Spring Forward...

It is currently in the upper 80's here in the Carolinas. I honestly hope we do not have a hot Spring. My son will be miserable. It was hot to him 2 weeks ago when the temps was in the 60s and he started wearing shorts again to school. I am excited that it's starting to be sandal weather! Ya Hoo! I even took the stinky dog to the groomers this morning in flip flops! Now you will not catch me in shorts...in public. Nobody wants to see my 43 yr old untoned thighs! Below is an outfit I saw on Polyvore. (Someone gets the credit for putting this together, not me). Whoever put this together, we definitely have similar style. I'm sure she is a mom. This outfit screams stylish, hip mom!! Amazing boyfriend jeans (no skinny jeans, although I do like them), classic handbag, comfy leather flip flops, essential black tank, Risky Business shades (I know they are Ray Bans, but I'm a child of the 80's), statement watch, and the perfect cardi for chilly restaurants. Lunch date, PTA meeting, movies with the bff, or afternoon J.Crew, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Banana (you know all the cool places that hip moms shop) shopping... this is your outfit.

All Saints cotton shirt, $150
T by Alexander Wang racerback tank, $35
True Religion ripped skinny jeans, $312
Tory Burch flat sandals, $195
3 1 Phillip Lim leather tote bag, $750
Rolex gold jewelry
Ray-Ban wayfarer sunglasses

Currently Craving...

I'm currently craving the eclectic style of Solange Knowles. Her bold use color, the way she mixes different prints. She nails it.

Source: lovebrownsugar.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Tenneal on Pinterest

Source: alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Source: beautyisdiverse.com via Brandy on Pinterest

Currently Craving...

Outfit I am currently craving for Spring. Perfect for a date with your honey or night out on the town with your girls. Jumpsuit, beaded clutch, blue platforms, chunky bangle, shades, and classic gold hoops. To me this outfit oozes with hotness. Especially these sick Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. How thrilled I am that bright bold colors are "in" this Spring/Summer. What are you currently craving?

Created by me on Polyvore. Polyvore... another site that is ridiculously addicting.

Reiss jumpsuits and romper
Beaded handbag, $68
J Crew animal jewelry, $98
ABS by Allen Schwartz yellow gold earrings, $65
H&m sunglasses, £4.99

Melted Crayon Art...

I have a crafty teenage daughter. She loves art. Just like her mother and Uncle Rodney whose daughter, my niece, Reigna, loves art too. She approached me this weekend with an idea she saw on YouTube about melting crayons onto a canvas board. I googled it and a saw lots of cool melted crayon projects. So I took her the craft store to get supplies. This project is so easy, perhaps your child would like to try it.
Step 1: Glue crayons onto a canvas board.
Step 2: With a blow dryer, melt crayons until the wax drips down the canvas. Start with high heat, then alternate between medium and cool. Some colors take longer to melt.
Step 3: Name your artwork (optional)

Blake didn't know why her crayons didn't drip like others she saw on YouTube. She thinks it is because she used generic crayons and not Crayola.



Before blow drying.



After blow drying. I think it's cool!

Have you done this project? If so, how did your crayons melt?

Leap Day Sale...

Source: google.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Happy Leap Day! For today only, take 29% off all jewelry in my etsy shop. Enter coupon code LEAP29 at checkout. Sale ends 11:59pm tonight! Go here to stock up on great jewels!

Pick 4...

Pick 4... 4 things that make me smile.
This week's pick 4 selections are from my Pinterest boards. Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Source: ravelry.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Yoga socks. I need these for Bikram Yoga. Can't grip my feet when they are sweaty.

Source: whatannaloves.tumblr.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

I'm still on the hunt for a great pair of vintage cowboy boots.

Source: blog.decoratrix.com via Aku on Pinterest

Awesome bracelet organizer!

Source: therauberhouse.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Peanut Butter Banana French Toast. Perfect for Sunday Brunch.

Day 40...

They say it takes 30 days to form a new habit.

Today makes day 40 of eliminating meats (beef, pork, and poultry) from my diet. I do eat fish/shellfish. I must say poultry has been the hardest to give up. I got a whiff of sausage a few days ago and it made me nauseous. I also stepped up my daily activity. I'm loving hot yoga, but totally frustrated that I still can't get some of the poses. I'm determined to be a runner. If I can run a 5k by Autumn, it will make me so proud. No I didn't get a bad report from my doctor. I'm doing this for me! And my daughter. I want her to see a positive image of a black woman in her house. Someone who is fit in mind and body. Below are a few inspirational quotes that keep me going on my new fit and healthy journey. Enjoy your weekend! Walk the dog, if you don't have a dog borrow your neighbors.

