Monday, April 30, 2012

Nice to Meet you Mondays Kick off 2012!

Hi everyone!! Next Monday I will be starting my 2012 edition of Nice to Meet You Mondays!! I had a bunch of interest in this series so even though it was originally only supposed to be May I have bloggers lined up through the end of June. Thanks so much for the interest!



To kick things off I thought I would answer the questions I sent off as interview questions. Here we go...


Describe yourself in 10 words or less.
Wife, new Mom, writer, photographer, blogger, creative, kind, thoughtful,

What made you get into blogging? And inspired your blog’s name?
I was reading blog after blog about all kinds of things....and I thought why not blog myself! At the time I was planning my wedding and wanted to track my wedding planning progress. I kind of dropped the ball here and there but once my wedding was over I picked it back up. Then fell off the wagon again briefly being taken down by a pregnancy, and am now back up and running again. I love that I can always come back to it, record my life happenings, things I am currently obsessing over. My blogs name is currently in the process of being altered along with my design...so I will unveil the new name and design hopefully within the next month!

If you had an endless budget…what store would you spend hours shopping in?
I think I would say Nordstroms. I can buy bags, shoes, makeup, perfume, clothes for me, the hubs and Baby J!   


How do you spend a typical Sunday?
It is a semi-healthy mix of running around like a crazy person...and relaxing. There is tons of laundry, food shopping, cleaning to get done. But there is also some nice long walks, playing with my baby and spending some quality time with my husband mixed in too. 

What song would be the theme song to your life, right now? 
Ohh..this is a tricky one!! 

I am going to say Never Grow Up by Taylor Swift...


I sang this song to my little Baby J before he was even born..and I still sing it now. The CD is always in my car and when I am in the mood this is the song I put on. 

If you want to check out lyrics...check them out here  

Tell us about your absolute must-have item in your closet.
Bags...I am going to just say bags in general. I have a lot of bags...my favorite designers are LV, Coach, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors. I can't get enough of bags! I think any bag can totally change an outfit and put a whole new spin on it. So my absolute must have in my closet right now...my bag collection. I love them all dearly! 

One of my all time favorite...the LV NeverFull MM Tote...such a great bag and I can fit so much in it!

Let us know some of your favorites. Favorite food, favorite book, favorite movie, favorite TV show, favorite color, favorite place to visit…now go!
Food: French Fries, Book: Twilight Series, Movie: While You Were Sleeping, TV Show: Vampire Diaries or the Bachelor/Bachelorette shows, Color: Pink, Place to Visit: Maine!


If you could switch lives with ANYONE for the day, who would it be and why?
Kate Middleton...I would love to be royalty for a day!! She is gorgeous and her wardrobe is pretty amazing too!


What inspires you? {this can be about anything…blogging, life, crafts, etc..}
I answered a similar question before HERE....check it out if you are interested! My answer remains the same!

What are your favorite types of blogs to read? (i.e. fashion, home decorating, crafting, running, cooking, etc…)
I would have to say lifestyle blogs! I love to read about other peoples lives and feel like you can actually  get to know someone. I love reading product reviews, people's shopping hauls, new recipes, crafts to try, and photography blogs. I would have to say I like a mix of everything on a blog...I think that's why I kind of write about all kind of stuff on here.


We all like to find some good new reads, so please share your daily reads! Give a shout out to your top 3 favorite blogs. 
I love the following ladies blogs! 

O is Meg....love this girl! She has a baby girl the same age as my Baby J and it's so fun to watch her little girl grow up and experience some of the same things we are going through with our little guy! And she has great product reviews and awesome makeup tips!!

Pink Lou Lou...this girl always looks fabulous!! Between her weave tutorials, makeup reccs, and endless fashion finds...I pop on this blog a few times a week to see what Ms. Pink Lou Lou is up to! And...I share her obsession with Mrs. Carrie Underwood! 

The Daybook...another new Mom over there too...impeccable style...just an overall great read!

 
Stay tuned for some lovely ladies being featured of the next 8 Mondays!!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Linking up with The Nail Files!

