Friday Beauty - Pretty in Pinks

It's been a while since I've blogged about anything beauty. To be perfectly honest, I haven't really done anything super beautiful around here lately. I rarely wear makeup anymore, I hardly get the chance to paint my nails, and I only wear lipstick when taking blog photos. I'm a fraud. A sham. But I've never claimed to be a beauty expert. I just simply blog about the things I've tried, dislike, and truly love.

So when I opened the recent Sandra Lee magazine, a magazine I purchase monthly, and saw their Blooming Beauty spread, I was inspired! It's all about pretty little pink cosmetics to try and I want to try them all! Then it got me thinking about the pinks that I use often in the spring and summer, so I created a little college of all things pink! Read on....

I love MAC lipsticks and one of my favorite spring colors is Girl About Town (upper left corner). It's actually the first bright pink I ever purchased and I never looked back! And if I'm wearing it on my lips, I should probably wear it on my nails! Girl About Town comes in a nail lacquer and I'm so excited!! But I'm loving Show Orchid (bottom right corner) that was featured in Sandra Lee. It verges on purple, but it's simply lovely! Lastly, I really want to try their Playland Casual Colour in Young At Heart. It's a lip and cheek color in one, which is definitely a must-have for your handbag cosmetics! Nothing like a multipurpose touch up in a cute little tub!

When I get to polish my nails, I gravitate toward pinks for spring. Essie is a go-to and Cascade Cool is new for spring (bottom left corner), one I love wearing for a subtle hint of color. For a big pop of color, I'm loving the new Love Sheen from their Silk Watercolors collection (upper right corner). 

I'm a huge Clinique fan. As you all know, I swear by their 3-Step cleansing program and I frequently wear their cosmetics. They now have a cheek contouring palette that I would love to play with. I'm not sure how to contour, so I'm thinking I need a tutorial, and I'm totally up for the challenge. And those cute little pods are dual-sided lip treats that have a sugar-smoothing scrub on one side and a tinted moisturizing balm on the other. And the Pink Framboise is gorgeous!

Actually, all these shades of pink are gorgeous and there is no way you won't be pretty in pink. Side note: Did you know that this year is the 30th anniversary of Pretty in Pink? One of the best 80s movies, in my opinion, and who didn't love Duckie Dale!?! 

Okay, I digress. Are any of these hues going to be on your spring and summer makeup radar? I know they are on mine! Seriously, I can't wait to test out some of these products and report back. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it right?

Happy Friday, Beauties!

All the Light...

Dress: Macy's (under $40); Belt Banana Republic (cute option); Booties: Vince Camuto; 

Jewels: Stella & Dot

 

 Last Sunday I hosted book club with my mom and it was so nice getting the girls together again. However, I didn't finish the book. Anyone out there read All the Light We Cannot See? Well, I tried. I really tried. I started the book in January and by late February, I was only on page 50. I just couldn't into it. Then, it just seemed to take off around page 100, but it was too late for me to try and finish. Since I was hosting at my house, cleaning was top priority, and when I say cleaning, I mean I cleaned for three days!! I did a lot of extra things, spring cleaning things, because it was time. As for the book, I'm still 1/3 of the way through. I enjoyed the discussion though. And I'm ready to tackle the next book.

It was a gorgeous spring day. I opened the kitchen windows to let a breeze blow through and went bare legged for the first time this year! Yes, I need a little color, but it's March. I know I'm not the only winter pasty girl out there! And it felt good to wear a cute dress. And the booties! I've been dying to wear them since December and finally got my chance. I've actually worn them several times this week and I know spring and summer will find me in them as well. The best neutral, a perfect heel height for dates with McKinley, and so comfortable. A definite shoe score!

Have you dared to go bare yet? Next week it's supposed to be close to 80 around here. And it's Spring Break. I'm not sure I will wear shorts just yet, but I am loving the idea of cute spring dresses. I adore this time of year!!

Wednesday Wants - A Spring Sweater

We have had some of the most amazing spring-like temps around here and it's only the beginning of March. I'm not complaining, just a little leery of what may be around the corner. You know what they say about March coming in like a lion....

But with these warmer temps, I've found that I'm reaching for spring sweaters and I don't own very many. I have some light weight versions that are more for late April or early May, but nothing in the heavy cotton genre. Even a light weight cashmere would work. But what I have is heavy winter sweaters that just aren't right. And the colors are too dark as well. I mean, I love a good gray and black sweater, even in the summer, but I would also like something in a cheery cherry red or pretty pink. Spring time colors!

And I think I've found them. I've pulled together eight that I think are perfect for this time of year or later in the summer with shorts. 

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

I'm obsessed with all of them really, but my favorites are the hot pink and red from Boden, the coral sweater from Loft, and the long navy sweater from Anthropologie! Which ones do you like?

