Family Photos: Spring in the Midwest

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My mom -- the burgeoning photographer, remember -- snapped the above photo one morning at work at few weeks ago. There's nothing like spring in the Midwest. Really. Everything comes back to life in bright colors, warm breezes and the smell of beautiful flowers.

We had the perfect Sunday yesterday -- it was the perfect way to ring in spring. We went to lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant, and then took a stroll through the nearby park. The flowers were beautiful...

...and of course, we couldn't resist taking a couple photos under a pretty trellis...

...but it seems like our cats are really the ones loving spring so far.

So, what's spring like in your neck of the woods, friends? xoxo

P.S. Fall in the Midwest and the simple pleasures of apple orchards.

Fashion Friday: Pastel nail polish

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In light of the new pops of color on the blog this week, I couldn't help but smile when I discovered Essie's 2013 Resort Collection, including such shades as Play Date, First Timer, Come Here, In The Cab-ana, Haute As Hello and Butler Please. Why can't pastels be in fashion all year long? Yeah, someone should start a petition for that. Which color is your favorite? xoxo

 

P.S. Hmm, I wonder which color would go best with my polo shirts...here's a handy color chart. :)

Wedding do or don't: Colorful engagement rings

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My mom didn't save her engagement ring, but from what she tells me, it was pretty simple. Nothing too flashy, and most definitely not colorful. Well, it looks like times have certainly changed, at least when it comes to 2013 engagement ring trends. It's all about abandoning the traditional in favor of the unique. "The newest crop of brides-to-be want a ring that showcases their individual personality," says McQueen Jewelry CEO Yosi Elison in an interview with Yahoo! Shine. Just in time for spring, here's a fun round-up of my six favorite colorful gems from Etsy... 

*14K ruby gemstone, $475

*Sky blue sapphire in white gold, $480
*Cognac diamond in white gold, $400
*Marquis diamond ring, $500
*Green rose cut diamond in yellow gold, $810
*Purple sapphire in yellow gold, $380

Your turn, friends: Would you choose a colorful engagement ring over a traditional one? Did you? Did your parents? What color would you choose? Any favorites -- or least favorites? Let's chat! xoxo

P.S. Wouldn't this rainbow engagement ring be fun too? Talk about a POP of color!

[Top photo by Braedon Photography]

Fashion Friday: Colorful slippers

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I have a horrible habit of losing slippers. My mother will get me a pair for Christmas, and by the time Valentine's Day rolls around, my one lonely slipper is heartbroken because he's missing his mate. I once had a pair of red Rover the Dog slippers (remember him...?), and they made my feet feel like they were resting on a cloud. But what happened? You guessed it -- I lost them. Both feet. I'm thinking that if I had a pair of these colorful slippers from Europe-based Chattelles Paris, I'd be extra careful not to lose them. And you can even choose your own tassel color. How fun is that? xoxo

Video Hello: It's polo shirt season!

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For some, today is the start of the baseball season. For me? Well, let's just say it's officially time for me to start strutting my stuff in my fabulously fashionable polo shirts. Here's a video of some of my favorites from my ever-growing collection (teaser: There's a HUGE announcement at the end of the video, so make sure you don't miss it)...

Bunny nightlight

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I'm having lunch with an old friend today, but before I head out, I couldn't resist sharing this adorable bunny nightlight, just in time for Easter. I can picture him watching over everything at night. Fun fact: I kept glow-in-the-dark stars on my bedroom walls wayyy past what is considered age-appropriate -- we're talking into my early '20s, here! xoxo

 

P.S. Are you ready for Easter? Here are 10 creative Easter egg designs, Cadbury creme eggs and an analysis of Mr. Bunny to get you in the hippity hoppity spirit... :)

NYC Diaries: 5 ways to prepare for spring

FREE IMAGES Happy Tuesday, everyone! Let’s talk weather. Here in New York, the sky is dreary and overcast and filled with the promise of rain. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind a rainy day every once in a while. But after a long winter of bitter cold and snowstorms, I think I speak for most people when I say that we’re itching for spring. And this is NOT the springtime weather we had in mind. I was hoping for bright flowers and blooming trees and no more reason to wear my coat. And with the proverbial April showers well on their way, it doesn’t look like Mother Nature is giving us a break here.

