Spring Round-Up for The Kids

I don't know about ya'll but lately my kids have been growing like crazy!!  All of Sterling's pants are like high waters on him now and the sleeves on his shirts are way too short.  His teachers even hinted to me it might be time to buy some new clothes that fit him:) He hit a major growth spurt.  Frances is the same growing like a weed.  

Good news is there is some adorable stuff out this Spring for kids.  I thought I would do a round-up of my favorites from my favorite kid stores.

|| G A P ||

Gap has been killing it lately with their kids stuff.  It has quickly become my go-to place to shop for Sterling and Frances.  I love  that is is affordable and holds up well.  

Just ordered both the Embroidered dresses for Frances (you know I love something embroidered).

My mom bought Frances the white embroidered shorts and they are the cutest things ever.  Can't wait to pair them with a white blouse and cute sandals this Summer.

Use code MAJOR for 30% off all orders til Saturday.

Tank Embroidered Dress (also comes in navy) | Peony Dress | Pink Embroidered Dress | 
 Star Cut Out Shoes | Palm Bubble Shorts | White Embroidered Shorts | White Eyelet Blouse | Embroidered Tank

Sterling is kind of opinionated these days on what he wants to wear.  He likes comfy pants (aka sweatpants) and tee shirts.  I like to give him the freedom to choose what he wants to wear.  We just bought these Gap ones,  I like that they are plain but cuter than regular old sweatpants.  The shark pjs are beyond adorable, also love this dinosaur version.  All the items below he helped me pick out for the post and said he would wear them:)

Camo Windbreaker | Cut- Off Shorts | Sweatpants | Shark PJS | Fish Tee | Camo Shoes |  Camo Sweat Shorts | Batman Tee


|| C R E W  C U T S ||

I always love Crew Cuts.  It is pricey than Gap but man their stuff is so cute.  Right now you can take 25% off your order if you use you JCrew Card with code CARDSHOP. or 20% off with code SHOPPINGTIME
 My favorites:

CHEVRON CHAMBRAY DRESS

 also in purple.

  HEART RUFFLE ONE PIECE
This is so happening for Frances Moon.  This is the last year I will put her in bubbles so gotta take advantage of them and showing off her chunky legs.

   HEIROGLYPHICS DRESS

  
POLKA DOT DRESS

BABY GAUZE TUNIC

This would be adorable with white shorts or cut off jean shorts.

GLOW IN THE DARK BUG TEE
Sterling loves anything that glows in the dark.

AZTEC STRIPE SHORTS
Such a cool print for the boys.

LACOSTE POLO
These are our favorite polo shirts, they fit so well.  They run on the small side so order up if you are between sizes.

GLOW IN THE DARK SPACE SHORTS

|| N O R D S T R O M ||
I love the Tea, Mini Boden and Tucker and Tate lines carried at Nordstrom.

 Panther Tee | Lion Romper | Stripe Shorts | Embroidered Dress | Star Pants |  Stripe Two Piece

Floral Romper | Chambray Dress

|| O L D   N A V Y ||

You just can't beat the prices at Old Navy.
Actually bought the skinny khakis and shorts for Sterling.  and now he has insisted he wants the "5" tee.  Wish I had seen it before his birthday to order (it comes also comes in 1-4).
Use code FORTUNE for 30% off all full priced items.
Or use code LUCKY to get additional 20% sale

Skinny Khackis |  Bow Tie Shirt | Canvas Shoes | Shark Boat Hat | 5 Tee | Twill Shorts (only $8)
Stripe Sweater

Ordered the gladiator sandals for Frances in two colors I loved them so much.  They are pretty freaking awesome.
Also bought the adorable hooded jean jacket. 

Floral Dress | Chambray Embroidered Dress | Chambray Romper |  Denim Hooded Jacket |

Embroidered Top |  Linen Tie Top | Gladiators (also come in white and coral) |  Gold Sparkle Shoes |  Espadrilles

Now we just need some warmer temps to wear all this cute stuff!

Thoughts For Thursday

This past weekend we threw a Birthday party for Sterling.   My sweet boy turned 5 Monday and I am still in shock.  I love both my children the same but there is just something about your first born.  He came into my life and made me a mom for the first time and changed my life forever- in the best way possible.  I love him more than words could ever describe.

We decided to have a few of our closest friends over to our house for a Valentines Oyster Roast and Birthday Party for Sterling.  It worked out perfectly because in my opinion Valentines is usually lame ( like New Years).

Sterling of course wanted a Spongebob Cake so I had to oblige.

 He also wanted a mask decorating station.  I actually found all this stuff at the Dollar Store!

