tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845175970882129232024-03-14T00:34:53.329-04:00Real Girl RunwayReal Girl Runway is a DC area based fashion and fun blog. Your budget, clothing size and body challenges don't have to limit you. I take them as a challenge. Great style is for everyone! Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger704125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-63831392805408177182018-05-02T14:00:00.000-04:002018-05-02T14:00:11.435-04:00I'm Back!!!<br />
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I know it seems like I just disappeared. It’s been over two
years since my last post and It would take forever to tell you all the ups and
downs. There have been lots of personal stresses and trials. Transitions and
difficulties in my full time job, family illness, and lots of soul searching. I
have spent the last few years focusing on my little fashion/accessories
business with Stella & Dot. Recently, I decided to leave that business and
start something new. It was a hard decision and it’s scary. I know this is the
right choice for me. The times in my life that I’ve had the most fear with
regard to change, brought the best result. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You’ll see some revamping of Real Girl Runway over the next
few months. I’ve decided to get back to my fashion roots. I’m working on
another business venture and will tell you more as it evolves. I can’t wait to
share it with all of you!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m looking forward to change and growth and new adventures.
Cheers to looking forward, facing my fears and creating my best life!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-31602880388342067202016-03-02T12:00:00.000-05:002017-07-24T16:31:18.015-04:00Implusive Travel - A Trip to Iceland<br />
This post should be a cautionary tale about what not to do when traveling internationally. There will be no caution because everything was amazing and despite some crappy luck with cars (more on that later), it was pretty close to perfect. In December a friend posted a link on Facebook about an incredible deal on airfare to Iceland and other cities in Europe. I immediately went to check it out. It was incredible, $99 each way from Baltimore. There were dates available from January to March. I looked at dates for March but didn't purchase that day. Then next day I took another look and all of the $99 dates were gone for March and most of February. I decided right then to purchase tickets for {msL} for Christmas. Did I mention that my passport was expired? I bought them anyway. I booked tickets for January 25-31. Like I said, cautionary tale.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9cALtQzKMw/VtWncNvaL4I/AAAAAAAAHIE/RSvrLxsSOuE/s1600/lagoon%2Bgirl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9cALtQzKMw/VtWncNvaL4I/AAAAAAAAHIE/RSvrLxsSOuE/s640/lagoon%2Bgirl.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>Me at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon</i><br />
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I'm still shocked that I managed to keep the secret until Christmas. {msL} was so shocked when she opened the box containing the guidebooks and itinerary, that she couldn't speak. Then for the next month, she would randomly say, "OMG we're going to Iceland!" It would be nice to think you can do everything when you visit a destination but that's not realistic. For me, I like to make a list of the things that are my "must do" items. If I am never able to return to this country/city, what will I be sad that I didn't do or see. So we made our list. On that list was number one, see the Northern Lights. Since that's up to mother nature, we added to the list. We included, bathing in a geothermal pool, hiking on a glacier, seeing the black sand beach, seeing waterfalls, going to an ice cave, and generally being outside and taking in the beauty of Iceland. I did tons of reading on websites and blogs. I booked our trip to the Blue Lagoon and a two day South Coast trip ahead of time. Everything I read, said that booking in advance was a must. Lots of blogs and websites said that the food in Iceland was decent but nothing amazing. We decided to book an apartment instead of hotel, so that we could have a kitchen. We also decided to rent a car (not our best decision).<br />
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First things first, I had to get my passport. Then I found out that {msL} also needed to renew her passport because she had less than 6 months left on her passport for travel. There are several ways to get your passport in less than a month. I'm lucky because I work less than 20 minutes from a passport office where you can get your passport in 24-48 hours. My appointment was two days before a huge snow storm, five days before our flight. Yes five. Lucky for me, the passport officer was kind and made sure I could pick up our passports the day before the storm. Twenty-four hours after I submitted everything. I was so thankful. The snow started on Friday and it snowed until early Sunday morning. We got almost 30" in parts of the DC area. Our flight was set to take off from BWI Airport on Monday at 6:30pm. My biggest worry was getting out of our neighborhood and to the airport. Well we made it!<br />
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Our flight took off on time and we arrived in Iceland at 5:30am on Tuesday. I had reserved a VW Jetta with Budget car rental. I should know better but because I've never driven in Iceland, I let the Budget car rental rep talk me into getting an all wheel drive car, translation a lot more money. While we were standing at the counter, a hold for over $700 was placed on my credit card. Holds are common for car rental but this one seemed high. I was told it was customary. We headed out to the car. It was snowing and sleeting. We found the car and it was covered in snow and ice and it was dark outside. It was about 630am but the sun doesn't come up in Iceland until about 10am during January. I got in a started the car, hoping it would warm up and {msL} started to clear the windows. I looked over and saw the FlyBus, a bus that you can take to the Blue Lagoon and Reykjavik from the Keflavik Airport. I wondered how crazy I was to be renting and driving a car, in a foreign country, in a snow storm. It was nice having a car to drive when and where we wanted but frankly it was an expense we could have skipped. We really didn't need a car at all. Reykjavik is an easy walking city. In the spring/summer it would be a great choice to drive yourself on tours around the countryside. If you're going in winter, I suggest skipping the car rental and choosing buses and tours instead.<br />
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I'd read a couple of blogs that suggested going to the Blue Lagoon between the airport and Reykjavik. It seemed like a great idea, since we landed so early and most hotels and apartments wouldn't let you into your room until about 3pm. Since our drive was in the dark, we didn't see any landscape on the way there. And our walk up the hill from the parking lot was pretty dark except for the lighted path. This was our first real view of Iceland.<br />
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To say I was in awe is an understatement. </div>
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Planning our trip the Blue Lagoon as relaxation on the way from the airport to Reykjavik was a great decision. After reading <a href="http://landlopers.com/2015/03/30/luxury-blue-lagoon" target="_blank">this review</a>, we opted for the Luxury package to have the benefit of a private shower and changing room. We also received a delicious fruit tray, juice, coffee, Proseco, Blue Lagoon flip flops (slippers), and a bag filled with sample sizes of the Blue Lagoon spa products. It was calming and beautiful. We indulged in the silica mud mask. There is a silica bar and vats of the Blue Lagoon signature silica mud mask available. You can slather it on your face and body. When you wash it off, it gives your skin a soft silky feeling. It felt like floating in the most beautiful hot tub ever. The lounge had an inside entrance to the Lagoon so we wouldn't freeze on the way into the water. It also had comfortable chairs and a fireplace. For us, it was worth the splurge. In addition the early arrival has the advantage of fewer guests and a less crowded Lagoon. By the time we got ready to leave the Blue Lagoon (about about 1pm), the line to enter was out the door and down the path. People were arriving by the busload. While we were getting dressed I saw an alert on my phone that another charge from Budget Car Rental had gone through on my card for $973! Yep, bad car luck. I decided to contact them as soon as we arrived at our place in Reykjavik. </div>
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The drive to Reykjavik was easy. We were able to get into our apartment early. The City Comfort Apartments were great. They are located on Laugavegur Street, which is the main street in City Center, containing lots of shops and restaurants. Our first afternoon included a bit of shopping and sight seeing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pby3p5Pp2w/VtWf5W_60kI/AAAAAAAAHHk/-LDr-1YcDx4/s1600/laugavegur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pby3p5Pp2w/VtWf5W_60kI/AAAAAAAAHHk/-LDr-1YcDx4/s640/laugavegur.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Laugavegur Street, in front of our apartment</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lopapeysa (Icelandic Sweater) and Mittens</i></td></tr>
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Before our trip, I read lots of great advice on <a href="http://www.iheartreykjavik.net/" target="_blank">I heart Reykjavik</a>. It was hands down the best travel advice on Iceland I found, and I read a ton. Auður is a native of Iceland and she knows all of the ins and outs. One piece of advice that I'm glad I headed was purchasing a Lopapeysa at the Red Cross thrift store. I actually purchased two sweaters and two pairs of mittens and frankly wish I had gotten more. Their prices were half or less than the tourist shops, the items are handmade by ladies that donate them to the stores and the money goes to charity. WIN! We went to Hallgrimskirkja Church and went up into the tower. We were even treated to some music. There was organ practice going on while we were there. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpakTnBp8AE/Vrje0IzqJ5I/AAAAAAAAHFU/WUxhBMtGpto/s1600/Hallbrimskirkja%2BChurch%2Band%2BLeif.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpakTnBp8AE/Vrje0IzqJ5I/AAAAAAAAHFU/WUxhBMtGpto/s640/Hallbrimskirkja%2BChurch%2Band%2BLeif.JPG" width="640" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hallgrimskirkja Church</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah0CCnQYSeg/VtWf550WYtI/AAAAAAAAHH4/k77fvjsfwbo/s1600/view%2Bfrom%2Btower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ah0CCnQYSeg/VtWf550WYtI/AAAAAAAAHH4/k77fvjsfwbo/s640/view%2Bfrom%2Btower.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View from the Church tower</i></td></tr>
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Our biggest expense was our two day southern tour, glacier walk and Ice cave trek. It was worth every penny! You must have a guide for glacier walks and Ice Cave tours, due to safety. We considered driving ourselves and meeting our guides there and I'm very glad that we chose not to do that. The winter weather is incredibly unpredictable. Freak storms can come out of nowhere and we saw tons of cars off of the side of the road. Our bus even got stuck once and had to be pushed out. We booked with <a href="https://www.extremeiceland.is/" target="_blank">Extreme Iceland</a> for their Jökulsárlón and Ice caving two day tour. The package included transportation from our apartment, a great tour guide and driver, stops at waterfalls, the Black Sand Beach in Vik, overnight hotel accommodations, breakfast, glacier walk, ice cave tour, glacier lagoon and iceberg beach. It was truly the best part of our trip. Sadly the weather wasn't good enough to see the Northern Lights.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Skogafoss Waterfall</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seljalandsfoss Waterfall</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MmT2Wem3D74/VsxsZ9LHgSI/AAAAAAAAHGI/jEaL3vNPURE/s1600/new%2Bicelandic%2Bfriend.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MmT2Wem3D74/VsxsZ9LHgSI/AAAAAAAAHGI/jEaL3vNPURE/s640/new%2Bicelandic%2Bfriend.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our new Icelandic Friends</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of {msL's} favorite parts of the trip</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Black Sand Beach, Vik Iceland</i></td></tr>
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At the end of the day we checked into the <a href="http://gerdi.is/home/" target="_blank">Guesthouse Gerði</a> in the Vatnajökull Region. The guesthouse was quaint, clean and the food was delicious. It's mostly locally sourced and we enjoyed Icelandic lobster for dinner. The area is beautiful, with sweeping countrysides and mountains. Plus the icredible Vatnajökull glacier and <span style="text-align: center;">Jökulsárlón</span> lagoon. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The super Jeep we took out to the glacier</i></td></tr>
