1st Nadine West Box

I some how stumbled upon Nadine West.  Nadine West is a FREE.... yes FREE styling service.  Think stitch fix.. but cheaper and deals with primarily accessories.  Nadine sends you a pink bag (similar to ipsy) filled with three accessories or 2 accessories and a shirt.  After signing up three weeks ago, my first bad arrived... I am pleasantly surprised!!

Here is what I got:

I love the the scarf... beautiful colors. At $18.99, I am tempted.. but its spring so I am not sure this would be practical.

The turquoise earrings ($13.99) and owl necklace ($19.99) are AWESOME :) :) Now, they aren't of an amazing quality, but it is just fine for the price.  So far, so good!!

I have until April 4th, 2015 to decide.  Nadine West includes a return sticker with their bag. I do not get charged until I decide what to keep.

What do you guys think? Earrings/Necklace? Yes? No? Let me know!

Like what you see and want to try? Click here for my referral link!

Gwynnie Bee Free Month #2

I received my second Gwynnie Bee package today.  I was nervous because of the sizing issues with the first dress.  It is amazing how different sizing is between brands. This dress fit perfectly :) What is Gwynnie Bee? It is a clothing rental service for sizes 10 and up.  I love this.  I love subscription boxes and all that I have found don't come in a size 16.  It is very frustrating. I find myself sometimes in between regular sizes and plus sizes. For $35 dollars a month, GB will send you one garment from your closet (There are other plans for 3 and 10 garments at a time).  They send a pre packaged bag to send the dress back when you are done with it.  Love it? No problem. You can buy the item at a discounted rate.

SICILIAN GREEN LACE FIT & FLARE DRESS 1X

This dress is meant for someone who is hour-glass shaped.  If you are not, the dress will not fit properly. 

 Pictures with and without the cardigan.  

I loved the lace detail on this dress.. beautiful!

Verdict: Sent back.  I had a price in my head for this dress and unfortunately the actual price was too high. ($75).  I am going to re-closet for later!

Interested in a FREE MONTH trial with Gwynnie Bee? Help a teacher out and click here.

Gwynnie Bee: A Clothing Rental Service. First Impressions.

I am the type of person that gets very bored with my wardrobe, which can be extremely expensive.  Gwynnie Bee was offering a free month, so I decided to go ahead with it.  What is Gwynnie Bee? It is a clothing rental service for sizes 10 and up.  I love this.  I love subscription boxes and all that I have found don't come in a size 16.  It is very frustrating. I find myself sometimes in between regular sizes and plus sizes. For $35 dollars a month, GB will send you one garment from your closet (There are other plans for 3 and 10 garments at a time).  They send a pre packaged bag to send the dress back when you are done with it.  Love it? No problem. You can buy the item at a discounted rate.  This dress was $60.

As I went through their clothing, I noticed some of my favorite brands Lucky and Lands End.  Awesome! They had a great selection of dresses.  One thing that did frustrate me was I would see a dress I would love, and it didn't come in my size.  While searching for clothes, I made sure to filter out those that didn't come in my size.  I easily found 30 garments to put in my closet.

The label for my shipment was created on Monday, and I got the package today (Thursday).  Not too bad, but the shipping back and forth is definitely a factor in me deciding to keep my subscription.

My first selection was this beautiful dress:

Taylor Dresses- Sleeveless Rose Printed Dress in a 14W

I was very excited to receive this package.. I felt like a kid on Christmas! 

Here is what the box look liked when I opened:

Everything was packaged nicely!  It also came with an envelope with all the instructions and benefits of the plan. 

Now for the dress itself. I was concerned about sizing. With plus sizes, I usually am a 14W.  This unfortunately was a little big! Buying it is out of the question. BUT I am considering wearing this to work tomorrow with a black cardigan.  What do you guys think??

Should I wear it tomorrow? It is big, so I am not sure if it looks/falls right... Please comment below with what you think,

Interested in a FREE MONTH trial with Gwynnie Bee? Help a teacher out and click here.

February 1015 Ipsy

I love Ipsy.. usually.  For $10 a month, I have found some great products.  The best being Urban Decay's Perversion Mascara.  I love it!  But some months I wonder if they look at my profile and reviews. This month was a miss, well mostly a miss.

The bag: 

I love the bag! Perfect color.. I have a plan for all of my bags and this one will fit into my plans perfectly. 

