The Last Thing Thursday #6

Hi Lovelies! I hope you all are having a wonderful week!! It's cooled down a teensy bit here in NJ as far as the humidity goes, which is a nice break after the brutal weather over the weekend! I've been soaking it up hanging out by our pool with my kiddo every single day & loving every second of it! I hope to try to get in more of a rythym over the next week with my blog posts again. I've been feeling a bit of a challenge since I don't have much time to get on the computer during the day now that my son is home! I'm working on it!!! But I'll always be posting on Thursdays since it's my fav linkup!!! So here we go... The last thing I...

 {  Bought - Clothes ...  }

{ Via Hautelook }

 I know I've raved about this dress so many times before, and just recently as well! I've been stalking the sample sites like crazy, so imagine my surprise when today I noticed that there was a Gypsy 05 sale on Hautelook! For some reason I had missed it and was lucky enough to have this beauty pop back out of someones cart into mine ; ) I cannot say enough about this dress! It's comfy and flattering and I could literally wear one every single day of the week if I had enough of them. Sadly they are a teensy bit $$ to buy them at full retail. So I wait for them to go on sale. The nice thing is that usually when one sample site has them, eventually the others follow suit. So I'm hoping to grab one more color over the next couple weeks!

{  Wanted to Buy - Accessories ... }

{ Via Etsy }

I know I've also mentioned a monogram necklace recently as well! I've been looking at one from Baublebar for some time, but just didn't want to pull the trigger on it. But today, I came across a pin of this fab post from Effortless Style! This gorgeous necklace is only $69 on an Etsy shop called Keti Sorely Designs! And it's also available in Rose Gold as well!!! Ahhh, be still my beating heart... This baby is def going on the Birthday wish list!!!

{  Cooked ...  }

{ Image Via }

 I LOVE Banana Soft-serve! I previously made it in my food processor and it was awesome!!! I loved the whipped texture and how creamy it was. But my poor food processor was taking quite a beating, so I decided to get the Yonana's machine a few weeks ago. We love it and use it all the time!!! My fav combo so far is 1-2 frozen bananas with frozen mango & cherries! SO good!!! And the best part? There really aren't that many calories in a pretty decent serving. Love it!!!

(  Watched & Loved ...  }

{ Via Bravo }

I've always been a fan of all the Real HW's! I've watched OC from the very first season. And I have to say, last season of NY was tough to watch with all the drama. I love reality shows and the drama, but sometimes it goes way overboard and when it monopolizes every single second of each show... it's a bit annoying. I was sad to see Kelly Bensimon go, but I really think the new ladies on RHONY have breathed a lot of life back into the show! I'm especially loving Carole Radziwill!

(  Read & Loved ...  }

{ Via }

 Ok, I'm not finished this book yet, but it's next on the to-read list. I just haven't had much time to get into it recently. I read the first in the series and while I wouldn't say it was a fav, it def held my interest enough that I want to keep up with the series. A Million Suns is the 2nd book in the trilogy. I'm hoping it's as good, if not better, than the first!!!

{  Obsessed Over ...  }

{ Via }

This is going to sound so cuckoo, but I've been totally obsessing over Winter staples lately. I know it's the middle of summer and it's sweltering outside!!! But I am just beyond picky over boots, coats, and other winter accessories... It takes me FOREEEVVVEEERRR to find what I like. I'm already looking and am really crossing my fingers that I'll find something good when the time comes!

{  Daydreamed About ...  }

{ Via }

 Just as we're renovating our kitchen, I'm daydreaming about our backyard. That is a last resort at the moment since we have way to many things that are higher on the priority list. But I still daydream about the yard I'd love to have someday whenever I sit outside. I envision a gazebo like this with fairy lights, gorgeous moroccan details and beautiful patterns. And fairy lights all over the yard of course =)

If you enjoy The Last Thing Thursday, make sure to stop over at The Life of a Wife!

Join in anytime!!!

 XOXO

Bachelorette Recap #9

Wow, I'm still kind of reeling from last nights show! I really enjoyed seeing the dates as I really like the 3 guys that are left. They were a tad boring for major "do I want to marry you?" dates, but ok just the same. I'll go through my thoughts on each guy...

