Three Spring Trends to Try and Giveaway Winner

I don't know about you, but I'm so tired of my winter wardrobe of heavy fabrics and drab colors when spring time rolls around. I've been looking for inspiration for a wardrobe refresh...

And an email from JCrew popped up in my inbox yesterday morning that caught my eye...
The catchy subject line, "Un-boring Neutrals"brought me to these super stylish, bold leopard print pants!

So true- Leopard print is a neutral! I wear animal prints with solids, plaids, stripes, you name it! Usually it's everywhere in the fall, but I love me some leopard print for spring. 

How about that ruffled waist band that gives these a feminine twist? All of the reviews on the JCrew site are positive but I'm a little hesitant since they're linen. Wondering if the waistband ends up feeling bulky. I'd love it if someone who bought them could leave a comment with their honest opinion!

OFF THE SHOULDER TOPS

Dying to try an off the shoulder top this spring/summer! I really was into the look last summer, but since I was still pumping for P, there was NO way I was going to struggle with a strapless bra all day! Bring it on this year. I'm loving this dressier look with the top tucked into slim-fitting jeans. It could still be work appropriate if the top was pulled up over the shoulders for a day-time look.

This off the shoulder style with ties comes in an unexpectedly fun emerald. While they do offer bright colors, I find that their color palette tends to be the same -- bright red, coral, chartreuse. I rarely see this beautiful green from JCrew. Reminds me of my favorite Pantone Color of the Year (2013). 

STRIPES

No list of spring "trends" would be complete without stripes! Not a trend but a MUST have, as recognized by JCrew's clever made up holiday,  National Stripes Day! Celebrate in style on March 31st by wearing one of their many banded beauties. Chances are that I'll be sporting a favorite boat neck t-shirt or navy and white striped sweater-- It is still freezing here!-- But I am dying over this SEERSUCKER jumpsuit for warmer weather.

GIVEAWAY WINNER

Congrats to Ash from Plumtastic, the winner of the Natural Products// Puracy Body Wash & Alba Coconut Moisturizer giveaway. Please email me at erin.desantis@gmail.com with your mailing address! 

Catching Up with Eats, Books and Happenings

Happy Spring! It's Wednesday morning, but I'm just getting around to popping in with a photo dump from last weekend. It was so nice to see the sun and hear the birds tweeting, and this week has brought very welcome warm weather. It changes everything around here!

The Sailor surprised me on St. Patrick's Day with a traditional Irish meal of grilled salmon and colcannon potatoes (mashed potatoes with kale, butter and milk-- Alton Brown puts whiskey in his recipe -- thankfully the Sailor didn't put any in ours. They were just a creamy delicious treat.) And I received a very thoughtful St. Patrick's Day gift from the man. I've been listening to bits and pieces of Tim Ferris' podcast, and one of his books is on my Library List. So the Sailor picked up a copy of Tim Ferris Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Habits and Routines of Billionaire, Icons and World Class Performers for me. Collective wisdom to inspire and motive-- yes, please.

Pip played in the snow AGAIN both days. The girl is OBSESSED with wearing her snowsuit-- although I suppose if it came in adult sizes I would be too!

So snuggly. On Sunday, we hit the Adirondack Sports Summer Expo and had lunch at Druthers in Saratoga. With kayaks, bikes, hiking, travel destinations and healthy living vendors, I was in my zone. The best part though is that it inspired me to get back to running, and I've signed up for a 5k to motivate me. In all honesty, my mileage has dropped a LOT but I've maintained a fair level of conditioning. If nothing else, knowing I have a race coming up will force me to kick my runs up a notch in intensity even if I don't have time for the miles.

Don't forget -- 3 more days to enter the giveaway for all natural beauty products! Enter to win by leaving a blog post comment with your favorite product or tweet about the giveaway! 

Four Beauty Products You NEED Now

Yes, you NEED more beauty products...Especially if you live in the northeast and are "weathering" the cold, dry air from Stella. It might seem like sunscreen season may never arrive here, but moisturizers are essential now. I've found the perfect, tropical scented moisturizers and more to make you feel like you've escaped to the islands...even if it's only for a few minutes!

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom and leave a comment for a chance to win Puracy Citrus & Sea Salt Body Wash and Alba Coconut Rescue! 

When I was pregnant Sweet P, like most moms to be, I was very conscious of what I put in and on my body. Most-- 85% of beauty products-- are filled with parabens, chemical compounds that mimic estrogen. Did you know that on average, we use between six and twelve beauty products every day? It's not just about makeup either .... consider toothpaste, body lotion, face lotion, sunscreen, deodorant and the list continues.  When stored in the body,  these chemicals can have a cumulative effect, increasing the risk of breast cancer and reproductive toxicity. Concerning, no? 

Then when Sweet P arrived, I reverted to a "whatever-works" routine. I would grab a bottle or jar of any moisturizer in pretty packaging that appealed to me while rushing through Target or CVS. As far as cosmetics go, I made it a point to take care of myself and look presentable. But I certainly didn't have time to research or deliberate over ingredients in eye shadow or whether or not it could maybe be toxic after twenty years of wear.

I gave myself a pass as a new mom-- heck, at least I was making an attempt to do hair and make-up every day. And as any new mom knows, that in itself is a victory! With the new year though, I decided I was ready to make a change and re-commit to all natural beauty products. It's been a process of tossing the old and trying new products, but I'm finally ready to share a few of my new favorite products. 

Baked with Love: Healthy Muffins & Breakfast Bars

Here to share two great breakfast options for you and your kiddos! These two recipes are filling and healthy but taste great too. During your meal prep for the week, take an extra 30 minutes to whip up a batch or two. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your family has at least started out the day the right way.

Handbag Heaven

Hey, ladies! Before adopting my whole simplifying/minimizing philosophy, I was a handbag lover like many of you. I may not have had as many bags as some women, but I had enough to match every outfit for every occasion. Well, times have changed, and I've become more practical and just don't have the time, space or money for that anymore. But it doesn't mean I love bags any less. So I have a round-up today of my faves in different styles, colors and materials.

My go-to bag used to be this one from Island Cashmere in Nantucket, and I still am drawn to the rich caramel color and design with a divided bucket with a side-pocket. I haven't been able to find it anywhere online.  But I would LOVE to since mine is starting to show some real wear and tear after all these years. Replacing the bag is reason enough to plan a trip bACK to the faraway island this year!