leahtackles – Page 43

Nursing Mama Style Tips: What I Wear While Breastfeeding! Part 1

February 16, 2015 & 3 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you all had a great Valentine’s with people who make your heart skip a beat! I had a very low-key weekend with my little loves (Hailey, Connor, and Logan), and of course my big love (Stephan).

I am exclusively breastfeeding our 5 week old and I forgot what a pain nursing fashion can be! If you think looking cute is hard pregnant, girl forget it and embrace that precious bump, because the first few weeks especially your breasts have to be easily accessable ALLTHETIME! So, today I want to share a few of the pieces I’ve been loving that are specifically for nursing, and in Part 2 of my Nursing Mama Style Tips I will share regular pieces that you can buy anywhere or may already have in your closest that work beautifully for nursing.

Long Sleeve Pull Over Nursing Hoodie by Motherhood Maternity:

I love this for at home because I feel cute but am just rocking a thin cotton hoodie. This is a size small and I love it with legging or skinny jeans for a cute but very casual look. I also own this in gray.

Wrap Nursing Sweater by Motherhood Maternity:

This is currently out-of-stock online but they do have other similar styles like this one. I love this because it doesn’t look like a nursing top, but it is SO easy to nurse in discreetly. If you really want some extra cover in public, throw a scarf on over it!

Faux-Leather Trim Black and White Striped Nursing Top by Milk Nursing Wear:

I found Milk Nursing Wear because I was in love with Boob Design tops, but I just can’t bring myself to spend that much on a top that I’m only going to wear for nursing. But, if it in your budget, they are gorgeous and I’ve heard nothing but good things! Milk Nursing Wear is the same idea, but at lower prices. This top is so chic and easy to nurse in! It is INCREDIBLY soft, a rayon/ lycra blend, and is slightly longer in the back which I like. This is my favorite nursing top, and I can’t wait to dress it up with some fun jewelry! Milk Nursing Wear if you’re reading this PLEEEEASE make more options like this!

Nursing mamas, what do you wear? I would love more ideas! Stay tuned for Part 2! And please subscribe!!

Valentine’s Day 2015

February 11, 2015 & Leave a Comment

Happy {Early} Valentine’s Day!

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Lipstick in 885 Vibrant Mandarin

NYX Matte Lipstick in MLS17 Sweet Pink

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Lipstick in 865 Fuchsia Flash

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in 69

Maybelline Color Sesational Vivid Lipstick in 900 Hot Plum

NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick in LSS511 Chaos

Thank you for reading loves!! Muuuuuah! Sending kisses to all of you for Valentine’s Day <3

If it makes you happy…

January 12, 2015 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Who remembers that song “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow? When I decided that I wanted to share a few things in my room that make me happy, I couldn’t get that song out of my head! I am a big believer in making life as beautiful, enjoyable, and special as possible…life is short! Surround yourself in pretty things! A quick DIY or some washi tape can completely change something from ordinary to fab!! Thank you for being here! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! *Hopefully* I have a brand new baby boy in my arms when you’re reading this, but as I write this he still hasn’t made his appearance. I will definitely be doing an introduction post to our new little man as well! Get ready for some picture posts!!

What pretty things do you surround yourself with? What have you been loving lately? I would *love* to hear from you! Enable me ; ) Have a great start to your week!! And please comment, subscribe, and share!!! It means SOOOOMUCH to me!

THANK YOU AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!

November 12, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

Some days I really want to just pop on here and chat with you guys…and today is one of those days : ) I was talking with a friend and felt so insprired and motivated after our conversation that I felt compelled to write her a quick snail mail note to tell her how fantastic I think she is! And with that being said: I want each and every person reading this to know that I apprecaite it! Thank you to my subscribers who have been so sweet and so supportive!!

I have been working behind the scenes on two exciting new things for Leah Tackles. The first, my own Etsy store! This will be launching soon after lots of tinkering!! LOTS of tinkering! And second, a bit further down the road in early 2015, a YouTube channel!! As most of you know, I am 31 almost 32 weeks pregnant with our 3rd baby, and some of this timing will be to work around the arrival of our newest little man right after the holidays. I cannot wait to start these new ventures, and hope that you will be just as excited as I am!!

Thank you, again, as always for reading my blog and *please* subscribe if you haven’t! It’s super easy to do, just enter your email into the subscription box on the right side of this page and then you will get a confirmation email. That’s it! If a friend or loved one inspires you, motivates you, supports you, or just loves the heck out of you RIGHT NOW is the perfect time to send them a little snail mail love! Plus, it’s a great excuse to whip out your cutest stationary you’ve been saving! Don’t let it sit in drawer forever, use it to make someone’s day!

