Valentine's Day Gift Guide

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba0GNkIWk2ju6ZL0hERQ7UCZgHhhx_ff0G2T2EdtKSmuwfUYwiuv7fxxEVOhIYwKZczGu15ZiP64cjU0Bs-62CxWVrnunt-AFvkjPKHiJ0xAZvhyphenhyphenOFa3y9m6vTBC6Ijf30LgmlZf4vDHn/s1600/valentine%2527s+day+for+her.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba0GNkIWk2ju6ZL0hERQ7UCZgHhhx_ff0G2T2EdtKSmuwfUYwiuv7fxxEVOhIYwKZczGu15ZiP64cjU0Bs-62CxWVrnunt-AFvkjPKHiJ0xAZvhyphenhyphenOFa3y9m6vTBC6Ijf30LgmlZf4vDHn/s640/valentine%2527s+day+for+her.jpg" width="406" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> From left to right, row by row, a carefully curated list of perfect gifts for your girl valentine <3</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://bit.ly/209EDOn">Kendra Scott Drop Earrings</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1ZYBN9A">Initial Bar Necklace</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1Qwab93">Pink Swell Bottle</a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1SeMzcG">Pink Bralette</a> // <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/167030304/je-taime-print?ref=shop_home_active_10">Je T'aime Print</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/209N7Fh">Margaret Elizabeth Teardrop Bangle</a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://helenficalora.com/collections/charms/products/love-disk-charm-with-diamond">Helen Ficalora Love Charm</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/20bfgvp">Coco Mademoiselle</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1KKmPgd">Pink Trixie </a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1KINGJx">Dyptique Rosaviola Candle</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/20bclmo">Initial Ring Holder</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1m0YzjA">Etsy Valentine Card</a></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> I may have sent this to Big Brian, hint hint...</div>

FASHION FINDS, GIFT GUIDE

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

From left to right, row by row, a carefully curated list of perfect gifts for your girl valentine <3 Kendra Scott Drop Earrings ...

Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Coconut Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

First let me state that I'm not dairy or gluten free by any means, <i>give me alllll the butter and sugar, </i>BUT I was looking for a healthy cookie to feed my son and these little numbers did the trick. It's not that I don't want him to have dairy or gluten, but the kid needs all the nutrients he can get and I work a lot with bribery, "If you finish your macaroni and cheese and all your french fries, you can have a cookie" < insert shameful and confused face, how did we get here? > #toddlerproblems<br /> <div> <br /></div> <div> Also, I know a lot of breast-feeding mommies who are always on the hunt for dairy-free so I thought this recipe might be fun to try :)<br /> <div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNpTo38wiWrgntJIq1Cfc1_cX7WaTwLz0D9yepD1GZ8shAcO8sKZ4HDS0jgzenLfEKb8u5lhsI0WlItOMLFtJKcCRGX8LBUwiTShlyl8_kqkGr6RQDuXzHleL9Kf4Run1b5oRCcX7BJ_z/s1600/cookies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNpTo38wiWrgntJIq1Cfc1_cX7WaTwLz0D9yepD1GZ8shAcO8sKZ4HDS0jgzenLfEKb8u5lhsI0WlItOMLFtJKcCRGX8LBUwiTShlyl8_kqkGr6RQDuXzHleL9Kf4Run1b5oRCcX7BJ_z/s640/cookies.png" width="406" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I whipped these up one morning while I was up with Grace and the boys were sleeping (9:00 AM must be nice) and they were so easy and did not take long at all. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <span style="text-align: center;">Here is what you need: </span><br /> <div> <span style="text-align: center;"></span><br /> <ul><span style="text-align: center;"> <li style="text-align: left;">3/4 cup oat flour (regular oats blended in a food processor until it becomes powdery like flour)</li> <li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup old-fashioned oats</li> <li style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup quick oats</li> <li style="text-align: left;">3/4 teaspoon baking soda</li> <li style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon cinnamon</li> <li style="text-align: left;">Pinch of salt</li> <li style="text-align: left;">1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li> <li style="text-align: left;">1 large egg</li> <li style="text-align: left;">4 tablespoons brown sugar, lightly packed</li> <li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup coconut oil</li> <li style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup raisins</li> </span></ul> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span> <div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Here is what you do: </span></div> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br /> <ul> <li><span style="text-align: center;">Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.</span></li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">In a mixing bowl, stir together the dry ingredients : oat flour, old-fashioned oats, quick oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.</span></li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">In another bowl, mix together vanilla extract, egg, and brown sugar. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave or on the stove top and let it cool slightly before adding to the bowl, note: make sure to measure the coconut oil after it is melted. Stir until well combined.</span></li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.</span></li> <li>Add the raisins, and if you feel like adding more, go ahead! </li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">Cover the dough tightly and chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour or until the dough has hardened enough to scoop out cookie balls. </span><span style="text-align: center;">**Important, dough must be chilled or the cookies will flatten! The coconut oil needs to firm up again in the cooling process.</span></li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">Using a cookie scoop, scoop out balls of the dough (packed super tightly) onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. </span></li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">Depending on the size, bake for 7-9 minutes or until very lightly browned around the edges. </span></li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">They will be soft and very breakable at first but they will harden after cooling.</span></li> <li><span style="text-align: center;">Remove from the oven and allow to stay on the baking sheet for another 2 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack.</span></li> </ul> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> I hope you like these healthy cookies - little B and I devoured them all week :) </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">recipe adapted from Chelsea's Messy Apron</span></i></div> </div>

RECIPES

Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Coconut Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

First let me state that I'm not dairy or gluten free by any means, give me alllll the butter and sugar,  BUT I was looking for a healthy...

