Weekend Steals & Deals + Outfit Ideas

Happy Halloween friends!  I hope you have some fun plans for the night.  I'm looking forward to getting the candy I bought for the trick-or-treators out of the house- I keep sneaking little pieces!  Please tell me you do that too.  We spent last night making spider hands for my son's class, and let me tell you, it's not as easy as you'd think.  My popcorn was too big, so it wasn't fitting easily inside the fingers.  I had to smash some of it to get it down in there.  Just a word to the wise if you ever attempt this.  You can see a cute video of this action on my Instagram.  And I'm such a girl.  Even the spider rings kinda creep me out.  But he thinks they're so cool.  :) This little guy will be the cutest Transformer ever tonight "Optimous Prime" in action!

As for the weekend steals and deals, I found a super steal for you this weekend that I'm excited to share.  We all know how hot plaid is right now and on a quick Target run this week, I found some awesome button-down plaid shirts here and here.  I already wore the top one "vivid blue" (not sure why they call it that- it's more teal). I didn't see this one in the store, but I want this color combo too.  And FYI, I like these to fit comfy, so instead of my usual size small, I liked how the medium fit better.  The bottom one I accidentally picked up a large, so I need to exchange it.  I like how it only buttons half-way down, great for leggings and boots.  But, the cool thing is, Target is having a buy 1, get 1 50% off on clothing, slippers, and sleepwear and free shipping on all items so these are a great deal.  

My favorite, easy way to wear a plaid shirt is with jeans, tall boots and a chunky scarf. 

shirt $22 | scarf $17.94 | jeans $69.95, $34.99 | boots $199.95, $129.90

Y'all know I can't get enough of a good striped tee.  This 3/4 length top from Ann Taylor was $49.50, went on sale for $24.99 and with 60% off all sale items, it's currently only $10.  Doesn't get much better than that! The added length on the back is nice for covering the tush too.  

For some super cute dresses, I adore these Eliza J brand that are marked down 40% from $98 to $58.80.  I always preferred a dress for work, made pulling an outfit together a no brainer. 

pink colorblock | grey + yellow | grey cable knit | tan + pink (also in grey + orange)

You might have a favorite pair of black pants, but how about a fantastic pair of grey?  These LOFT pants (which I've always found to be a great fit) are also marked down 40%, from $69.50 to $41.70.  

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 

If you still need a winter coat, I found this perfect Michael Kors peacoat with gold accents on sale for 40% off, regularly $180, now $107.98.  I have a white winter coat and get a lot of use out of it.  

happy halloween!

ANN TAYLOR:  Extra 60% off all sale styles.  No code needed.  FREE shipping on $175 or more & $8.95 flat rate shipping.  Ends 11/03.

ANTHROPOLOGIE:  Extra 25% off sale items.  Use code EXTRAEXTRA. Discount reflected at checkout.

BANANA REPUBLIC:  35% off full-priced items, no exclusions when you use your BananaCard, GAPcard, or Old Navy Card  Use code BRYOU Ends 11/3.  30% off full priced items, use code BRTREAT  Ends 11/2.  FREE shipping and FREE returns on orders over $50.

GAP:    30% off regular price styles.  Use code JOY  FREE shipping and FREE returns on orders over $50.  Ends 11/3.

LOFT:  50% off select Fall Styles and 50% off all sale styles.

NORDSTROM:  Always FREE shipping & FREE returns.

OLD NAVY:  25% off your order, online only.  Use code SAVE  Ends 11/5.



TARGET:  Buy 1, get 1 50% off on clothing, slippers, and sleepwear and FREE SHIPPING on all items. ENDS 11/01.

*affiliate links used

Time to Order Holiday Cards

In the past week, two girlfriends I know were having their family photos taken in preparation for their holiday cards, which got me thinking it's time to order our cards.  We had family photos taken back in February, so we'll use those for our Christmas cards this year.  My husband doesn't really voice an opinion about which card we order, but my four year-old son, on the other hand, has big opinions.  He and I will be browsing the Minted website this weekend and pick out our card together.  It will be hard to narrow down since Minted has so many cute options to choose from. I especially love their foil pressed cards, which I think are just beautiful.  But, we also have ornament cards, booklet cards, and minibook cards to choose from this year.  Decisions, decisions - the good kind! 

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 

I love that so many people do photo cards these days because we display those cards in our home  (as I'm sure you do too) throughout the holiday season and it's fun to see our friends' happy faces everyday.  I'll let you know which card we end up with soon.  I can't wait to see which designs James likes this year. :) Have you picked out your holiday card yet? 

