- Part 82

November 9, 2015

Faux Style

It’s nearly that time of year. The time when we break the fur out of our closets and layer up! I don’t own a ton of fur pieces, but the few I do certainly get their wear. It’s safe to say that the majority of furs fall toward more natural colors, which makes those that don’t all the more fun to wear! I’m absolutely in love with this soft green or ‘silver pine’ version. It’s absolutely beautiful in person and I should warn you, people may ask to pet you ;) Outfits such as this will be perfect as your events begin to pile up for the holidays. A classic blouse with bow detail, your favorite pair of black pants, topped off with some fabulous fur. You can’t go wrong!

Have you guys checked out the relatively new CeCe by Cynthia Steffe line? In addition to the two pieces I’m wearing, I also love this vibrant swing top and need an excuse to wear this dress! You may want to check it out :)

CeCe by Cynthia Steffe top and vest c/o / JCrew Factory pants / pumps (love this option and this option) / Tiffany bow necklace

November 6, 2015

Loving Lately: Pink

Or should I say, Loving Always? There are a handful of colors I am drawn to wear….grays, blues and greens also top that list, but pink is always included, regardless the season. Here’s some eye candy for your Friday. I’ve included some items I have my eye on for the girls as well. The headband is a must for any little babes you may know. We have a few colors and they are oh so comfortable on Audrey’s sweet little head :)

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November 4, 2015

Merry Little…

Alright guys, I’m not one to rush the seasons, although I know it looks as though I am! I’ll be honest, my husband has already broken out the Christmas music as we prepare dinner and we’ve all been enjoying it! I know a part of this is because we are actually in a home, our home, this year and that thrills me to no end. I’ve had the spot scouted out for our tree for months, and I’m just beginning to envision the way I’m going to lay out the holiday decor. I’ve been browsing a bit so I figured I would share some of what I’ve been finding. It can’t hurt to start planning and get everything in order (and catch the sales as they come along!) because we all know how these next few weeks fly by!

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November 2, 2015

Bows + Polka Dots

I’m not one to shy away from feminine details. In fact, I tend to run straight towards them. Polka dots, topped off with a big old bow? Sign me up! It’s details like these that make an outfit effortless to put together. It’s basically a sweatshirt and jeans (hello comfort!) but it makes a big impact. If you’ve been reading for a while you may remember this or this outfit, which prove even further what a sucker I am for bows. This top came from the Kate Spade outlet recently. If you live near one, you can grab this for basically a steal. And if not, I have some other fun options for you to check out below.

Details: Kate Spade top (see options below) / DL1961 denim / Madewell booties / Stella & Dot necklace / Michael Kors watch

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October 30, 2015

Instagram Roundup

Last night was trick-or-trick in our area and once we got our sugar filled kids down to bed, it left little time for blog brainstorming. So with that, I figured I’d share a little of what’s been going on over on my Instagram feed for those of you that may not have seen.

Here are my three, decked out for trick-or-treat: a ninja, a little lamb and a Princess Sophia, turned ballerina with a side of kitty cat? I just roll with it ;)

I wouldn’t call myself crafty, at all, but once in a while it’s fun to try!

This beauty of a tree in our front yard looked like this just last week. And today, it is bare :(

Sweet Audrey spent nearly a full day with her tongue out. I love watching her discover new things….she’s currently working on her growl :)

This sweater on repeat but never looking the same.

Since Halloween has nearly passed, we can start to focus our attention on Thanksgiving. I picked this cute banner up at Target recently. It’s made of metal and looks great it person. I can’t find it online, although of course there’s a Merry Christmas for sale! ;)

October 28, 2015

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is one of my favorite meals. This particular recipe is one that I came across a few months ago and have made a handful of times since then. Marinades can make all the difference and I pat myself on the back every time I remember to do it the night before. I didn’t have capers on hand one time I made it and…..well, do yourself a favor and don’t forget the capers!

Creamy Grilled Chicken Piccata via Plain Chicken:

Chicken
Juice of 1 lemon (3Tbsp)
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp basil or oregano
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta
2 cups dried penne pasta
2 Tbsp butter
Juice of 2 lemons (6 Tbsp)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1/2 cup half and half (or heavy cream)
2 tsp dried basil
2 Tbps capers
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Chicken:
Combine first 6 ingredients and mix well. Place chicken in a ziplock bag and pour marinade over chicken. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator. When ready, grill until done. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes and then slice into strips to serve over pasta.

Pasta:
While chicken is grilling, cook pasta according to directions (10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain. In same sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in garlic and lemon juice. Pour in half and half and whisk until hot. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Add the parmesan cheese, basil and capers, and heat until cheese is melted. Check the consistency of the sauce and add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Toss in pasta.

Serve in pasta bowls with grilled chicken on top. Sprinkle with more parmesan if desired.

October 26, 2015

Sleeveless Sweater: Take #2

Sleeveless sweaters are quite popular this season. Likely because layering is fun (right?!) and this piece is perfect for that very reason. I first showed you how I styled this one here by layering over top of it with my denim jacket. Today I switched things up to show you the versatility of it by layering underneath. After a cute pair of booties, and a cape, I’d venture to say one of these should top your shopping lists this fall. I link to a few of my favorites (this one included) below.

Details: Anthro sweater (love this and this one as well) / Old Navy shirt / DL 1961 denim (similar) / Sperry booties (similar) / Earrings (similar)

October 23, 2015

Indoor S’mores

We all know Halloween is synonymous with treats….lots and lots of treats. Here’s a fun one you could use to mix things up a little bit for your friends/family that may be tiring of mini-candy bars. I was put in charge of preparing a couple of versions of ‘indoor s’mores’ for a fundraising event at my son’s school. No, I didn’t come up with these on my own but I do thank other bloggers for being so creative! Marshmallows dipped in chocolate, covered in crushed graham crackers and put under the broiler for a moment leads to a rather impressive sweet treat. One I’d pick over (or maybe in addition to? ;) ) a candy bar any day!

October 21, 2015

JCrew Fall Fav’s

Well I had planned an altogether different post for you revolving around a a favorite dish at our place, but then I sat down and got sucked into JCrew’s new arrivals yesterday. So that yummy dish will have to wait ;) There are so many new things to love, I wish you luck trying to narrow them down! I have a handful of favorites to share with you today and the bonus is that there’s currently 25% off full priced styles using code SALETREAT. What’s nice is that the sales start kicking in now through the holiday’s, but the downside is that sizes tend to sell out rather quickly. Especially the good stuff!

Have you checked out the new arrivals? What’s catching your eye??

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October 19, 2015

Fall Layers

Ok, it’s getting cold. Like rain, sleet, snow cold here in PA. Luckily there are SO many great sweaters and layering pieces out this season that you should be more than covered. The majority of this outfit came from LOFT and although the sweater vest does steal the show, I have to give these leggings some deserved attention. I came across them when I was out helping a few friends style outfits. They all fell in love with them and although I wasn’t shopping for myself that particular day I knew I’d be back for a pair (ok, two) of these! They are the perfect hybrid of a pant and a legging. Thick enough to provide warmth, but with the comfort of a legging and a wide waist band included (sorry, I can’t stand skinny elastic waistbands that squeeze your waist!). Seemed detail and an overall flattering fit make them my new go-to this season and next!

As I mentioned, the temps have been dropping so I threw on a blanket scarf when we headed out. I’m not quite ready for winter coats because once I start there’s no going back until March at best! So for now I’ll continue to embrace the beauty of layering. Come on fall, hang in there!