Best Online Reads

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The ten stories from around the web that I'm loving this week:

1. 50+ small but mighty ways to help out a loved one or stranger this holiday season via Food52.

2. A trick for winning at negotiations via The Science of Us.

3. Twenty-eight charities to donate to this holiday season via The Cut.
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Gift Guide : My Wish List

Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Every year I put together a personal wish list since both my birthday and Christmas fall in December. While I am by no means making demands, I am making an effort to take the guess work out of gift giving. I admit that I can be picky and very specific about gifts. This wish list is my way of making the decision making process as painless as possible for Henry and the girls.

I've been drooling over the prints from this local photographer since I first discovered her on Instagram. If you like Gray Malin, you'll love Claudia Chloe. This print is at the top of my Christmas list. I may have to beat my family to it and buy it for myself for my birthday. ;-)

I love diptyque candles for their amazing smell but also for their simple design. Each candle is a neutral color (generally white or a similar shade thereof) and comes in a clear glass jar with a black and white label. I can place them anywhere in my house and know that they'll match the decor without clashing. I haven't had the "Mimosa" scent yet, so that the one on my list this year.

Because I despise winter, I have a tendency to refuse to buy a decent winter coat year after year. I know it's something that's worth the investment, but I'm too stubborn to admit that I need one. Plus, I can never find one that I totally love. Until now! My niece was wearing this one from J. Crew on Thanksgiving, and I thought it was gorgeous at first sight. Maybe Santa will bring it for me.

Cat lovers rejoice! The coffee table book that we've been waiting our whole lives for is finally here.

When my Fitbit Charge band broke last month, the company replaced my Fitbit with the Alta model. While it has taken some getting used to, there is one thing I am loving about it. I can finally swap out the bands to match my outfits. I love this camel-colored band for everyday wear. It's neutral enough that it will match almost any outfit I wear. If camel's not your color, don't despair. The bands are available in 18 different colors.

In the summer, I bought a knock off pair of these sunglasses at H&M. Honestly, I wasn't sure I'd like them and didn't want to spend the money if they weren't my thing. I was surprised by how much I loved them. They quickly became the sunglasses I reached for every time I left the house. Now, I'm ready to drop $160 for these sweet sunnies.

While making my rounds yesterday online for Cyber Monday, I came across these super cute ballet flats. I love to wear flats in the winter, but most styles just aren't appropriate for winter wear. This pair, however, couldn't be a better fit. They are wool (perfect!) and plaid.

Since I'm petite, I don't like to wear large pieces of statement jewelry on an every day basis. Delicate necklaces are much more me and mesh well with my overall style. This arrow one is on $12!! Buy it for a friend, and you'll still have money in the budget to take her out for drinks too!

Usually by this point in the year, I have my planner for the following year and have already started filling it with commitments. But not this year. So, it's going on my wish list. I love the gold confetti design of this planner. It's subtle yet eye catching. And it's only $10!!! Can't beat that.

A girl can dream, right?

And of course, always at the top of my wish list is a donation to JDRF in honor of Harper.

What's on your wish list this year? I'd love to know. Share in the comments below.
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How To Organize Your Boots In The Winter


Every year when fall rolls around, one of the things I look forward to the most is swapping out my summer clothes and accessories for fall and winter ones. Cozy sweaters replace sleeveless tops. Jeans replace shorts and skirts. And boots replace sandals.

As excited as I am to haul out my fall and winter wardrobe and accessories, I always seem to struggle with boot storage. Do I keep them upright in my closet or let the shaft flap down? I don't want my boots to become damaged, scratched, or scuffed, but I don't have the creativity to devise a scheme for keeping them looking brand new.

Boots are notoriously awkward to organize and store. Due to their general size, they tend to take up a lot of closet space. I decided, in an effort to finally organize my growing collections of boots, to give the Boot Butler® a try.

The Boot Butler® is a hanging boot organizer that promises to organize your boots in less space and less time than whatever system your currently using (which, if you're anything like I am, was a pile of boots on the floor).

