Medicine & Manicures

#Trending Tuesday: DazzleBar Statement Necklace Giveaway + Blog Birthday!

Was it really ONE year ago that I started writing this little blog of mine??  I just reread my first post and it was 7 weeks before starting PA school.  I literally knew nothing about blogs when I started, just that I wanted to keep friends & family up to date on my PA school happenings.  Of course I also loved to add in my ever changing nail colors and fun outfits for class.  Now it has evolved to become so much more, an outlet where I can let my creative juices flow & just have fun!  I want to give a big shout out to all of my readers and friends that I have made in this wonderful blog community!
So what’s trending these days?  Statement necklaces, of course!

Can we just talk about how cute this necklace is??  I absolutely love the coral & grey combo and this could easily transition from summer into fall.  DazzleBar is an up-and-coming jewelry company created by three friends: Sherree, Louise and Phyllis.  The inspiration for DazzleBar was influenced by their love for jewelry, interest in fashion trends and the excitement of meeting new friends.  They are based out of New York and currently sell jewelry via Facebook, private jewelry parties, and local events.  DazzleBar’s vision is to provide fun and fabulous jewelry and accessories at affordable prices- they only sell limited quantities of each piece as to keep up with the newest of jewelry trends.
Here are some more of my favorite pieces…

Be sure to check out DazzleBar for all your summer jewelry needs and wants.  You can purchase this lovely jewelry through a Facebook post/message and you will be contacted within 24 hours to go through the details of the sale.  Payment is currently being accepted via PayPal.

For all of my lovely readers, use the code DAZZLE for free shipping!

Do you love this coral & gray necklace as much as I do??  Well today is your lucky day!  To celebrate one year in blogland, I am giving away this necklace + earrings to one lucky winner.  Enter until Friday at 6 pm!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

photo http---signaturesmylivesignaturecom-54492-94-143741C611B9E19D4A83293CC2EB5C121_zps2294f374.png



Weekend with Friends & Fam

So this weekend was a blast, I’m just saying.  Since Ryan was out of town for a bachelor party, Sarah & I took over the condo for a fun girls weekend.  

After a quick mani on Friday, we headed over to Katie’s place to grill some delicious food including kabobs, mashed potatoes, and watermelon of course!  Sarah has already met most of my friends, but she finally got to meet Lindsay- so glad that she came to visit from Atlanta.

Ps. I know your mouths are watering right now, get the recipe for these kabobs and white sauce here! I’m so very thankful for friends who know how to cook 🙂

Saturday was spent with the fam.  In case y’all didn’t know, I was born in Moscow, Russia and moved here when I was 5.  My mom has been back to visit a few times but I have not.  My uncle, Andrew, is in the US for the first time ever and got to experience a little bit of Charlotte on Saturday! I haven’t seen him since I moved here, crazy right?!  Ps. He and my mom are twins which is pretty cool.  We had such a wonderful day and I’m glad we got to spend some time together, even with my crazy schedule.

The fun girls weekend continued with dinner at Basil (amazing Thai) and a fun night uptown.  I feel like we definitely don’t get to have these GNOs as much as we would like, but when we do we make it count!  I absolutely love my girlfriends 🙂
Today I have an orthopedics test, a few classes, and filming for our upcoming PA promotional video (a rap song turned medical).  This should be done hopefully by August and I’m super excited!!  I am also a little sad because this is the last week in our three’s company house… I’m still not mentally (or physically) prepared to move!!  Tonight will be our last Bachelorette night and this week will be full of packing and studying for our ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) class which is taking place this weekend.  Packing = my worst nightmare!
Linking up with Biana and Meghan for today’s weekending… is it really Monday already?!
photo http---signaturesmylivesignaturecom-54492-94-143741C611B9E19D4A83293CC2EB5C121_zps2294f374.png

Friday 5: My Favorite Apps

The week is almost over and I’m super excited to head back to Charlotte again for the weekend!  
For today’s 5, I’ll be talking about my favorite iPhone apps because let’s face it, this girl loves technology.
1. Instagram
I almost didn’t put this one because we all know about it & all use it.  But then again, I couldn’t not list it because I’m obsessed!  I’m using Facebook less and less these days.  Sometimes I don’t feel like reading page-long statuses about politics or a play-by-play of the birth of your child (that’s what blogs are for, right?) so I usually check the ‘gram before anything else.  Follow my daily happenings here! 
2. Venmo
Do you have one of those friends that you constantly have to remind to pay you back?  Well, this is the app for you!  Venmo is a super easy way to send/request money from others right from your phone.  Easier than PayPal with a great interface, it almost makes sending money fun (did I just say that?).  When you receive $$ it stays in your “bank” until you want to cash out and if you owe someone $$, it will come out of that fund first. Linking this to your bank account is free of charge and it has been a life saver for me & the roommates.  PS. You get $5 every time you refer someone… cha ching!  Checks are so 10 years ago!
3. Cartwheel by Target
I don’t think I could find a single person in this world who doesn’t like Target so here is an app for some extra savings.  You can browse and add items to your barcode or you can also scan things while shopping in the store.  Most items are 5% off but they will have specials that will have an even bigger discount.  That combined with a REDcard is 10% and you know that adds up in this black hole of a store that sucks you in every time.  Gotta love it!

