The 2018 Fall Essentials

2018 Fall Essentials

We have officially made it through the first month of Fall.  Which means the weather has probably changed sufficiently enough for you to justify some much needed retail therapy.   Or at least that is my story and I am sticking to it.  I am typically not one to follow the crowd when it comes to Fashion Trends.  But, I am excited to say that a lot of what appears to be “in” this season is ca-yute.  After being home with my girls for the last six years, my work wardrobe has been seriously lacking and in need of some serious help.  After going through my closet,  I realized that even though I still had a lot of staple pieces,  I needed some help in bringing them to life.

So with that in mind, here are some of the trends that I am feeling this year.

PLAIDS

Fall Essentials - Plaids

Of course, we all know Plaids fall into a very classic category, but what if you add belts and grommets to it.  That kinda makes it next level, does it not?  Well, that is what I am going to tell myself.  There is nothing like a classic with some oomph added to it.  I also really like the way that plaid looks over a bolder color, not only does it tone the other color down, but it dresses the entire outfit up.

REDS

Fall Essentials - Reds

Typically we associate Red with the holidays, and Christmas but because their are so many hues in this color family.  Red is now making its way into our fall repertoire.  This one will take a little effort on my part, simply because I don’t generally go this bold.  I tend to stick to a more traditional color palette.  But, I admit that this year I find this color catching my eye, over and over again.

BOOTS

Fall Essentials - Boots

I can’t lie my favorite part of Fall and Winter is Boots.  Not only because my feet are almost always cold, but just because of the way they add to whatever you are wearing.  This season the choices are many and varied, which is a-ok with me.  This year I find myself being partial to the animal prints, the knee highs and of course the COMBAT boot.  You may not get the last one but I was raised a Jersey Girl, in Jersey Snow.  So… maybe that will explain it.

Everyone has their favorite articles of clothing from every season.  What are you excited to slip into this Fall?

Snackin’ It Up

Snackin' It Up - A List of Snack Ideas

“I’m hungry.”

“You just ate.”

“But, I’m still hungry, what do we have to snack on?”

This was pretty much the narrative between me and my 8 year old through out the whole week of Spring Break.  Now, after having three kids I know that Winter Break, Spring Break and especially Summer Break means that my children will most likely take this opportunity to try to eat me out of house and home.  Especially since my oldest is a boy.  He literally set the standard.  I actually have to plan for these breaks by allotting for extra money to go towards my grocery budget.  If your kids are around the same age as mine are, I am sure that you will understand just what I am talking about.

After years of having the same experience, I finally decided to create a go to list of snack foods to keep on hand, especially during The Breaks.  (Fall, Spring, and Summer.)

FRUITS

  1.   Apples
  2.   Clementines
  3.  Blueberries and Strawberries
  4.   Pineapples
  5.   Bananas
  6.   Grapes
  7.   Watermelon
  8.   Canteloupe
  9.   Honeydew

SALTY SNACKS

  1.   Popcorn
  2.   Chips
  3.   Almonds
  4.   Cashews
  5.   Sunflower Seeds
  6.   String Cheese
  7.   Lunch Meat
  8.   Pretzels
  9.   Peanut Butter

VEGETABLES

  1.   Celery with Hummus, Almond Butter, Peanut Butter
  2.   Baby Carrots
  3.   Grilled Veggies
  4.   Roasted Broccoli
  5.   Guacamole
  6.   Grapefruit

OTHER

  1.   Lunch Meat
  2.   Tuna
  3.   Egg Salad
  4.   Yogurt
  5.   Crackers

TREATS

  1.   Ice Pops
  2.   Ice Cream
  3.   Jello Pudding
  4.   Applesauce

What are the snacks that you keep in stock for your own Mom Sanity?  Am I missing anything?  I’d love to hear what some of your Go To’s are in the comments below.

Getting Spring Ready

Getting Spring Ready - Home Decor Spring Trends

Growing up I always imagined myself living in an ultra modern all white space with splashes of color here and there.  There is something about Contemporary Decor that has always appealed to me.  I think it has a lot to do with my self diagnosed OCD.  Of course as my life took shape and kids became a part of my every day existence, stark white was not exactly in the cards.  I still find myself drawn to spaces like this when I book hotel rooms for kid free vacations or even when picking spots to just hang out with my girlfriends.  But, at home with my family I find that my home decor is a lot more traditional and conservative than I would have thought.