My whole family was able to come in town minus my brother and sister law who we really missed!

 I can only hope I am as much fun as my parents when I reach their age. 

 Love them so much.

A few of my favorite ladies.  Always thankful for my best friends.

Still can not believe this guy is 5!

Thanks to my friend Nicola, I am now addicted to this yogurt.  It is hands down the best yogurt I have ever had.  This week at Harris Teeter they are buy one get one free.

Ladies what should I read next?  I just finished Jane Green's Saving Grace which I loved, always love her books and now I need something new.  Thinking either: The Kitchen House or The Girl On The Train.  I want something that sucks you right in.

Or any other recs?

I can't stop thinking about this Alexa Chung dress.  I think it is so cute.  Wondering if it would be flattering in person, but I love the chambray and off shoulder detail.

My blouse I ordered from Piperlime arrived this week and I love it!!  The embroidery is so pretty in person.   It is light weight (made of gauze) so I think I can wear it all Summer.  I think it will be great with jean shorts.  I am in a size small runs TTS.

|| Embroidered Top

Made the most delicious blueberry muffins this week.  The recipe is from Martha Stewart and you can find it HERE.  I cooked mine a touch too long so don't cook them as long as the recipe calls for, I think they would have been a little better not so done.

I splurged on a new Chanel nail polish.  You can see it in the above picture.  It is the perfect gray that I think you can wear anytime of the year.  Chanel polishes are pricey but they last forever and are formaldehyde free.

Chanel Particulerie

I got so exited when I saw the preview for the new Housewives.  Apparently they are going down under to Melbourne.  Always love a new cast.

All the Gigi New York Date Books are 50% off.  This is my second year using one and I love it!

I have the Rose Gold Metallic version and what I love most is there is a calendar at the front and then lots of space each day to write my do-to list. 

Happy almost Friday!

Wild Mushroom and Onion Soup

This soup is perfect for this week since it seems most of the East is getting hit with some freezing temperatures.  This is kind of a spin on French Onion Soup only with mushrooms and pasta.  It is hearty and so delicious.   My mom made this a few weeks ago while we were home and it was so good.  So simple but filled with great flavor.  Pairs well with a big glass of red wine and some crusty bread!

Enjoy!

|| W I L D  M U S H R O O M  + O N I O N  S O U P ||

6 tablespoons butter

2 large white onions sliced

2 large red onions

8 oz white mushrooms sliced

8 oz baby bellas sliced

4 sprigs fresh thyme

8 cups chicken stock (veggie)

1/4 dry white wine

1/4 box ditalini pasta (about 1/2 cup)

salt and pepper to taste

fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish

Melt Butter in a large pot over medium low heat.  Add the white and red onions and season with salt and pepper.  Cook stirring occasionally until onions start to turn brown.  This could take up to an hour depending on how your stove cooks.

Remove onions with a slotted spoon and add in mushrooms and thyme.  Cook until mushrooms are tender.   Return onions to pot along with white wine and chicken broth.  Raise the heat and bring to a simmer.   Let simmer for about 30 minutes or longer.  About 10-15 minutes before serving add in ditalini pasta and let it cook about 10 minutes.  You may need to add additional broth depending how much pasta you add.    Garnish with fresh Parmesan Cheese and Parsley.

My Skincare Routine || Beauty Event

Hello my name is Natalie and I am Beauty Product Junkie.  I don't know what happened but I have become obsessed with my skincare and researching what is best and trying new things.   Probably because I am scared of botox or needles so I am trying to take care of my skin best I can before I result to the dreaded needles and plumpers.

After my last post on my Beauty Favorites, I received several emails wanting to know my skincare routine.   I used to never try new products but lately I have and now I have narrowed down what I really love and what really works for making my skin look best.  Everyone has different skin issues and my main issue is my skin can be super dry otherwise I would say it is pretty normal.   All of the products below I absolutely love, I would never recommend something I did not.

This is perfect timing since Neiman Marcus just started their Beauty Event.  It is a great time to try some new products!  If you spend $125 you get this free tote filled some pretty awesome samples.  Read on below to see some products I am interested in trying.

I broke the products down I use into night time and day time skin care + masks and exfoliating treatments which I do 2-3 times a week.

\\ NIGHT TIME

SHISEDO BENEFIANCE EXTRA CREAMY FACE WASH

I hate a face wash that doesn't foam.  It is my pet peeve with face washes.  I like one that really foams and lathers well.  This one does that and it smells amazing plus it removes my make-up really well.  I have tried many face washes but I always go back to this one.

Right now when you purchase two full size Shisedo products you get a 6 piece gift for free!  Use code BENE.

