Outfit: Cheetah Print

Nothing like a little cheetah print to lighten your day. Just got this sweater as an early birthday gift and I jumped at the chance to feature it in a blog post. Being that I live in central Texas my sweater collection is quite sparse, so this was a perfect addition to my wardrobe. Cheetah print is always a great way to add a little pattern to an outfit but still acts as a neutral. You can easily add a pop of color to the look to make it more interesting. I kept it real simple by adding a scarf and my much loved black boots and black Stella & Dot tote. Now all I hope for is that the colder weather would stick around for a while.

::Outfit Details::
Sweater: Target (exact,long cardigan)
Jeans:Target (similar) (dark wash without the rips)
Boots: old (another option) (similar)
Purse: Stella & Dot (same)
Scarf: old (similar option)

 

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Booties & Boots for any Budget

It’s no secret I am a sucker for a good boot. Once the weather cools down I tend to live in mostly boots or booties for the rest of year. So for all the boot lovers out there, like myself, I put together a little guide featuring some great boot & bootie options that fit anybody’s budget. I know for me I love finding a really good deal so I tend to always shop sales, but on occasion it is fun to splurge on something that you know is made well and will last you a long time. So everything pictured above is linked below so you can check them out.

Under $50
1. Cognac Knee High Boots
2. Fringe Booties
3. Hunter Green Booties
4. Over the Knee Black Boots
5. Taupe Booties
6. Grey Textured Ankle Bootie

Under $100
1.Cheetah Lace up Boots (come in 3 different colors)
2. Velvet Bootie
3. Black Chelsea Boots
4. Studded Red Zipper Riding Boots
5. Lace Charcoal Booties
6. Lucky Brand Booties

Splurge Worthy
1.Micheal Kors Black Boots
2.  Vince Camuto Split Bootie– Comes it 3 Colors!!
3. Cheetah Bootie
4. Lucky Brand Riding Boots
5. Rose Embroidered Bootie
6. Hunter Green Block Heel Bootie

Let me know which one is your favorite or what your favorite accessory is for fall. I personally have my eye on the tan lace up boots with cheetah. 😉

As always thank you for stopping by and checking out my little corner of the internet.

X0X0

Caitlin Mitchell2 Comments

Halloween Brownies

Happy Halloween!!

I hope everyone is having a fun and safe holiday. Personally, Halloween is my all time favorite holiday and I can’t wait to take my little one trick or treating in her little costume. This will be her third Halloween and for the past two years I have made her costume but this year we switched it up. She is dressing up as her favorite animal which is a black kitty cat or in her words a black “titty tat.” lol  She has been wearing her cat costume pretty much everyday day for the past month, so it’s safe to say she is ready for Halloween. 🙂

So for today’s Halloween post I wanted to pop in and do a fun treat for the holiday. They are Halloween brownies that are super simple to make, delicious, and something your kiddos will have fun making as well.

This is also a great way to use up any left over candy. 🙂

::What you need::

  • 1 box of Brownie Mix
  • Candy of your choice: I used M&M’s, marsh mellows, mini Kit Kat’s, and candy corn

Follow directions on the box to make your regular brownies and then go ahead and pop them in the oven. Once they are done, take them out while they are still hot and distribute your candy all on top. This lets them melt just enough into the brownies so the candy stays in place.

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Outfit: Finally Boot Weather

I’m kicking out the start of a brand new week with a casual outfit of the day. Casual and comfortable I might add. I bought this navy jacket almost a month ago and I am just now getting around to wearing it. It’s finally cooling down here in central Texas, so I am ready to bust out my fall/winter wardrobe that’s been hiding in the back of my closet.

So for this look I paired this jacket with my favorite pair of ripped skinny jeans, a white tee, and some comfy grey boots. Keeping things neutral, I added silver jewelry to go with the cool tones in this outfit. I have to say I am completely obsessed with this jacket. It fits well, it’s flattering, and it’s light weight. I can tell I’ll be wearing this one a lot this season. 😉 To shop this look, check out the links below.

