Best Online Reads

1. A guide to portable chargers via The Skimm.

2. The difference between a macaroon and a macaron via One Green Planet.

3. Five essential things to do post-workout via The Newsette.

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Tips For Imparting Healthy Gaming Habits On Your Children

photo via

Video gaming is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, enjoyed by people of all ages. Just like mathematics, it seems to cross borders without anything in the way of difficulty. However, many people still regard gaming as an unhealthy habit. And often, it can be. Too-long gaming hours without much in the way of discipline, playing games too mature for young audiences and of course, the infamous micro-transactions fiasco that occurred late last year can sometimes contribute to a parent’s unwillingness to even bring a console in the home.

Gaming can be a wonderful, educational, extremely creative hobby if only you ensure that you impart healthy gaming attitudes on your children. Here are a few ways to do that.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

featured: 

slide sandal | palm leaf earrings | fresh start print | circle straw bag | scallop tank

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Best Online Reads

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

1. Seven traits of super productive people via Harvard Business Review.

2. Bizarre royal etiquette rules via The Cut.

3. Ten beach reads for summer 2018 via The Everygirl.

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How To Create A Sleek, Comfortable, and Calming Home

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We all want our kids to grow up in a welcoming, warm and loving home. We spend years trying to make it a comfortable place for them to thrive and grow. At the same time, I want to find the balance between kid-friendly and super sophisticated. All too often my living room becomes cluttered with magazines, hand-held electronics, bottles of nail polish (#girlmom), and I'm always left wishing there were an easy solution. There are ways to make your home more relaxing and comfortable as well as a place the little ones will enjoy too. Inject a glimmer of luxury into your plush pad and you will soon be more content with your entire living space.

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8 Must-Haves From The Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

It happens twice a year, and when it does, you need to act fast. I'm talking about the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale that's happening today through June 3rd. During this sale, you can save up to 40% off regularly priced merchandise. As always, Nordstrom offers FREE shipping and FREE returns, so you have nothing to lose.

Here's what I am loving:

1. REBECCA MINKOFF LEO ENVELOPE CLUTCH

Price: $63.65 (Blossom - shown above) or $56.98 (Apricot/Light Gold)
Why you need it: This iconic clutch goes with everything...not kidding. You can pair with your favorite LBD or a pair of jeans and a tee. I have a Rebecca Minkoff satchel that I swear by. She makes quality leather good that are stylish and stand the test of time.

2. TORY BURCH MILLER FLIP FLOP

Price: $118.80 (only color available is Seltzer - shown)
Why you need it: This clean and polished flip flop is extremely comfortable and pairs nicely with jeans and shorts. It features a bold T logo across the instep. This flip flop doesn't go on sale very often, so grab it now before it's gone!

3. LACE TRIM PEASANT MINIDRESS

Price: $43.98
Why you need it: Because it's summer, and you need a dress that's light and airy, and white!

4. TORY BURCH FITBIT ALTA BRACELET

Price: $118.80
Why you need it: Let's agree. Fitness trackers are not known for being stylish. I wear my Fitbit Alta daily, and I am constantly reminded of how un-chic it is. If you own a Fitbit Alta, this bracelet is a nice way to elevate the style factor.

5. OFF THE SHOULDER TOP

Price: $47.40
Why you need it: Everyone has great shoulders, so show them off! This top is the perfect vehicle for doing just that. I love the bold stripes. For dinner, pair it with white jeans. For a concert, try a pair of cutoff white denim. You can't go wrong.

6. DIAMOND TASSEL THROW RUG

Price: $23.40
Why you need it: This sleek rug is a sophisticated addition to any space. Downside: it's available in 3'x5' only. It would fit perfectly in a small bathroom or buy two to flank both sides of the bed.

7. COTTON CHAMBRAY JUMPSUIT

Price: $70.80
Why you need it: Because it's super cute! Everyone needs a fun, fresh, and summery jumpsuit.

8. MULES

Price: $59.96
Why you need it: A stylish flat for summer is a must. Although this one is suede, it's the perfect shade for summer.

