First Day Of School 2024 📚

Summer flew by fast!! Just like that, the girls are back to school. We officially have a 7th grader and a sophomore in college. We had a really fulfilling summer, got to do lots of fun things. I am ready to get back into a productive routine after summer break. Her outfit is so cute! I'll link the pieces here if you're interested. Madelyn's outfit details: Jeans | Top | Shoes

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First Day Of School 2024 📚

Trip Recap :: Jamaica

Sharing a few photos from our trip to Jamaica back in March. It was our first time in Jamaica. We were there for a family wedding. Jamaica is just a short flight from FL. The flight was less than 2 hours from FLL to Montego Bay. It was a jam-packed weekend celebrating my brother-in-law and his beautiful wife. After landed, we took a road trip starting from the North side to the South side of the island. That in itself was an experience. We then settled into a gorgeous villa at the Kotch Villa. It's a 6-villa property located in Treasure Beach. Just steps away from a secluded sandy beach, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and gentle morning strolls. We had so much Jamaican food from street vendors to fancy meals. Didn't have enough time to explore what Jamaica has to offer but we will definitely come back another time.

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Trip Recap :: Jamaica

A long weekend in Seattle

Madelyn had a long weekend back in February. We decided to take a quick trip to Seattle. The first day, we explored Pike Place Market, experienced the Gum Wall and visited the original Starbucks location. It was a jam-packed day. Then we headed to Forks, WA to explore the West side of Olympic National Park. It was on my list for quite some time. Hoh Rain Forest feels like a scene right out of the Twilight move. It's one of the largest temperate rain forests in the US. The age and size of the trees were impressive, with some being over 1000 years old and over 250 ft tall. It was pure magic! Next, we headed to Second Beach which is connected to the Pacific ocean. The beach was magnificent, even on a cloudy day. While in Forks, we opted for a tiny home. What a fun experience! Madelyn loved it.  The one we stayed at is less than 600 sf and it has everything we need. Travel is all about experience new thing.

On the last day of our trip, we took a short hike to explore Marymere Falls. Unfortunately, Sol Duc Falls is closed for the season. It's one of the most beautiful falls inside Olympic National Park. We stopped by the crystal-clear Lake Cresent. Headed back to Seattle and made a stop by Snoqualmie Falls. As outdoor enthusiasts, this trip did wonders for our souls. Sharing some pictures from our trip below. Until next time!

Where we visited:

• Pike Place Market
• The Gum Wall
• The first Starbucks location
• The Space Needle
• Hoh Rain Forest (Olympic National Park - West Side)
• Second Beach
• Marymere Falls
• Lake Crescent
• Snoqualmie Falls

Where we stayed:

• Japandi-Style Studio in Seattle
• Tiny Elk House in Forks
• Emerald Valley Inn in Port Angeles
• Lux Stays and Yacht Rental's (walking distance to Pike Place Market)

Where we ate: (I forgot some places)

• Pho Bac
• Granny's Cafe
• Macrina Bakery

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A long weekend in Seattle

DVF x Target Jumpsuit

I just got this jumpsuit in the mail. I love it so much that I had to share. I've been a fan of Diane von Furstenberg for years. I have always loved her iconic wrap dress. However, spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of clothing is not something I typically do. When Targer  announced collaboration with Diane von Furstenberg for affordable Spring collection, I was thrilled. I placed an order on launch day and it arrived within 5 days. This was the only item I ordered. I love this jumpsuit. The material is nice. It's unlined but not see through. I feel like it runs a tad small. I am wearing a size XXS here. Could have gotten away with an XS. I might reorder. The only thing I have to point out is that it's kind of hard to get it on and off because there's no zipper. Takes a bit effort but it's not a deal breaker for me. All sizes are back in stock right now. Grab one if you're a fan of DVF. For under $50, this is a great and affordable option. Shop the entire collection here.

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DVF x Target Jumpsuit

What I got for Christmas and life lately

Can't believe my last post was almost 3 months ago! The first 2 months of 2024 have been a roller coaster ride to say the least. I wanted to come on here to share my annual "What I got for Christmas" and some life updates. One big ticket item I got for Christmas was the Dyson Airwrap. I purchased the Shark FlexStyle last year. I liked it but I wasn't 100% in love with it. The round brush attachment is really big for my head 😀. The temperature gets way hotter than my Dyson hair dryer. I ended up letting it go and asked for the Dyson Airwrap instead. I have always been a fan of Dyson. I only have it for 2 months but so far so good. My thoughtful girl friend got me a Barefoot Dreams blanket (which I've been wanting for years) and a PJ set. The girls got me a pair of mini Ugg boots and a new Yeti cup for the office. My in-laws got me some Christmas $$. We have a few trips planned for 2024 so we decided not go crazy on gifts plus I seriously don't need anything. Wanted to quickly share a big ticket item we got for Madelyn because I think it's so cool and fun. I want to play with it as well =) We got her a Razor electric scooter in white. It's so cute in person. Unfortunately, it's been very cold and and snowy in Ohio so she didn't get much use out of it yet but I bet, she'll be zooming around the neighborhood very soon.

