Falling for fall

Skirt Piperlime, Top Victoria's Secret, Necklace c/o Kristin Hassan, chain ring Tiffany & CO, Belt MNG by Mango, shoes Jessica Simpson

Happy Halloween!!!! I hope everyone had a fun and safe weekend, we sure did over at my house!

These pictures were taken last weekend when we had that beautiful 60 degree day. I decided to get my family all dressed up and we headed over to a forest preserve by my home. I set up the tripod and took pictures of us under this tree. The pictures turned out better then I could have imagined and my Christmas cards have already been ordered! I also took pictures of each of the kids so we can have some awesome holiday gifts for the grandparents. Mission accomplished! See, having an great camera comes in handy for more then just my blog! ;)

Recipe: Sugar and Spice Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

The beautiful Veronica over at Girl in Closet wrote about eating pumpkin seeds with sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Of course I wrote her on twitter asking for the recipe! I've only ever eaten them with sea salt! It was super easy to do and I hope you try it this weekend or next year for sure (sorry for sharing it with you guys so late in October!).

ps-sorry for the cluttered counters, real life is not always neat and tidy ;)

Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, or more, to taste (I used raw sugar)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon allspice

Preparation:

Rinse seeds well and get as much of the pumpkin pulp off of them as possible. Some of the small pieces are going to adhere, but they won't hurt the seeds at all, and might even add a little more flavor. Pat dry with paper towels. Don't let them dry completely on the paper towels, because they might stick!
Toss seeds with the butter, sugar, and spices.
Heat oven to 300°. Spread coated seeds in a shallow baking sheet (I line a baking sheet with nonstick foil to make cleanup easier), turning from time to time, for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until nicely browned and crunchy.

this weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks first "I want what she has!" goes to Michelle McSweeney. GUSH GUSH GUSH!!!
This dress is BEYOND amazing! And the back is FAB!

Dress: $40 (on sale) BeBe

I am so mad you got this dress 3 years ago Michelle!! I was going to leave the wedding you wore this to and run to BeBe to get my own! lol
If I ever fit into your clothes, this will be my first choice to borrow!



My second "I want what she has!" goes to Blaire Dalton. I am loving her look head to toe, but that cuff and those shoes are amazing!

Cuff: $39.95 Shoedazzle
Shoes: $39.95 Shoedazzle

Okay, now I'm sad I canceled my membership. This is the third time since I've canceled that I've seen something that I really want! Maybe in the new year I'll have to join again. You look amazing Blaire, love your Shoedazzle picks!

65 degrees in late October

Top Stylemint, Jeans E Street Denim, Shoes Blowfish, Ring Threadsence, Sunnys Target, Nail Color Sally Hansen Commander in Chic and OPI Bring on the Bling

What a beautiful day we had this past weekend! I had a great family day filled with pumpkin carving, a walk to the park, and time outside back.
I was excited to wear my new Stylemint top. I paired it with dark wash jeans, a big ring, and for a pop of color, my blowfish canvas shoes. It took all of 5 minutes to get ready and that's just what I needed to not take any moments away from my family day!

on a different note, how amazing are the colors of fall?! I seriously wish I could live somewhere where it was fall year round! Which obviously is not possible because if the leafs were falling year round we'd have a lot of bare trees! ;) So maybe I'd settle for a place that has LOTS of multi colored trees! Something about the greens, oranges, reds, and yellows...they just put me in a good mood! OK, who knows were that might be? ;)

Double Date night

Dress MNG by Mango, Belt Express, Shoes Jessica Simpson, Necklace self made, Earrings Erin Gallagher Jewelry, Quartz Ring Free People, Stackable Ring Baublebar

This past Friday, the hubbs and I went out for dinner with another couple. Kristin and I talked blogs and the boys talked music (we seriously could have been at different tables our convos were so separate)! lol
We had a wonderful time and it reminded me how much I love (and need to spend more time with) my fellow mommy friends!

