Friday Favorites - Halloween Edition 10/30/2015

This week's Friday Favorites include my favorite DIY Halloween costume, a fun and festive treat, and a punny Halloween graphic. 

Although Halloween isn't my favorite holiday, I love seeing all the different costumes that people come up with, especially the at-home DIY costumes! These were some of my personal favorites this year. 

If you and your girls plan on dressing up together, why not go as Taylor Swift and her "Bad Blood" crew? Taylor Swift happens to be in concert tomorrow in Tampa, so I'm sure tons of screaming fans will be dressed up just like this too. 

And of course, I had to include a fun and simple costume for your furry friend. This year my pups are being a "rufferee" and skeleton. Is it bad that I have costumes for them, but not for myself?

Need to make a spooky treat for a Halloween party? Make your own Dracula's Dentures by using chocolate chip cookies, mini marshmallows, red vanilla frosting and almond slivers. Click here to see the full recipe. 

Simple, yet punny :)

And not Halloween related, but it's quickly become my favorite new song...Ariana Grande released her brand new single, "Focus," last night.

Are you dressing up for Halloween tomorrow? What are your favorite DIY costumes from this year?What do you think of Ariana Grande's new single?

Friday Favorites: Christmas Edition

It's less than I week until Christmas and I can't believe it! The temperature here in Florida is in the 70's today, so I can't say it really feels like Christmas, but I guess I can't complain either. Here are some of my favorites of the holiday season including a few last minute gift ideas and a holiday parody video. 

Favorite Techie Gift: Agent18 Charge Stick

It's perfect for the girl on the go, or the girl who's just addicted to her phone. I just got one for myself this past week in the cute gold and white glittery design below. It will be convenient when I'm visiting my boyfriend and don't bring my charger, or when I'm at the mall, roaming and searching for coupons and discounts, which always seems to drain my battery. It's the perfect size too, so even if you're planning a night out and only have a clutch and not enough time to charge your phone, no fear, the charge stick is here. They're great gifts for your girlfriends too!

Favorite Beauty Gift: Urban Decay Naked3
Besides the Stila Liquid Lipstick that I raved about on my Christmas wish list, I also love love love my Urban Decay Naked3 eye shadow palette. My brother gave it to me last year for Christmas and I use is basically every day. I almost always wear neutral eyeshadows, so this palette was perfect for me. I love all the versatile shades and the little shimmer for each shade.

Favorite Jewelry Gift: Bourbon & Boweties Bangles
Of course these are still my obsession. I can't get enough of them and they're unique and gorgeous bangles that you can gift to your girlfriends, mother-in-law, coworker or anyone in between! There are tons of different colored and sized stones, so there's sure to be something for everyone left on your list.

Favorite Fitness Gift: Nike Element Half-Zip
I'm obsessed with this shirt. Even though it's not nearly as cold here as it is up north, I still love this shirt for windy days or morning runs in the winter. The material is extremely soft and comfortable and I love the little thumb holes on the sleeves. It's a little pricy, but I've found them on sale when I get them.

Favorite Reader's Gift: Gillian Flynn & Liane Moriarty Books

I read Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" last year and loved it! It was such a page turner and once I finished it I read Flynn's other two books right after - "Sharp Objects" and "Dark Places," which were also amazing. I just recently read Liane Moriarty's "The Husband's Secret," which was very different and also addicting to read, so I'm on to Moriarty's next book, "Big Little Lies," which I'm about halfway through with (I plan to finish it by Christmas). These are great books for any reader, and I suggest seeing Gone Girl the movie too, after you read the book first of course!

Favorite Christmas Song Parody: Text Me Merry Christmas
This is basically just spot on...

Favorite Christmas Treat: Gingerbread Tree Cookies

I have the day off from work on Sunday, so I really want to do some holiday baking, including these adorable gingerbread tree cookies! I love having an excuse to bake, but I just haven't had the time this holiday season yet. Stay tuned for a recipe post on Monday!

What's your new favorite book? Do you have go-to gifts for your friends?

