Christmas time is here!!

I am so happy that the Christmas season has finally arrived! I love Halloween, but Christmas definitely has my heart. Yesterday, my mom and I spent the entire morning/afternoon decorating the house for Christmas. I love getting all the boxes out and setting everything up. When I was a kid, my mom would let me stay home from school for a day to help decorate the house...I loved that! Not only decorating, I love shopping for my friends and family. It is so enjoyable to me to search up and down for the perfect gift! Here are some awesome ideas for decorating your home that will get you in the spirit of Christmas! You can find all of this on Martha's website...she really is the greatest!

This is such a great idea for stockings! It is in the theme of The Nutcracker.

Such a beautiful pine cone wreath!

What a great way to add a little spunk to your pillar candles!

This is an excellent way to recycle your newspapers! How pretty and festive!

Applying fragrance

A lot of women worry about wearing too much perfume, which can definitely happen sometimes. I sometimes choke and get an instant headache at the amount some people wear. Your fragrance reflects your personality. Choose something that suits your and allow it to become a part of who you are. Easier said then done. Hint: go to Sephora and ask for a sample of a perfume you think you like. They will gladly give you a couple samples. Here are some tips for applying your winning fragrance.

Start the day. Wear daytime fragrances lower on your body. As the perfume evaporates, it rises up, so you continue to smell it all day. Spritz behind your knees, on your wrists, and a little on your skirt or pants.

Spray it high. When you put on an evening fragrance (anything that makes you feel more sensual), spray it behind your ears and around your neck so that it envelops you right away, rather than rising up slowly. You can even spritz a little in your hair.

Let it develop. Hold the bottle five or seven inches away from your body and spray each area once. The fragrance should mist onto your skin - if the area feels wet, you're holding the bottle too close. Fan your wrists through the air a few times, then move them toward your nose. You will begin to smell the fullness of the fragrance on your skin within a few minutes, which is the time it takes for the alcohol solution to develop and release the top notes. At that point, if the scent isn't strong enough, spritz again. If it's overwhelming, go into the fresh air and move around a little. The excess will evaporate.

Be Decadent. If you can afford to go through perfume bottles quickly, then apply your fragrance the way Mrs. Estee Lauder did: she would spritz an area in front of her body, then walk through the fragrant mist so it settled lightly on her skin and clothing.

Never rub. Don't rub your wrists together to transfer the fragrance from wrist to wrist. Tap your wrists together instead.

Germs are not for sharing

'Tis the season for germs and colds! You can't be too careful when it comes to staying healthy. Here are some germ mythbusters that will help you not just during cold season, but during any season.

1. Myth: Toilet seats are really bad. False. You won't catch STD's from a toilet seat. Urine is sterile, so you won't get bacteria from it. Most germs are on surfaces around the toilet.

2. Myth: Flip flops protect you from germs at the gym. False. They don't protect you from pools of water. Don't touch the walls and the floors of the shower, they are filthy.

3. Myth: 5 second rule is okay. False. 1 second is enough time for bacteria and germs to latch onto the food.

4. Myth: Recycled airplane air is really bad. False. The plane has the air recycled through a filter and is actually healthier than the air is office buildings. The reason you get sicker easily is because of the close quarters. Be careful of surfaces on the plane or wipe your area with antibacterial wipes.

5. Myth: Kitchen sponges clean counters best. False. The sponge holds onto bacteria and actually spreads more germs. Use wipes or paper towels.

6. Myth: Makeup testers are safe to use. False. Eye makeup and lipstick are the worst. You can get pink eye or oral herpes. Use disposable applicators or just take a chance and purchase the product.

Thanksgiving leftovers

Just ask Ross and he will tell you how delicious Thanksgiving leftovers are. Thanks to Martha, here's a couple recipes that include your leftovers.

