5 Faves on the Blog!

Happy Friday, y'all! I am linking up again with Andrea over at Momfessionals (my new fave blog), and I thought that since it is Friday and also the last day of the month, 

I'd highlight my 5 favorites on the blog for the month!

Here they are are...

1. My Favorite Purchase

I snagged this little cabinet from my Facebook Group for just $20. Because it was a purposeful purchase, I quickly put it to good use. See. What do you think?  Not to mention, I do love using my shoes as a part of my bedroom decor!

2. My Favorite Selfie! 

I do love my red lips in this pic. I bought this perfect (Urban Decay) lipstick (here) to help me embrace my full lips, and I must say, that it did not disappoint.   

3. My Favorite Date Matinee!

Tamia and I had the chance to check out Pixar's latest sensation Inside Out. It was great. In fact, Tamia and are I still talking about it and our favorite feeling,

 Sadness ironic, huh? (here)!

4. Favorite Outing and Outfit!

I had the opportunity to hang out with friends and to listen to sweet sounds of the beautiful Rissi Palmer, and this was my outfit for the night. It was simple, white blazer (similar here), navy tank, the softest ever (here), cut off shorts (here) and these oh so fabulous Jessica Simpson platform pumps (here). I enjoyed the evening and my casual chic but comfy outfit!

5. My Favorite Accomplishment!

My bedroom makeover is by far my fave accomplishment for the month. I had a blast making small changes to the space to make it romantic and serene. We are finally "getting anchored" and I must say that it feels great being able to relax in a welcoming organized space. 

So now that July is over, I'm getting ready to take on August! I've been doing some thinking, so I have plenty of ideas. Make sure you come back now!

Happy Friday!

thoughtfully, 

Shop the post here!

Tote it All

The closer the weekend it gets, I more I think about being out and about, and when that's the case, I just want to grab my bag and go. So whether your out and about is includes going to work (bummer), the beach, a picnic, or the farmer's market, grab one of these cute totes from Old Navy to help tote it all. These super cute totes are easy and all under $25! Check 'em out, there's one for every outing!

Currently Craving: The Date Night Edition

I am a teacher, and school's out, so that means that I should get to enjoy at least one romantic night out with my husband, right? Well, sadly, that hasn't been able to happen for us yet. With him working odd hours, and me with my part-time summer gig, we have been like two ships passing in the night. But in the event we are able to get in sync, I know just what I'll wear (of course) and just what we'll do. My Date Night Plan: Get dressed up and hang out in Downtown Raleigh, something the two of us never do. I have planned a low-key night out that promises lots of ambiance and romance, I can't wait! But if you need an idea for a night out with your S/O, use this one, I'm sure it's going to be a hit!

My After- Hours Look

The Shift Dress: I love the shift dress because it shifts the attention from areas (like my tummy) that I don't want to be seen, to the areas I want to accentuate (like me legs) that I love showing off. In college, my look was a short dress and high heels, and you know how the saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"! Check out these short shift dresses. Too sassy!

            

The shift dress paired with any of these heels will bring the look together. I particularly love the two-toned Cole Haans, I love the block heels; appropriate for walking down Glenwood Ave. and Fayetteville St. 

                             

The Restaurant

I have a confession to make. I can cook, but prepare seafood, I cannot. First of all, I don't like to clean seafood, nor do I really like to touch it, but I do like to eat seafood. In fact, it's my husband's all-around favorite, and since he really has no chance of getting seafood at home, we'll be going to Shuckers Grill and Oyster Bar. My BFF has been raving about this place for over a month now, so we're going to check it out. The menu looks delicious. I like fried seafood, but they prepare it in a number of ways.

The Bar

After dinner, we'll head over to check out Foundation, the place everyone is raving about for making the best cocktails. I love the character and chic look of the place, and the fact that you actually have to be an adult to enter. Plus any bar with Rhetoric on the menu is a place worth visiting. I can't wait to try one of their handcrafted cocktails! 

Members ONLY!

 

Enjoy the summer nights with that someone special!

thoughtfully,

Target Tuesday: "Shoesday"

Okay, so it's been a while since I did a Target post, but the Target team has given us yet 2 more reasons to love them, and their timing could not be more perfect. Just in time for "Back to School" season, Target has teamed up with Steve Madden, and the leading shoe company for kids, Stride Rite to bring our little ones the most stylish kicks at prices that are on target with any budget. Proving that Target has really hit the Bullseye with these collaborations.

#1. 

First off, I will be the first to say that I am a Madden girl. I have bought Steve Madden shoes for a while now, and I love them. I have his boots and his pumps, and they have been tried and true for me, lasting wear after wear, year after year. Now Steve is giving us a glimpse into his daughter Stevie's world, and if you haven't already had a peek, it's a fashionable one. From "fringes to sparkles", Stevies will have your little lady ready for the school day, any play date, or birthday party on her social calendar. But don't just take my word for it, check out the new line for yourself.

Introducing  Stevies, a new line of girls footwear. 

