I am rounding up some great deals today above - with everything under $50. And, in my list below - some great deals up to 50% off that are part of the Nordstrom sale.
Paperbag shorts... and pants, skirts, jeans, etc. seem to be the "IT" trend right now. And, I have yet to try them. I found these striped paperbag shorts that are under $25. I thought it was great to see them styled two different ways. The outfit on the left is a little more dressy with the polka dot blouse, and the look on the right is more casual. I would probably wear the outfit on the right because I tend to be more casual - and I pretty much live in tanks during the summer (when I am not at work). Tanks and jeans (or shorts) is my "style uniform".
I am sharing some spring essentials that are all under $75. How about the pink espadrilles or the shell necklace. I love to dress up my looks with a necklace - it always makes me feel more stylish when wearing a simple tee or sweater.
Also, in case you missed it, yesterday I shared four ways to add a "pop of pink" to you living space - from a subtle hint of pink to a splash of pink for the entire room.
I spent part of my weekend searching Pinterest for ideas of how to decorate a bookshelf and a bar cart. In looking for some inspiration, I came across these fun pink decorated rooms. Some of them have a bold splash of pink throughout the room, like the first room, and some more subtle pink accents like the last picture. Pink mixes so well with so many design elements. You can mix it with brass, black, and even leopard. Pink is not a color I would typically use in my home decor - but I love the look of these styled rooms. And, I love the idea of a splash of pink - even if it is just a book.
Looking for a cute summer outfit - I put together the look above with pieces that are all under $25. If you were to buy the entire look it would only cost you $76! MY DAILY FINDS & DEALS
This outfit is a casual chic look. And, it has a bit of a retro feel to me because I remember wearing Tretorn sneakers when I was a kid. And, now they are back again. The utility vest is a great layering piece - and it also comes in a classic navy and camo print.
Also, I would like to say a thank you to Rachel Parcell. She launched her second collection at Nordstrom yesterday, and I shared a couple pieces on Instagram - and she personally liked my photos and commented. (And, her husband did, too!) For someone with a million followers - it really speaks to the person she is. Of all the big bloggers, I truly believe she does this out of a lot of enjoyment. Yes, she makes money at it- but her main goal has never seemed like making money - but rather sharing her personal style with us and doing something she truly loves! I commend her and thank her for that.
Rachel Parcell is back with her next round of new dresses at Nordstrom - in several red, white and blue options - for the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. She brought back her signature "Everyday Dress" - that is a wardrobe staple for many. The April debut sold out quickly - so I would imagine these will all go fast, too. If you like any of them - I would definitely recommend buying them now (and possibly in multiple sizes).
If I could build any house - I would probably build one that looked like a lodge - just like this. And, if you love those cow hide ottomans - I found an ottoman just like it for only $155.
I found this recipe and it sounds so good. I love tahini, garlic and basil. Plus, it is healthy!
After my disastrous hair cut a few weeks ago, which you can read about here, I have been focused on helping my hair grow faster and healthier. A few years ago, my hair was very damaged on the ends and was not growing, so I experimented with different ways to make it healthier and grow faster. The changes I made were noticeable and I went over a year without getting my hair cut - and my hair was the healthiest it had been in years. So, here are the things I did...
1. Wash Hair Less
I used to be someone that washed my hair every day, and on most days, two times a day. I cut back washing my hair to every other day, and sometimes every third day.
2. Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner
I invested in this shampoo and conditioner. It "deep cleans and stimulates the scalp to nourish and rejuvenate the hair follicles". I can honestly say it really did what it said. I only use it once a week. And, sometimes I only use it every other week. But, it has really helped. I follow the directions to leave it on - and allow it to work. So, allow extra time to wash your hair when you use it. I should mention that this shampoo/conditioner does not have any pretty perfume smells, but it works.
3. Coconut Oil
When I was really struggling with split ends, I used coconut oil on my hair. Once a week, I would put coconut oil on the ends of my hair (where the split ends were). I would leave it on for an hour, and then wash it out.
4. Less Heat
I stopped using my flat iron, and started to round brush my hair dry instead. I think this made a big difference. Between less heat damage, and the distribution of oils by brushing my hair - it was a game changer. One thing, heat even from the hair dryer can cause damage, so I always use a heat protectant. This one is my favorite. It smells like the beach.
5. Length Strengthening Shampoo & Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner is new to my routine, and so far I love it! The smell is amazing and it stays with my hair all day and even to the next day. Plus, it leaves my hair silky smooth! It is a bit of an investment, but as I mentioned earlier, I only use it once a week, so it will last a long time. I should mention that I rotate shampoo/conditioners. I use a different one each time I wash my hair. I rotate through about four different shampoo/conditioners - something that I also think has made a difference.
Now, on to some great deals and most popular items of the week...
As I mentioned, today I am sharing more about myself and answering some questions from my friend, Gina.
Also, after my Q & A, I am sharing a great daily round up of finds and deals - so don't miss that at the end of the post! 1. What's one thing (or more) you wish you understood sooner about blogging?
A few things I wish I knew sooner...
1. The importance of outfit photos and showing the clothes in real life. I love putting together the outfit collages; however, I have realized that seeing the clothes in real life is very helpful and engaging.
2. I wish I had invested more time in Instagram when I first started. Instagram was new and the algorithm was a lot more favorable for growth.
3. Lastly, the importance of collaborations. At first, I did not engage much with others. I am so thankful over the last few years, I have started to collaborate with others.
2. What has been your best strategy for getting traffic to your blog?
For me, Google and Pinterest have been the biggest traffic channels. One of my pins last year went "viral" - and it drove a huge amount of traffic to my blog. It really helped to grow my blog.
3. Unsolicited Advice: Give some unsolicited advice to the blogging community/bloggers in general. e.g. if there's a mistake you see a lot of people making or a tip you think people ought to know (but apparently don't), share it!
It kind of depends on the blog. I might notice something that I would do differently - but then I am reminded that we are all our own person with our own style. Along those lines, I would say that in blogging it is easy to get wrapped up in comparison - and loose our "uniqueness". If anything, I would say - be true to what you like and your style.
4. Share a favorite blogging memory. Whether it's a favorite post or collaboration/sponsorship or real life meet up that resulted from blogging.
I cannot think of just one. A few things that stand out would be - when I got my first commission (someone actually bought something I recommended - I was so thrilled!). I still get excited when someone buys something I recommend (and trust me - I am not rolling in the big bucks - so I notice a sale!). Another would be having a "viral" pin on Pinterest. It was so fun to see my Google Analytics spike with so much traffic. Something that means a lot is when a fellow blogger features something of mine on their blog! And, lastly would be the people I have met. I have enjoyed getting to know "new friends".
5. Non-blogging bonus question: What are some of your favorite, most-used phone apps (besides social media!)
I have my logistical apps - what is the weather going to be - Weather and Weather Underground - and my traffic app - Waze.
My "verse of the day" on the Bible app.
And, what is that song - on Shazam.
Also, I use the Podcasts app to listen to my favorite podcasts, Joyce Meyer and InTouch by Charles Stanley.
Those items above are all under $30! They could be worn together for a summer vacation outfit - or worn as separates. That palm print dress is only $25 - and also comes in other prints and colors. And, how about those khaki green suede sandals for only $25!
