Cleanse One Week Later and Giveaway Winner!

If you guys followed along on my cleanse and entered the giveaway to win a cleanse yourself - the time is here!

First I wanted to just do a little cleanse follow-up if you will.

One week later I am still feeling great. I am still not having the afternoon slumps that I used to have so bad and I feel like my 'dependency' on caffeine and sugar are still totally GONE.  I have indulged in sweets and  just a few caffeinated (or my new favorite: half caff) beverages in the past week. But I have found that my wanting to have a bit of either of these has less of a "give-me-coffee-right-now-or-I'll-shoot" feel to it and more of "oh-coffee-might-be-nice" feel.  If you know what I mean.

I will admit I had one incident last week where I was tired and stressed and a little over-emotional and I went straight for the Twizzlers.  I am an emotional eater. It's the truth.  But I realized as I was fisting those Twizzlers that the simple truth was that they weren't going to make me feel better, in fact, likely only worse.  And in the moment I was proud of myself for properly distinguishing the truth.  That's not to say that I haven't enjoyed Twizzlers recently in a healthy way, I have.

Another strange phenomenon that my husband and I both experienced during the cleanse was a lack of appetite.  Or a lower appetite than usual.  (a lot of people assumed we would feel starving through the whole process, including myself and that just wasn't the case).  For me I no longer have extreme lows in blood-sugar (if you know what those are like you likely know the feeding frenzy that occurs during them) and that has helped me to continue to eat healthy.  But still overall, we have both noticed a large drop in our actual appetite.  We have had two large social events since the cleanse has been over where there was an OVER-abundance of food and where we could have left feeling yucky and overstuffed but we didn't. And that is an AMAZING feeling.

I don't count my pounds too closely, but I would bet that I lost about 2 to 3 pounds during the cleanse.  Just enough to make a little bit snug pair of pants fit perfectly. My husband reported losing 4 pounds.  And while the cleanse's sole purpose isn't weight loss, it is a nice side effect.

Also, my skin has been SUPER clear... this past winter and spring I had a lot of problems with it breaking out. I have taken some other steps to remedy the situation - but since the cleanse I haven't even had one small breakout.

Of course you know that I highly recommend this entire experience... so be sure to follow up with Katie at Rooted Well Being if you are at all interested!

The winner is...

