Friday Favorites

Hello friends!

Happy December 1! Can you believe it?!

It's been a few weeks since I've been on here. We've had lots of family and friends visiting over the last few weeks and this week, I've been working my tail off on Two Dots during any spare time that I have. BUT it's that time of year when Friday Favorites are extra important - it's the season of gifting so I want to be able to help you out in whatever way I can, be it gifts for friends, for yourself, for the guys, for the kids ...

It's a smorgasbord of gift options.

Here we go!

When my mother-in-law asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year, I was brutally honest with her. 

I wanted this Marc Jacobs Natasha Crossbody Bag. And I felt like if I told her I wanted this purse, it would alleviate her having to buy me anything else. Because this would be it! 

So... a month and a few weeks before Christmas, I got this purse! And I'm IN LOVE! 

Once we got rid of Tess's diaper bag and downsized to just a little backpack, I was carrying around my very small (yet very cute) Kate Spade purse... that didn't zip because my wallet was sticking out of it.

Which I thought was sort of an issue. This bag made that a non-issue as well as gave me a little more room to throw a few more things in if I needed to, but not so much room that I was throwing the entire refrigerator in my bag! 

It comes in a smaller one that I also tried... it would have solved the wallet issue, but would have given me no other room for anything besides my wallet. So I went with this classic size and am so happy with it! I use it as a cross body, can still carry Tess in one arm, and am not worried about my wallet getting jacked because it's sticking out of my purse! 

I debated between this color, black and a darker grey. In the end, Matt made the final decision because I literally couldn't decide and would have been happy with any three options! Super happy with it all the way around and am glad to have it in my possession! 

Not sure how your kids feel about the movie Home Alone. But mine (mostly) love it! Sloane is a big fan. Reece was a fan once he realized we wouldn't forget him and fly to Paris without him! 

I was browsing books today at Target to grab for the kids stockings and came across this one - it's cheaper on Amazon at the moment. But how cute is this! The illustrations are so great. And what a fun book to have year-round! 

And in case you missed my Instagram/Facebook post last week, we stopped by the actual 'Home Alone' house and the drove through the area it was filmed in and I was ready to pack up our apartment and move to the suburbs! It's the most picturesque little (expensive) place - I can't wait to go back during the daylight hours! Google Winnetka, Illinois. ;) 

Ask zero questions. Just get this candle ASAP! Have I steered you wrong on seasonal Glade candles yet?! 

I bought these at Target on Thanksgiving night at 11 pm as well as the plug-ins in this scent for the kids rooms. They are amazing!!! 

Overtime I walk in to the Sloane and Reece's rooms, I gladly want to stay and pick up everything/put everything away, rather than walk in and walk back out! ;) 

When Jenna visited Thanksgiving week, I "forced" her to go to DryBar while she was here. DryBar is basically heaven. You go, they wash your hair, they blow dry your hair, they style your hair, and they make it last for days. 

It's true. That is a real place. 

I would go once a week if that was financially possible! And it's honestly, not a bad price. So when you get the chance to go, go! 

They of course have tons of great products that you can snag when you leave, but this shower cap should be the number one thing you leave with - it will help to keep your hair looking great, post shower. I don't know about you all, but I will get into the shower and my hair will be looking workable. I get out of the shower and it's just hanging there, dead as a doornail. 

This shower cap is lined with Terry-cloth to help you keep workable hair as is! 

For that guy in your life who loves to grill... and leave his grill tools outside and scrapes away every time without cleaning anything and is just disgusting. 

Oh wait, did I say that out loud?! :) 

These were on a Facebook ad that popped up one day, I read about them and immediately added to the "Matt Christmas List of 2017". They don't have the wire bristles on the ends which can break off and get in your food (bleh)! So if you have a professional griller in your family, this might be a great gift option! 

