10.31.2012

Orange You Glad?

Wishing you and yours a Happy Halloween today, but more importantly sending my love to all of those on the East Coast. Still thinking about you here in Wisconsin!

 
Love the gold accent hair pieces as much as I do? Here is the one I'm slightly completely obsessing over, and I also love this option. Such a great way to spruce up a ponytail.

{images via 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 }

GET THE LOOK

10.30.2012

Bada Bling, Bada Boom



One of my favorite ways to feel a little more glamorous as the cold weather approaches is to pair some of my coziest sweaters with my flashiest jewelry. You can mix and match until your heart so desires!

10.29.2012

From the Kitchen: Apple Crisp

Hope you all enjoyed your pre-Halloween weekend! Mine was filled with lots of candy and only the best movies, Halloweentown and Hocus Pocus. I have very high standards obviously. I thought this would be the perfect week to share one of my favorite fall recipes.


We got the recipe from Barthel Fruit Farm, our go-to spot for apple picking. My dad and I whipped up this bad boy last weekend, and it didn't last very long.


Preheat oven to 350. Layer sliced apples in a greased 8x8 pan and then mix remaining ingredients over the apples. Bake for 30 minutes or until toppings are golden brown.

Serve à la mode, and it is just heavenly.

10.25.2012

BaubleBar Friends and Family

Did you know that in my spare time I am a jewelry judge who specializes in pastel pieces? Yeah, no that's a lie. But today I'm making myself one, and this is no easy task, friends. Here are my top three picks. 
 

These beauties will be your best friends come winter when it's cold and dark outside, and you need a little somethin' somethin' to put a smile on your face. 

The extra great news? BaubleBar is having their Friends and Family sale! Enter BBFAMILY at checkout for 25% off your order.  They're making their budget-friendly pieces even friendlier.

So kind.

10.24.2012

The Sun Don't Set On A...


I don't know how I survived some of my first years driving without sunglasses. Not only do they highly improve safe driving {yes, I do tell myself that especially on days when the sun is just out of control and don't even get me started on the glare in the heart of the winter} but they are also one of my favorite accessories.

So, what's your preference? Black? Tortoise? Cateye? Round? 

I'm currently on a tortoise kick, and these just may be my number one pick. 

10.23.2012

Urban Outfitters: For the Home

I'll be honest, I feel like I have forgotten about Urban Outfitters and only been thinking about Anthropologie. But shame on me, because Urban has some seriously pretty and wonderfully quirky pieces for the home. Whether you're looking for some pops of color, texture, or just a piece that makes you smile, they have it.


The owl is hands-down my favorite. That yellow is beautiful.

Can you tell I'm on an animal kick?

10.22.2012

Life Lately

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Lately, I have been getting outside and enjoying fall to the fullest and baking more of these muffins. Seriously delicious. I have also been incorporating more color to my wardrobe which makes some of those chillier fall days a little more cheery.

Have you made it to a pumpkin patch yet? Indulged in some caramel apples? What else is on your fall bucket list?

Find me on Instagram here

10.19.2012

DIY Coasters

This past weekend my mom and I brought out our crafty sides that we hadn't fully embraced since she was my Girl Scouts leader, and well, that was a long time ago. She chose to use some scrapbook paper and mod podged it to the tiles and then used three coats of mod podge over the paper. I chose to use some spray paint. We both tried some acrylic paint but didn't get clean enough lines. The one paint we didn't mind was a glitter gold because we didn't notice as many areas where the lines weren't perfect thanks to the glitter.

Tile and Spray Painted Coasters, Materials Needed


I used one small strip of tape in between each strip instead of measuring anything-that sure sped up the process.
 
 

Don't spray too much paint-been there, done that, didn't work. I actually love the ombre-esque effect on this set.


This is the really important part! Take tape off right away for crisp lines!

To Finish Off The Coasters:

+ Let dry // I left them overnight just for kicks and giggles.
+ Coat with Mod Podge // I used 2 coats because I didn't want it to get too thick.
+ Cut cork into squares // My mom was a rock star with this. She cut 4x4 inch squares with the help of her handy-dandy X-ACTO knife + a ruler, of course, and I did the gluing {a skill in and of its own I tell ya}.
+ Place books on top of coasters to make sure the cork adheres to tile.

And simply enjoy your morning drink of choice: mine would be Chai Tea thank you very much.


