August 24, 2011

Megan, thanks for having me in your lovely space! When I think about what defines me, it is tough to narrow down. Such a deep question! Faith and family are on the top of my list. Here are a few more fun things that really make up a big part of who I am:)

I think motherhood is one of the greatest gifts God allows a woman, and I feel so honored to have this privilege. It isn’t always easy, but your heart never is so full as it is when you look at your children. Their smiles are the spark in my eye. My husband and I share a lot of laughter because of them.

(via 1, 2, 3)

The outdoors is what I crave after a stressful day, or when I want to just find peace and have some fun. A drink on the porch, a bike ride, time near the water….. it is unbeatable!

(via 1, 2, 3)

My sister teases me for being Rainbow Brite:) I am always drawn to bright and bold colors. I guess its because it gives so much life and energy. These are a few favorites I saw recently.

I’d be interested to know things that define or influence who you are!

Lookbook: Oxford and Lace

August 24, 2011

(Blouse Top: Izod Thrifted, Striped layering tank: Forever21, Lace Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: Dress Up Boutique, Necklace: made by me, Bracelets/Cuff: made by me, F21, Watch: Fossil)

I really cherish Sundays with my little family. After church we hit up a new gourmet donut shop we discovered. Let me tell ya – these mouth watering donuts were the size of my face!… and tasted a little like heaven:) Little Gabriel was a sticky mess afterwards but I enjoyed watching his sweet little cheeks and hands as he savored every bite. Little miss Veronica snoozed her way through our hang out time. My husband took most of these photos….. such a good sport he is. I kind of love him a lot:) He jokes about making an appearance on my blog, so I snuck one of him in:) he he…

As you can tell, I am enjoying some new thrift finds. And this lace skirt will be making a recurring appearance. So versatile. Have you dared your local thrift store yet?

Hope you are enjoying your week!

Style File: Fall Trends 2011.

August 19, 2011

I actually avoid in your face trends, because its much more fun to be original 🙂 However, these are some fall trends that have me swooning. They offer versatility, endless opportunity, and the chance to be creative!

(via JCrew, Asos, JCrew)

Will you be daring one of these trends this fall?

By the way, Hoorah for the weekend!

In cased you missed it this week on IHOD:

Cocoa and Donuts for my readers, Veronica Rose at 4 months, Katie’s Front Yard Wedding, In the Kitchen sharing my fave recipe, and a 3 supplies + 3 steps DIY Sequin clutch

3 Steps DIY Sequin Clutch

August 18, 2011

This is for you gals out there who don’t think you can do DIY. These fun and fancy clutches only involve THREE items and THREE steps. Not kidding! Ready?

First things first, if you are near a Hobby Lobby, RUN your little bottom over there and pick yourself up one or two of these dandy linen clutches. They are ripe for the picking at only $3.99! And use their weekly 40% off an item coupon to get it for less than $2.50! If you are not near one, never fear! You can buy one online here or here. They have both colors available. I bought both the dark charcoal grey and the natural linen. Then head over to the ribbon and trims section and pick out a fun trim to embellish them in. I picked up this gold sequin trim (they usually have trim on sale for 50% off) for $2.50. Sorry the Charcoal trim I bought in the LA fabric district for my shop, so I already had that in stock. For the adhesive you can use hem tape OR glue gun. Easy as that!

In summary, your supplies:

Linen Clutch

Sequin trim (any kind of preference)

Hem tape OR Glue Gun

The Steps:

1) Measure out the trim to fit the length of the clutch(es)

2) Measure out the hem tape

3)Place hem tape between trim and clutch, and hold down your iron on the INSIDE of the clutch for a few seconds on each section of the trim to get them to stick together.

3) Simply heat up your glue gun and use small amounts along the trim where you would like it placed.

*You can use one or two strips of trim on the back depending on the look you want.

….and Voila!! I told you it was simple:)

I hope you go treat yourself or a friend to this $5.00 glam clutch! And if you do, you will have to share the pics and let me know how it goes!

(styled from this previous post)

P.S. I have another fun DIY Sequin tote coming next week:)

Also, I shared some fun maxi skirt love over on Mrs. Capretta’s blog if you want to come visit!

Chicken Paprika

August 17, 2011

Thought I would show you a peek into my kitchen…where I spend a good amount of time feeding the boys in the family;) And while I am at it, I might as well share with you one of my family’s favorite meals. Its the one my husband usually requests for his birthday dinner;) It’s my mom’s recipe so there is a lot of sentiment tied to it! …

Chicken Paprika

(Recipe is for 2 lbs chiken but I often half it for 1 lb.)

2 lbs Chicken Breasts cut into strips

1 stick of butter

1 1/2 medium onions

1/3 c. sour cream

1 t. salt

1 t. pepper

2 t. paprika

1) Chop onion and place in a large cooking pot along with the stick of butter and cook over low heat until onions are clear.

2) Add salt, pepper, and paprika

3) Place the chicken around the bottom of the pot and let sit for two minutes on each side. Cover and let simmer for a good hour. Turn the chicken half way through. (The key to the flavor of this dish is letting it sit in the spices for a good long while!)

4) When the chicken is close to being finished, cook a pound of pasta of your choice. Cavatapi and Rotini are great ones.

4) When the chicken is ready, remove it from the pot and set aside. Add the sour cream to the sauce and whisk together.

5) Pour the sauce and chicken over the noodles and enjoy every last bite:)

Let me know if you have any questions!

Veronica Rose: 4 months

August 15, 2011

Veronica Rose: 4 months old

This month, you have learned to roll over, reach and hold on to your toys, and do back bends:) I think you might be a gymnast one day.

This girl never stops smiling! She loves to be talked to, and she will talk right back! She adores her big brother, who never seems to be out of kisses for her….