Cutest Clothes/Accessories on Amazon! (and under $50!)

  I've taken to Amazon for any ol' household need, kitchen gadget, random pantry item or beauty must-have for the last many years - but over the last year or so, I've really gotten into finding fashion pieces for great prices on the great site full of everything.  
This past weekend, I put to work my new camo top over leggings and sneakers. I love a good, comfy and uniquely patterned top that is long enough to wear over leggings - and I love the play on this camo one with the neutral nude color mixed in. And this is only $24!
I've rounded up a few more favorite fashion items from Amazon - and they're all under $50!!  

I have been on the hunt for a good leopard sweater and cardigan after donating in my current ones because I didn't like the fit (both had a tighter band at the bottom of the sweater, which caused them to bunch around the waist. Anyways, I came across this long cardi for under $30 and love the drape/cut!  Here is another option if you want a smaller leopard print.
One of my favorite pairs of jeans is under $35! These Levi Wedgie jeans come in distress, black and darker jean color and are super soft and comfortable.
This is a great winter into spring dress (comes in several colors) and I love the cut! Only $15, too, so it's a well-rated steal!
Felt fedora hats are fun all year around, and I especially love this one in burgundy for a bit of a pop, but not too loud.
I love this over-sized cozy turtleneck sweater in pink for a great option to wear into spring (comes in lots of other colors).
I'm always looking for a cozy top that is just long enough to cover my bum so I can wear it with leggings. I think this cowl neck sweater would look awesome over faux-leather Spanx!
I have these 90 Degree high waisted workout leggings - and love them! They are basic, no size pockets, but come in a TON of fun colors and only $25 (give or take pending size and color).  I don't have personal experience with these ones - but they are only $20 and do have a side leg pocket for your phone.
I love these neutral, yet unique loafers that are under $40! These would be cute for work or life.
This Free People-like top is less that $20, and I love the swing style cut! You always need a cute stripe shirt - and I find myself having to replace mine every couple of years because I wear them out so much. This one is only $14, and I love the swing cut.
You can shop all these finds right here:

Share any of your own great Amazon fashion finds in the comments below, I'd love to know!

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Weekend with Friends & 50 Shades!

 
The final DVD in the Fifty Shades trilogy is here! Fifty Shades Freed (Blu-ray combo pack + exclusive packaging + photo gallery inside) is available at Walmart, and you won't be disappointed. After snagging my copy last week, this weekend some girlfriends and I gathered to drool over Christian... and watch the story of Christian and Anna unfold. In this movie, we get to see the two get married and start their life as newlyweds. But of course it's never as simple as just that! No spoiler alerts here!
To get in the mood for the showing of Fifty Shades Freed Exclusive DVD, I picked up some relevant movie theater candy and wine. I love playing off of a theme, and this movie made it so easy and fun.
My movie premier snacks of choice:
Hot Tamales SweetTarts Hershey Kisses Tootsie Pops Strawberries Wine... and more wine
And no party with wine is complete without wine glass markers. These "pool boys" hanging from our glasses were just too perfect for the occasion. Mini-Christians. If you're looking for an excuse for a girls night, this exclusive DVD is available at Walmart now! And I'm already ready to watch it again, thinking I can get the hubs to watch it with me?? ;)

 This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #50ShadesatWMT  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

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Favorite Wears: Camo & Coffee Post- Daylight Savings

  Woof. Missing just one hour from this past weekend made for a brutal Monday.  Our whole family's sleep schedules were off, and I felt like I missed out on a half of a day vs. just one hour.  After peeling myself, then each of my kids out of bed yesterday morning, I downed coffee and succeeded through my day. Leaving work is when the payoff of the lost hour is realized. 
Light.
The light of Spring makes it all worth it. Leaving work in the daylight and more time to play outside after work/school makes us all feel a little better.  
I've been relying a bit more on my Olly Sleep vitamins at night to kick start my sleepiness an hour earlier than it technically feels like. I'm already a night owl, so skipping ahead an hour messes with me longer than in the Fall when we lose an hour. I could easily be up until 1:30am right now.
How was your one-hour shorter weekend? Do you have any tips for adjusting to the time change?
{Outfit Details: Top (similar in white), Camo Pants - old (similar or here, too.), Sneakers, Jacket, Tote}

Photos by the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Ladean Photography.  

She shoots portraits, engagements/weddings and lifestyle sessions all around Kansas City.  You can follow here on Facebook here and on Instagram here to see more of her work!

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Healthy Girlfriend Date: Pilates & Brunch

 

  It's always a good weekend when one of my very favorites comes to town!  My college friend and old roomie, Katie, lives in DC, but has family back here (Kansas City), so we make the most of our visits. She uses ClassPass, so we also get in workouts. It's great to have friends keep you accountable and make working out fun.  A year ago, she introduced me to Pilates on the Reformer.  It is especially amazing for your core and all the tiny muscles that support your posture (i.e. keep you looking tall and standing up straight). 
So, this last weekend, we hit up a class at Core Continuum in Westport (where Ruby Juicery is), and then walked over to Westport Cafe & Bar for brunch.  I even stuck to a healthier order (since I'm still watching what I eat!) and drank all the water. I love brunch/breakfast, because it's actually an easier meal to eat healthier at. After brunch, we walked back to my car in the sunshine, and I was thinking was a wonderful - and healthy - time we had!  I love when you can combine two important things - like working out and spending time with friends!
{Outfit Details: Grey Sweater Coat - old from ASOS (similar here and here), Camo T-shirt, Black Leggings, Pom-Pom Sneakers, Bucket Bags - Madewell (similar); Katie's Green Sneakers}

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Snow Tubing at Snow Creek!