Get your boots off the floor, reclaim precious closet space, and get organized with Boot Butler®. Here's how it works. Boot Butler® hangs from any standard closet rod and is designed to hold all types of boots from over-the-knee to booties to heavy work boots.


Boot Butler® is designed to fit in the shaft of your boot to gently cradle them and prevent creases. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Boot Butler® was strong enough to hold my Hunter wellies, which are quite heavy.

I found the assembly to be quick and easy although when I pulled the pieces out of the box, I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed. At first glance there are lots of components. Within minutes, every piece was assembled, and my Boot Butler® was hanging in my closet and holding five pairs of boots.


You can turn Boot Butler® around so that the boots either face in or out. Personally, I prefer them to face out, but it's totally up to you, and I think it's great to have options.


In the amount of space that a coat takes up, you can now store five pairs of boots using Boot Butler®. I love having easy access to my boots. I can see every pair directly in front of me. I'm not wasting time sifting through a pile on the floor of my closet.

My boots are an investment for me, and Boot Butler® is a way for me to protect my investment.

Need more proof that Boot Butler® is the ideal boot storage solution for you? Watch this quick video demonstration.

Boot Butler® retails for $69.99 and can be purchased at Amazon.com or directly from BootButler.com.

Disclosure: I received a Boot Butler® system to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.
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Menu Plan Monday :: 11.28.2016

Monday, November 28, 2016

I can't believe I'm even thinking about food after all I've consumed over the past 5 days. When you can say that, you know it was a good Thanksgiving! But now it's time to buckle down for the next few weeks until Christmas comes and the devouring everything-in-sight begins all over again. The next few weeks are going to be pretty darn healthy around here because we all know how over indulgent the holidays can be. And what fun would they be if we deprived ourselves??

Here's what's on our plates this week:
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Gift Guide: Under $25

Sunday, November 27, 2016
You may be on a budget but that doesn't mean you can't buy a great gift for a friend or family member. I've rounded up a a slew of gifts under $25 that will satisfy any lucky lady on your list.




I also love this large zipper pouch, weekend brunch pancake mix set, and this mug.
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I Am Thankful

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Year after year it never disappoints. Thanksgiving is always a very slow, peaceful day filled with good food, family, and friends. From sipping hot apple cider while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to squeezing in that last bite of pumpkin pie just before midnight, Thanksgiving is a day meant to be savored from beginning to end. Today, I'll be reflecting on the many things for which I am grateful and remembering that not everyone is as fortunate as I.

Enjoy your day celebrating with those most near and dear to you, and don't forget to help yourself to a second heaping slice of pie!

xxSheila
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Trend To Try: Oxblood

Tuesday, November 22, 2016
While oxblood conjures up images of pools of blood, it's hardly that gory. In fact, oxblood is the hottest color going right now. It's a deep, rich shade of red similar to burgundy but with hints of purple and dark brown. And with the holiday season around the corner, oxblood is a welcomed departure from traditional red.

Here are a few fabulous ways to wear this trend this winter.
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Chocolate Turkey Cupcakes

Monday, November 21, 2016

I'm always on the lookout for Thanksgiving desserts that aren't pumpkin pie. When I saw these turkey cupcakes recently on Martha Stewart, I was thrilled to discover they aren't pumpkin-related and it's one that the kids can help make. Since the cupcakes featured on Martha Stewart's site looked a little in depth, especially when little hands are helping, I adapted it slightly. Plus, I wanted to include two of my favorite candies: Hershey's Kisses and Gimbals jelly beans!

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Friday Fresh Picks: Thanksgiving Favorites

Friday, November 18, 2016

I'm planning on immersing myself in all things Thanksgiving this weekend as I prepare for my absolute favorite holiday. I love that this holiday is all about good food, friends, family, and thankfulness without the added pressure of gift giving.
In today's Friday Fresh Picks, I'm sharing a few of my favorite Thanksgiving-related ideas, crafts, and foods.

