Rock the Vote...

Rock the Vote. I'm not talking about the Presidential election that is quickly approaching. I'm referring to the Circle of Moms Top 25 Mompreneurs contest that I have entered into. This contest is to promote and recognize the work of moms who blog, in particular entrepreneurial mom bloggers who have taken the risk to achieve their goals.

If I am among the top 25 Mompreneurs, Circle of Moms will feature an article about me on their blog that will reach several million of their readers. This will be a great opportunity for exposure for Sydney Austin Designs.  Currently, my blog is ranked #44. Will you vote for me? You can vote once every 24 hours. Voting ends September 6, 2012 at 4pm PST.  To vote please click on the Circle of Moms badge that is posted on the right side of my blog.  You will have to scroll down and find my blog, then click vote.  Thanks in advance for Rocking the Vote!

For more information go here.

Image from Pinterest.

Decked Out...

Happy Thursday! I'm looking forward to a great weekend that consists of sitting on my deck, munching on my favorite snack of  tortilla chips and homemade guacamole, drinking a frozen margarita, reading my September magazines (the best month for magazines!!) and perhaps trying to finish "50 Shades of Grey." I'm having a tough time getting thru this book. Is anyone else?
I love sitting outdoors, even when it's chilly. The only thing that chases me inside are the flies. Check out these amazing decks below!

Heck yeah I would shower outdoors on my deck, with privacy.

 

Source: bobvila.com via RB on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cozy with a great view.

Source: moth-design.blogspot.com via Dia on Pinterest

A really cool Bohemian deck. Love all the different pillows.

Source: bhg.com via Robyn on Pinterest

All images are from Pinterest.

SAD Gram...

Happy Monday! Got my kids off this morning for their first day of school. School buses arrived on schedule and for Guilford County that's awesome. I have one going into her Sophomore year in High school and another entering his last year of Middle school (sniff sniff). Below are a few Instagram pics from last week that I want to share. Instagram: sydneyaustindesigns



Picked up these mini composition books for me while school supply shopping for the kids. Great to keep in my purse. Inspiration can hit me anyway. Plus I forget a lot. Helps when I write stuff down.

My mid afternoon snack. Greek yogurt with a dollop of peanut butter and some almond slices.

Waiting in my car.

Went out to celebrate husband's birthday. Love things that sparkle. Crystal encrusted shoulder straps and chevron rhinestone dagger earrings.

Husband's birthday dessert. Ice cream wedged in between pastry puffs.

First Day of School Outfit...

School starts tomorrow for my kids. Yippee! I'm ready for them to get back into a routine. My daughter had her First Day of School outfit planned a week ago. Below is a set I created on Polyvore. If I were going off to college, this is what I would wear. Not too flashy but still stylish and comfortable to wear around campus.

Shoes: Converse they go with everything. I love mine! 
Jewelry: simple hoops and a great menswear watch
Jacket: Evenings are getting cool here in NC! Can't wait to wear my husband's vintage camo Army jacket.
Jeans: distressed boyfriend jeans
Shirt: White tee
Schoolbag: I carried a messenger bag when I was in college. I prefer them over a backpack.

What is your kid's first day of school outfit? or What would you wear on the first day of school?

First Day of School Outfit by sydneyaustindesigns featuring star shoes

Hollister Co vintage style t shirt
hollisterco.com

Military style jacket
topshop.com

Ksubi ripped boyfriend jeans
$290 - generalpants.com.au

Converse star shoes
$62 - blueberries-online.com

Canvas bag
vip.zappos.com

Diesel water resistant watch
buckle.com

Dinny Hall studded hoop earrings
$180 - johnlewis.com

Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color...

I received Sally Hansen's Magnetic Nail Color in Ionic Indigo complimentary to test through Influenster's Summer Voxbox program. For more information about Influenster go here. Below you will find product information,  pictures of my nails after using the Magnetic nail color as well as my review of the product.

Product Information:

NEW! Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color is summer’s hottest nail trend that allows you to create a gorgeous 3-D nail art effect in just seconds. This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles – just hold the built-in magnet over wet polish to reveal a unique design on the nail. Seal with a topcoat for extra shine! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com

Directions:

Easy steps
STEP 1
Shake and Apply 2 coats
STEP 2
Hold Magnet for 10 seconds over wet nail polish
Instant Attraction!
Let dry and seal with a top coat for extra shine

Where to Buy:

Product retails for $9.99 and can be found at chain drug stores and mass grocery/merchandisers.

