Links + Lately

L I N K S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

My last name is Newton and most people have called me that or some variation (including Newts) my entire life.  Got the same problem?  Then this will be super relatable.
A great list of healthy Halloween candy that the brilliant woman who owns my gym found.  My new go-to reference!
A great list of safe candy to look for or hand out on Halloween.

L A T E L Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Life lately... it has been something.  My husband has a new job that keeps him gone very long hours, and the kids' schedules seem to just keep growing and growing.  I'm honestly struggling to balance everything in life.  There are nights when I collapse on the couch, having gotten no work done and my house looking like a hot mess.  I have a to do list so long I can barely look at it without having an anxiety attack, plus piles of laundry and house projects every five feet in my home.  I struggle with anxiety and OCD so this is a tough situation for me.  I want to give 110% to everything I do and when I can't, I sort of abandon it and have a breakdown.  Honestly, there are days lately that remind me of the months after Greyson was first born and I suffered from postpartum depression that left me feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.  
I like to keep this space happy and positive because those are the vibes I want to be putting out.  Sure, I can be sarcastic, snarky and sometimes kind of a beyotch, but I really want to be a nice, kind person and strive to be one.  I want this space to reflect that, but I have to be honest, it wouldn't be real if I didn't tell it like it is.  And right now "it" is rough.  I need to work on my time management skills and learn the ability to say no.  I need to focus on setting up our office so that I have an organized, usable work space.  I need to prioritize my schedule and set it in stone so that I have hours set aside to work, and time where I can focus entirely on the kids and having fun with them.  How do you ladies do it?  So many of you juggle work, multiple jobs and careers, and families and I need your tips.  Amanda shared a great post on getting it all done and it really got me thinking about things.  I need to draw a hard line on some things and really manage my time better.  You all manage so much in your days and I look to you all as such amazing resources, and you all amaze me with how much you all accomplish and keep it together!  Send me your tips... and wine.  Lots of wine!

Have a fabulous Halloween! I'm off to run around like a complete maniac for the next... forseeable future ;)  -xx

Shopping: Shopbop Sale + ShareitSTOPit

Happy Thursday babes! I'm literally counting down the seconds until this weekend and what better way to kick it off then with some recently announced Shopbop markdowns?  I'm putting all but one of my sale purchases in the mail today, so I think a new order is only fair!

I'm loving that Tory Burch bucket bag in a BIG way.  Is it necessary?  And so many amazing tops, shoes and more!  I never met a deal I didn't like!
I also wanted to talk about something really important that affects too many people, especially our children: cyber bullying.  The SHAREitSTOPit campaign is happening this week and here is how YOU can participate- 

Will you join me and try to put an end to Cyber Bullying?

Have a fabulous day! -xx

Shopaholic: Lust List

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I am all kinds of heart eye emojis (and tacos and champagne) over these earrings, even though they are still pre-sale.  Hint, hint hubby.  I am also thinking this would be the perfect Holiday party dress, or anytime dress.  It's sort of a Clover Canyon-esque look without the price tag.  What do we think, yay or nay? 
I'm also trying to restock my closet with some basics like this sweater (I own the old version) and some of my favorite jeans.  What's a great bunch of clothes without the staples to mix in?  Stay tuned for a post on my favorite basics!
I'm so excited about this Fall weather and breaking out clothes that I may have forgotten I owned.  And the leaves.  You guys, the leaves are so good this year! If you see me, it will be with a couple of little people frolicking in them.  
Have a fabulous day! -xx

Style: Tan and Leather

Pants: Hue | Sweater: J.Crew, in v neck still available | Shoes: Wild Diva via Amazon, similar here | Necklace: Happiness Boutique | Sunglasses: Amazon | Bag: Louis Vuitton

One of my favorite parts about this outfit is the price tag.  These are an amazing pair of (faux) leather pants for only $58.  They aren't like the cheapier pairs I snap up and wear once or twice before tossing.  The sweater is basically always on sale and one of the most worn items in my closet.  And the shoes come in under $30.  My bag is my big splurge piece and I am ok with that since I have had it for about a zillion years.  P.S.  I wear these sunglasses every day and they cost less than $10!  Sometimes, it's the little things in life, like a great pair of sunglasses at a steal on a Monday, am I right?!
May your coffee be extra strong today! Have a fabulous day babes! -xx

Links + Lately

L I N K S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Avery and I are both OBSESSED with Pumpkin the raccoon, who was taken in by some kind people and now thinks she is a dog.  And is so, freaking cute. I can never look at a raccoon the same way again.
Who is watching Whine About It Matt?  He is EVERYTHING.  Watch it, you won't regret it.  If you're basic in any way, then this video is for you (and me.)
I remember my childhood very differently than my children are living theirs.  This article really touched on everything I have been thinking lately.
This video of 100 years of Halloween costumes and what is predicted to be this year's biggest is just all of the awesomeness!
I just read this amazing 9/11 story, which brought me to tears and completely reaffirms goodness in humanity.