SHISEDO MAKE-UP REMOVER

Sometimes I just use Coconut oil to remove my make-up but I don't do that everyday.  I like this make-up remover because it is not greasy and it removes my make-up in like one swipe.  I hate when I have to rub too hard removing make-up because I feel like that creates wrinkles.  This works great.

COUNTERTIME ENLIGHTENING PADS

After I wash my face and remove my make-up this is my next step.  I rub this in a circular motion over my face. I am addicted to these pads.  I feel like they really brighten and tighten my skin.  And they feel like they are removing any build-up on my skin.  It feels so clean and smooth afterwards. You can cut them in half to make them last twice as long:)

LA MER CREME DE LA MER

This is my one splurge and real face treat. I love this moisturizer so much.  I have super dry skin so I feel like it really moisturizes well.  It is heaven in a jar.

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE CREAM

I try to alternate between this and LaMer to make my LaMer last longer. It is lightweight but I feel like it moisturizes my skin well. 

TATA HARPER EYE CREAM

Still loving this eye cream.  It is the perfect consistency and I love the smell. Plus it has no weird chemicals in it.

\\ MASKS AND EXFOLIATING  | 2-3 TIMES A WEEK

I try to exfoliate and do a mask about 3 times a week.  I usually put it on while I watch tv and sit about 30 minutes with it on my face.  I have been able to tell a such a difference in my skin from masks.  My skin feels so amazing after I wash them off, it is kind of addictive!

CLARISONIC MIA

I love this so much.  If you don't have one you need one.  It works wonders on your skin.  I keep this in my shower and use it about every other day with an exfoliating face wash.  Either the Tata Harper or the No 7 (see below)

NO 7 MICRO-DERMABRASION SCRUB

Love this scrub and it is inexpensive.  I keep this in my shower with Clarisonic and use it about 3 times a week.

TATA HARPER RESURFACING MASK

I know I talk about this mask often but I love it.  A bit pricey but it lasts forever, I am still using the first jar I bought.  It gets super tight while you wear it which I feel means it is tightening and smoothing my skin.

FRESH BLACK TEA MASK

I was only using the Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask but I recently bought the Fresh Black Tea Mask and love it.  Now I alternate between the two.    I bought the 3 item set that also comes with the Black Tea Eye Cream and Face Cream.  It is a great deal and a great way to try all three products.

TATA HARPER REGENERATING FACE WASH

This is an exfoliating face scrub.  It has small grains in it that really clean the skin deeply.  I use this on the nights I do my face masks to wash the mask off afterwards.

\\MORNING

My morning routinue is pretty simple.  I don't wash my face unless I have exercised that morning (which is few and far between these days).   Otherwise I just moisturize.

BEAUTY COUNTER AM HYDRATING CREAM

This cream is paraben free and contains coconut oil and aloe which are amazing for your skin. It is lightweight and not greasy at all.  I use this every morning before I put my make-up on.

TATA HARPER FLORAL ESSENCE

This is a toner, I spray it on in the morning before I do anything.  It smells amazing, refreshes my skin and moisturizes it.  I spray this on before the Beauty Counter AM Cream

LUSTRO FACE OIL

This oil is amazing.  It makes your skin feel like silk.  I often apply this after the floral essence and before my AM Cream.  It is a blend of 7 oils and it absorbs so well in your skin,  it is a great primer for make-up.

......................................................................................

With the Beauty Event I am tempted to try a few new products.  Anyone tried these or have any great new Beauty recs for me to try next??

SKIN REJUVENATING PILLOW CASE

I have read so many articles on how what material you sleep on affects your skin.  This pillow case releases copper ions while you sleep which helps eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. This is one thing I think I am going to order to try

ORIBE SHAMPOO

I heard this is hands down the best shampoo.  It is pretty darn expensive for a shampoo though,  is it worth it??

GLAM GLOW

This has won awards the past 4 years.  It is a 10 minute facial in a jar that was designed for Hollywood movie stars and models.   97% of users said they noticed a difference in their skin afterwards!

SUGAR FACE POLISH

I am so intrigued by this.  I am loving my other Fresh products and this one has won a ton of awards.

BLISS FACIAL IN A BOX

I am tempted to try this, it is only $12 for a 2 time set.  So curious if this works.  I think peels work wonders for your skin.

TOM FORD LIPSTICK

This is the most expensive lipstick I have seen.  They claim this is the perfect pink.  Anyone tried Tom Ford products?

LA MER THE REPAIRATIVE SUN COLLECTION

This is a great price for this set.    Always love anything LaMer.