The Honest Company

So I finally broke down and signed up for the Honest Company. I can't tell you how many times I started a bundle and never actually made the purchase. I received my first Essentials bundle last week and am in LOVE. As a new Mom I can't tell you how great it is to have everything delivered to your front door. I purchased laundry detergent, stain stick, hand soap, dish detergent, and the oxy clean pods. I also ordered an adorable pair of diapers so that I could get free shipping.

How it works is that you chose 5 products and then you can add additional products if you would like. Every month you can switch which 5 products you would like, and you are able to skip a month as well if you don't need any products.

I have friends that also use their diapers and wipes exclusively. I will start to look into that once I work through all the diapers I currently have!

If you are interested in joining use my link below to signup!
http://www.honest.com/accept_invitation/632717

5 on Friday - Things I Love About Boston

I am so excited to be heading to Boston today for a shower. It is a short trip and really I only have 1 day, but it got me thinking about what I miss about living in Boston. One thing I am not looking forward to is the snow they had last night and this cold front! Better drink extra red wine to stay warm!

1. The North End Food and Drink

This is where I lived for 8 of the 15 years I was in Boston. For those not familiar this is the little Italy of Boston. I love the fact that you can smell the garlic cooking on really cold nights, the coziness of having a big bowl of homemade pasta and lots of red wine followed by cananolis! I could go on and on about my favorites but here is the short list!

The wine Bottega many of bottles of wine bought and consume here!

Modern Pastry is the home of the best cannoli in Boston!

Monica's Food - Take out from the Mercato, Cozy Dinners at Trattoria or sitting at the bar at Vinoteca

Prezza Dirty Italian Martinis, Red Wine, Homemade Pastas, and Delciousness

2. Clarke's Nachos

We started going to Clarke's at Faneuil Hall after college since it was in Faneuil Hall, didn't charge a cover, no lines and $2 Miller Lite drafts. All the perfect requirements for recent graduates with no money. Over the years we also discovered their amazing pub food (love the fries) but the one thing that we loved the most was their nachos! Grilled chicken, nachos, Fresh tomatoes, loaded with lots of shredded cheese and of course the perfect chip with the correct amount of salt on it!! Many topics, ideas, and plans were discussed over these nachos along with our Miller Lites. Plus the nachos were a good dinner before dancing at the Bell & Hand. Side note you know a bar is classy when on the front page of the website it says largest and cleanest bathrooms in Faneuil Hall! Also the Miller Lights are $3 now!!

Best Nachos in Boston

3. Flour Bakery

I started to go to Flour when they had 1 little bakery in the South End for their amazing  sandwiches. Since then they have expanded into multiple locations and Joanne Chang (chef) has written 2 cookbooks. I have each edition signed by Joanne, although I probably creeped her out when I met her since I was so starstuck! If you are looking for the best baked good recipes try these cookbooks out. I have taken my chocolate chip cookies and banana bread to the next level! Not to mention I blame Flour for the 10lbs I gained while working across the street!! I am already thinking about their sticky buns. 

Flour Bakery

Photo Credit

4. Shopping on Newbury Street 
This is where I used to get into lots of trouble! From Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, H&M, Zara, and more. Of course brunching at Stephanie's on Newbury for Bloody Mary's was always a must as well on Saturday afternoons. 

5. These Ladies
These are the ladies that I have shared countless fun days and nights with! Eating and drinking at our favorite dives and most of all we all loved to dannnnce!!

So excited for to go see these ladies!! 

Happy Friday!!

Linking up with... 

Julep is having 40% off for Friends and Family!

So PERFECT timing! If you read my post from Wednesday we learned how to Winterize our nails. So I know you ALL have a cartful of Julep products ready to purchase. Well today is your lucky day! Julep is having 40% off for Friends and Family! So make sure to buy all those stocking stuffers from Julep today, or at least stock yourself up for the winter. I know all my friends in the Northeast woke up to snow today!

Did I mention they are offering Free Shipping too? Use code SHOPEARLY when you are ready to check out!

Happy Shopping!

Winterization for Nails??? You read this right!

Can I just tell you one of my favorite parts of being pregnant was how good my nails looked? For the only time in my life they were so long and strong. My nails are a disaster especially since it started to get cold. I will spare you pictures of my nails because quite frankly I am embarrassed. It has gotten to the point to where I am embarrassed to go to a nail salon to get manicures because I am afraid I will be judged. Not to mention I have a 3 month old so actually being able to go to the nail salon is basically a no-go. That is why I was so excited when the folks at Julep reached out to me about doing a post on winterizing nails. Not to mention I am a nail polish junkie!! Definitely check out their nail polish colors. They have the most fabulous colors!

