baby, it's still cold outside!

I'm ready for spring!!! Skip that...SUMMER!!!

Although I like having four seasons, I'm more of a summer girl. I hate having to tug along coats and scarves, wearing boots ALL the time, and don't even get me started on my kids not fitting in any of their pre-set seat belts! It makes them squirm even more when I put them in their car seat or stroller and they find themselves feeling like a teddy bear...LOL

The only time I love snow is on Christmas morning and of course, on the days we can actually go outside and play in it (that's when weather permits, I'm not working and the kids aren't sick).

On one fun snow day, we ran outside as soon as there was enough snow on the ground to build a snowman.  It was the first time Natalia and Sebastian got to build a snowman, so Sal and I were super excited to show them how it's done.  They had so much fun "helping" and watched the snowman from inside our house for days!

A couple of days later, we had a family of reindeer show up in our back yard! Another awesome moment for the kids...and me!

The last time it snowed, made me the happiest.  It snowed huge flakes for about 3 hours.  It was beautiful.  But, a couple of hours later it was all melted.  Why was I happy you ask? Well my friends, because it was too warm out to keep the snow frozen and that tells me Spring is just around the corner!  

Patience my friends, patience...

can't live without make-up products

There are many things we can't live without, or so we think, anyway.  I thought I could not survive without eating chocolate.  Well, I gave it up for Lent and even though it's only been a few days and I'm already having chocolate withdrawals, I've survived...so far.  

However, when it comes to make-up, I have a few "essentials" I can't live without.  Seriously.

The items vary in brands and prices, but I love them all the same!

Although I don't use these items every day, I like to have them redily available just in case I need them.

The items in the picture are described below:

1. Bobbi Brown bronzer in Golden Light
2. Nars blush in Orgasm
3. Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Warm Natural
4. Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Warm Natural
5. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Warm Natural
6. Maybelline New York Rocket Volume Express mascara in very black
7. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink
8. Victoria's Secret eye liner in Extreme Black
9. DVF lipstick in Foreign Affair
10. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Romance
11. MAC limited edition lipstick in Satin Sail La Vie
12. MAC Pro Longwear Lipstain Marker in Full of Flare
13. Nars lip gloss in Orgasm
14. Blistex Five STar lip protector with SPF 30
15. Burt's Bee lip balm

I don't wear make-up every day, but when I do I follow simple steps to make me look refreshed and natural.  I don't like make-up that looks caked on and only wear dramatic make-up for special occasions.  The only exception to my rule is when I'm feeling adventurous and wear simple eyes with a bold lip, just to go to the mall or to run an errand.  That's when my MAC limited edition lipstick in Satin Sail La Vie comes in handy!

I always start with a moisturizer. Since I have dark circles I always apply Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer.  Next I use Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick to cover up any blemishes.  I then set my make-up with Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder.  Add Bobbi Brown bronzer and Nars blush.   I never leave home without mascara and always finish off my look with lip balm.

I have tons of eye shadows and lip glosses, but most of them just sit there and look pretty.  This year I promised myself not to buy any more makeup that I won't use.  I've realized the items above are all I need to make me happy :)

Hope my tips help you look your best!

fashion tip - 1 dress 4 ways

Never be afraid to purchase a classic dress.  It doesn't matter what color or the price, I guarantee you will forever be able to wear it.  You can change it up and no one will even notice it's the same dress.

I love bargain shopping.  I am a firm believer that the price of your clothes does not make your outfit better or worse, all you need is a few personal touches to make a fabulous outfit.  Always look for trends and add at least one to your outfit, to keep it fresh and up to date.

I got this blue BCBG dress on sale for a third of the original price! It is perfectly classic on its own, perfect for layering and perfect for day or night, depending on how you style it.  There are so many options!

So, if you have a dress sitting in your closet, that you love but have no idea when you "can" wear it, here are 4 different looks to try:

Day time cocktail party:

Accessorize with a statement necklace in pastels colors, 

vintage clutch and nude shoes.

Casual Friday office attire:

Pair with a classic cardigan and belt, brown bag and shoes, and some fun arm candy.

Date night:

Black and gold statement necklace paired with sexy lace heals, 

a statement ring and a pop-of-color clutch and you are ready to go!

