I am absolutely in love with a new trend in dresses that I’m seeing… cut outs! When I shopping online for my Summer attire recently, I came across some really great dresses with darling cut out designs, and the best part is I found a bunch…with some for every size and price range.

In this post I’m sharing my favorite cut out Summer dress finds with you!

This first fun dress is from Reverse, which is an Australian fashion label. It’s on sale right now at Karma Loop for only $21.95. Win!

I LOVE the cut out detail and the little pop of yellow on this dress from 71 Stanton. It is around $113 and available from ASOS.

I like the simplicity of this sweet pink dress, and the dainty buttons on the back. $22.80 at Forever 21.

I’m not sure I could ever do a fashion round-up post without including an amazing piece from Anthropologie in the mix. Love how the cut outs here sort of make a bow shape. $128.

Finally, check out the gorgeous neckline on this dress from Forever 21! Even better, this lovely dress is from their plus sized line…and I LOVE that a mass retailer like them creates clothes for curvy gals too! $22.80.

P.S. This post is not sponsored in any way and does not contain any affiliate links. I’m just sharing these items I love with you.

Disclosure: I received Mary Kay products in exchange for this post.

Memorial Day is coming. Have you thought about giving back to the men and women who serve our country? Would you join in by donating Mary Kay products to help comfort the troops who are sizzling under the hot sun in the Middle East? The goal is to gather at least 40 donations of Sunscreen Care Packages for Soldiers!

My friend Rachel’s Mary Kay unit has teamed up with Soldiers’ Angels to get our troops the skin protection they need. All sun care packages will be purchased at consultant’s cost – this is not a profit-maker for them! They want to give back, and encourage you to join them!

Please consider a tax-deductible donation to show our troops your appreciation for their service. There are three packages to choose from and they range from $25-$35. The cost to donate one of each is only $105! Sun care packages will be delivered directly from Mary Kay consultants and Soldiers’ Angels volunteers. We would also like to include thank you letters, photos, etc in our care packages, so feel free to send those her way as well!

You can either email Rachel (rachelstevens@marykay.com) or send a message via her website www.marykay.com/rachelstevens pledging the number of packages or dollar amount you would like to donate and she can contact you to collect your donation.

She has created the packages below based on the expressed needs of our troops.

Sun Care Package- $25
Sunscreen SPF 30
Lip Protector SPF 15
After Sun Replenishing Gel

Women’s Package- $35
Facial Cleansing Cloths TimeWise
Moisturizer SPF 30
Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion for
Feet & Legs

Men’s Package- $35
Men’s Face Bar
Men’s After-Shave Gel
Men’s Moisturizer SPF 25

Again, you can either email Rachel (rachelstevens@marykay.com) or send a message via her website www.marykay.com/rachelstevens pledging the number of packages or dollar amount you would like to donate and she can contact you to collect your donation.

Thanks in advance for your commitment to our soldiers!

Disclosure: I received Mary Kay products in exchange for this post.

We went to the beach yesterday.

Like most children with autism, Jackson LOVES to play in water…so naturally he was delighted.

We spent a good 4 hours there, and when I told Jackson we needed to get out of the water and pack of the car…he cried and tried to run away.

I caught him, thankfully, but on the way home as I felt the exhaustion of the day set in….I really got to thinking about Mikaela (if you don’t know Mikaela’s story yet, you can read it HERE), her parents, and all the people that love her….and how broken and terrible they all must feel right now.

But then, in the face of their pain…certain people and journalists began to cast blame on her parents for what happened, accusing them of being careless and inattentive.

I cannot imagine how horrible it must be to suffer the loss of a child through a horrible accident and then have to live through strangers saying terrible things and making accusations when they don’t even understand what life with a child like Jackson or Mikaela is like.

What happened to Mikaela could have also happened to Jackson or another child with an ASD. Jackson has little understanding of danger or a sense of fear for things like drowning, being run over by a car, or taken by a stranger.

Mikaela did not understand or fear those things either…but like Jackson, she had the natural tendency to wander way from her home.

There are various reasons someone with autism may wander. More often than not, he/she will wander to something of interest, especially water, or away from something that is bothersome, such as uncomfortable noise or bright lights.

