Gear Up For Spring With NIC+ZOE

Today's post is sponsored by NIC+ZOE. All opinions expressed are my own.

I don't know about you, but I am so ready for Spring to hurry up and get here. I can just feel the warmth, hear the birds chirping and I get excited about wearing lighter clothing. The layers and heaviness of winter is starting to get to me. I have been thinking about adding some new items to my wardrobe this spring. I was browsing around the NIC +ZOE site at their Spring Collection. Everything looks so airy and feminine. I am really digging the soft colors and materials.

The Batiste Flirt Skirt is simply gorgeous. I love the length, cut and color choices (ash, black onyx and midnight). It is conservative enough to wear to work, but also girly enough to for a date night or girl's night out. I really love it in the ash color, but I always feel like you can't go wrong with black! Just add a light blouse, a couple of chunky bangles and some strappy heels, and you'll have a beautiful look for spring.

The Tassel Top is the perfect feminine tunic style top for spring. I really like the sandstone color. It is a very classic and sophisticated piece. I think it would look nice paired with skinny jeans and slim pants and either heels or ballet flats. You can't ever go wrong with a classic look. 

One thing you must have in your wardrobe is a couple of cardigans and this Holey Cardigan is adorable! It is really different and versatile. You really can wear it with any type of pants or skirt. I really love the simple look of the Sketchbook Pant. Dressed up or down, it is perfect!

NIC+ZOE really has some great pieces. I love the modern and feminine style that they have captured so well. I highly recommend classic pieces that you can mix and match to get the most out of each garment. Check out this short video showcasing their Spring + Summer 2016 featuring Coco Rocha... It screams vintage mixed with modern sophistication!



Check out all NIC+ZOE has to offer and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest styles and promotions.

Kid's Room Interior Design Guidelines

There are quite a few ways you can help work on room design if you have kids, but you will need to keep quite a few things in mind when you work on said designs. Kids will need a special place where they can sleep, play, study and generally have fun while being connected to their room. To make that work you will need to have a creative and practical solution that will serve a purpose for your kids and yourself when the time arrives:

• One of the more important parts and choices of what you need to do will be the colors of the walls you can choose as well as those of your ceilings and other smaller colors. You can make use of the softer hues and colors out there to make studying and sleeping far easier and free of distractions.

• You can keep your kids art around or some family oriented photos as well to fill the empty space on your walls, as well as possibly the ceilings too if you have what you think will work. You can work on this by yourself or you can combine your cleaning efforts by asking your kids about what they would like as well.

• You could get some chalkboard paint to make an art corner where the kids can draw and paint without worrying about making a mess. It will take some painting and thorough house cleaning, but in the end it will be a job well done and your kids will have a chance to enjoy a creative outcome you can rely upon.

• There is a great way to make your very own reading corner or even a gaming area, but you will still need to work hard on it if you want to make it last a long time. Make sure you have a nice set of seating spaces to work with and it will pay off quite nicely.

• You may need to consider using a set of organizers for potential school supplies, textbooks and so much more. Kids will often figure out the details themselves, but you can help them out to make cleaning after them easier to handle as well. Boxes for toys, as well as other organizing items will make it fun instead of some unbearable chore.

• Improving the storage capacity of your home and using a mirror to create the illusion of space will make things easier to handle. This will also serve to allow the kids to be able to see themselves and to have fun while you work on things together.

• You will need to also work on rooms that allow kids to move unimpeded as they go about their day. Ask some questions about potential design solutions so they can enjoy it. Kids will are shorter than grownups so that means you will have a great chance to use smaller and shorter pieces of furniture that would fit their size and needs more accurately.

Read more helpful tips and advice on: barnetcarpetcleaners.com

Double Dipped French Toast Is Back At IHOP (For A Limited Time)

IHOP restaurants are bringing back their newest innovation, Double Dipped French Toast-- soft brioche bread first dipped in vanilla batter, then dipped a second time in a coating of corn flakes and oatmeal and griddled perfectly to a crispy golden-brown, raising the bar for French toast at an affordable price.

Double Dipped French Toast is yet another example of why America turns to IHOP for breakfast any time of day—and has for over 57 years.  When it was introduced last summer, it became one of our most popular dishes, and guests have been eagerly awaiting its return. And it’s back in two new sweetly indulgent varieties:

Blackberry & Vanilla – Thick slices of Brioche bread dipped in our vanilla batter, then in cornflakes and oatmeal, griddled, and topped with plump blackberries and drizzled with vanilla sauce.

Banana, Peanut Butter & Chocolate – Thick slices of Brioche bread dipped in vanilla batter, then in cornflakes and oatmeal, griddled, and topped with sliced fresh bananas, chocolate chips and a drizzle of peanut butter sauce.

Guests can enjoy two slices of hand-crafted Double-Dipped French Toast any time of day as part of a combo with eggs, done the way they like them, their choice of crispy bacon, pork sausage links or a slice of grilled ham, and IHOP restaurants' signature golden hash browns;  or as an entrée stacked three slices high.

Double Dipped French toast will be available at participating IHOP restaurants between February 15 and April 10, 2016.