Friday Favorites - Thanksgiving Edition 11/21/2014

Friday Favorites this week include a trick to keep you from crying for Thanksgiving prep, my favorite Thanksgiving dish with a recipe, and perfect drink pairings for each Thanksgiving dish.

Thanksgiving Prep Tip: Use Olive Oil to Keep from Crying
This tip is good for any day, not just Thanksgiving. If you're like me, I have the role in the family on Thanksgiving day of helping with a lot of the food prep as opposed to the actual cooking. I'm looking forward to trying this new trick to see if it keeps my eyes from watering while I'm slicing the onions. I've also heard that chewing gum while cutting helps as well, which seems to be somewhat true from my experience.

Favorite Thanksgiving Dish: Green Bean Casserole 
I love almost all Thanksgiving sides and dishes, but my favorite definitely has to be the green bean casserole. My mom makes it every year, and it gets devoured by all of our family (and I'll admit that I'm the main culprit). I love green beans to begin with, but green bean casserole is on another level. And it's pretty easy to make too. Here's a recipe for the amazing dish.

Wine, Beer & Booze Pairing for Thanksgiving Dishes

Loving this infographic for the perfect drinks to go with all the goods on Thanksgiving. Even though I'll probably be sticking with my Chardonnay all evening, it's still interesting to see the different options. If you plan on making that yummy green bean casserole above, try pairing it with Viognier.

"All About That Baste" Thanksgiving Parody
 I'm loving this funny parody spin on Meghan Trainor's overplayed, yet highly likable song, "All About That Bass."

Triple Pocket Napkin Fold
I'll be trying out this unique, yet easy fold for the Thanksgiving table setting this year. It's amazing how much a simple napkin fold can add to the sophistication of the table - the small details do count! Click here for the full tutorial. 

Are you celebrating a big Thanksgiving this year? What's your favorite dish on Thanksgiving?

Friday Favorites 11/07/2014

Friday favorites this week include my favorite infographic, favorite new recipe, best dressed from the Country Music Awards, and more. 

Favorite Infographic: Average Heel Heights for Each State

I thought this was pretty interesting, especially since Florida was so high up (where I live). I can understand that a lot of women wear heels in Miami, but seems like everyone else mostly wears flats and sandals - I was also surprised for the same reason for Hawaii, which was also pretty high in the ranks. Of course Nevada is one of the highest as well, considering Las Vegas.

Favorites from the CMA's 2014 Red Carpet: Miranda Lambert & Lucy Hale

So I couldn't choose between the two...I love that Miranda's showing off her curves in the body-hugging nude dress. Nude is a difficulty color to pull off, but I think she looks amazing. As for Lucy, I love the red on her. The dress is really simple, but still looks flawless.

Favorite New Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey & Cinnamon
Love love love these and they're super easy to make. Stay tuned next week for the simple recipe.

Favorite New Song: Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande & The Weekend
I can't get enough of this song lately. Ariana Grande keeps on coming out with songs that I adore.

Favorite Celebrity Halloween Costume: Kim Kardashian and North West as Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley.

I just can't get enough of they're costumes! They're so spot on and were my favorites from my previous post, found here.

Where you surprised by the heel height infographic? Did you watch the CMA's? Who did you think was best dressed?

Friday Favorites - Halloween Edition 10/31/2014

Happy Halloween! Even though I won't be doing anything exciting this year for the holiday, I figured I'd share some of my spooky, or not so spooky, favorites, including my favorite Halloween candy, a hilarious video of a mutant, giant spider....dog, a DIY mermaid costume and more.

Favorite Halloween Video - Mutant Giant Spider Dog

I just can't help but laugh every time I watch this video. I do have to say that my reaction would be the same as the poor running and screaming people that were traumatized in the making of this video though.

Favorite Graphic - Most Googled Halloween Costumes for Each State

I thought this was pretty cool, especially since I don't know what half of the costumes are. Note the spider dog costume search in Washington.

Favorite DIY Costume - Lauren Conrad as a Mermaid

Not that I could ever accomplish this perfect of a DIY project, but I love the all the shells and sequins. It's girly and fun, yet still cute and body con. Not to mention, you won't have anyone asking what you're dressed up as. 