What spring pieces are on your radar? Do you own the perfect spring sweater that you wear from year to year? I think any of these would do the trick!

An Entrepreneur.....

I've wanted to write a post like this for some time, but I wasn't really sure how to write it and what to really say in it. By definition, an entrepreneur is "a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk." That sounds a little dry, don't you think? How about someone who starts their own business on blind faith, passion, and the desire to work for oneself. Someone who, let's say, takes a leap! And that's exactly what I did when I decided to start my own business as a Stylist with Stella & Dot. 

I knew I wanted to "go back to work" after being laid off almost two years ago, but I also knew that I didn't want to go into an office on a daily basis. I did that for almost 15 years. And before that, I worked countless nights and weekends as a manager in retail. Before that, it was college with a very part time job one day a week and on the weekends with two jobs in the summer. I'm very well aware of what work is all about. But at almost 42, and with a four year old at home, I didn't want to spend the next half of my life working for something or someone I didn't believe in. And working for myself, someone and something I believe in, seemed the right fit.

Before I ever decided to truly start my business, I had a lot of naysayers and still do. And I have to say, they are the ones that helped ignite the flame. The ones that helped me decide to take the plunge. They are the ones that I want to prove wrong! My business started out blazing. The next month, good, but not as good as the first. The third month, not so great. It was December after all, a horrible time for anyone who knows retail, and without an established business I worked for every customer I received! With 2016, January started out okay (actually I hustled like no other with decent results), and February gave the appearance to be an upward trend. Then March hit. And I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of nos and little to no response.

Stella & Dot is a direct sales company, so you as a business owner rely solely on sales from your customers. The customers you physically drum up daily, weekly, monthly. And what really drives your sales are trunk shows or home parties. You get repeat hostesses, those that just love the product and want the free jewelry as often as they can get it, or from new customers you meet at said parties. And then there's the occasional outside order. I love those! Actually, I love any and all forms of sales! That's what drives home my paycheck. A paycheck that I can feel good about because I did it all on my own. But for right now, I'm feeling lost in my business.

I'm doing all the things I'm supposed to be doing. Reaching out to past customers, future customers.  Emailing, texting, sending messages on Facebook, calling potential customers, and posting on all forms of social media. I'm talking about my likes, my obsessions, what's on trend, and what I think my customers would like most. I'm literally typing my fingers to the bone. And at times, I think they would look so much better with manicure! But the customers aren't biting and I'm starting to get worried.

And I think I'm starting to lose friends! That's the thing about starting a business. You reach out and lean on your friends for support, but after a while, I think they grow weary of your constant Facebook posts, emails about promos, and texts about what I think the would love. There are days where I get ohs and ahs, days where I get an occasional "that's not really my style", and I get a lot of crickets! The crickets are what keep me awake at night. And let me tell you, over the last couple of weeks, there have been a lot of sleepless nights. And those sleepless nights are causing me to question whether or not I keep going. Yes, it's only been roughly four months, so it's a little early in the game to just stop, but the naysayers are in my head and starting to get at me. The ones who thinks it's not a good idea. The ones who told me that they wouldn't host parties before I even started the business. The ones who are crickets. 

But, I'm not really a quitter. I'm a go-getter at heart. I love a challenge. I've always been the top seller in any sales job I've held. I mean, I was the top ladies seller in an eight store region when I worked for Harold's! And that's the kind of thing that reminds me that I can make this business happen. Also, I have a four year old son who needs tap and jazz shoes come June. Who loves to go to Fritz's for lunch. Who is playing on a t-ball league this summer. Who is my "Why" when Stella & Dot first asks you why you want to start your business. My why is to stay home with him, for him, but still feel like I'm contributing to my family and to myself. So that I can get that much needed manicure, even if it's six months from now. To go out and buy a new pair of shoes. The way I did when I was working full-time in an office and bringing home a bi-weekly paycheck. And not feel guilty for doing it. There are so many Why's when I stop to think about it, and they all drive me to keep going. To keep texting, and emailing, and posting on Facebook, and possibly putting those naysayers behind me. And getting some much needed sleep! And that manicure....

I'm An Entrepreneur, Bitch!

 

March Tulip Twist

 Dress: Tulip (c/o); Cardigan: Loft (similar); Belt: Ann Taylor (similar); Heels: Macy's;

Jewelry: Stella & Dot; Lip Color: Revlon Matte HD in Obsession

For those of you who may not be familiar, there is a sweet little boutique on the Plaza called Tulip. I've worked with them often over the last several years and I was so excited when they asked me if I would participate in this month's Tulip Twist. I was asked, along with a couple of other KC bloggers, to style this darling dress and I immediately thought of several different ways. I ended up going with a little dressier version that I thought would be a cute Easter look for later in the month. We don't really get dressed up for Easter anymore, but if I did, I would definitely wear this look.

