Living in Lustre

a life and style blog

DSW Sale Picks

There’s nothing I love more than a killer SALE!  I have been frequenting DSW for a few years now and love that they run regulars deals that you can’t help but take advantage of.  This time around, just use the code GOODVIBES for up to $60 on your entire purchase!

From the 12 o’clock shoes going clockwise:

Sofft Somers || Slip-On Sneaker -TTS and very comfortable.  I love the delicate detail and the slip-on feature is great for the Summer months to come.
New Balance 515 Sneaker – mine is more of a rose gold color compared to these.  They’re true to size and super squishy.  They’re such a great all around athletic shoe.
Dr. Scholl’s Leta Platform Slip-On Sneaker – I could wear these all day, every day!  They’re really comfy, casual, and the platform isn’t too tall.  These are TTS.
Under Armor Breathe Lace Training Shoe – I just really love the bright and cheerful colors of these shoes.  I would recommend sizing up a minimum half a size…even better with a full size.
Steve Madden Feather Flat – these are such a classic design and perfect for the workplace.  These are TTS.
Birkenstock Mayari Sandal – DSW does not carry this color at the moment, but, still love the neutrals.  These are TTS.
Dr. Martens 1460 Combat Boot – note worthy (but not pictured above).  These bring me right back to high school and I stinking’ love them!  They run TTS.

I shared some more in depth videos on my Instagram page so be sure to check those out too!

 

The Tattooist of Auschwitz: A Book Review

It has been a long time since I have read a novel based on true events.  I had heard so many incredible reviews about the Tattooist of Auschwitz and had to read it for myself.

A synopsis based on Amazon:

“This beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov – an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity.

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for “tattooist”), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for more than two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism – but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in that first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her.

A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful recreation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.”

My personal review:

Honestly, I could not put this book down.  It is the epitome of an emotional roller coaster.  I was saddened, excited, happy, angry, elated…the list goes on!  This book is not for the faint of heart.  We all learn about WWII is school and the horrific events that changed the lives of so many during that time.  The recount that the author wrote based on events that Lale Sokolov shared was written in such a way that you felt like you were actually there experiencing everything through the characters eyes.

This book is sad, and beautiful, and well worth your time to read.  I highly recommend it!

Plan With Me || Featuring Simply Watercolor Co.

Happy Sunday, friends!  Quick question…do you consider the start of your week to fall on a Sunday, or, Monday?  Honestly, I’ve used both depending on what I’m doing.

Anywho!

I used to be all about plan with me videos, and still love to watch others do them.  Unfortunately, for whatever reason I just lost my mojo about a year ago and stopped filming them.  Well, I miss filming them terribly and as promised, I’m starting them back up again!

Today I’m featuring one of my favorite shops ever – Simply Watercolor Co.  The designs are so beautiful, and there are TONS of foil options available!

All shops mentioned can be found here (some of the items are old and may not currently be available):

Simply Watercolor Co.
Rose Colored Daze
Panda Bird Design
My Newest Addiction
Jesenia Printables

Freezer Friendly Shepherd’s Pie

There’s nothing I love more than a delicious comfort food meal.  I’m talking the kind that warms your whole body from within, and fills your body and soul with so much goodness that you’re bursting at the seems…literally and figuratively.

Over the years I feel as though I have mastered the art of make ahead meals, and food preparation in general so that I can have more quality time with my family instead of spending ridiculous amounts of time in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up afterwards.  I generally spend a 4-6 hour period once a month preparing freezer meals, chopping and freezing produce, and packing almost everything we would need to use for that month to store away for another day.  It has helped save my family time, and money in the long run which I would never complain about!  Our lives are crazy busy more often than not, and this Shepherd’s Pie recipe is an awesome way to provide some extra meals in your freezer for those days when you really just don’t have the time (or energy) to put together a meal for your family.  I love casseroles in general because they’re super easy to put together, they freeze well, and are a great option to provide an easy and delicious meal to your family without the fuss.  This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is in constant rotation on our menu and is one of our family favorites…plus, the leftovers don’t last very long in our house!

I hope you give this recipe a try!  If you do, come back here and let me know what you thought!