OUTFIT POST : TALBOTS

I know, I know... Talbots?? Yes, the place your mother shops. I ran in the other day because I saw the gigantic Extra 60% off signs in the window and I was surprised to see so many goodies including this super warm and comfy, perfectly fitting (not bulky) fair isle sweater for $24! I wouldn't usually take up an entire blog post for one sweater but I feel pretty strongly about this steal, and I'm urging you to head to <a href="http://bit.ly/1nO72bk">Talbots Online</a> and check it out.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFDF9_05mP5rdrCYGpZi4Ad9hPjpv94x6iog2F2JESy_rSTXGhsRalEMLVl0DwJ65dOn7q8XI820lBAr_1dCp1iF8F1Gm-GxMf1H9rBYgi3lJLO8fx2IZd9rYJ3l4Jz7IHPYQ2OivErS5/s1600/DSC_1158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFDF9_05mP5rdrCYGpZi4Ad9hPjpv94x6iog2F2JESy_rSTXGhsRalEMLVl0DwJ65dOn7q8XI820lBAr_1dCp1iF8F1Gm-GxMf1H9rBYgi3lJLO8fx2IZd9rYJ3l4Jz7IHPYQ2OivErS5/s640/DSC_1158.jpg" width="528" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiL_H0iS7tKUZa_l1AVUlDz1ko7_dYzIwuNGnCLK1yeDFWEDA999Ui_X54AbL-wYmhcNdMVUsgGKYWpb9pV9o9Pk-YEQPbyOEUkUIaZXbaRfPGDx9R9xV4UFnOFgx-VXKq1ExVo1uyRF2/s1600/DSC_1154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiL_H0iS7tKUZa_l1AVUlDz1ko7_dYzIwuNGnCLK1yeDFWEDA999Ui_X54AbL-wYmhcNdMVUsgGKYWpb9pV9o9Pk-YEQPbyOEUkUIaZXbaRfPGDx9R9xV4UFnOFgx-VXKq1ExVo1uyRF2/s640/DSC_1154.jpg" width="521" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHt8CrV62t6ijhX1Eym4_BDOTOSJ9IFnu48cTUxXpxKLBxs0sLd_u8srz81eaAFIhOyTkvBWLz6-z4XY6B4FNmOYSXuRuppWrQpaGD4dD_vCfKsICRs9bYMhz_2nRsrSj1_hZzux0dti0/s1600/DSC_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHt8CrV62t6ijhX1Eym4_BDOTOSJ9IFnu48cTUxXpxKLBxs0sLd_u8srz81eaAFIhOyTkvBWLz6-z4XY6B4FNmOYSXuRuppWrQpaGD4dD_vCfKsICRs9bYMhz_2nRsrSj1_hZzux0dti0/s640/DSC_1157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1PifqdE">sweater</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1maXkyz">jeans</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1RMwZo4">boots</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1ZRAI3j">shades</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1KDRFas">hat</a></div>

FASHION FINDS

OUTFIT POST : TALBOTS

I know, I know... Talbots?? Yes, the place your mother shops. I ran in the other day because I saw the gigantic Extra 60% off signs in the w...

