Last minute mani before heading out to ring in 2014. I just used black Sinful Colors nail polish. You can get this at any drugstore for $1.99. I then added Matte about you (matte topcoat) by N.Y.C.(around $1.99) And then I used ArtClub Nail Art Pen and Striper in white to swipe on the lines. (Purchased this at Meijer for around $2.00). 

Beauty

Beauty inspiration for NYE!

 

The MAC lipstick shown is a color I bought yesterday called Cyber.(It also looks really good with a MAC lipliner called nightmoth)  I am obsessed!!!! Definitely doing a dark lip tomorrow, steering clear of the red lip this time around.   I will always incorporate some glitter since it is NYE and all.  I have these little shadow pots from Chanel in silver and gold. 

They color doesn't crease, stays on all night and looks amazing. 

Side note: You can click these links to get to the products. Also, feel free to comment below for any questions!

Fashion

 

I will be honest and say I haven't thought a lot about what I am going to wear tomorrow, but I knew if I didn't start thinking tonight, I would be in a panic tomorrow.  I went to the mall today and kind of grazed around, and to be honest, the mall is a hot mess right now. I cannot shop that way. Everyone was taking stuff back, lines were long, and clothes were thrown all over the place. Can't do it. I know I have something in my closet that I can throw together, so the brainstorming begins. 

I am FOR SURE wearing fur and I have decided I will be wearing thigh high tights.  Not opaque, lingerie-looking thigh highs, but like legging material. Here are a few pictures/inspiration:

 

Crafts

I always craft/make things for friends and family for Christmas.  I think they are more thoughtful and of course, unique! 

Here are a few things I made over the holidays.

 

I bought small canvases at Hobby Lobby (you can get any size, just make sure you make your animal stencil larger).  Then I printed off this deer stencil  and this owl stencil. (or just
Google any animal stencil and copy and open it in Word and re-size and print) After you print that off, you will cut it out and stencil it onto your canvas.Next, you will need to make a chevron stencil.  I just got a ruler and made a chevron print on a piece of computer paper.  I cut it out and it made a stencil.  I laid it on the canvas and just copied it piece to piece on the canvas with a pencil (lightly).

Once you have drawn your designs on the canvas, you will paint your chevron print. You can obviously choose any color that you want! Let this dry completely, otherwise the glitter will stick to the wet paint. Then you will use Elmer's glue and trace the outline of the animal print and then get a small paintbrush and fill the inside of the stencil.
After you do that, pour the glitter! A lot of glitter!! Side note: Make sure you do this over a newspaper.  Once you pour the glitter onto the glue, you need to shake it off and then you can pour the glitter back into its container. I did this 2 times just to make sure it was covered completely in glitter.

Once it dries, I held the canvas up and sprayed a ton of hair spray on it.  This acts as a clear coat and it keeps the glitter in place!

I initially made mine for Christmas decor because we had black and white chevron wrapping paper and our decor is deer/antlers/etc but I think I have decided to keep it up! It looks really good on my mantle! After I posted a picture, I made one for my boyfriend's sister, his mom, and my best friend, Katy.

Comment below if you have any questions!

On the Menu...

We were given some fresh oranges from family over the Christmas break and they will be going bad pretty soon.  I do not like to waste fresh fruit (or veggies) so I decided I would make something sweet with these oranges.  After spending my morning converting European measurements to US measurements (and a quick run to Kroger for more flour), I decided to make a Sicilian Orange Cake. 

For cake:

• 1 cup of butter (2 sticks)
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp finely grated orange zest
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 1/4 cups of finely granulated sugar (you can put sugar in blender or food processor and beat until fine..not powder)
• 85 ml freshly squeezed orange juice

For icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 5 tsp freshly squeezed orange juice

Preheat oven to 350. Grease round cake pan.

Mix (with electric mixer) sugar and butter in bowl for about 5 minutes (until pale). Mix in orange zest. Then mix in eggs (one at a time).  When you add the last egg, throw in a tsp of flour to keep it from curdling.  Add all the flour all at once and mix.  Next, add in your orange juice and mix until well blended.  You will now add the mixture into round well-greased cake pan and pop in oven for about 45 minutes.  I always check my cakes/breads/etc with toothpick. If you insert toothpick in middle of cake and it comes out clean, then you should take it out.  If your cake us starting to really brown on top and it is not finished inside, then top the cake with loose aluminum foil to keep it from burning.