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Birthday Gift Ideas For Children Under 12

pexels-photo-48663.jpeg

We've all been there. Your child has a birthday party to go to. But, in the mountain of things you have to do, you forgot to buy a suitable gift. Let's be honest, in between getting everyone up for work and school on time and getting everyone out the door with a healthy breakfast, there is not much time for anything else.

In between all the chaos of daily life, you realize that there's a birthday party to attend the following day, it’s a mad dash to the nearest store to get anything they have left in stock, whether that is a great gift or not. Well how about doing it differently from now on? Instead of pre-party chaos, let's try some calm instead. You can make things a little easier on yourself by checking out the gift recommendations for the under 12s, below.

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Best Online Reads

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. How to be mindful while going through airport security via The New York Times.

2. The five beauty rules French women swear by via MindBodyGreen.

3. How to channel your raging emotions into action via The Science of Us.

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Gift Guide: For The Hostess

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

The holiday season is here! The invitations for holiday brunches and dinners will soon start rolling in. This is one of the busiest times of the year, and being unprepared is not an option. I like to stock up on a few hostess gifts so that whether we are attending a planned gathering or popping over to a friend's house for a cocktail, we won't arrive empty handed.

Holiday Coaster Set from Charming Charlie ($14)

Winter Frost Candle from Archipelago ($22)

Wood Salad Servers - Set of 2 ($20)

Replica Beach Walk Rollerball ($28)

Natural Life "I Am Grateful" Mug ($13)

Host: A Modern Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Feeding Your Friends ($35)

Chandon and Rebecca Minkoff Limited Edition Sparkling Wine ($24)

Pink Clay Bar Soap from CB2 ($10)

Stemless Wine Glasses - Set of 4 ($36)
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Playing Favorites

Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Playing Favorites is a new monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment that I am loving.



1. Sally Hansen® ManiMatch App - Since I almost always have my fingernails painted, it's often difficult to test nail polishes in a store. With this app, you can test any Sally Hansen polish on your nails to see if it's a good match for your skin tone and outfit choice. You'll never buy the wrong shade ever again. Available for iPhone and Android.


2. Marble Party Cups - For the larger parties and gatherings that we host, I like to serve drinks in disposable cups, but those plastic red cups always remind of college fraternity parties. When I came across these pretty marble cups, I ordered a few sets for impromptu drop-ins or planned get togethers where you want to serve a signature drink is an unforgettable vessel.



3. Urban Market Bags - With more and more stores no longer offering bags in an effort to support the environment (yay!), it's essential to have a few bags that you can use for groceries, general shopping, and to corral items around the house. I am loving Urban Market Bags because they are practical, functional, stylish and available in neutral colors rather than busy prints. They are perfect for everyday use.

4. L'Oréal Pure-Clay Face Masks - Lately, I've taken to using face masks once or twice a week to help exfoliate, detoxify, and deep clean my skin. L'Oréal introduced three different types of clay masks each targeted at a specific skin problem or condition.




5. Nielsen-Massey Mexican Pure Vanilla Extract - It's baking season! And what's better than having only the best pure vanilla extract on hand for your favorite cookie recipes? Nothing. This pure vanilla extract has a deep, rich flavor with spicy undertones. It's perfect for hot chocolate!

6. The Brie Platter at The Front Porch Café - Whenever we are in South Beach, we make a point of having brunch at The Front Porch Café. Although you can't go wrong with anything you order, the Brie platter is my all-time favorite (followed by the French toast). It's completely satisfying without being overly filling and has a little bit of everything from cheese to bread to fruit to veggies.
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Menu Plan Monday :: 11.14.2016

Monday, November 14, 2016
We returned from an 11-day Florida vacation yesterday and wasted no time diving right back into things. We have a super busy week as we get back into the swing of things and play catch up, but I've promised that are weeknight meals won't suffer. I'm recycling a meal plan from a few weeks ago since I didn't have time to plan one yesterday with a day full of travel.