Congrats Michelle!

~~~

Don't forget... if you didn't win, Katie is still offering a great discount here...

Get the entire 7-day Cleanse program for only $97 ($30 off!) by following THIS link and using code: GoodLifeForLess!

Please note this offer is only good if you purchase by July 7th and spots are filling QUICKLY! 

So don't delay!

the most perfect white tee ever.

Ever since spotting these images in the June Issue of Matchbook Mag I have been obsessed with finding the most perfect white tee shirt ever.  This one looks like it fits like a glove, maybe has a touch of stretch to it and is the perfect thickness.

Source: matchbookmag.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Jill on Pinterest

Do you have any leads on the perfect white tee shirt? I have one that I kind of sort of love from JCrew... but I need to kick my search into overdrive!  I'd love your help!

psst... check out what's happening on my other blogs today!

• I'm planning a Cupcake party for my four year old!
• Fourth of July nails - YES, please!

summer essentials {maria, John's Journal}

Hello lovely readers, thank you Jill for having me your blog continues to inspire me daily! 

My name is Maria of John's Journal where I write a lifestyle blog dabbling in all my loves! I'm actually a nurse in real life and chase after my 4 year old with one on the way next month!  Being nine months pregnant in the midst of summer presents its own unique challenges, mostly staying cool! Here's my top five essentials  in no particular order!

1. Bronzer- My irish skin really appreciates a little help with a dusting of bronzer on the cheeks for the summer instead of heavy makeup!

2. Sunscreen- We live at the pool during the summer and carry about 4 bottles of spray sunscreen in our bag, I love how easy the spray is to put on!

3. Essie 'Mango Bango'- I can't get over this punchy color for summer its lived on my toes for two months now!

4. Dresses- My baby bump really appreciates an elastic free waist in the thick of the heat! Thank God for sundresses!

5. Smoothies- There's nothing like fruit in summertime, especially with everything in season such a wonderful refreshing treat!

my outfit: you voted.

You all put in your two cents. And I delivered.

Style bloggers (or bloggers that take pictures of their outfits) never really seem to talk much about locations for photos.  (Do we?) I think it can be one of the most fun parts about "style blogging".  Take for instance this location.  The white was a perfect backdrop for the outfit and the texture of the peeling paint and old warehouse doors played off the texture in my top.

Not that I always put that much thought (or any thought, really) into locations... but when I get the opportunity to - I'll admit: It's fun!  We had an event in downtown GR and the North Monroe district is great for industrial buildings or vacated buildings like this one and other unique photo locations.

I hate having people SEE me take pictures and this neighborhood is pretty quiet as well. So that helps.  There was only one random pregnant lady walking into the biker bar across the street from this building. We both pretended not to see each other and I tend to believe that was a mutually beneficial decision for us. No?

I wish I had more time and opportunities to search out fun locations like this.  Unfortunately, my "photographer" (ie. husband) is full time employed. The nerve!

Here was the location from our car...

What is your favorite location for photos or how do you choose?

Details:
Blazer, LOFT (similar)
Lace Top, Charlotte Russe (similar)
Pants, Zara (similar and SO cute!)
Shoes, brand unknown, from Nordstrom Rack YEARS ago! (similar)

psst... check out what's happening on my other blogs today!

• yummy popsicle inspiration! mmmmm....
• a gorgeous and bold Olivia Palermo look for less!

color trend: black and blue!

I love this bold and slightly edgy combo of colors... don't you? 

(above: belt, top, leggings, dress, bangle bracelets, cosmetic bag, shoes)

(above: dress, hat, scarf, ring, top, heels, clutch, nail polish)

my outfit: white with stripes!

I always feel so "sporty" in this top, so I wanted to be sure to add some more feminine elements to it like the scarf tied as a belt and some super high heels.  How's that for un-sporty? Not that there is anything wrong with "sporty", per se. There isn't. I just wouldn't label my style as sporty so I like be sure to put my own spin on it.

Do I over-analyze my clothing choices? Likely.

Do I wear my hair in a bun too much? More than likely.

How would you style this top!?!? Hmmm? Hmmm? Do tell!

Details:
Top, H&M
Scarf as Belt, Vintage Liberty of London from American Apparel (similar)
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Target (similar)
Earrings, courtesy of Stella & Dot

summer essentials {Christina, just call me Chris!}

Today's Summer Essentials are from Christina... she writes a fab blog, has an adorable etsy shop and is also the 'busy bees' editor at good tots!

1. Sam Edleman Gigi sandals: Just as comfortable as flip flops, but much more chic.

2. Sunglasses: I never leave home without sunglasses. Kate Spade makes great options for smaller faces.

3. Miami Beet, by OPI: My current favorite toenail color. The perfect mix of hot pink and purple.

4. Lucky Magazine: I keep a copy in my bag...perfect for some light poolside reading while I'm waiting for swimming lessons to end.

5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: I always convert to a tinted moisturizer in the summer to avoid foundation meltdown; this one is great, and I love that it has built-in SPF.

my outfit: neon!

I recently saw this top at Target and liked it... but when I saw Kendi actually sporting it - it was the little push I needed to call it mine.  I was relieved Target still had it in my size and when I brought it home this little top just sung when I paired it with my beloved pink blazer.

A match made in heaven via blogland.  The power of peer pressure is still alive and well.

I was just thinking to myself that I actually wished I got dressed MORE in the summer. I feel like I am always just throwing something on to take on the day and whatever it might bring.

But that's the thing with summer... the days can be sweaty and long filled with chasing kids and gardening. Or simply just being in my swimsuit for most of the day.  Either or - summer outfits are the most fun to put together, but also the hardest to actually wear.

Right now I could put this yellow neon top into about five really fun outfits (think: white jeans, shorts, maxi skirt, etc, etc).  But will this top make it into all those looks? Doubtful.  But I will try...

Who really wants to say they spent their summer "getting dressed" though? I'll leave that for fall and take sweaty t-shirts and bathing suits all day long for now.

Details:

Blazer, Zara (similar)

Yellow Tank, Target (similar)

Belt, Gap (similar)

Jeans, Gap

Nail Polish, Silken Cord by Essie

psst... check out these posts by me as well...

• a fun and fresh summer look for less inspired by Naomi Watts.  You have to check out these adorable red shorts!
• Jessica Alba looking simply fabulous while pregnant... 
• Don't forget to enter this giveaway!

good look for less, Brandy! {part 1}

I recently put together a large wardrobe consult for a client that wanted outfits for her business casual work environment, date nights and in general some refined but casual looks that would take her into fall.

Brandy had a large budget, but in general I didn't choose any "big ticket" items for her.  I focused on classic pieces that mix and match well and that would be investment pieces for this season and future seasons.  I incorporated layers for cooler nights or come fall, as well.

I'm going to feature a few outfits this week and a few next week... here's what I pulled together for her:

(above: bracelet, jeans, top, necklace, moccasins)

(above: blazer, pants, top, wedges, necklace)

(above: earrings, pants, top, wedges, necklace)

(above: earrings, jeans, top, wedges, blazer)

Stay tuned next week for more of Brandy's outfits!