SHOP THESE DEALS HERE:

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Weekend Dispatch

This weekend kicks off the unofficial start of the summer season here at the Jersey shore (cue angels singing!). After what seemed like a never ending winter, I couldn't be happier that summer is on our doorstep. The weather forecast for this weekend is near-perfect, and I must say, we deserve it. So, I'm planning to get outside and enjoy it! Here's what else I'm up to this weekend.

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Playing Favorites

Playing Favorites is a monthly series where I share my latest obsessions, favorite finds, and any kind of entertainment (books, movies, TV, podcasts, and magazines) that I am loving. 

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Clothing Hacks To Save You Time and Money

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Wardrobes are not just built on clothes, but on financial investments. As I've gotten older, I've realized that when it comes to fashion and style, quality reigns supreme over quantity. There is always a pair of jeans or shoes or a dress which has a special place in your heart. So what happens when your favorite item starts losing its life? Do you throw it out? Do you re-purpose it? Have you ever experienced wardrobe malfunctions due to your favorite wardrobe items? What can be done to avoid them? Restoring, reusing, and re-purposing your favorite clothes is simple with these tricks.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

featured:

sunglasses | straw tote | top | sandals | bracelet

The search is over! If you're on a limited budget but always on the lookout for fun, inexpensive items that add flair to your home, your outfits, or your life, you've come to the right place. I've tracked down five items that you need in your life right now. From entertaining to your office to your outfit of the day, any one of these items is a welcome addition to your life.

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Best Online Reads

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

1. Everyday royal family rules for things they can't say, do, or wear via Redbook.

2. The time the royal wedding will start where you live and how to watch it via Business Insider.

3. Five healthy foods that also boost your mood via The Newsette.

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Weekend Dispatch

After a jam-packed weekend last weekend which included our oldest daughter's 16th birthday (!!!) and Mother's Day, I am hoping to have some downtime this weekend to catch up. I've been in a total nesting mode recently and have been organizing and de-cluttering like it's my job. This weekend I am hoping to get though all my spring/summer clothes by adding what I want to keep to my closet and separating the rest into re-sell and donate piles. Otherwise, here's what else I'll be up to this weekend.

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An Easy and Inexpensive Way To Help Your Local Cat Shelter

This post is sponsored by Cat's Pride but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Our cats are a special part of our family. While one was a backyard stray cat, our other two were adopted from a local shelter. When we decided that we were ready to adopt after our beloved 19 year old cat passed, there was no question that we would go straight to a local shelter in search of the perfect cat for our family.

Through our various adoptions from the local shelter, we learned that it takes a village to operate a shelter. From the generosity of volunteers and donors to the hard work that goes into daily operations and maintenance, it's no small feat. Even if you don't plan to adopt a cat, there's an easy way you can help your local cat shelter.

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What We're Reading

With the unofficial start of summer a mere two weeks away, I am making every effort to finish the book I am currently reading so that I can start fresh on my summer reading list (more to come on that topic!). Here's what we are currently reading.

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Best Online Reads

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

1. Fifteen things successful working moms have stopped doing via The Everymom.

2. The best way to eat in each decade of your life via Quartzy.

3. Clothing items you should never wear on an airplane via The List.

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Splurge vs. Save

It seems every time I find a bathing suit that I actually like and would flatter my body, it turns out that it's a Marysia bathing suit and it's $$$$$. Instead of becoming frustrated and defeated, I set out to find a comparable bathing suit at a fraction of the price. Surprisingly, there are many knockoff versions out there. Here is one of the fabulous ones I found.

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Last Minute Gifts For Mother's Day

featured:

necklace | pineapple candle | rollerball perfume | earrings | moviepass | peony bouquet | pajamas | scalloped tote | fitbit

With less than a week to go until Mother's Day, it's officially crunch time! If you haven't yet picked up a gift for the mom or mother figure in your life, it's time. But it's ticking away, so hurry and get ordering so you don't show up to the celebration on Sunday empty-handed and spewing some lame excuse about why you don't have a gift.

Here are a few gift suggestions that any mom (including myself!) would totally love and be every so grateful to receive.