I FINALLY wore my Mango maxi dress!! I got this bad boy months ago and have been debating having it shortened. (it's soooo long on me!!) I ended up adding a belt and pulling it up a bit, as well as adding a 6 inch heel. Hey, a girls got to do what a girls got to do! I love it even more now! I'm not sure how yet, but I am going to try to style it a bunch of different ways so I can keep wearing it this fall/winter! Maybe a knit over, maybe a blazer, we'll see.... ;)

giveaway: Kristin Hassan

One lucky winner will receive at $28 credit to Kristin Hassan's online shop! (credit good toward jewelry or clothes!) Almost all jewelry items she sells are that amount or less, plus she has free shipping on all orders, so this is a great prize to win right before the holidays. (I know I'm not allowed to shop for myself around this time of year, so free jewelry would rock!)
Here are a few of my favorite items:


You all know how much I love Kristin's stuff (hello, I wear it often enough)! I am beyond excited to host this giveaway for all my readers!
To enter:
-Sign up for the Kristin Hassan Newsletter
-"like" her Facebook page
-Follow her on twitter
*LEAVE 1 COMMENT FOR EACH YOU DO!

Winner will be announced 11-8-11 at 7:00am. Good luck everyone!

Oh the weather outside is weather...

Top hand-me-down, Faux Fur vest Charlotte Russe, Jean jacket Vintage, Cargo pants c/o Katrina, clogs Jessica Simpson, Necklace Jewelmint, Earrings Kate Spade, Ring Lia Sophia

It's getting darn cold out her in the Chicago suburbs. Time for layers!! Last time I wore this vest, I wore it as a jacket. This time, I needed to add a thin jacket to it.
I had lots of errands to run and this look did the trick on this 45 degree day. I layered a top, the faux fur vest, and a jean jacket on top and paired them with my green cargo pants. It was such a simple outfit, but it felt chic and put together even though I was out the door in 10 mins flat!

My October Stylemint selection

When Stylemint launched a few months ago, I quickly joined and checked it out each month with my Jewelmint choices. Sadly I had skipped it every time. I finally found a shirt I really wanted and am excited to show you my October selection.
How cute is the packaging?! The actual pouch it came in was a paper bag. Very cute! I would expect nothing less from the Olsen ladies. ;)

In other news, there is a new mint coming at the end of October! Now there will be Jewelmint, Stylemint, and Beautymint! If you sign up for beauty mint feel free to use my referral link!

Pumpkin Patch

Top American Eagle, Jeans Forever 21, Socks Modcloth, Boots UrbanOg, Earrings Jewelmint

Another Fall tradition of ours is to meet up with my sisters and brothers and their kids (we have made 7 grand kids for my parents...so far) and we go to the Bumpkin. There is a bouncy house, tractor rides, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, and a hay maze. We had so much fun this year! (errrr, I mean, the kids did!) And let me say that I did not plan on going in the bouncy maze, my son got stuck and mom to the rescue! Let's all thank Ryan for laughing at me and taking pictures! Thanks babe!

I decided to wear a flannel I got last year around this time. I love the colors in it and it went perfectly with my black skinny jeans and black boots. For added warmth I went with a knee sock as well.

I will leave you now with a cute shot of my son running through the hay maze. We actually had to pull him out of there when we wanted to go! He loves a good fort/maze! lol

Birks

You guys have all heard of Birks Jewellery Stores before, right? I knew they were a jewelry store, but I had no idea they had an online shop or that they had so many different products! Birks has this amazing website that sells engagement rings, jewelry (diamond, gemstone, pearls, gold, and silver), gifts, watches, men's jewelry and cuff links, vintage jewelry, baby gifts, and home gifts! So it's got pretty much anything and everything you may want and need! Here are a few items that I'm lusting over:




How beautiful are these? This would be a great site to shop on for the holidays, wedding jewelry, gifts, cute baby keep sake gifts, engagement jewelry, push presents, the list goes on! I am for sure putting a few of these on my wish list for the holiday, my anniversary, and my b-day! Be sure to check out the Birks Jewelry store site, you won't be disappointed....you may need to start a wish list too!