Let cake cool in pan on wire rack.

While it is cooling, make the icing. Just add the powdered sugar and orange juice until it makes a spreadable icing.  I added 1/2 tsp more than what it called for because I really wanted it to drip down the sides of the cake for a prettier presentation.  I also saved a pinch of the orange zest to sprinkle on top.Turn pan upside down to release cake and then flip it back over.  I put my cake on a cake pedestal and then spooned over the icing.

Voila! You have a beautiful Sicilian Orange Cake. Perfect with a cup of tea for breakfast or an after dinner treat.

Fashion

My favorite outfit right now.  I wore this on Christmas Eve.

Top: Vanilla Star  Vest: Free People  Leggings: Connection 18 from Marshalls  Boots: Golden Goose from H. Audrey.

On the menu...

We have not eaten at home in over a week, so we decided to whip something up tonight.  I always browse my Pinterest board for dinner ideas and we unbelievably agreed on these Chicken and Cream Cheese Taquitos.  It was the fastest dinner and easiest clean up ever.  (the recipe on my board says to fry them, we chose to bake them).
You will  need:

• 3 cups of cooked chicken, shredded (we bought a rotisserie chicken and used half of it. We are going to use the other half tomorrow for something else)
• 6 oz pkg of cream cheese, softened.  (I am not against off-brand products,because they are usually the same thing, but always use Philadelphia. There is seriously nothing worse than cheap cream cheese.)
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese. (we used Sharp Cheddar).
• 1 1/2 -2 cups of salsa, depending on how much you want. (I always get medium chunky Kroger brand salsa)
• soft tortillas

Combine the chicken, salsa, cheese and cream cheese in a mixing bowl and then spoon mixture onto tortillas and wrap. Try and get the smallest tortillas so you can make small little wraps (unless you want more of a taquito/burrito).  Place them on ungreased cookie sheet for about 15 minutes.  I cooked them for about 12 minutes and then flipped them and cooked for another 5. 

We dipped ours in ranch, sour cream, and salsa! Whatever floats your boat!

Beauty

If you don't know about Lush Cosmetics, then you are missing out! They only use fresh ingredients and each and every single product smells amazing and works so well. Not to mention, the company really cares about the environment and I really like that they use as little packaging as possible.  I have always really loved the Dark Angels cleanser.  I first ran across a pin on Pinterest about it and one day, while I was at the mall, I decided to try some.  The stuff is not cheap, but it really works and makes my face feel amazing.  As I was shopping around the Lush area, I could not help but to smell and touch everything!! The hippie in me really loves the scent of patchouli in the Karma Soap and the fresh, clean scent and feeling you get from the soap lingers all day long.  Another thing I love from Lush are their bath bombs!! The last one that I got was the Sex Bomb and it made my skin feel so soft.  (and of course, it smelled so good).  My boyfriend has also jumped on board the Lush Cosmetic train and only uses the Dirty hair cream.  He swears by it and will not use anything else on his hair.  Once again, it smells amazing!!! If you run across a Lush store, make sure you stop and try some things.  The associates usually will sample you out anything that you want to try and sometimes they will throw an extra bath bomb in your bag!

Fashion

Finally went shopping for myself yesterday.  Not too many places to shop here in Lexington, but Macy's and TJ Maxx usually have some good designer brands and they are having good sales right now.  I took a few photos of some things that I love right now.

             First 2 pictures: Free People from Macy's and the bottom picture is a cute faux leather jacket from TJ Maxx on sale for $25.

Beauty

I have seen this on Pinterest and decided to get some over Christmas break while I was at Target.  I really like some of the elf products (especially the brushes) but this is now my FAVORITE! This lip exfoliator works really well and it tastes amazing (like maple syrup and sugar). Like most of you, my lips get pretty chapped in the winter weather and I absolutely hate to see chapped lips when your wearing a lipstick (especially dark colors).  This is only $1.00 and it has now become a "must-have" in my daily beauty routine!

