OOTD: White Lace

While on our family trip last week to St George, we snuck in a date night! It was so much fun and a much needed break. We headed to dinner at Sakura and then to see Newsies at Tuacahn. It's an outdoor amphitheater and it's incredible! All of the actors are so talented, most of them from New York and have performed on Broadway. I've seen Peter Pan and South Pacific in years past and was so excited to take Matt! It was actually his first play and he really enjoyed it! Sounds like we'll be going again!

My Black Friday Buys!

This year, Black Friday was a huge success! At least I think it was, I did the majority of my shopping online so I’ll be waiting to see how it goes once my items are delivered. I’m most proud of the fact that in all my Black Friday hustling years, this is the year I've shopped the least for myself. Now I definitely got myself some nice goodies, but I’m going to wait on some of what I snagged for myself and have Matt wrap it for Christmas. Most of my buys were clothing for the family, everyone really needed some cold weather items for the season. We did buy a few things for the house and a couple of gifts for the little ones in the family too. I’ve linked everything below- including a few items I picked up earlier in the week and items that were not included in the sales.

For myself:

Cocoon Sweater // Lightweight Sweater // LORAC Palette // NYX Lip Set // Pajama Bottoms and Top // Vest

For Matthew:

Henley // Sweater // Jeans // Plaid // Button Down

The Little Ladies:

Gray Set // White Hoodie Set // Pink Hoodie Set // Jumper

Peplum Top // Hooded Zip Sweater // Sweater Dress

Toys:

Disney Magiclip Princess // Play-doh // Lego Dimensions // Kitchen // Bow and Arrow

Doll // Matching Game // Book // Octoplush // Textured Balls

For the House:

Wood Frame // Silver Frame // Appetizer Dish // Pastry Board

Phew! Such great stuff, I really hope everything is just as awesome in person as it was online! I did end up going out around 9pm on Thursday night to get the few things that weren't available to buy online or were sold out. The shops were nearly dead!! I didn't wait in line to check out at Target or Toys R Us and it was so weird. I really love to shop Black Friday, but part of the joy for me is waking up in the middle of the night and being a zombie with my family and girlfriends. I'm really glad that this year so many places had deals that went all week- it was nice to shop without any crowds.

Did you do some shopping? What did you get?

House to Home: Master Bedroom Reveal

There are certain times in your life that you truly feel like an adult. A real adult and not just a kid pretending to be grown up. Experiences like buying your first car, getting kitchen items (Mixing bowls that are dishwasher safe and stack well? Yes!), buying home goods (we need more throw pillows!), or getting furniture. The real kind. The kind that costs real money and lasts for decades.

Two weeks ago, I had that “Whoa, I’m thirty and buying legitimate furniture” moment. I’ve talked before about master bedroom inspirations and we talked about getting some in the new year. Since I was in the third grade, I’ve been using furniture that was handed down to me from my Great Grandmother. I love the furniture, they have a great shape with big deep drawers, and if Matt and I were using matching chests I would just refinish them and keep using them. I’m sick of our room and have been dreaming of giving it a makeover since we moved.

At first we were planning on just painting the room a soft white and we picked up some paint sample cards to narrow down our options. I had them taped up and after looking at them for almost a week we settled on three different shades that we would buy samples of and planned to paint in the next week. That little job would keep me happy until we were able to find furniture we liked.

Well…We had spent the night at Matt’s parents’ home and decided to go with them to look for a new couch for their home and ending up getting a whole new bedroom set and mattress! We went with the intention of helping them look at furniture and thought we’d look around to see what options are available and get an idea of what we liked. When we saw the set we had chosen, we just knew right away that it was perfect for what we were looking for! We didn’t have to debate about it or mull it over before we decided to make the set our own.

I’m glad we didn’t paint yet, because now we can choose a color based off our new furniture. I’m sure that any of the neutral colors we were looking at would still work, but I like being able to see how it will look against the furniture and lighting. There’s still lots to do and get before it will be “complete”, but I’m happy with our progress so far.

Bedroom Furniture // Large Mirrored Frame // Small Mirrored Frame // Silver Frame // Crystal Ring Holder // 3 Mirror Set (from Kohls, unavailable online similar here and here) // Sheets // Bedding

Here's a close up of the colors we're leaning towards. We're gonna pick up some samples and see how they look over the existing paint color and in the different lights of day.

