Thursday, January 31, 2013

Caroline G.


Calling all jewelry lovers!!! I’m especially calling those of you who love a good statement necklace. If that’s you, then you must check out a fab online shop called Caroline G.

I’ve talked about Caroline G. on Pursuit of Pink before because I love her shop so much. Besides drooling over the fantastic photos on her site (there are some sassy girls! I love it), you are going to LOVE the pretty, feminine necklaces available. I really want to buy everything on the site. You might recognize this awesome bubble necklace below. I bought that from Caroline G.


In addition to the style of bubble necklace I have, Caroline G. also has a single bubble and a 3 stone bubble necklace. Not to mention the fabulous tear drop necklace that you can see here. I bought one of the tear drop necklaces as a Christmas present for my Bestie and she tells me that she got tons of compliments on it. Every time I wear my bubble necklace, people want to know where I got it and I proudly tell them about Caroline G.


Well now, I have a special treat for you! Caroline G. is offering 15% off orders to all of you! All you have to do is enter the discount code lindsay at checkout. Then you will be well on your way to having a statement necklace that everyone you see will want to own. And with her already incredible prices, you will be crazy not to snatch up everything. It’s such a great deal!

And starting February 4, she has some terrific new products to add to the shop that you won’t want to miss. I’ll remind everyone when February 4 rolls around, but don’t delay. Start shopping now.

And check out Caroline G. on facebook, there are always great discounts and deals to be found there. And if you stop by the facebook page, tell her Lindsay at Pursuit of Pink sent ya!

Happy Shopping lovelies!

Photobucket

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Wore: Rehearsal Dinner edition


Over the weekend I attended the wedding of my fabulous and oldest friend – yep, we’ve known each other for 26 years!

With every wedding comes a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and the fashion at the dinner did not disappoint. I should have snapped photos of the pretty dresses everyone had on, but sadly I didn’t. Just trust me, I was totally inspired by the many different styles and beautifully put together ensembles.

So here is my rehearsal dinner outfit. I actually bought this dress to wear to a Christmas party back in December (duh – because when else do you wear something to a Christmas party besides December). And you might just fall over when I tell you where I found it – JC Penney! I couldn’t believe my good luck when I found a dress that was quite flattering (I love a gathered waist) and at such a great price!


I love this dress because of the gathered waist and with the way it lays, you can’t really see my lack of a baby bump. I’m not showing yet, I really just look like I ate too much. Don’t worry, once I do start showing, I’ll document that here on the blog.


I love pairing fun necklaces with an LBD so of course I added my favorite necklace from Stella & Dot. This necklace was so worth the purchase, it’s such a statement piece and always starts a conversation. And if you’ve hung around these parts at all, you know that I consider something worth the purchase if I receive compliments on the item.

And to break up the black in the outfit, I paired the dress with my favorite grey tights and shoes. You could of course go for an even bolder shoe, but these shoes are so comfortable and yet so stylish, so they get a lot of wear.


To really make this outfit pop, add a colorful belt. I normally wear a red belt with this dress, but I was in such a hurry packing for the wedding weekend that I completely forgot! Don’t let that happen to you. J
Dress: JCPenney. Tights: Target. Shoes: DSW. Necklace: Stella & Dot. Bracelet: gift.

Hope you enjoyed this outfit post today. For more inspiration go check out Style Elixir for Style Sessions or The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

Photobucket

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Two Tips Tuesday

I’m back with my new weekly post, Two Tips Tuesday. Here I will offer up two tips each week on a variety of subjects, hoping that you will find them just as useful as I do.

Tip #1:
SheReadsTruth



You must check out She Reads Truth (if you are a lady that is).  This is a great community of women all reading through the Bible together. Every couple of weeks, they concentrate on a specific Bible reading plan and devote each new day on their blog to talking about that day’s reading. I have found so much encouragement from the forum and I’ve also been inspired to go deeper into God’s word. Currently we are reading through the Soul Detox plan on YouVersion and it is life changing. The teachings of the Bible talk about ways to get the toxic thoughts out of our head and put our focus back on God.




