Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

I'm heading to Kansas City today to meet my newest nephew, Cohen Scott Alsbrooks, who was born on Wednesday night!

So I'll be spending my birthday holding a newborn, drinking Bud Light Lime and eating Mr. GoodCents while watching K-State play football. And hanging out with my family (minus my husband and children).

It will be a good weekend!

Here are your Friday Favorites!

The weather has finally turned Fall-like here in Chicago. Do I expect it to last long? No. I see 80 degree temps in our future again. BUT for now... I'm going to enjoy! It is beautiful outside!

And yet again, Abercrombie & Fitch (yes, THAT one) has me drooling over a fleece pullover again!

This Assymetrical Snap Pullover is such a great alternative to an old sweatshirt from 2001 (yes, I have those)! It's soft, it has pockets, it's warm. It's all the right things that we all need in our lives!

I'm a fan of supporting small businesses since I own (a few) small businesses! I came across this sweater on a blogger I follow and loved it! How cute to throw on over a solid chambray top and some jeans!

And hello, I'm obsessed with stripes so this had me at stripes. :)

Now... to find it for Two Dots...

Tess and I went to Nordstrom on Tuesday to do some blog research (that post will be coming to you next week) and you will most definitely see these jeans again next week.

I was hesitant about them for two reasons: cost and the buttons.

And here's what I will tell you.

I would pay the price and the buttons are amazing.

You guys, these jeans are sooooo wonderful. They are high-waisted (nothing extreme), they have stretch to them (thank goodness - does anyone wear jeans anymore that do NOT have stretch in them?) and the length was perfect (which is hard for this shorty).

The price? $135.

I texted Matt to ask him how much he'd pay for a good pair of jeans and he said $150.

And I"m all for him spending money clothes because it doesn't make me feel as bad when I want to do the same. Plus he wears jeans SO much that he needs to own some good denim.

But I'm in the same boat, I wear jeans SO much in the fall and winter. But the price tag is still haunting me which is why I didn't leave with them. But I'm telling you... I will have them.

I'm also telling you that it's OK to spend a chunk of change on GOOD JEANS. So... feel free to shop! :)

If you guys haven't checked out Target's new clothing lines, I suggest you find a good Target and take a look! Lauren and I did this recently and ohmagoodness, so much great new stuff! 

INCLUDING these high top sneakers! I actually had tried the exact pair in navy (these also come in Navy) at a Nordstrom Rack in Chicago way back in February and they were almost double the price. Now you can get them at your very own Tar-jay! 

They are comfy and so cute with denim... and maybe that cute Assymetrical Pullover I mentioned! Just a great option versus a tennis shoe! 

I honestly can't remember if I have mentioned this on the blog before so if I have, I'm doing it again! 

This is Candlelight ShadowSense from SeneGence (who owns LipSense). 

I. Am. OBSESSED. 

And I say this to you, not just as a person who sells this stuff, but because I am not going to push products on you that I don't love! 

You guys, this stuff is the most amazing CONCEALER as well as eye primer. It covers up anything and everything and I have already went through one tube in a few months. Because I obviously have way to much to hide on my face! 

I can't rave about this enough to you and I guarantee anyone you ask that has used it will rave as well.

I'm placing an order today for lip colors (check out my Lips Shop page if you are curious on colors) as well as more Candlelight, and a few other products I can't wait to try! If you're interested, shoot me a message! 

And that's it friends... have a wonderful weekend! I know I most certainly will! 

GO CATS! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

As I slowly but surely dive back into blogging, Friday Favorites has been what I have missed the most! It's what I got the most feedback on and what people really seemed to enjoy!

As did I... there was so much fun stuff to throw at you! And so today... we get right back to it.

Glade has done it again, my friends! Last year's Fall candle was ahhh-mazing. It was a Friday Fave maybe more than once (or maybe I just talked about it constantly)!

And they have hit it out of the park this season once more! The Cozy Autumn Candle is legit. I've had  two of these going in the basement and in the kitchen for less than a week and both are almost gone. The smell is perfect - it's Fall at its best!

