Easy Sunglasses Organization For In The Car

I was cleaning out my car the other day, and found all these gloves!  I was going to bring them in the house and put them away with the other winter things, but I also found multiple pairs of sunglasses that I could not bear the thought of them getting scratched!  And of course I don't use cases for them, they are too bulky.  So, I put two and two together, and now my sunnies have a handy dandy 'case' so they won't get scratched, and my gloves are getting year-round use!  Double win!   

Now the only problem is that I have 5 pairs of sunglasses in my car... I need to find them a home inside my home!

Where do you store your sunglasses??

xoxo

Lia

My Birchbox Obsession

Hiya lovelies!  Sorry I haven't posted in a few days, I've been busy with the new job and hanging out with the family.  I wanted to share my newest obsession with Birchbox with you all!  If you have not heard of them, I highly recommend you check them out!  For $10/month, you get 4-5 handpicked generously sized samples delivered to your door!  These are amazing products by amazing brands!  I've tried products from brands I otherwise would never have encountered and have fallen in love with some fantastic, can't-live-without products.  Here is what I received the last three months:

The Ahava bath salts are to die for, as is the foot cream.  You can't really see the spoolie brush that was an extra in the March box, but I use it daily now, and do not know how I lived before I had one.  I am thoroughly addicted to the Pangea Organics lip balm as well as the Cargo Lash Activator mascara, and use those daily and in the case of the lip balm, hourly!

In April's box, I fell head over heels in love with the Chamomile tea and will be ordering more as I only have one more sachet left!  The Weleda rose moisturizer is so perfect and keeps my skin perfectly hydrated all day long!  I have yet to try the facial scrub and the Zoya nail polish, but will be soon!!  Also, the perfume sample is to die for, such a fresh and springy scent!

And here is May's box.  I've already fallen head over heels in love with the Ahava Mineral Hand Cream and have used nearly the whole tube!  The Stila eyeshadow is a lovely dark brown, perfect for application in the crease and outer corners for a subtle smoky daytime eye.  The Bvlgari perfume is heavenly and I have worn that a few times as well!

What was in your Birchbox ladies?  Are there any products that you cannot live without now?

xoxoxo

Lia

I heart BaubleBar & Their Vault!!

Hello lovelies!!  In case you are not familiar with BaubleBar (high quality jewelry, affordable prices), they just unveiled a new customer loyalty program.  Create an account with them, and you will a FREE piece of jewelry (while supplies last!).  I got this white enamel bracelet - FREE!!  It's hinged on the side, and I love how it fits.  Most bangles are ridiculously huge on my wrist, and this is actually more fitted, not tight, but fitted. 

I've bought from BaubleBar in the past, and am very impressed with the quality of their pieces.  Plus, their customer service is amazing.  Every purchase includes a hand-written thank you note from the founders.  How chic and sweet!

If you haven't signed up yet, click here.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

xoxoxoxo

Lia



Outfit Monday - Boho Punchy + Mesa Mountain Hike

Hello my lovelies!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  I tell you, I am so out of shape, but I feel great!  I went for a 3 mile walk/run with the hubs (yes, we are reconciling sloooowwwwllllyyyyy!) on Saturday and then Sunday we took the kids on a 3.5 mile hike up Mesa Mountain (it's a hill, don't let the name fool ya!)  Here's a few pics....

Don't let this pic fool you, it was seriously like a 30 degree incline.  I thought I was going to DIE.  It was almost a mile of that.  But, the kids were doing it without complaining so I sucked it up...

Amazing views.  The snow line was at about 7000 feet, I think this "mountain" peaked at 6200 or so, it was pretty cool looking out at the snow line... 

The craziest thing was the terrain up there at the top.  It was a prairie!!  This is grass.  So cool right??

 

I love the colors of this moss. 

There were so many succulents growing.  I liked this guy.

About halfway across the top and the whole descent it was mud.  My boots each weighed like 10 pounds I swear.

The gentle descent :)

I love science.  So much.  I majored in Physics/Astrophysics/Math in college up through my junior year, and dropped the first two and wrapped up my last year with just Math.  Anyhow, I'm in awe of Geology and really want to learn more.  So when I saw this lava rock, I just stood and stared at it for a while, thinking about how areas and things are formed...how these mountains formed.  It's amazing sometimes.  Remember: admire nature, but leave it as you found it.  And never remove anything from its habitat!  Leave it there for everyone else to enjoy.  I love this rock.

