{Target Maxi Dress, F21 Shirt, Charlotte Russe Belt, Gifted Scarf}

{similar jeans, similar shirt, similar jacket, Franco Sarto shoes, Fossil watch, similar necklace}

{similar black jeans, similar black cardigan, similar shoes}

The Hana Flat Iron has titanium plates with tourmaline, and the CHI has tourmaline ceramic plates.  I couldn’t tell a difference between the materials in practice, but based on the research I’ve done, titanium is supposed to help straighten hair faster and tourmaline is known for its smoothing properties.  Since my hair is naturally pretty straight, both worked fine for me!

Both brands come in various widths, but I prefer the 1″ width.  My hair has a hard time holding curl, so making a tighter curl with the 1″ flat iron tends to leave more room for my hair to relax into the style without going flat.

I prefer the grip and ergonomics on the Hana in comparison to the sleek CHI.  I knew just where to hold it, and actually, I felt like the Hana actually held onto my hair better too.  Not that it was getting caught on my hair, just that it didn’t slide so easily through the blades, which makes it easier to turn the flat iron and create the curls.

The Hana allows for adjustable temperature, which I love.  Yeesh, those things get hot!  I’m a bit of a klutz when it’s comes to curling my hair, so by lowering the temperature, it allows me to go a little slower without searing my hair.

You’re going to laugh at me for this one, but the Hana came with a rubber mat and travel case, which allows the paranoid me to stop worrying that my flat iron is going to burn my counter top.  It’s the simple things, right?

The two have similar retail price points, but since I got the CHI at a Black Friday deal for almost half off, it’s hard to compete with that.

{LOFT Pants-similar, J.Crew Chambray Shirt-similar, Urban Outfitters Tee, Target Wedges-similar}

What’s your favorite flat iron?  Do you use it for curling, straightening, or both?

J.Crew Look {$412.50 excluding shirt}

For my own take on the look,  I stuck with the tie since I love its skinny proportions and square end, but feel free to raid your husband’s closet for something similar.  Or better yet, buy a tie for him and borrow it once in awhile.  So what’s the verdict?  Would you ever “try a tie”?

Cropped Pants (The Limited): $54.90

Chambray Shirt (Nordstrom): $24.97

Tie (J.Crew): $59.50

Penny Loafers (Nine West): $67.99

TOTAL:  $207.36 (A little more than normal, but all quality pieces!)

{Target Skirt and Sandals, Gap Tshirt, Charming Charlie’s Necklace}

P.S. The bluebonnets are blooming, and I love it.

Create-your-own Goody Bags

A one-of-a-kind cake

Themed Food and Decorations

Name Blocks for the Little One

Planning a shower in the age of Pinterest is so inspiring.  For the name blocks above, I was struck by this pin (sorry that I can’t trace it back to the original creator–it looks like this particular items may not be sold on Etsy anymore) and decided that I would try it out for myself.  In retrospect, the prices I found on Etsy for similar styles are just as good as what I paid for in materials, so unless you have the materials laying around, I may suggest buying the blocks from Etsy.  BUT, if you’re feeling crafty, stop by your local Home Depot / Lowe’s and have them cut up a 2×6 or 2×8 into random sized pieces.  Then all you need to do is sand the edges, spray paint the back and sides, and then use a little ModPodge to adhere scrapbooking paper to the fronts of the blocks.  Add a few embellishments, and you’re set!  I happen to own a Cricut that I used for the letters, but other than that, it’s easy-peasy!  However, I do not recommend tipping the container full of ModPodge onto the carpet.  Spouses tend to frown upon such behavior.  If you have any other questions about the decorations or food, let me know–the ladies that planned this with me are ahhhmazing party planners!

{Thifted Dress – similar, Banana Republic Shirt – similar, Target Shoes – similar}

Ruffle Jersey Dress (Old Navy): $15.00

Crepe Tie-Belt Dress (Old Navy) $25.00

Striped French-Terry Shift Dress (Old Navy): $15.00

Striped Tie-Waist Dress (Old Navy): $19.99

Belted Pocket-Jersey Dress (Old Navy): $27.50

Women’s Color-Block Keyhole Dresses (Old Navy): $30.00

Happy Weekend!

Here are a few photos from the last day of the Texas Style Council (taken by the lovely Jill of good life).  The symposium was wonderful.  I learned so much from the many great speakers.  Here are a few of my favorite take-aways: (I apologize in advance for not crediting everyone–many of the topics were discussions between several speakers, and I didn’t write it all down quickly enough!)

• Live a great life, not a big life (from Kendi on why you shouldn’t be too concerned about how big your blog is)
• Networking can grow your blog, but it also creates good friends (I met SO many great people that weekend, and it was fun to be able to talk about blogging with others so passionate about it)
• Become a trusted and unique source for your readers
• Take a step back and prioritize your blog and life, evaluating where your blog is, and what you want it to be

That last one is my current focus, and it may not be a few days (or even a few weeks), but I have many ideas swirling around in my head for this blog!

{LOFT pants-similar, LOFT blazer-similar, Fossil Watch, Fossil Necklace-similar, F21 Necklace-similar}