The 2nd week of Jan, we took our annual ski trip with friends and family. The kids had so much fun. For those of you who are in the Midwest, Seven Springs ski resort is a really good option. A short driving distance from Ohio. It can be beginner-friendly, depending on the runs you take. The resort offers something for everyone. This was our 2nd time skiing here. Once we came back from the ski trip, things kind of went downhill from there. My husband started having lower back pain. To the point that he had to make an ER visit. Turned out he has a herniated disc. He's doing PT now but it takes time. I also ended up in ER one night for a health condition. I am keeping it private for now. The 1st week of Feb, we received a call from the hospital that we wish we would never have - My mother-in-law had a heart attack and sadly, she didn't make it 😢 Since then, bad things kept happening one after another. We just can't seem to catch a break. When it rains, it pours I guess but that's life. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Right now, I am just keeping my head up and staying positive. This too shall pass.

[Celebrated Lunar New Year at church with my gorgeous girl friend]

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What I got for Christmas and life lately

Merry Christmas from ours to yours!

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas filled with joy, love and magical moments. The girls are growing up right before our eyes. Courtney is home for the holidays and we couldn't be happier. May this festive season bring you warmth, laughter and happiness. Outfit details: My blazer dress - Size XXS (the quality is amazing!) | Madelyn's dress.

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Merry Christmas from ours to yours!

A bag review :: Teddy Blake Lydia Dollarino Tote

Hope you’re having a great week! Holiday shopping season is in full swing. I want to get this review up just in case you’re looking to get a work tote for someone. At the beginning of the summer, I started going to the office 4 days a week. It was a big change for me as I was working from home for 2.5 years. Now that I am going back and forth between home and the office, I have to carry my work laptop home with me every day. I wanted a tote bag that would fit my laptop and have room for other essential items, the Teddy Blake Lydia Dollarino tote is the perfect choice for me. I've done quite a few reviews for Teddy Blake. You can read previous posts here.

I was looking for a work tote that will stand the test of time but at the same time, I don’t want to pay a high price tag for it. A work bag is something that will get beaten up eventually. What I like about the Teddy Blake Lydia Dollarino tote.

• The size is perfect for what I need: The bag measures 10.6" (H) x 5.5" (W) x 14.2" (L). It fits my work laptop perfectly with room to spare (I have a 13” laptop)
• I love the fact that it has one big compartment. I can understand having a divider in a bag but for me, I don't like to rifle through a divider. It also takes up a lot of space.
• The central compartment can be expanded to fit more if needed
• Available in 7 colors from fun to neutral shades. I decided on a neutral one because it goes with everything in my wardrobe
• There is a generous interior zipper pocket where I keep my badge and parking pass
• The adjustable shoulder strap is what sold me. Wear it as a single cross body strap or double it up as a shoulder strap,
• The chain shoulder straps come with a soft and comfortable leather guard to save my shoulder from unwanted bruising. My work bag can get super heavy.
• I love the pebbled calf leather. It gives off a luxurious look yet durable for everyday wear
• The gold tone is muted and so not in your face as I am a silver kind of girl
• The bag has a sophisticated and timeless look with no prominent logos

I’ve been carrying it to work for over a week now and I love it. If you’re looking for a functional luxury work tote bag, I highly recommend you look into this one.

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A bag review :: Teddy Blake Lydia Dollarino Tote

Happy Thanksgiving + Black Friday shopping

I hope you had a great time celebrating Thanksgiving with your loved ones. My husband and I hosted this year. Courtney came home from college, relatives came visit from out of town. We had a full house yesterday. A night filled with love, laughter, and lots of good food. We might take the girls shopping today. Speaking of shopping, there are some amazing sales going on right now. Take a look if you're interested. I already started my Christmas shopping and will be checking these deals out as well. Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend! My dress is 50% off.

Here are my top 5 deals:

1. Lululemon: Their stuff is expensive. There are a couple of items on Madelyn's wishlist this Christmas. I am going to grab a few things for her. If you're been eyeing, this is the time because their products rarely go on sale.
2. Mango: Up to 50% off their best sellers: I love their coats. I got 2 coats last year and love them both. They are a little bit more expensive then H&M but the quality is amazing
3. Express: 50% off everything. See my recent purchases here. 
4. Revolve: Get up to 70% off. It's my go-to source for fabulous holiday dresses. I found mine this year on Revolve as well. Can't wait to wear it next week to my company Christmas party.
5. Fashionphile: 10% off everything. If you're looking to score a designer piece today, do it today. This is a rare promotion. I've purchased from Fashionphile many times in the past and the experience was always great!

Affordable dresses for the holidays

I purchased a few dresses for the upcoming holidays and I love them so much. They're on a major sale today so I thought I'd share just in case you're interested. Most Express dresses are $35 or less today. It's a major steal. This off the shoulder midi dress is so classy and perfect for the holidays. I got the same dress in 2 different colors/patterns. The fabric is thick and well made. It hugs you in the right places and shows off your curves. I also picked up this long sleeve ruched dress. Another wonderful option for the holidays. Again, the material is thick and heavy. The length is perfect on me. The color, unfortunately is too close to my skin tone. I am going to exchange it for the black one instead. All 3 dresses are 60% off today.

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Affordable dresses for the holidays

My absolute favorite perfume is on sale

Hope you're enjoying your weekend. Just a quick post today to share an amazing sale with you - My absolute favorite perfume is currently on sale.  This is a very rare promotion. To say I'm obsessed is an understatement when it comes to Baccarat Rouge 540. I purchased the regular version at first. I love it so much that I purchased the Extrait version soon after. Yes, it's expensive. I can't believe I paid that much for 2.4 oz of fragrance but it's worth it 🥹 It's so unique and unlike anything else I've tried before. I can't enough of it. I always get compliments when I wear it. It's concentrated so a little goes a long way. Since the brand is so expensive, take advantage of the sale now if you're been eyeing.

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My absolute favorite perfume is on sale