Happy Monday & Welcome to My Mommy Style Monday! How was your weekend? This past weekend was the Mister's birthday and we spent some time in New York with family. There's something about New York that has lately had me in all. I think it was my last visit when I was at Blogger Bash and I was really able to explore on my own terms. I had a lot of fun though this past weekend. I picked up these really cute scarves one I used as a headscarf the same day I purchased it and the other is patiently waiting to be featured in one of my Mommy Style Monday posts.

Anywho, what was the best part of your weekend?

Attire Breakdown

Last year I had to purchase a new car. And trust me it was one of the hardest decisions that I've had to make. My first adult car was purchased from an amazing dealership with very low miles. However, I purchased the car because I thought it was a great car and did very little research on the car. This time around. I was not playing any games. I knew what type of car I wanted prior to going to the dealership. I knew that I was not going with a car for “keeping up with the Jones”. I was actually getting a reliable car that had amazing reviews. Today I wanted to share with you some amazing tips to get the most bang for your buck. Even if you’re not in the market to purchase a car today. Save these tips for future reference. 

Search Online

When purchasing a vehicle I always search online first. I love using cars.com because it does the bulk of the work for me. I can do a really general search and see what cars are on the market or I can do a specific search by using the toolbar. For instance, If I was looking for a Subaru sedan for under $30k. I can put in the information and Cars.com will filter through all of the vehicles in their data base for me. I love that Cars.com also includes reviews from real owners. This is one of the many reasons that I love using this site.

Budget

I can not stress to have a budget prior to going into a car dealership. I know it’s super easy to go to the car dealer with a budget to purchase a Dodge and walk out the dealership with Lexus. I get it. Many dealerships will give you a better deal if you finance through your own bank because to them it’s the same as purchasing with cash. Get approved prior to going to the dealership and make sure it’s an amount that you’re comfortable with and not approved for. You don’t have to max out the limit of money that your bank offers to you even if they can work out the monthly payments to be lower and stretched out to five years. Think about it. 

Price

The biggest mistake you can make is not asking for a lower price. When I purchased my car I called the dealer after seeing the vehicle and asked for a very specific amount to be taken off of the vehicle price. The dealer agreed to the amount and it was a sigh of relief because I was in love with the car. Even if he had said no, at least I would have tried. I went to many dealers prior to the dealership that I purchased my car from and some were unable to negotiate the price. It’s a part of the buying process. If you’re not in a rush to get the vehicle wait a couple of days after seeing the vehicle to see if you can negotiate the price. 

Warranty 

This is probably one of the most important tips. Not knowing your cars warranty policy could potentially cost you thousands. When car shopping, one of my first questions is inquiring about the warranty on the vehicle. This is something that you can ask over the phone as well. I left with a copy of the warranty for my vehicle to read over.  You should ask how many miles does the warranty last for? Is the warranty mileage and/or an actual expiration date? What does the warranty include? Do you still have to pay a fee? Thoroughly read over the warranty and ask questions if you need clarification. If the warranty that does not meet your expectations can and should be a deal breaker. Only agree to what you’re comfortable with. 

Car buying doesn’t have to be a scary or daunting process. Follow these simple tips to become a car buying rock star.

Do you have any car buying tips?

One of my favorite protective styles is a drawstring ponytail. I love how natural they look and how versatile they are for everyday life. You can easily transform from natural to a protective style in less than a minute. Which is a major bonus for me being a busy mom and naturalista. Today I'll be sharing with you 4 drawstring ponytails that I'm totally obsessed with that are perfect if you want to give your natural hair a break or even if you feel like having a new look for the day. 

Vivica A. Fox Bang & Pony Synthetic Ponytail 

I love this look because it really doesn't require much work and doesn't require too natural hair left out. I also love this look because it can be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion. 

Outre Timeless Synthetic Bun – Bow Small

This look is super simple and elegant at the same time. I love that this bun can be dressed up or dress down for everyday life. Can we say perfect for wedding season!! You can easily do this look at home or have your hair stylist add their magic. 

Outre Timeless Big Beautiful Hair Synthetic Ponytail – 4c-Coily

This ponytail is mega bun goals. I've been natural for almost 7 years and my hair is just naturally thin and I am unable to reach this looks no matter how hard I try with my natural hair. I love that this look gives me a nice full ponytail without the hassle of doing it yourself. 

