Thursday, May 23, 2013

Bloglovin' Hop!!!

Hi everyone!
I am so thrilled to be cohosting the Bloglovin' Collective party for you all. Bloglovin' is my new favorite way to follow blogs because it is so easy to use and ANYONE can have an account. This is an awesome way to stay up to date with your favorite blogs and even check out new, similar blogs. So read everything below and go make some new friends!





Welcome to the weekly Bloglovin' Collective party! 
There are many out there like it, but this is the Bloglovin' blog hop you do not want to miss.




Host:

and my co-hosts for the week:
Lindsay @ Pursuit of Pink

Amanda @ The Pretty Pinhead

Sarah @ Lady Thrift

Samantha @ A2ndLife Vintage

Lulu @ Simply Lulu Style

Ellie @ Creative Geekery

Interested in co-hosting? Send an email to peacoatsnplaid(at)gmail(dot)com to get on the waiting list.



Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Wore: Polka Dot Dress



I am in LOVE with this Polka Dot Dress. From the moment I saw it, I knew I had to have it. You may have noticed I have quite the fondness for polka dots. I am loving that so many fashion options and some of my favorite patterns are available for me to wear even while I’m 7 and a half months pregnant!


Thankfully polka dots still work while pregnant, unlike small horizontal stripes. Seriously they should be outlawed in every maternity section. Nobody needs that kind of help, certainly not me!


And then this purse. Can we please talk about this purse? That’s a whole new level of love. I was super proud of myself for selecting the dark turquoise color instead of a basic black, brown or grey.  And I am loving the purse and all of the color options I can pair with it. However, I also love that it matches my new polka dot dress so well. This dress and purse, a matchy match made in heaven.

(Full disclosure, YesWalker.com contacted me to work with them and I was sent this purse to review. All opinions are my own.)


And speaking of the purse, you must check out YesWalker.com. It is a fab site FULL of awesome shoes and purses at virtually every price point you could imagine. It is quite tough for me to just pick one item when shopping their site because I love everything! Click over to the site now to see for yourself.

Dress: Motherhood Maternity. Cardigan: Zara. Purse: c/o YesWalker. Shoes: DSW.
Earrings: Francesca's.
I’m linking up with Style Elixir for Style Sessions, The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesdays and Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesdays.


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Remember Ashley from Sweetpea Lifestyle? If not, let me remind you…the girl has a terrific blog filled with plenty of thoughts on entertaining, organizing, photography, recipes and more. In fact, I am in love with her current series, “31 Days to Successful Entertaining.”  From party theme ideas, to awesome recipes, utensils to use for a successful evening, décor and more – Ashley has it all detailed out for you. And her first e-book, Successful Entertaining, is launching this month. You will want to get in on that action! Be sure to scroll back through all of her Successful Entertaining posts when you visit her blog, I’m sure you will be inspired and want to throw a ton of fun parties this summer. I want to create a fun table theme from staring at her beautiful photos all over her blog!


And speaking of beautiful photos, Ashley is also a photographer! Ever wondered why pictures from a professional photographer can be more expensive than just printing them out at a photo kiosk? Because so much work goes into planning and executing the photo shoot, not to mention the editing that make the photos have a wow factor. Ashley breaks it all down for you in this fab post. Hopefully her post about the behind the scenes of photography will teach you a lot, knowledge is power!


One other post I really want you to be certain to check out is her desk organization post. I love de-cluttering and organizing and I am especially in that mode as I am getting the nursery ready. Ashley has some great tips on how to organize and really make a space functional. Check it out! Best of luck to you as you put some of Ashley’s awesome tips to good use either around your house or for your next party.  But you don’t really need luck, because her tips are awesome!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

May Group Giveaway


I have a special treat for everyone – its group giveaway time!!! I am so lucky to have some pretty awesome blog sponsors and friends who have all teamed up to give ONE FAB PURSUIT OF PINK READER all of the prizes listed below. That’s right, one winner gets everything!

Just scroll through the prizes up for grabs below, then get to entering by using the Rafflecopter at the bottom. The more options you choose to enter, the better your chances. With such a simple way to enter, you really have no excuse not to. Best of luck!

(If you want to participate in a future group giveaway, check out my Sponsor options.)

