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January 2016

    Fashion

    Fashion to boot Words & Wine Down Wednesday

    Wine Down Wednesday

    Yes!!!!! It’s that time again! You know what I’m talking about, ladies … Wine Down Wednesday! What’s not to LOVE about opening a bottle of Cabernet once a week? I am so pumped about this post! Today’s ‘Words & Wine Down Wednesday’ blog post ‘may’ be the FIRST in a weekly series. I will be looking for a little feedback from you. So if you like it (or don’t), comment below. The purpose is for a little sharing time, a ‘wine’ down time to just chit-chat, talk, complain, whine, lift-up …  whatever. Whatever is inspiring me, ailing me, or PMS-ing me. A time to vent, if needed. A time to seek answers, maybe. Just some good ole-fashion ‘girl-time’. Fella’s, if you’re reading this, sorry. Consider it to be a way of just understanding the mind of a woman, all the tabs we keep open, the 30,000 more words a day we say than you, and why we might cry if you look at us the wrong way. Use this as a tool, perhaps. So grab your glass and lets get this chit-chat session going ….

    Wine Down Wednesday

    So the kids are back in school…can I get an ‘Amen’? The laundry AGAIN has piled up, there are no groceries in the fridge, unless (of course) you’re looking for ingredients to make Detox Broth. The girl’s tub upstairs is nothing but a ring of minuscule hair shavings & ginger from taking one too many of these Detox Baths. Seriously!!! So how are you ringing in the new year? Hopefully with more than a ring of hair and ginger. {insert sip} Meanwhile, we’re all over here detoxing because I’m NOW a blogger and my family are my guinea-pigs. Oh the struggles! You should see what my husband looks like cramped up in the kids tub soaking in ginger and lavender. Wait … no, don’t go there … please … you don’t need that visual. {Take gulp here }

    Wine Down Wednesday

    January is one tough month around our household. Insurance bills are due, College-tuition money is due, my husband’s birthday is this month and he has all FIVE cars in his name ….so we’re shelling out dough for registration tabs. You catch me. The decorations need to come down, the weight is up, pants are tight, and we’re all sore from finally moving our bodies with a little workout. Who’s ready for a loaf of bread by now? Or some cheese, or better yet … a Cheese Board???  {insert sip} {take another one for good measure}

    Wine-Down Wednesday

    We’re gonna get through it , though. We’re gonna stay positive. Did I mention I have been plugging away at the family calendar? You know the one I showed on Snapchat? Oh the color coding system is coming along nicely. It looks like my great-nephews, Bentley and Blaine, were over having a field day with the Sharpies. All I need is a few Valentine stickers …oh wait, Superbowl is before Valentines Day. I can’t keep these holidays straight, anymore … Super Bowl, The Masters, The World Cup …I think even March is a Holiday in itself…. something like March Madness! MADNESS only in March? Try having five kids and one husband!! I have madness all year long! Speaking of Super Bowl, what the heck … no Tom Brady this year? OK, OK, I’m still part of the Peyton Manning fan-club … we’re all good. #Omaha {sip time}

    Well anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, the laundry. I better call it quits for this weeks, Wine Down Wednesday. It’s time to kick it in high gear and get something done besides sipping Chardonnay …I mean Cabernet! {have another one,Trac}.

    Wine Down Wednesday

    Oh, I almost forgot … the wine!!! Here’s the wine of the night ~ excuse my lipstick on it … which by the way EVERYONE has been asking me about. It’s Mac ‘Up The Amp’ and the liner is Mac in Magenta. OK, on to the wine!

    Wine Down Wednesday

    I received this bottle of Apothic Dark Red Blend for a Christmas gift. I don’t generally purchase a blend, so when I receive one, it’s a nice change. This particular wine integrates blueberry and blackberry, with notes of coffee and dark chocolate. It’s rich and smooth. It’s also a very affordable wine. If you like your red blends, you may want to give this one a try. If I were giving this a star rating, I would say it’s a 6 out of 10. But you know when it comes to Red, I’m a Cab girl. Speaking of Cab, check out this adorable phone case that I received as a gag gift for Christmas. Perfect for a ‘Wine Down Wednesday’!!!