Tip # 2:
Let your foundation dry before applying your pressed or loose powder. This is especially important so you don’t end up looking like you have dirt on your face. If your foundation doesn’t dry completely, your powder could appear darker in some places which is so not flattering. If for some reason you do get “dirty” streaks across your face, just take a tissue and rub the darker part away. Or you could just follow the tip and let your foundation dry. J

Do you have any tips to share? Would you be interested in seeing this weekly post as a weekly link up? If so, leave me a comment below or send me an e-mail to Lindsay [at] PursuitofPink [dot] com.

Photobucket

Check Me Out Over Here Today

If you are looking for me on this early morning, head over to Heart Shaped Sweat. My sweet blog friend Kristine invited me to share some of my beauty wisdom thoughts :) on her blog.



Be sure to check it out as I'll be sharing my thoughts on a foundation makeup primer. Don't worry, I've still got some eyelid primer thoughts left for Pursuit of Pink, but you won't want to miss this.

So head over to Heart Shaped Sweat now and please stay awhile, because I know you will find plenty of other inspiration on her blog. Kristine is amazing!!! Enjoy.

(And I'll be back in a little while with Two Tips Tuesday)
Photobucket

Monday, January 28, 2013

Currently I'm ...

Hey everyone, I thought it would be fun to let you have a slight peek into a night of my life. My newest blog inspiration Erin, who blogs over at Living in Yellow, posted something similar on her blog last week and I absolutely loved it. The post was so fun, that I decided to share the wealth with you. Enjoy!
(Note: I wrote this post last night and everything applies to today)



Currently I’m: Sitting on the couch typing this post (obvi) while watching last week’s episode of Modern Family (the show is hilarious!!!).

Reading: Pregnancy for Dummies, once upon a time I thought I knew things about babies, I've learned I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. Spending just one weekend with my five month old nephew makes me realize I have so much to learn.

Ordering: Bathroom accessories for our master bathroom renovation. We are completely redoing our master bathroom; I’m talking everything…floor tiles, shower tiles, shower pan, toilet, vanity, mirror, towel rods, shower doors, faucets, EVERYTHING! I’ll show the finished product once we get to the end, but in the mean time, check out our fabulous designer Katie (who might just happen to be one of my great friends). Katie’s design business is Olios Design and you can find out information about her services here.
Here is an image we are using for design inspiration, although we are going with grey-er tiles.


Listening to: Mitchell and Cameron discover Lily picked up her sassiness from her aunt, not them (refer to the first item in this list – Modern Family).

Drinking: Well, we all know it’s not the hard stuff; I’m currently drinking ice water. Since I found out I was pregnant, water has been my beverage of choice. But it has to be iced. It just tastes better that way, you know?

Recovering From: Our fabulous weekend at the wedding of my oldest friend. The bride was beautiful, the groom was oh so in love, the reception was full of laughs and dancing and I got to spend some time with my whole family (which always fills my love tank). Tolar and I had an awesome weekend away.
My lovely sister and myself in our bridesmaid dresses, we've known the bride for 26 years!

Hitting My Head For: Overplanning the upcoming week. I have so much to accomplish this week, plus two nights will be spent working late at the theatre. I hope this pregnancy decides to take it easy on me this week and lets me get everything accomplished. Although my couch and Netflix do sound lovely.

Avoiding: Unpacking. Its normally the first thing I do when I get home from a trip; I absolutely hate going to sleep without unpacking my suitcase. But for some reason I would much rather be blogging or getting on social media or just laying on the couch with Tolar than unpacking. If I don’t unpack, the weekend doesn't have to end, right?

Eating: Nothing at the moment, but I’m sure I’ll wake up in the middle of the night needing a snack as it happens on the regular.

