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Target

For my birthday, my girls presented me with gifts that were purchased from a favorite retail establishment…

Target!

I loved my birthday gifts, but alas… they did not fit.  This is not a problem.  I’m accustomed to receiving apparel that isn’t quite right as I order things that have to be returned all the time.  Far from being a problem, this is an opportunity to SHOP!

We set out for Target.

With some help from LB and a Target employee, I found what I came for and tried them on for size.This Floral Print Cold Shoulder Dress with Tie Straps was hand picked by Stephanie.  The cold shoulder is a trend I have invested in considerably, but this dress has a new take on the cold shoulder with tassel ties. One of the cutest shift dresses I have seen this spring that incorporates the tassel trend into the cold shoulder itself.  Stephanie has great taste.

This Front Button-Down Gingham Blouse is intended to be worn off the shoulder. I love the off the shoulder trend and have several off the shoulder tops that I wear on weekends.  It occurred to me that I should probably exchange this top for something I could wear to work, but I wanted to keep this one that Amanda picked out just for me.

So I decided to make it work for workdays as well! and I wore it today.

Instead of an off the shoulder top, it becomes a boat neck top; instead of having long sleeves it becomes a 3/4 sleeve top.  I’m loving the versatility!

Perfect Fit!  Thank you Stephanie and Amanda!

the photo session was also fun!

 

 

 

Christo by Brighton

Christo by Brighton

is a new collection of cuffs that is a must-have for every woman.  I’ve always wanted to say that.  Anyway… it is a must-have for me.  I’ve had mine for several months now and have been able to accessorize several outfits with it.  The cuff features interchangeable and reversible leathers straps which allows you to transform your look.  You can display them with or without the leather strap.  Today I’m styling mine without the leather.

I have the Christo Madrid Narrow Cuff Bracelet

The narrow straps that were purchased with my cuff are reversible in the colors henna/cobblestone and pewter/lipstick.

Yes, he follows me everywhere.

Instead of wearing a strap insert in my cuff today, I decided to stack it with another bracelet which is also a Brighton favorite.

Obviously my cuff is silver, but it also comes in gold.  There are three sizes: slim, narrow, and wide.  LB picked mine out and gave it to me as a gift, but I would have picked the same one!  I wear it all the time and I love it!   The Christo cuff goes with everything!  I sound like a commercial!

 

There are no affiliate links on this page… I just enjoy adding links!

Mary Kay Day

There was a big box waiting for me when I came home this evening.  On the side of the box read “Mary Kay”.  My order has arrived!  I quickly began the unpacking process to examine everything.

This order contained several Miracle Sets and specials such as the Etheral Bridal Look, the Modern Maven Bundle, and the Skip the Squat Bundle.  But the reason I am so excited about this order is because it contains the new Clear Proof® deep-cleansing charcoal mask. 

I’m not sure why I had to open it straight away, but there I was, standing at the kitchen table amid MK product and Styrofoam packing peanuts opening this little box which… oooh… smells good.  I was surprised at the minty fresh scent.  Apparently it contains extracts of rosemary and peppermint which my cat will also like.

I have to try it I thought I might be able to scare my catHe just wanted to smell my face See how pretty

Here is my take away: the Mary Kay Charcoal Mask is certainly fun.  But it will likely NOT scare your cat.  The mask smells good and provides a cooling sensation when applied to your skin.  It is not difficult to remove and requires only warm water to do so.   According to information I’ve read, the mask is formulated with activated charcoal which works like a powerful magnet withdrawing dirt and debris from deep within pores.  I’m feeling clean just thinking about that.

Like the information I’ve read, does it actually work to deep clean pores, absorb excess oil, and reduce shine?  Stay tuned for future reports

Sanibel Outlet

On the final day of our Captiva Island Vacation, LB brought me to the Sanibel Outlet Mall.  The place caught my eye as we were heading out of town, on our way home.  It was the bright blue roof shouting for my attention, and yes, I am frequently motivated by the superficial.
We parked at the end of the complex and walked to the first retail establishment.  LB was much more excited about G.H. Bass & Co. Factory Outlet than I, but I did enjoy his enthusiasm, and, of course, his company.  A shout out to the store manager who was engaging and charismatic and the employees were all very friendly and helpful.
LB enjoyed trying on jackets, vests…

and SEVERAL pairs of shoes I enjoyed taking his picture

I found one pair of cognac wedge sandals that I especially like and ended up purchasingAnd LB took the opportunity to snap several shots of me trying them on for size.  I kinda like the red ones too.

We checked out and continued our excursion

Van Heusen is another store that I was not familiar with until this visit. As we were making our way to the store, a small group was leaving, each with stuffed shopping bags under each arm. That piqued our interest.  Just inside the doors were racks with sale signs that read $15 each and $9 each.  The $15 rack was loaded with white pants and capris. The Superstretch capri and crop pant. For $15, I couldn’t resist. You can look at them in black and gray here, but you can’t touch (shop) until you “find a store”.

There was a quick run through Banana Republic, GAP, Famous Footwear, Rack Room and Samsonite, but no purchases.
A visit to these websites will reveal savings on purchases. Currently Banana Republic has 35% off and free shipping on orders over $50. GAP offers 40% off and Free shipping on all orders with the code: WARMER. Famous Footwear offers up to 40% off sandals and free shipping on orders of $75 or more. Rackroom offers BOGO 50% off 2nd pair.
The last stop was LOFT.

No purchases during this visit, but plenty to dream about. If you visit this site today, you will be able to enjoy the 50% off FLASH sale OR $25 off your entire order.

