TBB Style Link-Up Schedule

Well hello there, friends!  I just want to pop-in today to remind you that Wednesdays are for style around here.  I've gotten myself out of the habit of posting outfit pictures, but as I get back into the swing of things, I'll be linking-up with The Blended Blog every Wednesday with what I've been wearing.

This week my lovely friends are featuring their boho babe looks.  If you want to flaunt your bohemian style, make sure to head to The Blended Blog or our host this week, Andrea's, blog Living on Cloud Nine, to link-up!

And make sure to join me next week (and all the weeks to follow) by dressing for the prompts below!

Kellyann. Sarah. Andrea. Deena. Carrie

Lana. Vanessa. Whitney. Abbie. Shelly

Spread the Love

I have such a fun post to share with you today!  Last month, The Blended Blog coordinated a fun gift exchange to celebrate Valentine's Day with our favorite bloggers.  Each of the participants was matched with another blogger for whom we chose an accessory to match her style.

I was so excited when I was paired with Kellyann from This Blonde's Shopping Bag.  Kellyann has such a fun and colorful style that, even though I've never met her in person, I think describes her personality, too!  I enjoy Kellyann's fashion posts because she can pull-off today's trends in a way that always looks classic and chic.  I also admit to living vicariously through her because she lives in Florida and is already rocking the warm-weather wear.  Oh to go outside in bare legs!  Kellyann, I'm so jealous!

Isn't she gorgeous?!  This is one of my favorite posts from her lately.

Anyways, I knew that I would receive something fun and colorful from Kellyann and I was right!  We were also totally on the same page in that we both purchased tassel earrings for one another.  I've been wanting to try the tassel trend for awhile but hadn't purchased any jewelry for myself in awhile, so Kellyann's gift was absolutely perfect!

I think my students will get a kick out of me wearing statement earrings to school and I also think that these will be perfect for date nights with my handsome guy!  Stay tuned for some outfit posts featuring these earrings.

Thanks, Kellyann, for being such a fun Spread the Love partner!

Let's Hear it from the Girls

Do you have an anecdote you want to share?

An experience to relate?

A funny tale?

A life's obstacle you want to unload?

Something on your heart?

None of the above but something still burning to be in print?

Yes please.

 

With my Blended Blog besties, we're launching a fun new series and I'd love for you to be part of the conversation. Each week we will have a different post topic for you to write about and submit to one of our blogs as a guest poster. If you’re feeling extra wordy, feel free to submit posts for more than one theme.

FEBRUARY & MARCH 2018- Fostering Strength

Today until February 9: Call for submissions on blog and by email.

February 12-16: A Portrait of Love: Talk about what love looks like to you.  Be creative. Here are 3 examples of very different versions of the post- you can really go anywhere with this.
Glenna-Jordan-Sara  

February 19-24: Watch Embrace (rentable on iTunes- Documentary, Gravitas Ventures, $4.99) and create a post using one or some of the questions in the discussion guide (here)- tell us what you took from this film.

               

February 26- March 2: Affirmations and self-talk: share your tips, what do you do to build up your confidance? Life hack survival tips: What do you do well that helps you get through life? See an example of a post here.

March 5-10: I’m *insert your age here* and I tried it : any fun trends you want to share that you’ve tried? Or that you’ve been dying to try and just need that little push ? Have you accomplished something that you are really proud of? Here’s an example of what Abbie tried at 35.

March 12-16: 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 somethings.  Talk about this period in your life and what you’re going through.   Here are a few examples: Jodi, Renee

March 18-23: A woman you admire : tell us about the strong women in your life.

March 26: Last week: closure and introduction to the April and May topics on our blogs.

*DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION is at least a week before the post is to be published.*

Our goal is to reach out to our reader community because we know there are some great voices out there with stories to be told.  Please pick a couple of topics that interest you, let me know that you are interested and prepare a guest post.  

In your guest post, I will include a bio of your awesomeness and your words. I'm sorry to say that I'm not paid so you won't be either, but I would love to promote your links and send you free hugs.

You don't have to be a blogger to participate!

You in?

Email whitneyalamode@gmail.com if you've got a great idea or an already formulated post!

P.S. Thank you, Deena, for putting this introduction together for us!