Happy weekend, lovelies! xo

10.18.2012

Think Pink

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I would round up all things pink today. To learn more about how you can help, visit here.
Pink Pieces for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
BaubleBar Necklace // Tiny Prints Holiday Card {someone PLEASE get this and send me a pretty card with your pup on it!} // J.Crew Sweater // Rugs USA Rug // Tiny Prints Return Address Label // Design Darling Matches 

How pretty is that Riffle Paper Co. designed return address label?

10.17.2012

Wedding Wednesday

Remember this wedding I shared awhile ago-one of my best friends' who happens to be Bill's cousin as well {win win for me!}. Well, I wanted to share some of the details today because she did all of the graphic design for the wedding. She truly embodied hers and her husbands personality through the colors and font choices, which I maintain is a hard task to do.  And the theme? Milwaukee's Best. So perfect and again, so them.



They named the tables based on specific Milwaukee landmarks and placed people strategically at tables that there was a story behind {and also a great talking point if the guests didn't know each other}. The escort cards were also a little DIY project-of course, Lexi designed the cards and the kooizes. Then with an x-acto knife, some glue, wooden rods, and some paper confetti, these were created.



Lexi's mom got to crafting on the mason jars. She primed and sprayed them all, and they were beautiful! I loved the mix of sizes and how each jar contained just one type of flower. Stephanie at Sendik's is just amazing. There's really no other word to describe her.
 
 


How great right? If you have any graphic design needs, let me know, and I would be more than happy to put you in touch with Lexi. She just gets it and has an amazing eye. I loved seeing all of her hard work come to life. The wedding was a truly magical day, and I could not be happier for the newlyweds!

.......

Photography by Liz Doering Photographs {and I may just have to include more next week because she and her daughter KK got so many amazing shots and not to mention are two of the nicest ladies I have ever met}

10.16.2012

Shopbop Friends and Family Picks Under $100

one | two | three | four | five | six

Shopbop's Friends and Family Sale is here! Time to start the Christmas shopping people-no really, it is not too soon! Now is the perfect time to stock up on those fall and winter pieces you have been eying because you deserve a little something too. Hypothetically speaking, if I were to treat myself, these would be my picks: this dress, this blouse, and this sweater.

I am also still having a major bootie moment. Do you have a pair you love to stomp around in?

From the Kitchen

Sweet Potatoes For Croutons

Remember this post? I'm trying! This is one of my new favorite little additions to the dinner table.  I really do love croutons, typically dipped in ranch or caesar dressing so I needed something that would still give me that crouton 'crunch' and this was my solution. Simple and delicious.

Enjoy!

10.15.2012

On Rotation

 





Gap Tee // 7FAM Denim {thanks for cleaning out your closet pre-move Kelsey} // Express Sweater {similar} // Aldo Booties // Tory Burch Sunglasses {similar} // Madison Elizabeth Designs Rings // Kate Spade Ring

This sweater has been on serious rotation since the fall weather arrived. Bill did in fact ask me if I was bringing a blanket around with me, but I really don't care. I love the surprise design and sometimes I really do wrap up in it like a blanket. As for the newest addition to my bootie collection? Well let's just say, I never wanted to take them off the day they arrived.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Mine was filled with a lot of baking, cooking, and crafting...and football of course. I'll be sure to share some of my new favorite recipes and DIY projects later this week and next! 

10.12.2012

What I Learned from the Movies


Don't know how this even popped into my head this week, but it has been stuck ever since. And yes I played it on repeat thanks to YouTube earlier this week. A nice little way to end the week.

Can I put in a request for this to be part of a mashup please?

Happy Weekend! xo

10.11.2012

Fall Favorites at Living Savvy

Today you can find me over at Tiffany's lovely blog, Living Savvy, where I find oh so much DIY inspiration! 


Here's a little sneak peek:

10.10.2012

Wednesday Wants




I am also on the hunt for another great pair of skinny jeans. I will occasionally splurge, but I am not one to pass up a pair or two from Gap and on sale. Do you have brands that you love that have stood the test of time? If I'm going to invest in something, it better last. Right? Right.

10.09.2012

Panel and Print

H&M Top // Forever 21 Leggings // Target Sweater // Aldo Heels {old but similar here} // Anthropologie Watch 
Nordstrom Necklace {old but similar here} //  Anthropologie Earrings  // Rebecca Minkoff Bag

Yes, I did make those leather panel leggings mine from awhile back. They are actually pretty nice quality for good 'ole F21 and not to mention extremely comfortable. I just can't help that I love a classic black look for fall. That being said, I told myself I was going to try to incorporate more prints and color in my closet. This H&M peplum top is becoming one of my favorite pieces in my closet- I love the mix of colors. Yes, I would like to put them on a canvas one day.