~~~

Interested in learning more about my wardrobe consultation services? Click here!

POW!

Just popping in a on Sunday... I wore a really fun NEON outfit this weekend that I'll post tomorrow and it has me totally hooked on neon!  It's the perfect *zing* of color for a summer day (or night).  I was wishing that I had a fun neon bracelet like one of these to wear with it...

pink enamel (top left)

green with yellow charms (top middle)

pink & green with rhinestones (top right)

yellow woven (left middle)

pink woven (left bottom)

multi-colored/multi-stranded (right middle)

yellow with rhinestones (right bottom)

TOMS for summer!

As always... I am absolutely LOVING TOMS' new line for summer!  How fresh and fun are these styles!?!?  I love throwing on a pair for summer and they are perfect for fall as well (if you like to think ahead like me!)  Plus, they are for a great cause!  For every pair you purchase... TOMS gives a pair to a child in need! Can't beat that!?






Clockwise from left:navystripedpink leopardcrochet - now sold out! wedges

my outfit: June cool...

It's kinda cold for June around here.  Lately I'm rockin' my summer tan in long sleeves and jeans. Wha!?!? I think it's on the up and ups for next week.  But man, I must have brought the Seattle weather home with me.  

I have lived in this shirt from H&M since I got it... you've seen it here and here and here.  And I didn't photograph it... but I wore it twice in Seattle as well. It's got some super good wear!  I wish I would have bought one of each color that was available, I think it only cost $15!

Any way... continuing on with the small talk here (where has my creativity gone?)... it's the freakin' weekin' (that would be according to my husband).  This felt like the longest week in forever... I'm still recouping from vacation - could that be?

Nah... I must just be lazy.

Happy Weekend!

Details:
Jacket, courtesy of Tulle (last season)
Top, H&M (similar)
Jeans, Gap (similar)
Shoes, TOMS
Nail Polish, Silken Cord by Essie


psst... check out what's happening on my other blogs today!

• while I'm not always a huge fan of Kristen Stewart's personal style, I just LOVE this look!
• quite possibly the cutest little lunch boxes for kids!

what to wear: weekend!

Ahhhh... the weekend is upon us once again! Hooray!

I have a work event to attend tonight with my husband.  For which, I am thinking of pulling out the red pants again (you know THE red pants)... but I'm troubled.  Are the red pants being pigeon holed as the "going out pants"? (and we all know the "going out pants" of yester-year.)

(above: clutch, pants, top, ring, nail polish in Escapades, blazer, pumps)

The only logical next question is this: red pants with black & white or red pants with bold pink (a la Kendi)!?!?

(above: clutch, pants, top, nail polish in Ballet Slippers, necklace, wedges)

I'm fraught with indecision here... please do chime in!

my outfit: easy does it!

This outfit is the next installment in: "It's Really Too Easy To Get Dressed In The Summer." No?  Just throw on some shorts and top and voila!

After our vacation to Seattle and school getting out... I am finally feeling like I am getting in the swing of things this summer.  What swing of things? Oh, you know the general lack of order and craziness. The un-swing of things, if you will.  It's still a treat to me (and I'm sure the kids) to just mosey around in the mornings and continue to do so in the afternoons as well.  We have summer camp next week, which will bring a little bit of order... so this week we are relishing in the lack of (for now).  I'll self combust in 24 hours or so, I'm sure - just in time for the weekend.