Here are some items I’m still looking to get:

- Something to put above our headboard
I’m thinking a large mirror, but that might be too much with the mirror items above the dresser. My cousin gave me a vintage window pane I thought about putting above, but it’s much larger than I had anticipated and I’m going to put it downstairs instead now. Right now I’m just on the hunt for something and I have an idea that I’ll know it when I see it. Until then, any suggestions?

- An area rug
I love the look of a rug coming from under the bed, it really opens up the room and adds some color. I'll have to test it out because I don't want it to be distracting or too busy.

- Lamps
I’m torn between long skinny silver lamps or clear lamps. I like the look of both and I keep switching between which kind I prefer. I also love the look of mercury glass too. There’s so many choices! I love this, this, and this one.

- Bench
There are so many cute options available for benches at great prices. I think it would be nice to find one that doubles as a storage for extra sheets/bedding. I love this tufted one and this storage one.

- TV Mount
We’re ordering a mount right now so I can’t wait to get that puppy up on the wall. It’s going to look so good.

- Drapes
Here another item I’m kind of dreading buying. When we bought the soft blue ones for the living room, we had bought a few different ones before we found the right ones. I think it would be nice to go with a white, gray, or a pattern. I have no idea and I haven’t even started looking at any yet.They're definitely a priority, but I'm procrastinating in getting it started.

There's our room for now! I love our new furniture and am so happy with our purchase. There's so much more space and I love the look of the furniture. The color and style are exactly what I wanted. One of my favorite details is the jewelry drawer with a tray on the top. It's already getting lots of use and I love having somewhere lined to keep them.

Any suggestions, please leave them below! We have a lot to do before the room is "finished".

Recent Purchases: Mama + Me

Lately, I've been picking up a few items here and there so I compiled a post of everything over the last few weeks.I love to see what everyone is buying, what new products are out, and what deals they've found. Luckily, I've found some great deals and sales, especially with the holidays coming up. Around this time of year, I try to wait to buy things until Black Friday so I can get the best deal, but there's been a few items I've just had to have or I took advantage of pre-Black Friday deals.

On a side note, what the heck is up with the stores opening so early this year? Shopping at 6 is like regular shopping, not Black Friday shopping. They're taking the fun out of it! I think I'll just go shopping at my regular time and not care about standing in line or getting into a store first. Plus, I don't have anything specific or big to purchase.

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polish

After seeing a ton of reviews I had to snag this for myself! I love Sally Hansen and will be doing a full review soon.

Milani Blush in Luminoso

Another winning recommendation from Meg. It was hard to find this shade- it was sold out everywhere. I really love the color, it’s a gorgeous neutral and I want to pick up a darker color for the fall season.

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play

I saw this a while ago on someone's IG account and when I saw that Ulta had some as stocking stuffers for $3 I scooped one up to test out. So far, I really like it! Especially when I wear my hair straight and I'm on day 2-3 hair and need some extra lift.

Black Knit Beanie

Remember the gray beanie I posted about on a previous post? Well, it finally cooled down enough to wear it a few days and I can’t freaking find it anywhere. It’s been abducted by aliens. So I picked it up in black until the martians decide to return it to its owner.

Plaid Blanket Scarf

When do I ever turn down a scarf? Never! Grabbed this one from Target asap when I saw that it was 50% off!

Cable Knit Infinity Scarf

Again, if it’s a scarf I must own it. I love this thick knit and the wine color is beautiful. I can’t wait to re-create this look from pinterest I pinned a million years ago with it. (LINK TO PIN)

Buffalo Shirt

Remember this gem from my Mama + Me post? I had to snag it, even if it was full price. I plan on being twinsies with Ellie for Thanksgiving this week.

Boot Socks (in store)

Here are some things I've bought for Ellie:

Merry & Bright PJs

I saw these online, but they didn’t have them yet in store at Carters, but I found them at Kohls! Add to cart. I wish they have feet attached at the bottom though, I prefer for Ellie's pajamas to keep her feet covered in the winter time. I'll just dress her in socks.

Fur Vest

As soon as I showed this to Ellie she hugged it and I knew it was a winner. Now if I could only find one for me!

Gold Metallic Skirt

This is the perfect skirt for the holidays! It’s so pretty and I love the material. I can't wait for her to rock this little pretty to the parties.

Polka Dot Tights

How cute will these tights be with the above skirt? Love the fun polka dots!

Northern Isle Pjs

I love winter jammies that Ellie can wear all season (not just for Christmas) and this fun bright print was perfect! I want to buy her a larger size for next year I love it so much.

