Sep 24, 2013
Back to life, back to reality.
It’s hard to readjust to the normal hectic day-to-day after an experience like we had over the weekend at Miraval Resort. It truly was a blessing in every way. A huge thanks again to all of you for voting and making this incredible experience possible! It was so good to get away for a few days as a couple to refresh and recharge. Here are some highlights from the weekend courtesy of Instagram.
First there were the amazing 360° views.
The view from our casita.
The pool at the Body Mindfulness Center.
View from the spa entrance.
View from the restaurant patio.
Then there was the food. They manage to make an all healthy, portion controlled menu taste like heaven. Everything was so fresh and flavorful. My favorite meals were the scallops, the morning starter omelette and their amazing chicken relleno with green mole. Hubby had venison, rack of lamb and some awesome desserts.
Right after this picture was taken, we heard coyotes off in the distance. I was hoping they weren’t hungry.
Relaxed, happy and well-fed.
Unlimited green juice and smoothies. Yum.
Then there was the tranquility. This is what truly sets Miraval apart. It is one of the most peaceful places on earth. No piped in music, just the sound of waterfalls and nature everywhere you go.
Sunrise over the entrance to our casita.
We loved our early morning walks and hikes.
Miraval can be any kind of vacation you want it to be – one of self-discovery and learning or one of total relaxation. It’s totally up to you. There are plenty of activities and seminars to keep anyone occupied. Although Craig and I were more focused on a weekend of downtime, I did take a personal yoga session which was enlightening. We also lounged at the pool, relaxed in the hot tub and took strolls around the resort grounds every chance we got.
The best part – our package included massages and facials at their world class spa. The quality of the staff and treatments was impeccable. We were totally blissed out when we walked out of there.
Standard dress code at the resort is athletic clothes and yoga pants…even in the dining room. You know I was in heaven with that! But a Wallis weekend getaway wardrobe was also part of this amazing prize package. Even though I spent most of my time in yoga pants, I’ll be bringing you photos of my Wallis outfits in the coming weeks.
Here’s a peek at one that I wore for travel.
[Floral blouse: c/o Wallis/Striped Cardi: c/o Wallis/Juno Bag: c/o Wallis]
It’s Your Turn: Do you prefer activity filled getaways or laid back relaxing vacations? Tell me in the comments!
#GLAMVACAY GIVEAWAY
Speaking of getaways, have you entered the #GlamVacay Giveaway yet? You could win a vacation of your very own with over $600 in prizes, enter HERE!
AN EXTRA SPECIAL GIVEAWAY
My friend Sheaffer at Pinterest Told Me To is hosting an extra special giveaway this week. She’s partnering with Loft to offer a mama of a special needs child a $500 Loft card and some other really awesome prizes. Are you the mother of a child with special needs or know someone who is? Stop by Pinterest Told Me To or click on the graphic below to enter this extra special giveaway!
Sep 20, 2013
In the market for some more colored denim for fall? Well, I just found your new must-have color. While pink clay is the official name of the color of these jeans, I prefer blush or dusty rose.
[Marissa Moto Zip Ankle Skinny Pants]
In all honesty, when I first tried on these jeans at Loft, I loved the fit but just wasn’t sure about the color. When I buy an item, I have to be able to picture at least three different ways to pair it up or it doesn’t come home. I only came up with two in the fitting room but I loved the fit and cool moto zipper details, so I bought them anyway.
Once I got home and started trying them out with things in my closet, I knew I had made the right decision. I’m amazed at just how versatile and cool these jeans look with SO many different things. Heck, they are almost a neutral!
This week, I wore them paired up like this.
Dressed up: Floral blouse and heels
[Blouse: 3.1 Philip Lim for Target/Jeans: Loft/Heels: Zigi Soho/Bag: 3.1 Philip Lim for Target]
And here are some other ways I plan to wear them this fall.
Glam: Burgundy peplum and heels
Oxblood, burgundy, whatever, looks SO of the moment when paired up with blush. This peplum is only $34 and combines fall’s other hot trend – faux leather accents.
