10/31

Visions of Gray

I have been seeing some of the most beautiful closets going around on Pinterest, magazines, and blogs lately. This closet, designed by Catherine Kwong, with fashion blogger Eadie Blair in mind takes the cake. Kwong created a piece of art, layering dark walls with lighter built-ins, and showcasing all the beautiful clothes in brighter, more vibrant hues. The slanted shelves displaying fashion books, the inset bulletin boards upholstered in Kelly Wearstler’s “Channels” fabric, and (below) the Andy Warhol “Chanel #5″ poster all create such a glamorous space.

Images via Elle Decor

If this were mine, I would never leave my closet. I would eat, sleep, and die in that closet.

Here are a few others that have me thinking gray-is-good!

Carrie Bradshaw’s Closet. Can I just have the shoes?

Here’s a quick glimpse at my vanity area in my closet, in “gray” of course:

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Make sure you enter to win the deer necklace (pictured above) here.

My husband has been out of town for nearly 2 weeks, and comes home today, FINALLY!! Being a single mom is not a joke. I am exhausted, and in serious need of a shower. ;-)

See you tomorrow for my Friday Lust List!

XO – Samantha

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10/30

Guest Post: Can Ya Heel Me Now?

Happy Hump Day everyone! For all of you shoe lovers, I have a special guest that you are sure to enjoy, Rebecca of CanYaHeelMe.com. I am taking over her blog today, so go check me out!

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Sophia Webster black pumps, $850 / Burberry polishing boots / Givenchy knee high boots / Alaïa black boots, $1,035 / Giuseppe Zanotti white boots

1. In 10 words or less, describe yourself.

Driven, Inspired, Loved, Fashion Lover, Writer, Mom, Wife, Hard Worker.

2. “In my dreams, I live in…”

My dreams are always changing, which I think is a great thing. It also means that I’ve had many places that I felt would be epic and adventurous. The first is New York City – typical for a fashion lover/write I guess. Livin’ the dream = livin’ the Sex And The City life of Carrie Bradshaw. Then there’s also the beach, which is my serenity. A house on the water would be a life of peace – at least in my dreams. I’m not sure how realistic that is since I’ve never actually lived on the beach, but I image it would reduce my stress levels drastically. My realistic dream, though, is a house in the suburbs with plenty of sun, land to run, and friendly neighbors. I guess being a mom, wife and official “grown up” has led me to that dream, but it’s more of a reality for me. Family is everything.

3. “If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be…”

Sophia Webster Riko Suede and Leather Aztec Pumps. These heels are bold, beautiful, and different – catching the eyes of passersby as you wear them while taking you somewhere off into a Lady Gaga-like dreamland. Sophia Webster knows how to push the limits, and I think the shoe really encompasses who I am as a leader, career woman, and dreamer.
4. What beauty product can’t you live without?

Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes are my go to beauty product. Boring, I know, but they make taking makeup off effortless and leave my skin feeling clean – especially around my eyes! I use them at night and the next morning and I always wake up to glowing skin.

5. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I wanted to find a way to express myself and use my writing skills. Fashion – shoes specifically – just happen to be where I landed, and I’m so happy I did. I’m obsessed with shoes and love being able to share stories about the brands. It’s a great way to connect with people!
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Thank you so much Rebecca for sharing a piece of your shoe heaven!
I am decoding Pantone Spring 2014 colors, and sharing a few of my favorite items that will take you through fall and straight into spring. Come say hi to me, and drool over all the beautiful, and colorful shoes. :-)
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10/29

Target Strikes Again

I was taking my usual stroll through Target last Thursday when I came across something so good I literally squealed with joy! Remember when I mentioned my desire for X-Benches in this post? Well I must be on someones “nice list” because I scored a set for only $120!!!

These are much more of a deep wine red in person, but I honestly didn’t care if they were puke green, since I’ll be re-upholstering them. I plan to paint the legs a beautiful lacquered black, and I’m considering this fabric for the cushion…but I do have a 2 year old, so am I crazy?!