Linking up with Fabulous but Evil and My Vickilicious Life for the weekly Nail Files!

The Nail Files

This week I have a Kardashian Kolor on my nails (and my toes!)! It's a super bright red, perfect for spring red! This color is called Kourt is Ready for a Pedi....and they have another great color out that is similar but more a color tint to it, and that is Strike a Pose!



Can't wait to see what everyone's colors are this week!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Birchbox Catch-Up

For some reason I can't keep up with posting about my Birchbox monthly...I think about it...and for whatever reason..it just never happens. But I do love seeing what everyone else gets since all of our monthly packages seem to be a little different!!

Here is my April Birchbox

This month my Birchbox has the following:
The Tarte Lip Tint I was actually pretty excited about! The size seems much bigger than a typical sample and I love the brand so that made me happy. 

The body mitt...I didn't really understand. I may try to use it? but most likely not. 

Yu-Be Moisturizer has actually been really good and it smells nice too! 

Marula I have no used yet...but I will definitely be trying it. 

And Taylor Swifts perfume...I actually really like! Not sure if I would buy a whole bottle...but this little sample is perfect!!

I have to say this was my best birchbox this year!!

And to catch up...


March Birchbox


This Birchbox was just OK. I wasn't a fan of the neon green nail polish. And the eye shadow sample was pretty pathetic and really unusable. But I did want to try the blemish clearing cleanser that I heard was good! And the hair powder looked interesting but I have yet to try it. 


February Birchbox

The Feb box was pretty diappointing. The only thing I was excited for out of this one was the pink sponge for makeup application! Which I actually really do like! 



January Birchbox


Befine night cream was a good find, and the eye serum was also a good pick for the box too. The Zoya polish was great too, I got a light purple shade. I had not tried Zoya yet, but was excited to get it and try it out. I am a fan now! The perfume was just OK...and anything edible is good to try! 



Do you get a Birchbox monthly? Or want to sign up? If so, go here!

And next month...just maybe I will post about this sooner than later and get to link up with Fabulous but Evil for next month!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!!

Linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple like I do most Wednesdays!




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Here are my pins of the week!


How cute is this keyboar cover? The colors are Washi Tape! I need to get me some washi tape, I have seen some pretty amazing DIY stuff on pinterest using it! 


 Scrapbook paper with a clear iphone case. 
Such a great idea! Cheap, easy and you can change it up all the time! 


 
So pretty and so true. 




 Cute outfit for a summer wedding!




I LOVE this pillow!! I want to buy one or try to make one!!




Cute wooden signs are the best..love their rustic touch



SO...what did you Pin this week?! Can't wait to see everyone's link up!

If you want to pin any of these just click the picture and it is linked!

Or if you would like to follow me on Pinterest I am HERE!


ALSO be sure to check out my Nice to Meet You Monday Series HERE and let me know if you want to be involved for a blog interview/shop feature! I would love to get to know you  more!!  Be sure to see the link for details or email me at kimsolimini @ gmail dot com!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

My New Skin Care Regimen

Pregnancy. It RUINED my skin! I had perfectly fine, relatively normal skin. Occasionally a break out due to stress or PMS...but for the most part pretty clear, no major problems, kind of skin.

Then I got pregnant...and my skin was NOT A FAN!

I  broke out so bad...with the worst kinds of zits..those big, cystic pimples that are just sore, ugly and never go away. And on top of that...they didn't just remain on my face, they were all over my neck too. Gross. Damn hormones...

It made me super self conscious (on top of being huge) during my pregnancy and has taken some time to recover and get back to normal since I had my little man 4 months ago.

While you are pregnant you can't really use the stuff that actually works, like Salicylic Acid and whatnot. So once the pregnancy was over I was ready to fight the battle of acne, and fight it hard.

I used all my regular products that always worked previously and nothing seemed to do the trick. I even used Proactiv, which really did nothing but annoy me with costs of monthly shipments and terrible customer service.

Then I did what I should have done all along...gotten a facial! One to help my skin...and Two...because I needed a little bit of pampering!