Planning: Which blogs I want to sponsor for the month of February. Which reminds me, please go check out Living in Yellow now – all of Erin’s sponsors (yours truly included) are giving away over $600 worth of prizes to one lucky winner.

Debating: What I should wear to work tomorrow. It’s supposed to be very icy which means it will be COLD. I don’t always like wearing my snow boots to work, but they are necessary in this weather.

Laughing at: My husband and his crazy obsession with this new ridiculous show called King of the Nerds. Don’t watch it, you won’t thank me if you do.

Reminding myself: That my work is not my life. I cannot let it rule me all the time, especially when I take a day off and am busy getting ready for a wedding. I need to turn off my work e-mail, especially on the weekends, and just concentrate on my husband, family and friends. It will be healthier for everyone, including my coworkers, if I recognize this more.
I need more of these moments - watching my husband bounce my nephew to sleep.
Crushing on: The new arrivals at my favorite store LOFT. I've come to the sad realization that I shouldn't really shop their regular line until I have this baby. So for now, I’ll just drool over everything and look forward to their spring line for 2014.

Currently saying: “They are the sweetest couple ever.” My husband just told me that our friend Andrew texted to say that he was praying for us during this pregnancy and to let he and his wife Melissa know if there was anything they could do for us. This couple has been such spiritual inspirations to us and now they are parent inspirations as well – they have two of the cutest daughters!

Well that's about it for now. Be sure to come back tomorrow for Two Tips Tuesday.

Photobucket

Friday, January 25, 2013

High Five For Friday


Weekend!!! Yippee.

I’m celebrating that we made it through another week by listing my top five moments from the past week. Soooo.....here's a High Five! And as always, I’m linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk to help celebrate the weekend.

1.) I started going through the Soul Detox Bible plan with She Reads Truth. Amazing stuff. Click this link to learn more about the awesomeness that is She Reads Truth.

2.) I love seeing my husband geek out with his friends. Glad he got one more night to play with Dustin before they head West.
Best of luck Dustin, Torrey and Jonah as you make your way to Colorado!
3.) Sometimes you just need a cute pup right in your face. 

4.) This makes me giggle. That is all.

5.) We got our first snowfall of 2013. It’s so pretty. Too bad it was barely an inch, which meant I still had to go to work. But its only January, more snow is right around the corner. (You hear that Mother Nature?)

Well that's it, I hope you had an amazing week. Leave me a comment and tell me about a cool moment from your week. This weekend is sure to be fabulous for me, my oldest friend in the world is marrying the love of her life. I cannot wait to stand up with her and watch the happy union take place. I hope everyone else has an awesome weekend too. See ya on Monday!


Photobucket

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Product Review: Palmolive Fresh Infusions


Have you heard of Influenster yet? It’s a really cool program where tastemakers and trendsetters (I’ll let you pick which one I am!) get to try different products, review them and share them on social media and with the people in their lives. That’s where you come in!!!  I’ll be writing reviews of the products I receive from Influenster on here; hopefully the products will be beneficial to you in your daily lives.

Even though this post isn’t a review on Influenster, I have to say it’s an awesome program. I was invited to review Palmolive Fresh Infusions dish soap and received a pretty big package in the mail. To be honest, I was just expecting a small bottle of dish soap and really just one. Well Influenster sent me THREE full size bottles to try! Technically they sent me two and one to share with a friend, Erica at Looking to the Stars will be receiving my third bottle. That alone makes me already start to like the product; the company is taking great care of the people who are testing their product.

I’m not one who usually pays attention to what dish soap I buy, I typically get whatever is on sale and has a pretty color. But if I saw these in the store, I would totally buy them. Palmolive has changed the size and shape of the dish soap bottle and made it stand out among the others. And the smells – simply divine. The scents are not too overpowering and have the clean smell that you want while washing your dishes. I love the Lime Basil, it’s my favorite. The word fresh in the title says it all, the scent actually makes me enjoy washing dishes because it smells so nice. Because let’s get real, who actually likes washing dishes? I’m a serious cleaner and I absolutely dislike washing dishes. Except that time when I was a child and used to pretend I was on QVC and demonstrated for “my audience” how to get clean dishes…but that is a story for a different day.


