TripleP Guide to Surviving Cyber Monday

*This Guide to Surviving Cyber Monday post is a Fashionista Event.  I was provided a promotional item by Coupons.com to inform you of their Cyber Monday Sales, Coupons.com Cyber Monday giveaway and our Cyber Monday $500 giveaway.  But never fear, all opinions are always my own.*

Monday.  December 2nd.  2013.  Just one short week away.

There's been a lot of debate about this year's Holiday Shopping Season.  I will be perfectly frank with you here, I both love and loathe shopping this time of year.  If you've been following along (thank you for your support, I truly appreciate you!) on the blog, you might have figured out how much I love a good deal.  This makes Black Friday and Cyber Monday very enticing for me.  Of course, retailers seem to start their Black Fridays earlier and earlier, and this year friends and families across America are putting up a stink about it.  I've seen numerous pledges on Facebook, urging us to stand against retailers because their employees deserve to be at home with their families.  Perfect frankness here: I'm irritated by this change because I want to be at home with my family eating pie, darnit!  In my defense, when I was in high school and working retail, working holidays was a pretty sweet package; I had completely different priorities then and didn't mind working on a holiday.  Employers can't force you to work a holiday, yet I don't envy them their jobs this time of year.  All this drama (combined with the crazy hoards of shoppers and general elbows-throwing atmosphere) makes Cyber Monday my best friend.  From the comfort of my own home, my own cozy, comfortable and super-warm bed in fact, I can shop some pretty sweet deals with a few clicks of a button swipes of a finger (how apropos to use my convenient little device (a birthday gift from The Mr and my sons) to shop electronics deals.)

Yum, hot chocolate.  

In other news, can I use a parenthesis inside a parenthesis?  Haha.

Who's ready for a giveaway to make Cyber Monday even sweeter?  Not only can you find hundreds of Cyber Monday sales on coupons.com, but they are also offering 2 (two!!) opportunities to win amazing gift cards.  The first giveaway is here, with 2 winners receiving a $250 Amazon gift cards, and the second is the Cyber Monday Sweepstakes they are hosting on their site; both giveaways run now through December 2.

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TripleP Givewaway: 9thandElm.com

This is a Fashionista Event.  I was given a promotional item to review by 9thandElm.com to share my opinions about the website.  All opinions are my own. 

I couldn't have been more excited to find this fun and stunning Dana Blair Designs ring listed on 9thandElm.com.  You may have seen this preview on Instagram:

I also couldn't be more excited about the website itself.  Joining the ever-popular shopping experience that is "group sales," 9thandElm.com bring us the opportunity to discover new and talented artists, boutiques and handmade items.  The site is easy to navigate, constantly updating with new deals (from $5 off - to up to 50% off!) and the customer service is excellent.  Many vendors have limited supplies, and are only listed for a few days, so snagging a hot item must be done quickly!  I ordered this ring from 9thandElm.com and was surprised by the relatively short amount of time it took to receive a handcrafted item.  Here it is again, in color:

In honor the recently launched 9thandElm.com, we'd like to bring you this awesome giveaway*:

* By entering this event, please note that you are agreeing to be subscribed to 9thandElm.com newsletter.

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*9thandElm.com was founded by Clay and Elly Bethune in the spring of 2013 with a mission to bring it's members fabulous fashion from the best handmade and independent designers. We realize it is extremely difficult to sort through and discover handmade fashion geared towards the "fashionista". Search no longer. Exclusive deals handpicked by our buyers will be delivered daily to our users inbox. This site is a multiple designer site. 

TripleP Giveaway: Ross Dress for Less Back to School

Here's one of the fabulous dresses from Monday's shopping trip.  I might be wearing it for the next few days (oops!)

I mean, once I figure out how to tie a knot the right way..... then it will be perfect.  Any tips (on how to get those tail-ends to lay horizontally?)

While I can't reveal brands, I can reveal prices.  While $39.99 is one of the higher prices, I think this dress is worth every penny.

And now to the really good part:  The Giveaway!  We are keeping this simple - 'like' Ross Dress for Less on Facebook (feel free to leave them a note on their page letting them know your favorite back-to-school trend) and don't forget to like my Facebook page while you are there.