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We were picked up at our little country hotel in this modified super Jeep. We drove out to the glacier and strapped on our crampons. I've never felt wind so strong. It was hard to stay upright at times. We made the short hike to the ice cave. Vatnajökull<i> </i>glacier is <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-iceland-without-ice/" target="_blank">melting at a rapid rate</a>. Approximately 200-250m is lost per year to global warming. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm17lrMDdWs/VsxsrwsAQ9I/AAAAAAAAHGg/4Am4P-Tt3os/s1600/11image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pm17lrMDdWs/VsxsrwsAQ9I/AAAAAAAAHGg/4Am4P-Tt3os/s640/11image1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><i>Vatnajökull glacier</i> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the mouth of the ice cave</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LZmHWvkvgk/VsxsptoiLlI/AAAAAAAAHGc/PA9AOQnPK-A/s1600/ice%2Bcave%2Blizard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LZmHWvkvgk/VsxsptoiLlI/AAAAAAAAHGc/PA9AOQnPK-A/s640/ice%2Bcave%2Blizard.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Frozen {msL}</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsJBAfMQTmI/VsxsxvYcekI/AAAAAAAAHGo/0iagG7wycBU/s1600/ice%2Bcave%2Bwall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FsJBAfMQTmI/VsxsxvYcekI/AAAAAAAAHGo/0iagG7wycBU/s640/ice%2Bcave%2Bwall.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Volcanic ash and Ice</i></td></tr>
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The black streaks you see in the photos are volcanic ash that has settled into the ice over hundreds of years. Our guide told me that the ice in the cave is 800-1000 years old. It looks like you're inside a huge marble. My photos don't do it justice. The caves flood each spring and then refreeze in the winter. New caves must be found. They may even flood a bit during the winter, if the weather warms. We were lucky. The week before we arrived was warm and all of the ice cave tours were cancelled, due to flooding. I was never so happy to see freezing temperatures. There were two parts to the cave, the outer cave (in the first picture above) and the inner cave (below). We had to crawl about 10 feet on our hands and knees to get to the inner cave. It was incredible!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMpUz0sifaQ/VsxszQ4OnsI/AAAAAAAAHGs/n_TFbDWhlo0/s1600/Ice%2Bcave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMpUz0sifaQ/VsxszQ4OnsI/AAAAAAAAHGs/n_TFbDWhlo0/s640/Ice%2Bcave.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xt1I7u1NLR0/VtXvD4j09eI/AAAAAAAAHIg/qcztfyZ1YQw/s1600/14image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xt1I7u1NLR0/VtXvD4j09eI/AAAAAAAAHIg/qcztfyZ1YQw/s640/14image4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Inside the Inner Cave</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBskuMZp4mw/VsxtrnSwd4I/AAAAAAAAHHM/JdpKmYS1hgs/s1600/ice%2Bcave%2Binner%2Bcave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBskuMZp4mw/VsxtrnSwd4I/AAAAAAAAHHM/JdpKmYS1hgs/s640/ice%2Bcave%2Binner%2Bcave.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Our last stop was <span style="text-align: center;">Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Iceberg Beach. The ice is so incredibly blue. We even caught a glimpse of a seal dodging around the ice. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UM1Yzf1XlyQ/Vsxs4Lp4lQI/AAAAAAAAHGw/cUHR85-6PaE/s1600/jorkulson%2Blagoon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UM1Yzf1XlyQ/Vsxs4Lp4lQI/AAAAAAAAHGw/cUHR85-6PaE/s640/jorkulson%2Blagoon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ts0nB3SQLcw/Vsxs8yqQukI/AAAAAAAAHG8/EpxHj3WyEHE/s1600/Black%2BSand%2BIceberg%2BBeach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ts0nB3SQLcw/Vsxs8yqQukI/AAAAAAAAHG8/EpxHj3WyEHE/s640/Black%2BSand%2BIceberg%2BBeach.JPG" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> Jökulsárlón Iceberg Beach</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRP7S60ZpJM/Vsxs6wLcMtI/AAAAAAAAHG4/VdVwQbXVTYc/s1600/ice%2Bberg%2Bchair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fRP7S60ZpJM/Vsxs6wLcMtI/AAAAAAAAHG4/VdVwQbXVTYc/s640/ice%2Bberg%2Bchair.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Iceberg Chair</i></td></tr>
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Our last full day in Iceland was spent visiting museums, doing a little shopping and munching on Icelandic hot dogs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ks_569C_V80/VsxtEMjR41I/AAAAAAAAHHE/rGHzDIHVEUw/s1600/hot%2Bdog%2Bgirls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ks_569C_V80/VsxtEMjR41I/AAAAAAAAHHE/rGHzDIHVEUw/s640/hot%2Bdog%2Bgirls.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Had to Try the Hotdogs</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Clothing Store on Laugavegur Street</i></td></tr>
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There is beautiful street art and incredibly painted buildings all over the city. Our last evening, we strolled down the street and my honey picked a little dive bar where we could have a beer. It was a funny little bar and much more our style than a club. There was cold beer, good shots, and fun locals. It was cool to see a not so touristy part of Iceland on our last night in the country.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our last Beer, the last night</i></td></tr>
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We arrived back in the US to a car with a dead battery. Thanks to my sister we got home that night. Despite our horrible luck with cars, We had an incredible time. Iceland is a great country, in fact, we would love to go back when the weather is warmer. I highly recommend grabbing one of the good airfare deals and taking a trip or a stop over. I will be posting again soon with my recommendations for travel and what to wear and take with you. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-36644879217286466562015-12-03T12:00:00.000-05:002015-12-03T12:00:04.362-05:00Beauty Favorites - December 2015I've <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/search?q=product+junkie" target="_blank">confessed many times</a>, to my love of beauty products. I have some tried and true favorites that I will never give up but I'm always willing to try something new. Our tastes, skin and hair change as we age and finding new products that work for those changes can be key. Here are some of my recent favorite purchases.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcBpO8K2_sA/Vl8pAAuSQzI/AAAAAAAAHEw/ktnW94kw3MM/s1600/Dec%2B2015%2BBeauty%2BFaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcBpO8K2_sA/Vl8pAAuSQzI/AAAAAAAAHEw/ktnW94kw3MM/s640/Dec%2B2015%2BBeauty%2BFaves.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF63QQE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AF63QQE&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=A2NKMJKWOHE6DVPN" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.nexxus.com/product/detail/862229/products-therappehumectress-rebalancingshampoo" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.nexxus.com/product/detail/867291/products-therappehumectress-rebalancingconditioner" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://www.nexxus.com/product/detail/891005/products-therappehumectress-luxeconditioningmist" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047WYO1I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0047WYO1I&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=LXSMRQRAMB2WPCI3" target="_blank">5</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012XKAMM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012XKAMM&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=7TPX3UYQLPUUVXAN" target="_blank">6</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UKP1M2K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UKP1M2K&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=HLVXJXW22DSCSWRB" target="_blank">7</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U8ZNIXI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U8ZNIXI&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=TNWCJZ57RDKPRX5N" target="_blank">8</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUnUn-I00WU/Vl8n_Q62oVI/AAAAAAAAHD8/2fHcw7k6tMU/s1600/Mizon%2Ball%2Bin%2Bone%2Bsnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUnUn-I00WU/Vl8n_Q62oVI/AAAAAAAAHD8/2fHcw7k6tMU/s400/Mizon%2Ball%2Bin%2Bone%2Bsnail.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AF63QQE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AF63QQE&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=A2NKMJKWOHE6DVPN" target="_blank"><b>Mizon Multi Function Formula All in One Snail Repair Cream</b></a><br />
Ok, after you stop saying ewww or gross or whatever you're feeling, I will tell you about this amazing product. Last spring, I began reading about the Korean skincare revolution and how it was sweeping the U.S. I started doing research. Most articles recommend a 10 step routine. I'm diligent about my skin but I knew that 10 steps would not happen daily in my world. I decided to pick some key items to try. One of the items that was recommended was an All in One cream. <a href="https://intothegloss.com/2014/08/korean-skincare-snail-mucin/" target="_blank">This article</a> called out this cream by Mizon, specifically. By the way, the author is incorrect. Snail mucin is actually, the secretion from the snail (not their guts). The cream is more of a gel and you don't need much. A little goes a long way. Hands down, it's the made more difference in my skin than anything I've ever used. I have tiny bumps (a form a cystic acne) that form on my skin, no matter how much I wash. They never get red but at times, they darken a bit. This cream has eliminated them! It's also faded many of my dark spots and it's a great light weight moisturizer (I apply it morning and night). I'm on my second jar and I don't see it ever leaving my beauty regime. Friends have even asked what I've been using. Which I always take as a great sign.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4s9oR2WCA0/Vl8n_2XHVxI/AAAAAAAAHEc/Q2QNkURtz_M/s1600/nexxus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4s9oR2WCA0/Vl8n_2XHVxI/AAAAAAAAHEc/Q2QNkURtz_M/s400/nexxus.jpg" width="329" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.nexxus.com/product/detail/862229/products-therappehumectress-rebalancingshampoo" target="_blank"><b>Nexxus Therappe Rebalancing Shampoo</b></a><br />
I was offered this shampoo and the other two Nexxus products to try. I was a bit skeptical because I've tried moisturizing shampoos in the past and they left my hair lifeless and limp. They added too much residue. This shampoo is fantastic! It doesn't add that weight or residue. It leaves my hair clean and shiny. It's highly concentrated, so I only need a small amount. I'm sure I will be buying more when the bottle is finished.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nexxus.com/product/detail/867291/products-therappehumectress-rebalancingconditioner" target="_blank"><b>Nexxus Humetress Restoring Conditioner</b></a><br />
When you have fine, dry hair, conditioning is like walking a tight rope. You need the conditioner or your hair will look like straw but if you use too much or the wrong kind your hair will look flat and a bit greasy. This conditioner is great. I still can't use too much but when I use it, my hair has body and it's moisturized. It has a thick consistency but it's not too greasy for my fine hair. My hair has bounce and shine. I'm impressed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nexxus.com/product/detail/891005/products-therappehumectress-luxeconditioningmist" target="_blank"><b>Nexxus Humectress Luxe Lightweight Conditioning Mist</b></a><br />
You wouldn't think this super light, water like mist would be moisturizing, but it is! I spray it on after I wash my hair, before I blow dry. I also sometimes mist my hair with it in the morning before I curl it. I don't know what little miracles they use to make this mist but it's great. I love that even though it's a leave in, that it's not heavy. I really love that it gives my hair sheen without oil.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LWfw4u7_wk/Vl8n_b24tHI/AAAAAAAAHEk/5eiEt0Ryr7s/s1600/babyliss%2Bpro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LWfw4u7_wk/Vl8n_b24tHI/AAAAAAAAHEk/5eiEt0Ryr7s/s1600/babyliss%2Bpro.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047WYO1I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0047WYO1I&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=LXSMRQRAMB2WPCI3" target="_blank"><b>BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 1" Curling Iron</b></a><br />
My curling iron died and I went in search of a new one. I had read that BaByliss curling irons were great and curled even the most hard to curl hair. My hair curls but the curl would never last. This model got some great reviews, so I decided to give it a try. My curl now lasts two days! In fact, I love my second day curl even better. It looks like a natural wave and it's perfect. My hair doesn't look fried after I use the iron. In combination with the Nexxus Conditioning Mist, my curls look even better. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqngYRzO8S8/Vl8oAM9QSsI/AAAAAAAAHEY/0k98OcM9fdQ/s1600/paula%2Bdorf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqngYRzO8S8/Vl8oAM9QSsI/AAAAAAAAHEY/0k98OcM9fdQ/s320/paula%2Bdorf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012XKAMM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0012XKAMM&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=7TPX3UYQLPUUVXAN" target="_blank"><b>Paula Dorf Special Camouflage</b></a><br />
