Friday, August 31, 2012

Game Day! GO NOLES!

College Football season is officially here!  I've been searching around for game day outfits to cheer on my Seminoles.  Although there's great options on the typical college football sites, I found tons of cute garnet and gold clothes and accessories that better suit my style.  Below are some of my finds. Now I just have to choose!!  GO NOLES!

xoxo, Jen

Game Day! GO NOLES!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Little Black Dresses {LBD}


As much as I love the color black, I've recently discovered that I don't actually own a lot of it.  Maybe that's because its summer and I've been drawn to bright colors (that have some how taken over my wardrobe).  However, I'm now on the hunt for a cute, casual black dress for an upcoming family picture.  Since I was spending most of my night searching for one, I figured I'd share my findings with all of you.  I've posted a few that caught my eye.  If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear about them!

xoxo, Jen


Little Black Dresses

Monday, August 27, 2012

DIY FSU Fabric Wreath

I've been wanting to try to create this fabric wreath that I found on Pinterest for a while now.  With football season right around the corner, I decided that now is the perfect time for this DIY project.  I've listed the instructions and pictures below.  Enjoy, and GO NOLES!

xoox, Jen

Supplies:
6" Metal wreath (Michael's craft store)
Wreath hanger
Fabric
Ribbon
Wooden Letters
Fabric Scissors
Hot glue gun


Cut fabric into strips; 1.5" wide and 7" long.  I ended up using almost 2 yards of garnet fabric and about 1/2 yard of each the gold and black fabric.


Tie each strip on the metal wreath.  Warning- it takes a while to fill the entire wreath.



Take wooden letters and glue them onto the wreath using a hot glue gun.  I wasn't sure how to get the letters to stay on the wreath.  I tired magnets, tying them on with wire, and finally just gluing them on (which ended up working the best).  After you glue the letters on, tie a bow at the top, and you're done!


Friday, August 24, 2012

Friday Frugal Find

I was surfing around some of my favorite online shops and I came across this great dress from Old Navy.  It comes in several colors and its on sale for $19.99!  There's also a coupon right now (online and in-store) for 25% off at Old Navy.  How can you say no to this dress with a steal like that?!  This is the perfect transition dress into Fall and cooler temps.  Wear it with a pair of flats, a belt and cute cross-body bag.  Dress it up with a pair of pumps, blazer, and large bag for work.   As the weather gets cooler, wear it with a pair of boots (with or without tights) and a great leather bomber jacket.  With a cute basic dress like this, the combinations are endless!

xoxo, Jen

Friday Frugal Find

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Arrow Jewelry


This past week my sister rushed Pi Beta Phi at Alabama.  I was so excited that she decided to rush, and thus, wanted to get her a cute gift to say "congrats on becoming greek".  One of their symbols is an arrow, so I began my search there.  To my discovery, I found tons of cute options.  Arrow jewlery has really become a fashionable statement.  I've listed some great options below, at all different price points.  I personally have the Kate Spade bangle (shocker- anyone who knows me, knows I'm obsessed with KS bangles) that I plan on wearing for FSU football season.  I didn't show the piece I ended up getting, so that it will be a surprise to my sis :)  Enjoy!

xoxo, Jen


Arrow Jewelry



Stella & Dot chain necklace / Juicy Couture jewelry / Urban Outfitters chain necklace / Jewelry / Bracelet / Silver jewelry / Necklace / Anita Ko diamond jewelry, $4,505 / River Island black jewelry, $3.14 / Olia Designs long necklace / Zits Wrinkles

White Hot- White Nail Polish Trend

Although my typical go-to colors for summer nails are brights and neons, I've been loving white nail polish lately.  Its popping up everywhere.  When I usually think of white nail polish, I think of the typical french manicure.  But that's no longer the case.  All the major nail polish brands have a white color in their mix, and celebrities can be seen rocking this color all over the social scene.  See below of inspiration.

xoxo, Jen

White Hot- White Nail Polish Trend

Monday, August 20, 2012

Breakfast Cookies

I've never been one with a sweet tooth.  However, during my pregnancy, all I wanted was sweets.  I was hoping it would go away after Brayden was born.  Unfortunately, it hasn't.  So in an effort to eat "healthy sweets", I searched for healthy cookies.  I came across these breakfast cookies and was not disappointed.  They're larger than a normal size cookie and thus, fill you up.  There's several ingredients, but don't let that intimidate you.  They're delicious and easy to make.  See the recipe below.  Enjoy!

xoxo, Jen


Breakfast Cookies
makes about 12-16 cookies
1 large egg
1/4 cup loosely packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 medium ripe banana, mashed
1 1/2 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons peanut butter, melted
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup dried cherries (or dried fruit of your choice!)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, mix flour, oats, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and flaxseed together, then set aside.