Chunky Turkey-Vegetable Soup 

1T olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2T tomato paste

1 large sweet potato, peeled, quartered lengthwise, and thinly sliced

1 can diced tomatoes with juice

1 can reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 pound cooked turkey breast, cut into bite size pieces

1 small head escarole (about 8oz), trimmed, leaves torn into bite-size pieces and washed well

1. In a large saucepan with a lid, heat oil over medium. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste.

2. Add sweet potato, tomatoes and their juice, broth, 1 cup water, and rosemary; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Cover; cook until potato is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

3. Stir in turkey; add escarole in two batches, waiting for the first batch to wilt before adding the second. Cover, and simmer just until turkey is heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Turkey Reuben 

2t butter, softened

2 slices rye bread

2T Russian dressing (you can use thousand island too)

1oz thinly sliced swiss cheese

4 thin slices cooked turkey

3T Tangy Cabbage Slaw

2 dill-pickle sandwich slices

1. Heat a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on 1 side of each slice of bread. Flip bread over, and spread Russian dressing on the other side of each slice. Place half of the cheese on top of dressing on 1 slice. Top with turkey, cabbage slaw, and pickles. Top with remaining cheese, then the second slice of bread, buttered side up.

2. Place on grill pan, and cook, pressing down occasionally with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese has melted, 3 to 4 minutes per side. (Cover with a heatproof bowl to encourage cheese to melt; use caution when removing.) Cut sandwich in half, and serve immediately.

If you were confused by my Ross reference, here is a clip from the Friends episode "The One with Ross's Sandwich."

Shopping boots

So today is the greatest shopping days of the year...Black Friday!! I'm sure several of you fought the crowds this morning. I went out around 8 and it was pretty packed in the stores. I got some great finds and am pretty much done with my Christmas shopping! One of the most important things to wear during a fun filled day of shopping are great, comfortable shoes. Here are a pair of boots I purchased a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier with them! You can find them at Payless and were incredibly comfortable during my day of shopping.

I am thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday! With family or not, enjoy this excuse to overeat! Also, today the ads go out for Black Friday...so go grab yourself a newspaper and map out your plan! There is so much to be thankful for and here is my Top 10:

1. Family. It's always great to have a supportive family, and I love mine so!
2. Friends. You guys are always there for me and I love you :)
3. Health. I am so thankful that I am in good health!
4. Job. With the economy still in its sucky state, I'm thankful to be employed by a wonderful family.
5. Travel. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to travel to Europe last year, and to California this past summer. I plan to take many more trips in the future.
6. Weather. Sometimes I wish that I lived somewhere else, but Florida really does have some fantastic weather. It's pretty much always beautiful out. I can see why all the old people want to live here. I take it for granted often, but I really do live in a paradise, just steps from the beach.
7. Exercise. You can complain all you want about having to work out, but it really is the best thing for your body. I have become to really love my daily workout and really hate when I have to skip it. This morning, my family and I did the Turkey Trot 5k and had a blast!
8. Music. I wouldn't survive without music. It's my outlet and I can't run without music blaring in my ears. Most genres, I love.
9. Technology. What would life possibly be like without my iPod, MacBook, TV, BlackBerry and Facebook??
10. Today. I am thankful for each and everyday!!

Problem solved

Thanksgiving not going as smooth as you would have hoped? Don't lose your cool...here are some solutions to common problems that may happen to you tomorrow.

Problem #1: Not enough matching plates for your table.

Mix a few plain white dishes. The trick is to not mix in the oddball plate in pairs: try putting one at the head of the table so it looks like it belongs.

Problem #2: Spilled wine.

Don't take the linens off the table mid-meal, it will come out just relax. For temporary, blot up excess liquid with a clean white cloth. Then, cover the stained area with a clean napkin and enjoy the rest of the meal.

Problem #3: Dry turkey.

This means it's overcooked. You can still serve the dark meat, which will still be moist. Put the slices of dark meat in a shallow pan. Pour chicken or turkey broth and moisten them thoroughly.

Problem #4: Turkey doesn't thaw in time.

Never thaw it on the counter. Clear out your sink, plug it, then place the partially thawed turkey in the sink. Run cold water into the sink until the sink is covered. Every 15 minutes drain and refill the sink. Note to self, it takes 24 hours to thaw for every 5 pounds.

Problem #5: Picky eaters.

Make a couple dishes that are very plain, like a simple salad, plain dinner rolls or roasted veggies.

