Making the Most of Our Time.

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Living outside the realm of time sounds alluring, I'll admit.

This pregnancy has felt long and yet, now at the end of it, I am scrambling to finish up projects on my to-do list before this babe evicts. I am doing my best to squeeze the pulp out of every moment, to hone in on what is really important and attempt to discard what just isn't. Spending time with my little boy, who seems to get the drift that everything is about to change because he is more sensitive, more apt to throw a fit, more curious about my burgeoning belly - spending time with him is nothing but an investment. So that means sometimes we go on a lunch date together instead of doing the laundry. That means sometimes I forgo the dishes to play trains instead. That means we read an extra story before bedtime. Because it's just fun and that matters. And because this idea of time being the most precious commodity is true; and as I'm getting older, it pulses truer and truer.

My best gift to give is my time. And I'm doing my best to give it where it matters, especially right now.

I've been thinking about this whole timing thing a lot more lately. JORD Wood Wristwatch sent me the most beautiful of all timepieces, this little emerald green and dark sandalwood number, and each time I wear it I am reminded to measure my moments carefully. It's making me think twice about how I'm spending my time - am I spending it where it really matters? Just yesterday, Stevie and I stole an hour away to have a lunch date because we don't know how many more of these opportunities we will get before a fourth Hale is added to our bunch! It was pouring rain outside and we sat by the window and laughed while we ate fish tacos (I know, weird winter food) and he poked at my puffy feet underneath the table in an attempt to play footsie. And it was wonderful. How many moments do I get like this? I'm enjoying them as much as possible right now. And this watch, let me tell you, it is something special - I am really taken with how exquisite the piece is without being too feminine. And also, I have this thing with emerald green. It's becoming my favorite color these days, to decorate with in my home, (remember this little DIY?) to wear, and apparently - in my wrist watch collection. I'm thinking that wooden watches are the new little black dress :) Especially for pregnant women who don't fit into anything little.

And now for a contest! JORD is giving away a $75 gift card to one lucky winner - and ALL those who enter will automatically be given a $25 gift card to use on their site. You can enter the giveaway here, and all you have to do is enter your name and email address. This is a sweet way to score a great gift for your sweetheart the holidays and also - everyone is a winner! Once you've entered the contest you will immediately be emailed a $25-off gift card. The men's watches are equally as unique - I've been eyeing this, this and this for Stevie for Christmas. Shhhh don't tell.

Merry Christmas shopping, friends. Remember to take stock in the moments you've been given this season - they are fleeting at best!

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Must-Haves in My Summer Makeup Bag.

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I love keeping a minimal beauty routine in the summer, especially since I'm usually slicked in sweat and carting a toddler around from pool to picnic to park. Most week days I don't wear makeup, but if I'm going somewhere or have a meeting, I will take a few extra minutes to pull myself together. Today I'm sharing a few of the supplies in my makeup bag that I love and use all the time on those makeup days, especially in these summer months.

Skin:
Concealer
Hello, I'm a mom, and I am chronically under slept. I am actually trying to do a better job with my sleep schedule, but I still have those dark undereye circles that just won't quit. I love the Bare Minerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener in the shade Luminous 2. It takes away those eye bags and dark circles with a sweep of the wand. Literal magic.

Powder
To save time, (and also because I like to minimize the amount of face makeup I wear in the summer) and I just use this Bare Minerals Tinted Mineral Veil over my concealer.

Bronzer + Blush
Bronzer can be really intimidating (always so orange, ah!), but I like to use Bare Minerals Warmth to add a little cheekbone definition and color. I almost use this as a contour, just focusing in a diagonal from my ear to my lips. Sometimes, if I want to add some pink to the apples of my cheeks, I'll brush on a tiny bit of Bare Minerals READY Blush in the color The Aphrodisiac.

Eyes:
Brows
I have dark brows, but they tend to be a bit patchy. I have started using Maybelline Brow Drama Palette in Deep Brown and I love the effect. You first apply a dark wax to define, then fill in the gaps with a powder. It's perfect for anyone wanting to define their brows but not actually needing to pencil them in.