And here's what I wore today :)

Slouchy thin pink tee - Old Navy (used my 50% off coupon Friday and got this for $8!!)

Bell bottom jeans - thrifted, mens Navy uniform dungarees!  (love these)

White purse - Target, years ago

Scarf - vintage, belonged to my mom

Espadrille wedges - Forever 21

White bracelet - BaubleBar, FREE!!!

Watch, Nixon, 8th anniversary gift :)

I have no makeup on, hence why my face seems to be dodging the camera :)

Happy Monday lovelies!

xxooxoxo

Lia

Dressing to Kind of Impress...

Today I had to go meet with my recruiter to sign my contract for the new job I'm starting next week.  Last night it hit me:  What do I wear???
Since it wasn't an interview per se, I quickly ruled out a suit.  Although I prefer to be overdressed than underdressed, it just was not appropriate for the situation I thought.  I felt even a typical work / business casual outfit was too much.  Again, I was just filling out paperwork.  So I decided upon a 'Casual Friday' type look, and since the weather went to hell here today, it was perfect!
I'm wearing:

• London Fog trenchcoat ($50/Burlington Coat Factory)
• Vintage Kate Spade Tote ($5/thrifted)
• DKNY skinnies ($15/TJ Maxx)
• Banana Republic Cheetah Print Pony Hair pumps ($30 on clearance!!!)

• Forever 21 Sweater ($10)
• Forever 21 Necklace ($4)

Yes, that is a framed picture of Tim Tebow, running for his first NFL touchdown as a Denver Bronco I have hanging up.  Good eye :)



I'd like to thank Isabella and JT for once again playing photographer!  They get to fill in a box everytime they help out/do a chore.  (It's a grid, they color in a box.  Each box is worth 25 cents.  It's like a bank, they can cash out when they've earned enough for what they want.  Works REALLY well!!)



DIY: M Z Wallace Inspired Striped and Sequined Canvas Tote

When I saw this M Z Wallace bag in the June People Style Watch, I died.  I wanted and *needed* it so badly.  But I knew that it was something I could easily DIY....

I got a large canvas tote at Joann's for $4 and 3 yards of 1.5 inch wide stretch sequin trim, at $5 a yard.  I had Liquid Stitch on hand, and the only other thing I needed was tape and scissors.  Before you cut the trim, wrap tape around the area to be cut first.  This helps hold everything in place.  I've never sewn sequins before, by hand or machine, and I did not want to ruin the trim so I decided to use Liquid Stitch instead, and it's worked perfectly!

I applied the Liquid Stitch in a zig zag fashion, since this is elastic and out of habit I felt it would allow for more 'give' this way.  I wrapped the trim around, making a band that went all the way around the bag.  Repeating this twice more and the bag was complete!  (Let it dry overnight!)

And here's the finished product!  I had only let it dry for a couple hours and didn't want to ruin it, so I didn't really open it up and put stuff in it to style it more like the M Z Wallace one.  But, for a fraction of the cost, I think my creation is pretty spot on! 

xxooxoxo

Lia

Outfit Monday ~ Easy Breezy Comfy Cute

Hi my lovelies!  I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!  I know I did!  These shorts and necklace
were my Mother's Day gift from the kids.  So sweet! 

And this outfit is seriously so comfy, I have worn it the past two days - Don't Judge Me.  

I got the tshirt at Walmart on clearance for $3, the watch at Big Lots for $5, and as mentioned, the Limited shorts and the turquoise necklace are gifts from the kiddos.   And you may recognize my Reef flip flops from my 5 Must Haves for Summertime guest post I did on The Average Girl's Guide.  I told you, once it warms up, I am *always* wearing them.

How great does my hair look??  After washing it on Saturday, I used my combo of 2 different leave-in conditioners and some Moroccan Oil, then put it up in a bun.  This is my third day hair and it looks so fantastic!  