Item #1:

Hey Honey- Take it off Mask

This product was awesome! I loved it!  It left my skin feeling smooth and awesome. I have very sensitive skin, and it didn't aggravate it too badly.  

Verdict: Awesome :) 

Item #2

Demeter Fragrance Library- First Love Roll on Perfume Oil 

I liked this! I am not one that is big on perfume. I usually use just a body spray.  Too strong of a sent can sometimes give me massive headaches and give me rashes.  This gave me the perfect about of scent and it wasn't overwhelming.  I wore it for a few days with no rash, no headache.  I love the feminine/floral smell of this.  Very romantic without smelling like grandma.  I also like the roll on applicator! Much more control on how much perfume is released.. I feel that the spray perfume sometimes releases too much. 

Verdict: Loved it.. and I didn't expect to. 

Item #3

China Glace- Nail Laquer

Eh. Glitter. Too old.  I am not a glitter person. I am not usually a nail polish person.  I usually just pay for a gel manicure.  I get frustrated when nail polish chips. I grew up swimming and around pools. Because of this, I never used nail polish because it would come off within 30 minutes of being in a pool.  The only time I have done nails is for a special occasion and even then, I pay someone to do it because I usually look like I mauled someone to death. I am horrible at applying nail polish.   I decided to give this a shot.  I looked like a 32 year old trying to be 13.  I didn't like it.  

Verdict: Not for me. The product looks like it is quality... but not a fan of glitter nail polish. 

Item #4

ModelCo- Blush Cheek Powder

In my style profile, I specifically mentioned that I did NOT want blush, and I do not use it.  I wish that they would honor what we write and request in these profiles.  I didn't even try this because I look like a clown with blush on.  This might be a great blush for someone who wears it, but I don't. 

Verdict: Not for me. I wish they used our past reviews/style profile more.  

Item #5

City Color Cosmetics: Lip Balm

Same thing as above. I don't wear any lip balm with color.  This isn't the first time I have been sent colored lip balm/lip stick, I wish they would have read my past reviews. 

Verdict: Not for me. I wish they used our past reviews/style profile more.  

I loved 2/5 which makes this a miss.  I just wish that they took our style profiles and past reviews into more consideration. There were definitely things that were in this month's bag that would have been better for me.  I completely understand that this a $10 service for samples and I am not going to love everything.  I am overall very happy with what I have received from this service and bad boxes are going to happen.  Hopefully they improve their reaction to our past reviews in the future.

Thinking of joining Ipsy?  Here is my referral link!

10 Tips to Know Before Painting.

Last week, I posted about my various plans for my new home.  This weekend we tackled the living room painting.

Here is the before:

Blue and Mustard Original Colors.

With the previous owners stuff. 

We chose to use Sherwin Williams Adaptive Shade for the accent wall, and Analytical Gray for the main walls.  I chose these colors because of their warm gray color.  The accent color was a greenish tint to it and the regular color has a beige-ish tint to it. LOVE

1) Buy a tarp for the floor.  We got a painter's blanket thinking that it would protect our gorgeous floors... it went through.  Thankfully, I was able to clean the paint off.

2) TAPE TAPE TAPE.  My fiance didn't want to use tape.. He told me it was a waste of time.  We didn't use it for the primer... boy was he WRONG. I got it everywhere and had to constantly clean up my messes with a damp rag.  For the final 2 coats, I taped the room. Granted, it took FOR-EV-ER, but the painting itself was so much better. 

3) The Edger. We used this.. It really REALLY helped.. just be careful not to overload it. 

Shur-Line Pro Paint Edger

4) 2 Story Walls are a Pain in the @$$. End of story. 

5) Buy a OOPS paint remover.  Chances are, you are going to get paint on something... it will be worth it. See number 1.  We left our area rug underneath the painter's blanket thinking it would be ok.  Some paint got through and this took all the paint out without damaging the carpet. 

6) You will hurt. A Lot.  I am sore and I feel like I got hit by a bus.  

7) It will take longer than you think.  It took us two days to prep, prime, paint and clean up. 

8) Buy an extension if you have high walls. It helped reach the hard to reach places. 

9) You will make mistakes.  It is ok. Remember you aren't a professional and everything can be fixed. Don't sweat the small stuff! 

10) It will be worth it.  During the process, I started to doubt if all this work was worth the end result.  It most certainly was.  Even my fiance, who HATES painting, commented after that the room looked more like 'us' now. We are very happy we got this room out of the way first.  It was definitely the hardest room and we love the results!