I picked these up at Target so when you make your third trip of the week out there, this time grab a few of these candles!

I am a SUPER picky shoe person! And even more picky when they are from Target. I want them to look 'real' but I want them at a fantastic price.

Those things usually never coexist.

BUT... Lauren and I got a 'Free Mom Afternoon' a few weeks ago when I was in Kansas City and we went to Target. Because where else would you go when you have four hours of freedom?

I found these and though I don't normally gravitate to a heel because I just like to be comfy... these spoke to me. So I tried them on. And I loved them.

I've done a few InstaStories on them and about their greatness, but really. If you need a nice Fall shoe to wear with jeans or a skirt, I'd check these out. For $35 (with an extra 20 percent off online), you can't beat this!

I went to The Loft this past weekend to work on a future Fitting Room Finds for you all - a new post I hope to try and do once a month from different locations that are fairly easy for everyone to get to. 

This sweater was the first thing I saw when I walked in - smart, Loft. Very smart.

So I picked it up. It was also the first thing I tried on. And I was smitten! 

It's not itchy (key), it didn't feel constricting (key), and it hit me in the right spot that didn't make me look too short (also key). 

The colors are great, especially for the Fall and though it's listed as $69.50 on the website, you know that The Loft is ALWAYS having some kind of deal! So... if you are smitten with this as well, give it a go! With some dark denim and the DV mules from Target listed above, you have yourself a nice little outfit! 

I have to give a shoutout to Matt's cousin Jen for this Friday Fave because without her, we would have never known it existed. 

And that would be a shame. 

We went on a Michigan vacation with some of Matt's cousins (and aunt and uncle) this past summer and everyone (except us who had moved in to our apartment two days before) brought food to share (thanks for the kindness, everyone!). Jen's family brought this layered dip and I think Matt and I literally ate about three-quarters of it. 

I love a good Mexican layered dip. My mom and her friend Kay make it frequently. But this one has nothing I have to pick out, like jalapeños and olives. And I could eat it with a spoon!

SO... moral of the story is that if you are having a get-together, a tailgate... or just want some damn fine dip, get to Costco and get this! You can thank me later.

And if I haven't convinced you yet to try LipSense... I'm failing at my job. :) No, but seriously... I tried Dark Pink on yesterday for the first time and have found yet another color that I love. Why do I have to love them all?! At this point, I don't even know what my go-to color is! 

So for you newbies (and anyone else who reads this blog), if you want to try out LipSense for the first time, comment below or message me and I'll give you five percent off your first purchase! 

I have said it before, but direct sales was not my jam... until I tried this stuff. I was an immediate believer and just want to share the love! :) 

Everyone have a wonderful weekend! Matt and I are going to a Cubs game on Sunday to celebrate my birthday early -- I get to fly to KC on my birthday weekend to meet my nephew who has yet to arrive. But he will be here by then or my sister will be LOSING her mind!!! :) 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

Friends...

What a week!

A week in which I had so much going on in my head that I couldn't sit down to put it down on paper (err... blog post).

I'm going to wait until next week to make the big announcement that will involve all of my readers. But until then... as we Kappa's love to say... GET EXCITED!

Here are some Friday Favorites for you!

If you remember, I was on the Etsy hunt for a necklace to wear that would represent my three kids. I had one with Sloane and Reece, but the chain broke and I never got one to replace it. Then came Tess. And I still have nothing!

Partially because I MIGHT be the pickiest human on earth.

I saw these on Jillian Harris's Facebook page the other day and thought, "Hmm.... a simple heart might just do!" This necklace was designed by Jillian and designer Melanie Auld when Jillian had her little baby boy, Leo, last year.

I love how very simple it is! It will go with everything and is great when you dress up and great when you've just got a tee and jeans on!

This is actual legit nice jewelry, so the price tag isn't $30. But I browsed the site and really liked a lot of the jewelry on here! I'm not a big jewelry person so I guess if I'm going to own a few small things, it's OK to spend the money on it!