Save $5 when you spend $25 with promo code :SHOES

              

#FRINGE

             #GTGBYE 

&

#2

While, a Steve Madden collabo is a big deal for me, so is this next one. It's such a big deal Stride Rite has decided to call their Target line Surprize, because that's exactly what it is. I am pretty confident in saying that most moms have chosen Stride Rite and the place to go to buy the best shoes to support their little movers. They were the firsts for both of my little ones: the first pre-walker, walker, runner, well, you get the gist. These shoes are perfect for whatever journey our little adventurers take. But I don't have to tell you what you already know, but you do need to know that these boxes of "comfort and cuteness" can now be purchased at Target. Surprized? I know, right! Bring on the Jungle Gym!

Introducing Surprize by Stride Rite. 

Save $5 when you spend $25 with promo code SHOES

             

Aida

Darion

So if you are shopping for Back to School or a season of play dates, make sure your mini me or tiny tot is stepping fashionably in "cuteness and comfort"! 

thoughtfully, 

This WIWBT post contains affiliate links - which means that if you click on a link and purchase an item, I may receive a small commission.  Thank you so much, Tamara! 

Media Monday: Rissi Palmer

Rissi Palmer

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hang out with a few of my girlfriends at a local lounge to listen to some live music. I was already looking forward to some adult time, and really, any occasion to get dressed up is a plus for me. We met up at The Shed, a super cute music lounge in Durham, and enjoyed each other's company while we waited for Rissi (pronounced Reecy) to take the stage. 

The Shed

Now, anytime music is involved, I am all in because music is my outlet; it is my therapy. So I was ready for a night of musical therapy, and that's exactly what I received. Rissi, a gorgeous woman, did her thang, and all I have to say is Rissi Palmer is my new favorite artist. She is a down to earth stylish country girl, and let me tell you, after hearing her sing her hit song "Country Girl", she has me thinking that I might be a country girl too.

Me and Karen

So how did I stumble upon this Country Beauty? Well, she's a local vocal coach. Not mine of course, (cause I can only buy a tune, not sing one), but she coaches a good friend of mine, Karen. Karen has been sharing her vocal/musical journey with me, and in doing so, I learned about Rissi. Karen eventually shared that Rissi was dropping a CD Back Porch Sessions, and invited a bunch of us to Rissi's launch party. I had no idea that when I heard Rissi sing, I would  fall in love with not only her style of music, but her meaningful lyrics as well. I gotta tell you, Rissi is positive and powerful, and easily one of the best vocalists I've ever heard. Her lyrics tell a familiar story, and if you really listen closely, you might recognize that bits and pieces of her story are similar to yours. Rissi tells it like it is in what have now become two of my favorite songs, "Well Enough Alone" where she tells us it is important to leave the past where it is, and "Soul Message" a song that exemplifies how important it is to have a connection with your soulmate. Her songs remind me of diary entries, very personal and meaningful, except these entries are too good to keep a secret. I am telling you now, that Rissi Palmer is the real deal, and if you don't know her, you should!

Thanks, Karen, for a wonderful outing, and for introducing me to the sweet, sweet vocals of Rissi Palmer, and Rissi, if you ever get a chance to read this post, I'd love to meet you and go shopping with you (I love shoes too). Not to mention, you seem like you'd be cool to hang out with. 

Check out Rissi's hit song "Country Girl", and find out what it takes to be one!

thoughtfully,

    

Five on Friday: 5 Fall Faves (Nordstrom Anniversary Sale)

Back to school shopping always has me looking ahead from summer to fall, and since Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale a.k.a. the Sale of All Sales is still going strong (til Aug. 2nd), there's no better time to get some of those Fall items you've been crushing for a while! Here are 5 of mine!

1. Statement Necklace

Not sure how to wear one, check the guide!

2. Fabulous Flare Jeans

Do you know the best fit of jeans for your body type? I'm a pear shape! 

(Sir Mix-a-lot would love me)

 

3. Chic Stripes

Wear them however you'd like; there is no wrong way!

4. Flat-Out Cute Shoes

Too many styles not to find something for you!

5. Dress with Versatility

When buying dresses, make sure they can go from work to play, and are perfect with any shoe you feel like wearing. Just buy the dresses that are both comfortable and flattering!

The most important thing to remember is to shop with a purpose, and versatility should be a requirement. One piece in multiple ways. 

All opinions are my own, but I have as you know, put some extra thought into each of the items I have included. Be purposeful and stay on budget, and you'll be fabulous this Fall!

thoughtfully,

SHOP THE POST HERE

       

What goals? Oh, those goals...

On January 3, 2015, I posted my 2015 goals for "The Restoration of Tamara". At the time, I was fairly certain that while I knew some of my goals would be challenging, I was also aware that they were all attainable. At least I thought so at the time. Now that I have had the time to reflect and assess how successful I have been with my goals (I chose way back when I was ready for a change), I honestly think that I need to modify a few of them. While I am not thrilled with my progress, I do celebrate the fact that I am revisiting and modifying them. After all, my competition is not another person; it is "me against myself 

                  (key: red- not complete; orange- somewhat complete; Strike through- Mission completion)

In 2015

1. Be honest with myself and learn to trust myself. 

Really, how do I measure this?