In a large bowl, whisk egg and sugar together until smooth. Add in vanilla, mashed banana, melted and cooled butter and honey and mix until combined and somewhat smooth (it’s okay if banana chunks remain).


Gradually add in dry ingredients, mixing gently with a large spoon until the batter has come together. Stir in melted peanut butter. Lastly, add chocolate chips and cherries, mixing until distributed.


Using a 1/4 cup measure, an ice cream scoop, or even a large spoon, drop dollops of batter onto a nonstick baking sheet, placing them about 2 inches apart. 


Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set and lightly golden around the edges. Cookies will not spread much and will probably hold their form, but get a bit puffy and fat.


Friday, August 17, 2012

Make a Plan

As much as technology has taken over my everyday life, I'm still old school when it comes to my planner.  I love writing things down instead of plugging my appointments into my calendar on my phone.  A planner doesn't have to be boring and business like.  They come in all sizes and colors.  I love ones that are compact to fit in my purse, have multiple room for each day to write appointments/to-do lists, and of course, they need to be stylish.  There's so many fun patterns out there to reflect your own personal style.  See below for some of my favorite picks.

xoxo, Jen

Make a Plan

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Go For Gold

Maybe it's because I've been watching the Olympics lately, but I find myself leaning more and more towards gold EVERYTHING lately.  I love the glitter, shine, and all that comes with the color of gold.  Check out some great ways to add a bit of gold into your style.

xoxo, Jen

Go For Gold

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

At The Current Moment...

I was reading through my daily blog lists and came across this post on Love Lipstick and Pearls blog.  I thought it was so cute and decided to take a stab at it.  Its basically an update on your current status of books, food, life, etc.  I've listed mine below.  I'd love to know how mine compares to yours!

xoxo, Jen

Current Book:
Not that I've had time to read lately, but this book is downloaded on my Kindle and ready to go!  I love Emily Giffin and can't wait to start reading her newest book; Where We Belong.


Current Playlist:
Anything on BPM.  I'm also loving Whistle by my boy Flo Rida (its so catchy!)


Current Color:
Still loving Mint (see my post here).  I'm also loving Hot Pink.  Gotta take advantage of the last few weeks of summer colors!



Current Food:
Chips/Salsa/Guac from Taqueria del Sol



Current Favorite Shows:
Big Brother, Project Runway, RHONJ, Teen Mom (don't judge)


Current Needs:
Essie Mint Candy Apple nail polish, J.Crew chevron cosmetic bag, a cute game day dress for FSU!


Current Triumphs:
Recently got promoted at work

Current Banes of My Existence:
Mine and the Hubs travel schedule, my alarm clock, Brayden's teething, my manicure not lasting more than a week without chipping.

Current Celeb Crush:
Ryan Reynolds :)


Current #1 Blessing:
My boys <3

Current Indulgence:
Cursing the Hubs for buying a box of these at Publix, but I love it!


Current Outfit:
Cute Maxi Dress and Bubble Necklace


Current Excitement:
The Hubs to come home from his business trip, Double Date with great friends on Friday (plus Brayden), Bid Day on Saturday for my sister (Go Chi-O!).

Current Mood:
Tired (staying up too late writing this blog!)