Les Touches Brunschwig and Fils

What do you think? Too much going on with the Chiang Mai pillows, and this? Should I stick to a solid color, and do something velvety, or with texture instead? Should I be a true mom, and go with an outdoor fabric that Camryn can’t destroy? Decisions, decisions….If you have any other fabric recommendations, PLEASE let me know!

These benches also come in burlap, but my Target only had 1 available, and a brighter red is sold online only.

Don’t just walk, RUN, and go snag a pair for yourself!!! I’m envisioning mine to eventually look like this:

Love the gold feet!!

Jennifer from TheChicPad.com (If you don’t follow her, GO GO GO! She’s ahhhmazing!) tweeted me about some STEALS over at Homegoods. Are these not beautiful also?

$70 people….did I just hear you squeal from excitement?! ;-)

I couldn’t resist myself while at Tar-jay, and picked up a few other things…

A new tray for my desk.

And this gold snakeskin embossed tray was a STEAL – 60% off. It’s found a new home on my living room table. I have a tray addiction.

jewelrybox

And how pretty is this jewelry box?! I couldn’t find it on the Target website…maybe it’s that new?

Target never fails me.

XO – Samantha

 

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10/29

Bonus Giveaway!

I know some of you were really quite bummed that you didn’t win the POPSUGAR box, but as promised, I have another giveaway for you! After buying one of these for myself, I decided that y’all needed one too. It’s just too cute to keep to myself! I have also included a TON of ways for y’all to enter to win, including a “refer-a-friend” option that allows daily submissions. Get a head-up on the competition. ;-)

Good luck!

XO – Samantha

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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10/28

DIY {No Sew} Indian Costume

CamrynIndian

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I have a SUPER EASY, no sew, DIY Halloween costume tutorial for you guys today. This is best suited for children’s costumes, unless you wanted to cut your shirt and have a midriff and short skirt, which I don’t recommend. Let’s not use Halloween as an excuse to wear 3/4′s less clothing.

Ok, let’s do this! All you need is:

*1 Adult sized T-Shirt in brown, or a color of your choice (I used a women’s small)

*Scissors

*20 minutes

*Cute Kid

THAT’S IT!! This should cost you $5 or less. Michaels sells T-Shirts in every color for $5 (plus you can use a 40% coupon practically year round)

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Begin by cutting the bottom hem off the shirt (SAVE IT, it will become the belt)

Cut 3″ slits every 1-2″ along the bottom.

DSC_0834 Tie a knot at the top of each piece of fringe. Pull and stretch each piece to create thin, curled strips like mine.

Cut off the sleeves of your shirt. Save the sleeves if you plan to use them as shoe covers.

DSC_0836 Cut the sleeves apart (as pictured above)

DSC_0837 Lay one “sleeve” back up, and leave the other sleeve down to create a one-shoulder look. Cut the folded over material into strips, and repeat on the back of the shirt.

DSC_0839 Tie knots at the top of each strip, as you did along the bottom. Tie two pieces of fringe together on the left side to create a shoulder strap. You will tie the right side of the dress together (under your child’s armpit, if you want a one-shoulder strap look) after the dress is on, which will allow you to customize the fit.

CamrynIndian2 Use the bottom hem that you saved to make a belt.

My daughter doesn’t have long enough hair for “Pocahontas braids”, so I gave her pigtails instead, and threw on a brown headband. If you don’t have a headband, cut a strip from your leftover shirt scraps, and tie one on.

Optional Accessories (Photos of optional accessories below):

*Feathers for the headband

*Moccasins (We used Freshly Picked Moccs)

*Beads for fringe

If you do not have “Indian themed” shoes, don’t worry. You can use the leftover sleeves, cut slits in them, and tie them around your child’s ankles to create a fringe over ANY pair of shoes.

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Cut the end (wrist section) of the sleeves, leaving about 4″ for fringe

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Cut 4″ slits, and pull/stretch each piece of fabric to create long, curled pieces of fringe

DSC_0815 Slip those bad boys onto your ankle, and viola! You could wear these over any pair of shoes, or flip-flops.