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Resolutions: Intuitive Eating and Running Races

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  It seems like there has been a lot of buzz in the blogging world this year about making goals instead of resolutions.  In a way, it seems like we're just giving resolutions a new label but I do see one rather nuanced difference.  I think that goals are more definable, they are actionable whereas resolutions might be a bit vague.  Although you can set actionable goals to your resolutions and voilà, we have the same thing!

When creating resolutions or goals for myself this year I definitely went at it from the perspective of setting-up things I could actually do as opposed to an undefined wish.  Every year it seems that my resolution is to lose weight, but this year I'm focusing on my health in more specific ways.  I'm also calling these things resolutions because it's January, but really these are goals and concepts that I've been thinking about for a few months now.

Resolution #1: Intuitive Eating

I tend to have two modes when it comes to eating:

Mode #1: Be on a strict diet, follow rules very closely and lose weight.
Mode #2: Eat all the things and gain weight.

I so very badly want to fall somewhere in the middle.  I don't want to constantly be thinking about weight loss, diets and calories.  But I also don't want to be binging unhealthily and gaining weight.  That's where a concept called Intuitive Eating comes into play.  At it's core, Intuitive Eating is about eating when you're hungry, stopping when you're full and eating what your body feels it needs.

I am at the very beginning of this Intuitive Eating journey.  And it is a journey!  There is so much to learn and you really have to reset your way of thinking about food.  I've found some really helpful resources to help me along this path and am thinking about chronicling my journey here at Whitney à la mode.  What do you think?  Are you interested in learning along with me?

Resolution #2: Running Races

This past year (with the help of my boyfriend) I went from being a non-runner to having finished eight 5k races.  I'm so proud of the progress that I've made but I have so many more running goals that I want to accomplish!

This year my running resolutions are two-fold.  First of all, I want to run at least twelve races this year.  I've already signed-up for my first two!  A Frostbite 5k in a couple of weeks and an Irish Jig 5k in March.

My second running goal this year is to finish my first (and hopefully not last) 10k.  I've already signed-up for one in May and have started my training schedule.  This is also something I'm thinking about blogging in hopes that I can help other non-runners to see that yes, you can do this!  Let me know if you are interested!

Make sure you stop by and visit the other Blended Bloggers today to learn about their goals and resolutions.  Also, link-up your own with us today so we can form a nice, big support group for one another!

Pantone Color of the Year: Ultra Violet

Well Happy Wednesday, friends!  It seems like so long since I've done a style post.  There's just something about stuffing my face full of holidays foods that makes me not feel like putting on actual clothes to pose for pictures.  You know what I mean?

But today I'm posting over at The Blended Blog about Pantone's color of 2018, Ultra Violet!  I happen to own exactly one piece of clothing in this pretty bluish-purple but I've found a few items to add to my wish list, and you can find them over at TBB.

But while you're here, voilà, my one piece featuring Ultra Violet!  A blazer!

I like blazers but find that I don't wear them that frequently because they feel too dressy.  Instead of giving up on this piece, though, I challenged myself to create a more casual look around the blazer.  I purposely wore my distressed denim and Adidas sneakers to dress the look down as much as possible.

I don't entirely feel like me in this outfit but I'm happy that I made an effort to remix this blazer.  I mean, I definitely need to wear it more this year because it is Ultra Violet!

What do you think of Pantone's color of the year?  Is it a hue you wear a lot of?  Something you want to incorporate more into your wardrobe?  A color that you are going to choose to ignore this year?  Let me know in the comments!  And link-up your Ultra Violet looks with TBB below!

TBB Asks: The Holidays

Happy December, y'all!  I absolutely believe that the most wonderful time of the year is here!  As I type, I'm sitting in front of my sparkling Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa, and feeling quite festive!

My awesome blogging friends at The Blended Blog have had a fun questionnaire series running the first Monday of every month called TBB Asks.  This month we are talking everything holiday.  Join us in sharing what makes your holiday season special and link-up with us below!

1.  Real or Fake Tree? Real!  My boyfriend and I had tons of fun at the Christmas tree farm picking-out our first tree together this year.  We are looking forward for making this a tradition for many years to come.

2.  Favorite Christmas Cookie? My Grandma Marge is the queen of cookie baking and I always look forward to the goodies she bakes for the holidays.  I suppose my favorite Christmas cookie would be her traditional sugar cookies, decorated with a tasteful amount of colored sugar and not too sweet.

3.  Home on Christmas Morning or Travel?  I would prefer to be home on Christmas morning but now that my sister and I are grown-up and starting our own traditions, one group or another of us will have to travel.  This year I get to be home on Christmas morning!

