Author: lissa612@yahoo.com

Fun Easter Decor

Holidays
February 22, 2018
0

I decided to turn my insta stories about Easter decor into a blog post instead of trying to link everything in my bio! I have a lot of fun decorating for all of the different holidays. I basically just hit up target, meijer, and any other store I happen to be at and make it my own!

I love how my entryway turned out because this picture I happen to have is from our first Easter(last year) as a family of 4! It also happens to match!!! I think I also love that it’s bright & colorful on yet another dreary Midwest day.

My mantel is always a little challenging because when we built our house we actually had them move it to the center of the wall so we could put our tv over it. Now I find it annoying because I can only fit so much! Lol 😂 I decided to split up the garland since I have 2 spots I like to hang things.

This is the $5 wreath from target that I think looks adorbs on my full length mirror!

I usually leave this buffet pretty much the same throughout each season and just add a few simple things. I even left the bunny plates out because Maxwell is already insisting on using them!!! I mean, that’s actually good because I bought them with no purpose in mind.

All the Easter decor is linked below! The garland and tree aren’t exact but super close and I might even like them better 🙄. Happy decorating!!!

XOXO,

Lissa

Garland | Plates | Wreath | Bunny | Tree

Fit Day, Fri-Day! Mostly American Eagle Try On Session, with some other fun stuff!

Fashion
February 21, 2018
0

I’m loving this title because it’s Tuesday already🤣🤣🤣. For those of you that know me well, you know I’m generally early but this fit session is actually from last Friday! Hey, we had a busy weekend. Ha! So here it is, on Tuesday. Maybe we can just pretend I am early and it’s for this Friday?!?

At any rate, Emme and I went to American Eagle, I had high hopes because I was also excited to try on some of the Aerie bathing suits. Well, epic fail because my American Eagle doesn’t carry bathing suits yet. #bummer I also felt like the store was all the same color scheme, so I really didn’t pick up a ton to even try on. You will notice 2 of the tops were the same color! Not everything pictured is American Eagle(most is), but all links are posted under the pics. And, like 3 of the items pictured are on major sale, so check them out!

When I picked up this sweater I knew it was going to be mine…it’s the softest thing I’ve ever touched! And I love the addition of stripes with the statement sleeves. I already owned the clutch, bracelets, and jeans, and my earrings are my go-to, everyday, light as a feather, leather beauties!

I mean heart shaped sunnies are all the rage, plus we have a fun little getaway coming up and I thought they would be perfect!

Who doesn’t want an 80’s band tee?!?!? Am I right or am I right? This head wrap/band I am super excited to wear. I haven’t yet but it will definitely come in handy on a day I am definitely not washing my hair! My purse is a vintage Gucci from my favorite Luxury Consignment Boutique, Jane Pabon’s! Be sure to check it out if you haven’t. I actually work here most sundays, so come visit me if you want! I recently had a new customer walk in and she told me a woman from a different shop told her that Jane had the keys to all the women’s closets on the North Shore! ha! If you aren’t from Chicago this may not mean much, but basically, she’s got ALL the goods! Jeans are old, same as above, and my earrings are another version of my light as a feather, leather! The Etsy shop offers free shipping & tax on the regular!

Headwrap | earrings | purse | jeans | t-shirt

These are a few things I didn’t pick up but probably will in the near future!

This bucket bag priced at $88(on sale for $44) is a great quality of leather and I love the light color for spring!

Purse

This top and shorts are such an easy outfit to put together for spring or summer. The t-shirt with the statement sleeve can be dressed up or down and isn’t everyone always looking for a great pair of cut offs? I am wearing a 10 in the shorts for reference, and a M in all of the tops.

Top | Shorts

Hope you have a good week, I’ve got another sick baby…this winter has sucked for all these viruses.

Where is your favorite place to shop? Leave a comment below, maybe this fridays, Fit Day can feature one of your faves!

XOXO,

Lissa

Darling, Today You are One

It's Party Time!
February 19, 2018
0

We had Emerson’s First Birthday Party this weekend, we had a blast and I can’t believe it has already come and gone! I wasn’t totally in the mood for planning a party this year which is odd because I LOVE to host and throw parties. I realized that it was because I just wasn’t coming up with the perfect theme! Once I landed on Boho Floral, the rest was history! Here are some pictures of all the special details! I linked everything below!

Darling, Today you are One Poster. When I saw this on etsy, I knew we needed it! The Garland/poster stand are hobby lobby! I couldn’t find the exact Poster Stand, but thought this one was super cute!

