Music and Sun

On Saturday I attended my first music festival of the summer. I love festivals. You get the chance to see and hear lots of bands, in one place and usually for a bargain price. We went to the very first Ragtime Carnival at Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Virginia (Richmond area). The festival was organized by one of my favorite bands, Carbon Leaf. The band and their music are very special to me. One of the first dates that {msL} and I went on was to a Carbon Leaf show. We also exited the church and our wedding ceremony to their song, Life Less Ordinary. The festival was two days (Friday evening and Saturday) but we only attended Saturday (Boo work). Sixteen bands played over the two day festival and there were two stages (main and a smaller acoustic stage). The organizers timed things so it was possible to hear all of the bands. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It was a beautiful day, warm in the sun and a slight breeze at times. There was no rain in sight. Comfort was the order of the day for my outfit. I chose a simple dress, a hat for sun protection, my trusty Birks and my new NECTAR sunnies.

 

Dress - Kohl's (No longer available), Shoes - Birkenstock (old style, similar here and here), Hat - Target (men's small), Sunglasses - c/o NECTAR, Bracelets - Stella and Dot (c/o Kristin Biggs), bracelet c/o People VIP and Klout, backup hairbands Goody double wear, and of course my band to buy beer. Earrings - gift, Rings - wedding band and MD Renaissance festival vendor (mid 90's)

There had been rain for two days before the festival. I was a bit worried the field might be a mud pit. I wore ankle boots into the show and once we were settled, I swapped them out for my sandals. I took my trusty bag (it doubles as my beach bag during the summer) with sunscreen, a few toiletries, bug repellent, and a collapsible water bottle.

On top of the perfect weather, the great company (I went with {msL} and my sister), the music was incredible. My sister said it best when she said, "At other festivals, there have been a few bands that I didn't love. That's not the case today. Every band and artist was fantastic. I loved them all!"

On our way (8am), coffee was required.

There were so many memorable moments from the day. I loved the easy going nature of the festival. The artists walked around the grounds, talked to fans and listened to other bands. I got to meet Terry Clark of Carbon Leaf! We share a birthday.

Terry posing with me before his final set.

I also got to meet Sarah Blacker. I'd never gotten to hear her play live before. She even thanked my sister and I for dancing during her set. She so talented and the coolest lady! Emerson Hart (founder of Tonic) played "If You Could Only See", acoustic. It was a nice surprise, since he's a solo artist now and doesn't play that song often. I loved hearing Crystal Bowersox live. She is such a soulful singer songwriter. Finding new favorites is one of the best parts of a festival. Delta Rae and The Wild Feathers are definitely on that list.

Carbon Leaf opening and closing the day.

Thanks to NECTAR Sunglasses, I got to shield my eyes from the sun all day. Their company motto is "Enjoy the Sweet Life".  Saturday was definitely the sweet life. It couldn't have been better. I had never heard of NECTAR before they offered me a pair of their shades to try. I immediately loved the classic shape and the mirrored lenses. They're seriously the lightest pair of sunglasses I've ever worn. Lots of times I will develop a headache from shades that are too tight or too heavy. I wore them all day and that didn't happen. Their prices are so reasonable (right up a real girl's alley). $20 for their standard pairs and $30 for polarized. You can also opt for their Fusion style, where you can swap out the ear pieces for $35. I am wearing the AMETHYST style. I'd love to also snag the RAYVE or the STOKE.

Good news for you! As an RGR reader, you can order your very own pair of NECTAR sunglasses, through this link. Use the code lovenectar at check out and you'll get 10% off of your order! Did I mention that shipping is free!?


NOTE: I was provided a pair of NECTAR sunglasses for review. My review is honest and the opinions expressed here are my own.

Insta Monday - Spring Is In The Air

I am without a doubt, a warm weather girl. It's thrilling to see the sun shining, wear open toe shoes and drive with the sun roof open. This weekend was a busy one and I spent more time with family and friends than doing blog posts for the week. I love Instagram but sometimes you want to say more than is possible in the short post. I thought I'd elaborate on a few of my recent photos.



From Top Left (clockwise)

• Blooming Cherry Trees - The area is full of blooming cherry trees (similar to the ones surrounding this National Mall). They signal the start of spring and their pretty pink blossoms always make me happy.

• DIY Distressed Jeans - I created my first pair of distressed jeans (like these expensive ones) recently and I love how they turned out. I am hunting for a few thrift stores pairs to add to my distressed jeans arsenal. I'm planning a DIY post soon.

• Coffee Table Decorations - The tray has been repainted again (you've seen it here in silver). I'm loving it in gold. The candy dish is Depression glass that belonged to my Aunt Em. She used it to hold homemade jam. The pretty roses are from my friends' garden.

• Baseball Game - We received a last minute invite from my sister to attend Friday night's Nationals game. We had a blast, the team won, and we got our faces up on the jumbotron!

• New Polish - This pretty neutral polish (Zoya Rue) was in the People VIP Beauty box I received last week from People Magazine and Klout. It's a fantastic color. I also got a free three month subscription to People Magazine. If you'd like your own subscription, click this link for a great deal.

• New Sunnies from Nectar - I received some new sunnies complements of Nectar sunglasses. I love them. Besides being stylish and mirrored (hot trend that I love) they are super comfortable and affordable. I will be doing a review post soon. In the meantime, if you'd like to check out the sunnies and get a 10% discount on your order, click this link and use the code: lovenectar

To see all of my Instagram photos, be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter. My handle on both is @realgirlrunway. Thank you so much for supporting the businesses that believe in and support Real Girl Runway. Show them some love by considering purchases from their businesses.