Print Recipe

Shepherd's Pie

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
Course: Main Course
Keyword: easy, home cooked, shepherd's pie
Servings: 12 people

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. Ground Beef
  • 16 oz. Frozen Peas and Carrots
  • 8 0z. Frozen Corn
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp All Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Ground Pepper
  • 2 Cups Beef Broth
  • 4 Cups Mashed Potatoes
  • 4 oz. Cream Cheese
  • 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375º F.
  • Brown the ground beef and set aside 3-4 tbsp of fat from the meat and drain the rest.
  • Once drained, add the frozen veggies, salt, and pepper to the meat.  
  • In a separate sauce pan, mix the leftover beef fat and flour to create a roux.  Once the roux is completed, pour the beef broth into the mixture and stir vigorously to create a gravy.  Stir until the gravy is smooth.  Salt and pepper the gravy to taste.  Pour the gravy over the meat and veggie mixture and stir everything together.
  • Place the mixture into a deep casserole dish and spread into an even layer.
  • Once your mashed potatoes have been made (can be fresh, or, boxed), add in the cream cheese and stir until combined.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Once the potatoes are done, spread into an even layer over the meat mixture.
  • Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes, or, until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

This recipe is freezer friendly!
If you wish to make this meal ahead and freeze, I recommend either preparing the meal in an aluminum tin, or, whatever baking dish you choose (just line it with foil before placing the food inside first).  The goal is to freeze this meal in a way that will take up as little space as possible in your freezer.
I personally will line my glass casserole dish with foil and add the food into the dish in the layers as instructed - if this is the route you choose by using your own dish to put the food into, please follow these next steps.  Once the dish is assembled, your next step will be to "flash freeze" your dish.  This means to place your entire dish into the freezer for roughly 30 minutes (or until completely cooled and hard to the touch).  Once the dish is flash frozen, remove it from your casserole dish, wrap the food in foil, place into a freezer safe ziploc bag (be sure to label and date), and will be easily stored in your freezer for up to 6 months.
If you choose to use an aluminum tin for your food storage, follow the same "flash freezing" method, place the lid on the container, and store for up to 6 months.

How To Spruce Up A Plain White Tee

Tee | Pants | Shoes | Glasses | Necklace (Stella and Dot archives) | Earrings | Wallet

If you remember me trying on this white tee during an Amazon Try-On, you remember how much I LOVE it!  Normally I don’t wear t-shirts to work, but, I was able to turn an otherwise basic/simple look into something just a little bit more by adding a few key pieces.

I love the simplicity of delicate jewelry.  A necklace that has simple details that drapes well, paired with simple hoop earrings really bring an outfit together.  I don’t usually wear a ton of jewelry so these pieces rotate with multiple outfits on a regular basis.  When paired with fun statement blue light glasses, shoes, and a pop of color (either in purse, clutch, or wallet form) your outfit is complete!

Let me just say that each time I wear these blue light glasses, I get SO many compliments!  I love that they’re understated with the clear frame around the eyes and tortoise color along the ear pieces.  They go with any outfit, and serve an incredible purpose to help protect your eyes (and come from an awesome company that gifts a pair of reading glasses for each pair purchased).  Same goes for these shoes!  I received those in a Stitch Fix box almost 2 years ago and they’re such a great neutral flat that I wear them often.  They’re comfortable, flexible, and easy to even pack away in a bag for travel because they fold in half – winner in my book!  I have always been a fan of the Coach brand and this wallet is one of my favorite pieces.  The mustard yellow goes with so many things, and is large enough to hold a cell phone, along with all of your important cards and cash as well!  I never leave home without it!

What are some ways you spruce up your wardrobe basics?

 

Eight Spring Shoe Picks Under $50

With the weather beginning its transition from Winter to Spring, it’s time to start transitioning your moon boots over to warmer weather appropriate options.  I have compiled some choices that range from weekend wear, to work wear and basically everything in between.

You may very well be concerned about the fact that I did not add any booties…I know that this is a shocker to some.  No worries, I will continue to wear mine pretty much all year long, but, always like to have other options.

One – Leopard Loafers – I love the classic look of these loafers.  Leopard is a great neutral option, and will really spruce up any outfit.

Two – Backless Loafers – Backless loafers are really in right now, and would be awesome with a dress, skirt, wide leg pants…really anything.

Three – Slide Sandals – These sandals are a very casual option that are perfect paired with cutoff shorts, or a sun dress.

Four – Slide Sandals – These are a great pair to just throw in your bag to pop on at a moments notice.  I love that they’re understated, but, functional too.

Five – Slide Sandals – Again, another great pair of sandals.  I love the design of the material that goes over the top of the foot too.

Six – Two Piece Ballet Flats –  I think that these flats are a great workwear option.  They pair well with slacks, dresses, and skirts.

Seven – D’Orsay Closed Toe Espadrille Wedges –  Wedges are just super fun.  I see these pairing really well with a maxi dress.

Eight – Ankle Strap Espadrille Wedges – I am really loving the ankle strap on this pair!  I may need a pair in each color.

Which pair is your favorite?

**This post is in no way sponsored by Target.  Although I wish they knew who I am, this is not the case.  All opinions are my own**

Oshkosh B’gosh Try On – Addy Style

Outfit One – this outfit was so cute!  I love the off the shoulder look without being too revealing.  The tank and shorts can be warn as a set, or, with many other options the store offers which makes endless outfits!

