I finally managed to take a vacation. My sister in law came into town from the east coast and we got to explore the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado while the husbands boarded ... all day. The good news is, I got to do one of my favorite things. Thrift shop!We found this adorable thrift store called "Lift Up" and they had the cutest things. I got a great deal on some goodies for my son and I purchased a gold candle sconce and used it as a bracelet stand for my Chloe + Isabel events. It was meant to be. We also visited a fabric store... another one of my favorite things... and I found the perfect fabric to tie my bedroom décor together. Little by little. That project will eventually be complete. "Sew Steamboat" had a great selection of different fabrics, textures and once again, I managed to get something for my little man. The perfect fabric for an art smock. Tested and approved. The "vacation" ended up being fun but a little crazy while the men went snowboarding. Overall, I had an amazing opportunity to bargain shop and craft shop. Bonus!! ~ Live life.xoxo
On top of all things occurring in my life... kid, work, small business... now we adopt two little Aussie Pups. Yes, two! What was I thinking? I've already been through the late nights, early mornings, cats meowing and sleepy deprivation and I set myself up for this. Who in their right mind does this? Me... Well, my husband, but I have to endure the headaches, again. After my last post (sorry it's been a while) I tried to take a step and focus. Between all these things happening, this is my outlet, my place of sanity. And I need it. So while I enjoy this crazy hectic life, you can find humor in the little sanity I have left. A little piece of crazy in your world, might be fun. Or funny!
So, two pups is a handful. Trying to train them, even harder. While this breed is amazingly smart, it's challenging to take on two at one time. Again, what was I thinking? I'm a PT stay at home mom, so not only do I have these two pups to deal with, but I also have a two year old boy... yep you guessed it, potty training! This is fun! (insert sarcastic face here!) We just brought the pups home and I'm already counting the days to sleeping again and not having to worry about pee and poop on my floor. (not many accidents thus far-thankfully) So while my husband is at work, I am stuck with three potty training children and a jumbo sized cup of coffee.
I'm on the hunt for the perfect dog food, the perfect mental break and the perfect time to sell Chloe + Isabel jewelry... don't worry, that's not now. I have absolutely no idea what kind of robot or alien I am to be doing all of this and still be capable of writing a sentence. But I must admit, I feel like a SUPER MOM and that's always a good feeling! :)
~ Live life! xoxo
While life has been quickly changing this year, I've been finding ways to make a difference and work from home. I decided to search for a flexible option and came across an opportunity that took me little time to appreciate. My newest endeavor as a Chloe + Isabel merchandiser has given me the opportunty to share my love for fashion & jewelry with the women of today.
I've been a fan of jewelry for some time now and when I researched the company and saw the selections, I knew it was meant to be. I've never been big on selling. In fact, I never imagined sales as an option for me. So when I applied to be a merchandiser I was immediately excited. I want women to enjoy the benefits of a lifetime guarantee. I have pieces of jewelry that tarnished and I threw away, but with the lifetime replacement I don't ever have to worry about that again.
I invite you to visit my eBoutique and shop till you drop. Which is possible, since all the pieces will amaze you!
Host an event and you could earn FREE jewelry. Yes... Really. FREE jewelry. Contact me for hosting opportunities online. Live life! ~ xoxo
 Welcome to the new year and a new you! I hope your resolutions is ready and you are going to stick to it. My resolution is the typical, "lose weight", but I am dedicated and motivated, so I will conquer. I have decided to start a 6 week challenge and within those 6 weeks a 21 day yoga challenge. Today marks the first day of my yoga challenge and I must say, I am surprised how much I thought I was an intermediate yogi until now. I was clearly in denial.I started the "Yoga Journal: 21 day challenge" DVD and today was a 45 minute "fun sequence". Should've known that, while it was fun, it would prove that all those cookies and sweets during the holidays was a poor choice. For a long time I've loved yoga and carried a lot of the breathing techniques into my natural labor and delivery of my son. There are so many wonderful benefits with yoga that are amazing, skeptics would disagree but I bet they have yet to give yoga a try. But that's a whole other story. I will be working through this 21 day challenge and hope to see the results that I have so desperately been seeking. Join me as I make changes this year and make it a better year than last~Cheers to the new year and the new you! ~xoxo
A while back I was given my late grandmothers sewing machine and while it is difficult for me to even think of using it without her with me, I decided to give my first re-purpose DIY a go.
My son's pillow has been without a cover for some time now and it's being driving me crazy. I've looked for travel size pillow cases and they were $6 plus shipping, even on eBay. So I kept putting it off Procrastination is never an answer. Once I realized enough was enough, I got to thinking and boom, I figured out that I could re-purpose his old swaddling blankets for the pillow case, and ta-dah, pillow case magic.
his swaddling blankets have been sitting in his closet with no use aside from taking up space, so this not only gave me a reason to use my sewing machine for the first time, but put this fabric to good use. Now I can cross one more thing off my list and I feel at ease with my son sleeping on his pillow, or under it. You never know with a two year old.
Total cost of this project $0. My favorite kind!!
