They're just GIVING it away...

Don't you just love a blog giveaway? It takes 2 minutes to enter, no strings attached and you can get something for FREE!

My girls Shannan and Amy from Merci Blah Blah are doing their very first giveaway, and it is a $60 Gift Card to CSN stores. CSN has everything from furniture, to home goods, to shoes and handbags. It's a no brainer...check out these cute shoes that could be yours!

head on over to their blog and enter...you have until June 4th!!! 

Call me bubbles...

I am not sure if it is this warm weather, or just the fact that it is going to be a beautiful long weekend, but I am certainly ready for a cocktail. In the heat, I tend to crave something bubbly and fruity and very cold. My husband has perfected the art of champagne cocktail creations, and he is always mixing up something new.  We did a lot of the St.Germain cocktail (elderflower liquer and champagne...yum!) last summer, but here are some new ones that I can't wait to try!

The Raspberry Champagne cocktail: recipe HERE

Champagne Pomegranate cocktail recipe HERE

And a Peach Prosecco spritzer recipe HERE

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone! And...CHEERS!

Run with it

So this past weekend, I just happened to notice how many women were wearing the EXACT same running shorts. They are very cute, and colorful and they seem to be flattering on most shapes. They come in about a dozen color combos to choose from, and I noticed that even younger girls were wearing them (they come in girl sizes too!) Anybody own a pair of the Nike Tempo Running short? After seeing them on so many women, I am just trying to figure out what all the fuss is about!

$34 on Zappos.com

Easy Breezy

This summer I plan to be all about comfort. Nothing too fussy for me...I intend on updating my short wardrobe, wearing some of my favorite espadrilles, my new gold aviators and lots of chunky gold jewelry. I am also OBSESSED with oversize gingham. Loving this version by Elizabeth and James...

Here is my inspiration brought to life ...

The Perfect Summer... by stylescout featuring Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry

Items in this set:
Summer super check shirt, $225
Solana Short, $19
Sam Edelman Leroy, $150
Oversized chain-link necklace, $330
Tom Ford 'Peter TF 142/S' Unisex Gold Designer Aviator Sunglasses |..., $250

The Perfect Design...

Some people talk about designing clothing, or a home or art. Not Tracy Anderson, she talks about designing your body. And I have to give it to the girl, she knows what she is doing. I believe this is my 3rd post about Tracy Anderson, and I know it's a little excessive, but I am SO impressed with her new design series videos, I just had to share...

A friend of mine ordered the 3 video set and offered to do a swap with me (I gave her my Mat DVD for 2 of the design series) She gave me Sequence 1 (beginners) and  Sequence 2 (intermediate) She said she didn't bother bringing the 3rd video, because it is just THAT HARD. I have to believe her, because after doing video #2, I am dying.

What I love about Sequence 2 is the extensive leg workout (my problem area) and the unique moves that she does not do in any of her other videos. She also does an amazing ab workout, using a chair that I can already tell is going to pay off. The standing ab routine is one step crazier than the one she does in her Mat DVD...you feel like you are doing the African Ant eater ritual from Can't buy me love...BUT, I have to trust that it works!

The one thing missing from this video is an arm workout, although I feel like you are using your arms throughout the entire leg portion. It's hard to explain without showing, but there are a lot of leg extensions holding the chair, which requires you to use your back, arms and shoulders.

I have to admit, I have not done Sequence #1, I decided since I have been doing her videos for a while, I would probably be ready for the intermediate video. #2 is certainly challenging, but not impossible. She has me hooked, yet again. And, just in time for swimsuit season...

You can purchase any of her DVD's HERE

In the raw...

Raw Stone jewelry is kind of hot right now, I keep seeing it on some of my favorite sites...

By Allison Schiller

By Gemma Redux

By Yochi

 I was really pumped when I found this gorgeous necklace at Hall's Department store. When I picked it up, I was thinking this is going to be at least $150 plus. To my frugal delight, it was only $48!!!! I love it, and can't wait to wear it with everything this summer. It is much prettier in person, it is actually many crushed raw stones, set with some crystal colored stones. It is by Sparkling Sage (color is sunstone/gold) and can be purchased online HERE

Man of Style

I did this a few weeks back, and I think I am going to stick with it. It doesn't hurt to throw a little man-candy in here every once in a while, right?