Accent Wall :)

4 Rules for Addressing a Smelly Front Loading Washer More Successfully

When we purchased our new house, I was so thankful that the previous owner included her gorgeous, gorgeous appliances.  Among these was an LG front loading washer.  This is my first time owning one.  HELLO UPGRADE :) After the first few loads, I began to notice that my laundry room and my washer started to smell.  I think I finally got to the bottom of it!

1) Leave the washer door open at all times.  This one can be a pain in the butt.  I have a very narrow laundry room with not a lot of space, but it is a necessity if you want to prevent mold build up in the tank.  At least try to have it open until the tub dries completely. 

2) Clean the build up in the door sealing plastic.  Look at the interior plastic where the door seals.  you should be able to pull the plastic back to reveal a drain.  Mine was absolutely disgusting. I don't think it was ever cleaned.  The filter/drain was clogged with buildup/mold/grossness. ew. I don't have any before pictures sorry. I had to get it cleaned. 

Make sure both parts are free and clear.  I needed to use a bobby pin to push the gunk through the holes to get clean.  I also used diluted bleach to clean.  It was disgusting and I don't think I got it all. 

3) Clean the filter and drain.  I have an LG washer.  The bottom left corner there was a plastic flap. I used a screwdriver to open the box.  The first thing I did was drain the hose.  This was also gross. 

Make sure to use a pan to catch whatever grossness comes out.. Mine drained for about a minute.  The next thing you want to do is clean the filter to the right.  Twist until the basket comes out.  This caught hair, gunk and even a penny! 

 When you are done, just put everything back together. 

4) Follow your washer's manual for the maintenance/cleaning cycle. Mine had me load bleach into the bleach dispenser and had me select a special cleaning cycle. It lasted over an hour and used the hottest water possible. 

Since doing these things, my washer has not had its usual STANK. I will have to repeat this monthly to keep the washer clean :) 

My First Stitch Fix :)

I love the personalized service that Stitch Fix brings.  LOVE IT! The package came neatly folded and wrapped in a box.  I had to go fetch it from my post office this morning in the ice because they wouldn't leave it on my doorstep. I apologize for the hot mess in the pictures...  (both myself and my bedroom) we just moved in and instead of unpacking, I am blogging!

My personalized note: Awesome. Love it! I like the fact that the stylist Teresa looked at my profile, notes and pinterest page.  I can tell she really tried to take my likes and dislikes into consideration.

Item #1: 41Hawthorn McAdams Beaded Neckline Blouse $58 XL

First Impression:  I love the color of this shirt and the beautiful beading on the neckline. I have green eyes so this will make my them pop.. I also love that I can wear this year round.  The material is 100% polyester but it feels very high quality to me.  The beading makes this look as expensive as it costs. 

Review: I love it.  I loved the color, beading and the fit.  It fit perfectly! 

Verdict: KEEPING!!!! 

Item #2 41Hawthorn Norah Button Front V-Neck Long Sleeve Blouse $68 XL

First Impression:  My first impression of this is that I love the blouse, but the color might wash me right out.  As a teacher, I live on cardigans. I am trying to expand my blouse collection! 

Review: Just as I thought, the color DID NOT WORK.  I also didn't like the poofy sleeves at the shoulder and wrist.  I want to keep experimenting with blouses but this was def not a keeper.

Verdict: RETURNED

Item #3 Mystree Abigail Colorblock Lace Trim Top $58 XL

First  Impression: I LOVE LACE and I love the fact that my stylist (ha! I have a stylist!) picked up on that from my pinterest page. I love the different tones of blue used in this shell and the beautiful lace.  The shirt is a little sheer, I will have to wear something underneath it for school. This will look great with a cardigan or alone for a night out :) Hoping this fits :) Material: 97% Polyester 3% Spandex. Can machine was but recommended Dry Clean. 

Review: Did I mention that I love lace?  This was so cute, lightweight and flattering.  Love it! It isn't as sheer as I thought when I put it on. This will pair well with a cardigan and looks great alone :) Sorry the picture stinks.. lol

Verdict: Keeping

Item #4 Market & Spruce Corinna Striped Dolman Top $48 XL

First Impression: I am praying that this looks as good on as I think it will.  I LOVE IT.. I love the fact that I can wear this to work and wear this casually.  Material 60% Rayon, 35% Polyester, 5% Spandex.  I do wish this was cotton.. we will see how it is when I put this on. 