4.  Clear or Colored Lights?  I actually love the different vibes that each give!  This year we decorated our home with warm white lights.

5.  Send Christmas Cards?  Yes!  This year I went with a company that I just heard about, Simply To Impress, and I love the cards we got for a great price (because Christmas cards can be ridiculously expensive)!

6.  Favorite Christmas Present Received?  This is such a hard question because I've received so many thoughtful presents over the years.  For some reason the present of my childhood that stands out the most is a little, hand-held Beauty and the Beast video game.  I loved that thing!

7.  Favorite Christmas Present Given?  Oh wow, this is even harder!  I love picking-out the perfect gift for each of my loved ones.  Last year I purchased all gifts while I was in Beijing, China.  It was really fun to think about all of my favorite people while I was on the other side of the world.

8.  Stockings or No Stockings?  Definitely stockings!  Grandma Marge also knows how to knit a mean stocking.

9.  Christmas PJ's?  Yes, please!  My family has matching plaid pajamas that we wear when we're together on Christmas morning.

10.  Favorite Christmas Carol?  Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas performed by Judy Garland in the movie Meet Me In St. Louis (a must-watch Christmas movie for me)!

11.  Favorite Holiday Tradition?  Can I say all of them?  I just love this season so much and every activity that comes with it!  But hmm, if I have to pick one, I would say that it's decorating the Christmas tree and reminiscing about all of the ornaments.

12.  Early Shopper or Last Minute?  I would call myself a gradual shopper.  I start early but I don't rush.  I spread it out so I can find the perfect gift for each person.

13.  Favorite Christmas Movie or Show?  Oh lordy, the list is long.  My favorite movie of all time is Love Actually which I consider a Christmas movie.  But in terms of classics, I love Miracle on 24th Street.

14.  Favorite Holiday Beverage?  Hot cocoa with whipped cream!

15.  Cookies and Milk for Santa?  Of course!  Plus some carrots for the reindeer!

What about you?  Tell me about your holiday traditions!

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An InLinkz Link-up

Bridging the Gap Campaign: Lana

Over the course of the past four years, blogging has brought so many fun opportunities to my doorstep. From amazing blogging friendships to fun sponsorships, I never expected this little hobby to bring so much to my life. And today, today marks another amazing collaboration here at Whitney à la mode! I'm taking part in an unprecedented blogging campaign featuring 200 phenomenal bloggers: The Bridging the Gap Campaign!

Today is an exciting day with the launch of an unprecedented campaign, “Bridging the Gap,” where 100 Millennial and 100 Midlife Influencers are coming together to blur the boundaries as we believe we are stronger together. We are putting an end to the labels and divisions that no longer serve us as age is simply a number, while it’s your attitude and way of looking at life that truly matters. We are women supporting women, along with a few brave men joining in the celebration. We are coming together to send a powerful message that we choose to be seen for who we are rather than be defined by our ages. We believe in a world without separation. We believe that we are far stronger together. Please join us in this revolutionary campaign as it’s the hearts and souls of the women that truly matter in the end.

My wonderful friend, Lana, from My New Happy so graciously invited me to be a part of this campaign. She chose me as her millennial as we've paired-up for this event. I "met" Lana online when I joined The Blended Blog and then met her in real life when a bunch of TBB'ers joined-up in Toronto in May! What I love about Lana is her calming, positive presence. Spending time with her makes you feel good about life!

Our task for the Bridging the Gap Campaign is to introduce each other on our blogs and we chose to do so in an interview format. So here you go, Lana in her own words:

Short bio: I was born in 1967 in California, but spent most of my growing up years in North Carolina and now Washington. I met my husband of 27 years in 9th grade and we married 8 years later, after I finally talked him into it. I always loved fashion, and have a degree in fashion merchandising/business. I spent many years in the retail industry, first as a sales manager and then a buyer. When my first son was born I was able to stay home and did so for 22 years. In 2003 my husband and I started a business, selling and installing door, bath, and cabinet hardware. It’s fun to work together, but challenging. In my free time I like to write, read, travel, and spend time outdoors hiking and skiing.

