PAGES

Monday's Obsessions

Monday, June 29, 2015
So I used to do this whole weekly thing called Monday's Obsessions where I shared some of my favorite things. It was a lot of fun but with two kids, it was time consuming; and I realized that if I wanted to stay consistent, there was no way I could do it weekly. It was one of those aha moments where I found out that blogging is actually a little bit of hard work. I wanted it to be interesting and fun to read and to do that, you need a lot of content. Now that it's been a little over a year since my last obsession post, I thought about bringing it all back, but this time having it a monthly type of thing. 

Usually how things go, I will share a picture or two that's personal to me along with a little update about us. Then I post links to things that I've been obsessing over. There's usually news articles, music, beauty products, clothes, recipes...the whole nine yards. I honestly really enjoyed sharing my favorite things because so many times I'm asked what I'm into and it was a perfect way to put it all out there! 

I am going to keep with tradition but I also want to add in some giveaways, because who doesn't love giveaways?! It may be big, or it may even be something simple but I know it'll be fun each time.


And here we go...

Loving high rise swim suit bottoms. This suit and this suit from Modcloth are both amazing, and they're on sale.

27 Silly, Sweet, and Strange Quotes From Kids.

Still obsessing over Rocksbox, especially now that I've got my second box from them. Ppsstt you can still try it for free with my code crystalroseexoxo

I love cooking kabobs in the summer and these salmon ones look to die for.

These brown Ecote Morgan Sandals definitely need to be in my life.

I practically live in my Tomgirl jeans. Who says it's wrong to have multiple pairs of the same jeans?

I think I'm going to test out and compare Bumble and Bumble's Surf Infusion and John Frieda's Sea Waves. Yes, that same John Frieda sea salt spray that we all used to use years ago, it's back! (And it's buy one get one half off at Ulta) I already use Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray but I'm interested in something with some oil in it.

25 Hilarious Amazon Movie Reviews

Drooling over all of these outdoor spaces. Our yard is in total need of a makeover.

Loving Anthropologie's cake standsthis apron, and BHLDN's tea rose lights.

If you don't laugh at at least half of these cake fails, something is wrong.

#LoveWins

Every summer, I bring back my obsession with lipstick. I have always been a fan of bright lips and my go-to for the longest time has been Candy Yum Yum by MAC or Dragon Girl by NARS. I look at it as if I'm going to do lipstick, might as well go bold. I have new favorites now though!! So, forget what you thought about Wet n Wild for a moment because their lipsticks are uh-maz-ing. I have a handful of them and they have outlasted my expensive brands and it's definitely love. My favorite colors so far are Nouveau PinkDollhouse Pink, and Red Velvet. A big group of my lady friends are also big fans so you have to try!

I'm totally obsessing over Holly Madison's book and all the juicy drama that's coming from it.

As overpriced as it all must be, I'm dying over every little piece from PRESERVE's home collection.

Last week I got a new iPhone 6 Plus so now I'm eyeing these Kate Spade cases. 6 Plus cases are hard to come by actually!

I need popsicle brownies.

Ready for the giveaway?
I'm giving one person a super fun, trendy falsa Mexican blanket from Six and Grand! (Sorry, but shipping is US only for the giveaway because these blankets are a little heavy) Six and Grand's style is simple: southwest modern + bohemian chic. Their products not only accentuate your home or office but also your lifestyle. Their products are handmade from around the world, the quality is amazing, and the prices are totally affordable. I own a couple of Six and Grand's blankets and they're totally awesome. Bright colors are perfect for summer and they're the best blankets to pack up in the car for a fun day picnicking, laying out at the playground, or even at the beach. Gah, I miss the beach. Anyways! The blankets are light enough for snuggling in the summer, and they're actually pretty soft. Much softer than the ones I remember back when I was younger and my mom had a million of them haha I want to buy all the blankets in all the bright, bold colors.

Rana Falsa Blanket
Colibri Falsa Blanket
All you have to do is head over to my Instagram (@crystalrosee) and follow the directions on the latest post. It's super easy and I'll announce the winner next Monday evening!

1 Year Sam's Club Plus Membership + $20 Gift Card + $20 Store Voucher for $45 (New Members Only)

Monday, June 22, 2015
Zulily offers a 1 year Sam's Club membership, $20 Sam's Club gift card, plus a $20 voucher (choose from party food or kids' clothes) on sale for $45 for new members only. 

