friday faves

Friday, October 31, 2014
Happy Halloween!
via
Momfessionals

And yay for Friday Favorites! Linking up once again to wrap up not only the end of the week, but the end of the month, with a few things I have been loving lately:

1. 1989, Taylor Swift
Y'all, I honest to goodness listened to the clips of all the songs on this album when it dropped earlier this week and thought it was just so different from Taylor's usual sound that I couldn't like it. Then, I heard the album in its entirety and I did a 180. I. LOVE. IT. Not only are the lyrics so cleverly and beautifully written, but the beats are PERFECT for my evening runs. The tempo is exactly what I need to maintain a good pace and the songs are just plain fun. Go listen!


2. Count Chocula
This cereal seriously takes me back to the good ol' days. Back then, I was crazy (or "cuckoo") for Cocoa Puffs, Count Chocula, Lucky Charms... all that sugary stuff. Nowadays, I opt for healthier breakfast options but I can't help grabbing a box of this stuff for Halloween every year, since it's apparently now a "limited" release product and is not kept in stores year-round.


3. Ikea Produkt Milk Frother
Just look at this picture. Yeah, a $3 product did that. I've been thoroughly enjoying coffee shop quality lattes most mornings now. There is something about a fluffy layer of foam that makes my morning cup of joe extra special. I deem this frother a MUST BUY.
4. Fall Decor from Michaels
Michaels is already clearing house and making room for Christmas stuff (I know, right??) but this is to our advantage! A ton of their fall/Halloween/Thanksgiving decor is marked 70% off! I got a garland I had been eyeing for only $5,  a cute metal gourd lantern for about $2, and some candy corn colored string lights for less than $2. I probably could have bought way more (and there is a chance I will go back for another pass-through). Garlands, gourds, yard signs, and home decor was mostly under $10, so go check it out if you need some holiday decor!


5. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
I just crossed off this book from my reading list and I can't recommend it enough. I could not put it down and actually finished it in about a week. Without giving too much away, the novel is an unconventional, emotional, and raw love story with characters that are both flawed yet likable. This is the first book I've read by Jojo Moyes but I've got One Plus One on my waiting list and can't wait to dive in.



Have a wonderful weekend! xo.

0

8 perfect coffee table books

Monday, October 27, 2014
Growing up, I always heard the phrase, Don't judge a book by it's cover. Whether meant in a literal sense or figuratively, I find it to be good advice. (Although admittedly, I do choose wines often based on their labels!)



However, these coffee table books are just as pretty on the outside as they are inspirational on the inside. I'd love to have them all sitting in a pretty pile on my coffee table or nightstand, to peruse leisurely while drinking coffee on a Saturday morning or with a cup of tea before bed. As much as I love a of a good work of fiction, I'm equally drawn to beautiful picture books and autobiographical works.

xo.

1. Humans of New York, Brandon Stanton
2. Places to Go, People to See, Kate Spade
3. Love Letters of Great Men, Ursula Doyle
4. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are, Anne Berest,
Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret, Sophie Mas
5. Not That Kind of Girl, Lena Dunham
6. In Color, Tory Burch
7. How to Live Like a Lady, Sarah Tomczak
8. Quiet Paris, Siobhan Wall













0

friday faves

Friday, October 24, 2014
Happy Friday, guys! Time for Friday Favorites.
Momfessionals
1) Candy corn and peanuts. Enough said:
Seriously, though. I typically reach for chocolate Halloween treats. But when candy corn are mixed with peanuts (Spanish peanuts, mind you), wow, what a combination! It's like a Payday, but better. Trust me on this. 

2) Newest K-Cup favorite: Cafe Escapes Cafe Caramel! Soooo yummy, you have to try it!

3) Pumpkin Spice Pancakes: Ohh man, I haven't made Bisquick pancakes in forever, and now I'm wondering why it's been so long. They make the fluffiest pancakes ever. Mix in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice and you've got the perfect Saturday breakfast. Pop the extras in the freezer and reheat for breakfast the rest of the week!


0

about town

Thursday, October 23, 2014
I haven't posted about places I love around Fort Worth lately and thought it was due time for one of those posts! Last weekend started off with wine tasting and an out-of-this-world dinner at one of my favorite local spots: Nonna Tata. After deliberating over the menu for quite a while, I eventually ordered the same dish I got last time because it is that good. Can't go wrong with a cream sauce, amiright?

I also popped in The Usual for the first time ever and thought it was super cool. I didn't try a drink because I had enough wine for the night, but definitely plan to return and try one of their unique concoctions! 
Saturday, I made a quick run down to A&H Donuts, my absolute favorite weekend indulgence. Not only are the people that work there the sweetest ever, but their donut selection is amazing. I am a sucker for anything with sprinkles and so they never disappoint. The hubs usually sticks with a cinnamon roll. I got myself a smaller version to try--isn't it adorable? They also sell minis that are even tinier!



