Cheers to Friday!

I hope you all had a great week!
Before I get into my rambling, I wanted to share this velvet top that is a perfect velvet pick on a budget!
It is currently on sale for under $15 and comes in a ton of colors.
Great to throw on with jeans and go, or wear with a skirt and heels for the weekend!

// VELVET TOP // runs large, size down // JEANS // BOOTIES //
P.S. Old Navy started their Black Friday Sale wayyy early
and is having 40% off site wide and 50% off for cardholders!
other great suede options are this sleeveless top . this ruffle tank .
and this cami. all under $20 right now! 

Another favorite find lately that I shared on instagram but forgot to share here
is these insanely adorable RAIN FLATS! 
yes….. that’s right…. they are RUBBER.
And even up close they look like buttery perfection.  I am in love.

// MELISSA BOW FLATS //  run true to size
they also come in BLACK and are 50% off in PINK
 the pink are so stinking cute! 

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I can’t believe next week is Thanksgiving!
I am in full blown Thanksgiving prep mode.
This is the first Thanksgiving in 4 years that my Brother + Aunt + Cousins will all be together.  We used to all get together every year, but now there have marriages and in-laws and 4 babies and it hasn’t worked out for us all to be together.  To say I am excited is the understatement of the century.  I haven’t even seen my one cousin in 4 years! I can’t wait for all of us to get together – I always laugh so hard my stomach hurts when we are all together

Also, last year for Thanksgiving, I caught the flu and passed it on to my mom, so Kip flew to Chicago without me and I didn’t eat a single morsel of food for days.  So I am ready to grub this year!

Speaking of grub….
I am making A LOT of the food for Turkey Day this year and I am excited but nervous!
I am making chicken tetrazzini for dinner for Wednesday night for everyone, batches of our vegetable chowder for people to munch on during the week, and then several things for actual Thanksgiving.  I am thinking that I’ll do 2-3 app’s, corn casserole,  mashed potatoes, and brussel sprouts.  I’ll likely make a crack cake to have on hand, but not as a Thanksgiving dessert.  I’m hoping to add another veggie side in there, but may cave and just do a Hash brown Casserole (my mom claims you can’t have the mashed potatoes AND a hash brown casserole, but when I want ALL THE CARBS I want ALL THE CARBS.  So maybe I’ll just make the hash brown casserole all for myself…..)
For the brussels, I am going to do my girl Ina’s Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts

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:: FRIDAY FINDS ::

Just in time for Turkey Day, and no need to wait for Cyber Monday,
this absolute kitchen must have is 50% off!

pleats + velvet + blush + under 100

I keep changing my Thanksgiving outfit, but this cross-front tunic (in taupe!) with leather leggings would be adorable! 

If you’re only going to get one sweatshirt for going to and from the gym, make it this adorable textured pullover.
 orrrrr this one if you want a little more warmth! 

These sueded OTK boots are on sale for under $100!

I have a pair of gold Christmas bow earrings I wear all December for years and years (and get a zillion comments!) but these gold bow earrings may be even better! 

I want this cozy $49 sweater in every color! 

The forrest color on these is to die for. (and if you disagree, you’re wrong there are 18 other colors to choose from!)

If you’re a SPANX lover (who isn’t?) these velvet leggings are a must – I love the Moonshadow color. 

The detail in these heels is perfect for party season. 

A statement signet ring with mother of pearl details. 

A great under $50 gift option for any lady in your life. 

Holiday jumpsuit season has arrived (although, my-boyfriend-andy-cohen and I would argue it’s always jumpsuit season) 
My true life jumpsuit crush – I would kill for this thing. 

i love the high sides on this knit – I have a similar striped version – pairs great with high waisted jeans, too. 

This long sleeved black dress has such gorgeous (and dare I say sexy) details with the drawstring and side cut out. Perfect choice for a date night when it’s chilly out! 

A robe that is the perfect combo of comfy and sexy. And a steal! 

Neutral cozy + casual dress thats perfect for daytime, nighttime, and holidays! 

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:: LINK LOVE :: 

How couples deal with splitting time during the Holidays. 

How to workout without ruining your hair. (more ideas than just dry shampoo…. but really, my answer is dry shampoo. always.) 

20 Thanksgiving inspired table decor ideas. 

The official trailer for the Versace True Crime Story is out, and I can’t wait! 

10 Best Places to Raise a Family in America (I’m including this because we just moved from half the list : every Chicago suburb. Oops! At least we’re warm :D) Oh! But Atlanta was voted the #2 Place to live for Singles…. so… I’m married but we’ve got that going for us.  