I hit my local Spa that I have been to a bunch of times for massages and spray tans and had an amazing facial that was LONG OVERDUE! They used a brand of products I had heard of, but never tried. I was up for something new so I purchased everything they used on my face.

Here is my new routine:

Dermologica Clearing Skin Wash

I am really enjoying this new face wash. Not only does it work...but it's made with all natural products that you have actually heard of! It smells great, and is nice and light on my skin. 


Dermologica Multi-Active Toner

I never knew how important it was to use a toner.  Do you use a toner? I love this toner because its light, and its a spray! It also smells great, uses natural ingredients and is completely necessary to your face washing routine. A toner ultimately seals up your pores after scrubbing them with a wash. My facialist said your skin almost goes into a "shock" after you wash it. You are stripping your skin of the bad but also some of the good too when you wash (especially exfoliating). In order to help your skin get back to it's natural state of balance you need to use some type of toner. Doesn't have to be this one...but use something!


Dermologica Multi-Active Moist

And after every wash, and tone you should always moisturize.  I use the Active Moist. It is also a very light product, made with good ingredients and has a nice smell. My main goal with moisturizing is to leave my skin feeling good without feeling heavy, and this stuff does the trick!

Clarisonic Mia
 
One of my new favorite toys  is the Clarisonic Mia. I have been reading the blogs buzzing about this product for a couple of years now...but I kept thinking...$100 for something to wash your face with?! Not necessary. 

Well, I was wrong. This product is AMAZING! Seriously works SO good. Does everything it says it will. Makes my skin super soft, cleaner, clearer, make up goes on smoother, moisturizes absorb better, and my face wash gets even better use. 

I use this with the face wash I mentioned above, and you can use it with whatever your normal routine consists of. 

Another cool feature...you can use this thing in the shower! I was talking to my sister-in-law one day and she mentioned it being in the shower and I was so confused...since you need to plug it in to charge it. But it charges with this magnetic piece instead of an opening for a cord so you can use this completely in the water and never worry about it breaking! The charge lasts a long time too. 

And let's face it, this little tool makes washing my face more fun. They come in all kinds of fun colors! 


So that is my skin care regimen! What's yours?!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Nice to Meet You Series...Anyone interested?

Last year I did a Nice to Meet you Monday series for the month of March. I had a decent amount of interest in it with only 1/2 the amount of followers!

So I was thinking of doing this again for May of this year. Every Monday for the month of May a blogger will be featured in a Nice to Meet You Monday interview that I will provide in advance.

I loved doing this last time because I got to meet some great bloggers that I didn't know existed AND I got to know bloggers I already followed that much better.

One of the reasons I blog is because of the community and connection of all us bloggers, big or small!

So, any interest out there in participating in Nice to Meet You Monday Series Part 2?

If you are interested in checking out the lovely ladies from last year see the links below!

Lyndsay from Simply Lyndsay - Love Lyndsay! She is on a little blogger hiatus for right now, but you should follow her elsehwere in the meantime!

Amber from Brunch with Amber - I adore this girl! She is fun, hilarious, and just overall awesome! Go check her out!

Mimi from Asthetic Lounge - This girl has got style!

Lamb from Lamb Loves - A local girl! I love meeting some local Boston area bloggers!


Liz from Musing Experiences - This blog no longer exists...not sure where it went! But you can still read the interview if interested.


If there is interest I would have openings for the following dates: May 7th, May 14th, May 21st, and May 28th.
Is it totally weird that those Monday dates completely match up to when I did this LAST year in MARCH? Check out my original post in 2011...so freakin bizarre.

Anyway...email me @ kimsolimini at gmail dot com if you are interested and we can get this rolling!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!

Linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple like I do most Wednesdays!



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Here are my pins of the week!


How useful is this? I am constantly googling measurement equivalents when I'm baking!


These look delicious!


I love this and might have to buy it! So perfect!! And I love anything "cupcake"


I love this bikini...and would love to actually look like this in a bikini!!
Such a cute, creative and easy way to organize necklaces


DIY chalkboard paint! I am totally going to try this! Already picked up some cute pink acrylic paint!