 
After weeks of Liam and Nora asking if it was going to snow, we gave up on the weather Gods and headed to the land of artificially produced snow on the largest hill in the Kansas City area - Snow Creek.  This ski and tubing area is located about 50 minutes north of us, so after spending the morning chasing kids with extra socks and digging out snow gear (since we hadn't had to get any of it out this season yet....), we headed to the mountain hill.  We explained what we were going to go do like sledding - and we had a really fun sledding experience last winter to anchor it, too.  Liam wasn't really up for it, but was going along with us (mainly because he wasn't allowed to stay home alone), but Nora was so excited.
Once we got there, at first site of the snow mound, Liam perked up (as I knew he would). Nora still seemed excited, but was becoming increasingly more cautious... We picked out our tubes, and headed up the conveyor belt to the top. The first time we went down, we all went together holding on to each other's tube handles. I was facing backwards and could look right at Nora - about 2.5 seconds after we started going down the hill, Nora's complacent (like totally whatever) face turned to terror. I saw it happen in slow motion, it seemed.
And I probably should laugh, but for some reason it was hilarious. She wasn't like totally beside herself, or anything, I should clarify. ;) It was quick (and safe!), and when we got to the bottom she wasn't crying, but quickly said she was done. We asked her to try again, now that she'd know what to expect and told her she could use the big tube (which she originally wanted). She agreed - kind of. And up we went again.
Liam on the other hand, LOVED IT. Screeched with delight all the way down.  For our second round, Greg and Nora went down together, and Liam and I went down together afterward.  Nora was fine going down this time, but promptly at the bottom she declared she was done.  Greg and I took turns going up and down with Liam for the next hour and a half.  He never wanted to go by himself, so I got to hear his laughs the whole time. It was fun! :)  
Yesterday, my mom was asking Liam and Nora bout tubing. Liam was saying how much he loved it and how fast he went! Nora said that she "only went twice because she likes to go slowly." I guess now I know. haha... She cracks me up.  Overall, we had a great time - and the kids got pizza afterward, so Nora was happy.
You can see a quick video from our adventure here!

{P.S. Nora's snowsuit was mine when I was a toddler!  It's getting to short for now, so we'll have to save it for the next generation after this season.  Both Liam and Nora's animal hats are from a pop up shop in NYC}

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The Generous Pour Event Not to Miss!

Last weekend, a couple girlfriends and I met up for an impromptu happy hour that quickly turned into a girls night out!  Thanks to my husband for being flexible and on dad duty that night. It was just what I needed to make me remember what it was like to be young and spontaneous again. ;)  And then super tired the next day, haha (I'm old).
The Capital Grille on the Country Club Plaza invited us to experience their Generous Pour event happening now through September, 4th.  This is an event not to be missed, guys - it's such an awesome deal. Only $28 with purchase of dinner, and if you don't like a wine - they'll take it off your ticket, but they'll also help guide you through the selection to suit your palate.  
The Generous Pour is a wine tasting event and the theme of this year is "Rebels, Rule Breakers & Game Changers."  They have 7 different wines that are all unique to Capital Grille - 3 whites and 4 reds. They've chosen wines that live up to this year's theme, but also can be paired with your dining experience (meal, appetizer and/or dessert choices), and offer something for everyone (even if you are not typically a wine drinker).

We started out with crisp white wines - which I'm partial to in the summertime.  My favorite was probably the Provenance Sauvignon Blanc (bottle shown above), which has an interesting story!  The wine makers actually gambled when planting the sauvignon blanc grapes, and did so in region known for making red wine in Rutherford, CA.  The gamble paid off, and this wine is clean and citrusy (and I now instantly wish I was sipping on a glass while typing this).

We started the evening with Capital Grille's Tuna Tartare, which is a glorious tower of tuna stacked over delicious and fresh avocado, mango and Sriracha!  My favorite (and from what I hear around town, everybody's favorite) Cap Grille bartender (but they're all good!), Jenny, helped match up the perfect wine from the event with this dish.  We sipped a Chardonnay and the pairing was, of course, spot on.

But, on the off-chance you just REALLY don't like wine, or not feeling it on the particular day of your visit, not to worry, because Capital Grille has some of the best cocktails, bartenders and options of any restaurant in Kansas City. I'm never disappointed.  And their food, well that just speaks for itself.  Best in class I tell ya.  And now I'm starving... 

You guys have got to get there before this event is over!

Thanks for having me to taste, sip and chat all about wonderful food and unique wines, Capital Grille!  We had a great girls night enjoying it all and can't wait to come back.

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