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*This post brought to you by Ross Dress for Less

Ross Dress for Less Grand Openings (+ a Triple P Giveaway!)

The long-awaited day has finally arrived (at least for me and my very local readers.)  July 20th will mark the Grand Opening at not just the Olathe, KS store, but an entire handful of new stores across the country (including Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee, California, Virginia, Missouri, Nevada, Texas, Maryland, Florida and Oregon.)

When Ross Dress for Less opened the first of many stores in the Kansas City area, they invited bloggers of different niches to a special breakfast where we received some history about the company (and ate some Big Biscuit goodness); this breakfast was of course followed by a little bit of shopping at the new store (see the post and pictures here.)  They offered our amazing readers a giveaway then (and another when the Lawrence store opened) and I will give you three guesses what they would like to offer you all this week (and the first two guesses don't count, lol!)

 Be sure to like their Facebook page.....they will soon be launching their Back-to-School Savings in Style promotion where you’ll have a chance to win three $100 gift cards each week for four weeks!  p.s. they do these facebook giveaways often (so I think the follow is worth it!)

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*While I do enjoy shopping at Ross, and all these thoughts and opinions are my own - this post and giveaway are brought to you by Ross Dress for Less. 

Triple P Giveaway: Mother's Day - Gift Card

Chasing Davies // The Mrs. & the Momma // Sandy a la Mode // TfDiaries // Jessica... Who?

Casey Leigh // Chioma's Evolution of Style // Pop of Style // GBO Fashion // Pretty Polished Perfect

Camp Patton // The Other Side of Gray // Chic on the Cheap // The Serena Saga // Lemons, Avocados, and the Bay

much love, illy // Kacie's Kloset // Smart n Snazzy // Citrus Refreshing Fashion // Oh to Be a Muse

A Beautiful Ruckus // the daily dani // Crowley Party // Wild & Precious // the Freckled Fox

Coupons.com is kind enough to bring you this giveaway today for not just one lucky winner, but TEN!  Five winners will receive a $50 Target e-gift card and the other 5 will receive a $50 Macy's e-gift card ($500 value)...just in time for Mother's Day! Make sure to check out Coupons.com for great Target and Macy's offers!

My Mother was a talented seamstress.  I have many memories of her sitting in her sewing room, covered in threads, with one of us impatiently waiting to see the final creation.  Oh my gosh - I can't even tell you how many photographs I have of me and my younger sister wearing matching jumpers and outfits, lol!  The 80's.....such good memories.  Anytime my clothing didn't fit right, I would run straight to my Mother, expecting some sort of miracle.  She was overly patient as she taught me all that she knew about textiles, garment design and alterations.  Even when she had to point out the impossibilities, she never hampered my creativity or my love of fashion.  She taught me to be resourceful - you don't always have to be in an authentic Oscar de la Renta to feel like a princess (or look like one.)  

In the spirit of mother's day, make sure to leave your mom's best advice she ever gave you (about anything!) in the comments below!

You can enter this giveaway through Rafflecopter now through Sunday, May 12th on any of the participating blogs.  Good luck and Happy Mother's Day to all your mamas.

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TripleP Giveaway: Mother's Day + Meadowbelle Market

We've got just under two weeks to finalize our plans and special gifts for our mothers. To help out, Meadowbelle would like to offer one lucky a reader a personalized sterling silver initial necklace.

I first met the owners and designers behind Meadowbelle Market at a Zaarly event (if they have a Zaarly event in your city, I highly recommend attending!) I asked my usual twenty questions and ended up buying an initial necklace in gold - they were super nice and let me customize the necklace, all the way down to the chain it was on.

The giveaway ends May 7th, so if you plan to give this as a gift, it will be in the form of a special code (sorry, there won't be enough time for shipping before May 12th!) Good luck to all!

 *please follow the link if the Rafflecopter form isn't showing up.


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Looking for more Mother's Day Gifts?  Enter more giveaways below:

This giveaway brought to you in part by Still Blonde After All These Years and Modly Chic.