Instant Savings Party offers include:
  • FREE 30-count custom cupcakes (Approximate retail price $14.58)
  • FREE 16'' Take 'n' Bake Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza (Approximate retail price $6.99-7.99)

Instant Savings Back to School offers include:
  • $10 off any name-brand kids' lightweight or heavyweight jacket (approximate retail price $11.98 - $29.98)
  • $10 off any name-brand kids' jeans (approximate retail price $12.98)


As a Sam's Club® Plus new member, you'll also receive:
  • $10 in Cash Rewards for every $500 in qualifying purchases, up to $500 annually
  • $120 in special members-only Instant Savings offers (Must redeem voucher by Aug. 31, 2015 to receive these offers. Offers are valid 30 days after voucher is redeemed to activate membership.)
  • More than $4,000 in additional Instant Savings offers, valid for a limited time between June 24 and July 19, 2015 (Must redeem voucher to activate membership by July 19, 2015 to receive these additional Instant Savings offers)
  • Early shopping hours, 7 am Monday - Saturday (hours may vary by club)


My husband actually bought this deal, so we will be activating it shortly. We went with the party deal, because those free 30 custom cupcakes will definitely come in handy around Braxton's birthday and who can say no to a huge pizza?! We have a membership to BJ's already so it'll be interesting to see where we'll do more shopping now. We buy paper towels, dish soap/pods, toilet paper, etc. in bulk which ends up saving us money in the long run. It's probably my best money saving tip for a family household on a limited budget. 

The More You Buy at Gap, The More You Save

Saturday, June 20, 2015
Ending today, Gap has one of my favorite sales happening. Buy 1+ items save 20%, buy 3+ items save 30%, and if you buy 5+ items you save 40% on your purchase using code MORE. I get the majority of Braxton's clothes from Gap because they're fun, well made, and the fit is perfect for how slim he is. 

Pocket tee: $9.58Graphic tank: $7.18Paint tee: $9.58Carpenter shorts: $14.38Denim shorts: $12.94Flat front shorts: $12.92

As usual, shipping is free with orders over $50 and Ebates is offering 4% cash back, so don't forget to use it! 

25% Off at Old Navy

I love Old Navy's toddler girls selection, and I love it even more when I can get it on sale. For a limited time, Old Navy is offering an additional 25% off sale items using code ENJOY. Exclusions include regular priced items, Everyday Steals, Hot Deals, and Today Only Deals. That's normal for all of Old Navy's sales though. 

Striped dress: $12.75, Straw hat: $12Chambray dress: $12.75Bird bikini: $12.37Embroidered dress: $14.62Pineapple bikini: $12Chambray top: $10.50

As usual, shipping is free with orders over $50 and Ebates is offering 2% cash back, so don't forget to use it!

Mossimo Maxi Skirts for $7.50 with Coupon + Cartwheel

Thursday, June 18, 2015
There is a Target Cartwheel Coupon available right now that will get you 50% off maxi skirts by Mossimo Supply Co. You can stack that cartwheel deal onto their promo of buy one get one 50% off! Don't forget if you use your Target REDcard you can get an additional 5% off.

Skirts are going for $19.99 each, total after BOGO is $29.99, total after 50% Cartwheel is $14.99, final price is $7.50 each!



The Cartwheel deal is good until the 20th so you only have a couple more days but the BOGO offer is good until July 4th. 

Smashbox's Friends and Family Sale

Right now Smashbox Cosmetics has a friends and family event that gives you 25% off your order of $50 or more using code SBXFRIENDS as well as free shipping and samples on all US orders. The code is good until the 20th of this month! 

I really love this primer, their baked fusion blush in Starblush, and the Be Legendary Lip Gloss in Pale Dusty Rose. 

Some goodies from Nordstrom for half off

Tuesday, June 16, 2015
I love Nordstrom for so many reasons. The reputation of great customer service, the brands, the free shipping and easy returns...the list goes on. Another reason why I love Nordstrom? Their sales. are. always. awesome. I wanted to pick out some of the best deals that I found that I know so many of you will love. 


Sam Edelman's Sienna bag, BP's faux leather cross body bag, and Sam Edelman's Bella woven backpack are the perfect bags, and they're all under $100. (ppsstt that cross body bag is under $15)


A great Kate Spade statement necklace that is to die for.

Kendra Scott drusy Arden cuffNaomi double ring, and the Kylie ring. I'm totally obsessed with drusy pieces.




floral headband for under $7 as well as a chic beaded headband are both perfect for the summer.
And while these may not be 50% off, I can't stop myself from sharing them because it's love...