SO...what did you Pin this week?! Can't wait to see everyone's link up!

If you want to pin any of these just click the picture and it is linked!

Or if you would like to follow me on Pinterest I am HERE!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Weekend Recap!

Made another appearance at WW this Sat AM...lost again...woohoo!!

1/1/12 - joined
1/8/12 - down 2.8
1/15/12 - stayed the same
1/22/12 - missed this week
1/28/12 - down 2.6 (and I have no switched to Saturday weigh ins)
2/4/12 - down .4
2/11/12 - down 2
2/18/12 - stayed the same
2/25/12 - down 2
3/3/12 - down .5
3/10/12 - down 2
3/17/12 - I stayed home with my baby boy instead of getting up and rushing to WW!
3/24/12 - Not sure what happened here...I might have eaten a cheeseburger the night before...I never said I was perfect!
3/31/12 - down .6 (finally made an appearance after a 2 week hiatus)
4/7/12 - down 1.2
4/14/12 - down 1.0


Total Down = 15.2 LBS!
So now since post baby (incl weight lost prior to joining WW) I am looking at 38 lbs!

I feel like I should be looking pretty amazing at this point....however the self esteem is not flying high quite yet. I think I look good till I look in a mirror. So I FEEL good...but just don't LOOK good yet. Ever have that feeling?

What else did I do this weekend...

I spent some time at Michaels preparing for some crafts!!

Lately I have been obsessed with these blue mason jars I have been seeing everywhere. So I consulted with pinterest for some tutorials. Dug out all my leftover mason jars from my wedding a year and a half ago...and headed to the craft store for supplies! Hoping to conquer this project this week and post about it...so stay tuned!



I'm also in the process of putting some art work together for my little man's room. I feel like it isn't complete yet and needs some little wall lovin'. I picked up some scrap book paper, canvas, and paint...going to try to put something together...again stay tuned! I will hopefully finish some art work and be able to post about the whole nursery design because I am really pleased with how it came out!

And last but not least...had to finish putting together wedding shower invites and also picked up supplies to make favors at the craft store too. Stay tuned for pics as well...can't post ideas on here yet...I have no idea if the brides read my blog!!

I did however go pick out my bridesmaid dress for the wedding I am in this August (the shower is for this wedding that I mentioned above). I am super excited for this dress...I LOVE it...and the color they picked is so pretty!

 Now I just need to work out the upper body so I can actually look good in this dress!

We also hit the local lake near our house and did a 3 mile walk. Finally some spring weather made an appearance this weekend and today is supposed to get up to 88!

Besides all that there was a lot of laundry, spring cleaning, and organizing in the mix. Along with spending some quality snuggle time with my favorite little man.


Hope everyone had a great weekend and is having a wonderful Monday!!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

It's OK Thursday Link Up!

Linking up with some lovely ladies! Amber and Neely! This is my first time linking up for It's OK Thursday and I am pretty excited about it. I NEED to do this tonight...been a tough week {as you may have been able to tell from the lack of posts}

Here we go...


Its Ok Thursdays


It's OK...

...to be sad, mad or frustrated and not be able to explain why to people because it's not their business.

...to wonder why bad things happen to really really great people.

...to have dreams about a purse...that's when you know your addicted!

...to have a super long to do list and not cross a single thing off of it.

...want to eat an entire gallon of ice cream, go to the super market, have a gallon in your hand and then put it back because you know you have no self control! damn you mint chocolate chip!

...to watch Lost on Netflix everynight on TV for a week straight...that show is addicting!

...to want to go to the gym...but also not have the energy to get my ass there and join!

...be excited when my baby boy goes down for a nap...this Mama needs to get stuff done!

...to leave a pile of dirty dishes in the sink...I'll get to it tomorrow.

...to wish I could wear colored skinny jeans...aren't they so cute and springy looking!? This post pregancy rear has to got to get in gear! {hence 3 lines up about the stupid gym!)