Happy cooking!

Cheese ball

One of my favorite dishes for Thanksgiving is actually not served for dinner. Each year, I make a cheese ball and we munch on it during the afternoon. It is requested for me to make at every family gathering. It is so delicious and easy to make and I am going to share with you my secret recipe. Guess it's not so secret anymore!

Ingredients
2 packages of 8oz cream cheese. Buy regular, not fat free crap.
1 package of Carl Buddig Beef (in your deli meat section)
3 green onions
2T Mayo
1T Lemon juice
Garlic powder

Directions
1. Let the cream cheese thaw out while you prepare the other stuff. Your wrist will thank me later.
2. Cut the beef into tiny pieces. I usually cut 3 pieces at a time. Cut into thin rows and then cut perpendicularly.
3. Cut the green onion into tiny pieces. Cut off the tip and then cut all the way down the onion in thin strips. Take the pile and chop those up too.
4. Throw the beef and green onions into a bowl and add the mayo and lemon juice. Add the softened cream cheese and mix well. Add a few dashes of garlic powder and other spices to your liking.
5. If it seems a bit dry or dull tasting, add more lemon juice, it will spice it right up!
6. Form the mixture into a ball and place on a serving platter. Tip: wet your hands before forming into a ball, this will make it easier to wash it off your hands.
7. Serve with Tricuits and enjoy!!

Tips for Black Friday

This week the ads will go out for Black Friday. This is the busiest and most exciting shopping day of the year and you need to be prepared! Here are tips to help you navigate your way through the crazy crowds.

1. Check out the ads. Your local newspaper will be filled with ads and coupons. This will help you organize your day to maximize savings, since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific.

2. Research. Be knowledgeable about the products you want to buy. Some "deals" are for crap products. Know if you are truly getting a bargain.

3. Compare prices. There are a lot of websites that compare product prices.

4. Look for early bird shopping discounts. These deals usually run from 5am to 11am with no rain checks. The early bird will get the worm.

5. Be a night owl. Internet shoppers can beat the early birds by shopping online in the pre-dawn hours of Black Friday. Many retailers will be posting their Black Friday specials, which can be ordered online and picked up at your local store. Special web only deals will also be available starting as early as Thanksgiving Eve. Many of the outlet malls and factory stores will be opening Thursday at midnight, with early bird promotions.

6. Bring the ads. Many stores offer a lowest price guarantee, but you will be required to show a copy of the product being advertised for less. Most retailers will not meet Internet prices though.

7. Get a gift receipt. This will make it easier for the gift receiver to return.

8. Decide how early you'll arrive and plan accordingly. Dress warmly for the occasion in comfortable clothes.

9. Shop with a list. To avoid getting overwhelmed, bring your list with you of who and what you are shopping for.

10. Have fun! Don't be a Debbie-Downer...make this day be a rush and enjoyable!

Thanksgiving centerpieces

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! You don't have much time to get your centerpieces done, so here are a couple wonderful ideas for your table.

I love this idea! Use a white pumpkin as the vase for your arrangement of roses, daffodils, tulips, etc. Use any flowers in fall colors - yellows, peaches, and shades of orange. Smaller pumpkins and votive candles in orange-glass holders fill out the centerpiece.

Is something more simple your style? Fill dried gourds with pears and walnuts. Fill others with candles in glass votives and others with salt and pepper. Or, just simply place pears in a basket.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Thanksgiving crafts

Have time to spare this weekend? Use your down time to prepare your home for Thanksgiving! Here are a couple craft things I found that will take your home to the next level for the holiday. These items will look great on the coffee table or on the bookshelf!

Take any leave from your lawn to place on plain pillar candles. Coat the backs of the leaves with decoupage medium and smooth in place on the outside of the candle. If necessary, use tacky white craft glue to hold the stems down. Cover the sides of the candle and the leaves with one or more coats of the decoupage.

This craft is so chic and cute! Get yourself a small pumpkin, a grocery store bouquet, and a hot glue gun. Choose a bouquet with harvest hues and cut each flower at the top of its stem, just below each flower head. Attach each blossom to an uncut pumpkin with a little hot glue. Sprinkle colorful leaves and small gourds around the pumpkins. Easy and adorable!

