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

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