Instyle Rounds up the 50 Best Fashion Tips of all Time 

8 Things not to say at the Holiday Table (aka things that will be said to you, for sure.) 

Why you seriously don’t need to worry about all of the calories on Thanksgiving.  Pah-REACH. 

12 Fall trends not worth spending more than $100 on. 

A Thanksgiving Timeline checklist – how to get it all done! 

Cheers to Friday!! 

The cooler temps have finally come in, so it’s the perfect time to share this cozy sweater with you all! I love the pearl beading detailing, and it also has tiny little cz diamond studs scattered in there too. It’s under $50 and comes in three other styles as well.  I’m planning to wear it with my under $100 black faux leather skirt next! (skirt runs small, I wear a M)

// GREY BEADED H&M SWEATER //    // RAG & BONE JEANS // 
sweater runs short, I am wearing an XS  

I also found this extremely similar sweatshirt!

// EMBELLISHED SWEATSHIRT // 

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I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is two weeks away!! Ah!
We are going to a Friendsgiving celebration this weekend and I have been searching two of my favorite food blogs for inspiration, How Sweet Eats and SkinnyTaste.  One is definitely filled with more decadent websites than the other, but I love both.
I love brussel sprouts, so on the healthier side dish list these caught my eye :

Brussel Sprouts Gratin 

and Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Shallots with Balsamic Glaze 

I was planning on bringing a baked brie as an app, but these Phyllo Cup Baked Brie Bites look even more adorable! I love serving things in the little phyllo cups (and you prep it, pop it in freezer, and bake off a tray as needed!)

:: FRIDAY FINDS ::

Everyone’s favorite dress in a sweater form.

Some statement making stilletos for under $90 – they scream party!

I have last year’s version of this sweater coat and live in it – under $50 and super flattering.

Perhaps my favorite Tory Burch purse yet; can’t decide if I like the ivory or the royal navy better?!

The caramel color of this open drape sweater coat is a great neutral for layering.

Amazing statement necklace for only $22.

I adore the neckline and the colors of this long dress – wishing I had seen this for a wedding guest dress!

This plaid poncho is a steal and has amazing reviews; others I have tried are super heavy and oversized but this one seems just right.

Fun + fashionable leggings to add to your workout wardrobe.

Quilted vests in every color + print, on super sale for under $25! (I especially love this version!)

This rose velvet dress is so romantic and looks so expensive but is perfectly priced.

Ah-mazing holiday dress option. 

Never met a jumpsuit I didn’t like (but really…. when will they figure out how to magically make using the restroom easier?)

This adorable purse is 33% off – love the shape and color. 

So many great holiday options this season! Love this in the Malbec color. 

:: NORDSTROM SALE : UP TO 40% OFF FAVORITES ::

Some of my favorites from the Nordstrom Sale!

BOOTIES : ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE

DRESSES : ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE

TOP : ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE

BOOTS : ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR

:: LINK LOVE :: 

How to avoid waiting in line at brunch : The 11:47 Theory. 

As you probably know, Kelly Dodd’s divorcing her husband, and their $5 Million beach pad is up for sale.  And it’s listed by Team McGonigle from that new Real Estate Wars show on Bravo that seemed so awful that I am keeping it DVR’d for a ‘nothing to watch’ rainy day.
 And speaking of Housewives Homes, I am getting RULL antsy to see Heather DuBrow’s Chateau.  There have been lots of instagrams though – all of those sneak peeks are compiled here.

Want to squeeze in a workout this weekend, but short on time? Here is a 10 Minute HIIT and 20 Minute HIIT for a total body workout FAST.

Carrie Underwood’s ‘In Memoriam’ performance on the CMA’s was so incredibly moving.  If you missed it, it’s worth listening to her sing ‘Softly and Tenderly’.  Made me cry.

First we had the Jen + Reese TV Show news, now there may be a Big Little Lies 2.  I don’t really understand how? And the first was based off of a book? But I don’t care – it would be amazing.  I can hear the intro music playing already….. 

What the Heck are Nootropics? Everything you need to know, from the founder of Bulletproof line you’ve probably heard of Bulletproof Coffee…) 

I’m so excited for Thanksgiving Round One tomorrow!
time to start planning what elastic waist ensemble to wear……

Have a great weekend everyone!!! 

Cheers to Friday! And November!
Holiday everything can officially now commence!
Too soon? I feel like once it’s November it’s allowed? T
he shopping part at least…. we won’t get a tree until Thanksgiving. 

