Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from my little pumpkin Gucci!  How thrilled does he look for this photo session?  Have no fear- no cats were harmed during this shoot and models were paid handsomely with tuna treats immediately after! 

Silk, Stripes, & Sweats...

{Top- (old) Forever 21, Pants- J. Crew, Shoes- (old) Talbots, Necklace- J. Crew}

In true Gemini fashion, I bought these pants in both available flavors!  I first scouted them here, and when they went on sale with extra 40% off, they came home with me (black pair worn here).  You know the saying- if an outfit works- work it hard!  :)

Thrifty Thursdays - #17 - Oh Capitan!...

 {Mirror- Kohl's, Flower Votives- Marshalls, Stand- West Elm}

In smaller spaces, you still need a catchall for things when you come in the door.  Mirrors are a great way to catch the light and make areas look larger than they really are.  Plus- in a front hall, who couldn't use a double check for your hair or lipstick as you head out?!  I have been looking for a captain's mirror for awhile, but didn't want to spend a fortune.  Found this one on sale and after several stacked discounts it was less than $60!  Welcome home...

Tee Time...

{Top- (old) FEED for Target, Pants- Loft, Shoes- (old) Joan & David, Necklace- J. Crew}

Something about a plaid pant makes me always feel like an old grandpa golfer...but ask me if I care!  :) 

Wellness Wednesdays - #17 - Benefits of Beer!

Well hot damn!  I subscribe to daily infographics - because, well - infographics are awesome.  Imagine my surprise when I saw this one on the benefits of beer.  Now this is something I can get behind - cheers!  :) 

We are always told that drinking is bad for us and that drinking leads to bad health.  This infographic tells just the opposite.  Beer is good for you!  Just how much is debatable.  But the good news is is that it suits your body well.

Time can often be our worst enemies.  As you age, getting out of bed can be very difficult.  You can feel stiff and your joints can even audibly crack.  Not to worry people, beer can take care of your joints and bones because it contains silicon.  Silicon as many of you know is a very versatile element.  Let it help you.

Many of us unfortunately have experienced the struggles of heart disease and cancer, whether personally or through seeing another person suffer.  These two ailments are on the rise and it is very helpful knowing that something that can make you have fun with the ones you love and have the best times with healthier.  Beer is shown to improve your resistance to cancers and heart disease with the phenols and antioxidants they contain.

Though moderation is key to avoiding abuse, if you are of age, you should drink a beer or two to better your health, resistance to terminal illness, and have a good time.  Beer brings people together.  Enjoy life with those you love, and drink to a long and healthy life!

Yes!!!

{Sweater- Kohl's, Pants- J. Crew, Shoes- Zara, Necklace- (old) Express}

Yes- finally!!!  I was obsessed with these pants before they were even available (mentioned here).  Always one to wait it out for a sale, they appeared to have sold out!  Imagine my delight when they not only showed back up online, in my size, but on sale with an extra 40% to boot!  Yipee!!!  And might I say- they were worth the wait!   

Tasty Tuesdays - #17 - Homemade Greek Pizza

 

Ever since Trader Joe's moved in literally across the street from me, I've been expanding my dinner recipes.  They have the most delicious ready-made pizza dough.  I've been using the regular version, but it also comes in whole wheat and garlic.  Here's my recipe for homemade Greek pizza...

Ingredients:

1- pack of Trader Joe's pizza dough

1- pack of Trader Joe's feta cheese (also available in low fat version, but let's be honest...)

1/3- jar of Trader Joe's pitted kalamata olives (cut in thirds)

1/3- red onion (chopped)

1/3- box of cherry tomatoes (cut in thirds)

Flour to roll out dough

Olive oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Cookie Sheet

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Sprinkle a little flour on your counter top and roll out pizza dough

Lay crust on cookie sheet and coat with olive oil

Sprinkle all your toppings (feta, onion, olives tomatoes) on crust

Drizzle balsamic over entire pizza

Cook for approximately 12 minutes

Enjoy!