I just love this little drink area, the napkins are too cute, the gummies have alcohol(the adults needed something too! lol). The cocktail sign is old from target’s Dollar Spot! Pellegrino just matched the theme and was of course a hit. The letterboard is linked here, everyone needs one of these. I have used it for so many parties and just fun to change with the seasons! Oh, and you better believe the wine of choice was Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio and Some of my other favorite, Kim Crawford, Sauvignon Blanc!

The cookies are from my favorite local cookie baker, Sara’s Custom Cookies!

This super cute wall hanging I made with the help of my mom and grandma. I bought the ranunculus bouquets from afloral.com, tied them on the string and attached them to this branch from my grandparent’s yard! Super easy and makes such a statement.

As for Emme’s smash cake I am very proud of myself! I bought an $8 cake from jewel and asked them to leave it white. I added the flowers, eucalyptus leaves, and the One stick (didn’t make this) myself! A much cheaper option than the $50 cakes I was looking at. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything!

I Love this picture of Emme eating her cake and her big brother, Maxwell helping/eating her cake with her! My heart melted as this was happening.

I absolutely fell in love with the floral garlands I made for the balloons, it of course did not turn out exactly as expected but to be honest, party planning never does! You just have to roll with the punches and be creative! I bought peony garland, eucalyptus sprays, and some extra Hot pink peonies to add more color. All I used was floral tape to get it all to stay, floral tape is a must if working with real or fake flowers. I had never used it before, and it’s amazing!!! A real game changer. The balloons I ordered in advance because Party City doesn’t seem to offer any of the fun shapes. However, when Dusko went to pick them up, PC had popped a couple so we ended up with these random ones which actually turned out great! Oh, and don’t worry the helium balloons couldn’t hold the weight of the garland! lol, so I had to stick 3M hooks to my wall. So basically, now I need to have someone come patch my walls…..eek!

Emerson’s adorable dress is from old navy! Get it before it’s gone because its on clearance!!! Her moccs are freshly picked, they are basically the only shoes that stay on her feet!!! Dusko and Maxwell’s shirts are also from old navy! Check out my top, my jeans, and my earrings! These earrings are the Lightest and cutest things ever!

I love me some flower crowns so I knew we had to incorp this somehow! These crowns were so cheap and turned out great! The gold crowns were super cool for the dudes too!

Here are some of the crowns in action!

Had to share how I decided to display Baby Girl’s month pics! Used this awesome printer that you can take any picture and print it as if it were a polaroid!!!

Here is a close up!

Last, this cake is seriously from Costco! If you have never tried their $18 cake, trust me and order it for your next party!!! You won’t regret it. It’s also HUGE! haha. The trick is, they sort of decorate them a bit cheesy, so I asked them to leave it white and write Happy Birthday on it. Then I got to do the rest! Turned out great for $18!

Hope you enjoyed looking at pictures of Emerson’s Special Day! I loved planning it and so happy with how it came together.

Have a great week!

XOXO,

Lissa

Find your Tribe, Love them hard

Fitness
February 14, 2018
4

I’m not even sure where to begin with this post, I feel like it’s been a long time in the making.

Motherhood is a roller coaster of emotions, where hormones are the downhills because we just don’t have control of them!!! When I had Max 2 1/2 years ago, I went back to work for 4 months, that was when I decided I needed to stay home with him. At the time I was a general manager for Athleta(hence my love for all things Athleta), so I worked through December as it’s obviously the busiest time in retail. I knew adjusting to being a stay at home Mom was going to be a huge change for me, especially in January. The single most depressing month in Illinois! And might I mention we had just moved to a new city where we really only had a couple of friends.

One of my last nights working, I was assisting a customer in the fitting room. She was telling me about a workout group she attends that she could bring her daughter with her. A lightbulb went off in my head, duh. This is my answer, this woman of whom I couldn’t point out in a crowd just saved my life! The next morning Max and I attended our first workout class at Fit4mom Geneva/St. Charles. I will never forget my first class, it was something unlike anything I had ever experienced. I found myself doing squats and burpees to Humpty Dumpty. It was the cheesiest, yet coolest thing ever. I got a bit of “me” time but didn’t feel the guilt of dumping Max off somewhere. Bonus: they offer playgroup after class and Mom’s Night Out once a month! YES!

This was my village, I found my tribe👯❤

These 2 pics are from some of our very first classes!

