Apple Watch Stand

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A while back....a loooong while back actually, I told you guys that I would start sharing with you some of my fave Amazon purchases, since I get a package from them in the mail about every-other-day.  I really do.  I'm getting my Prime money's worth, I tell ya.  So in the spirit of getting back in the swing of things on this here blog, just thought I'd share with you one of my new Amazon faves.




If you follow me on my other social media accounts, then you probably already know that I adore my Apple Watch.  It's easily one of my favorite purchases of 2015.  I could go on and on about how it's made my life easier in numerous ways, but that's a whole other post.

Anyway, while perusing Amazon looking for more bands for my Apple Watch, I stumbled upon this Apple Watch & iPhone charging station.  I instantly thought it was genius!  I realized it's a great way to prevent my nightstand from being cluttered with charging cables and devices.  The kicker, is the thing is only 10 bucks.



So if you have an Apple Watch (which means you also have an iPhone), this is definitely something to consider buying.

Get it from Amazon HERE.


{Fave Things} Foodie

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So, I was going through my camera and realized I have a lot of stuff that I haven't shared on the blog.  I take pictures of my food quite often, I've realized.  I decided to put them together into a "Favorite Things" post with appropriate link-age.



This is homemade chicken noodle soup I made from scratch.  I'm talking started out with a whole chicken, made stock, etc.  That's a big effing deal for me, ya'll.  It turned out awesome.  Even my 5 yr old picky eater loved it.  The recipe I used found HERE.





This, my friends, is a big fat burger and fries from Cheeseburger in Paradise.  I realize this establishment is a chain, and I've seen them in Atlanta, as well as here in Kansas City.  Decided to give it a try.  I had no idea the place has this little Caribbean/Tiki Bar kind of theme (duh...Paradise), complete with all kinds of island-y cocktails.  I love anything "tiki" inspired, and I plan to hang out at this place regularly, especially when it gets warm.  My kind of vibe!





Just so you know, the shrimp and crab stuffed mushrooms at Seasons 52 are divine.  We went to the location in The Plaza, by the way.  Their menu changes seasonally (get it?), so they won't be there forever.  Try them while you can!






I'm a fairly new tea drinker.  In the past few years, I've gone from absolutely never drinking any tea, besides the elixir of the south (sweet tea, of course) to being a regular drinker.  I first got an interest in drinking tea from reading about all of the health benefits of green tea, in particular, and decided to imbibe.  I buy all kinds of brands (Yogi, being a fave) and flavors.  Tea hasn't been able to help me kick my coffee habit, so in trying not to consume too much caffeine, I've started drinking some caffeine-free varieties as well.  My current favorite caffeine-free tea, hands down, is Tazo's Passion tea.  It's so fruity and floral--and ANYTHING with hibiscus in it, I'm drinking it.  Hibiscus has such a nice flavor that reminds me of the islands.  I brew this in my cup, add a little agave nectar and a squirt of lemon juice.  If you're not a tea drinker, I think this is a great "beginner" tea, as the flavor is mild and fruity.



So that's all folks! Sharing is caring! 

Have a great weekend!



New Purchase

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So I just ordered myself a pair of snow boots.  The Uggs weren't cutting it. I definitely need something waterproof 'round these parts.  While browsing, I couldn't help but throw these babies into the cart.  I'm in love with the vintage vibe!  They're real leather and at 49 bucks--they're a steal.  

Coming soon to an outfit post near you!  Get them HERE.

Have a great weekend!


Butter Me Up

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Hey guys, I was actually wanting to put up an outfit post today, but a case of the "lazies" got me again.  Instead, just thought I'd do a quick review.



I was in Trader Joe's the other day and while at the checkout counter, I saw this sitting on a shelf.  Hey, the sign said $4.99, so I thought "why not?".  I am a body butter lover, but as many know, all body butters are not created equal.  I usually stick to The Body Shop body butters, but they are quite pricey.



I'm telling you...this is just the same as The Body Shop's coconut body butter.  I kid you not!!  It's wonderful, heavy yet light, and the smell is divine!  And for 5 bucks, I say!!!!  I'm going back to get more today actually.  You never really know what items will stick around at TJ's, so I say go get'em while they're hot.

*NikG*

Favorite Thing

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Well, I use to do these "Favorite Things" posts, but I sort of fell off.  I've decided to make a conscious effort to start these posts back up again, seeing that I buy so many knicknacks for my home, kids, organizational stuff, etc.--maybe I should share it...

So, I just recently got this new case for my iPhone 5.  Everytime I'm out and whip it out, someone stops me and asks to look at it, find out where I got it, etc.



