Ten Ideas For Adult Snow Days...

 Hey All! I woke up to 6 inches of snow here in North Carolina. No school again for my kids. This is like the 6th day in 2 weeks that they have been out due to inclement weather. Oh joy!!  I took the above picture this morning of our oak tree. Winter photos are simply gorgeous!

There are lots of posts out there about what to do when the kids are out of school for snow. What about adult snow days? We get bored too.  Below are some ideas us grown-ups can do to fight cabin fever on a snow day.

1. Host a Wine Tasting - I'm sure you have some munchies that you picked up while buying toilet paper for the storm. Call your neighbors and tell them to come over with a bottle of wine. Lay out your munchies and some glasses. Sample each other's wine. Talk about what will pair well with a particular wine, hand out a cheesy prize for the best wine. Perhaps you will discover a new favorite.

2. Plan Your Next Vacation - I've been getting lots of  emails lately from various vacation rental properties. What a better way to get rid of the winter blues than to plan your next getaway.

3. Spring Cleaning - I know I know. Who wants to clean on a snow day?? Get organized now. Don't wait until Spring to do your "Spring" cleaning. Every week I'm getting a flyer or a call from some charity who wants to come and pick up my used clothing or small household item. My response "come and get it!"

4. Go For a Winter Walk - The snow covered trees are so beautiful. The cold crisp air is wonderful. Go for a walk. Lace up your Sportos and go. Great exercise. Don't forget your Fitbit and camera.

5. Read - Wrap up in your favorite throw, get your hot beverage and sink your teeth into a good book. I just received Oprah's latest book club pick, Ruby by Cynthia Bond, in the mail. I can't wait to start reading.

6. Online Shopping - Now if you've given up excessive spending for Lent, then skip over this. Go to number 7. There are some awesome deals on the net. Everyone is having a sale. A good one that is going on now is Kate Spade Saturday. Everything is 40% off. Thank goodness the cute sweatshirt with the side zippers is SOLD OUT in my size. Ha! My wallet thanks me. Also, don't forget about the small business owners. I'm all about supporting small biz. Lots of etsy sellers are having sales.

7. Call Your BFF over - Everyone has one girlfriend that either owns an SUV or is from the North and swears she can drive through any amount of snow (raises hand high). Call her and tell her to come over with her favorite adult beverage and the two of you catch up on all the episodes of Scandal and How Get Away With Murder that is on your DVR.

8. Line Dancing - You know it's coming. All of the wedding and graduation party invites. Don't be the only one at your table not getting up because you have not idea how to wobble. Go to YouTube and learn.

9. DIY projects - Finish those Darby Smart projects that you received in the mail. Or do your own DIY project. My fave is distressed jeans DIY. Super fun and easy. Have no clue how to ruin a pair of jeans, go to Pinterest.

10. Good Deed - Have an elderly neighbor? Go shovel her pavement and driveway. It's great cardio and your arms will thank you this summer.

How do you combat boredom on a snow day?

March Beauty Product Faves...

Hello my name is Robyn and I'm a beauty product junkie.  I'm sharing what my favorite beauty products that I purchased, received, or used for the month of March. Check them out below.


 

Starting at the top going clockwise.

1. Mally waterproof eyeliner in Sailor. A beautiful navy blue eyeliner that I received in a Birchbox. I wear it daily. The navy makes my eyes pop and it's a great change from all the years I wore black eyeliner.

2. Benefit ultra plush lipgloss in Sugarbomb. I love shimmer. This lipgloss is a pretty gold pinkish shimmer. My go to everyday, casual lipgloss. I also received this in a Birchbox. It's not sticky or doesn't leave a gross residue on your lips. Plus the small size is great for sticking in your pocket.

3. Shea Moisture African black soap Purification Masque. I'm biased when it comes to Shea Moisture products. I love Shea Moisture! As a natural curly hair girl, I have tried a TON of hair products! Hands down Shea Moisture is my top choice. I bought this masque when Target had a Bogo promo on Shea Moisture products about a month ago. This was my first time trying their African black soap line. This masque is awesome and it smells yummy!  My hair is super dry so it craves moisture. My curls pop after using this product.

4. Maybelline Clean express makeup remover. A recent purchase from Ulta. My daughter has totally taken over this makeup remover. I was looking for a gentle eye makeup remover that was a little cheaper than the eye makeup remover I purchased from Sephora. This is a great alternative! Love it.