::Outfit Details::

Navy Jacket: Target Exact
White Tee: Same
Jeans:Target (old)—> Similar pair
Boots:Target (old) (Similar / Another Option)
Necklace: Stella & Dot Exact
Earrings: Stella & Dot (out of stock but here is a similar pair)
Bracelet: Kendra Scott (same here)

Caitlin Mitchell2 Comments

Affordable Fall Decor Ideas

Happy Monday!!

Instead of a Mommy post today, I was in a festive mood and wanted to do something a little different. Since it’s finally starting to feel like fall around here in central Texas (well sorta..) I wanted to do a decorating post, centered all around my favorite time of year. When it comes to Autumn, I think it takes the cake for being most peoples favorite season. From the pumpkin spiced flavored foods, the changing of the leaves, the cute clothes, the cooler weather, and all the fun activities surrounding Halloween, it’s always a fun time. For me decorating my home makes it feel even more festive this time of year. So I put together a few simple items to add to your fall decorations that stick to a similar theme that are all very affordable.

I have always been someone that loves to decorate and any excuse to switch things up in my house, I jump at the chance. The only problem is decorating can get outrageously expensive so finding affordable pieces that last is key. So all items above are linked below and are all under $29.99. So for all my frugal friends out there this is for you.

This decorating collage is also serving as my own inspirational board for my home. I love the rustic/farmhouse theme and I love that all these pieces are great for even after Halloween.

To shop all items check out the links below. 🙂

1.”Give Thanks” Wooden Sign

2. “In all Things Give Thanks” Wall Decor

3. Outside Harvest Sign

4. Light up Pumpkin

5. Metallic Pumpkin Candle

6. “Life is Sweet” Candle

7. 2 Tiered Metal Tray

8. Soap and Lotion Combo

9. Wood Harvest Crate

10. Pumpkin Pillow

Thanks for stopping by!!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

FREE printable for Toddlers- “All About ME”

Happy Tuesday!!

Today’s post is going to be a short one, but one I have been wanting to do for some time now. It is a free printable worksheet all about your toddler. Did I mention it’s FREE! 🙂

I am a complete hoarder, when it comes to my daughter. I keep all her pictures, her drawings, I love to save it all!  They grow so fast, so everything little thing becomes so special. I think the toddler phase, might be my favorite stage so far. They have no filter, they’re dramatic, and they are so cute all at the same time. So I wanted to make something I could have to document everything about about this age. From favorite foods, to all the funny things they say. So I made this printable, for all the mommy’s out there to have as a keepsake. It has everything to really capture your kiddo from all the things they love, funny things they say, to even a place to put their hand prints. I think it’s something that will be really fun to look back on one day and have a laugh.

I got his ideas from back when I taught kindergarten. I loved doing these types of worksheets with my students, so I wanted to make one that was more appropriate for a two year old. I love that I can add this to her scrapbook or even laminate it and give them as gifts for the grandparents. 🙂

 

Hope you enjoyed!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

How I Cleared up my Skin

Lets talk about skin care. Today’s beauty post is all about my skin care routine that I have been doing for a little over a year now. I wanted to share what has helped clear up my skin and has truly been a life changing discovery for me. I have had serious skin issues my entire life, and finding a system that works has been such a relief. I have tried so many different things out there, from proactive, to over the counter washes, to prescription medications, to even Accutane. The list goes on and on and nothing has ever worked in the past. Even after those awkward years I still suffered from acne all the way through my 20’s. After having my daughter it become way worse. I felt like nothing I was trying was helping or making any kind of difference. So after awhile, I honestly gave up on trying to have clear skin. It wasn’t until I went and had a facial done where I asked a ton of questions and gained so much information about my own skin, that I found out what works for me.