In 2011, a study conducted by the Interactive Autism Network through the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that roughly half, or 49%, of children with autism attempt to elope from a safe environment, a rate nearly four times higher than their unaffected siblings.

• More than one third of children who elope are never or rarely able to communicate their name, address, or phone number verbally or by writing/typing
• Two in three parents report their missing children had a “close call” with a traffic injury
• 32% of parents report their missing children had a “close call” with a possible drowning
• Wandering was ranked among the most stressful ASD behaviors by 58% of parents of elopers
• 62% of families with children who elope were prevented from attending/enjoying activities outside the home due to fear of wandering
• 40% of parents had suffered sleep disruption due to fear of elopement
• Half of families with elopers report they had never received advice or guidance about elopement from a professional*

Today, I want to let Mikaela’s family know that my heart goes out to them in this time of devastating loss. It could have just as easily been Jackson…and with that in mind I ask that if you know a family that has a child on the spectrum….think twice before casting judgement…we are all doing the very best we can for our children, just as you are for yours.

***

A number of resources have been made available to families raising children at risk for wandering or elopement.  Please take the time over the next few days to visit each and utilize any and all that may be helpful to you.

Project Lifesaver

MedicAlert Bracelets

Tattoos With A Purpose

Assurance Locking Systems

*Information in italics above was found at awaare.org.

Disclosure: Tillamook provided me with product to use with this recipe.

One thing I love about Summer is all the fun outdoor events. Picnics, barbeques…there are so many opportunities to get outside and grill your favorite foods.

For me, Summer wouldn’t be complete without a delicious burger to enjoy. Today I’m sharing with you my Perfect Summer Burger recipe.

Perfect Summer Burger

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time : varies depending how you like your burger cooked (I recommend an internal temp of at least 155 degrees before you take your burgers off the grill)

You will need:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 egg
1/2 tsp. of sea salt
1/2 tsp. of freshly ground black pepper
dash of cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Heat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a large bowl combine all ingredients and mix well.

3. Using your hands, roll the meat into 4 balls. Next, gently flatten each ball into a patty making sure that it has an even thickness throughout.

4. Use oil or non-stick spray on the grill grate before adding the patties to the grill to ensure they don’t stick.

5. Cook burgers on the grill allowing for equal cook time on both sides of the patty. When you get a reading of 155 degrees (or higher) from an internal thermometer placed in the center of the patty, your burger is ready!

Serve on buns with desired toppings.

Burger shown includes lettuce, tomato, red onion, Tillamook Sliced Medium Cheddar, mayonnaise, and mustard.

Yield: 4 patties

For a special coupon for $1.00 off one 12 oz Sliced Tillamook Cheese click HERE*.

When I first learned of Tillamook Cheese, I wasn’t sure what to think (I had never heard of them after all) but I have to tell you, the cheese is super tasty (so is their sour cream!) and I love their “cheesy” commercials too.

*The Tillamook $1 off Natural Slices coupon will be available until May 21, 2013. It will expire within 30 days of printing, so don’t forget to use it soon! Please reach out to Tillamook directly with any questions, comments, or concerns about the coupon: Contact Tillamook: www.Tillamook.com/Contact

Disclosure: Tillamook provided me with product to use with this recipe.

Now that the weather has been warm and beautiful for several weeks, I’ve been more excited to dress up and be girly. But the summer months also mean a different beauty routine since this time of year I tend to show a little more skin (what with tank tops and bathing suits involved).

This list is my top 5 Beauty Must-Haves for May that will help get you feeling beautiful and summer ready…I know they have already done that for me!

P.S. This post is not sponsored in any way…and I paid for all the products that I recommend here myself (in fact, I buy all of them on a regular basis). This post contains affiliate links.

1. & 2.

Aveeno Pure Renewal Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner

So, in the quest to have prettier hair…I got on Pinterest a few months back to see what tips and tricks I could find to make my hair more healthy and strong. After a rather interesting experience with a “hair mask” consisting of plain yogurt and raw egg (it smelled SO gross you guys), which didn’t really work…I decided to keep looking.