5. NYX roll on shimmer in Nude. Remember I told you I loved shimmer. Right? Another recent purchase from Ulta that was on sale and I used a coupon! Winning! I went to Ulta looking for a fun eye makeup. I found this NYX roll on. It was a toss up between Nude and Green. My daughter was with me and she quickly shot down the green roll on shimmer. Darn! Teenagers do not want you to have any fun!

6. Tarte lipstick in Fierce. I've had this lipstick for awhile. It's a gorgeous red. I feel so Old Hollywood when I wear it. My son says I look like my mother, so I took that as a compliment.

7. Gena Pedicure foot treatment cream. Ladies sandal season is quickly approaching. You totally need this foot cream in your life. It's rich and thick with a cool minty scent. I love it. This was a sample in my Birchbox. I will purchase this from Birchbox once my sample is depleted.

8. Essie Nail Polish in First Timer. I switch my nail polish constantly. This is my latest fave. It's the prettiest mint green. So awesome for Spring. I purchased this from Ulta. Gosh I love that store!

**Please note I am employed by nor endorsing any of these products. This is just my personal opinion of some of my favorite beauty things. **

Nude or Neutral...

Hey All! I have a serious case of Spring Fever! I'm ready for open toe season. I'm currently craving a pair of nude sandals for the summer. My two faves out of the bunch below are the Lamb black and neutral high heeled sandals and the Chinese Laundry studded sandals. What is on your Summer wish list?

Nude or Neutral by sydneyaustindesigns featuring strappy sandals

Giuseppe Zanotti platform sandals / L.A.M.B. l a m b shoes / Dolce Vita strappy sandals / Vince wedge shoes / Chinese laundry shoes / Joie flat shoes / Topshop black sandals / Loeffler Randall flat shoes / Sperry Top-Sider flat shoes

My Workspace...

Below is a picture of yesterday's workspace. I was surrounded by all of these gorgeous baubles and beads you would think that I knocked out lots of pieces of jewelry, right? Wrong! Most of the day I just stared at my supplies, walked to the fridge, came back and stared some more at my gemstones, took the dog out, returned to my table and, yeah you got it. I'm suffering from a "designer's block."  I put together several designs all to just take them apart again. I flipped through Tumblr to get some inspiration. Read a few blogs and then my Aha Moment came! That's it!  I know exactly what I'm going to make. So I made it and sent a picture to my girlfriend, who replied "Hmm, maybe I need to see it in person." Translation: she doesn't like it.  But I love it and I will show you all a picture in tomorrow's post!

How do you get inspired? Where does your inspiration come from?


 

Whole Foods Challenge...

Hey Folks! Last week I purchased a Whole Foods Groupon.  Pay $5 and  get a $10 Digital Whole Foods gift card. I love Whole Foods, so I hopped on it thinking "oh great I can get 2 avocados and a grape for $10!" Ha!

 I put myself on a challenge. I will only spend the amount of the Groupon.  I want to see how much I can buy for $10 at Whole Foods. Take a look at what I purchased. My total amount was $10.51.

1. 4 Bananas - more than 4 and they will rot in my house. I'm the only one who eats them.
2. Pretzels - I discovered these organic pretzels while I was on the Daniel Fast. They don't contain yeast.
3. Quinoa - love this with black beans
4. 1 bunch of kale - Lacinato kale a.k.a. Dinosaur kale. I am on a serious kale kick. Check out the salad I make with it below.
5. 1 large lemon - Lemons are a staple for me. I use it to make my dressing, add to my water, etc.
6. Celestial Herbal Tea - I rather have tea than coffee. My favorite brand is Tazo. However, buying Tazo would have put me over my budget.

Grand total: $10.51. What would you get at Whole Foods for $10?

This is the kale salad I make using dinosaur kale. It's so yummy! My sister in law turned me onto kale salad several months ago. Never thought I would eat raw kale! It's super easy to make. Combine extra virgin olive oil, juice from 1 lemon, red pepper flakes, and  1 clove of garlic minced. Pour over kale and toss. Top with Parmesan cheese. Let the kale rest so the dressing has a chance to marinate. I make my salad the night before, refrigerate it, and have it for lunch the next day. It's so good! Enjoy!

Strands...

Today was the last day of the GTS bead show that was held in Greensboro. GTS comes to the area about 4 times a year and I always go on the last day. You get the best deals!  I'm like a kid in the candy store when it comes to shopping for gemstones. It's my retail therapy. Here are some of the hip jewels I purchased today. Fell in love with the yellow jade strands. I went to the show for the sole purpose to buy ONLY turquoise. It's the perfect summer gemstone. As you can see, I purchased more than just turquoise.  Can't wait to start creating! 

