Initials, Inc Online Extravaganza

I've been on a touch of a hiatus the past couple weeks, sorry friends!  I started a new job and it's been two weeks of training, training, and more training!  Working nine to five gets exhausting, doesn't it!?  I have temporarily turned into that girl who's in bed and sound asleep by 8:30pm.  Not that it's a bad thing, just doesn't give much time to do anything except eat and work with no play.  But we all need our beauty sleep :)

But guess what!  I'm teaming up with Diana from Initials, Inc. for an online extravaganza!  Initials, Inc is an up and coming company that sells bags and accessories for every member of the family.  I can't wait to share some of their products with you!  They're absolutely adorable and so versatile!  Initials, Inc. has been featured in magazines such as: Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, HGTV Magazine, and so many more!  I mean check out the navy blue and green patterned purse below, couldn't you totally see yourself carrying this bag!?  

  Let me tell you about Diana!  She is one of the most hilarious people you will ever meet! And so kind hearted.  I just love her so much.  We have been friends for a number of years now and share a connection with Colombia, South America as we are both Latinas with family from this amazing country!  I had the pleasure of meeting Diana through a mutual friend and the friendship just continues to blossom desite her being all the way over in Ohio and me living way over on the other side of the country in Massachusetts.  Diana would love to get to know you too!  You can find her through her online site with Initials, Inc here.  

At Initials, Inc it's all about bold style, big dreams, and your best life!  The company's desire is to support today's Modern Woman.  That sounds like you and me, right!?  Their signature collection was created to capture your personal style, and right now my personal style is screaming "you HAVE to own that hot pink signature barrel purse!"

Not only does Initials, Inc have great purses, wallets, organizers, cosmetic cases, overnight bags and suitcases, they have jewelry and children's items!  There is literally something for everyone.

Here's some more great news!  You can WIN the signature bag!  Here's how:

Thursday, March 27th join Diana and me online at 9:00 pm EST.  This party is online only, so you don't need to go anywhere-- or even get dressed!!  To join the party, click here.  We'll be doing quite a few things to entertain -- and win you prizes -- throughout the party, so don't miss out!

Also, you can check out the online stylebook at any time to see what there is to offer. Follow the link below to go directly to the party page. 

http://www.myinitials-inc.com/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E120098&from=DIRECTLINK

When you are ready to order simply follow the steps when you click on the item to send it to your shopping cart. The hardest part is going to be what you want your FREE PERSONALIZATION to be and what font color! Just remember that however you enter the personalization will be exactly how it we be done. Be sure to double check spelling and make sure it looks exactly the way you want the way.  If you would like to pay by cash or check, please let Diana know via email at ohbaglady@gmail.com BEFORE you place the order online. 

Shipping times are typically 3-4 weeks however depending on volume they could arrive much quicker. Diana will let everyone know when she receives the shipping notice. 

Can't wait to see you online on Thursday, March 27th at 9:00 pm EST.  You're going to love all the products Initials, Inc. has to offer!  I'm so excited for my first giveaway and to team up with Diana!!!

                                                                                          XOXO, Lisa

 **All thoughts and opinions of Initials, Inc. are of my own.  I love their products and have hosted a party in the past.  **

Everything happens for a reason

I truly believe everything happens for a reason.  My husband even bought me a bracelet with that mantra on the bangle. You just have to have the faith to let go and trust that you're following the correct path.  Life is a journey not a destination.  

It's truly been the most inspirational bracelet I've ever owned!  Throughout the day, I look down at it, read it, remember the path in my life I want to be following and mosey on about my day feeling that much stronger.

Friday was the last day of my current day job and leaving was very emotional for me.  

I've since spent the weekend recovering by taking four glorious naps!  

It's stressful leaving the known for the unknown, but a good friend of mine once shared with me a really great quote by Jack Canfield (chicken soup for the soul):

 "Everything you want is on the other side of Fear."  

XOXO, Lisa

// shirt: lane bryant (here- sale!)  //  cardigan: 14th & union (similar)  // skirt: style&co. (similar)  //  leggings: no nonsense (here)  //  boots: me too (similar or these) // earrings: old  (wish I knew, so cute! a present from the hubby from a little boutique in MA)  //  bracelet: alex and ani (one of my favs) //  ring: james avery (here) //  lips: mac in brick-o-la //

Lucky Charms

I'm one to meticulously prowl through the clearance racks.  I get a rush when my receipt says I saved more than the item cost!  It makes me feel like all happy inside.  Guess what world, I just saved some money!  This weekend I found this striped mint sweater waaay in the back at Gap, my little lucky charm.  It makes me think of marshmallows. And leprechauns. And little pots of gold.  Okay, I'm going to go eat a bowl of cereal now.