The picture below was after a play group, we made jewelry and clearly Maxwell didn’t like it! Lol

Max and I recently hit our 2 year Fit4mom anniversary so I guess it’s making me a little more sentimental than normal. But there really is something special about this village/group of ladies. Not to mention, there’s a meal train so if you have a baby, simply feeling stressed, or a hard time. The village gets together and provides meals for each other. Seriously amazing. I remember when I had Emerson, we took 6 weeks off from working out and when we came back it was so welcoming. Everyone really cares about each other.

One of my favorite parts of each class is that the instructor asks a question of the day. This is awesome for a couple of reasons:

1-It helps you get to know each other, and

2-If you haven’t had any adult interaction, here you go!

Some are fun, like today’s Question, “Who was your first celebrity crush?”

Mine was obviously Jordan from NKOTB!

And some are more practical, like, “what’s your go to dinner?” This is so helpful to get different ideas.

You also realize you aren’t alone on this roller coaster of motherhood!!! That is for sure!

Below are a few pics from some of my favorite Mom’s Night Out events!

Yoga & brews at Penrose

Wine Tasting at Galena cellars

Bowling with the men in our lives!

Since today is Valentine’s Day and we had the CUTEST class ever, plus the most fun play group, Here are a bunch of pics!

Today, I am G R A T E F U L for this Village ❤!

Check out a class in your area, the first one is always free! Do you have a tribe or a village? Have you ever tried a class like this? Would love for you to comment below!

XOXO,

Lissa

*This post is not sponsored, these are all my own opinions*

Recent Amazon Finds!

Shopping
February 10, 2018
0

Hey Guys! I thought since we have been trapped inside and I haven’t really been able to get to the store to do a Fit Day, Fri-DAY!!! I linked a bunch of my recent FAVORITES from Amazon! They are super random items but LOVE them or I wouldn’t be sharing them!!!

This belt is definitely my newest and most exciting find, Gucci inspired and Cheap!

My Phone Case I get asked where I bought this on the regular!

This swim Suit is my most liked picture EVER on Instagram! It’s so mom friendly and cute, comfy, and casual! My Quay Sunnies are big, but that’s what I like about them!!! My exact pair is sold out, but I think I want these next! And never underestimate the Tory Burch Miller Sandal, especially in this tan!

This Palm Print Swimsuit which is a major fail as a wanna be blogger, I can’t for the life of me find a picture of me in it!!! What the what?!?! Trust me, its worth the near $20!

This Marquee Lightbox I use it in Emerson’s room on her shelf and then for all of her month pics! Which are almost done, so sad. I can’t believe she is basically one!!!!

And my recent Fav, Nutpods!

If you haven’t tried them and are looking for an alternative to dairy, they will be your saving grace for coffee in the mornings! So smooth & creamy.

So, I guess this was kind of a Fit Day, Fri-DAY! Except it’s already Saturday! Haha, mom life!

XOXO,

Lissa

My Journey to A Safer Lifestyle

Beauty
February 6, 2018
0

“No, I wouldn’t suggest using that. Your skin is your largest organ. It absorbs everything.” -my midwife I had when I was pregnant with Max. This was in reference to using sunless tanning lotion while pregnant. Because, obviously if I was feeling fat, being tan would make me feel way better, right? Well, I have only used sunless tanning lotion one time since then. It’s been 3 years and that is saying a lot from a recovering tan towel aholic. I have to be completely honest, I think I knew all of those lotions had to be bad for me. They would literally make me sweat profusely. Not to mention, Amanda, I am SO sorry I was that tan and gross in your wedding 🤣. Ugh, that also reminds me-tanning beds. How was that even a thing? I mean, baking in between two sheets of lamps????

Real life: My first time in a tanning bed I freaked and got out because:

A-I was chlostrophobic and

B-I thought the plexi glass was going to shatter and I would burn to death. I probably wasn’t that far off, those things were bad. Very bad.

If you have read this far, thanks for stopping by!

Back to my point, I guess the gist of my Journey to A Safer Lifestyle is that once I had kids it wasn’t just about me anymore. I want to be around as long as I can for them and if that means changing what I can control than I am going to do the best I can! Is it realistic to download the ewg app and throw everything away and replace it all immediately? Probably not for the majority of society. Mainly for financial reasons.

Some of the things I have switched are:

1-Makeup & Skincare. If you have ever tried Beautycounter you will understand why. The products are top notch, I mean founded in Santa Monica, classy, classy ladies❤.