DIY VALENTINE'S DAY XOXO GARLAND

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR3hOgaymXvpmt67XFWV7gxoWoiBUyORej75MFiICw4G73SujVCJNThFCCvbMSRwojff_Q7uJsEyQ5TLl_mww8eb5Wg5jm1IqE1eQWb8IvfZeQzNOtUosj2hYAZx8qqSSyD1XFhl1A5xS/s1600/DSC_1157+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR3hOgaymXvpmt67XFWV7gxoWoiBUyORej75MFiICw4G73SujVCJNThFCCvbMSRwojff_Q7uJsEyQ5TLl_mww8eb5Wg5jm1IqE1eQWb8IvfZeQzNOtUosj2hYAZx8qqSSyD1XFhl1A5xS/s640/DSC_1157+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> My creative juices have been flowing lately with the focus being on time-consuming things I can do with Little B while we're cooped up this winter, and this DIY Valentine's Day XOXO garland was the perfect afternoon activity. Side note: I don't know if it's his age or what but I remember last winter when he was 1.5, I felt like we needed to get out of the house at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon or else the house would be in full blown destruction mode, but lately he's been pretty good at chillin' inside with me and Grace. The day doesn't whiz by but I have to admit the colder temps have not been as brutal as I thought they would be this year with a toddler and baby at home. I'm actually kind of liking the time we have together inside our cozy house with no reason or motivation to go outside. I promise I'm not a hermit (though I feel like it somedays) and talk to me in a couple weeks, I'll probably be pulling out my hair, that's how these things seem to go...<br /> <br /> SO, moving on, I thought it would be fun to invite our cousin over and make a fun decoration for Valentine's Day. Homemade decorations are so sweet, especially if you can involve your little friends, and along with a cute end-result, you also get to make some fun memories. Lately, Brian has been loving to get up on his stool and get busy in the kitchen so I thought it would be fun to make salt dough and use cookie cutters to cut out X's and O's and string them together to make garland. I bought the <a href="http://bit.ly/20oQswE">cookie cutter shapes</a> and some <a href="http://bit.ly/1PfW60B">gold</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/1QnTM6w">pink sprinkles</a> on Amazon and started working on the dough.<br /> <br /> It's super simple all you need to do is mix together:<br /> <br /> 2 cups flour<br /> 1 cup salt<br /> 2/3 cup of water<br /> <br /> It should be sticky so you may need to add more dry ingredients if you notice it won't be workable.<br /> <br /> You roll the dough out to about 1/2 centimeter and start cutting out your shapes like this:<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqee249qxGFX0OVFeRgPsAKM2zeFJgP3Al5nFj3-VaKCY5dCfM8BNC0Q0mtCYsIfBi6gd3bpvqBabwS_L2BxDSdLcbJ-usxmwipikkbmEJtxGEI3hsNfsB566RabwrlnajQAgdJkDZNc9F/s1600/DSC_1127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqee249qxGFX0OVFeRgPsAKM2zeFJgP3Al5nFj3-VaKCY5dCfM8BNC0Q0mtCYsIfBi6gd3bpvqBabwS_L2BxDSdLcbJ-usxmwipikkbmEJtxGEI3hsNfsB566RabwrlnajQAgdJkDZNc9F/s640/DSC_1127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a fun Valentine's Day mocktail for my little friend Aubrey and served it my vintage champagne glasses : cranberry juice, sparking water and a raspberry :) </td></tr> </tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1aIRQPHFUpNPFiZFyVQhgSHfBCYa4bD-_yuzmsa7CL0IXGKbXj9g6WI30n34tTOu_qq37ltEron7Dva7y2kKZ7OkUpZDMMgjQV2qlSvHMfxEg-iGcVGujU4KDlL9VpZ4SBmBHzgxHwj/s1600/DSC_1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW1aIRQPHFUpNPFiZFyVQhgSHfBCYa4bD-_yuzmsa7CL0IXGKbXj9g6WI30n34tTOu_qq37ltEron7Dva7y2kKZ7OkUpZDMMgjQV2qlSvHMfxEg-iGcVGujU4KDlL9VpZ4SBmBHzgxHwj/s640/DSC_1130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Once we cut our shapes, we poked holes for the string through. We messed up on the X's at first, you need to put two holes in on the top instead of one so they lay flat. So we had X's with three holes instead of two, you win some you lose some. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Next, we sprayed them with <a href="http://bit.ly/1PNvQH7">Elmers glue spray</a> and sprinkled them with the pink and gold sugar sprinkles -- in hindsight, it might be better to use glitter but the sprinkles worked just as well. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsIG56D6gpqnew1i1-U6yCm82HdP5-uSDp8pkFgdP_KE6DMBrMy291gPIadMai5Awr1LvAdfwSwDozvjQ4RcEKruxDN4HeVgdY-itBAS56K2UXAOexTgyNVktpO7MZ4z0_Bhw5umk3_Y2/s1600/DSC_1137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsIG56D6gpqnew1i1-U6yCm82HdP5-uSDp8pkFgdP_KE6DMBrMy291gPIadMai5Awr1LvAdfwSwDozvjQ4RcEKruxDN4HeVgdY-itBAS56K2UXAOexTgyNVktpO7MZ4z0_Bhw5umk3_Y2/s640/DSC_1137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I baked them at 175 for about two hours and then left them out overnight before stringing them. I used <a href="http://bit.ly/1QnTZH4">waxed cotton cord</a> as the ends don't fray so it's really easy to thread through the shapes. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We hung it on our fireplace and I think it looks adorable, especially under our love print. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiJlZg61G4T-a6StAvPWQtCTs0tA2y6n8SAU-gNkkCUML5FxyiiQY-wetMYRMVAsBm9Aa3ovjNBM2UnwDJygDtNN2tdkuaGPM4Lc_p-OkI9JDfDh4-Vfuw2Q2j6TgFOfYMoxnRA81sFn2/s1600/DSC_1163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiJlZg61G4T-a6StAvPWQtCTs0tA2y6n8SAU-gNkkCUML5FxyiiQY-wetMYRMVAsBm9Aa3ovjNBM2UnwDJygDtNN2tdkuaGPM4Lc_p-OkI9JDfDh4-Vfuw2Q2j6TgFOfYMoxnRA81sFn2/s640/DSC_1163.jpg" width="466" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC8h6r2NWLY_umODHuDZqX7-srxV__6dkv1oesdr11rd6ENO2uvecQPLerd_9ZczDAqhyC2bTLemRKgBpqWJuhsu41prDEwnsvlycNt1eN6CmiBc3svuoSIYVcT02_U-QYzLfsI0-qTlQ/s1600/DSC_1169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC8h6r2NWLY_umODHuDZqX7-srxV__6dkv1oesdr11rd6ENO2uvecQPLerd_9ZczDAqhyC2bTLemRKgBpqWJuhsu41prDEwnsvlycNt1eN6CmiBc3svuoSIYVcT02_U-QYzLfsI0-qTlQ/s640/DSC_1169.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruQg8ksa1T3KmuD3sLb1XT4c5K3MdQpZXzGJtGAG2iqPev1F9gjMUmJmXYR0CzmoP3ebZjkp4WysHAwm9c0Q3pQzK0_SpJeepcH2waLJA_ucXVWMVJRrJNyEPVZghMCZIsJb_J8gv0FDh/s1600/DSC_1157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruQg8ksa1T3KmuD3sLb1XT4c5K3MdQpZXzGJtGAG2iqPev1F9gjMUmJmXYR0CzmoP3ebZjkp4WysHAwm9c0Q3pQzK0_SpJeepcH2waLJA_ucXVWMVJRrJNyEPVZghMCZIsJb_J8gv0FDh/s640/DSC_1157.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We also JUST got this <a href="http://bit.ly/1QvukxW">new fireplace screen</a> which I'm obsessed with, as well as the sconces from <a href="http://lampsplus.com/">Lamps Plus</a> :) The LOVE print is one of my own, available on <a href="http://purejoypaperie.etsy.com/">Pure Joy Paperie</a> and I had it framed with an old frame my parents weren't using but you can find a similar one <a href="http://bit.ly/1PfXyQs">here</a> :)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It's a sweet little craft that I think you'll have fun with, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to <a href="mailto:lizjoycreative@gmail.com">email me</a> ;) </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br />

KIDS, LIVING

DIY VALENTINE'S DAY XOXO GARLAND

My creative juices have been flowing lately with the focus being on time-consuming things I can do with Little B while we're coope...

Grace Louise's 6 Month Baby Essentials

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSeBdhgZb_tVQ3vbtlqHToGzITOQ4IpAFIWGhuwUpAhDleFRqAi8HSmf-m38K7TyObRjKzDKit6deii8REQKEHY_UpvADtQLzhyphenhyphenjxbuN3eDdLrhbz66JcaJ918p3YCbbb_dJX76fSfAWe/s1600/CSC_1149+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSeBdhgZb_tVQ3vbtlqHToGzITOQ4IpAFIWGhuwUpAhDleFRqAi8HSmf-m38K7TyObRjKzDKit6deii8REQKEHY_UpvADtQLzhyphenhyphenjxbuN3eDdLrhbz66JcaJ918p3YCbbb_dJX76fSfAWe/s640/CSC_1149+copy.jpg" width="536" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> I decided to put together a list of Gracie's 6 month old essentials after searching for some replacements of things we can't live without last night. The items on this list are what we use every.single.day and probably the most important tangible items we own because they equal my sanity. It's kind of shallow to admit that life would suck without Grace's jumparoo but it brings her so much happiness throughout the day and it gives my arms a break from holding her.<br /> <br /> We've tried lots of different versions of everything on this list but these are what is tried and true:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MwNpZSd__vmGoOhT_QiYsicRkizif3dcQNUKToLpZLB8kMQJd7g9hoqfYOqmp7L-oaCfpEvIgTSNIc2kyGfrVu8gRJzIADQU7iz51lMJrp8WcutJ11M9DGAuby5XZfPufDCrjdlNGM4B/s1600/6+month+baby+essentials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2MwNpZSd__vmGoOhT_QiYsicRkizif3dcQNUKToLpZLB8kMQJd7g9hoqfYOqmp7L-oaCfpEvIgTSNIc2kyGfrVu8gRJzIADQU7iz51lMJrp8WcutJ11M9DGAuby5XZfPufDCrjdlNGM4B/s640/6+month+baby+essentials.jpg" width="448" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1Vcr2Pq">Honest Company Starter Kit</a> // The only products that don't irritate Grace's sensitive skin</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1SAAuhG">Land of Nod Ocean Playmat</a> // great for floor time with lots of interesting textures for bebe to touch</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1ncDMKL">Little Giraffe Security Blanket</a> // she loves this ultra soft blanket and has it with her at all times</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1PrSYKG">Dr. Brown's Bottle Set</a> // Although a pain in the a** to clean, these are hands down the best for preventing gas</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1lAOFFh">Wabbanub</a> // These are great because she can find them in her crib at night and bring them to her mouth to self-soothe and she chews on all parts of it while she teethes </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1lAPtde">Bath Tub</a> // I love this tub because it sits over the sink and I use the detachable faucet head to shower her with her <a href="http://bit.ly/1Vcr2Pq">Honest Body Wash</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1QoNFAX">Fisher Price Jumparoo</a> // Grace can literally spend hours in this thing, she LOVES it </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1QoNJRe">Pottery Barn Bath Towels</a> // We received these as gifts and I love that they have her name on them, and they are super soft</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1PJ30HT">DREFT detergent</a> // no rashes with this stuff</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1Vcsdyl">Baby Bouncer</a> // another resting place to give mommy's arms a breather</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1PI1sxA">Plush Book</a> // We love these books for reading, and chewing!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1P9t3f1">Stroller Bar Toy</a> // I love this thing because you can basically put it on any carrier and it keeps her entertained while we stroll... and chillll</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> So there you have it, our list of non-negotiables for Gracie Girl. I hope this helps with gift-giving, or the planning of your new arrival :)  Leave a comment below and tell me what YOUR non-negotiables are for bebe, we would love to try something new! </div>