And with that gift... I have two deals to tell you about. All next week is Two Dots' annual 5 Days of Deals. Below is a list of the deals for the week: 

These deals are fantastic for those Christmas shopping for the fashion-savvy gals in your life! So take note, add it to the calendar, sticky note your fridge... don't miss out! 

Secondly... Starting today through December 12, I'll be doing the 12 Days of Christmas on my Lips Shop page! A deal a day on LipSense and all SeneGence products. So get ready! And make sure you follow my Facebook page for those deals. 

And after all that, I will be wiped out! So as hopeful as I want to be about returning to regular-scheduled blogging next week, it just might not happen. It might happen the next week... but either way, let's cross fingers life returns to normal soon! ;) 

Have a great weekend! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Things You Need to Know

Hi friends! Happy Thanksgiving Week!

We've got guests upon guests this week, just like last week, so again... my posts will be few, but I needed to make sure that you knew a few tidbits of info before too much time passed us by!

First... As you see on the header picture, Two Dots is doing a Grateful & Thankful Outfit Giveaway, which ends on November 22 at 11:59 pm (CST)!

The giveaway winner wins an entire outfit of their choice - top, bottom, shoes, accessory and outerwear - which is valued at over $150! To enter the giveaway, head on over to our Instagram  and/or our Facebook page, find the original post about the giveaway and follow the rules. It's that easy! We will pick a winner on Thanksgiving!

Secondly... I finally ordered mini tubs to send out samples of SeneGence products! Yeeehaw! ;) I'm sending out samples of both our light and medium Color Correcting Tinted Moisturizer to a customer who isn't sure which color would look better, but wanted a nicer tinted moisturizer than what she was wasting money on at the drugstore.

And you all know me, I LOVE our CC Tinted Moisturizer because it just makes my skin feel good, especially with the weather changing and my skin getting a little more dry. So if you are wanting samples of our products (except LipSense, I'm not sure how to send that one as a sample!), be it a foundation, tinted moisturizer, eyeluminator, 3-in-1 cleanser, Silk primer... just let me know! I can get those testers for you!

Third... Speaking of SeneGence/LipSense, I will have holiday deals happening so be on the lookout on my Facebook page! LipSense is such a great gift to give, be it a color and/or just a gloss! Your family and friends will love them!

Fourth... Two Dots will ALSO have our annual Five Days of Deals so keep your eye out for great deals on everything in stock plus NEW items coming!

Lastly... my best friend is here so I'm trying hard to give her a fun time on her vacation so she will come back again. She has loved Chicago forever so the goal is to have her continue to love it once she leaves! :)

Have a great Tuesday friends!

XXOO,
Allyson

Friday Favorites

Welcome to one week closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas, friends! I am full-on Christmas music'ing it all day long, every day now so for those coming to visit the Clark household over the next few weeks, you are warned!

My sister, brother-in-law (he loves when I mention him in my blog, being the faithful reader that he is - so 'Hi Sam! Thanks for keeping our streets safe from flapping license plates!'), niece and nephew are coming Monday through Thursday. My best friend Jenna comes the following week, Sunday through Wednesday and my parents fly in Tuesday while Jenna is here for Thanksgiving!

I love visitors and am so happy to have everyone here! I might be most excited for Thursday evening when my mom and I get all of my Christmas stuff out to decorate. It's best to do it when she is here because we usually have the same 'eye' for decor so she's quite helpful!

So if my posts are more limited over the next few weeks, my excuse this time is visitors. Lots of visitors I must host! :)

Friday Faves, here we go!

Do you have a pair of shoes that are your go-to's during the warmer months and then during the chilly months? 

My black Madrid Birkenstocks are literally worn every day in the warmer months. I LOVE them for the comfort and ease! 

When it gets colder, these babies become my toss-on-and-go shoes! The LL Bean Wool Slipper Clog are shoes you will have forever! Why do I say that? Because I have had them forever! 

They are super warm - warm enough to wear out in very cold temperatures - and comfortable! 

