Sweet Summer Treats

I will admit popsicles and ice cream are my favorite treats during the summer months!


My favorite popsicles are the sugar free (guilt free) Popsicle brand- in tropical flavor!



My favorite kind of ice cream? I like sherbert flavors (refreshing), but definitely #1 would be some form of coffee with toffee in it.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Look at these ADORABLE ice cream bowls from Williams Sonoma and Wrapables!

Summer 2009: Shorts

Shorts are on sale in most stores because the next season is already upon us (sigh).

So it's time to stock up on shorts for next year!



That's the long.....

bermuda shorts by real style real people featuring Dorothy Perkins

And the short......of it!

short shorts by real style real people featuring Old Navy

Although really, I need to just get out of my favorite shorts already and wear something else (like the ones below from Old Navy, but in a darker rinse).

Readers, two questions:

Do you gravitate towards shorter or longer styles?

Do you have a favorite pair you wear alot (like me)?

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Jennifer Aniston

Oh Jen, can you be any stinkin' cuter?

Outside of the fact that you're my age and always look fit,

I just like your classic no nonsense style.

Even though we all know you don't need a man in your life, I still hope you find a mate who appreciates you and fulfills your dream!

(Some advice: stop picking the younger, immature ones.)

Here's my re-creation below:

**** to view stores or items in detail, just click on the image below****

celebrity chic but cheap- Jen Aniston by real style real people featuring J Crew

Summer Toes

Do you paint your toe nails in the summer?

I treat myself to a couple of pedicures a year and it's heavenly.

I know some people are repulsed by that thought, but I don't feel that way. I enjoy having my feet pampered!

Here's the new "it" color this season:

What do you think? I don't like it, and green is my favorite color!

I'd much prefer these softer greenish blue versions:

BUT, really my first choice would be bright bold summer colors:

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Faeries and Pixie Dust

On a recent trip to the bookstore (one of my favorite places on earth), I got lost, as I always do, checking out all the latest best-sellers, and then made my way to the young adult section to check out my future competition (HA!) if my pipe dream of becoming published ever comes true.

There were lots of interesting looking books out there, certainly lots of vampire books and Faery books. The one below, had such a gorgeous cover (it is for middle grade readers) and it got me thinking about ethereal worlds and why they're so appealing to me.


Maybe it has to do with the whisper of a magical land that promises to enchant and surprise you. Although I have to admit that is probably directly opposite of the book I've written- but it still has a similar intrigue and mystery to it.

photot credit : (godboxcafe.com)

Much like the pieces below add some whismy to an outfit. The flowy fabrics and accessories dotted with irridescent crystals and flowers make you believe woodland creatures may appear any moment around the corner.

Maybe that's why I am so drawn to those kinds of skirts and dresses (besides the fact that they flow nicely over any curves)-but for me, instead of woodland creatures the Big Bad Wolf (or maybe a random zombie) would appear in my woodlands! Ha Ha!

ethereal by real style real people featuring Forever21

What goes well with BBQ?

Well, a good potato salad of course!

Here's my mish mash, throw it all in recipe (based on my friend, Dani's recipe):


1. Boil some potatoes (any will do). Here I used baby redskin, cut into chunks, and left most of the skin on.


2. Mix together a package of dry ranch dressing and real mayo (I eyeball it-maybe a cup of mayo?) If you don't have the ranch dry mix just add together some ranch dressing and mayo.



3. Next, add real crumbled bacon you get in the package, and cheddar cheese (shredded or chunks cut smaller).



4. Add whatever else you want- I've added eggs, celery and red pepper before (but not this time).



5. and Voila'-might not look pretty, but the taste is out of this world!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Today I'm thinking Bubbles

No, not bubble skirts (although they are cute)!

The kind of bubbles that kids squeal over and run around popping:



Yeah, those kind- how great are these photos (from Jeff Kubina and Richard Heeks on Flickr)?


I am SO looking forward to visiting with good friends this weekend. Friends I can totally be myself with. What are your plans?

Giraffe Prints

Guess where we went this weekend?

Are you as impressed as I am with my picture taking ability?

Those sweet giraffes got into position for me to take the perfect shot, of one of my favorite animals.

I love giraffes! They are so unusual, and have the prettiest coat.

Animal prints will always be in style- they are classic.

Normally, you see other animals represented, like tiger, cheetah and zebra.