Denim Skirt

I love the look of fun printed tights/leggings with skirts/dresses for layering on little girls. This skirt is so cute on her, she wore it for our family pictures a few weeks ago. 

Silver Flats // Fox Flats

These shoes are so adorable!! I love the silver flats (they run big) and want to get her the same pair in gold now. I couldn't help myself with the fox flats, they are just too cute.

Flannel Shirt

Although this is from the girl's section, it totally looks like a boy's shirt. Until I dress my little Ellie Bell up with a giant bow and fur vest (or puffer vest)! Can't wait to see how cute she looks in this top.

Hope you all have a fabulous short week!

Mama + Me: Buffalo Plaid

After talking several times with my mommy friends, one post idea that has kept coming up repeatedly was Mommy + Me outfit ideas. I've been working on one long post for so long and it finally dawned on me that it would be easier to do one outfit at a time. Then I thought, what if I made this into a weekly feature? Is that something you guys would be interested in? Let me know in the comments!

So this week's outfits are pretty easy, buffalo print has been everywhere! I love the look and it works easily for the whole family.

Little Man

Plaid Shirt

Jeans

Shoes

Mama

Buffalo Shirt

Jeggings

Booties

Little Lady

Tunic

Leggings

Boots

I bought Ellie that plaid tunic last week and I'm kicking myself for not buying myself the top when it was 50% at Old Navy! Now I'm stalking the site and store for it to go on sale again. 

Do you like to dress alike with your kiddos? Did you like this post? Let me know!

Fall Fashion Buys for Ellie

Ellie has so much summer stuff, I'm not sure that we'll have enough hot days for her to wear everything that still has tags. I bought her a bunch of clothes, but she also got a ton of items for her birthday in May. This fall/winter is supposed to be pretty cold and wet after having such a dry and hot summer. This week we've had some record breaking temps and it's miserably hot. I've started to buy some colder weather outfits for Ellie and wanted to share them on the blog.
I love shopping at Carters for Ellie, I've mentioned that before on a previous post. I just love their clothing options, they wash well, they don't fade, and fit true to size. Plus, I love how they to mix and match so easily. They have some of the cutest stuff right now and I scooped some items up at their store and from Kohl's. They're always having great deals and I lucked out during their 50% off sale with an additional discount coupon I had.

Hoodie Outfit // Floral Outfit // Navy Outfit

Striped Outfit // Gold/Leopard Outfit

Polka dots, stripes, and cardis is what I've really been into for Ellie. I like to be able to layer her outfits and I love that these will all mix in with basics and each other. I've bought all 24 months for her and I expect her to wear them, if the temperatures drop, come October. I'm dying to see her in that gray top and leopard skinnies!

Halloween Witch Tee // Pea Coat // Snow Bunny Tee // Denim Shirt

Striped Leggings // Fur Boots // Jeggings

Here are some single items I've picked up for her. That pea coat is just killing me! I can't wait for her to wear it! Last year, my sister got her the cutest red pea coat I ever saw and it was such a warm winter she only got the chance to wear it for 10 minutes. I was so bummed out because it was the absolutely to die for! I'm loving the fur boots too, they are so cute in person- Ellie gave them a hug when I showed them to her! We actually have these striped leggings and I had to buy another pair for this season, she wore them all the time last year!

What have you been buying for your little ones? Where do you like to shop for them?

OOTD: Stripes

DRESS: Old Navy (similar here) BLAZER: Lauren Conrad for Kohls (similar here) NECKLACES: Stella and Dot, GroopDealz BRACELET: Very Jane HEELS: Tahari (similar here and here)

Happy Hump Day! Only a few more days until the weekend!

Be sure to enter my Tiny Tags giveaway and enjoy 15% off your purchase through 07/31 using LLP14!

InstaLately Link Up 11

Kiki La'Rue Jeggings (here), Black Tank, F21 Blazer, Clover necklace from GroopDealz (my new favorite site), Flats from Kohls 

F21 Sheer Blouse, Clover necklace from GroopDealz, Monogrammed necklace from MonoArtian on Etsy. I finally got this necklace for Christmas!! I've been wanting it since before I was married! Thanks again sister in law, I LOVE it!

I love these polka dot pajamas my sister got me for Christmas. I know everyone has them, but they're so cute and comfy and I've always wanted a pair of "old man" pjs. 

From Kiki La'Rue I ordered an off white piko top (here) and a Lenore scarf in Dark Teal (here). I'm so excited to wear them this week! Both are the softest fabric, I know they'll get a lot of use! 

