Five on Friday: Summer Dresses

May 29, 2020 by 2 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I’m a big dress person. I rarely wear jeans and never wear shorts in the summer – I prefer a sundress or maxi dress to beat the heat. Now that it’s starting to heat up here in Michigan, I thought I should pull together some cute dress options that have caught my eye.

Floral Linen-Blend Fit & Flare Midi Sundress for Women ($38)

I keep seeing this dress in a Facebook ad and I love it! I love the cut and the print! I love that it’s a little bit longer too!

Strappy Ruched Maxi Dress ($139)

I have a black maxi that I got eight years ago from Banana Republic that I just LOVE! When I saw this one I thought it could be my new favorite!

Halter Tie Dress ($24)

I like to find dresses in different colors and cuts than ones I already have (I tend to stick with a few colors and styles). I love the halter cut of this dress and think it would be versatile for vacation or to dress up.

Polka Dot Ruffle Sleeve Flare Dress ($29.99)

This is adorable! It looks black, but it’s really Industrial Navy. It would go so well with a number of shoes and accessories I already have.

Colorblock Maxi Dress ($27.99)

This dress was just fun and different – I love colorblock and this one looked more casual on top and dressier on the bottom.

Let me know which one is your favorite!

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Five on Friday: Macarons

January 31, 2020 by 2 Comments

Confession time…I am obsessed with macarons. They are the perfect little treat to indulge with over tea or a glass of wine. I’ve found a number of spots in metro Detroit that have the best macarons and every time I pass by I make sure to get some. I once tried my hand at making my own (before we had phone cameras) and I sincerely appreciate all the work that goes into making them.

Before I list my five favorite spots, I want to mention that I am in fact talking about macarons and not macaroons. A macaron is meringue based, while a macaroon is coconut based. If you’re looking for macaroons, I LOVE the ones from Godiva and usually pick some up when I’m getting my free monthly truffle.

Le Detroit Macaron

This is one of my favorite places. I had met the original owner a number of times because she was my cousin’s friend. She sold it a few years ago to a wonderful young women and it’s one of my favorite businesses to support. Whenever I’m in Detroit, I always stop by and pick up a box. They are coming up with new flavors all the time and they are delicious. They even made my special elderberry ones for the Royal Wedding!

Cannelle Patisserie

I’ve mentioned Cannelle Patisserie a number of times before. I threw an amazing Uncorked and Unwined champagne tasting a number of years ago and got all the treats from Cannelle Patisserie in Birmingham. They recently opened a Detroit location that I’ve been meaning to try, but if you’re looking for authentic Parisian bread and desserts, this is the place to go.

Le Bon Macaron

This was a little gem I discovered after a client meeting in Ann Arbor. I needed to work remotely and send a few emails and found a place to enjoy some tea and macarons in the process.

Gateaux Patisserie

As you may have read, I’m currently teaching at the University of Michigan – Dearborn and it gives me the perfect excuse to stop at Gateaux and pick up some macarons and some of their rose tea to go. They also have an amazing tea service that I’ve enjoyed. Pay attention to their Instagram page because they frequently do Harry Potter themed macarons.

Love & Buttercream

Love & Buttercream has a little shop in Birmingham that has a lot of fun treats. They also have delicious macarons like these bunny ones I got for Easter last year.

Let me know your favorite spots to get macarons!

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Five on Friday: Gilmore Girls Rewatch

January 24, 2020 by Leave a Comment

I haven’t done a Gilmore Girls post since 2015, so I figured it was time! I got inspired by the annual GilMORE the Merrier rewatch on UPTV, they start this every year on Thanksgiving. I caught a few episodes then and just now completed my own rewatch. I feel like every time I finish a rewatch I should get a little treat, so I picked five things I would love as an honorary Gilmore Girl.

I Smell Snow Phone Case ($12)

This is the cutest thing and perfect to rock during the winter months. I love that they have every phone option available.

Eat Like a Gilmore Cookbook ($7.99)

I had no idea, but there is a Gilmore Girls cookbook! It has 100 recipes including some of the favorites like salmon puffs, Santa burger, the magic risotto, the Founder’s Day punch and many more!