Here's what's on our plates this week:

Monday - Ravioli with a brown butter and sage sauce. This pasta is so rich and decadent. Use as much or as little sage as you like. I like to use cheese ravioli, but this time of year a pumpkin ravioli would be absolutely delicious!
Photo credit: Taste of Home

Tuesday - One-pot chicken Alfredo penne. I am all about the one-pot meals lately. Not only are they super easy to make, but the clean up is a breeze!
Photo credit: Pillsbury

Wednesday - Homemade baked mac & cheese with a side salad. What I love about this meal is how easily I can customize the mac & cheese. I bake them in individual ramekins because Emma doesn't like the bread crumb topping, but Harper does. So, I can please everyone!
Photo credit: Food Network

Thursday - Baked potato soup. This soup is one of my favorites, but this will be the first time I'm trying the Skinnytaste recipe. It's such a calorie-heavy soup, so I'm excited to try Gina's thinned down version.
Photo credit: Skinnytaste

Friday - Dinner out or take out

Saturday - Mexican shredded chicken tacos. This recipe looks super easy. But if you are pressed for time, stop at the store and pick up a rotisserie chicken. You'll shave even more time off the meal preparation!
Photo credit: What's Gaby Cooking

Sunday - Flank steak lettuce wraps. We are winding down grilling season with one of our favorites. Top them however you like, but we love scallions, red pepper, cilantro, shredded carrots, and teriyaki rice.
Photo credit: Food Network
I'm feeling a baking session coming on. These pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies are the perfect fall treat to enjoy with my evening tea! 

What's on your plate this week? For more meal time inspiration, visit I'm An Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday linkup.

To view all of my menu planning posts, click here. Visit my What's For DinnerPasta, and Soups On! Pinterest boards for even more ideas.
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Friday Fresh Picks: My 5-Minute Face

Friday, November 11, 2016

Over the years, I have steadily streamlined my morning beauty routine, specifically my daily makeup routine. Before I had kids, I seemed to have limitless time to do my makeup, but once I had my daughters. wearing makeup was truly a luxury. On the rare occasions that I did wear it, I still seemed to spend at least 20 minutes on my routine.

These days, I want to look good, but I just don't have the patience or desire to spend even a quarter of an hour on my makeup each day. And honestly, you can look just as good with a 5-minute face as you can with a 30-minute face.

In today's Friday Fresh Picks, I'm sharing the products I use for my 5-minute face. From start to finish, here are the tools you need to look like 5 million bucks in 5 minutes.

1. Obiqo Radiant Day Cream
I don't start the day by cleansing my face. My dermatologist recommends that I rinse with lukewarm water and apply moisturizer prior to any makeup. I started using Obiqo products a few years ago after I reviewed a few body products. I loved the collection so much that I started using the skincare line. Obiqo uses sea kelp and natural antioxidants to enrich skin and boost elasticity. But what I love most about the day cream is that it contains extracts from New Zealand's coastal flora to soothe and calm my skin, which helps tremendously with my rosacea.

2. BareMinerals BARESKIN® Concealer Serum
This is my go-to concealer. It covers flawlessly. I find many concealers to be cakey, but since this one is also a serum, it has moisturizing qualities that keep it from being heavy. I dot this on red spots and blotches.

3. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Concealing Cream
This has replaced my everyday foundation. It goes on evenly and covers my redness like a charm...and lasts all day! Many foundations tend to crease and crack as the day wears on, but this products says smooth all day.

4. BeautyBlender®
I use the BeautyBlender to blend the concealer and the concealing cream. If you aren't using a blending sponge, you should be. They are amazing. I use the Original BeautyBlender®, and it really is worth the $20. I like the get the pointed end slightly damp and then start blending. The ever so slight addition of water really aids in the blending and smoothing process.

5. e.l.f. Tone Correcting Powder
This powder not only sets my makeup but it also neutralizes redness and adds a matte finish. The four colors in the palette can be blended together or used on their own.