Mascara
I have been using Clinique High Impact Mascara in the color Black for 10+ years. I have tried other mascaras but I always come back, because this mascara is the bomb. It lengthens and thickens without making my lashes clumpy. A tried-and-true winner in my book.

Shadow
I don't routinely wear eye shadow in the summer, because I like my skin to breathe as much as possible. But if I'm going on a date and want to amp things up a bit, I've been reaching for this Bare Minerals Shadow in the shade Queen Tiffany because it strikes the right balance of sophisticated and youthful without getting too vampy. P.S. - I apply it with this contour shadow brush. P.P.S. - I am wearing this shade here, so you can get a feel for what it looks like. I think it works well on my olive skin tone.

Lips:
Lip Liner
I have been getting into lip liner lately, because I like defining my lips and then filling them in with the color, treating it almost like a stain. It stays put longer than a gloss and it just makes me feel put together, especially because I usually have pool hair and I'm wearing gym shorts. Lip liner somehow makes me feel like a lady in those moments. I have been wearing this Sonia Kashuk Lip Definer in Nude, and I just ordered a few more shades/brands from Sephora and I'm excited to try some with a bit more color :)

Balm
I am a big fan of the Eos Lip Balms (you can usually get a big pack of them at Costco, score!), and I especially love the passionfruit and summerfruit flavors.

And there you have it! All the tricks in my summertime makeup bag. I tend to wear more makeup in the fall and winter months, because I like to play with colors and, honestly, my skin usually needs a little oomph once I lose that sun-kissed glow. But I especially love how minimal my summertime makeup + beauty routine is, because that leaves more time for fun at the pool!

For those of you who have been reading this blog for a while, I'd love to hear from you about this kind of content. I've started to incorporate more fashion & beauty posts, and I would love to get some feedback about what you like to read and would like to see more of here in this space! Leave a comment below and tell me what you think! Thanks friends!
 

Every Date Should Be Made of Clothes Like These.

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Red Close Up Look Away Laughter PS.jpg

Look 1 - Banana Republic Floral Vee Dress (c/o) in Candy Teal, Banana Republic Nude Wedges (past season, similar here and here), assorted bangles, including Keani Found You Cuff in Rose Gold

Look 2 - Banana Republic Sleeveless Embroidered Bib Top (c/o) in Gold, Free People Rolled Crop Skinny Jean in Ella Wash, BCBG Heels (past season, similar here and here), Banana Republic Colorblock Clutch (past season, similar here and here), Anthropologie Glimpse Hoops, Nails are painted in Watermelon by Essie. Photos by the dreamy Stevie Hale.

You better believe that date night is sacred around here.

Before the days of a baby and a mortgage, date night happened easily and often. It was so easy to throw on a colorful top and my snazziest heels, toss a Nars lipstick in a clutch and enjoy wandering the city with my best friend. Date night was all wine, trying new restaurants, talking about dreams and making travel plans. When we lived in Atlanta, it was jazz at Churchill Grounds and dessert at Cafe Intermezzo. When we lived in Boston, it was dinner at Grafton Street and drinks at Plough and Stars. When we lived in New York City, it was making our way through every restaurant recommendation we received, which was a lot, believe me. We pretty much never stopped eating when we lived on the Upper West Side (thank goodness for all that walking!) Nowadays, with family priorities and increased career responsibilities and, you know, mowing the lawn, date night takes a little more intention and planning than it used to. But you know what hasn't changed? The thrill of getting dressed up, experimenting with a bold lipstick or messy updo and letting all that suburban responsibility go for an evening. Holding the hand of my best friend, grabbing a bite to eat and making those dreams happen. We might be getting a bit older, but the mystique of date night is actually growing sweeter with time. The added need for intention is actually making me more of a romantic these days.