L A T E L Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Why do I feel like I am constantly saying life is so busy?  It's like just when I think it will calm down, it gets even crazier.  We have been so busy celebrating Avery's birthday (HOW do I have a seven year old?! I swear I am not old enough for that!)  and squeezing in every Fall activity we can.  Add in nonstop kids' activities and work that doesn't seem to stop piling up and... let's just say I am really doing my research for next month's Wino Wednesday (don't forget to link up!)  P.S.  both pairs of my workout pants are on sale!  The black Lululemon pair I found in store after trying to find them unsuccessfully at a full price online.  And can we please just discuss Avery's new sneakers?  Why don't glitter Puma's come in MY size?!
I'm off to grab my weekly PSL because what's a Friday if you can't treat yoself?  Have a fabulous weekend babes! -xx

Health: That Time I Sort of Did a Juice Cleanse

How do you feel about that title?  I use the term sort of loosely.  It wasn't exactly like I did a juice cleanse and stopped.  I actually modified the juice cleanse based on my prior experiences with it to make it more effective for me.  I am by no means a health or medical professional, so please feel free to tell me what I am doing wrong and I what I can learn from this experience to make it better for the future.  
Let me preface this with the fact that I have done the Blueprint Three Day Juice Cleanse before in its entirety.  I personally did not like it.  I felt like pure death doing it, however there were a lot of great takeaways from it for me.  My friend had also done the cleanse and we both talked a lot about it and what would do to make it work better for us.  We decided to give it a try, but for four days this time, with four juices throughout the day and a dinner of vegetables and lean protein.  
Here is how the cleanse went down: 

Since I ordered my cleanse from an online grocer, I went with the double serving bottle of green juice.  I drank half as my first juice and the other half as my third.  I drank the Pineapple Apple Mint as my second juice and the Lemon Cayenne Agave as my fourth, just as the regular cleanse goes.  I personally do not care for the last two juices of the full cleanse (beet juice and cashew milk) so I was more than happy to skip those.  I literally gag on them both for no reason.  
Here is how my day went in order:
7:00 am - Right after I woke up I drank hot water with lemon

9:00 am - Green Juice

11:30 am - Pineapple Apple Mint

12:30 pm - Green Tea

2:30 pm - Green Juice

4:30 pm - Lemon Cayenne Agave

I usually drank another cup or two of green tea because the caffeine withdrawal was real and I was struggling.  On days three and four I ate a handful of raw cashews around lunchtime because I thought I was going to pass out from hunger and lack of energy.  Every night I ate kale and spinach with plain roasted chicken, except for the second night when we were out for dinner.  I had a veggie burger and a salad, but I did cheat and had a small glass of wine and some bites of a regular burger patty with cheese.  To be perfectly honest, I didn't feel the least bit badly about that either.  My body was craving it so I went with it.
My takeaways:  Cleansing is hard, even when there is a meal at the end of the day, BUT it is worth it.  I had been on a downhill food spiral and this really helped get me back on track.  I went back to wanting to eat healthy foods like fresh vegetables and not craving junk foods.  It's basically like hitting the reset switch after a glutinous Summer.  Granted, my birthday came and I have been a little off the rails since, but I am finding it much easier to get back to healthier eating since I have done this.  I'm planning on doing it again in the New Year to reset after the holidays.  
My tips (remember, I am NOT a professional):
- Do it with a friend.  This makes a world of difference.  Having someone to support you and to commiserate with is so key. - Clean out your fridge ahead of time.  Having anything too tempting on hand is just asking for trouble, so don't have it.  This in turn led to my kids eating much more healthy meals than they would have, which made me feel really good. - Pre-purchase everything you need.  This will keep you out of the grocery store! - Do not work out excessively.  Just don't do it.  You won't feel great and your energy will be depleted.  Some yoga seems to be pretty perfect for me when I am cleansing. -Epsom salt baths.  They're detoxifying and really help you relax and get all of the junk out of your system.

That is my experience - have you guys done this or something similar?  What did you think and do you have any tips?  Let me know!