I’m pretty impressed with both Influenster and Palmolive Fresh Infusions. This dish soap gets the job done right and I love trying new products. I definitely recommend you go buy a bottle of this dish soap soon. And get the Lime Basil, you won’t be disappointed. The name just sounds fresh…which I guess was their point.

Photobucket

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Wore: Errand Outfit



Today’s outfit post is what I like to call my “errand outfit.” When running lots of errands, I like to be comfortable but I always love to add some stylish elements as well. If you have been around these parts for any length of time, you know that I have a huge thing for scarves. I feel like scarves are like a great pair of heels, throw one on and you feel so much more put together.  So scarves go on regular rotation in my wardrobe.


Also to keep this outfit from being completely black and white, I opted for a pair of my favorite shoes: my green wedges. I love that the shoes add a pop of color to my outfit, but that they are still so comfortable. Thank you to the inventor of the wedge shoe. Because I get some extra height, but my feet don’t hate me by the end of the day (and these pregnancy days are super thankful for that!).


Cardigan: New York & Co. Black Tee: H&M. Scarf: Le Mode Accessories. Jeans: Old Navy. Shoes and Sunnies: Target. Earrings: Talbots.

What clothing elements do you like to wear when running errands?

I’m linking up with Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday and Lauren from Style Elixir for Style Sessions . Go check 'em out and find some fashion inspiration.

Photobucket

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Two Tips Tuesday


Today is the beginning of a new and hopefully exciting weekly post; I’m calling it Two Tips Tuesday. This is where I will offer up two tips every Tuesday on ANY subject. We all do a lot in our lives and I’m sure everyone is constantly looking for ways to simplify things (I sure am), save a few bucks, make things better or even just looking for ways to feel/look better in their beauty routine. So here I am to provide a little inspiration to you each week, on tons of topics that we all face every day.

Tip #1:

If you haven’t already started, use Dry Shampoo. This is a miracle product!!! For anyone who has fine, limp hair (like me), you know it can be tricky to style your hair because you have little to no texture. I spray Dry Shampoo on my hair (at the roots) every morning, right after I blow dry it, to give my hair something to hang on to. For those of us who do a little back combing/teasing, Dry Shampoo is a lifesaver. It will actually help your hair move the way you want it to and stay in place. I've also found that I get some lift action at the roots, which is always a plus in my book. And you don’t have to break the bank to buy it; my favorite is Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray, which only costs about $3. The Suave brand doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy like other brands have. It actually keeps the dry in Dry Shampoo true to its word!


Tip #2:

Get a CVS Extra Care Card. This is my secret weapon for saving a little cash and it is a free program. Just ask a cashier how to sign up (or go online to request a card) and start using your card on every shopping trip to CVS. The Extra Care Card has special savings offers on select products each week for card holders and you can even print CVS coupons in the store by scanning your card at the Extra Care Coupon Center. Yes, some people think that drug stores have high prices on items you can get elsewhere, but with the Extra Care Card, that thought goes right out the window. Plus, each week different items are marked to actually give you Extra Bucks (which is a coupon for money to spend at CVS on anything). So you are essentially making a little money to buy a product.
Also, CVS will e-mail you on a very regular basis with other savings offers; I usually get a 20% off coupon or $5 off of $20 coupon. Another perk I love is the Beauty Club savings program. Your Extra Care Card tracks all of your purchases from multiple shopping trips and for every $50 you spend on beauty products (which can be anything: hair care, dental care, makeup, etc) you will get $5 Extra Bucks. And us beauty fans know, $50 can add up fast! (NO, CVS did not pay me to write this post, I just love the card and the savings that much. They have no clue who I am or that I am even writing this.)

So there you have it, two [hopefully] useful tips. Check back here every Tuesday as I will be offering up two new tips each week.