I thought that these were great tips that are so simple. I will be following these tips all winter long when I am home snuggling with the lil one (obviously after my nails dry!!!).

First you need to make sure you clip and shape with a nail file. Also, for the winter shorter is better. Which definitely works to my advantage since my nails are basically nonexistent.

Second, use a cuticle remover. I love the tip about warming the cuticle remover in the microwave before using. Having a 3 month old I hear spa like experience and I am already more relaxed. Not to mention I feel that having the warmth on nails makes it easier to push back and shape with a cuticle pusher.

Now it is the fun part of cleaning them up. Make sure to buff which is always my favorite part. For some odd reason I get ridges in my nails and buffing not only makes them look shiny and new, but also makes the polish go on smoother.

What I am most excited about is the Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment which helps make your nails stronger and healthy. They sell a duo product which is a top coat and a base coat. This is a product new to me and I definitely need to purchase. My poor lil nails need some spa pampering too.

And now is the fun part and my most favorite part! Picking out the color and painting. I don't know why but I am obsessed with new nail polish colors. I can spend hours at the drug store trying to pick the perfect color red, pink and we can't forget the perfect sparkle for holiday parties. Definitely check them out here.

Shari is going to be my go to color for day to day activities. I am always looking for the most perfect color of pink. I am a huge fan of light pinks since they don't show the chips as much. 

Then I am a huge fan of sparkle nail polishes for holiday parties! I think it is fun and festive. A few years ago my company had a black and bling themed party and I must have put 10 coats of sparkly nail polish on to get the right look. That is why I was so excited to see MIA as a list of their colors. 

And lets not forgot the toes too! I am a HUGE fan of red nail polish and always on the lookout for something new. Or more like the perfect shade of red. Which I do believe I found with the January color. How awesome does this look? A total classic red which also can be good for the holidays too! 

I also like to keep the cuticle serum at my kitchen sink to moisturize in the morning and at night. It takes just a minute to rub in and really helps to keep your cuticles up to par. Julep has a Mighty Nail and Cuticle Serum that would be perfect to make sure they stay moisturized.

And do you know what my favorite thing to do is when my nails are drying? You guess it pinning! Would love to hear more about your favorite nail colors? Are you a Julep member? Do you have any tips and tricks for trying to keep your nails healthy in the winter? Let me know!

Happy Pinning!

Make your Wardrobe Exciting Again with Stitch Fix!

Hi everyone - Erin here!  When it comes to shopping, I can be a creature of habit.  I have a few adventurous friends that always look amazing with the latest trends or with a vintage flair (I'm looking at you Emily and Christine!).

I am always so jealous of their looks and I tell myself I'm going to try something new when I shop. But more often than not, I'll find a J. Crew outlet sale online and decide to buy 1 sweater in all 8 colors...yawn!

I stumbled upon a great new subscription service that has become one of my newest guilty pleasures! Stitch Fix is an online store that does all of the personal styling for you!  This has changed my wardrobe completely.  Their stylists are forcing me to get out of my comfort zone - and I love it!

On Stitch Fix, you complete a very comprehensive online profile where you pick what you love and hate via style boards.  You also have the option to attach a Pinterest board to allow the stylist to have better insight into your style.

From a budget perspective, you can specify how much you typically spend on pieces (tops, pants, outerwear, jewelry, etc.) and you can tell them what type of clothes you need.  On my profile, I told the stylists I am interested in tops and dresses in a lower price range.

Here's how it works....based on the frequency you decide (Once a month or every other month) you will receive a box in the mail with 5 pieces included.  You can try them on at home and the only investment you've made is $20 for the styling fee.  You can return anything you don't like within 3 business days in a prepaid shipment bag.  If you love all 5 pieces, you receive a 25% discount on the total shipment.

Stitch Fix will also include a style card like the one below to show you how to mix and match the pieces with staples that you most likely have in your wardrobe.

My first two Stitch Fixes have been a complete success - I kept the entire shipment and have worn every piece so far.  I couldn't believe how many compliments I received on it!

I would highly recommend this service for anyone that needs a little help making their wardrobe exciting again.  This would also be hugely helpful for any new moms who can't shop as often as they would like.  I wouldn't recommend Stitch Fix for someone that is highly particular and treats shopping as a hobby.