I own the black, but love this gray color. For $69, these are lifetime winter shoes. 

I have followed The Thrifty Pineapple blogger (also known as Angela) for a few years now. She had lived in Texas, and then when I contacted her to work on something for Two Dots, she had since moved to Fayetteville, Ark. I mean... small friggin' world, right?! 

Anyway, she had posted this on her InstaStories from the same salon I had went to in Fayetteville... and she was in love with it! 

It's a mitt that removes all of your makeup (even mascara - and we know the issues I've had there), then you rinse it with some soap and you're good to go! 

Sounded too good to be true. But I ordered it. And I actually really like it! I still use my makeup wipes (which I don't need to do, but it's habit) and my eye makeup remover (testing out Neutrogena's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover). But I have this in the shower and do a once-over before I get out on my face and eyes because it never fails, I always have mascara under my eyes! 

I have really liked it for this use and until I find another new invention to try, I will keep this up! 

Does anyone ever have those moments when they are watching an InstaStory and someone has something on and you are like "CRAP! I need to snap shot that as fast as I can before the story goes away..." And then you either get the picture or you hit the power button without hitting the home button, too? Or is that just me?!

Well, either way, I was able to snap a pic of this in time. Honey We're Home blogger Megan had it on and said it was the softest sweatshirt ever.

Don't have to tell me twice since I'm an official sweatshirt-loving wearer!

It's from Nordstrom and is the burnout knit, so not your typical Hanes sweatshirt, but one that is actually cute with booties for a more dressed up look or Uggs for an errand look.

Comes in lots of great colors - I opted for the pink and olive!

Facebook has been showing me lots of ads from American Eagle lately. And I haven't shopped at American Eagle since 2005 (it was the only cute store in the Manhattan mall when I was in college). 

But I have definitely been clicking on the ads when they come up because they are showing me some cute shoes! These booties definitely have intrigued me and then yesterday, these velvet loafers were screaming my name! 

Perfect with denim or black skinnies... and velvet is the 'ish right now. I told my mom I hope she saved my freshman year homecoming dress because velvet is back, baby! :) 

And because you guys are my favorites... here's a sneak peek at a new top that Two Dots will be showing off this weekend at the Gift Gallery. We got it in the red/navy gingham and black/white gingham. It's seriously the cutest top -- and am certain it will sell quickly. 

BUT we will reorder for those of you that know you need it in your closet! It's perfect for winter and the upcoming holidays! 

Who wants one?! :) 

And that's all she wrote today, folks... have a wonderful weekend! I will be traveling back from KC on Sunday after a weekend selling Two Dots with my mom and sister! Excited for a fun trip.

And... as always...

Go Cats! Beat the Mountaineers!!! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Life Lately

Oh friends... it's definitely time for a Life Lately. Since I was 100 percent MIA last week!

First off .... HAPPY HALLOWEEN! So glad this day is here... my kids have had a countdown. Apparently this is their new favorite holiday! We have a busy day of school parties and trick or treating this evening. We will be slash I will be ready for bed at 8:30 pm!

I'd also like to start this post off by saying that if I had five extra hours to get Two Dots, LipSense and blog work accomplished, I'd really be feeling on top of the world! Sadly, I don't have the power to extend my day any more than I do... which means that sometimes, one of those three things has to take a back burner.

It has been LipSense for a few months, but starting November 1, I'm announcing a new monthly giveaway and going to start sending out samples of samples of other products in our SeneGence family for those intrigued.

