Tiered RacerBack Maxi Dress @ Express

I really like this dress and I really like grey.

It looks effortless and simple, but you can dress it up with heels or wear some flat sandals.

It retails for $69.90, but there's always coupons available. I believe there is one for $15 off every $30 you spend right now.

Do you have a LBD?

Most of us have a little black dress that is our 'go to' dress for almost any occasion.

It fits us like a glove, it feels great and you look amazing in it.

This one is at White House Black Market for $168. It is really flattering and pretty and the reviews are great.

I don't need a new LBD, but I wish I did!

My Lessons in Practicality

I think some people were born practical. For instance, my mother. She only knows how to be practical and anything else doesn't make sense. If she can re-use it, she will; if she can re-sell it, she will; if she can give it away, she will. She is as generous as she is practical, but not cheap.

I do remember that it bothered me when I was a child since none of my friends mother's were quite like mine.

As I've learned more about her childhood, I have come to understand her ways a little bit more, not to say that I don't get annoyed here and there.

I'm wondering if my mother's super practical ways made me unpractical?

Many of you who know me, know that I am not generally practical; which is not to be confused with being frivolous; that I am not.

I have had my fair share of indulgences that weren't necessary, but when are indulges necessary??

So is there a correlation between practicality and happiness?

I suppose if you are simplifying your life and not wasting energy on negative things or wasting time by going to places you don't need to, then you have more time for yourself and others, which in turn makes you happy.

So here's my list of the changes & realizations I've made thus far-

1. I bring my own bags to the grocery store. It reduces plastic clutter and makes me feel like I am helping the environment just a little bit.

2. I spend a lot more time with my dog. He brightens the gloomiest days somehow.

3. I don't go to the movies. It's highway robbery! Well not really, but have you seen the outrageous prices..and don't even talk to me about 3D! A family of 5 can spend around $100 bucks for movies and snacks. But if that's something you really enjoy, then okay. If not, it's cheaper to buy the movie, get it on demand, at a Red Box or Netflix.

4. I have cut out processed foods in my diet by 70%. I don't know how I got to that percentage, it just sounds right. Most of the foods I buy are refrigerated and only last a few days. My pantry is the most boring and sad pantry in the world, I swear. There's protein powder (5 different kinds), almond butter, peanut butter, marinara sauce, hot sauce, unsweetened cocoa powder, chai powder and Vitamin C packets. Once in a while you can find some oatmeal and nutella! I know, I'm a wild one.

5. I started shopping in my own closet since 25% of the time I wear the same things week to week. Luckily my style is simple and classic so everything I've purchased the last several years is still in stores. I went to the mall today and looked inside a few stores I use to frequent and only found one item I liked. It's a long cotton skirt for a hundred bucks, but looked like it should have been $30 at the most so I didn't get it. I am fine if I go shopping maybe once every couple months. Okay if we're being honest, I shouldn't be shopping for at least five years. I did a lot of damage living in LA.

6. I don't go to Starbucks. That's sort of a half truth, but I brew my own coffee every night and put in the fridge before bed and then add ice for iced coffee during Summer and Spring. In the Winter and Fall I make my own in the morning as well. Starbuck's is great when I travel, when friends want to go, when I am super lazy, and when I am out of ground coffee. And recently when our super fancy Starbuck's Brewer just decided to stop working, Starbuck's it was for over a week. ThoughI am having fun making my own and buying all sorts of flavors and brands.

7. I've cut out eating at restaurants by 75%. It is better for my waistline and better for my wallet. On average we were eating out 4-5 times a week. I do miss it sometimes since it's nice to just pick something of a menu with whatever suits your mood, but cooking at home is saving even more money since you don't have to drive either!

8. I don't go the store for one or two items. I start making a list for whatever store I need things in and then go when my list is long enough or have really run out of things. We also go to Costco every 3 months and stick to our list almost always...except for the wine last time..and the golf balls.

9. I buy all of my books on sale on Amazon.com and never pay for shipping. I also just buy magazines when I travel. If I buy them just to have them around the house, I will maybe look at 10 pages and never pick it up again.

10. I don't buy things for the house that absolutely cannot be used. It is very easy to buy things to fill a large house since you can't really see the clutter. I use to buy candles like they were going out of stock and appliances that I actually thought I would use. Now I just buy a couple of candles at a time instead of keeping stock as if I were running a mini-shop. And as for appliances, who actually uses their waffle-maker, bread-maker, and panini-maker? They all sound really fun and worth the cost if you actually use it.

11. I turn off the AC downstairs when I go upstairs to sleep since it has its own control and vice versa when I am downstairs.

12. I don't buy more than one really nice handbag a year. I won't say how much I use to buy, but there is no reason to have more than 4-5 at a time. It is just not necessary since as soon as you get a new one you are highly unlikely to go back to an older one. You need a clutch for evenings, a cross-body for either travel or errands, a tote, a hobo and some kind of satchel. Most of my bags are similar in style and size so they are extremely versatile for any kind of occasion. Though I still LOVE to look.