Holidays

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I will be posting new stuff about my new gifts and NYE styles soon! 

xox 

Fashion

Guys, I'm still on the fur. The top, black fur vest and fur jacket are all from TJ Maxx. 

Fashion

Last night was my friend, Tasha's 25th Birthday Celebration at Belle's here in Lexington.  Outfit for the night:

Blouse  Juicy Couture   Skirt Forever 21   Tights and Boot Socks Target   Boots Marshalls    Purse Foley & Corrina (I got it at H. Audrey)  Necklace I added different chains from broken necklaces and tied it on big black ribbon.

Obsessions

As I get older, I pretty much know what I am getting at Christmas. Here are a few things that I know are wrapped under the tree.

I really loved these Ray Bans , but I felt like too many people have them and I wanted something a little different, so I chose these instead.  (Click for website)  I posted a picture below of the ones I got.

I also really wanted some of these LL Bean boots and then also found these Sorel boots that were super cute.  I knew I would wear the black boots more because the majority of my closet is black.  It is a rarity if you ever see me wearing browns. Anyways, my boyfriend and I wanted to do somewhat of a limit this year because we always go overboard and we really wanted to get more gifts for our families, so I randomly found some look-alikes at Target that I loved (pictured below) !!!! Instead of $100-$150, I found these for $40!

 So those are the 2 things I knew that I wanted this year.  I always try and pick things that I know will not usually go out of style and things that I will use a lot.  The Ray Bans are timeless and I would wear them every day (switching between those and my folding Wayfarer's that he got me last year).  The boots are crucial for winter weather and they are a classic style.  These are pretty popular this year, but in case you did not know, this style has been around forever!! I was just watching Christmas Vacation last night and Clark Griswold was definitely donning a pair.

Music

The dopest. Nilla Soul at 'The Other Bar'. 

Fashion

Fit for the night. Tupac..and toilet paper.
Cardigan H. Audrey    Tupac Tank Urban Outfitters    Neon Scarf Forever 21  Flasses Forever 21 Men

On the Menu

Picture of finished product. Chicken Taco Chili. It was so good! 

Social

Belle's.

Finally a bar here in Lexington that I am obsessed with.  Good looking crowd, good music, amazing decor.  I want to rant and rave about this place because I have complained for about 3 years now about how much Lexington lacks a classy bar.  I always say "No matter how old I get, I will always enjoy an adult beverage, but I can't do the bar scene here (Lexington)". Well I can finally participate in adult beverage drinking in a social setting without fresh 21 year olds bumping into me and sloshing their bright blue fishbowl beverages onto my 'fit. I have yet to see a 'shot book' or a frat boy scuffle. Finger's crossed.

Here are some articles about this grown and sexy place, read up!

http://www.kentucky.com/2013/07/06/2706073/new-downtown-bar-to-be-named-in.html
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/11/18/2938138/belles-cocktail-house-specializes.html

Oh and the owners also have a bourbon review magazine....could it get any better??
 The Bourbon Review

Music

Fashion

Mixing knits today.  I don't know what I am going to do when Spring/Summer comes rolling in.  I am enjoying mixing/layering/piling on clothes.
Scarf Style & Co at Macy's   Sweater Ark & Co.  I purchased mine at Altar'd State, but you can also check out Ark & Co on Piperlime. 

Social

Tonight Nilla Soul is playing at 'The Other Bar' here in Lexington, KY. Not just because they are good friends and amazing guys, but they are so good and you MUST check them out.  I have never been to 'The Other Bar', but it is new and I am always down to check out new places.  Tonight they are having an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and $4 bombs. See ya there!

R&B Sides/Nilla Soul

The Other Bar

Music

I stayed up until 5:00 AM working on this blog and made a playlist of some songs that I am listening to right now. Music really sets the mood for EVERYTHING and it is crucial to have music on a blog. It's kind of like shopping without music...you start to feel weird when it's quiet.  When music is blasting and its a good mix, you are just like stacking clothes on your arm and really getting crazy.  I like that.  Anyways, when you go to my blog from your laptop you can hear the playlist, but from a Smartphone you can't hear anything (and my reader is probably reading the blog on-the-go on her phone). Well I am going to add some links to the jams. Oh, and if you don't have Soundcloud...GET IT!! Life-changing music source.

