Monday, April 22, 2013

Dressing For Weddings (Or any Special Occassion)

In keeping with reader post requests,  I got several requests for Wedding attire. I know Summer time means Wedding time. Everyone loves to get married in the Summer and why not the weather is usually amazing As far as wedding dresses go this is something I like to splurge on because I know I will get plenty of wear out of the dress. There is usually always something I need a fun dress for in addition to Weddings and Rehearsal Dinners - holiday parties, graduation events, baptisms, New Years Eve, the list goes on.  I feel like a nice dress you feel comfortable in is something to splurge on. Case and point my Milly Hostess Sari Dress. I paid a pretty penny for this dress but I wear it all the time and I always feel good in it.   
Below I rounded up my favorite picks for Summer Wedding Attire, all are fabulous choices for any event.



Summa Wedding Time


ONE BY CONTRARIAN BABS BIBB DRESS | RACHEL ZOE PLEATED MAXIPARKER MAXI DRESS | TIBI SHIFT DRESS | RORY BECCA GEMMA T-BACK MAXIREBECCA TAYLOR AURORA DRESS | PARKER VERA DRESS |  TIBI KALEIDOSCOPE DRESS | DVF BEONICA DRESS | DVF REAGAN DRESS


And a few ideas for shoes and accessories. If I am wearing a Maxi Dress alot of times I prefer to wear flats. No one can really see your shoes and that way you are comfortable and can dance all night. I included two of my all time favorite flats. With short dresses I always prefer heels.  As far as jewelry goes I like small earrings (I have wanted the House of Harlow ones forever) and I always love a statement necklace!  Most of these accessories are things you could buy and use often not just for Weddings.


Friday, April 19, 2013

Rodan + Fields Giveaway!!


Happy Fridays Friends.  I have the BEST giveaway ever today.  Are you familiar with Rodan + Fields?  If you aren't you should be.  It is a skincare line created by two dermatologists and it is amazing.   It has been featured everywhere from Allure, Vogue, Bazaar,  to making it on Oprahs Favorite's List.



A rep from Rodan + Fields,  Meredith, contacted me about doing a giveaway and to be honest I had never tried their products before.  I had heard rave reviews but never tried them myself.  Meredith was sweet enough to mail me samples of the microdermabrasion face wash, the night renewing serum, and the lip serum.  I brought them home when I was visiting my parents and my mom and I tried them out.  Let me tell you we were beyond impressed.  Our faces felt amazing after using all three products.  So smooth and fresh.  Moms favorite was the lip serum and my favorite was the night renewing serum.  

Lucky for you girls we are giving away a jar of the night renewing serum.   This stuff retails for $89.  This was the one product Oprah featured on her favorites list.  You apply after you wash your face and it feels so great.  I can tell you once you try this you are going to be hooked.  I am already planning my order.  Plus there is a 60 day empty bottle money back guarantee- but I can assure you love their products!


So I bet you are wondering how do I enter and win??  Here is what you do.  Leave a comment for each entry.

1) Must be a Follower of Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers
2) Visit Meredith's Rodan + Fields webpage and take take the Solution Tool to see what the Doctors of Rodan + Fields Recommend for you (HERE).  Leave your recommendation in the comments section.
3) Like Meredith's Rodan + Fields Facebook Page

Easy, right? I will keep the contest open til next Wednesday at midnight and announce the winner Thursday.   If you are interested in placing an order and receiving 10% off plus getting free shipping don't hesitate to contact Meredith at whitaker.meredith@gmail.com.    You can also email her if you are interested in becoming a Rodan + Fields Sales Rep:)  Below are some of the many products Rodan + Fields has to offer!
Have a fabulous weekend friends.




 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Thoughts For Thursday

Hello Loves.  How is it Thursday already?  This week seems to be flying by.  First off I am so flattered to be a part of the To & From Gift Guide Issue that was just released yesterday.  There are some great gift guides- trust me you will want to have your wallet handy while reading this guide.  My picks for baby shower gifts are on pages 102-103,  click HERE to read the rest its good stuff.



 

Lets chat about JCrew.  They have had some seriously cute stuff lately.  Case and point this dress and Ikat Tee.  Both new obsessions of mine

I am hooked on the book Mrs Kennedy and Me.  I look forward to reading it everynight.  It is such an interesting look at Jackie's life behind the scenes.


If you are a parent please read this amazing article by Steve Banner.  It is so True.  You can read it HERE


I am totally smitten with this simple classic outfit for Summer.  I will be recreating- although maybe it is just me but I feel silly in hats.  It looks so chic on others but I would just look stupid.  Miranda Kerr always looks so good.


On to TV.   So, Matt and I cut our cable down to basic, gasp right?  But we are trying to save money and honestly now that we have Apple TV we watch that way more than cable anyways.  We are almost done with the final season of Breaking Bad.  Freaking love it, please watch it if you have not.  But I need recommendations of what show to start next.  I need one that both Matt and I will enjoy and sometimes that is hard to find.  Two I am considering are Mad Men and House of Cards.  Any other recs?


I know you all are probably sick of me writing about necklaces.  But the truth is they are the main jewelry I wear.  I don't really wear bracelets and if I wear earrings I wear my gold hoops my parents gave me.  I love to jazz up an outfit with a fun necklace.  This is my latest find.  $34 and tell me it does not look just like JCrew?


Parents if you have an IPad you must download this coloring app called DooDoo Lite. It keeps Sterling occupied for awhile.  Plus I feel like it gets his creative juices going.