I already owned the shirt, so this project was 100% FREE for me, but again, Michaels sells basic shirts in a variety of colors for very, very cheap. You could substitute the brown shirt for lime green and make this a Tinkerbell costume, or use an orange shirt for a Flintstones inspired outfit as well.

Camryn decided she wanted to add feathers to her headband, and beads onto each piece of fringe (which was a long and tedious job for mom) so here she was at our local Halloween festival wearing her colorful version.

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Do NOT try to steal a girls chocolate.

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The beads and feathers only cost me $4 at Michaels, and I have a TON leftover for future projects.

She’s still insisting on being Buzz Lightyear Halloween night, and is making my husband and I be Jessie and Woody, and our dog is Bullseye. Should be interesting.

Hope you all enjoyed this quick and easy, last minute Halloween DIY !

What are y’all dressing as for Halloween? Maybe we should do a contest on Facebook, and y’all can submit your costumes, and we can all vote for our favorite. Any prize ideas? Leave me a comment below with your ideas!

XO – Samantha

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10/25

Lust List: 10/25

Lust List Image

1.|| This delicious pumpkin spice protein smoothie from LuluLemon. Healthy and yummy? Yes, please!

2.|| Have you heard about Martha Stewart’s opinion on bloggers? Leave me a comment below telling me what you think about her viewpoint. You might be surprised to know mine…

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3.|| Crockpot applesauce – Camryn helped me make this on Monday, and we’ve been eating it all week. It’s so easy, and tastes like heaven! Peel & core 10-15 apples (basically fill your crockpot with apples), sprinkle cinnamon & sugar over apples to taste (I used about a tablespoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of sugar). Cook on high 4-5 hours.

4.|| Pantone named the spring 2014 colors, and the color of the year – Dazzling Blue! I’ll be guest blogging next Wednesday over at “Can Ya Heel Me Now?” and talking about how those colors translate into shoes and your wardrobe.

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5.|| Loreal’s Color Riche Nail Lingerie. My ring finger has the “Elite Chic” sticker over Revlon’s Gray Suede (which might be my all time favorite polish). It’s beautiful in person!! I’ve been wearing it for 2 days, and no chips, or peeling of the sticker. I’d like to try a few brands of these 3D nail art stickers to review for y’all soon.

6.|| I had the in-office Glo Whitening procedure done on Tuesday, and also purchased the take-home system for continued whitening, and touch-ups. I have incredibly sensitive teeth, and was nervous that I would feel that terrible tooth pain associated with whitening, but I had very little post-whitening discomfort. The system comes packaged beautifully and reminds me of Apple packaging. I plan on doing a full review of this product, with before/after photos, next week after I’ve used it more. I’ll include links on where to buy, and how to save money while making this “splurge purchase” as well.

7.|| Sign up to be an Ulta Member, and receive 20% off your entire order until 11/2

8.|| Clever Halloween costumes – As a mom, and a lover of Harry Potter, #3 was the obvious winner for me!

9.|| After our rainy weekend, where I nearly lost my mind from being a caged animal, I started looking for activities to help Camryn and I survive this coming winter. This list will be a huge help!

10.|| This weekend I am taking the Tobias chair from ikea, and giving it my best “Ikea Hack”, and hoping it turns out similar to this. Mama needs a new office chair. I’ll share pictures next week.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

XO – Samantha

 

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10/24

Product Review: Face Masks

I have been testing out a few face masks, and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.

#1|| Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask : Retails for $55

This mask contains 4 acids – lactic, glycolic, tartaric, and citric – to gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a healthier, glowing complexion. It is suitable for most skin types (those with very sensitive skin should avoid) , but those with mature skin, or who suffer from acne-scarring, sun damage, and blemishes will receive the best results. Ren’s products come in very clean, no-fuss packaging, and I quite like that this mask has a pump. When applying the mask, you’ll notice the thick honey-like consistency, and the slightly warm sensation. It contains citrus fruits, as well as grapes, and papaya which make this mask smell INCREDIBLE!