So how do we stave off the blues during this extended winter? How do we manage to keep a positive attitude amidst the monotony and lack of sunshine? Here are five tips on surviving these next few weeks and welcoming spring the right way...

Get a head start on that spring cleaning
My mom used to tell me all the time: Don’t wait until tomorrow to accomplish something you can do today. So what are you waiting for? Instead of wasting a beautiful spring day stuck inside with chores, why not get it done while the weather is refusing to cooperate? Pack away the jackets and heavy sweaters you won’t need for another few seasons and start filling up your closets with the cheery sundresses and blouses you’ll be rocking within the next month.

Pamper yourself
To me, there’s nothing more uplifting than a spa day. Allow yourself to feel pretty, and get your nails or hair done at the local salon. You’re not just getting ready for a date or party; you’re prepping for a whole new season. So enjoy the wait because getting ready is half the fun.

Work off those last few pounds
This one follows the theme of preparation. Don’t just be passive and wait for the warm weather to arrive. Greet spring head-on by shedding the weight you put on over the holidays and get bikini-ready by the first beach-weather day of the year.

Create a springy atmosphere
Every season requires a bit of redecorating. So get rid of the poinsettias and wintry vanilla-scented candles, and replace them with boldly colored flowers and tropical scents. Sunflowers always put me in a great mood, especially on the dullest days. Even if the outdoors is a rainy mess, your home (or office or dorm) can be a springtime paradise.

Hit the mall

This is my favorite tip! I’m BIG on shopping, and what better time to update your spring/summer wardrobe? Stores are already selling shorts and bathing suits, so that will definitely put you in a warmer-weather mood. A lot of places are also having sales on winter clothes, so you can always stock up on those for next year!

So there you are...some ideas to make this dreary transition period more enjoyable. I hope you have a lovely time, and don’t let the weather get you down too much. Happy spring! And let me know: How are you preparing for the springtime?

Read my blog, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter for more! 

--By Caitlin from Stream of Caitlinness 

[Photos via Pinterest]

First day of spring

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You certainly wouldn't know it based on the cold and windy weather we've been having in the Heartland this week, but today is officially the first day of spring! I love seeing everything come back to life -- beautiful flowers blooming, birds singing, ducks waddling around the lagoon -- and there's nothing like taking that first long walk in the sunshine after months of hunkering down indoors. I'm ready for warm days and beautiful nights. Bring it on, spring!

How adorable is this bunny? What are you looking forward to, friends? Look for my picks in the comments! xoxo

 

[Photos via Pinterest] 

Dream Home: Citrus chandelier

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Here's a fun idea to welcome spring: Wouldn't this citrus chandelier full of lemons and oranges be a nice touch on a porch or in a garden? It would make everything smell sweet and fresh. Are you ready for spring, friends?

 

P.S. A new MEMO TO MEN is coming up this afternoon! :)

Fashion Friday: Banana Republic's Mad Men spring collection

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Even though it's completely out of my price range, I'm still in love with Banana Republic's newest Mad Men collection. The collection, inspired by the show's characters, is a clever nod to the classic fashion and style of the late '60s.

The colors. The patterns. It all comes together so perfectly, doesn't it? You can shop the collection here.

 

P.S. The history of my Mad Men obsession.

Fashion Friday: Floral shoes for spring

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Well, it's March 1st, and you know what that means, don't you? Spring is just around the corner...in 19 days, to be exact! Can you tell I'm just a wee bit excited for warm weather and sunshine? How fun would it be to step into spring rocking a pair of Keds for Madewell? I'd love to get a pair custom-made for myself, and I love how bright, cheery and fresh they look -- just like the perfect spring day! xoxo

P.S. More spring fashions and spring fling fun. :)

Dream Home: Indoor plants

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So, I was minding my own business and working at the kitchen table this morning when I looked up just in time to see the swirl of a blizzard begin to take shape. It reminded me a bit of the snowstorm we had a couple years ago, and it made me want to bust out a few of these tips.

Lately, I've even found myself daydreaming about those wonderfully warm early days of spring, and these indoor plants are giving me some serious wanderlust. Are you excited for spring, friends? xoxo

 

P.S. A new MEMO TO MEN is coming up this afternoon! :)