Slip on Sneaks

Not that you could wear these in Indiana right now, but come spring these are a great edition to your closet! I like the idea of a printed sneaker that can dress up a casual look more than regular sneakers and not look athletic. There's a slip-on sneaker for everyone. Perforated, leather, calf hair, canvas, leopard, floral, camo, you name it!!

These are my favorites. I reeeeeally like the gold perforated ones, the black and white striped and the camo ones. I just can't decide!

Black and White // Gold Perforated // Black Floral 

Blue Calf Hair // Orange Floral // Camo

Red Calf Hair // Zebra Calf Hair 

 There are several leopard options out there to meet your animal print needs! 

Aldo

Sam Edelman // Kenneth Cole 

River Island

Steve Madden

 More favorites all under $100! 

Lucky $59 // Sperry $75 // Jeffrey Campbell $90

Steve Madden $99 // Steve Madden $69 // Sperry $60

Aldo $50 // Steve Madden $99 // Peter Pilotto for Target $29

DIY No Sew Pom Pom Curtains

Several months ago I spotted these cute curtains from Serena and Lily! After I saw the price I started looking for tassel fringe to make my own. Somewhere I lost interest along the way, but one of my good friends mentioned that she was making her own and I asked her to send me the pictures. How great do these look?

Inspiration: Serena and Lily Tassel Window Panels

 

 

 

 

DIY

No Sew Pom-Pom Curtains

Supplies: Basic curtains (these are from Ikea) Hemming tape, Fabric glue, and pom pom fringe trim. Supplies can be found a Joann fabrics or other local craft stores.

 

You may need to hang your curtains to measure the hem. (If they need hemmed at all) Once you have your measurement. Lay out your curtains on the floor. Now is a good time to iron or steam the wrinkles out. Hem curtains using no sew hemming tape and iron. Follow instructions on the tape package.

 

 

Using the side seams as a guide draw a line of fabric glue to begin pasting down the pom-pom trim. Trim the edges with scissors and apply glue to keep the edges from fraying. The glue will dry clear.  

 

 

Allow trim to dry.

Finished curtains!!!

Aren't they adorable?? I just love them! I would love to make my own in a bright color!

 

Curtains: $28.00 (2 panels)

Glue: $12.00 (2 tubes)

Pom-Pom Trim : $40.00

Hemming Tape : $8.00

Total Cost: $88.00

 

 



Polar Vortex

There's no use complaining about the winter and cold because we have several more weeks left of this and there's not much we can do about it. But, seriously this is the worst winter. It's only January and we've had SO much snow and negative temps here in Indianapolis.

 

In an effort to beat the winter blues that have hit me this week I decided to dress up for Friday.

 

 

FYI- Yes, I am freezing and totally wish I had pants on today. Oh well! How cute is this skirt? Great for all seasons!

What else have I been doing during the Polar Vortex?

 

Date nights

Wore my leopard fur to date night. So warm! Have you been to Bluebeard yet? It's our favorite restaurant in Indy and we almost always go there on special dates, or really just every other weekend. Try it out! Great drinks and ever changing menu.

 

Playing with Pancho

I wish I could say he knows tricks besides sit and scream at other dogs, but that's what he's best at, besides being cute.

 

 Eating healthy

Dan and I both are trying to eat better. So I've been preparing lunches for us to take to work. I have also made some really good dinners that I will share soon.

 

 Spring shopping

 I don't really like doing this, but I bought a few spring items already. I can't wait to not wear boots and only have to wear a jacket! I have been eyeing this J.Crew jacket for awhile and finally bought it. Seriously, Gap has the most comfortable shoes! Who knew? Fell in love with these Gap loafers (they have yellow in store) It's hard to tell in the picture, but this Steve Madden bag is the most punchy sherbert(ish) color and I can't wait for spring to use it! I found mine at Nordstrom Rack. But, they have several fun colors here.

 

Trying new beauty products.