Hire a stylist

There are some celebrities that obviously don't own a mirror. Taste is definitely something that money just can't buy. Here are some celebrities that need to either hire or fire their stylists. Happy Fashion Forward Friday and Harry Potter movie release day!!

Blake Lively usually has great fashion sense. This outfit is just too much.

I just don't understand Katy Perry's style. Tight latex dresses are not cute and her shoes definitely are horrible.

Leighton Meester needs to take some cues from her character on Gossip Girl.

Not terrible, but come on. You have access to all the clothes in the world and you show up in this.

Carving your bird

I'm a little late in writing this post for the day, but better late than never right? Well on this Top 10 Thursday, I wanted to prepare you for Turkey Day. The best way to prepare you is to help you in your carving skills. Here are 10 steps to carve your delicious, juicy turkey. Thanks Martha!

1. Gather your materials.


2. Preparation. Before carving, let the turkey stand at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to saturate the meat. Transfer turkey to carving board. Cut through the trussing with scissors.

3. Remove Drumsticks. Place the knife against the thigh and cut down to expose the leg's second joint.

4. Sever Drumsticks. Apply pressure at the joint with the knifepoint; twist the knife, and cut throug to sever the drumstick.

5. Slice Neck Cavity. Slice open the neck cavity with an oval incision that allows you to remove the stuffing while leaving the skin intact.

6. Scoop Stuffing. Use a long-handled spoon to scoop out the stuffing from the body cavity; transfer it to a serving bowl.

7. Slice Thigh Meat. Slice the thigh meat from the bone (the dark meat should be tender from resting in the juices).

8. Slice Breast. Place the knife horizontally at the bottom curve of the bird's breast, and slice in toward the rib cage to create a "guide cut." Then make a slice from the top down alongside the rib cage. Be sure to cut carefully.

9. Create Slices. Cut vertically through the breast meat to create medallion slices, being careful to preserve some of the skin on each slice. Repeat steps 6 and 7 on the other side of the breast. Place the knife at the first wing joint. Insert the knifepoint and twist it to sever the wing. Repeat with the other wing.

10. Enjoy!!

Vintage shopping

Do you want items that no one else has? Well, then vintage shops are the place for you to go! Not necessarily just vintage shops, you can find great steals in any second hand store, such as a consignment shop. Secondhand shopping is a great way to get awesome clothing inexpensively. Here are a few tips to help you in your search.

1. Belts. Belts are easy to try on in a secondhand store and you can find some real individual styles.

2. Bags. Bags are easily fixed if the strap is broken. Vintage pieces are very in!

3. Boots. Easy to slip on.

4. Etsy. Etsy has a lot of sellers with vintage pieces that they are selling. A lot of the sellers have the clothing on actual body forms, so you can see exactly how it will look on.

5. Mysisterscloset.com. Designers jewelry, clothing, and everything!

Friends on Thanksgiving

One of my favorite shows of all time would have to be Friends. I watched the show religiously when it was on the air and love to catch reruns as often as I can. When I think of my favorite Friends episode, 2 of them come to mind. I absolutely love "The One Where No One's Ready," when Ross is trying to get everyone out the door for an event. There are so many great quotes in that one! "Look at me, I'm Chandler. Could I be wearing any more clothes?"

My favorite episode of all time would definitely be "The One With All The Thanksgivings." All of the Thanksgiving episodes on Friends are amazing, but this one tops them all. I love when Joey gets the Turkey stuck on his head!

Woah, I'm stuffed

One of my favorite things to eat on Thanksgiving is the stuffing. I don't get it very often, so when Thanksgiving rolls around I eat a lot of it. There are so many recipes for great stuffing out there, some plain, some intricate in flavor. I found a couple recipes that sounded so incredibly delicious that you will for sure want seconds!

Stuffing Tip: Stuffing that is to be cooked inside the turkey should be warm or room temperature. It should not be refrigerated. Be sure you are ready to stuff the turkey soon after the stuffing is made.