Right now, at Minted, you get 15% off holiday card orders of $150 and 10% off orders of $100.  Use code HOLIDAY14.  Ends 11/3.  Better to order when you can get the discount! Happy browsing! I'd love to hear which designs are your favorites in the comments. 

*I'm proud to partner with Minted on this post.

Thanksgiving Centerpiece

I mentioned recently how our evening routines have changed lately.  I used to be so bad about burying my head in the computer as soon as my son went to bed, but now I'm shutting it down earlier and having more relaxing evenings. Said evenings often include The Voice (#teamGwen!),  Parenthood, and the occasional New Jersey, OC, and/or Beverly Hills Housewives episodes (#hangsheadinshame).  One thing I'm not embarrassed to admit is that I love to create a soothing space to do this relaxing in.  I spend a few minutes picking up toys and throwing them into baskets and then light a few candles to set the mood.  I'm a big night owl, so dimming the lights in the evening is actually helpful in getting me to bed at a decent hour. 

Since it's fall, I assembled some pumpkins, pinecones, apples, walnuts and acorns into my favorite dough bowl and added a few candles.  These little decorative ribbons tied around the candles are a sweet (if girly) touch.  

I must have Thanksgiving on the brain, because as I looked at my little candle set-up, I thought it would also make a great centerpiece for a Thanksgiving table.  It's perfect because it's low in height, so you don't have to look at your family through a tall vase of flowers.  And flickering candles are always a great addition to a nice dinner.

I clipped a few leaves from the tree in our front yard and tucked them underneath the fillings.  That simple addition made me love this centerpiece all the more.  

This centerpiece doesn't cost a penny if you use what you have on hand and will last way longer than your average vase of flowers.  

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On Honey We're Healthy:  LÄRABAR giveaway - And did you get a chance to check out the Sketchers I posted about last week? 

Thanksgiving Brunch

It's about this time of year that we start planning what we're doing for Thanksgiving.  As you might know firsthand, it can get complicated to try to spend time with everyone on both sides of the family on one day, but we always make it work.  I have two brothers, both with significant others whose families are in town as well, and my hubby's sister lives close and her husband's family is also here.  So, we typically do Thanksgiving at my sis-n-law's house in the early afternoon (with her now three kiddos, her husband's parents, and my in-laws if they're in town) and then head to my parents in the evening to be with my siblings and their kiddos.  But, this year it worked out best that we'll do an early Thanksgiving brunch at my parents house, then head to Stacey and Frank's (affectionally called Stank:) house in the afternoon.

via Wendes Gray

As my brothers' wife and girlfriend and I sat around the table last night plotting out the menu and who'll bring what, we got excited about this new event and now we're all planning to arrive still in our cozy pj's.  On the menu is coffee (of course), mimosas (yay!), bacon/sausage and eggs (bringing omelet/frittata toppings too), pancakes (with strawberries and blueberries), and sour cream coffee cake.  We'll all pitch in and they're bringing griddles so there's extra cooking space.  It will be fun to prepare this brunch together. 

via Indigo Crossing

via Southern Boy Dishes

via Shopgirl

via Rebecca Crump

via Brooklyn Limestone

Have you made your Thanksgiving plans yet?  It seems late this year.  How do you decide who's house to visit or when to stay home? 

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On Honey We're Healthy: LÄRABAR giveaway.

Weekend Steals & Deals + Outfit Ideas

Earlier this week, a stomach bug took out my son and I, but thankfully, we are all better and ready for the weekend.  Our school is closed today, so we're off to the zoo with a couple friends.  Over the weekend, we have lots of chores to do around the house that I'm actually looking forward to accomplishing (crazy, I know, but it will be great to get things done!).  And soccer is in full force with lots of cute, little boys that are bonding and growing up way too fast.  I'm so blessed to watch these young friendships blossom.

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I found some super cute fall dresses for under $50 and paired them with booties so you have the complete look.  I especially love the two loose fitting dresses at the top (here and here) - they hide any belly you may be self-conscious about, while still showing off your legs.  If it's cold where you are (or you just like the look), definitely layer a pair of tights under the dress. There are so many colors and subtle patterns to choose from.  I have the pink dress below and it's really cute on- but it doesn't stay closed at the top, so I layer a camisole or bandeaux top underneath.  

click the picture for outfit details or see below 

These fall sweaters are great on their own, but to make the outfit more interesting, you can layer a button-down shirt underneath.

