2013 and 22

Although I believe that any time of the year is a good time to make changes, the New Year is a classic time to reflect and set new goals for the coming year. Here are some of my New Years goals/resolutions for the upcoming year.

-Work-Out at least 4 days a week

-Master my new Canon Rebel

-Post on this wonderful blog 5 days a week

- Hang up everything in my apartment that I have been putting off

-Take a road trip to Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco 

- Keep to my budget and save 

- Stop being in such a rush all the time and spend more quality time with the people I care about

That last one starts tonight! Today is my 22nd Birthday and I will be spending time with loved ones eating delicious food and enjoying the last day of the year. 

Have a drink for me and have a very Happy (and safe) New Year! 

New Years

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Top/Leggings/Bag/Flats/Necklace/Watch/Phone Case/Champagne/Flutes

Hello there! I hope you had a fabulous Holiday!

Mine was filled with family, food, and way too much sugar.

Now it is time for New Years (and more importantly, my birthday). I am turning the ripe old age of 22 on Monday and could not be more excited. I purchased this pair of sequin leggings to wear and I am really excited to style them. It might look something like above (but with more than just one bottle of champagne).

Do you have anything sparkly to wear on New Years?

Have a great weekend!

Lately

Here's a few snapshots of what I have been up to lately!

1. Ice Skating at the Gallivan Center

2. Torturing my dog (that hat only stayed on for that photo)

3. Tried a Kouing Aman from Les Madeleines (ever had one?)

4. Went up to Park City for sushi at Flying Sumo

5. Just a roadside sign to remind you to smile :)

6. Watching Home Alone and wrapping the rest of my Christmas presents

7. Made homemade chocolate macarons with white chocolate peppermint filling

8. The raptor downtown all dressed up for Christmas

I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas eve!

Thanks for reading!

Winding Down

Dress: H&M (old, similar) Turtleneck: Lands End Boots: Enzo Angiolini (old, similar) Bag: Kate Spade (similar and on sale!) Necklace: Forever 21 Watch: Skagen

 

I feel like this holiday season is winding down already. Can you believe Christmas is less than a week away? I still have some shopping to do so I will be facing the crowds at the mall this weekend, which is less than thrilling. I hope you are all having a great week so far!

Thanks for reading!

 

 





A Ski Tee

Top: J.Crew (old) Cardigan: Nordstrom (old, similar) Pants: J.Crew (old, similar and on sale!) Bag: Steven by Steve Madden Boots: Tom Joules Necklace: Forever 21 Watch: Skagen

I hope you all are having a fabulous week so far. Can you believe that Christmas is exactly a week away? I can't, and I still have some shopping to do! 

I would also like to say a word about the families in Connecticut who lost their loved ones on Friday. My heart goes out to all those involved and I hope they find some happiness during this holiday season. Sometimes this can be a scary world that we live in and I am so grateful for everything that I have and will be spending extra time with my loved ones this season. 

Speaking of Newtown, Lynzy of Sparkling Footsteps is trying to get as many people as she can to make friendship bracelets to send to Newtown to show our support. Since I have some extra time, I will be participating and I hope you will too! You can read more about it here.
 

Happy Tuesday and thanks so much for reading!

Freedom

image via pinterest

This is seriously how I feel now that finals are over. Sorry for disappearing again but studying just was my priority over the last week. I feel bad for whining about school, I am very lucky to be attending college, but this semester was brutal. I am so glad to have it over with. I am a free woman for the next few weeks and could not be happier. Anyways..

Top and Pants: T.J. Maxx Coat: J.Crew (old) Booties: Target Bag: Kate Spade

Are you all ready for the holidays? We put up our tree last night so it's starting to feel a lot more festive around here. This month is flying by and I have a lot of fun things planned over the next couple weeks. Thank you so much for reading!

The Gift Guide: Under $25

I've been seeing a lot of gift guides lately and I wanted to put my two-cents in.