BABY

Grace Louise's 6 Month Baby Essentials

I decided to put together a list of Gracie's 6 month old essentials after searching for some replacements of things we can't liv...

OLD NAVY WINNERS CONTINUED

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2J8VJki83yCmYrFHlYuPeRm4Oev7HNYmFfTZvvUoFHYUGPm2I56aRhlv6rAmksZCMQepWYCsUZKs10GQrHmAwTZnIOfUuNb9p8bY66zDZvTfYYRUf-BAqCIeEp6ZoIimlCDeQar6b3rt/s1600/DSC_1063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2J8VJki83yCmYrFHlYuPeRm4Oev7HNYmFfTZvvUoFHYUGPm2I56aRhlv6rAmksZCMQepWYCsUZKs10GQrHmAwTZnIOfUuNb9p8bY66zDZvTfYYRUf-BAqCIeEp6ZoIimlCDeQar6b3rt/s640/DSC_1063.jpg" width="472" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> As you know from <a href="http://purejoyhome.blogspot.com/2016/01/outfit-post-old-navy-wins.html">yesterday's post</a>, I had a field day at Old Navy over the weekend and have curated a little collection of my favorite new arrivals. I can't resist a great deal on trendy clothes and today online, ON has 25% off your purchase; 35% off your purchase of $50 or more; and 40% off your purchase of $75 or more, pretty darn good if you ask me and you can stock up for the whole family!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KTumK_WyB-zudHr-ciCRwBwoX8OTqk9eaCunqlAJu_0NimHHOPILa7ZsCVRICNKutA9diitcQM5xyliJgmX6_wXmGHnfggWBGVQjnE0HhVSIuM3nc16ZSLq-d03EE_e6pFRlaiuUDbaC/s1600/DSC_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KTumK_WyB-zudHr-ciCRwBwoX8OTqk9eaCunqlAJu_0NimHHOPILa7ZsCVRICNKutA9diitcQM5xyliJgmX6_wXmGHnfggWBGVQjnE0HhVSIuM3nc16ZSLq-d03EE_e6pFRlaiuUDbaC/s640/DSC_1074.jpg" width="451" /></a></div> <br /> Take a peak at my faves and make sure to get them before the sell out! Click on the <span style="background-color: black; color: white;">+</span> to be directed the product pages.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="moneyspot-widget" data-widget-id="31187323"> <script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/widget.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === 'object') {if(document.readyState === 'complete') {window.__moneyspot.init();}}}(document, 'script', 'moneyspot-script');</script><br /> <div class="rs-adblock"> <img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML='Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.'" src="//images.rewardstyle.com/img?v=2.11&ms=31187323&aspect" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div> </div>

FASHION FINDS

OLD NAVY WINNERS CONTINUED

As you know from yesterday's post , I had a field day at Old Navy over the weekend and have curated a little collection of my favori...