I Heart Cyber Monday - Deals Deals Deals!

I took a huge cyber break over the Thanksgiving holiday.  My Mom's house doesn't have the best Internet connection or cell reception so that made the decision even easier. The weekend was spent enjoying time with family.  On Friday we did a little thrift shopping but avoided the major Black Friday rush.  I find that I get much better deals and less hassle by shopping today, Cyber Monday!

There are lots of deals to be had and many retailers are offering free shipping.  I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you.

Stella and Dot
Spend $50 on any combination of Stella and Dot jewelry and get the Hematite Cupchain Bracelet for only $9.95 (a $59 value)!  Just add the bracelet to your cart along with at least $50 of other items and the total will be calculated automatically. Be sure to check out my favorite, the Renegade Cluster Bracelet and the great sale items to get more bang for your buck.

Jamberry
Rotating deals from Jamberry today.  Deep discounts plus free shipping.  Check it out!

Ebates
Maximize all of your online shopping by going through Ebates.  If you don't have an account, sign up and get great deal offers plus cash back! (The Ebates links above are referral links from me.)

DSW
$15 off $74, $30 off $149, $50 off $199 through November 27 with the offer code HOLIDAYS (online only)

Michaels
I love custom gifts.  Creating a photo book or canvas print using your digital photos are wonderfully personalized gifts your family and friends will cherish.
Custom Holiday Photo Cards 45% off with code: 44CYBER45
Hardcover Photo Books 50% off with code: BOOKDEAL
Canvas Prints 61% off with code: FRESCO61
Custom Photo Calendars 40% off with code: 44JINGLE
Deals available through 12/1/12

zazzle
More great personalized gifts at zazzle!  You can grab everything from custom Holiday cards and decorations to a personalized t-shirt.
Click here to check out all of the discounts.
Use code: 60ZCYBERSALE


Talbots
50% off of one regularly priced item and 30% off of the rest of your purchase with offer code: HOLIDAY Free shipping (no minimum). Offers good today only.

Coldwater Creek
50% off site wide (include sale and outlet) with code: MONDAY50
Free standard shipping (no minimum). Offer expires Midnight ET.

Kohl's
Over 300 Cyber Monday Specials plus...
An extra 20% off with code: CYBER20
Free Shipping on all purchases! NO MINIMUM
Deal ends November 27

Bauble Bar
A free gift for every $40 you spend.  No limit on the number of free gifts you can get! No code needed.

Payless
30% off site wide with code: CYBER30

FreshTrends Body Jewelry 
If you have a cartilage piercing (or other body piercing) like I do, this company is fantastic. They have high quality body jewelry at great prices. They have sterling silver, 14K gold and even diamond jewelry, plus the usual surgical steel and non-metal options.
70% on many items site wide and an additional 20% off at checkout with code: CYBER20 PLUS free shipping on orders of $19.99 or more!


Hope you have a great day of shopping!

Giveaway - $30 JewelMint Gift Certificate and 50% off JewelMint - CLOSED

If you haven't registered for the $30 JewelMint Gift Certificate giveaway, why not?  All you have to do is follow my blog!  It's so easy.  You can get more entries by following me on twitter, facebook and bloglovin, if you'd like.  It only takes a few minutes. Click here to get all of the details!

If you aren't already a JewelMint devotee, you can get 50% off of your first order by clicking on the link below and using the code.  Hurry up my friends, the giveaway and 50% offer only last until May 31st!  Don't waste time. Free jewelry (or at least discount jewelry) awaits!

CLICK ON THIS LINK

Enter Code:

REALGIRL50

at check out.

Beautiful Jewels from JewelMint 50% OFF

For most of my life, I've had to wait until the beginning of a new season to purchase new styles from my favorite designers or fashion lines. Every month is like a new season at JewelMint.  On the first day of every month, a collection of new jewelry is right there, just a click away. It's a beautiful thing. I never have trouble finding pieces I love, just deciding how many I can fit into my budget that month. This month is no exception. I can't decide which piece to purchase first.



Clockwise from the top: Monte Carlo Bracelet, Renegade Necklace, Sienna Bracelet,
Baltic Gem Earrings, XO Rings



The Monte Carlo Bracelet and XO Rings will look beautiful with a bright graphic print dress. The industrial chic of the Renegade Necklace will be the focus when I wear it with a simple top or solid bright dress. The Sienna bracelet will look great alone or stacked. The Baltic Gem Earrings will  be the standout with jeans and a tee or a flowy sundress.

Which piece will you choose? You still have the whole month of May to get 50% of your first piece of JewelMint jewelry. It's such a great deal for a beautiful piece of jewelry. The collections are designed by actress Kate Bosworth and her friend and stylist Cher Coulter.

After completing the initial style quiz, each month you’ll receive personalized jewelry recommendations and style advice. Membership is just $29.99 per month. Shipping is FREE (you know I love that), returns are quick and free.  If you don't find something you love, you can skip the month.  Just choose that option within the first five days, for no charge at all.   There is no permanent obligation and you can cancel your membership at any time.

For 50% OFF of your first JewelMint piece, click on this link:

http://jmnt.co/fpAfxR

You have to use this link or your discount, won't work.

At checkout, enter the JewelMint discount code:

REALGIRL50

The offer is only available until June 1st.