A beauty blogger recommended peach/orange concealer for dark circles. Sometimes even my holy grail Cle de Peau concealer doesn't totally cover my dark circles, without being too heavy. I decided to give the peach option a try. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find peach concealer. I looked at tons of brands and places. Only a few even make that color and the ones that do, were no where to be found. I came upon this Paula Dorf version. It also contains a yellow concealer, which I thought would be great. The yellow is much too dry to be used alone. I mix it with the peach at times or with an eye cream. The peach has a creamy consistency that I like and add to my dark circle cover, when I need extra help.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVnbF07eRZg/Vl8n_qB_p5I/AAAAAAAAHEQ/FFaPHLL7ARk/s1600/maybelline%2Bthe%2Bblushed%2Bnudes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVnbF07eRZg/Vl8n_qB_p5I/AAAAAAAAHEQ/FFaPHLL7ARk/s400/maybelline%2Bthe%2Bblushed%2Bnudes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UKP1M2K/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00UKP1M2K&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=ZX2WLSFYL7WOMZ46" target="_blank"><b>Maybelline the Blushed Nudes eyeshadow palette</b></a><br />
Usually I purchase an eyeshadow palette, loving the concept of combining different colors and end up only using 4 or 5 colors. With the exception or two colors, I use all of the colors in the palette regularly. The colors are neutral and have great color but they aren't too dark. They compliment my fair skin well. I love mixing the pinkish tones with the browns and grays.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPw-VjzQsoA/Vl8n_qU5dsI/AAAAAAAAHEU/A2BQsDmkX5I/s1600/magic%2Bcushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPw-VjzQsoA/Vl8n_qU5dsI/AAAAAAAAHEU/A2BQsDmkX5I/s400/magic%2Bcushion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U8ZNIXI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U8ZNIXI&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=TNWCJZ57RDKPRX5N" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U8ZNIXI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U8ZNIXI&linkCode=as2&tag=reagirrun-20&linkId=TNWCJZ57RDKPRX5N" target="_blank"><b>Missha M Magic Cushion No. 23</b></a><br />
One of the other Korean beauty products that gets rave reviews are their foundation cushion compacts. I'm super picky when it comes to foundation. I can't stand anything that is heavy, greasy or cakey but it has to have good coverage and look natural. It seems that every time I find a foundation I love, it's discontinued. For years I was a fan or Urban Decay foundation but their formulas have completely changed and I don't love their current options. Reviews were great for the Missha cushion. I love it. It gives me great coverage and looks natural. There are only two colors and they are both very fair. If you don't have super fair skin, you will need to look at other brands. The compact is refillable and comes with an applicator sponge.<br />
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Those are my current beauty picks. Let me know if you have any questions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-4649308830063356812015-11-19T12:30:00.000-05:002015-11-19T12:30:00.877-05:00How to Read that Laundry Tag (and not lose your mind)Am I the only one that looks at the care tag on a piece of clothing and thinks HUH?! I know as a fashion girl I should have all of those symbols memorized but I don't. Confessional time...usually I just wing it. Because of this I have ruined a few items of clothing in my life. You'd think I'd learn. I started thinking that I can't be the only one. I did a little research and found some great info. There is an <a href="http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/" target="_blank">American Cleaning Institute</a>! Living in the DC area, which is home to many associations and institutes, I should have guessed that something like this exists. I found some handy info on their site.<br />
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I decided to guess what these symbols meant before looking at the chart. I have to say, I was correct on only three of them. This scarf should be hand washed, with only non-chlorine bleach. It should be dried flat. It should not be put in the dryer, ironed or dry cleaned.<br />
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If you know the basics, then you can decipher all of the codes.<br />
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I like this guide, so I don't have to memorize anything. I printed out this beauty to hang in our laundry room. For more info on laundry care, you can access the <a href="http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/laundry/" target="_blank">Laundry section</a> of ACI's website. Check out the left navigation of their page for lots of additional links. I am sure this section on <a href="http://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/laundry_solutions_for_holiday_stains.aspx" target="_blank">Holiday Stains</a> will come in handy soon.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-83197327487745094092015-11-09T13:00:00.000-05:002015-11-09T14:14:32.580-05:00DIY - Blah to Bad Ass BlazerI've had this idea in my head for some time to add elbow patches to a thrift store blazer. Specifically, skull elbow patches. I spotted a few sweaters last winter with skulls at the elbows. I went searching for a blazer with skull elbow patches and couldn't find one. This DIY has taken so long because I couldn't find skull patches that I thought were perfect. Then I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Realistic-Skull-Horror-Applique-Embroidered/dp/B00DGTU1FQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447088000&sr=8-1&keywords=skull+patches" target="_blank">these beauties</a>. I'm not a fan of the cutesy skull. I want a realistic looking, bad ass skull. The patch was perfect and of course I ordered two. Then I set out to find the blazer. It had to be either black or gray, in a heavy fabric. I wanted wool but I would have accepted other options. The thrift store gods smiled down on me. I found it, a classic gray wool blazer, by a brand I love! I scored it at the <a href="http://www.locations.dcgoodwill.org/?_ga=1.143550323.79602726.1447089696" target="_blank">Goodwill Store</a> close to me. Here is the blazer, before.<br />
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The gold buttons just wouldn't work with the gray, silver black color scheme. I pictured a blazer looked sedate school girl from the front and girl who skips school from the back. I looked online and briefly considered skull buttons but I didn't want it to look like a costume. Only a crest button in silver would work for what I had in mind. I found several at my local sewing store but ending up splurging on the most expensive option. They were perfect. Since I'd only spent $5 on my blazer and $12 on my patches, I could afford a little button splurge. Plus I found two coupons and ended up cutting my button cost down by about 40%! Yay for coupons!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PH7SdIIm5Oc/VkDVfZrZYVI/AAAAAAAAHC0/Gsobz8tHvQY/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PH7SdIIm5Oc/VkDVfZrZYVI/AAAAAAAAHC0/Gsobz8tHvQY/s400/IMG_0537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started by removing all of the buttons and finding thread that would work. I chose dark gray thread that I already own. You just need thread that is close to the color of the blazer. The patches were iron on. I also made sure I had thread for stitching on the patches. Elbow patches get wear and tear and must bend a bit. I thought the adhesive might not stay tight. After attaching all of the buttons, I ironed on the elbow patches. I decided after my first wear to stitch around the edges. The patches had already started to lift a bit after only one day. A few stitches helped me feel confident that they would wear well, long term.<br />
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It turned out even better than I had hoped it would. It's exactly what I pictured. Business in the front and Bad Ass in the back!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-31102763410555359862015-09-25T12:00:00.000-04:002015-09-25T12:00:00.288-04:00Frugal Furniture Friday - Bench and OttomanHi Frugal Friends! Although my fashion love never dies, I've really be focused on two things lately, my business (<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/debv" target="_blank">fueling my style fire</a>) and decorating/furniture redos. They are both creative and have been great outlets for me. I'm working hard to get our <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/search?q=bedroom" target="_blank">bedroom redone</a>. I started it a long time ago. After lots of distractions and procrastination, I'm finally getting it all together. I still have one big furniture redo (<a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2013/03/insta-monday.html" target="_blank">our bedside tables</a>). Did I mention that distraction and procrastination is a big issue for me? I redid a storage bench and an ottoman, using very different methods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA9H1ZhRzNA/VgVtN08vAvI/AAAAAAAAHBM/fi2ckAPLNsE/s1600/ottoman%2Bbench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA9H1ZhRzNA/VgVtN08vAvI/AAAAAAAAHBM/fi2ckAPLNsE/s640/ottoman%2Bbench.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>the finished projects</i></td></tr>
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I started with reupholstering a storage bench that was a hot mess.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KQfVFvfglA/VgVZzCDhqqI/AAAAAAAAG-8/IbZjq-StBRM/s1600/b%2Bbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KQfVFvfglA/VgVZzCDhqqI/AAAAAAAAG-8/IbZjq-StBRM/s400/b%2Bbefore.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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Flaming hot mess, right? After years of abuse and our dogs using it as a step stool to jump up onto the bed, I had to reinforce it with tape. I tried to get our dogs to use doggy steps. Didn't work. Those are sitting in the garage. Our oldest buddy would only use this bench. So I couldn't get rid of it. I told my mom about my plan and she said, that I could have some batting and gold upholstery velvet that she had left over. SCORE! Fabric is expensive. I pulled it out into the garage and stripped it down.<br />
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You can see why it was sagging. The stuffing was deteriorating and pushing through the webbing. Once I stripped it down completely and removed the top (sorry no photos). I could start rebuilding. I grabbed some 2 inch thick foam at the fabric store. I bought remnant pieces to save a little money. I put one piece on top of the webbing you see (green webbing) and covered that with the cotton batting from my mom.<br />
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I used the pieces I removed from the bench as my pattern. Then I covered the top and stapled it down. I cut pieces of foam to place under the green webbing. I wanted this bench to be super reinforced. My original plan was to place it back at the foot of the bed and I knew it would get tons of wear.<br />
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I reinforced again with more webbing (I cut strips of the fabric). I used the same fabric to cover everything (sorry no picture).<br />
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I realized after cutting that I wouldn't have enough gold to do the entire bottom portion of the bench. I went to the fabric store and found a black white and gold print that worked well. Using that fabric on each end gave it a nice contrast and kept it from looking like patch work.<br />
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I finished the bottom edge with a <a href="http://www.joann.com/nailhead-trim-brass-5-yds/10702132.html" target="_blank">roll of nail head trim</a>, which I just noticed in the picture above, is crooked on one end. All in all, I'm really happy with the results. I definitely didn't follow upholstery practices but it looks good and that is what is most important to me. There were some supplies left over. I have enough of the white, black and gold fabric to make a pillow and enough batting to do my dining room chairs, plus some additional nail head trim. Similar benches go for $150 and up.<br />
<b>Total cost: $45! </b><br />
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Because I didn't finish in one day, we needed an alternative "step" for the dogs. Our older guy, Blue, was distraught when he couldn't get up on the bed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>How could I say no to that sweet face?</i></td></tr>
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I remembered this old, sad, green, ottoman in {msL's} office. It was a hand me down from a friend many many years ago, along with a matching sofa and chair. The chair and sofa went to Goodwill ages ago. My intention was to use it until the bench was done. Well, the dogs and {msL} liked the size and the height better than the storage bench. So when I finished the bench, it went to the corner of the room and I was faced with a dilemma. I wanted to make them happy but I hated the look of this sad green ottoman. What to do?<br />
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Because of the style of the ottoman, I knew it would be a massive upholstery project that I didn't want to tackle. I thought of options, I've seen painted fabric but since it's dark green, black would be the only option. Plus, painted fabric wouldn't be soft and if I ruined it, things might get bad in my house. Then I thought of making a slip cover. That could also take tons of time. That's time I didn't want to spend. I'm not sure how I thought of it but suddenly it came to me.<br />