Triple P Giveaway: Firmoo Four-Eyes

I know there are quite a few online eyeglass/sunglass shops out there, and Firmoo would like to offer you all a free pair of glasses as a way to introduce themselves!

I first found Firmoo last summer, and there are two things (at least) to love about them:

1.  They have amazing prices and

2. If you need "coke-bottle" lenses I like do, Firmoo offers the highest index lenses (1.74, but it will cost you extra) I have found yet!

My favorite style?

I'm really digging the two-tone, fading/gradient trend that's happening now!

Firmoo offers prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses, non-prescription glasses and sunglasses, bi-focals/progressive lenses and reading glasses.  With free shipping worldwide (on orders over $39,) and a virtual try-on tool,  it's easy to see why Firmoo is quickly becoming a favorite of four-eyes lens-wearers everywhere.

One lucky reader will win one pair of prescription or non-prescription eyeglasses, including frames (excludes designer brands and sunglasses) and lenses (with the standard 1.5 index.)

6 lucky readers will win vouchers for $30 towards designer frames (lenses included.)

Good luck!

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Shopping KC: Ross Dress for Less (plus a Triple P giveaway!)

When I got the email inviting me to the Grand Opening of the Ross Dress for Less store, I immediately accepted.  I kinda fell in love with this chain-store when they first opened in the Kansas City area last fall.  Rumor has it there is a store currently being prepped to open in Olathe, and trust me - when I find out when it is, I will social-media the heck out of that information.  Would you like to win a $25 gift card to Ross Dress for Less (and more prizes)?  You can enter the giveaway here (super-easy entries!)  Make sure you like their facebook page, they have some really great giveaways in the works (like giving away a $100 every week for four weeks!)

What's so great about this store?

a) It's like a treasure hunt (I can't leave the store without at least glancing down every aisle,)

b) the prices are generally better than other discount retail stores and

c) it has a little bit of everything.

Not unlike a thrift store, I have a little map of where to head first.  Shoes.  Does that surprise anyone?  After shoes, I head to dresses (I couldn't help but long for a daughter - or even my little sister - to dress shop with), from there I peruse the handbags, move onto the furniture, meander through the household goods, sneak a peek at any food items and then I wander through the racks and racks of tops, pants and skirts.  On my way out, I stop by the kids clothing, detour through the toys and then take a quick glimpse of men's.  To round out the experience, I glance through the jewelry in the last few feet to the cash wrap (last fall I snagged this beauty!)

Like any grand opening, the store was crazy hectic (I'm pretty sure all of Lawrence, minus the hungover party-goers, and there were customers who were giddy with excitement (I'm not even kidding - the things I heard......I can't even repeat,) and some who didn't think the long lines were worth it.  Those who thought it was worth it made out with some great deals, and a free re-usable tote bag (which was way too small for all the goodies one can find in these stores, though I can't complain about free eco-friendly totes!)

*This post is brought to you by Ross Dress for Less and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

TripleP Giveaway: Spring Fashionista Event

Imagine waking up super early on a Saturday morning, slipping on an easy (but still cute, come on) dress (courtesy of JUNIEblake,) a pair of equally cute sandals (maybe from Ross Dress for Less?) sliding on some chic accessories (R Treasures Boutique for the win!) grabbing your super-chic, uber-green forager tote (thank you CivitasNow) and heading to the local farmer's market.  Maybe you'll meet up with your girlfriends and you can impress them with your laissez-faire style.  Maybe you'll meet the man of your dreams (thank goodness you look cute, right?)  Maybe you just don't care and simply want to snag the best produce before anyone else........

Enter to win a $45 credit to JUNIEblake (a trendy online boutique that specializes in modest clothing,) a $25  gift card to Ross Dress for Less (the retailer that sells designer goods at up to 60% off the retail value,) the <3 ring and arrow bracelet from the trendy and playful R Treasures Boutique, and to round out your outfit - the forager bag (made from what?!) from the super-green (and let's face it, super-hip) company CivitasNow.

*New Sponsor Alert - Meadowbelle Market has just joined the party, and would like to offer one lucky reader a Dual Birthstone Ring!  They sell handmade sterling silver and gold jewelry - they also take requests and customizations!

