Friday Favorites and Happenings

* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

This week was such a busy week. Between my friend being in town, prepping for travel and trying to get everything set at my house, I feel like I was a chicken with my head cut off. Plus I was loading up on all of the Emergen-C, so I didn't pick up the cold that Rory and Avery had. I felt like I had something coming on earlier in the week, but fortunately, I caught it in time.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. Last weekend I went to my best friend's baby shower. She flew in from Norman, Oklahoma to let us shower her and baby Charlotte. She lived here for a long time, but had to move to Norman with her husband for his job. We are crossing our fingers that they move home soon.

Anyways, this baby shower was held at the Beckwith Gallery which was a beautiful venue. Everything was perfect. We had champagne (fake champagne for the mama-to-be), amazing salad, fruit, coconut macarons, cookies, cheeses  and cake.

We each sat by Nathalie as she opened her gifts from that person and then took photos. She gave a beautiful speech about how much love she and baby Charlotte felt and we spent the afternoon catching up. After the baby shower, some of us went to another place and spent the rest of the day catching up. It was perfect!

Here is a glimpse at her shower.

 Mama to be with her fake champagne

 Mama to be with her mom and sister

Nathalie and I. Nathalie and I have been friends for about 13 years now. Our friend introduced us in a bar and we became fast friends. She was my maid of honor and I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. Rory and I set up her and her husband. She is seriously the most amazing person.

TWO. Did you see my post from Wednesday on my beautiful new business cards from Basic Invite? I am soooo loving these business cards. You can use Basic Invite for your thank you cards, invitations, stationary and so much more!

Brushstroke Hello Clear Business Cards

THREE. Last weekend I went out with one of my twin mom friends. We had drinks and some snacks at a bar while finishing the Nevada Wolf Pack basketball game and then headed to another bar to watch an amazing band play. It was a lot of fun. But the best part? I broke out those heels I bought from Nordstrom Rack and an older J Crew silk tank top. I loved the look of the entire outfit, so I went back on J Crew (Factory this time) and found a similar top and bought it in a bright pink for the Spring/Summer. I plan on wearing this shirt to Rory's birthday dinner. I will pair it with a black blazer, some jeans and my black Vince Camuto heels.

J Crew Scalloped Tank (the one I already have is navy and orange stripped)

Vince Camuto Jaynita Pointy Toe Pumps

FOUR. I have been wanting some white jeans for Spring. I am probably crazy since I have four year old twins who put their dirty hands on everything, but I haven't had white jeans in forever. Last week, American Eagle had a sale of 30% off all of there jeans, so I took the opportunity to add a pair of white jeans to my closet. I was hoping they would have been here in time for the baby shower I went to last weekend, but they didn't make it on time. But you best believe that I will be wearing these all Spring and Summer.

American Eagle White Skinny Jeans

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

Customized Business Cards with Basic Invite

Have you ever thought about getting business cards for your blog? Or needing some thank you cards that are more personalized? Well, Basic Invite is where I go for these types of things.

I had never really thought of my blog as "my business" until recently. I changed my domain name, I put more work and effort into my blog and started creating more meaningful content. Not to say that I wasn't doing that before, but now I really think about my content and what I want to put out there.

Recently, Basic Invite contacted me about partnering together for this post blog. I was more than happy as I wanted to expand my blog. I thought about how I can do that and the top idea was business cards. Why hadn't I made business cards for my blog? The answer: I am not sure why I hadn't.

I went onto Basic Invite's website, browsed around and found the prettiest business cards. I chose the clear cards as they were simple, beautiful and elegant. Exactly what I would want to receive at a bloggers retreat or a bloggers event.

Brushstroke Hello Clear Business Cards

But you can get so much more from Basic Invite. You can get invitations, especially baby shower invitations for twins which would have been amazing when I was pregnant with the girls. Or these prince baby shower invitations for the newest little nephew coming into your life. Or the cutest whale baby shower invitations. Can you guess that I have baby showers on my mind? That is because so many of my friends are pregnant or trying.

You can get thank you cards which I picked up a few of those. One set from me and one from my girls. 

 Fresh Cut Flowers Thank You Cards

Friendly Forest Thank You Cards

What is awesome about Basic Invite is you have over 180 different color options. So if you have someone who wants a specific pink, you can find it here. Or if you want to get samples of your invite before sending it, they will send custom samples of the invitation before it prints, so you can see the paper quality, how it will look and make any changes before the final order is placed. You can also chose over 40 different colors of envelopes, so the envelope will match the invite. One of the best features is an address capturing service which allows you to share a link to your friends and family, so they can upload their addresses for you. Then you can have custom addressing printing added to your order. 

