A Blonde's Moment

Memorial Day Outfit Inspo: Pool or BBQ

May 11, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

mesh halter swimsuit | sunglasses | straw hat {$24!} | SPF lipstick | tassel beach bag | pink nail polish {pink peony} | sunscreen set | pink jelly sandals {available in 6 colors!} | striped beach towel | white tassel cover-up {also available in black}

red scalloped tank | white panama hat | sunglasses | nautical watch | white bucket bag | red lipgloss {cerise} | floral statement necklace | lace-up sandals | red nail polish {lollipop} | gingham shorts

A holiday-inspired Wednesday Wishes for you today! It’s hard to believe, but the official kick off to summer is just around the corner. And whether you have plans to spend Memorial Day by the pool or at a BBQ, it’s time to start planning those outfits!

If you have plans to be at the pool, this mesh halter swimsuit needs to be added to your closet! The color and style are so classic, and the added mesh at the neckline is the perfect amount of trendy flair. And how about these sunglasses?! I don’t know about you, but I have been dying over THESE designer frames for months now. But, that price tag was way too high to ever consider them! I found THESE look-alike frames for only $12!! Can you believe how similar they are? And for a ridiculous fraction of the price! I wanted to pick them up for our trip this weekend, but unfortunately they are not sold in any stores by me yet and I don’t think they would ship in time 🙁 Lastly, a poolside look wouldn’t be complete without a cute sun hat, a colorful beach towel and of course sunscreen. With all these items, you will be set for a day in the sun!

If the day takes you to a BBQ with family and friends, I have the most perfectly patriotic look for you, that would also work for the Fourth of July and Labor Day! Scalloped details on clothing is one of my favorite kinds of details and THIS top is beyond perfect. I love the bright red color and how it pairs with THESE blue gingham shorts for a great Americana look. I completed the look with THESE cute lace-up flat sandals and this very nautical watch! There is nothing like sporting some serious American pride on Memorial Day!

Do you have plans for Memorial Day yet? Do you wear more of the pool or BBQ attire during your summer holidays?

Thanks for dropping by and see you tomorrow!

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Healthy Oatmeal Bites

May 10, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Tuesday! I’m back with another healthy food post that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfasts — it’s delicious, easy to customize and keeps you full almost all day! And these oatmeal bites are even more delicious than your regular microwave version. I used a mini muffin to make these into “bite sized” — they can double as a breakfast or even a mid-day snack to take to work! You could easily use a regular sized muffin pan if you want them strictly for breakfast, or just a bigger snack!

Healthy Oatmeal Bites

{what you will need}

3 cups old fashioned oats

1 1/2 cups almond milk

1/2 cup applesauce

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup canola oil

Toppings of choice {I used fresh blueberries, dried cranberries and pecans}

{directions}

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin tin with cupcake wrappers. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil and brown sugar until dissolved. Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla, salt and cinnamon; whisk until combined. Stir in the oats and baking powder. Fill the muffin tins with 1/4 cup of the mixture. Add toppings of your choice, pushing down the toppings into the mixture with the back of a spoon. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Oatmeal bites can be frozen for up to 6 months; thaw to enjoy. Makes 24 mini bites, 12 regular sized muffins.

PRINT RECIPE HERE

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Thanks for dropping by! Check back tomorrow for an all new Wednesday Wishes!

the best of MIMI Chatter #MIMIbag

May 9, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! After spending the weekend in Ohio, we are heading back to Virginia today…and hopeful that the weather is a little less rainy than it was last week! A shorter week ahead for us as we are heading someplace sunny to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary…more on that next week!

For those of you who follow me on Instagram {rach.mccarthy} and Snapchat {rach.mccarthy7}, these cute cosmetic bags and products may look familiar. I have been receiving the MIMI Chatter #MIMIBag for a few months and I wanted to review some of my favorite products that I have discovered through this fabulous beauty bag!