13. I will exchange a beauty item at Sephora or Nordstrom if I didn't like it or find that I'm not using it as much as I thought. That's money just sitting there that can be applied toward a product I need and like!

14. I always ask for a discount for almost anything. If it's my birthday month, holidays, something that was hanging in the sale section that wasn't, if it's damaged in any way. And 90% of the time I get the discount. (Many items are marked up by 300% so it doesn't hurt to ask).

15. I will buy two of the same item if I know I absolutely love it. It will save me time in the long run so I don't have to go out looking again if I lose it or it wears out.

16. I am not really into any technology so I never spend money on it. If I get them as gifts I will re-gift them. My smartphone is plenty of technology for me.

17. I buy shoes that I can wear with multiple things, not just one or two outfits.

18. I split meals since I rarely eat leftovers. Portion sizes are the size of my head these days, so a couple of appetizers is usually a better size and less money. Or one meal if you are going to The Cheesecake Factory or Claim Jumper.

19. Since I like to shop for fresh fish, I will get the one that is on sale. And it's the same for Boars Head meats at the deli. They usually have some kind of turkey on sale.

20. I alternate between high-end shampoo and low-end shampoo.

And some pricey things that I just cannot give up?

Make-Up

Face Cleansers & Exfoliators

Eye Cream

Face Cream

Body Lotion

Deodorant

Sun-Block

Lip Gloss

Protein Powder

Organic Almond Butter

Chia Seeds

Hope this list helps some of you in some way. If not, then you learned a lot about me!

Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 32

There are many contributing factors that lead to aging and unfortunately one of the first places you see it is around your eyes.

I started using eye creams around the age of 20, but I don't know if it did anything considering that was the time in my life I would bake in the sun for hours..sometimes with sunscreen and sometimes without.

UVA/UVA rays are the leading cause for wrinkles, discoloration, sagging, etc. While I realize that lifestyle plays into aging as well, the sun plays a much bigger role than we think.

I don't always use SPF in my daily lotion, but if it's not in there, then it is in my foundation. So I always have some sort of protection. I have been using the same eye cream during the day and night, but find that it is a bit heavy for daytime, so I thought I would try this instead. The reviews are wonderful and it's made specifically for the eye area.

Here's the description-

A rich eye-area cream that minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and enhances skin's radiance while providing exceptional protection against UVA/UVB rays. Protects the delicate eye area from UVA/UVB rays to prevent signs of premature aging. Minimizes the appearance of UV-induced fine lines and wrinkles and promotes resilient-looking skin. Concentrated cream texture defends against dryness. Contains rose apple leaf extract, an antioxidant that prevents the production of free radicals. Formulated with Light Diffusing Powder to give a brighter look to eye area skin.

Sounds great right?? I would take this with a grain of salt, but applying SPF will prevent damage in the future.

Had I known that my years of laying out on the beach and pool would catch up to me, I DEFINITELY would have done things a bit differently. And I do mean a bit since being tan when I was younger was more important than listening to your mother.

A little goes a long way in this little tube that retails for $32.50. You can find it at Nordstrom or Sephora.

To My Readers

I really want to express my appreciation to everyone that has read and continues to read my blog.

I think I would probably write it if no one ever read it, but it's truly nice to hear that people actually enjoy it.

My favorite emails are from people who get inspired to try something new or get motivated in some area of their life.

This makes me very happy.

For the rest of the year I'd like to focus on getting my blog out there a little bit more, so if you like it and want to tell your friends, family, and co-workers I would LOVE it. And if you are reading this and haven't joined...well I like new readers and if you don't want to..that's okay too.

SnAcK TiMe

I love to eat. All the time. I have breakfast for dinner and chocolate for breakfast. Not all the time. But I eat whatever, whenever.

I have never been a picky eater, mostly because I had to eat what was placed in front of me for 18 years...not a bad thing, but not necessarily good either because I haven't met a food I don't like and it's just very difficult for me to say no even when I'm not hungry.

The most important thing I have learned about eating is to exercise portion control. It really allows you to satisfy your sweet or salt cravings in small amounts and that way you don't over eat when you have meals. I know that when I get super hungry (I am mean), I go to the fridge about 1o times. That is not a good thing for me or my waistline.

I try really hard not to keep many processed foods in the house, but sometimes if I don't keep some then I end up going overboard on ice cream or cookies when I am out and about. So it's good to keep a little I think.