When Banana Republic sent over these clothes, I knew they had hot date written all over them. I had so much fun getting dolled up and out of the house in this BR Floral Vee Dress and Embroidered Bib Top. I love how the dress moves and practically dances on its own, and I didn't even mean to pair it with an old pair of Banana wedges that I had in my closet, but they were just the best shoes with the dress, so there you go! I love the clever, elegant stitching and how the supple silk brushes against my skin (while I twirled around like a little girl - seriously, the feeling this dress gave me was that good.) The Bib Top is rich with gold pigment, which I probably wouldn't have chosen for my skin tone (because I fear turning yellow, it's a Italian girl thing), but I actually love it on, especially paired with this bold fuchsia lip color and clutch. These clothes just make me feel ladylike and adventurous, all at once. Just the kind of garments that elevate an occasion from "dinner" to "date" :)

I hope whatever stage you're in, wherever you live, whatever your responsibilities are, you take a moment away from all that and plan something intentionally special for your next date night. After all, there's no time like the present to grab that hand of your love and make all the plans you can. Over wine. And dessert. And maybe a cheese plate, too. Why are you waiting for a special occasion to get dressed up, friend? Date night is for dresses and heels and lipstick!

What are your go-to date night looks? I'd love to hear in the comments!

Disclaimer: Thanks to Banana Republic for sponsoring this post and providing free product.. All opinions expressed are my own.

Rent and Wear with Le Tote Fashion Subscription.

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Confession time. I hate wearing the same dress twice.

I know it sounds like a bratty first-world-problem kind of thing, but it's true. When it comes to my day-to-day wardrobe, I wear a lot of the same kind of clothes (hello mom uniform, party of sweats), but when I have somewhere special to go, like on a date or to a wedding, I like the feeling of wearing something brand new. Which is why I was super intrigued by the idea of the Le Tote fashion subscription, which allows you to rent or buy the clothes in the monthly box.

Today I'm sharing about my experience using Le Tote and giving you an idea of the kinds of clothes you could find in your own monthly tote. I put together three looks using the items that came in my April tote. If you're interested in trying out this subscription service, there is a discount code at the bottom for you to get 20% off your first month's tote! If you're a budgeted babe and you love to shop, this is such an awesome way to wear new clothes all the time for a fraction of regular retail price. Read on!

The Le Tote Experience:
Le Tote is a fashion rental service that gives us ladies access to an infinite closet of designer garments & accessories. You can rent these items, and if you love them enough, have the option to purchase for up to 50% off the retail price. But the best part? NO LAUNDRY. I repeat, no laundry, friends! You can wear the clothes for as long as you want, 2 days or 3 weeks, and then you just send it back un-laundered in the prepaid (by Le Tote) garment bag. This garment service is probably going to be my new best friend.

How Le Tote Works:
Okay friends, here's how Le Tote works. When you sign up for a tote, you fill out your size profile and style profile, browse through a bevy of clothes and accessories on the site, click "add to closet" on the items that you would actually wear. Based on your selections, Le Tote curates what will come to you in your tote. You get to finalize the styles they send to you, so you know exactly what's coming your way. When you get your tote in the mail, it will contain 3 garments and 2 accessories, along with a return mailer for the items. You wear what you like for as long as you like, and when you're ready, send the whole tote back in the prepaid envelope and they'll send you a new tote immediately. If you loved something, you can keep it and purchase it at up to 50% off retail prices. Just hold on to what you love and send everything else back. This lets Le Tote know that you'd like to purchase the item you didn't return, and they will charge the card on file and send a new tote.

A little note on sizing: Once you get your tote in the mail, it's a good idea to rate your items for fit and how well they match your personal style. Le Tote uses this information to personalize your totes so that you get the best fitting garments possible.

The Le Tote Benefits:
Along with the free shipping (both ways), and the no-laundry situation (which counts for a LOT of bonus points in my book), Le Tote makes sense for someone who cares about fashion but is conscious of their budget. I also see this really working for someone who wants to eliminate most of their closet and operate with a capsule wardrobe, and then just add in rented pieces to mix it up and add personality. Each tote is valued at about $350 worth of clothes, and you rent those for $59/month. With Le Tote, you always have something cute to wear on date nights, to weddings, to work, anywhere! You can get as many totes as you like in a month, and if you want to keep an item, you purchase it at a discounted price. For someone like me, who always wants to wear a new dress to a wedding, this just makes a whole lot of economic sense.

Oh, and I forgot to mention the kinds of brands that you will receive in your tote: Vince Camuto, Sam Edelman, Kate Spade, French Connection, House of Harlow, BB Dakota, BCBGeneration, Max Studio, Levi's, Free People, Rebecca Minkoff and more. Gang's all here.

