Friday, October 27, 2017

Five on Friday

I'm back with another Five on Friday. These are quickly becoming my favorite posts to put together!

*Affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you for your support!* 

{one} 

Guys, how cute is this jacket? Y'all know my love for unicorns runs deep, and I've passed that on to Lily. When I saw this jacket I knew we needed it. The hood is detachable so if your little doesn't want to be a unicorn one day, no biggie.



{two}

I'm still reading Brene Brown's newest book, Braving the Wilderness, and it's so, so good. She is just oozing with wisdom. I'm trying to gain a little bit! :)

I also picked up a book by an author who is from my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. It's called The Hate U Give, and it's a tough, but important, read about race and gun violence. A movie is being made about it right now. 

 The Hate U Give

{three}



Rob and I are heading to Carmel, California, in about 10 days. He has worked his tail off at work and was recognized as one of the top performers in his sector in the Southeast! I am really proud of him, and I'm of course excited that I get to tag along for the trip. I haven't been to California since I was in 11th grade and went on a youth group trip to Los Angeles (funny, right?). 

Anyway, we're staying at a beautiful resort there and have plans to go whale watching one day. We'll have a lot of free time as well, so if anyone has been there or has any tips, please let me know!

{four}

Completely random, but I'm all about the llama trend that's going on right now. They're just the cutest creatures. I saw this doormat online recently and nearly squealed. I can't imagine not smiling if I were greeted by those guys.

 Llama Coir Doormat 

{five}

I got my hair colored a few weeks ago (to cover up the grey...wah!) and have been so happy with the results. It's so pricey, though, and in an effort to stretch out the time between appointments I stumbled upon L'Oreal's Magic Root Cover Up. It's so good, and application is easy as pie. It washes out with each shampoo, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it dries very quickly and doesn't rub off if you touch your hair.

L'Oreal Magic Root Cover Up

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I hope everyone has a great weekend! Hope to see y'all back here on Monday.




Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Loving Lately

Hi everyone! I rounded up some things I'm loving lately and wanted to share. Fall gets me every time...I want one of everything, please!

{affiliate links}

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I've heard nothing but praise for Old Navy's Rockstar jeans so I'm really curious to try them. The color of these cords is gorgeous and would be a nice break from denim.
 
 
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I love a plaid top but sometimes find the button downs a little too bulky for my frame. Isn't this a pretty option? And I'm loving the color combo.
 
 
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A feminine sweatshirt. So stinkin' cute.
 
 
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Can't go wrong with classic stripes, and the V-neck in the front is mirrored in the back. Also comes in a neutral striped version that I equally adore.
 
 
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That side tie is darling, and the fleece makes this top extra cozy.
 
 
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The prettiest sweater in the softest fabric. Also loving the mock turtleneck.
 
 
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A classic, oversized sweater that would be perfect with skinny jeans.

 
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Such a cute tote. The tassel makes me happy.
 
 
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A lightweight scarf that would dress up a simple white or black tee.
 
 
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I love a good thermal tee alone or for layering.
 
 
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A twist on the classic hoop. I like how thin they are too. Thicker hoops make me feel like Jenny from the Block. Haha...
 

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Hope everyone has a happy Hump Day! Is it finally cooling off where you are?
 
 

Monday, October 23, 2017

Life Lately

Hey guys! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Here's what we were up to + some of the fun things that have been going on in our lives lately.

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Friday was the 50th school day at Lily's school, so they had a 50's Day to celebrate. It was so cute to see all those kiddos dressed up. I think Lily fit the bill pretty perfectly, right? They also got to dance in the hall if they paid 50 cents. To be a fly on the wall seeing all those kids dancing!


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We went to our local zoo on Saturday and seriously had the best time. The monkeys showed off for us, and that was fun. :)







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I took the girls for flu shots last week (the flu has already shown up here) and had to bribe them with treats afterward to even get them in the door. But they took their shots like little champs, and I was really proud of them. Lily wanted ice cream for her treat, so I packed a bag of potato chips for Hadley. She can't get enough of salty potato chips!


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We saw the "My Little Pony" movie last weekend, and it was really cute. Plus the soundtrack is fun...the girls keep requesting Sia's "Rainbow" on repeat. I think I know every word now.



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I picked up this sweatshirt from Target recently, and it's a new fave. I got lots of looks while getting my oil changed...haha...


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Lily has taken off when it comes to riding her bike. For the longest time she would get on and immediately get off if she couldn't pedal by herself right away. She gets frustrated so easily. But we've persisted, and it's been a good lesson for her on the importance of trying things over and over, even if you can't master it right away! Anyway, now all she wants to do is ride her bike, and I think Santa may bring her a new one for Christmas. Next step...losing the training wheels!


