A-Z Series: R is For

Happy Valentine's Day! I have really been feeling the love lately in the blogosphere, and I can't thank you enough-it truly means the world to me! 

Not going to lie, I did a little happy dance at my computer when Mackenzie agreed to participate in the A-Z Series. Design Darling is one of my all time favorite blogs, and words cannot describe my excitement for Design Darling {the boutique}. Mackenzie is constantly inspiring and not to mention shares fabulous finds at handsome prices (i.e. budget friendly). I could not be more excited to have her with us today.

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Hi there! I'm Mackenzie from Design Darling and I'm excited to be guest posting on Carly's adorable blog A Simple Affair today. How fun is this series? My letter is "R" and here are some of my favorites...

Raspberries because they're delicious, healthy, and pretty. Rebecca Minkoff because I think I'd like to own every bag she's ever designed. Red and pink because, really, has there ever been a more festive color combo? Especially on Miss Emma Stone... Red lipstick because there's no easier way to feel instantly chic! Ruffles because I'm a girly girl through and through. Bonus points for backless! Redheads because I'm all in favor of embracing my natural color! And last but not least... Reading... of the blog and magazine variety, of course!

Thank you, Carly, for having me!

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Fabulous picks Mackenzie-redheads has to be my favorite :)

Reading more often was one of my New Year's Resolutions, and I sadly have not acted upon that.  Good thing it's only February.  I will continue to work on that. 

I also adore my Ray-Bans and rag & bone skinny jeans [as seen here and here].

And last but most certainly not least, everything Rachel Zoe.  I'll take this dress with these wedges.  And can I meet you RZ?! Please and thank you.

Cake Batter Cookies

Need a last minute recipe for Valentine's Day? Boy have I got one for you that is not only easy, but also quite possibly one of my favorite cookies of all time.

Are you ready for the recipe?? All you need is:

1 package of Pillsbury Funfetti Premium Cake Mix

2 eggs

1/3 cup oil

Yes, that really is it.

Mix ingredients and place balls on an ungreased pan.  Then comes the most important part in my humble opinion.  I like to follow in my mother's footsteps when it comes to baking these beauties.  They only need to stay in the oven for 6-8 minutes at 375°.  I repeatedly check them because I do not like these nearly as much when they are over-cooked.  Take them out earlier than you would expect and let them cook through on top of the stove.  I try to not even let them get golden brown on the bottom.  Again, that's my personal preference.

Enjoy these plain, with frosting, or with my personal favorite, ice cream!

[pictures taken via Instagram]

A-Z Series: Q is For

Yes, I actually gave someone the letter Q, but if anyone was going to tackle it, Tamra was just the lovely lady to do so.  You can visit Tamra at walks with Bella, and there are no words to describe  how excited I am about ever swoon. She also shares a love for Jack Bauer with me, which made me love her even more!

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Hello sunshines, I'm Tamra of the crazy little Manhattan blog walks with Bella and also proud owner of boutique wedding/event planning and styling company ever swoon.  Carly is such a sweetheart, so I was more than happy to participate in her A-Z "favorites" series, even though the letter she gave me was Q!  :) Now that is a toughie, but I'm always up for a challenge.  

There are not many items that start with the letter "Q" that are all that exciting to blog about, Q-tips, quinoa... so...

 Today, I'll be sharing items from my favorite queen, Alexander McQueen.  

*all items via

 Thank you for having me, Carly!!  

x - tamra

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Thanks so much Tamra! Oh, what I would give to see a post on Q-tips ;) But these stunning images are just what I need to get me going this Monday morning.

Stay tuned for one of my all time favorite cookie recipes later today!

Happy Monday!

Sunday's Best

I have always been a fan of the Gap.  More specifically, as winter rolls around, I always fall in love with their sweaters.  This year, I have been loving more than just their sweaters.  I will only purchase something at Gap with a coupon or when it is on sale because you are bound to get a coupon throughout the week or the item will get marked down soon enough.  These are a few of my latest finds (at 40% or 30% off).

Striped Knit Tunic // Colorblock Button-shoulder Sweater

Oversized Pocket Shirt // Polka Dot Ribbed Tank

In case you don't follow me on Twitter, here are some pictures of other finds, some not listed on their website:

This scarf had a perfect pop of neon.  In case you don't know, I am a huge, huge fan of scarves.  They're easy and can create an instant new look to an outfit. It's light and fun.  Adds some color for the cold winter, but is light enough to wear throughout the spring/summer as well.

I have been loving pointed flats for quite some time and finally found these gems. Plus they are the first pair of non-neutral flats I own.  Need your opinion: you can't really see this in the picture, but you can totally see my toes (toe cleavage, as I like to call it).  Yay or nay on that? I won't be offended one bit with your opinion. I'm kind of a nay, but I really do love the flats. See, I need your help!

I paired this scarf with the striped knit tunic.  I wore it with leggings and boots on Friday, but also tried it on with nude heels and loved it.  Can't wait to style it in a new way.