Volcom 'New School' flip flop (I bought these myself)

To make it even better, right now Ebates is offering double cash back so you can get 6% back on your purchase!



Father's Day gifts (that aren't underwear)

Sunday, June 14, 2015
I have a problem with giving my husband his gifts too early and this year wasn't any different. I picked out this book ages ago around the same time The Simpsons was playing on FX 24 hours a day...which he made me watch with him until I told him I couldn't handle anymore. It's actually a really cool book and something I knew he would love! 


When we first started dating, I would make fun of Brian because he had a secret love for Weird Al music. If you knew my husband, you would make fun of him as well for it. As the years have passed, I actually forgot all about it up until a couple of weeks ago when he randomly said to me "I don't even want to admit this, because I know you'll make fun of me, but I really want to see Weird Al when he comes around next month." I instantly started looking for tickets but they were sold out. I called the box office and they put me on a wait list...which worked in my favor because when tickets became available I got to buy them directly through the box office for about $250+ cheaper, I didn't have to pay any fees/tax, and they're REALLY good seats! 


I'm a big fan of DIY wrapping paper with kraft paper. (I get ours from the Dollar Tree for $1) Sometimes we use crayons or markers but this year we did finger paint. Braxton loved it, he thought it was super cool, but Ava was scared of the paint and I felt so bad when she cried. 


I wanted to share some other ideas, for the last minute shoppers, so here are some of my favorites:

Wondermade marshmallows (use code DADSRULE for 15% off)

If all else fails, bake some cupcakes and give him a homemade card!

KidKraft on sale!

Monday, June 8, 2015
I was just taking a peek at some doll strollers for Ava since yesterday, at her baby bestie's birthday party, she showed quite a bit of interest in them, and I came across some really awesome deals for KidKraft toys. 

Here are some of my favorites:

Uptown Expresso Kitchen - originally $229.99 on sale for $129.99
Chelsea Doll Cottage/Furniture - originally $129.99 on sale for $69.99
Backyard Wooden Sandbox - originally $299.99 on sale for $149.92
Activity Sandbox with Canopy - originally $349.99 on sale for $199.98
Vintage White Kitchen - originally $229.99 on sale for $149.99
Bucket Top Mountain Train Set - originally $133.57 on sale for $47.92
Seaside Table & 4 Chair Set - originally $143.99 on sale for $98.99

Make sure you check out all KidKraft toys and let me know if you snag anything!


Saltwater sandals on sale

Race over to Brickyard Buffalo to get summer sandals for the kids or for you. I love love love Ava's Saltwater sandals. She has them in red and in gold and I want about 7 other colors for her. For us, they run a little on the large side so make sure you look at the sizing chart! Right now they have loads of colors and sizes available but I have a feeling they will sell out quickly. 


#avaandtheflamingo

Sunday, June 7, 2015
Flamingo Cake

So my baby girl turned 2 on Friday and we had her party on Saturday. We had the cutest little flamingo party, which may be my favorite theme yet. While we had originally planned a water/swimming party, the weather that day turned out to be on the chilly side so we had to change things up that day. (Including moving locations, sort of) I ended up being too busy to take all the pictures I had planned to take but oh well because we had fun! 

Flamingo Party

I found these noisemakers at Target and they were actually the first thing I bought for her party. They helped me base everything off of them. The book was a gift from a friend the day before the party. How perfect! 

Flamingo Party

The detail oriented side of me is dying over the cars being in the background but let's just ignore them. We served watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple as a light appetizer beforehand and once the party started, I grilled up steak kabobs and paired it with a fresh pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, red/orange/yellow peppers, and black olives. P.S. Do you see that silver tub? Yeah, that's a cheap plastic tub that I spray painted with metallic spray paint! 

Flamingo Party

The rock candy favors were from AC Moore. (They were cheaper than buying online too!) I found the #youareamazing stamp there as well so I DIY'd the tags. Super easy and it cost me under $5 for everything, including ribbon. 

Flamingo Party

I wanted to use carnations, because they're on the more affordable side, but I also found the paint splattered flowers that worked perfectly as well. I added the pink feathers, since my husband told me that plastic flamingos would look "tacky", and the lemons were just for fun. 