6. e.l.f. Kabuki Face Brush
This has got to be the best Kabuki brush at this price point (only $6). It sets powder perfectly and can be used with both dry and wet products.

7. Sephora Eye Brow Brush/Comb
I use this brush to comb my brows into place before using a light filler. Once the filler is on, I use the brush to blend the filler.

8. Maybelline® Eye Studio® Brow Define + Fill Duo
This pencil has become my go-to for defining and filling in my brows. It comes in several shades. I use the light brown one since my brows are a bit darker than my hair color.

9. NARS Eyeshadow (Shade: Abyssinia)
I have very veiny eyelids, and as a result, I always wear eyeshadow. I like a shade that closely resembles my natural skin tone, and Abyssinia is it! It is a little pricey, but the coverage is awesome and lasts all day.

10. Benefit They're Real! Lash Primer and MAC False Lashes Mascara
This is currently my favorite primer and mascara combo. I am always finding new mascaras that I love, but right now, MAC False Lashes is my favorite. I received a sample from Sephora and ended up buying a full size tube.

11. Trish McEvoy Lip Perfector Conditioning Balm
No look is complete without the finishing touch: lipstick. Trish McEvoy's Lip Perfector Conditioning Balm is like magic. It adds the perfect amount of color to the lips. If a natural look is what you are after, this is the product for you. It matches the natural pigment in your lips to give you a natural and flattering tint without being too dark or too light.

*Occasionally, I use a luminizer to brighten my cheeks and eye area. When I do, I use Trish McEvoy Luminizer.

SHOP MY 5-MINUTE FACE:


Thanks for checking out this week's Friday Fresh Picks. Swing by the rest of the FFP gals to see what they are loving this week.
Friday Fresh Picks are hand-picked favorite items, reviews and highlights from the amazing women you see above.

Visit their websites to learn about other amazing picks from this week!


To view all of my Friday Fresh Picks posts, click here.

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Best Online Reads

Thursday, November 10, 2016

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. How to move to Canada and become a Canadian citizen via Business Insider.

2. Subtle signs that you are burned out via Health.com.

3. Six things working women should never write in an email via Vogue.
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Election 2016: Where I Stand

Tuesday, November 8, 2016
I don't discuss politics often on the blog. I like to keep the content light and fun, and more often than not, any discussion of politics ultimately becomes anything but light and fun. But since I've been getting emails and Snapchats from readers asking where I stand this election year, I thought it was important to share with readers who are asking and are curious where I stand.

I'm a registered Republican. I have been ever since I registered to vote when I was 18 (that was 30 years ago, BTW), but this election year #ImWithHer.
When the topic of politics has come up over the past few months, I have found myself explaining why I have swayed to the left this election year. Many of my fellow Republicans have found it shocking. The best short answer I can give is that I am evolving. I'm in a different place in my life today than I was thirty years ago, and my political beliefs have changed to reflect that.

The reasons I am supporting Hillary Clinton this year are pretty simple and make complete sense for me. The operative words here are "For me". Politics are very personal. I am voting for the candidate who can do the most for me. And frankly, I happen to think she can do the most for our country as well.

Here's why #ImWithHer:

1) Hillary Clinton supports stem cell research. As the parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, I support anything that could ultimately save my child's life or even possibly make it slightly easier. Stem cell research could, one day, be responsible for finding the ultimate cure for type 1 diabetes.

2) I support the rights of the LGBT community. I have friends and family who are part of this community, and why shouldn't they enjoy the same rights and benefits that heterosexuals have? The government has no place in governing who can marry whom and what rights anyone in the LGBT community has.

3) I am pro-choice. It's my choice if I decide to continue a pregnancy or terminate it. It's my decision to make. Period.

4) I want a President who is articulate, poised, and doesn't make rash judgements or decisions. As a career politician, Hillary Clinton has the experience necessary to lead this country in good times and in bad.