[Peplum: Chloe K/Jeans: Loft/Heels: Sole Society]
Comfy: Chunky beige sweater and ankle boots
This outfit is like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. Nothing better than a chunky sweater and some ankle boots.
[Sweater: Halogen/Jeans: Loft/Boots: Sole Society]
Casual: Gray striped tee with oxfords
Gray and pink were made for each other and so were stripes and classic oxfords.
[Tee: Loft/Jeans: Loft/Oxfords: Bass]
Tone on tone: Dressed up sweatshirt and ankle boots
I’m warming up to tone on tone and this dressed up sweatshirt is adorable! I already have it in beige.
[Sweatshirt: Loft/Jeans: Loft/Boots: DSW]
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and get them now before they’re gone. You’ll thank me later.
For reference, if you order online, mine are a size 26/2 and are very true to fit. They have great reviews and also just so happen to be ON SALE! If you’re not into the moto zippers, Loft also has some options in pink clay in corduroy.
Corduroy Option #1
[Marissa Skinny Corduroy Pants]
Corduroy Option #2 (Online Only)
[Julie Skinny Corduroy Pants]
It’s Miraval Weekend!
Today’s the day! I’m beyond excited because hubby and I are off to spend the weekend at Miraval Resort and Spa, courtesy of Miraval and Wallis. Actually, courtesy of all of YOU too! Thanks again for voting for me to win this mom’s weekend getaway. I can’t wait to do a recap next week and tell you all about it. There will be lots of pics on Instagram this weekend, so if you don’t follow me yet, then now’s a great time!
It’s Your Turn: How would you pair up these jeans? Tell me in the comments!
Getting my pretty on today with What I’m Loving Fridays, Fashion Friday, Friday’s Five and Friday’s Fab Faves.
Sep 18, 2013
Today’s blog post is a testament to my self control. Or lack thereof. I’m really not sure.
On one hand, I told myself I wasn’t going to shop the 3.1 Philip Lim for Target collection. But then I did. On the other hand, I only bought two pieces from it.
Self control? Yes and no.
There were WAY more pieces that I wanted but I managed to limit it to just two – the blouse and the tote.
[Blouse: Philip Lim for Target/Moto Zip Ankle Pants: Loft/Tote: Philip Lim for Target/Watch: Michael Kors/Sunnies: Ray Ban/Necklace: c/o Bijoux Box/Bracelet: c/o Bijoux Box/Color Block Heels: Zigi Soho]
This outfit is also what I wore for a lunch “blate” with Sheaffer on Monday. What could possibly be more appropriate to wear on a blogger date than a Target designer collab? 🙂
Avery Lane Boutique Giveaway
Although it’s not quite cool enough yet, later in the season I’ll be taking the chill off this outfit by adding this houndstooth hooded jacket from Avery Lane Boutique. It’s just the right weight and I love how the bold pattern mixes with florals. It will also look cute with colored denim and ankle boots.
[Houndstooth Jacket: Avery Lane Boutique]
Avery Lane Boutique is giving away a $40 shop credit to one lucky GYPO reader. Just choose any of the easy ways to enter below. A winner will be selected next Wednesday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I Feel Pretty
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments!
Link up your outfits or anything else that makes you feel pretty. There are just a few simple rules:
1. Follow GYPO. (Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin‘) 2. Link up your pretty post. 3. Link back to my blog (using the button above or your own link). 4. Visit other pretty peeps. That’s it! Let the fun begin. ‘);
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Getting my pretty on with Tres Chic Thursday, Fashion Informant, Monday Bloom, The Pleated Poppy, Shanna, Style Sessions, Monday Mingle, Real Girl Style, Tucker Up.
Sep 16, 2013
Forget the holidays – back to school is by far the busiest time of year for our family. So over the weekend, my teen daughter Aubrey and I took some time to unwind by hosting a mother/daughter back to school spa party. It was a totally girly afternoon of pampering facials, pretty mani/pedi’s and tasty bites.
