Friday, April 14, 2023

Fashion Fix: Love Shack Fancy @ T.J.Maxx

If you have teenage girls there is a good chance that they are brand obsessed like mine. While I'm happy to wear a dupe, even excited when I find a good look-a-like, they are all about the label.  However, I'm not one to just dish out money and spend endlessly so they are either saving and buying themselves or it's a special gift.  There are some items I would just NEVER pay full price for BUT I love when I find a good deal and have to share it with you all, too! 

Right before Spring Break my daughter texted me saying that her friend found lots of Love Shack Fancy things at TJ Maxx and asked if I could run by there. I couldn't believe how much my local store had!  Now granted, it was still not cheap, but it was a major savings compared to paying full price so I grabbed a few items to bring home for them to try on. We kept a few pieces and I returned the rest, but I was so excited about my finds!  I'm lucky because my girls wear the same size and I always feel better buying items I know they will both get to wear.  

We ended up with one dress (pictured on the right above) they will share and two tops that I put in their Easter Baskets!  How cute!!!  


Did you know that you can buy items online at T.J.Maxx?!?!?  I had no idea until recently and you can find some amazing things on their site...including some Love Shack Fancy pieces!!! I did a little roundup of some of my favorites and things I thought other teen girls might like including that adorable blue gingham top that I snagged in-store. Sizes are limited, but these are such a great deal if your daughter's sizes are in stock!


1. Floral Print Top - $79.99, compare at $120.

2. Blue Floral Midi Dress - $199, compare at $300 

3. Blue Gingham Top - $79.99, compare at $120

4. Peach Ruffle Mini Skirt - $69.99, compare at $105

5. White Ruffle Mini Skirt - $69.99, compare at $105

6. Floral Swim Suit - $79.99, compare at $120

7. Long Sleeve Floral Top - $99.99, compare at $150

8. White Crochet Mini Dress - $99.99, compare at $150

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Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Book Club: March 2023 Reviews

 


Hello spring, how we have missed you! We are so excited about all things warmer weather, brighter colors, and the idea of reading poolside any moment now!

And with that said...

It's BOOK CLUB DAY!! 

March was serving last month when it came to reading. We read a book that we can easily see being in our top three at the end of the year. IT. WAS. SO. GOOD! But all the rest were pretty great too. April is going to have a lot to live up to, but fellow readers you understand when we say we're up for the challenge. :)


WHAT WE READ...

Carrie Beth

I was kind of in a rut for a while and couldn't really make myself get into a new book, but when Jen texted and told me she loved One Month of You by Susanne Ewart, I knew it would be the book for me. 



It ended up being totally different than what I had expected!  I was picturing a love story and even getting into the first part of it I was sure that is what I would be getting, but it turned out to be so much more! 

The main character is the caregiver for her mother, who has a terrible disease. Much to her mother's disapproval she has done genetic testing to learn that her fate will be very similar to her mother's. The result of learning that information is that she stops living. She stops letting anyone close, she stops trying to pursue her own happiness, and she limits the relationships in her life knowing that she doesn't want to get too close to anyone. This story follows her relationship with her mother as her mom's health declines and also her relationship with the man who she just can't seem to say no to, no matter how hard she tries. I was sobbing at one point and it made me think through a lot of different scenarios if I was in a similar position.  


Jen

Sports parent road trips mean lots of audio books, so this month I was able to sneak in more reading/listening than normal. 



First up, my in person Book Club pick - Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. I’ve heard so much hype about this book over the last year that I actually couldn’t wait to read this one. 

The story follows two childhood friends who meet in the hospital and bond over video games. Their relationship over the years goes through many ebbs and flows and on the journey with them you can’t really tell if  you are meant to like each character, dislike each character or feel bad each character. 

There is lots of video game chatter amidst the pages too. 

I rated this book a solid four stars. At times I would have bumped this up and others I would have bumped it down. It was a unique story that covered many important topics, but I think while I enjoyed it, I didn’t love it if that makes sense. 

This next one though! My next book is one that I can already tell will be one of my top reads of the year. 



One Month of You I picked up somewhere on a whim and then forgot about it for a few weeks. I’m so glad I picked it up sooner rather than later though. It was the “give me all the feels with a dash of romance and a good ugly cry” book I didn’t know I needed. 

Jess has a lot on her plate and doesn’t have time for a relationship, no matter how perfect the person is for her. Then in walks Alec. It’s so tempting for her to break her rules for him. But then all her reasons behind her “why” keep making themselves known. Her top one - her diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease. The same disease she is seeing her mom suffer from each and every day she comes home from work. 