Finally, I came across an interesting article that talked about how most shampoos have a harsh detergent (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) as their main ingredient, which strips the hair and scalp of all it’s natural oils during the cleaning process. In turn, this sends your scalp into a “panic” of sorts when it realizes the lack of oil…so then it works to replace the lost oil…making your hair overly oily only a short time after you’ve washed it. Conditioner is meant to replace the hair’s natural oil that is stripped away with the sulfate, but the effect is not the same…and often times it just ends up weighing down your hair making it appear lifeless.

Upon learning all this, I set out to find a Sulfate Free Shampoo & Conditioner that would work for me. I got luckily and fell in love with the results from Aveeno Pure Renewal on the first try. I’ve been using the Shampoo & Conditioner for 2 week now and my hair is a million times more shiny, manageable, and happy! I will never go back to hair products with sulfates again!

Price: $12.98 per bottle (though I found mine for around $9 each at Walgreens)

3.

Taylor Swift Wonderstruck Eau de Parfum Roll-On

This stuff just smells totally dreamy…and this will likely be my signature scent of the summer. I love the soft floral tones that this fragrance has. Love that the purse spray is affordable and fits right into my make-up bag so I can take it anywhere.

Price: $18.00 ( I picked mine up at Sephora)

4.

JOHN FRIEDA Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Spray

I cannot say enough good things about this hairspray. I love the way it smells, it offers the perfect amount of hold, and really honestly does keep your hair from getting all frizzy even on VERY humid days. I keep a little travel sized can of it my purse always, just in case a hair emergency arises.

Price: $5.99 for a 12 oz. can (I also buy smaller travel sized cans at Walmart for around $1 each).

5.

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

When I first learned of this product, it was from a friend who gushed on and on about how amazing the stuff was…but all the while I sat there thinking “but sea salt?…that sounds icky! Why would I put it on my hair?” Of course, by the end of our conversation she had gotten out the bottle and started styling my hair with it….and I’ve never looked back.

This stuff smells great (with just a faint hint of saltiness) and gives your hair the MOST amazing texture…just as if you spent an afternoon by the sea. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff…and it has become a staple in my hair styling routine.

Price: $5.99 for a 12 oz. bottle (I buy mine from Amazon)

So there you have it friends….my 5 Beauty Must-Haves for May. Do you have a beauty product that you are loving right now? Leave me a comment below and let me know what it is…I always love finding new products to try!

As a reminder….this post is not sponsored in any way…and I paid for all the products that I recommend here myself (in fact, I buy all of them on a regular basis). This post contains affiliate links.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this sponsored post. This post is sponsored by the Travel Channel.

One thing I’ve learned with all the travels I’ve done for both business and pleasure…is that you never really know what’s going to happen in the airport.

I’ve seen incredible homecomings, people randomly break into song and dance, and the kindness of strangers. To me, half the fun of traveling is who you meet and what you see along the way.

The show Airport 24/7: Miami on the Travel Channel is an all-access pass to the intense world of Miami International Airport. Listed as a Category X airport — a prime target for terrorists — and with 38 million passengers a year, something is always going to happen.

You can see just one such happening from the show in the clip below. I particularly like it since it celebrates a man who has served this country returning home from a tour of duty….while it also showcases the love between two people. Truly,  a touching moment for sure.

In an airport that sees 100,000 passengers pass through it everyday the staff, at MIA do their best to keep things safe and moving along. But with many strong personalities and a hectic schedule….sometimes things between them can be very stressful.

With everything from bomb threats, fuel fires, undeclared currency, smuggling rings and medical emergencies there is never a dull moment on Airport 24/7: Miami.

Airport 24/7: Miami airs on the Travel Channel on Tuesdays at 9/8c. If you love travel and excitement it may be the perfect show to add to your T.V. routine.

Disclosure: I was compensated for this sponsored post. This post is sponsored by the Travel Channel.

Disclosure: I received the B.O.B. Motion Stroller mentioned below for the purpose of this review. I received no other form of compensation. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Ask any busy parent what helps them handle their children effortlessly while on the go and I’m willing to bet one answer that would come up over and over again is “good quality gear”.

By gear of course I mean carriers, strollers, car seats and the like.

For me personally, a good stroller is EVERYTHING.