I plan on posting an outfit (or a collage of outfits?) every Monday from now on!  Let me know what you all think.  I thought I needed to share this to showcase my so thoughtful (and practical!) Mother's Day gifts, as well as show my bumming around the house outfit. 
On a side note, it's been in the mid-80s here in Denver since Saturday, and this lovely CO weather is staying true to it's mantra - "If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes".  It's supposed to be in the 40s on Wednesday.  It's no wonder everyone gets sick (and sick and tired!) here! 

This is little man, JT showing off his missing toothed grin!  His two top front teeth *just* finished growing in.

And my princess Isabella.  I tore her away from her Nintendo DS to take this pic. 

Happy Monday, lovelies!  Oh!!! And speaking of Happy Mondays (which is usually a contradiction), I just accepted a job offer!  I start next Wednesday and am really excited to do some contract work in a different industry for a big name company.  I think it's a really good strategic move for my career, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds!  (for anyone who's interested, it's a Data Analyst position).

xxooxoxo
Lia

DIY: Shell Heart Ring

I've had this shell heart for a long time now, I think I got it when I was a kid.  I had the brilliant idea last night to make something with it, and I easily made a ring!  This project literally took about 30 seconds!

All you need: Ring blank, E-6000 glue, and a shell heart or whatever your heart desires :)

Apply a drop of glue to the ring blank and securely press the heart onto it.  Let dry overnight.

And then wear it!  This is an easy peasy and beautiful DIY, I hope you love it!

xxooxoxo
Lia

My Top 5 Must Haves For Summer - Practical and Affordable!

In case you missed it, I did a guest post over at The Average Girl's Guide on Thursday, after the lovely Alyson asked me to share my favorite 5 must haves.  With summer practically upon us, I didn't want to highlight things that we've all seen/heard/can't afford.  So instead, I thought about the things that I literally cannot live without in the summertime.  This is such an uber practical and affordable guide, you can buy everything for around $100 - or less!!!  Make sure you subscribe to The Average Girl's Guide as well, because there is can't miss, spot on information daily on there!

Head on over to see 5 Must Haves for Summertime From Smart n Snazzy!

Let me know what you all think!

xxooxoxo
Lia

Not So Extreme Couponing...But Good Enough For Me!

Happy Friday lovelies!  I am loving the weather we are having here in CO, it's finally in the 70s and it's supposed to be up around 80 the next 3 days.  YAY!  I just wish the pool in my complex would open!


As many of you know, I recently lost my job three weeks ago, and money has been EXTREMELY tight.  But I'm strong woman, and I don't let it get me down.  I find a way to work around it.  I'm sure you've all seen or at least heard of the new TLC show Extreme Couponing, where these maniacal savvy shoppers get $1000 worth of food/products they will never use in 4 lifetimes for like $20.  That's not so much me, as I'm too practical.  I only buy stuff I know will get used within the next few weeks, maybe 2 months max.  But, I love the concept behind what these people are doing.

By simply reading the sales circulars that the grocery stores are putting out, and comparing that to coupons you have on hand or ones that can be printed out on the internet, you can save a lot of money.  I buy the Sunday paper every week at the dollar store.  I invested about 2 hours this past week, and got $166.79 worth of groceries for $55.23 - a savings of $111.56 or 67%!  I matched up the sales with coupons and really did not buy anything that I didn't have coupons for.  Here's what I got:

King Soopers... You can see everything in the picture so I won't bother listing it all lol.  Not pictured: 1 toothbrush, toothpaste, cheese, 2 pouches of dishwasher detergent tabs.

Safeway...Not pictured: 1 apple :)

I really don't think I did too bad.  Notice I didn't buy any meat, I stocked up a while back while it was on sale and have too much in my freezer! 

What do y'all think?  Do you use coupons when you shop?  Are you willing to put in a few hours of your time in order to save money at the grocery store, or is it a waste of time?

xxooxoxo
Lia

New Beginnings for Smart n Snazzy

That's right, I did it!  I hope you followed the whole series, if not, here's the links for every post:

Day 30 ~ Cobra Stitch Neon Bracelet
Day 29 ~ Satin Striped Canvas Bag
Day 28 ~ Upcycled Butter Container Planters
Day 27 ~ Woven Bangles
Day 26 ~ Upcycled Portable Chalkboards
Day 25 ~ Portable Reusable Upcycled Tic Tac Toe
Day 24 ~ Chanel Inspired Chain Fringe Tassel Earrings
Day 23 ~ Bubble Tiled Mirror
Day 22 ~ Our Easter Tree!!
Day 21 ~ Tropical Shells!
Day 20 ~ Whimsical Wire Flowers
Day 19 ~ Frame Your Tiffany's Bag
Day 18 ~ Anthropologie Swathed Hoops Inspired Earrings
Day 17 ~ Springy Punchy Flowery Placemats
Day 16 ~ Beachy Glass Wall Art
Day 15 ~ Impact Wall Decor
Day 14 ~ Pom Pom n Shell Necklaces
Day 13 ~ Satin Ring Tray
Day 12 ~ DIY Neon Feather Earrings
Day 11 ~ Upcycled Washer Charm Bracelet
Day 10 ~ Studded Knit Belt
Day 9 ~ Kate Spade Hello Sunshine Inspired Neon Trim Straw Tote
Day 8 ~ DIY Peacock Feather Earrings
Day 7 ~ Fun n Funky Statement Necklaces
Day 6 ` Anthropologie Acrobatics Inspired Necklace
Day 5 ~ Upcycled Bright Oversized Geometric Earrings
Day 4 ~ Pop of Spring Neck Warmer
Day 3 ~ Fringe Bracelet, Necklace & Earrings
Day 2 ~ Safety Pins n Chains
Day 1 ~ Indoor "Garden" That Will Not Die!

Craziness, right??  I'm so proud of myself for doing this.  It's amazing what a bit of motivation and determination can do!  It's really changed the way I think about things, and how I'd rather reuse things for another purpose and make something my own rather than buy it. 

That said, I still love fashion, I love the inspiration I get from trends, and I love making a statement about myself with my style.  So, I'm going to start posting about a lot more than just DIYs!! (But I still will be doing DIYs)   I haven't quite come up with a posting schedule yet, but I plan to soon!  Also, I will be doing monthly giveaways too, first one will be announced once I reach 100 GFC followers!

Is there anything special you'd love to see on Smart n Snazzy?  Let me know!!

xxooxoxo
Lia

30 Days of DIY: Day 30 ~ Cobra Stitch Neon Rope Bracelet

Taking it back to summer camp, only chic-er!  I've been meaning to make a bunch of these and finally made one tonight.  I used some rope I bought at Home Depot, but I've also bought some jump ropes at the dollar store to use as well!

You will need rope, scissors, lighter, clasp, jump ring(s).

I ended up using about 7 feet of rope (1 foot per inch in circumference of your wrist).  Attach the clasp by folding the rope in half and looping it through.  Add about an inch to the circumference of your wrist and then attach the jump ring the clasp will attach to there.  Now, begin your cobra knots!  Keep going until you reach your jump ring that marks the end.  When you are done, cut the excess rope and use your lighter to singe the ends.  Let cool for a few seconds, and then press into the woven bracelet - it will 'melt' in. 

There it is!  I plan on making a bunch of different colors and stacking them.  I think they will look super cute with a tank an shorts this summer, what do you think?

I've really loved doing this 30 Days of DIY posts, and it's definitely challenged me.  Although a little late, I was able to wrap it all up, and I am so proud I did!  I'm working on some BIG changes for the blog, stay tuned, I'll be announcing it all tomorrow!  Thanks so much for following my DIYs!

xxooxoxo
Lia

30 Days of DIY: Day 29 ~ Satin Striped Canvas Bag

For $4, I have a cute new striped tote for spring!  I used a satin ribbon belt with a flower attached, and a tote from Joann's for $4, along with some Liquid Stitch, and I have an awesome tote!  I've been wanting to try out Liquid Stitch for a while now, and I'm really pleased with the results. 

My supplies.  I first detached the flower from the belt.

And laid out the ribbon.  One side of it was a matte finish and one side had a shiny finish.  I decided to do two stripes matte and one shiny.  I put the glue on the ribbon, and pressed it firmly down.  When I went all the way around, I snipped the excess and put extra Liquid Stitch on the end.

Almost halfway done!  

I really like the noticeable difference in the matte/shiny stripes.  I also glued the flower below one handle, I thought it made the perfect finishing touch.  This took about 10 minutes, plus the recommended 24 hours to dry thoroughly, and is so rad!  What do you think my ladies?

xxooxoxo

Lia