My Personal Review:

Pros: I really liked how my nails looked after using the Magnetic Nail color. The indigo blue was beautiful. If you follow the directions carefully, you will get beautiful results. Directions were simple and clear to follow. I would buy this nail color if it were on sale and wear it for a fun evening out on the town.

Cons: Very strong smell. Use in a well ventilated area. Be careful when using the magnet. You will touch your nails and smear them if you hold magnet too close to nails. This nail color chips easily. After 2 days my nails looked horrible. Nail color is too pricey to chip so easily. I would not pay full price for this product.

The Outcome



August Birchbox Review...

I received my August Birchbox. Although I didn't enjoy it as much as I did July's Birchbox, I still received some cool beauty products. This month's theme is Beauty School. Birchbox will donate 15% of proceeds from August sales made on their website to Pencils of Promise. Pencils of Promise creates schools and educational programs in Central America. Check out what I received in my box.

Beauty School booklet filled with great beauty tips.

1. Showstoppers Double Stick Tape- Can't wait to try this. Close shirt gaps, conceal a bra strap, and fix a revealing dress.
2. DDF Brightening Cleanser- I tried this. It was ok, but not great that I would switch from Origins Checks/Balances Facial cleanser.
3. Stila Stay all day beauty balm, foundation, and concealer- haven't tried, but will definitely try the concealer.
4. Viva la Juicy La Fleur by Juicy Couture perfume - Loved the scent, very feminine. However, didn't stay with me all day.
5. Schick Hydro silk Razor - I can always use a new razor. This razor moisturizes skin while you shave, plus it came with coupons.
 

SAD Gram...

Happy Thursday! Sharing my Instagram pics from the past week (@sydneyaustindesigns).

While the kids were away at Grandma's house in Maryland, I enjoyed a margarita with chips & guac on my deck.
Gotta love having parents that live out of state.

Beads I scored at a recent bead show.

My new fave lipgloss. Orgasm by NARS. Nothing like a nude lip.

Back to Bikram. I so love it!

Weekend Target find. New yoga gear. Love the neon yellow trim. Gotta look cute when you are sweaty.

Closet Envy...

My closet is out of control. It's bursting at the seams. It takes me forever to get an outfit together or to find something that I just know isn't in the cleaners or in the laundry room. To top it all off, I have to share a closet with my husband. Eek!

 I think every girl would love to have a closet like Carrie from Sex in the City. Since that is not happening for me anytime soon, I have to organize and create space. I'm not good at the "If you haven't worn it in a year, toss it" Oprah saying. I think about all of the stuff I have sold on eBay years ago that I would kill to have now. A pair of Justine cowboy boots I got while in college. My first Coach bag... SOLD to the highest bidder! So I'm a little reluctant to toss my stuff.

Last weekend I made my first step towards organizing. I bought a  box of  35 space saving black hangers at Costco for $8.  Do you have any great closet organization tips? Let's hear it. In the meantime, check out these great closets that would make any gal have Closet Envy.

Love the ottoman and floor length mirror.

Source: bdghostriderz.com via Lynaé on Pinterest

Lots of bright light. Would definitely take a nap on the chaise lounge. Love that stuff is eye level. No need for a ladder.

Source: peaceloveandrunways.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Girls Night Out in my closet! Let's sip on wine while I try on stuff!

Source: traditionalhome.com via Lisa on Pinterest

All images via Pinterest.

Currently Craving...

Hair scarves.
I'm in need of a visit to my beautician so she can color my roots. In the meantime, silky colorful hair scarves are in order. Worn lots of different ways, scarves are a great hair accessory. Happy Thursday!

Source: Uploaded by user via Charlotte on Pinterest

Images via Pinterest.

My Summer Beauty Essentials...

My Summer Beauty Essentials by sydneyaustindesigns featuring zoya nail polish

My summer beauty essentials. Shimmering body lotion for evenings out. Black mascara by Dior. Michael Kors leg shine with a subtle tuberose scent. Facial cleanser by Origins. Nude nail polish in Cho by Zoya. Luminous bronzer by Beauty Rush Victoria Secret. Neutrogena sunscreen in SPF 30.