 Afternoon shopping:

Add a casual statement necklace, casual hoop earrings, stack of bangles, scull belt, cross body bag and comfy gladiator flats to shop for hours!

Remember, you don't have to spent a lot of money to look like a million bucks! I purchase a lot of my jewelry at Forever 21, they always have the latest trends for an amazing price!  Also, don't be afraid to hunt for deals at your favorite department store, you can always score a good bargain!

Hope you enjoy these fashion tips!

DIY - High Chair Banner

A few people have asked me if I made everything I used for Sebastian and Natalia's 2nd birthday party, and the answer is yes.  As you already know, I love hand making anything I can!

Here, I will show you how I made the high chair birthday banners.  These banners are not hard to make, all  you need is a little creativity and time.  You may need extra time if you have a little one (or two) running around your house.  

For this project you will need foam sheets, foam letters and shapes, ribbon, scissors and glue.

Start by choosing your theme colors.

The theme for this birthday party was "Sock Monkeys Turn 2" 

so I chose red, brown and white as the main colors. 

You can purchase foam sheets and cutouts at any craft store. 

I shop mostly at Michael's because it is the most convenient for me.

Next, measure the high chair tray and cut out the banner to fit the tray. 

I chose triangle at the bottom, but you can do any shape you wish!

Step 3 - decorate the banner as you please.  

I like modern simplicity and opted for circle cutouts with letters in the center

 to spell out "I AM 2" and "ME 2!"

Use cutout shapes to decorate the banner and also to stick it to the high chair tray.

and...VOILA! YOU'RE DONE!

Notice a blue #2 on one of the highchairs.  My A-type personality was not happy 

when one of my kids ripped off the only red #2 I had left, but I quickly 

got it together and replaced it with a blue one.  

Besides, who really noticed it was not made blue on purpose? 

I hope you enjoyed this DIY post! Please share your thoughts or leave me any questions in the comment box below.

Have fun making your high chair banner! Or share this post who someone you think will :)

gift card problems.

I love receiving gift cards as gifts! I know a lot of people feel it is very impersonal to give or receive gift cards, but for me it's a different story.

See, I love to shop.  When I get an actual gift a light inside me sparkles with joy, but it dims a little when I think of how much fun it must have been for the person who got me the gift.  Although, I am also well aware people hate shopping for others.

Anyway, I want to let everyone in on this little secret I just found out about.

Here's the scenario. You get a gift card to spend at a place you hate.  No need to panic.  Here's the little secret: there are several websites out there that offer straight up cash for your unwanted gift cards!  None of the websites will pay you face value for your gift cards, but they will give you a good chunk of change for you to spend at a store you do like.  On the other hand, maybe, just maybe, it's time to put the cash in the bank instead of getting another shirt that will just collect dust in your closet....just saying!

Here's a list of websites where you can get rid of your gift cards:

Alula

Plastic Jungle

Gift Card Rescue

Card Pool

Before you sell to any of these sites, check out gift Card Granny to compare pricing.

Not only can you sell your gift cards on these websites, but you can also shop for new gift cards at a discounted price!

I love getting fabulous tips like these! Hope you do too!

Happy gift card selling/buying/exchanging!

xoxo

YAY for 2013!

happy new year!

Just a quick note to wish everyone a happy new year! I'm so excited for 2013, did I tell you 13 is my lucky number? Well now you know..

Have a great year!!

XOXO
lisa

2 little monkeys

It's been a busy couple of months, but I'm back on track!

Let me start by saying, I can't believe my twins are two! Having twice the responsibilities in these past couple of years has made time fly! I remember how tiny my babies were when they were born.  They weighed just under 3 and 4 pounds. I realize now they were sent to us 6 weeks early so we can enjoy them being babies a little longer :)

We celebrated their second birthday this past October very low key, with just a few close friends.  We had the party at home and focused on entertainment for the kids. We had 2 kids tables and a dozen tiny chairs to make the kids comfortable. Puzzles, coloring and "make your own sock monkey" helped keep the kids happy. Of course, so did all the goodies we served.

Everyone was very pleased with the outcome, including my 2 little "sock monkeys!"  Their little faces were glowing the entire time, it's like they knew the spotlight was on them!