May 2015

Happy Weekend!

Posted on May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Friday, Everyone!

What are your plans for this weekend? I hope whatever you’re doing, it’s relaxing and spent with the ones you love. We’re planning on taking our twinkle toes to our favorite breakfast spot Saturday morning for some pancakes (first time!). We also have a birthday party to attend for some dear friends of ours which we are looking forward to on Saturday afternoon. And, I may or may not have a small “honey to-do list” for the Mr. in my life! There will be plenty of relaxing involved as well, as I am not that mean. Wink. Wink.

Old Navy – Favorites Lately

Posted on May 28, 2015May 28, 2015 by KSSBelle

Old Navy has really outdone themselves this season. Lately, I have been shopping there for my entire family. If you sign up to receive their emails, you save an additional 20% off your first purchase, too.

On a side note: In the Wall Street Journal yesterday they were talking about how J.Crew has really started losing their loyal customer base. I will have to say I am one of them. I love J.Crew (especially the Tall pants and their coats), but I am loving J.Crew Factory more and more lately. J.Crew Factory and Old Navy are my two “go-to” stores now. Old Navy has really taken a turn towards the preppy styles, and that makes me one, happy girl. Plus, you cannot beat their prices when they’re having these great sales!

Below are my favorites from Old Navy right now.

Boxy Scalloped Edge Top

This top is adorable. Combining a scalloped edge and eyelet is perfection in my book. You can wear this with shorts and jeans! It’s a really pretty top. I love the length on the sleeves, too. It also comes in white.

Embroidered Gauze Camis

I wear camis all of the time in the Summer. Throw on a cardigan or wear alone. I love the embroidery detail. The cobalt blue is gorgeous.

Striped Boatneck Tops

This top is an everyday staple. Perfect with a pair of solid or patterned shorts or white jeans. It comes in some really great colors, too. A great shirt for Moms, yet still stylish!

Scalloped Edge Sleeveless Top

LOVE this top. Again, the scalloped edge and eyelet. It was love at first sight. It also comes in several colors. Wear it with shorts, jeans or a great pair of skinny pants.

Printed Pixie Chino Shorts

Stripes. You can never have too many. Perfect everyday shorts for the Summer. Pair them with a classic button up or a causal tee and sandals and you’re set.

Jersey Tank Maxi Dress

If you want to be comfortable, but still in style a maxi dress is the way to go. The neckline is different, and this dress comes in tall!

Pleated Crepe Skirt

This skirt is cute. I love the simple stripes at the bottom. A very nautical color combination.

Suede Wedge Sandals

Pink wedges! I am in love. You can wear these pretty shoes with anything this Summer. Pair these with shorts, pants, skirts…whatever your heart desires!

What are you loving at Old Navy lately? What did you think about the WSJ article about J.Crew? I still love J.Crew, too. I haven’t given up on them.

Tuna Salad

Posted on May 27, 2015 by KSSBelle

Tuna. You either love it or could leave it. I love it. I have literally made this recipe almost every week since I discovered it on Natalie’s blog about a month or two ago. It’s hands down one of my favorite lunches now. I grew up on both cold and hot tuna salad recipes. My husband even ate it, and he was really skeptical since he didn’t grow up eating tuna like I did. I adapted Natalie’s recipe and added dill pickles to mine. My Mom always had dill pickles in her tuna salad, and I think it added the perfect flavor to it.

This picture below doesn’t do this salad justice. If you like tuna you will love this salad. It’s healthy for you and so good.

Tuna Salad
Two or three 6 oz. tins of albacore tuna packed in water
3/4 cup of light mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1 TBS chopped fresh dill (I used mine out of my spice rack)
1/4 cup drained capers
2 TBS Dijon mustard
4 chopped dill pickles
3 TBS chopped fresh tarragon (I used mine out of my spice rack)
2 TBS chopped leaf parsley (I used mine out of my spice rack)
Fresh cracked pepper to taste
*Optional: add some toasted almonds or 1 chopped apple

I typically pair mine with crackers and a few slices of cheese on the side for lunches. My Mom made it the other day, and she served hers with a fruit salad (watermelon, cantaloupe and blueberries) and rolls, which sounds good, too. I have also made my husband a toasted tuna salad sandwich with cheese, and he loves this recipe that way as well.

Just Begin

Posted on May 26, 2015May 27, 2015 by KSSBelle

It’s time. Time to just begin…again.

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Every so often I get in a workout lull, and I am there, and I have been for a few months now. I always seem to find an excuse as to why “I don’t have time” to fit my workout into my day, yet in my head I know what kind of shape I want to be in, and I am not there yet. And, it’s my fault. I have no one to blame but myself. I am done with the excuses, done with blaming not being in shape on other things as to why I am not at my best.

I am perfectionist at heart, which is a really good thing when it comes to some things in my life, and an enemy with other things. I know I am capable of doing anything I put my mind to, too. As my water bottle during my swimming days said “no pain, no gain.” I am a firm believer in that statement. I am so blessed to be able to workout and push myself beyond my comfort zone. I’ve been eating healthy for quite awhile now, and that’s helped with the weight loss, but now I need to tone up. Now, I just need to get out there and do it. Today, I’m back. I am getting back on track, and making it a part of my everyday again. Working out helps me relax, relieve stress and be a better wife, mom and person.

Here are a few things that motivate me to get out there and get in shape. It doesn’t hurt to have cute workout clothes to get you in the mindset, right? Sometimes these workout clothes double as an everyday outfit. One of the perks of being a SAHM. Target is where I get most of my workout clothes (off of the clearance rack) or Old Navy. I am not impressed with the Target stuff this year, so these are more links to the “styles” I wear, but I don’t pay Athleta prices. Way too much for something you sweat in, in my opinion.

Bustle Skort

I love running skorts. They are cute and feminine. They move with you while you’re working out. I have a ton of these from Target and Costco. Costco is another great place for workout bottoms.

Go-Dry Racerback Tanks

I like my workout tops to be loose. No one needs to see what I am trying to lose. It’s a pet peeve of my mine to see super tight workout clothes on people. Even if you’re really fit. Why? There is no need for it. Again, these move with you. Stock up in every color.

Compression Capris

Love the length of these capris. They come in Tall, too. So comfortable.

Women’s New Balance for J.Crew 620 Sneakers

I am due for another pair of these New Balance. Mine are red right now, but I’m loving this color combination, and they’re on sale right now.

iPhone 6 Armband

Love this case. Hands-free is the only way to go.

What workout gear motivates you?

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Let’s do this!

Home Sweet Home – Updates

Posted on May 22, 2015May 22, 2015 by KSSBelle

Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to make my home inviting, cozy and classic all at the same time. It takes time and money to do both of these things. Afterall, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

However, the best way I have been able to do that is through a consignment stores, Homegoods & Target. Just another great tip my Mom taught me years ago. There are some really great finds at these stores, at superb prices. I think she and I really enjoy the “hunt” of finding that great piece, too. In fact, some of my favorite pieces have come from consignment.

Lately, I’ve been wanting to update a few things here and there in our house to make it more “ours.” Below are a few of the things on my “update list.” These updates are on the smaller side, as they aren’t major renovations, but they will have a big impact which will be nice.

Where do you shop for your home? What updates are you wanting to make to your house lately?

allen + roth 18-in W Antique Rustic Bronze Standard Pendant Light

I want to replace our foyer light. This light is very modern for me, but I really like the Orb light. We have a pretty large/open foyer, and I think this would look great in that space.

Sea Gull Lighting Lockheart 4 light lantern foyer pendant

I also really LOVE this one, but it’s a bit more expensive. Of course, the one I really love is the more expensive one. This happens to me all of the time. “Champagne taste on a beer budget” as my Dad always says. We’ll just have to wait and see which one we go with…

Pottery Barn Pearl Embroidered Duvet Cover & Shams

I really love the pearl embroidery on this duvet set. It’s a very crisp and clean look for a master bedroom. I still like our bedding we registered for when we were getting married, but I’m ready for a change. The navy color is classic, and I plan to add our monogram to the shams.

Natural Linen Paige Round Back Dining Chairs, Set of 2

We currently have a dining room table with 4 chairs, and I would like to add 2 more for each end where my husband and I sit. We host a lot of dinners, but are always bringing our kitchen table chairs into our dining room during these dinners. These would be a welcomed addition to our dining room.

That’s all I am thinking about for right now. The wish list is long, but these items are a great start!

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Have a happy weekend!

Your Go-To Shirt

Posted on May 20, 2015 by KSSBelle

There are so many styles out in the fashion world that come and go, but one has remained a “go-to” for me, and for society for years and years – the button up shirt.

If you walk into your closet and don’t own any button up shirts, you need to get a few. This will save you during those mornings of “I don’t have anything to wear.” You can pair this shirt with a great pair of jeans, dress pants, a skirt of any length or even an pair of cut off shorts. It’s so versatile and flattering, every time. Are you noticing a theme on this blog yet? You may have noticed I am a big believer in “versatility.”

The button up shirt is seriously my go-t0 shirt year round when I want to look pulled together in an instant. I used to iron at least 7 button up shirts every Sunday evening when I was single and working. It’s a style staple every woman needs in her closet. It’ll be forever chic in my book, and yours.

If you don’t want to go to the dry cleaners every week, just invest in a really good iron & some heavy starch. Before you set out to iron, just turn on your favorite TV show or music, and ironing won’t seem like such torture.

I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite button up shirts, and some looks to get you inspired!

Factory Infinity Shirt

Gap Fitted Boyfriend Oxford Shirt

J.Crew Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham

All “Look” images via

Favorites Lately – BaubleBar

Posted on May 15, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Friday, Everyone! I hope you’re as excited about the weekend as I am!

An easy, affordable way to update your look each season is through accessories. BaubleBar is always on trend, but I do like the fact that they try to mix in the classics in their collection as well. There is something at BaubleBar for everyone, no matter what your style may be.

Below are my BaubleBar favorites lately. Happy Shopping!

Gilded Leo Cuff Bracelet

I really love the lions and the gold. This is a great everyday bracelet you can layer or wear alone.