My husband is home for the first time in almost two weeks (he was traveling for work, went straight to his friends wedding, and then straight back to Las Vegas from there) so I am very excited to have a weekend at home with him.  Which for me equals doing nothing and for him will equal washing his beloved truck, working in the yard, wanting me to start 97 home projects with him while leaving the other 57 in mid-completion states of disarray….. ya know…. the usual.
A definite date night is in the works for tonight, and then hopefully hanging out on the porch with a fire going! 
although it was 75 on my walk after work last night, so probably no fire again for a little while…..  

:: Fixer Upper // Desert Flippers ::
My Fixer Upper depression is setting in.  Hard.  I am seriously so upset that it’s ending. (I know, I know; I’ve said this like 10 times in the last few weeks)
I am very, very excited for new episodes to start later this month though! 
But I just caught a new-to-me show with a sweet couple on HGTV that may make it the teeny tiniest bit better.  Not because they are Chip + Jo (I mean…. no one is) but they are sooooo much better than the annoying fake drama filled Flip or Flop with Tarek and Christina.

Desert Flippers is set in Palm Springs and they seem to be easy, fun 30 minute episodes.
Set your DVR’s if interested!

:: This is Us Wedding :: 
I love seeing all of the photos from This Is Us’ Justin Hartley’s wedding.  It just seems like they all really love each other off set like they on set, and I LOVE having a feel good show that makes me cry every week to watch.  We need more shows like this so badly!

editors note: When the reality TV addict is begging for more feel good scripted shows, you know something is seriously lacking in the TV world!  

This was the most depressingly true thing this week.

Actually…. my constant lack of wifi and TV this week along with my realization that I hate being along with my own thoughts probably was. Especially on a Sunday…. coming home from a 3 day wedding weekend ready to binge some shows and calm the Sunday Scaries, only to realize both internet and TV are non-existant and that I have 6 hours until bedtime in a house all alone….. THAT…. that was probably the most depressing of the week……
but ya know, I’m a mature well rounded lady, so I just panicked and tried for 2+ hours to plug and unplug everything until I almost cried, finally gave up, and collapsed into bed and picked up a book and read.

:: FRIDAY FINDS ::

Perhaps the item I want most out of everything on this list.  PERFECT for the holidays. 

The go-to clutch for all occasions for under $40! 

A V-Back and Velvet Bow make this super soft sweater extra special. 

Why, oh why, have I not bought this sweater dress yet? 

This eyelet top would be just as perfect with jeans everyday as well as tucked into a skirt for a more casual holiday look.  

A yummy oversized mock neck sweater to live in all winter with jeans. 

Hurry! This velvet dress is selling fast and I am in lurve. 

This bow-detail dress screams Kate Spade, but is a fraction of the price! Love both colors. 

I found tons of great scarves that are all well priced but give off Burberry vibes! 
ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE

An oversized under $100 faux fur wrap is a great scarf alternative, and a must have for dressier occasions. 

This is a great stretchy workout jacket to layer for the trips to an from your workout. 

Great little cocktail dress under $100 with a fun twist in the front. 

Love these velvet tops for under $40, especially the black. 

I’m still having a moment for Pleated Skirts, especially with holidays on the mind.
ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE

A little leopard goes a long way. (and a slightly larger print)

Okay, sorry not sorry, one more leopard: love this leopard top.
It’s animal print gone preppy and done so, so right! 

Some of my favorite booties on S-A-L-E. so many good sales right now! 

Perfect dress for the Preppy girl. 

I’ve been hunting for a great poncho this fall; love that this one is under $75 and reversible! 

:: LINK LOVE :: 

Speaking of Fixer Upper (not stopping, sorry not sorry), I loved this article with 25 things you never knew about their kids (no TV’s in the house at all! I guess that’s the key….. too late for me….) It’s so cute to see that their kids are often sitting at their feet when they are filming all of their commentary.  

A Healthy Girls Guide to Shopping at Costco.  I feel like since we moved South, people are constantly saying “What! You don’t have a Costco membership!?”  I’m like ummmm there are 2 of us? But apparently once cars + space are an option we are supposed to get a Costco membership!?

I totally forgot about this crazy kidnapping case  and because I am murder/crime podcast obsessed right now I’m really wanting to know what actually happened! Thank you to the reader who recommended A Murder On The Cape, I just started it and am really liking it so far! 

I watched the Iris Apfel documentary awhile ago on Netflix, so I loved seeing this article about her + her husband. They are so adorable. 