Since I have yet to get to a point, where I feel like I am done decorating my home.   I constantly find myself flipping through the pages of magazines or reading blogs that speak to my love for Home Decor, hence my long standing affair with Real Simple Magazine.  I can’t say that I take too much stock in what is trending when it comes to Home Decor, I am a more of a “like what I like” girl.  So, yes my rebellious side even makes it self known in the way that I decorate my home.

That being said this year’s Spring Trends have my eyes looking like that cartoon character whose eyes are always popping out of his head.  In a nutshell, I could easily be convinced to make some additions and deletions based on what I am seeing.   However, I am not sure that I would necessarily classify these as Trends, since all of what speaks to me has been around for decades.

Here is some of what is turning my head this year:

Palm Leaves are at the top of the list, meaning that they are something that I am seeing everywhere. I do love Palm Leaves, but I pretty much equate Spring and Easter with Palm Leaves, am I alone?  I think it’s the perfect way to launch any Table Setting for this time of the year. So yes, great Palm Leaves, but any type of greenery in any space appeals to me.  I won’t say that I have a green thumb like my Dad.  But, I love having plants around.  And, since I am still learning where plants are concerned, I surround myself with any plant that I am incapable of killing.  So for me and my house we have a lot of Snake Plants, Succulents and Aloe Vera because they thrive and make me and my home look good at the same time.

Ceramic Dinner Ware:  I really believe this trend started to get popular long before 2018 courtesy or our Dear Joanna Gaines.  When she sets a fresh table and or stages the kitchens in the homes on Fixer Upper, even contemporary minded folks like me.. go Goo Goo over Farm Decor.  Dare I say, I have convinced myself that Ceramics can be chic too.   At the very least they should hold a Premier Space in my Easter Table Decor.  Right??

Black and White: Lets start out with the fact that these are Basic Colors, and as such I don’t think I can call them a Trend.  They are classics like the Trench Coat is to Spring, wouldn’t you agree?   Depending on the Texture and General Set Up.  I think that these Colors can Easily Add a More Masculine Look to a Feminine Room, or Tone Down a Particularly Jazzy or Feminine One.  According to FreshHome.com every room needs a touch of black to ground the color scheme and give it depth.  Interested in what your favorite color says about you, Check out this Post.

CIrcles aka Polka Dots are another less classic but still timeless tradition.  It’s cliche, but I love seeing Circles and Polka Dots on anything from a Teen Girls Room to Dinner Ware and Other Kitchen Accessories.  There is something youthful and flirty about this particular look.  According to the Image Consultant Institute a love of polka dots is indicative of a lively and energetic personality, and of a person who lives to multitask.

So there you have it… What Spring Trends have you thinking about making some fun and fresh changes around your home?  Let us know in the comment section below, we’d love to hear all about it.

The 2017 Spring Must Have List

2017 Spring Must Haves

When I originally started writing this post, I was rejoicing over the mild winter we had here in Atlanta, and that we were already experiencing Spring Weather.  And then, almost as if Mother Nature was trying to spite me, we had two or three days of arctic weather (below freezing).  Thankfully, it only lasted for a few days and we are now, hopefully back on the right side of things, just in time for the official start of Spring.  So in addition to the great weather that Spring brings.. minus the rain, Spring means time to pull out your Spring wardrobe, and decide what needs to get dumped and what still has life.  And, it’s the perfect excuse for some retail therapy.

Statement Jackets:

As with every season the biggest part of successfully maneuvering the climate changes lies in your transitional clothing.  Those items that can seamlessly go from winter to spring or from spring to summer.  This year even more important than the sweater is the Statement Jacket.  Everywhere I look I see variations of this jacket from Bombers to Faux Blazers and even the Classic Leather Motorcycle Jacket.

2017 Spring Must Haves

Photo Source: Macys White House Black Market

Dresses, Dresses Everywhere – Feminine, Romantic, Edgy

This time of year tends to bring out the “springy”, playful side of fashion.  At least for me it does, after spending the winter layering and trying to keep warm.  Spring offers the opportunity to be free, show some skin and indulge in the sights and smells of the outdoors.  A super popular dress trend this year centers around the Feminine and the Romantic side of things.

2017 Spring Must Haves - Dresses

Photo Source: Macys and White House Black Market

Crop Pants:

Many moons ago, I used to love Culottes.  And, yes I know I am dating myself with that reference.  I am surprised to see them making a come back.  Though, I shouldn’t be because Fashion tends to Cyclical.  But, even better than the culotte is the Crop Pant.  It’s a way to feel like you are able to dress down by not wearing pants/slacks,  while still being both stylish and professional.