For those of you who are not familiar with the #MIMIBag, it’s a cute cosmetic bag filled with the latest and greatest in beauty products that typically follow a certain theme for each month. From fighting dry skin in the cold month of January to combating serious frizz with all these April/May showers, I have loved trying all these products! As you will see, I have really loved all the face products in the beauty bags! You can see some of the other products that I received HERE, HERE & HERE.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorites…

Pixi Glow Tonic | Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream | Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet | Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask

Pixi Glow Tonic: I haven’t had much luck with toners in the past. With my dry and sensitive skin, it’s been difficult to find a toner that hydrates my skin and doesn’t cause any bad reactions. Truthfully, I gave up on finding a toner that would work and just removed the toning step from my skincare routine. This was my first time trying Pixi’s products {shop more Pixi products HERE} so like with so many other toners, I was skeptical. This toner had some big claims: tone and tighten the skin all while removing dead skin cells for healthier skin. I have to say, I’m pretty pleased with the results and my experience with this glow tonic! Admittedly, I do sometimes forget to use the toner, I guess it was not a part of my routine for so long, it’s hard to incorporate new steps! Now that I have had luck with this product, I’m looking forward to trying more Pixi products. Currently on my list to try: THIS sleep mask and THIS eye brightener.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream: This was probably the one product I was most excited to try from each of the beauty bags for two reasons: (1) I have been dying to try some of Kate Somerville’s products; and (2) I read that it had been clinically tested safe for sensitive skin. And so far, it has lived up to it’s expectations! This formula leaves your face soft and smooth and delivers a deep hydration that is perfect for even the driest of skins! As you may remember from other beauty posts, I typically use THIS oil in place of moisturizer. But, since receiving this goat milk cream, I have been incorporating it into my night time skin routine and also using it when I travel — since I don’t want the glass bottle filled with face oil to break! This moisturizing cream can be used morning and night applied in a thin and even layer across your face and neck. I highly recommend this cream! Have you tried any of Kate Somerville’s products? Currently on my wish list: THIS hydrating firming mist.

caudalie-vinosource-moisturizing-sorbet-review

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet: Another moisturizing product! Can you tell I have super dry skin?! haha Although this is also a deep hydrating face cream, it is slightly different then the goat milk moisturizing cream I mentioned above. This lightweight, gel moisturizer truly has a calming and soothing feeling on your skin. I love that this moisturizer can work for any skin type, yet it is still gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types. Like the other moisturizer mentioned above, use this in the morning and at night on clean skin. I also read that you can store this product in the refrigerator, which will give you a cool and fresh feeling once applied. I haven’t tried this trick yet, but plan on doing it soon. If you are looking for a soothing moisturizer for any skin type, I would recommend this product from Caudalie. Also on my next to try list from Caudalie: THIS micellar cleansing water, it’s soap free!

Tula Exfoliating Treatment Mask: I’ve saved the best for last! I had been looking for a good mask for a while, so I was excited to try this exfoliating formula from Tula. This clay mask contains exfoliating beads that work to remove the dead skin cells to reveal healthier and more radiant skin. I have been using this mask once a week {although, it can be used 2-3 times per week} and cannot believe the results! My face feels so incredibly soft and hydrated — I have only been using a half drop of THIS oil on my face each morning — that’s a record! To use this treatment mask, apply a thin layer to a clean and dry face. I leave the mask on for 5 minutes and dampen my fingers and begin to rub the mask into my skin, working the exfoliating beads into my face. I then rinse off the entire mask using cool water. I highly recommend this mask if you are looking for a great hydrating and exfoliating treatment for your face. Other Tula products I would like to try: THIS revitalizing eye cream and THIS illuminating face serum.

Thanks so much for stopping by and please let me know if you have any questions about these products! See you back here tomorrow for an all new healthy snack recipe!

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pink

May 5, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

denim jacket, last season {darker color HERE, similar lighter color HERE} | white tee | white jeans {super skinny version} | pink pumps {on sale!} more sizes HERE | magenta tote, pink is sold out but available in black & beige HERE {under $75!} | nameplate bracelet | Kate Spade watch | pink tassel earrings {$28!} | black Ray-Ban sunglasses | MAC lipstick {candy yum yum}, YSL lipgloss {#205}

Wow, Thursday already?! This week has just flown by for me, I hope it has for you too! I wore this “pop of pink” look last Saturday and we had to photograph in between rain showers, so the lighting wasn’t ideal! We have had SO much rain lately, like nonstop, everyday for the past week. Although, I shouldn’t complain too much because we planted grass seed a few weeks ago and this rain is saving me from watering the grass every night 😉

There is no question that pink is my favorite color, and one of my favorite ways to wear this bright and cheerful color is with accessories. I love turning an otherwise basic look {ie. white on white with a denim jacket} into a fun outfit with bright accessories. I have been wearing THESE tassel earrings {last seen HERE} every chance I get and have found so many ways to wear them. Priced at $28, they are a no-brainer if you are looking for a fun pair of pink earrings. And speaking of pink, you may remember THIS lipstick from a couple weeks ago. It’s more of a matte finish, so I decided to layer THIS lipgloss over it for a shinier appearance and I love it! It made the lipstick last a lot longer too — I actually couldn’t get it off that night after serious scrubbing haha!