Two Dots took a backseat all summer until September and now I'm working my fanny off to make it better and bigger. Making it better isn't as hard as making it bigger. I feel clueless as to how to stretch our fanbase without asking everyone to share our social media pages constantly. Which I don't want to do. So... I'm brainstorming a lot. I don't want to think negatively but I know that if we stay 'stagnant', Two Dots will probably have to close it's imaginary doors. Which is sad to think about and something I don't want to have to think about. SO... I won't! I'll figure it out! :)

Me, ubering to Stylemax, a local Chicago trade market to look for clothes for Two Dots! :) 

We are just about to finish out our second month of school and I kind of feel like we have found our groove. I still am yelling at everyone when it's time to leave for school, but I find that to be inevitable. Matt went to a Montessori Parent Education night last week and came home feeling much more knowledgeable about the school we were sending our kids to than when he walked in to the meeting.

And thank goodness!

To say we knew very little about Montessori was an understatement! I think he felt pretty upbeat about how the kids are being taught with only a few questions that he hadn't gotten answered when he came home. It's definitely a different world than what these two small town public school kids are used to. But luckily for Sloane and Reece, they really don't know much of a difference except that there aren't desks to sit at... they just have their own personal rugs.

So hippie, right?! :)

Sloane is doing well. We are most proud that she is finally remembering kids names, which is a real struggle for her! I still sometimes worry when I look out the window and I see her kind of wandering around the playground by herself during recess. I wonder if we've done the right thing by moving them so much. But right or wrong, it's a part of our life and our journey right now. I pray that it makes her a stronger and braver kid in the long run. And I hope we eventually can get to our forever home so she can make some forever friends.

And Reece.

Oh Reece.

Despite the constant worry I have for him in certain areas, being social and friendly is not one of them. This kid will walk up to complete strangers, say hello, ask them how they are, tell them his name and then proceed to tell him the names of everyone around him... "my mom, my dad, my girlfriend Sloane..."

Just last week his teacher had responded to an email I had sent her and finished it off by telling me how proud of him she was. He has some small meltdowns every once in awhile, but she has found a way to make them minor. And his hugs and smile make her day better.

So... there is a chance my son might be a school janitor (I mean... I could be a great school janitor) or he might be rocket scientist. But either way, he will be the friendliest one you will ever meet! :)

I meet with the special education coordinator and his teacher this week to go over his IEP plan and see what needs to be adjusted with that. This kid is saying bigger words than his sister so I'm not sure if speech will be what needs to be tackled anymore. He is getting one-on-one reading help daily, which is nice. Other than that, we are constantly working on sight words and he is obsessed with making signs and hanging them up all over the basement.

Not sure what they say, but... they are up!

He was very upset he didn't have homework like Sloane so Matt  gave him some homework... he took it very seriously! :) 

And Ms. Tess. Well. She is a mess. We are officially closer to being two than one and I can feel it! The girl can throw up a 'tude in the snap of a finger! It's quite amazing! At least three times a day, I have to apologize to someone for her nasty look she is giving someone. And tell them that she does it to everyone.

It's exhausting! ;)

We've spent some time at the pediatrician lately as well as a kidney ultrasound last week. Apparently she has two tubes running from one of her kidneys to her bladder rather than just one which is causing her to have some small issues. We meet with a urologist in a few weeks to see what we need to do. I'm just praying its not surgery! But we will cross that river when we come to it.

We've had lots of visitors lately -- Matt's dad and girlfriend came up a few weekends ago and then Michael and his girlfriend Jami came this last weekend. Jami found the magic touch with Tess because Tess gladly would sit in her lap and hang out. Which doesn't easily happen for many! :)

Michael, if you are reading this (which I'm sure you will get to at some point)... we love her and I need her as my sister-in-law. No pressure. ;)

We have one free weekend before I head to Kansas City with all of Two Dots in tow to attend the Gift Gallery for the second year in a row. We had a BLAST there last year and are so excited to attend again! The vendors are LEGIT people - if you are in the KC area and need to get some Christmas shopping done, make a stop at the Cure of Ars Catholic School off of 95th and Mission in Leawood, Kan. You will not be sorry!

Lauren, Sam, Perry and Cohen come up right when I get back from KC and then my best friend arrives after that until the Wednesday of Thanksgiving, followed my parents for Thanksgiving!