My husband and I recently watched Lars and the Real Girl with Ryan Gosling. It is an absolutely strange, but captivating movie that we just couldn't turn off. Even though we kept looking at each other in disbelief, like, "Why are we watching this?".  It reminded me how good looking Ryan Gosling is. Even when he plays these weird, disturbed characters, he pretty much oozes sex appeal.

So the big question is, do you think Rachel McAdams is totally bummed?

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Feeling Blue

I have always loved this shade of blue. It looks amazing with a summer glow, a pretty pink lip, and topped off with some gold jewelry. Whether it is for day or evening, you really can't go wrong with this color...

By Mod Cloth $54.99

By Mod Cloth $137.99

By Mod Cloth $64.99

By Mod Cloth $49.99

This is a major splurge, but isn't it gorgeous?

Mara Hoffman Kimono Dress $418

I am in trouble.

I really am not much of a junk food eater. I don't buy chips or too many snacks, but my one indulgence...M&M's. If you want to make me really happy, just leave a 1 lb bag of the Peanut Butter ones on my doorstep. They are ridiculously good.

But, I had a change of heart when I kept seeing Coconut M&M's on their commercials. Alas, they were no where to be found! This was until Gigi shared with me part of her 25 bag stash of Coconut M&M's (yes, her dear husband ordered her a box of them, how nice is he?). They are phenomenal, the perfect mix of chocolate and coconut. And they aren't too artificial tasting, which can sometimes be gross.

I have to say, they are my best 210 calorie splurge today. I am not sure if I want to save the other bag for my husband to try...

Want them for yourself? Store Locator is HERE. If you live in Kansas City, apparently most CVS stores and the Hen House in Prairie Village.

Next on my list to try...Pretzel M&M's!

And the winner is...

CONGRATS lethe1998, Random.org picked you as the winner of the Stella and Dot giveaway! Please email me at mel.knopke@gmail.com with your name and address! Thanks everyone for playing and thank you to Katy from Stella & Dot for providing the Kristin Charm necklace for this amazing giveaway!

Don't forget...

To enter our DARLING Stella and Dot Kristin Charm necklace giveaway! We will pick a winner on Monday, maybe it will be you?!

You can enter HERE

Perfect Petals

Have you EVER seen baby shoes as cute as these? Oh my...I am in love! Well, guess what, it is your lucky day. Joy Folie is giving a pair (of your choice!)away on their blog. They are taking entries until May 21st, so HURRY! You can enter HERE.

In the meantime, if you want to shop all of her other beautiful things, you can visit her website HERE. You will die when you see all that she has to offer. Again, if I ever had a girl, I think I would go nuts!

American Style.

I grew up watching Shirley Temple movies. I was completely enthralled with that little curly haired sweetheart who completely stole the big screen. She was always dressed in these adorable little dresses with ruffles and a petticoat. I wondered why didn't my mom buy me dresses like that? At that time I was wearing neon biker shorts and a huge tee shirt with puffy paint all over it. Ha!

Blu Pony Vintage is bringing that amazing, all-american style from the 1920's back. How wonderful is that? All of the garments will be produced with the high quality standards that clothing used to be made. No synthetic fabrics or plastic buttons. These are timeless items that your children can wear for ages, and eventually pass down to their children.

Stringbean Co is one of the first stores to be carrying the line. I am so excited to be one of the first to share it with you all! It is now available online for purchase...here are some of the great styles Stringbean is carrying...

seriously, how precious is this dress? Alice Dress, available in Sky Blue

due to the sheerness of the dress, should be layered with the Clara B. slip

so sweet...the Greta G. dress is available in Indigo

And for the boys...

These old fashioned coveralls are so stinking cute (I would pair them with some chuck Taylors!)

Wouldn't these items make for a beautiful family photo op? I can't wait to see what Blu Pony will be doing for Fall 2010!

What a novel idea!