P.S! Stay tuned next week for holiday makeup set reviews!! I will also have a new Leah’s Friday Five up on the Pearls and Pastries Shop blog this Friday.

September Favorites!

September 29, 2014 & 5 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a great weekend! One of my good friends visited, and we had a wonderful time with beautiful weather! And my alma mater won big at our homecoming game : ) I am combining my beauty favorites and lifestyle favorites into one post this month. Let’s get right into it…

September Favorites:

1) M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

This isn’t new to my collection, but I have been using it a lot lately and have fallen back in love. I love this as an eye shadow base or on days when I want a super natural look, alone.

2) Wet n’ Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana

This is definitely NOT a bronzer, but it is part of the Coloricon Bronzer collection from Wet n’ Wild, and what it is is a *OMG* gorgeous highlighter. The price cannot be beat, and it comes with a huuuge amount of product. Love it!

3) Maybelline “The Nudes” Palette

I had been holding off buying this because I have so many neutral palettes…but when I saw it was buy one get one 50% off at Walgreens, I went for it because I needed some other Maybelline products. If you do not have this yet and you love neutral eye makeup, or if you have been holding off getting the Naked palettes by Urban Decay or other neutral palettes from high-end brands, YOU NEED THIS! It has had some mixed reviews, but I absolutely love it! I have worn it more than any of my other eye shadows this past month, and think it is definitely worth the $10-12. On the back it shows how you can break it up into quads, trios, and duos which is super helpful for people who maybe don’t know where to start with an eye look, and I find the quads especially to be fantastic! The pigmentation overall is good, although I will say that they wear and swatch much better with an eye shadow primer used first. The packaging is simple, not bulky, and very sleek for drugstore, but my one complaint is that there is no mirror. I could gush on and on about this, and if you’d like more information please let me know because this palette really could have its own post!

4) The Balm Shadow/Blush in Down Boy

This is a perfect baby pink blush! I love this because it looks great with so many eye shadow and lip combos! You can’t go wrong with it, but it is HIGHLY pigmented, so you only need a tiny bit!

5) Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in Porecelain Ivory

This is my go-to everyday pressed setting powder ever since the Dream Wonder line replaced the Dream Matte line. I like that it gives an ever so slight coverage in addition to any foundation or BB cream you might have on.

6) EOS Lip Balm in Pomegranate Raspberry

I love the EOS lipbalms! And so does my 3 year old ; ) I like to apply these while I’m doing my makeup so that my lipsticks have a nice base…and this lipbalm is even thin enough that my matte lipsticks still appear matte but have a little moisture underneath.

7) Dual Ended Brow Brush with Spooli

Brand really doesn’t matter too much here, there are great low cost options as well as more high-end brushes, but I have been using powder for my brows lately and loving a dual ended brow brush with spooli.

8) NCLA Los Angeles Nail Polish in Rodeo Drive Royalty

I adore this nail polish! I mentioned it in my “Leah’s Friday Five” on the Pearls and Pastries Shop Blog, and it has been on my nails almost all month! I keep re-applying it because I can’t get enough of this gorgeous color!

9) Bauble Bar Arc Pendant Necklaces in Rose Gold

I have been loving my plain rose gold arc necklace layered with my pavé rose gold arc necklace! So simple and beautiful! This necklace from Bauble Bar is similar.

10) Gorjana Viceroy Necklace in Yellow Gold

This is such a beautiful simple piece! It goes well with everything!

11) Minnie Mouse Coffee Cozy

I found this adorable crochet Minnie Mouse coffee cozy from LNRCrochetDesigns on Etsy! The seller is super helpful and shipping was very fast. How cuuuute is this?! Seriously! Cute!

12) Name Bubbles Small Contact Clothing Labels

This is mostly for all the moms out there! Or maybe if someone is stealing your jacket off your chair at the office or your food out of the fridge at work, you too ; ) These labels are WASHER AND DRYER SAFE! And just STICK ON! Amazing. And they come in really cute designs, too. I was able to use a coupon code “B2SNB” for 10% off as well.

13) “Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids” by Laura Markham on Audible.com

This book is amazing! Stephan and I are only halfway through listening to this book, and it has changed our relationship with our kids (and eachother!!) for the better. I don’t think you need to be struggling or think there is a problem at all to gain a great deal from this book! I really think this book would be benefital to anyone, with grown kids, or without kids at all! We plan to pick up a paper copy as well to highlight our favorite parts. Seriously, READ THIS IF YOU HAVE KIDS!

Phew! That was pretty long! If you read all that, thank you so much! What things have you been reaching for and loving this past month? I would love to know! I hope that you have a great start to your week, and don’t forget to subscribe!! : )

Popsugar Must Have Box September 2014!

September 22, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Monday!