I got these for Christmas and I really love them!! Such great colors and stays on forever!! You can get them at Sephora.

 

Vacation Planning

We're thinking about taking a trip this spring to celebrate our birthdays. San Fran?!?!

 

You know what I've not been doing? Sewing. I have a million ideas, but lacking the motivation after work. Hopefully that will change soon and I'll share what I'm working on.

 

What are you doing to entertain  yourself this winter? Online shopping? Planning spring break trips?

One to Watch

You guys know I LOVE awards season! I love the red carpet! I sit on the couch with my laptop, iphone, and ipad so I can keep up with Instagram, Twitter, and my friends commentary through texts. I sit and shout out my comments and try to get Dan involved hatin' on the mani cam, disastrous dresses, and awkward interviews. It's so much fun! Sometimes, depending on which show it is, I don't even watch the actual awards.

I really do love the dresses and seeing who wears what designer and how they change styles from year to year and each award show. This year I have had many favorites, but I am particularly loving Lupita Nyong'o (actress from '12 Years a Slave'). Isn't she lovely? She has been KILLING it on the red carpet this year. She is just beautiful, which may have to do with it, but I love her bold color choices!

 SAG awards wearing Gucci

Critics' Choice Awards wearing Calvin Klein 

 Golden Globes wearing Ralph Lauren

Hollywood Film Awards wearing J Mendel

12' Years a Slave' New York Film Festival Premiere wearing Roland Mouret

I'm telling ya, keep your eye out for Lupita. I can't wait to see what she wears the rest of the awards season.

All photos via People.
 

Super Bowl Party

The Super Bowl is less than two weeks away! Super Bowl XLVIII is Sunday Feb. 1, 2014. Are you having a party or a few friends over? Need some ideas?

Last year, we had some friends over and I decorated by covering our table in green felt to make it look like a football field (DIY here). I set the room like a tailgate party. You can get more details about our party from THIS POST. 

Banners, Bunting, and Garland are still a big part of party decor for 2014. 

DIY Football Banner

Pennant Printable and DIY Tissue Paper Tassel Garland 

DIY Football Party Referee Photo Booth

I really like the idea of using artificial turf to line serving dishes or use as coasters. You can buy it here, or at your local hardware store.

Photo cred.

As for food, if you have a big crowd it's easiest to serve a meal like chili or pizza since the game begins during dinner time. It's always fun to have game food such as nachos, dips, wings, or sliders. Some recipes I think look great:

Peanut Butter Football Dip

Pretzel Bites

Mini Corn Dogs

For more ideas check out my RECIPE page. Extra Spicy Chili, Southwestern Chicken Rollups, Fruit Salsa, and Chewy M&M bars would be great ideas to serve at your party!


CLICK HERE for 10 Healthy Alternative Recipes


Or you could construct a football stadium.

 I don't know who has time for this. It looks like a Pintrest Fail waiting to happen, but if you do, more power to you and good luck!

 Hope you have a fun football party!!! Go Broncos! (Peyton)

Beef and Blue Cheese Crostini's

I'm sorry it took me so long to post this, but I didn't want to just forget about it! I needed to save this recipe and let you all know how good it is! This was another new recipe I added to our favorites for the Christmas Party this year. It was definitely a hit and I wish I could have sampled a few more myself! I was making this as people arrived, so I was in a major hurry and not focusing on presentation as much as I could have, but they were delicious nonetheless.

Beef and Blue Cheese Crostini's
recipe from Taste of Home magazine. 
Ingredients: 
-1 French bread baguette (I happened to find a bag of bread pre-cut and it worked perfectly!)
-1/2 tsp ground pepper
-1/2 c light sour cream
-2 Tbsp minced chives
-1 Tbsp horseradish
-1/4 tsp salt
-1 lb shaved deli roast beef
-1/3 c crumbled blue cheese
-additional minced chives

Directions: 
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine sour cream, chives, horseradish and salt in a small bowl. Place (cut) bread on baking sheets. Spritz with cooking spray or olive oil (if you have OO sprayer). Sprinkle with pepper. Bake for 4-6 minutes until lightly browned. Top toasts with beef and dollop of sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and additional chives. Serve immediately.