Luke’s Diner Mug ($15.22)

I want to get this classic mug so badly! It is the perfect tribute to the Gilmore Girls and I would love to drink my tea out of it! I would get the blue one.

Be Like a Gilmore Girl Shirt ($24.99)

Any Gilmore Girls rewatcher needs a shirt to wear as they binge. I just thought this one was perfect and I like the v-neck style.

Talking As Fast As I Can ($12.18)

Did you know that Lauren Graham has written three books? I sure didn’t, but I would love to read her memoir and hear all the behind the scenes details about her time on the show.

Are you a Gilmore Girls fan? Let me know your favorite episode in the comments!

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Five on Friday: Golden Globes Gift Bags

January 10, 2020 by Leave a Comment

I love awards season! The glamour, champagne, celebrities, fashion, and beauty are my Superbowl! To get the true red carpet experience, I thought I would share my top picks from this year’s swag bags.

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance™ Lipstick ($40)

An Allure Beauty winner, MatteTrance™ is a richly pigmented lipstick with a sensually creamy, powerful pigment that evokes screen siren glamour with every application. Stars were gifted the Elson 2 color, a fiery orange red.

Armani Beauty Sì Passione Eau de Parfum ($120)

Si Passione is the perfect combination of woody vanilla, rose petals, and sparkling pear. According to Giorgio Armani, “Sì is my tribute to modern femininity. An irresistible combination of grace, strength, and independent spirit.”

Pat McGrath Mothership VI Eyeshadow Palette – Midnight Sun ($125)

Midnight Sun offers “10 new illicitly pigmented, stunning shadows in a rapturous range of wicked coppers, deific bronzes, corruptible crimsons, glowing golds, and venomous violets…” according to the official press release. Every color is super sparkly and everything you would expect from Pat McGrath.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo ($29)

I’m sure this is the perfect product for celebs after going all out with their hair for the evening. Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo has activated charcoal to absorb oil and remove product buildup.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Skin Highlighting Trio ($50)

Last but not least are the Pat McGrath highlighting trio that will give you that red carpet glow!

There were so many fantastic celebrity looks at the Globes this year and lots of great products to review I could probably write a million blog posts for each one. If you saw something you loved, let me know in the comments!

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Five on Friday: Kendra Scott comes to Michigan

October 12, 2018 by Leave a Comment

For this week’s Five on Friday, I wanted to share five reasons to get pumped about Michigan’s first Kendra Scott boutique at Twelve Oaks Mall. I was running through the mall a few weeks ago to pick up some Olaplex at Sephora and was surprised to see a brand new Kendra Scott boutique! Imagine my excitement! They took it up a notch by handing me a glass of champagne as soon as I stepped foot in the store.

Here are a few things you should know about shopping at the new boutique:

1. Kendra Gives Back

If you have a cause that you are passionate about supporting, you can work with Kendra Scott to host a fundraising event. They will provide the treats and you can invite all of your friends to shop. Kendra Scott will donate 20% of the proceeds to your cause.

2. Kendra offers 50% off on your birthday

During your birthday month, Kendra Scott offers a 50% discount off of one item. All you have to do is show your ID. The clerk told me that I should also have my husband shop for me during his birthday month to take advantage of the discount twice! What a great idea! I have my eye on this Harlow Statement Necklace In Blush Pearl that retails at $225.

3. Customize your own look with Kendra’s Color Bar

You can create your own look right in the store! I made these awesome Danielle Earrings with the gold filigree.

4. Elisa Necklace

Kendra’s favorite piece of all time is the Elisa Necklace. I like this iridescent drusy version.

5. $500

Kendra started her business with just $500. She opened her first business, Hat Box, at 19 years old. You can read more about her in this Forbes article.

What are your favorite Kendra Scott pieces?

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Five on Friday: Tea Time

October 5, 2018 by 2 Comments

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but I am 50% British. My dad was the first one of his family to be born in the United States. Because his parents died before I was born, we don’t have a lot of cultural family traditions from that side of the family. One thing I do know is that my grandmother kept her tea time every day and that she NEVER used a tea bag. I’ve never really adopted tea time, but with 5 sets of my own china I feel like I am missing a prime opportunity. So I thought it would be fun for me to start having my own tea time. How relaxing would it be to start an afternoon tea tradition? Unfortunately, I have zero tea making supplies (aside from the china) so I thought I would research some options and get started.