Simple Stuffing - Serves 8
2 loaves Italian bread (about 10 oz each), torn into bite size pieces
4T butter, room temperature, plus more for baking dish
4 celery stalks, thinly sliced
4 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup parsley leaves, chopped
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange bread in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Bake until crisp but not browned, about 10 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.

2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add celery, shallots, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add wine, and cook until evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.

3. To vegetables in bowl, add bread, parsley, and eggs. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; stir to combine. Mix in half of broth. Continue to add in more broth just until stuffing is moistened but not wet (there should not be any liquid in the bottom of the bowl).

4. Just before roasting turkey, stuff it with 4 cups stuffing. Spoon remaining stuffing into a buttered 8-inch square baking dish. Cover with buttered aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When turkey is removed from oven to rest, place covered baking dish in oven, and bake until warmed through, 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more.

Chestnut and Apple Stuffing

6T butter, plus more at room temperature for pan and aluminum foil

2 loaves Italian bread (about 10 oz each), torn into bite size pieces

2 medium onions, chopped (2 cups)

2 stalks celery, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces

Coarse salt and ground pepper

2 large Gala or Fuji apples, peeled, cored, cut into 8 wedges, and cut crosswise into thin slices

2 can (14 1/2 oz each) reduced-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh sage

1 jar (7 oz) dry-packed cooked chestnuts, coarsely crumbled

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square baking dish; set aside. Arrange bread in a single layer on two rimmed baking sheets. Bake until dried, rotating sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and celery; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Add apples; cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; reserve saucepan.
2. In same saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Remove from heat; set aside. To onion-apple mixture, add bread, sage, chestnuts, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper; toss to combine. Add half the broth and toss to combine. Continue adding broth and tossing just until stuffing is moistened but not wet.
3. Place about 4 cups stuffing in turkey. Spoon remaining stuffing into prepared baking dish; cover with buttered aluminum foil and refrigerate. When turkey is removed from oven, place covered baking dish in oven, and bake until warmed through, 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until golden, about 15 minutes more.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Chestnut and Apple Stuffing - Martha Stewart Recipes 

Thanksgiving chic

I'm going out to dinner this year for Thanksgiving instead of cooking at home, so I wanted to brainstorm some cute outfits to wear. Stretchy pants are a good idea for some extra room, but I thought it would be more appropriate to dress up a bit. Here is a Thanksgiving inspired outfit I put together on Polyvore. I love the coat and the dress! Happy Thanksgiving!

Side dish quiz

Turkey is obviously the main event during Thanksgiving, but there are several other dishes that make it a feast. Want to know which side dish suits your personality most? Take the quiz!

Side Dish Quiz

What side dish am I? I am Roasted Root Vegetables, yum! I can't lie, I kinda wish I was pumpkin pie!


So, what side dish are you? 

Coats for you

It's almost that time of year again...when the weather is crisp and there's a chill in the air. Oh I can't wait! I know it has reached that time in some parts of the country, especially Colorado right now, and in Florida we've even had a couple cold fronts already. Well, this brings us to this weeks Fashion Forward topic, the best coats for your body type. Just because a coat is adorable doesn't mean that it's the right cut for you. Follow these guidelines and you will look great!


1. Go with classics. A knee-length wool topper with a tailored fit is a true classic that will not quickly (if ever) go out of style. The specific shape is up to you: double-breasted, belted or robe styles are all great picks.

2. Think investment. It's likely your biggest purchase of the season, so budget accordingly. And be willing to go on a few shopping trips to find the perfect one - a coat is the rare garment from which you can demand perfection.

3. Make it a close fit. You want the closest fit possible, but one that gives you no difficulty in getting into or buttoning.

4. Look behind. Check your rear view. Some shape to a coat is good, but you should never see an outline of any junk in the trunk. The coat should glide over any problem areas and have movement in back.

5. Watch for drape. A coat should not only button easily across your chest, but it should fall in a straight line from the lowest button to the bottom hem, a sign that it's a well cut and has ample fabric to suit your hips.

6. Check the hem. Take into account if you wear skirts and dresses and how they will look with the length of the coat. Also, check proportion and shape of the coat.