My super talented friend Maria made Ava's little cake and it was so perfect. I've featured her before here. I made the big cake and added some pink gumboils, sprinkles, and the flamingo toppers. I got my inspiration for it here. (After it was done I felt like doing side by side pictures and saying "NAILED IT" on it but hey, I tried haha)

Flamingo Party

The top picture was taken while everyone was singing happy birthday to her. She was so happy being surrounded by everyone. The look on her face says it all. 

Flamingo smash cake

We had so many plastic flamingos at the party! I actually bought them while Ava and I were in California, since they were super cheap, and had my aunt ship them to me. Once they came in the mail, I used some Martha Stewart glitter on the beaks to make them extra fancy! The table is an IKEA LÄTT table that I spray painted glittery gold and then used chalkboard paint on the top. 


I'm a little upset that I didn't take more pictures of her while she was playing so you could see just how cute her romper was. Maria snapped the top picture from her phone while I was manning the grill and making kabobs for everyone. 

Flamingo Party

Flamingo Party

This flamingo!! I wish we could have got it into the pool that day but it was still fun to play on. The kids thought it was so much fun.


My mom bought Ava a bounce house for her birthday! Braxton is totally loving it, and so were the other kids. (Hey Connor and Mila!)


After Ava ate some of her cake, she ended up falling asleep on me, before she even got to open her presents. I can't even begin to explain how much love I have for her. That picture right there may be my favorite from the entire day...just look at how sweet that little face is! I'm so lucky to be her mama. 

Ava's cake: La Dolce Vita
DIY tassel garland: The Flair Exchange
Ava's romper: Little Sarah's Boutique
Ava's headband: birdie baby boutique
Inflatable flamingo: Emerson Sloan

Discount codes to use this week

Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Here's a roundup of some stores that are offering some money/percentages off this week


Lord and Taylor - 25% off regular priced and sale items and 10% off cosmetics and fragrances using code FRIENDS 

Victoria's Secret- 20% off your single bra purchase using code SAVE20BRA and free shipping on orders of $50+ using code SHIP50 (both end 6/03) 

Old Navy- 25% off any online order, some exclusions like usual, using code SUPER (ends 6/07) 

Ulta- $3.50 off any qualifying order of $10+ using code 305838 (ends 6/06)

Carter's- 15% off your purchase using code 15OFFJUN, 20% off your $40+ order using code JUNECART

Bloomingdales- $25 off $100 during their private sale using code PS25 (ends 6/07)

Gap- 40% off tees and 30% off the rest of your order using code TEES (ends 6/03)

Diapers.com- 20% off your FIRST* order using code CRYS352376 

And don't forget the Clarisonic deal I posted!



*I used a similar referral code to buy Ava's saltwater sandals. You have to make sure you use an email and an address that you haven't used with diapers.com before to get the discount. Shipping is free on orders over $49 with 1-2 day delivery!

Sale tonight only at Victoria's Secret (online)

Monday, June 1, 2015
Tonight, from 9 pm-11pm EST, take 25% off of one item using code ITEM25, and there is free shipping on orders of $25+ using code SHIP25

Considering how you usually have to spend $100+ to get free shipping and they very rarely have 25% off deals, I would say this is a really good opportunity to get something sexy. (Or practical, if that's your thing too) Clearance isn't included in the 25% off deal as well as Hunter boots and other higher brand items. 

My favorites...

I love their Lace-waist Shorties when it's summer dress weather.
A classic high waisted swim bottom as well as this striped bathing suit top


Make sure to set your alarms and happy shopping!

*Now that the deal is over with, there's still a couple codes you can use. Use code SAVE20BRA for 20% off a single bra purchase as well as SAVE20SWIM for 20% off regularly priced swimwear. Codes are good until 6/03 

All Clarisonics on sale!

Now is the time to buy a Clarisonic if you don't have one already. I seriously love mine and I tell everyone that they should own one as well. I have the Mia 2 and I've been very impressed with it. I can't even begin to explain how amazing it has made my skin feel. The brush heads that I like are the delicatedeep pore cleansing, and occasionally the acne cleansing brush head. As a company, Clarisonic is amazing, and they have a great warranty on their devices. Once you buy, and register your device on their website, you're given a special offer to use for later. I got $25 off of a $50+ purchase which I ended up using to buy replacement brush heads as well as this cleanser. 


Ordering through their website, you get free shipping and if you use Ebates*, you can get 6% cash back on your purchase! 




*Contains a referral link
 
Designed with ♥ by Nudge Media Design