Splurge vs. Save: Dolce Vita Baz Mule

Leopard is a neutral and I am all about it!

Dolce Vita Baz Espadrille Mules: These leopard mules are so cute, their stitching details are so pretty and obviously nicer than the dupe.

DV Elaine Espadrille Mules: Honestly I think I might prefer the dupes to the real thing.  I like the spot pattern and shape on this version a little bit better.  These shoes have been all over instagram and I fell like they are going to be pretty big for spring and summer.  I have a pair on my list.

What I Got for my Birthday

I recently turned 28 and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet...I did however get some pretty cute things that I wanted to share:

Leopard sandals: I have been eyeing these on Amazon since I saw someone wearing them on Instagram last year.  They are super comfy and I love a good leopard print, it's a neutral after all ;)  

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: This was the one thing I really wanted and my mom came through.  After reading The Nightingale Kristin Hannah became on of my absolute favorite authors.  I really didn't even know what this book was about but I knew it would be a good one.  I can't wait to start reading!  

Camo Sneakers: Like leopard I consider camo a sort of neutral.  I just recently ordered a camo cardigan that I'm pretty excited about.  I have been really into slip on sneakers and these are really fun.  Super comfy with cute zipper detail.

Cognac Crossbody: If you saw my post on Gucci dupes this bag might look familiar.  I posted about the similarities between this bag and the soho bag.  I love the pebbled faux leather and the size is perfect.  It fits everything you need yet still small and easy to carry.

Starbucks Giftcard: Starbucks giftcards are always a good thing.  Now to decide what I want to spend it on...most likely the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato.  What is your favorite drink?

Black Tassel Crossbody: My mom came through again with this designer inspired bag from Wal-Mart.  Some of the girls I work with asked me if it was a Kate Spade, it looks so similar.  The quality is pretty good and I am loving the tassel detail.  It also fits a lot of stuff for a small bag.

Bi-Coastal Disney Trip!

If you have been following along for a while you know I am a Disney fan.  I have been super lucky to have had the chance to go quite a few times over the past couple of years.  #DisneyBlessed

My last Disney trip was super fast but super awesome!  For the first time we flew to Disney (no 10 hour drive this time!!)  Since we got to Orlando with plenty of day left we started the trip out in Epcot.  The Festival of the Arts was going on and it was really neat to be able to take part in that.  So many yummy treats!!  I think my favorite was the deconstructed BLT (So good!!)

I have only stayed in a few Disney resorts (Coronado Springs and the All Star Resorts) this trip we stayed at Art of Animation in the Cars suite.  It was the cutest ever!

The next day we woke up early and headed to Animal Kingdom!  I haven't been since Pandora so I was really excited to get to experience all it had to offer.  Because of the new addition of Pandora Animal Kingdom was the busiest I had ever seen it...so many people!!

Pandora was really cool, the detail was awesome.  As soon as we got in the park we headed straight to Flight of Passage (which was already about a 2 hour wait...)  We ended up waiting about an hour and 45 minutes but y'all I got to ride it for the first time!  If you are a fan of Soarin' this ride will be your new favorite.  I don't want to give away too much, it's more fun to just experience it but it was a total immersive ride like nothing I had ever done before.  If you haven't ridden it and the wait isn't super crazy I recommend it!

They also have new food in Pandora that we obviously had to try.  We had the Night Blossom drink which is a frozen drink that is a mix of sweet and sour with Boba beads.  Definitely worth a try!  We also tried the Pongu Lumpia, an egg roll like treat with a cream cheese and pineapple filling.  It was pretty good, sweet but pretty good.  I still prefer the cream cheese pretzel from Tomorrowland.  

After we did Pandora we made our way to Magic Kingdom to finish the day.  It was a Saturday and oh my goodness it was super busy...if you can skip Saturday at Disney I would advise it.

One thing I wanted to do was to ride Pirates one last time before they change the infamous red head scene.  I'm still a little bitter about the change...