Let me just ask you this? If you knew that most of the cosmetics and skincare you were using today had Questionable ingredients that almost all other countries ban besides the USA, would you keep using the products? Me either. Beautycounter has banned over 1500 ingredients that they consider potentially harmful. It’s called the Never List, check it out here.

2-Household Cleaners, I pretty much just use Norwex cloths and some of their cleaners. I have always had a sensitivity to these chemicals so this was a no brainer for me. But, again, I never wanted to clean the bathrooms when Max was little because I didn’t want him smelling and licking it!!!

3-Perfume, ugh This one was going to be hard I thought. I was the girl that wore multiple perfumes just because I loved scents! I was wrong, once I just stopped wearing it I actually stopped even caring. Infant, after 3 years of no perfume, I have finally added all of my old bottles to my garage sale pile! Check out this article on how bad fragrance is and the lack of regulation here.

So, here I am, just a girl trying to lead a safer lifestyle for myself & my family❤.

Have any of you switched out something you consider to be potentially harmful ingredients? Would love to hear about it!

Please comment below!

XOXO-

Lissa

*Disclaimer: These are all my personal opinions & viewpoints, although I think my skin has never looked better!

Fit Day, Fri-Day! Loft Try on Session

Fashion
February 2, 2018
0

Loft isn’t always a store that I have shopped at before but I definitely ALWAYS find cute things!!! Emme and I went this morning while Max was at school and did a try on session. These were my favorite items! Everything is linked directly to the item. I didn’t end up buying anything today which is super odd because I liked everything!! But they had 40% off tops, not sweaters and almost everything was a sweater! Online there is currently $50 off a $100 purchase, and free shipping over $75! So , duh! Shop online! (wore a size medium across the board)

This Boatneck Sweater is super comfy, not too thick and comes in 4 colors. I took a close up of the small boatneck detail that makes it a little bit different than your normal sweater. I also love the longer in the back part because I do wear leggings a lot! Shop it here! Was wearing my Scupltek jeans from Athleta, shop them here

I LOVE me some stripes, especially when they have a little extra detail. Like the neck and sleeves, also love that its red stripes, and February! See how it opens up at the wrist!

Shop it here

These jeans I changed into are loft, and was very happy with the amount of stretch, and rips! Shop them here Size 8 for reference

This top is SO much cuter on than expected!!! I love the sleeves, a little tiny bit statement and the cute floral print that peeps out at the bottom! Shop it here

Lou & Grey is such a great addition to LOFT. For those of you that don’t know about it, it’s basically an athleisure department at LOFT. This sweatshirt is a dream for me, it has statement sleeves, is navy stripes, and has a hood. Also like the cropped detail! Shop it here

This adorbs Heart Sweater is also Lou & Grey, I mean, who wouldn’t want this for February!?!?!? I like the shorter sweater and the cropped sleeves, was a little bit itchy. Must have some wool in it. Shop it here

Saved the best for last with this adorable combo! This long sleeve tee is Lou & Grey, fits tighter than I expected. Of course love that it says-LOVE! This was in the back of the store, when I saw it I immediately pictured it with this scarf so had to run back up front to grab it! Perfect V-day outfit!

Shop the top here

and scarf here

Coming from a retail background, I would rate this shopping experience a 9! They are always super helpful here and read customer cues on if you need them or not. Maybe they work on comission, not sure!?!?!

Happy Fit Day, Fri-Day!

XOXO-

Lissa

Engraved Watches: A timeless gift this Valentine’s Day!

Gifts
January 29, 2018
0

Looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Aren’t we all! I know for me personally, Dusko always really thinks about gifts and what he is buying for me. This of course puts a lot more pressure on me!!!! haha. This year, I knew I wanted to find something extra special. Something from myself and the kids that I knew he could wear or use all the time. When I found Jord Watches, I knew it was the EXACT gift I was looking for!!!! Jord watches are unique, personal, and quite frankly-perfect Valentine’s Day gifts!

Here is the link to the watch I chose, it is the Hyde Collection in Ebony & Iron!

Dusko has always loved to wear watches, we are always on time….literally!!! Fun fact, we are usually early. When I found Jord Watches and how cool and unique they are that they are made of wood I knew Jord was the watch I should go with. Read all about the wood watches HERE!

We always say I love you to our kids(obviously), but Maxwell always responds with, “I love you so much Mama or Tata.” Melt my heart, right?!?!? That is why I chose to engrave that on the back of Dusko’s watch. It just has such a personalized touch to it. What dad wouldn’t want that! PSA: Tata means dad in serbian.