Current Favorite Quote or Verse:
Hmmmm, can't think of one :(

Current Wish List Items:
In addition to what was already listed above for "current needs"; cute sweaters for Fall! (see my post here)


Current Favorite Product:
My new Studio Careblend Pressed Powder by MAC


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Fun Cosmetic Bags

While shopping the other day, I came across the cutest black and white chevron printed cosmetic bag at J.Crew (see below).  I have no problem constantly buying makeup, but I never splurge on a new cosmetic bag.  Sure, I have tons in my closet from all the "freebies" from cosmetic brands, but I've carried the same one in my purse for years.  I guess I've never changed it because its small enough to fit in my purse, but big enough to hold all of my make up essentials that I use throughout the day.  When I got home, I started thinking that my bag is dull and I "NEED" a cute one.  There's so many great ones out there!  See below for some of my favorites.

xoxo, Jen


Fun Cosmetic Bags

Monday, August 13, 2012

Sassy Sweaters

As much as I love Summer, I'm finding myself dreaming of Fall already.  Maybe its because most retailers have just launched their first round of their Fall assortment (or because I'm counting down till football season starts - GO NOLES!).  That means that sweaters are popping up everywhere.  When I was shopping this past weekend, I kept swooning over all the cute sweaters on the racks.  I had to come back to reality and remember that its still 90 degrees out.  But that doesn't mean I can't start compiling my list of things to buy once the weather cools down a bit.  See below for a few of my favorites.

xoxo, Jen

Sweaters



J.Crew long sweater / Forever 21 top / BP. crew neck cardigan / Frenchi sheer top / Old Navy boatneck top / Frenchi sparkly top / Rubbish sheer top / Old Navy boatneck top / BP. cotton cable sweater / Forever 21 top / Forever 21 cotton sweater / Forever 21

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Suit Your Style


I figured while the wife was away lounging it up on a cozy business trip I’d step into her world and turn lemonade and lipgloss into scotch and cologne.

How do you like your suits? Modern, vintage, three button, single breast, silk, cotton, wool, slim fitted, loose, patterned. Pretty much anything nowadays can be worn and can be worn with style, you just have to know your fit, your audience and most important; yourself.
A lot of guys I know still rock the 90s power suit when it’s anything but in 2012. The definition of a 90s power suit would be a black suit, white shirt, triangle collar and solid tie. Now there is nothing wrong with that suit, but in today’s suit fashion, you have to have a little more substance.
Men’s fashion does exist when it comes to suits. Men’s fashion compared to women’s fashion is a lot like how men go about their lives compared to women to be honest. Suit trends move much slower and methodical compared to women’s overall fashion trends. That’s the great thing about going to buy a suit, odds are it will still be in style for the next two years while a woman can go buy anything and it’s pretty much is out of style by the time she wants to wear it a second time.



There are two things you should always look for when looking for a nice suit: Is it classic and is it masculine. Masculine doesn’t mean it has to be made of wood and smell like Michael Jordan sweat, it simply means it must represent the masculine features well (shoulders, chest, waist line). If you find those two things you will find a suit that can call your closet home for a long, long time.



I try and tell my dad that slim fitted suits are what are in right now. That still means even if you wear a 38 you can still have a slim waist and slimmer pant line. He somehow still thinks what Bill Clinton wore in 1994 is what is still in, but that’s okay though, I’m slowly getting him into patterns which I’ll talk about later. Slim suits are what I like to call a slick suit. That’s a shorter all around jacket (length and sleeves), no pleats (that’s a rule for every pant you ever want to wear in life) and a slight crease break at the shoe line with the trousers (no cuff).  Now if you want to really pull off some high fashion, it’s the fitted double breasted jacket. I’m not a fan of the smooth lapel on the double breasted jacket, however I’m only seeing the single peak around the stores to be honest. For some reason smooth lapel reminds me of prom and prom is about a rented tux you never wear again. Double breasted jackets are back and they’re back with style. Think Jay Gatsby; think Classic.



Now onto the three piece suits. If you think about it, you’ve probably already noticed a lot of guys wearing three piece suits. Hell you might even still own one if you were born before 1980. Three piece suits are back simply because guys have brought back the vest for the everyday outfit so it doesn’t seem as “out there” as it would have a few years ago. Look for the future three piece collections to be a normal matching two piece suit with brighter solids and different textiles for the vest option.





Let’s talk fabric. Wool suits. Wool suits. Wool suits. That should be it in my opinion. Cotton suits are more informal, linen suits are for out of work authors in the keys and velvet suits are for Tom Brady. Again, wool = classic and always in style.