Busy. Busy. Busy.

And I prefer it that way!

XXOO,
Allyson

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday everyone!

I'm sorry about my lack of posting this week. My only response is... it's just been one of those weeks! I'm working really hard on Two Dots so I'm trying to balance it all and this week, the blog got put on the back burner!

But I will NOT short you Friday Favorites!

I wore this on Thursday and had a few people message me, asking where I got the sweatshirt from. And the answer is Old Navy.

I bought a similar sweatshirt from them last year in Heather grey that says 'hello there' and wore it all the time! They are super comfortable and cute to throw on with jeans and sneakers!

They have a few options and I wanted them all. But this one stood out to me.

After the week that we have had, still reeling from Las Vegas, thinking about my friend who two years ago in Paris was minding her own business, just like these concert-goers in Vegas... and someone decided to jack it up with guns and end lives.

She made it back home, as did a lot of the people at the concert in Las Vegas, but others didn't. And everyone's lives will be changed forever.

It is heartbreaking. And gut-wrenching. And unnecessary that evil triumphs. So let's not let it happen. Let's let love win. Buy this sweatshirt and wear it proudly! Maybe you'll change someone's outlook.

This is one of my favorite Essie colors for Fall! Angora Cardi -- not too bright for those that don't want their nails to be a topic of discussion, but a very pretty color that will get you through to winter!

If you haven't fallen into the Mule trend yet, I highly recommend you climb about the train!

Because they are amazing! And the perfect Fall shoe!

Two Dots has a pair of Soho Black Mules that I wore all day yesterday and am in love with! So if you're looking for an inexpensive route, check them out!

Last weekend when I was in Kansas City with my sister, we somehow got on this topic of mules and she showed these to me. Which was funny because I had seen them on a blogger in a fun magenta color and had equally loved them!

But this grey suede color is fantastic because it can go with so much! And at $70, it's hard to beat!

I'm mad that this hasn't been on my 'Favorites' until now. But alas, here it is!

This shop, Loop and Lil's is owned by a Sedan gal and her stuff is beyond adorable! She has an Etsy shop (by the same name), but is taking a little time off - I mean, she stays at home with two little ones.

I get it

. But please check out her Facebook page and if you're in to home decor and homemade gifts that are too cute to pass up, this is your gal!

Kimber, keep up the good work!

I feel like it's my life goal to get everyone to try LipSense at least once. Because once you try it, you either love it. Or you hate it. It's that simple.

But for those that hate it, I don't get it. I mean... it doesn't come off. How many times have you worn lipstick and loved the color and the look and then you go eat and drink and five minutes later, it's gone. The color. And the look.

Not with LipSense. And NOT with my current favorite color (I love them all, let's not kid ourselves). Somehow, I was probably the last distributor to try Caramel Latte. And I have no good explanation for you. Except to say I loved too many others and didn't want to commit to another one!

But I'm so glad I did! Truly, this is going to be my go-to neutral for Fall. I'm obsessed. It's soooo pretty! It's so similar to Caramel Apple, but it has more of a brown undertone than Caramel Apple.

I've got a few left in stock if anyone wants to try as well as some great Fall colors! Comment or message me!


And that's all she wrote, folks! Have a great weekend and crossing fingers the weather will remember that it is truly and officially Autumn. So act like it! ;)

And, as always.... Go Cats! Beat Texas!

XXOO,
Allyson

Friday Favorites

We've survived another week... this was a long one for me. I'm exhausted and need a beach vacation.

Starting tomorrow!

With that being said...

I'm going to need this shirt for that vacation! This is a Madewell tee via Nordstrom and even if I'm not on an actual vacation, maybe this top will make me feel like I am? Even if I'm changing diapers, yelling at my son to PLEASE get in the car or telling my oldest that she doesn't need to eat any more marshmallows...