When I had my facial done, she asked me “So what kind of skin type are you?” This is a question I have wondered for myself for my entire life. You only have three choices, oily, combination, or dry. I have never really known my type of skin because my skin is so unpredictable. I’d like to say I have the WTF skin type. Where one day I have a dry spot, or cystic acne in another, or even a random allergic reaction, I never know.  So when she took a look my skin she noticed I was combination, where I was dry in some places and oily in others. She first recommended changing my diet. She told me to try cutting out either diary, or gluten, or artificial sweeteners. I was at a point where I was willing to try anything, so first I tried cutting out dairy, nothing happened. Then I tried cutting out gluten, there were no changes. Then I finally cut out artificial  sweeteners and after 4 days, I noticed a difference. My cystic acne went away, my face was less oily, and much more manageable. So with that I started to use different washes and different moisturizers to really figure out what my skin needed. I finally figured it out and wanted to share with you guys, just in case your having similar issues and where looking for something else to try. So here is my step by step skin care routine that I do morning and night to keep my skin under control.

*Disclaimer*- Even though it’s all Clinique products these are not affiliated links or a sponsored post. These are truly what I use and what works for me. 🙂

Step 1:

Clinique Liquid Facial Wash for Oily Skin

When it comes to Clinique it’s no secret that they have great skin care products as well as makeup. But choosing the right facial wash was a challenge. I tried a couple of their acne washes they have from the foam wash to the gel cleanser but they didn’t cleanse my skin completely and ended up stripping my skin of all it’s moisture. Sometimes when you are putting too much drying ingredients into your skin, your skin then makes more oil, which then breaks you out. So I tried their facial wash for oily skin and it’s the perfect balance for fighting off oil but not completely stripping your skin. So after I remove my make up I wash my face with this facial wash soap. It lathers really well, and feels very refreshing.

Step 2:

Clinique Acne Solution Clarifying Lotion

My facialist, told me to try a clarifying lotion that is a liquid. Which my first reaction was, a lotion can be a liquid? But yes, this is what I call the “difference maker.” After washing my face, I use just a little bit of this on a cotton ball to wipe down my skin. It takes off anything that the face wash didn’t take off and has acne fighting ingredients in it.

Step 3:

Clinique Moisturizing Gel

After the clarifying lotion dries I put on moisturizer. This is the dramatically different moisturizing gel. For all the oily skin girls out there, you still need to moisturize. So many moisturizers out there are very thick and can add more oil back into the skin. When you use a gel moistuzer, it still hydrates your skin without adding any extra oil.

Step 4:

Clinique Acne Spot Treatment

I feel like there are so many great acne spot treatments out there now a days. I have tried many, but this one I go back to every time. I only use this when I need it. It’s great for combating those terrible cystic acne spots and to even those pesky smaller pimples. I don’t use a lot of this but when I do I use it after the first 3 steps either before I put on makeup or at night before I go to bed.

 

There you have it!! My full day and night skin care routine. If you are struggling with acne or skin issues, I hope you will give these a try. They have made such a difference for me, I wish I found these products sooner. Let me know if you have tried any of these or let me know what your favorite skin product is. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Outfit: Army Green + Floral Print

Happy Tuesday!! This has been one crazy week so far and it’s only Tuesday!! Right now everyone is sick in our household and we are trying to get back to normal from this crazy weekend. Still in shock over the devastation from Hurricane Harvey, and sending out many prayers for all those effected. I’m putting in a link here for the Red Cross if you are interested in donating to help those who were effected. Here were we live, all we had was rain, wind, and more rain for two straight days. So thankful that’s all we had. I’m happy that it’s over and appreciating all this sunshine we are having. 🙂

Switching to a lighter topic….today’s post, which is an outfit of the day. It’s super simple that I ended up putting together last minute and ended up loving the mix of army green with the floral print. This darker green color has been my favorite color to wear lately. If I go out shopping I seem to gravitate toward that color. It’s just one of those perfect neutrals that I think pair great with soft patterns or even lighter pink shades.