FreeTress Synthetic Equal Drawstring Ponytail – Bohemian Fro

As you can tell. I love hair styles that I can wear on a whim and can easily be re purposed for any occasion. This drawstring ponytail is one of my favorites because it gives the illusion that you have a half of wig on which I love. This wig is also full and is super easy to install. I typically will gel down my edges for this look and viola you have a new-look that takes just a few minutes to create. 

Can you believe that I found all of these looks on one amazing site? How awesome is that! I love that the Black Hairspray offers a vast variety of hair products from drawstring ponytails too, wigs, lace fronts, weaves, beauty and hair care products. They are an Authorized Dealer for many top brands and offers a no hassle, 30-day return policy, price matching guarantee.

What's your favorite drawstring ponytail style?

Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 8 cups of watermelon
• 2 lime (the juice of two limes)
• juice pitcher or mason jars
• Lime Squeezer 
• Vitamix Blender 

Directions 

Living in Connecticut, visiting Lake George is an annual trip for some. My family and I finally had the opportunity to visit and I couldn't wait to come back and share my experience with you guys. 

Rooms 

Grounds

The grounds at this hotel is well kept and really clean. 

Pool

Location

This hotel is centrally located right in the midst of Lake George. This hotel is within walking distance to stores and restaurants and downtown Lake Geroge. I love that I literally could walk and get something to eat and I didn’t have to worry about driving everywhere if I did not want to.

Lobby/Check-in

I checked in right around check in time and the line. The front desk area is small. However, the check in process took the typical amount of time. 

View

I had the best view of Lake George. It was so nice to open my hotel room door and see an amazing view of the lake.

Staff

The staff was really nice to the front desk staff to the grounds staff. The ice machine was not working near my room and one of the staff offered to bring the ice back to my room so I didn’t have to wait. 

Pros

I love the location of this hotel. I think hands down this is the best hotel if you want a view of the lake. 

Cons

1. Our room had a very limited amount outlets
2. Decor was dated
3. This hotel is not upfront at all when booking with a third party company that they have three actual hotels on the property and what you see as the face of the hotel is not the actual hotel you have a reservation for. When you book through the hotel site you will see what I'm referring to. The only reason I knew of this was based on the reviews. 

Overall, after reading all of the reviews of this hotel I honestly wanted to cancel my reservation. I really have a certain standard when it comes to hotel rooms. I really don’t ask for much just a great view and for it to be clean and the furniture to be in good shape. I will say that I am really pleased with this hotel overall.

Happy Monday! Since I’ve lost so much weight I really need to head to the store and purchase a capsule wardrobe. This time last year I was getting rid of items that were too small for me that I knew that I would never fit in again. This year I’m getting rid of clothing that is too big for me that I hope I’ll never fit in again. It’s been really hard to find the perfect pieces in my current wardrobe. When I do go shopping. I can’t wait to take you guys along with me. 
Any who, I found one of my favorite dresses in my closet. I can't remember when I thrifted this piece. However, I love it and it’s super comfortable. We’ve been having a heatwave for the last couple of days. So I was little apprehensive about wearing black. However, the weather was perfect for this dress. 

How was your weekend? 

Attire Breakdown

If you're subscribed to my YouTube channel you've seen my blogger bash review video. I also thought that I would include my review of Blogger Bash on my blog as well. Don't forget to check out my video below if you haven't done so already. This was my first time attending Blogger Bash and I thought it was very important for me to give a review from a newbie perspective and also for some who have attended blogger conferences before. 

Hotel

The conference was not connected to the actual partnered hotel. Of course theirs a ton of pros and cons to this. If you are someone tends to run late to events. This can possibly be a negative because you're walking or taking the cab to the location. I loved that the hotel was pretty much in close proximity to the conference locations. I honestly enjoyed being out and about especially in New York because I was able to sight see. When I typically attend conferences I do not leave the conference site. 

Conference

Blogger Bash had one actual “conference” setting. I actually loved that it was more interacting with brands versus a half-and-half setup. You know, half workshops and half brands. I believe that this is something that is new.I believe that they offered more workshops last year. I hope that they will continue to do this same setup in the future. The opening breakfast had very informative panelist. Which led to BabyPoloza which I love. BabyPoloza was the first event. 

Brands

There were a ton of brands at the various events i.e. BabyPoloza, Sweet Suite and Stuff for Moms and Dads. This is the first time that I've come in contact with so many brands at one blogger conference. The Expos were not hectic at all which I loved. I believe they max for Blogger Bash attendees is 250 which is a great number. You're able to actually connect with brands. You pretty much only get that one time to connect with them which I thought was pretty cool. Because the Expos are categorized and setup in different events. Most conferences have the same brands at the expos each day. It was really nice to have a change of pace. 

