happy thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from me to you!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, food and football! And remember to try and take some time to reflect on the things you are really thankful in life.

Xo steph 

Turkey Day Duds

Happy Turkey Day Eve everyone! Did you know that Thanksgiving Eve is the biggest drinking night of the year in the U.S? Well if you didn't you just learned a fun new fact! Anyway, I wanted to share some fun Turkey day clothes you can wear for tomorrow. Whether you get a little dressier (like the jeweled sweater below) or go casual with these awesome off the shoulder sweatshirts to hide your growing Thanksgiving food baby - remember to be comfortable so you can have a good time! Stretchy leggings will be your best friend tomorrow! Also, don't forget to be festive and wear your best "Thanksgiving colors" aka browns, neutrals and other "harvesty" colors to complete the look.

| Details |

J Crew j crew top / Sweater / Grey shirt / Helmut Lang black stretch pants / Minnetonka brown suede shoes, $145 / J Crew j crew scarf / Sweet Potato Pie Thanksgiving Collection

Do what will you be wearing tomorrow for Thanksgiving dinner? 
Do you dress it up or keep it comfy? 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Turkey Day Eve! : )
xoSteph

decorating for thanksgiving

So are you one to decorate for Thanksgiving or have you already fast-forwarded to Christmas? Confession: one of my biggest pet peeves is putting your Christmas stuff up for Thanksgiving. What happened to Thanksgiving? When did Thanksgiving become the red headed step child of holidays that gets no love? Thanksgiving for me has always been one of my favorite holidays as a kid, so I think its important to give it it's day, complete with festive, harvesty decor and enjoy the day for what it is: being thankful! And don't worry, I have NO problem breaking out the Christmas stuff on black friday. In fact, we're going out as a family to get our Christmas tree on Friday. Just like the Griswald family cutting down their tree. Let's just hope Todd and Margo don't spoil all our fun ; )

all original sources can be found on my Thanksgiving board on my Pinterest page : )

 | Decor |

1. spray leaves gold and write names for pretty name cards

2. gold leaves also look gorgeous on white pumpkins

3. LOVE this entryway with the cornstalks, mums, and pumpkins galore

4. baskets of pumpkins and gourds for simple arrangements

5. stencil "give thanks" on a white pumpkin

6. love this thankful burlap banner

 7. frame printables in simple frames

8. Thanksgiving sangria

9. These Thanksgiving plates are adorable

10. use candles and bittersweets for decor

| Make Yearly Traditions |

11. make a pumpkin "snow man" with the kids and have a contest to see who builds the best one

12. make someone wear the turkey hat for whoever shows up the latest to the party

13. have a pumpking smashing party after dinner to work off that turkey coma. Plus its a fun way to symbolically go out with the pumpkins and in with the pine trees : )

So do you all decorate for Thanksgiving or have you turned your house into a winter wonderland already?

xo Steph

the anatomy of a black friday shopping outfit

For those of you who are brave enough to go out on that hectic Friday after Thanksgiving known as Black Friday (FYI: I am not one of those people!) you'll need to wear a strategic outfit. To prevent that shopping burnout which includes tired feet, hot and cold flashes from the mix of winter weather and hot heated stores, and of course those hunger pains that send you straight to the food court, you'll need to plan accordingly. Here's what I think is the perfect Black Friday outfit to make the most of your shopping trip on that hectic day...

| Details |

Brown cardigan / Topshop legging / Tory burch bootie / Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag / AllSaints slouch beanie / Essie nail polish

1. Layers! Like I mentioned before, your temperature will always be changing from hot to cold to comfortable, so make sure you're wearing layers to adjust accordingly. This adorable cardigan is perfect. And cozy enough to wear you can leave your coat in the car if you're shopping in a mall.

2. Leggings (or other stretchy pants): You just ate a huge Thanksgiving dinner, so let's be a little forgiving to ourselves. Comfy pants are a must! Also if you're doing a little shopping for yourself (no shame in your game) you'll want clothes that are super easy to take off and on in the dressing rooms.

3. Cross body bag: Easier for your shoulders and most comfortable when walking around (in my opinion)

4. Flat booties: it always blew my mind when I saw women shopping in heels. I mean I know it looks nice but really? Is that realistic? Are you even as all comfortable? If my feet hurt that means my shopping trip is getting cut short. If you want to make it thru the day, wear flat boots, booties or flats. Your feet are your friends!

5. Snacks: I can't stress this one enough! If you're anything like me, when you get hungry you get grumpy. Or hangry as some people say (a mix of hungry and angry!) So to avoid the mood swings of hunger and the dropping blood sugar that will send you running to the food court for a big, fat burrito....bring your own snacks to take the edge off. My picks? A granola bar (I like Kind Bars), 100 calorie nut packs, or a piece of fruit like an apple or banana.

6. Hydration:  Or caffienation....whichever you fancy! I always have a water bottle with me when I shop, and occasionally I'll treat myself to a hot tea or coffee (depending on my mood). Either way, stay hydrated to get the most of your shopping experience.

So what's your favorite outfit to wear when you go shopping?

Do you have any other helpful tips for a long day of shopping?

And are you braving the stores on Black Friday?

xo Steph

also linking up with Still Being Molly

'Tis the Season to be Thankful

Sometimes I think people tend to get too caught up in the material things, the superficial things, and the not so important things. With blogging it's all about what's the newest thing you can buy, constantly acquiring things (and it never being enough) and envying what other people have, and highlighting what you lack. And I am certainly guilty of many of these things too. In both the blogging world and real world, it seems like people have already fast forwarded to Christmas planning and shopping (here come the endless blogger gift guides) and we've forgotten about Thanksgiving. Aside from the amazing food and family togetherness - the holiday is really all about being thankful. Sometimes on Thanksgiving day we don't even get a chance to reflect on what we're thankful for because we're so caught up cooking, and making sure the turkey is basted and trying to watch football to see if you racked up fantasy football points. 

So I'm asking you all to pause right this moment and read these 19 little reminders of how you should be grateful for every little privilege in your life and to really reflect on the things we should be thankful for. Because for each one of these little things we take for granted, there are many people who don't have that luxury. 

The orginal site for this list can be found here. 

1. You are alive.
2. You are able to see the sunrise and the sunset.
3. You are able to hear birds sing and waves crash.
4. You can walk outside and feel the breeze through your hair and the sun’s warmth on your skin.
5. You have tasted the sweetness of chocolate cake.
6. You didn’t go to sleep hungry last night.
7. You awoke this morning with a roof over your head.
8. You had a choice of what clothes to wear.
9. You haven’t feared for your life today.
10. You have overcome some considerable obstacles, and you have learned and survived.
11. You often worry about what you’re going to do with your life – your career, your family, the next step, etc. – which means you have ambition, passion, drive, and the freedom to make your own decisions.
12. You live in a country that protects your basic human rights and civil liberties.
13. You are reasonably strong and healthy – if you got sick today, you could recover.
14. You have a friend or relative who misses you and looks forward to your next visit.
15. You have someone with whom to reminisce about ‘the good old days.’
16. You have access to clean drinking water.
17. You have access to medical care.
18. You have access to the Internet.
19. You can read.

The truth is, you’re doing better than a lot of people in this world.  So remember to be grateful for all the things you do have.

I hope this made you just a little more grateful today like it did for me! I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday and great weekend : )

xo Steph

sparkles and fur are meant for everyday

I'm a firm believer in not saving things for special occasions. But it took some time to retrain my thinking. I used to think only fine china was used on holidays, and special outfits were only meant for special occasions. Not anymore! Why save something so amazing only to be left sitting in a closet -- unused and lonely. Dishes are meant to be used, candles are meant to be burned, and clothes are meant to be worn. This goes especially for fur and sparkles. They are not longer reserved for special fun nights. Nope. Wear your most fun and favorite pieces during the day time, on a Tuesday, only if you have to run to the post office! And that's your #tbt advice for the day : )

| Details |

Faux leather jacket: Express // T-shirt: Old Navy (similar) // Fur snood: Asos //
Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) // Tights: Target (good option) // Booties: Payless (similar) //
Sparkle wallet/clutch: Nine West (similar) // Gold watch: Fossil // Spike bracelet: Asos (similar)

So what are your thoughts? are you one to save your best outfits and favorites pieces for special occasions? Or do you wear the heck out of your stuff??

xo Steph

The easiest Chicken Tortilla Soup, Ever!

Have I mentioned I've been on a soup kick lately? Well I think with the cold weather, soup is the one comforting thing I crave to really warm me up, both body and soul! For my other cold weather soup creations you can check them out here and here.
So today on the menu and officially my new current favorite soup: Chicken Tortilla Soup. 
Not only is this delicious and soooo flavorful, but its honestly the EASIEST recipe ever. I kid you not, I made this in 5 minutes after work. And I'll tell you, after working 8 hours and coming home, going to the gym, and finally getting a chance to sit down -- cooking (as much as I love to do it) is not on my top priority list. But this soup is literally a 5 minute meal. Winning! And D liked it as well (and he typically doesn't like Mexican flavors/cuisine) so double winning!!

{ Chicken Tortilla Soup }

What You'll Need:

1 Box Organic Free Range Chicken Broth

1 Jar Trader Joe's Chunky Salsa

2 Cans Organic Black Beans

1 Cup Trader Joe's Frozen Roasted Organic Corn

1 Can of Premium White Chicken or 2 Boiled Organic Chicken Breasts (preferred)

Optional Garnishes (I personally like all of the following!)

Avocado

Cilantro

Mexican Blend Cheese 

Corn Tortilla Chips

Directions:

Combine all items in a large pot over medium heat. Stir well. When soup has reached desired temperature, ladle into a bowl and garnish with avocado, cilantro and cheese and broken up tortilla chips. 
See -- I told you how ridiculously easy this recipe is!!
 You can even make this soup more healthy by substituting raw black beans, raw corn and uncooked chicken into a crock pot and let it cook for the day (as opposed to the canned items) but again, the canned stuff was a lifesaver to make on a busy weekday : )

perfect for a rainy, chilly day.

Bon appetite friends!

Hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

xo Steph

also linking up with Because Shanna Said So

Mustard & Leopard Love

This is literally the outfit I'm wearing today at work -- minus the jeans and throw in some black pants. I was feeling the mustard and leopard combo today, and I needed some bold colors and patterns to brighten up my seemingly boring Tuesday. Is it Thanksgiving break yet?? I can't wait to see my family, stuff my face with good old comfort foods, watch football, and get our Christmas trees on black Friday. 

Tis the season to be thankful : )

| details |

Mustard yellow top / Frame Denim ripped blue jeans / Gap bow ballet flat / MICHAEL Michael Kors zipper top / Deborah lippmann nail lacquer / Olivine Zest Set of 4 Alex and Ani

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

xo Steph

#movember

Happy Movember everyone! Not sure what Movember is? Well you can read more about it here, but basically it is a month long event to raise awareness for men's health issues -- all while the guys have some fun and get an excuse to grow these mustaches in the process. So to commemorate the occasion, I put together a collection of the best 'staches I could find online. Enjoy

| For the Guys |

Mustache hat // Iphone cover case // 7 For All Mankind The Movember Jean: Carsen Modern Straight Leg In... // 7 For All Mankind® 'Slimmy - Limited Edition Movember Collection' Slim... // Movember 2012 Fighting Prostate Testicular Cancer With Mustaches // Super hodinky s knírkem na Movember 4 barvy

| For the Ladies |

Aéropostale shiny shirt // Madden Girl closed toe shoes // Abbey Dawn flat loafer // Aéropostale neon purse // Forever 21 ring // Forever 21 tech accessory // Soup // Shot Glass Set - Mustaches

D has been supporting Movember for a while now. This lovely picture was from Movember 2011 I believe (although I'm not sure because I think I blocked this month out of my memory!) The mustache was in full force and I HATED it. I kid you not, we actually broke up over the mustache!! Looking back on it now it was all in good fun, but at the time the mustache, while raising awareness for men's health, raised awareness in me how much I hate the whole 70's adult film star look. YUCK. Love you though ; )

This years mustache is feeling more manageable, mostly because I told D it has to be a full beard or nothing at all. I actually don't mind the beard look and think D might look pretty cute rockin' the lumber jack look! Right now it's still in the beginning stages so it's nothing too drastic. Ask me again how I feel about it after Thanksgiving!

having a little penne ala vodka and white white, in my mustache wine glass of course!

So for anyone who would like to raise awareness and support men's health issues including and would like to support D and his ever growing mustache, you can check out his team's link here. Remember, it's all going to cancer research for men!

So ladies tell me, are any of you suffering through Movember like I am? 

Are your men growing 'staches for a good cause??

xo Steph

Cold November Rain

Going along with the theme of this years Halloween costume, I thought this post was appropriately titled. Plus it's one of D and mine's favorite Guns n' Roses song - such a classic. Not to mention, November is one of those months where you don't really know what you're going to get weather wise - rain, snow, warm or cold. But lately here in Jersey, we've been experiencing some cold November rain, and here's the perfect cozy outfit to get me through.

| details |

J.Crew sweater // Aéropostale black quilted vest // Hunter wellington boots // Tory Burch black handbag // Juicy Couture beanie // Forever 21 nail polish // ceramic mug // Jonathan Adler Dunbar Road Umbrella

And for those of you who also love the song, or have never heard of it (really?!) -- I'll leave you with this classic awesomeness - complete with guitars and big hair. Amazing.

November Rain

Hope you all have a fabulous day : )

xo Steph

Cold Weather Essentials: Leather jacket, fur and booties

This is another one of my favorite #tbt outfits that I wear ALL.THE.TIME. Fall weather is the perfect weather for wearing a leather jacket (which goes with pretty much anything by the way -- so invest in a nice one you can wear for years) and little accessories like fur and booties are also classics that complement nearly any outfit. These pieces are in constant rotation in my wardrobe, and I just change up the sweater/top and accessories to give them fresh looks. Like here, I added a little swipe of red lipstick for some extra sassiness ; ) Plus the holidays are coming up so OMGredeverything. Even Starbucks has their red holiday cups out already! Gingerbread latte anyone?

 Outfit Details

Leather jacket: gift from D (similar)  // sweater: H&M (nice option) // Fur snood: Asos (cute option)

Jeans: Express (same) // Booties: Rampage (same) // Sun glasses: Loft (nice option)

So what are some of your cold weather essentials that you are constantly wearing on repeat?

Hope you all have a happy (and thirsty) Thursday!

xo Steph

fall casual cool

One of the reasons I love fall so much is the comfy clothes and layers that come with the season. Everything is cozy and comfortable, like you're wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket. And this outfit is no different. This is pretty much a weekend staple for me as of lately: casual t-shirts, black leggings, layering on a button down and heading out the door for whatever weekend adventures I'm up to.

Plus the beanie hat and a cup hot tea or coffee for extra warmth. And on more chilly days, this outfit works great with a leather jacket layered on top of everything!

| details |

J.Crew white shirt // Fat Face blue shirt  // Zara leggings // J.Crew New Balance sneakers // Alex and Ani bracelet set // Slouch beanie hat // Ray-Ban eyewear // Deborah Lippmann nail polish // Ceramic tumbler

Happy humpday everyone! Or for me and other teachers in New Jersey, today is our Friday since we have off Thursday and Friday. So yay for 4 day weekends : )

xo Steph

Halloween Recap & Guns N' Roses Reunion

Halloween was such a blast this year, and D and I got to celebrate it twice - we went out on actual Halloween night, and then went to a party with friends on Saturday night. Dressing up for Halloween has always been a favorite of mine (I don't think I've missed dressing up a year yet -- even considering the past two years we had a blizzard and Hurricane Sandy ruin our day) so wearing costumes is definitely my thing! This year I let D pick out what we were going to be, and though I was hesitant about the whole Guns N' Roses theme, it turned out amazing and we had so much fun! We entered the costume contest at the party were were at (1st place wins $300) but we left as a runner-up with a stainless steel cooler. So much for the cash!! Even though it is a pretty nice cooler. D's cousin and fiancee dressed up as Price is Right contestants and came home with 2nd place and $200 so good for them. All in all, such a great and loved every minute of this Halloween season. Now -- bring on the turkey because Thanksgiving is on the way!!

Did you dress up for Halloween?  Have you ever won a costume contest?

xo Steph