1. Tea Kettle

The most important part of all of this is the tea kettle. I selected this beautiful Sotya Whistling Stainless Steel Tea Kettle ($39.99) for the house and then this cute BELLA 1.2L Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle ($39.99) that I could bring to the office.

 

2. Teabox Elegant Ball Infuser ($8.99)

The Sotya kettle comes with its own ball infuser, but the electric one will need one. I liked the idea of this elegant one from Teabox.

3. Tea

I wanted to find delicious tea from some local spots here in Michigan. I found two places that make their own loose leaf tea. I love shopping local for fun finds! The first one is Arbor Teas based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. They are a family-owned business that finds the best teas from around the world and try to deliver them to you in a sustainable way. I ordered their Organic Pomegranate White Tea, Organic Chocolate Pu Erh Tea, and Organic Vanilla Almond Rooibos to start.

The second company is Plum Door Tea Company based out of Milford, Michigan. They started out as a small tea bar, but closed down their shop and sell a range of 70 teas online. I ordered their Strawberry White, Peach Blossom, Southern Peach Oolong, and Chocolate Orange Pu erh.

4. Addison Pink Abstract Tea for One Set ($33.99)

At home I have five different sets of fine china so I am set there, but I don’t really want to bring them to the office. I found this darling tea for one set from Pinky Up. It’s compact and includes a saucer!

5. Macarons

I LOVE macarons and tea time is the perfect excuse to enjoy them. My local favorites are Le Detroit Macaron and Cannelle Patisserie when I have time to stop by and pick some up. On a daily basis, there is a Panera in my building and they have delicious scones so I could probably get one to enjoy with my tea at the office.

Now that I’m getting into tea, I need ALL of your tips so please share them and all your favorite teas in the comments.

You can find more Five on Friday posts here.




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Five on Friday: All Things Pineapple

August 11, 2017 by 3 Comments

I am in love with all things pineapple right now! This post is my love letter to all of the awesome pineapple things I’m loving at the moment.

1.Vince Camuto Maro Faux Leather Tote ($88.80)

This tote was the catalyst for today’s post. I’m pretty much in love with it…and it’s on sale too!

2. colada pineapple vase-planter ($6.95)

I am giving this adorable pineapple planter away to one lucky reader…make sure to enter here!

3. Pineapple Stone Necklace ($19.99)

These are dainty and perfect for a little touch of summer to an otherwise boring outfit. Plus they come in rose gold, silver and gold so you have options.

4. Sass & Belle Exclusive Rose Gold Pineapple Money Pot ($29)

I sort of have a thing for piggy banks. I have a ton of different ones and even got a bride and groom set when we were saving for the wedding, so when I saw this one I had to add it to my collection.

5. Chelsea Peers Rose Gold Pineapple Pajama Set ($56)

I’ve died and gone to heaven with these pineapple pajamas! I literally can’t even contain my excitement about them. They are perfect in every way.

I could probably write five more of these just about pineapples so I will stop here, but I would love for you to comment with your favorite pineapple item. If I get enough of them I will do a Part 2!

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If you would like to join the Five on Friday with Smidge of This, Hello Happiness and Carolina Charm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Friday Favorites

I’m adding a new Friday Favorites Linkup with Lizzie in Lace to replace Oh Hey Friday, which is no more (sadness).



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Five on Friday: Sixth Anniversary

May 5, 2017 by 2 Comments

On Sunday, John and I are celebrating our sixth anniversary. It’s rather fitting that the sixth anniversary is the Iron Anniversary because at this point our relationship has evolved into something so much deeper. After you go through so much together, the other person really becomes your constant and a source of strength in times of adversity. More than our fifth anniversary, this one seems like much more of a milestone as I feel like we’ve overcome a lot in the past year.

Every year of our marriage, I’ve always given John a traditional gift:

Here are a few of my gift ideas for the iron anniversary:

1. Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand ($49.95)

This is so adorable! I could either get my husband’s initials or you can also do a one-initial brand.