The whole time I read this book I kept thinking what I would do in Jess’s situation. Would I have found out if I had the disease too? Would have I made the same life choices? Would I be able to live without fear? The story is heartbreaking, devastating and beautiful all rolled into one. It’s more about Jess and her relationship with Huntington’s than her relationship with Alec, but one I am so so glad I read! 



The Maid's Diary was up next and it’s another Book Club pick. I was hoping to save it for closer to our next meeting, but  people kept texting about it so I went ahead and caught up. If mystery/thrillers are your thing - SO GOOD!! 

I could not put. it. down. 

Kit Darling is a maid by choice. A traumatizing event occurred when she was a teenager and it’s ruled her entire life. Just when she thinks it’s finally put behind her and moved on, she is thrust full force right back into her past. 

Then a brutal murder is discovered and the more investigators look at the situation, the more Kit (and her diary) becomes involved. 

The twists. The secrets. The deception. All so good in this one! I told my girlfriends to read it and we all agreed - best thriller we’ve read in awhile! 

Until I picked up this one… 


I wrapped up my month with All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham, and now I'm a huge fan! The story is about a mom who wakes up one morning to find her toddler son missing with zero evidence as to what happened. She spends the next year doing everything she can think of to get him back or find out what happened. She questions everyone and everything - including herself.  I could not stop listening to this one! It was such an edge of your seat read, and the ending was so surprising that I had to rewind and make sure I read that correctly. The novel touches on so many subjects about motherhood, and I couldn't stop thinking about what I would do in the same situation. Such an interesting take on a mystery novel. I can't wait to read something else now by Willingham! 

WHAT'S UP NEXT...

Carrie Beth

After a heavy and emotional read I was ready for something lighter. I've enjoyed all of Colleen Oakley's books so far and this one sounded fun!  The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise is about an unexpected duo of an 80 something woman and her 20 something caregiver take off cross-country in the middle of the night as one of them tries to outrun her past.  Check back next month for my review!


Jen

My heart needs something a little slower after the last two novels. Carrie Beth suggested Someone Else’s Shoes and so far I’ve found it to be the perfect spring break beach read! Stay tuned for the full review next month! 


I've also picked up the same book as Carrie Beth! I love Oakley's novels and when I saw she had a new one out I grabbed it to have ready. I can't wait to read The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise


WHAT WERE YOUR BOOKS FOR THE MONTH? ANYTHING WE NEED TO ADD TO OUR READING LISTS?

BOOK CLUB 2023
January | February

Follow along with us on Goodreads!

HAPPY READING! 


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Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Boozy Bunny Cocktail Recipe

 

Hippity Hop Easter is on its way…and so is your fami-lay. Sorry, we’ve been taste testing a little too much. But we are super excited about this yummy new Easter cocktail creation. This festive Boozy Bunny Cocktail recipe looks like spring and tastes like heaven. It’s Easter in a glass and the perfect pre-egg hunt cocktail all your guests will thank you for.

The Boozy Bunny Cocktail Recipe is inspired by those fluffy little marshmallow candies that make their appearance each spring. We’ve been known to transform a candy into a cocktail or two, but the Boozy Bunny might top the list. Easy to make in a few simple steps, this adorable cocktail is a sweet addition to any Easter menu.



MAKE THE BOOZY BUNNY COCKTAIL

Total prep time: 2 mins
Serves: 1

Boozy Bunny Cocktail ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. of Whipped Marshmallow Vodka
  • 2 oz. of White Chocolate Liqueur
  • 1 oz. of Vodka
  • 1 oz. of Coconut Rum
  • A package of Bunny Peeps
  • For rim garnish: meltable white chocolate, marshmallow creme, or pineapple juice and spring themed sprinkles

Instructions

  • Garnish rim of glass by dipping into your meltable chocolate, marshmallow creme, or juice and dipping rim of glass into sprinkles.
  • Pour vodkas, white chocolate liqueur, and rum into a cocktail shaker. Gently shake and then pour into garnished glass.
  • Top with Bunny Peep.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Boozy Bunny cocktail recipe

DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL EASTER COCKTAIL RECIPE? SHARE WITH US!




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Monday, March 27, 2023

Tips to Make Sure You are Ready for Easter + Casabella Spring Finds

Can you believe Easter is less than 2 weeks away?!?! Have you done all the things? Decorated for spring, prepped your Easter table, stuffed eggs and filled baskets...lots of fun things to do this time of year.  We're sharing a few tips to make sure you are ready for Easter and all of the activities that come along with it! Plus, check out all of our favorite spring finds from Casabella! 


Furniture for Family and Friends 

You might be checking out your dining room table or seating options right now and wishing you had spruced things up for spring.  So many people are discouraged with buying new furniture because of the long lead times, but if you are in the Atlanta area you are in luck because Casabella has a ton of furniture IN STOCK and ready to take home TODAY! 