    I hope you enjoyed this ‘Words & Wine Down Wednesday’ post. Feel free to share, and I look forward to next weeks ‘wine’ down.

    H & M Striped Sleeveless Turtleneck: similar here | Lipstick: Mac Up The Amp | Lipliner: Mac Lip Pencil (Magenta) | Phone Case Cabernet Phone Case

    Disclaimer: Beverages containing alcohol are often associated with sharing, pleasure, unwinding and socializing. However, there are times when drinking at all, or too much can be risky to you or to others. This blog post is for light-hearted, sharing ONLY! If you are over the age of 21, and choose to drink, please drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive.

     
    xoTracy

    Beauty

    What’s in My Shower {Body}

    What's in My Shower

    Anyone who knows me is well aware I can be quite the product junkie. I say that, however, I am a far cry from a samples hoarder. I find excessive amounts of anything to be quite overwhelming. Now I know what you’re thinking, too many shoes, Tracy? Handbags? Now come on! Ok, ok .. there comes a time when we have to be flexible and make exceptions. When it comes to what’s in my shower, I pretty much have narrowed down my product loves. I rarely re-purchase anything new because when it comes to my shower routine, the products I currently use serve every purpose … performance, smell, lasting power, and pretty packaging. Pretty packaging? I know, girly-issues!

    What's in My Shower

    As I contemplated how much of what’s in my Shower to share in one post, I decided it would be easier to keep it broken down into categories. This couldn’t possibly be due to the fact that I have such an arsenal of products, could it?  My husband and I have four corner shelves in our shower (two in the front and two in the back) … to which three shelves are devoted to me. This was all strategic on my part, but my husband had no idea when we built our house. I explained to him that he could take the two in the front corner and I would kindly just take the two in the back … of course, making it more convenient for him.  Let’s be real, what all does a man need in the shower anyway, but a couple items from the dollar store? His Suave 2-in-1 shampoo and Lever 2000 fit perfectly on one little shelf.

    What's in My Shower

    L’Occitane Delicious Hand Soap – I’m sure it’s no surprise to see some L’Occitane products in my shower. I’ve talked about this ‘Almond’ line from L’Occitane numerous times on my social media sites. I LOVE the L’Occitane Delicious Hand Soap. Speaking of hands … it is hands-down, my go-to and ONLY bar soap I faithfully use. This soap gives a gentle exfoliation and has a wonderful scent. I love the smaller size, the affordability, and the fact that it lasts just as long, if not longer, than a normal drugstore soap.  Affordable luxury at its finest! No Zest-fully clean for this girl, and I’ll leave the 2000 parts (Lever) for the hubby.

    L’Occitane Shower Oil – This Almond Oil enriched Shower Oil by L’Occitane will transform your shower experience. When it comes to shaving those beautiful gams, nothing can top it. When the oil comes in contact with water, it transforms into a delicate foam. This Shower Oil leaves your skin super soft & leaves you smelling AMAZING! If your running late in the morning, this product is all you need. You can skip the body lotion and mist of perfume, and you’ll still leave the house feeling and smelling Divine. Also sold at Sephora

    What's in My Shower

    You know a product is tried and true when the person writing the blog post has extras waiting in the wings. I cannot be without these LOVES!

    What's in My Shower

    Tree Hut Detoxifying Mediterranean Salt Scrub { Fig & Olive } – If you’re in need of a good shower scrub down, this Tree Hut Detoxifying Mediterranean Salt Scrub is AMAZING! It smells INCREDIBLE, and leaves your skin super soft. I use a body scrub once or twice a week. If I’m self-tanning, I always make sure to do a good exfoliate prior to my self-tanning application. This one does the job.