 Actually, my 25 cents because all of my picks are $25 dollars or less so you won't break the bank! (because let's be honest, those $88 socks on the J.Crew gift guide are just a little too much)

 1. Philosophy 'Bake Shoppe' Duo ~ $22

2. Kate Spade Pop Fizz Clink fold-over Holiday cards ~ $24 (for 10)

3. Asos Pieces Ellena Snood ~ $18.47 (also in black and nude)

4. Bare.Minerals Try. Believe. Love ~ $20

5. See's Candies petit Santa box ~ $9.55 (Bonus: going to the store for a treat!)

6. Madewell Gemweave Friendship Bracelet ~ $14.50

 7. Pins and Needles Pinwheel Glove ~ $20 (a variety of other colors as well)

8. Pim + Larkin Stone Center Flower Earring ~ $14

9. Xhilaration Junior's Pajama Set ~ $24.99

I like to get kind of those little luxuries that I would not usually buy myself. These are my picks for some nice gifts for your friends/family/coworkers that your wallet will thank you for and maybe you will have a little extra left over to get yourself something nice. 

Happy Thursday! 

Thanks for reading

C is for Cookie

One of my favorite parts about this time of year is all of the parties and all of the different foods that you have the opportunity to try. I love to bake a bunch of cookies and give them out as gifts or bring them to my work potluck for everyone to enjoy. 

Here are a few cookie recipes that I absolutely love and I know you (and your family and friends) will too!

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Russian Tea cookies/Mexican Wedding Cookies

These are one of my absolute favorite cookies. They are small enough that you don't feel too guilty about eating more than one or ten. However, make sure you are not home alone when these are done or else there may not be any for anyone else! 

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Sugar Cookies
It would not be the Holidays without a simple sugar cookie. I love how versatile these are, you can decorate them however you want. It's a family tradition to make and decorate a load of these every year. Just make sure to leave some for that Christmas guy!

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Christmas Macarons

I am a total sucker for macarons and they are actually not as hard to make as you would think, just time-consuming. I have not tried this recipe but they look absolutely amazing and I am planning on making them for my work party in a couple weeks. This recipe actually has three different fillings: eggnog marshmallow, white chocolate peppermint buttercream, and spicy milk chocolate mocha ganache....I'm sold!! Post on this later!


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Moon Rocks
I made these last year for my family and everyone loved them. These are definitely for the chocolate pretzel lover!

Happy December and happy Monday!
Now lets all go have a cookie.

Wish List

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1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8 (I have also seen these socks in the mens section at Nordstrom Rack)/9

Sorry for kind of disappearing this week, it's the end of the semester so I have been studying a lot.
 Here are a few things that are on my Christmas/Birthday List (my birthday is December 31st!). Can't say I would be disappointed if I ended up with any of these.
I hope you had a fabulous week and that you have an even better weekend!
Thanks for reading!
xo

Daily

Tee: J.Crew Factory (old) Cardigan: Halogen (old, similar and on sale!) Jeans: Sanctuary via T.J. Maxx (similar) Shoes: Target Scarf: Charlotte Ruche (old, similar) Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch: Skagen

This is the kind of outfit I want to wear everyday. Nothing too complicated and perfect for school.

Also, the first ever Trader Joe's opens this Friday in Utah! Sad to say I am actually more excited about this than when H&M first opened here. I guess eating trumps shopping sometimes, especially when candy cane joe joe's are in season. 

Happy Tuesday!

xo

Monday

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend full of eating, shopping, and spending time with family. I know I sure did! I actually did not go Black Friday shopping (which I was kind of proud of). I went to Target at 10PM on Thursday and lasted about 10 minutes. The lines were so long and it was so hard to even get through the store because they had everything barricaded off. Not my thing. (here is my photo as proof)

Madness.

So, today is Cyber Monday and that means no waiting in crazy lines or dealing with crazy people just to get a good deal! Here are a couple of sales I will be shopping this Monday.

Urban Outfitters: Many of their basic pieces are still on sale throughout today. This is a great time to stock up on those basic pieces you can build upon. I have been wanting these for a while and you can never have too many of these!

Piperlime: Their 20% off goes through today. Just enter the code CYBER at checkout and get 20% off your entire purchase. (Plus, they always have free shipping!). 

Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy: 30% off with the same code CYBER at checkout. 