Kyanite, lapis, turquoise, jade, agate, and hematite

June Glossybox Review...

Hello All! I just received the June Glossybox and let me tell you it is fabulous! June's box was curated by illustrator and blogger Dallas Shaw. I have followed Dallas' blog for about a year now so I was super excited when she announced that she will be selecting her personal favorite beauty products for the June Glossybox. Check out what I received in my box.

Cute box cover designed illustrated by Dallas Shaw

Always a beautiful presentation.

•  Tarte Complexion Enhancing Lipstick: I like this. Nude lippy with a hint of color.
• Oscar de la Renta Fragrance Samples (inside satin bag): Six samples inside. Most have a sweet floral island scent.
• SpaRitual Nail Polish: Color I received is Spirit Child Shimmer. Its so pretty! Mix of red, orange, and gold.
• C.Booth Honey Almond Dry Oil Mist: Free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and petrolatum. This is my favorite product in the box. A light honey scent that leaves a nice shine on your skin. I will definitely get a full size of this.
• Philip B. Detangling Toning Mist: This is a leave-in pH balancing mist with apple cider vinegar for your hair. I plan on trying this when I clarify my hair, which is usually the beginning of the month.

Closer look at the Oscar de la Renta fragrance samples. My fave is Oriental Lace.

I Will Never Outgrow...

Question for the Week... What's the One thing you will never outgrow? I will never outgrow:

1. Converse Sneakers. I love my Converse. Currently on the hunt for a pair of hi-tops. They have a classic look that I love. My daughter always gives me the side eye when I wear them. 

2. S'mores. Seriously the best summer treat. Thanks to many years of being a Girl Scout, I can make the best s'mores!

3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Miracle on 34th Street. The classic versions! 

4. Ice Cream Trucks. I still get excited when I hear the bell coming through my neighborhood. 

5. Collecting Seashells. Now I look for shells that have a hole in them so I can make them into a piece of jewelry. 

6. Disney World. I can go see Mickey and Minnie over and over again! It's my happy place.

So lets hear it! What's the one thing you will never outgrow? 

Pop of Pink...

It's so much fun being a girl! You get to wear pink shoes with spikes! I love all shades of pink. It is such a happy color. I'm not a head to toe pink outfit type of girl, but I do like to add an occasional pop of pink in my outfit. I also like to incorporate a sprinkle of pink throughout my home, such as fresh flowers.

All images via Pinterest.

Source: richesforrags.tumblr.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Source: sportsgirl.com.au via Sportsgirl on Pinterest

Source: dulcecandy.com via Cinthya on Pinterest

Source: richesforrags.tumblr.com via Tracee Ellis on Pinterest

Valentine Day Date Night Outfit

Hey All! I created my ideal Valentine Day date night outfit on Polyvore.

A lunch bag clutch is on my Spring wish list. I love to wear one statement piece of jewelry when wearing a simple outfit. This cuff fits the bill. Love Dannijo! I like pairing navy and black together. I have my eye on a peplum navy blazer. The black pointy toe Alexander Wang pumps are dope!


Do you have any Valentine Day plans? If so, what are you wearing?

Valentine's Day by sydneyaustindesigns featuring a boyfriend blazer

Topshop cotton t shirt / Topshop boyfriend blazer / Skinny pants / Alexander Wang high heel / Marie Turnor clutch, $285 / DANNIJO brass jewelry

Glossybox January Review

I recently subscribed to Glossybox, a monthly beauty subscription which features 5 luxury travel-sized beauty products. After hearing that Glossybox was doing a collaboration with Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller, I wanted in. I absolutely love reading Leandra's blog and totally love her amazing sense of style. Due to an overwhelming high demand of the Glossybox/Man Repeller collaboration, I didn't receive my box until February. I was very pleased with the presentation and the products. Take a look at what was in my box.

The Man Repeller Box and Glossy Mag

Sweet Note from Leandra. Pretty Presentation.



My Goodies.