My fruit cravings have not curved whatsoever. All I want is Pinkberry and smoothies now. 

After a long day of work, hubs picked me up the perfect treat! 

Becka is so funny. I hate the Kardashians (yes, they're pretty and dress well (most of the time), but that's all the niceties I have to say) and she loves them so she's sure that after I watch the first season I'll love them too. This little gem came in the mail and I couldn't stop laughing!! Thanks Becka, it's a great coaster. I kid, I kid!

Just about everyone I know is expecting a baby, apparently we all drank the same cool aid this past summer. It's so exciting and I'm glad to have so many friends and family members to share the experience with. I picked up some goodies to make for a few of my girlfriends and I'm so excited about them.

This week I can feel the baby so much more. I love every time I feel her.

My Holiday Weekend + Black Friday

In past posts, I've shared with you all how excited I am for this year's holidays! This past weekend has been awesome! First, I had Wednesday- Friday off, my sister came up Tuesday night, and then it was fun filled since!

Wednesday I finally had my eye appointment and picked up some new contacts and Ray Ban glasses (I guess I can cross that off my Need Wishlist now!). I'm really excited for my glasses, they're super cute too. It was the first time I saw this doctor and I really couldn't be happier with him. I've never had a doctor take so much time with me. He explained a lot about my eyes and the tests we were taking (I have astigmatism), then I tried on 6 different types of contacts. He made sure they fit me correctly, asked for my opinion on how they felt, explained the differences, pros and cons of each brand, etc. In the past my doctors have just kind of given me new contacts and sent me on my merry way. I'm so so happy I found this doctor and that he's up the street from me! Plus, he's an Eagle Scout, which made me smile.

Then, that night we went out with some friends and my cousin. It used to be a tradition to go out on the night before Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we haven't done it in a while. It was fun to catch up. I also wore my liquid leggings and actually did my make-up. Since I wake up so early in the morning for work, I kind of just do the basics. I haven't busted out a smoky eye in a long, long time. I wish I had a better pic of my make-up to show you guys.

Thanksgiving was such an awesome day! Matt and I woke up early to drive out to his parents who go camping each year. We had breakfast with them, his sister and her fiance, and some close family friends who are on their trip with them. Then back home to get ready for my side's celebration. I made the above cherry cheesecake (easiest recipe ever!! and it's DELICIOUS, not too sweet or heavy) and green bean casserole. I don't eat casseroles (I don't like my food to touch), but this is a family favorite and I was tasked with it this year. My in-laws add soy sauce to the recipe (just 1 tsp) and apparently it makes it yummy. My uncle and my father in law both don't care for the dish, but ate it right up when the soy sauce is added. I considered it a success. I also like to take pictures of anything I cook or bake for proof.

Then that night, the Black Friday shopping began! I met up with my girlfriend and some friends at 9pm at Kohls. We weren't the first in line like last year, but the 3rd group there. They have the best deals, $$ off coupons, % off coupons, both of which can be combined together, AND they give you Kohls cash back. After we went to the mall, but crashed around 4am. I slept for a bit, then headed out to Target. Came home showered, and then my gf and I headed back out to the mall and Old Navy. I finally got home around 4pm. I was pooped!

This year we did so good! I knocked 6 people off my list and found some great things for the hubs and I, and a few things for our future home.

Finally, I did pretty good at only buying a few items for myself, I'm pretty proud. Every Christmas, I feel like for every one gift I find, I get two things for myself. I just love all the glitz, glamour, and deals you can find at this time of year.

Brave on DVD, you can't beat $10! I also picked up Cinderella for $15. 

Essie Razzle Dazzle Manicure In Beige. It comes with Glamour Purse, Set In Stones and First Base Base Coat. I figured I was getting the base coat for free! I've been wanting/needing some silver glitter polish. 

New flats for work. They come in a tan/nude I want to get as well, but the Steve Madden I have are still in good shape. At least I know they're available at Kohls. I believe they carry them year round. 

Another plaid flannel from Old Navy. They're so easy to wear! I loved the Christmas colors in this one too. This one is really long, so it's perfect for leggings and I plan on layering my puff vest too with it.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and great weekend! Did you go black Friday shopping? Did you find good deals?

Would you be interested in the cheesecake recipe?

PS My Sister-in-law and her fiance made it on ESPN for the USC and Notre Dame game! Aren't their signs HILARIOUS???