Favorite Halloween Candy: Reese's

This is a tough one. I basically like any sweets, but there's something about Reese's on Halloween that you just can't beat. Chocolate & peanut butter, what's better than that?

Favorite Halloween Recipe - Mummy Dogs

These are so effortless, enjoyable and festive, it's a no-brainer if you're having a Halloween get together. Great for kids or adults.

Ingredients:

- Hot dogs/Turkey dogs

- Crescent rolls

- Yellow Mustard

Directions:

- Unroll crescent rolls and cut each perforated piece in half

- Wrap crescent roll around hot dog or turkey dog

- Bake in 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes

- Add two dots of mustard for the eyes!

What's your favorite Halloween candy? Are you dressing up this year? What's your favorite Halloween costume of all time?

Friday Favorites 03/14/2014

This week I was loving Kim and Khloe Kardashian's all nude ensembles. I stumbled upon a gorgeous leopard print backpack and sparkling Kendra Scott earrings. 

Kim Kardashian in a Kardashian Kollection sweater and Alaia dress and shoes

Khloe Kardashian in an Elisabetta Franchi jumpsuit and Gianvito Rossi shoes

I've always been a major fan of leopard print - in moderation of course. So when I naturally love this amazing Jerome Dreyfuss backpack. Unfortunately, it's a bit out of my price range at $1,140, but I'll keep dreaming. 

There's nothing better than a gorgeous pair of earrings and I love basically everything from Kendra Scott nowadays. These new studs and drop earrings are amazing, and the turquoise would look great next to my blonde hair. 

Friday Favorites 01/24/2014

Take a look at my favorites from the week of January 24, 2014, including Beyonce in a head-turning mini, two flawless Spring Couture Collections from my favorites, Zuhair Murad & Elie Saab, and a quote about changing your perspectives. Click to see more below.

Beyonce looked amazing as always in a gold mini dress for Michelle Obama's 50th Birthday Party on Saturday, January 18th. I would wear this gorgeous mini in a heartbeat!

Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab presented their Spring 2014 Couture Collections in Paris this week and I'm loving every piece. Here are my top three favorite looks from each collection (which was hard to narrow down, might I add). I loved the color palettes from each, especially the pastels. 

Zuhair Murad 2014 Spring Couture

Elie Saab 2014 Spring Couture

I love quotes and this one especially. "We can complain because rose bushed have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." It's all about changing the perspective of how you look at things, whether it be something you take for granted, something you complain about or anything in between.

Friday Favorites: Printed Shorts

Summer is right around the corner and for most of us here in Florida, the warm weather is already here and isn't going anywhere for a while - there's a high of 88 degrees here today! And I'm definitely not complaining. I'm a true Florida girl and will take the warm over the cold any day! With the warm weather back, my wardrobe mainly consists of sundresses and short shorts. I'm a huge fan of fun shorts because you can pair them with a plain top or you can be daring and pair printed shorts with a printed top. Whatever combination you choose, a fun pair of printed shorts is essential in everyone's wardrobe.

JCP Printed Shorts in Botanical Print - $15

Lilly Pulitzer Callahan Short in Orchid Pink Mini Coral Cocktail - $64

J. Crew 3" Chino Short in Herringbone Stripe - $54.50

Tory Burch 'Gabriel' Print Shorts - $175.00

Forever 21 Vertical Striped Shorts - $17.80

Here are a few pairs that I already have in my wardrobe!

Forever 21 Essential Watercolor Shorts - $15.80

Francesca's Lanai Floral Shorts - $34.00

Are you loving printed shorts? Where are your favorite shorts from?

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Friday Favorites: 04/05/2013

Happy Friday everyone! The weather is rainy and dreary here in Florida, so I'm glad I don't have too much on my schedule for today. Here's some of my favorite things from the week!

- Victoria Justice in Prabal Gurung for Target long sleeve tee for an Extra interview.

- Khloe Kardashian in electric blue leather pants at the McDonald's Premium McWrap Launch Party.

