Long Weekend and the Perfect Spring Jacket

Source: vienneseblend.tumblr.com via Kendra on Pinterest

I am loving this darling jacket.

The stripes.

The bow.

Oh my. Love.

So ready for a long weekend. Husband actually has Monday off! Hooray!
We are planning some fun things, weather permitting. We'll have fun either way.
Miss M is stoked that Husband will be home for three whole days.
So am I.

Have a lovely weekend!

Toluene, what? What's in your nail polish?

Source: weheartit.com via Joanna on Pinterest

I hesitated when Miss M asked me to paint her nails yesterday. She told me she wanted to show all her new friends at church her beautiful nails. She clutched the red polish tightly in her hand and was ready for the ok.

I'm going through my house replacing products containing harmful chemicals with chemical-free ones, but I can't do it all at once. While in the past I have always had my toenails painted, I stopped painting them several months ago when I heard about the nasty chemicals inside. Lucky for me, it's been winter and my toes have been well hidden.

Nail polish is super stinky stuff. Strong chemical smells always make me think that whatever is causing that smell isn't good for my body. If it's not good to inhale or ingest, chances are pretty good that it isn't good for me to put on my body either. Nail salon workers wear masks when painting nails, but customers don't. Hmmm.

Makers of nail polish are slowly getting away from the worst offenders. Here's a few of the most toxic ingredients and why they are a problem.

• Toluene - It's a clear liquid also used in paint thinners that has been linked to disrupting the nervous system and may cause developmental problems. Read more here and here.

• Dibutyl phthalate - It is used in adhesives and is frequently used as a plasticizer (increases flexibility and durability in plastics). It may have negative effects on the immune, endocrine, and reproductive systems as well as human development. Read more here and here.
  

• Formaldehyde - Sadly, it is pretty much everywhere. Because of its simple chemical structure, it is a by-product of many chemical processes. It can cause a whole load of problems, including cancer. Read more here and here. (If it's used to preserve a dead body, then it's not good for a live one! Thanks to my human anatomy class.)
  

There has been a lot of progress made in the last few years, and there are many great non-toxic nail polishes on the market. However, if you tend to hold on to your nail polishes for a long time, please check the ingredients.

I think Miss M may need some new polish in her Easter basket. Blue is her absolute favorite color. I just might need some, too. Spring is calling my name, and my winter toes are begging for some color.

What's your favorite go-to hue?

Dreaming of a summer picnic

The weather was so nice last week where I live. It has started getting cold again the last few days. Boo. I'm ready for warmer weather. I can't wait to spend sunny days outside playing with the kiddos, going on picnics, swimming, and soaking up the sun with proper sun protection of course!

When I first saw this sweater (oh, that color gets me every time), I imagined it paired with a floral dress with a flowing skirt and a tailored top. That reminded me of an old time fancy picnic party. The girls and ladies in dresses with big, gorgeous hats and parasols to protect their creamy complexions. The boys playing games and making mischief. Men in linen suits casually chatting. Delicious homemade goodies lining the tables.


There are times I think it would be wonderful to wear such beautiful clothes each day with lovely accessories. However, I quite enjoy many other aspects of the current days.

This gorgeous sweater and sweet dress would be perfect for an updated picnic with your love. Still waiting for spring.


Sweater and dress from Anthropologie.

Shoe Love: black lace stilettos

I can always count on Valentino to have gorgeous bows on something. Love these delicate, feminine stilettos. They would pair perfectly with a pretty party dress.

Shoes are one of those things you can never have enough of. I love how the perfect pair of shoes can make an outfit pop.