{ Via Wetpaint from ABC }

 First up was my initial front-runner, Sean! I was so excited to see Sean & Emily on this date!! They just seem to fit so well together. But something seemed so off. I didn't want to say anything last week, since I have been on "Team Sean" since day one, but something seemed to shift last week and not in a good way. The hometown date looked like it went well. But there was a moment somewhere in there where something just didn't feel right. I mean, to be completely honest, there was never any huge chemistry between Sean & Emily, but.... I do think if given the chance, that would have developed eventually. I truly think she got spooked by his mention of being with a woman for 3 years that he wasn't in love with. I also don't think laying out that he wasn't as romantic or attentive as he should have been helped matters in the slightest! I still think Sean is an amazing guy and he will definitely make some lucky woman out there VERY happy!!! I could def see him as The Bachelor eventually too! That would be some great TV!!!

{ Via Wetpaint }

Next up... Jef with one F. Ok, let me preface this by saying that I really like Jef... as a person. He seems so laid back, really cool and fun to be around. I'm sure he will make a great Husband to someone out there! However... I really do not like Jef & Emily together at all. First of all, and I know this isn't really fair, but I can't get past the fact that he is older than her, but looks so much younger than her. I know that the guy can't help if has a babyface in his gene pool, but I'm just sayin! I also feel like whatever is going on between them is more of a brother-sister relationship with some forced flirtations thrown in. I honestly think Emily loves the idea of Jef so much, that she is making herself develop feelings that later on down the line will probably dissipate quite a bit once all the TV magic wears off.

{ Via Wetpaint }

And last, but certainly NOT least is Arie!!! I really liked Arie from the very beginning and really thought he was so cute. I wasn't too sure about him at first. I couldn't tell if he was for real or if all the charm was just too good to be true. But as each episode has gone by, he def seems to be the real deal!!! Something also shifted for me with Arie last night as well.. I realized that Emily & Arie are the perfect match. Sure, physical chemistry tops the list with them as a couple, but he seems to genuinely love being around her and they always have fun on their dates! There is just something about this man... He's just so swoonie, I don't understand how there could even be a tough decision at this point!

I also want to touch on the Fantasy Suite. I do think it was admirable of Emily to pass on staying the night in a sense. I mean, I'm a Mom of a young child... I get it. But... I also don't think it would have been a big deal just to spend time together when the cameras weren't rolling. How else can you make a major decision like potentially moving onto a real relationship with someone? I also felt really bad for Arie. Anyone who knows this show at all knows what goes on with the final 3 on a destination date. They know there's a fantasy suite. The poor guy.... He must have really been wondering what the heck was going on. He pushed her up against a wall for pete sake!!!

With the rose ceremony, even with my niggling feelings about Sean, I have to say I was pretty shocked. I'm still reeling a little actually. I think he was just as shocked when Jef got the first rose. Did you see his face?! I feel you Sean!!! Jef is a nice guy for sure, but I don't see it and it would be invisible if Sean & Arie were standing there!!! Crazy pants!!! So at this point it comes down to Jef & Arie. I'm curious to see what cat fights will ensue next week on the "Men Tell All". Should be quite interesting... and annoying. And then the finale. I'm pretty disappointed at this point because I have a feeling I know who she'll choose. In all the seasons of both Bachelor and Bachelorette, I have never been wrong about the final 2... EVER. So sad I was this time.

What were your thoughts on the show? Who do you think is the best match for Emily?


 XOXO

The Last Thing Thursday #5

Hi Lovelies! I hope everyone had a great holiday yesterday!!! Ours was very low-key, which was really really nice. Not that I don't love spending time with friends & family, but sometimes you just need to kick back and relax without all the running around. I spent the day lounging around on the deck, swimming, eating & reading magazines with my two fav guys. It was bliss!

I had to make sure I interrupted my lounging today to get on and do my fav weekly post - Last Things Thursday with Jenna over at The Life of the Wife! I feel like with the summer here, I've been semi-neglecting my blog, but I will def be posting at a minimum at least 3 times per week and I'll never miss Last Things! So here we go, The Last Thing I....