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The ottoman has this weird pillow top. It's indented between the base and the top. Why couldn't I just create a slipcover and attach it with some elastic, like a huge hair tie?! I went searching on fabric sites and didn't find anything I loved or wanted to spend $12+ a yard on. I measured the ottoman with an allowance for the indention and realized that I'd need a rectangular and it hit me. Why not use a tablecloth!? It could be a good print and it would already be hemmed. Bonus! I searched and found a print that I liked and would work with our bedroom. I grabbed elastic from the fabric store and measured the indented area.<br />
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I cut the elastic and sewed the ends together, reducing the length by a few inches to make the fit tight.<br />
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I laid the table cloth over the ottoman and centered it.<br />
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Then I added the elastic band and started tucking and adjusting the fabric. It was a little long on the ends and the corners but tucking and adjusting helped it to fit.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zh57F7UeIlc/VgVZ1F2xKkI/AAAAAAAAG_4/-SdM5ZddBwc/s1600/finished%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zh57F7UeIlc/VgVZ1F2xKkI/AAAAAAAAG_4/-SdM5ZddBwc/s400/finished%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hands down, the easiest slip cover EVER!! It took less than 10 minutes from start to finish! When it gets dirty, I can just pull it off and throw it in the wash. Slipcovers range in price from $18 (in really blah fabric) to $85 and up.<br />
<b>Total cost $24!!</b><br />
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It's even dog approved, as you can see by the indention. We'll be using the storage bench as our new hamper. I'm now hunting for a basket that is the right size to fit inside.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-10008696831596025302015-08-05T12:30:00.000-04:002015-08-05T12:30:00.794-04:00Summer Lovin'It's been a whirlwind summer and I've been neglecting RGR (as you know). We've traveled a ton, I've worked at my full time job, I've had tons of fun and I have been working hard on <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/debv" target="_blank">my business</a>. It has been one of the best summers I've had in a long time but at times it's also been tiring and a little stressful. I'm going to attempt to catch you up over the next couple weeks. If you follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/realgirlrunway/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, then you've seen photos of some of the adventures. One of my favorite events this summer was the wedding of my cousin Brittany. It was a day filled with love and family. Back in the spring I was struggling<a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2015/05/summer-wedding-necessities.html" target="_blank"> to find outfits </a>to wear to the many weddings we had on the calendar. I managed to find a great dress at Lane Bryant. It was sold out online but I tracked it down in a local store. Definitely a great purchase. I also wore it to the Stella & Dot fashion show in Vegas.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dress: Lela Rose for Lane Bryant (no longer available but I <a href="http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Curve/ASOS-CURVE-Midi-Skater-Dress-with-Large-Floral-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5292817&cid=9577&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Multi&totalstyles=329&gridsize=3" target="_blank">love this one</a>.), Jewelry and Clutch: <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/debv" target="_blank">Stella & Dot</a>, Sandals: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Circus-Sam-Edelman-Selma-Gladiator/dp/B00FDPO3X2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438789821&sr=8-1&keywords=sam+edelman+circus+gold" target="_blank">Circus by Sam Edelman via Amazon</a></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love that {msL} and I managed to coordinate without trying.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My sweet Mom.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My Aunt, the beautiful Bride (my cousin Brittany), and I</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Happy Couple! Congrats Brittany and Jeremy!</i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-24209302205306514332015-06-04T12:00:00.000-04:002015-06-04T12:00:04.916-04:00What's Going OnThere are lots of things that go on in my life that don't get posted to RGR. I am an avid <a href="https://instagram.com/realgirlrunway/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/realgirlrunway" target="_blank">Twitter</a> user but I know some of you don't utilize those platforms. I thought I would start a little (occasional) series. I'll be highlighting those things that don't make it to the blog and previewing some future content. Because my love of for 60's and 70's R and B runs deep, I thought I would call on Marvin for this one. Sadly Marvin is no longer with us.<br />
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May was really busy and June and July promise to be even busier. You know you're in for a crazy summer with the majority of your weekends in May, June and July are booked before the end of March. I'm trying to squeeze in some home repairs, Stella and Dot trunk shows, and relaxation into my schedule.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Falling in love with Korean skin care products, post soon.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I'm trying out some fun new products via Influenster, post soon.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Small changes to our bedroom. A close up of our new comforter. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Stella & Dot Fall Preview collection launches today! <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/debv">www.stelladot.com/debv</a> to order</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Old chairs to rehab...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A little spray paint and now they are like new and ready for summer!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fun with friends (and {msL}) and some fantastic new music last weekend.</i></td></tr>
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If you're on <a href="https://instagram.com/realgirlrunway/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (@realgirlrunway) or <a href="https://twitter.com/realgirlrunway" target="_blank">Twitter</a> (@realgirlrunway), I'd love for your to follow me. Be sure to say hi and I will return the favor. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-39316529627007476342015-06-02T12:00:00.000-04:002015-06-04T08:01:24.818-04:00I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Lace-Up SandalsMy obsession with lace-up sandals started last spring. I think it might be full on ridiculous now. I'm kicking myself for missing a pair of black lace-up lower heel sandals that Zara had on their site. Now they are gone. Last spring I was in search of a lower heel pair and found these at Nordstrom Rack. Now that the weather is warm, they have become staple. <br />
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Recently I spotted a black pair and I might have squealed with glee. Until I realized that they were Jimmy Choos and cost,$995! They are on my lust list but I definitely won't be buying them (below, bottom middle). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Clockwise from Top Left <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Aldo </a>/<a href="http://www.saksoff5th.com/tessah-high-heel-sandals/0400087054812.html" target="_blank"> DV by Dolce Vita</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tahari-Dara-Women-Dress-Sandals/dp/B00MPTUKLI" target="_blank">Tahari</a> / <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/shoes/view-all/flat-printed-roman-sandals-c719531p2707537.html" target="_blank">Zara</a> / <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sole-society-rosalie-cutout-sandal-women/4039518?origin=category" target="_blank">Sole Society</a> / <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Jimmy-Choo-Myrtle-Napa-Lace-Up-Sandal-Black/prod178950297_cat35080738__/p.prod?ItemId=prod178950297&ecid=NMALRJ84DHJLQkR4&CS_003=5630585" target="_blank">Jimmy Choo</a> / <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1843414/candies-womens-lace-up-high-heels.jsp" target="_blank">Candies via Kohl's</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/MIA-Botticelli-Womens-Lace-Up/dp/B003SMSX2Y/ref=cts_sh_2_fbt" target="_blank">MIA</a></i></td></tr>
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It was hard to decide which ones to include. I loved so many. These choices are a good balance of color and neutral, with high, low and mid heels. Are you obsessed too?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-21292644374372310892015-05-29T12:00:00.000-04:002015-05-29T12:00:04.069-04:00Moto In the TropicsI love a great biker jacket. I own quite a few in different fabrics. When I spied <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2079087/jennifer-lopez-palm-scuba-moto-jacket-womens.jsp" target="_blank">this one</a>, while standing in line to check out at Kohl's, I knew I had to have it. Impulse buys are rarely something I indulge in these days. In the past, I spent lots of money on items that I didn't really love and rarely wore. Last spring I saw a biker jacket, in a fun print, on one of my favorite clothing store sites. It was amazing and I loved it but the price was close to $200. I just couldn't justify spending that much. When I saw this similar jacket in a fun tropical print, I flipped. It was a great substitute at a great price. I've already worn it to work a couple of times, with a skirt and pants. Casual but polished was what I needed to go to a few appointments one day last week. This jacket and the heels, amped up my basic outfit.<br />
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This jacket was a perfect excuse to try <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2015/05/inspiration-jeans-and-heels.html" target="_blank">the jeans and heels look</a>. I grabbed my favorite black kitten heels and threw together this combo. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Jacket: <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2079087/jennifer-lopez-palm-scuba-moto-jacket-womens.jsp" target="_blank">Kohl's</a>, Top: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JGDDFTK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00" target="_blank">BB Dakota via Amazon</a>, Jeans: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/NYDJ-Womens-Plus-Size-Boyfriend-Manhattan/dp/B00M3BZBNA/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1432835877&sr=1-1&keywords=NYDJ+Women%27s+Plus-Size+Tanya" target="_blank">NYDJ via Amazon</a>, Shoes: <a href="http://target.com/" target="_blank">Target</a> (no longer available), Sunglasses: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Aviator-Sunglasses-RB3025-112-19-Mirror/dp/B00NFKWVRC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1432836024&sr=8-4&keywords=ray+ban+green+mirror" target="_blank">Ray-Ban via Amazon</a>, Jewelry: <a href="http://stelladot.com/debv" target="_blank">Stella & Dot</a></i></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-40805795029009137772015-05-20T12:00:00.000-04:002015-05-20T12:00:11.698-04:00A Little Spring Shopping - May 2015I may or may not have used shopping for wedding clothes and my weight loss as an excuse to buy some new clothes (and shoes, and a bag, and nail wraps). After hibernating all winter, I want bright colors and fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Wide-Leg-Jumpsuit-In-Abstract-Print/16ciy7/?iid=5080760&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1XaWRlLUxlZy1KdW1wc3VpdC1Jbi1BYnN0cmFjdC1QcmludC9Qcm9kLw.." target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/junior-s-wednesdays-wear-pink-graphic-tank-blush/-/A-16776688" target="_blank">2</a> /<a href="http://www.target.com/p/men-s-star-wars-soy-tu-padre-darth-vader-t-shirt/-/A-15241419" target="_blank"> 3</a> / <a href="http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-2079087/jennifer-lopez-palm-scuba-moto-jacket-womens.jsp" target="_blank">4</a> /<a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi34322&N=4294966550+10235+4294966558&selectedConcept=Woman&_=1432041502632&Nr=AND(OR(product.siteId%3ATalbotsSite)%2COR(product.catalogId%3Acatalog20002))" target="_blank"> 5 </a>/ <a href="http://noelgiger.jamberrynails.net/" target="_blank">6</a> / <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/debv" target="_blank">7 </a>/ <a href="http://www.dillards.com/product/BCBGeneration-Star-Flat-Jelly-Sandals_301_-1_301_505031561?df=04420308_zi_gold&categoryId=425&scrollTop=0" target="_blank">8 </a></i></td></tr>
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<b>Jumpsuit </b>- This beauty was my answer to a casual wedding. I wore it with some great silver jewelry from Stella & Dot and the silver sandals. I can also wear it with a white blazer and some pumps to work or with strappy sandals to another event. <br />
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<b>Graphic Tees </b>- My affection for fun, graphic tees is well known. These two are fun new additions and nods to two movies I love. <br />
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<b>Tropical Print Moto Jacket </b>- This jacket was an impulse buy, which I rarely do anymore. I'm sure it's going to get lots of use because I love it so much. The tropical print is a spring trend but it's a little different done in a moto jacket. <br />