How many buttons? It all depends on your height.  Right now the modern look is 99% two button as two button slims the weight, adds a little height and of course is classic. One button will make a guy like me who is almost 6’3” look about 6’0”. The three button is around more and more like it was back in the 90s.  Three button trends now are being sewn on the jackets at an angle resembling a \ line. The middle button is always the preference for this jacket when buttoning up the three piece.



Now to the color wheel. I get a lot of flak sometimes because of the patterns and colors I mix when it comes to my suit combinations. I like the traditional colors because they are always in style (think fall colors for that color wheel; navy, maroon, dark green, brown). However everything nowadays seems to be in play when you’re talking color and if you take a step back it all seems to work as long as you don’t go overboard.  Plaid, check, gingham, seersucker, solids, pinstripe, wide stripe are all out and about and should be worn just as much as solids. Mix and match or stay traditional as we all know classic will always work.




Throw in some pocket squares that add variety and can play off the shirt or the socks. Throw in a tie bar, or keep it classic, you can’t go wrong in 2012 and from the looks of it, men’s suit fashion will continue to evolve with more exposure around the world in the years to come.  When looking at mixing patterns, remember how you get dressed is how the boldness scale goes. Shirt shouldn’t be bolder than the tie and the tie shouldn’t be bolder than the jacket. That way you can reduce layers and still have all the patterns in order.



If there is a final piece of advice, please spend the extra money up front and get your suits tailored. There is nothing worse than seeing a suit that on a guy that resembles the final scene in the movie Big.




Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Frugal Finds - Striped Blazer


I've been eyeing this Givenchy striped blazer that I've been seeing lately on celebrities.  Unfortunately its about $1600.

  LIV TYLER, KIM KARDASHIAN, AND KERI HILSON IN GIVENCHY STRIPE BLAZER

Luckily, I've found several similar styles at a much more affordable price.  Check them out!



Striped Blazer


xoxo, Jen

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Vacation!

This past weekend, the Hubs, Brayden and I met my BFF, her Hubs, and her 2 cutie-pies Sadie and Owen in Jekyll Island.  This was the first time that I met Owen and Andrea met Brayden.  We had a great time!  Its definitely different going on vacation with kids.  The days of the Hubs and I throwing a bag in the car and only stopping once for 10 minutes along the way are OVER.  I don't understand how one little man can have so much stuff to bring for a long weekend.  When we arrived at the Jekyll Island Club, I instantly felt bad for the valet guy.  He packed up all our stuff and told us he'd bring it to our room.  The Club is an old, charming place with lots of stairs.  Even if you take the elevator, you still needed to take a flight of stairs to our room.  After unloading our room, and Andrea's room, I think the guy wanted to quit!  Below are some pictures from our weekend :)

xoxo, Jen


Row 1:  Jekyll Island Club, Round of golf for the guys, Family stroll, Future golf foursome, Andrea and Sadie
Row 2:  Mommy and Brayden, Andrea Sadie Jen Brayden, Daddy and Brayden, Family pic after the pool, Out to dinner
Row 3:  Mommy and Brayden, Brayden and Owen (only 4 months apart!), Rowlson Family, Ice Cream snack, Matching pedicures for the girls
Row 4:  Fun in PJs, Interesting people in CVS, Antique Shopping, Car ride home

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Bikini Fashion

We're going on vacation!  Tomorrow morning, the Hubs, Brayden, and I will head to Jekyll Island for a long weekend.  We're meeting my best friend, her husband and her 2 kids.  Her son Owen and my son Brayden are 4 months apart and haven't met yet.  I'm so excited to see them. In preparation for a beach getaway, I've been searching for a new bikini.  There's so many great styles to choose from, I couldn't pick just one!  I've listed my favorites below.  Enjoy!

xoxo, Jen


Ruffles, Neon, and Mix & Match Bikinis

Ruffles, Neon, and Mix & Match Bathing Suits


Monokinis, Fringe, and Retro Style Bikinis


Monokini, Fringe, and Retro Style Bikinis




One Shoulder, Patterned, and Black & White Bikinis


One Shoulder, Patterned, and Black & White Bikinis