Here's a little list of the foods I eat in between meals:

Nuts- Almonds are my favorite and I usually make my own trailmix with dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips

String Cheese- Try to make it organic if you can

Carrots, Celery, or Peppers

Yogurt- It's almost always low-fat or no fat plain greek, but it can get boring so sometimes I add fruit (frozen mango chunks or berries are great) or sometimes organic cocoa powder

Turkey Slices

Tuna

Pumpkin Seeds

Hard Boiled Eggs

Luna Bars

Zone Bars- These are my backup as I really love the Chocolate Mint flavor, but these have to much stuff I can't pronounce

Barbara's Bakery Cinnamon Puffins Cereal- I try not to eat much cereal because of the additives, but this one is not too bad if I need something crunchy and sweet, you can get this at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods

Mini Whole Wheat Crackers- I get these at Trader Joe's

Popcorn- I get the white cheddar from Trader Joe's...it is SO good

Almond or Peanut Butter- I like to spread it on crackers or have it with veggies

Hummus- Trader Joe's has a great spicy flavor

Smoothies with Protein, Flaxeeds or Chia Seeds, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk and Fruit; I sometimes have this as a meal replacement and add a little bit more ingredients to like yogurt or extra fruit.

I am always looking to add to my list and I try to keep it low sugar and high protein as much as possible so please let me know if you guys have any other ideas!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale July 15...and my Favorite Deodorant

Has it really been a month since I've posted!?!

Time seems to be going so quickly these days and I have had a very busy month. Thankfully things are slowing down so I can get back to what is truly important like shopping and blogging.

In all seriousness, I miss it when I don't do it.

It is no secret that Nordstrom is my go-to store for anything and everything under the sun. I even like their cafe on the 3rd floor for lunch and many times plan my shopping trips around eating.

This is normal right???

This is by far my favorite month. Not because I get to celebrate my birthday, but because the sales at Nordstrom this time of year are out of control. I tend to stock up on lotion, deodorant, gloss, etc in the cosmetics department. Unfortunately, most shoes I like never go on sale so I don't waste my time there and I love to look at the handbags, but I find that my favorite brands don't go on sale either and I'm not one to branch out in the accessory area. They say looking can lead to buying, but not if you know what you need and make a LIST and stick to it.

Today I went to stock up on deodorant. Who the heck buys deodorant at Nordstrom?? For the longest time I had no idea that you could until I tried Donna Karan Cashmere Mist about a year ago. I don't remember who told me about it, but I think they have it strategically placed by the registers sometimes and I may have gotten hooked that way.

It is fantastic, smells great, and reasonably priced. They are $12 each ($18 at Sephora), but they have a trio for $32 during the sale. And did you know that if you are a cardholder you can shop a few days before so you have priority?

Bulk items actually run out quickly since they tend to bulk items that are in in high demand. Feel free to read reviews online about the deodorant, it gets 5 out of 5 stars!

Today I was taken behind a pretty white curtain in the cosmetic department. It's a bit strange I'll admit, but you have to accompanied by an associate and have to be a cardholder.

Did that make my feel special? Not reeaalllly, but a little bit.

JCrew Sawyer Hobo

This beautiful textured leather hobo comes in amber

military green and this blush pink

and black shown above.

It retails for $298 and is on sale for $229 online. Their might

be some available in store,

but I would call

ahead just to make sure they have it in the color you want.

It has a strap so that you

can wear it on

your shoulder or cross-body. It is a very functional and classic

bag for everyday use.

Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Cream Cheese

I use to say that there is more wine and chocolate running through my veins than anything else.

Well these days I am drinking A LOT less and maybe eating a bit less chocolate. I have been on the cheese train for a couple of years now and can't seem to get off.

I love it on almost everything. I spread it on a tortilla for an egg burrito, I have it shredded on tacos, I eat quesadilla's like the world is going to end and I love provolone by the slice.

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't have at least one serving, okay usually two.

Lately I have been REALLY trying to calm down. I think it's getting out of hand, especially since I am trying to eliminate my dairy intake to once or twice a week and eventually just once a month. It hasn't happened yet, mostly because I keep buying it...

I'm going to stop now, but first I wanted to tell you about Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Cream Cheese. Two of my favorite things in one! This is really going to be difficult as it is VERY GOOD.

Have it with fruit, an english muffin, or by the spoonful. It has a thick consistency, not like whipped cream cheese, and a little goes a long way. I still have some in my fridge, though I imagine it will be gone by tomorrow..

Banana & Butter Breakfast

I am always searching for new healthy combinations for any time of day, but I also don't believe in eating certain foods for breakfast or dinner, I just eat what I feel like eating. I eat every 3 hours, 4 if I have no choice, but it's not always easy coming up with a variety of foods so I am really trying to find some new things.

For breakfast today I found a nice combination of protein, fat and carbs. It's light, filling and tastes good too! Well you have to like cottage cheese...and I know not everyone does so maybe try substituting plain greek yogurt.

In a bowl I put half a cup of low fat cottage cheese, cut up a very small banana, sprinkled some cinnamon and put a tablespoon of organic creamy peanut butter on top. If you need it to be a bigger meal, I suggest doubling up on everything as mine was pretty small. I don't really eat bananas often, maybe once a month, but sometimes I crave them. I usually stick to blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, or peaches.