New Peepers...

"Boys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses."
Had to get new eyeglasses. My perscription really changed. The biggest decision for me was should I go hipster geek or sexy librarian? I really wanted a vintage pair of cateye frames. There is a lot of hype about Warby Parker frames. However, they couldn't fill my perscription. Let's just say, I know no longer have single vision. Anyway, I'm pleased with what I selected and most importantly...I can see!! So what do you think, hipster geek or sexy librarian??

Currently Craving...

Rustic Boots.
It's been 100 degrees and holding steady in North Carolina but I'm craving a great pair of rustic boots. Autumn is my favorite season. Brisk, cool sweater weather. Below are a few rustic boots that I would love to get in my closet.

Source: freepeople.com via Aku on Pinterest

Source: refinery29.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Leah on Pinterest

All images via Pinterest.

Stock Up Sale...

Happy Wednesday! There are 6 days left to take advantage of my Christmas in July sale. All jewels in my etsy boutique are 20% off. Just enter coupon code HOLIDAY20 at checkout. Stock up on jewelry to give as gifts or keep for yourself. Go here to shop the sale. Below are a few items that are available.

Colorful African seed bead hoops

Turquoise enamel cross with copper chain. Perfect layering piece.

Love these copper butterfly earrings. My favorite pair that is in my Summer collection.

Chunky iron chain with Agate slice pendant. Toughen up a flowy summer maxi dress.

Orange and gold. Wear this for a pop of color.

Why Knot...

The top knot bun is my favorite hairstyle right now. It's so feminine. I love a messy, not perfect bun. What is your favorite summertime hairstyle? Below are pics via Pinterest of a great top knot bun.

Gorgeous neat top knot. Love the hair accessory.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Shay on Pinterest

Messy bun. So cute.

Source: ehow.com via Jessica on Pinterest

I love this whole look.

Source: 26.media.tumblr.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

Love the braid in the back.

Source: w-a-ve.tumblr.com via Camille on Pinterest

DIY Denim Cutoffs...

I have been noticing a lot of cute denim shorts lately. This weekend I decided to make my own. I'm not really a shorts wearing person because I'm not a big fan of my thighs. Plus my daughter thinks women over a certain age should only wear shorts that are right above or right at the knee. What are your thoughts about shorts for women over 30, 40, 50? I think you should have fun with fashion, but there are limits. If you have great toned legs, go for it! I got this DIY from the Glamourai.

Get a pair of jeans with a looser fit than you normally wear. I got these Levi's from the thrift store for $3!

Cut the leg off about 3 inches from the inseam. Cut on a slant.

Fold the jeans over and use the cut leg as a pattern. Cut off the second leg.

Cut an inch slit on the front outer seam.

From the top of the slit, cut at an angle towards the inseam as shown above.

Repeat on other side. Make sure the pockets peek a boo in the front.

Run the cutoffs thru a wash and dry cycle to give them a frayed/distressed look. You are done! I will post in a later blog how I rocked mine!

July Birchbox...

I recently received my third Birchbox. This one is the best. I was slightly disappointed with the previous two sample boxes. This box contained several products I will definitely use. This month Birchbox partnered with Glamour magazine to create samples that will stimulate the 5 senses.

Always a lovely presentation.

1. Minteas (Tea infused mints). These are tasty. I love the tin and the mints are leaf shaped.

2. Hello by Harvey Prince perfume sample. I also like this. A light citrusy scent, perfect for summer.

3. Supergoop City Sunscreen SPF 30. I'm pretty good with using sunscreen. I don't believe in "Black don't crack." This went on nicely without leaving a white residue.

4. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner. I haven't tried this yet, but I will. I'm a lipgloss, eyeliner, mascara Out the Door type of girl. This is perfect for my minimal makeup self.

5. Pink and Blue Eyebuds. LOVE these! Have them in my ears as I type this blog post. Told my kids, "Paws off!" When they destroy their earplugs, they take mine and destroy them too.

6. Alterna Bamboo Color Protection gloss. Haven't tried this. I'm selective on my hair products. May try a little bit since I do have color to cover those pesky gray hairs.

White tee and Afternoon Tea...

My daughter and I used our Living Social deal yesterday for an afternoon tea at The Secret Tearoom which is located in Greensboro. Engaged in a good mom/daughter conversation while drinking mountain huckleberry tea and snacking on scones and finger sandwiches. Below are a few pics of what I wore as well as pics taken at the Tearoom. Too much information note: When I first put the white tee on, it showed major "headlights." Problem solver: Extreme Silicone Breast Petals. Got them at Target several months ago.
Photos by Blake Sydney Bourne.



Old Navy chevron skirt and basic white tee. Spike earrings by Sydney Austin Designs.

Wrist candy TJ Maxx and another vendor whom I have forgotten.

Tea time. Mountain huckleberry.

Oh hey.

Summer Soiree...

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. My girlfriend, Lydia, had a summer soiree (definition) women over 40 who get together and drink wine, laugh, dance in the middle of the living room, and answer personal Truth or Dare type questions. It was a blast! What happens at the Soiree, stays at the Soiree.  Below are pictures that I can share.

I love to take pictures of food. Especially a pretty presentation. Yummy berries and grapes.

An assortment of wine glasses on a leopard print tray (TJ Maxx). I love the hodgepodge of wine glasses. That way you can tell which one is your glass.

Cake cake cake cake... UV Vodka cake with pineapple juice in a gorgeous martini glass. Delish.

The hostess with the mostess, Lydia. She loves to entertain and throws the best parties!

Sparklers to end the night.

Pick 4...

Four random things that make me smile. I hope everyone has a good weekend. I'm going to my girlfriend's summer soiree, stopping by a local thrift store, get a little reading in (50 Shades of Grey), and perhaps take the teenagers to the movies, that is if they still want to hang out with mom. What are your plans?

Minteas in ginger pear. Cute leaf shaped mints in a cool tin.

Monogrammed notecards in pink and green.

Vibram five finger shoes. Scored these in Duck, NC for 60% off.

One of my favorite shots I took of the wild horses in Corolla, NC.

Vacation Pics

Last week we took a family vacation to Corolla, NC which is located in the Outer Banks. It was all a vacation should be: relaxing, fun, and memorable.  Below are a few pics taken with my camera phone.


I love collecting seashells while strolling up and down the beach.



Time alone in the hot tub. Heaven!



Relaxing outside. Drinking Blackberry cobbler coffee (Target brand Limited edition) and painting my nails.

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Tried something new! Went kayaking with my husband. We had a very patient tour guide




Wild horses on the beach.