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4 Ways To Manage Pet Odors

This post is sponsored by The Libman Company, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Pets. We love them as if they were our children, but we could definitely do without the odors that come with them. Let's be honest. As cute as they are, pets can be stinky. As pet owners, one of our top concerns is always the dreaded odors that accompany our furry little friend.

We own three cats, so I totally get it. I am hyper aware of the odors that come with my cats, and the last thing I want is a guest to sniff out even the smallest of pet odors. In honor of May being National Pet Month, I'm sharing a few tips and tricks I employ to help manage those pesky pet odors

1. Keep your pet clean
Since cats clean themselves, this is a no-brainer for the most part. However if you are a dog owner, you should be bathing your dog regularly or having them groomed professionally. Bathing and brushing cats and dogs on the regular will go a long way to keeping your home smelling fresh.

2. Mop and vacuum regularly
Whether you have cats or dogs, this is a must! Most odors linger in carpets, on wood floors, and in furniture fabrics. Cleaning them regularly helps keep odors at bay. To help manage cat odors, I use The Libman Company's Wonder® Mop. The wonder mop lifts up to 20% more dirt using its powerful GRIPSTRIPS™. It features a power wringer that removes water from the microfiber mop head faster allowing you and your family to be back on the floor in no time.

The Wonder® Mop works on all surfaces including wood floors, linoleum, and tile floors and has a removable mop head that is machine washable up to 50 times. After that time, you can purchase a replacement mop head. It works great on hard-to-reach baseboards too!

3. Make the litterbox a priority
The litterbox accounts for most of the cat odor in our home. In addition to scooping it daily and doing a full emptying and cleaning weekly, it's essential to mop the area around which the litterbox is located. Debris collects around the outside of the box, and that often contributes to the unpleasant odor.

Also, deodorize the box by sprinkling baking soda into it daily after each scooping.

Receive a $3 coupon when you subscribe to The Libman Company newsletter.


4. Air out your house
If the weather cooperates, open the windows and let the fresh air in. Even in during the colder months, opening the windows nearest to the litterbox for just 10 minutes will make a big difference in the air quality of your home. 

Watch the  Wonder® Mop in action here:

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

featured:

straw tote | Champagne coupes | earrings | mules | top

The search is over! If you're on a limited budget but always on the lookout for fun, inexpensive items that add flair to your home, your outfits, or your life, you've come to the right place. I've tracked down five items that you need in your life right now. From entertaining to your office to your outfit of the day, any one of these items is a welcome addition to your life.

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How To Make Yourself Feel Beautiful After Having A Baby

After carrying a baby for nine months, and going through all the pregnancy issues, it’s hard to feel beautiful once you’ve given birth. Yes, the hardest part is over, but you feel like a shell of your former self, and it can get you down. It’s time to make yourself feel like you again.

photo via

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Best Online Reads

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

1. Twenty-eight margarita recipes just in time for Cinco de Mayo via Huffington Post.

2. How to create a strong password via Lifehacker.

3. Five clutter-causing items to get rid of in our home ASAP via The Zoe Report.

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Weekend Dispatch

Let me start by saying that it's really hard to sit here at my desk cranking out the blog posts when the weather is so insanely GORGEOUS outside!!! Spring is finally here, and it is showing off! I did trade the gym for an outdoor trail this morning. I logged 4.8 miles in the glorious sunshine, but now I am stuck inside until a little later today when I'll be heading to Emma's lacrosse game. However, my desk is firmly planted in front of an open window, and I am taking in the views of the sunny outdoors. It's all good.

Just two short days until the weekend begins. If you are lucky enough to be going into the weekend with a clean slate, here are a few ideas for things to do, watch, eat, and see.

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3 Ways To Wear Stripes

I love stripes! I live in stripes. Take one scroll through my Instagram, and you'll see plenty of stripes. I am never at a loss for ways to wear stripes, but many readers have asked me for ways to incorporate stripes into their own wardrobes. So, here we go. Here are 3 easy, fun, and inexpensive ways to wear stripes.

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