I know Halloween is over, but I am still loving looking at all of the costumes.  I love the Chia Pet costume out of this collection of dog costumes. And my personal favorite that I saw on instagram was this Airline Pilot going through the airport on Halloween. 

Hope you all have a great weekend!!! 

Cheers to the Weekend!!!

I flew yesterday to NY for the wedding of one of my best friends from college.  The wedding is in Tarrytown, NY and I visited the venue with her the last time I was in NYC so I am so excited to be back now that it is fall.  It looks like the cutest town and is right next to Sleepy Hollow so I think that this time of year there will be tons going on! Follow along on instagram stories I’ll be posting tons of pictures!

:: New favorite Hostess Gift/Gift ::

When in stock, and when you need something to give to someone, give them one of Trader Joe’s giant orchids.  When a friend had a baby, I drove over with one buckled up in the passenger seat.  Another fried just had surgery, and lo and behold TJ’s was there with more $17 orchids.  They are huge and gorgeous and make such an impact.  Even if they kill em, they look gorgeous for a bit!

I also get the little baby one’s for my tiny shelves in the kitchen, and the regular size too.
They had little Halloween inspired succulents too, so ya know, treat it like Target and just throw everything you don’t need but see and want into the cart!

:: GREEN OUTERWEAR PICKS ::
My all time favorite jacket year after year is an army green anorak or cargo jacket.
They are the perfect layering piece and go with any other colors in your outfit.
I have had one for almost 10 years now that I got from Piperlime (RIP Piperlime…. I loved you so much) and then snagged another go-to jacket from Old Navy at the beginning of the year.
I’m wearing it on my flight as I type this!

Almost all of the options below are under $100 and most of them are on super sale!

TOP ROW : :  one  //  two  //  three  //  four 
MIDDLE ROW :  one  //  two  //  three  //  four 
BOTTOM ROW :  one  //  two  //  three  //  four 

:: FRIDAY FINDS ::

I wore a dress almost identical to this to our engagement party years ago and love, love, love this classic asymmetrical cut

Love this update to a plaid shirt; flattering and feminine and perfect for Fall.

Those of you that love velvet this season and need a gown for a wedding or occasion, this under $100 find would be perfect.

My favorite pair of statement earrings that I own is out in three new colors that are perfect for fall + winter. 

Lace sleeves add a perfect detail to this sweater dress under $100.

My draped front faux suede jacket that I have been living in is now 30% off in the faux leather option! 

The dress that I have been wearing on heavy rotation and own in 3 colors is back with an additional new color that’s perfect for fall.

A great go to LBD with a figure flattering fit + flare style. 

I love a stacked ring set, and am always hunting for inexpensive options.  This gold + diamond (obviously CC, but I’ll say diamond) is gorgeous.

A look that gives you options! Built in layering and a bow that can easily be removed or added to complete the look.

The 3/4 length sleeve + deep green color make this dress a great option for the cooler weather.  And it’s on sale for under 100!

I stocked up on these long sleeve tees last fall and they are still my go-to for everyday.  My sister and I constantly show up wearing the same one! This years version is even better with a side slit. 

If you only buy one sweater dress this season, make it this one. Perfect color + Perfect price!

Attention Monogram Lovers : I’ve never seen a monogrammed necklace quite like this! 

An asymmetrical hem and the deep burgundy color of this velvet sheath dress are great for a night out. I love the deep V neck line!

I’ve seen a lot of lace dresses lately, but none that are strapless like this beautiful lace option.

:: LINK LOVE ::

These chinoiserie pumpkins are the way Halloween decorations should always be done.

10 Bucket List Italian Hotels.  I was going link to link in articles and came across this list and mark my words: One day when I go back to Italy I will stay in one of these hotels (or have a cocktail in it?)

  I’ve never seen the real documentary from 1975 in full, but I’ll never forget seeing Drew Barrymore in the movie Grey Gardens.  (I feel like people never know what I’m talking about when I say Grey Gardens? It’s the crumbling mansion where Jackie Kennedy’s relatives lived with raccoons and animals. It’s nuts!) Anyways, the house is up for sale and is having a big estate sale. 

Worldwine wine output is at an all time low! (And this doesn’t take into account the most recent fires in California!)

10 Healthy Life Hacks from Molly Sims (I’m adding her book Everyday Chic to my list! And this led me into a dark hole of her blog and I loved that too!)

Options for workout headphones that actuallystay in your ears 

In case you’re in need of last minute costume ideas, here are some cheap homemade options! 