2017 Spring Must Haves - Crop Pants

Photo Source: Macys

So there you have it!! Happy Hunting!!

Friday Favorites – Week 362 – DIY Succulent Gift Idea

 photo Friday Favorites Banner 2.jpg

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Christine at Light and SavvyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Maisy at Becoming AliceFB | G+ | Pin

Sheree at Stage PresentsTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

 photo Friday Favorites Featured Button.jpg

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! Continue reading

Hubby’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

hubby-2016-holiday-gift-guide Years ago my hubby and I started creating Christmas lists for each other to shop from.  Even though, we didn’t know exactly what we would get.  We knew that it would be something that we wanted and it cut down largely on having to return or exchange things.  Plus it made for two very happy parents.  Since we started, I have had so many friends to inquire as to what is on my hubby’s list, just so that they can get ideas for their own loves.  Hence, the start of Hubby’s Holiday Gift Guide.  This is year two of his Gift Guide.  So let’s jump right in.

check out hubby’s picks for 2016 (with clickable links)

2016-gift-guide-with-pictures

A. Stance NBA Legend Socks
B. Hex Focus iPhone 7 Case
C. Hum By Verizon
D. The Royale Cuoio by Greats
E. Polaroid Snap
F. Grenade Grips Dumbell/Barbell Grips

Want to see his Holiday Gift Guide from 2015 — click here.  If shopping for your honey can prove to be challenging, rest assured you are not the only one.  Hope that this Gift Guide gives you some assistance.  And, if you manage to purchase something from this list and it’s a win, I would love to hear all about it in the comment section below.  This time of year is particularly busy for hubby at work, so I have to give him a quick shout out for making time to help out our Stage Readers.  He rocks!!

The 2016 Fall Must Haves…

It’s officially the first day of Autumn!!  You know what that means, all you folks that were shaking your heads at my Early Fall Decorations can now take several seats!!  LOL.  OK, I am kidding, well kind of …  There is just something about Fall that sends my Energy and Creativity Levels soaring.  As much as I enjoy a good pool or beach day, me and elevated temperatures are not friends.  Plus, fall means time to update your wardrobe, pull out your Cold Weather Goodies and get rid of those things that you no longer love!!  And, who would not love that?

Sweaters and Tops:

The most important rule of Fall Fashion is layering.  I mean lets face it, its not exactly Parka Weather, but it is often Brisk Enough early in the day to catch the oh so infamous “Autumn Cold”.  And, NO ONE, especially us Moms, have time for that.  I am always excited every year at how diverse the selection of Sweaters and Tops are for the changing season.  You can go from Casual Chic to Sexy Mom with just a few style changes.

2016 Autumn Fashion Must Haves Sweaters and Tops

 

Photo Source 1 2

Boots… Boots and More Boots:

There are so many different boot styles to choose from.  But, this time of year I am particularly fond of Ankle Boots.  Simply because I consider them to be a transitional staple.  They can go from Early Fall to late Winter.  But, I also have a love hate relationship with them.  The oh so anal side of me wants my pants/jeans/slacks to be long enough not to hide their beauty, but not short enough that I look like I am expecting a flood.

2016 Autumn Fashion Must Haves Boots.. Boots.. and More Boots

Photo Source 1 2

Scarves.. Ponchos.. and Wraps…

Surprise, Surprise, my love affair with the Blanket Scarf has made its way into this season.  But, in addition to that these Ponchos and Wraps are just as fun, if not more because of their Cover Up Properties.  You can throw them over a t-shirt, add the right accessories and splash some color on your lips and you are good to go.

2016 Autumn Fashion Must Haves Scarves Ponchos and Wraps

Photo Source 1 2 3

“personal style should be effortless. it’s not about what you wear, but how confident you are when you wear it.” – Monica rose

There’s nothing like a Good Refresh to get you going and take you through the last Quarter of the Year.  What are your favorite Fall Pieces?  Share your finds in the comment section below!!  I can’t wait to read all about it. Are you dressing your house up for fall as well?  If so, be sure to grab this Free Fall Printable here.

The 2016 Spring Must Have List

Much like the beginning of fall, the beginning of Spring started very off kilter.  The day starts off very cool and ended with temperatures upwards of 70 degrees.  We are more than 30 days into Spring and things seem to finally be evening out.  I have been reluctant to switch out my seasonal clothes, especially for the kids.  But, I have had my eyes on several pieces that have made my Must Have List for Spring.