...that I feel really good doing this at the end of a Thursday....Amber and Neely's It's OK is very theraputic and I am so happy I joined in for the first time today!

Tomorrow is Friday!! Yay!! Hope everyone's Thursday was a good one!

Monday, April 9, 2012

WW Update & Recipe

Another Week, another Weight Watchers visit...

I haven't posted an update in a little while so I thought I would catch up a bit here!

1/1/12 - joined
1/8/12 - down 2.8
1/15/12 - stayed the same
1/22/12 - missed this week
1/28/12 - down 2.6 (and I have no switched to Saturday weigh ins)
2/4/12 - down .4
2/11/12 - down 2
2/18/12 - stayed the same
2/25/12 - down 2
3/3/12 - down .5
3/10/12 - down 2
3/17/12 - I stayed home with my baby boy instead of getting up and rushing to WW!
3/24/12 - Not sure what happened here...I might have eaten a cheeseburger the night before...I never said I was perfect!
3/31/12 - down .6 (finally made an appearance after a 2 week hiatus)
4/7/12 - down 1.2

Total Down = 14.2 LBS!

If I add that to what I lost in that first couple of weeks post baby...I am looking at around 37ish lbs...and I am pretty damn proud of that number!

Now a recipe that has kept me on track during the weeks (when I make it). I don't eat this every week because it would just make me bored with it, but every few weeks I throw this in a crock pot on Sunday so I have something besides Smart ones to eat for lunch while in the office.

This is a Broccoli/Cheddar/Potato Soup...it's hearty, and filling, and most importantly...LOW POINTS! Oh...and barely any ingredients and super easy! 


I made this on the Weight Watchers website so that it would calculate the points correctly. This is an abbreviated version of the Cream of Broccoli Soup that is on the Weight Watchers website. It was recommended by a friend, so I tried her abbreviated version, and then decided on making my own version. Less ingredients means; Less Food Shopping. Less Money, and typically LESS POINTS!

Just all around SIMPLE. To just have to throw a handful of ingredients in a crock pot for a meal is ideal in my book!

Some little quirks I make to this.

  • I typically use fresh broccoli..it's just better and more flavorful. I resort to frozen if I'm in a rush. 
  • You can add more milk, but that also means more points. It's a pretty thick soup, so if you want it more watery definitely add more milk, for me personal I would rather it thicker with less points. 
  • For cheese I use Saragento Cheddar Jack shredded cheese, it works perfectly. 
  • I also add a dash of salt and pepper as it's all cooking. 
Now how do I make it you ask? Well let me tell you...

Throw it all in a crock pot, put that baby on high and let it cook!

But if you care for more details, this is how I do it

I usually do about 5 hours (longer if using frozen broccoli). I check on it and stir occasionally to make sure it blends while cooking. I add the cheese usually during the last hour of cooking, although I am sure it doesn't really make much of a difference.

Get out the crock pot and let it start to heat up on high.
Add in the 3 cans of Cream of Broccoli Soup (I use Campbell's)


While the canned soup is heating I started to chop of my fresh broccoli (or you can just dump in your frozen broccoli, much easier if it is thawed for a bit before cooking, but if you forget or just don't have the time just cook in the crock pot for longer than the typical time to allow the veggie to soften)

Once the broccoli is added in, I pour in the 2 cups of 2% milk, a dash of salt and pepper

 I let it cook for at least 5 hours (longer if I am using frozen broccoli).
Once it is in the last hour of cooking I add in the cup of cheese!

And voila! It actually looks blended and ends up tasting pretty great too! 

Below is the actual recipe from WW if you are curious what those extra ingredients are...or how I cut some of the ingredients down.


I hope someone out there tries this is and likes it! I have found helpful and easy during my post baby weight loss process!!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous Monday!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone who celebrates it had a wonderful Easter!

Ours was great, and it just happened to be this little guys 4 month birthday too! He is growing up way too quick!!

Hope you all had a great holiday and weekend!!