My picks: 1/2/3/4/5

Sole Society: Get $20 off your first pair with code SHOELOVE.

There are my list of deals for this Cyber Monday! Would love to hear any Black Friday stories you have to share.

Thanks so much for reading!

xo

Giving Thanks

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Thanksgiving is a holiday to spend thinking about everything you are thankful for (and eating a ton of food). I find it a good time to think of all the things that I am thankful for and may take for granted on a daily basis.
 Here are a few things I am thankful for. 

My Family- Let's be honest, you drive me crazy on a daily basis but I would not change you  for anyone else. Especially you, mom, thanks for being one of my very best friends. 

My Grandparents- Thank you for always supporting me in whatever I do and taking me on your adventures. You have allowed me to experience life in ways I would not have been able to and I am forever grateful. I love you both. 

Brady- Thank you for putting up with all my crap, taking photos for my blog, and loving me unconditionally. I love you more than you will ever know.

My Friends- There are too many to name (and I don't want to leave anyone out), thank you for always being there for me through everything. There have been good times, bad times, fun times, and sad times. Now I am starting to sound like Dr. Seuss but I truly believe there is a reason that each one of you has come into my life and each and every one of you has contributed to it in a positive way. I love you all!

My Readers- Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my blog. It really means so much to me. I love meeting new people through the blogging community and think that each and every one of you contribute something unique and I am grateful that you are willing to share that. 

Those are just a few things that I am thankful for. I hope you will also take some time out in the next couple of days to think about what you are thankful for!

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I also wanted to share this recipe of my mom's Sourdough Stuffing. 

This is a favorite of my entire family – the measurements depend on how much stuffing/dressing you want – I usually use two loafs of Sourdough French bread .

  I make enough to stuff the bird (dressing)and bake extra in the oven (stuffing).

      Sourdough Bread cut into 1 inch cubes – do this a few days ahead so they can get stale I leave the cubes on cookie sheets in the oven, so the dog doesn’t get them.

1  yellow onion – chopped pretty fine

2-3 celery  stalks – chopped  fine

2 carrots – chopped fine

  fresh parsley chopped fine

   salt /pepper to taste

  Poultry seasoning- to taste

     1 stick Butter

 1-2 cups chicken/turkey broth – this needs adjustment depending on how much bread. You do not want it soggy

1. In a large skillet melt butter, add parsley onion, celery and carrots cook until onions are translucent 5-15 minutes you do not want to brown the onions- Stir often

2. salt and pepper to taste – remember the sourness of the bread will come out- SUPER YUMMY.

3. Add bread stir around and allow to soak up some of  the flavor to onion, celery and carrot mixture

4. Add broth stir and turn off stove place lid on skillet let the stuffing sweat.

5. Once cooled a bit you can stuff the bird and/or place in casserole dish and bake 325-350 degrees for about an hour or until crispy on top.

6. Enjoy!


Thanks so much for reading. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

xo

My Holiday Movie Guide

No, this post is not about my favorite Holiday films but the few that I am looking forward to seeing over the next few weeks. Sometimes I think that the movies that come out during the winter months are even better than the summer blockbusters (plus it is a better refuge than the mall on a Saturday). Here are a few I am really looking forward to seeing.

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Hitchcock

This film looks like it's going to be a good one. With a star-studded cast: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, it looks promising. It comes out just in time for the weekend (Nov. 23)! Watch the trailer here. 

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The Hobbit

Okay, this is kind of embarrassing but I absolutely love the Lord of the Rings trilogy. There I said it. I am so extremely excited about this movie I cannot even tell you. I really hope it is just as good as the LOTR trilogy. December 14th cannot come soon enough! Watch the trailer here.

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The Impossible
Just watch the trailer. Caution: May cause a tear or two. (Release Date December 21)

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This is 40
Okay, I am a bit biased. I may or may not have a crush on Paul Rudd. Not because he is attractive (I don't really find him that attractive) but I am drawn to his awkward-ness and how funny he is. I absolutely love I love you Man. I could watch it over and over. This movie may be horrible, or it could be great. We will just have to wait and see. (Watch the trailer, release date: December 21)

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Les Miserables
This is another classic that I have never seen nor read but only heard good things about it. I am really excited to see this film. I am sure that it will be amazing! Watch the trailer here. (Release Date: December 25th)

What do you think? Are you planning on seeing any of these movies? Definitely a good date idea since I think the boys might get tired of shopping all the time!

Thanks for reading!

xo

P.S. If you were wondering, may favorite Christmas movies are definitely the Home Alone's with Macaulay Culken (especially when he is lost in New York) and the Santa Claus :) What about you!?

Gloomy

Top: Nordstrom Rack (really old) Cardigan: Halogen (old, similar) Pants: Sanctuary via T.J. Maxx Shoes: Old Navy (old, similar) Purse: Calvin Klein (old) Necklace: Etsy  

This weekend was a gloomy one, not as pretty as the snow from last weekend! Brady and I went and saw the new James Bond movie, Skyfall and I really enjoyed it. I have not seen many of the James Bond movies all the way through so I guess I better get on that! Now I am just prepping for Thursday for my delicious family Thanksgiving feast! How about you?

Thanks so much for reading!

xo

Mad for Plaid

Phone Case/ Shirt/ Coat/ Dress/Skirt/ Scarf

Something about the cooler weather makes me want to layer up with plaid flannel. There is something so Upper East Coast Prep to me (think Classy Girls Wear Pearls) and I love it. It's very easy to over-do plaid, and you don't want to look like a Catholic school girl but just adding bits to your outfit can give it the perfect winter feel.

 

On a side note, have you heard of Hukkster? It's a site, kind of like Pinterest. You add the "Hukk It" tab to your bookmark bar and while you are shopping you can add it to your list and they will e-mail you when it goes on sale! I actually just got an e-mail this morning that this top just went on sale! Happy Shopping!

Thanks for reading!

xo

Shades of Purple

 

Turtleneck: J.Crew (old) Coat: J.Crew Jeans:BDG Shoes: Enzo Angioli (last year) Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs Necklace: Midnight Girls via Etsy Gloves: Nordstrom (gifted) Sunglasses: Nordstrom B.P.

 

It has definitely cooled off a lot here as you can see! The snow is melting a little bit but we are expected to get another storm this weekend.

 My brain is totally fried right now, finals are coming up and I don't know how much more information I can handle. At least in a week from today I get to stuff my face with as much turkey and mashed potatoes as I want. That's something to look forward to, isn't it?

 

Also, if you live in Utah the new outlets at Traverse Mountain open tomorrow! Just in time for holiday shopping! They are having a soft opening tonight from 5-9. The best part about it? There is a J.Crew Factory!

Any holiday shopping plans for the weekend? Are you planning on doing any black Friday shopping this year? Would love to hear!

 

Thanks so much for reading!

xo

It's beginning

Yes, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in Utah. It started snowing Friday and did not stop until sometime early Sunday morning. Utah has arguably "the best snow on earth", or at least that is the slogan that we like to have printed on our license plates here. 

My view Saturday morning.

I'm starting to get excited for the Holiday season. This is my favorite time of year! Not just the holidays themselves but just how people act, the festivities, spending time with family and friends, cookies, Home Alone, the list goes on!
It also has me thinking about Christmas sweaters. I think that this is something that everyone should have in their closet. I know this may seem kind of comical on a blog such as this but you always want to be prepared for those ugly christmas sweater parties! Running to Savers last minute usually does not guarantee best pick of the ugly sweater crop. Here are a few that I found so we can all be prepared!

1/2/3/4/5

Urban Outfitters has a really good selection, and most are below $40. 

Are you going to be purchasing a Christmas sweater this year or do you already have one? What do you look forward to during the holidays? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks so much for reading!

xo

Election Day

Top: H&M Jacket: Nordstrom Rack (old) Jeans: BDG Shoes: Toms via Nordstrom Bag: Kenneth Cole (really old) Necklace: Wild Abou Jewelry (won in a giveaway on Classy Confessions) Watch: Skagen

I tried to be somewhat patriotic yesterday when going to the polls. It was my first time voting so I was pretty excited about it!

Hope you are having a great week so far!

Thanks for reading!

xo