Celebrating Your Mom on her Birthday

A mother is truly an angel on earth, and throughout our lives she’s the one making sure every one of our birthdays is celebrated as it should be. Now that we know how much work goes into motherhood, it’s high time to return the favor and give Mom the birthday celebration she deserves. Use these heartfelt ideas and make her feel amazing on her special day.

A Surprise Knock at the Door

If you live far away from your mom, try your hardest to shock her with a surprise visit. If you’re planning far enough in advance, book a flight or make any necessary travel arrangements. Once you arrive, head over to her house and knock on the door. Tape a bow to the top of your head, and wait for the look on her face when she opens up the front door—you’ll definitely be her favorite present this year. If you have siblings, try to coordinate with them to have your visits coincide. She’ll be so delighted to have all of her kids home at once.

Floral Fun

Who doesn’t love the fragrant scent and colorful vibrancy of beautiful bouquets? Stick with a classic celebration tactic and send along your sweetest sentiments in the form of a birthday flower delivery. Whether you send along an arrangement to her office or her front door, every time she sees the colorful petals she’ll experience a rush of happiness—exactly what Mom deserves on her birthday. Make sure you add a heartfelt note that will bring a happy tear to her eye and let her know how thankful you are to have been blessed with such a wonderful mother.

A Special Lunch Date

If you live in the same city as your mom, make sure you take her out for a surprise luncheon. If she’s still working, head over to her office and pick her up for a fun mother-daughter date. If she’s at home, consider picking something up and delivering it to her. If you’re in another city or you can’t get over in time to celebrate with her during the middle of the day, call in her favorite order to her favorite takeout spot, pay for delivery, and wait for her call of thanks when she finds the feast at her front door.

A Subscription Just for Her

One of the best gift ideas you can find for your mom is a subscription box you know she’ll love. If she’s always been a makeup maven that loves trying out all the new cosmetic releases, get her signed up for BirchBox. This popular service will deliver a box of the latest makeup samples to hit the market every month. If your mom loves to get her hands messy in the kitchen, check out Blue Apron. This organic food delivery system will send boxes filled with fresh ingredients and unique recipes each week to make sure she keeps her spatula skills in fine form.

A Mother-Daughter Pampering Day

Moms new and old can appreciate this awesome gift idea. Kick your feet up together and head to a massage parlor or spa resort to have a day of mother and daughter pampering. Whether you two elect for full body massages, manicures, or facials, treating your mom to some luxury treatments and your loving company will combine for a wonderful birthday treat she’ll truly appreciate. If you have a daughter, take her along as well for a multi-generational day of laughter and destressing.

Giving Back

This a great idea if you’re struggling to come up with a gift for the woman who has everything. If your mother has worked to instill a sense of generosity in you, show her the lessons stuck by donating money to a charity in her honor. Whether it’s a local cause you know she’s passionate about or an organization you know will do a world of good, she will no doubt appreciate your thoughtful gift idea.

Make sure your mom is properly celebrated on her birthday this year with any one of these fun surprise ideas and make sure her day is as special as she is.

Bring The Spa Home For Less This Valentine's Day

One of the things I'm sure many moms can agree on is that we never take enough for ourselves. We are constantly trying to shuttle kids around, cook, clean, tackling mountains of laundry, and we tend to feel frazzled by dinnertime. Going to a spa sounds like a great idea, but the reality is that it's just not doable for most of us. Besides the cost involved, there is that time issue. Well why not bring the spa home to you? 

By having some simple items, you can feel pampered and relaxed without stepping foot outside of your home.

The Home Spa Treatment System by Instrumental Beauty is a great first step. This amazing tool is a 4-in-1 and is made for your body, face and feet. It has 4 attachment heads that include an over-sized rotary brush for the body, smaller one for face, a micro-dermabrasion sponge and a pedi smoothing stone.

This tool come with 4 AA batteries and packs a lot of power. It is a great way to feel like you had a mini spa session. It scrubs away dead skin to reveal your natural glow and to restore smoothness. I keep mine on the side of my tub for daily use, because why not! This home spa system can be purchased for only $30. I know you or someone you love is worth that. I'm sure you will not get any type of spa service for that price. Also to go along with your spa system, you need a good bath and shower gel. The Yardley Lavender and Rosemary is perfect! It is made with lavender essential oil and will calm your senses. At only $4.99, it's a great value. Definitely way less than the boutique brands, and just as effective. It's available at Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Publix and more.

Make sure you don't forget your lips. Yes, even your lips should be pampered. Lypsyl Ultra Soothing lip balm is a simple way to make your lips kissably soft and smooth. Formulated from all-natural, pure Swedish beeswax, and a combination of natural and therapeutic ingredients like organic Shea butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E and Vitamin A, Lypsyl provides unsurpassed moisture and lip protection. It’s only $2.99 and comes in Chamomile & Honey or Original Mint. You can purchase it at Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Rite-Aid and other retailers nationwide.

These items would make a great gift for Valentine's Day or as a just because gift. I'm thinking ahead of Mother's Day as well. Don't forget your co-workers, moms, sisters, girlfriends, teachers and YOURSELF!

I received product samples in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own as always.