<3,  Lisa

// blazer: old navy (similar) // sweater: gap (similar- sale!) // skinny jeans: d.jeans from Marshall’s (similar) // heels:  vm by ann marino (similar- sale!)  // bag: Kate Spade (try this one, this one is great, too! // necklace: old // earrings: francesca's (try these!) // bracelet: alex and ani (here) // ring: james avery (here) // sunglasses: ray-ban (borrowed) // lips: mac brick-o-la //

Rockport, Massachusetts

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This morning I woke up dreaming of SPRING!  I think it's because it's March 1st and that means that one of my favorite seasons in Boston is inching closer and closer.  You really cannot beat Springtime in Boston, it's one of the most gorgeous sights I've ever seen!  The tulips and daffodils pop up in bright colors and the forsythia bushes turn their vibrant yellow color.  Planter boxes get planted full of beautiful buds of all kinds of flowers.  The dead branches from harsh winter start growing green leaves again.  It's fantastic.  

The best part about Spring is the wardrobe change!!  I like to start spending alot more time outdoors once the weather changes.  We live in a "farmhouse by the sea" in Rockport, Massachusetts, so there's plenty of outdoor activities to do near my home.

1.  Take a leisurely stroll on Bearskin Neck wearing this cute coral cardigan, white t, cute scarf, flats, and jeans.  Bearskin Neck is full of little boutiques and restaurants.  There's always a plethora of people cruising by foot up and down the neck and you have to make it to the end to get the "bonus view" of the ocean and Rockport harbor.  It's beautiful!

2.  Go see a concert at The Shalin Liu Performance Center with Rockport Music in this cute white tank and yellow skirt with a nice crisp khaki trenchcoat to ward off the slight chill of the wind off the ocean.  There's plenty of concerts to choose from!  Solo guitar or piano, jazz, big band style, or if a concert isn't what your cravin- a live Broadcast of The Metropolitan Opera or National Theater.  Tell them David sent you, this is his domain and he does a fantastic job being Director of Technical Operations!

3.  Go for a hike at Halibut Point in this comfy stripe tank, shorts, straw hat, and hiking shoes.  This backpak would be great to carry your moisturizer, snacks, and water in. The view of the rocky coastline is absolutely spectacular.  The water splashes over the jutting rocks and you just want to stand on top of a rock and cry out "I'm king of the world"!  It's seriously beautiful and relaxing too.

Plan your Perfect Weekend Getaway in Rockport, MA

Where to Stay

Eagle House Motel

Walk to a beautiful sandy beach, shops, restaurants, and Art Galleries

Linden Tree Inn

Charming 1850 Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn 

What to Do

Bearskin Neck

Stroll the shops and restaurants of this beautiful seaside village

Shalin Liu Performance Center

“The Shalin Liu Performance Center is a venue that delights on every visit, not least for the spectacular view of Cape Ann visible through the large window at the back of the hall.”  - The Boston Globe

Halibut State Park

A uniquely beautiful coastal seascape. Looking seaward on a clear day, the view stretches from Crane Beach in Ipswich to Mount Agamenticus in Maine and the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire.

Where to Eat

The Red Skiff Seafood & Grille

So good!  My husband's favorite breakfast place in town!  They have fantastic clam chowder.

Nate's at Front Beach

Great service here!  And a front row seat to view Front Beach!  Love this place so much!  I totally recommend the lobster rolls, yummy!

Brothers Brew Coffee Shop

I love this place too! They have the best pastries, oh em gee.  Try the Raspberry Jelly Filled Doughnut, to die for!!!

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All opinions are my own, my husband's place of employment did not pay me to advertise how great they are!  These are a few of my favorite places in Rockport, MA, but there are soo many more great places to see!!  I hope you'll come visit us one day

Punchy for Polka Dots!!

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this 1950's Polka Dot Chiffon Party Dress...I'm living in the wrong era.

this Polka Dot Cake!?  Cute, colorful, and tastes good, who could ask for anything more?

this dotted double pocket shirt... must have in cabo coral.

this spot print long sleeve dress...works for both winter layering and spring!

this Kate Spade cosmetic case...oh, my!

this loveland loop scarf...dots to heart, yesss!!

these nails for last weekends party...wish!

these flats...totally me.

this dallas polka dot scarf....need this one too!

these polka dotted potholders...so cute!

these polka dot easter bowls...awww!  

this woman's smartphone case... S is for Shriver!

this entire look... navy blue polka dots with pink blazer!? L-O-V-E... and this one too!!

these mimi satin polka dot pumps... oooh la la!