Cost

Blogger Bash is the most affordable conference that I have attended to date. I'm super upset with myself for not attending this conference sooner. Blogger Bash gave a rebate after Sweet Suite this year which is pretty awesome. They do not have sale prices for the tickets like most conferences. I actually before to get a rebate. The rebate is given at the end of the first day. 

Overall

I love Blogger Bash. Would I attend again? Yes!! It's a different change of pace from the other blogger conferences that I've attended which I love. If you're thinking about attending. You should! It's a great investment.

Have you attended Blogger Bash before?

Youtube Blogger Bash Review

This post contains affiliate links 

Anniversary Sale is here and I couldn't be more excited. I opted to not do a fashion picks list this year.
my fashion style is different. I love mixing old pieces with new ones. I will say that I am totally in love with some of the home items that are on sale this year. I have to be honest with you guys.

When

I saw the bar cart on sale. I was so close to applying for a Nordstrom Card. This is a judgment free zone right?! Just being honest. I love how unique the shape of the bar cart is and it's at a really great price as well. You will notice from this list that the prices vary. I have some high and low-end pieces.

Which

can pretty much fit every budget. I will say that this list is pretty much like my wish list (hint, hint Mister) Just kidding! Anywho, I would love to know your favorite items that are on sale this year. Let's chat in the comment section.

Calf Hair Rug 

Bar Cart 

Tassel Throw Blanket 

Gold Starburst Mirror 

Marble Serving Board 

Picnic Heart Shaped Wicker Basket 

Stemless Champagne Flutes 

Wood Cake Stand 

What's your favorite item on sale this year? 

My recent trip from Blogher'17 really had my wheels turning on some tips to share with you guys to make your trip extra special when visiting Disney. Below are really simple tips that I help will assist you with your next adventure to the park.

Planning/Saving

Disney can be really expensive, I mean really expensive if you don’t plan for it in advance. How do you plan on getting to the park? Does your hotel provide a free shuttle? Do you plan on eating at the park? Will you purchase a one day or multi day pass? Plan in advance where you want to stay, how much money you plan to bring. Planning in advance will defiantly make your time at Disney Magical. 

Food

Thankfully Disney allows you to bring your own food. This may really come in handy if you or your child has a food allergy and/or if you're on a diet. The first time we went to Disney we weren’t really aware of their food policy. I bought a couple of snacks with us and that was it. Depending on your family size. Bring enough to last you throughout the day or create a budget that will allow you to purchase food at the park. Don't bring too much stuff that you're unable to enjoy yourself. Bring enough that you don't mind carrying. 

Hotel

Some people prefer to rent a home. It was just the three of us the first time we went to Disney so we opted to stay at a local hotel. I will say that make sure you read the reviews and pick a hotel based on your preference. This is not the time to skimp on hotels. Trust me, the same chain hotel can be within walking distance and they’re kept two totally different ways. Research, research! Make sure where ever you’re staying is a place that you will actually be able to get some good rest at night. 

Souvenirs

We purchased souvenirs mostly off site. Again this is based on your budget. If you want to purchase souvenirs at Disney go for it! We did purchase whatever our son wanted while he was there. However, for family and friends. We found deals off-site. 

Disney Attire

You can purchase Disney attire pretty much from everywhere including Disney. You can also find great deals on eBay and second-hand stores. You’ll be surprised at what stuff will come your way. I will say that the hat we purchased for our son from the Disney store at Disney is really great quality and has held up. If you can, purchase your Disney attire in advance or make the trip extra special for your little princess and purchase the items at the Disney Store.

Do you have any Disney tips?

Hello, Friends!

Happy Monday! July is truly flying by. This is the Mister's Birthday month and I'm so ready for his birthday cake!! I have such a sweet tooth. I could just go out and buy a cake. However, I'm trying to get out of my old ways... Last week I reached my final edited weight loss goal and I've lost a total of thirty pounds! I feel amazing, and I'm so proud of myself.  You can read all about my weight loss journey here. I'm trying to get back into menu planning during the summer months and even though we're currently having a heatwave. I really miss baking. Of course, I've been working on healthy alternatives for myself and family. I have a super yummy zucchini recipe that I've been working on. This week our menu plan is super basic. I plan on trying a new marinade, and I'll let you guys know how the family likes it. I'm still unwinding from my recent trip to Blogger Bash you can read all about it here. 

Anywho, how was your weekend?