 Note to self: DIY project in the near future.

10.08.2012

Look For Less


I had my eyes on these Aldo booties this weekend when they were marked down to $69.99, but I'm glad I waited to purchase as you can receive an extra 15% off today and free shipping with code ECDAY12!

And boom goes the dynamite. 

Pick a Pick a Pumpkin From the Pile

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Our whole family was finally together while visiting my little brother in Minnesota, and we couldn't have asked for a better weekend. Okay, well it could have been warmer {wasn't quite ready for the 30s, but what can you do?}. It's turning out to be quite the fall here in Wisconsin, and last week I even got to go pumpkin picking with the boy. 


Even though we've been dating almost 4 years, Bill and I have never gone pumpkin picking together. We weren't in the same city for the past two so that may have had something to do with it.  Regardless, we had an amazing time at Nieman Orchards. It was the most perfect fall day, there was a plethora of fabulous pumpkins, and caramel apples were involved so what more can you ask for? I was one happy camper, and I think Bill thought he was with a five year old the whole time. Bless his heart for not leaving me behind.

Now I just need to decide how to carve mine. 

10.05.2012

These Are a Few of my Favorite Things

 Nordstrom Necklace {similar} // Poshlocket Bracelets c/o // Anthropologie Watch
 
 Aveda Agave Nector Lip Glaze // Epicuren Lip Balm // CoverGirl Liquiline

+ This lip glaze is the perfect nude and glides on so smoothly.
+ The lip balm was used at the end of a facial and was instantly purchased.  It's the most moisturizing balm I have ever used.
+ I've never used an eyeliner that glides on so easily; it was a breath of fresh air.
 
mink muffs // no place like chrome // chinchilly 

Some of my favorite shades for fall especially 'no place like chrome'-such a gorgeous metallic!

Have a wonderful weekend! We're off to visit my brother in Minnesota, which also means I get my favorite pie in the whole wide world in northern Wisconsin. Nothing like delicious pie and family time.

10.04.2012

From Me, To You

Happy Fall from A Simple Affair

// just because //

In the Kitchen

I'm going to be honest, I have barely been cooking lately. Baking, I have no problem with, which is also leading to muffins and cake far too frequently throughout the day. Yes day, not week. woof. I tend to eat breakfast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because {1} I really like it, and {2} it's easy. I want to start trying a new recipe at least once a week.


I need to keep trying different salads and bring some more vegetables in my life. Any recommendations?

10.03.2012

Wednesday Wants

Dear Rachel, did you literally make all three of these dresses just for me? Because I kind of think you did, and I also kind of love you for it. Does this mean it's time to meet for lunch? The whole team is invited, of course.
Rachel Zoe Shopbop Sale Dresses
 one // two // three 

And in case you were wondering, I'm still having a Vince moment in a very big way. Cannot get this coat out of my mind. Someone just get a really ridiculous song stuck in my head instead please. Black Socks anyone? This is really awkward if no one else knows what song I'm talking about.

10.02.2012

Start Fall on the Right Foot

I believe a closet should be a place where you want to spend time. A place that you actually don't dread walking into because you are so overwhelmed.  So why not start your October off with some organizing?


SKUBB Organizer // Hanging Accessory Shelves // Woven Basket with Chalkboard // Expandable Mesh Shoe Rack // Over the Door Hook Rack // Non-slip Tie/Belt Organizer // Over the Door Shoe Rack


10.01.2012

Sale of the Day

20% off Piperlime with code THANKYOU
one // two // three // four

The perfect time to invest in a staple fall bootie. Why are we counting with nursery rhymes you might ask? Why not? Fall puts me in a really good mood.

Fall Essentials

Happy October!

{wait, what?}
Zara Scarf // Gap Jacket // Essie 'No Place Like Chrome' // J.Crew iPhone Case {similar} // Kate Spade iPhone Case // Old Navy Vest // Gap Sweater // Gap Boyfriend Jeans // Ralph Lauren Vest {similar}
Steve Madden Loafers // Aldo Boots {old} // Rebecca Minkoff Bag {perfect for all of those on-the-go days}
Gap Scarf {old} // J.Crew Factory Store Flats

Just some of the essentials that have been getting me through the beginning of fall. I can't wait to pull out more of my favorite boots, jackets, and scarves and get to a pumpkin patch!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!