That is a rare thing these days, but one of the best kept secrets when it comes to furniture shopping. Whether you are looking for a new dining table, a pair of chairs for a living space, or even just some wall art or lamps to spruce things up a bit, be sure to check Casabella's in stock inventory! 


Set a Pretty Table 

There are so many options when it comes to Easter centerpieces and table settings. Do you love pretty pastels or sticking with one color like beautiful blues? 

We love strolling through Casabella because all of their tables are set beautifully and share lots of inspiration and ideas no matter what your style is. 

Spruce Up with Spring Scents  

What better way to welcome guests than for them to be surrounded with a spring scent when they walk in your home.

Candles are our favorite way to fill our homes with sweet and fragrant aromas, but also using seasonal scented hand soaps can be a wonderful way to enhance the smells of spring! 


Bunnies, Baskets and Blooms

One of the easiest ways to decorate for a new season is by mixing in seasonal decor to the pieces you already have. There is no need to start from scratch, but a few touches here and there can really transform a space. Place some ceramic bunnies on side tables or add some bunny pillows to your seating areas! 



A quick swap to fill vases with beautiful faux blooms for a pop of color or even just adding greenery will brighten your space and make it feel like spring.


Casabella has THE BEST faux florals. We've looked everywhere and they really can't be beat. So many beautiful and realistic options! 


Don't forget filling those baskets. Maybe you are buying for children or maybe you want to fill up an adult basket. No matter who's basket needs filling you'll find so many adorable options at Casabella






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Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Cocktail Confessions: The Sassy Leprechaun

St. Patrick’s Day is such a fun, and dare we say sassy, little holiday. From the green attire, to the sparkly gold accessories, green beer, and those mischievous little men running around town pinching people — St. Patrick’s Day provides the perfect excuse to throw in a little fun on the march to spring. In the essence of joining in on anything resembling a celebration we’ve crafted our very own cocktail,  The Sassy Leprechaun. After drinking this tasty green concoction, the only one doing the pinching this holiday will be you!

Sassy Leprechaun cocktail

A little sassy. A little sweet. This Sassy Leprechaun cocktail is a yummy blend of simple flavors that are most likely already in your pantry. One quick sip will leave you and your guests wanting to celebrate the lucky Irish long beyond St. Patrick’s Day. As an added bonus to this sassy drink: it’s low in calories (less than 70cal/per serving!)!       

Sassy Leprechaun

THE SASSY LEPRECHAUN

Serves: 3 to 4
Prep Time: 5 mins

Sassy Leprechaun

Ingredients
– 1 bottle of Kiwi Strawberry Sparkling Ice sparkling water
– 6 oz. of tequila
– 1 oz. of triple sec
– 1 teaspoon of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of sprinkles (We used gold mixed with white, but would look just as fun with rainbow sprinkles.)
– 1 lime

Sassy Leprechaun
Directions
1: Mix sugar and sprinkles onto a small plate.
2: Cut lime in half and set one half aside.
3: Use other half of lime and use juice to wet the rim of your glass. Dip wet glass rim into sprinkle mixture.
4: Mix kiwi strawberry water, tequila, and triple sec into a pitcher.
5: Take the remaining half of lime and squeeze juice into the pitcher. Stir lightly.
6: Serve over ice, and try to keep the pinching to a minimum.

Sassy Leprechaun


What green cocktail recipe will you be serving this St. Patrick’s Day? Share with us!


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The Sassy Leprechaun cocktail

Monday, March 13, 2023

Casabella Spring Open House 2023



For our local ladies, we have a fun event for you this week! If you aren't local there is still a ton of home decor eye candy to enjoy!

Our friends at Casabella in Marietta are having their annual Spring Open House this weekend. And do you know what that means??? 

It means major savings on furniture and home decor! (Plus a ton of gifts, Easter items, art, lamps, florals, textiles, and so. much. more!!)

Here's the official info... 



And here's a little sneak peek at what is currently in stock (spoiler alert: we now want to redecorate our entire houses. AGAIN!)...







They have THE BEST florals in stock. They are gorgeous and look/feel so real too! 











The even have a great selection of local high school and college graduation items and gifts! If you are party planning now for a graduate, it might be a great time to stock up!


Also warmer weather means warm weather sports. And what's more fun than themed drink ware and gifts for your tennis or pickleball teammates?!


There are so many great things in stock in Casabella's huge space, our tiny blog post doesn't even cover a quarter of it. It's an event you won't want to miss!

Now that we've got your weekend plans covered, we can't wait to see you there!


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