One note on the denim jacket: I bought this spring/summer essential last spring at J.Crew, and unfortunately the lighter shade is no longer in stock. I linked the same style but in a darker color HERE and if you are looking for a lighter wash like the one I’m wearing, you can find that HERE. No matter what shade of denim you are looking for, it’s definitely a much needed staple in your closet!

I hope you all have a great weekend and an early Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! I’m headed back to Ohio to visit my grandmother on Saturday, so another busy weekend ahead for me. See you back here on Monday!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! {if you are still looking for a festive dish for the day, see Tuesday’s post HERE 🙂 }

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fuller hair with OGX

May 4, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

ogx-bamboo-fiber-full-thickening-cream-review

OGX strength + body conditioner, thickening fiber cream, shampoo & thickening root booster c/o

hair dryer | round brush | white tee | lipgloss {#205}

I’m always up for trying new hair products, especially when they promise to make your hair fuller and thicker. And believe me, I have tried countless sprays, conditioners and creams that promise thick locks. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much luck until trying OGX’s new bamboo fiber-full line.

OGX has created a formula that includes real bamboo fibers which attach to the hair strands to create thicker and fuller tresses. I started with the strength + body shampoo and continued with the conditioner. By the way, I’m embarrassed to admit that when choosing a shampoo, scent ranks pretty high on my list! And this bamboo fiber-full passes the test! It’s a super fresh scent, think something similar to a gentle rain mist with a touch of jasmine. It’s addicting!

To begin styling, I applied the thickening fiber cream and root booster. In the past, I have been the most skeptical of creams and sprays that I apply after washing and conditioning my hair. A lot of products I have tried have left my hair feeling weighed down and a terrible”greasy” feeling. After working the fiber cream into my hair and spraying the root booster on the roots, I began to blow dry my hair with a round brush, for added volume. Fun note on the thickening root booster: you can spray this on your dry hair throughout the day for a touch-up!

Once my hair was dry, I was amazed at how thick and full my hair felt. This shampoo, conditioner thickening cream and root booster not only left my hair feeling more voluminous, but also soft, hydrated and not greasy!

Overall, I would recommend the bamboo fiber-full line of OGX products. For my fine hair, I plan to incorporate this shampoo into my regular shampoo and conditioner plan, since I don’t think you should be exclusive to one shampoo/conditioner!

This was my first time trying OGX products and it was such a great experience! Have you tried anything from OGX?

Thanks for dropping by and see you tomorrow for an all new outfit post!

**I was provided OGX products for review; however, like always, all of my opinions remain my own**

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Roasted Vegetable Tacos

May 3, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

With Cinco de Mayo coming up on Thursday, I wanted to share with you a delicious, healthy and easy taco recipe that will even satisfy the meat-lovers in your life!

Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of meat. But, I know that my husband is so I’ve been trying to come up with hearty vegetarian dishes that don’t make him miss the meat. Portabella mushrooms can be a great substitute for meat because they are thick and meaty, just like a steak. Well, maybe not just like a steak, but you get the idea 😉 And when you roasted vegetables like these {I used the portabella mushrooms, red onion and zucchini} and season them with your favorite seasoning {cumin, chili powder or just salt and pepper} it really takes on the flavors of a piece of meat, but much healthier!

Roasted Vegetable Tacos

{what you will need}

16 ounces portabella mushrooms {I bought the ones that are already sliced}

2 zucchini, chopped

1 red onion, sliced

1 avocado, diced

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for garnish

Tortillas {I used corn}

Spices of choice {cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper, etc…}

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Any other taco toppings you desire

{directions}

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Add the portabella mushrooms, zucchini and red onion to a large bowl and mix with olive oil and spices of choice. Transfer vegetable mixture to rimmed baking dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray. Roasted for 20-25 minutes, stirring the vegetables at least two times. Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in foil and place in the oven for about 5 minutes to warm. To assemble tacos: add the roasted vegetable mix and top with the cherry tomatoes, avocado and cheese, if desired. Makes about 6 tacos.