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*follow the Rafflecopter link if the form doesn't load.  Hoping to participate but don't have a US address?  Leave a comment below.

Like Giveaways? These great bloggers are linking up with me this week for the great Fashionista Giveaway Event (don't forget to enter the grand prize drawing!):

For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, they gain one entry toward the Spring Fashionista Events Main Event Prizes. Go here to enter Main Event==> $1200 in Main Event Prizes

The Main Event Prizes total $1200 and include:

 ■$600 White Gold and Citrene Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds (WOrldwide)
 ■$100 Amazon Gift Card (WorldWide)
 ■$250 Gift Card from Midnight Velvet (clothing, accessories and home decor) (US ONLY)
 ■$250 in Shoes from Bobbi-Toad (adorable children’s Shoes) Worldwide

*The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years  and Katy from ModlyChic . K Squared Glamour  is our co-host!

*Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Modly Chic, K Squared Glamour and Spring Fashionista Events Giveaway or the Spring Fashionista Events Giveaway are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby. 

Algenist 10 Day Challenge (+ a TripleP Giveaway)

I'm aging, I don't even try to keep that a secret.  My sons are constantly keeping me on my toes, and life's constant changes seem to be accelerating the rate at which my gray hairs grow.  Aaaannnnnddd, that rhymed.  I'm always looking for whatever product can help me hide - or, if we're really lucky, erase.

When I was asked to participate in the Algenist's Concentrated Reconstruction Serum 10 Day Beauty Challenge, I was all in (I can commit to ten days, kids and all.)  I'm only on day 4, and I'm feeling good about it so far.  The scent is doable (it almost smells minty) and isn't overwhelming.  It's also very lightweight, which is great for nighttime - I am not a big fan of heavy creams and serums for sleeping!  While I haven't seen any major changes to my life-long friends "the wrinkles" yet, at  least I haven't broken out; that's huge in my book.

What's special about this serum?

The Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum is formulated with the highest concentration of Alguronic Acid and is clinically measured to visibly decrease the number of deep wrinkles by 25%* in 10 days.

Ready for the giveaway? Algenist is offering one of you lucky readers a chance to win a full-sized bottle (valued at $97!)

Entry is simple - sign up for Algenist's newsletter, and leave me a comment below (don't forget to leave your contact info!)

As an added bonus, Algenist would like to offer you all a free deluxe size Firming & Lifting Cream (valued at $25) with any purchase of $75 or more (use code 'MOREBEAUTIFUL'.)

*Average decrease in number of deep wrinkles measured quantitatively in a third-party clinical study of women age 40 to 60 following once-daily application.

While this post is sponsored by Algenist, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Triple P Giveaway: Stella & Dot Renegade

It's our final Stella & Dot giveaway and I hope you have enjoyed them so far!

The winner of the Campari necklace is Kira and the winner of the Serenity earrings is Randi!  Congratulations to you both!

Still hoping to win?  Scroll down and enter to win the Renegade Cluster Necklace (the sister to the extremely popular (and sold out) renegade bracelet! *If the Rafflecopter isn't loading, click on the link......

A special thanks to Ann Ehnert, Stella & Dot Stylist, for offering us not just one, but three chances to win some amazing Stella & Dot pieces.  Be sure to give her lots of love on her facebook page!

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Not Your Every Day TripleP Giveaway: Beam N Read

What's a Beam N Read?  A nifty little hands-free, go-anywhere lamp flashlight source of light.

I received one (the LED 6-3 Beam N Read ® Deluxe Hands Free Light edition) to test out and was surprised at the number of uses I found for it; from sewing buttons back onto my clothes (I have a huge pile of repairs,) to reading books in bed (I used the clip-on orange filter for a softer light) while The Mr tries to sleep, and using it as a flashlight to dig around in a deep cabinet.  It's become a handy little tool - so handy I can't decide whether to keep it in the toolbox, my sewing cabinet or the glove compartment!  You can visit Beam N Reads uses and solutions page for more product information.

Anyone interested in winning one of ten Beam N Reads?