One of my favorite parts of the trip was seeing the "Happily Ever After" fireworks show for the first time.  I am a big fan of the projections on the castle and I love how they brought in so many different Disney films (Pirates, Hunchback, Toy Story) instead of just Frozen and the usual new ones. 

Next up we flew to California for Disneyland!!  I have never stayed on site at Disneyland so this was awesome.  We stayed at Disney's California Adventure and guys we were pretty much in the park.  We walked out to the patio and watched the "World of Color" show from the hotel.

Tower of Terror is my favorite ride so I was really excited to see the changes made in the Guardians of the Galaxy version.  Guys, I didn't like it.  It was so much more intense and not in a good way.  I love the smoothness of Tower of Terror and I have never felt sick on that one, this version made me feel woozy.  Keep that in mind if you are motion sick.

One of my favorite Disneyland exclusive rides we did was the Storybook Canals.  It was a simple boat ride through a miniature village.  It was so cute.  A little fact about me, I love dollhouses and all things miniature.  This was right up my alley and I loved it!

How magical are those little houses??

This is the view from our hotel into California Adventure...see we are pretty much in the park.

It was a short trip but no less magical.  I enjoyed the look into Disneyland again, Disney World will always be my favorite but it is neat to experience the differences that each one has to offer.  Have you been to both?  Which is your favorite?

Gucci Dupes

If you are an instagram lover, like myself, then I am sure you have seen the thousands of Gucci bag stylings.  I love the classic look of the bags and how easily they dress up an outfit.  However, I am a thrifty girl and there is not way I am ever going to shell out $1,000 for a handbag...seriously that's crazy?!?!  Here's how you can get the look for SO MUCH LESS!!  (I actually didn't find these bags myself, I have a friend who picked up the quilted version and introduced me to this dupe, props to her!)  You know I am all about a good dupe!

These crossbody bags are from DSW (my store even had a few in stock).  They look really expensive and feel like butter.  I am loving the quilted version and just recently got mine in the mail.  I have also been eyeing the pebbled one and just might have to pick that one up too.  These bags are so gorgeous and at $25 you can't beat it.  Actually you can, if you are new to DSW make sure you sign up for emails and you will get a $10 off coupon...making this bag around $15!!        

Amazon Influencer Page

Where are all my Amazon fans??  I am definitely a fan of Amazon, I mean how can you not be they have everything!?!?  I just recently started my Amazon Influencer page and I'm all about it.  This way I can share my favorite finds on Amazon super easy.  Check out my page to see what I'm loving from Amazon!   

What are your favorite finds on Amazon??  Let me know down below!

What I Read in January

The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans:

Richard Paul Evans is one of my favorite authors and my Mom always comes through with his new ones for Christmas.  This one was Christmas themed but I feel like you could read it year round.  It followed a best selling author as he goes back to his childhood home after his mother passes away.  He is forced to face his difficult past when he meets a young woman whose past is interwoven with his.  It was pretty easy to figure out the ending but the story was good and if you are a fan of Mr. Evans I recommend it.

The Last Star by Rick Yancey:

The last book in The 5th Wave series and I was so excited to see the how they ended.  The final book catches back up with Cassie and her group as they try and live in a world taken over by aliens.  I was slightly disappointed with the story, as a whole I enjoyed it but there were questions left unanswered and some awkward moments between characters (romances and drama).  As a whole I felt the series was interesting and generally well done, the first book was definitely the best.  Have you read it?  Let me know what you thought. 

The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty:

I am a fan of Liane Moriarty, I loved What Alice Forgot and Big Little Lies.  This one was a slight disappointment.  It didn't seem quite up to par with the rest of her books.  It was an ok story, I just felt it was predictable and not very original.     

What have you been reading lately?

My Favorite Valentine's Day

I've always liked the idea of Valentine's Day, all the pink, chocolate and flowers.  