Here is all of the fabulousness that you can win:










a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 20, 2013

5 Things I Love About Tolar


Tolar and I have been watching Rules of Engagement on Netflix lately and the show really cracks me up. I laugh out loud at virtually every episode. One of the episodes we watched over the weekend  had a sweet moment that involved Jeff and Audrey telling each other 5 things they love about the other every night before they go to bed (well, Jeff was at least trying to come up with 5 things). Of course this got me thinking about what I would say to Tolar. So while I cue the gag factor, go ahead and check out my list below.




And then I challenge you, show your significant other how much they mean to you by writing down your list of 5 things you love about them. And if you don’t have a significant other, you can still participate. Make a list for the most important person in your life. Everyone needs to know they are loved and appreciated.

Much love to you all!



5 Things I Love About Tolar:

1.) He laughs at my jokes and thinks I’m funny even though I’m often VERY lame.

2.) I love the way Tolar takes care of everyone, including me. He opens doors for people, picks up the lunch tab for friends or co-workers all the time, helps my best friend and family with computer problems, offers to help anytime someone is in need, lends his car to friends whenever they need it; seriously the list could go on and on.

3.) He tells me he loves me every day, multiple times a day.

4.) He calls me beautiful and most of the time I really believe him.

5.) Whenever I’m feeling discouraged or down, Tolar goes out of his way to encourage me, lift my spirits, make me laugh and pray for me.



I don’t want to stop at just 5. The list for things I love about Tolar has infinite entries. I hope your significant other enjoys reading/hearing your list.

Friday, May 17, 2013

High Five For Friday


Happy favorite day of the week everyone – FRIDAY!
Getting right to the point, here are the top five moments from my super busy week.

1.) As you already know, my amazing sister and fabulous mother threw me a baby shower last weekend. Tolar, me and my Bestie Erica unloaded everything from the cars (thanks Erica for bringing back the majority of our goodies) and this is what our living room now looks like! Blessed is the only word to describe it.


2.) Look who is a big boy and can hold his own bottle? This kid makes me fall more in love with him every. single. day.


3.) Dan Brown’s new book Inferno was released this week and Tolar surprised me by pre-ordering the book for our ipads and iphones. I haven’t started it yet, but I cannot wait to dive in. Don’t you just love his books?

4.) So Tolar found a diaper bag before I did. I kind of love it. Now to get serious and find one for me.


5.) This shirt. That is all. You’re welcome.


Hope you had a great week and that you get to relax some over the weekend. Take some time to yourself and just enjoy the freedom that the weekend brings. I’m linking up with Lauren from Lauren Elizabeth for this High Five For Friday post.

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Don’t ask any questions, don’t even pause, just click this link and head over to Hang On, Honey right now! Beth, the blogger behind the awesomeness you are about to read is someone you definitely want to get to know. The girl is HILARIOUS, real, honest, sincere, sweet and just plain fun. Through Hang On, Honey, Beth shares many different aspects of her life, all written with such a care free attitude. This girl definitely makes the most out of life and doesn’t seem to dwell on bad instances. Instead, she makes good stuff happen even during trying times.


A huge portion of Beth’s blog is her documenting her weight loss journey. I personally think Beth is gorgeous and doesn’t need to lose weight, but I’m all for living a healthy lifestyle. And as soon as this baby is born and I’m able to start losing weight, I will be joining Beth on her journey. She is just so honest with what she goes through on a daily basis. Take this post where she talks about binge eating/emotional eating. We have all been there, we know what she is talking about. I appreciate that she doesn’t sugarcoat anything, she tells the truth and encourages everyone along the way. And this post titled “Fatty” really hit home. Man, I have called myself that word more times than I want to admit. But Beth is there reminding us all that we need to be nicer to ourselves and fatty is not the way.


Besides weight loss, Beth’s blog is filled with humor and antics from her daily life. She is probably going to kill me for mentioning this post about a face plant, but seriously do yourself a favor and read it. I was laughing for sure. I just love how Beth enjoys life, even the embarrassing moments. Like I said when I introduced you to her before, she is definitely one of my favorite people and I desperately want to meet her in real life. And I’m sure once you read through her blog posts, you will be wishing the same thing!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Hairspray Post


Being a Southern girl, this should come as no surprise to everyone that I LOVE hairspray. I know my Bestie Erica is probably reading this and agreeing out loud, she knows hairspray is one of my favorites (side note: go check out Erica’s new blog design, its gorgeous!).

I definitely have my favorite brand, so I thought I would compare some hairspray products that I have used in case you are looking for something similar.