Petite Pearl Cuff

Pearls. You can never have enough in my opinion. They are classic. I have extremely small wrists, so this petite pearl cuff is perfect. Simplicity in my opinion, can be so pretty.

Mini Pearl Beaded Tassel Lariat Necklace

You can pretty much wear this necklace with any top in your closet (except for already adorned tops). It really dresses up a basic tee and jeans for Summer time. Pearl tassels, yes please!

Cape Town Bracelet Set

I just love the colors in this bracelet set. I would wear this with everything in my closet. You can wear each one alone, a few at a time or all of them. The possibilities are endless my friends.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Haircut & Color – My Splurge

Posted on May 14, 2015May 14, 2015 by KSSBelle

If there is one thing I “splurge” on it’s my hair. It’s like therapy for me.

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I go through phases between my natural color (brunette), and adding highlights. In high school, I had the Jennifer Aniston honey blonde highlights, and LOVED them. I kept my hair that way through my sophomore year in college, and then returned to my natural color for the next several years. While I love my natural color (I really do), I have found I am happiest with highlights and long hair.

Late in my pregnancy, I decided it would be a good thing to chop my hair off because I thought it would be “easier” as a Mom. Wow. Whatever you do, don’t chop your hair when you’re hormones are flying. I look back at pictures where I was as big as a house, and I think “what were you thinking?” This will not happen again. I have only chopped my hair twice since I have been married (we’ve been married for a little over 5 years now). While I can pull off the chin length bob, I always regret it. Do you do this, too? If so, isn’t it maddening when you regret it? I mean, I know it’s not really a crisis. It just takes so long for your hair to grow out after one of these major/minor decisions you make. I tell myself “it’s only hair, it will grow back,” but it’s still maddening to me.

So, it’s finally getting to the length I love, long with layers. I’ve found that long hair is actually easier to manage than shorter hair. I only need to wash my hair every 3 days (thank goodness for dry shampoo). I also have gone back to the Jennifer Aniston highlights, and I feel so much more like myself. I may or may not be also trying to mask some gray hairs. I feel like the lighter your hair is, the better you can disguise them. Overall, my hair is healthier and I am happier. It really is the little things in life that make a difference.

So, what do you splurge on? Did anyone else chop their hair during their pregnancy?

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Losing the Baby Weight + A New Stroller

Posted on May 13, 2015May 13, 2015 by KSSBelle

I have a pretty simple workout these days, but it works. I speed walk with my little one. It’s that simple. I am still about 5-8 pounds away from losing the last of the baby weight, and I am determined I will get there in a healthy way. For some, the baby weight melted right off (lucky girls!). For me, it has taken a lot of work on my part, but I know it will be worth it in the end. The next time around, I won’t gain as much during my pregnancy, trust me.

Since I speed walk most days, and my other stroller was meant more for shopping, rather than working out, I have been looking for a running stroller, and I found a GREAT one! I wanted to share with other Moms out there, because it’s a game changer, literally. It’s the City Elite baby jogger. It is a bit expensive, but I had a coupon, so that took a significant amount off my total. And, I look at it as an “investment in my health.” And, it most certainly has been.

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My first requirement was that I wanted the sun out of my twinkle toe’s face. The canopy is super long, and has built-in UV 50+ sun protection, which is awesome, and worth the money. Another great aspect of this stroller is that it is great for tall gals like me. I am 5’10, and the adjustable handle bars come up high enough. It’s the only stroller I found that does that on the market. I finally don’t feel like I have to “slouch” to walk with my little one. It also makes my workout so much more efficient. There are so many things good about this stroller that I could go on an on, but these are my favorite features so far.

What helps you lose the baby weight?

Do you have a city elite running stroller? If you haven’t tested one out, and are looking for a new running stroller, this is the only one you need in your life!

Summer Soles

Posted on May 12, 2015May 12, 2015 by KSSBelle

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Summer is in full swing now. The heat wave just hit us this week, and I can tell you, I’m not sure I was ready for it. I prefer Fall and Spring temperatures, but since Summer is here to stay, I will embrace it with some cute shoes. I mean, who doesn’t need another excuse to buy a bright pair of fun heels, right?

I like to keep my shoes classic in style, but with a punch of color during the Summer months. In my opinion, nothing looks more stunning than a neutral outfit like a white dress, or an all black top and pant combo paired with a bright pair of heels. I’m really loving the ankle strap sandals this year. While these are a little bit dressier for a Mom, I would love to add any of these pairs to my shoe collection for date nights or church.

Below are my favorites right now!

Banana Republic Laney Lace-Up Sandal

How gorgeous is this emerald green color? Absolutely love it, and it will go with anything in your closet.

Sole Society Anneke

These look like the Valentino studded pumps we all love; however, they’re a fraction of the price. They come in several colors, and you can wear these year round.

Boden Alice High Heel

What a pretty color combination! And the tassels…I adore these pumps. Another pair that I would wear year round!

Steve Madden Favorit Sandal

These are so fun, and Mom friendly! I love the cobalt blue and fringe. These would look great paired with an all white outfit or navy or black! So many options.