A couple weeks ago, The Shops collection was launched at  Target. I think it was an absolute genius move. Lately, I had started avoiding Target for a couple reasons. One – my kids turn into gimmie monsters as soon as we walk through the door. Two- the quality of the apparel had gone down the tubes. I had to return a sports bra that just snapped after one wear and a shirt that pretty much disintegrated upon washing.

But when I walked in and saw all of the new collections I was impressed. They have partnered with speciality stores and local boutiques throughout the country and made it possible for us all to enjoy products we may never have had a chance to be exposed to. From the Privet House in Connecticut to The Candy Store in San Francisco to my personal favorite The Webster boutique in Miami, Target hit the bulls eye (sorry, I had to!). Here are a few of the chic items from The Webster Collection…

Maxi Dress $45

The material is soft and luxurious. I got so many compliments when I wore this out!

Gauzy top perfect for summer nights. $30

Sleeveless Jersey  $30

I tried this on and it was very comfortable. The only reason I didn’t buy it was because the hubs was throwing me the stink eye.

Nautical Cap Toe Flat $30

Decent price for a super cute flat.

Deco Print Romper $15

There are even pieces for your little one!

Go check it out. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

by Alexis Novak

I’ve learned the hard way that when summer hits and your foundation is dripping and streaking down your sweaty head, it’s not a sexy look. So I try to lighten up the makeup when 90 plus temps arrive. Here are my recent must-haves I scored on my last Sephora binge.

1. Benefit, “They’re Real” mascara; my new fave mascara. The weird ball tip is designed to help you coat all the little teeny side lashes and bottom lashes. It also lets you do one-coat natural-looking-car-line-look, to about five-coats-fake-lash-date-night-drama. You know which I prefer! $22

2. Dr. Jart BB Cream, 39 SPF. Remember we talked about the BB creams last year? Well, now everyone makes one. I have tried three and this is still my favorite. The coverage is amazing and your skin can breathe in it better than foundation.  I still love my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizers, but you need this super-charged SPF-ed up balm too. If you overslept and are running out the door with one minute to spare, slather this on. $39

I love a tanned look but don’t want to look like the NJ mom who just got arrested for tanning her five year old….

so I use this…

3. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel. No self-tanning smelliness, just great color. A little pricey but well worth it. $34

4. Perfekt Cheek Perfection Gel in “blushed” color.  I love a little flushed look and this is it. Gel blush lasts longer if you are a glowy, a.k.a seriously sweaty gal like me.  $28

5. You always need a nice nude lip to complete your Sun Goddess look. This Clinique Long Last Soft Shine lipstick does the trick. We need hydrating lip formulas at this point to combat the heat. Try Creamy Nude and Berry Kiss. $15

6. Murad anything. I’m probably late to discover Murad but if you’re like me then your skin tweaks in the heat and these products, while not cheap, are cheaper than a visit to my dermatologist. I never know what to do with a mix of dry patches, oil-slicked-ness and freakishly sensitive skin so I tried this Soothing Gel Cleanser, $25, and I am already a huge Murad fan. I think we can’t hydrate skin too much in the summer when it starts to feel so dry and tight.

I also loved a sample of Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15 $39.50, which would be perfect before the BB cream.

Those are my summer goodies. Love to hear about your summer beauty rituals. Wish me luck channeling the ultimate BB, beach babe Bridget Bardot.

Written by Alexis Novak • Leave a comment

I can’t believe I have been writing this blog for 2 years now. I started looking at pictures of pink balloons and then got a little carried away. So, let’s celebrate H&H’s birthday with pretty pictures of pink balloons. God knows I don’t need another cupcake…

This how I want to live everyday. Seriously.

via

Is this Kate Moss??

Reader Note: Smoking cigarettes around balloons is not a good idea.

via

This one’s for you Alexis!

Thanks for all of your continued help and hilarious posts!

I can’t help but think this is where the Barlows may be living since the house sold so quickly.

The pink balloons really spruce the joint up though, don’t you think?

*Happy Birthday, H&H*

Written by Lea Barlow • Leave a comment

I was a very late iPhone adopter and will be the first to admit that I was a fool for holding out so long. The joy I feel when playing with the damn thing is shameful. I could literally spend hours taking pictures with the Instagram and Camera + apps. Because of my latest addiction, I wanted to share a few of my favorites featuring the dynamic duo…

Camera +

They really know how to work it, huh?

Camera + again.

A reluctant Easter shot.

Instagram.

As you can see from Tennison’s expression, they do grow a bit tired of me constantly taking pictures of them. They will have to get used to it because mama is just warming up.

Camera + once again.

I lean more towards this app because there are many more options than Instagram.

I can’t remember which app it was for this pic but these two rarely disappoint when it comes to expressing their unique personalities.

To think they started like this. And without an iPhone! How did we manage?

*Happy Friday*

Written by Lea Barlow • 2 Comments