Here are the brands:



1.) TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Hairspray (Aerosol):
This is by far my absolute favorite hairspray. I love the product for two main reasons; the hairspray provides amazing hold all while still allowing my hair to move. No helmet head here! I have used this hairspray for years, have tried others and keep coming back to it. Plus, the price is amazing! You can score a huge bottle at Target for a little less than $4. I use this hairspray on all of my hairstyles: curls, straight hair, updos, pony tails, everything (and Tolar may or may not be a fan of this too). I also love this one because I don’t get a ton of buildup in my hair. Yes, I will touch up my curls by spraying a little hair spray multiple times a day and my hair still feels fresh and bouncy. I highly recommend this and give it 5 Pink Polka Dots!

2.) Aussie Sprunch Spray (Non-aerosol):
This brand has been in my beauty arsenal since freshman year of college, so going on 13 years! I get the best results when I “scrunch” my hair to create loose waves. There is definitely some magic in the formula because this hairspray will take my straight hair and add tons of waves. I do use this product very generously and I apply it to both wet and dry hair. This is another super affordable product, about $3. And the smell is amazing! I think it makes my hair smell like grapes and I always seem to get compliments on my scent whenever I wear it. I don’t really prefer a non-aerosol hairspray unless I’m scrunching my hair because you don’t get as much coverage and the spritz can weigh your hairstyle down. I would not use this product when I curl my hair or keep it straight; in addition to scrunching I would only use this if I pulled my hair into a pony tail. Because I can’t use it on every hairstyle, this brand gets 4 Pink Polka Dots.

3.) Kenra Volume Spray 25 (Aerosol):
Whoa – it you are looking for something to give you some serious hold, this is your product! I was first introduced to this brand when my sister got married. The hairstylist used this on my updo and told me that my hair would not move in a hurricane and she was right. I have found that I prefer to use this brand only on updos because it almost provides too much hold. If I use this brand on my curled hair, I find that my hair is pretty hard and doesn’t move as freely as I would like. This is a bit more pricey, you can purchase it at Ulta for around $24. Because of the price and the fact that I can’t use it on all hairstyles, I give it 3 Pink Polka Dots.

4.) Pantene Fine Hair Lasting Volume Hairspray (Aerosol):
This is my back up hairspray if I ever run out of my TRESemmé. I like the product because it does provide some hold without weighing my hair down. However, I feel like I need to spray even more of this than normal on my hair when I use it.  My hair does get some bounce with this product and also doesn’t feel too much like helmet head. Because I have to use so much, my bathroom cabinets definitely get a good coating as well. This product rings up around $4 as well, so it is still very affordable. Because I use it as a back up, I give this one 4 Pink Polka Dots.

So there you go, my favorite hairsprays with multiple uses. Do you have a favorite hairspray that you can’t live without? Tell me about it in the comments sections below.

(Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Wore: Military Green

I was shopping in Gap with my sweet friend Courtney the other day and saw this green military jacket and I just had to have it. I was honestly surprised at myself because I never thought I liked olive or military green, but something about this jacket, I just had to have it.


Gap had paired the jacket with an orange dress and I really liked the color combo (great styling in a store definitely helps sell merchandise!). I decided to try and pair the military green with a pink/coral color and I'm thrilled with the result. Not only do I like the color combo, but I like that the jacket adds a little edge (if a pregnant lady can be edgy) to my ensemble. This is a different look for me overall, but one I am happy with.


I also love that I am trying new style choices even while pregnant. Of course this jacket will translate well into my normal wardrobe once I'm no longer pregnant, but I like that I am allowing myself to try new things during this chapter of my life. As I've said before on this blog, it’s important to me to not lose my style just because my belly is expanding. I just feel more confident if I like what I'm wearing. Yes, sweats and yoga pants are comfortable (and occasionally I prefer them over other outfit options), but I feel better about myself and I'm definitely much happier with myself when I dress up.



And of course, I had to add in a slight little pattern mixing by wearing my zebra print flats. The zebra print shoes and striped top are an easy way to achieve pattern mixing without going overboard. Zebra prints are a striped print in a way. The key to pattern mixing is all in matching complimentary patterns and/or colors. And of course, animal prints are neutrals so they go with everything!

Jacket: Gap. Striped Shirt: LOFT. Skirt: Old Navy. Shoes and Bracelet: Target. Earrings: Francesca's

I’m linking up with Style Elixir for Style Sessions, The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesdays and Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesdays.