Friday Flash Backs...

Sometimes I just like to reminisce, and so I was doing so this week when I cam across some pictures from high school and college... I just had to share. They are comical to say the least...Isn't it strange how time flies, and how much we change?

Could I have caked any more makeup on!?, My best girl friends in high school, Showchoir (Mt.Zion Swingsations '03-'07) in LA

pink hair, scenester pics, senior prom, look at my hubby...awww lol.. poor guy- he was nearly out of college going to my silly prom

I just have no idea, Did I ever crawl out of the stinkin' tanning bed?!, and my poor hubby haha, show choir! (the bigger the hair, the smaller the hips! )



Sorry for the stroll down memory lane, but they were too funny not to share!

Well I am off for a week on vacation... but I will be back!

xoxo

Stuffed

I am completely OCD when it comes to packing.. I make lists for my lists, and I pack a ton... seriously.. if it isn't bolted down, I want to put it in my suitcase. When you are travelling by plane you have size/weight restrictions, usually 50 lbs. This isn't my first rodeo cowgirls, so this time I am using space saver bags, yep, you heard me.. space savers.. go ahead laugh! But when you are packing puffy down coats, you will understand.




In addition, I found some great packing tips I thought I would share, since I know many people like to travel around during the holiday season.
This link to Real Simple has step by step: http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/travel/planning/pack-suitcase-00000000002225/index.html

However, here are my favorite tips from Martha Stewart... she knows everything!

OverlappingKeep delicate clothes from wrinkling by folding them around cushiony items like sweaters and knit shirts. Place the top half of a pair of pants in your suitcase, for example, smooth a sweater over that, and fold the pant legs up over the sweater. Never fold clothes more times than is necessary to fit them in a bag -- once across the middle should be enough for most sweaters and blouses.

RollingFill the corners of suitcases and duffels with clothes rolled into little sausages. This way you can distribute lots of items evenly throughout a small bag. This method saves the most space but is best for casual clothing -- blouses or blazers will rumple.

ToiletriesTo avoid leaks caused by pressure changes during air travel, fill travel-size plastic bottles partway, squeeze out excess air, and cap them, creating a vacuum. Then double-bag them, first in a cosmetics bag or large resealable plastic bag, then in a plastic shopping bag. Never pack toiletries in the same bag with clothes -- a single spill can cause great damage. Along with toiletries, your carry-on bag should hold your jewelry and other valuables; eyewear; a travel first-aid kit; travel documents; maps; and reading material.

ShoesTo protect shoes from scuffing and being crushed, stuff them with tissue or socks, and slip them into fabric show bags or plastic bags.

Do You Know?If you run out of space in your bag before you've packed everything, there's a way to get more in: Drop the bag on the floor a few times, then open it -- things will have settled, and you'll find extra room.

xoxo

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

A 9 day trip in the winter results in a lot of HEAVY items that need to be packed, especially when you are headed to Colorado. This is going to be a two part post. First what is going into these big bags, along with some of my favorite travel goodies.  Second, will be the how to go about packing the heavy boots, ski jackets, sweaters, and jeans. It should be fun so be sure to stay tuned for part two!

Cold Weather Gear:

From top Left: J.Crew Puffer Down Jacket, Sorel Trofino Boots, J.Crew Cashmere Hat, J.Crew cashmere snood, North Face Gloves

A Peak Inside My Suitcase:

From Top Left: J.Crew Factory Matchstick Denim, J.Crew Cords, Anthropologie fleece lined leggins, J.Crew tartan Plaid shirt, J.Crew Cambridge sweater, J.Crew Factory wool blend sweater, J.Crew Chambray, J.Crew Blouse, J.Crew Down Vest

My Favorite Travel Goodies:

From Top Left: L'Occitane shea handcream, Luna bar.. I get hungry, Extra Large cashmere wrap, Instyle -they are big and keep my busy, My Kindle - I'm a book worm, Murad Hydrating Mist

Xoxo

Fashion Forward

I haven't done one of these in awhile, but I have several fashion inspiration photos that I am kind of obsessing over. I know being Pinterest fanatics like we are, you have probably already seen most of these, but here they are again!





























I also think that I am a tad bit hooked on neutral colors.. like white, tan, gray, brown black.. (its not obvious or anything ;) ) Anyways.. I found these pictures that I want to save so I can base my decor around them:

Not too sure how big I plan on my house being, haha, but I fully intend on it looking like this!

Happy Tuesday.

xoxo

Busy Monday

I think we have all been over this, but Monday's seem to come a lot more quickly now that we're adults. I don't know how I feel about that! Do you ever have those Monday's that just seem to have work stockpiled and ready to launch at you? Well, I do and today is one of those Monday's.  So I don't really have anything spectacular to share, but I did manage to snap a few shots of the Thanksgiving decor I made  for my family Thanksgiving, and some of my holiday decor.. it is a work in progress!

The Banners are really super easy and fun to make! I also made a bronze word banner that said Gobble to go between the Dining Room and Kitchen. You can find some great tutorials here:http://www.mintlovesocialclub.com/

It is weak, but I still have some adjusting to do and more fun things to add... unfortunately with our trip coming up I jsut kind of had to throw everything up quickly to get the big stuff out of the way.

Have a good day!

xoxo

All I want for Christmas...

Well what other day than Black Friday is a good day to share what is on your holiday wish list? Unfortunately I will not be braving the crowds this year, I will be braving my cubicle at the office. woo. There really isn't much on my list that I haven't already shared, but her goes nothing!

J.Crew List:

Anthropologie:

Other than that there really isn't too much on my holiday wish list. It is kind of sad because if I want something, I typically just buy it.

Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day!

Thankful

This is straying a bit from my usual, but in light of the holiday tomorrow I thought I would share the things in life I am thankful for.

• My husband. He is my world and is always there to encourage me, support me, make me laugh and wrap me up in a warm hug when I need it. I am so glad I get to share my life with that wonderful man.
• My parents. I love them so much. My mom is my best friend and my dad is always there to boost my ego and rough me up in a big bear hug
• My best friend Amanda... we have been best friends since the first time we met. It was love at first site at Kindergarten orientation. I took one look at that blond curly hair and farm animal printed dress, and I told my mom that that girl was going to be my best friend. 20 years later and she still is. Our friendship has survived everything... she moved to a different state after 2nd grade, but we remained strong thanks to being a good pen pal and having wonderful parents that liked to play kid swap for weeks during the summer. I am so proud of the strong woman she is, and she is brilliant. Our lives have carried us states apart, but I love we still talk nearly every day and I am thankful she has been a constant in my life. If you are reading, I love you PIC!
• My health. I am happy that I am healthy and able to do things that I love when so many people can't. I am grateful for every day.
• My coworkers and job. I LOVE my coworkers, they are more like friends/family to me. Even though everyone is more than 10 years older than I am, its like have extra moms or aunts to talk to for guidance and love. They have all been there and are always there to lend advice and some loving support.
• Food. I love food, I love cooking food, I love reading about food, I am thankful I can eat food. I just love food.
• J.Crew (yes, it has turned to this sad sad  materialism)... but anyways.. yes, J.Crew. I love the clothes, I love the style inspiration, and I love how the clothes make me feel.

What are you thankful for this year?!

xoxo

Trusty Product Tuesday

I know a few weeks ago I posted about some of my favorite beauty products and recent purchases, but I thought that I would give an update on some of my current favorites, and some things that I think will suit me well during my upcoming winter trip and holiday season!  Here you go!!!