PRINT RECIPE HERE

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Here are a few of my other favorite Mexican dishes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo:

Buffalo Chickpea Nachos

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Mexican Beef Tostadas

Mexican Flatbread

Spinach and Black Bean Burritos

Wonton Taco Bites

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Thanks for stopping by and Happy Cinco de Mayo cooking!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

May 2, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

pink bucket bag {25% off with code GETSHOPPING} | rose Ray-Ban sunglasses | cabi azul bead bracelet | “Dear Mom, I Love You” porcelain trinket tray {$20!} | gold scalloped flat sandal {also available in black, silver & camel HERE} | coral MICHELE watch {under $300!} | fresh flowers from The Bouqs | AERIN lilac path perfume | round-cut glass earrings | Deborah Lippmann nail polish set {$34!} | diptyque Roses candle

Happy Monday! I hope you all enjoyed your weekend! Can you believe Mother’s Day is less than a week away?! Although it is just right around the corner, there is still time to find the perfect gift for mom. Today, I wanted to share a little gift inspiration and some shipping deadlines with you.

When it comes to selecting the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, there is nothing like accessories — like these round-cut glass earrings {isn’t the color just gorgeous!} or these fun rose Ray-Ban sunglasses. And this fun cabi beaded bracelet will be the perfect summer accessory for your mom! And speaking of cabi, they are now offering gift certificates that will allow your mom to pick out exactly what she likes! Click HERE to find a cabi stylist and to learn more about cabi gift cards!

Perfumes and candles also makes great gifts {see last week’s spring scent post HERE} — like this AERIN lilac path perfume {also available in Mediterranean Honeysuckle and Waterlily Sun} and of course this “Roses” candle — one of my new favorites. And if your mom is more about the fresh scents, I recently discovered The Bouqs and it looks like they have a great selection! Has anyone given them a try?! I would love to know your experience!

Here are a few shipping deadlines to keep in mind:

Mark and Graham: last day for monogramming, May 3rd at 11pm PST; standard delivery, May 4th

Nordstrom: May 4th: last day for free expedited shipping on gift cards & last day for two-business-day shipping

Sephora: Last day standard 3-day, today {5/2}; last day for 2-day shipping, May 3rd.

I hope you all have a great start to the week and see you back here tomorrow for a special Cinco de Mayo recipe!

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Springing Into Fitness with Carbon38

April 28, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Today, I am teaming up with Carbon38 to share with you some of my favorite workouts and now that the weather is finally nice, how to take your workout from indoors to outdoors — and looking cute while doing it! For those of you who are not familiar with Carbon38, let me introduce you. Carbon38, is a Los Angeles-based activewear company that specializes in finding the most fashionable and functional fitness pieces for women to wear from the gym to post-workout errands. As a lover of both fashion and fitness, there is nothing like a new outfit to freshen up your workout spirit and fitness routine.

With SO many cute workout tops and leggings to pick from, where do you even begin?! But, when it comes down to it, there was no way I could pass on these L’URV leopard leggings! You know how much I love leopard…especially this white and black combo! And you can never have too many black tanks, but this VIMMIA Demi Tank is my new favorite. Complete with a shelf-bra, the softest spandex and shirred side seams, this tank is the perfect cool piece to wear all summer long.

L’URV leopard leggings & VIMMIA Demi Tank c/o Carbon38 {wearing a size medium in both} | Nike running shoes {true to size, good for a neutral/high arch} | white jacket, old {similar style} | earrings | necklace {similar style}

Before getting into my workout routines, a little background first…

Exercise and fitness have always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I loved playing sports, but tennis was my main focus. I began playing tennis at the age of 5 and eventually went on to play college tennis. Needless to say, when I graduated from college, there was a serious let down with the lack of tennis in my life! With a hectic work schedule, tennis was becoming more and more difficult to find time for and I needed to find a new exercise that was more flexible. Enter running. It was an exercise I could do at any time of the day and by myself {no hitting partner needed!}.