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<b>White Jeans</b> - I had to replace the white jeans I donated, because they were too big. I scored a pair similar to these from the Talbots Outlet, for only $34. <br />
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<b>Jamberry Nails</b> - I hosted a little Jamberry party for my friends and had quite a few hostess credits. These are a few of the patterns I purchased with my credits. I have become a Jamberry devotee. They look great and last two weeks or more. You can't beat that!<br />
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<b>Paris Market Tote </b>- This bag is one of my favorites. I love that I can carry all of my items for work and it still looks chic. I also own it in black. The black version is <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/sale/sale-all/paris-market-tote?color=blue?s=debv" target="_blank">on sale for 50% off right now</a>!<br />
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<b>Silver Sandals</b> - I needed a neutral pair of sandals that would work for an outdoor wedding but also stand up to wet grass and dirt. I've ruined several pairs of shoes because of poor yard conditions. These were perfect and a great find. I snagged these at Saks Off 5th for $30. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-55074328498206580602015-05-19T12:00:00.000-04:002015-05-19T12:00:08.405-04:00Inspiration - Jeans and HeelsI've been in love with the look of jeans and heels for some time now. The beauty of this look is that you can so easily change it up and make it your own. Dress it up or dress it down. The coolest part is that when you throw on some heels (high or kitten) and add a great accessory or two it elevates your jeans and gives them new life.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZk2jEqT0RU/VVo1_Vhmf8I/AAAAAAAAG5E/sNwDBqeITyw/s1600/kh%2Bdressy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZk2jEqT0RU/VVo1_Vhmf8I/AAAAAAAAG5E/sNwDBqeITyw/s640/kh%2Bdressy.jpg" width="459" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjWoIS3cdJc/VVo2kZqXK5I/AAAAAAAAG5c/aWwG_UAtaiU/s1600/hh%2Btweed%2Bjacket%2Blovely-pepa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EjWoIS3cdJc/VVo2kZqXK5I/AAAAAAAAG5c/aWwG_UAtaiU/s640/hh%2Btweed%2Bjacket%2Blovely-pepa.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: <a href="http://whowhatwear.com/">WhoWhatWear.com</a>, <a href="http://lovely-pepa.com/">Lovely-Pepa.com</a></span></i> <br />
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Jeans, heels and a dressy jacket is one of my all time favorite looks. Those distressed jeans that you used to throw on with your ratty sneaks are now more sophisticated with some great heels and a jacket. Bonus, they are still just as comfy. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqYTG4cmedg/VVo2BCF-g8I/AAAAAAAAG5U/xC7i7mzUK9U/s1600/kt%2Bbiker%2BafterDRK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqYTG4cmedg/VVo2BCF-g8I/AAAAAAAAG5U/xC7i7mzUK9U/s640/kt%2Bbiker%2BafterDRK.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKXfjetdqRE/VVo17oqrmCI/AAAAAAAAG4k/rC83vkHNSoc/s1600/hh%2Bjacket%2Bjeans%2Bdevonrachel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKXfjetdqRE/VVo17oqrmCI/AAAAAAAAG4k/rC83vkHNSoc/s640/hh%2Bjacket%2Bjeans%2Bdevonrachel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://afterdrk.com/">afterDRK.com</a>, <a href="http://devonrachel.com/">devonrachel.com</a></span></i><br />
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A biker or a baseball jacket also make great additions to this simple look.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGt3XmquyIw/VVo18Z6BGAI/AAAAAAAAG4s/iEqItNe-QGM/s1600/hh%2Bsweatshirt%2Bwalkinwonderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGt3XmquyIw/VVo18Z6BGAI/AAAAAAAAG4s/iEqItNe-QGM/s640/hh%2Bsweatshirt%2Bwalkinwonderland.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtmJGCnlZNw/VVo19s441DI/AAAAAAAAG40/bukwB_XEmeg/s1600/hh%2Bt%2Bjeans%2Bthecourtneykerr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtmJGCnlZNw/VVo19s441DI/AAAAAAAAG40/bukwB_XEmeg/s640/hh%2Bt%2Bjeans%2Bthecourtneykerr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS6qzJ5xGZk/VVo2AoKXvxI/AAAAAAAAG5M/B51AvG5J40g/s1600/kh%2Bwhiteb%2Bjeans%2Btrini-g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS6qzJ5xGZk/VVo2AoKXvxI/AAAAAAAAG5M/B51AvG5J40g/s640/kh%2Bwhiteb%2Bjeans%2Btrini-g.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjm1LUFrbi4/VVo1-VbqUzI/AAAAAAAAG48/o1juEFYJNRo/s1600/hh%2Btexas%2Btux%2Bthecourtneykerr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pjm1LUFrbi4/VVo1-VbqUzI/AAAAAAAAG48/o1juEFYJNRo/s640/hh%2Btexas%2Btux%2Bthecourtneykerr.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: <a href="http://walkinwonderland.com/">walkinwonderland.com</a>, <a href="http://thecourtneykerr.com/">thecourtneykerr.com</a>, <a href="http://trini-g.com/">trini-g.com</a>, <a href="http://thecourtneykerr.com/">thecourtneykerr.com</a></span></i><br />
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Sometimes simple is best. A graphic sweatshirt, a baseball shirt, a simple white button down, or even a Texas tuxedo all seem a little more special with the addition of a pair of heels. <br />
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<br />You don't have to don sky high heels. Pick the height you like best and go for it. I gravitate more toward lower heels these days but any heel will do. I tend to prefer a simple, pointed toe pump but just<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=jeans+and+heels&client=firefox-a&hs=1k7&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=BjlaVdn_KejfsAThkoHgDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=920" target="_blank"> Google "jeans and heels"</a> and you'll find lots of additional inspiration. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-25777834191452104672015-05-08T10:00:00.000-04:002015-05-08T11:14:48.785-04:00Frugal Fashion Friday: Goodwill #sharethegoodIf you've read this blog for any length of time or read some past posts, you are well aware of my love for thrifting and especially for <a href="http://www.dcgoodwill.org/" target="_blank">Goodwill</a>. I have a great relationship with the Goodwill team, here in the DC area and a long time <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/search?q=Goodwill" target="_blank">love affair with Goodwill shopping</a>. In addition to <a href="http://www.locations.dcgoodwill.org/" target="_blank">shopping at Goodwill</a>, we keep a continuous box for Goodwill donations. Anything that we no longer love, doesn't fit, or is past it's prime, goes right into the box. We try to make a donation trip every month or so. I'm due for a big closet purge very soon. Lots of my clothes no longer fit, due to my weight loss. I will be hitting up Goodwill soon for some replacement items. This week is <a href="http://www.dcgoodwill.org/news-events/2015-goodwill-industries-week/" target="_blank">Goodwill Industries Week. </a> In honor of the amazing work that Goodwill does, I thought I'd share some of my favorite finds and the ways that Goodwill helps the community.<br />
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Goodwill is much more than great buys and donations. The staff in their stores are working through the job and employment programs provided by Goodwill. They also provide career training and job programs in conjunction with other companies and businesses.<br />
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<li>Did you know, when you donate used goods to Goodwill, you keep waste out of area landfills while helping people find jobs!<a class="stgLink" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?hashtags=sharethegood&text=Did%20you%20know,%20when%20you%20donate%20used%20goods%20to%20Goodwill,%20you%20keep%20waste%20out%20of%20area%20landfills%20while%20helping%20people%20find%20jobs!"><b></b></a></li>
<li>Did you know, With each new store and donation center Goodwill opens, 25-30 new jobs are created!</li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Did you know, you can round up the total of your purchase at any </span>DC area Goodwill store and all of that money will go directly to Goodwill programs.</li>
<li>Did you know, Goodwill provides free job training programs, job fairs, and has four career centers in the DC metro area.</li>
<li>Did you know, DC Goodwill hosts an annual pop-up shop and fashion show, where all of the items sold and in the show were donated to Goodwill stores across the DC area.</li>
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I've found so many great items at Goodwill that I couldn't possibly show them all to you. Follow me on <a href="https://instagram.com/realgirlrunway/" target="_blank">instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RealGirlRunway" target="_blank">Facebook</a> to see more of my finds. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BQcaFuWhzQ/VUy2GppQCYI/AAAAAAAAG3E/xa256VMrmJw/s1600/stg%2Bcaftan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--BQcaFuWhzQ/VUy2GppQCYI/AAAAAAAAG3E/xa256VMrmJw/s640/stg%2Bcaftan.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The caftan I scored at the <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2014/05/blog4good-shop-for-good.html" target="_blank">Goodwill pop-up shop</a>.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love Goodwill for <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/search?q=coach" target="_blank">vintage Coach bags</a> and designer shoes!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdR6Z6egEZM/VUy2G_shQqI/AAAAAAAAG3M/BOvGqfd3lV0/s1600/stg%2Bfu%2Bdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdR6Z6egEZM/VUy2G_shQqI/AAAAAAAAG3M/BOvGqfd3lV0/s640/stg%2Bfu%2Bdogs.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I give new life to items (like these bookends from Goodwill), <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/search?q=spray+paint" target="_blank">with spray paint</a>.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RzQi5-LAPVI/VUy2HJfzU5I/AAAAAAAAG3Q/zYfh1dk-b7I/s1600/stg%2Bholiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RzQi5-LAPVI/VUy2HJfzU5I/AAAAAAAAG3Q/zYfh1dk-b7I/s640/stg%2Bholiday.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Goodwill is a great place to <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2012/01/diy-holiday-decorations-recap.html" target="_blank">score home decor</a>, for a steal.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GCNro2RXHA/VUy2HBq27eI/AAAAAAAAG3U/TBeTrJhBT2k/s1600/stg%2Btee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GCNro2RXHA/VUy2HBq27eI/AAAAAAAAG3U/TBeTrJhBT2k/s640/stg%2Btee.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Goodwill is one of my favorite places<a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2014/09/frugal-fashion-friday-fashion-of.html" target="_blank"> to find great t-shirts</a>.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3-tZFur5AA/VUy6CUIbCaI/AAAAAAAAG30/1k2D3iCVX64/s1600/stg%2Bwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3-tZFur5AA/VUy6CUIbCaI/AAAAAAAAG30/1k2D3iCVX64/s640/stg%2Bwedding.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>We even created over 200 candle holders for our wedding, using glasses purchased at Goodwill.<a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-mercury-glass.html" target="_blank"> (DIY details here)</a></i></td></tr>
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There are lots of donation trips (and shopping trips) to Goodwill, in my future. I definitely need to declutter my closet. Hopefully you'll do the same or at the very least, do some shopping. It's great to know that your purchases are helping the environment and your community. There are Goodwill stores across the country, <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/" target="_blank">find a store, donation center or career center here</a>.<br />
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I'd love to see some of your Goodwill purchases. If you post them to twitter or instagram, be sure to tag me ( @realgirlrunway for both ) and use the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sharethegood" target="_blank"><b>#sharethegood</b></a>.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Friday and Happy Thrifting, Real Girls!</b></span></span></i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-14381596936903411162015-05-04T13:00:00.000-04:002015-05-04T14:39:26.625-04:00Summer Wedding NecessitiesTo be honest, the title of this post is a bit deceiving. Some of these items are more likely perceived necessities but a girl has to dream. We have four weddings on our calendar between May and July. I've lost weight over the last year and all of my dresses are too big. That's a beautiful thing but it's also challenging. Most of the weddings have some sort of outdoor element to them, which means stilettos and long gowns are out. Weather can change from warm to cool at night, so I will need some versatile options. In addition to the wedding, there will also be a few events surrounding some of the weddings. I'll be traveling to all of them. Three are out of state. I want outfits that pack well and will still look great. Challenge accepted. I went searching for some inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFPMnozAIKE/VUe6r8POl4I/AAAAAAAAG10/P-uCL6BAAxs/s1600/inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFPMnozAIKE/VUe6r8POl4I/AAAAAAAAG10/P-uCL6BAAxs/s640/inspiration.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: Fashion Vibe, Gal Meets Glam, A Little Dash of Darling </span></i><br />