I also have added a new jacket to my collection. Yes still from the Gap.  Love the fur hood.  Funny thing is that both my mom and dad claim to have had jackets like this circa the 7th grade.  Oh, how things always come back in style.

So do you love the Gap as much as me, and how has your weekend been? We successfully pulled off a surprise birthday party for my uncle yesterday-it was a blast! Happy belated birthday again Uncle K!

Update: Use code GAPLOVE today for 20% off your order!

[all images taken via Instagram. Follow along here]

Friday's Fancies::Red and Pink

It's all about red + pink today on today's Friday's Fancies.  Both on trend and appropriate for Valentine's Day. 

Zara Plaited Shopper // J. Crew Bubble Necklace // Wedges // Equipment Daddy Contrast Shirt // Topshop Premium Wide Leg Trousers

I have been swooning over these Topshop Trousers for quite some time, and it's time I went public with my love affair.

The floral detail on this Equipment blouse makes me love it even more.  I'm not ready for full on floral so this is just the right pop.

If you've been following along on the blog, I have a slight obsession with my tangerine bubble necklace from J. Crew, but today is all about this turquoise beauty.  I don't discriminate when it comes to the J. Crew bubble necklace.

This plaited shopper is quite the beauty.  Disclaimer: it is much larger in person than it appears on the website, but it does come with a shoulder strap to help you out when you need a break from the top handle.

And last but certainly not least, these DV beauties have such lovely criss-cross detail and add just the height I would need with these trousers.  Yes, please.

So to sum things up, this outfit has stolen my heart this Valentine's Day.

For more Friday's Fancies, check out {long distance loving}

A-Z Series: P is For

The fabulous Lara of simply irresistible is with us today to share her favorite "P"s.  If you're looking for a new recipe that is out of this world, her blog is one of the best places to go.  You will not be disappointed. And have no fear, you will also find more than just recipes. But I couldn't help but tell you how amazing those are.  I mean, she made Caramel Delights (aka "Samoas").

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hello friends!

lara here from simply irresistible. 

below are some of my favorite "p" items...

so excited to be here sharing them with you!

prada platform pumps

polka dot purse

pastel polishes: to buy or not to buy, pinks picking up the pieces, navigate her, mint candy apple

pink pants

peach petals

pebble print peony shorts

perfect pocket pullover

preppy pearls

for more pretty - follow me on pinterest! another lovely "p" item :)

Thanks for having me! 

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Such a great roundup, Lara! Of course I'm loving polka dots and pastels. I also have to give Piperlime some love as you can find just about anything you're looking for there and at a great price. Win, win.

Today you can find me over at Beauty & the Beard sharing three different looks for Valentine's Day. Here's a sneak peak at one of the looks:

A-Z Series: O is For

Dana from Make Them Wonder is gracing us with her presence on the blog today, and I couldn't be happier to have her here.  Dana is one of my go-to ladies for design inspiration.  Just check out her latest project in her kitchen, and you'll see what I'm talking about.  Amazing right?? She also keeps us in the loop on great budget-friendly DIY projects, and her Random Acts of Kindness series will motivate you to get out there and perform your own random acts of kindness yourself. I could keep going, but we should get to her post already.

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I'm not gonna lie...when Carly asked me to be a part of her 'great idea of a series' and handed me the letter "o" I wasn't exactly quick to accept. I mulled on this letter for days...wondering if I could pull it off! Funny that I call my blog Make Them Wonder and here I am doing the wondering. Ironic, right?

Come to find out, there are loads of fun things that begin with the letter 'O' like owls, of course.

{via}

**images:  {row 1} owl candle, owl pillow {row 2} owl statues, owl plates, owl measuring cups

This fun little trend is a great way to bring a conversation piece into your home. Whooo wouldn't like that? (yeah, that was bad, sorry!)

Any of you share my love for Opals? Notice the trendy mint green color of this little beauty. I seem to remember a recent post by a certain blogger mentioning this as her color crush. Wonder who that was?!!

{peruvian opal necklace}

Crate & Barrel has some great "O" products. How about their Oslo Table and their Olin Rug? Not bad, huh?

Let's go Off the beaten path a little bit and think Outside the box. Decor and fashion are great, but what would life be without Oreos?

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Fun little Valentine's idea...take an Oreo Cakester, cut it with a heart cookie cutter then roll the edges in red and pink sprinkles!

Okay Carly, my last "O" favorite is in honor of you...

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Here's a fun idea I found on Pinterest:

Have each teacher secretly sign "Oh, the Places You'll Go" from Pre-K to High School at the end of each year and give it to your child at graduation.

Oh, that was so much fun! Thank you, Carly for asking me to share today. I hope you guys will take a minute to visit me, I love making new friends! -Dana

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A mint green necklace and Oh, the Places You'll Go?! Dana, you know me too well.  As a future teacher, I would LOVE to sign a student's book for them to receive at graduation. So thoughtful. Oh, and I really don't know what life would be like without Oreos, and I don't want to find out.

I also love OPI and Old Navy, which by the way has really stepped up its game.  Nothing like gorgeous pieces with even more gorgeous price tags.