Have you tried Stitch Fix?  Let us know what you think in the comments!

Happy Pinning!

Nautical Wedding at the Annapolis Yacht Club

Hi everyone - Erin here!  One of the best feelings in life is knowing that your girlfriends have found their perfect matches. This past September, I had the honor to be a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding.  Kelley has been my partner in crime through college and beyond - you may remember us planning her Austin Bachelorette Party back in the Spring.  Seeing her marry Rich, who is a genuinely great guy, was a highlight of my summer.

Besides being the sweetest and funniest girl alive, we always joke that Kelley is a project manager to the core.  Her attention to detail is second to none and she's a get it done kind of gal.  So it didn't surprise me when, in the height of wedding planning, Kelley texted me freaking out that Pinterest had congratulated her for being one of the top Pinners in the country!

I would love to share with you how her nautical wedding theme came together - it was nothing short of perfection!  Kelley and Rich made the day effortless, fun and a full reflection of their passions...sailing and wine!

They were also so lucky to have the lovely and talented, We are the Mitchells, there to capture their big day.  I honestly can't stop gushing over their pictures!

Bridal Style:

Kelley went for a timeless look with a dress by Allure Bridals that she purchased at Betsy Robinson Bridal in Baltimore.  Her dress was a delicate lace with a neckline that was perfect for her Catholic ceremony and had a revealing keyhole back.

For the bridesmaids, Kelley let each of us pick our own style of chiffon dress by Amsale.  All of us really appreciated having free reign - everyone looked and felt beautiful.

  

Ceremony and Reception Details:

Kelley and Rich were married at the Saint John Neumann Catholic Church followed by a reception at the Annapolis Yacht Club.  The AYC has spectacular views and doesn't need a lot in terms of decor. Kelley tied in a number of DIY elements for her centerpieces and escort cards.

The DIY striped runners really popped on the table.  She added mix and matched lanterns and small floral arrangements.  Kelley is actually selling these table runners - please leave us a comment below if you are interested!

 Origami sail boats were a hit for escort cards - everyone got a kick out of them.  Martha Stewart Weddings has been adding Origami into their DIY features more often as well.  I thought this was such a fun and cost effective idea.

A Grand Entrance:

Kelley and Rich's wedding had by far had the best entrance into a reception I have even seen.  Since Rich's family is full of sailors, they decorated their boat with custom flags (how cute is the K & R flag!) and sailed the wedding party around the bay between the ceremony and reception.  And I have to give a hand to Kelley's make-up and hair team, Behind the Veil, our up-dos didn't budge a bit!

We have a great Pinterest board on this wedding with all the pretty details!  Are you planning a nautical wedding?  Tell us your ideas in the comments!

Happy Pinning!

My (I mean Oprah's) Friday Favorites!!

I am SO in the Christmas spirt! It started when I saw that Oprah released her favorite things list!! And it has snowballed since reading the list two days ago. Yesterday at Stroller Strides I saw the grounds crew putting up the tree and decorations at Birkdale Village where my class is held and I squealed with delight. And then after class I went to Michael's and my head started to spin with ideas of new decorations to attempt!

So enough rambling about my love of Christmas and down to business. I am slightly obsessed with Oprah's Favorite Things list. It is so fun to see what she picks out each year. I love some of the ridiculous stuff, but then again I have found a few products like EOS, Chicken Pot Pies and my Ciao Bella Blood Orange Gelato. Not going to lie when reading the first few items I was quite disappointed. Even if I had all the money in the world it wasn't anything I loved. Luckily I kept reading on and found a few things that I may have to add to my Christmas List. This years list definitely focuses on pampering yourself! Most of the items on the list are perfect for a snowy day where you just want to relax inside in your pajamas!

My Favorites
Copper Tray and Mug Set - Love these! I can just imagine now sitting outside on my new back patio drinking these. Unfortunately with a $365 price tag I will have to keep on imagining!!

Kate Spade Ballpoint Pens - What can I say? I love everything Kate Spade. How cute are these colors? But with a $36 price tag I think I would only use the pens when I am actually writing letters to Oprah. I would be so afraid that I would lose the pen. Maybe I will get the pen for our home closing. Haha!

Nate Berkus at Target Dessert Plate Set - Well for one thing these are actually affordable and I can actually afford them. And they would like great with my dishes. I am going to have to watch these and see if they go on sale at Target.