Brighton Collectibles

I love Brighton’s jewelry and other accessories.  But I also love a good deal!

A recent mailing from Brighton included a delightful little handbag that caused me to fall in love immediately.  Maybe it was the puppy dog.  Maybe it was the “K”.  Maybe because the blue and yellow work so nicely together and are both prevalent in the 2017 spring/summer color trends.  I’m not sure what drove the yearning, but I wanted this little handbag as soon as I laid eyes on it.

Since I always appreciate direction when looking to purchase gifts for others, right away I called it to LB’s attention.  I knew he would be looking for something to give me for my birthday and since he loves to go to Brighton, I thought this would help.

After receiving this cute Minibag for my birthday, I couldn’t help but do some research.

Brighton’s website states “this ready-to-wear Ginger Snappy Minibag adds a dash of glamour to her look, with a metallic leather insert under its flap. Bonus points for versatility: she can personalize it as many times as she likes, adding new straps and leather inserts. She can also add different flaps. Wow!”

Wow indeed! I would have thought it through had I known this item is À la carte.

This is the actual Ginger Snappy Minibag

(source)

If you’d like to have the snappy flap, there will be an additional cost.

Brighton Your Bag Vienna Snappy Flap

(source)

The birthday gift included the insert and a tassel.  The “K” is on backorder and should be arriving soon.  I still love this Brighton Minibag, I just can’t get past the idea of selling the top of it separately.  The mistake I made was not doing my research before proclaiming my love for this little bag.  Although it is a wonderful accessory, it comes with a wonderfully incomparable price tag.

But it is totally cute!

I’m sorry for loving expensive things LB!

 

 

 

Clara Sunwoo

It all began during a day trip to St. Augustine early in April.  At the time, I didn’t realize I was admiring a Clara Sunwoo blouse in the display window at H.W. Davis.  Visit their Facebook page Here.  All I knew was… I want that blouse!  LB took note…

When I was finally presented with the opportunity to try on this item, I realized that it was a product I had heard about while watching Hoda and Kathie Lee.  I was impressed by this interview and hope that you will take a moment to watch this If you aren’t able to tell by the way I am admiring this top in the dressing room… I LOVE IT!  It is adorable!  No question.  Aside from that, it is wrinkle-free and SO comfortable!

When presented with the opportunity to purchase a second blouse… how could I say no?

I feel an obsession coming on!

Summer Vacation 2017

Vacation is such an anticipated time in my life!  This year summer vacation 2017 began on May 31st and continued through June 4th.  The event itself starting in St. Augustine with the concert at the St. John’s County Pier (which I posted about here) and culminating in Captiva, Florida on Florida’s beautiful west coast.  LB and I left our hotel in St. Augustine on Thursday morning and headed south.  We arrived at Captiva Island late Thursday afternoon, checked in to Tween Waters Inn Island Resort and Spa, and headed directly to the beach.

Toes in the water…

Beautiful ocean… shells… sunsets… a tropical paradise

 Life is good today!

The suite was beautiful

Some of the furniture reminded me of a collection that I became very familiar with during my time at Liberty Furniture.  I was so sure it was the same collection that I did some investigating.  Sure enough… it was the Thomasville Bridges Collection.  I searched it online, but it appears to have been discontinued.  I’m not able to find any pictures from my Liberty files which is not surprising.  It wasn’t one of my favorites.  But seeing the collection in our suite brought back memories of furniture days gone by.

Later that evening, LB took me to enjoy my most favorite cuisine for first dinner on the island.  Cantina Captiva served us the best carnitas (pulled pork) fajitas I have ever had in my life!

There are dollar bills stapled to the ceiling and walls which is quite interesting to say the least, and the food is delish!  Adiós and Vaya con Dios

It may sound like we ate constantly, but on occasion we split breakfast, skipped lunch every day, and split dinner every night.  Gotta watch those calories!  Speaking of calories…

Day Two

started with breakfast at the Captiva House.

LB’s breakfast sandwich

Kim’s Greek Omelet

and COFFEE!

and then we continued with a tour of the grounds

We spent the day on the beach.  I love to collect shells and LB is kind enough to keep them in his pockets.  We didn’t take any pictures (since LB had shells in his pockets and no room for his phone) during our 2 mile walk on the beach to Andy Rosse Lane.  There are shops and restaurants on this little street.  One restaurant in particular is the Mucky Duck which is at the end of Andy Rosse Lane, on the beach.  There is typically live music in the evenings and LB and I were intent on checking this out.  After doing so, it was decided that we would have dinner at the Mucky Duck that evening, which we did… and enjoyed a seafood platter… which we split.  It is worth checking out if you are ever on the island.  If you do, hopefully it won’t rain so the live music isn’t cancelled.

(source)

Dinner was good

And just like that… it was the end of day two of our summer vacation 2017

Vacation Day Three

began with a trip to the ER.

Yep.

All I am going to say about this is I had an episode unlike any I have ever experienced.  This event cost us at least eight hours of vacation time and probable medical bills.   I’m sorry to say that I can’t post the pic of me on the hospital gurney with medical apparatus around me and wires/tubes attached.

I’m just too vain.

The good news is, I am still here to tell about it and my heart is in good shape.

When I was finally released, I was more exhausted than when I checked in.  And (believe it or not) we hadn’t eaten anything in almost 24 hours.  It was time to get back to the resort, take a nap, take a shower, and (you guessed it) find something for dinner.

We enjoyed dinner at the Crow’s Nest Beach Bar and Grille

and a new dress (that I didn’t get a picture of (due to extreme discombobulation).

Vacation Day Four

The trip home involved a stop at the Sanibel Outlet which is documented here.

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