I have so many great memories of picking out those cute cards for my classmates, making boxes to hold valentine's and classroom parties.  Even more sweet memories of my mom making a special breakfast and giving us Valentine's, now at 27 she still sends me a Valentine ;)

My favorite Valentine's day, however, was when I was in college.  When a special guy brought me a beautiful rose, cherry coke (my favorite), the cutest stuffed giraffe and we started dating.  Seven years later, going into our fourth year of marriage I couldn't be happier.    

Such babies!! 

We don't have big plans to celebrate this Valentine's.  Instead of a fancy dinner date we are heading to Chick-Fil-A for a breakfast date before work.  Honestly I might like that even better, chicken biscuits and iced coffee have my heart.  I'm making a simple (but yummy) dinner.  Who needs a fancy date night out when you can sit in your pajamas eating chocolate lava cake watching the Olympics?? 

Whether you love it or hate it I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

I had to leave you with this picture from Walmart, too funny not to share...

Seriously, Valentine's explosion on aisle 4...

Splurge vs. Save: Chloe Marcie Satchel

Y'all know I am all about a good dupe, why pay more when you can get the same look for so much less??

Chloe Marcie: This bag is one of my favorite designer bags, my if only bag...I just could never (ever) spend almost $2K on a bag.  I love the shape and style of this bag and am constantly looking for bags that give the same look.

Destin Satchel: I finally found a dupe that comes pretty close.  Similar shape and details, the top handles are different but for the price I think I can live with the difference.  This one is from Sole Society comes in three colors and is $69.95  These sold out crazy fast last year so pick one up quick!!

Five Things Friday

Pom Pom Sneakers: 

I picked up these sneakers at Dirt Cheap (where else??) for $5!!  Guys I am obsessed with them.  They are a Steve Madden dupe, these are actually kid's shoes from Target.  They are a little crazy but I love the pom pom detail and the texture it adds to an outfit.  They are so chic and fun!

Phone Case: 

I have had this case for a few months and it has definitely been a favorite.  Me and my husband are on the GoogleFi plan so we have Google phones.  I have the Nexus 6P and there aren't that many cute cases.  This one is sturdy but has a chic gold edge detail.  I have a popsocket on the back so it adds a fun touch.

Mix N' Chop: 

Guys this thing is awesome!!  My mom gave me this in my stocking for Christmas and I am obsessed!!  I would always use a spatula to chop ground meat but this tool makes everything so much easier.

The Greatest Showman Soundtrack:

"A million dreams are keeping me awake", and so are these songs!  I have been listening to this soundtrack non-stop.  If you read my Five Things Friday post last week you saw my love for the movie.  I can listen to the whole thing over and over, there isn't a song I don't like.  My absolute favorites are: "A Million Dreams", "Never Enough", "Other Side" and "Tightrope".  What are your favorites??  

Quilted Camera Bag:  

I ordered this one for store pickup and ended up paying less than $15!!  It is so buttery soft and looks expensive.  I love the tassel and chevron detail.  It is small enough to be convenient but holds enough stuff for everyday.  If you are looking for a crossbody check this one out!

What have you been loving lateley? 

Star Treatment at the Hollywood Walk of Fame

If you follow me on instagram (which you totally should!) you would have seen that I had the chance to go see Minnie Mouse get her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!  We started out at Hollywood Studios and saw Minnie get notified that she was receiving her star.  Then she and Mickey got in the cutest polka dot car and rode off in style.

After seeing Minnie off we went on our way to California to get ready to see the celebration on the walk of fame.  The ceremony was held at El Capitan in downtown Hollywood.  It was such a cool experience to watch!  There were also a few star studded moments (Heidi Klum, Russi Taylor the voice of Minnie, Katy Perry)

Caught this super cute moment of Russi Taylor telling Heidi Klum that she could rock those Minnie ears.  She was the cutest.

Oh and I also saw Lucy Hale...but no big deal ;)

Such a cool experience and definitely a moment in history seeing Minnie Mouse receive her star!