OUTFIT POST: OLD NAVY WINS

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8qh_o1bsxvGLSh32IirjavB6K3_zNuC8VemEQI5VpRNhPT3EzeMkFnZJuPk5t0o3gWQA-CpYaDV4ECYtBMzWJI_JaH52G7TSPK-8OnDRDIiJhf6cn_AGaxNURyWxGv-bOgKU0FYls1en/s1600/DSC_1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8qh_o1bsxvGLSh32IirjavB6K3_zNuC8VemEQI5VpRNhPT3EzeMkFnZJuPk5t0o3gWQA-CpYaDV4ECYtBMzWJI_JaH52G7TSPK-8OnDRDIiJhf6cn_AGaxNURyWxGv-bOgKU0FYls1en/s640/DSC_1094.jpg" width="504" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> It was a good weekend to be a Joy. We had such a relaxing time staying warm inside with our two little ones with no plans to leave the house at all (a nice change from our usual hecticness). Little Brian loved having both his parents home for three whole days to play with (and torture...kidding...kind of) and Gracie girl loved having cuddles and laughing at her older brother. I did a lot of non-rushed cooking and even a little baking one morning with Grace before the boys woke up. And of course, I managed to sneak a quick solo shopping trip to Old Navy and picked out some really cute new arrivals to show you.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I threw my hair in a bun and told Brian it was time to play dress-up and his job was to be the photographer (he has the patience of a saint and I love him)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhQq7DxIxG0kIB-3tr7lgSMlL_Ukw5ZsdErrK0q7izFcIa_o_ieIkB_ZuEeTFe0e90pG60cEyb9dKm5NJECn3pa6Az-_mJUKIpHR0UDjjFR7hjbW-pst88mp8gzeBB0uugu_i_-C5KAg/s1600/DSC_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKhQq7DxIxG0kIB-3tr7lgSMlL_Ukw5ZsdErrK0q7izFcIa_o_ieIkB_ZuEeTFe0e90pG60cEyb9dKm5NJECn3pa6Az-_mJUKIpHR0UDjjFR7hjbW-pst88mp8gzeBB0uugu_i_-C5KAg/s640/DSC_1087.JPG" width="462" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7uzSuEcabEuU6V5wdUF36WjkCpaYYlSY0WtdlmB3cDD8t22O_SDQSnUcRuU9siZl0GWDH2iwpiw_aRM9z5CFeWOBuGK1EOi8weOW_Hnq-DGl44GKwKB4_MOaw3f6HT3RKIuP1B-ANENS/s1600/DSC_1099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7uzSuEcabEuU6V5wdUF36WjkCpaYYlSY0WtdlmB3cDD8t22O_SDQSnUcRuU9siZl0GWDH2iwpiw_aRM9z5CFeWOBuGK1EOi8weOW_Hnq-DGl44GKwKB4_MOaw3f6HT3RKIuP1B-ANENS/s640/DSC_1099.jpg" width="536" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Isn't this top so cute?! I paired it with my FAVORITE JCrew cords and nude heels.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnFZXcXZvZ3xEGLk_YapT8nKrIEN9Abh7yJe6k1yzQSgrrKI9PtPXvhiHk7n9zQc3HNfEqL0C_3LTaJdmt9QlZ0_KcFMw_jBapYEIFMfAqdOKGMi8fgl70S_S_gOyXlIsFB59YhUSm9Iq/s1600/DSC_1074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnFZXcXZvZ3xEGLk_YapT8nKrIEN9Abh7yJe6k1yzQSgrrKI9PtPXvhiHk7n9zQc3HNfEqL0C_3LTaJdmt9QlZ0_KcFMw_jBapYEIFMfAqdOKGMi8fgl70S_S_gOyXlIsFB59YhUSm9Iq/s640/DSC_1074.jpg" width="452" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> Also, in sadder news, I think I got one of the very last of these adorable red bags because it is sold out online :( I did link to a bunch that might work as replacements for you in case you're jonesing for a red bag like I was.<br /> <br /> You can click the links below or shop by clicking the images below:<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i><a href="http://bit.ly/1ZBLq33">Top</a> // </i><i><a href="http://bit.ly/1PgQnsH">Skinny Cords</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1WqYPpp">Nude Pumps</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1N5gbrg">Sunnies</a> // <a href="http://bit.ly/1TprM2P">Necklace</a></i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="1343639"> <script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 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FASHION FINDS

OUTFIT POST: OLD NAVY WINS

It was a good weekend to be a Joy. We had such a relaxing time staying warm inside with our two little ones with no plans to leave the h...