1 ::  Floral Print Sweatshirt $40.80, 68

2 ::  Halogen Embellished Sweatshirt, $34.80, $58

3 ::  Halogen Instarsia 'Wonderful' Sweater $39.90, $68

4 ::  Halogen Embellished Sweater $39.90, $68

top to bottom & left to right

1 ::  GAP Silky Plaid Boyfriend Shirt $32.99, $54.95

2 ::  Halogen Instarsia 'Wonderful' Sweater $39.90, $68

3 ::  GAP Fitted Boyfriend Plaid Oxford $54.95 (other colors too)

4 ::  Old Navy Women's Boyfriend Oxford $18, $26.94

5 ::  Halogen Embellished Sweatshirt, $34.80, $58

6 ::  GAP Western Plaid Popover $29.99, $59.95

7 ::  Sandra Ingrish Plaid Boyfriend Shirt $40.80, $68 (also in black)

8 ::  Halogen Embellished Sweater $39.90, $68

9 ::  Old Navy Poplin Shirt $17, $24.94 (other colors too)

1 ::  Floral Print Sweatshirt $40.80, 68

2 ::  Old Navy Women's Boyfriend Oxford $18, $26.94

3 ::  Michael Kors Crossbody Bag $148

4 ::  Tassel Infinity Scarf $20 (5 other colors)

5 ::  GAP 1969 Real Straight Jeans $69.95

6 ::  TOMS Desert Wedge High Bootie $97.95

I know it sounds silly, but my heart started beating faster when I saw all these awesome Lucky brand tops on sale.  I love their originality and boho feel.  

top to bottom & left to right

1 :: Lucky Brand Dillion Studded Cotton Tee $52.80, $88

2 :: Lucky Brand Lilah Mirror Tee $59.40, $99

3 :: Lucky Brand Farrah Embroidered Jersey Top $35.70, $59.50

4 :: Lucky Brand Jordynn Print Peasant Top $47.70, $79.50

5 :: Lucky Brand Kyra Studded Print Jersey Top $35.70, $59.50

6 :: Lucky Brand Tiles Smocked Top $35.70, $59.50

7 :: Lucky Brand Paced Print Scarf Top $29.70, $49.50

8 ::  Lucky Brand Nyla Cinched Waist Top $35.70, $59.50

weekend steals & deals 

Be sure to check out Ann Taylor and Old Navy this weekend! So much goodness on sale!

*ANN TAYLOR:  50% off your entire purchase.  Use code FASHION50  FREE shipping on $175 or more & $8.95 flat rate shipping. Ends 10/27

ANTHROPOLOGIE:  Extra 25% off sale items.  Use code EXTRAEXTRA 

BANANA REPUBLIC:  50% off select styles + 40% off the rest of your purchase.  FREE shipping and FREE returns on orders over $50.  Use code BRSHOPNOW  Ends 10/25. 

GAP:    25% off your purchase online only.  Use code HAPPY & up to 60% off Fall styles.  FREE shipping and FREE returns on orders over $50.  Ends 10/25.

J. CREW: 25% off full price styles, plus and extra 30% off final sale styles.  Use code TGIFALL $5 flat-rate shipping and FREE shipping on orders of $150+  Ends 10/26.

J. CREW FACTORY:  Extra 25% off everything. $5 flat rate shipping and FREE shipping on orders over $100. Ends 10/28.

LOFT:  Extra 60% off Sale Styles and 40% off New Fall Favorites.

NORDSTROM:  Always FREE shipping & FREE returns.

*OLD NAVY:  20th Birthday Sale!  Up to 60% off everything.  15% off your order online only.  Use code ONSAVENOW

ZAPPOS:  Order before 1PM PST for FREE next business day shipping on all Clothing. 

*affiliate links used

Diagonal Painted Office Doors

Ever since I painted that wooden box in a geometric pattern using two shades of pink, gold, black and white, I've been thinking of doing something similar to my office doors.  Because this is a space just for me, I can do what I want with it, and if I like bright pink, bright pink it is!  I want to be inspired by the place where I spend my time dreaming, creating, and blogging.  

I took my time choosing three colors that I planned to use on two doors: Sherwin-Williams Coming Up Roses (below), In the Pink (light pink) and Bohemian Black.  But, after I painted just one of the colors (Coming Up Roses), I found I liked it two-toned, so I'm leaving it as-is for now.  I can't believe how much I love this fun pop of color in the room.  It just makes me smile when I'm working at my desk.  

