a lovely living

Monthly Archives for September 2014

5 Ways to Wear Those Booties

I’ve recently received a number of questions/comments around the beloved bootie. How exactly do you wear them? There are actually a number of ways you could style your booties. By my count, there are five.  I browsed through my archives to dig up as many examples as I could for you. Have a look and then check out some of my bootie picks below!

 

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  1. Baring your ankles. Let’s just pretend for examples sake that I didn’t have these pants rolled.  Ankle pants are a very flattering way to show off your booties, and by baring your ankle (aka the skinniest part of your leg) you’ll get an overall flattering look.
  2. Rolled or cuffed pants. When wearing your straight, boyfriend or bootcut jeans, you have the option of cuffing them by using a thick cuff or by rolling them a few times. Again, just enough to bare your ankles.
  3. Tucked. Tuck those skinny jeans/pants into your booties for a clean (and warm) look.
  4. With a dress/skirt. Bare those legs and throw on those booties with your fall dresses/skirts for a fun, casual look.
  5. With tights. Again with your dresses/skirts, feel free to throw on a pair of tights when those temps begin to drop!

Shop the bootie:

Tailgate

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Tailgating may not be the place to break out your most fashionable pieces, but everyone certainly sports their own unique style. A few of my tips include staying comfortable and layering up. Games can be long enough on their own, but throw in any extra tailgating time and your feet will be crying by the end of the day if you’re not in the right shoes. Weather can be quite difficult. From shade to direct sun to the eventual possibility of snow during games, you’ll need to think ahead and prepare for what mother nature may bring. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, whatever it takes.

I’ve always been a Penn State fan, but since we moved to State College, the home of PSU last year, our enthusiasm for the team has drastically increased. My 5yo football fanatic may have a little something to do with that as well. I was actually at a wedding this past Saturday so I missed our team’s unfortunate loss, but I was proud to support them the following day regardless. We live within a few miles of Beaver stadium and we always enjoy strolling around the empty, massive stadium. If you’re an NFL fan, make sure you check out the cute array of t-shirts Old Navy has to offer here.  I won’t even try to tackle options for every team, you don’t need to look far to find sports apparel!

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Details: T-shirt purchased locally (options) / JCrew pants / New Balance sneakers / Pilcro via Anthropologie jacket / Madewell tote / Necklace gifted / Michele watch

Linking up with Style Elixir for Style Sessions

High Five for Friday

Well this was a whirlwind of a week! I started out in NJ with my husband as we met with a specialist and the perk (for me) was getting to visit with a great friend of mine. You know those people that welcome you in and make you feel like family whether you haven’t seen them in a few months or a few years? That’s this one. From friends near and far, I certainly felt the love surrounding me and my family this week. Jack’s constant battle mixed with my temporary illness this week had our house…well, it’s seen better days ;) But I’m back on my feet and ready to tackle a fun family wedding this weekend! What do you all have planned?

My Week:

1) Have you seen the Eric Carle line at Gymboree? Thankfully my MIL was on top of this so I could grab these adorable shirts for the kids. You can check out the entire line here.

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2) My very first pair of blue suede shoes. These Seychelles came from Gilt where they are currently still available, lucky you! Very similar pair here and here.

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3) I’m loving Jack’s enthusiasm to learn. He comes home, sits down and asks me what letters he should write. I may have an in-house secretary on my hands shortly!

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4) Behind the scenes during one of our shoots this week. Whatever it takes to keep them off the street!

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5) Overload of my kids this week? I can’t help it sometimes! This little one could dress herself up and down all day long. When she’s not in the middle of changing her babies’ diapers, that is.

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I hope you all enjoy a fantastic weekend!

Linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday!

Not Always Lovely

My apologies for not having a substantial post for you today. It’s been a busy week and I managed to come down with something that was accompanied by a relentless, piercing headache. Those are always fun aren’t they? I was thankful that my son was headed off to school yesterday, but my 2 yo was by my side all day. Even during my unfortunate moments of sickness (I’m sorry, TMI here), she stayed right by my side and attempted to slam the lid on my head multiple times during the process. It was anything but pretty as I continued to push her away. When I was texting with my sister later in the day she said, “you need to share this on the blog, that way they’ll know you aren’t perfect!” So there you have it, just incase I had anyone fooled. Sure, I’m here to offer ideas to make your life a bit lovelier, but no, I’m in no way perfect. Life gets messy and ugly, I just choose not to share those images. I’m sure you appreciate that as well ;) I hope to be back with you tomorrow, fingers crossed!

Egg & Sausage Casserole

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I haven’t shared any breakfast recipes for a bit now, so I wanted to pass on this Egg & Sausage Casserole that I have been turning to for years. During the week we eat fairly light breakfasts, but on the weekends I enjoying preparing something a bit more substantial. This recipe can be varied by adding any of your favorite veggies as well. Sometimes I throw in some mushrooms but I didn’t happen to have any on hand this particular morning. Add a side of fresh fruit, a cup of coffee and breakfast is served!