- Real Housewife of Beverly Hills' Brandi Glanville wore this low-cut lace dress at the Bravo Upfronts Party last night. I would have really loved this if it was just a bit more conservative on the top.

Beyonce posted this photo on her instagram and it's rumored to be a sketch of one of her costumes for her upcoming tour. I think it's amazing, and let's be honest, anything that Beyonce wears has to be fierce. 

Zac Posen designed this stunning gold dress for none other than...Magnum Gold ice cream? That's right, this $1.5 million sequin gown was made for the launch of Magnum's new ice cream. "Creating my first-ever 24 carat gold dress was truly a priceless experience," said Posen.

This past Sunday was Easter and I spent most of my day making these fun and festive desserts! I got all three of the ideas from Pinterest of course. The first is a Peeps bouquet. It wasn't too hard to make, you just need a few Styrofoam balls, a flower pot, toothpicks, and of course, Peeps! I'm not even a Peeps fan myself, but I made it for my family. Next are decadent cupcakes in the form of chicks and bunnies!

And finally, today is the official launch of Derek Lam's collection for Kohl's! Click here to check out my previous post about his new collection!

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Friday Favorites: 03/08/2013

Lauren Conrad appeared in Miami on Saturday for Cotton's 24 Hour Runway Show. She wore two girly and bright dresses that I loved! The yellow dress is a Skaist Taylor Poplin dress, and the red is Black Halo Eve dress. She's also wearing Aldo wedges in both looks, and as always, her hair and makeup look flawless!

One of my all time favorite designers, Elie Saab, showed off his new Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection on Wednesday in Paris. He's known for his gorgeous and intricate details on evening gowns (like Sandra Bullock wore at the Oscars) and this collection was no different. I would die if I ever had the opportunity to wear one of his designs!

If you haven't heard the goat editions of your favorite pop songs, I strongly advise that you watch the Taylor Swift edition above and then go on YouTube yourself to watch more. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw this (and still can't). You'll never be able to listen to this song the same!

Favorite Quote of the Week: "The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." - Sylvia Plath

Finally, congrats to the winner of the Rent the Runway gift card giveaway, Cecille! If you missed out on my very first giveaway, don't worry! I plan to have more in the future, and if you're interested in renting designer dresses, I really suggest that you check out Rent the Runway for yourself. 

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Friday Favorites: 02/22/13

Selena Gomez has really been killing it at her red carpet events for the upcoming movie Spring Breakers. She looked like perfection in a detailed gold and black Dolce & Gabbana dress at the premiere in Venice, and also looked great in London in a jewel tone, blue embellished Gucci mini. The detailing at the top of the dress made it a little risky, but I think she pulls it off. Taylor Swift (middle) also took a risk for once when she wore a black Elie Saab gown with sheer panels towards the bottom. I'm in love with this dress (and of course it's an Elie Saab, so how could I not), and I think she looks great and exudes confidence. 

Mirror nails! I recently saw this trend on Pinterest and found out that Essie has a nail polish that can make your nails look like mirrors! I haven't tried the polish out for myself yet, but it's definitely something a little different that would make your nails stand out.

I actually got this quote from a fortune cookie that I had last week, but I'm in love with it's meaning. I think sometimes we get down on ourselves when we fail, but we have to remember that if we keep on going, in the long run, it will only benefit us. 

Last, I wanted to show you all my festive Valentine's Day gifts, treats, and nails. I love baking for my boyfriend because I know that they won't be sitting around my apartment for me to eat a whole batch of brownies, so for Valentine's Day, I made him heart-shaped rice crispie treats and red velvet brownies. Then I made him bacon roses (what guy doesn't love bacon!). And finally, I showed my Valentine's Day spirit by painting my nails red and having a contrasting nail with sparkly gold and a red heart. See all of my pictures on my instagram by clicking here!

What were your favorites from this week? Have you tried mirror nails before?

And...

I'm now offering advertisements and sponsors on my website! You can either click here, find the link at the top of my page, or click on the sidebar to find out all the information on the different types of ads and their very affordable prices!

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