Game of Thrones Season 6 - The Red Woman

I am totally hooked on Game of Thrones and how good was last nights episode. WARNING THIS POST MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED IT YET!!!

I hate when someone spoils a show for me. So now that we have warned you lets talk The Red Woman (Melisandre). We left off season 5 hating her as she had convinced Stannis to burn his daughter. I had a really hard time watching that and when the repeats were playing yesterday leading up to last nights episode I actually changed the channel for that part. However in Season 6 we have turned over a new leaf! There is no way those writers have her at Castle Black for no reason. Surely she is there because of Jon Snow!!

and what about this!!!!

I'm telling you something is about to happen with that one. Let's move on the Sansa story-line. Love him or hate him Reek aka Theon Grayjoy proved that he is on the good side again. I just don't think he can be trusted. But how about ole Brienne of Tarth! I audibly let out a cheer when she came galloping in to save Sansa and Theon. She is really beginning to grow on me. 

Also, does anyone understand what is happening with Arya Stark? Obviously, I have been routing for her because she is a fighter and has endured so much. I mean almost making it to the Red Wedding saved her, but dang she almost made it to her family. *sniff sniff. I'm am totally lost on what is going on with this whole faceless man thing though.   Which also means they will probably kill her off in typical GOT style. 

Tyrion is also one my favorites - hey "he drinks and knows things!" I love that him and Daenerys are in the same story-line. Mormont is also a fav but not that he has been touched by the Stonemen he probably won't last much longer. I will tell you Dany is set up between Mormont, Tyrion, Grey Worm and the boy toy protecting/advising her. I am waiting to see how the whole Khal Widow thing works. Maybe this is a chance for her to reconvene with the horse people. 

Many GOT fans have been speculating on the whole 3 headed dragon theory. Here is my take...so 3 Targaryens (the dragon people). So, if Daenerys is the first head of the dragon, who are the other two? One could obviously guess from conversations that Ned Stark and then Peter and Sansa in the crypt that Jon Snow is actually the son of Ryaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Which would make sense why Ned Stark (who was so wholesome) mysteriously ended up with a bastard son. This would also obviously play into my theory that he will be brought back by The Red Woman. 

There is also some confusion as to who Tyrion's real father might be Tywin never accepted him as a son so that kind of makes sense as well. (See chart below.)

We are also still missing Brandon Stark and there are some theories out there about Meera possibly being Targaryen as well. 

I don't think this plays into the dragon theroy but also remember that Robert Baratheon's son (who helped Arya escape) is out there somewhere...

There is a more in depth one below that shows the relationships also. I am visual and like to see what is happening. So if you are like me you are starting to get the houses confused so I am including some helpful charts for you!

I'd love to hear your predictions and fan theories, comment below!

Credit: www.chartgeek.com

credit: www.gamesofthrones.com

Kate Spade Sale!

Kate Spade just sent out an extra 25% their already discounted items. That means some really good deals for us! They have lots of good stuff on the site including earrings, bags, wallets and accessories...Here are a few options that I liked. 

Kate Spade Clearance Sale

Code: SMILE

Cedar Street Lacey

Mikas Pond Bee

Be a Toy Tester!

Did you know that you can be a Toy Tester!? Um hello...yes I will give you my opinion of toys if you send me free ones. Nothing like saving money and your kiddo gets some new toys too. I haven't done this yet but I thought it was cool. Let me know if you get accepted!

Here are the details and link: 
Click here to apply.

What is the toy testing program? Our toy testing program is open to the public.  Families need to be able to get to El Segundo during the scheduled test times, which are announced weekly. Toy tests are scheduled like appointments and your family will be asked to come at an assigned time, if there is space available  and if you are selected to participate in a toy test.

When do tests take place? Our testing takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in The Imagination Center, inside the Mattel Building in El Segundo. Parent groups occur in the morning and child groups occur in the afternoons.

Who is it for? Our toy testing program is for kids and kids at heart!   Most of our testing is done with children ages 5-9, but we do sometimes test as young as 3 and as old as 13. Sometimes, children are put in a group with other children. Other times, they are asked to bring a friend with them to the test.

How do I sign up?  All families who want to participate are asked to fill out the attached application that they can either: scan/email, fax or mail it back to us.  Once we receive it we will put your information into our databaseof toy testers. 