It’s POPSUGAR TIME!!!! Today I am reviewing the September 2014 PopSugar Must Have Box.The box contains full size items in all different categories: food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too! The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box. I am LOVING this months box, so let’s get into it!

September 2014 Must Have Box:

Stereo Earbuds by Nicole Miller

$20

I needed a new pair of earbuds, and I can’t wait to use these! I love the dark blue color that I received, though I’m not sure if everyone got the same color. If you are subscribed to PopSugar Must Have Box, what color earbuds did you get? Let me know in the comments!

Superfine Purse Size Hairspray by Orbie

$21.50

I like the sleek packaging of this hairspray, and I will definitely use this for travel! It smells pretty nice, too.

Almond Brownie by Urban Remedy

$6.99

I thought this might be kind of strange…it’s a 100% raw and organic…but it was REALLY good!! It wasn’t the same as biting into a chocolate fudge brownie or anything, but it was a nice dense bar with a nice dark cacao chocolate-y taste. That said, would I pay $6 for one of these? Probably not.

Gold Foil Arrow Pencils by Letter C Design

$7.50

I *looove* the sleek black pencils with the gold details! I haven’t used these yet, but they look gorgeous on my desk! I love that they threw in a small pencil sharpener too, because I haven’t used a pencil that wasn’t mechanical in ages.

Modal Gradation Scarf in Raisin by Tilo Scarves

$125

This is far and away my favorite item in the box this month!!! I looooove this scarf! When I first glanced at it, I only saw charoal, but once opened it is a beautiful mix of grays and a raisin brown…GORGEOUS! Seriously, stunning! This makes the most basic tee look beautiful.

Garance Doré Assorted Girls Set by Rifle Paper Co.

$18

I love having blank notecards to send to friends and loved ones! I also will use these for giveaway winners : ) Super cute!

Special Extras:

Milk Chocolate Sea Salt and Almond Minis by Ghiradelli

This was an awesome “extra”! I am ashamed to say how quickly these disappeared, but hey at least I can blame it on the pregnancy…right??! SOO yummy!

$20 Nike Giftcard

I don’t reeeeally count this, because you have to make a purchase to use this, but I will definitely hang onto it and it’s nice to have on hand.

This is one of my favorite PopSugar Must Have Boxes in awhile! And with a total of $198.99 it is clearly WELL worth the $39 price point since I have already been using most of the products! As usual : ) Have you subscribed to any subscription boxes or bags yet? I would love to hear about them in the comments! I finally caved and got my first Ipsy Glambag and I will put a review up on Wednesday, so be sure to subscribe to see that if you haven’t subscribed already : )

POPSUGAR MUST HAVE BOX JUNE 2014

June 13, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friiiiiiday!!

Today I am very excited to be reviewing the June PopSugar Must Have Box!! The box contains full size items in all different categories:food, beauty, fashion, home, and sometimes an extra goodie too. The PopSugar box usually arrives between the 10th-15th of every month for me…it ships from California via FedEx Smart Post, which means it goes out FedEx but arrives to my P.O Box.

The box and insert have been revamped and I love the new look!

You can see my post on my May PopSugar Box here and if you have questions on how I ended up liking any of those products please comment to let me know and I would be happy to answer : )

JUNE 2014 MUST HAVE BOX:

Lemon Wet Wipes from You Smell

These probably aren’t something I would have bought, but they are in adorable packaging and I’ll happily carry them in my purse.

Hawaiian BBQ Chips from One Potato Two Potato

I really like these! They have a nice little kick and have a nice full BBQ flavor. I was worried they would be really sweet, but they aren’t much sweeter than a normal BBQ chip.

Beach Towel from Turkish-T

$32

This is so pretty and soft!! I love the idea of using it as a wrap or maybe even a sarong. Love love love!

The One & Only by Emily Giffin’s

$28

I have been hearing so much buzz about this book! I am hoping I can find the time to read it! I love to read, but can never seem to find the time to read! Maybe I’ll see if it’s on Audible : /

Basic Hair Ties from Lollies

These are SO cute!! And I think they’ll look adorable as bracelets, too.

Shiny Citrus Body Lotion from Sacha Jaun

$24

I started using this right away! I *love* fancy body lotions, and this one is lovely. It smells so fresh and wonderful!

Special Extra: $15 Gift Card from Native Union

This website has a lot of cool tech-y gadgets (although I don’t think any for $15!) and I am giving this to my husband : ) I like tech accessories too, but I think my sweet hubs deserves a little something too.

I am NEVER disapointed with my PopSugar subscription! This month added up to $104 not counting the $15 gift card. I STILL haven’t subscribed to anything else in the subscription box world, but I am sososososo close! I hope that you enjoyed this post and that you have a wonderful weekend! And don’t forget to subscribe : )

Summer Jewelry Musts and Lusts!