 

Splurge {vs} Save - #17 - Wool Baseball Cap

{Left- J. Crew, Right- Forever 21}

Baseball caps have been quite a trend this season (last shown here).  I like the idea of Fall-ifying the trend in wool.  J. Crew offers the two-tone version for $39.50, or you could save and go with the Forever 21 version for $8.80.  Which will you do - splurge or save?...

Music Mondays - #17 - Tyrone Wells

{Available here}

Tyrone Wells has one of the best voices out there.  You know an artist is truly talented when you enjoy an acoustic version just as well as a studio produced track.  Well here he is taking it to another level in a Jimmy Fallon-esque way on his tour bus with some acoustic accompaniment courtesy of a box of Kix cereal and a banana drumstick...check it out for a laugh and then go get this album - immediately!  :)

 

It's About Time...

{Available here}

Kate Spade had their Friends & Family sale this past week.  When I saw this watch ring, I knew I had to have it!  Clean design and functional, but with a quirky twist that only Kate can do...

  {Polish- OPI O'Hare & Nails Look Great!}

Parisian Poncho...

{Top- Kohl's, Jeans- (old, but same style here) Gap, Shoes- (old) Frye, Bracelets- (old) J. Crew}

Nothing like a flowy blouse with a skinny pant - especially by the end of the workweek when comfort is key!  This top came from the Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation collection at Kohl's.  She was inspired by Paris for her collection - if only outfits could transport you...  TGIF! 

Fashion Fridays - #16 - Huff & Puff...

{Images via}

So many great takes on the classic puffer vest!  This piece can be dressed up or down and is surprisingly warm.  Here are some great options that are currently available - all with a little twist on texture or print...

 {Gap - $79}

 {Gap - $88}

 {Old Navy - $44.94}

 {Old Navy - $44.94}

 {Banana Republic - $150}

 {J. Crew - $138}

{J. Crew - $128}

Go Grease Lightning...

{Sweater- J. Crew, Tee- (old) J. Crew, Jeans- (old) Kohl's, Shoes- (old) Naturalizer}

Something about the leather front of this cardigan feels a bit varsity-esque.  I decided to play that up with some skinny black jeans and a tee.  Pointy toed tweed flats add a bit of prep to my step!

Splurge {vs} Save - #16 - Faux Fur Throws

{1- West Elm $129, 2- World Market $59.99, 3- Restoration Hardware $99, 4- Target $24.99}

Nothing is cozier than a new throw for your home!  I love the look of the faux fur trend, but some retailers' prices can be pretty steep .  Here are some options from $24.99 - $129.  What will you do; splurge or save?...

Thrifty Thursdays - #16 - Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamels

Shaped like little perfume bottles, Revlon is releasing a line of nail polishes filled with their classic long-lasting formula, plus essential oils that, once dry, smell like everything from clean laundry to a rose bouquet.  They are categorizing the scents into three scent families: the Freshes, The Fruits & Florals, and the Sweets & Spices.  At a retail price of $6 each, this is definitely one to look out for...

Skirt The Issue...

{Top- (old) Old Navy, Skirt- (old) Forever 21, Shoes- (old) Franco Sarto, Earrings- (old) J. Crew}

A full skirt is not always easy to pull off - especially when you are vertically challenged like me.  I think the key is to wear it a bit more high waisted and to wear a heel that shows a bit more skin to help elongate.  Wool skirts can look a little stuffy, so a pony hair belt and some vibrant earrings keep things light.

Wellness Wednesdays - #16 - Candy Crusades...

We're nearing Halloween and whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart - candy will most likely become a temptation sooner or later.  Here's an article I found to be interesting - when it comes to candy, which is the lesser of two evils?  Did you guess right?...

It’s Reese’s for the win.  They have almost 1/3 of the calories, 19 grams fewer carbs, and about 1/3 of the saturated fat of a Butterfinger. Plus- since they’re made with actual peanut butter, they contain 5 grams of protein, which helps to balance out their sugar content and keeps you satisfied for longer.

In terms of calories and saturated fats, these bars are nearly identical, so go ahead and feast on your favorite. However, a Hershey’s bar has slightly more sugar and two extra ingredients, so you may be slightly better off with a Dove bar.

If you’re going to have a candy bar, choosing one with nuts is a smart move because they supply some satisfying, healthy fat.  PayDay’s 7 grams of protein make it a better option than a Snickers, which has only 4 grams of protein—not to mention that a PayDay contains significantly less saturated fats and sugars, and no partially-hydrogenated oil. 

It’s always a good idea to stay away from fake foods, which, with corn syrup, artificial colorings, and lots of preservatives, is basically what Twizzlers are. If you’re okay with the slightly medicinal taste of traditional black licorice, have it instead.

In spite of the difference in size, you’re actually better off with Starbursts than Skittles.  Starbursts contain 1/3 less sugar than Skittles, and are fat and saturated fat-free.  They also contain fewer artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oils, and artificial coloring.  Don’t be fooled by the amount of vitamin C in Skittles—it’s listed as 1/2 of your recommended daily intake.  You’ll get a whopping 3 teaspoons of sugar in return.

This decision centers on the perennial issue of portion control. While Hershey’s Kisses are individually wrapped—and therefore take a little longer to eat than a handful of M&Ms—it’s hard not to make a serious dent in what’s usually a large bag. Nonetheless, they lack the sugar- and artificial coloring-filled outer layer of candy of M&Ms, which works in their favor.

Smarties are the perfect cure to mindless eating.  Only 25 calories for one roll!  Nerds have triple the calories in just 1 tablespoon of candy and contain 3 sources of sugar in the ingredients list, which is a lot for such a tiny product.

Though hard candies are less likely to damage your waistline since they take longer to consume, they are not friends to your teeth.  To minimize dental damage, choose a Jolly Rancher.  A Blow Pop has a sweet, chewy, bubble-gum center, which glues sugar to your teeth as you chew on it.  Three Jolly Ranchers contain almost the same number of calories as a single Blow Pop, meaning you can spread out your sucking, and enjoy them at a few different points during the day.

Though Junior Mints provide 4x more iron, a York Peppermint Patty wins in terms of calories, saturated fats, and sugar—and gets bonus points for coming in an individual portion size.  Compared to a standard candy bar, a 140-calorie Peppermint Patty is a major calorie bargain, especially since it has only 2.5 grams of fat.

Fast Track Fashion...

{Top- (old) Old Navy, Pants- J. Crew, Shoes- Kohl's, Necklaces- (old) J. Crew}

I fell in love with these pants right when I saw them (mentioned here).  They finally went on sale and with an extra 40% off, I snatched them right up!  They are like wool sweatpants - soft, warm, and add a sporty spunk to your outfit.  I made them more work appropriate with a chambray top and heels, but these could be equally cool with a graphic tee and fitted blazer. 

J. Crew, I Love You... - #16 - Patchwork Grid Scarf

{Available here}

Sometimes all you need to amp up an outfit is a well wrapped scarf.  I love the color and texture of this one from J. Crew.  The only question is - which way to wrap it?  Here's a fun video that shows you 25 options in under 5 minutes!

   

 

Tasty Tuesdays - #16 - Mrs M's Roasted Potato Soup

When the weather cools down, it's time for the meals to heat up!  Here is Mrs M's (my mom's) Roasted Potato Soup recipe.  It's hearty, tasty, and sure to toast you up!  Enjoy...

Ingredients:
5-6 potatoes, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
4 T butter, melted

Directions:
Mix and place on a cookie sheet - roast at 425 for 60 minutes
After roasting, place in a large kettle and add 3 cans (32oz box) broth and simmer for 20 minutes
Mash some of the potato chunks and add 2 C of 1/2 and 1/2 (or milk for healthier option)
Serve

Tiny Tassels...