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None of the weddings are formal but some are dressier than others. Some are extremely casual and frankly, those throw me a bit. I want to be dressed appropriately, per the couple's guidelines but I also want to look good. And I always err on the side of dressy. It never bothers me to be a little more dressed up than other guests. I prefer it over being overly casual. I found these three options.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.lanebryant.com/watercolor-printed-dress-by-lela-rose/p221483/index.pro" target="_blank">Lane Bryant (sold out online, available in stores)</a> / <a href="http://us.asos.com/ASOS-CURVE-Sundress-In-Vintage-Look-Floral/163hw3/?iid=4909713&cid=9577&Rf900=1465&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=204&sort=-1&clr=Multi&totalstyles=295&gridsize=3&mporgp=L0FTT1MtQ3VydmUvQVNPUy1DVVJWRS1TdW5kcmVzcy1Jbi1WaW50YWdlLUxvb2stRmxvcmFsL1Byb2Qv" target="_blank">Asos</a> / <a href="http://www.eshakti.com/product/CL0034957" target="_blank">eShakti</a></i></td></tr>
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Each of these dresses will look great dressed up with heels and statement jewelry or dressed down with flats or flat sandals and<i> </i>more simple jewelry. Versatility is always important to me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.stelladot.com/debv" target="_blank">Jewelry by Stella & Dot</a> / <a href="http://www.saksoff5th.com/" target="_blank">Shoes available via Saks Off 5th</a></i></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-34521105402034428152015-04-21T12:00:00.000-04:002015-04-23T09:09:42.798-04:00Dandelion Root Tea for Health and Weight Loss<script src="http://www.brandbacker.com/bob_cl_tk.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">var search_me = '223_53998'; var scriptElems = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), i=scriptElems.length - 1, curLoc; for (; i; --i) { curLoc = scriptElems[i]; if ('innerText' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.innerText.indexOf(search_me)) break; }else if ('textContent' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.textContent.indexOf(search_me)) break; }} addImpression(223,53998);var clkHndlr = function(event) { addListenersForClickAround(223,53998, curLoc); };addEvent(window, 'load', clkHndlr);</script><input id="bob_camp_id_223" name="bob_camp_id" type="hidden" value="223" /><input name="bob_camp_mem_id" type="hidden" value="53998" />I have been working for many years to lose weight. And since I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2008 and began taking medication that affected my kidneys and liver, I've been striving to make dietary improvements that improve my health. Several months ago a friend told me about a drink that she was consuming that was helping in her weight loss. It was a simple recipe, mostly consisting of water. I did a little research and in the process discovered the health benefits of Dandelion Root Tea. Those benefits include the assistance of helping to improve your kidney and liver health. Combined with hope that it could help with my weight loss, I was sold. I've been drinking the recipe a few times a week for the past few months. When I was given the chance to try <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFYLN18" target="_blank">Kiss Me Organics Dandelion Root Tea</a>, I said yes, immediately.<br />
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The recipe is 60oz of distilled water, 1 Tbl 100% pure cranberry juice (no sugar or sweetener added, non-cocktail), 2 Tbl lemon juice and 1 bag of Dandelion Root Tea. It's easy to make. I like it chilled so I make it at night before bed and stash it in the fridge over night.<br />
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I get all of my supplies together and fill my container with water. I brew the tea with some of the water poured out of my container.<br />
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I add the cranberry juice and lemon juice. Once the tea is fully brewed, I pour it into the pitcher. My friend adds a little Stevia to her container but I like the tartness of the drink, so I don't add any sweetener. I mix the recipe and store it into the fridge.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kissmeorganics.com/" target="_blank">Kiss Me Organics</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NFYLN18" target="_blank">Dandelion Root Tea</a> also contains cinnamon and hibiscus. The tea is a deep pinkish red color. I also enjoy the tea on its own. It's a tasty change to my traditional green tea.<br />
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In addition to my focus on eating whole foods and exercise, drinking the recipe has been a great addition to my weight loss. I bought the white jeans below in late September of 2014. I stored them for the winter and took them out yesterday to try them on.<br />
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They are a favorite pair that I really enjoyed wearing, until yesterday. When I tried them on I knew they were destined for the donation bin. They are obviously way to big for me to even take in. Even though the drink isn't the only contributing factor to my weight loss but it has helped.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>April 2015</i></td></tr>
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If you're looking for a great tasting tea with health benefits or you'd like to try the detox water, you should give Kiss Me Organics Dandelion Root Tea a try. It's delicious and healthy!<br />
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<i>Note: I was provided Kiss Me Organics Dandelion Root Tea in exchange for my review. The opinions and results expressed her are my own. </i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-82002677283205436982015-04-06T13:30:00.000-04:002015-04-06T13:30:01.335-04:00Treating Scars and Stretch Marks NaturallyWe all have them but we rarely talk about them. They are part of life but most of us find them unsightly or embarrassing. I worked in restaurants for years and because of that, I have quite a few scars (from cuts and burns). I also have some stretch marks. None of the remedies I've tried have really worked for me. I was given the opportunity to try <a href="http://www.instanatural.com/" target="_blank">InstaNatural's</a> Advanced Repair <a href="http://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Scar-Gel-Cream-Astaxanthin/dp/B00T8NFRUS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428339842&sr=8-1&keywords=instanatural+scar+gel" target="_blank">Scar Gel</a> and Powerful & Moisturizing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/InstaNatural-Stretch-Mark-Cream-Pregnancy/dp/B00O14R17Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1428339842&sr=8-2&keywords=instanatural+scar+gel" target="_blank">Stretch Mark and Scar Cream</a>.<br />
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I was especially interested in lessening the appearance of a scar I've had on my hand for some time. It's from a kitchen burn, many years ago. <br />
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I applied the Scar Gel to the scar of my hand twice a day (morning and night) for two weeks. I apologize for failing to get a before picture. The photo above was taken after two weeks of use. As you can see, the scar is still visible but it's much lighter. I like the gel isn't harsh. The results have taken some time but I haven't had any irritation, redness or skin peeling, like I had with the other products I've used.<br />
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The gel has an odd scent but it is not unpleasant. It has a thinner consistency than I expected but you don't need to use a large amount. A little goes a long way and I'm sure the bottle will last for a long time. I've barely made a dent in it.<br />
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I also tried the stretch mark cream on the stretch marks that I have on my breasts. I noticed some softening of the marks but not a significant change. It has a pleasant scent and the cream is extremely moisturizing. <br />
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I will keep using both of these products to test out the long term results. The Advanced Repair Scar Gel, in my opinion, is a great product for those with sensitive skin. It's working for me, without any irritation. I'm hoping for lessening of my stretch marks, but I will keep you posted.<br />
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<i>Note: I received InstaNatural Scar Gel and Stretch Mark & Scar Cream, in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.</i><br />
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<script src="http://www.brandbacker.com/bob_cl_tk.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">var search_me = '212_49710'; var scriptElems = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), i=scriptElems.length - 1, curLoc; for (; i; --i) { curLoc = scriptElems[i]; if ('innerText' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.innerText.indexOf(search_me)) break; }else if ('textContent' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.textContent.indexOf(search_me)) break; }} addImpression(212,49710);var clkHndlr = function(event) { addListenersForClickAround(212,49710, curLoc); };addEvent(window, 'load', clkHndlr);</script><input id="bob_camp_id_212" name="bob_camp_id" type="hidden" value="212" /><input name="bob_camp_mem_id" type="hidden" value="49710" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-6905006884318295692015-04-01T14:00:00.000-04:002015-04-01T14:00:02.509-04:00Inspiration - Amal Ramzi Clooney <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Amal possesses the same gift that many international women have, she is effortlessly chic. Her wardrobe consists of classic solids, statement shoes and bags, and great jackets and coats. She doesn't wear lots of jewelry but usually selects a standout pair of earrings or a great necklace. Even her casual outfits have a few standout elements but mostly consist of a base of simple, tasteful and classic pieces. She is a brilliant human rights lawyer who happens to be married to George Clooney. I loved Tina Fey's stab at that, during the Golden Globes this year!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credits: Harpers Bazaar</span></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-80797021119936844592015-03-19T12:00:00.000-04:002015-03-19T12:00:08.080-04:00Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#14)<br />
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I agree with Rachel 100%. You're personal style says a lot about you. Some ladies stick to a uniform and that works for them. I've tried the uniform route but on a day to day basis, I dress based on my mood. Some days I'm feeling all black. Other days I need bright colors. I lean more toward basics with a touch of rocker chick but I work in an office and have to dress appropriately. On most mornings I rise by 5am and there are days when the creative fashion bug does not strike and I opt for easy pieces, solid pants, a simple top and a statement jacket. Even if I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt, I like to add a jacket and some jewelry. If I had to pick one thing that works for me, It's always a great jacket. I love the way it makes a simple outfit look pulled together.<br />
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All three of the ladies above are wearing distressed jeans. Just adding heels and a jacket ups the look by making it look less casual. Sometimes casual is perfect. I love my Chuck Taylors and hats. But if you're looking for a quick way to look more polished, a jacket is the ticket.<br />
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Rachel is a cool mix of rocker chick and California girl bohemian. She's never met a heel that was too high and doesn't believe in simple jewelry. She has a unique style that stands out. No matter what she wears, it makes a statement. Wallflower, she is not.<br />
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What does your personal style say about you?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo credits: InStyle, VOGUE Mexico, Victoria Tornegren, Amber Sceats, Wireimage </i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-60058502165841304292015-03-17T12:00:00.000-04:002015-03-17T12:00:10.744-04:00Summer Dreams Like many east coast residents, I am so ready for winter to end and summer to begin. I'm a warm weather girl at heart and can't wait for cute summery shoes, evenings dining al fresco, and sunglasses. Maybe it's wishful shopping but my purchases lately have been all about warm weather.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>clockwise from top left -<a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=acc_handbags-clutches&ProductID=1000055896&VariantID=" target="_blank"> 1</a> /<a href="http://www.cvs.com/shop/beauty/lips/lipstick/revlon-ultra-hd-lipstick-hd-orchid-skuid-976388" target="_blank"> 2 </a>/<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q8KE0PC/ref=pd_ys_hud_orders" target="_blank"> 3 </a>/<a href="http://www.freepeople.com/index.cfm/fuseAction/products.detailByStyleNumber/style/33447178/" target="_blank"> 4 </a>/<a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/whats-new/new-arrivals/kaia-pendant-necklace" target="_blank"> 5 </a>/<a href="http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Archive/SchoolStuff/Tees/GirlsTees/Cuddle+With+Metal+Girls+Top-10252689.jsp" target="_blank"> 6 </a></i></td></tr>
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<b>All Dressed Up clutch</b> - I love a big clutch. This one is 9"x13", which is perfect for me. It's a pouch, so it's easy to carry and I love the cheeky saying imprinted on both sides. It will be fun for day or evening.<br />