But giraffe prints have become more prominent- I am seeing them everywhere!

But: when it comes to this print, less is more!

So I say, stick to accessories!

All of the bags below are from Handbag Heaven, for under $45:

giraffe print bags by real style real people on Polyvore.com

***To view the items or stores below in more detail, just click on the image***

giraffe print accessories by real style real people featuring Old Navy scarves

ARE YOU GAME?

Finding an outfit for a wedding

Dear Christina:

I am on the prowl for something fabulous to wear to a wedding in Chicago at the end of the month. I'm on a tight budget (something less than $100 would be good) and would love to find a skirt that could be dressed up or down. I'm thin, but self conscious about my stomach (like most of us who've had kiddies).

Laura (from the blog Lisa and Laura Write)

Answer:

Oh yes, the stomach. The one area on my body that I loathe right now. I think if you are going somewhere formal, it can be disguised with a body shaper under your outfit, by creative layering or flowy styles that help mask it! Or, concentrate on creating a mid-section if you can. This exact thing was discussed in this post I did a few weeks ago.


There's a site I like that keeps women's shapes in mind. It's http://www.myshape.com/ . You can plug in your body shape (yours may be a petite apple, Laura) and they will direct you to flattering clothes.

Here are some solid colors skirt ideas:

solid color by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Or Patterns (stay simple with the top):

patterned by real style real people featuring Liz Claiborne skirts

I think all of those can be dressed up or down! I think the style of skirt I chose (more drapey) would work well with your figure, for a wedding or a night out (or with a simple tee or tank during the day). But if you want a straighter skirt, the site offers those styles too!

If you are considering a dress I would go to one of my new favorites (thanks for the recommendation, Katy) called www.shabbyapple.com. Great, affordable dresses complementing different body shapes!

Hope those ideas help!!!

Home Style: Kid's Bedroom Sets

I was contact by the CSN Stores asking me to check out their sites and do a giveaway for my readers (how could I resist that?).



Well, it was perfect timing because on one of their partner sites, www.bedroomfurniture.com, they have all kinds of bedding and bedroom sets.



The reason why the timing is good, is because we are looking for a new "big boy bed" for our little man.



It's amazing how sophisticated children's bedroom sets have become!


Check these out:

Great ideas, right? The prices begin at a couple hundred dollars and go up from there. We need anything that provides us storage and extra room. I like how their loft beds sit lower so no one goes tumbling down the stairs!

Oh, and if you're in the market for a desk, check that site out!

Stay tuned, readers, some sort of giveaway is forthcoming!!!

Real vs. Deal: Watch Pendant Necklaces

As usual, I am always immediately drawn to Tiffany's jewelry, like the Padlock Watch Charm, below, for $400.

And then think of how to find one for cheaper, like the one below from Urban Outfitters:
Or this one from http://www.nixonnow.com/:

I am also considering just making one myself and selling it on my site for around $40- I know how I'll do it, I just need to find the time to make it happen. I'll show you a picture when I make my first one.

Any takers? Just email me and we'll talk! My key charm necklace has been popular, and this one may be too!

Book Meme

This reminds me of a meme I got from Facebook this week.

So here it goes:
* Tell the title of the book you are currently reading
*Turn to page 77
* Write the eleventh sentence on that page


Here's my sentence:
But even as I utter the words, I feel my insides contracting with anxiety and guilt at the sight of her, and while I can't pull it up, I know some bad memory is associated with her.


The sentence is from the book The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

I love it! I haven't been this hooked on a book since, well, Edward and the gang. wink, wink.

Readers, what is your meme? Or, at least tell me what book you're currently reading!

Have a good weekend!

Remember When: Jellies and Dr. Scholl's

I don't know, maybe it was just a mid-western thing, but I remember dying to have these two kinds of shoes in the late 70's, early 80's: JELLIES, in pink, and DR. SCHOLL'S, in tan.

Oh, I got them both. At the local drugstore, after BEGGING my mom.

Then I wore them proudly-even though each did a number on my feet.

Oh, the sweating and strap marks(from the jellies) and the irritation (from the Scholl's, which were a size too small). And the maddening clop, clop, clop of the Scholl's.

hee-hee ;)


Dr. Scholl's then:






Dr. Scholl's now:


Jellies then:








Jellies now:



(from Shop Intuition)

Summer 2009: Maxi Skirts

What do you think of them?