OUR KITCHEN TRANSFORMATION FROM DULL TO BRIGHT!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9kIuMMVQDdlCq_DqrqIsmqY4daCdWu3aY2iZdE6Zl5o4pWN4bhhqOqtlrNLyX_6_VI09LyVbzN2KqZiXYqLm_iOoUYFzXJRgstonjwyz-8t8Kh7zsDwO_Ser9XukaXGnQsPsOfQ0iKCT/s1600/KITCHEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9kIuMMVQDdlCq_DqrqIsmqY4daCdWu3aY2iZdE6Zl5o4pWN4bhhqOqtlrNLyX_6_VI09LyVbzN2KqZiXYqLm_iOoUYFzXJRgstonjwyz-8t8Kh7zsDwO_Ser9XukaXGnQsPsOfQ0iKCT/s640/KITCHEN.jpg" width="418" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Eeeee!! I'm SO excited to share our kitchen renovation with you! We've been living in it for a while but it took some time to get to it and take the "after" photos without all the baby/toddler stuff to share. I am SO happy with every single little thing we did to improve our kitchen at the <i>lower end of the kitchen renovation</i> standard cost (20-30k). Ours was about 9-10k and I'll tell you every single thing we did and what it cost us. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> SO as soon as we bought the house I knew the cabinets needed to be painted white and I wanted the appliances updated. The cabinets were in good shape (about 10-15 years old) and there was no reason to tear them down and start all over. We paid a professional painter $500 to use the <a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/transformations/cabinet-transformations-light-kit">Rust-oleum Cabinet Transformation Kit</a> and paint them for us in white, and let me tell you, the $500 was WELL WORTH IT. It took about 4 coats to get over our wood, and with a toddler on the hip and baby on the way, "ain't nobody got time for that". I replaced the cabinet hardware with these <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hickory-Hardware-Studio-5-in-Satin-Nickel-Pull-P3012-SN/100674810">Hickory Hardware Pulls from Home Depot</a>. I think the total cost of these was around $100.. So with the paint kit, hardware, and painter fees, we're at about $700. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Next, appliances. We went to <a href="http://www.countytv.com/">County TV & Appliance</a> in Stamford, Connecticut and got a great deal on the microwave, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher -- I think around $4000 total. If you're in the area, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.countytv.com/">County</a>, family owned and in business forever, see Sean Rosen and tell him Liz Joy sent you. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Finally, the backsplash and countertops. I couldn't WAIT for this but it took about a year for us to pull the trigger. We were doing a dormer addition (we have a cape) and the contractor said he could do the backsplash for us in a day, which he did :) We paid $500 for have subway tile installed and about $150 (??? I think) for the materials. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I SO DESPERATELY IN ALL CAPS wanted Carrara marble. There is nothing in looks that compares to me BUT my brother installed them about three years ago and he hates them. He and his wife always complain about how porous they are and how hard they are to clean. Supposedly everything stains them, especially baby formula (and we have a baby who drinks formula) so... </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> I went with a granite called Colonial White, the closest thing I could get to carrara marble. The <strike>marble</strike> I mean granite, install and stainless steel inset sink cost a total of close to $4000 and I'm SO happy with it. It has the white clean finish I wanted and I don't have to worry one single second of what gets on it. Formula, wine, oil, pour it on, nothing will get through :)<br /> <br /> Last but not least, the faucet. I received a <a href="https://www.decorplanet.com/products/brizo-64003lf-talo-single-handle-pull-down-kitchen-faucet-with-smarttouch-technology/64003lf.html?adpos=1o3&creative=82083747867&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQiAiNi0BRDaobaq3dKJhrwBEiQAyVThzc5Sv6T3ZsnKUCbhmCrEyA7xxWTZa94Sucrest_UNOkaAp7X8P8HAQ">Brizo Talo Kitchen Faucet</a> with SmartTouch technology<br /> after attending an amazing blogger conference sponsored by <a href="http://www.brizo.com/">Brizo</a> years ago but never owned a house I could put it in until now. Do you know how good it felt to finally take it out of the box and install this beauty? We absolutely love our <a href="http://www.brizo.com/">Brizo</a> and I will never shop for anything else for kitchen and/or bathroom.<br /> <br /> Here are some other shots of our newly renovated WHITE kitchen:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5z2ER44qx1Dfx_6BhXswKg9zweBPPWCDjxRyo_iRW25xiDEco8HxVcz25xBIrrr4AHUKh2kAYYNvDMTw8tRPMmdD809CM0jG4WBsjGHnI3DSNW1Kru8Yt6-lP1LCbcSk6B_Aw12gHHeRO/s1600/CSC_0996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5z2ER44qx1Dfx_6BhXswKg9zweBPPWCDjxRyo_iRW25xiDEco8HxVcz25xBIrrr4AHUKh2kAYYNvDMTw8tRPMmdD809CM0jG4WBsjGHnI3DSNW1Kru8Yt6-lP1LCbcSk6B_Aw12gHHeRO/s640/CSC_0996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_1au3a4OFgz2WYPbq0_dzPSYxRFx3-XNUe5KxTMIcpMtQ4qF_vHdmu5XQncFcRGjLbMERnXJn2-yFqbCUjCfgz3pw_bGOd4lZ2FbWXUqa7885WQD5qFwGR0DLSq3Oc0rozHAgzLqiWut/s1600/DSC_1029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_1au3a4OFgz2WYPbq0_dzPSYxRFx3-XNUe5KxTMIcpMtQ4qF_vHdmu5XQncFcRGjLbMERnXJn2-yFqbCUjCfgz3pw_bGOd4lZ2FbWXUqa7885WQD5qFwGR0DLSq3Oc0rozHAgzLqiWut/s640/DSC_1029.jpg" width="466" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEw-k7jUwGq_mJwJGtC0VCLLbCUSn2-cSCDrPkXDGlNttVLTgZzuDV6KRxK3WJGq-UvMMA_t3wti-H-4qZLw8AOIQjg8TM5p4J2UpufNMHyGxiO35kVixPr8WYjHniE_lweTP2694i-aS/s1600/DSC_1001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEw-k7jUwGq_mJwJGtC0VCLLbCUSn2-cSCDrPkXDGlNttVLTgZzuDV6KRxK3WJGq-UvMMA_t3wti-H-4qZLw8AOIQjg8TM5p4J2UpufNMHyGxiO35kVixPr8WYjHniE_lweTP2694i-aS/s640/DSC_1001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtZfDvJfviqFXR5r8bDsbSeIxF7ftHfsclX2nSD08nnECh9eoLsknSu9X2S3o6Z1mbApS9ChZPBmIyuKZ3OSACxfySHAy0LL4yAP4e-TCK91Fg_3L_LUu_3Fu9lEdGgJyMiPRNj34Y7pj/s1600/DSC_1006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtZfDvJfviqFXR5r8bDsbSeIxF7ftHfsclX2nSD08nnECh9eoLsknSu9X2S3o6Z1mbApS9ChZPBmIyuKZ3OSACxfySHAy0LL4yAP4e-TCK91Fg_3L_LUu_3Fu9lEdGgJyMiPRNj34Y7pj/s640/DSC_1006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-JEVvTBstGZfmxrhplNRBatOKHgh8ps_1uD6ZqJLmx9GAKx_ZDKmXzvpVdW37Nvrv93c_gM4voMa4rzp85DFPGymywL2bFdznMe39-KD6lHVlY94pO1MipzoTjs8Qf1_I0D67N9g0st7/s1600/DSC_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-JEVvTBstGZfmxrhplNRBatOKHgh8ps_1uD6ZqJLmx9GAKx_ZDKmXzvpVdW37Nvrv93c_gM4voMa4rzp85DFPGymywL2bFdznMe39-KD6lHVlY94pO1MipzoTjs8Qf1_I0D67N9g0st7/s640/DSC_1011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUHKALX2eYTm186fQryF8mSKqdx6h7EgCT_pAnSp5ex1iJpN-AIDnqCHGkPyFxTGuCfd6wCBoH13R_M8loR3T8IIBuuGUas2s8dUMj-i5e1UN92XurNEmYgJZs9EPWwETs6VgUum6B1C6/s1600/DSC_1005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUHKALX2eYTm186fQryF8mSKqdx6h7EgCT_pAnSp5ex1iJpN-AIDnqCHGkPyFxTGuCfd6wCBoH13R_M8loR3T8IIBuuGUas2s8dUMj-i5e1UN92XurNEmYgJZs9EPWwETs6VgUum6B1C6/s640/DSC_1005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoUgz7j-8FyhyphenhyphenMIA9TZXgv4EyCkzPjTB9byqI65k1QWWcWNrT-5YRIRiKXAyW5afScyKsbnn9-ETjmc8YkTMWX1CRp5DDQQptofflgXFfHjDEdfHzIGca1I7v-_bOsGtCy9G16RGvosoY/s1600/DSC_1016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoUgz7j-8FyhyphenhyphenMIA9TZXgv4EyCkzPjTB9byqI65k1QWWcWNrT-5YRIRiKXAyW5afScyKsbnn9-ETjmc8YkTMWX1CRp5DDQQptofflgXFfHjDEdfHzIGca1I7v-_bOsGtCy9G16RGvosoY/s640/DSC_1016.jpg" width="426" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IZ6aseTsCYlIAJnmtsfgXbUGPZxRdHgv7ij6Vdcn_yNCteOn5_E_Pi1cVLIw6hZaYMCTO8PoiZozEK2UvfOiEtW8G4j1wagF5V708OrL3Kvyipu3qldNjDDaVfjd2R4wHPHUf_1Yu_7b/s1600/DSC_1027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IZ6aseTsCYlIAJnmtsfgXbUGPZxRdHgv7ij6Vdcn_yNCteOn5_E_Pi1cVLIw6hZaYMCTO8PoiZozEK2UvfOiEtW8G4j1wagF5V708OrL3Kvyipu3qldNjDDaVfjd2R4wHPHUf_1Yu_7b/s640/DSC_1027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Tr4nFQbHICaXnyPkwHpWnEBkd1rHOAMDJc0rxKEIXfHF5fWwRK2t64TBDmXrvN3rfNUlgcZ_pkOMkskZO8jF-k_5AI7J5PqA6IYHv1PFagOxJiAtO1AW_QhNUL7ck_gopXkTyKRETDPr/s1600/DSC_1030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Tr4nFQbHICaXnyPkwHpWnEBkd1rHOAMDJc0rxKEIXfHF5fWwRK2t64TBDmXrvN3rfNUlgcZ_pkOMkskZO8jF-k_5AI7J5PqA6IYHv1PFagOxJiAtO1AW_QhNUL7ck_gopXkTyKRETDPr/s640/DSC_1030.jpg" width="458" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me via my instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/purejoyhome/">@purejoyhome</a> OR email at <a href="mailto:lizjoycreative@gmail.com">lizjoycreative@gmail.com</a>. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Thanks for stopping by!!</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br />