• Estee Lauder Extreme Lash Mascara. Nice size. I can always use mascara.
• Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum. For Normal to Oily Skin, controls shine and minimizes the appearance of pore. I love Fresh products. I can't wait to try this on my combination skin.
• Le Metier De Beaute Replenishing Daily Solution. Rich formula that conditions and hydrates skin. Paraben free. SPF 30. A full size of this costs $225. I can't wait to wash my face so I can try this!
• Narciso Rodriquez for her Eau De Toilette Spray. Has a warm floral scent that is not overpowering. Nice.
• OPI Can't Let Go liquid sand nail lacquer. Super excited about this because it's full size and it's purple! I'm all about purple since my Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl! This nail polish is a matte purple with accents of shimmer. Long lasting and because it's matte, no top coat is necessary.
• Sebastian Professional Potion 9. Styling hair cream with nine botanical extracts to restore moisture. Received great reviews on Amazon. Claims to keep frizz away. We shall see.
• Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance Lipstick. Full size. Gorgeous tube! Love the red. Contains mango, shea and avocado butters. I know I will love this!

 

 

If you subscribe to Glossybox, let me know what you think of the Man Repeller box.

SAD Gram...

Happy Wednesday All! Prayers and Blessings out to those who were affected by Sandy. Thanking God that my friends and family who were in Sandy's path are all safe!

Sharing a few recent Instagram photos. Follow me on Instagram @sydneyaustindesigns.

New rose gold chain bracelets now available here

Impromptu Girls Night at my friend Lydia's home. Peanuts, lime-a-Rita's, wine, laughter, and
Uncle Charlie Wilson.

Getting ready to see Jill Scott perform in Greensboro.

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!

Back to eating clean and putting less carbs on my plate. Sockeye Salmon and collards.

SAD Gram...

Hey All! I hope your October is starting off with a bang! This is my first post for the month. Sharing some Instagram pics from the past week. If you are on Instagram, follow me @sydneyaustindesigns. Have a great Thursday!

The cutest mini pumpkins I saw at Whole Foods. Would make a great Autumn centerpiece for your dining table.

I know it's probable 1,000 calories, but it was good and I'm not beating myself up for having one.
 Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Bracelet I made in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. A portion of sale will go towards 5k I'm running walking in this Saturday for Mammogram Scholarship fundraiser (Women's Hospital of Greensboro).
 Running Girl now has a happy home in the District of Columbia! Thanks Q!

Just do it! Nike workout pants I bought to wear for the 5k. Gotta preserve the sexy and still look cute.
Also got the Essie polish because it was a pretty pink color.

Celebrated 18 years of marriage on October 1st.

Sip and Stroke...

This past weekend my girlfriends and I used our Living Social voucher for a Sip and Stroke paint class. Sip on some wine and Stroke on a piece of canvas. It was a lot of fun. Between sipping on Moscato and Lime-A-Ritas, snacking on chicken salad, seafood salad, and pepper jack cheese, we all painted a lovely floral piece. Our instructor, Dawn, was very patient will all the laughter, silliness, and questions. Below are some pictures from Sip and Stroke. I hope you all have a Happy Wednesday!

Before paint

After paint.

My girlfriends and I with our masterpieces.

Me with my artwork which now hangs on the wall in our home.

It's Fall Y'all...

Look at the above picture. Now close your eyes. Can you smell the wood burning> Can you hear the crackle? Ah. The sounds and sights of Fall. My favorite season for many reasons. I got married in the Fall, my birthday is in the Fall, my favorite colors are red, orange, and yellow. There are lots of things you can do in the Fall. Below is a list of suggestions.

1. Go to a Bonfire. They are a big deal at the local high schools here in Greensboro. I love the smell of wood burning.

2. Get a Cinderella pumpkin. I saw some great Cinderella pumpkins at Whole Foods yesterday. My friend, Q, has a recipe for Cinderella pumpkin dumplings. Sounds amazing!

3. Go to a football game. I love football! But if you aren't a fan, go for the stadium food or the tailgating!

4. Make something where the main ingredient is butternut squash. Get your Top Chef on!

5. Write a handwritten letter to a friend, relative, soldier just to say Thank you or I'm Thankful for you.

6. Try a Candy Corn Oreo. I haven't found them, but I'm still looking.

7. Run or Walk a 5k for something you are passionate about. I'm running power walking a 5K for Breast Cancer Research on October 6th with my daughter and sister in law.

8. Volunteer.  Your local schools, shelters, clinics, and campaign headquarters need your assistance.

9. Host a Girls Night In. Try starting a movie club, less pressure than a book club. Sick of your wardrobe, have a swap party. Or just invite the girls over for drinks, munchies, lots of laughter, and girl talk.

10. Take a evening stroll with your partner, spouse, main squeeze, snuggle bunny. Wear a chunky sweater, comfy but cute shoes and take a evening walk. Talk about something besides politics and your kids. Stop and grab some hot chocolate.

What are some of the things you want to do this Fall?  I would love to hear from you.