Casual Friday Fun with Cobalt Blue!

Hey Sweets!

I love that we get 2 Casual Fridays a month at work to bring some casual fashion flair to an often corporate, biz casual environment. This week, I figured I'd have some fun with cobalt blue pants and matching geek glasses. I got some flack on the glasses from co-workers but I think they're fun nonetheless. :-)

Have a happy, safe, fun filled weekend!

XOXO

Moni

Shirt - Marshall's 

Pants - Express

Shoes - Naturalizer

Necklace - Express

Glasses - Fun! Lol

Umm, not sure about the leg up pose. Lol

Me Acting Silly.

Love Being Outdoors!

simple all season staple - leopard!

Hey Loves! 

This was an odd weather week for the NY/NJ area. Two days this week it was cool and windy and almost felt like the beginning of fall, rather than the beginning of summer! So, instead of bullying the weather with summer neons, I opted for an easier breezier look with an all season staple - leopard! Leopard may be my all time favorite print. I mean, it's timeless and you can spice it up with hot, bright colors or simplify it with black like I did in the pics below. Check them out and let me know what you think! 

XOXO,

Moni 

Leopard shirt: Calvin Klein, Black cropped pants: Express, Wedges: Marshalls

Best Brown Bronzer!

Calling All Bronzer Lovers!


Ok, so there are many bronzers that I've tried, some that I like and very few that I love. Well, please welcome Bare Minerals Deep End bronzer to the "love" list! I ordered this bronzer through QVC since my fave Tarte bronzer/brush duo was unavailable. I just received this bronzer and it is the bomb! It has a very nice brown hue to it, so it provides a great faux, natural looking tan. It's part matte with a bit of shimmer, but not so much shimmer so you avoid that sweaty/oily look in photos. Plus, it's a natural product, so it's gentle on your skin AND it is long-lasting which is rare for the more nature friendly brands. So, for all you bronzer lovers out there, go out and give this "bronza" (NY accent) a try! You won't be disappointed.


P.S. - if you order this through QVC, you get a bronzer brush to boot.  It comes out to about $33 with shipping.


XOXO,
Monica

Today, think on this!

Hey Beauties,


I'm making a conscious effort each day to think on good things, even when it hurts to produce a positive thought. And, what's more encouraging than thinking about God's love for us? Lately, my pastor has been teaching on God's unfailing love for us and it has really helped me in just about every situation. I have to admit, there are days when I wake up in a "blah" mood and it seems like when I'm in this kind of mood, things don't go my way and it causes me to be easily irritated, overwhelmed or frustrated. When I find myself feeling those things, I am faced with a decision - either stay in a pissy mood or think on and speak of God's love for me! And, when I choose the latter, life is easier! I'm not so easily moved by things, big or small. I am building up my faith in God's love for me daily. So, when challenges come, I've learned to say, "everything is going to be okay because God loves me. He is on my side and He won't leave me or forsake me." Talk about stirring up security and confidence! Well, God loves each and every one of us, so give it a try and think about His love for you daily.


With Love,
Moni 

Good Morning Surprise!

Hey Lovelies,

This morning I was pleasantly surprised my beautiful husband popping up at my job! He actually came to retrieve his phone which was left in my purse, but it was still a great surprise to see him walk into my office unexpectedly. I'm just so grateful to God for my marriage and the relationship I now have with my husband. We've been married almost 6 years and it has NOT been easy.  There were really rocky roads in our path, but because of the love of God and our obedience to His Word, we have a much better marriage now. God is faithful and His Word works. Whenever I'm in a complain-y sort of mood and get frustrated over the little things, I always remind myself of how my life and marriage used to be and how they are now, and that usually gives me the right dose of "gratitude" I need to snap out of a negative attitude. Change doesn't always happen overnight, but I'm trying to enjoy the process of progress! 

Hope you enjoyed the share!

Lovingly,

Moni

Long-lasting Lip Creme Gloss!

ATTENTION all my lip gloss and lipstick lovers!


NYX has a great line of lip cremes that are part gloss, part lipstick. I recently picked a couple of tubes up and have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with the quality, look and feel of this lip creme.  It is long lasting without being thick and sticky (perfect for summer)! These cremes provide superior coverage and glide on smoothly and leave your lips feeling soft and plump. At $6.00 a pop, you can't go wrong. Give em' a try!


XOXO,
Moni

My accessories for today!

I LOVE accessories. They really take outfits to another level. They add pizazz and personality to any look. Today, I'm having fun with prints and patterns and bringing in accessories to achieve an Aztec-ish vibe. What are your favorite accessories?
Xoxo,
Moni

Today's Look

I love the warm weather and being outside as much as possible! My friend took these pics today during a much needed afternoon coffee break. I added some pop to this work friendly outfit with hot pink shoes, fun accessories and neon nails. Lmk what ya think!
Xoxo,
Moni

Wishing You a Great Day!

Hey Sweets, 


Most mornings (really close to all mornings) it's hard for me to get out of bed. And on the days that it's extremely hard, my morning mood suffers. It's all sunglasses and no smile from me world. Today was one of those mornings! I finally got back into my gym routine yesterday, so not only did I wake up tired this morning, I was sore. After getting to work, and sitting at my desk with shades on for about 10 minutes, I realized how ridiculous this was and decided today was gonna be a good, even great day! So, I took some sips of coffee, added bronzer to my cheeks and smiled in the mirror (yes, I smile at myself in the mirror from time to time, doesn't every girl?). As the saying goes, "Life is What YOU Make It," so let's go out and make it a great day and let nothing get in the way of it!


With Love, 
Monica

My Meditation for the Day

Source: facebook.com via Billie on Pinterest

Hey Guys, I woke up this morning with this on my mind and was encouraged. When I think about how good God is to me and how much He loves me, I can't help but be encouraged and inspired. The same is true for you! God loves you so much and you are so precious to Him. With Love, Moni

Fun with Fashion!

Hello Beauties,

Anyone who knows me knows I don't take fashion too seriously, and like to have fun with it! I love mixing and matching colors and accessories! It's so much fun being a girl! :)

I get great inspiration from the blog scene and fashion websites as well as from people watching in the city. 

Here's the info on the looks featured:

Bright colors - shirt - Old Navy, blazer and pants - Express, shoes - Lucky Brand

Baubles - Laila Rowe 

Shades - Joey's on 36th and 8th Ave NYC

Ring - Laila Rowe

Wishing everyone a wonderful week! 

XOXO

Moni

Summer Beauty Favorites

Hey Guys,


Summer is fast approaching and I'd like to share some of my summer beauty faves with you! Check them out and feel free to share some of yours with me too. :-)


Self Tanner
This is a beauty staple for me all year round, but when the weather is warm and more skin is shown, I apply self tanner once or twice a week. My current fave is Santa Tanita from Urban Decay. This is actually discontinued in stores but is available on the web on sites like Amazon.com. I love this formula because it is a light weight mousse that dries fast! It's also tinted so you're less likely to streak.  In fact, I have NEVER streaked with this formula!



Hair Care
During summer, your hair is exposed to the sun, salt water and chlorine. So in order to keep your hair looking healthy, condition, condition, condition. I mean, I hit the conditioner hard during the summer and so should you.  


Here are some recs for a conditioning routine:


Skip the shampoo
My hair could use a good lather about once a week or so. But other than that, I skip the shampoo and co-wash (conditioner wash) my hair. One of the best products on the market today is the Wen Hair Care system. This stuff works well and really nourishes my hair.  It even doubles as a super rich leave in conditioner which is KEY during the summer months.