What is your blog about? Hmm…good question! It started out as a place to write about teenagers, parenting, and preparing for the empty stage of life. I wrote about that for about a year, and then realized that my boys weren’t going to be in this stage for long. That’s when I changed my name and my focus. Ideally, I’d like to write about life after the kids have flown – about how it’s not over. Even though it’s sad in many ways, this stage of life really is a new beginning. So, Midlife Lifestyle, I guess. But FUN midlife, with travel and fashion and good times!

Why did you start blogging? I’ve always loved to write, going back all the way to elementary school. Someday I hope to write a book. In my everyday life, I work with my husband in our hardware business, doing accounting. SOOOOO not exciting, but important and worthwhile, and it pays the bills. I really prefer to do something creative, and wanted to get back to writing. Blogging seemed like good first step.

Photos by Nicole

What is the title of your blog and why? I switched to My New Happy because that’s where I am right now. I spent 22 years giving my all to being a mom, and it made me so happy. I was worried that after Thomas left for college I would be lost. But it’s a whole new stage, and it’s time to work on myself and the new things that make me happy in my day to day life.

What is the most rewarding part of blogging? The connections. I’ve become friends with so many people that I would have never known existed if it hadn’t been for blogging. Meeting Deena and Carrie, and working on the idea for The Blended Blog brought new life to my own blogging. I love that we have this eclectic group of ladies, from all ages and stages of life, working together and becoming friends in the process. TBB is the true definition of Bridging The Gap. Where else can you find a group of ladies from three different decades, hanging out together, shopping, sightseeing - like we did in Toronto? It’s kind of magical.



What makes you the happiest about being your current age? Having time for myself. Which sounds strange, because honestly, at my age, time is kind of running low. But I feel really happy in my marriage, I’ve raised two great boys. For the first time in 30 years I have extra time for me, and I feel like the possibilities are endless. Now I just need to figure out what to do with all that time

What have you learned from the millennials in TBB? First of all, how to figure out social media! Seriously, I’m so technologically challenged, and you guys know instinctively what to do. I love your energy and exuberance for life – sometimes we forget that as we get older. I’ve learned to look at things differently, to take chances and try something new.

Do you have a millennial blogger that has inspired you? I can’t pick just one, but I love all the millennial fashion bloggers. Your ability to style an outfit and take such beautiful pictures is impressive, and continues to elude me. You guys do it like pros!



How can we “bridge the gap” in our non-blogging life? Keeping our eyes open for opportunities to include each other as equals. I’m fortunate to spend a lot of time around my boys’ friends, and they help keep me young in mind and heart. Being receptive to new opportunities and situations, even if we feel uncomfortable. Not judging others for their age, but welcoming their perspective on life.

Now that you know a little more about Lana, here are a few of my favorite posts from her blog:

Be Brave and Skydive
Paris is Always A Good Idea: Day One
Their Mama: Mother's Day Wishes

And thank you, lovely friend, for inviting me to be your millennial in the Bridging the Gap Campaign!

Christmas in July with The Blended Blog

Christmas is my most favorite time of the year!  I love singing along to Christmas carols in my car, enjoying holiday treats and relaxing under the lights of the Christmas tree.  But my favorite part of the season is that feeling of love, joy and peace shared between friends and family.  Some people might think gift exchanges represent a too-commercialized side of the holiday but I see it as an extra way to show love to my favorite people.

So why not celebrate Christmas in July with my fabulous friends from The Blended Blog?!  These ladies are some of the most radiant and giving women I know.  Plus, since we share the similar hobby of blogging, we just seem to get each other, making a gift exchange even more fun!

I was so excited when I received a package in the mail from Sarah of Foxy's Domestic Side!  Sarah is a Californian ray of sunshine with the biggest smile and sweetest heart around.  Her positive energy is infectious and you can't help but smile when you're around her.  Not only does she have a great spirit, she is so fashionable (as evidenced by the great tulle skirt below) and she does the most fantastic hair tutorials.  Ugh, can teleportation just be a thing so that I can hang-out with Sara all of the time?!  California and Michigan aren't close enough!  Alright, alright, you're probably ready to see what she gave me, huh?

As soon as I realized that Sarah was my Secret Santa, I was hoping there would be candy in my gift box.  You see, Sara and I had a great afternoon walking the streets of Toronto while sharing a bag of candy.  We both have quite the sweet tooth.  Sarah did not disappoint, she treated me to gummy bears and Swedish Fish!