June 11, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

I *LOVE* pretty jewels and summertime is a great time to show it off! Today I want to share some of my favorite websites for getting jewelry, a picture of some of my favorites from my own collection, and some of the items I am lusting after : )

MY GO TO JEWELRY WEBSITES:

A PICTURE OF SOME OF MY FAVORITE MUSTS FOR SUMMER:

A FEW OF THE THINGS I AM LUSTING AFTER THIS SUMMER:

How gorgeous is this Bauble Bar bib necklace? I am DROOLING over the colors!

I love love love this monogram necklace in the clear with glitter also from Bauble Bar : )

I am missing out on all the gorgeous statement earrings like these from Bauble Bar because I usually just wear studs around my kiddos ; )

This hi-lo necklace from Express is so different and I adore the semi precious stone!!

How pretty are these tassel braclets from dAnnonEtsy on Etsy?!

I love the details on this Marc Alary for J.Crew braclet! SOOOO gorg!

I love these birthstone bracelets from Alex and Ani : )

Okay, I hope you enjoyed this quick little post! Now, I want to hear from YOU! Where do you like to shop for jewlery? I am always interested to hear about great places to find gorgeous things ; ) Let me know by commenting (click the link by the title of this post) and please remember to subscribe to keep youself up-to-date on my blog posts! Have a wonderful “hump” day!!

Homemade Baked Elephant Ears!

June 6, 2014 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Friday!!!

Today I want to share a recipe that I found flipping through Taste of Home Magazine (I know, again! I am not paid by them whatsoever, I just love the recipes they offer!): Baked Elephant Ears!! I think these would be so fun for any summer party! If you make these, I would LOVE to hear about it, so comment (click the link by the title of this post) to let me know about it!

Ingredients:

Dough:

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 cup warm water between 110° to 115°

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

1/3 cup milk

1 egg yolk

Filling:

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Dough:

In a small bowl dissolve yeast in the warm water. In a large bowl mix the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mix until crumbly. Stir the milk and egg yolk into the disolved yeast. Add the yeast mix to the flour mix and stir until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and put into the fridge for 2 hours. Preheat you over to 375°. Punch down the dough and turn onto a floured surface. Cover dough and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll dough into a 18X10 inch rectangle.

Filling:

Spread the butter onto the rolled out dough. Mix the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter. Roll the dough up jelly roll style, starting with a long side. Pinch the seam to seal the dough after you have rolled it up. Cut into approximately 24 slices that are 3/4 inches thick. Cover the slices with plastic wrap until you are ready to work with each slice.

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture on a sheet of waxed paper, top with a slice of dough, and top with another 1/2 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar. Press or roll the dough into a 4 inch circle.

Baking:

Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet that is coated in cooking spray. Bake 7-9 minutes or until golden brown. Cool onto wire racks.

Thank you so much for reading : ) If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe by entering your email into the subscription box on the right side of this screen! I hope that you have a fabulous weekend! XO

EASY DIY SUMMER WREATH THAT ANYONE CAN DO!!!

June 4, 2014 & 4 Comments

Hi there! Happy Wednesday!

A lot of people tell me that I’m “crafty” and I do enjoy lots of different types of crafting, but I didn’t really get into it until after graduating from college. I started because I loved looking at other peoples projects, and figured I could give it a shot too. I know that everybody has different interests and talents, but I think that the main thing for a lot of crafts is just DOING IT! So, today I want to show you a DIY for a summer wreath that I *promise* anyone can accomplish! And what makes it even better is that it only uses a few easy to find supplies, and only takes 30 or so minutes. If you enjoy this, please pin it to your Pinterest account by hovering over any of the pictures and clicking the pink “pin” button that will appear : )

Ready?! Let’s get started!

SUMMER WREATH DIY:

What you’ll need:

Styrofoam wreath form (NOTE: Avaliable at craft stores or the craft sections of big box stores)

Wreath hanger

Fake flowers (TIP: I got mine at a dollar store!)

Ribbon

Wire cutters

Glue gun or other strong glue of choice

Step 1:

Use the wire cutters to cut the flowers so that there is only 1/2 inch to 1 inch of stem left.

Step 2:

Stick the flowers into the wreath to cover the styrofoam.

Step 3:

Wrap the ribbon around the wreath hanger and glue down the ends.

Step 4:

Hang up your gorgeous wreath for everyone to admire : )

That. Is. It!

I hope that you enjoyed this easy DIY project! If flowers aren’t your thing, I also saw an ADORABLE wreath using cocktail umbreallas! Don’t forget to comment if you have any questions or comments! And as always, please subscribe! Thank you and have a wonderful rest of your week!!

« Previous Page