Have a fabulous day! -xx

Beauty: The Only Two Hair Products You Need

My goal this year has been to simplify - in all areas.  Granted, this has been very hard to do in many ways, but in some ways I have really implemented it.  I'm going to go ahead and call this as my New Years Resolution for 2016 as well.  Way to keep it original.  I have been really working at paring down on my beauty routines, and with my hair I have had a lot of success.  I realized I really don't need ten different products, just a small handful of really awesome, versatile ones.

I recently re-discovered my love of the Phyto line.  I have two products from their line that I absolutely love and have been using as the only two products in my post-shower hair regimen.

Phytodéfrisant

This is such an amazing product for all hair types, particularly my thick and wavy (often frizzy) hair.  It is a heat protectant, straightener and defrizzer all in one.  I also use it on my hair (wet) if I am going to wear it wavy or air dried.  I also will use a tiny bit to smooth my hair on day two or three after using the straightening iron.  It is technically heat activated, but I use it like any serum.  If you use a dime size amount pre-blowout your hair will feel like buttah baby.  You can get it here.

Phytokératine

This is also another serum.  I use this and the Phytodéfrisant before I blow dry or air dry.  This repairs damaged hair, smooths it out and adds shine.  The tiniest little bit goes a long way with this.  Trust me when I say this puppy is strong!  You can get it here.

What I also love about the Phyto brand is that these products are made without parabens, sulfates or phthalates.  The less bad chemicals, the better.  I swear by these two products, and my hair feels softer than it has in years since I have started using both serums.   Who else uses Phyto products and loves them?  I'm thinking of trying the shampoo and conditioners next!  Anyone have any great recommendations?  I need them!

Have a fabulous day babes! -xx

Shopping: Lust List

Can I please preface this with the fact that I spent a couple of hours working on this post when something happened with Blogger and I lost the whole thing?!  Face palm.  How do I make that not happen!?
On another note, let's talk Fall goodies.  Because the Fall goodies are so good. So, so good and there are so many sales.  So, so many.  

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I am love, love, loving chunky knits, fabulous shoes and fun pants.  I want to wear them all together all of the time.  P.S. thanks Nat for finding that sweater because I cannot get it off my mind!  The best part is that with all of the crazy sales that have been going on, it is easy to avoid paying full price on most things.  Who loves a deal as much as I do?  Speaking of a deal, my Shopbop sale purchases came yesterday and I think I'm only keeping one thing.  FAIL!
I'm off to get work done and squeeze in a workout.  Trying to find balance and fit it all in is seriously impossible lately - who has tips?!
Have a fabulous day babes! -xx

Style: Vertical Stripes

Shirt: J.Crew (on sale!) and lighter blue here | Bag: Tory Burch Robinson Pebbled Tote | Jeans: 7 For All Mankind Slim Illusion | Bracelet: Kate Spade | Shoes: Tieks in Chestnut

Happy Monday babes!  What a delicious Fall weekend it was here!  
Today is all about stripes... as usual.  Except there is one HUGE difference:  they're VERTICAL.  I know, what the WHAT.  I am a huge believer in horizontal stripes, and pretty much always avoid vertical like the plague.  And then I saw this shirt in J.Crew and fell head over heels.  She (yes, she is a she) really changed my view on the vertical stripe. In smaller doses, and kept on the top, they are doable and they are great.  This shirt is crisp and fun and preppy and different.  And while vertical stripes aren't always the most flattering, I don't think this top is going to make anyone look bad.
What do you think?  Team Vertical or Horizontal?  
Have a fabulous day babes! -xx

Style: Easy Plaid

Shirt: Loft (40% off!) | Jeans: J.Crew Factory | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Bag: Clare V. | Bracelet: Miansai via Nordstrom

Who is ready for the weekend?  Even though this was a short week, it seemed to d-r-a-g and I am SO happy it's Friday!  My hubs is finally coming home after four months working out of state, so that probably adds to my reason for wanting it to be the weekend!  Four months is no joke and I am wiped out, physically and emotionally.  To all of your moms and wives whose husbands are gone for months at a time for various reasons, I give you so much credit.  It's really, really hard.  It's even more so when you don't live near your family.  Thank goodness for wine and friends.
I'm shocked that I am looking forward to the big drop in temperatures we are supposed to have.  Maybe it's because I finally got some new slippers and I want a reason to wear them?  And the blanket scarf my bestie gave me for my birthday.  Fashion is the reason!  
I am off to shuttle kids around and try to get all of the work done before the weekend, because this girl needs a weekend off! Hope you all have a relaxing and fabulous weekend babes! -xx