5) Would I love to see history in the making in my lifetime? Of course. Would I love to see a woman become the next Leader of the Free World? Damn right. Do I want my daughters to see that a woman can be the leader of the most powerful nation on the planet? Absolutely. It's time to break the glass ceiling.

I could list ten other reasons why I support Hillary Clinton and 10 more why I don't support Donald Trump. When I mailed my absentee ballot several weeks ago, I never hesitated to fill in the circle next to Hillary Clinton's name. For the first time in thirty years, I voted outside of my registered party during a presidential election. That, my friends, says it all.

{This is not an open discussion. Comments have been disabled on this post. Not because I don't want to entertain any opposing opinions, but because this post is about where I stand and why. If you'd like to send me an email, please do so at info@piecesofamom.com.}
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Menu Plan Monday :: 11.7.2016

Monday, November 7, 2016
Fresh guacamole prepared table side at Rosa Mexicano

Hello from Captiva Island, Florida! I am currently enjoying a family vacation in southwest Florida. There's nothing better than getting away from the daily grind of life. We've been relaxing by the pool during the day, enjoying the sunsets in the late afternoons, and dividing our time between meals at our condo and making the rounds at some of Captiva's best restaurants.

This menu plan is a combination of the few meals we will cook this week as well as the restaurants where we will be eating while we are here in Captiva and where we will eat in South Beach when we head there on Friday. If you are ever in Captiva or South Beach, these restaurants are definitely a few of our faves and are worth checking out.

Monday - Cantina Captiva. This is always a must-stop during our stays in Captiva. We love the fresh Mexican food and of course, the margaritas are delicious! I recommend the tequila lime shrimp or any of the enchiladas (cheese are my favorite). Ask for Everton. He's the best waiter ever! No joke.

Tuesday - Linguini with marinara sauce and a side salad. This meal comes together quickly which is necessary after a day spent at the beach or pool.

Wednesday - Key Lime Bistro. This is always a great meal, and it's very family-friendly. We've eaten there when our girls were babies and toddlers, and we fit right in.

Thursday - Cheeseburgers with boardwalk fries. We'll make the cheeseburgers ourselves, but we are going to buy the boardwalk fries from Scoops & Slices.

Friday - Dinner at Spris in South Beach. Pizzas are the main draw at Spris, but the salads are equally as good. It's in a prime location on Lincoln Road for people watching from the al fresco dining area.

Saturday - Dinner at Rosa Mexicano in South Beach. Rosa Mexicano is one of our favorite restaurants in New York City, and it has finally opened a location in South Beach. We are thrilled, and cannot wait for the guacamole that's prepared table side.

Sunday - Cavatelli with broccoli. We will be returning from Miami earlier in the day and something super easy for dinner will be the priority. We can use frozen broccoli for this recipe or fresh if we happen to make it to the grocery store upon our return.

What's on your plate this week? For more meal time inspiration, visit I'm An Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday linkup.

To view all of my menu planning posts, click here. Visit my What's For DinnerPasta, and Soups On! Pinterest boards for even more ideas.

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Style Crush: Emmanuelle Alt

Friday, November 4, 2016

I can clearly recall the first time I saw Emmanuelle Alt on Pinterest. I was immediately mesmerized by her casual yet classy style. She, clearly, was Parisian. She had that effortless style that Parisian women are famous for. Her uniform is distinctly her: skinny, ankle length pants (often cuffed), a button down shirt, a blazer, and a strappy heel, simple ankle bootie or flat. Sounds boring, right? Actually, it's anything but.



Emmanuelle Alt has perfected making the simplest of outfits look interesting, and that is precisely what I love about her.

A simple striped shirt? She crushes it by pairing it with black skinnies and a white blazer.

She is killing this distressed denim. Simple black heels and black on top keeps this look polished even with a gaping hole in her jeans.

Chambray never looked more chic. 

Her "borrowed from the boys" style is anything but boyish. She has an impeccable ability to make even the most masculine of clothes look feminine.

Just when you start thinking prints weren't her thing, Alt nails it with an animal print coat.