Review: I love the style and color of this shirt. I can wear this to work AND for a casual night out. Very excited to wear this! 

Verdict: KEEPING

Item #5 41Hawthorn Renesme Graphic Print Faux Wrap Dress $78 XL

First Impression: I LOVE IT! I both hope it fits, and hope it doesn't fit. (its expensive!) I love the wrap part. I am extremely hour glass shaped so I have a feeling that if this does fit right, it will highlight my small waist.  The material is 94% Polyester, 6% Spandex. 

Review: I like this dress... I like.. not love.  In order for me to keep this dress, I need to love it. It fit well, but I don't like the material.  I need something more structured in order to feel comfortable. For $78 bucks, it wasn't worth it to me! It is a great dress though!

Verdict: Returned. 

_________________

I am keeping 3/5 items for a total of $144.  This is more than I would normally spend on clothes, but I have to say it was so much fun trying things on and trying NEW things I wouldn't have tried before.  I think that is the best part about it. Normally, we stick to the same things, it is nice to have a refresher.  It definitely isn't cheap and I won't be doing this every month.

If you keep all the options, you get a 25% discount... so sometimes you make out better with all 5 rather than returning 1.  All of these together would have been $217.50 ($310- $20(styling fee)- $72.50 (25% discount). 

If you would like to try Stitch Fix, please use the following link.. This poor teacher will appreciate the credit :)

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4637288

First thoughts on Stitch Fix, a clothing/styling service.

I signed up for Stitch Fix a few months ago, but couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger.  If finally did.  How it works: you sign up, fill out a style profile (takes a few minutes) and a professional stylist picks out clothes for you to try.  (There is a $20 styling fee).  Initially, I was worried because I am 5'8" and curvy (14/16).  They only carry up to an XL and a size 14. Some brands I am a 14, some I am a 16.. I didn't take a risk with that so I requested only tops and dresses.  It is a pain in the rear end being the top of the regular sizing scale. Too big for some stores, too small for plus sizing. I really hope they expand their sizing soon!

I received my box today. From first glance, I have to say I am in LOVE with 4/5 pieces.  I love the personalized service.  Some blogs I read criticize Stitch Fix for selling at a retail price and they dislike the fact that they are able to find the same pieces for much cheaper. I get that, but you pay for the service of someone picking out your clothes, the shipping to and from and their overhead.  This is much more than just clothes, it is a service.  Now, that being said, I am not being paid by Stitch Fix for writing this blog, I just think that you pay for the service as well as the clothes.  When I filled out the style profile, I picked the cheapest option possible because I am getting married, bought a house and a poor teacher.  I plan on doing this every other to every 3 months. We will see how it goes :)

If you would like to try Stitch Fix, please use the following link.. This poor teacher will appreciate the credit :)

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4637288

WE HAVE THE HOUSE :)

After a few months of waiting, we finally closed on the house on January 30th.  That being said, I have to admit that.... I HATE PACKING.  At the end of packing, we were just throwing crap into boxes.  After all that hard work, we officially moved in this weekend.  We hired my cousin's moving company to help move us.  They were awesome.   Phil's Moving Company, LLC.  Highly recommend.

I absolutely love the house, but boy does it need some paint and our own personal touches.  The painting will start next weekend... We will be doing the living room in these two colors:

I love this color.  A greyish brownish.  This is going to be the main color.  We are going to be doing this color as an accent color:

Right now, the colors are mustard and blue.... that is going to have to change. These pictures are with the previous owner's belongings.. 

The blue accent walls will be the darker Adaptive Shade. 

For the kitchen and dining area, we will be doing a true gray..  

Our plans are to chalk paint the cabinets white and putting a dark butcher block countertop in. 

 That will be this summer.. We will also be taking out that brass ceiling fan... replacing it with a fixture that matches the dining. 

This is my inspiration:

So far we have replaced the light fixture in the dining room.  Out with the country tiffany!

Also on our painting list is the bedroom.  When we moved in, there was a free willy wallpaper.  Needless to say, it was not our style.  Thankfully, it was easy to remove with just hot water, a sponge and a wall paper scraper. We will be doing this color in the master: 

Here are the before picture with the previous owner's belongings. :) 

We have a ton of work ahead of us, but I am very, very excited for this year :)