If you all have been hunting for some super comfortable, lightweight jogger pants to lounge around in... or wear around doing errands... or being a mom... stop what you are doing and go buy these! They were recommended by a blogger I follow who was about to go on a very long trip and said she wasn't sure if these were considered pajama pants or not, but she didn't care because they were so comfy!

She wasn't lying! I immediately bought them because I love joggers and I'm all about comfy when I'm chasing three tiny people around every day.

They were sold out of the small so I took a chance on the medium. I think the smalls would have maybe fit a tiny bit better, but I love them and am not sending them back! You can tighten or loosen as much as you want and they do get a little baggy as the day goes on, but they aren't falling off of you.

Did I mention how comfy they are? I threw them on with a white tee, my New Balance shoes (that I also highly recommend) and a jean jacket and was ready for the day.

Buy ASAP!

If you are in the hunt for some new makeup brushes, I definitely recommend this brand! This brand of brushes are fairly inexpensive (less than $7) and you can pick out 4-5 that you really would use rather than get 200 brushes that you don't know what to do with!

I bought this one for one of my LipSense customers who purchased BlushSense (yes, we also sell makeup and skincare) for the first time and didn't have a blush brush.

You can also get this brand at Target, which is handy if you want to go and see what brush options there are!

Guys... finding time to make food for my kids has been brutal since we moved. Tess wants me to hold her ALL the time so I don't have free hands.

Which means finding time to make MYSELF something to eat basically doesn't exist.

I started eating Amy's Kitchen frozen meals a few years ago and then since moving into the apartment, they are basically my lunch every day!

They are perfectly portioned and there are some great options if you aren't a picky eater like me. I eat all of the Mexican food options and some of the pasta. Tess likes the black beans, butternut squash and kale. So that's a win!

Check your local freezer aisle if you have the same problem as me and just need something to eat in a rush!

Not trying to toot our own horn here, but Two Dots hit the jackpot on this dress. 

Sometimes I can see something and just know it's going to do well for us. This was that dress. I had to order a second pack to cover the orders we had! 

It's a great tank dress with a scooped back that can be worn with flip-flops or sandals to be dressed down or with some heels to be dressed up. You can't go wrong with this little black dress! 

We still have a few sizes left if you're interested -- just click here! 

Just got Plum Pretty back in stock for the second time since I started in January. People, colors are hard to come by right now because everything is SOOOO popular (like.. I'm not pulling your leg or trying to make you go, "Oh Allyson, you don't have to pump up this business to us!). I'm dead serious - there are currently ZERO colors for me to purchase right now, it's so popular.

So... I was excited to get my hands on this! This is a great year-round color! I think it's pretty now, will be so great in the Fall as well.

If you're needing some Plum Pretty, let me know! Or click here for all of the other colors I have in stock!


Lastly...

I wanted to give a extremely huge shoutout to all of the teachers out there in this world. This week has been Teacher Appreciation Week at Sloane's school (and schools across the country) and I am 110 percent certain that we should not be thanking these teachers five days out of the year. You should be thanking them CONTINUOUSLY! These people should be paid the highest salaries in our country, but sadly, they are barely paid. But don't you worry -- all of those legislators that continue to take away from education were once taught by wonderful teachers that got them to where they are. But they seem to forget that.

I grew up with two of the very best educators -- I know there were times that people probably felt like they could do their jobs better than my parents. And to all of those that EVER thought that, I triple dog dare you to go and be a teacher or an administrator for five days.

You will never complain again.

So to all of the former and current janitors, paras, aides, teachers, administrators out there reading this... THANK YOU. Thank you for all that you do to better our children. You couldn't pay me a million dollars to do what you do! You also couldn't pay me a million dollars to walk in a teacher's store again. I spent too many minutes of my childhood in those!!! :)


Crossing fingers you all have a dry, rain-free weekend! I'd take a sunny and warm Saturday in a heartbeat!

Happy Friday!

XXOO,
Allyson