in 2018. I looked at it and realized they were ALL work related! Which brought me to my New Year's resolution....   

BE PRESENT - It sounds so simple but for me (if I'm being honest with myself) its not. Since Harrison was born in May I've been on my phone and or my computer A LOT. Like seriously a lot. I re-launced my blog last February at 6 months pregnant and really kicked it into high gear in June when H was only one month old. It was a huge undertaking with a newborn, a 2.5 year old, and a full-time job waiting for me to return in two months but I was determined to make it work. Every time I shoed Luke away for "work" I would tell myself I was doing it for him. That I was working this hard to create a job and a lifestyle that would one day equal more flexible hours and more time with my babies. That was all true BUT reflecting on the last 7 months, I'm realizing that I need a better balance, personally, and for my family. Now as any mom knows, there is not exact science to the work/kids/husband/self ratio but I've committed to prioritizing family time in the New Year and it feels good! What are your New Year's resolutions? 

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FUR VEST

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THE GIFT GUIDE - UNDER $100

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My final gift guide this holiday season! It's crunch time! I'm so confused by Christmas this year...maybe its because it falls on a Monday? I have to say though - retailers have been doing a GREAT job at communicating shipping deadlines and almost all of the larger stores are offering expedited shipping at no extra charge or for free. So lets talk gifts under $100. I just ordered this speaker for the boys playroom and I love it! If you know someone who is in to cycling I found this one which looks cool too. This jewelry case is a great price point at $65, love the color, and is the perfect gift for all the "tweens" in your life. Personally I think the hardest category to shop for! Hope you're all having a wonderful Tuesday and Happy shopping:)

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THE GIFT GUIDE - THE FASHIONISTA

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It can be tough shopping for the woman who has it all! Or even for that person in your life who you know has fabulous taste and you're worried you'll buy something she won't like. Been there!! I've talked about it before but I can't say it enough - less is more! One beautiful and thoughtful gift is always the better way to go. It was so hard making this gift guide because I want everything! I rounded up a mix of high fashion pieces for every price point. Hope you like it and happy shopping:)

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THE GIFT GUIDE - THE HOLIDAY HOSTESS

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MY SKINCARE ROUTINE

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Lately I've been getting a ton of emails and messages on social media asking about my skincare routine. The most important thing for me has been understanding the type of skin that I have. Growing up (especially in my teens) I suffered from acne and breakouts. In college I actually tried products like Proactive and I found myself managing blackheads and clogged pores on a daily basis. On the flip side my sister's skin? You could not find a pore on her face! She's always suffered from eczema and dry skin though. Genetics! 

In the last couple of years I feel like I finally have a good handle on my skin. I credit most of my success to consistency and using natural or organic products. I started a very basic nightly routine about ten years ago and have been diligent over the years. I first posted about this topic here after I had Harrison. I loved the products I was using but still felt like something was missing. Then I discovered Organachs Farm to Skin in Westport, CT. I've finally found the place I was always looking for - a natural and organic destination for skincare and makeup. Immediately I connected with owner and curator Siobhan McKinley over her passion and love for natural products. She believes, as I do, that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. Here are the products I love from Organachs and some of my skincare tips:

• Voya Even Pure Moisturizer - The thing I like most about this moisturizer is you can wear it day and night. I like to keep my routine simple and with this you don't have to have a night cream. In the mornings I use it solo (unless my skin is very dry) and at night after my face oil.  
• May Lindstrom Honey Mud - I've been using this for about a month now and I'm HOOKED! I use it as a cleanser during the week as well as a mask once a week. It is purifying, smells amazing, and consistency is something you would want to eat!
• Ursa Major Deodorant - I'm constantly on the hunt for a natural deodorant and this one works! No aluminum or harsh metals and it smells really fresh.

Be Diligent at Night: Remove your Makeup! You're exhausted, its been a long day at work or with the kids and the last thing you want to spend time on is washing, toning, and applying a face oil or night cream. But I PROMISE! You will thank yourself in the morning!

Get Oily: I'm an oil addict. Applying oil to your oily t-zone may seem counterintuitive but actually if you are cleansing and exfoliating your skin properly, oils can clarify and offer your skin many nutrients its needs. I LOVE this one. My favorite part about using natural oils? They smell AMAZING and many have the added benefit of aromatherapy. 

Find the Right Moisturizer: Not all moisturizers are created equal. Most brands make a light and a heavier formula depending on the time of year and skin type. Listen to your skin - you may need to go a little lighter in the summer. During the winter, even with an oily t zone, I layer an oil and a moisturizer.

Facials: For me facials are a luxury. Of course it would be great to have one weekly but for most thats not realistic. BUT, I do think there are real benefits to a monthly one. If you're local and interested in a natural and organic experience, Organachs is the ultimate destination. Last month I had the VOYA anti aging restorative facial. During it, hand harvested seaweed from Ireland was placed on my face over a seaweed mask. The leaves detoxify, hydrate, and firm the skin while also helping to stimulate collagen production. I left feeling rehydrated and my skin looked amazing! This facial is definitely on my wish list this Christmas!

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IVORY SWEATERS

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It's no secret that I'm a neutrals girl tried and true. Of course I can appreciate a beautiful bold print or a dark floral but a light and monochromatic outfit always makes my heart skip a beat. It makes it so much easier to get dressed in the morning when everything matches. It becomes all about textures.... Like this sweater paired with a silk or lace pant for holiday. I just recently wore this sweater to a holiday party (also have it in gray) with a silk skirt and these flats. The bows make it festive but not so much so that you can't wear it after January. 

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THE GIFT GUIDE - WANDERLUST

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So excited to share my first gift guide with you guys! I'm a firm believer in "less is more" when it comes to gift-giving. I believe that thought does count and whether you're going to splurge on a gift or looking for something small, it shows when you've put in that extra effort. One of my favorite brands to shop gifts no matter what the occasion is Cuyana. They have a wide range of price points and the quality of their goods is incredible. Frank bought me this travel case last year for Christmas and I use it ALL the time!

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CASUAL HOLIDAY LOOK

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I went to a casual girls night out at a friend's house last week and wore this outfit. I can't tell you how comfortable it was and at the same time I felt dressed up and festive. When I buy "holiday outfits" its nice to know that I can wear them again and that's definitely an added bonus with this look. These pants would be so pretty with a tucked white tee in the Spring!

Fun Fact: Shooting outfits for the blog is NOT an exact science! With my full time job and two kids its actually quite the contrary. It becomes even trickier in the winter when the sun goes down at 4:30! Long story short the plan was to shoot this look at my house but as I drove home and the sun began to set, I ended up taking a detour and met my photographer in town where she was already shooting. The only problem was I forgot my shoes! Lucky for me Lindsay Madden is pretty stylish behind the lens and she so kindly let me borrow these! Thanks Linds:)

And last but not least...how cute is my hat? Its from one of my favorite local shops, Kirby & Company. If you're local to Fairfield/Westchester county its a MUST see. They have the cutest cafe in the back that serves the most delicious macarons and a chocolate cookie that will blow your mind! Or you can head to their online shop. If you want to shop my hat CLICK HERE it comes in 4 colors and is $38:)

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OUR WEDDING