Friday Favorites: Well hello fall!

Hello Everyone,

Best day of the week is finally here again. I wanted to focus my favorites this week on my favorite fall items that I hope to own very very soon.

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#1. Hunter boots are on my list of items that I am dying to have for fall/winter. They are the perfect, chic, go-to look for those wet slushy days that tend to ruin your shoes with that annoying salt.

#2. This fabulous beauty just so happens to be marked down in the sale Nordstrom is currently having. I am dying to have these Steve Madden pumps. Cobalt blue just so happens to be trending this fall as well, so I plan to accent my outfits with it as much as possible!

#3. Oh my heavens, I am so obsessed with this eyebrow powder I could sing!! I was recently introduced to it at a make up class we had at my work Suggestions Salon. I worked with Jane Iredale in school, so I already knew how amazing it was. We carry it at the salon so I have a lot more opportunity to play around with it. So far this brow powder and gel duo is my favorite and has now made its way into my routine.

#4. I am loving the idea of making a Halloween wreath this fall. Watch for a halloween/fall DIY tutorial from Jess and I. We will be making wreaths and cute fall decorations here soon.

#5. I want one of these cargo jackets as a go to fall/winter look this year. They look so adorable with leggings and hunter boots. This one can be found on Shopsosie.com

#6. Fall/winter means time to put away the workout shorts and tank tops, and bring out the leggings, pants, and windbreakers. I am in love with these seafoam workout capris from Albionfit. They are doing an additional 20% off all items including sale items right now!

On Monday we will have a roundup of all the amazing Labor Day Sales! Have an amazing weekend!

XOXO

Top Fall Trends for 2014

Hey Everyone!

Wondering what to wear this fall? You're in luck because we've gathered all the hottest trends for the fall season in one place for you today! Fall is definitely the most fashionable season, and gives you the most trends to play with. And let's be honest, fashion is so much more fun with layers:) Below we have listed our favorite fall trends along with some of our favorite items from those trends. My personal favorites are the leather, leopard, and lace trends, but I'm hoping my wardrobe will find some room for a pair of caged pumps as well ;) Which trends will you be trying this year? Which trends do you love and hate? 

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XOXO

Kathryn's Pink and Glitter Baby Shower

Hi Everyone!

I'm so excited to show you the results of my hard work over the past few months! Here was my inspiration for the shower. I wasn't able to do everything I wanted for the shower due to a really crazy schedule at work, but I think it still ended up quite lovely, and Kathryn was able to get some really great things for her baby (which is the whole point of a shower)!

Let's start with the tassel garland I made for the fireplace. We shared a tutorial a few weeks ago on how to make it. It was perfect for the fireplace and added just the right amount of pink and gold to show off the presents.

Yes I am that person who color codes my wrapping paper to the party I am throwing. I collected money from other coworkers, and was able to purchase some really nice gifts from Kathryn's registry.

I'm a big believer in candy bars at showers. They are pretty to look at and yummy to eat (which to me is the perfect combination). I ordered the candy off of Amazon.

For the favors I knew we had to have pink nail polish to celebrate Kathryn's little girl. I used these tags in my bestie's lingerie shower, and I was "tickled pink" to use them again.

I ordered these puff balls off of Amazon and put them together slowly in the weeks before the party. They are a pain to put together, but are so cute!

I bought this tray from Hobby Lobby for 40% off and spray painted it at about midnight the night before the party. I found the straws on Etsy.

I showed you these glitter letters last week. I added glitter to the top and sides of the letters after I took the pictures of the tutorial. You can find out how I made them here.

I took this picture of Kathryn blowing a bubble a few weeks ago, and surprised her by putting it on all the popcorn containers (sorry for the blurry picture). "She's Ready To Pop." I ordered the containers off of Oriental Trading for super cheap!

These nutella cups were amazing! I will definitely be sharing the recipe soon!

I made these the night before the party (literally was spray painting them in the dark outside), so I didn't have time to make a tutorial. I promise to do so soon though! They were so gorgeous!

I buy all my invitations from Etsy. I have used this shop multiple times, and the results are always perfect.

My cohosts and the guest of honor.

The gorgeous cohosts.

The mama-to-be was glowing!

Playing the 'paper plate' game. Guests had to attempt to draw a picture of Kathryn's baby with the plate on their head. Kathryn chose the person whose picture most resembled a baby. The results were hilarious.

Opening presents.

It made cleaning up much sweeter knowing I now own these amazing glitter mason jar vases!

XOXO

A Little Bit Fancy with eShakti

Outfit Details

Dress: eShakti c/o | Wedges: Kohl's | Watch: Michael Kors |

Necklace: Blissbybrookfitts (on sale!) | Sunglasses: Kate Spade | Purse: Michael Kors (old), similar

Hey guys!

Isn't this dress fabulous?! I just love how bright and happy it is! I think it will be a good piece that I can wear into fall, I'll just throw on a pair of knit tights and some boots. For now I am loving it with a cardigan and wedges! Besides the versatility, I love this dress because it was custom designed just for me by eShakti. eShakti is an online retailer that specializes in one-of-a-kind dresses, skirts, jackets, and tops that offer unique designs and fit for each shopper.

When we first learned that a store existed that customized each piece of clothing on their site to fit you perfectly, we were so excited to try them out. The process was super simple and the dress fits like a glove! eShakti customizes each order specifically to your height, weight, and body type. I just typed in my measurements and placed my order, and the result was a dress that fits every curve of my body perfectly. eShakti is also appealing because you can choose the sleeve type, length, and neckline for every item.  This is really appealing since I like my dresses and skirts longer, and prefer certain sleeve lengths that I feel look more flattering on me. I already have my sights set on my next eShakti purchase, but until then look for Jess's collaboration with eShakti next week!

Tomorrow, Jess is revealing how her party turned out! And don't forget to enter the Madewell giveaway. You only have two more days!

XOXO

*Special thanks to eshakti for sponsoring this post.

Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken

Hey Everyone!

Happy Monday! Danica and I have 11 more days until we are sailing in the Caribbean so it is a happy Monday indeed. I also hosted my friend's baby shower this weekend, and I can't wait to show you the final results! Look for those pictures this Wednesday.

I mentioned this recipe in my favorites on Friday and I'm sharing it with you today. This recipe is sooo much better than takeout, and about a million times healthier. I promise you will love it. It takes about an hour to cook, but the result is so worth it. I've changed the recipe from the one that I found, but I'm sure that it is good both ways!

Recipe 

Ingredients:

Chicken:

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Salt and Pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola, vegetable, or coconut oil

Sauce: 

3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly oil a 9x13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.

1. Whisk together sugar, rice vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Stir in cornstarch and gently toss to combine.
4. Working one at a time, dip the chicken into the eggs.
5. Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add chicken and cook until gold brown, about 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate; discard excess oil.
6. Add chicken to prepared 9x13 dish. Top with sweet and sour sauce.
7. Place into oven and bake until the sauce has thickened, about 55 minutes, turning over every 15 minutes to evenly coat the chicken.
8. Serve immediately.

(adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafe)

Funny story for your morning: Yesterday Sky and I went on a walk with his parents on the trails surrounding our neighborhood. As we walked we happened upon a man using the bathroom. And not just using the bathroom...going #2. He was facing away from us, standing upright, right by the trail, so we saw everything. It was hilarious/super disgusting at the same time. I'm not sure what he was thinking being that close to the trail, or what his wife was thinking who hadn't bothered to warn us.

We also saw this deer:

As Skyler put it, our walk was full of bucks and balls...

P.S. Don't forget to enter our giveaway for your chance to win a $300 gift card to Madewell!

XOXO!