Are you into the swing of your summer yet!?!?  It's just so great, I feel more than ever this summer that I just want to soak, soak, soak it all in.  Even if it is a bit nuts.  My life as a mom with pre-schoolers at home pretty much ends this fall.

I almost can't believe it!

So tell me... what fun summer stuff are you relishing and soaking in!?!? I might add yours to my list as well!

Details:
Top, Old Navy
Necklace, courtesy of Towne & Reese
Shorts, Old Navy (similar)
Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

psst... check out what's going on at my other blog's today!

• make homemade lemonade with your kiddos - it's fun and yummy!
• over at 100 inspirations, Staley is taking a summer vacay, check out what she's packing!

summer essentials {Rebecca, bex a style diary}

Hello, I'm Bex from bex... a style diary.  Here are my top 5 Summer Essentials:

1.} Color!  I'm very much addicted to it. Specifically coral & gold, something about this combination shouts Summer and vacation to me. (watch, bracelets, top)

2.} A great big straw tote.  Perfect for the beach and for feeling like you're at the beach when you're stuck in the city.

3.} Wayfarer sunglasses.  Timelessly cool and always polished in appearance. Also these bad boys are some seriously sturdy shades!

4.} A nude lip gloss.  I prefer to wear a nude gloss in the Summer its much more relaxed and carefree than lipstick and it doesn't compete with all the bright Summer colors you'll be wearing. I go with a highly pigmented liglass from MAC, Florabundance, its perfect.

5.} Berry water. We make our own berry infused water and its so addicting. When it gets warm outside the last thing you want to drink is a heavy sugary beverage and plain ol water gets boring. This stuff gives you tons of flavor without the carbonation and sugar of a pop plus its so pretty to look at. Slice up a lemon a few strawberries plop em in a pitcher of h2o and chill in the fridge.

cleanse recap + giveaway!

Today was my first day post-cleanse... I feel like I am good with black or white, but grey areas are tough for me.  So I was a little overwhelmed by what I should eat, what I could eat and what I wanted to eat.  Decisions, decisions!

Mostly I tried to follow my gut instinct and also had some coaching from Katie at Rooted Wellbeing on sample items to eat to start integrating things like corn, meat and dairy back into my diet.  And also she gave ideas on how to keep some of the GREAT habits going as well.  I feel fully prepared to make some great changes and again, today I felt great!

One of the most surprising things about the cleanse are the things I crave the LEAST.  Those are caffeine and sugar - which if you know me, were two of my MAIN FOOD GROUPS before this cleanse.  Coffee, diet coke, candy and sweets are my favorites.  And while I have no doubt that I will eat and drink these things again (in moderation) for now, I'm going to keep away from them.  (I'm even shocked that I am typing that right now!)  It's really amazing!

Now for the good stuff!  I am giving away ONE 7-Day Cleanse from Rooted Wellbeing (the same program I just did) to one of my readers, a $127 value!

Here are the rules:

1) You must "Like" Rooted Wellbeing on Facebook!

2) You must leave a comment here of why you are interested (please include your email to be counted)!

3) You can tweet the giveaway for an extra entry (leave an additional comment)

The winner will be announced on July 1st and the winner 

must start their cleanse on either July 9 or 16.  

So please make sure these dates work for you before signing up!

Don't want to WAIT!?!?! Katie has offered a special discount JUST for my readers! Get the entire 7-day Cleanse program for only $97 ($30 off!) by following THIS link and using code: GoodLifeForLess!

You already know that I highly recommend this cleanse and I (or Katie) would be MORE than happy to answer any questions you may have - so feel free to email me or leave a comment or check out Rooted Wellbeing for tons of info!

my outfit: lessons learned.

Uggh, do you ever put things off to the last minute and then totally regret it. I did that with a couple of things yesterday and my outfit pictures were one of them. Rats!

After our neighbors went home after dinner and after a HUGE storm rolled through I tried to take outfit pictures.  Let's not even get into the specifics of how dumb or rushed that is.  So yes, I am blurry. Yes, I look tired (it was darn near 9pm). And yes, I had to stand in front of the clover field that was once our lawn.  (My husband promises he's on it). And yes, it was raining a bit in these pictures with rumbling thunder in the background.