Happy Holidays - xoxo
Last minute shoppers, get out there. A few helpful tips, diy gifts and ideas can be found everywhere you look. For the jewelry lovers, I came across this amazing site with inexpensive hand-designed jewelry and a lifetime replacement gaurantee. WHAT?! Yes!! www.chloeandisabel.com has amazing pieces for all the jewelry lovers in your life. If you decide you'd like to make a purchase, shop boutique: "Rachel Rae". In need of other gift ideas, how about some diy love? A fellow blogger and wonderful friend at Zania.net provides some serious tips on how to get the most out of these last days before xmas, from LaurenConrad.com to a creative diy face scrub. Lovely! Check out her "holiday gift guide".
A little tip for the little ones in your life... I'm not big on Christmas shopping in stores, so this year I prepared my online list and have been crossing things off, paycheck by paycheck. Looking for that perfect toddler gift? I've found tons of educational options on Amazon and no need to fight in the stores for the top items. From VTech to Melissa and Doug, amazon has been my helpful companion this season. If you're a prime subscriber, you still have time to revieve items before Christmas day. My two year old is certainly set with melissa and doug puzzles, the learning journey puzzles, go go smart cars from VTech and some crayola starter kits that his grandma sent. All and all, amazon was perfect for us this year.
I hope you find some helpful tips in this weeks holiday blog. May your holidays be merry and bright!
xoxo
It's time to search for gifts and/or make a gift. Today we decided to make a gift for grammy. My mother doesn't really like us to spend money on her, especially during the holidays...
So what better gift than a diy decorated plate. My two year old had a blast painting this "dinosaur" onto this plate kit, purchased at Michaels craft store. I know what you're thinking... "A dinosaur?" that's what he continued to say as he painted, so I'm going with it.
After some patience and allowing his creativity to flow this was the outcome. It's a cute and simple gift, as messy at it may seem. This little personalized gift cost us $4.99. I'm all for a great bargain and even more so when it's a gift. Really inexpensive and fun to do together.
Hope you enjoy!
xoxo
toddler plate art - gift
 Seasons changing inspires my desire to design, my nails that is. As you may know, every week I change my nail design with a mini mani treat to myself. This week I decided a little penguin snowy paradise would be suitable for the beginning of December.
I love the way they look and found some ideas on pinterest but none to this extent. Rhinestones and glittery polish made my nails feel extra fun and wintery. I hope you like them.
I did find a few pins that I will be trying out soon, from my favorite nail artist, Robin Moses. She's absolutely amazing with her designs always inspire me to try them out or to add a little spin to the my inner creative diva. Her techniques are easy to follow and her YouTube channel is PERFECTION! Check it out and keep an eye out for my next adventure, nail or otherwise! ~ Love! xox
The weather is changing here and with that comes some fashion changes for me. From warm to cold, in any kind of weather, I love to play up my ensemble with color and/or accessories. Sometimes a little of both. Today I went with two fun statements.
A new do and my scarf tied a little different than usual. Inspired by a few too many pins.
It's a "curly-hair-don't-care" kinda day for me. Letting my hair be wild!
Two benefits to this is my hair style; it's a quick twist and a bobby pin away from wild,
and it doubles as warmth for me ears. It's getting cold!
I tied my scarf a little funky and I love the way it looks. The longer the scarf the more fun you can have. I choose to be simple and go the black route today.
Daytime look set. To work I go.
My weekly treat to myself. I of course, had to do my nails. Since I moved to Colorado I have become quite the DIY nail fanatic. I started with the desire to save $4o a week and decided, I could do the same thing for less. With a little inspiration and a lot of polish I started to find the fun in it and now I do my own nails and those of my friends and family. This weeks nail designs were for me and my mother. My mother's inspiration was found by this pinner whose Instagram gave the right touch of glam she was looking for.
As for my nails... I just went the simple route. I went a little crazy for October's Halloween theme and wanted to try a simpler approach with this Maybelline "Vintage Leather" collection polish that was on clearance at Target - SCORE! I added a touch of contrast and it came out just as I hoped.
 Moms nails inspired by youngwildandpolished - follow on Instagram.  My nails - Maybelline Vintage Leather collection.
My mother and stepfather came into town this weekend and the many options for outdoor activities were overwhelming. We decided on one of my favorite places to visit, Breckenridge, CO. The snow covering the mountains and the scenic views are amazing. The perfect place to visit and it was perfect timing too, a week before the ski season begins.
We walked the town, played tourist in the souvenir shops and found
this not so expected propeller. I love the unusual placement surrounded by the snow.
My inner photog was quite content with this find.
My first monthly girls night was successful and filled
with nails, diy's, chick flicks and of course, margaritas. Cause what's a girls
night without a few drinks. Keeping in the theme of Halloween, I took
inspiration from Robin Moses' haunted house nail design for my nails, my hand models and great friends, made their requests and were pleased with the outcome of their inspirations
found on Pinterest. While I am in no way a nail technician/artist, I do love to try new technics and DIY art for nails. Weekly nail designs for me, which will be displayed here,and monthly nail days/nights/designs for the girls. What's not to enjoy?
With each girls night we plan to have a diy,
nail designs or Pinterest related task to accomplish.
As the night goes on, pics, flicks and drinks, of course,
will only lead to more fun and goofiness.
Can't wait for the next girls night!
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