Enjoy! 

Prints and Peter Pilotto

Guess what? Another Target designer collaboration is here! Mark your calendars, because February 9th is the day to get the goods. Peter Pilotto is the designer behind the brand. I really love the bold mixed prints.

I have to be honest, I haven't had great luck with any Target collab, so I don't know if I will line up like I have done in the past, but I will definitely check it out at some point if it doesn't sell out. What do you think? Are you excited about this Target collab? Check out the full line by clicking HERE.

Graphic Prints are everywhere this spring. I particularly like coordinating pieces like a crop top and skirt or shorts suit. I like this bold trend and hope to see people embrace it!

Some inspiration.
 

 

Snow Day

It's actually not really a snow day because I have been working from home the last 2 days, but Indianapolis got 11 inches of snow and has had record breaking negative temperatures the last few days. Waiting until it snows to realize you need new snow boots is the worst! I have these Kate Spade boots, and while they are cute, they are not functional when it comes to walking through snow. The biggest issue is the wedge heel. It's a a face plant and twisted ankle waiting to happen. I just know it! 

I have spent some time trying to find snow boots online and have come up with some cute options, however it's probably too late for this snow at least. 

Target // J.Crew // Target

J.Crew // LL Bean // J.Crew

Some inspiration for dressing up your snow boots and keeping warm! 

Photo Cred 1. 2. 3. 4. 

Stay safe and warm blog readers!!! 

Workout gear

"Hit or get hit" (to get on base)- soft ball advice from my dad. "If you aren't athletic, at least you can be cute trying", "Choose a sport with a cute uniform"- sporting advice from my mom (tennis player).

My softball career didn't last long before I went the gymnastics and cheerleader route. Now days I run or hit the gym. But, I follow my mom's advice, and agree that at least looking cute makes you feel better about your subpar athletic ability.

I am no expert when it comes to the correct attire for any type of sport, but I have some favorites to share with you. I buy most of my workout gear from TJ Maxx/Marshalls. They have THE best selection! Seriously! I have several pairs of Nike pants and shorts from there which cost me half of what they do regular retail. Hit that place up for your basics (pants, shorts, sports bras, and tops). They have plenty of big brand names to choose from, Nike, Under Armour, Reebok, etc.

I did a whole blog on my new Zella leggings. I love them so much I asked for another pair for Christmas! They really are perfect! You can get them from Nordstrom for $52. I'm telling you they are worth it because they double as casual leggings as well as for athletic purposes.

Lululemon- If you haven't tried their underwear yet, please do so! They are SO great! No lines even under the tightest yoga pants. They stay put during all activities and sure beat wearing a thong. I received the polka dotted gym bag for Christmas. It's no longer on their website, but they have a selection of other great quality bags. 

I wasn't sure about wearing skirts to workout, but my sister and best friend both have them (so they must be cool) and I got one for Christmas. I have this one from Dick's Sporting Goods and really like it!

Excuse my mess. This was prior to a run the other day in my new skirt, and Zella leggings.

 

I was just recommending my arm band this morning to a friend. I have this one from Amazon and think it's the best! It's easy to put on your phone and I really like that the screen isn't incased, making it easier to change songs. I like that it's not too bulky strapped to your arm. I've been through 3 of these bands (Pancho ate one and I had to get a new one for the Iphone 5) but I have been using this brand for a few years now.

I cannot speak for the best running shoes, but I tend to stick with Nike or Adidas. I usually check Nordstrom Rack for the best deals. I found the bottom left shoes at JC Penney for $75!

So, are you planning to hit the gym with everyone else working on new years resolutions? Do you have favorite workout gear? Share with me! I'd love to know what works best for you!