East Coast Trip, Part Two!

For the second leg of our trip we made our way to our family's home in Shelburne, Vermont, on Lake Champlain.  This is one of my most favorite places in the entire world, if not my MOST favorite, and I've spent countless summers here making some of my most treasured memories with my Aunt Ellen. Seriously, I love Vermont- it's hands down my favorite state. I love everything about it, from the green rolling hills to the gorgeous lake, incredible skiing, and lush, lush forests. I can't get enough. And every summer we spend in Vermont makes me fall in love a little more.

This July was no different. We spent our days boating, swimming, and eating delicious food, our family gathered around the table laughing and telling stories. We went night-swimming, enjoyed downtown Burlington, and my sister and I went on long runs each morning.

Here are some photographs from this part of our trip:

Tattoo Tuesday V.85

Name and blog name: Shannon // i love mazzy + zephyr 
Occupation: Stay at home momma (of two!) crafter and DIYer I hope to open an Etsy shop soon
Age of first tattoo: 20
Favorite tattoo: My back (also my only tattoo right now)
Featured tattoo/location: Peacock, entire back
Artist/shop/location of feature tattoo: Done by Alex Garcia of Dolorosa Tattoo, Studio City, CA

1) Tell us about your featured tattoo- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

I chose this piece because my father passed away when I was young and he had a peacock holding a banner with my name on his forearm. I wanted something in honor of him and the short time we had together. The peacock also regrows its feathers every year, thus symbolizing renewal. In various religions they also symbolize resurrection. Renewal and resurrection were fitting themes at that time in my life. The beams of sun coming out from behind the clouds were very symbolic for me leaving behind and old life and starting over. Progress has been postponed twice when I got pregnant but there are no babies planned for the near future so I hope to continue with the coloring soon! 

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

I don't right now. My first tattoo (a gothic cross) is now covered up. I want to focus on finishing this piece and I am thinking long and hard about the placement of the tattoos I want next.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

Definitely! I plan on getting something for my two little ones.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)?  Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them? Do you have a significant other? Does he/she have tattoos?

My family is quite supportive. If my dad were around I know he'd think it was awesome. He had a ton of tattoos himself. My mom loves my tattoo and she just got her first at age 50! My tattoo doesn't show all of the time but if I am wearing a shirt where it does show I have got some looks and people can be rude but I don't pay them any attention. It's my body and I think its beautiful! My husband has two half sleeves and a couple of tattoos on his back and legs. He plans on getting full sleeves and more tattoos. One he really wants is a portrait of Willie Nelson.

 

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

I would definitely say take your time deciding what you want. I know not everyone has a special meaning behind a tattoo but I think if you find something that does have real life meaning for you, you will love it forever. I got my first tattoo on a whim, and it didn't last, I wanted it covered up as soon as possible. My peacock symbolizes many different things for me and I continue to find new meaning in it as the years go by.

Giveaway: Black and Decker Steam Mop

Okay. So when Black and Decker first contacted me about reviewing their new steam mop, I have to admit I was a little excited, because my Mom has a fancy steam mop that I've been coveting for some time. And yes, I realize that fully puts me into the grown up category but I don't mind one bit!  B&D sent us over one, and we are so in love with it. We have a mix of large tile and carpet throughout our home, and Henry is all over the place, so we needed something I could use everyday to sanitize the tiled floor, but without scary chemicals.  I'm self-admittedly a bit of a neat freak, but I also really love spending time doing fun things (cleaning the floor does not fall into that category!), so we've been looking for a mop that is quick and easy to use, and gets the job done.

Enter the Black and Decker Steam Mop.

This thing is awesome.  I love that it's a chemical-free way to clean and I can feel comfortable having Henry crawl around on the floor without thinking about all the germs (or hazardous chemicals) he's picking up along the way.  I also really like the dial that turns to the specific type of floor you have in your home. We may eventually put in hardwood flooring in some of our front rooms, so I like that this mop kind of grows with you too.



