Happy Hallows Eve...

Happy Halloween! Today is one of the best days of the year! I am excited  to see all the little kiddos in their super cute costumes!

I always get festive, but I havent worn a "costume" in years. This is my work appropriate attire. Mind you, we open our doors to friends/family and have little ones come through our office to trick or treat  and we decorate... so I am not a complete weirdo!



Jacket: Zara, Top: Zara, Skirt: J.Crew, Boots: Kenneth Cole, ... just in case you wanted to know.. Hat: Wal Mart  haha

Tonight is scary movie night for us.. here is what is on the list:

1. Trick r' Treat (if you haven't seen it, you should probably do that now)
2. Let the Right one In
3. Paranormal Activity (We have never seen it)

What are your favorite scary movies?! I would like to know. We make an October list every year!

Now, my goal for today is to be good and not stuff my face with too much of this delicious candy sitting on my desk!

xoxo

Beauty Bliss...

I have been on a huge beauty kick lately. I think know that I have a problem. I just can't get enough. For the past few months I have been struggling with moderate to severe breakouts. A few on my face, but for the most part on my back/chest/shoulders. I have tried most everything in the drugstore and nothing is making a difference. I finally found some products that have really great reviews and I hope that they will help me out. I normally don't spill like this, but I know there are so many women out there that struggle with similar issues, and any way I can help, I am happy to.  Here are my recent purchases:

From Left: Murad Acne Body Wash/ Murad Clarifying Body Spray

From top left: Too Faced Candlelight/ Tarte Amazonian clay Blush - Exposed/ Urban Decay Naked 2 PaletteSephora Smoothing Brightening Concealer

I am still waiting on everything besides the Naked 2 Palette and the Sephora concealer to arrive so I can't review yet. I heard that the Tarte Blush is just the most flattering shade and lasts all day. The candlelight is supposed to be a great brightening powder, but not glittery!

The Naked 2 eyeshadow might just surpass the first in my book! Very flattering shades. The concealer is thick and stays put all day long even through workouts. It doesn't make my makeup smudge so it is a winner in my book!

xoxo

Weekend in a Nutshell

Yep, it's Monday again... that's ok though. I had a good weekend. The weather cooled off significantly this weekend, and I thought I was going to freeze to death (granted it was only like 50 - I'm a whimp).
Friday night was just me and the hubs and we decided to do it up right with pizza, breadsticks and a scary movie. (and an early bedtime) - everyone was happy.

Saturday we basically froze our booties off at the game! We ended up leaving just after the 3rd quarter because we were frozen, and the Fighting Illini really weren't fighting too hard to win.

Sunday I spent literally the entire day cooking.. no really, the entire day. We are beginning our 12 week plan today, and it is clean eating for us. I made turkey muffins, carrot cake protein bars, pumpkin protein bars, chicken breasts, tilapia, brown rice, veggies, then for dinner for the family I made chili, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin pie dip.... I was worn out.

Here's the spread.... jeesh

After all of the posts on cleaning makeup brushes and things I have seen, I began to feel a bit guilty that mine have been neglected for far longer than they should have been... they look so pretty clean though!

Then Sunday night was spent by the fire with Pumpkin Ale, and s'mores. Andrew told me I looked like I was going trout fishing! haha, like he'd know... the trout fishing vest is completely different, and it has a lot of pockets!

I just thought I was dressed for the outdoorsy occasion..

Hope everyone has a Happy Halloweek!

xoxo

OOTD and the Weekend!

It's FRIDAAAAAY! (and yes, I totally announced that in my head like Oprah, don't judge)  This weekend is just packed with some fun stuff, and I can't wait. Saturday is the Illinois (Illini) homecoming game against Indiana, and you bet your booty I will be there with bells on.. well not bells, but a lot of Illini orange ! =) Then we are celebrating my seester in law's birthday by going out and doing something! Sunday it is bonfire and chili with my family to celebrate my lovely sister's birthday (weird but my sister and the Mr.'s sisters' birthdays are on the same day!!! haha)   We shall see how all of this plays out!

I know I have seen a lot of posts/pictures on the monochromatic looks this season, especially black on black - BIG FAN.. no really, big fan. I decided to change it up a bit and go with navy/black..I find it's a winning combo most of the time, so here is what I wore today! Once again.. sorry for the bathroom pic... not soo flattering..

Top: Target/Skirt: J.Crew/Boots: Kenneth Cole/ Bracelets: J.Crew

My girlfriend that lives in Denver snapped a shot yesterday of the front yard - 3 inches of that beautiful white fluffy snow! I'm a big fan of  autumn, cold weather and snow (just as long as I dont have to drive in it! yuck)...

I am getting serious ants in my pants for this trip!

I hope everyone has a super weekend!

xoxo

Wilderness Wear...