As you can see, it's a slimmed down "wallet" case. I bought this case from Amazon, and it has been God-send.  I tend to carry tiny little purses while out on the town (clutches, etc.), and usually my phone a lipstick and my cards on thrown in there loose because my actual wallet is quite large.  Well, now I don't have to have my cards (ID and credit card) just sitting loose, and lessens the risk of me losing them.  I also can just grab my phone and go when running quick errands, without lugging my huge purse with me all of the time. 



The case is made of rubber, and then has a leather wallet slot stitched onto the back.  It can hold an ID and 2 credit cards, or an ID, a card, and dollar bill.  It comes in several colors, and as you can see I went with the "green" which is more of a teal color. 

Also, the rubber wraps around the outer edge of the front of the phone which makes it very protective in that if your phone falls flat on it's face--the actual face doesn't touch the ground!!  I think the case is quite stylish for something that has turned out to be so useful for me.  

I do have to admit that the case isn't all that cheap.  I paid 30 bucks for it, and depending on the color you choose, the price varies.

If you're interested in this case, it can be found HERE!  Not to leave anyone out, there is also a version for the iPhone 4/4S HERE as well. Enjoy!

*NikG*

Now Playing!

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If you're not familiar with songstress Alice Smith--you're severely out of the loop!  She just recently released a new album titled "She" and I haven't been able to stop listening.  She has such a great voice--so clear with a retro vibe....but the lyrics...  There's some deep stuff on this album.  By the way, I got this album for $7.99 on Amazon.  Definitely was pleased with that price!

I must also mention, that this lady has impeccable style.  Google her for pics if you want to see.  I'm girl crushing!

Anyway, hope you all have a fabulous weekend.  Me and the hubs have a date night (though it will actually be in the day) planned for this Saturday.  We so need it!!

Now back to the music...




New Favorite Thing...

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So I want to do a quick post on my latest "favorite thing".  It is probably nothing new to most of you, but I can't help that I'm almost never the first to arrive at the party. haha  Anyway, I am crazy excited about Ulta's Red Carpet Manicure Kit!  As I've mentioned in other posts, I use to wear acrylic nails.  I stopped wearing them ages ago because I just never felt like had the time to go get them done and then keep up a regular schedule to get them filled in.  I guess that's just what mommy-hood does to you.  When I do have free time, the last thing I want to do is sit in a nail shop.  *hands back my girly-girl card*  Now pedicures are another story.  I can get my toes "did" and maintain them myself for a while, but nails--(fake) nails are a commitment.  So I broke up with them.

I started exploring other ways to keep my nails looking nice.  Of course, I could just polish them, though I don't know about you, but regular nail polish only lasts like 2 days (if that) on my natural nails.  I tried the nail polish "stickers" by Sally Hansen and KISS.  The SH brand would actually chip by day 2 or 3.  The KISS were heavier and I got them to last a week, but the colors/prints were a bit "out there".



So I'd been hearing about the (fairly) new rage, gel manicures from people I know getting them done at salons.  It peaked my interest, but again, I'm not a regular-go-to-any-salon kind of girl.  After some research, I found out about Ulta's Red Carpet Manicure kits.  Well I finally got around to buying it, and all I can say is....WOW.  I'm sold!  I love it!!


I've done 2 "manicures" myself, and all I can say is that I would not care if this polish only lasted 3 days.  The no drying time alone is totally worth it to me.  Before you get alarmed, the polish lasts longer than 3 days.  I've gotten over a week worth of wear.  Keep in mind, there are little tricks and tips to doing these gel manicures just right to maximize the "wear time" on them.  Just do a search on YouTube, there is plenty of information and tutorials there.  It only takes me like 30 minutes to do, if that, and let me repeat:  NO DRYING TIME.


The kit comes with all of the supplies you need as well as an LED nail light.  Oh, and it costs 80 bucks.  I'd happened to have a 20% off coupon code when I bought it, so I got it for a bit less.  I used that savings to buy another polish color to come along with it.  They have lots of colors!  The kit comes with a red color (shown in the pics) called "Red Carpet Ready".



The photo above is from Saturday night, day 3 of the nails!

Overall, I definitely think this kit was worth the money.  I am one happy girl!  You can get the kit HERE.




New *Notable*Favorite

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It's Friday!!! Yay!!!  And for the record, yes, even stay-at-home-moms celebrate Friday.  You know why?  Because that means daddy is home with us, which equals (for me) another set of eyes, ears and hands in dealing with these kiddos.

Because it's Friday, I thought I'd do a quick list of my week's new/notable/favorite things.  I haven't done a "Favorite Things" post in quite some time, so here we go...