4. Like to Know It

This one kind of goes with Instagram but if you haven’t already signed up, here is your official invite!  If you’re like me and follow a lot of fashion bloggers, you’ve seen these funny liketk.it links on their IG photos and may have wondered, what the heck is that??  Now you can get an email with outfit details when you “like” a photo… genius!  Just enter your email here and you can set it up to send emails ASAP, daily, or weekly with all of your fashion faves.
5. OpenTable

If you love going out to eat, then this one is a no-brainer.  Make reservations to your favorite restaurants any time by picking your party size, time, and even adding special requests.  I love anything with a rewards system and with OpenTable you get 100 points for every reservation (1,000 for some places!).  After you reach 2,000 points you get a $20 check mailed to you to use at any participating restaurant.  Basically I love this app because I don’t have to call anyone or be put on hold- problem solved!
What are some of your favorite apps?? Please do tell because I’m always looking for fun ways that my iPhone can make life easier.  Thanks for reading & have a fantastic weekend!
Linking up with Christina, Darci, April, & Natasha for today’s 5.

photo http---signaturesmylivesignaturecom-54492-94-143741C611B9E19D4A83293CC2EB5C121_zps2294f374.png

Splurge vs. Save: Accessories

Hello loves!  I was recently contacted by Erin at Credit Card Insider to participate in their “Splurge vs. Save” Campaign so today I’m talking all about accessories!
>> Neutral Wedges <<

A nude wedge is a staple for summer whether you want to pair it with a sundress or some cuffed jeans.  DV by Dolce Vita is one of my favorite shoe brands, but if you have a good eye, you may notice that Target often has shoes that closely resemble some pricier alternatives. PS. The DV pair are currently on sale for $50 so I’d say they qualify as a steal too!

>> Pave Link Bracelet <<

These chunky link bracelets have been around for a while and are often used as a stackable addition to the “arm party.”  J.Crew made the original, but plenty of smaller jewelry boutiques make almost identical variations (like this one from BaubleBar).  Don’t spend hundreds of dollars on trendy jewels because you don’t know how long they’ll be in style.

>> Handbag <<

One day at the hair salon I had someone ask me if my bag was Prada.  I was flattered, but there is no way I could spend thousands of dollars on a bag.  While this Kate Spade bag isn’t exactly “cheap,” it is a timeless style that is very versatile and will carry you throughout the years (well… you’ll carry it technically!).

>> Tortoise Cat Eye Sunglasses <<

Isn’t summer more fun with a fresh pair of sunnies?  Tortoise never goes out of style, but the cat eye is a big trend that is making a come back from the 60’s.  If you are one of those people who can’t remember the last place you left your glasses, maybe a $300 designer pair isn’t for you. Anthropologie has a lot of super cute and affordable sunglasses that will keep you looking oh so cool this summer.

I realize that splurge & steal are relative terms when it comes to how much you’re willing to fork out for fashion.  Here are a few of my favorite ways to get a good deal:

 

1. Prioritize. It is okay to splurge on a classic, useful item such as a handbag or tote.  You will use this most days and you want it to be high-quality and durable. You always get great use out of anything black, tan, or neutral.
2. Shop around.  The beauty of shopping online is you don’t feel pressured, rushed, or tired at the end of the day. I also try to shop from sites like Nordstrom, Piperlime, and BaubleBar because they have free shipping and returns.
3. Create a budget. I know, this can be hard. My favorite site to use is Mint.com (they also have an app) because it makes tracking keeping tabs on your money so simple!

#Trending Tuesday: Pattern Mixing

A’gaci floral top (similar here & here) // J.Crew Factory striped skirt // Tory Burch Ella tote (on sale!) // Steve Madden wedges // Ray-Ban sunnies // DY bracelet // Spike bracelet (similar) // Nails: Charlotte by Julep // Toes: Bikini so Teeny
I have to admit, I usually don’t mix patterns.  I see others do it and somehow it just works, so I decided to give it a shot.  Stripes are easy- you can pretty much mix them with anything to create a fun, unique look (except plaid… I will never!).  This J.Crew Factory skirt is so light & comfortable- perfect for the office!  Florals are everywhere (I mean it’s spring after all) and I think they look especially good with stripes.  I wore this to class with wedges (the most comfortable ones I’ve ever owned BTW), but you could also dress it up with some nude pumps or flats.  For all of you who tend to stick to solids, this is your personal invitation to step out of the box and mix it up with a fun print!

 A big thank you to my photog Sarah, how did I get so lucky with such a good roomie?

SHOP THE POST

ACCESSORIZE

Here is some more Pinspiration for you!

PS, SALE ALERT: Head over to Piperlime for 25% off today until 3pm with code SHOPFAST.  This is one of my favorite places to shop because they always have free shipping & free returns… it’s a no brainer!  Here are some of my picks:


Join Amanda, Katie, Zelle and I every week to talk about what’s trending and thanks for reading along!

   

photo http---signaturesmylivesignaturecom-54492-94-143741C611B9E19D4A83293CC2EB5C121_zps2294f374.png



Summer Clutches

I love a good bag and a compact clutch is a must for summer nights.  I usually tend to buy neutrals that can go with anything, but do love little pops of color to brighten up an outfit.  On my current wish list is this GiGi bag– they’re quite popular these days in case you haven’t noticed and I absolutely love the little tassel (and the fact that you can monogram it!).  The straw and wicker bags scream summertime- don’t they just make you want to jet off to the Caribbean somewhere??  Here a few of my favorite summer clutches:

Have a wonderful day y’all!
photo http---signaturesmylivesignaturecom-54492-94-143741C611B9E19D4A83293CC2EB5C121_zps2294f374.png

Never Miss a Post!