Happy Almost Friday!  I know it's not the same, but close enough, right?  Our winter trip to Denver is just a little over a month away, and I am chomping at the bit... mainly because we get to see our friends and their babies, but also due to the fact I have some kick butt winter cozy mountain gear perfectly suited for the wilderness and mountains (although not too sure how much of that we will actually be enjoying ;) ). 

Items Checked off my Checklist:



1.Sorel Tofino Boot/2. Plaid Button Down/3. Down Jacket

 Items on the Checklist:


1. Cambridge Knit/2. Eversoft Sweater/ 3. Velvet Skinny/ 4. Boucle Peplum/5. Cashmere Wrap/ 6. Long Cashmere Gloves

 Cozy knits always put me in the snow mood! Velvet just screams warm, and the cashmere scarf is super large and will double as a nice blanky on the plane!

Tell me, what would your essentials be on a winter trip and what do you like to wear?

xoxo

Tasty Tuesday

I will be the first to admit that I love cooking - especially fall things that involve pumpkin. However, I have noticed the increased pudge around my midsection and decided I am going to make a change once and for all. Eating clean. You can still have tasty things, but be healthy about it. I discovered Jamie Eason's 12 week, 3 phase program and I am really excited to get started. She has lots of healthy, tasty things one being these lovely Pumpkin Protein Bars.

Pumpkin Protein Bars

Nutrition Facts:

Nutrition (without walnuts): 1 square = 47 calories, .7 g fat, 8 g carbs, 3.7 g protein

Nutrition (with walnuts): 1 square = 63 calories, 2.3 g fat, 8 g carbs, 4 g protein

Ingredients:

• ½ C Xylitol Brown Sugar Blend (Ideal)
• 1 - 4 oz. jar baby food applesauce
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ tsp. ground ginger
• ½ tsp. ground clove
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 - 15 oz. can of raw pumpkin
• 2 C oat flour
• 2 scoops vanilla whey protein
• ½ cup almond milk
• ½ C chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Spray a 9 X 13 Pyrex dish with non-stick spray.
3. Combine first 11 ingredients and mix well.
4. Add the final 3 ingredients (4, if adding walnuts), and mix until incorporated. Spread batter into the Pyrex dish and bake for 30 min.
5. Makes 24 squares.

Nike Fitness Gear

Victoria's Secret Gear

Since I am committing myself to this new lifestyle I figured I will be spending some time in the gym. Here are a few items that I think would be sure to make me want to go!

xoxo

yep... it's Monday again...

Ew... I feel sorry for Monday. I think it is the most dreaded day of the week, and I am guilty of harboring ill feelings towards it. Sorry Monday...

On a brighter note, I saw this and think of how true it really is...


























and then there's this... which pretty much sums up Monday through Friday for me:


Yeah so I wish I had something super fun/inspiring and eventful to share, but that really isn't the case. The truth about my weekend is I was lazy, really lazy. My bum barely left the couch. I finished a rather long book and read most of another... sad story.

I threw in a little Pinterest here and there (rough life, right?), but I did manage to find some good inspiration for my bedroom. Right now we rent a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom townhouse until we are ready to make the leap into home ownership(scary!) so I don't want to do anything to drastic considering it won't be permanent.

Right now we have black furniture, dove gray walls, and all white bedding...pretty pretty basic and boring.. so here are some of my thoughts.

My walls are just about the same color as the pic with the striped bench.  I think my first step is getting a headboard, but I am a bit skeptical as I know that our room size will change within the next year or so and it's an investment piece. So maybe I will start with some art, or something to put behind our bedside lamps.. I need opinions. Do you think that creams/tans go with the mixture of gray, white, and black?


xoxo

Finally Friday...

It is finally Friday, and I could not be more excited...not that I have something special planned or anything, but that is exactly it. I have NO plans... that means I can do whatever I want or nothing at all. Bliss.

Today's outfit.. sorry about the bathroom photo.. I forgot to snap one before I left =/



Necklace: J.Crew, Dress: Target, Shoes: Tory Burch






Good Reads:

I am kind of a nerd, it's no secret and I absolutely love to read. Last fall I read A Discovery of Witches by: Deborah Harkness, and I pretty much devoured it. Then the sequel came out a few months ago. I began reading and quickly became uninterested... It seemed more like a history lesson than a story (don't get me wrong, being the nerd I am, I love history, but I would have picked a non-fiction). I was about 25% of the way through, and I am the type of person that simply cannot start another book while I am in the middle of another. I picked it back up this week and at about 30% I became hooked. seriously! I can't put it down now! It is called Shadow of Night. I really suggest the pair for someone who wants a good read. I believe there is a third and final book that is still to be released. Be prepared though that they are kind of lengthy and slow starting, but the meat of the story does not disappoint. I have a Halloweeny story waiting for me once I am done called Thirteen Hallows. Supposedly it is kind of gruesome... not so sure I am prepared for that.. haha!