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I got my hair colored recently, and it feels so much better. I never colored my hair until recently, as I'm starting to get some grey. Ugh. Getting older is for the birds.


I had time after my hair appointment to run by Barnes and Noble before picking Hadley up from school. I picked up Brene Brown's latest book and can't wait to dig in. She is so darn wise, I know I'll learn tons.


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Our church held a fall festival last week, and it was lots of fun for us and the community as a whole. The girls had hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy and jumped in bounce houses galore. They also got tattoos on their arms, and let me tell you...there's nothing better than tattoos from a church. Lily had a bat on her arm that read "Batty for Jesus," and Hadley had a pumpkin on her arm that read "Glowin' with God." Those tickled me.



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That's all I've got for y'all today. It's cooler here, and the leaves are changing colors. We're getting ready for Halloween, and it's just a fun time! Hope everyone has a happy Monday and a wonderful week ahead!


Friday, October 13, 2017

Five on Friday

Happy Friday, y'all! I'm sharing my Five on Friday below. Hope you enjoy! :)

{one}

I can't believe I'm admitting this, but before the other day I had never listened to a podcast. I've always been intimidated by them, thinking they wouldn't keep my attention. And I'm a reader and like to hold words, re-read them, and underline. So I'd never given a podcast a go. Anyway, after I dropped the girls off at school the other day I came home to do a lot of fun stuff around the house...cleaning, laundry, prepping dinner, etc. I usually turn on the news during this time (because I'm a news junkie) but opted for a podcast instead. I've felt for a while now that the constant consumption of the news is bringing me down, big-time. So, I found a podcast by my girl Jen Hatmaker; I put my phone in my back pocket; and I went about my chores...but they didn't feel like chores while listening to her chat with Brene Brown! I felt like I was getting stuff accomplished at home while simultaneously learning and laughing. It truly fed my soul. If you haven't, I highly recommend checking out a podcast. The one I listened to was "Series Two, Episode Two: Getting Vulnerable with Dr. Brene Brown." And right now I'm listening to "Series Two, Episode Six: Finding Beauty in the Mess with Glennon Doyle." It's chock full of wisdom, and I just want everyone in the world to listen to these on repeat...I feel like we might make some progress! You can check out Jen's podcasts here.


{two}


My best friend in the whole world, Emily, just started working as an independent beauty guide for LimeLight by Alcone. Have y'all heard of that brand? Emily is one of those people who tells it like it is (but is sweet!), so I always know I can trust what comes out of her mouth. She loves the products and uses them herself and wanted to send me some to try as well.

LimeLight is cool because it's free of harmful chemicals and is also paraben and cruelty-free. I think as we all learn more about ingredients in products we're trying to consciously do better, right? (Except I don't want to know what's in Diet Coke because I'm not giving that up...ever.) I really like that their mission is to provide products that heal, hydrate, and rebalance your skin...whereas other brands focus more on stripping and replenishing.

LimeLight offers products for three different types of skin: normal to combination or sun damaged skin, normal to oily or acne-prone skin, and normal to dry or mature skin. Emily sent me samples from each collection, and I had so much fun trying them all.

The Skin Polish was hands-down my favorite. It's a scrub and mask, and it left my skin feeling like a baby's bottom. So soft and smooth.

I also enjoyed using the Sotoks, which is a booster (serum) that works along with your moisturizer. This one in particular works to eliminate dark spots, and as someone with freckles and a history of sun exposure that I wish I could reverse, I feel like this helps. And it just feels good on my skin.

If you're interested in learning more about the products mentioned or exploring the skin care line for yourself, check out Emily's page below. Or if you have questions, you can email her at ehcarnes79@gmail.com.


{three}

Last weekend the girls and I worked on the unicorn pumpkin craft I shared last Friday. We ended up not going all in and just painted the pumpkins and added tons of glitter instead. I still thought they turned out pretty cute! Who knows, maybe we'll add a horn to them this weekend!


We also drew and painted scarecrows, and that was fun. I found an easy tutorial online that showed you how to bare bones sketch out a scarecrow. I thought Lily's turned out so cute. Hadley's is sweet too, but she's still learning how to stay in the lines, etc. She's more of an abstract art kind of girl! ;)


{four}

I'm getting my hair colored today, and I'm so excited. I had to bite the bullet about 6 months ago and start getting my grey covered. Ugh. I hate hair maintenance. I went to the nicest lady, but after three tries, she just couldn't seem to get the color right. I have dark, dark brown hair (almost black), and she kept lightening it up to an auburn color. And that washes me out, big-time. So, I'm going to a new place today and hope this stylist gets my vision...which is to simply just take away the grey.