{New*Notable} Okay, this summer has been the summer of wine.  Let me elaborate.  I am a wine lover (check the bio), but I've really only been a regular drinker of reds...Merlot, Cab, Pinot Noir, Shiraz (hubby's fave), etc.  Well, when the weather turned hot warm this year, I decided that I would make an effort to get to know some white wines.  And I'm not talking Reislings and Moscatos (come on, who doesn't love those sweet little guys).  So in my quest, by trial and error--I've found some favorites.  Looks like my favorite whites are Pinot Grigio and Vinho Verde (Trader Joe's sells an awesome one).  I like these whites because they are crisp, with slight fruity undertones and not too dry.  Anyhoo--I happened to be grocery shopping the other day and stumbled upon a rosé Vinho Verde.  Now I can't say that I think it tastes that much better or different, but hey it's a pretty color, so I'm for it!





{New} While in Marshalls, I picked up this tea you see here.  Have I ever mentioned, that whenever I'm shopping in TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Ross that I LOVE to check out their little "grocery" section?  They always have the most random/odd/cool but tasty stuff.  Too be honest, the sexy packaging caught my eye which is why I grabbed this "slimming tea".  Hey, even though I'm already slim, I'm always on the look out for things that will help me stay that way.  I saw that it was an açaí berry tea--which is what really peaked my interest.  I'm sure you know all about the whole açaí berry craze.  I have to admit, it has a girl curious.  Anyway, I'll be sure to keep you guys posted as to whether this stuff gets me any slimmer.





{Favorite} Last, and certainly not least, literally--this is the most expensive thing in this post...  LEOPARD BOOTIES!  I'd happened to be perusing some online shopping sites, when I happened upon these Sam Edelman leopard print calf-haired booties.  I don't know, they just spoke to me.  What did they say, you ask?  They said "Nik, you need us..."  A few days later, the UPS man came a' knockin'.  Yea yea, there are PLENTY of leopard bootie options out here.  I chose these because...let me not lie to you all--the heel is only 3 inches.  So, I know they won't have my dogs barking within a couple hours.  These days, I haven't really found too many 3-inch heels sexy, but these I feel are because the leopard adds so much "drama" to the boot.  Not to mention, I kind of like the "retro" vibe the heel gives.  Let me tell you, I will be wearing these with EVERYTHING.  You have been warned.


Hope you all have an awesome weekend!






 

My favorite things. Vol. 1

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So, I got this idea from another blog (Delighted Momma)  that I follow--basically, periodically posting a list of what has been put on my mental "favorite things" list recently.  It's just a nice & quick way to keep you all abreast as to what I'm into currently.  So here we go...


Green smoothies. My current mix: almond milk, mango, banana,
vanilla protein powder, and spinach

Body butters from The Body Shop.  My favorite flavor is Mango, but these were on sale. :)


My  E.L.F.eyeshadow palette.  Only 10 bucks!  And it has awesome pigment for a novice like myself.



Brown babies (especially one in particular) *wink wink*

xoxo,
-Nik

Beauty Buff: Revlon Custom Creations

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Let me start off by saying, I am NO make-up guru and don't "do" a full face very often, but when the situation calls for it, I will wear a little foundation with some mascara, a little blush, etc. I've always prided myself on being a "natural" beauty, but there comes a time (and age) that every woman should learn a little bit about make-up and how to enhance what she has. Plus, no matter how "natural" of a beauty you are, make-up gives a polished and sophisticated look that is a must when the occasion calls for it. Contrary to what you see on YouTube and other sites on the net, you don't have to spend a ton of money on make-up, either. There are plenty of drugstore brands that do the job just as well. Which leads me to my current favorite foundation: Revlon Custom Creations Foundation...



I use the Custom Creations in 060 Deep.  What I like about this foundation is that it works great by giving a nice light coverage.  What makes this product one of "my favorite things", is that it creates "custom" shades.  In the summer, I tend to be outside A LOT, whether it's working out, taking my son to the park or pool, or whatever--I get really tanned.  Instead of having to go out and spend more money on a darker shade of foundation, I just click my Custom Creation to a darker shade.  As autumn and winter come up on us, I'll eventually click back to a lighter shade.  I think this is really convenient and am surprised other make-up companies haven't thought of this.

The only downfall, is that the 060 Deep seems to be the darkest shades that is made in this line.  I consider my skin color to be a light brown shade that gets a darker medium brown during summer, so my only complaint is that Revlon has seemed to have left out my darker skinned sistas.  Maybe if this line gets more popular, they will expand the shades.

Also, I use this foundation to make my own tinted moisturizer.  I basically mix (70/30) of my favorite facial moisturizer with this foundation.  Works great!