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Egg & Sausage Casserole:

Ingredients:

  • 6 slices bread, cubed
  • 1 lb sausage, browned and drained
  • 1 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 eggs, beaten
  • 2 C milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pepper to tase

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees
  • Cube bread and place evenly in greased 9×13 pan or baking dish
  • Sprinkle evenly with sausage and cheese
  • Mix eggs, milk, salt and pepper and pour in pan
  • May cover and chill overnight (if left overnight, remove from refrigerator 20 min before baking)
  • Bake for 45 min or until set

 

Dots, Leopard, Denim, Oh My!

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I gave you a peek at these pants before on Instagram, and they have been getting a ton of wear lately. They have the look of denim but they are the stretchiest, most comfortable pair of pants with a flattering fit nonetheless. I’ve worn them with t-shirts and converse as well as light sweaters and heels just to give you an idea of their versatility. This particular day I threw on some chambray, a leopard belt to add a bit more interest, and my Blair Ritchey bag to finish off the look.  This likely won’t be the last time you see these pants on here, so I hope you like them as much as I do ;)

*Note that my shirt does not have bleach marks randomly splattered on it, the sun was doing its best to peek through the leaves on this particular afternoon :)

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Details: JCrew shirt / JCrew Factory pants / Blair Ritchey bag / JCrew Factory necklace / Target belt / Anthropologie bracelet / Michael Kors watch / BCBG heels (similar here and here)

Linking up with Style Elixir for this week’s Style Sessions.

Loving Lately

Hi friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. The weather was perfectly gorgeous which I always appreciate. I’m currently with my husband in NJ meeting with a new Lyme specialist that he was referred to. I haven’t updated you much lately on his condition, but there unfortunately hasn’t been much that has changed. Don’t get me started on what a frustrating disease this is! If you would, keep him in your thoughts/prayers today. This guy sure needs some relief. While we’re busy with all of that, I’m keeping my mind preoccupied with pieces I’m loving lately and sharing them with you all. Not much rhyme or reason to any of it but I’d happily add any one all of these items to my closet! Anything strike your fancy?

 

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1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

High Five for Friday

Happy Friday, all! We had another busy week around these parts, but overall it was a great week. Jack and I celebrated 8 years of marriage…let me rephrase, Jack and I had our 8 year anniversary and we’re working on the celebration part! I’m always surprised to hear how long we’ve been married and I’m even more shocked to remember that we dated for 10 years prior to that, yikes! High school sweethearts, we were. Celebration or not, I am so thankful to have this guy as my partner for life. There’s much in this life to look forward to and there’s no one else I’d rather have by my side.

Here’s what I captured this week:

1) Some pretty mums to brighten our front porch. This would also be the commencement of fall decorating, I really need to get on the ball!

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2) One of the many items that fell into my cart in Target this week. Dangerous, very dangerous. You’ve been warned.

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3) I got to view some of my 5 yo’s work during his first few weeks of Kindergarten at Back to School Night. He was to draw a picture and sound out the words to describe the image. I should have known Ninja Turtles would be involved!

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4) Fall comfort foods have entered our home. This Mac & Cheese continues to be a favorite.

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5) This post wouldn’t be complete without at least one shot of my children. This cheesy face will have to do ;)

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Have a fantastic weekend!

Linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday!

Fall Maxi

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It seems that maxi dresses find most of their love during the summer months, but I am just as big of a fan during the fall. The length that can often create too much warmth in the summer is the perfect insulator for chilly weather. I also enjoy trading in the sandals for some cute booties (or shooties) which take it up just a notch. This dress has been in my closet for a few years now and I’ve turned to it numerous times due to the fact that it’s the only maxi dress I own with sleeves. I’m potentially on the hunt for another cool-weather maxi so I’ve gathered a selection for you to browse with me below.

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Details: Splendid via Anthro dress (similar below) / DV by Dolce Vita shooties (options) / Cookie Lee earrings c/o / Francesca’s cuff (similar) / Michael Kors watch

Shop Maxi’s:

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Today I’m sharing with you a recipe that I tried a week or so ago for my family. It’s a great, hearty chicken dinner, perfect for the fall/winter months. Some evenings I hate baked dishes because it means I need to prep earlier than usual, but on the other hand once I get it in the oven I am able to get all of the prep dishes cleaned before we even sit down at the dinner table. For some reason that brings a smile to my face :) I served this dish with rice which complemented it perfectly and everyone highly approved!

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Here is the recipe via Cooking with Sugar:

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts, trimmed and filleted in half lengthwise
  • 1/3 cup of flour
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 (8 oz) container of sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup of sherry wine
  • 1 small can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 6 slices of Muenster cheese
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, dredge lightly in flour to coat both sides. Shake off excess.

Add oil to frying pan and brown chicken in batches on both sides. You don’t need to cook the chicken completely. It will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer the chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Add the butter to the frying pan and let it melt over medium high heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and brown mushrooms until golden. Then add the sherry wine and cook for another minute or two. Add the creamy mushroom soup and milk and mix well.

Pour sauce over the chicken breasts, cover with foil and bake in oven for about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and top each piece of chicken with one slice of Muenster cheese. You can fold the cheese in half if it is too wide for the breast.

Place chicken back in oven uncovered and broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve.

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