{  Wanted to Buy - Clothes...  }

I love Gypsy05's organic cotton maxi's! I have one in Plum and I live in it!!! It's so comfy, the fit is flattering and I get compliments on it all the time. The only thing is that they are NOT inexpensive! I was lucky enough to get mine from Hautelook a couple years ago. I'm DYING for them to have another sale so I can grab a few other colors! Yes, I said a few!! These dresses are such a hot commodity and you rarely find them for $40-$60. On my lust list - black, yellow & a tie-dye!

{  Wanted to Buy - Beauty...  }

 I never use any beauty products that contain chemicals of any kind. It might seem extreme to some, but I'm very funny about what I put on my skin. I'm kinda the same way with food as well, but not nearly as strict about it. I refuse to slather anything harmful on my face, but it's been quite a difficult road finding my go-to products! I love 100% Pure for my cleansers (mint white tea is amazing) and also facial mists and my all time fav - fruit pigmented cosmetics! Yes... eyeshadows, blushes and mascaras tinted with strawberries, cocoa, blueberries and more. This Mint White Tea set is on my list for the harsh summer months!!

{  Watched on TV & Loved...  }

  

Last week this new show called Final Witness started. I made sure to set it on the DVR since we have pretty much nothing to watch on Wednesday nights. O... M... G... This show is so good. It's very sad since it centers around crimes, but it kept me on the edge of my seat! I normally don't watch shows like this. Everything is usually reality based or teen shows or drama, aside from a little Walking Dead & True Blood thrown in the mix. But I'm really looking forward to the next episode on 7/11!

{  Read & Loved...  }

I just finished reading Monarch Beach the other night and I absolutely loved it! It's the first book I've read in a while that has kept my attention. It's not a super serious book and it does have a bit of fluff, but it's an excellent beach read!

{  Daydreamed About...  }

I still can't stop daydreaming about living by a beach. I tell my Husband almost every day how much I feel I need to move near a body of water. Preferably the ocean, but a lake would do. I just can't imagine waking up to the ocean every day. Hopefully some day!

{  Stressed Over...  }

 At almost 32 years old, I never would have thought I would have no clue what I want to do in life. I have loved every second of being a wife & mom. I wouldn't change being home with my son all these years for the world! But trying to figure out how to build a financial future for myself at this age has been a constant source of stress. I thought I figured it out for a while, but it turns out the school/career path I chose just wasn't the best option for me. There are so many things I love, but I just don't see them translating into a secure career. I do have something I'm researching right now, but I'll post it when I know a little more. I don't want to jinx it ; )

Make sure to stop by The life of the wife to join in!!!

 

  XOXO

Bachelorette Recap #8

{ Via Wetpaint }

I was so upset that I missed my recap last week! Luckily not too much went on, other than a teensy bit of Arie drama that was made out to be more than it was. Before I go on though, I just want to touch on that for a sec. What do you all think about it? I personally think Emily had every right to be peeved about it. 1) I think that Arie's relationship with Cassie was actually a little more than just a couple dates, from what I read, and 2) I can def understand how Emily would feel a little betrayed by not being told something like that. Was it a huge deal? No. It's not like Arie & Cassie were engaged or anything. But if it wasn't such a big deal, why not mention it? I do think it was built up and the whole thing was pretty much beat to death by the time they talked about it. Maybe as far as reactions go, it was a little overkill. But I do see her point. Anyway, last night was the hometown episode! My fav!!! Moving on. Since the dates with each guy were the entire episode, I'm going to go through one by one...

{ Via Wetpaint }

Chris -  From the very first show, Chris had a lot of fans. I was pretty mutual. I tried to really let myself really like him, but there was just something that held me back. He seems like a nice enough guy. But something just didn't click for me. But on Chris's hometown we got to see a completely different guy. He actually opened up and it was really nice to see. Now finally I can see what Emily sees in Chris. And after last nights date with his family, Chris will have no problem finding a nice girl to settle down with! I do think that he still has a tad more growing up to do as far as his temper goes, but who doesn't right? I know he thinks he's really mature for his age, but don't we all at 25! I know I thought the same and in comparison to how I am at my age now, I'm way more grounded. I just don't think Chris is ready for the Husband/Stepdad role just yet. And that's ok! He'll do fine at the next reunion =)