Let's talk textures. Love this pairing of the knit sweater with the fur coat. It's perfection.

Who can make an Oxford shirt look stylish? Only Emmanuelle Alt.

Photo credits: Vogue
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, November 3, 2016

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Why having no plan is the best plan via Project Insp.

2. The world's best destinations for solo travelers via Fodor's.

3. How to perfect a rose gold lip via The Beauty Department.
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Tips For Preparing Your Children For A Brighter Future

Photo credit
We all want the best for our kids. While they’re still young, it’s worth making some preparations for their futures. These preparations don’t need to be major. Setting some small things in place will help when the future comes. After all, time moves quickly, especially when you're watching your children grow. Don’t let yourself get caught off guard by the passing of time. Start preparing for the future today! You'll be thankful that you took a few small steps now for later.

NEST EGGS
We all dream of having a nest egg put aside for our little ones. Whether you dream of them going to college, or just want to see them buy a house, a nest egg can be worthwhile. Setting up a savings account can be a fantastic idea when saving for your kid’s future. Search around on moneysupermarket.com to see which account could offer the best interest. What I love about creating a savings account now is the amount of money that accumulates over the years. The key here is setting a clear goal in mind for when to give it to them. Teenagers can be careless with money. Revealing that nest egg before they’re ready to spend it wisely can be a huge mistake. After all, once you’ve handed the money over, you can’t dictate what they spend it on. Save small amounts each month, and keep that nest egg close to your chest until the time is right.

WILLS AND LIFE INSURANCE
It’s not nice to think about death, but it’s something parents need to consider. You don’t want to leave your little ones at a loss if anything were to happen to you. Making sure you have a will written up is crucial. It allows you to give them a helping hand from beyond the grave and make sure your possessions end where you'd like. It’s also worth looking into life insurance. You can start paying into a life insurance policy from any age. If you’re passed your fifties, you could even look into lifeinsuranceforseniorsover80.com.

PICKING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
This is a less long-term goal, but one you should still be thinking about. Getting your child into the right school is your responsibility. The right school can set them on the right path in life. This is something worth careful consideration. Schools usually have a waiting list, put your child's name down as soon as you've decided on the right place. No matter how young they are, it’s never too early. Many parents put their child’s names down just after they’ve been born! Don’t hang about and risk your child missing out on the education they deserve. When it comes to colleges and university, you won’t get a say, so make the most of the opportunity while you can.

These are just a few of the things you can do to help your child’s future. Don’t hesitate! Make sure the future is as bright as possible for your little one. Something that will take just a moment of your time could make life a lot easier for you and your child later on down the line.
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What We're Reading

Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Today marks the beginning of our 11-day vacation in Florida. We'll be spending the first two days in Fort Myers, the next 7 days in Captiva, and our last weekend will be spent in South Beach. It's safe to say we'll be enjoying plenty of time at the pool and beach, and what goes best with that? A good book!

Here's what we'll be reading while we are enjoying the sun and the sand of Florida's beaches.

What I'm Reading: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
I've been saving this book specifically for this vacation. It's been on my list for a while, and I've resisted the urge to read it. I figured that since it's about a cruise, it would make good vacation reading (even though I won't be on a cruise.). This book is described as Agatha Christie-esque, which I am totally into. I loved reading Agatha Christie books back in the 80s. Can't wait to pick up this suspenseful thriller and dig in!

What Emma's Reading: The List by Siobhan Vivian
This book takes a look at the intense rules of high school, particularly "The List". No one knows who wrote it, but everyone knows about it. One girl from each grades is chosen as "the prettiest" and one as "the ugliest". This is the story of those eight girls and how they see themselves, how others see them, and the often tangled connection between the two.

What Harper's Reading: Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli
Feeling cast aside and a bit of an outcast, Suzy finds a kindred spirit in Emily Dickinson, the subject of her summer research project. In an effort to escape her disappointments, Suzy emulates Dickinson's solitary life until she realizes that it's harder and lonelier than she imagined.

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