Source: fit4-life.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

Source: healthyisclassy.tumblr.com via Naomi on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: health-heaven.tumblr.com via Cindy on Pinterest

Wrist Candy...

Everywhere you look women are adorning their wrists with bracelets. Lots of bracelets. I love the look. Mix it up with gold and silver bracelets. Or various colors of stretch bracelets. Vintage bracelets with modern bracelets. Whatever makes your wrists happy. I recently made some bracelets and added sterling silver charms. The ones shown below are great for the yogi or runner chick. Go here to purchase.



Sterling silver lotus flower with turquoise and coral gemstones.


Sterling silve marathon runner and "gotta run" charm with rose quartz.


Sterling silver namaste charm with pewter beads.



One happy wrist.

Quiet Places...

I stay busy as I'm sure most of you do as well. I can't remember the last time I had a week that wasn't hectic. What I enjoy after a long day is to find a quiet place in my home and read a book or a magazine. Usually it's in my bedroom. Currently I am reading The Warmth Of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.

Where do you like to read? Check out these cozy, quiet places and spaces.

Fun floor pillows make an ideal spot for reading.

Source: bellamumma.com via Hallie on Pinterest

I love the neon pink table in this home library.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Reading at dusk with ocean waves gently roaring in the background. So peaceful and serene.

Source: 4inspireddesign.com via Kyoco on Pinterest

A comfy chair by the window in a bedroom that has simple, clean lines. Nice.

Source: seventeendoors.blogspot.com via Aku on Pinterest

Pick 4...

Four random things that make me smile.
This week's Pick 4 are from my Pinterest, things I pinned.

A perfect tee to wear to my yoga class.

Source: shopbop.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Cute DVF earbuds. Makes a great Valentine Day's gift for my daughter.

Source: shopbop.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Love this drawer. When I ask my kids to "Run upstairs and get me xyz from my drawer." And they yell back, "I can't find it!!!" I can tell them "It's in drawer No. 2." Sweet!

Source: anthropologie.com via Robyn on Pinterest

I don't have an Iphone, but if I did, this Dannijo mustashe case would be it!

Source: shopbop.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Lime Shrimp Caesar Salad

Yesterday I wanted to make something different for dinner for my family. I'm sure they are getting tired of the same dishes. I know I am. I wanted to do something with shrimp. My husband and I love Chili's lime grilled caesar salad. I googled a recipe for lime shrimp caesar salad. What I found out was Chili's salad has a whopping 900 calories per serving! Fitness Magazine's website had a low cal version of lime shrimp caesar salad for 400 cal per serving. I made it and it was a hit with everyone except...my son. He's picky. He did finish the salad but had to add more dressing which probably jacked his calorie serving up to about 700. Below are some pics I took. Happy Monday!




Saute' shrimp with lime juice and crushed garlic until pink (about 3 minutes).



Toss shrimp with romaine lettuce, low cal caesar dressing, parm cheese, and Texas toast croutons. Enjoy!

Bag Lady...

I love bags. What girly girl doesn't? I really like recycled bags that you take to the store instead of getting those hideous plastic bags that does nothing but harm the environment. I have been known to carry items out in my hand because I forgot my "green bag." While on a recent trip to the store to use my lastest Groupon, oh btw "Hello my name is Robyn and I'm addicted to Groupon", anyway... I was given another green bag. I had a Groupon for this amazing store Midtown Olive Press that sells olive oils and balsamic. It's so cool. They let you taste the oils and vinegars before you decide to purchase it. Once you decide, they pour it in a beautiful glass bottle, seal and label it. After sampling several, Blake and I decided on getting an Organic Tuscan Herb olive oil and a sweet Pomegranate Balsamic.

The balsamic will be tasty drizzled on a salad. We tried the Tuscan oil a few nights ago. I tossed it in some whole wheat linguine...yum. I also poured some in a small dish for dipping our French bread. The kids were like, "Cool just like Carrabba's." All of this was topped off with some Rainbow trout and sauteed spinach.

By no means am I a cook. If you ask my kids what can mommy cook. They will rattle off about 3 dishes. But I do like to try new things. Whether I'm given a pass or fail. I think I got a pass the other night.






My new green bag.



Love the sections. Perfect for bottles of oils, vinegar, wine.