Photobucket

Monday, January 21, 2013

January Birchbox


Happy MLK Day and Inauguration Day everyone!!!

I hope you are enjoying the day and perhaps even giving yourself some time to relax. So what better time to check out Birchbox than on a relaxing day off from work?


My January box arrived last week and I wanted to share what I got. Every time I see that glorious box in my mailbox, I get excited like a kid on Christmas morning (who am I kidding, I get excited on Christmas morning even at 30!). I have found so many new, awesome products through my beauty subscription with Birchbox so if you like what you see and want your own box, click here.



Here are the products that came in my January box:
1.) 25 ideas to make this the best year yet – The tips range from beautifying tricks to lifestyle changes, plenty of options to make 2013 #mybestyear. You can find out all of the tips by following Birchbox on instagram (@birchbox), they post a new tip every couple of days.
2.) Reusable gift envelope – I got one of these in my November box too and just love the boxes. They are super cute and easy to fit a small beauty product or necklace. Valentine’s Day is coming up, maybe someone will get a special treat in one of these boxes.
3.) Harvey Prince Skinny Chic fragrance – This is my favorite fragrance I have received in a Birchbox (and not even because it promises to keep you feeling young, slim and beautiful…well maybe a little). It has such a clean fruity smell; when I wear the scent, I can’t quit smelling my wrists. Yummy!
4.) Beauty Extra: Juice Beauty Daily Essentials Organics to Go – This will be great to have in my purse on a long flight. The samples include cleansing milk, antioxidant serum and nutrient moisturizer. I just hope I can wait until a long flight to use the product. I’m crazy about skin care so I might be testing these products out this week!
5.) theBalm costmetics Put a Lid On It Eyelid Primer – This could not have arrived at a better time. I’m actually working on a makeup primer post for everyone, so I am thrilled to also add an eyelid primer into the mix. These primers are awesome and keep your eye shadow crease free. Stay tuned for a real review coming soon!
6.) Clark’s Botanicals Smoothing Marine Cream – This is an exfoliating moisturizer; such a cool product. I love beauty products that tingle because it lets you know it’s working. The tingle leaves your skin feeling so refreshed.
7.) Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo – So many ladies use several hair products a day, this is the perfect shampoo to remove product buildup. I recommend using the clarifying shampoo every few days, but I hear this Number 4 brand is gentle enough for everyday use too!

Are you a beauty junkie? Do you love trying new products? Then sign up for your own Birchbox here. Also, if you receive a Birchbox, I’d love for you to tweet me a pic of what you got in your box (@lindsaytolar).


Photobucket

Friday, January 18, 2013

High Five For Friday


Hey Friday, thanks so much for making your return.
As per usual, here are my top 5 moments that made this week great. I'm linking up with Lauren who blogs over at From My Grey Desk for this High Five For Friday link up.

1.) I had quite the busy weekend, but it was oh so fun. I co-hosted a baby shower for some awesome friends by day and celebrated the bride to be at my friend's bachelorette by night.
Proud Papa Dane, Me, Pretty Mama Courtney and Tolar (not sure why we weren't standing next to our spouses)


2.) My friends know me so well. As soon as they heard that Kate Middleton was due in July they thought of me. Love them! (If you missed my Royals post from earlier this week, click here)

3.) This pic is from last week, but the awesome news is from this week. Tolar and I got some great news back from our doctor about how our baby is doing. The baby has a healthy heartbeat, the doctors like what they are seeing as far as growth, the chances for down syndrome are very low (praise the Lord!) and everything is right on track (even my weight gain - thank goodness!).


4.) Thank you Vitamin Water for giving me a little giggle during the work day.


5.) Its official, I have the absolute coolest nephew around!


I hope everyone has a great weekend, and even more, I hope everyone gets a three day weekend! Leave a comment below to tell me about one of your top moments from the week.