Work it Out:

I like to work out, I am just lazy. That's no big secret. Therefore I find that sometimes I need a bit of motivation to get to the gym. Sometimes I find that new workout clothes give me a reason to want to go. Everyone swears by Lululemon workout clothes. Typically I stick with my tride and true Nike gear, because I know what I am getting for the price. A girlfriend of mine told me the pants completely suck you in and well frankly help you not to jiggle so bad. (You all know what I am talking about... ew.) So I was looking at the site, and kind of fell in love with these cute things.

My question is: How do you gals like the products? Fit, comfort, durability, etc? I would love to know!

Have a happy weekend!

xoxo

Thursday is almost like Friday....

Ok, not really, but at least it is one day closer to the weekend and that is always a win in my book! Awhile back, I posted on 101 things I wanted to accomplish in 1001 days. I stole the great idea from Design Darling and I am not so sure that I am making any headway on it. Sooo I thought I would re-cap and break it down so I can get a move on! :) I crossed off the things that I already accomplished (not as bad as I thought), and left the things I want to accomplish by December 1st (or at least start the process of)...

7. Redesign my blog to make it a reflection of my personal style.

11. Scrutinize my closet and donate, store, or toss all the things I never wear.

12. Throw my first dinner party.

18. Buy/build parents a computer

19. Drink eight glasses of water every day for at least one week.

20. Make it to the gym four times a week for four months

21. Watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s

24. Learn how to make macaroons

26. Organize my paperwork

29. Subscribe to all those magazines I usually buy at newsstand prices anyway.

38. Run the full Illinois Marathon (will start working on this)

46. Buy something at a flea market

54. Make twenty recipes off of Pinterest.

55. See a comedy show.

69. Read twenty new books

70. Tory Burch Revas 

78. Find a beauty and skincare regimen that works for me.

83. Schedule appointments with doctor, dentist, etc. and go at least once per year.

85. Have a picnic 

86. Wear the right shade of red or pink lipstick — and not on Halloween 

87. See a movie at the Avon

88. Go antiquing.

91. Try five new foods

93. Find my signature cocktail 

98. Go hiking

101. Put $10 into savings for every goal accomplished.

Halloween Recipes:

I know that Halloween is just around the corner, and I personally love all of the spookiness! That being said, I don't like the abundance of candy that tends to surround me this time of year. I lack self control people! The Mr. and I like to have a Halloween movie marathon the weekend before Halloween and I like to make treats. Here are some of the favorites that I thought I would share for everyone who isn't content to sit down with a bowl full of Snickers, Twix, and Blow Pops (who am I kidding?)... haha

Ghost Cookies:

Ingredients:
1 (1 lb.) pkg. Nutter Butter cookies, about 30
60 (or so) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
12 oz. white chocolate chips

Instructions: 1. Melt white chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.

2. Lay a Nutter Butter cookie on a small plate or other washable surface.

3. Spoon melted white chocolate over front of cookie.

4. Press two mini chocolate chips into white chocolate for eyes. Refrigerate on waxed paper to set.

5. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Note: This recipe has you cover only one side of the Nutter Butter cookies in white chocolate. This helps to cut down on the overwhelming richness of an entirely-covered cookie. Want your entire ghost to be white? Buy a bit of extra white chocolate, and dip the whole cookie. You can do anything you like with this easy Halloween cookie recipe. 

Copycat Chili's Skillet Queso:

16-ounce box Velveeta Cheese

1 c. milk

2 teaspoons paprika

½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper

15-ounce can Hormel Chili (No Beans) 

4 tsp. chili powder

1 tablespoon lime juice 

½ tsp. ground cumin

Cut the Velveeta into cubes. Combine the cheese with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until cheese melts.

Enjoy with tortilla chips!

xoxo

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice...

Hey! Happy Monday!... or shall I say... how many days until Friday?! ;)  Here's to hoping that everyone had a super weekend, I know I did. Here are some snapshots!

1. My bathroom

2. shelves... my meager attempt to style

3. lovely dinner view

4. yummy candle- smells like sweet treats!

My mama and I went shopping and scored some great deals at J.Crew! We found a garage sale along the way- and typically I am skeptical when it comes to clothing at garage scales, but these ladies were pretty upscale and had designers like Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and more... so I scored a pretty cute Ralph Lauren vest for $4! .. can't wait to pair it with wellies and plaid!

 1. Pretty details

2black dress

3.vest I scored

4.Fall essentials

 5. pretty tights - cute polka dot detail!

What are some of your favorite fall items on your wish list??! 