From their website:

• The power of steam deep cleans floors killing 99.9% of germs, mites, and bacteria without using chemicals


• Smart SelectTM dial automatically releases the right amount of steam according to the floor type


• Safe on all sealed hard floors - even delicate enough for hardwoods


• Swivel steering for easy maneuverability around furniture and in tight spaces


• 15 second heat-up - ready fast, no pumping required

I would never recommend a product to you guys that I didn't love, and I tried this out almost daily for a good month before deciding I would go ahead and move forward with a giveaway.  I'm actually really excited that one of you will be my steam mop twin and happy you'll get to enjoy the super simple, super efficient cleaning power of this adorable thing.  Yes, I called our mop adorable.

So, here's how to enter the giveaway:

For your initial entry:

Be sure you're a follower of this blog, and leave a comment with your name and email address, and tell me how you'd use the steam mop. What will you clean up? For us, I love to keep our floors squeaky clean so Henry can go where he pleases!

For up to three additional entries:

• Like Black & Decker on Facebook


• Follow Black & Decker on Twitter  


• Tweet about the giveaway with a link to the blog post

For each of the additional entries, be sure to leave a separate comment letting me know you liked, followed, and/or tweeted, and include your name and email address too!

This giveaway will close one week from today on Monday, September 5th.

Good luck!

3 Beauty Products I'm Loving!

I don't wear a lot of makeup (at all), but when I get dolled up to go out on a date with Hank, or out on the town with my girlfriends, I absolutely love getting fancy. My everyday look is simple though- foundation, mascara and blush/highlighter. So that's why I love the products below- they can be used for day or night, and really make a whole world of difference.

1. Trish McEvoy's Eyelash Curler

This is hands down the best eyelash curler I have ever used!  I've been Shu Uemura curler fanatic for years, but recently while shopping at Nordstrom the sales girl persuaded me to try the Trish McEvoy curler, extolling its virtues for a good five minutes. I was hesitant, but I decided to just try it anyway and I am so, so happy I did. I have naturally long lashes so in order for my eyes to look as wide as they can be, I need a little curl. This curler is amazing. It curls 10x better than any others I've tried and I highly recommend it.

2. MAC's Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle

I've turned on so many of my friends to this stuff because it's truly amazing. I use it on my cheekbones (above my blush), on the bridge of my nose, and anywhere else I'd like a little extra prettiness. It adds a fresh, dewy look without being overly sparkly and gives you a healthy glow. If you've never used a highlighter you don't know what you're missing! I suggest heading to your nearest MAC counter and asking one of the makeup artists to try some out on you.

3. Nyx's Felt Tip Eyeliner

Hello, $5 eyeliner! What could be better? I had always used MAC's Fluidline in Blacktrack, but I received this eyeliner for free with purchase at CVS or Target some time ago and haven't looked back. It looks and feels kind of like a sharpie, and like a sharpie it stays put!  It's extremely easy to apply, and the felt tip makes achieving a cute cat eye a cinch! I'm a huge fan, and you really can't beat the price. Definitely worth a try!

Let me know if you decide to get any of my picks, and be sure to tell me what you think. Enjoy, and happy makeup-ing!

*photo above from the morning of my sister's wedding & our friend Nikki's makeup!

this weekend

We're back at home, winding down after a half-sad, half-wonderful weekend.  Yesterday morning my family and I attended the memorial service of my best friend's mama, and it was so hard, but also such a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman, wife and mother.  It was difficult to see my friend in so much pain, but I know it was really helpful to have so many loving faces surrounding her.  Any time someone close to you or someone you love passes away it's always hard to see the meaning in all of it- why people have to go through pain or suffering, why we have to lose the ones we care so much about.  To hear my sweet sister of a friend speak about her mother today was so moving, and made me think about life and time and so many things that we don't always keep in the forefront of our minds day after day.

Afterward we went to Green for lunch and ran into some friends, then headed back to my parents' so Hank and my Dad could go to the Cardinals game. We have season tickets this year (great seats!) so it was fun for the guys to go do that and have some "manly" time. ha. My Mom and I stayed behind and watched a lot of reality television and ate a Kashi Greek pizza. Perfect night.