    What's in My Shower

    Fresh Hesperides Grapefruit Bath & Shower Gel – Let me just start out by saying that this product is part of Oprah’s Favorite Things 2015‘. So if Oprah says it’s good, who needs me? The product description for the Fresh ‘Hesperides Grapefruit’ Bath & Shower Gel says, “An invigorating formula enhanced with nourishing Shea butter that revitalizes and gently cleanses the skin.” This product deserves so much more love (and marketing) than what the brand ‘Fresh’ is giving it. The citrus scent in this product is the perfect morning wake-up call. Depending on my day, sometimes I shower in the morning and sometimes evening. When showering in the morning, you better believe I am lathering this baby on my loofah. The scent truly gives you that positive, energetic, conquer-the-day feeling. Also sold at Sephora

    What's in My Shower

    If you’re wondering what razor I use, it’s actually a mens. How I came upon my love for this men’s razor was quite by accident. While showering one morning, I dropped and broke my ‘Venus’ razor. Dripping wet, I snuck out and searched my husband’s toiletry case for his razor. I jumped back into the shower, shaved my legs, and fell in love with a new razor. I didn’t buy myself one for about five days. So every morning like clockwork I would sneak and use his, dry it off and put it back ever so perfectly in his case ….  he never knew, and never will. And so the story goes of my love of the Gillette Mach 3 men’s razor.

    So that’s what I am currently using in my shower. What body products are you using right now? Also, let me know if you would like to see what hair products I use in the shower.

    Body Soap: L’Occitane Delicious Hand Soap | Shower Oil: L’Occitane Shower Oil, refill here  also sold at Sephora | Body Scrub: Tree Hut Detoxifying Mediterranean Salt Scrub Fig & Olive | Bath & Shower Gel: Fresh’HesperidesGrapefruit’ Bath & Shower Gel  also sold at Sephora| Loofah:  Body Scrubber  Razor:  Gillette Mach 3 + Refills 
    xoTracy

    Fashion

    Hunter Boots – Michigan Weather {Baby, it's Cold Outside}

     


     

    Hunter Boots

    Living in Michigan, one can never have too many Boots! I LOVE these Hunter Boots my husband surprised me with at Christmas. I’m sure a ‘tip-off’ took place from one or two of the daughters, so I made sure to discreetly thank them. I’ve always had a desire to own a pair of the classic, matte black Hunter Boots. In my opinion, they are a wardrobe staple every woman should own in her closet. If your conditions are anything like Michigan weather, the boots certainly would get their wear and tear. But why not be rugged and stylish at the same time?

    Hunter Boots

    The boot socks, which I picked up from Target this past fall, are perfect to wear with these red beauties. I don’t own any, but I LOVE the Hunter boot inserts that pair with the boots. I believe they may even have the ‘Hunter’ logo displayed on them. Hmmm …maybe I’ll be surprised next year ….  hint-hint, girls.

    Hunter Boots

    Hunter Boots

    One of my daughters received this adorable fur-lined, military green coat for Christmas. It came from the store, Charlotte Russe. The beauty of having a bunch of girls living in the house …. outfit options are limitless. I love a coat that cinches at the waist. This one was perfect to complement my winter weather look.

    Hunter Boots

    I actually did receive the matte black Hunter Boots that I had wished for … strike another one for the hubs (or girls). You can be sure I’ll happily share those in a future blog post.

    Hunter Boots

    I certainly was shocked, however, when I unwrapped these Red Hunter’s Christmas morning. I love a nice surprise and a little wild card thrown in doesn’t hurt. Good job girls (ok, hubby)!!!

     

    Hunter Boots

    What is your favorite color of Hunter Boots? Leave a comment below, sharing what unexpected gifts you received this Christmas!

    Hunter Rain Boots

    Happy Winter!!!

    Boots: Original High Gloss Hunter Boot and Original Tall Hunter Rain Boot | Parka: Charlotte Russe, if sold out similar here at 50% off | Sweater:  {old} similar clearanced here | Socks: – Target or Hunter Socks (mentioned) here and hereJeans: TJMaxx {old} | Lipstick: Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 01

     
    xoTracy