7. Factor in layers. Consider the clothes you will be wearing under the coat. If you need the coat to cover a suit jacket, bring one with you when you shop.

8. Take a seat. Your coat should "sit" well. Button it up and sit down in the dressing room. If the closures pull or if you have 2 laps, that coat is not for you.

Flawless nails

I love getting manicures, but hate that the polish doesn't last very long. I usually paint my nails at home every week although I get irritated because I get little air bumps on my nails. It's beyond annoying and doesn't look very good after working very hard to keep a steady hand. Last week, I asked my manicurist for some tips on how to achieve flawless nails and to avoid the air bumps. I decided that this knowledge shouldn't be just mine, but that I should share the wealth. Here are my Top 10 Tips for flawless nails.

1. Don't shake. Don't shake the bottle, but rather roll the bottle in your palms to blend. My manicurist told me that shaking causes the bubbles, which can stay in the bottle for days.

2. Don't shake/blend clear. The clear polish does not need to be blended, so just apply it. It's thicker, so the blending isn't necessary. Bubbles caused from shaking the clear can last even longer than colors.

3. Don't use too much. Globbing too much on causes a mess and will cause your polish to chip faster.


4. Only remove one side. Once you dip the wand into the bottle, only scrape one of the sides off for the perfect amount.

5. Use a dot. When applying onto your nail, dot the center of your nail first, then use strokes. The dot in the center helps to distribute the polish evenly. So clever!

6. Use the corner. Use the corner of the brush to stroke the sides of the nail.

7. Use pressure. Don't just glide the polish on your nail. Apply pressure and it won't allow the bubbles to form.


8. Avoid chips. After your 2 coats of polish, swipe the tip of your nail with a vertical swoop.

9. Base, 2, and Top. Always apply a base coat, 2 coats of color, and a top coat. The base seems unnecessary, but it is important to protect your nails from yellowing.

10. Let it dry. The manicurists don't have enough time between appointments to allow your nails to dry fully, so they just quickly do it. When you are painting your nails yourself, let the coats dry between coats to have the best result.

HERE'S MORE TIPS!!
11. Use vitamin E oil on your cuticles. It heels cracked cuticles and makes them so soft.

12. When you're at the salon, beware the drying station with the light. The light is very harmful for your hands and will age them if you get manicures often.

13. If you have 2 half empty bottles (or more) of polish in similar shades, say a bunch of red/pinks, combine them to make your own unique shade.

14. Polish with glitter or shimmer in it lasts longer than flat colors.

15. Bring your own polish with you to the salon. It will call your inner germaphob self and you can fix your nicks at home.

Pumpkin for the skin

I was watching The Doctors a couple weeks ago and they had some wonderful recipes for a pumpkin facial and body butter. Pumpkins are everywhere this season, so it's really easy to attain these ingredients. These recipes are high in vitamins A and C and antioxidants and minerals. They will also keep your skin smooth and moisturized during the winter!

Pumpkin Facial
2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 tablespoon milk (or whipped cream if your skin is very dry)

Combine ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

*Enzymes from the pumpkin gently exfoliate dead skin cells without scrubbing, which can break capillaries. Milk and honey attract and retain moisture.

Pumpkin Body Butter
1/2 cup cooked pumpkin puree
1/2 cup solids from a can of coconut milk (creme at the top of the can)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Spread mixture generously on skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

*Coconut creme moisturizes skin, while cinnamon brings blood and nutrients to the skin's surface, giving it a healthy glow.

Pumpkin spice & everything nice

One of the best things about fall is the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks. Hot or cold, it's like Autumn in a cup! Enjoy a cup in honor of Favorite Things Tuesday!

Makeup expiration

Have makeup that you've been holding onto for years because you just don't have the heart to throw it away? Well, it's probably unhealthy for your skin. Makeup has an expiration date, so follow the guidelines to determine what and how often you should throw away in your makeup bag.

1. Mascara. Every 3 months. It introduces bacteria into your eye, so this needs to be replaced fairly often.
2. Eye Shadow. Every 3 months. Introduces bacteria as well.
3. Lipstick. After 1 year. The oils become rancid.
4. Foundation. 6-12 months once opened. It depends on how you apply it to how long it will last.
5. Blush. 2 years. Powder lasts longer. Cream lasts less because it holds onto moisture.