This morning we woke up bright and early to do some laps at the pool and then went on our usual Sunday morning trek to breakfast and food shopping. When we're at my parents' we always do what they do- which is Starbucks, Trader Joe's and Sprouts. Sometimes Costco and sometimes Whole Foods. I'm kind of weird and really, really love food shopping so it works. Afterward we went over to the Loops' so Henry and I could hang out with his Auntie Autumn and the kiddos, and Hank and Jason could go down the street to a sports bar and do their fantasy draft. Have I mentioned that my hubby is sports obsessed? And I have I mentioned that he is on FIVE fantasy teams? Yup. Insanity. 

Now we're back home, the little one is asleep, and I'm gearing up for a busy week. I hope you all have a great Monday!

above: scarves makes even lazy days prettier; puppy/baby cuddles; IKEA; 7am and a peaceful pool; post-swim; sister sister; getting ready to lighten my hair; Autumn; my handsome frozen yogurt date.

a little cartoon

I love this, and if you have visible tattoos you may find the humor in this too!

I hope you had a lovely Saturday!

xoxo

Friday links to love!

Happy Friday friends!  This week has been both amazing and incredibly sad. My best friend is experiencing a terrible loss right now, so I've been down in the valley to give her support. It's so difficult to see someone you love in so much pain, so I'm just trying to be as positive as I can and just be here for her. Tonight we are having a bit of a girl's night at her place, and I'm really happy to have some good quality girl time with her and our dear friend Natalie.  Nat is someone I've known for a long, long time, but only recently we've gotten a chance to get closer and bond. We're both new mamas and I feel like we are such kindred souls. Has that ever happened to you? Known someone for awhile but never really "known" them, and then all of a sudden you're wondering how you ever wasted so much time not hanging out? Yeah, that! I just love her to pieces. But anyway, that's tonight (I'm writing the beginning of this Friday post right now- Thursday night). Yesterday I also changed my hair color. Nothing drastic but we had to bleach out all the black. More on that on Saturday!

And two more blog-related item- congratulations to the Matisse Shoe giveaway winner! Kristen, please email me to claim your prize! :)

 And now, a short little list of links! Enjoy your weekend everyone. 

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Have you checked out my Hello Giggles article this week? I'm talking all about Clair Huxtable and her bad-ass-ness!

If you read any new blog this next week, make it Kristin's. She currently living and working in India as a nurse and her photographs and stories are nothing short of amazing.

This post was short and sweet, but one of the best posts I've ever read. Seriously beautiful.

Posts like this one over on Smile and Wave make me so excited for all of Henry's future stages.

Lemon Risotto. Need I say more?

Ashley's blog is one of my very favorites, and I always love her top five lists. This week, she included me! (and it was such a fun surprise to scroll through and see my name!)

Wouldn't this be the most perfect baby shower gift for a hip mama? Too cute.

A huge bow? Long sleeves? And a fun, whimsical yet not too cutesy print? Love it.

I really love these photos that Mandy shared.

My sister Lauren has been trying to get me to read this book forever. Now this Lauren says so, too? I think I know what I'm reading next.
 
Interesting thoughts on having another baby...

And finally, two blogs I've been extra loving this week: one and two.

Happy weekend!

9 to 5: Chelsea Horton, Designer

[photo credit]

This week I'm so happy to have a friend of mine, Chelsea Horton, the the blog today, talking all about being an independent designer and what her daily life is like. You can also check out her Tattoo Tuesday here. I find Chelsea to be one of the most inspiring women (ever) and I know all of you will really enjoy her story. And be sure you check out her blog too if you don't already have it as a daily read - she's one of my most favorites and I always leave her site feeling so happy after being surrounded by so much beauty. I'm looking forward to the day we can sit down for a cup of tea and have some good girl talk, but now I'll settle for immersing myself in her fabulous blog.

Thanks again Chelsea for being a part of this feature!

Tell us about yourself.

I’m Chelsea Horton, a 23 year old, self-employed Owner/Designer of SEABLANKET, a personal style blog and women’s online clothing store based out of Portland, Oregon.