Photobucket

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Night Road

[via]


Have you ever heard of the author Kristin Hannah? If not and you like to read fiction novels full of great friendships and family relationships, then you need to check her out.

I first discovered Kristin Hannah back in 2009 while visiting my best friend out in L.A. (Go check out Erica’s blog, she blogs over at Looking to the Stars. Plus her button is in my sidebar so you can always find her.) She told me about this book called Firefly Lane and told me I had to read it. Well without turning this post into a review on Firefly Lane, let me just say I read it in like a week. I couldn't put it down. The relationships that Kristin builds between her characters are simply amazing. So deep and so full of love for each other. The relationships she covers aren't always love relationships, she broadens her work to include friendships, mothers/daughters, fathers/daughters. And she creates stories that you can’t stop reading. And let me just warn you, I have cried while reading every single book.

I’ve read plenty of her books and have loved them all. But my most favorite is called Night Road. The story follows best friends from childhood into their early adult lives as well as a deep relationship between a mother and her children. When tragedy strikes (because there always has to be a tragedy), everyone’s lives are changed. As everyone struggles to move on they must all work on forgiving and forgetting. The website sums it up best: “Vivid, universal and emotionally complex, Night Road raises profound questions about motherhood, identity, love and forgiveness. It is a luminous, heartbreaking novel that captures both the exquisite pain of loss and the stunning power of hope. This is Kristin Hannah at her very best, telling an unforgettable story about the longing for family, the resilience of the human heart and the courage it takes to forgive the people we love."

I couldn’t have said it better myself. This book is good y’all. Better than good – this book is so amazing. I couldn’t stop reading. During my work day, I was so excited for my lunch hour so I could read some more of Night Road. I seriously was antisocial during lunch because I was so absorbed in the book (sorry to all of my friends at work!).

You must go check her out. At least check out Kristin’s website to read about each of her books, click here to do so. She’s good, you won’t be disappointed. I have loved every book by Kristin Hannah that I have ever read.
Happy reading to all of you!

Photobucket

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Bracelet Sleeves and Oxblood

Have you heard of the color oxblood? I absolutely hate the name, but love the color. I much more prefer the name wine or burgundy. And that color has been HOT this season. I apparently have been into this trend long before it actually came along (which is always nice in my book!).

I've had this skirt for quite some time, so long in fact that I don't even remember where I bought it. I'm sure a department store like Macy's or something, but I honestly don't know. I love this skirt because it is super comfortable, a flattering cut and has a very classic pattern. Which means I have been able to wear the skirt for years and not look out of style. Don't you just love classic pieces?

(I had to take these photos inside because it has been cold and rainy here for a few days!)
For quite some time I would wear grey or black shoes because I didn't have anything else to wear with the skirt. Well that all changed one lucky day when I entered DSW and found these awesome oxblood shoes. I loved them at first sight and knew I had to have them. I actually didn't even think about the skirt when I bought the shoes. I just knew the shoes were gorgeous and I needed them (because don't all women NEED a great pair of pretty heels?).


 
Once I got home, I realized that the shoes were a perfect match. So bye bye boring, yet oh so amazing, black shoes and hello perfectly matched oxblood wine shoes.

Just a quick bonus about this outfit…I love the sleeves on my blazer. 2 reasons: 1.) I love the ruffle edge that gives this blazer a very feminine look and 2.) I love that they are bracelet sleeves, which means they are the perfect length to still show off my bracelet. What a genius term!!! This blazer is one of my faves that goes on regular rotation in my wardrobe.


Blazer and Earrings: LOFT. Black Tee: H&M. Skirt: can't remember. Tights, Purse and Bracelet: Target. Shoes: DSW. 

Do you have a favorite color or wardrobe staple to get you through the winter? I’d love to hear about it, so please share it in the comments section below.

(P.S. I’m linking up with Lindsey over at The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday, this is an awesome link up full of other fashionable gals. Pop over to The Pleated Poppy and check everyone out. I KNOW you will find some fashion inspiration!)