- With makeup, the performance usually lasts as long as the expiration date.
- Once every 2 weeks, wash you brushes with shampoo and water. You can also put them in the dishwasher.
- Beauty alert tabs are available, which you can write down the date that you opened your makeup.

Sweet potatoes with a twist

They started a really cool segment on Regis and Kelly called "Thanksgiving with a Twist." This week, they had a guest on that shared a recipe for sweet potatoes and it sounded delicious! She called it "Cat Cora's Barbados Sweet Potatoes." If you are looking for something different than you normal sweet potato, then this recipe is right up your alley.

Ingredients:
3 large sweet potatoes
1T vegetable oil
2T unsalted butter, melted
1/2t habanero powder or any pure chile powder
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3T grated fresh ginger
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
2T fresh lime juice
1T Jamaican dark rum
1/2t ground allspice

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
2. Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork and wrap each one in foil. Bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes give slightly when you touch them. Let them cool in the foil while you prepare the pan.
3. With your fingers, coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan (preferably glass) with the vegetable oil. 
4. Remove the foil from the potatoes and, when they're cool enough to handle, peel and cut into ½-inch-thick slices. Layer the slices in the pan.
5. Mix the butter, chile powder, brown sugar, ginger, orange and lime juices, rum, and allspice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the mixture over the potato slices.
6. Cover the dish with a sheet of foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are barely tender. 
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the topping just begins to look crisp. Serve hot or warm.

Poor feet

I posted a couple weeks ago that I went to Islands of Adventure in Orlando, but I probably failed to mention that my shoes were so uncomfortable that I was practically limping out of the park. I could have chosen the more comfy route with tennis shoes, but I sacrificed comfort for a more fashionable option. I didn't want to look like some dork with big tennis shoes on with a cute outfit. The result of my sucky choice of shoes were blisters all over my poor feet (which are still healing)! Hopefully, some good can come of my horrible experience for you. Here are some way that you (and I in the future) can prevent blisters.

1. Comfort. Wear shoes that are comfortable and have enough room in the toe box and feel good in the heel.

2. Socks. Wear socks that wick sweat, such as CoolMax. Don't wear cotton.

3. Keep your feet dry. You can use foot powder before putting on your socks.

4. Protect. If you have places on your feet that are prone to blisters, protect them before you leave.

5. Band-Aid Blister bandages with Compeed. I have read in multiple places that these work wonders.

6. Wet 2 tea bags and place them on the blister prone areas at night. Allow the tea to absorb into the skin. The tea has been shown to toughen these soft areas to help prevent blisters.

Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight!!

Personalizing your LBD

So you hear all the time that a little black dress is a staple item for every woman in her closet. Finding the perfect fit is half the battle. You can't just grab any black dress and call it "the one," thought has to go into it. Just because that dress looks terrific on someone you saw wearing it, does not mean that it will be the one for you. Ask yourself: Will it look good on me? Is my shape being flattered? What is my body shape? Does this dress hit me in all the right places? Understanding your body type is important not only on your quest of your LBD, but in wearing other garments as well. Here are great examples of how to personalize your little black dress according to your body shape.

Pear Shape. Full skirts disguise heavy hips and show off your tiny waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette is very flattering, as it shows off your small top half.

Leg Conscious. If you don't want to show off your legs, but still want to look sexy, try to find a longer skirt that hits midcalf or longer. Be careful not to go too long, especially if you are short.

Wide Shoulders. You don't need to hide your shoulders, show them off with an asymmetrical neckline, which will balance out your body. Avoid puffy sleeves, they will make your shoulders appear wider.

Full Bust. V-neck, square neck, sweetheart, and wrap dresses are perfect for you. Look for fabrics that skim, but aren't too clingy or too stiff. Avoid over embellishment tops.

Small Bust. To add more volume, look for embellishment or fullness on the bust.

Hourglass Figure. Mid to large breasts, small waist (about 10in in difference), and curvy hips. Wear dresses with V neck tops with panels or darts and an A-line skirt.