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I participated in a campaign on behalf of Fashionista Events hosted by StillBlonde after all these Years and Modly Chic for Fashion:  I received a review product as a thank you for participating. Fashionista Event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. 

Deck Your Halls.......For Free!

Time Warner Cable has launched the first in a four-part series of Twitter Holiday giveaways.  This past Monday kicked off week one (don't worry, we have until Thursday to get our re-tweets!) with a generous prize of outside lighting, a fully decorated Christmas tree and interior decor (by the beautiful Julie Blanner.)

All you need to do is tweet why you think you should have your home decorated for the holidays, and then get the most retweets by Thursday!  My tweet:

I deserve to #EnjoyHolidaysBetter because The Grinch stole our Christmas! (RTs please!)
— Erin B. (Triple P) (@_TripleP) November 28, 2012

There are a few details you should be made aware of:

Be a TWC customer
Follow @TWCable_KC
Use the hashtag #EnjoyHolidaysBetter

Get to tweeting, and encourage your family and friends to get those re-tweets a-tweeting!!

Wondering what's in store for the rest of December?  Stay tuned Sunday night for next weeks giveaway!

Triple P Giveaway: Stella & Dot, Part 2

It's Black Friday - who's ready for another giveaway (that you won't have to leave your home for?)

This week Ann Ehnert, Stella & Dot Stylist, is offering you all a chance to win the Serenity Small Stone Drops earrings!  

Don't want to wait for this giveaway to end?  Through Sunday, you can receive 25% off Stella & Dot sale items!  Click on the link if the Rafflecopter form doesn't show up!

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Triple P Giveaway: Three Weeks of Stella & Dot

The Holiday season has officially arrived, and with it comes three fabulous opportunities for you to win one of three Stella & Dot pieces!  If you aren't familiar with Stella & Dot, I highly recommend you check them out.  If you are familiar with Stella & Dot, you probably have a long wish list full of fun and flirty pieces.  I have my eyes on these Renegade Mini Cluster Hoops (on sale for only $18!)

Stella & Dot stylist Ann Ehnert is offering one lucky reader a chance to win this necklace:

You can use the Rafflecopter form below (click on the link if the form doesn't show up.....) and stay tuned for next weeks Stella & Dot Giveaway reveal!

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Triple P Giveaway + Julep

I've seen pictures floating around Pinterest of stylish ways to display the hundreds (one girl, I kid you not, had thousands!) of nail polishes we have swimming in our drawers (or scattered around the house.)  I am a huge fan of organization - oddly shaped bottles that won't stack or line up neatly kill me.  I have three reasons to love Julep: the bottle shape (uniformly nestles and stacks in just about everything,) the colors, and the fact that they are toxin free (the 4-free they say!)  

Not only do they sell fun colors, they have a Maven subscription program - they will ship you a box full of goodies each month.  Based on your style profile, Julep will send you a monthly box full of goodies (October's even had candy corn!)  My style profile is Simply Classic.  This is the introductory box they sent (and the box you could win in your personalized profile style!)

How do you make cute little polka dots, you ask?

Using the tiniest dollop of polish, dip the end of the sewing pin (even the pins with the ball on the end work!) and start dotting away!

What do you think?  Do you want to Julep?

If you don't want to wait, go to Julep.com, use code PRETTYPOLISHEDPERFECT at checkout to get your first Maven box for 1 cent!  That's right, $.01!  You can even send one to a friend - the holidays are officially here!

Enter the Rafflecopter below (if the form isn't showing, click the link)  Good Luck!

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Winners to Announce + ANOTHER Triple P Giveaway

Last week was the end of the super-awesome Fashionista Giveaway Event, and I know you are all waiting to find out if you are the lucky winners!

If you stopped by the Blue Bird giveaway, the lovely winner is a Kansas City local!

I hope you aren't burnt out on giveaways.......

Ross Dress for Less has finally come to the Kansas City area!  Several local bloggers and I were invited to shop the store before the grand opening, and they even treated us to breakfast.  Which, well......was at a cute little breakfast place aptly named The Big Biscuit.  A Ross Dress for Less Representative, from San Francisco, said that the restaurant had been chosen for its' mid-western feel (this comment was made before I'd seen the place for myself.)  The food was good, the atmosphere friendly, but I'm still trying to decide if that was an insult or not, lol!