I added a simple jean jacket to give this outfit some structure but still making this look real casual. I’m obsessed with this denim jacket from target, it’s a dark wash that’s stretchy and so easy to throw on over anything. As in my last outfit post I’m wearing the same taupe booties from Lucky Brand that I can’t enough of. They’re comfy, not to high of a heel, and match everything. I don’t normally splurge on a lot of things but once in a while finding a good pair of shoes are worth the money. 🙂

Details of this look are all listed below with some similar floral tanks tops, ranging from $7.49 to $35.00. All affordable and great for  layering in the summer and transitioning into the fall season.

::Outfit Details::

Jean Jacket: Target (exact)

Tank Top: old (similar option)

 Army Green Skinny’s: old (very similar pair)

Booties: Lucky Brand (exact) (similar option)

Bracelet: Stella & Dot (same)

Earrings: Stella & Dot (same)

Necklace: Kendra Scott (exact)

 

Shop Links Below

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Thanks for stopping by!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

Mommy Monday: Potty Training Tips

Today’s post is all about potty training. It’s not the most glamorous of topics but it’s a real topic I think most mama’s out there will appreciate. Potty training can be very stressful for us parents, especially in the beginning, I know it was for me. It can get hard too, when there are so many posts out there showing you how to potty train your kid in 3 days, or 1 day, or even 1 hour!! What!?! That’s great if that’s works for your kiddo but for mine, it was a little more of a process.  So I thought I’d share a few helpful tips that worked for my little one that are realistic and still work.

So quick disclaimer, I am not some sort of a potty training expert,  I have only potty trained one kid. I’m just one mom passing along some helpful mommy advice.

 

(cheers)

 

1. Start when they are ready!

This might be the most important tip for potty training. If there not ready, don’t force it on them. Every kid is different and will learn when they’re ready. I thought Maddie was ready very early on, and so I tried right away, and it only ended in frustration. Don’t let it become something they dislike. You’ll know when they’re ready to learn.

2. NO MORE DIAPERS

One key thing that helps, in the beginning, is to get rid of all the diapers. Let your kiddo go without diapers for a couple of days around the house. Plan out a time where you can stay home, if you can, working on going to the potty every few minutes. It is a bit of an adjustment not to have that comfort of wearing a diaper, but it teaches them real fast not to depend on one anymore.

 3.Monitor drinks

My kid can drink!! So monitoring her drinks defiantly helped, especially in public places. If she had one cup of water, I would wait until she went potty to give her another drink. This helped so much with her getting used to understanding when she needed to go.

4.Set a timer

When your in the beginning stages, I found it is helpful to set a timer to remind your child when to go. Even if he/she doesn’t need to go, it’s a great way to get them used to thinking about it. I would set the timer 15 to 20 minutes after she would have a drink. This really helped, and it let me better understand her “potty” schedule.

5. Rewards: stickers/M&M’s/progress chart/potty dance.

What ever reward works for your toddler, DO IT!! Rewards and incentives are so important when it comes to teaching anyone anything, toddlers included. Celebrate every time they go, make a big deal about it. They learn real quick whats expected of them and they find it gratifying. In our home we used M&M’s as the reward, which were advised by our dentist. They’re a small treat, and not gummy, so they won’t stick to their teeth.

6. Fun underwear.

This is simple but true. Having fun underwear with all types of characters on them makes transitioning out of diapers a little more fun. It’s something they can get excited about, and feel like a big kid. 🙂

7. Introduce, Demonstrate, Have them try.

If you want them to succeed going potty like a big kid, you have to show them how. Show them how to use the potty and then let them have a try. Keep it simple.

8. Pull ups only for sleeping.

I feel like pull ups and I have a love/hate relationship. When Madeline was potty training, and I felt like being lazy or didn’t want her to have an accident in public, I would end up relying on pull ups. But in her mind that meant to just go in her pull up because that’s what they’re there for. So learn from my mistake, only use them when they are sleeping.

9. Get ready for accidents

It’s a messy job but somebody’s got to do it. When your potty training your toddler, there will be accidents, so get ready. Have paper towels, wipes, cleaning solution, and a change of clothes ready for when they do there business elsewhere. Even when they seem to have good days or even a perfect week with no accidents, they will have “off” days, that’s normal.