The directions say to apply to clean, dry skin, and wait 10 minutes before removing with the provided muslin cloth.

Unlike most masks, results are typically noticeable immediately. I’ve used this product for nearly 2 years, and every time I remove the mask my skin is significantly more radiant, and feels so soft. I notice that my foundation applies more evenly, and doesn’t have any dry patches after I’ve used this mask. This is definitely my holy grail mask as of now.

#2|| Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial: Retailes for $45

This mask is like your favorite moisturizer on steroids! Sephora describes it as “A weightless soufflé powered by super-charged proteins that melts into skin and works overnight for intense, immediate moisturization.” It has a lotion texture, but feels slightly like a gel when you apply it. It soaks into the skin quickly, but leaves behind a silky, slightly wet residue. I enjoy the smell of this mask, it reminds me of the Olay lotions.

I use this mask when my skin is feeling dehydrated, or needs that extra TLC. Because this mask is clear when applied, and simply looks like a moisturizer, I like to take this with me on flights. Planes are so harsh on your skin, and always leave my skin looking dull, dry, and just plain sad. I like to apply this mask as soon as I get on the plane, then I cleanse my face after I land and reapply this mask before bed. My skin feels plumped, hydrated, and radiant the next morning.

#3|| Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores: Retails for $16-$24

This is the mask I grab when I have a breakout, or notice blackheads popping up. The active charcoal “acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers”, and the white china clay helps to absorb environmental toxins. There are a million products on the market that advertise to “reduce pore size”, but your pores don’t just open and close. If your pores look large, they are probably clogged with dirt and oils that need to be extracted. Skip the gimmicky products and just start exfoliating regularly, and grab yourself a bottle of this. Bonus: Since it’s gray, you can convince your boyfriend/husband that this is a “manly face mask”, and help his skin out too! :-)

The mask is creamy, and dries like all other clay masks. Apply, let sit until it hardens, and then remove with warm water and a washcloth. Easy!

Here are a few masks that I want to get my hands on ASAP:

Dr. Jart+ Water-Full Hydrogel Mask: Retails for $9/per mask, or $45/5 masks

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment: Retails for $69

Those will definitely be in my shopping cart as soon as Sephora starts their Beauty Insider Sale!! Do you guys have any other face mask recommendations for me, or masks that you’d like to have me review for you? Leave me a comment below.

I’ll also be posting about the masks I’ve tried and liked the LEAST for you soon.

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A review post on face masks just wouldn’t be complete without a creepy selfie of me getting my “mask on”, now would it?! :-)

XO – Samantha

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10/23

Guest Post: Kay’s Couture

I am so thrilled to introduce my very first guest blogger, the lovely Kayla, from Kay’s Couture! Kayla has a great sense of style, and she puts together really beautiful outfits that are accessible at every girls price point. She is also one of the sweetest girls I have met since starting my blog, so I would love for y’all to show her some support.

You can find me over on her blog, so come say hi!

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Zara brown coat / Frye boots / Old Navy flat shoes / West Elm faux fur throw / West Elm mirror / Black purse

1. In 10 words or less, describe yourself.

Im loving, outgoing, protective, stylish, responsible, hard working and maternal.

2. “In my dreams, I live in…”

In my dreams I live in a moderate sized home, with a nice open layout, lots of windows, and a big kitchen. I want my home to be cozy but still lavish, the bigger the house the more there is to decorate so I don’t want anything too big, I don’t want my house feeling like a museum. Definitely an open layout so that my future children can roam freely. I love sunlight so windows are a must. Everything looks better in natural light and it created a brighter environment. The kitchen needs to be a good size for company, and of course family time (i’m all about the family).

3. “If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be…”

If I were a pair of shoes I would be a cap toed flat in a fun color. The cap-toe comes from my protectiveness. I love flats because I am a true believer in comfort and the fun color shows my fun side.

4. What beauty product can’t you live without?

I really can not live without There Real mascara by Benefit. It really gives you great long lashes and is definitely worth the twenty something dollar price tag! I love false lashes but this mascara is great for everyday use and is build-able for a more dramatic look.

5. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging to express my style and to put my foot in the door for personal styling. I believe that looking good makes you feel good and i’m all about positivity. I want to make people feel good by looking there best. Theres nothing better that looking in the mirror and feeling like a million dollars.

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I am absolutely loving those gold toe shoes. Thank you so much Kayla!

XO – Samantha

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10/22

Home Tour: Living Room

Hello!

I promised you a home tour, so here we go! I want to kick things off in the heart of my home, the living room. This room wears a lot of hats; it’s where we play hide and seek as a family, watch Sunday football and morning cartoons, it’s where I unwind at the end of the day with a glass of wine (and become a vegetable while watching trash T.V.), where my daughter and I have dance parties when Daddy’s at work, and on occasion, where my husband and I eat dinner when it’s just the two of us. This is the most “loved” room in my home.

There are a few additions that I’d like to make to this room. A large area rug in a neutral color, with a greek key border, would be at the top of my list. We had a cowhide rug, but our dog would run into the living room so fast that no matter what pad I used, she would slide across the room taking the rug with her. A pair of velvety x-benches on either side of the living room table would be second on the list. I love the structure that x-benches lend, and they provide extra seating (or foot rests) when needed.

Alright, enough chit-chat, here’s my living room:

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coffeetable

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console

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wingbackchairs

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mantle2 (Photos By Samantha Hawes)

I’ll share pictures of my media wall/bookcase soon. It is currently under decor-renovation. :-)

If you haven’t entered the GIVEAWAY for the Popsugar Must Have November box, then go enter now! There are 3 days left.

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10/21

Guest Posts

I am thrilled to announce that PLAYDATES + PEARLS will soon be welcoming guests! One of the reasons I started blogging was because I love the sense of community, and the awesome friendships that are formed with fellow bloggers. I have been meeting so many lovely women in the last few weeks, and I want to share them, and their blogs, with all of you!

I have put together a couple of fun questions for all of our guests to answer, which will provide you with a sense of who they are, and what their blogs are all about. I will have someone new guest posting every Wednesday, and I will be a guest over on their blogs, which I will link to so you know where to find me.

Here’s a look at what you can expect:
Christian Louboutin shoes / Kate Spade watch / Jonathan Adler modern bench
Each guest blogger will present thier own version of this fun “mood board” which tells you a little about themselves. Let’s all pretend I’m todays guest poster, and I’ll tell you about me!
1.|| In 10 words or less, describe yourself.
Mom, Wife, Sister, Daughter, Friend, Decor Obsessed, Beauty & Fashion Lover
2.|| “In my dreams, I live in…”
Paris. I vacationed in Paris recently with my husband and daughter, and it was unlike any other place I’ve ever been. Parisians lead a different lifestyle than Americans, and they take time to enjoy each other, good food, good wine, and they seem to have mastered “working to live”. I loved the architecture, the history, the art, the incredible food and wine, and the language. I saw a quote that said “Paris is a feeling”, and I think those 4 words say everything.
3.||”If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be…”
A pair of classic nude heels, with a pop of color on the sole. I enjoy vintage, classics, traditional. On the flip side of that coin, I love colorful, funky, modern designs as well. In my home I like to pair very classic furniture pieces in tried-and-true colors with very loud, modern, and colorful textiles. I have a similar approach to my wardrobe. I find the contrast between the two adds interest, and appeals to me.
4.|| What beauty product can’t I live without?
Clinique “Take the day off” cleansing balm. It’s such a no-fuss product. It’s scent free, it doesn’t irritate my skin, and it even removes my waterproof mascara without having to scrub at my eyes. Did I mention it last forever? I’ve had the same one for months, and I’ve barely made a dent. Beautiful product, I highly recommend.
5.|| Why did I start blogging?
I talk about that here. :-)
I hope you are all as excited as I am. The first guest post is on Wednesday, so be sure to come back to meet Kayla.
I’m starting my Home Tour series tomorrow, so come back to get the first glimpse inside my home.
XO – Samantha
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