When is the testing schedule announced? At the end of every week, we send out an email to the families in our database to let them know what tests we have coming up. You may not receive an email every week, as the email will only go out to the families that fit our age and gender requirements for our testing that week. If you are curious, you can also always check our schedule online at: www.facebook.com/MattelImaginationCenter

How are the tests scheduled? If you are interested in a test, email us back with the requested information. Once we receive the email (and if there is still a spot available), one of our recruiters will call you to schedule your children for toy testing.  Due to a large number of responses we are unfortunately only able to respond if we are able to use you for our test.  Families who are selected will be given an exact time to come in.

What will my family get out of toy testing?  We know families take time out of their busy schedules to be here, so we offer incentives for your participation. Typically parents receive a gift card for coming in and children receive either a toy from our toy closet or a gift card (sometimes both).

Share the love! We are always looking for more toy testers. We have included our application as an attachment, if you or a friend is interested in toy testing.  When you refer a friend to our program, you are entered into a monthly refer-a-friend raffle! Just have your friend put your name under “how did you hear about us” and you will be entered into our monthly gift card raffle! Monthly winners are notified by phone and posted on facebook. We appreciate you referring your friends to us!

*If a friend referred you to our program, please include your friend's name as the person who referred you when completing the application. His/Her name will be entered in a gift card raffle as a thank you for introducing us to your family.

Thank you again for your interest in our toy testing program! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Tory Burch and Kate Spade Sale!!!

Guess what is on sale today people!!!? Tory Burch and Kate Spade!!!! (I know be still my heart). Does anyone else find their selves seriously debating whether or not we really need groceries this week?

There are several lust worthy items for sale today, starting with this beauty. 

 Kate SpadeMini

This is the Kate Spade Mini Rachelle Wellesly Crossbody bag. I don't know about you other moms out there but since having G I have seriously down-graded my purse game (as in size). I just can't manage a large bag with the four hundred other items I seem to always have to carry now, including a 30 lbs. dumpling. ;) I found this one (link below) for $137. The Amazon version is even cheaper for $120!!!

Kate Spade Wellesley Mini Rachelle Handbag Shoulder Bag in Black (001) 

Tory Burch Crossbody

This is another good cross-body option from Tory Burch. The camel color and clean lines make this a bag that anyone could be on-board with. I am super into camel this year. 

Tory Burch Luggage Landen

This one would be a great work bag or maybe even a VERY stylish diaper bag. This is the Tory Burch Luggage Landen Leather Tote. LOVE!!!!

Tory Burch Minnie's

And last but certainly not least because there are actually a lot of other items in this sale that deserve mentioning. I just highlighted my favorites. I have heard such good things about the Tory Burch Minnie's. I have had two different pairs of the Reva's and they weren't really that comfortable (although super cute!). (Also available on Amazon if these sell out.)I have heard the opposite about the Mini's. Zulily will also let you split the cost of the shoes into two payments...full disclosure I'm not sure exactly how this works but it could be good!

Cinco De Mayo Healthy Mexican Food!

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Thursday this year, but hey any excuse to eat tacos right!

I also found these if you are celebrating at home because why not: 

 

My all time favorite Mexican meal to make is probably White Enchiladas (see recipe here) and they aren't too difficult but we are talking about a Tuesday night people, so let's talk easy, and quick!

A regular occurrence at our house are tacos, but if you are on a constant diet like I am then you will need some healthy options for Tacos. I mean bikini season is upon us people. There are a few modification that you can make so that you can still enjoy the delicious taco flavor without all the calories and bloat. Also these are super easy. We seriously probably make this for dinner once a week at minimum. 

First you are going to switch out ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef. (If you can't do this try doing half and half to get used to it. I also suggest the half and half method for getting husbands/picky kids to eat whole wheat options). 

Cook the meat just like you would ground beef, and drain. Add your favorite taco seasoning pack (or you can make your own) and about a cup of water. Simmer and stir frequently. Next in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking I add a can of Fat Free Re-fried beans. This adds some fiber and to be honest just makes it taste better, in my opinion. 

Brown Turkey

Cut up the veggies of your choice and your meal is done. You do have the option here of forgoing the taco shells. 

We do this pretty frequently and just eat it as taco salads (less carbs and calories). I will just top with a little salsa for dressing. YUM-O!! Feels like your are eating bad and you really aren't!

I added raw corn to mine. Sooooo good!