1. Carol's Daughter Monoi Haircare/2.Este Lauder Double Wear Camo Cover/3.Clinique Black Honey Shimmering Blush/ 4. Too Faced La Creme Lipstick/ 5. Elf Eyelashes - set of 3/ 6. Kiss My Face Patchouli Body Wash/ 7. Urban Decay Naked 2

1. This shampoo/conditioner smells A-freakin- mazing! Also, after the first time I used this, my hair was super smooth and shiny and I didn't use my flat iron. 2. This makeup covers EVERYTHING... no need to stress about a blemish before a holiday event! 3. This blush is gorgeous.. simple as that.. 4. Perfect red.. I can't wait to put this on for a holiday party! 5. These lashes actually hold up well, but don't use the glue, spend a few extra dollars and some better glue! For $3 for a set of 3, you can definitely afford to. You can also buy these in singles for $1. 6. Smells so earthy and good.. warm,  just relaxing, and completely natural so it won't irritate skin. 7. countless ways to mix and match looks. I own both the original and this one. This one is what you want for the holidays! There's more sparkle and with the matte black, you can create the most perfect sultry smoky eye!!!

xoxo

Happy Monday!

Hello! This is kind of random, but I know that if you are anything like me, you are still kind of scrambling for appetizer ideas for turkey day, and you may not want to devote 2 hours to rolling ornate little pastries and strategically placing herbs on plates. Quick and dirty. haha! That is my motto.. and that is only because that is how I usually cook. I decided on 3 quick snacks to serve on the big day, and they are super easy. These would be wonderful for Christmas too!

1. Bacon Wrapped Dates

- 1 pkg fresh, whole, pitted dates (many stores carry them this time of year - even wal-mart)

- 1 5-8 oz. pkg of white cheese ( my picks would be aged Parmesan, blue cheese, fontina, welsh cheddar)

- bacon strips cut into 3 pieces horizontally

- toothpicks

Make a slice in the date vertically, stuff with the cheese, wrap with bacon, pin with toothpick.

There are 2 ways to cook these.. 1. under the broiler on a foil lined pan for about 7 min or until cooked through. 2. in a 400 degree oven until cooked... and cheese is melty.

2. Crab Crescents

-1-8 oz. tube crescent roll dough
-3 oz. cream cheese, softened
-1/4 cup mayonnaise
-3/4 cup cooked crabmeat, chopped
-2 green onions, chopped
-1/8- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and pepper, to taste

-Heat oven to 375°F. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll dough on work surface. Pinch seams to seal and roll with a rolling pin to create an even rectangle. Cut into 6 rows by 4 rows to make 24 squares.

In small bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, crabmeat, onion, and red pepper. Salt and pepper to taste. Divide crab mixture evenly among the squares, dropping it by spoonfulls that are 1/2 inch from 1 corner of each square. Starting with same corner, fold dough over filling, and tuck end tightly underneath filling; continue rolling to within 1/2 inch of opposite corner. Roll opposite corner of dough over roll; press to seal. Place on cookie sheet. Brush with egg white, if desired.

Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm.

3. Sausage Balls ( I need to find a better name for these)

- 1 lb. sausage - or hot sausage for some kick

-8 oz. softened cream cheese

- 1&1/4 cup of bisquick

- 4 oz. grated cheddar

preheat oven to 400, mix all ingredients until well combined, form into meat balls and bake on lined sheet for 20-25 minutes until brown.

Enjoy!

see you tomorrow

xoxo

Blog Break

Sorry guys... I am just on overload right now with work and life. I want to be able to give 110% and put posts up that are worth reading and give someone some inspiration. I just need a few days for me, but next week I am thinking up some fun topics.. so come back and see me!

Thirsty Thursday

Over the holidays I induldge, well, a lot. I am not typically a huge drinker, but for whatever reason, this upcoming holiday season has me wanting to try a million and one holiday themed cocktails!  Here are some of the recipes I have scrounged up that I thought I would share.

Gingerbread Apple Cocktail2 oz. Domaine de Canton
1 oz. vanilla vodka
2.5 oz. apple cider
A few drops of lemon juice
Orange zest
Agave syrup

Line a chilled martini glass lightly with agave syrup on a dish followed by spiced graham cracker crumbs. Place all ingredients except for orange zest in a shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into glass. Freshly grate orange zest on drink and serve immediately.