But to all you dad's out there, what a great Mother's Day gift idea - HINT HINT! If you need help, just message me on Facebook or e-mail me! :) There is also a very handy 'Drop a Hint' button for all of those that want to share this necklace or any of the jewelry with someone who needs to buy it for you!

I've browsed the Boden site many times and always come back to this dress and finally decided I just needed to show you.

The price tag is hefty at $120, but it's 25 percent off and is a staple dress. A staple dress is something that you will never take out of your closet. It is timeless!

This is one-piece and is a Ponte dress so it's going to be very flattering for almost all shapes and sizes! It comes in these pretty coral, a mustard yellow (which I also love with a tan) and navy.

So. I've put it out there. I feel better. You look and decide! :)

A little 'Did You Know?' ....

Did you know... that H&M has a Home section??! I randomly had been browsing their website a few years ago and came across this new section and was excited because it was cute stuff and very inexpensive.

Very H&M.

I didn't think much else about it until Lauren and I were in NYC last month and decided to waist a little time before we went back to the hotel and went to bed with our Snickers, Magnolia Cupcake and pops. So we stopped at a very, very large H&M store.

And as we made our way upstairs, they had a Home section! And ohhhh my.

Lauren is hunting for things for Perry's bedroom because she's getting a big girl bed soon and just couldn't get over everything they had and the prices! We didn't leave with much because of the lack of bag space we had, but she got online and found this adorable duvet cover.

For $25.

Yep.

Comes with the pillowcase, too.

It's SOOO cute and will be adorable on Perry's bed! And because I liked it so much, I got one for Sloane's bed as well. Totally stole the idea, but Sloane will love that she and P have the same bedspread!

So head on over to hm.com and sneak a peak!

How many of you walk in to Target and just pass right on by the Dollar Spot, the area that is located right when you walk in filled with everything you have to have for less than $5?

If you do, I give you mad props.

Because I can NEVER walk in or out of that store without browsing the Dollar Spot.

This week, I went in to work on gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week. And walked out with a few items in relation to that... but also two new $3 kid beach towels and a large picnic fold-up blanket.

The Dollar Spot gets me again.

Damn you, Target and your genius thinking!!!!

And while you're at it... just stay out of the shoe aisle! Because you will want to or WILL walk away with atleast five pairs of shoes. 

These Mad Love sandals are super similar to Birkenstocks but $100 cheaper! They come in this metallic rose gold, black and white. I was digging the white ... I think I could pull them off once I get some color on my legs. We don't need white shoes and bright white legs. 

Ladies, this color came out during Seminar a few weeks ago, went on sale at 5 PM and sold out IMMEDIATELY (like every other color that comes back in stock)! I was able to snag a few (and sold out of them all), but I really, really like it!

It reminds me of a classic Clinique color that my mom always wore, with just a hint of more pink to it.

They also just released a color called Goddess, which is slightly lighter than this. I ordered some and will probably receive next week so let me know if you're interested in either! Great staple colors for your lip collections! :)


Everyone have an awesome weekend! I'm crossing fingers it doesn't rain all day, every day! Mama does NOT need to be stuck in the apartment for two days straight!

XXOO,
Allyson

Friday Favorites

Friends, I didn't get to actually typing out my Friday Favorites... so I did a Facebook live video about them instead as well as a few other things!

Here's a link to watch Friday Favorites! :)

And click here for the link to the EyeBuyDirect.com glasses I have been asked about! Lots of great options and some are pretty inexpensive!


Everyone have a great weekend and I will talk to you next week! HAPPY EASTER!

XXOO,
Allyson

Friday Favorites

I'll just leave this little diddy right here for you... Happy Friday!

I came across this contraption on Instagram one day and immediately sent it to all of my family members because all of us need one! They call it the OnTray Snap On Shopping Cart Snack, Toy, Coupon Holder. I don't care what you want to call it, I want it for my Tess for snacks so she can sit in the cart and be joyful!

As every one year old shopping with their mother should be! ;)

Ladies, The Loft is having a 40% off everything in stock this week. I posted a picture of a new pair of sunglasses I picked up (this picture doesn't do them justice). But I tried on quite a few pairs and loved them all! In the end, the classic style won me over. As usual (I think I have about 10 pairs of glasses with this print).