2. Le Creuset Cast-Iron Heart-Shaped Dutch Oven ($149.95)

This is too perfect not to include. A pink heart-shaped dutch oven?! What more can you ask for?

3. Hampton Bay Marshall Patio Chaise Lounge with Textured Silver Pebble Cushion ($159)

I’ve decided I want a chaise lounge for our backyard. I have no idea where I would put it or where it would even fit, but I’m envisioning myself lounging outside reading a book all summer and I want one.

 

4. Endless Summer Fire Pit ($181.99)

John and I have wanted a fire pit for the longest time and I love that this is a propane one making it easy to use. You could also replace the lava rocks with fireglass.

5. Fire Pit Cookout Kit ($49.99)

Once we have a fire pit, we’re going to want to make s’mores and hobo pies!

If you have any other ideas for the iron anniversary, I would love to hear them:

For more Five on Friday/Friday Favorites posts, click here.

If you would like to join the Five on Friday with Smidge of This, The Good Life Blog, Hello Happiness and Carolina Charm just click the button below for more details.

You can join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Friday Favorites



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Five on Friday: Power Outage Supplies

March 23, 2017 by 3 Comments

Since we recently had a massive power outage due to some crazy storms in Michigan, I figured I would share some must haves to get you through a black out. I wish I would have had some of these during our blackout; thank goodness our power was only out for 24 hours.

1. Sleeping Bag ($99.95)

When the power is out, it can get really cold in the house. To stay warm and actually get some sleep, a sleeping bag is the way to go.

2. Flashlights ($11.99)

This sounds obvious, but I realized that we don’t have any flashlights around the house. I ended up using the light from my phone which drains the battery. These are cute and come in a six-pack so we can keep them around.

3. LED Wireless Lantern ($28.46)

I was contemplating purchasing an oil lamp because we used to have them around the house when I was younger, but this LED lantern seems like the better choice. If I had one for each floor, I think that would make a HUGE difference during the next blackout.

4. Ambient Weather WR-089 Weather Band ($20.99)

This seems like a no-brainer for a blackout, It is a portable radio, flashlight, 5-way charger all in one. You can charge it from an adapter or using its solar panel, which is AWESOME! This just seems like a good thing to have in your house and car at all times.

5. Board Games

We have very few board games at our house, which makes for a boring blackout. I started looking for some games that we could play during a blackout with just two people. My tops picks include Scrabble, Battleship, Jenga, Operation, Chess/Checkers/Backgammon set, Connect 4, and Chinese Checkers.

What items do you have tucked away for a power outage?

For more Five on Friday/Friday Favorites posts, click here.

If you would like to join the Five on Friday with Smidge of This, The Good Life Blog, Hello Happiness and Carolina Charm just click the button below for more details.

You can join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Friday Favorites



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Five on Friday: Water Bottles

February 24, 2017 by 6 Comments

One of my goals this year was to drink more water. I know, I know, that was my goal last year. But last year I didn’t have any of these adorable water bottles which makes all the difference! I do find that not being able to see how much water I have left does make me drink more as weird as it sounds. If you’ve seen any cute ones let me know so I can add them to my collection!

1. NAMA STAY OUT LATE ($19.50)

This one started it all! I bought this at Bath & Body Works and was in love at first sight. They have other ones too (which I may also have to go back and get) but I couldn’t leave without this one.

2. This Might Be Wine ($21)

I was served this adorable water bottle in an Instagram ad and had to make it mine. LivLuvShop has really cute stuff and I’m sure I’ll be ordering again in the future.

3. Lilly Pulitzer for Starbucks 

I called a number of stores trying to get one of these limited edition water bottles, but alas, it wasn’t meant to be. These will be available online on February 28, so be prepared. There are four different fun designs.

4. Sip Happens ($9.98)

LOVE the colors and the saying on this one and it’s a great price.

5. Monogrammed ($34.99)

These are just pretty and fun! I would love to have a personalized one!

Which ones are your favorites?

For more Five on Friday/Friday Favorites posts, click here.

If you would like to join the Five on Friday with Smidge of This, The Good Life Blog, Hello Happiness and Carolina Charm just click the button below for more details.

 

You can join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Friday Favorites





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