**I want to disclose that I was paid to add their link to this post but that in no way influenced my opinion!

Pumpkin Painting

dress & sweater Forever 21, Boots Victoria's Secret, Earrings Pree Brulee, Chain Ring Tiffany & CO

This weekend we went over to my hubby's aunts house for the annual pumpkin painting contest. Now, I've been married for almost 4 years, and this was our first year attending! Believe me, I will be far more prepared next year, I had no idea everyone was going so all out!
My daughter cut 2 new teeth this weekend (you can imagine how much fun we had with this) so unless you held her she was a blubbering mess. Now that I think about it, she cried most of the time I held her too! lol
Anyway, I had under 5 mins to paint my pumpkin so I made the green witch above. All you moms out there can attest to this, we can do ANY task in less then 5 mins! It's a mom thing! ;) I came in 4th place, but the entire thing was rigged so Ry's dad would win. We'll have to do something about this next year. ;)
I paired my maxi dress with a crocheted knit and a crop boot. I think it was the perfect look for this cool fall night!
What are your Halloween traditions? Painting or carving?

My little guy walked the runway this weekend

top Forever 21, shorts Lauren Conrad for Kohls, blazer Urban Outfitters, Shoes Nicole Miller, bangles and stackable ring Baublebar, heart ring Jewelmint

Over the weekend my son was in a charity fashion show. It was at the Chicago Marriott and channel 5 news covered the event (my hubby, dad, father-in-law, and mom made it on TV) and I was his escort. There was a lunch, silent auction, raffle items, and then main event! All the kids looked adorable in their outfits and it was so cute how they all danced and looked so proud walking down the catwalk! About 400 people showed up and they raised lots of money for ASPIRE (a company that supplies services to children and adults with special needs). I was so proud of my son and thought he looked super handsome in his new outfit!

I did not plan an outfit for myself. Honestly I remembered I had to walk too the day before. I decided to pair my bow neck blouse with these shorts. I then added the blazer and booties to polish the look. I loved this look! I'm trying to be more unexpected in my outfits lately and I think it's paying off! What do you guys think, hit or miss?

Product Review: Macadamia oil

This large 1oz sample was in my last new beauty test tube. I was so excited because the Moroccan oil I use (and buy) is only .8oz and costs $32! My initial thought was SCORE! I actually ran out of my Moroccan oil shampoo and conditioner around the same time and decided to just order the Macadamia oil brand shampoo and conditioner too as their price points were far less then the Moroccan oil.



EPIC FAIL!!! This stuff is horrible! At first I thought I used too much or maybe you shouldn't use all the products at the same time, but after trying 3 different washes with smaller amounts I still got the same result, GREASY HAIR! Not cool. I have thrown out the shampoo and conditioner and will try the oil one last time with different shampoo and hope that helps. I am back to buying Moroccan oil brand and it will take some work now to get me to defer again.
Has anyone else tried Macadamia oil? Did you have similar results or is it just me?

Dress Rehearsal

Tee: Victoria's Secret
Skirt: Romwe
Shoes: Aldo
Silver Bangle: c/o Kristen Hassan
Rhinestone Bangle: Kristen Hassan (part of sold out bangle set)
Chain Ring: Tiffany & CO
Circle Ring: Lia Sophia
Earrings: Jewelmint
Necklace: Forever 21

Today me and my son are walking in a children's charity fashion show. Each child has a song to walk to and they talk about what they like and what not as they make there ways down the catwalk waving. I am the parent escort. ;) Is it weird that I'm nervous?! Don't worry, lots of pics will be taken for sure!
I am loving this blue skirt I just got from Romwe! You will for sure be seeing this one in heavy rotation. I also was very excited to bust out my rhinestone bangle! It came in a brass bangle set I got from Kristin Hassan, but I never mixed it in with the others. I love how it sits higher up on the arm and stays put.
Okay, lastly lets touch on these shoes. I had these in "shop my shoes" for the longest time, I'm so glad you guys didn't buy them!! I still love them! lol A little unexpected pop of a pattern is always the way to go!