I am in LOVE with this gift and am so excited that one of you LUCKY readers will win a $100 gift card towards one of your own Jord Watches! Wether its for you or a gift, all entrants will receive a 10% off coupon.

Enter my JORD giveaway HERE

Happy Valentine’s Day!

XOXO,

Lissa

Thank you Jord for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

One Chaotic Mess

Home
November 22, 2017
0

I make my bed everyday, do you? Ok, there have been a few days in my adult life I haven’t and before I was married I definitely didn’t always. As I sit here on the eve of Thanksgiving, I want to share with you why I now make my bed Every. Single. Day. I know some of you moms are thinking, SHE is cRaZy. I, however, feel less crazy when I make my bed.

I figure if something that takes me approximately 90 seconds can make me have a better day, than lets do it! For example: today, I didn’t make my bed first thing(this is a rarity). Naturally, Everything that could be chaotic with 2 kids under 2 happened. From Maxwell knocking his sister over on multiple occasions to straight screaming just because Emerson was “looking” at Mickey Mouse. LOL, this is true. She was watching the TV with him and today he couldn’t take it. So I put Emme down for her morning nap and told Max we were going to make Mommy and Daddy’s bed. I immediately felt better. Even though I have a rolling to do list to prepare before tomorrows Thanksgiving feast of 20 people at OUR house. I felt better that our bed was MADE!

Maybe it’s because that is where you start and end your day? Your sanctuary? Idk, either way, if you aren’t a bed maker, you should really take it for a test run!

Happy THANKSGIVING Y’all😘

XOXO,

Lissa

Holiday Gift Guide

Holidays
November 6, 2017
0

So basically this Gift Guide is my Christmas List! haha, jk…but for real, I want it ALL!!!! And GREAT news, everything except 2 items are UNDER $50!!! And the 2 items that aren’t, I am VERY confident you can get on SALE!

Beautycounter’s Poppy Lip Duo, I mean is this Limited Edition Texas Poppy even a question?!?!?!? For $38 you get a lip sheer and a gloss. BONUS, they smell like peppermint for the holidays❤️.

Anthropologie’s Updated Gold and White Monogram coffee mug! I mean, C O F F E E is life? Right!?!?!? Hint, hint: If you are invited to my holiday party you just might be receiving one!

This Charlotte Pendant Duo from Stella & Dot is a MUST gift or get (yourself) this Holiday season! It comes in other colors but I am loving this neutral shade.

Who doesn’t love wine, and a festive glass just adds the cherry on TOP! I love the mixing of metals and really these scream holiday gathering or New Years Eve, etc!

So, the secrets out on these velvet mules….I already OWN them and LOVE them. My girl Lauren Conrad designed them for Kohl’s. They are comfortable and adorable!

Sequin Crossbody: This Mermaid Sequin pattern is something you will start to see everywhere if you haven’t already! It is so fun, trendy, dressy, festive, you name it! I LOVE this not so expensive version from F21. Being a stay at home mom, I don’t love to spend a lot of money on something that I know I may only use once or twice, so here you go!

Faux Fur: OMG, Old Navy Style R I G H T here!!! I used to work for old navy for 10 years, so it will always have a place in my heart. I mean, don’t count on it for the quality, but for a trendy holiday piece! YES!!!

Love your MELON: I LOVE to wear hats of all kinds, but especially winter hats, they are so practical! If you don’t already know, Love your melon gives a beanie to a child with cancer everytime they sell a hat. Hat’s off to them! That’s amazing:)

Off the Shoulder Holiday Top: First of all, this top is only $12.99, so you better click this link REAL fast! Even if you never wear it, who cares? lol, really you should wear it! But thanks to H&M for making fashion affordable!

Happy Shopping Friends! Hoping to keep posting fun gift guides over the next couple of months, so comment below and let me know if you like them!

Author: lissa612@yahoo.com

Fun Easter Decor

XOXO,

Lissa

Fit Day, Fri-Day! Mostly American Eagle Try On Session, with some other fun stuff!

XOXO,

Lissa

Darling, Today You are One

XOXO,

Lissa

Find your Tribe, Love them hard

XOXO,

Lissa

Recent Amazon Finds!

XOXO,

Lissa

My Journey to A Safer Lifestyle

XOXO-

Lissa

Fit Day, Fri-Day! Loft Try on Session

Engraved Watches: A timeless gift this Valentine’s Day!

Thank you Jord for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

One Chaotic Mess

Holiday Gift Guide

XOXO,

Lissa

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