10. Potty before you leave the house.

I now feel like my mom, every time we leave the house, I now have to ask “Do you need to go potty?” Have them go before you leave the house, which seems obvious but it wasn’t for me in the beginning. This was a big help, especially out in public. Another tip, don’t give them drinks in the car, unless they absolutely need it. Having an accident in the car is never fun.

11. For the kids with “FOMO”

This is what my daughter had and still has. The “Fear of Missing Out.” So after she understood the whole going potty in the potty she got bored with it. She didn’t like the idea to stop what you are doing to use the restroom. Once she realized this, she reverted back to not going when she needed too. So my advice for any of those busy kiddo’s, who don’t like to stop to go, is to have a little activity to do while on the potty. Have them look at a book, sing songs, play with a couple of toys, give them stickers, anything to make going to the potty fun.

12. Don’t get discouraged.

Every kid is different and will learn at their own pace. Don’t expect it to happen over night. It sometimes seems in potty training, that they will go two steps forward and three steps back. Don’t get discouraged, it takes time. If it takes longer than you expected, that’s OK. Just stick with it, it will happen. 🙂

 

 I hope some of these tips where helpful. Stay tuned for more “mommy” topics every Monday.

As always thanks for stopping by!!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment

IT Cosmetics CC Cream Review

Happy Friday friends, I am starting a new theme on my blog, where all my Friday posts will be all things beauty related. 🙂 I am full on makeup lover or product junkie, if you will, and I love trying out all new things. When I find something that I really love using, I have to share it. Which brings me to today’s post, it is a review all about the IT Cosmetics CC cream ” your skin but better” foundation. When I went into Ulta the other day I was actually going to try a completely different foundation but ended up leaving with this one. I am someone who likes to look up reviews before I spend my money on anything, so I can have an idea of what I’m getting myself into. This product I actually bought blindly, not knowing anything about it, which I rarely do. I was very surprised how much I ended up liking this.  I have used this foundation for almost a month now, so I feel like I can give a real and honest review about this product.

To give you a brief skin history of myself I have very oily/combination + sensitive skin, so the SPF 50 was something I was initially worried about. I was very excited that no breakouts occurred (or allergic reactions I might add) and my skin actually feels better than ever. This is defiantly a product I can see myself repurchasing over and over.

Consistency: It is very creamy feeling but not runny. It blends into the skin really easily and doesn’t look cakey. One pump of this is all you really need. A little goes a long way.

Coverage: It says it’s full coverage but I would say it’s more medium to full. It defiantly covers a lot for a cc cream but if you do have acne or quite a bit of redness, you will have top it up with a little concealer, like I do. One of the best things I like about it, it does what the packaging says, it looks like your skin but better.

Best Way to Apply: In my opinion, the best way to apply is with a damp beauty blender or a dome shaped foundation brush. It goes on smooth and blends out real easily. It’s also very build able if you want even more coverage.

Shades: It comes it 7 different shades, which isn’t a lot, but I did end up finding my perfect match. There is also an illuminating version of this foundation as well. (It is a tad glittery, so watch out)

Smell: This product defiantly has a strong scent. I did not like it at first, but now I actually have grown to like the smell. The only way I could think to describe it, is that it has a twang to it. So smell it first before you buy, just in case you don’t like the smell.

Pros:

  1. A little goes a long way
  2. Not cakey looking
  3. Works with oily skin
  4. Amazing Coverage
  5. Feels light on the skin
  6. It comes with a pump
  7. High SPF 50+

Cons:

  1. It has a “twangy” smell.
  2. Only a few shades to choose from.

Your Skin But Betterâ„¢ CC+â„¢ Cream with SPF 50+ Light Main Image

 

Buy it here

$38.00

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed my first ever makeup review. Let me know if you tried this foundation out, or if you have any suggestions for me to try. Let me know in the comments below.

Have a great weekend!!

Caitlin MitchellLeave a comment