Now a funny story. On Wednesday morning I got up and got ready, took Hadley to school, and headed to my hair appointment (thinking it was that day). I get there and tell the receptionist that I'm there for my 9 o'clock with Ashley. She smiles and tells me no one named Ashley works there. So I'm like, "OK, I must've just gotten the name wrong. It happens." And she asks for my name. I tell her, and she says, "You have an appointment with Sarah on Friday." At least I went to the right salon, right?!?! Guys...is this just getting older or is it too many browsers open at one time? Because I do stuff like this all.the.time. 


{five}

J.Crew Factory had a BIG sale last weekend (everything was 50% off), and I snagged a few goodies with some leftover birthday money. I was so pleased with everything I purchased!

If you're looking for a good pair of high-waisted denim at a lower price point, look no further. These fit like a gem. If you have any sort of a tummy, I'd recommend sizing up. 


This top is so pretty and looks more expensive than it is! How pretty is the embroidery? It's a thicker cotton, and I love the bell sleeves too.


This sweater also comes in grey and black, but I was drawn to the pink. How cute will it be paired with dark denim jeans and mules?


I'm always looking for cool, simple pendant necklaces. This one is both. And it's lightweight!


Obsessed with these shoes. They also come in grey and neutral, but I liked the black just for something different. They are so comfy and run TTS.


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I hope everyone has the best weekend. Rob turned in a HUGE project at work earlier this week, so we're excited to finally have him free from that! 


Friday, October 6, 2017

Five on Friday

Hey guys! Happy Friday! I got such a good response last week from my Five on Friday post that I thought I'd try it out again.
 
This week has flown by for us. We don't have any big weekend plans, but I'm looking forward to slowing down after a busy week.
 
*Affiliate links are used in this post.*
 
{one}
 
If you know me, you know my love for unicorns runs deep. The girls and I are going to attempt the craft below this weekend. I picked up 3 mini white pumpkins yesterday, so fingers crossed they turn out somewhat like what's pictured. I'll probably alter it a bit and might attempt a horn out of paper rather than the modeling clay she mentions. I'll be sure to share a picture. I'm sure it'll end up being one big Pinterest fail! If you want to check it out yourself, here's the link.
 
 
{two}
 
Hadley had the happiest 4th birthday on Wednesday. I can't believe my baby is 4-years-old. She opened presents before school that morning so she'd have all day to play with them. (Seriously, what's worse than opening presents after dinner and going to bed soon after?!?!) She got some fun surprises and was just filled with joy opening each present. There's not much better.

 

We sent snacks to school that day, complete with dinosaur plates, party hats, and blowers. She also wore some cute dinosaur tights and a dinosaur necklace. My girl loves dinosaurs. Hadley doesn't like cookies and cakes, so she chose potato chips and strawberries for her birthday snack! :)
 
 
 
Rob met us at Chuck E. Cheese after work, and we had pizza and played games. Chuck E. Cheese gives me the hives. Is that place every parents' worst nightmare or what? BUT, all that matters is that my girls were in heaven, and Hadley felt very loved on her birthday.
 
 
 
{three}
 
I saw this cookbook in a recent Southern Living and really want to pick it up sometime. Such a good concept. And I think it'd make the perfect gift for any of your friends who like to cook.
 
{four}
 
Speaking of cooking, I made the BEST Shepherd's Pie last week. Rob declared it one of his favorite meals I've made. And the kicker: I doubled the recipe and made two. One to eat; one to freeze. Makes life so much easier.


Speedy Shepherd's Pie
{Cooking Light magazine}


Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup matchstick-cut carrots, finely chopped
1 cup onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons unsalted tomato paste
1 cup unsalted beef stock, divided
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups frozen green peas
1 (24-ounce) package prepared mashed potatoes
2 Tablespoons freeze-dried onion
1/2 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven to 500 degrees F.

Place beef in a large skillet over high heat; cook 5 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble. Add carrot, onion, and garlic to pan; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste; cook 30 seconds. Combine 1/4 cup stock and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add cornstarch mixture, remaining 3/4 cup stock, Worcestershire, pepper, and salt to pan. Stir in peas. Cook 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Place beef mixture in a 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish. Top evenly with mashed potatoes. Sprinkle freeze-dried onions and paprika over potatoes. Bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes. (I added the onions and paprika on top after 3 minutes because I'd read reviews that the onions burn after 5 minutes.)
 
{five}

I shared this top on Instagram yesterday and got a lot of positive feedback. It's the coziest shirt ever, and the little tie detail is so cute. Plus it's on sale for 40% off and comes in four other colors! I'm tempted to grab one more!

Tie Front Cozy Fleece Pullover

If you want to follow along on Instagram, you can find me here! :)

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I hope everyone has a great weekend.