Spring Must Haves

Spring Tops – This covers so many different items.  Something I ALWAYS swoon over during Spring is the Spring Trench Coat. This is essential to this time of year, because it is a transitional piece, which means that you can wear it to bridge the gap.  It will keep you both stylish and warm while the weather adjusts and while they figure out exactly what temperature is comfortable in the office.
Especially during this time of year, there are so many styles as well as color options available.    Also, on my radar this year are the Spring Caftans/Kimono Style blazers that can pull an outfit together and keep things breezy all at the same time, depending on their cut and composition.
Spring Tops
Spring Tops – Clickable Links
Spring Scarves – I love a light weight scarf.  I never want to wear anything to heavy when the seasons are changing.  But, sometimes you have to “protect your neck”.  I don’t always need a jacket, as long as I can keep my neck protected. For me personally, that can prevent me from entering the season with a cold.  Besides its practical purposes, there is something romantic and airy about them.  With floral prints being a big trend this season, there are many choices available. The Boho-Chic look seems to be very popular this season as well.
Spring Scarves
Spring Scarves – Clickable Links

Spring Jewelry – Spring Jewelry Trends always leans towards the beach/coastal look, to coordinate with the other fashion that is out  there.  I find myself drawn to turquoise and corals at this time of the year.

Spring Jewelry

Spring Jewelry – Clickable Links

Carla Earrings in Amazonite

What are your favorite pieces to sport during Spring?

Still Crushing on the Target Pillowfort Collection pt.2

Welcome Back to Week Two of my Love Affair with the New Target Pillowfort ™ Collection.  This week’s (4) Ready to Play Rooms are just as impressive as the ones featured last week.  Once again, I had a hard time choosing my favorites pieces, but I have included the links to each room so that you can decide what your favorites are.  Target designed the Pillowfort™ Collection to be Gender Neutral.  There are several pieces within the collection that can be used in any child’s room, regardless of gender and depending strictly on their personal style preference.  Stay Tuned Next Friday for our Final Post on the last 4 Rooms.

Grand Getaway 1

Grand Getaway Room - Target Pillowfort Collection pt.2

Photo Source : Target Pillowfort ™

Discovery Den

Discovery Den - Target Pillowfort Collection pt.2

Photo Source : Target Pillowfort ™

Floral Field

Floral Field - Target Pillowfort Collection pt.2

Photo Source : Target Pillowfort ™

Stellar Station

Stellar Station Room - Target Pillowfort Collection pt.2

Photo Source : Target Pillowfort ™

MY FAVORITE LOOKS FROM THE TARGET PILLOWFORT COLLECTION PT.2

Our Favorites from the Target Pillowfort Collection pt.2

Photo Source : Target Pillowfort ™

  1.  Amelia Upholstered Kid’s Bed
  2.  Confetti Cool Comforter
  3.  Corduroy Bean Bag Chair
  4.  Scoops Kids Activity Chair

The best thing about our favorite pieces that we picked this week, is that they can grow with you.  They can take you from Middle School all the way to College Applications.  And dare I say, depending on how well you take care of your things, some of these pieces will go well in a college dorm room.   What do you think of the Pillowfort Collection?  What are your favorite pieces?  Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Hubby’s Holiday Gift Guide with clickable links

Hubby's Holiday Gift Guide HERO

My husband is hard to shop for, and I guess so am I.  So for the last five years or so we have come up with a Christmas List for each other.  We never buy everything off the list.  But, it gives us some direction and help us pick out gifts the other will love.  You know #happyhusband + #happywife = #happylife.  LOL.  But, really his choices have always been so out of the box, that people started asking me for ideas on what to get their significant others.  This year, I asked him to come up with a list that I could share, and this is the end result.  As I was typing this, I jumped over into another browser and purchased a few of these to go under the tree.  Shhhh…. don’t tell.

Hubby's Holiday Gift Guide

A. DXRACER Gaming/Office Chair
B. Disaronno Roberto Cavalli Limited Edition
C. Timberland Earthkeepers Stormbuck Duck Chukka
D. Stelton’s Pure Black Knives
E. EcoCity Vintage Canvas Backpack
F. Wilson Connected Basketball
G. Wander & Rumble Growler
H. Burberry Heritage Check Cashmere Scarf
I. Warby Parker Old Fashioned Fade

Only you know your hubby, but I hope that this takes some of the Guess Work out of your holiday shopping!!