Outfit two – obviously the shirt is one of Addison’s favorites.  The sequin situation is a current obsession of hers and she wanted to pair the top with these unicorn shorts.  I would say that the shorts seemed really big on her so had they had a size smaller I would have snagged that pair for her.

Outfit three – this one is my absolute favorite!  The cherry design on the shirt and shorts is delicate and feminine.  The cotton is soft, and the outfit is modest while still providing a Summer look…especially with the pineapple purse that Addison could not stop playing with haha.

**this post is in now way sponsored by Oshkosh.  All opinions are solely my own.**

Inspiration Wednesday: Diff Eyewear Blue Light Blocking Glasses Roundup

I have been obsessing over blue light blocking glasses lately!  Last Fall I actually purchased a pair of high end glasses as a result of an eye exam.  I don’t naturally have poor eye sight, but, I do struggle with blurred vision, eye strain, and redness as a result of working in front of a computer as a large portion of my job.  As we have become a technology based society, tablets, cell phones, computers, and even televisions all give off blue light (aka HEV light).  Although not deadly, it can be harmful to your sensitive eyes.

Enter blue light blocking glasses.

These have been a game changer for me and I have been on the hunt to obtain quality pairs so that I have a few extras as a “just in case” option.  Also…I may want a few extra pairs to match outfits – let’s be real.  I recently stumbled upon Diff Eyewear and immediately fell in love with not only their products, but, the brand.  They thrive off of a “buy one, gift one” mission which I LOVE!  I am all about companies that give back to those in need.

Basically, I want legit every pair of the blue light blocking glasses AND their sunglasses.  I’m going to have a hard time not pulling the trigger on all of them.  For now though, I have rounded up my top 6 picks for blue light blocking glasses and am excited to share them with you today!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

As I said, I pretty much want every pair, but, these are my top favorites!  I also love that the site has a “virtual try on” option where you can record your face moving from side to side and it will virtually place the glasses on your face so you can see what they would look like on you before you purchase!  It was really fun “trying on” a bunch of different pairs to see how they fit my face shape.

Here’s a bonus!  Diff Eyewear is currently offering some killer discounts.  You can save 15% on one pair of glasses with the code GETONE15, or, 25% on two pairs wit the code GETTWO25!  Run and grab some glasses, y’all!

**This is not a sponsored post – all opinions and views are 100% my own.  This post does, however, contain affiliate links**

5 Reasons Why You Should Shave Your Face

**this post contains affiliate links**

So, dermaplaning is all the rage right now – have you heard of it?  Here’s the short explanation…basically you’re not only removing the hair from your face.  Okay, there’s more to it than that.  Keep in mine that I am not an aesthetician so this will all be a little more dumbed down on my end haha.

After doing some research, and giving this shaving business a try myself I have to say that I am obsessed!  My skin hasn’t looked, or, felt this amazing in a long time and I can’t wait to share with you my 5 top reasons why YOU should shave your face!

  1. Shaving your face with remove any pesky hairs (hellooooo chin and upper lip whiskers) and peach fuzz.
  2. Exfoliates your skin!  By shaving your face you are removing the top layer of your skin which will leave your face looking, and feeling like a babies bottom!
  3. Your skincare will be more effective.  Since you’re removing the top layer of skin, your skincare regimen that follows will soak into your skin much better which will help your products go a long way.
  4. You’ll get clearer skin!  Because you’re removing the build up of dead skin cells, this allows the turnover of new skin cells at a much faster rate.  Without the build up of dead skin cells, your skin won’t have the opportunity to break out as often as you may currently experience, and say goodbye to dry, patchy skin!
  5. Your makeup application will be so much easier!  Without the excess peach fuzz and dead skin cells on your face, your makeup will apply beautifully and look flawless.

Now that you know why you should shave your face, here’s the quick and dirty version of how you shave your face…at least the best way that works for me and my sensitive skin.

I recommend washing your face with your usual face wash until your skin is clear of all makeup and impurities.  Pat your skin dry with a towel.  At this point you have the option to use a shaving lotion/cream, or, you can shave dry if you’re feeling like a rebel.  The key is to use a sharp razor (these are my favorite), and work in small sections.  I start from the top down…yes that means I also shave my forehead.  I don’t recommend ever pulling your skin taut, but, in this case it needs to be done around certain areas of the face.  For me, that means around my nose and orbital bones – your areas could be very different…just be gentle.  Be sure to hold your razor at a 45º angle and use short downward strokes.  It’s okay to go over the same spot more than once, and be sure to either rinse, or, wipe off the razor often to ensure effectiveness.  I recommend shaving a minimum of once a week, but, my personal use is twice and I love it!

That’s shaving in a nutshell, girl!  Would you give it a try?

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