Wedding atire

Dress: Target (old)
Belt: Urban Outfitters (old)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old)
Bangles: Baublebar
Necklace: Tiffany & CO
Bag: MNG by Mango
Pashmina: Nordstrom
Earrings: Self Made (similar)
Sunnys: MNG by Mango

I went to my cousin's wedding this past weekend and had a wonderful time. The ceremony was beautiful, the food de-lish, and dancing was so much fun! I have to say, it was my first time doing the cha cha slide in 6 inch heels! ;)
I was in a bit of a bind outfit wise this day. In the past this has been my funeral dress (I wear it with a black blazer) but I wanted to zip it up a bit for the occasion.
I added silver, brown, cream, and citrine accessories and was ready to go! I LOVE how this look turned out! I am also happy that this dress now has better mojo! lol

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks first "I want what she has!" goes to Kaitlyn Fergus. I am loving Kaitlyn's entire look, but that necklace is a must have!

Necklace: $8.80 Forever 21

I think it goes without saying that this necklace is on my next swap list. ;) You look beautiful as always Kaitlyn! xo



This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Michelle McSweeney. This blouse is lovely!

Blouse: $22.99 (on sale) Gap

I just love me a great blouse, and this one is no exception! Great find Michelle, this look is very chic and put together!

In times like these, you must be resourceful

I have previously written about the Huggies rewards program here, and how you can cash in points off packages of diapers for prizes. So far I have cashed in my points for a coupon (worth $13.49) to receive a free package of pull ups. This time around I cashed in 400 points for this great thermos sippy cup.



I have to admit, I'm not buying Huggies all the time anymore because lets face it they are not the cheapest. With my first child I only bought Huggies. I thought since they cost the most, they must be the best! Now with two kids in diapers I go with what's on sale. Sometimes it's Huggies, sometimes it's store brand. I still love that I get free stuff when I go with Huggies though! Let's face it, everyone loves free gifts with purchase! ;)

Fall Diddley 2011

Tank: Francescas
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Fit Flops
Bag: MNG by Mango

Every year my mom, sister, and myself head to the fall diddley. It's a GIANT craft show up at the Boone county fair grounds and we make a 1/2 day out of it!
I got up at 5:30am, threw clothes on in the dark, grabbed my little man, and started my 1 hour and 30 minute journey (my son goes with me every year, my daughter stayed home with her dad). We met up with the other lades and had breakfast at the same little diner that we do every year and then get to the diddley promptly by 9am. Here are a few shots I took first thing in the morning and the last one is inside one of the many large tents.



It was by far the most crowded diddley I have ever been to! Maybe it was the great weather, maybe everyone is catching on that this is a great place to find teacher gifts and other holiday shopping done, who knows! I got lots of great loot! I found amazing teacher and bus driver gifts, a few random holiday presents, and a few holiday decorations for around our house. Here is a shot of our new Halloween decor:


Cute right?! I never thought I'd love me a craft fair as much as I do! See you next year fall diddley! ;)

date night

Blouse: Piperlime
Shorts: Old Navy
Wedges: Forever 21
Bangles: Kristin Hassan (sold out)
Bag: MNG by Mango

As a stay-at-home mother of 2, there are days when you just NEED to get out of the house for a few hours and miss your kids! This was one of those days! ;)
The hubby took me to a wonderful Thai restaurant and I even had a martini! We were gone all of an hour and a half and I was a new woman! It weird how such a short break can refresh you and make the "mom mom mom mom mom mom" far less annoying! lol
I was so sad to find my Piperlime blouse from last fall was so big on me now. Since I usually wear it with skinny jeans, I thought pairing it with shorts would be fun. What do you think? Blouses and shorts are a great transitioning to fall look or not so much?