And being the hair expert that Sara is, she also gave me some really awesome hair products.  Check-out this vat of bobby pins!  Y'all, I go through bobby pins like no other so I'm psyched about the sheer number of pins as well as the fact that they are Sarah (the hair goddess)-approved.  She also gifted me with a bottle of Amika's dry shampoo.  I actually received a sample size of this stuff in one of my Birchboxes and flew through it.  She somehow read my mind and now I have my very own, full-sized bottle!

Sarah, thank you so very very much for the thoughtful gift!  I love each and every part almost as much as I love being your friend!

Okay, ready for more presents?  I had a blast picking-out some goodies for the fabulous Nicole of Nick and Nicole + 4.  Head on over for some more unwrapping.  And oh yeah, Merry Christmas (in July)!

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Summertime Fun: Work-Out Faves

Hey, friends!  Sorry my posting has been a bit sporadic lately.  I've truly been relaxing and enjoying every little bit of my summer vacation!

One activity that I've dedicated a lot of time to this summer has been exercising!  I've mentioned before that I've tried to get into running on several occasions but it never became a regular part of my life...until now!  My boyfriend is an awesome runner so he has been helping to coach me.  His expertise and enthusiasm has me more motivated than ever to run farther and faster.  We've run two 5k's this month and I've beat my best time at each race!  I'm excited to keep pushing myself to see what I can do next!

Considering fitness has been a huge part of my summer, I'm excited to be participating in The Blended Blog's Summertime Fun Hop today because it's all about working-out!  If you are stopping by from Sarah's blog, welcome!

What we're most excited to share with you today is our favorite work-out video series by The Fitness Marshall!  Have you heard of him?  He creates these amazing hip hop dance routines to today's most popular songs.  You can find them for free on his Youtube channel.  After a few videos, you will definitely be working-up a sweat but you'll be having so much fun, you don't even realize it!  Need a little more convincing?  A few of the TBBers (myself included) made a video to show you just how much fun we have dancing with The Fitness Marshall.  Being recorded while doing a hip hop dance work-out was definitely embarrassing (what's with my facial expression?!?) but Deena did an amazing job compiling our little video.  I hope you enjoy it!

Fave Fitness Video from Dee on Vimeo.

An InLinkz Link-up

The Blended Blog Asks...

I've got something a bit different happening here at the blog today!  Instead of a style post, I'm participating in a fun little interview with a few of my Blended Blog favorites.  If you are stopping by from Sheila's blog, welcome!  And make sure to hop on over to visit Katie when you're done!


1.  Favorite animal: cat (particularly my cat, Izzo).
2.  Wine or beer: red wine, please!
3.  Socks on/off while sleeping: off anytime unless I'm wearing tennis shoes.  I'm not a sock fan.
4.  One piece or two piece swimsuit: two, although I'm not opposed to a cute one piece.
5.  Cooking at home or eating out: I enjoy both but I guess my favorite would be eating out.

could he BE any cuter?!

6.  Pepsi or Coke: nothing beats a fountain Coke!
7.  Regular or electric toothbrush: I actually just purchased a disposable electric toothbrush.  So both?
8.  Candy or chocolate: candy!  Old school Dots are my fave.
9.  Coffee or tea: coffee, coffee, coffee! #butfirstcoffee
10.  Music or talk radio: as much as I try to get into talk radio, I prefer music.

fountain Coke, the way to my heart

11.  Chick flick, action movie or documentary: chick flicks!  Although I prefer watching TV series.
12.  Regular or mechanical pencil: mechanical pencil.
13.  Swimming or laying out: laying out!  Does anyone actually swim at the pool or beach??
14.  Dog or cat: I'm totally a crazy cat lady!
15.  What do you drive?  An SUV, van or sedan: none of the above...a coupe!  A cute Honda Civic!

I only get in the water to cool off

16.  Early bird catches the worm or night owl: umm, neither?!  I'm best during the afternoon, haha!
17.  If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be: strawberry pie.
18.  While you're sleeping- phone in your room or out: on my nightstand (I use it as an alarm).
19.  Singing in the shower: nope, not really. But in the car, most definitely!
20.  Orea cookies: whole, apart or dunked in milk: I do a combination of all three!

strawberry pie > birthday cake

Now that you know some fun, random facts about me, I want to learn a little about you!  Write a post answering these questions and link-up below!

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An InLinkz Link-up

The Blended Blog Loves: School's Out!