I've never shopped at a Ross store before - I will be the first to admit, when I travel to cities with great shopping, there's a long list of stores (Zara is always at the top!) but Ross wasn't one of them.

What can I say?  I loved it.  It's like a cross between a Burlington Coat Factory (which could be either a compliment or an insult depending on how you feel about that store) and a TJ Maxx/Marshalls, with a side of thrifting (except everything is new at Ross.)  The prices are better than TJ Maxx/Marshalls (sorry TJ Maxx - you know I still love you - but it's true!)  Merchandise is constantly changing, there might be an entire rack of the same coat, or a lone single one (that's just your size!)  Just like with any bargain or thrift store - buy it now, because it won't be there when you come back (don't walk away from it either - it might not be there a second later.)  I found two great pairs of shoes, each under $40, a cute sweater ($8!!) this fabulous coat ($18!!) and an assortment of jewelry (all of this for under $25!)

Meet some of the amazingly talented Kansas City bloggers!  Suzanne was my +1 for the event - she is the sweetest person you will ever meet.  Yes, I headed for the shoe department first (duh.)

Now who wants a Ross Dress for Less gift card?

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Triple P Giveaway + What To Expect When You're Expecting

What to expect when you're expecting a busy month:

I love fall, but October is a bittersweet month.  First, stop whatever you are doing (but finish reading this paragraph of course) and call your doctor.  It's Breast Cancer Awareness month, and even though it's unpleasant - go get your annual mammogram.  It doesn't matter what your age, ethnicity or medical history is, DO IT.  Did you know that there is a 93% rate of survival for those who find it early?*  93% people!  My mother was born in October, and she died in October - of breast cancer.  As horrifying as it was for her to go through what she did, it was also horrifying for her loved ones to watch her die.  So go get your mammogram, do it for yourself, and do it for the people who care about you.  Don't have girl hormones?  Go call your girl-hormone-loved-ones and remind them to get their mammograms!

So, now that you've set the appointment, let's get onto some fun stuff.  Yesterday I posted about the 31 Days of Pro-Styling Tips, which I'm super excited to be doing.  Don't forget that I need your feedback, as this is also my test-run for an upcoming speaking gig!

I can't bring up October without also reminding you about the Fall Fashionista Giveaway, a giveaway event that includes over 100 bloggers linking up for over $20,000 dollars in fashionable prizes.  Come back here October 11-17 to win gift cards from eShakti and JUNIEblake, and a fabulous customizable clutch from Maddy Nash!

Lastly, I've gained ten pounds over the past few months (no, I'm not pregnant.)  Maybe it's stress, maybe it's the lack of regular exercise.....or maybe it's the fact that I love gorging on food!  Whoever said the first bite is always the best was WRONG!  I can assure you that every single bite of that Dulce de Leche cheesecake was just as good as the last.  So what do the first of the month, Breast Cancer Awareness, 31 Days, giveaways and the ten pounds all have in common?  The perfect excuse for a random giveaway.

The good folks at Bare Fruit sent me a sample; I lost all self control and ate at least three servings in about ten minutes.  Every chip was crisp (which is numero uno when it comes to dried fruit - these are bake-dried, btw,) and the cinnamon adds the perfect touch of fall flavor.  These would go perfectly with some spiced apple cider.  Now enter the giveaway, you know you want some!
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*cancer.org

Triple P Giveaway: JUNIEblake

That's me, rushing my son to his soccer practice, heels in purse.  

Jacket: Hydraulic 

T-shirt: Forever21 

Skirt: c/o JUNIEblake

Shoes: Converse & Enzo Angiolini

Purse: Target (old)

Bracelet: Target (old)

It's time for another Triple P Giveaway.  JUNIEblake is the latest online retailer offering affordable, trendy (but classic) modest clothing to the masses, and to kick-off their grand opening, they would like to offer you a chance to win one of two $30 gift cards.  Entering is simple, just follow the Rafflecopter options below!  Good luck!

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