Apple Shape. Larger shoulder than hips. Concentrate on accentuating your waist line with a fitted or pencil skirt.

Straight/Athletic. Very small difference between bust and hips (4-5in). Accentuate hips with an empire waist dress, belts, and some stitched lines 3 inches under your bust.

Happy shopping!! And Happy Fashion Forward Friday!! Have a great weekend :)

Wardrobe must haves

Trying to revamp your wardrobe and just don't know where to start? First of all, go through your entire closet and purge what doesn't fit and/or you haven't worn in a year. Next, fill in the holes with closet staples that never go out of style. Invest in these items and you will not be sorry.

1. Little Black Dress. We hear this all the time, but it is very essential for a woman. A simple black dress can go a long way and can be used for multiple occasions.

2. Black Blazer. Find the perfect one that flatters your body, pair it with jeans and a button down for a chic look.

3. White Button Down Shirt. Invest in a new one every season. You can never go wrong when you pair this with a pair of jeans, dress pants, or a skirt.

4. Trousers. Make sure they are cut perfectly for your shape. If you're only buying one pair, buy in black or navy. Make sure you match the length of the pants with the height of your shoe.

5. Beige Trench Coat. Or camel, which is hot this season. This goes with everything.

6. Big Black Bag. Or in camel. This holds everything and is perfect to shove things in when you have kids.

7. Great Pair of Jeans. You should have one pair that fits you perfectly. This can be worn with everything.

8. Perfect Pumps. Make sure they fit perfect and feel great. Peep toes are hot too.

9. Statement Jewelry. The focal point of an outfit. Pick one item to build your item around.

10. Diamond Studs. These are chic, timeless, and so beautiful. They don't really have to be diamonds, they can be fake! If buying fake, buy them smaller.

Pumpkin seeds

Did you carve a pumpkin this Halloween, save the seeds, and don't know what to do with them? Here are a couple ideas, courtesy of Martha.

Pumpkin Seed Brittle (I'm definitely making this!)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for baking sheet
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds, rinsed well, dried, and toasted

1. Butter an 11x17in rimmed baking sheet; set aside.
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in sugar and honey. Bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until mixture is medium amber and a candy thermometer registers 280 degrees, about 6 minutes. Stir in pumpkin seeds. Cook until mixture reaches 300 degrees, about 2 minutes. Pour onto prepared baking sheet. Let cool completely. Break into pieces.


Homemade Granola. Mix with granola, dried berries, nuts, even vanilla. Mix according to your liking.

Favorite fonts

For a while, I was really wanting a tattoo on my foot. Now, I'm not so sure. To find the perfect font for my tattoo, I would research fonts and download the ones that I loved for free. There are some awesome fonts out there! For this Favorite Things Tuesday, here are a few of my favorites.

1. Jane Austen

2. Black Jack

3. Doctor

4. [ank]*

5. Jellyka, Saint-Andrew’s Queen

Today is also Voting Day, so don't forget to get out there and vote! Don't complain about people in government if you don't go out of your way to make a difference.

Halloween fun

Happy November!!
I hope you all had a wonderful and safe Halloween yesterday! I wanted to make an actual post, but had so much going on that I just ran out of time. I had a great Halloween myself. My friends Kim and Janna came over and we did some fun baking crafts and watched Hocus Pocus. The crafts came out so good and were so much fun to make! The first thing we made were monster cupcakes! We put icing on Halloween funfetti cupcakes and decorated them with candies and shredded coconut. Next, we took a rather large orange, hollowed it out (harder than it sounds), and carved a pumpkin face into it (mine was a little vampire). We then filled it with orange sherbet...it was delish! Before my friends came over, I carved an actual pumpkin. On one side it is a spooky house, on the other it is a vampire face (the momma vamp). The house took me forever to make, but I was pleased with the finished product.

These are cupcakes that Michael and I decorated last week. Mine is the witch on the left and Michael's is the vampire to the right. These were fun to make and very easy to do with a 6 year old.

Our cupcake monsters!

My orange/pumpkin vampire face!