Sunday was dedicated to a lazy morning reading on the front porch and brunch at the Pour House. Seriously one of my favorite brunch spots in Fort Worth--everything I've tried so far has been delicious, and you really can't beat $2 "Manmosas" (aka, mimosas in a pint glass). This time around, I ordered the chicken and biscuits. So unlike me, yet I did not regret it for a second. It was exactly what I wanted! After brunch, it was time for football, football, and more football.

I'm already so looking forward to this upcoming weekend! I'll be busy with a Friday night wedding, Hallowine in Grapevine (yay!) with girl friends, and hopefully lots of lounging and football! xo.
0

monday must-have // sweatshirt dress

Monday, October 20, 2014


I am digging this laid-back leather jacket and sweatshirt dress ensemble. The sweatshirt dress is kind of the updated, less matronly version of the sweater dress (which I happened to be obsessed with a few years ago when they were on trend!) Naturally, I am adding this piece to my fall shopping list.

I already have a faux leather jacket that I love from Express, so all I need is a simple sweatshirt dress and contrasting booties to complete the look. This outfit could go from brunch al fresco to a walk around downtown, coffee in one hand and the hub's hand in the other. xo.
0

friday faves // fall finds

Friday, October 17, 2014
TGIF!
Momfessionals
I'm so happy it's the weekend for so many reasons. I finished school for the semester and will be on break until January. My hubs just got back from a week long work trip. I'm going to a TCU tailgate, watching my Aggies BTHO 'Bama, and going to my hubby's high school reunion. The weekend will be filled with good times for sure!
 
Today I'm linking up with Andrea, Narci, and Erika to share some fall inspired pieces I'm dying to add to my closet ASAP! Enjoy and hope you all have a fantastic weekend! xo.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8






1

halloween treats roundup

Monday, October 13, 2014
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5



On my radar: Halloween treats. Every year, I love to make festive goodies to share with friends and coworkers. I've found some adorable ideas on Pinterest that I think will be a hit! I mean, aren't those vampire doughnuts just the cutest?? And candy corn popcorn balls. Yes, please!

xo.

0

food to love // homemade bistro box

Monday, October 6, 2014
I'm back with another quick, easy, healthy meal: the bistro box. There are tons of variations on this out there, but this one is based on one that I've bought a few times from the 7-Eleven down the street. That's right...7-Eleven!

Typically it is difficult to find healthy options at gas stations and convenience stores, but one morning when I was feeling rushed and didn't have anything to bring to work for lunch, I popped in 7-Eleven* and was surprised to find they had several items in their refrigerated section labeled Fresh To Go, including a few types of sandwiches, salads, fruit, and this bistro box.

The box contains hummus, mini pita bread rounds, cheese cubes, grapes, celery, and carrots. It's super delicious and rings in at only 390 calories. However, I knew it'd be just as easy and yummy to make it myself. My version is about 230 calories!

Homemade Bistro Box

5 Stacy's Plain Pita Chips
1 stalk celery, cut into thirds, then each third cut in half lengthwise
10 red grapes
1 oz. Trader Joe's Lite Mild Cheddar Cheese, cubed**
10 baby carrots
1 tbsp Saba Classic Hummus

To pack on-the-go, combine the carrots and grapes in a container, but separate the cheese, celery, and chips into their own bags/containers. Pack hummus in a smaller container. And that's it! 

Other additions/substitutions to consider: turkey pepperoni slices, prosciutto, apple slices, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, different types of cheese... the list goes on. 


*Not all 7-Elevens carry this line of food. 
**Third image shows Trader Joe's Syrah Soaked Toscano Cheese.
0

friday faves

Friday, October 3, 2014
Happy Friday! I'm joining in on the Friday Favorites link-up with Andrea, Narci, and Erika to share some of my favorite nail polishes right now!

Momfessionals

There is something about October that flips an instant switch in my mind from thinking "summer" to "fall."  And with that switch, I'm ready to fully embrace darker nail polish colors. I'm currently crushing over these polishes in shades ranging from dark midnight hues to shimmery jewel tones and can't wait to pick up one or two to add to my fall rotation! What are your favorite nail colors this fall?? I'd love to know! xo.

0

fall florals

Wednesday, October 1, 2014
I love flower bouquets that look both wild yet effortlessly put together. Autumnal hues such as cranberry, marigold, and dark green accented with unexpected pops of color like salmon pink or chartreuse create such a rich, vibrant display perfect for both a casual, welcoming entryway or centerpiece at dinner.



























image 1 // image 2 // image 3 // image 4
0