2. Speak wisely or remain silent (we all have this right). 

I really might be a negative person.

3. Have dinner with my grandparents once a month. 

This has happened a total of 3 times, really, Tamara?

4. Gather ALL of my debts, and one by one, make them disappear (ongoing). 

Let's just say that this might take place over a period of time.

5. Contact one old friend each month and set a meet-up place and time. 

This has happened 3 times, and I am really impressed!

6. Complete my National Board Certification Renewal process (banking on this). 

Mission completion- now all I have to do is wait patiently for the results to see if I am certified for another 10 yrs.  Who am I kidding? I have no patience!

7. Participate in the Pay-it-Forward initiative.  

Mission completion- Volunteered for MLK, Jr. event

8. Complete a 5K (specifically Run for the Roses- Click here to join me). 

DONE- question is will I do another?

9. Enroll my 4 yr old in a gymnastics class (suggestions welcome), and take send my 19 yr old a surprise package (shh, she can read). 

I have completed half of this goal, and to tell you the truth, I had forgotten about the gymnastics class, uh oh!

10. Choose optimism over pessimism whenever possible.  

I will share my "uh oh" moments. 

Again, I really might be a negative person.

11.  Volunteer my time.

Volunteered with Triangle United Way for the MLK, Jr. Day 2015 

12. Find a church home.

 I know where I want to join, but it hasn't happened yet. Pray for me!

How have you progressed with your 2015 goals? I'd love some pointers.

thoughtfully,

Currently Crushing: Peep Toe Booties (because Fall is coming)

I will be the first to tell you that hands down Fall is by far my favorite season, and it is so for the following reasons:

1. I can breathe

2. Warm days, cool nights

3. My hair always cooperates

4. Nature's Beauty & 

5. The clothing (of course)

So to appease my "Fall fever", I started looking at shoes that would be perfect for summer's end and the start of fall, and for that reason, the "Peep Toe" is perfect. Here are some I have fallen in love with. Some are affordable, while others, I'll see only in my dreams. 

Shop my picks, and tell me what you think!

A Peep at Fall 2015 Footwear

Bedroom Makeover: Getting Anchored

This year I promised to dedicate myself to the restoration of self, family, and finances, and so to motivate myself to stay focused, I chose the theme "Getting Anchored". Ironically, after choosing that theme, anchors started cropping up everywhere I went. In fact, I was picking up a prescription at Target (my fave place on Earth), when I saw and fell in love with this anchor pillow, and the idea was born.

Blue and Pink throw pillow- Love at first sight!

I knew that my bedroom decor needed to be updated because honestly, it was time, and plus I wanted to create a space that was both romantic and serene, a peaceful place for me and SB to unwind. Well since school has been out, I have been taking my sweet time purging and getting each room of our apartment set up and organized in a way that is both functional and appealing, and I am absolutely in love with our bedroom! 

It's amazing how a new comforter and a pop of color can change the whole look of a room. Choosing the comforter was easy, especially since I knew I wanted it to be bold and blue. When I saw this Lattice print comforter, I knew it would be perfect. I found this one in Marshalls and the price was right (similar here). 

With the hot pink anchor on the pillow, adding pink for a pop of color was a no brainer. I have been crushing the color pink all year, so I decided to add pink accents throughout to add passion and romance. I chose pink sheets (here), Ikat throw pillows (similar here and here), and pink peonies (similar here) to make a bright statement. Plus, my sister's wedding colors were navy and pink, so I already knew that the colors would work beautifully together. 

To add a bit of glamour, I used gold accents inspired by the urchin (sold out) I got from Target. For the rest of the items, I had to get a little creative. I used gold spray paint to give my old candle holders, a silver picture frame, and a mason jar a new sparkly look. Let's just say, I came down with King Midas's fever, everything I touched turned to gold, and I am so pleased with the outcome.  

Easy Art- Page from Magazine!

Making sure that this makeover did not exceed my given budget of $50 for accent pieces, I was adamant about using my own items to add a piece of me to the room, and since the navy blue was so bold, I needed to add a little more femininity. And I have to say that my favorite part of the entire makeover is my shoe showcase. While the display is nothing grand, I must admit that it does add a certain flair to our bedroom. Plus, I am a firm believer that shoes are too pretty to be stored in a box or in a closet. Using my shoes as a part of the decor was not only budget friendly, but because they are visible, it's easier for me to pull together an outfit, and having them on display frees up some much needed space in my our closet. And did I mention, I love having them out for me to admire.

Doing this makeover has been the most fun I have had in a while. I love walking through the door into this romantic space, and I am really happy with the end result. The only thing missing is the perfect piece to hang over our bed. I'm working on finding that perfect piece, but if you have suggestions, I'm all ears!

Like the decor? If so, here are some similar items to help you create your romantic space.

thoughtfully,