 

Warhol Crush12 fresh rosemary sprigs
6 fresh raspberries
3/4 oz. simple syrup
1 1/2 oz. Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth
2 oz. cranberry juice

Muddle rosemary, raspberries, and simple syrup in a mixing glass. Fill halfway with ice and add vermouth and cranberry juice. Shake 8-10 times. Double-strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with raspberries speared by a rosemary sprig.

Hot Buttered RumIn a preheated coffee mug combine 2 heaping tbsp. batter with 1 1/2 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum. Top with boiling water and stir well to mix. Serve with a spoon.

Hint: It is best to make the batter in advance so the spices have an opportunity to mingle. Be sure to remove batter from refrigerator at least 6 hours prior to serving to allow it to soften.

Batter:
1 lb. light brown sugar
1/2 lb. unsalted butter (softened)
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
2 tsp. vanilla extract

In a mixing bowl beat together softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and spices until well combined. Refrigerate in an airtight reusable container for up to a month, or place in your freezer until ready to use.

French Martini1.5 oz vodka
1/2 oz Chambord
2 oz. pineapple juice

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a leaf from the pineapple for a sleek modern look

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Personally I think for my my faves would be between the Hot Buttered Rum and the French Martini. What are your favorite festive cocktails?!

 

xoxo

Get out and Vote!

I was up bright and early! Voting... there is something about the anticipation of election day, and even though my one measley vote won't do much, I know I am a part of something great and that makes me feel good!

So, get your booty up and get out there to make a difference!

I already know what I want as far as cozy winter clothing goes, but now that the outside temp is reminiscent of a freezer, winter accessories become a huge player. Here are some of the things that I have on my list.

Clockwise from Top Left: J.Crew Woven Cashmere snood, J.Crew Cozy cashmere socks, Anthropologie Rivera Scalloped Pumps, J.Crew Cashmere Lined leather Gloves, Anthroplogie Bow Cap

I had to throw the shoes in there because I thought they would be cute with winter party dresses!

Have a good day!

xoxo

November..wait what!?

Really, November already!?  I know we are a week into it, but come on! I thought it was just August? I hope everyone had a great weekend, me I did! Andrew was sick and I had an injured arm from weight lifting  so after running some errands on Saturday morning, my booty did not leave the couch ( I was pretty much tethered to the heating pad). I watched Hallmark Christmas movies.. all day and all night, until the wee hours of the morning (poor Andrew watched too). Lame.

I found the motivation to swap out the Halloween centerpiece for a more earthy fall style.. any suggestions? You can't tell from the pic, but the runner has a slight silver shimmer to it as well.

That is seriously all I have to say about the weekend... it was that boring! haha Well Happy Monday!

xoxo

Friday Friday Gotta Get Down on Friday...

Thanks to my husband's early morning rendition of this annoying song, it is now stuck inside my head.... a big Thank You goes out to the hubs.

Now that we have put all of the fake blood, ghosts, and goblins away until next Halloween, I have the holidays on my mind. I am dreaming about Thanksgiving and Christmas centerpieces, twinkling lights, and holiday shopping.

Here are some of the ideas I have swiring inside my head:

Thanksgiving:

Images via: Pottery Barn

Christmas:

Images via: Pottery Barn

Just looking at this stuff evokes this warm, fuzzy feeling that just makes you want to cozy in with blankets and comfort food and watch holiday movies!

Have a good weekend!
xoxo

Candy Coma

Hope everyone is not suffering too much from a candy coma... I had to cut myself off early yesterday! Today I am working from home, something I am thankful for. It is nice for a change. I feel like I can get more accomplished without the added stress of phones ringing off the hook and continuous problems.

My Giant coffee cup/ My view for work this morning!

I know you might call me obsessed, but I am a planner... everything has to be planned to a T. Don't get me wrong, I love spontaneity, but I like structure. Therefore, I am trying to find outfit inspiration to pack with for our trip. Here are some of the photos I found on Pinterest that I am pulling from.

Happy Thursday!

xoxo