The teens tested out products from Clean and Clear® for their facials. Morning Burst® Fruit Infusions™ smoothing facial scrub was one of their faves. Aubrey said it smelled awesome and made her face feel “as smooth as a baby’s bottom”. She’s been battling breakouts since school started a few weeks ago. Between gymnastics practice four hours every evening and the stresses of her first year of high school, establishing a good skin care routine to battle breakouts has been a must. Clean and Clear® makes a whole line of products just for breakout prone skin. She has been using the Advantage® Acne Spot Treatment for existing blemishes and Persa-gel® 10 to prevent new ones.
The moms sipped mimosas while pampering ourselves with calming Aveeno® products. My favorite product was the Aveeno® Active Naturals® Ultra-Calming® makeup removing wipes. They smell incredible and are extremely gentle yet effective. I have very sensitive facial skin. Each time I use a new facial product it takes about a week for my skin to adjust – there’s always some level of irritation or redness. Not the case with these wipes, my skin felt soft, smooth and comfortable after using them.
We finished our afternoon of spoiling ourselves with some pretty new polishes on our tips and toes.
The girls and I had a blast together. It was the perfect way to recharge our batteries for the week ahead while bonding over some pampering treatments.
It’s Your Turn: What’s your favorite way to refresh during this demanding time of year? Tell me in the comments!
This post was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson however all opinions are my own.
Sep 13, 2013
Today I’m going to get a little bit pushy with you. Sorry, it’s a character flaw. When I get passionate, I get pushy. And this is something I’m really passionate about.
If you’re looking for just ONE investment piece for fall/winter, I have it for you. Last year I made the investment in a classic pair of Frye riding boots and it was the best fashion decision I’ve ever made.
They are the most beautiful, well-made boots I’ve ever owned and let’s just talk about their versatility for a minute. They go with virtually everything. I seriously had to work hard to find other boots to wear with my outfits because I wanted to wear these every single day.
Here are a few of my favorite looks featuring my Frye’s.
Yes, I know they’re pricey. Far more than I normally spend on an item. But they’ve been worth every single penny, especially on a cost per wear basis.
Go ahead and order them today, Zappos will even ship them for free (that’s where I got mine). The color of mine is cognac but they come in 12 gorgeous colors. The hardest part is deciding which one.
Frye Melissa Button Riding Boot
OK, stepping off the soapbox now for today’s regularly scheduled post. 🙂
As I said earlier I had to work hard to wear other boots last fall/winter. What I really wanted was a new pair of ankle boots but never did find the perfect pair. My mission this fall is to find “the one”.
I won’t be making as much of an investment to find the perfect bootie because they’re a trendier item. Don’t get me wrong – ankle boots are here to stay – the styles just change a lot from season to season.
This week I rounded up some of my favorite ankle boots for under $100.
THE PERFECT BOOTIE
1. Addison Bootie – Gorgeous oxblood color with a wedge heel.
2. Honor Bootie – Fun snake print heel in a very wearable neutral.
3. Karin Platform Bootie – Statement making color at a steal, under $50!
4. Jody Bootie – Casual perfection. This bootie goes with everything.
5. Most Wanted Bootie – Perforation and button details add a little sass to basic black.
6. Helena Bootie – Beautiful shape, perfect with dresses.
It’s Your Turn: Have you found the perfect bootie yet? If so, share it in the comments!
Getting my pretty on with Friday’s Fab Favorites and What I’m Loving Fridays.
The pool at the Body Mindfulness Center.
View from the spa entrance.
View from the restaurant patio.
Right after this picture was taken, we heard coyotes off in the distance. I was hoping they weren’t hungry.
Relaxed, happy and well-fed.
Sunrise over the entrance to our casita.
We loved our early morning walks and hikes.
[Floral blouse: c/o Wallis/Striped Cardi: c/o Wallis/Juno Bag: c/o Wallis]