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<b>Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Orchid</b> - Fuchsia is always a go to color for me when it comes to lipstick. This new line from Revlon doesn't contain wax, it comes in lots of colors (Orchid is my fave) and I really like the creamy texture. <br />
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<b>Silver Brow Bar sunglasses</b> - Since <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2015/03/im-obsessed-thank-you-very-much-brow.html" target="_blank">the designer version </a>was out of my price range, I snagged this look for less pair on Amazon. I also love the white and gold version. <br />
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<b>Shay Lace Up Flats</b> - I've been eying these flats for over a month now. I could decide if I should spend the money but I go to the site a few times a week to make sure they are still available. For some time they were only available in black and the gray version was just released. I had to snatch them up before they were gone. <br />
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<b>Kaia Pendant Necklace </b>- The Moroccan look of this necklace by Stella and Dot is perfect for summer. I picture it with a flowy, white top or a colorful sundress. The photo does not do it justice. The stones have a opalescent quality to them. <br />
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<b>Metal graphic tee</b> - I'm a sucker for a funny graphic tee. This one is so me. I'm a rocker girl to my core but I have a soft side. This tee will be a fun addition to my summer wardrobe or great <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2012/03/rock-n-roll-saturday-night.html" target="_blank">under my tuxedo jacket</a> for evening. <br />
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What items are on your spring/summer wish list? <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-11442984974962381402015-03-05T12:00:00.000-05:002015-03-05T12:00:02.936-05:00Inspiration - Kate LanphearI often think that I could wear mostly black on a daily basis and I'd be happy. It has to do with my rocker chic sensibility and the fact that I love mixing tough pieces with soft pretty pieces. Kate Lanphear, former Style Director of Elle and currently Editor and Chief of Maxim, is the perfect embodiment of that style. She has rocker chic down and looks bad ass even when she's wearing feminine touches. She makes the combination look so effortless. Even her trademark hairstyle and platinum color are statement making.<br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/noeMbgWG7JmS8t2kZ1P9r107Cv-3bb4Lc0HhxPmLMBO45vcv1s65a7n7SaFOtZK2YDO4qrZG2aOKvX4l4Oe-_X9040-3Y3DEUp1I8bt_HXjXb_KrTtDh_67BPQfmCdJ4AAVIxtE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://streetpeeper.com/sites/default/files/kate-lanphear-street-style-020711.jpg" height="640" width="431" /></a></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://streetpeeper.com/sites/default/files/kate-lanphear-street-style-020711.jpg" target="_blank">streetpeeper</a></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://stockholm-streetstyle.com/" target="_blank">stockholm-streetstyle</a></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit:<a href="http://mrnewton.net/girls-of-new-york/" target="_blank"> mrnewton</a></span></em><br />
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She wears colors other than black but they are usually neutrals or mixed in a print with black. <br />
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<img alt="Kate Lanphear - Punk'd - Street Chic - Fashion" class="p" src="http://static.vogue.nl/thumbnails/genjPhotoPicture/detail/54/27/06/kate-lanphear-2-62754.jpg" data-photo="http://static.vogue.nl/thumbnails/genjPhotoPicture/detail/54/27/06/kate-lanphear-2-62754.jpg" data-src="" height="640" style="margin-top: 0px; max-height: 853px;" width="426" /></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.vogue.nl/fashion/street-chic/gallery/punk-d" target="_blank">vogue.nl</a></span></em><br />
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<img alt="#KateLanphear #streetstyle #style #fashion" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d2/8a/7f/d28a7fc44209507a94261ae2f10450f8.jpg" width="425" /></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.gastrochic.com/" target="_blank">grastrochic</a></span></em><br />
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<img alt="#streetstyle #style #fashion #streetfashion #celebritystreetstyle #katelanphear" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/66/1b/a3/661ba39b3fafb60a48dc7c16a748fe7f.jpg" width="426" /></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit:<a href="http://www.elle.com/fashion/street-chic/news/g8099/nyfw-ss14-street-style/" target="_blank"> elle</a></span></em><br />
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Did I mention how amazing her jewelry is? Studs, spikes, and heavy chains, oh my! She's all about the amazing accessories, jewels, bags, shoes, and belts.<br />
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<img src="http://www.hanneli.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/kate-lanphear-at-valention-2009.jpg" width="415" /></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.hanneli.com/" target="_blank">hanneli</a></span></em><br />
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<img alt="#KateLanphear #streetstyle #style #fashion #details" class="pinImage" height="443" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/cb/b4/3b/cbb43bf539562a673e27762ebe194d24.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.tommyton.com/" target="_blank">tommyton</a></span></em><br />
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<img alt="#KateLanphear #streetstyle #style #fashion #details" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/53/28/32/5328320c24afa043fbe8f565326b4a0e.jpg" width="396" /></div>
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.vogue.es/moda/tendencias/galerias/vuelve-la-moda-guns-n-roses/8748/image/623685" target="_blank">vogue.es</a></span></em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Clockwise from top left - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Designer-Inspired-Extremely-Sophisticated-Sunglasses/dp/B00S3BQT4Y/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_15?ie=UTF8&refRID=1HXPZA711S44PXVQ2Q21" target="_blank"> 1</a> /<a href="http://www.asos.com/Quay/Quay-Zig-Cat-Eye-Sunglasses/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4503972&cid=4545&sh=0&pge=6&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black&totalstyles=293&gridsize=4" target="_blank"> 2 </a>/<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Small-Steampunk-Circle-Glasses-Sunglasses/dp/B005P1KX38/ref=pd_sbs_shoe_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1HXPZA711S44PXVQ2Q21" target="_blank"> 3 </a>/<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Inspired-Reflective-Mirror-Sunglasses/dp/B00T3N62L6" target="_blank"> 4 </a>/<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Designer-Inspired-Extremely-Sophisticated-Sunglasses/dp/B00QCPTITG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425400197&sr=8-2&keywords=sunglasses+bar+gold" target="_blank"> 5 </a>/<a href="http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Round-Sunglasses-With-Metal-Bridge-High-Bar-And-Flash-Lens/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3566904&cid=4545&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Tort&totalstyles=293&gridsize=4" target="_blank"> 6 </a>/<a href="http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Round-Sunglasses-With-High-Bar-And-V-Nose/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4335815&cid=4545&sh=0&pge=4&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Metallic+green&totalstyles=293&gridsize=4" target="_blank"> 7 </a>/<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/steve-madden-51mm-metal-brow-bar-sunglasses/3945381?origin=category" target="_blank"> 8 </a>/<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dior-so-real-48mm-sunglasses/3797896?origin=category" target="_blank"> 9 </a></b></span></i></td></tr>
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I may have squealed a little inside when I saw these white sunnies with blue lenses and a gold bar. They just look like summer to me. At $14.95 (plus free shipping) they are a great bargain. The severe cat eye of this pair by Quay is statement making. Round and blue, I may have had a pair like this in the 80's. I'm a sucker for mirrored shades and this pink and orange version is cool. The clear frames on this pair look sophisticated. The mirror lenses on this tortoise shell pair give them a little extra oomph. Green, combined with the unique brow bar of this pair from Asos make them stand out from the pack. The black and blue pair from Steve Madden lean more toward classic. </div>
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I fell hard for this pair (center) by Dior, but at $505, they are quite a bit more than I'm willing to pay. As luck would have it, I found<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q8KDVXE/ref=s9_simh_gw_p309_d0_i15?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0G60S4R2MBCN4VRGQDEC&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970559082&pf_rd_i=desktop" target="_blank"> this pair</a> when searching. They are a great look for less,<span style="font-size: small;"> at $12.99!</span> I've already added them to my shopping cart. Can you guess which one below is the Dior pair and which is the look for less? Hard to tell isn't it?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dior-so-real-48mm-sunglasses/3797896?origin=category" target="_blank">Dior left</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q8KDVXE/ref=s9_simh_gw_p309_d0_i15?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0G60S4R2MBCN4VRGQDEC&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970559082&pf_rd_i=desktop" target="_blank">Look for less right</a></b></i></span></td></tr>
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Obsession satisfied! What are you obsessed with for spring?</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-19768436220602823832015-03-02T12:00:00.000-05:002015-03-02T12:00:07.664-05:00Telling My Story - KEEP CollectiveOne of the things I've enjoyed the most about blogging is meeting fantastic people that I most likely would have never met. Some of these great people I've only met via internet and phone, due to geography. Recently you've read about my friend <a href="http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2015/02/stella-dot-fortuna-necklace.html" target="_blank">Alison</a> and about my friend <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2014/11/jamberry-worlds-easiest-nail-art.html" target="_blank">Noel</a>. Alison and I are lucky enough to live close by but Noel, who I met through blogging, lives in Texas. Through her, I met <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharmingInTexas" target="_blank">Candice</a> (she also lives in Texas), who is a <a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/with/candiceroush" target="_blank">KEEP Collective Designer</a>. When I was first met Candice, via facebook, I was not yet a <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/sites/debv" target="_blank">Stella and Dot Stylist</a>. In case you didn't know, KEEP Collective is a sister company to Stella and Dot. When I became a Stylist, Candice and I decided it would be fun to work together. She was kind enough to send me some KEEP Collective goodies and I sent her some Stella & Dot goodies.<br />
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Candice chose the <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/earrings/earrings-all/grace-chandeliers" target="_blank">Grace Chandelier earrings</a>, which look stunning on her and the <a href="http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/bracelets/bracelets-all/gilded-arrow-bangle?color=silver" target="_blank">Gilded Arrow Bangle</a>. She looks beautiful wearing her earrings (top photo). We both styled our Gilded Arrow Bangle with our KEEP Collective bracelets. Candice is wearing the mesh bracelets and the Time Key. I'm wearing the Double leather bracelet in rose gold (and saddle, on the reverse) and the accent keys that tell my story. If you follow me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/RealGirlRunway" target="_blank">facebook</a> or <a href="https://instagram.com/realgirlrunway/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you've seen my love of personalized jewelry. It's special to have a piece of jewelry that is your own. KEEP Collective makes that possible. <br />
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I love KEEP Collective because it's so personal. Each person can wear the same accent key and it means something different to each person. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_KqiZklvlk/VPR5PnPE9FI/AAAAAAAAGuM/oyl2iqSAru0/s1600/keep%2Bcharms%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_KqiZklvlk/VPR5PnPE9FI/AAAAAAAAGuM/oyl2iqSAru0/s1600/keep%2Bcharms%2B2.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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So why did I choose these accent keys?<br />
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<ul>
<li>Crescent Moon - for {msL}. Since early on in our relationship, we've always shared a love of the moon. Even today (9 years in), if one of us sees a great moon, we will show it to the other. I woke her up one night recently and got her to come out on the deck to see how bright and beautiful the moon was. </li>
<li>Knot - for my Dad (and {msL}). My Dad loved all things nautical and his hobby was knot tying. Knots always remind me of him because he was such a strong bond for our family. During our wedding ceremony, {msL} and I tied a sailors knot in honor of our Dad's (her Dad was a sailor). When you pull on a sailor's knot it just gets tighter. The rope will break before the knot unties.</li>