Describe a typical day at work.

My day begins at 7:30 on weekday mornings with a strong cup of coffee and yoga. I think it’s important to begin my workdays by exercising my mind and body to prepare for the long day ahead. Yoga is followed by a shower and breakfast, then I head to my studio. There, I review my daily goals and create a list of to-do’s that must be completed that day. By 9am I start creating. This could mean either sketching new pieces, drafting patterns by hand, fabric shopping, packaging and shipping purchased items, or sewing countless articles of clothing. I work like an assembly line when creating my handmade pieces. Starting with cutting fabric, then pinning and draping when needed, and finally sewing and perfecting each individual piece. I try to wrap up my workday by around 4pm, but often I find myself working into the evening as I loose track of time. I always listen to great albums or watch my favorite movies and tv shows when creating to keep myself focused on the physical sewing process and out my head. I wrap up every work day by cleaning my studio so that it’s a fresh slate for the next work day.

Did you always want to be a designer? How did you get into this field? What kind of schooling or background did it entail?

I’ve always wanted to be a designer. I’ve been sewing and sketching dress ideas since I was 4 years old. My mom took notice of my love of art, specifically with sewing at an early age and enrolled me into private sewing lessons. Soon, around my first grade in elementary school, my friends were wanting to sew too, and my private lessons turned into a fun, after-school group sewing class. From there, I began designing and sewing my own creations at home for myself, my dolls and even our poor family dog. While none of the pieces I made were revolutionary, this freedom to turn an article of clothing I had in my mind and turn it into reality gave my heart and imagination wings. I strayed from my love of sewing in Middle School, and it wasn’t till my freshman year in College where I chose to take a Theater Wardrobe & Design course. I realized then that I still enjoyed, even loved and really needed to be sewing/designing as a career. I’ve been actively creating and working towards my goal since.

Is this what you hope to do for the rest of your life? Where do you see yourself in 10 years, career-wise?

I’d love to pursue SEABLANKET for the rest of my life. I see it as a little seed that I planted long ago that is finally sprouting up from the ground. I hope to one day see it grow tall and blossom into a beautiful dream come true. I hope one day to have 2 beautiful collections each year, and have starlets and street fashionistas alike donning my pieces. I’ve also always dreamed of having my pieces in stores and magazines... I believe that with my persistence and motivation this is a reasonable goal. On a smaller scale, I see myself as a fashion journalist or blogger for years to come. I’m inspired by fashion. When I see the latest Marc Jacobs, Prada or Alexander Wang collections, I’m moved by the beauty, architecture, and soul in each piece and also the guts the designers had to take the risks they’ve taken. I love feeling each piece of clothing I buy, it’s like hugging a new friend. I know it may sound crazy, but I’ve got a passion for making women feel beautiful, and I feel no shame in wanting to pursue a career for that sake.

If you could tell your 17-year old self (fresh out of high school and ready to face the world!) anything about your life today, what would you tell her?  Is there anything you wish you would have known back then? Was there anything you would have done differently as far as your career, setting yourself up for success, etc. etc.?

I was such a slacker when I was 17. I had no direction and was really lost in the world. I had spent all of high school trying to fit in and avoided all of the quirks and unique traits that are what I now use daily to create and live by. If I could change a thing about the past would be to listen to my intuition and shoot for the stars. SEABLANKET has only been alive for a year and a half, and already I am self-employed and more content than ever. I wish I wouldn’t have waisted my time with insecurities and self-esteem issues and started pursuing my dreams at a much younger age. I would have loved to go to school for fashion design (although my free spirit would’ve hated every second of it, haha). I do wish I would have began blogging and designing sooner. I feel like I got a late start, but it’s giving me the inertia to move forward at a quicker and more direct pace.

There is a quote by the ever popular NPR host, Ira Glass, that I found right around the time I began working for SEABLANKET full time, that continues to inspire and encourage me to fight for my dream. I’d love to share it with you now, as inspiration to all who have any reservations to pursue your their own creative destinies: