Delicate Stacking Jewelry

One trend I am sooo loving right now is dainty and delicate stacking jewelry. I've always been partial to thin and delicate jewelry, so much so, that I may have hinted I wanted my engagement ring to have that same feel (good job D!). What's cool is there are so many designers at all price points that make gorgeous additions to any jewelry box. And because many pieces are not super expensive, it's a nice way to freshen up an old outfit ad to truly reflect your mood that day. Here are some of my current favorite pieces.

// details //

Gorjana 18k necklace / Heart shaped ring / Gorjana ring / Stella Dot pave ring / BCBGeneration band ring / Yellow gold ring / Ileana Makri ring / J Crew j crew jewelry / Gorjana earrings / Gorjana yellow gold bangle / Gorjana gold necklace / Gorjana necklace

Have you gotten on board with delicate stacking jewelry yet?

Where are your favorite places to find your jewelry?

xo Steph

Forum Friday: Is Granny Hair Fierce or Faux Pas?

Yup you heard me, it's called granny hair. What is it? It's women who are choosing to either go fully gray early, putting in gray highlights, or even doing a funky gray ombre look. Currently, I do go to the salon every few months to color my hair. I've noticed since turning 30, my grays have been coming in full force. Not so much so that I have the skunk line running down the center of my head, but more like they are sprouting up like unwanted silver highlights. I do color my grays right now because 1.) I feel like I'm way too young to have gray hairs showing and 2.) I'm getting married this March, so I do want to keep that youth appearance right now. Understanding that graying hair is all hereditary, I know I will most likely start graying early like my mom did.

But more about this granny hair. When I first heard about it, I thought it was nuts. Like why would anyone do this?! Until I started seeing some totally gorgeous, confident women rocking their gray locks. And then I started to change my mind.

Like seriously how gorgeous is she? 

All original sources for granny hair an be found on my pinterest page.

 So you could go a lot on the ombre….

 or just a little…..

recognize anyone from Orange is the New Black? Or should I say Gray is the new black. I do have to admit she looks fierce with that gray/lavender combo.

Or go mostly gray with some dark roots showing.

So what are your thoughts? I have to admit I think it looks ahhhhhmazing on all these ladies! Will I ever have the guts to do it myself? That's to be determined. I do know that because I have such dark, almost black hair, it would require a lot of bleach, which in turn can result in come severely damaged hair that breaks off. However, if you're up for that risk, I am kind of totally on board with this trend. But what do you think? Leave a comment and let me know what you think on the new silver fox trend!

xo Steph

Healthy Eats: Shrimp Scampi over Spaghetti Squash

I loooove me some shrimp scampi!! Not only because it's high in protein and full of flavor, but it's also a relatively light dish, and also light on calories if you prepare it right. I used to make this dish all the time and serve it over whole wheat pasta, but then I thought using spaghetti squash would really elevate this meal on the healthy spectrum and take it up a whole new level. Because you're practically eating a plate of veggies and seafood -- you can feel 100% guilt free for over indulging or getting that second glass of white wine :)

// Ingredients // serves 4

2 spaghetti squashes
4 tsp olive oil
1 1⁄4 lb medium shrimp , peeled (tails left on)
6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced
1⁄2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1⁄2 cup dry white wine
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
lemons for garnish

// Directions //

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Sauté the shrimp until just pink, 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon transfer the shrimp to a platter, keep hot. In the skillet, combine the broth, wine, lemon juice, 1/4 cup of the parsley, the salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, until the sauce is reduced by half; spoon over the shrimp. Serve over already prepared spaghetti squash (more how to prepare the spaghetti squash here) garnished with the lemon slices and sprinkled with the remaining tablespoon of parsley. A little sprinkling of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese if desired. And boom! There you have it, one of my favorite go-to weeknight meals :)

I hope you definitely give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!

 xo Steph

Our Engagement Party

Well how about it….I am FINALLY getting around to sharing some pics from our engagement party that our wonderful families threw for us. This was waaayyyy back in October and we had such a lovely time. We only invited close local family and our friends who were in our wedding party. We wanted to keep the night intimate where we could just focus on food, family and fun. 

the future Mr. & Mrs. D. Complete with crystal stemware, so fancy.

I also knew I wanted to use this party as a time to ask my girls, well rather pop the question if they would be my bridesmaids. Not all my bridesmaids could come, since they are scattered all over the place, but I did infact, pop the big question to my ladies who were there.

Each got a little box with their name on it, a card from me, a mini bottle of wine, some yummy chocolates, a fun Essie nail polish, and cake batter flavored (yes, you heard that right!) chapstick. Just some little goodies to make the night more special.

I also saw this adorable idea of Etsy with diamond ring shaped toothpicks, that when popped on the top of a doughnut, make them look like little diamond rings. So cute right? I had a platter set out of apple cider donuts (because it was October) a we snapped the cute pic above!

I got to spend time with my girlfriends, some who I don't get to see very often so it was really a nice night.

D serenaded me with songs as D does on more than one occasion ;)

 And overall it was such a lovely night. Our families have already gotten to know each other over the years since we've been together for a while, and because they get along so well, everyone had a blast. Some may have even had a little too much to drink! ;) When people have to spend the night at your place unexpectedly because they may have indulged in a few too many libations, you know it's been a great night! 

xo Steph

Have a Fiesta at Home

Happy Cinco de Mayo people! A holiday devoted to eating Mexican food and drinking Corona -- I can get down with that! So of course, I need to share some party inspirations because, we all know I love to plan a festive and fabulous party. I swear, I live for holidays and theme parties -- why can't they be every day? Anyway here are some inspiration photos I pulled together from {Pinterest}. If you want to recreate a Cinco de Mayo party like this yourself, all original sources can be found {here}.

1. Festive chalkboard -- "Fiesta like there's no Manana"

2. Colorful plates

3. Fresh pico de gallo

4. Pink Grapefruit margaritas

5. Homemade guacamole served in a (mortar and pestle here)

8. Mexican corn with a squeeze of lime

7. Taco Bar chalkboard art

8. Ombre garlands for decor

9. mmmmm Taaaacos

10. Pinata cookies -- amazing.

11. Fuchsia peonies for pops of color

12. Stocked bar, including San Pellegrino (one of my new favs)

13. Margarita Lime cupcakes

I'm be sure to enjoy a Corona Light with lime and some fresh guac today to make my Monday afternoon a little more special.

What are your fun Cinco De Drinko plans for today?

xo Steph

Fiesta Wear

In honor of Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to share a very appropriate outfit for any type of fiesta you may be having! Whether you are hitting up a local Mexican restaurant, a happy hour after work, or hosting a small little dinner at your place, dress up in bright colors and soak in all the festivities. Just remember to have a Corona or margarita in hand…..of course!

// details //

John Lewis maxi (similar)  // Sandals // Straw clutch  // Chloé round sunglasses // Essie nail polish // Bobby Flay Hammered Margarita Glasses // Margarita shampoo & shower gel // Chip & Dip for your guac (similar)

 D and I are actually going to see Slash in concert with our cousins and some friends. It's one of his rock idols (if you happen to remember our Halloween costume last year!) and I just love going to any type of concert. We are planning to hit up a local Mexican restaurant near the venue beforehand for dinner and drinks (Coronas of course) before we head to the show. 

So what are your plans for tomorrow?

xo Steph 

Forum Friday: Are Skinny Jeans on Their Way Out?

Back in the day (and when I say that, I mean circa early 2000's when I was in college) we were all about the flared and boot cut jeans. That was what you wore. Pair that with a tight fitted camisole/embellished top, some pointy toe pumps and your Coach wristlet and you were ready for a night out my friends! Can anyone feel me on that one? Clearly styles change and cycle in and out.  For a long time now, skinnies were and are all the rage. They are everywhere! I remember first hating the trend because I have less than stellar legs. More like muscular thick legs, but we works with what's given to us right? Anyway, I eventually hopped on board the skinny jean train because, duh - fashion!! 

But now I'm hearing skinny jeans are on their way our for……gasp, flared and boot cut jeans! If this is the case, sign me up because they have always been more flattering on me anyway. But what do you think? Are they on their way out? What are you seeing as the fashion trends in your social circles?

xo Steph

Let's Run Away….

…to a beach vacation. Or tropical island. Or really anywhere warm and sunny…..and not here! I think we can all agree that this winter was a brutal one and left us all craving warm weather and sunshine. Lately, I have been dreaming about warm sandy beaches and a tropical drink in my hand. Do I need a vacation? You better believe it! But is it in out budget right now? That's to be determined. I'm trying to convince D to convince his boss that a few days off won't hurt anyone. I'd love to go to Hawaii but I know that sort of trip will be too costly right now. I'll settle for Florida or anywhere there is a beach. So until we get our vacation details settled, I'll just keep dreaming and share this little outfit, complete with pretty pinks and corals.

// Details //

Juliet Dunn mini dress, $295 / J Crew swimsuits two piece / J Crew swimsuits two piece / Tory burch shoes, $330 / Tory Burch leather handbag / Gorjana chain necklace / Gorjana chain necklace / Gorjana gold ring / Illesteva round sunglasses / Topshop black hat / Tech accessory / Charlotte Tilbury lips makeup / Nars cosmetic / Bobbi brown cosmetic / Tory Burch travel bag

After this horrible winter, do any of you have vacation plans in the works? Please do share…..I might have to live vicariously through you! :)

Mani Monday: Zoya's "Sansa"

I love a good mani like the next girl, and since getting engaged back in June, it's been that much more fun for me doing my nails and picking up fun and pretty colors to go with my engagement ring. Plus, there's nothing like a new bottle of nail polish that can really perk up your day! For $3.99, I'd say that's a steal if it will give you a smile on your face. Another thing I love about doing my nails is that I feel like it makes me look just a little more put together. I could be wearing sweat pants and a tee shirt, but if my nails are done, I feel like I still have my shit together ;) Am I right, or am I right? 

My current color is Zoya's "Sansa" -- which is my little tribute to the new season of Game of Thrones being back. This color is a really gorgeous eggplant purple with hints of gold metallic shimmer. It's one of those colors that can look different depending on what kind of light you're in. And in case you've never heard of Zoya polish before, it is truly one of my obsessions. Not only do they have endless color choices, and their polishes are considered vegan/cruelty free and are free of harmful chemicals and toxins including Toluene, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde resin, DBP (Phthalates) and Camphor. And a big plus to all those mama's to be out there, they are safe to use during pregnancy! 

Win, win, and Win!

you can get Zoya's Sansa color here, plus so many other gorgeous colors I have on my wish list for spring and summer. Have you discovered Zoya nail polish yet?

What are your favorite nail polish brands and colors? Please share your polish addiction with me!!

xo Steph

Friday Forum: Thoughts on Instagram, Facebook and social media over sharing?

So today is my first attempt at the "Friday Forum" and I thought I'd start with a topic that is near and dear (literally) to us all, every second of the day. Social Media. As bloggers and blog readers, clearly we all have a connection and desire to WANT to share bits and pieces of our lives. We may all have different reasons to share whether it be to connect with others, as a medium to express yourself, or to have a creative outlet. But regardless, many of us share. While I blog and have a personal Facebook and Instagram page, I have been hesitant of opening up my Instagram to the blogging world. While I know many bloggers do share, I'm scared to do so and I don't know why. I have nothing to hide, and share the same pics on IG as I do on the blog. So why do I feel this way?

With our culture revolving around social media, do you think we are over sharing our lives? Do you over share? How do you think it has impacted your life -- both positively and negatively? Have you ever felt like you needed a social media break? Or did you just delete it from your life all together?Please share your thoughts with me and let the conversation begin :) xo

Healthy Breakfast: Egg & Avocado Toast

In attempts to lose weight for the wedding, and just to be overall healthier, I have been trying to make better food choices (notice I didn't say diet!). For a person who loves to eat, this can be difficult. But for me, it's all about finding healthy meal options you actually like, and sticking to them. 

Enter: the egg and avocado toast.

This breakfast or really anytime meal/snack is so quick and simple, it can be made before work. Now there is no excuse to hit up Dunkin' Donuts drive through. Here's what you need as well as the calorie counts, because counting calories on the My Fitness Pal app has really helped me as well. 

// Ingredients //

1 egg, over easy, medium or to your liking (70 calories)
1/4 avocado  (62 calories)
1/2 Thomas' Whole Wheat Bagel Thin (55 calories)
dashes of hot sauce to your liking (Zero calories. I love Frank's Red Hot Sauce - I really do put that shit on everything!)
salt and pepper to taste

Cook your 1 egg to your liking while sticking half the bagel thin in the toaster. I season the fried egg in the pan with salt and pepper while it cooks. When your bagel is toasted, mash up a quarter avocado onto the bagel thin with a fork. You can obviously use toast too if you want, I just love these whole wheat bagel thins since they are lower in calories. Once your egg is cooked to perfection, place it on top of the avocado, and season with a dash (or more) of hot sauce. Nix the hot sauce if it's not your thing. I love it because it gives it a ton of flavor with no calories. But you could also top it with salsa if you want. And voila! A healthy breakfast/snack option that takes virtually no time to prepare. 

**Also a helpful tip for saving your avocado: keep the pit in the avocado and wrap it in plastic wrap. Your avocado won't turn all nasty and brown and will last you through 4 breakfasts of making this quickie dish**

Are you avocado obsessed like me? What are your go-to healthy breakfasts?

xo Steph

Pretty Little Things is back, with some new changes too :)

Hi guys! I'm back from an extremely long break and I'm ready to blog again. My apologies for going total radio silence on you all. As you can see, my last post was from THANKSGIVING, which is pitiful in itself and I have no excuses other than blogging was not a huge priority at the time. There had been a lot of changes in my life the past few months including moving to a new place in hopes to save money for our upcoming wedding. Guys, I'm getting married remember!? I'm currently making some career changes (that are in the works) as well, so there's that. In addition, my dad had open heart surgery back in January which was a scary and trying time for our family but he's doing better than ever so shout out dad for being one of the only readers still urging me to bring the blog back! When he was out of work and at home on the mend he would constantly complain about how his favorite blog called "Pretty Little Things" just kind of vanished off the internet grid, without so much of an explanation. Well, here I am dad, and readers. Thanks for everyone who is still around and wants to read my daily inspirations, sharing of pretty little things and ramblings.

I also included old pics of me doing style and outfit posts. Just in case you forgot what I looked like ;)

With that being said, while not blogging I've thought about incorporating a few new things on the blog. We'll have a new structure with themed posts based on the day. Here's what the new Pretty Little Things looks like:

Mondays: Beauty! I've been wanting to start doing beauty posts about my favorite products, reviews, and overall love of all things girly. While I'm no beauty maven or expert, I thought it would be fun to share my opinions, personal finds and thoughts on products. I'll be sure to share any beauty inspirations too!

Tuesdays: Style Tuesday. Style and fashion was a staple on my blog for a while now and this will continue to be shared on Tuesdays. I'll include my personal outfits as well as styled outfits and links where to find similar items. Need help getting dressed this morning? The Style tab will be your place for daily inspiration. Consider it an extension of your closet!

Wednesdays: Wedding Wednesday! Ok bear with me guys. For those of you who are nauseated by the thought of women talking about all things weddings, this will be your heads up to avoid me on Wednesdays (but please don't!! Insert sad face here). I assure you my blog will never turn into a wedding blog. However, planning our wedding is a big part of my life right now and I wanted to share details here and there, as well as getting advice from you all. Plus to be honest, it's just a really exciting time in my life right now and I wanted a place to share it all. So there you have it, Wedding Wednesday :)

Thursdays: FOOD. Food has always and will always play a large part in my life. I am a self proclaimed foodie who loves to share new recipes, party and entertaining ideas, healthy and not so healthy food options (life is all about moderation, right?) So I will continue to share food posts because, who doesn't love gazing a delicious food porn pics, right?

Friday: Forum Friday. Ok, this is a new idea I'm excited about. One thing I missed about blogging is the dialogue and conversation I can have with others. I want my blogging interactions to go much farther than the simple "great post, love the outfit" comments. I want to ENGAGE in conversation and topics with you all. Some serious, some silly, and some in between. But on Fridays, I thought my idea of "Forum Friday" would be a great way to discuss topics, share differing ideas and viewpoints, and continue the conversation into the weekend. Almost like a community. Sound good? Yeah, I thought so too ;)

So that's what's been going on with me. What going on with all of you? What are your thoughts on the new blog changes?

xo Steph

Turkey Day Eve

Happy Turkey Day Eve everyone! Are we all ready to savor in all the Thanksgiving foods tomorrow? I know I am. I will have my stretchy pants all ready to go. Because for me, Thanksgiving is all about comfort and the side dishes. Yup, that's right. I could eat a full plate of just sides if you let me. I little mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, biscuits and the stuffing. Oh, the stuffing that my family makes is simply THE best. Unrivaled by any other stuffing I've ever eaten. I can't wait for it :) Can you tell I'm just a little excited for it? Followed by a carb induced coma on the couch, while watching football, by the fire. Heaven I tell you!

| 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? 

xo Steph

Last Month in Salem

A midst all my busyness, I've forgotten to share my most recent check off my life bucket list: visiting Salem, MA during the month of October. D and I went up to Salem with another couple and friends of ours and it was suuuuuch a fun trip. Like seriously, Salem during October is like this little Halloween-town where all the spirits and ghosts come out, and everyone's love for Halloween is celebrated. I highly recommend to anyone who is Halloween obsessed or who even loves history. Because the city is rich in history. But first up, we took a quick stop into Boston....

Beers from Cheers. Obviously.

 Where everybody knows your name....

 We did a quick stop for beer and dinner. And of course lobster rolls, because when you're in New England, you must get the lobster rolls. It's a rule!

 We booked hotels about 20 minutes outside Boston and Salem which had these charming little fireplaces that totally added to vibe of the weekend. We sipped authentic Boston micro brews by the fire and read up on all the fun, and haunted happenings of the weekend to come. 

 The next day the first stop was the Salem Witch Museum. Which from the outside just oozes creepiness and hauntings. The actual history of the Salem Witch Trials is fascinating, so if you know nothing about it, I suggest definitely grabbing a book and reading up on it. Crazy!!

 Some of the original architecture and buildings are still there from the 1600's. The cemetery below is actually the 2nd oldest cemetery in the country and has people from the original Mayflower voyage buried there. Pretty crazy stuff! D the history buff loved it. 

 Midway during the day, we stopped off at Salem Brew Works for some lunch and tasty Massachusetts brewed craft beers. My favorite was the blueberry ale beer which they garnished with fresh blueberries. Along with their blueberry ale, their pumpkin pie ale with rimmed graham cracker crust was a close second. 

And last but not least, we got to meet Michael Meyers. As in THE Michael Meyers....the one who played the psycho killer from the original Halloween movie (my favorite Halloween/scary movie of all times!) We got his autographs and pictures with him. Creative D even thought it would be cool to have Michael Meyers (aka his real name is Tony Moran) strangle him, which made for great photo ops! So overall we had an awesome time and are even thinking of making it a yearly tradition :)

Anyone else ever been to Salem before? Or intrigued by the Salem Witch Trials like I am?

xo Steph

Don't Forget About 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