{ Via ABC }

Jef -  Jef, Jef, Jef... What can I say? I know I'm probably going to get a little heat for this, but I just don't see it. I know that Emily seems really into him and he really does seem like such a great guy. But I really don't see it AT ALL. And when I say "it", I mean "Jef + Emily". I can see why all the women watching the show are into Jef. He's got a cool vibe, he's very down to earth, has an awesome business and has a gorgeous family ranch with the happy family to match!!! He's shy in a sorta cute & quirky way and when he puts himself out there, it's in a big way. I actually think that Jef isn't as shy as he pretends he is. He's just really really smart. But them as a couple, no matter how hard I try... It just doesn't work for me. Am I the only one that feels that way?

{ Via ABC }

 Arie -  Ok, I need to get this out of the way... Arie in his racing suit.... Enough said. There's just something about this man. I don't know what it is. To look at him, or to think about just passing by him in an everyday environment, I don't know if I would be all "Omg, he's so hot", ok... maybe I might be... But there's just a vibe he gives off. I don't know if it's for real, if it's too good to be true, but it works for me! He's just a smooth guy. As far as his family goes, they weren't what I expected. They seemed pretty nice. Aside from the speaking Dutch in front of Emily. Wtf was that?! Def a date spoiler. I don't know if I would want to set myself up for a possible life of dealing with that and I'm sure Emily was thinking the same thing. I do think it was pretty stand up of Arie to put a stop to it. That seemed to diffuse the situation a bit. And after that when she spoke to Arie's Mom, she seemed sweet and I really liked his Dad! Arie will def be one of the final two!!

{ Via ABC }

Sean -  Wow... Where do I start? From Day 1, when they hardly even showed Sean, I just knew that he was "THE" guy. I don't know what it is, but I have a knack for these things. I don't know if it's from years of watching this show or just that I'm really good at reading people's signs and body language. I just knew this guy was it. And as soon as we got to see more of him, that pretty much sealed the deal. What doesn't this guy have?! He's gorgeous, takes good care of himself, he's down to earth, great with kids, has the sweetest family and is smart! I know there's WAY more to him than that even. He's the total swoon-worthy package!!! Almost too good to be true. Almost... Seriously... I like Arie and his smooth moves, but if Emily doesn't pick Sean... Well, all the single women in America and maybe even beyond will be VERY happy! But they really do seem perfect together, I can totally see it, so I hope she does!!! Sean, fingers crossed for you buddy!!!

And on an end note, how funny was that joke Sean & his family played on Emily?! She stayed so composed right?! LOL. You know she cringing into a little ball inside!!! When she saw his fake room you could just see the horror!!! That says a lot about her and I think it said a lot about her to his family. I really really do hope she picks Sean &  it works out! =) What were your thoughts on the show? Who is your fav guy??


XOXO

I'm Back!

{ source }

Happy Monday Lovelies! I'm back form my much needed break!! So sorry to leave you hanging last week. Neglecting my blog wasn't really part of the plan. I had initially planned on writing posts ahead of time, but it didn't really work out that way! Last week my Husband took time off work and it was so nice! During the summer my Grandparents come up form Florida and stay in their condo in Ventnor.

{ Atlantic City 1940's }

 They grew up in Atlantic City, so not only is it so nice to spend time with them, but it's really neat to know that the places we're going are places they might have gone when they were teenagers. Each street holds the possibility of memories for them and I can literally feel it in my bones. On one of our last visits I even got to see the gas station that my Great-Grandfather owned and the apartment that my Poppy once lived in.

We also went on a family movie date to see Brave (which was very cute!) and just spent time together since it's been so hot here there isn't much to do. My Husband has had work events on the weekends lately, so it was really really nice to just to have some quality time with him. It's so easy for everything to get so busy that the time just slips by!

So on the agenda for this week... I'll be watching The Bachelorette tonight and live tweeting throughout (@Christy1225 - look me up!). I find that the show is so much more fun reading everyone's tweets!!! And then tomorrow I'll be back for my recap! I was so upset I missed it last week, but not much went on, so it wasn't too big of a deal. Tonight should be good though! I'm excited!!! Until tomorrow ; )


XOXO