Since Jackson was a baby we’ve been through quite a few…and when it comes to strollers I’ve seen it all. The good, the difficult to clean, the poorly constructed, the hard to fold, the one that weighs for more than it should – well, you get the idea.

I realized early on that Jackson was happiest in a stroller when we were on the go, so I made it a point to find ones that would meet both our needs when it came to things like comfort, ease of use, and storage.

While I was prepared for using a stroller in Jackson’s first 3 years, I didn’t realize when he was a baby just how much they would help me in the long run.

My son will be 6 years old in August, an age in which most children would not want to be seen in a stroller. But for Jackson, who has severe Autism and sensory issues, having one at this age is imperative.

Because of his Autism, Jackson has difficulty standing and walking for long periods of time (due to both lack of patience and some muscle tone issues). He also becomes easily frightened or overstimulated in areas with various noises or crowds of people, so a stroller is like his own little “safe zone” no matter where we are.

BUT…we ran into a problem earlier this year when Jackson suddenly weighed over 50 lbs, which is more than the weight limit for most standard strollers on the market today.

As our Spring Break trip to Disney neared closer…I became concerned. How would we get around the parks effectively?

That’s when the wonderful people at B.O.B. stepped in and offered us a Motion to take on our trip.

The Motion is great because unlike the joggers we’ve all come to know and love from B.O.B., this stroller is meant for more urban use with trips to the park, mall, and for travel.

The stroller is a very unique shape and has small wheels which make it easy to use, even in narrow spaces…and easy to fold (both big pluses in my book!).

And, it is made to accommodate your baby, all the way up to your large toddler (up to 44 in. tall). The total weight limit for the stroller is 76lbs. (occupant plus luggage weight), which I felt is way above the standard for typical strollers.

Let’s be honest here…if you are going to seriously road test a stroller for performance, what better way to do that than spend a week at Walt Disney World with it?

So of course…that’s exactly what we did.

Overall I was impressed with the Motion.

PROS:

• It was light and easy to use.
• It was a good size and height and made it easy to push J right up to the table in most areas.
• When we had a couple of food spills, the fabric was easy to wipe clean.
• The sunhood was ample and I loved the option to have it fully extended in front to give J a bit of privacy.
• It folds in one step…in a single motion. WOW.

CONS:

• There were “toggle switches” on each of the front wheels which would allow you to lock the wheels in place in the instance you would be using the stroller on a more rough terrain….but unfortunately Jackson kept bumping these with his feet during use and then I would be surprised when I tried to turn the stroller, but could not. One reason for this of course is that Jackson has the longest legs of all time…and is constantly moving his feet around – so this issue might not affect everyone.
• While the storage basket was a decent size, I was disappointed that there was not a bag hook or cup holder that came standard with the stroller. A handlebar console is available as a separate purchase, but I wish it were just included as a standard feature with the stroller.

If you are looking to make an investment in a stroller that will last as your child grows, I would recommend that you consider the Motion as a great option for the “On The Go Family”.

The B.O.B. Motion Stroller retails for $349 and is currently available for purchase at REI and Buy Buy Baby.

Disclosure: I received the B.O.B. Motion Stroller mentioned above for the purpose of this review. I received no other form of compensation. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

For several months I have been struggling with an odd feeling. Initially, back in January I attributed it to SAD … and that may have very well been part of it.

In February while visiting San Francisco I found myself deep in thought and searching, but for what?

In March, I did my best to sink myself into my one certainty (Jackson, my heart of hearts) and we lost ourselves in the magic.

But in the last couple of weeks I’ve realized it’s more than mild depression or wanderlust that has me so dismayed.

Very soon, I will find myself on the eve of my 29th birthday…and this fear is the thing which has unraveled my core.

No, I’m not worried about lines and wrinkles (despite every second commercial and magazine ad telling me I should), grey hairs, or even sagging skin (and, OH…is it on it’s way there!). Honestly, the physical parts of getting old don’t scare me at all.

What scares me….is time.

Or, truly – the lack thereof.

Despite having lived almost 30 years, I feel that it has only been in the last 3 years that I have truly discovered myself.

Who I am.

Where I’m going.

What I want to become.

And now, I’m admittedly panicked.

What if there is not enough time?

To fulfill my dreams.

To give Jackson my best.

To be the woman that I’ve only just discovered within.