My April Tote:
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked everything in my tote. Usually with a subscription like this, I expect to have a few duds, but this wasn't the case! The pink blazer-cape (is that even a word?) is something that would normally be so far out of my comfort zone, but since it came in my tote, I tried it on immediately. I was surprised at how Beyonce it made me feel. Kind of like a feisty, feminine superhero. And the ruffle red top has the sweetest sleeves - I could wear that on any occasion and make it work with jeans, a skirt, even casual shorts. All of the clothes are constructed of quality material and really delicately tailored. With each outfit I put together, my husband kept saying, "I want to take you out on a date in that!", which is always a good reaction. My one qualm with this tote was the wrinkle factor - everything needed a good pressing before I wore it. But I think that's the price you pay with getting clothes in the mail. In my opinion, it's completely worth the extra effort!

In My Tote:
Long Sleeve Floral Top - LE LIS Sheer Floral Blouse
Short Sleeve Red Top - Philosophy Ruffle Scuba Top
Pink Blazer Cape - Jealous Tomato Coveted Cape
Clutch - Clement Blush Foldover
Pink Tank - UA Amanda Cross Front Tank
Bracelet - AVA Rope and Bar Bracelet

If you're interested in trying this service, Le Tote is offering 20% off the first month to you - make sure to use the code OYKRISTEN at checkout :)

Now I'm curious about what you think - in the world of subscriptions for everything (Netflix, Zipcar, Blue Apron, the list goes on), would you subscribe to a service that allows you to rent clothes? Would you like having access to new clothes all the time, but owning very few? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

Many thanks to Le Tote, who provided free product in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Springtime in Georgia.

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Wearing: Banana Republic Heritage Floral Silk Ruffle Dress (c/o) in dark cypress & Eryn Heeled Sandal (c/o) in blue. Michael Kors pave ring. Necklace from a Boston street vendor. Anthropologie earrings (similar here). Photos by Rachel Hill.

These are the good old days.

I am realizing it only because I keep pinching myself. Like, is this weather really real?! The azaleas in Georgia during this fleeting span of a mere few weeks are second to no other charming southern foliage. Okay, I haven't seen the Cherry Blossoms in D.C. yet (it's on the bucket list!) but I will still argue this with anyone. Because the azaleas are a Georgia thing. Yes, they can grow elsewhere, but the great, humid state of Georgia is where these decadent shrubs comfortably sprawl out and revel in their decades of vibrant bounty. And the lifespan is short - the blazing shades of graceful rose, audacious coral and heated scarlet have a way of planting seeds into the sensations of your memory. Then after 3-4 weeks, they lose their flowering wonder, and elegantly defer to regularity once again. So these are the days, right now, to remember! This unapologetic breezy weather and saturated azaleas that are currently mid-bloom have me feeling all whimsical and hopeful that this season shift symbolizes more than just new growth in my backyard. Springtime is for more than just dreaming - its for action! This is the time to, quite literally, spring forward into motion on all those things that have been filling the to-do lists in my mind. No better time than the present to clean out my closet, clean up my desk, write the difficult posts that have been eluding me and continue chipping away at a few dreams.

Banana Republic was kind enough to send me this killer dress and shoes (how did they know I have a zillion weddings coming up??), which gave me the timely opportunity to try everything on and prance around outside in this coveted weather - taking captive the moment to really appreciate this season. Springtime, yes, but also THIS SEASON. The one I'm living. This season of young motherhood, of budgeting every dollar, of relentlessly writing and wondering if I will ever become everything I want to be. I live in this tension - and you probably do too - of hoping for more while trying really hard to appreciate everything I have right now.  I am so grateful for these gentle moments of reminder. It seems to me that we rarely ever know that we are living in the good old days. But as I take a moment to really ponder it, to feel the gratitude of the life I'm living, I wholeheartedly admit it. Standing in this silk dress, almost lost in the azaleas of my hometown, after so many tiring journeys and yet with so much life still before me - this is the truth. These are my good old days. And I intend to make good on them.

This post is sponsored by Banana Republic, who provided free product in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.