Car Seat cover by Chubby Baby, $75

I saw a girl with one of these yesterday and I had to stop her and ask where she got them. Of course she found it on Etsy! I absolutely love this idea of a custom infant car seat cover. I think they are great when baby #2 comes along and your car seat may be a little worse for wear from the first child. This will make the car seat look brand new, and it can be removed and washed over and over! Not to mention, you can customize it based on the sex of the baby.

  Out of all the vendors on Etsy, the ones by Chubby Baby were my favorite. 

Springtime baby and the swimsuit situation

So, you just had a baby. It may be your first, it might be your 2nd or even 3rd...bottom line, the last thing you want to think about is throwing on last season's bikini. We have all been through this before, and it's not a fun time. Trying on swimsuits post baby might be one of the worst things ever, especially in a department store fitting room with that TERRIBLE lighting.

Thankfully, one piece suits are chic, and there are so many silhouettes to choose from! Even if you don't believe it, there will be a style that is flattering and that will make you feel confident when you are running around after your little ones this summer. My best advice is to find some online, order a bunch and try them on at home. The lighting is WAY better, and truthfully it's always nice to have a 2nd opinion from a friend or husband.

Here are some of my favorites...

ok, did they have to put Adriana Lima in this suit? Geeeez...well, anyway, this DKNY suit has a really sexy silhouette that holds the "girls" in, and the ruching on the sides is always great for drawing the eye away from the tummy. I would do it in black for sure. On sale for $79!

My friend who just had a baby in February, brought this suit on a recent vacation. It is SO cute on. The plastic mannequin does not do it justice. It's actually a one piece, with tummy control! So no worrying about the top riding up. it is really flattering, and who doesn't love a good stripes? By Tommy Hilfiger on Zappos

This La Blanca one piece is a really gorgeous Melon color. I also love the bust line, for those of us who don't have much up top, it will give it the illusion that you do. Again, the ruched midriff is great and very flattering. 

This would probably be my pick, if I had to choose one. I absolutely love the color, and I prefer a strapless suit. There is also a tie-back detail, which makes it a bit more interesting. By Carmen Marc Valvo (he makes amazing swimsuits, I found a bunch online that were really pretty!)

Rosa Cha is a Brazilian designer known for her phenomenal swimwear. This one piece is a very stylish option. I love the one shoulder with lucite charm detail. They are not inexpensive, but the quality and style make it worth the investment. $225 on Nancy Meyer.

I just discovered this line of suits last night, and I fell in love with everything, especially this striped one piece. This suit by Kushcush is the perfect way to do Nautical this summer. How about that button detail on the neck? LOVE!

What do you think about one pieces? Any brands you love?

It's giveaway time!

Does your little girl like to raid your jewelry box? Well this is the giveaway for you!

Stella and Dot makes really fun, fashionable jewelry and recently they added a little girls line. When I first saw the pieces, I couldn't help but smile. I would have been begging my mom for these when I was little!

 All of the pieces are of high quality, and they are just sparkly and cute enough for your little one to love, but classic enough to wear for many years. The line is already gaining a following...and you might soon be seeing them on the likes of Suri Cruise, Stella McDermott (Tori's daughter), Apple Martin (Gwyneth's daughter) or one of Heidi Klum's beautiful children. So when Katy (stylist for Stella and Dot) came to me about doing a give away, I could not be more thrilled.

One lucky reader can win the fabulous Kristin Charm necklace. This necklace comes with 3 charms that can be interchanged. They are so cute and so sparkly and perfect for that little girl that has started her jewelry obsession early!

To enter, just comment on this post with your favorite item from Stella and Dot's website. A winner will be picked a week from today!

Stella and Dot also offers the opportunity to do a trunk show for your friends in the comforts of your own home. Katy Hinsdale, who is a rep in the Chicago area (but will also travel to Indiana/Wisconsin/Michigan-2 hours max) will come to your home and help you throw a fabulous jewelry party...and of course earn some free jewels for yourself! If you would rather do it online, there is also a virtual trunk show that makes it easy for everyone! You can contact Katy HERE if interested.

Good luck everyone!