DECORATING

OUR KITCHEN TRANSFORMATION FROM DULL TO BRIGHT!

Eeeee!! I'm SO excited to share our kitchen renovation with you! We've been living in it for a while but it took some time to g...

The Best Aluminum Free Deodorants

Happy Hump Day Everyone! Let me first start out by saying that I'm pretty sure almost everything we breathe, eat and live in will have some part in causing our inevitable death at some point which is why I'm pretty laid back about most things, because seriously it's out of our control. HOWEVER I have decided to make one change which has led to taxi-driver status underarms (no offense!) and put everyone around me through stinky hell for the past two weeks ...<br /> <br /> <div> SO I remember in high school my science teacher (Mrs. Clark, thank you) told us that antiperspirant was bad for us and that we should use plain old deodorant instead. She was clearly crazy back when I was in 11th grade, I needed the most protection against sweat <i>as possible</i> <u>at all times</u>. Flash forward to my early thirties when I'm really starting to care about my health and longevity, and I'm staying as far away from antiperspirant as possible. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> There have been claims linking the active ingredient in antiperspirant, aluminum, to alzheimer's disease and breast cancer as the aluminum holds back the toxins are bodies are trying to release in the form of sweat. To quote WebMD, "most <a href="http://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-breasts">breast</a> cancers develop in the upper outer part of the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/women/rm-quiz-breasts-normal">breast</a> -- the area closest to the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/picture-of-the-armpit">armpit</a>, which is where antiperspirants are applied. The studies suggest that chemicals in antiperspirants, including aluminum, are absorbed into the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin">skin</a>, particularly when the skin is nicked during shaving. These studies claim that those chemicals may then interact with DNA and lead to cancerous changes in cells, or interfere with the action of the female hormone <a href="http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/normal-testosterone-and-estrogen-levels-in-women">estrogen</a>, which is known to influence the growth of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/ss/slideshow-breast-cancer-overview">breast cancer</a> cells." NOW, this is important...these claims have NOT been proven to be 100% accurate after research has been done, BUT when you think about it, it kind of makes sense. Actually, my armpits sometimes hurt after wearing antiperspirant and it is so hard to clean off in the shower. They even sell armpit sponges to help get it all off. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> So I recently switched to an aluminum free deodorant and after two weeks of smelling unpleasant while all the toxins were clearing out from my underarms, my body has sort of balanced out and my new aluminum-free stick is working just fine. Sure, I'll probably smell a lot worse than the person next to me at the gym but I honestly don't care. </div> <div> <br /></div> <div> I've rounded up my favorites below for you to try and note, these are a little on the pricey side but I found that the TOMS natural brand and other less expensive versions at the drug-store didn't do the job.  </div> <div> <br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNhhOsticf8-aeMhTbG8TacjrN2OCDrwb5BBlJKfM4-69PtOiaa9tL4Jy0zdvqvaWDJJ_wVlQbavWp5fFaQlMUv6k9f4c5x9mc8t7coKqfD6GOcT9U7tEdEwJPKwzT3sbMO7LH2eVhIVE/s1600/img.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNNhhOsticf8-aeMhTbG8TacjrN2OCDrwb5BBlJKfM4-69PtOiaa9tL4Jy0zdvqvaWDJJ_wVlQbavWp5fFaQlMUv6k9f4c5x9mc8t7coKqfD6GOcT9U7tEdEwJPKwzT3sbMO7LH2eVhIVE/s320/img.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1RlCA4N">Honest Company</a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3egNsq1sc3LogUbOeU_5au_vWtTgSkCFVLc5iPwxCzkCapxMsYlYjP7H8zTr57zxOiz6lCy9yo5YM91MJlVDao5dmj_n3wlCHxrl6ukRqJxsMhcQ3gaGoRf_Ip3G1QKRpweFVGnZaz-T/s1600/s1425453-main-hero-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3egNsq1sc3LogUbOeU_5au_vWtTgSkCFVLc5iPwxCzkCapxMsYlYjP7H8zTr57zxOiz6lCy9yo5YM91MJlVDao5dmj_n3wlCHxrl6ukRqJxsMhcQ3gaGoRf_Ip3G1QKRpweFVGnZaz-T/s1600/s1425453-main-hero-300.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1PXdUMD">For special occasions, I like this one by Chloe</a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl9CwnCUDamLTAVB7JkcEnlIpWbIdYCQ3U8NBw8wF6_zQgDWBsCLyTj49Hk2QCyCebYKVw9TLGft6YnssoneC4DbgAs7Ili6i7hGr72ZRoo0BKWMpNJiPe7VyBej1jbYMphdHWadQWNQc/s1600/2285519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPl9CwnCUDamLTAVB7JkcEnlIpWbIdYCQ3U8NBw8wF6_zQgDWBsCLyTj49Hk2QCyCebYKVw9TLGft6YnssoneC4DbgAs7Ili6i7hGr72ZRoo0BKWMpNJiPe7VyBej1jbYMphdHWadQWNQc/s320/2285519.jpg" width="168" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> These are the best!! If you need a little refresher just wipe the stench away with these <a href="http://bit.ly/1Oi3bvQ">disposable wipes</a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYbkX59V0FAlUKVMvg9fGpvCxvpmSRPJSgNcn-Fng_-2z4QdUGgzcTlvWZ52D4WuuSm-K_3MoIan19Jm3kqiKYCpWEcUS-2UiRjVB46Y1oLwNliT4BuVQq0iEwBI0PiX2kKP_VveslJns/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-13+at+9.56.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYbkX59V0FAlUKVMvg9fGpvCxvpmSRPJSgNcn-Fng_-2z4QdUGgzcTlvWZ52D4WuuSm-K_3MoIan19Jm3kqiKYCpWEcUS-2UiRjVB46Y1oLwNliT4BuVQq0iEwBI0PiX2kKP_VveslJns/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-01-13+at+9.56.30+AM.png" width="259" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1Q5c0vi">My everyday stick</a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4ME5V03WkBzlEYOhTfvNhn9kNWsdcGz5XpAbGnYm3LSSh1rXXLPF_jFkC4BspctcipJsW0HZSfesQiMsGdY9Tib3-M8pwsFhXNSjwhxPWTRllESjryflxyP0e2UbtRoATay05CzCgxlQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-13+at+9.56.45+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4ME5V03WkBzlEYOhTfvNhn9kNWsdcGz5XpAbGnYm3LSSh1rXXLPF_jFkC4BspctcipJsW0HZSfesQiMsGdY9Tib3-M8pwsFhXNSjwhxPWTRllESjryflxyP0e2UbtRoATay05CzCgxlQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-01-13+at+9.56.45+AM.png" width="262" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1PXe8mR">L'OCCITANE</a> (everything that make is good)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Have you tried any that you like?? Please leave in the comments so we can all see :) </div> <div> <br /></div>