Right now, Basic Invite is offering 15% off with the coupon code: 15FF51

Do you have business cards for your blog?

Thank you Basic Invite for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own and I only feature products and services that my family uses or would use.

TBB Asks: Shop til You Drop Edition

Do you love shopping? I love online shopping. Shopping in stores can be overwhelming because of crowds, never having your size and those awful changing room mirrors and lighting. But I love to shop and I love new things. It sounds materialistic, but how fun is it to buy things for you kids and see them all dressed up and cute as ever in said items?

This month The Blended Blog Asks is all about shopping and I can't wait to read everyone's answers because I love finding new places to shop!

1. Top 3 Shops? Vici, Nordstrom and Amazon (because they have pretty much everything).

2. Where is the majority of your shopping done - in-store or online? Well I said it up top...online. It is so much easier to shop online, have it delierved to my house, try it on, and decide there. It is even better when they have free shipping and returns.

3. What's your favorite thing to shop for? Clothes. Any and all clothes. For my husband, he would say shoes. He has a lot of shoes and loves shoes. And my girls are taking after him in that aspect.

4. What do you just HATE shopping for? Bathing suits. I am too self conscious and as I said above, the store mirrors being all the ugly out.

5. What's your most favorite thing you've ever bought? I would say our wedding bands because the meaning behind them. Otherwise, I would go with my Chanel earrings.

6. Do you prefer shopping alone or with others? Depends on my mood. I would mostly say with others, so they can give me an opinion on how something looks. But other times they just linger too long in a store and I end up with things that I don't need.

7. Best bargain? I guess I would just say buying everything on sale. I always look for my jeans and any higher priced items on sale. I rarely buy full price.

8. Thrift store shopping: yes or no? I only shop at thrift stores for vintage furniture and costumes.

9. Best cities for shopping? NYC, LA, Vegas

10. Who's your style or fashion icon? I don't really have one. But if I had to pick a blogger that I follow for fashion advice and style, it would be Cristin Cooper. She is amazing. She has a real figure and I feel like she is tells it like it is.

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Happy March All! I can't tell you enough that I am sooo excited that February is over. I feel like January and February have lasted a year. Between the awful weather, work trips and just overall stress, I am happy to see a new month. Now mother nature, get your act together and bring me some Spring weather. No more snow or rain. Got it?

ONE. Are you like me and don't go to the jewelers that often to get your rings cleaned and checked? I make sure to go at least once every six months, but I like to go more often and get my rings all sparkly and shiny again. But every other appointment or thing has gotten in the way and I haven't made it over to the jewelers. So I ordered some jewelry cleaner off of Amazon and it is amazing. Now I don't get the polished look that I get from the jewelers, but it made my diamonds sparkle and my bands not look dingy anymore. I call that a win. And it only took 3 minutes and a bit of scrubbing with a small brush. It is only $8 and it is amazing. This isn't sponsored at all. I just love the results I am getting with this cleaner.

Brilliant Jewelry Cleaner

TWO. Another Amazon win for me lately is a bathing suit. I never thought to buy a bathing suit online. I even posted about bathing suits on Monday. But I was recommended this bathing suit by one of my followers and it is awesome. I just got it and tried it on and it was amazing. It hides the tummy more since it is high waisted (never thought I would buy a high waisted bikini), actually fits my boobs and hides my umbilical hernia scar.

Even though I tend to wear more bikinis, I still hate the scar on my stomach. When I had my first hernia surgery, I went to a general surgeon. More specifically, the one who did my emergency breast abscess. He did such an amazing job on the abscess that I chose to see him for my hernia. Being pregnant with twins caused my belly button to pop out and my bowels to go through that small hole. I had it fixed in June 2015 and within 6 months, it was back or I had a second hernia that he didn't fix. They are not sure which.

Anyways, in January 2016, I had my second surgery and this time with a plastic surgeon because they care more about the scar placement and the look after the surgery. I had a pretty big scar under my belly button and I hated it. I also hated that by belly button was popped out and hurting again. So he went through the first scar, minimized it and fixed everything. He did an amazing job and I have been good ever since. Though he would have went through the belly button had I chose him in the first place and I wouldn't have a scar that I hate.