Organic Tuscan Herb Olive Oil and Pomegranate Balsamic

If You Like It Then Pin It

Just when I thought I had a grip on everything Social Mediaish... along came Pinterest. And I love it. I'm just trying to figure out how can I handle everything. I'm on Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Tumblr, and now Pinterest. Pinterest came at a perfect time. I'm totally bored with Facebook and Twitter. I realize that I am a visual person. Tumblr and Pinterest suit my style. What is Pinterest? It's a virtual pinboard. Pinterest let's you share all the gorgeous things you love on the web. If you like something, just pin it. People use it to plan parties, get yummy recipes, and decorating tips. It is so much fun. I'm new to Pinterest so I don't have a lot of pins on my board. Below is a bootylicious pair of B. Atwood shoes that I just pinned. Every girl needs a pair of blue suede shoes this Spring. To see my other pins go here

Source: shopbop.com via Robyn on Pinterest

Practical...

"When putting together a wardrobe, remember this equation: 70% should be driven by practicality and 30% by frivolity and fun." - Christopher Bailey (Burberry head designer)




Picked up these shoes a couple of weeks while I was in NYC. They are by Nine West. Had my 14 yr old photographer take a pic before I headed out to an ornament exchage party. These are the most comfortable 5 inch heels I have worn yet! Are these practical or fun?

Perfume...

"The thing about perfume is that when you take everything off, you still have perfume on. That's sexy." - Christopher Bailey (Burberry head designer)





Brown Sugar by Fresh is my new favorite perfume. I received a sample from Sephora when I ordered Leg Shine by M. Kors. I have worn it everyday. What I like about it is, a little goes a long way. Just one spritz and it stays with you all day. The scent is citrusy mixed with caramel and magnolia. Very "fresh" and clean fragrance. I dislike loud, overpowering, powdery scents. Maybe Santa will stuff my stocking with a bottle. What is your favorite perfume?

I Walk...

This past Sunday my sister-n-law and I did a walk for AIDS funding. The walk was sponsored by Triad Health Project. The 20th Annual Winter Walk for AIDS is a three-mile walk that raises vital funding for Triad Health Project's direct client services and preventioneducation programs. The theme of this year's event is "I Walk...", and it serves as a powerful reminder that HIV/AIDS affects everyone.

Wendy and I had a gorgeous 3 mile walk through the streets of downtown Greensboro. We were very pleased to see alot of North Carolina A&T student involvement. Even though quite a few of the female students walked in Uggs and riding boots, we were still happy that they supported the walk.

I'm on a mission to get my 10,000 steps in a day. My dad who is also making a lifestyle change to walk 10,000 steps a day, gave me the pedometer shown below. As you can see, I walked over 10,000 steps this past Sunday. I walked my dog, walked 3 miles for AIDS, and I walked around Costco "sampling." Wendy and I got to Costco at a great time. All of the good samples were out! I walked in Costco hungry, but when I walked out, I was satisfied. Cheers!

Gift Suggestion...

For the girl who wants the opposite of subtle. Glam Rock. Copper hoops with hematite beads and silver spikes. Start with these hoops if you are new to statement jewelry. Not subtle, but not too Lady Gaga outrageous. Get them for a cool $20. Save additional 20% with coupon code HOLIDAY20. Purchase them here

Gift Suggestion...

For the girl who likes sparkly things. These crystal hoops are perfect. For just $18 a pair they make a great gift. Save even more with coupon code HOLIDAY20. Enter code at checkout and 20% will be taken off all jewelry! To purchase go here

Support Local Artisans...

This holiday season I encourage you to shop local. I plan on supporting a few great boutiques here in Greensboro this year along with buying a few items from etsy.com. I along with a lot of other stylish chicks love J. Crew, Anthro, H&M, and Banana Republic's 40% off happy hour deals. Don't forget about Piperlime with their free shipping and Sam Edelman boots that keep calling "Robyn, Robyn." But there is something special about shopping in small, cozy, non chain boutiques. First, the personal and friendly service. Second, not a lot of sizes, so hopefully the next time you go out for Girls Night Out, you and your friend won't have on the same cute dress or chunky sweater. Lastly, local businesses support the community. They are owned by people who live in the community and are more invested in the community's welfare and future. Happy Local Shopping!

Birthday Week...

Hey all! If you got my first post, I forgot to attach the pics. Briefly, this is my birthday week. To start it off I along with my good friend, Lydia, walked in a 5k Saturday. The event was Foster Friends NC Marathon. There was marathon runners, half marathon runners, and 5k runners/walkers. It was freezing Saturday morning. The temps were 27 degrees. Lydia and I finished in an hour, but could have finished sooner if some chick didn't have to make a quick port-a-potty pit stop. Check out the pics.



Lydia running through the finish line.


"Act like you're running!"



We made it! Super fun!