Happy Thursday I am off for a lunch date and playgroup.  Fun day:)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Baked Chicken Chimichangas



This recipe came highly recommended to me from my friend Erin and I always trust her food judgement.  I whipped this together in like 10 minutes.  Buy a rotisserie chicken it saves time.  I assembled everything at naptime at then just baked at dinner.  These really get crispy like a true chimichangas but they are baked so way less fat than the fried kind.   They were totally delish.
Oh and that is not ketchup on top it is Victorias Hot Sauce, good stuff.
Enjoy!

 :: B A K E D  C H I C K E N  C H I M I C H A N G A S ::
 8oz pkg. cream cheese
8oz. Pepperjack cheese, shredded
1 1/2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded
8 flour tortillas
cooking spray
shredded cheddar cheese
green onions, for garnish
sour cream
salsa

Stir together cream cheese, Pepperjack cheese and taco seasoning.
Fold in chicken.
Divide among flour tortillas.
Tuck in sides, and roll up each tortilla.
Lay seam side down in a sprayed 9x13" baking dish.
Spray tops of tortillas with cooking spray.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Turn chimi's over, and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Serve with cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and salsa. 
Recipe via Menu Managed Blog

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Shopbop Friends and Family

Its that time again!  Shopbop is having their Friends and Family sale where everything is 20%.  Shopbop is by far my favorite site to browse and shop on,  so now is the time to snatch up all those goodies you have been eyeing.  Here is what has been in my virtual shopping cart, now just to decide what comes home with me! 
Use code WEAREFAMILY13


Lets Talk About Some Shoes.

You guys gave me some great post ideas last week. One idea that someone suggested was for me to write about shoes. I don't buy shoes often and I tend to be pretty practical when it comes to shoes. I tend to gravitate towards blacks and nudes because I know I will wear them all the time and they will go with everything. I do love a pop of color occasionally and I have a few bright colored ballet flats I love. These are my top picks for Spring/Summer, I actually own several of these and the rest I would love to add to my collection!

Shoes.




ONE:  SPLENDID CONGO FLATS- A perfect everyday flat.  Love both the black and neon color!  A real steal

TWO:  TORY BURCH EMMY FLATS-  I actually own these.  I bought them like 4 years and they are my favorite flats.  I have them in the nude color and wear them all the time.
THREE: ELIZABETH AND JAMES TONI SLIM STRAP SANDALS- I don't wear or buy heels often but when I do I love a really nice and simple pair.  I love the simplicity of these. They would look amazing with jeans and fancy dresses
FOUR:  TKEES FLIP FLOPS-  I stand by the fact that these are the best flipflops ever.  I have worn them everyday since I got them.
FIVE: MELISSA CUT OUT FLATS- I am obsessed with the bright candy red color of these and the cut out details.  Such a fun summer flat.  They come in blue and white too.
SIX: SOLUDOS IKAT ESPADRILLES- These are not shoes I would normally pick out but whenever I see someone wearing them I think they look so cute and comfortable.  Love the ikat and the price is great!
SEVEN: YOSI SAMRA ELASTIC BALLET FLATS- I always love snakeskin it goes with everything.  These flats are a great price and look so comfortable.  Comfort is key for daily wear.
EIGHT:  SAM EDLEMAN GIG T-STRAP FLAT- These are the best Summer flats.  I own several pairs.  The price point is great and they look cute with everything.
NINE: DOLCE VITA HATTIE BOOTIES- I for one love booties in the summer.  I think they are adorable with jean shorts and short dresses.   Love the detail on the leather on these.
TEN: SAM EDLEMAN GILDA GLADIATORS- I love gladiator sandals.  They can jazz up any outfit!
ELEVEN: RACHEL ZOE SCARLETT SANDALS - I am convinced I need pair of Rachel Zoe sandals, I never hear anything but great things about her line.  Love the nude/gold detail.
TWELVE: MADEWELL STRIPPED FLATS- I am a sucker for anything stripped. These would look cute with so many outfits summer or fall!


 
 

 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Things I am Loving

I almost entitled this post things you should buy, but alas some of the things I am loving you can't buy (like my little man) but I highly recommend the ones you can buy. 

I am obsessed with my MOTHER Patchie Jean Shorts.  Ladies these are the best jean shorts.  They are not too short and so comfortable.  Get you a pair.


Love AJ just came out with a new collection for Baublebar and I am obsessed with the gold collar necklace!  I love the minimalist metal look.


I am also loving my Rachel Pally Faustina Dress.  This was a belated Birthday Gift and I am smitten with it.  The back is my favorite part.  It is so comfortable it feels like you are wearing pajamas.  Plus the color is just gorgeous.



Tomato Pie.  I made this last week and it was amazing.  It is one of my favorite recipes.  Matt and I demolished it!  You can get the recipe HERE.


The fact that my little man will be in the Pixie Lily ads again this fall.  We did a photo shoot Saturday and he worked it for the camera.  I just love Pixie Lily, the clothes are so sweet.


I am also loving that Sterling is getting into basketball.  My dad and brother are both great basketball players and I would love Sterling to follow in their footsteps.


Yummy Mummy Cookbook.  I finally got my hands on a copy of Marina's new cookbook and I love it.  I have been reading Marina's blog forever so I was so happy when she published a cookbook.  It has great healthy recipes for the whole family.


Essie Come Here Nail polish.  I just picked this color up last week and I can tell I am going to live in this color all Summer!


Gap Neon Stripped Tee.  I have been living in this tee since I bought it a few weeks ago.


Ok, so as you can see I am loving alot of things.  Hope you all have a great Monday!