Cheers to Friday!
It was our first week of fall temperatures and it was heavenly.  I’m still somehow the idiot that can’t figure out how to dress, because its still mid 70’s in the day and I’m the moron dressed like it’s 50 degrees outside when I could be in sandals and a dress for crying out loud.  When will I ever learn?

We have plans to work on a few projects on the yard + porch this weekend, and then we are heading up to the lake Saturday to my friends place for one more spin around the lake and some football and grilling out.

I made The Style Scribe’s Butternut Squash Noodles with Sage and Goat Cheese and absolutely loved it!

Buy the noodles already spiraled and this is the fastest meal ever! It reminds me of a much healthier version of my favorite dish I had last Christmas at the beach of pasta with brown butter and sage.  YUM.

Last weekend we went shopping for some home items and stopped at the Ballard Designs outlet and also at Nadeau.  I know those of you outside Atlanta don’t have access to the Ballard Outlet but it is amazing.  I could walk out of there with so much every time.  We were hunting for a piece for the patio – like a sideboard or table of some sort to put up against the empty wall by our bedroom door that leads out to the porch.  We didn’t it there, but we snagged these initials for a dollar a piece.  They had ever letter in every size and finish, all the way up the big marquee letters for just $1!

We are going to hang the big Marquee Letter somewhere on the wall out there most likely.

such a steal for only $1!

We also went to Nadeau and luckily we found an amazing piece for the patio that I am so, so excited to share.
Nadeau is all over the place, so look it up to see if there is one near you – I got my favorite piece of furniture ever at the Chicago location years ago (the grey sideboard in our entryway)! Kip went straight for these oars (and I loved them too) so we are going to hang them somewhere outside on the porch.

Two songs I loved this week :
This isn’t a new song, but they played a remixed version of it as the final song in FlyWheel
(and it was a Soul Cycle moment waiting to happen).

and Ed Sheeran’s new song Perfect

As I mentioned Monday, my phone had to be wiped clean after shutting off and not coming back on. Sigh.
I lost about 2 months worth of photos and all my apps and everything, and I was phoneless for 2 days.
However, at the end of the day I had to remind myself IT’S A PHONE.  Who cares.
although sleeping with no phone when your husband is out of town,
and you already are afraid of your own shadow, is quite terrifying. 

BUT, now I keep seeing people all over (and also on the Today Show) saying the software updates keep causing problems with everyones phones.  People are saying it seems a little too coincidental, like it kind of forces people to get the new phone!? And based on what happened to me, I would agree!
I HATE SOFTWARE UPDATES. Don’t do it – your phone will crap out!

But learn from me and
1) Buy the iCloud upgrade and have your phone automatically send everything to the cloud.
and 2) BUY AN ALARM CLOCK.  Even a cheap one to have in a closet.
Because what do you do without an alarm clock on a weekday!?

:: FRIDAY FINDS :: 

If you’re still on the hunt for a great everyday low-heel bootie, these are a great option under $90 and in several colors.

Black. V-Neck. Jumpsuit.   No need to say anything else. 

I can’t get enough mini skirts lately and love this corduroy mini for only $45.

This bucket bag comes in a great chunky knit fabric that is perfect for fall.

Black Velvet (cue me singing) looks so great on this simple, chic silhouette. 

Wednesday I posted some wedding guest looks.
Today, some rehearsal dinner dress options
(I’m obsessed with #1!) :
ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE

Perfect layering piece to wear to and from your workouts. 

This side draped dress makes a killer LBD for both work, nights, weekends, weddings, you name it! 

Loving the romantic feel of this black lace top .

The print on this off the shoulder is so cute, and it’s perfect for right now when it’s not too chilly out! 

I am absolutely in love with these strappy sandals and feel like i must have them immediately! 

My ruffle sleeve dress in a back fully stocked and in even more colors. 

:: LINK LOVE :: 

I’m on a true crime kick lately, and my jaw hit the floor when I read this story about an aspiring pastor killing his wife.

Pop culture inspired Halloween costume ideas – tons of them! 

40 Pink Places in the World made for Instagram – this will get your travel bug going!

A 20 minute full body workout to knock out fast + get back to weekend fun. 

RHONJ Melissa + Joe Gorga have listed their NJ Mansion for $3.5 Million.

I mentioned this in Coffee Talk, but I am just so sad about Project Runway’s Mychael Knight’s passing. 

16 of the most classic Halloween movies ever. (In addition to Hocus Pocus, I always think of the Olsen Twins Double Double Toil and Trouble, but maybe that’s just me.)

A healthy way to do an at-home PSL.