Some I like, some I don't. Most I've seen are boho/peasant style, like above. But I've seen some that are straight, and to the floor too.


The ones below are from Charlotte Russ.


I'd say if you are going to wear one, keep the top part of your outfit minimal- a plain tee or tank, and wear flats. Unless you need it to look more dressy.



maxi skirts by real style real people on Polyvore.com




I really like the ones that you can wear as a dress or skirt, like below at Target, for $29.99!






LOVE IT!

Ask Christina: Early Pregnancy (part two): Avoiding Stretch Marks

Dear Christina:

As far as health & beauty products are concerned... any essentials as far as belly bump care and fighting those darn stretch marks that are looming in my future?

Stacie

Answer:

Stacie, I thought FOR SURE I would be getting stretch marks on my stomach, because my mom and sister did. I was told by my friend Deb, to start using pure shea butter, and to rub it on my belly everyday.

I did this religiously (I used the gooey clear solid kind, not the cream).....
and ya know what? NOT ONE STRETCH MARK!

On my belly that is- other areas are a different story and may have more to do with gaining and losing weight like a yo yo my whole life.
Now I am not sure if it was the cream or genetics- but I like to think it was the cream. :)

Plus I found other uses for it too-like my extremely dry hands and heels!

So, why not give it a whirl? The Palmer's line now sells Tummy Butter for mother's:





I am also going to open up the question to my readers. Readers, your help? What products or methods did you use?

AND, speaking of pregnancy and babies, this cuteness makes it all worth it!

Ask Christina: Early Pregnancy (part one): What to Wear?

Dear Christina,

I recently found out that I am pregnant. Yea! I am due in late January and am beginning to think about what maternity clothes will be necessary... and which brands have fashionable, yet affordable, maternity lines. Let's face it, there's a lot of maternity clothes out there that are NOT cute... and I don't think I can afford to stock my closet with Isabella Oliver maternity wear (love it!). Do you have any advice on what essential items of clothing I will need as I grow and move through summer to fall to winter... in Michigan? I've heard wonders about the Bella Band from Ingrid and Isabel... and I'd love to be able to wear my pre-pregnancy jeans, pants, skirts, etc. as long as possible. Any experience with this product? You seem to be a fan of The Gap and Old Navy Maternity lines... any others?

Stacie

Answer:

Congratulations! Oh the memories. You'll soon be in the "I don't look pregnant yet, just fat, stage" because until your bump really starts showing, it will just feel like you can't fit into anything.

You know, this is actually a really good time to be pregnant, because the baby doll, empire and longer tunic tops are still selling in stores and you can get away with these "regular" clothes for awhile!

Also there's lots of pants being sold now with knit waist lines (like the ones pictured below from Motto on QVC)- I am wearing some short right now that I bought from Target with that kind of waistline and drawstring-super comfy! I can see how a pregnant woment could get aways with wearing them for a few months.

If I were you, I would not invest in any pricey pieces b/c it is such a short time in your life (unless you just want to get the esentials from Isabella Oliver).

When I was pregnant, I bought alot from Liz Lange at Target and yes, Old Navy (image below), and some Gap-but also some Motherhood Maternity-whatever seeemed to have cute, practical, affordable and trendier clothes. Clothes that made me feel comfortable and fashionable at the same time- a big bill to fill!

I have heard wonders about the Bella Band too (or others like it). BUT, it will depends on how comfortable you are as a pregnant women.

Here's what I mean: that kind of band really irritated me as I got further along in my pregnancy b/c my pants would slide down and I'd always be hiking them up (now other pregnant women I talked to- not a problem). So towards the end, I would search out the kind of pants that just covered my entire stomach- ahhhh, the relief- BUT it depends again on preference.

SO, Here are some suggestions for basics: black jersey knit pants, skirt and dresses; some jeans you love and feel stylish in (you'll probably be in them most of all), same with khakis or cotton stretchy pants. Maternity stretchy camis, tees and long sleeve tops with get you through the winter (wear the long sleeve under the short sleeves you wore in the summer and early fall-like in the picture, below).



Banded bottom(below), tunic, and babydoll tops will be your new best friends, along with leggings, I suspect (picture from Motherhood Maternity)!



A good resource to check out would be Allie at the the blog My Wardrobe Today because she was just pregnant this past year and showed all of her maternity outfits and where she bought them(check her back posts).


Hope that helps! "Part two" of your question will be posted tomorrow!