Aside from figuring out where I wanted the diagonal to be, I painted these doors like I've done the other doors in my house- while on the hinges.  I started with an angled brush on the inner panels and near the molding, then used a foam roller for the rest.  

After painting two coats back-to-back, I carefully pulled up the tape while the paint was still wet to avoid any chance of peeling.  As long as you press the tape down really firmly from the beginning, you should get a nice crisp line.  Where I had a bit of seepage on the second door, I quickly wiped it away with a wet q-tip.

The photos below show how the doors looked before and after the diagonal paint job. 

Right after I finished painting, my husband was walking down the hall toward my office and I said, "be careful, there's wet paint."  "Wow." was all he said when he peeked inside.  Luckily, I don't have to worry about whether he likes it. ;) 

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Breast Cancer Awareness:  I'm proud to support breast cancer awareness this month. Many companies, including Skechers and Nordstrom, are donating to the cause as well.  You can show your support by visiting their sites and making a purchase that benefits the fight against breast cancer.  

Dressing Your Man

Y'all know I love shopping at Nordstrom for myself and also my son, but you might not know that I also browse the men's clothing and grab things for my husband now and then.  It's nice to surprise him with a new shirt or pair of jeans, especially since he hardly ever shops for himself.  If it were up to him, he'd probably wear short and shirts with sports logos most of the time.  But, I know he appreciates looking good and having something nice to pull out of the closet when it's time to go out.  

The key to successfully shopping for your man is knowing his style and not trying to force him into something that he won't feel good in.  I know it'd be a cold day in hell before I ever get my man to wear skinny jeans (not that I've tried) or a cardigan (okay, so maybe I tried), so I don't go there.  But, he looks great in a nice pair of Hudson or Joe's jeans and a colorful button-down shirt, so I'll often choose those for him.  If the style I bought doesn't fit (or he's not a fan), it's no problem to return since Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns.  

Does your guy feel most comfortable in a t-shirt?  Then get him a few you'd like to see him in.  I love those worn-in type tees and found a cool one featuring our home state (similar here and here) and also a cozy flannel shirt (similar) for fall that go great with two of his Joe's jeans (here and here).  

I admit to being crazy for a guy's baseball tee and have no idea why.  Mine got the red and grey one below recently.  They go great with a relaxed jean (here and here) and sneakers for a clean look.

For a casual outfit that's more dressed-up, you can go with a darker wash jean (here and here) and a button-down shirt.  Sneakers can be worn with almost anything these days, but loafers feel like you're giving your outfit a bit more effort.  These navy Toms got great reviews and they come in other colors.  

For date night, a black pair of jeans (here and here) says nighttime and looks great with a button-down and nice pair of black shoes. 

Do you shop for your man?  Does he like what you pick out? 

I'm proud to partner with Nordstrom on this post.

Fall Decor : Pumpkins, Flowers and Baby Breath

There was this little, white shabby chic wooden wagon sitting in the entrance to my Hobby Lobby that I kept passing every time I went to the store.  I would think, "You sure are cute, but I don't really need a wagon and where would I keep you when I'm not using you anyway?"  But, I'm so glad I finally decided to bring him home.  It's been almost two years and he's been seen around our house at Valentine's Day and Easter, and now for the Fall decor on our front porch. 

It could be all the Fixer Upper I've been watching lately (don't you just love that show and those people?!), but I'm more and more drawn to rustic elements lately.  

For this little white wagon, I started by putting in a shoebox for height, then covering it with hay I had left over from previous Fall decorating escapades.  A daddy, mama and baby pumpkin came next along with a few faux apples to fill in the gaps.  Fresh flowers and sprigs of baby breath add life to the wagon.  Although our weather is cooling, we're still seeing highs in the 80s, so these flowers seem appropriate here. 

When I worked in a flower shop in high school, we kept single stem flowers alive in plastic test tubes filled with water and a rubber lid with a slit, so if you wanted to ensure your live flowers don't die, you could add those here and bury the tubes down into the hay.  Of course, faux flowers and baby breath would be cute too and hassle free. 

I brought my flowers and baby breath inside to keep them alive and love the natural look of using an old sun-dried tomato jar and vanilla jar as vases.  Again, the rustic influence is coming through in leaving the label on the jar.  

I love these Fall months! 

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On Honey We're Healthy:  Clear Skin & Non-Oily Hair Solutions

Breast Cancer Awareness:  I'm proud to support breast cancer awareness this month. Many companies, including Skechers and Nordstrom, are donating to the cause as well.  You can show your support by visiting their sites and making a purchase that benefits the fight against breast cancer.