If you have been following ABM for awhile, you may remember some posts I shared about half marathon training over the last few years. I was never a runner {running = long strides, tennis = short, quick strides!} but I trained and ran countless short distance races and three half marathons. This year, I decided to not run the half marathon — long distance running can be extremely draining and after all the years of tennis with injuries, I was frankly getting too old and sore to train for the half! In an effort to find exercise that was not as debilitating on my body as long distance running, these are currently my favorite exercises:

(1) I still run, just not long distance! For me, I have found running to be the best way to stay in shape because you feel it everywhere! Instead of running 5 miles on weekdays and 7-10 miles on weekends, I run much shorter distance of 2-3 miles on weekdays and no more than 5 miles on weekends. This is my favorite exercise to take outside in the spring — the treadmill can be SO boring!!

(2) Pure Barre. For those of you who are not familiar with Pure Barre, you can read more HERE. I discovered this total body workout about a year ago when a studio opened near our house. And although this workout cannot be moved outside {I guess it could, but you would need to find an instructor haha!} it’s one exercise that leaves me more sore and sweaty than running 10 miles! A good sore though 🙂 I like to incorporate Pure Barre into my fitness routine as much as I can, but lately, my schedule has been so busy, I don’t get there as much as I like!

(3) Interval training. THIS program {pictured on iPad below} is super similar to an Orangetheory Fitness workout, minus the heart monitor, and I like to mix it in with my running days. This particular program is done on a treadmill {and actually makes the time go fast…unheard of right?!} but you could easily take it outside with a fitness watch or timer. I have found interval training to be the best way to burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time. I am literally exhausted after this workout!

The beautiful spring weather and a new set of workout clothes is the perfect way to reinvigorate your workout. I’ve included some of my other favorite Carbon38 pieces below, so be sure to check those out too!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and weekend! See you back here on Monday!

This post is linked with: Mix & Match Fashion | Twenties Girl Style | Stylin in St. Louis | Pumps and Pushups | Thursday Fashion Files

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CARBON38 FAVORITES

spring scents

April 27, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

One of my favorite things about changing seasons is also changing up scents. Don’t get me wrong, there are some scents that are year round for me {like my very favorite candle} but when it comes to perfume, I love switching to the lighter, more floral scents for spring and summer. Today, I wanted to share with you some of the scents that I am currently craving and that I own and currently use!

**Disclaimer: I am super sensitive when it comes to fragrance. I literally cannot walk into Bath and Body Works or Yankee Candle without my eyes watering, head hurting and sneezing! I have had luck with all of the scents I’ve mentioned and have not found them overpowering in the least!**

First, let’s talk about my favorites that I am using right now. THIS perfume is hands down my favorite perfume ever. With notes of rose and jasmine, this light scent was made for the warmer months. Fun fact: this perfume was made for Audrey Hepburn and was only released to the public in 1996. So you know it must be fabulous!

You may remember me mentioning my diptyque “Baies” candle in THIS post a few months ago, and when my husband recently ordered me a new candle, he also got me THIS hand lotion that I was dying to try. I just started using it this week and I cannot get enough of it! I take it to work with me and I am constantly putting it on my hands. Not only does it smell amazing {think roses, blackcurrant and cedar} but it leaves my hands SO soft…all day long!

Lastly, I got a sample of THIS Tory Burch perfume a couple of months ago and have been using it when I travel {I have a bad history when it comes to bottles breaking/exploding when traveling}. It’s not an “in your face floral” but has more grapefruit and sandalwood qualities. It’s still crisp and refreshing and I think good for someone who isn’t all about the super floral and feminine scents.

Now, on to a couple of things that are on my wish list! I have been eyeing THIS rose candle for a few months now {can you tell I am a little obsessed with roses lately?!} and just discovered that it’s finally in stock at Nordstrom! It’s a limited edition so I should probably scoop it up fast! AERIN also makes perfume, makeup and other skin products. You can view more of their collection HERE. Be sure to check out THIS rose lip conditioner too — doesn’t it sound amazing?!

A spring scent collage wouldn’t be complete without including some beautiful {and in this case, faux!} flowers! I am trying to decide between THIS larger magenta and THIS smaller pink faux peony arrangement for my office. What do you guys think?!

All these spring and summer scents would be great for Mother’s Day too. It’s right around the corner!

Thanks for dropping by and stop back tomorrow for an exciting workout post! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Weeknight Dinner: Pasta Primavera

April 26, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

The weekly dilemma: what to make for dinner. I don’t know about you, but I struggle with this question every week when it’s time to make the grocery list. Trying to come up with a healthy, delicious and quick dinner every night of the week is definitely not easy, so today I wanted to share with you my latest quick and easy weeknight meal: pasta primavera!