Vineyard Cuff Links - These might be the perfect present for my husband. Since we have so many expenses we are buying each other stuff for the home, however for $68 these would make a great gift.

Ultimate Welcome Home Present - What a great idea for a new baby. I am definitely going to have to add this to my go to shower gifts. I have a few Burt's bees clothes and burp rags that I love. The cotton is so incredibly soft.

Edward Bess Black Sea Precious Pearl Perfector - I am just intrigued by this. I am always on the lookout for new facial creams. Anything to look younger and 25 right? Has anyone tried this yet?

Remarkable Bark - I am drooling right now reading the description …"part graham cracker, part toffee bar, etc". In other words part heaven!!

Most Ridiculous
Vine and Bloom Box - Seriously flowers flown over from Hawaii to make your house smell good? Oh that makes the $180 price tag okay because they also have a coupon code for 20% off.

Happy Holiday Loaf - A $150 sourdough loaf of bread? Time to put those wedding presents to use and start baking bread!!

I was also proud to learn that Oprah and I have the same love of cookware (Le Creuset)!!! I have both the stoneware and the cast iron that I use daily. They are definitely worth the investment. And make sure you buy them at the outlet. They are half the price and in great condition. Not to mention if you are looking for a certain piece/color they will take your name and number and call you when they have it. I believe they also have free shipping. Most of my stoneware I have picked up at Marshall's, TJ Maxx and Homegoods, for some reason the stoneware is super expensive at the outlet. I have the white color and for some reason only a few retailers (Macy's) carry that line in store.

I also have a gift card for Warby Parker but have yet to pick out a pair of glasses. Has anyone tried it online? I know they have a store in Boston, I am heading up there next weekend but not sure if I will have enough time to stop by.

Would love to hear your thoughts on Oprah's list? What do you want? Any must haves?

Also, I am started a Christmas List 2014 Pinterest board that you should check out! This is for the entire family! So Mom if you are reading make sure to take notes!!

Happy Pinning!!

Linking up with a. liz adventures, carolina charm, hello! happiness and the good life blog today!

Bonobos Fall Wedding Suits

The other day I wrote about bridesmaid dresses, so you know we can't forget the gents as well. The folks at Bonobos reached out to me about their men's fall suits. I thought it was a perfect complement to my bridesmaid post. Not to mention finding the perfect suits to complement bridesmaid dresses can be a difficult task.

If you are not familiar with Bonobos they are a online men's shop that offers free shipping, a 365 day guarantee on products and has guides to help your gents find the perfect fit. All without leaving their home. We ended up buying all of our groomsmen suits to avoid everyone going to the store, however we left it up them to get tailored. This cuts out all of the stress and looking back I wish we did this!

Here are a few suits that I think would complement some of the bridesmaid dresses.

Foundation Wool Suit

Capstone Tuxedo

Foundation Wool Suit

The Capstone Tuxedo is my favorite and completely goes with the Vintage Romantic theme of the dresses below. What are your thoughts? I have added these suits to my Always A Bridesmaid Pinterest page as well! 

If you haven't visited Bonobos before they are currently offering 20% off your first purchase! Use code: NEWCUSTOMER20 for 20% off your first order. Offer expires in 48 hours. Just another incentive for those groomsmen to purchase asap!! And in my case I am definitely going to be doing some Christmas shopping for my husband and brother-in-law on Bonobos!

Happy Pinning!

Chairish

So recently the folks at Charish reached out to me and I wasn't familiar with their brand. I went to the website and am now OBSESSED! Basically Chairish is a designer home flea market where you can sell your furniture and home decorations to other people. Not to mention they offer free shipping. How AMAZING is that?

When I signed up I also received a $20 rebate as well. Definitely sign up because you know what they say... One persons junk is another persons treasure!!

We are currently looking for furniture and decorations for our new home and I think I can basically find everything I am looking for on this website! Here are a few things that I am looking at. The prices range and can get pricey but really cool and unique items.

Issac Mizrahi Rug

I am SO obsessed with this rug!! Chairish also has other designer rugs too (https://www.chairish.com/collection/rugs). We are currently looking for rugs for the breakfast area, living room, bedroom, and dining room. Need to talk to the hubby!

Love this table! It is a little pricey so I will be keeping my eye on it!

Definitely check out Charish.com and let me know what you find!

Happy Pinning!