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: The Mister
Tuesday: Spaghetti 
Wednesday: Baked Marinated chicken w/ veggies and rice
Thursday: Salamon w/ potato salad and veggies
Friday: BBQ chicken w/ rice and veggies 
Saturday: Fried Fish w/ French fries 
Sunday: Eating Out

Have you attended Blogger Bash before?

BabyPalooza 

The Blue Man Group Show 

Sweet Suite 

I had the most amazing time yesterday while in New York at the Blue Man Group Show. I went to see this show a couple of years ago in Vagus and it was simply AMAZING! Without giving away too many details. Yes, it was different. However, everything I expected in MORE. I plan on seeing the show in each state. That's my ultimate goal. 




The Blue Man Group will be generously providing one of my amazing readers with the opportunity to see this show at one of the five locations. The tickets expire July 2018 

• New York
• Boston
• Chicago
• Orlando
• Las Vegas

Giveaway (Open to the US Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Contest Rules 

CONTEST RULES AND FINE PRINTPlease copy and paste the text below as fine print on your contest page. Blue Man Group is solely providing the prizing for your contest and you (the blog/blogger) is the sponsor. These rules should accompany and supplement your standard contest rules.PRIZE RESTRICTIONSTHE  FULFILLMENT  PERIOD  BEGINS  SEPTEMBER 8,  2015,  FOR  SELECT  PERFORMANCES  ONLY,  AND  TICKETS  MUST  BE  REDEEMED  BY  JUNE  8,  2016.  ALL REQUESTS  ARE  SUBJECTTO  AVAILABILITY  AND MUST  BE  SUBMITTED  A MINIMUM  OF  TWO  (2)  WEEKS  IN  ADVANCE.  IT IS  NOT  UNCOMMON  FOR BLUE MAN  GROUP  PERFORMANCES  TO  SELL  OUT,  SO  ADVANCE  PLANNING  ISREQUIRED.  THE  BEST  SEATS  AVAILABLE  ARE  LIKELY  TO  BE  SUNDAY  THROUGH THURSDAY  SHOWS.  HOLIDAY  BLACKOUT  PERIODSVARY  BY  CITY,  AND  THE  CERTIFICATE  IS  NOTVALID  DURING  THOSE  BLACKOUT  PERIODS.  THECERTIFICATE DOES NOTGUARANTEE THAT TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLEFORTHE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR CHOICE. CERTIFICATE HAS NO CASH VALUE AND IS  NON-TRANSFERABLE.  VALID FOR  THE  BLUE  MAN  GROUP  SHOW  ONLY WITH  SEATING  LOCATION  AT  THE  DISCRETION  OF  THE BOX  OFFICE.  NOT  VALID FOR  VIP  UPGRADES,  THEME  PARK,  CLUB,  OR  SPECIAL  EVENT  ADMISSION.  PARKING  IS  NOT  INCLUDED.  THERE  ARE  NO  REFUNDS  OR  EXCHANGES  ONCE TICKETS  HAVE  BEEN  ISSUED.  ALL  REDEMPTIONS  ARE FINAL.  NO  SUBSTITUTIONS, CASH  EQUIVALENTS  OR  TRANSFERSARE  PERMITTED.  NOT FOR  RESALE. CERTIFICATE IS NOT VALID AFTER EXPIRATION DATE OF JUNE 8, 2016. BLUE MAN GROUP IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING LOSTOR STOLEN TICKETS AND/OR VOUCHERS.ELIGIBILITYEMPLOYEES  OF  BLUE  MAN  PRODUCTIONS,  LLC, SPONSORS,  AND  ANY  OF THEIR  RESPECTIVE  AFFILIATES’ EMPLOYEES AND  EACH  OF  THEIR  HOUSEHOLDS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TOENTER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ALLFEDERAL, STATE, PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY.GENERAL CONDITIONSALL  ENTRANTS  RELEASESPONSORS, BLUE  MAN  PRODUCTIONS,  LLC,  ANDTHEIR  RESPECTIVE  FOUNDERS, PARENT  COMPANIES,  AFFILIATES,  SUBSIDIARIES AND  THE  DIRECTORS,  OFFICERS,  EMPLOYEES, AND  AGENTS  OF THE  FOREGOING  ENTITIES,  AND ALL  OTHERS  ASSOCIATED WITH THE  DEVELOPMENT  AND EXECUTION OF THIS CONTEST (ALL AFOREMENTIONED PARTIES, THE “RELEASED PARTIES”) FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FROM INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND. SPONSORS AND BLUE MAN GROUPRESERVE THE RIGHT TOCANCEL, MODIFY, OR TERMINATE THIS CONTEST OR ANY OF THE PRIZES AT ANY TIME, INCLUDING AFTER WINNERS ARE CHOSEN. ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY ENTRANTS TO SPONSOR OR ITS AFFILIATES WILL BE SUBJECT TO  SPONSOR’S  PRIVACYPOLICY    ,    EXCEPT    WHERE    PROHIBITED    BY    LAW AND  BLUE  MAN  GROUP’SPRIVACY    POLICY    LOCATED    AT HTTP://WWW.BLUEMAN.COM/PRIVACY-POLICY,  ENTRY  AND/ORWINNER’S ACCEPTANCE OF  A  PRIZE  OF  ANY  KIND  CONSTITUTES  PERMISSION  FOR  THE SPONSOR AND  BLUE  MAN  GROUP TO USE WINNER’S NAME, ADDRESS  (CITY  AND STATE), PHOTO,  LIKENESS,  BIOGRAPHICALINFORMATION, STATEMENT AND  VOICE  FOR  ADVERTISING/PUBLICITY  PURPOSES  WORLDWIDE  AND  IN  ALL  FORMS  OF  MEDIAIN  PERPETUITY,  WITHOUT  FURTHER  NOTICE  TOOR COMPENSATION  IN  CONNECTION WITH  SAID  CONTEST  ORTHE PRIZE  AWARDED.  ALL ENTRANTS EXPRESSLY  RELEASE THE  SPONSOR,  BLUE  MAN  GROUP, AND  THEIR AFFILIATES, PARENT,  AND  THEIR RESPECTIVE  AGENTS, EMPLOYEES,  LICENSEES,DESIGNEES, AND ASSIGNS  FROM AND  AGAINST ANY AND  ALL CLAIMS WHICH THEY HAVE OR MAY HAVE FOR INVASION OF PRIVACY, DEFAMATION, OR ANY OTHER CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF ANY SUCH USE.MISCELLANEOUSBLUE  MAN  PRODUCTIONS,  LLC,  IS NOTTHE  SPONSOR  OF  THE  CONTEST  AND  IS  SOLELYPROVIDING  THE  PRIZE.THIS  BLOG  IS  THE  OFFICIAL  SPONSOR. ENTRANTS  AGREE  TO  BEBOUND  BY THE PRIZE  RESTRICTIONS,  ELIGIBILITYREQUIREMENTS,  AND  SPONSOR  RULES.  BLUE  MAN  GROUP  AND  ALL  RELATED INDICIA ©2015 BLUE MAN GROUP. ALL RIGHTSRESERVED.