But also, yes, I loved this outfit.  The cardi was on my shoulders for part of the day and I wore it for the other part of the day.  I can never seem to regulate properly with the contrast of humidity and air conditioning.

Clover, anyone?

Details:
Cardigan, Old Navy (similar)
White Tank, Old Navy (similar)
Jeans, Gap
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)
Watch, Michael Kors
Necklace, TJMaxx (similar)

pssst... check out what's going on at my other blogs!

• a chic and fresh Katie Holmes look for less!
• my summer "bucket" list with my kids... do you have one?

work it wednesday: striped dresses!

We all know that striped tops are all the rage and the most coveted item in the stores these days!  It seems we (especially ME!) can't get enough of stripes, stripes, stripes!  Well retailers (specifically J.Crew) have one-upped even themselves in the stripe department with a slew of adorable striped dresses for summer.

I die!

Here's a few way to style them, you know... just in case.

(above: dress, earrings, bag, sandals)

(above: dress, scarf, sunglasses, sandals)

(above: dress, necklace, belt, sandals)

Are you crushing on striped dresses as much as me!?!?

p.s. Target had an adorable one recently but it was sold out in my size, did anyone see/snag that one!?!?

cleanse: Day 6

Apparently I can't count... Technically the cleanse is 7 days. Also technically I started 7 days ago, somehow I got off count.  Whatevs.  So the title of this post is day six, but I promise if you go through the archives this is my seventh day.  My body also promises this.

I could probably count the nano-seconds that I have been caffeine free.

Any who... today I felt great. I had a super busy day and much like the past couple of days I couldn't believe how LITTLE appetite I had while still feeling up in the energy department.  I did another up-hill speed walk session at the gym, followed by an hour long pilates session and felt tired afterward but still with a lot of energy to face the day!  Then we ran errands, did the farmers market, I did work in the garden, then I worked for the afternoon and then prepped the house for our neighbors to come over for dinner.  That is super busy for me.

And that brings me to dinner.  We had planned on inviting our dear neighbors over before they moved out of state and it was down to the wire (ahem, they leave tomorrow).  So I knew it had to be tonight because of the cleanse and I was getting worried.  They have a big family (five boys!!!) and we have two of our own and ordering pizza was the only thing that really made sense.  I was thrilled to find out that our local pizza joint had gluten free pizza and I substituted the standard mozzerella for a sprinkling of goat cheese (my reasoning: goat cheese is likely less processed).  And hot damn that pizza was good!  There was hardly no cheese and my husband and I devoured it - wow!  And the neighbors also serendipitously brought over fruit salad.  That would be TWO large gatherings we kept good on our cleanse for!  It can be done folks!

Here is my farmers market haul! Strawberries for jam, green beans, snap peas, zucchini, kohlrabi and kettle corn for the kids (and maybe a little for me too!)

Day Six (I mean, seven) Cleanse Recap:

Breakfast, Apples with peanut butter and tea

Lunch, Large Salad

Snack, Snap Peas and a few handfuls of popcorn* (yum!)

Dinner, Gluten Free Pizza with a little goat cheese*

I'll be back tomorrow with an overview, what I plan to do next and a little giveaway!  Stay tuned!

*Technically "cheating", but just a little.

my outfit: just a tee!

Blogging my outfits in the summer seems almost too easy - I mean I throw on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts and call it good.  My job is infinitely easier.  Not that this "job" is ever difficult.

Plus I wear a top bun... preeeeeetty much everyday.  What shall I do when fall arrives and I actually have to get dressed and do my hair again!?!?  Only time will tell.

By the way, doesn't it always seem like you wait and wait for summer to arrive and bam! It's half over.  Granted, it's not half over YET but it's getting there.  We are living it to the fullest, or trying!  By keeping busy with fun activities with the kids, lots of sunbathing, swimming and playing outside.  It doesn't get better than that.

How is your summer shaping up!?!? Just as fab as you wanted I hope!

Details:
T-Shirt, Gap (similar)
Shorts, DIYed (similar)
Clogs, UGG
Necklace, courtesy of Linkel Designs
Earrings, courtesy of Friedasophie Jewelry