I also thought this would look cute with sandals and denim jacket for a relaxed version later this spring. And for summer, it would be darling over a swimsuit! The perfect little throw on dress! Head down this weekend and pick one up. And, shop some of the cute pieces they have for spring!

 

 

Want to see how others are styling this little dress? Head on over to their Facebook page and vote for your favorite look! 

The Long of It

Top: Zara (other colors); Leggings: Kohl's (on sale under $15); Heels: Macy's; 

Handbag: BCBG (fun option); Jewelry: Stella & Dot/Alexis Bittar; 

Lip Color: Revlon HD in Obsessed

Saturday night I attended a birthday party for my dear friend Curt. The room was full of people I love and call my family. And because it was going to be a fabulous party, I needed a fabulous outfit! Remember that top I blogged about from Zara several weeks ago? Well here it is in person! I love it! So comfortable, a piece that will never go out of style (in my own style opinion), and so chic! And who doesn't love black on black with a pop of hot pink!

 

The Leggings: Before and After 

    

 

Was your weekend fabulous? I sure hope it was! The weather here was beyond beautiful. We are getting super spoiled by this amazing spring like weather at the end of February! I'm a little worried about March. Crossing my fingers that it doesn't come in like a lion!

Tomorrow is Leap Day. Any big plans to celebrate the day that only comes around every four years? It's supposed to be 70 degrees again so I'm thinking it could be time to break out the bouncy house for McKinley, if the wind cooperates! He can leap all he wants for the afternoon!

The Big Reveal...My Home Office

Here it is! My home office! I completed it this week, with my dad's help, and I love it! I've been working in the space for a little over a week, but I wanted to hang a few things before I showed you all the final product. I think it's perfection. Keep reading to get all the details on how I pulled this space together.

As you know, this is what the space looked like before I got started. I loved this space, for it's original purpose, but I needed a place to call my own. A space where my laptop wasn't always on my lap. Where I wasn't using my coffee table as my daily desk top. I place where I felt like I was a little more organized while still being a part of the daily family grind.

I was inspired by this HomeGoods Instagram photo when I starting thinking about my initial design scheme. I loved the mix of colors and eclectic design. I started my search at our local, and favorite, antique store, but never really found what I was looking for. We went to a couple of other local places, but again nothing screamed "take me home." My first purchase was the black writing desk from Target. I blogged about it in my original Wednesday Wants and it was honestly the best fit!

My mom and I actually got the bulk of the room from HomeGoods. After we had the desk, I knew I wanted to add fun pops of color to contrast against the black. I literally set up a space in the aisles of HomeGoods and loved getting feedback from others who passed by. It was all very favorable. I was heading in the right direction! Yellow and gray is one of my favorite color combos and the touch of blue just pulled it all together. 

My dad was the painter. He insisted. I told him I would help, but he said it was a small space and a one person job. I let him do it. I wasn't going to argue. I love the color. It's Winter Solstice from Benjamin Moore and I find it to be such a soothing shade of gray. 

As for the accents on the desk, I didn't want a lot. It's not a huge space to begin with, but I wanted to make it personal. A letter "A" for obvious reasons, a sweet reminder of needing daily glitz from my friend Julie, a candy dish for moments of weakness, a coaster, and fun pens in a cute holder rounds it out.

     

The knobs that came with the desk were perfectly fine, a brushed nickel that goes with the rest of the room, but I wanted something a little more me. I went with vintage inspired crystal knobs and they are simply divine! The yellow cabinet is actually my parents, a piece I have coveted for years, and when they couldn't make it fit in their house, I basically stole it from their basement! It's the perfect place to hide all my clutter. Printer paper, extra catalogs, and other work necessities all fit neatly behind closed doors. And, the rustic piece is lovely!

 

 

In addition to the mirror, a style I've always admired, I knew I wanted to add a few extras to the wall. I decided to frame my first catalog with the company. I wanted something to remind of where I started.

And lastly, my daily motivation! Who doesn't need a little something to keep them going in the right direction, even if they feel as though they are running off track! This saying resounds with me. In taking my Leap, I believed I could, so I did! 

And there you have it! My home office. What do you think? Did I nail it? I totally believe I did! It's everything I thought it could be and more. I'm happy here. I feel motivated to work from here daily. And I find I could stay here long past the time I need to take McKinley to school or head to bed at the end of the night. I've finally found my space!

It's Friday!! We have another full weekend and I can't wait to get started. I hope you all have a fashionable weekend that brings you joy!

See back here on Monday!

Muah!