{Top- (old) Loft, Pants- Gap, Shoes- (old) Anne Klein, Short Necklace- (old) BCBGeneration, Long Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

Anther find from the men's department!  These pants have a great herringbone texture to them, but a sturdiness like denim.  When cuffed with a kitten heel, you'd never know they weren't for women!  A silky blouse and tasseled necklace complete the look!

Music Mondays - #16 - Ellie Goulding

{Available here}

Ellie's music just never gets old for me!  While I find it annoying when artists re-release an album with additional songs than the initial one, this re-release is well worth it.  Here's "Burn"...

Levis & Lace...

{Top- (old) Forever 21, Jeans- (old) Levis, Shoes- Zara, Belt- (old) Loft}

These classic Levis were a score from the men's department with a 36" inseam!  My 5'3" self definitely needed an alteration, but something about the 70's rinse and the high rise lent itself to a raw hem.  A feminine blouse and a touch of leopard help make it ladylike.

Fashion Fridays - #15 - Give 'Em The Boot!

{Images via}

I love an ankle bootie!  It's at least a 3 season shoe in my mind.  Wear them with a dress, with a cuffed pant, or a skinny jean...flat, heeled, wedge - you really can't go wrong!  Here are a few that are currently catching my eye...

{1- Steve Madden, 2- Steve Madden, 3- Nine West, 4- H&M, 

5- Nine West, 6- H&M, 7- Urban Outfitters, 8- Madewell, 9- Loft}

Peek-A-Boo(tie)!

{Top- Forever 21, Jeans- (old) Gap, Booties- (old) Vince Camuto, Necklace- (old) Fossil}

Starting to transition my footwear for fall.  These peek-a-boo booties are the perfect piece - the open toe still shows off a fresh pedi, while the studs toughen up a girly blouse.

Splurge {vs} Save - #15 - Scarf Print Sweatshirts

{Left- J. Crew, Right- Forever 21}

I've been seeing some really intricate scarf print motifs on clothing these days.  The one on the left is from J. Crew for $98, while the one on the right is Forever 21 for $24.80.  What do you think?  Do you like these kinds of prints?  Which would you do - splurge or save?...

Thrifty Thursdays - #15 - It's A Jungle Out There...

{Bronze Gazelle Bust - Marshalls}

Marshalls' tagline is you should "never pay full price for fabulous" - I couldn't agree more!  My newest addition to my dining room was actually inspired by fellow blogger Emily Schuman from Cupcakes and Cashmere.  She found a bronze gazelle at a flea market in CA.  Isn't that always the case though?  I feel like every time I watch design shows or read articles some of the best pieces are from west coast flea markets.  Well imagine my surprise when I was strolling thru Marshalls this past weekend and found a similar version - and for quite a steal may I add!

     {Bell Wall Art- Pier 1 Imports, Clock- Walmart, Wishbone- Z Gallerie, Wood Slice Pedestal- World Market, Owl- Kohl's, Glass Cloche- World Market}

Hippie Chic

{Top- American Eagle, Jeans- (old) Gap, Shoes- (old) Michael Kors, Bracelets- (old) J. Crew}

Embracing my inner hippie today with a little silky peasant blouse.  Some sparkly bracelets and heels help make it feel more modern.

J. Crew, I Love You... - #15 - PLAY Comme des Garcons

{1- Red Heart Tee, 2- Hooded Sweatshirt, 3- Stripe Sweater, 4- V-neck Sweater, 5- Pink Heart Tee}

J. Crew has a whole section on their website called "In Good Company" filled with merchandise from branded partners.  I don't know why but I'm in love with the PLAY Comme de Garcons merchandise.  I can't justify the prices for the simplicity of the pieces, but I always stop to check it out...

Wellness Wednesdays - #15 - The Art of Napping

I could blame it on the change of seasons and the fact that it's getting darker earlier, but when it comes down to it- I've always enjoyed an afternoon nap!  Sometimes I feel lazy for crashing on the couch, but it turns out- it's not all that bad for you!  Check it out...

{Image via}