My Day:

I need help:

Sugar:

Pumpkin Better Than… Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 small can pumpkin puree
• 1 – 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 – 8 oz. tub cool whip
• 1/2 bag Heath Bits
• Caramel Sundae Sauce

 Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and pumpkin puree until a smooth batter forms.
2. Pour batter into a well greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake at 350º according to the directions for a 9×13 cake on the cake mix box.
3. Let cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake (this post from a friend has great step by step photos for this part).
4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Spread the cool whip over top of cake. Sprinkle on the heath bits, and drizzle caramel over top (just to your liking). Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight (best).

Spice:

Taco Stuffed Shells

Note: This is a recipe you may want to double because as long as you're going to the effort of stuffing the shells you might as well double it and freeze half.....besides you will realize how amazingly delicious it is and you'll regret not doubling it...

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

1/4 cup taco seasoning, 1 envelope

4 oz. cream cheese, cubed

12 Jumbo Pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions

1 cup salsa

1 cup taco sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Jack cheese

 

Optional Toppings:

1 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips

1 cup sour cream

3 green onions, chopped

sliced olives

guacamole

sliced avocados

tomatoes

In a skillet brown meat over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and mix to combine. Add cubed cream cheese, cover and simmer so cream cheese can melt. Remove from heat and cool.

Fill cooked shells with about 1-2 T. of meat mixture. In a 9x13 glass baking dish pour salsa to coat the bottom of dish. Place filled taco shells on top then add taco sauce. Cover and bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle cheese on top, return to oven for another 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream, and toppings of your choice.

Just.. YUM!

Fall Friday

Hey! Sorry I have been absent... it has been one of those weeks where people are gone at work and  I have plans after work most nights and by the time I get home my creative juices are just not flowing. No excuse, I know.. I need to start just stockpiling in advance for these situations, but I like the more organic, whatever comes to mind approch!

I have been loving some products lately and I just had to share. I have committment issues, especially with beauty products.. and I feel sorry for that.. but come on, there are so many to try and so little time ;) These are products that haven't let me down and I use them everyday!

1. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream - $10 - I use this as a body moisturizer and on my face at night! Super gentle, and unscented.. perfect for sensitive skin and pairing with fragrances.
2. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture - combination skin- $9 - Every morning, keeps me hydrated in the dry office, but keeps me from looking too shiny.
3. Chloe - Eau De Parfum - $115 - Not too floraly - girly but with a spicy note to it... good for every season!
4. La Vanilla - Pure Vanilla - $58 - all natural.. smells like vanilla yumminess (without smelling like a cake) - warm almost like sandalwood, and super long lasting.. lovely for those fall nights!
5. Essie Lollipop - $8 - perfect orangey bright red - channels J.Crew - enough said
6. Lancome Definicils Mascare - waterproof - $26.. only one that I found not to smudge and leave me looking like a pesky raccoon! - no lie.

There you have it, those are the products that I swear by and would recommend to anyone!

This weekend is some super fun stuff coming up. Tonight we are going to a pumpkin carving/painting party and a bonfire at a friend's house! how fun... I am thinking I want my pumpkin to to look like this:

Then tomorrow I got invited to an even our new local factory store is having... bless them!.. It's a New Collection Fashion Event and I am taking my mama... it should be a fun filled day of shopping! While I am on the subject, J.Crew launched their brand new factory site. Right now select items are 40% off! There are some great basic pieces there and some Merino sweaters that are very similar to the long sleeve crew neck cashmre tees (my fave.)

Then it is a charity even kind of evening on Saturday for a local club. The $100 dance.. steak dinner, open bar, and dancing.. oh yeah, and the opportunity to bring home $6500! woo! That would be nice :)

Well I hope you stylish ladies have a fantastic weekend. What are you guys doing this weekend?!

xoxo

FOOD!

Yeah, so I am excited to share a quick/healthy snack with you! If you have ever been to Destihl and had the marinated cucumber small plate, I created a pretty close replica... super yummy!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cucumber(sliced fairly thin)
1/2 onion sliced thinly
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp habanero or pepper infused olive oil
1 generous pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chili powder
1 dash of garlic powder (optional)

mix liquid ingredients, combine cucumbers/onion and liquid in bowl with lid, shake and let sit in refrigerator for about an hour.. enjoy!


A little bit of outfit inspiration just because!

inspiration...inside and out.

I had one of those days where you just need inspiration.. for pretty much everything. Changing your own mind is the hardest thing ever considering it is a constant internal struggle and you are battling against yourself! Nevertheless, I had one of those days when I needed inspiration, so here is some of my inspiration that I am sharing with you!



style inspiration:


love this easy effortless hair:

gorgeous makeup:


I can do this:


I just thought I would take a moment to share. Hopefully this is just what someone else needed.

xoxo