Music of the Moment:

• Make Damn Sure
• Let Go
• Hide & Seek
• Don't You Worry Child
• DJ Gary Klass, Designer Drugs.
• Youth (Breakage Remix)
• Fix You (Remix)
• TKO

Beauty

I mix my beauty products like I mix my fashion. Some things are expensive and some things are not. I like to call it 'Highs and Lows' (high price point+low price point).  For example, I have a beloved Alexander McQueen scarf that I might  mix with a basic white T from H&M and a faux leather jacket from Forever21.  So for my beauty products, I do the same.  I use box hair dye, but expensive salon shampoo and conditioner.  It doesn't even make sense, but it does.  I use Chanel shadows, foundation , powder, bronzer, mascara, mascara base and some other things, but I also use "drug store dupes".  I really like NYX cosmetics (Ulta has a good selection) and my all time favorite eyeliner is from Walgreens called Incolor Fabuliner. It's like $1.99 and I love it.  I have been wearing this liquid eyeliner for years!!! It is like a felt tip marker and it is super easy to put on. I normally do a winged-tip on my top lid with the liquid liner and then use a black pencil from Chanel for the bottom and rub a Q-tip across it to smudge it a little. 

Another "dupe" that I use on a daily basis is called Organix FX Formula 10 .  It is just as good as the 'It's a 10'miracle leave-treatment and its about $15.00 cheaper!

I'll be posting more 'Highs and Lows' soon.

Side note: You can click on any of these links, they will take you straight to the products!

On the Menu

Tonight we are having Chicken Taco Chili.  If I can use my Crockpot, I will.  It's easy and I don't have to think about dinner when 7 o'clock rolls around.  I was a little late putting everything in today, so I cooked my chicken a little on the stove before putting it in with the rest of the ingredients.  Otherwise, I would just put everything in (raw chicken and all) before noon so that it would be ready by 7pm. Anyways, here are the ingredients you need:

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can corn (slightly drained)
• 1 can tomato sauce (16 oz)
• 1 can (28 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 pkg of taco seasoning
• 2-3 chicken breasts (I used chicken tenderloins for this because it would cook faster)
• 1 tbsp. of chili powder

Throw everything in the Crockpot and after about 6 hours on high or 10 hours on low, you have Chicken Taco Chili.  I like to top mine with sour cream, shredded cheese and crunched tortilla chips. Enjoy! 

Ill post some pictures of the finished product later!

On the Menu

The other day, I made some homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies. Some Pinterest recipes are a total fail, but these turned out so good and they were delicious...and easy!! Click here for recipe!

Finished product.

(Side note: I bought some piping bags and tips from Hobby Lobby for around $8.00 to pipe on the cream.  Also, after piping and adding the second cookie, I placed them in the refrigerator for about an hour to harden them up a little before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap)

Fashion

fur, fur, fur (faux, of course)

It's all about the faux fur vests right now and they are sold out everywhere! Forever 21 in Nashville had a gazillion about 2 months ago, now they have zero.  I usually don't fall into too many trends, but this one is just perfect. I will say that I've been rocking the faux fur for a few years now.  I found a dark red faux jacket last NYE at TJ Maxx for about $30. I got a few stares with it on (and probably because I was at a dive bar and was walking around with my own bottle of champagne) but I love that I can carry it over this year. Anyways, here's some fur inspiration.

Obsessing Over

Anything from throw pillows to hand bags (and not because I drive a Mini...well maybe a little).  I found an awesome pillow at Bed, Bath, & Beyond for $25. Perfect on the couch with multiple faux fur and mis-matched pillows.  Adds a little edge to the shabby chic/romantic feel.
Get the pillow here!

well hello.

I am no Courtney Kerr, (even though I'm slightly envious of her career as a full-time fashion blogger) but I really wanted to share my style on just about everything. It's not only about what I wear...but what I cook, craft, drink, obsess over...ya know, just whatever I want. Welcome to my life.