The scar is so much better, but it is still visible. So to have a new bikini that covers that and also puts less sun on my scar is a win. This bathing suit is only $25, it is flattering and perfect for a lot of body shapes.

Bdcoco High Waisted Bikini

THREE. I have been using this spray since Thanksgiving and I even got it for my sister in her birthday present. My cousin sprayed this on me on our way over to families house for Thanksgiving and I loved it. When we got back into town, I bought it immediately. I don't know what it is about this stuff, but it makes me feel refreshed, smells amazing and gives you a glowy look. I get it at Ulta for $5. This stuff will change your life.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

FOUR. Another Amazon clothing find that I just purchased yesterday was the Grecerelle Pocketed Maxi Dress. I have heard so many good things from fellow bloggers about this dress. I have seen it knotted in the front and I decided to get it because I needed causal dresses for Mexico. Plus it is kid friendly in that I can still chase my girls around in the Summer and I don't feel like my rear is going to show in it. Plus everyone says it is soft, stretchy and a great Amazon find. And if I don't like it, I can return it. Plus it is only $23.

Grecerelle Pocketed Maxi Dress

FIVE. I realized that I never did a weekend update last from last weekend and I wanted to share the Princess Tea Party that the girls attended. You may have seen some of these on my IG if you follow me.

 The girls all dressed up for their Princess Tea Party

SIX. I finally gave in and created a Facebook page for my blog. I know...only about 4 years later. I haven't posted much other than my daily posts from here. So please, can you go and like my Sparkles and Lattes Facebook page?

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

What's Up Wednesday

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I can't believe we are through February. I am not sad to see this month go because we have had way too much snow and cold weather. Please mother nature, get your act together and warm up. I am tired of driving in this crappy weather, I am tired of being cooped up inside the house and I am just wanting sunshine again. I think every February, I am over the cold and wanting the warmth, but this month has just been brutal. 

image via

WHAT WE ARE EATING THIS WEEK...

Sunday: Spaghetti Bolognese

Monday: Magnolia Table's Grilled Raspberry-Chipotle Pork Tenderloin and Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Tuesday: Award Winning Chili and Cornbread

Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Thursday: BLTA's with Sweet Potato Fries

Friday: Going out with my friends, so take-out for Rory and the girls

Saturday: Going out with my friends again, so take-out or leftovers for Rory and the girls

WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

Being pregnant with my girls, their baby shower and their first year. My best friend is pregnant with her first child, a girl, and we are celebrating Nathalie and baby Charlotte this weekend.

28 weeks

WHAT I'M LOVING...

I can't say enough good things about my LL Bean Duck Boots. I wear them in the rain (which we have had a lot of lately) and the snow (lots of that too). Make sure you get the ones with the shearling in them because they keep your feet extra cozy.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

February has been spent inside a lot or so it seems. We have built a snow slide together and took turns going down that.

We celebrated Valentine's Day by going out to eat at a local restaurant followed by some gifts.

We called and wished Aunt Ashley (my sister) a Happy Birthday!

We went to our friends birthday party at an arcade.

We went to a princess tea party on Sunday!

And we called and wished grandma and papa a Happy Anniversary!

WHAT I'M DREADING...

Nothing really. Ok, maybe more snow. I am sooo over the cold weather like I said at the beginning of this post.

WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

My blog and my Instagram like always. And my taxes. I hate doing my taxes. 

WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

Seeing my best friend since it has been way too long. I haven't seen Nathalie since last summer and I am most definitely missing her and not seeing her being pregnant. I can't wait to spend all weekend with her. I am also excited about my work trip to Estonia and Israel in a couple of weeks.

WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

I started reading Verity per everyone and their moms recommendation and let me tell you....just Wow. I loved it. I kept reading it day and night. I had to know what happened. I loved the way it was written and how it went back and forth between present day and the past. But prepare yourself for some pretty graphic reading. Now I am reading The Good Daughter and I have Hidden Bodies in my library. Have you watched or read You? Hidden Bodies is the sequel to You.

As for TV, I have been watching my usuals like Grey's Anatomy, Million Dollar Listing LA, Riverdale, This is Us, etc., but I have recently added in Sneaky Pete (on Amazon Prime), Insatiable (on Netflix) and I am eagerly awaiting The Bold Type.

WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Just people's fingers typing. It is pretty quite around here.

WHAT I'M WEARING...

Boots, sweaters, jeans, jackets, gloves and these warm fleece leggings. 

WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

I am hanging out with my best friend. She gets into town on Saturday, and I plan on spending my weekend with her. We have her baby shower on Sunday. I am also getting my hair done on Friday and it really needs it. It is looking pretty awful lately. Nothing a fresh cut and color can't help.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

March brings warmer-ish weather, my work trip, Rory's birthday, March Madness (go Pack) and lots of fun things with friends.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW...

The girls have their ballet recital coming up in June and we just bought them their costumes....already. They have started working on the performance and it is just so cute to watch.

We have a lot of things planned for this Summer and I can't wait. What we are also working on is planning our Disneyland trip for the girls 5th Birthday. I still can't believe they will be 5 this year.

BONUS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOARD GAME TO PLAY WITH YOUR KIDS?

Well we don't play many board games with the girls yet, but we have played a bit of Candy Land, so I will go with that one.

Bathing Suit Season

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Ugh, the dreaded bathing suit season is coming up. I work out, I try to eat relatively healthy (I do splurge) and I use self tanners (to help hide that cellulite), so one would think I wouldn't be so self conscious when it comes to bathing suit season. But I am. I think most of us are at least a bit insecure in what we see in the mirror. Though we shouldn't be.

But I have been shopping around for bathing suits since vacation is coming up and I need a new bathing suit. I used to shop at Victoria Secret for all of my bathing suits, but then they stopped making them. Now only Pink makes them and my boobs won't fit in those. Plus I have a mom bod now, so I need something a bit more forgiving.

I am sharing with you my top picks for this years bathing suit season.

Top Left (Top Bottom)  |  Top Middle (One Piece)  |  Top Right (Top Bottom)

Bottom Left (Top Bottom)  |  Bottom Middle (One Piece)  |  Bottom Right (Top Bottom)

Where do you normally shop for swim wear?

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I am sooo thankful that today is Friday even though I have to work a full day since Monday was a holiday. This week has dragged on and I blame the weather. It has been cold. So cold on Tuesday that South Lake Tahoe was negative 13 degrees. Ugh. Winter go away please.

We don't have a ton planned this weekend other than watching the Wolf Pack play against Fresno State, a Princess Tea Party at my twin mom friends house and ballet class. I am ok with a relaxing weekend since the next few will be pretty busy.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. I love Amazon. That is no secret. I seriously buy a lot on Amazon. If the girls need new detangler spray, I buy it on Amazon since I can't find it in stores that often. If I need new laundry washer cleaners, I buy them on Amazon. But what I haven't bought much of on Amazon? Clothes. I have bought a few things, but recently, I decided to buy a couple items from there and see what I thought. First, I bought a "Sherpa" type of sweater. I have been coveting one from the Sherpa Pullover Company but they are $98 (40% off right now though). I bought one this one for $21.99 on Amazon. It is comfy, cute and fits the bill. The only drawback is it sheds a bit, but when you have a dog, that stuff doesn't matter to you as much.

Fleece Pullover

TWO. I also bought a dress on Amazon because again...amazing reviews. This one has 3/4 sleeves that balloon a bit and it has pockets. Every mom loves pockets in her dresses. I got a small based on reviews. They said to read the reviews and not the size chart. Plus the black one is $23.99.

Stripped Dress

So far, I like it. I haven't really worn it out in public since it is soooo cold outside, but I can't wait to take it with me to Mexico and maybe even pair it with a blazer for work.

THREE. I was at Target this last weekend and I saw the cutest jacket for Spring. It is $34.99 and I have the Red Card, so I would get an additional 5% off. It comes in pink and navy (totally wishing it came in an olive green) and I am thinking the pink. I tried on the size small and liked the fit, but I am thinking of getting a medium for some extra room. What do you think of it? Anyone have it?

Target Women's Long Sleeve Anorak Jacket

FOUR. I am sharing a recipe next week or the week after that is simple, but really good. We made tri-tip for dinner one night and I used the leftovers to make amazing sandwiches.

FIVE. I want to wish my parents an early, Happy Anniversary! On Tuesday, they will celebrate 36 years of marriage. My dad reads here, so not only is this a wish for an amazing day, but also to remind him. Though I don't think he has ever forgotten an anniversary.

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.

Have a great weekend!