Thursday, April 5, 2012

Some Q's and A's

I was blog browsing the other day, and found a new blog, Teatime Thoughts that I absolutely ADORE....and she had some fun Questions and Answers that she was willing to share! I thought it could be a fun way to do something different this Thursday.



1. What has been your favorite part of blogging?
The people, and the outlet. I love that I can blog and get out of my own head for a bit, get my ideas down on "paper", and in the meantime meet some truly wonderful people along the way. If I am not posting about my own ideas, then I am being completely inspired by someone elses. There are some creative people out there! Whether it be with actual DIY stuff, or putting together a fabulous outfit, I love being inspired by all of you.

2. If you could pick one thing to spend your life savings on, what would it be?
I think it would ultimately be a couple of things...but if I could only pick one...it would be a house. To have a nice home to live in forever and pass down to my children would be a dream come true.

It would have to have a wrap around porch too...


3. Hot or iced coffee?
Both. Depends on my mood and the season. Today there is frost on the card outside and I am drinking iced coffee, but it could be 80 degrees out and you'd catch me drinking hot. Just depends on what I'm feeling that day! But I love both equally.

4. What inspires you the most?
I am inspired by a bunch of things..I don't know what I could say inspires me the most? I guess if I had to really think of it, people. No one in particular, just people everywhere. People who are successful...and not just successful by work or money. People are successful parents, own a beautiful home, followed their dreams in starting up their own company (whether it flurished or failed). I am inspierd by people who follow their heart no matter where it takes them, and people that have the strength to get through really hard times. So many people inspire me...from celebrities like Tori Spelling (I know..but I love her!), and someone as small as my 4 month old baby boy. He inspires me to be a better person, slow down in life and enjoy the small things.
 

5. If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
A photographer, or a Magazine Editor, an Author, a Graphic Designer. Just something in the creative field would be my dream job.

6. What would be one thing you would have told yourself when you were younger?
Everything is not THAT big of a deal. Don't take it all too seriously...and enjoy life instead of analyzing it.

7. What is an obsession of yours?
Bags, shoes, anything pink, and currently anything teal/turquoise! For example...this bag



8. Who should be the next Bachelor? (if your not obsessed like me, what is your nighttime entertainment?)
Hmmm....this is a good one!! Michael Stagliano! Haha..if you are obsessed with these shows like I am, you know who I am talking about. He was on Jillian's season, the Bachelor pad, was engaged to Holly and they broke up. He deserves another chance! He's cute, funny, and seems like an all around great guy! I think he would be entertaining to watch. 
And even though the question didn't ask this... I would love to see Jillian do antoher season. I have read in interviews that she never would....but I would love to watch her again. Her season was my absolute favorite!





9. What is your favorite hobby? (besides blogging of course!)
Photography

10. What is your dream destination of living?
Somewhere that makes me happy. And that isn't a particular state, or country. Just someplace where me and my little family can be happy. I'll go anywhere to find that.

11. Trade places with any person for a day. Who would it be and why
Maybe a Kardashian? That might sound lame..but I would love to live their glamourous life for a day. Hair, makeup, an amazing closet, photo shoots, a huge mansions, LA weather, yea...I would totally take that for a day! :)


If you are interested you should answer these questions about yourself on your blog too! It's fun and I would love to get to know you more! Let me know if you do it

Happy Friday - Eve!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!

Linking up with Michelle at The Vintage Apple like I do most Wednesdays!




google
 

Here are my random pins of the week!!

Lately I have been obsessed with nail polish. I can't get enough. Check out these fabulous color for spring!

 I NEED this color, and the gold with this hear, Perfection!


This would be a great look for a bride, but also good for just everyday too! I would wear it!


I love how bright this color is...would look amazing with a tan!

Very appropriate with all the lottery winnings going around

I love this little stool...it's from etsy. I want to find something similar or try to recreate it somehow. It would be perfect on my little porch with plants on it! I NEED this for spring! And teal/turquoise is my absolute favorite color right now!



Lately I have been loving these fasion sketches, so pretty and would make great wall art!

If you want to pin any of these just click the picture and it is linked!

Or if you would like to follow me on Pinterest I am HERE!

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