BEAUTY, WELLNESS

The Best Aluminum Free Deodorants

Happy Hump Day Everyone! Let me first start out by saying that I'm pretty sure almost everything we breathe, eat and live in will have s...

WINTER IN WHITE

I am definitely into wearing white in the winter, I think the right pair of white jeans paired with an ivory or gray sweater looks so chic and is perfect to take you through spring. It's refreshing on the eyes and the right white is so flattering. I'm particularly loving this white knit fringe sweater I scored the other day on a quick shopping trip (you can buy online <a href="http://bit.ly/1JPh1Si">here</a>) along with my white distressed jeans. I found the jeans at TJMaxx but I've linked to some very similar pairs ranging in price from $34-$150. I'm in Florida now so you'll see I have sandals on but a taupe bootie for colder temps similar to the ones by TOMS I always wear (<a href="http://bit.ly/1YZcROu">here</a>) would be a nice winter shoe to dress them with.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMjhVANUt4XmDW0OE-y0kOpzRIuciZvUSAlNdvCdbTNorSHjBOhD3wTq44aiVYGPZ_8eRbG03-NOdeVvWs18PFfcpB8m1bIlJbzmR3POFL4yof2kfQlEVgGlrlYif5JiBXY6qI__3vvNT/s1600/2016-01-01+02.04.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMjhVANUt4XmDW0OE-y0kOpzRIuciZvUSAlNdvCdbTNorSHjBOhD3wTq44aiVYGPZ_8eRbG03-NOdeVvWs18PFfcpB8m1bIlJbzmR3POFL4yof2kfQlEVgGlrlYif5JiBXY6qI__3vvNT/s640/2016-01-01+02.04.00.jpg" width="424" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I'm OBSESSED with my new <a href="http://bit.ly/1Oq2QnU">Louise sandals</a> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2YkApssizKJ8qlXfDocve6gp1cB6Pxby2WlaLItyqFOqGr-9J2CsV7Hh5eYuWenM0Me3ahwlHf_TGn5vdoHW71PK9K1RCinFOeOyC16mabTmDQ5V-FB1Qh7NSRc-B4t4uQCfyYQ8GgHL/s1600/2016-01-01+02.29.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2YkApssizKJ8qlXfDocve6gp1cB6Pxby2WlaLItyqFOqGr-9J2CsV7Hh5eYuWenM0Me3ahwlHf_TGn5vdoHW71PK9K1RCinFOeOyC16mabTmDQ5V-FB1Qh7NSRc-B4t4uQCfyYQ8GgHL/s640/2016-01-01+02.29.49.jpg" width="614" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI6pfYkO0pFnkM5A6QnLBo9K5Hu3TecdlgfYtX4eRWb5DWIZbEcP48bNYLb1UNbtRcVQ5txFSvdgDltTrxwj8szKrAyuZeUT1zqM-aXSm667v2H18L5Qo-BLkUFQ1Cjey5V0TL50rnS9D/s1600/DSC_0737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI6pfYkO0pFnkM5A6QnLBo9K5Hu3TecdlgfYtX4eRWb5DWIZbEcP48bNYLb1UNbtRcVQ5txFSvdgDltTrxwj8szKrAyuZeUT1zqM-aXSm667v2H18L5Qo-BLkUFQ1Cjey5V0TL50rnS9D/s640/DSC_0737.JPG" width="380" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF2FVMW-BYFgu7sXYhSlA1cw3qlXCntEzeIY4cTf379f1EsF3W2ceXFjRNABTqGPgrz0EE_6dSBiyRW5YBL6ENAq8-e8BWhBAbHDiJZPdwmdFUN8CfTu1QRqKKDpR8B9oG1L9VPJKpSz-/s1600/DSC_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF2FVMW-BYFgu7sXYhSlA1cw3qlXCntEzeIY4cTf379f1EsF3W2ceXFjRNABTqGPgrz0EE_6dSBiyRW5YBL6ENAq8-e8BWhBAbHDiJZPdwmdFUN8CfTu1QRqKKDpR8B9oG1L9VPJKpSz-/s640/DSC_0747.JPG" width="550" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="shopthepost-widget" data-widget-id="1311752"> <script type="text/javascript">!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? 'http' : 'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + '://' + 'widgets.rewardstyle.com' + '/js/shopthepost.js';d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === 'object') if(d.readyState === 'complete') {window.__stp.init();}}(document, 'script', 'shopthepost-script');</script><br /> <div class="rs-adblock"> <img onerror="this.parentNode.innerHTML='Disable your ad blocking software to view this content.'" src="//assets.rewardstyle.com/images/search/350.gif" style="height: 15px; width: 15px;" /><noscript>JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.</noscript></div> </div>

FASHION FINDS

WINTER IN WHITE

I am definitely into wearing white in the winter, I think the right pair of white jeans paired with an ivory or gray sweater looks so chic a...