I’ve been asked to do a review on Blogher’17. This is my second time at Blogher. I went back in 2012. You can read more about that experience here.

Registration

I arrived in Orlando a day before the actual conference and I was lined up right around the time that registration started. I was able to literally walk up to the registration window and register. I didn’t have to wait in line. I love that they allowed people to register a couple of minutes to the original start time. This was a major plus for me. I didn’t notice long lines throughout the event, not saying there were not any. I just didn’t notice any throughout my travels. 

Location

I gave a full review of the hotel here. I will say that this was sorta like a resort style location. This hotel was huge and busy. The staff went above and beyond my expectations. I would defiantly consider visiting this hotel the next time I visit Disney. 

Sessions

The first year I attended the conference sessions were packed. This year the conference sessions were packed. I did not stay for an entire session. I can’t say that this is due to seating. This is just my personality. I will say that there will be people who love what they heard at the sessions and their will always be others who complain and feel that they didn’t get their monies worth. The sessions that I did attend were insightful and informative. 

Food

I’m currently on a diet, plus I do not it meat. Does that pretty much sum up the food? I love that Blogger had vegan options which were yummy! And no, I just don’t mean salad. I had a stuffed pepper one day for lunch and another day hummus I believe it was a chili or pepper hummus. The food was yummy! I will say that both lunches were private sessions with brands. However, it was the same food served at the Blogher conference. The first session I noticed how insane the lines were. The hotel staff did replenish the food and tried to keep up. 

Cost

I purchased my BlogHer ticket back in October during the super early bird special. To me, BlogHer is really reasonably priced. Especially based on the price of other conferences for bloggers. I love that BlogHer gives this option because not all conferences and summits do.


Overall, I am very pleased with the conference. It was nice to see my blogger friends in person.  Would I attend again? Yes!!!

Don't forget to check out my Blogher'17 review and FAQ on my YouTube channel