Happy LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, my lovely friends!  To celebrate, I'm posting at The Blended Blog today and am featuring some of my favorite posts of the week that have me excited for summertime!  So pop-on over and share an iced coffee with me!
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Meet the Blended Blog

Yesterday I posted about the amazing trip I took to Toronto with the most amazing group of women ever!  Now that I've recapped our Canadian adventures, I want to take the time to talk about each of these women who I can now call my friends in real life.  Because if you don't know them already, you really need to!

I'm starting with Nicole from Nick & Nicole Plus 4 because she took the beautiful photos you see in this post!  She works as a professional photographer so if you live near Barrie, Canada and need someone to take beautiful photos, you must choose her.  Going into this experience, I was in awe of Nicole and the fitness journey she has been on for the past year.  To meet her and to find that, not only is she strong and dedicated, she is a ton of fun was an absolute delight!  We were bus buddies on our day trip to Niagara and I really enjoyed learning more about her and her family and sharing our love for the Fitness Marshall.  I'm ready for a dance party when you are, Nicole!

Deena, our fearless leader!  She writes over at Shoes to Shiraz and is, without a doubt, the coolest person I know.  From her effortlessly badass style to her ability to make the best selfie faces, I kind of just want to be her.  But really, I admire Deena because she's got it all together...the job, the family, the blogging...and still finds time to be a dedicated and loving friend!

Alison of Puppies and Pretties was one of my roommates for the trip.  Of all the time I spent with her throughout the weekend, my favorite moments were the goofy ones spent in our hotel room. We laughed so much about everything from hotel robes to dry shampoo.  You won't find a kinder, more down to earth girl than Alison.  Although I blame her for my Lilly Pulitzer wish list.  This girl has the best collection of Lilly tops!

Shaunacey from Simply Shaunacey is the funny, caring, sassy and grounded girl you just want to be your friend!  She just has this air of "it's cool, I've got this" about her while being absolutely hilarious.  She's pregnant with a baby girl and it was so fun to throw her a little shower over the weekend.

Andrea of Living on Cloud Nine is the absolute sweetest human being on this planet.  From the moment you meet her, she will make you feel special and loved.  I feel so blessed that she lives so close to me and sometimes vacations in my hometown.  I'm banking on more time with this one over the summer.  I need more Andrea in my life!

Katie of The Mishaps and Mayhem of a Solitary Life was my other roommate for the weekend.  She has the biggest smile and the most infectious laugh of the group.  Seriously, is she ever not smiling?!  Katie is just the kind of person who makes your life brighter and who lightens up a room with her presence.  I want to spend some days relaxing by the pool with her (although her tan will put me to shame).

Sarah of Foxy's Domestic Side is just an absolute delight and she loves candy just as much as I do!  She's got the biggest smile, the prettiest skirts and the best lipstick collection of anyone I know.  On top of that she's so sweet and tons of fun!  I feel like we could just sit on the couch over drinks and chit chat the night away.

Lisa from Daily Style Finds has this overall poise that you wish you could master while still being so very down-to-earth and kind.  I enjoyed talking with her as we strolled the streets of Toronto.  She is another Midwesterner so I'm really hoping for the chance to see her more often and to know her even better!

Lana blogs at My New Happy and is the kind of person who puts you at ease.  She is so easy to talk to and makes you feel comfortable in any situation.  I hope that a little bit of her confidence and contentedness with life rub off on me!

Christy from RSquared is such a ball of energy!  She has this zest for life that actually makes you feel more energetic.  From her perfectly shaped haircut to her bold style and fun personality, she will make your day more happy and exciting!

These women are all so special in their unique ways.  They inspire me to be a better person, celebrate the happy moments in life with me and lift me up when I'm down.  I hope you will enjoy getting to know them as much as I have!

Finding my Tribe in Toronto

Random Friend: So you're traveling to another country to meet a bunch of people you met online?
Me: Yes I am!

And I couldn't be happier I did!

Just over one year ago, I was invited to join a collaboration called The Blended Blog.  I already knew a few of the other bloggers in the group but most were introduced to me as I started to write with them.

Instantaneously I found myself a part of the most amazing group of women.  We blog across different age groups, countries and phases in life but despite our differences, these thirteen women have become the greatest of friends and one of the strongest support systems I have in my life.  In fact, I think our differences are what makes us great!  We represent women everywhere while strengthening each other through life's ups and downs.