<li>Eiffel Tower - represents my love of travel and fashion. I was lucky enough to visit Paris several years ago and I can't wait to go back.</li>
<li>Champagne Glass - I believe that life should be a celebration. We should never take our days for granted. Life is short and we should approach it with joy and gusto. </li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YQ-OmMQVeY/VPR5EaZPVEI/AAAAAAAAGts/iowCRZLDaXg/s1600/keep%2Bbracelets%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4YQ-OmMQVeY/VPR5EaZPVEI/AAAAAAAAGts/iowCRZLDaXg/s1600/keep%2Bbracelets%2B3.JPG" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/with/candiceroush" target="_blank">KEEP Collective </a>has so many options for you to tell your own story, including <a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/shop/category/18-essential-keys/page/1" target="_blank">letters, numbers</a>,<a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/shop/category/24-wishing-stones/page/1" target="_blank"> gem stones</a>, <a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/shop/category/21-say-something-bars/page/1" target="_blank">sayings</a> and many more <a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/shop/category/19-accent-keys/page/1" target="_blank">accent keys</a>. They have bracelets in leather and <a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/shop/category/16-mesh/page/1" target="_blank">metal</a> as well as <a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/shop/category/11-necklaces/page/1" target="_blank">necklaces</a>. All of the<a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/shop/category/15-leather/page/1" target="_blank"> leather bracelets are two colors </a>(double sided). You can change your accent keys and your story at any time. The keys slide on and off of the bracelets and necklaces. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharmingInTexas" target="_blank">Candice</a> can help you to design something that is personal and uniquely your own. I love my bracelet and I already have a growing wish list, including a time key and more accent keys. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-11492423637806110362015-02-24T07:00:00.000-05:002015-02-24T08:15:03.094-05:00InstaNatural Eye Gel and More - A Review<script src="http://www.brandbacker.com/bob_cl_tk.js" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">var search_me = '171_43846'; var scriptElems = document.getElementsByTagName('script'), i=scriptElems.length - 1, curLoc; for (; i; --i) { curLoc = scriptElems[i]; if ('innerText' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.innerText.indexOf(search_me)) break; }else if ('textContent' in curLoc) { if (curLoc.textContent.indexOf(search_me)) break; }} addImpression(171,43846);var clkHndlr = function(event) { addListenersForClickAround(171,43846, curLoc); };addEvent(window, 'load', clkHndlr);</script><input id="bob_camp_id_171" name="bob_camp_id" type="hidden" value="171" /><input name="bob_camp_mem_id" type="hidden" value="43846" />Each time I try a new <a href="http://instanatural.com/" target="_blank">InstaNatural product</a>, I wonder why I've <a href="http://instanatural.com/pages/our-story" target="_blank">only recently discovered this fantastic company</a> and their products. This time I got the opportunity to <a href="http://instanatural.com/collections/skin-care/products/youth-express-eye-gel" target="_blank">InstaNatural's Youth Express Eye Gel</a>. In addition, I was also able to try their <a href="http://instanatural.com/collections/skin-care/products/youth-express-eye-serum" target="_blank">Youth Express Eye Serum</a> and <a href="http://instanatural.com/collections/skin-care/products/retinol-moisturizer" target="_blank">Advance Action Retinol Moisturizer</a>. <br />
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I have been using Youth Express Eye Gel each morning and I've been very happy with the product and results. The cooling feeling is great to depuff my eyes and it has helped to diminish the fine lines around my eyes. I've noticed a slight diminishing of my dark circles. To be fair, my dark circles are chronic, I have yet to find an eye product that lessens them drastically. <br />
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I've been using the Retinol Moisturizer every night after washing my face, along with the Youth Express Eye Serum. <br />
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All of these products have been fantastic and would be great additions to anyone's beauty regime. Both products can be used morning and evening. I've been using the Youth Express Eye Gel in the morning and the Youth Express Serum in the evening. This has worked really well for me. I used the Retinol Moisturizer both morning and night. I've noticed a evening effect in my skin tone and my skin feels smoother, overall. <br />
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I love that InstaNatural's products are made in the USA and are not tested on animals. Their products are also free of alcohols, sulfates or parabens. Being the product junkie that I am, it's wonderful to find a company and products that I feel good about using and they actually work well, if not better than some of the more expensive products I've tried over the years. Their products are available exclusively online either via their <a href="http://instanatural.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_beauty?ie=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=InstaNatural&node=3760911" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>.<br />
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<em>Note: I received these products in exchange for my review. The thoughts I've expressed here are my own. In fact, you'll remember that a few weeks ago I <a href="http://realgirlrunway.blogspot.com/2015/01/hydrating-argan-oil-my-hair-mask-review.html" target="_blank">published this post</a> about their Argan Oil hair mask and Pure Argan Oil and Vitamin C Serum. I loved the Vitamin C Serum so much (and so did {msL}) that it's empty and I ordered a new bottle. </em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-37148723499456315032015-02-23T12:00:00.000-05:002015-02-23T12:20:50.566-05:00Oscars 2015 - A Few FavoritesOverall there were very few "what was she thinking?" moments on the Academy Awards Red Carpet this year. It's always hard to pic my favorites but these are just a few that I loved.<br />
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Some might question my inclusion of Lady GaGa. The gloves are a bit odd but remember folks, she is Lady GaGa, the woman who wore a meat dress one and also "walked" the red carpet while being carried in an egg. This amazing dress, her hair, her makeup, is a huge step up. I just write the gloves off to the GaGa factor. I also know that the high-low dress trend is a bit frowned upon but I love Kelly's dress. <br />
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What were your favorites?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo credits: ETonline.com</i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-584517597088212923.post-89792342255618437862015-02-20T12:00:00.000-05:002015-02-20T13:07:47.285-05:00Frugal Fashion Friday - Good To the Last DropToday's Frugal Fashion Friday is really Frugal Beauty Friday. Isn't your beauty routine part of your overall fashion look? I've told you many times about my obsession with trying new beauty products. I decided this weekend that I need to do a clean out soon. My bathroom is full of partially used products. A purge is in order. There are however, products that I use to the very end. They are my tried and true products that if I run out of them, panic may set in. I have been known to cut a bottle open or scrape out the last bit from a tube. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>clockwise from top left - <a href="http://www.johnfrieda.com/en-US/fullrepair/Products.aspx" target="_blank">1 </a>/ <a href="http://wnwbeauty.com/product.php?pid=76&cid=15&subid=26" target="_blank">2 </a>/<a href="http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/brands/hair-care-styling/elnett.aspx" target="_blank"> 3 </a>/ <a href="http://www.cvs.com/search/N-0?searchTerm=mascara" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://www.cetaphil.com/gentle-skin-cleanser" target="_blank">5</a> / <a href="http://www.clinique.com/product/1603/4772/Makeup/Lip-Glosses/Almost-Lipstick" target="_blank">6</a> / <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cle-de-peau-beaute-concealer/3076452?origin=PredictiveSearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=0" target="_blank">7</a> / <a href="http://www.curel.com/products/original.aspx" target="_blank">8</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clio-Waterproof-Brush-Liner-Black/dp/B0082100K4/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1424360917&sr=1-2" target="_blank">9</a></i></td></tr>
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<b>John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo </b>- My fine hair is dry but because it's so fine, I have to be careful with conditioner. This shampoo has been a lifesaver, it moisturizes my hair without weighing it down, before I even condition. </div>
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<b>Wet n' Wild Brow & Eye Liner</b> - I have thin brows. I've tried lots of options but this pencil is my best tool. I lightly run it across my brows so that the hairs pick up the pigment and then smudge it with a small brush. It helps to keep my brows from looking drawn on or cakey. Bonus it comes in four different shades of brown and black and it only costs, 99 cents!</div>
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<b>L'Oreal Elnet Satin Hairspray</b> - This is the first hairspray I've ever used that doesn't make my hair feel like a helmet. It brushes out easily for restyling but miraculously it has a strong hold. It rarely goes on sale but you can find $3 off coupons in the paper every few months.</div>
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<b>Drugstore Mascara</b> - Right now I'm loving Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. You may have seen my post on <a href="http://instagram.com/realgirlrunway" target="_blank">instagram</a>. Frankly, I'm not loyal to one mascara but there is one sure thing, I always grab it at the drugstore. I've tried expensive mascaras but have never found any that are worth the price. My favorites have always come from the drugstore. Plus if you don't like it, take it back! <a href="http://www.racked.com/2014/7/11/7587377/beauty-return-policies" target="_blank">CVS, Duane Reed/Walgreens, and Ulta all have great return policies. </a></div>
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<b>Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser</b> - This cleanser is gentle and thorough. It will take off stubborn make up but isn't harsh on my sensitive skin. It's also great for your body if you have an irritations or dry patches. </div>
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<b>Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick</b> - This lipstick has been called the universal shade and praised by makeup artists for looking great on everyone. I just know it looks good on me, no matter my skin tone (winter or summer). It's been a never fail beauty bag staple since I bought my first tube in the mid 90's. </div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Clé de Peau Beauté</span><span style="color: black;"> </span>Concealer</b> - If I was only allowed to keep one items in my makeup arsenal, this would be it. I have chronic dark circles and this concealer is my holy grail. Everyone I know says it's way too expensive. For me, it's worth every penny. One tube lasts me almost a year. I only use a tiny bit each day. The coverage is amazing.</div>
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<b>Curel Daily Moisture Lotion</b> - My favorite lotion. The scent isn't heavy. It's a great inexpensive moisturizer and it's never greasy. I always have a back up bottle ready.</div>
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<b>Clio Kill Black Waterproof Eyeliner </b>- This liner is a new favorite. As you know, a nude eye and black liner are my every day eye staples. It's a classic look that I love. I've tried tons of eyeliners, pencils, gel, and brushes. I like pen liners the most because of their precision. I read about Clio Kill Black a month or so ago. A beauty editor said she can't live without it for her signature cat eye. I tracked it down on Amazon and have used it every day since. My first pen is going strong but I already ordered a second one, to ensure I don't run out. </div>
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Some of these items may seem on the pricey side. For me, it's worth it to pay a bit more for some items because for me there is no substitute. I know I will use every last drop. It won't be another half used tube in my drawer or a product that I'm tired of using. I believe using a product to the last drop is a frugal trait and economical. I'm sure I've spent thousands over the years on products that I never finished using. In my efforts to streamline my life a little, these tried and true items are rising to the top. I will still look for the latest and greatest but these staples will always be by my side. </div>
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What are your good to the last drop beauty items? </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Friday Real Girls!</b></span></i></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com