{I have a thing for polka dots...do you?  Leave your favorites below and we'll drool together!}

Milestone Birthdays

February is a big month in my house!  I like to start celebrating my birthday on February 1st and the celebration pretty much goes on strong until the end of the month, sometimes with a bonus day on leap year!  

Then at the middle of the month, there's one whole week of partying starting with Valentine's day on the 14th into my Dad's birthday on the 16th (he would've been 67 this year), my husband's birthday on the 17th, and finally my birthday on the 19th!  I know my husband and I were meant to be when we discovered we were two days (and some years) apart!  Well, among many other reasons... he is a pretty awesome guy.

This year, though, is different.  It is extra special!  This year is the year my husband gets to celebrate a MILESTONE BIRTHDAY!  This is the year he turns the BIG 4-0!!!!!!!  Needless to say, this milestone calls for a huge par-tay!!  We had a DJ, a photobooth, great food, wonderful friends, and lots of dancing!!  SPOILER ALERT- halfway through the big event, was a belly dancer and belly dancing lessons, a present from a really great couple we have the pleasure of knowing.  

Best.Party.Ever.

// dress: Alyx // cardigan: 14th & union // shoes: anne klein  (similar) // earrings: charming charlie (want these) //  bracelet: alex and ani // ribbon: birthday princess // lips: revlon super lustrous lipstick in certainly red; lipliner: mac lip pencil in beet //

Winter Wonderland

Rain Boots: Target (similar)

It's winter in New England, folks!  That means snow, snow, and more snow. 

Today is one of those days where I definitely appreciate the simplicity and beauty of a fresh blanket of white snow.  

Nothing much on today's agenda except sipping hot chocolate, sitting by the fire, and snuggling with the Daisy.

Happy Hump Day!

XOXO, Lisa

Foundations Fit for Me

Sunday was even warmer than Saturday!  53 degrees.  It's no wonder everyone around here has been so sick (myself included) with all these drastic weather changes. Saturday, I just had to go use my 20% off coupon at Ulta before it expired, and decided it was time to STOP wearing watery foundation.  I had run out of my favorite Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 and in an effort to try out some drugstore foundation, settled on some Maybelline Fit Me Foundation.  I wanted to like it, I really did.  It was just so watery!

I've been looking to expand my horizons and try some new foundations and learn more about this whole HAC concept (that's highlight and contour, if you're a newbie like me) that's all a-buzz and makes everyone look like sexy bombshells, but this time, I was looking for something with some cling.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation went on so creamy and smooth.  It was delicious!  It is full coverage and evened out my skin tone like I was hoping it would.  But best of all, it gives my skin a natural glow and the color matched perfectly!

I also nabbed the very last limited edition Nyx Cosmetics Dream Catcher Palette in stormy skies that was on the shelf!  I prefer nude pinky looks for my eyes during the day and used four shadows in this palette to complete the look: color 1 (top right hand corner) on my lids, color 2 (to the left of color 1 in top row) in the crease, color 3 (3rd from left in bottom row) in the outer corners, and color 4 (to the right of color 3 in bottom row, oops you can't really see it) under my brow bone.

I think my next door neighbor, China, approves.   

In fact, heads are starting to turn.

shirt: jones new york from Marshall's (here)  // earrings: francesca's (try these in gold //  hairclip: anthropologie (these are close) //  

make-up //  foundation: tarte amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage foundation // eye primer: mac paint pot in painterly //  eyeshadow: nyx cosmetics dream catcher palette in stormy skies  // eyeliner:  ulta kohl eye liner in plum (similar)  //  concealer: mac studio finish concealer //  blush: mac divine night collection mineralize blush in lured to love- limited edition! (try this one)  // bronzer: mac mineralize skin finish natural in medium dark & nyx illuminating bronzer in narcissistic // mascara:  maybelline the colossal volum' express in very black //  lipstick: mac lipstick in brave //  gloss: mary kay nourishine lip gloss in gold rush (similar)

Fashion on the Farm

It almost felt like Spring here in Massachusetts today!  It was a warm, toasty 41 degrees.  In February.  We still have a few more months to go here in New England before one of my favorite seasons happens.  In the meantime, I’m going to pretend like I’m back in Texas by wearing my trusty ol’ cowboy boots.  After all, I do live in a “farmhouse by the sea”, I’ve even been photobombed by my next door neighbor.

jacket: Preston &York (similar)  //  fur: Asos (here) //  skinny jeans: d.jeans from Marshall’s (similar) //  purse: Kate Spade (try this one, this one is great, too! //  Boots: vintage (I like these! Or these with hearts!!)  //  lips: Mac See Sheer