Other Mexican Recipe Links of Interest: 
Iowa Girl Eats (she is one of my favorites)
Pillsbury Recipes - Cinco De Mayo
Hungry Girl
Skinny Taste Cinco De Mayo
The Girl Who Ate Everything
Yummly

Mother's Day Gifts

So if you are like me and come from a branching family you may have multiple Mother's to buy for, for Mother's day. Throw in the added complication of none of them are local and you start to have a little bit more of a difficult decision to make. If they were local we could go to brunch and buy them a nice potted flower or something. Since I have to mail our gifts, not only do I have to plan ahead (to allow time for it to arrive) but also buy something that can obviously be shipped. Please tell me that I am not the only one with this issue.

So the only thing to do is to spend countless hours scoring the internet looking for something that shows our love and appreciation of all these wonderful women do and have done for our family, while staying within a reasonable budget. Not an easy task I tell you. 

In comes Amazon to save the day. I am an Amazon prime member (totally worth it in my opinion) so shipping is free and will probably only take about 2 days. Imagine my surprise when the took it up a level and created this:

This will seriously help me. At the very least it has compacted my scouring down to one place!! 

I also recently smelled a sample of the Jo Malone Candle/fragrances...OH MY GOD PEOPLE!!! The Peony and Blush Suede Scent is to die for!!! But then I looked them up and they are like $65 a piece. Multiplied times 4 (3 Mother's to buy for and me :) is not in my budget...but one day I will have one of those. They really do smell that good!

Jo Malone Candle

Much closer to my price range are these Philosophy I Think You Are Wonderful gift sets. They are actually cheaper and have free shipping on Amazon right now so I will link from there. (Always looking out I know ;). I really enjoy Philosophy products and I think this would be good for my mom and step-mom, but I am not sure about my mother in law.

I also really like Kendra Scott right now and figure that the Moms would probably like that too. They are on sale right now (see sale post here). They also just started advertising these beautiful gift sets! 

Kendra Scott Gift Set

Let me know if you have any great ideas for your Mother's Day gifts - Especially if they are shipable (is that a word??).

Kendra Scott ON SALE!!

I guess the people at Kendra Scott are moving inventory for their new selections because I've got another great sale for you!

Nordstrom is doing a crazy Kendra Scott sale and some of my favorite items are actually in it!! Keep in mind that Nordstrom also does free shipping and free returns all day. I am super upset because the Abalone version of these are sold out already, but the green is pretty great also.

Kendra Scott Dani

Kendra Scott Corely

These could really go with anything and they are so cute. They add just the right amount of polish with a little edge mixed in.

Kendra Scott Dylan - My FAV!!!

The Dylan actually comes in three different sale colors. Hurry though these will sell out quick. Just like my Abalone Dani's. :(

Discounted Stella and Dot!!

Stella and Dot is on Zulily today!!!

The selection is pretty limited but there is still some good stuff!

This statement necklace is super cute and could dress up a more casual shirt or even a cute tee.

Zulily 

There are also some really cute drop earrings and some bangles that may soon be in my rotation. ;)

A Labor of Love: Jack Rogers Dupe!

A Labor of Love: Jack Rogers Dupe!: Do you love Jack Rogers sandals but hate the price? Well I have a dupe for you today. I just ordered them myself so I can't fully review...

Jack Rogers Dupe!

Do you love Jack Rogers sandals but hate the price? Well I have a dupe for you today. I just ordered them myself so I can't fully review until I get them but they look really good from the pictures.

Get these here!

Check those babies out!!! They look really good right!! They are onsale at Zulily  today for $14.99. So I basically saved $100 dollars. If you aren't familiar with Zulily they basically get overstocked items and resale it for WAY cheaper. The boutiques only last a day or two, but they do regularly circle back around. You do have to sign up and they will send you emails about what boutiques that they are offering (you can always turn these off - but they do have some great stuff).

These aren't Jack Rogers but Olivia Miller brand, but for $100 cheaper I will take the knock off. There were a couple different styles but the gold was my favorite.

Here is the real thing for reference:

  Jack Rogers Women's Hamptons Sandal,Platinum,8 M

Mac Makeup and Laura Mercier Sale!

SALE!

Do you love Mac? I do and my other favorite lately is Laura Mercier. Well guess what both are on sale today only at Belk. 

I love Mac eye-shadow. It is really pigmented and blends well. I have my eyes on this set:

Mac 9 Shadow Palette

I haven't tried this concealer yet but everyone I know raves about it. Definitely in my cart now. 

Prowear Concealer Link

I have also heard great things about the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer. I currently use the Laura Mercier translucent powder and the tinted moisturizer (the BEST for when it is hot)!

Laura Mercier Secret Concealer

Use code 80872665 for 20% off your order.