This morning I went for a run…(if there’s one thing I know is working for me it’s fitness – all the way around) and about a mile in I tripped and fell HARD. I caught myself with both hands…my palms and knees stung instantly from abrasions. In that moment, I hurt physically…and my feelings were hurt too.

Here was the first morning in awhile that I had gotten up with intention of being good to myself and having a productive day…not shying away from the world by climbing back in bed – and I was flat on my face, despite my intentions.

For a moment, I was bitter…then embarrassed (I wonder if anyone saw me fall – OH GOD).

And then I picked myself up, brushed off the dirt, and kept running. And I felt so free.

*This is the almost 30 me.*

Someone who has fallen and hurt, but who moves forward anyway.

Getting back up was the best decision I ever made.

*Kudos to you if you know the band and song that inspired the title of this post.

I have had the pleasure of working with Barely There for awhile now. Ever so often they send me new undies and bras to try out. I’ve also received some shape wear and a running bra as well.

One factor that has remained consistent with the things they send me is that the sizing is always right. All their items are true to size and fit well…one big thing for me is that their bras retain shape, even after long hours of wear. Because you know, when you are busty like I am…that matters. No one wants a bra that fits awkwardly and isn’t supportive, it just makes things worse.

Most recently Barely There sent me 2 of their bras and a panty from the Invisible Look line.

This package arrived right as was packing for our trip to Disney World, so I threw them into my suitcase and hoped for the best.

I wore the nude colored Invisible Look Unlined Underwire Bra ($36, Kohl’s) for our first day in the parks…truthfully, a little nervous that it might have been a mistake to break in a new bra while walking all day on vacation.

Turns out, I was worried for nothing! It was SO comfortable, seriously…almost like I didn’t know it was there. And for an underwire bra, I think that says a lot. The best thing was that even though it was so comfortable…it was still very supportive and kept “the girls” in place, even on crazy rides and after tons of walking.

I’m telling you, I put this bra to the test…and I loved it so much that when I got home from the trip I headed to Kohl’s and bought 2 more with my own money – it is THAT good.

The Modern Push-Up Underwire Bra ($36, Kohl’s) is great too, but really was not necessary for our vacation. It did come in handy however when I got a little dressed up and went out to karaoke with my friends the other night.

Of course the great benefit from the entire Invisible Look line is that it disappears under your clothes…so no more dealing with strange bumps or panty lines under your clothes.

Though the Invisible Look bikini panty was comfy…and came in the super cute snake print, I’m not a big fan of panties that aren’t cotton (just a personal thing). But when they say these panties leave no seams under your clothes, they are telling the truth..I tested this out myself!

Items from the Invisible Look line are available today at your local Kohl’s store. You’ll have no trouble trying to figure out your size either…thanks to Barely There’s easy to understand Smart Size tags.

To learn more about these and other Barely There items visit: www.barelythere.com

You can also find them on Twitter @barelythr and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/barelythere

Disclosure: I received the Barely There items mentioned above for the purpose of this review. I received no other form of compensation. These are my own, honest opinions. I only recommend products and services to my readers that I feel are trustworthy and that I can stand behind with pride.

Well friends, it has been just under a week since we returned from our Spring Break trip to Walt Disney World.

Let me tell you, this was the best trip yet! We seriously had the most amazing time.

The weather was perfect (minus one rainy morning), the crowds were light most days, and Jackson had the time of his life.

This time, we stayed at the All Star Music Resort. I’ll be honest here and say that of the four Disney resorts I have now experienced, it was not my fave…but it was fun in it’s own way. The resort is older…and truthfully, certain things about it felt a little tired (which surprised me considering it is Disney)…but the price was reasonable and allowed us a nice long trip so I’m grateful for that.

Today I’m sharing photos from the resort itself. This resort features 5 different music themed areas. Calypso, complete with a guitar shaped pool, The Jazz Inn, The Broadway Hotel (where we stayed), Country Fair, and the Rock Inn.

Hopefully these photos will give you an idea of what it’s like to see the buildings up close.

Have you stayed at Disney’s All Star Music Resort? What is your favorite Disney resort to stay at? And where do you think we should stay durong our next vacation?

Let me know in the comments!