I loved these as well!

I thought these would be great summer sunglasses - for days by the pool ... I hope I find a good pool again (insert many, many tears for the leaving of our neighborhood pool/gossip session)!

Lots of fun options and at a really good deal right now!

I have raved about these sandals in a Friday Favorite before and that was when it was warm out. Well... it's beginning to warm up again and I've already been slipping back in to my Birkenstock Madrid Sandals and still love, love, love them!

So I hopped on Amazon to see if they had any new colors for this year and holy cow, do they ever.

I'm not much of a neon shoe color gal, but if you are, there are five neon colors plus white, navy, black (which is what I own), red and now olive!

I love olive.

And so now I will have to purchase the olive. For $30.

Birkenstock's for $30.

Get them and thank me later! ;)

 I've been on the hunt for new luggage for my kids. We are travelers and when they were little, I got Sloane and Reece each a SkipHop roller suitcase. Sloane's was a monkey (because she loved Curious George) and Reece's was a dog.

My Sloane has definitely outgrown her monkey bag (as well as her infatuation for George - so sad) and Reece has as well, but will NEVER admit it nor let me probably ever buy him a new piece of luggage because he wants his "doggy bag" packed. :)

So I want to find bigger luggage for them, but not HUGE luggage - we don't need it to be bigger than mama's - ya hear me?! :)

I was traveling past the luggage section at Target and spotted this cute bag for $40! It's from the designlovefest collection, which had a couple of different things I thought were cute. But this bag specifically would suit her well -- shoes can go on the bottom, upper portion can have clothes. And with these handy packing cubes, I can separate her clothes and all is well!

I ran in to Old Navy the other day, specifically to go and look for leggings for Sloane. And other kid items.

I left with kid items. As well as a few things for myself (ugh).

I came away with this Relaxed Off-the-Shoulder top and a pair of black Rockstar Skinny Jeans.

I don't really love Old Navy jeans. Because I'm super picky on the color, the style and the look. And they just don't do it for me.

But I have owned a pair of these black Rockstar Skinny Jeans before and I LOVE them! They are super comfortable, stretchy and are mid-rise so you can't see my underwear every time I bend down, which once-upon-a-time used to be cool.

Gross, now that I think about it.

Anyway, I'm excited to pair the above top with my new black Rockstar Skinny Jeans and some cute sandals when the weather warms up for it (70 degrees today, 41 on Saturday - welcome to the land of weather changing every 10 minutes)!

Girls, I got this color in and only had ordered two. For some absurd reason. And I'm so mad at myself because I kept one for myself (my bad) and so I only had one to sell! And this color is legit! It's so pretty and not at all what I thought it would look like. It's definitely been my every-day color since I got it.

And until my next new favorite comes in.... :)

I'll stock up on more next time so I can spread the love!

And one last thing in regards to LipSense.

Last week, I shared a photo of Melissa and her new super simple makeup routine with SeneGence products (who owns LipSense).

It's just four things she uses to be ready for her day and after she posted this photo, I #facepalmed and went and bought it all! :)

I had a few people message me and were interested in what she used and the cost and I wanted to pass it on in case you were wondering the same thing.

👉🏻 Snow Shadowsense (currently out of stock, but hopefully not for long): $22
          -- she used this under eyes to give her the brighter look and hide her dark circles
👉🏻 Silk Pore Minimizer & Wrinkle Reducer (in stock): $60
👉🏻 Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer (comes in light and medium and medium is in stock): $45
👉🏻 Natural Concealer (this also comes in green -- to hide redness -- and white): $25

Then she applied mascara and pretty Aussie Rose LipSense! That's it. Like... my jealousy for how easy this was and how she looks is over the moon! :) 

If you are interested in any of these items, let me know! I've ordered two other sets for people and am just waiting on a few of those out of stock items to come back in stock so I can snag them for myself and others! 


That's it friends! Please have a wonderful weekend and enjoy some down time!

XXOO,
Allyson