One year later (this past weekend), I hopped in my car to make the trek from home to Toronto, Canada where I spent the weekend meeting ten of these women in real life!  I can't express how surreal it was to see their smiling faces in front of me instead of through my computer screen.  Each and every one of them was exactly what I expected.  Their blogging voices are so authentic that I knew exactly who I was meeting.  I am so so blessed to be able to call these women my true friends now and I'm already itching to spend more time with them.

Tomorrow I want to individually honor each of these women, their unique personalities and their amazing blogs, but tonight I'm sharing some pictures from our trip!

Spring Time Fun: Good-For-You Skincare

Happy Monday, lovelies!  Only six more Mondays of the school year...but who's counting?!  Today I'm participating in the Spring Time Fun blog hop with some of my favorites from The Blended Blog. Our topic this week is Spring Fashion and Make-Up.  If you're just arriving from the fabulous Deena's blog, bienvenue!

Since I usually blog about fashion, that's probably what you're expecting from me today.  But nope!  I'm going to try something new: a beauty product review!  When the weather finally starts to warm-up, do you find yourself in need of a new skincare regime?  I know I do!  Suddenly the thick cleansers and heavy-duty moisturizers that I need during the winter feel like too much.

So, each spring I find myself reinventing my beauty routine, and as I'm doing so this season I've found myself smitten with a new-to-me brand of products: Beauty Counter (thank you, Carrie for getting me hooked!).  Not only does Beauty Counter carry a luxurious collection of skincare products, the company is "committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States."  Their website features a Never List "made up of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals that they never use as ingredients."  Using these products makes your skin feel great and you can feel good about what you're putting on your face!

Continue reading to find reviews of all the products I've tried (and a link-up through The Blended Blog), but I want to mention that I'm working with my Beauty Counter Consultant, Beth, to host an online party through the end of May.  If you are interested in trying any products from Beauty Counter, this is a great opportunity because you can earn some freebies!

Purchase any Beauty Counter products through these links and you will receive a free sample of your choice of face mask.  Buy more than $100 worth of products and you will get a free Peppermint Lip Conditioner (my favorite product)!

Here’s how to claim your free mask and lip conditioner! 

1. Shop through the links in this post - required! 
2. Place any order to receive a mask sample. Place an order of $100+ and receive a free Peppermint Lip Conditioner. Offer good through 5/31.
3. Forward your order confirmation email to beth@smallbiteswellness.com and include your mask sample choice (Brightening, Plumping, Balancing). 
4. Your sample and lip conditioner will be sent separately from your order and will arrive within two weeks of your order. 

Alright, let's get to those reviews!

Charcoal Bar: This is the product that got me hooked to Beauty Counter!  I use it to wash my face every morning and let me tell you, it makes my face feel squeaky clean without being drying at all (which can be a big problem for me).  The charcoal absorbs impurities and I can't emphasize enough how clean my skin feels when I use it.

Lip Conditioner in Peppermint: The lip conditioner is hands-down my favorite Beauty Counter product (and you can get one for free with a $100 order)!  I struggle with dry, flaky lips and using this product for a few days has solved those issues!  The conditioner is a nice, thick balm but doesn't feel sticky or goopy.  The peppermint scent is fresh without feeling overwhelming.  Really, you have to try this stuff!

Brightening Mask: This mask will brighten your skin tone and even-out your complexion.  It goes on like a cream, dries (and feels a bit tight in the process), and then washes-off easily with water.  After using it, my skin felt much smoother and fresher!

Brightening Oil: I've been using this oil as a nightly moisturizer and I'm loving how my skin feels.  In general my skin feels more capable of regulating its moisture level, if that makes any sense!  The oil also has a delightful, citrusy smell.

Brightening Facial Mist: You can use this mist to set your make-up or as a refresher throughout the day.  I've been using it more as a refresher when I have plans after school and want to have that freshly made-up feeling.

You can purchase the Brightening Set as three individual items, as a collection or in travel sizes!

Cleansing Balm: This is a pretty sweet product that can be used multiple ways.  You can use it as a moisturizing mask, or may favorite way to use it is to remove my make-up in the evening.  It really feels as if your make-up melts off of your face with this balm.  Afterwards, my face feels so moisturized that I almost don't need actual moisturizer.

Have I convinced you to try any of these products?  If you have any other questions, please let me know!  If I can't answer them, I can direct you to Beth, the expert.  And since you've made it this far, please link-up your favorite springtime post below.  Now it's time to head over to Nicole's blog to see what she's talking about today!

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