Monday, December 7, 2015

Holiday Dresses + The Best Lounge Pants

I honestly can't believe Christmas is 19 days away. I feel like this holiday season is flying by and I want to try and slow down and take some time to enjoy it!  Today I wanted to share a fun dress that would be perfect for the Holidays whether it be a Christmas party or NYE's party.
 I am seriously in love with this dress.  It is the perfect holiday dress and the best part is it is under $70!!



The gold lace is perfect for a festive holiday party.

I love the button detail on the sleeves.  It has the same button detail on the back of the neck too.

For those curious about sizing I am wearing a medium.  I actually ordered both the small and medium to try.  The small was just a touch tight in my hips and I liked that the medium was longer as well.


I find Nordstrom always has a great dress selection.  I like to order two sizes since it is free shipping and returns to ensure I get the right size.
A few other favorite dresses for the holidays I am loving.  
Both of these dresses are more affordable right around $100.  The sequined shift also comes in a gorgeous red color as well.  

I love the embellished neckline and bow details on these two dresses.

The metallic swing dress also comes in a platinum color and is a steal at $58.  The Ted Baker dress would be a versatile dress that I think you could wear for many different occasions.

The Kate Spade dress is a bit more expensive than these other dresses but it is so gorgeous.  I really like the fun flirty feel of the CeCe Dress.  I envision it for a wedding or New Years Eve party.


If you are pregnant I love this lace dress, it also comes in ivory, black, and rose and it won't break the bank it is under $100.

When you are done with your holiday party and want to slip into something more comfortable, I am totally obsessed with these fleece lounge pants.  They are the softest thing ever.  I love how they have a slightly skinny fit.  When they came in the mail Sterling touched them and ever since has been asking me to buy him fleece pants like mine because they are so soft:)

They come in 6 different patterns but I love the black and white bears.  I am wearing a size small.  If you want a looser fit I recommend sizing up a size.



Thanks to Nordstrom for patterning on this post!



Friday, December 4, 2015

Gift Guide For The Beauty Lover

Today I wanted to share a fun gift guide for the beauty lovers.  I think most women love beauty products and trying out new things.  I know I certainly do!  Below are a few tried and true favorites of mine and some really awesome gift set deals.

beauty gifts



I swear by this mask.  It is hands down my favorite mask I have tried. It lasts forever too I have been using mine for the past year and just ran out.


Tata Harper also has this fabulous gift set just for the holidays.  It contains several of her newer items and would be a great way to try out several of her products. 
Jo Malone perfumes are my favorite. her scents are always so fresh and unique and never overpowering.  I tire of perfumes easily so I love the idea of these small bottles to test each scent.
This nail polish set is a major steal.  It retails at $120 but it is $68 for the holidays. You get 12 colors and I love the mix of colors.
I love the Living Proof shampoo and conditioner. I got a set last year for Christmas and now I am hooked.


These are two of my favorite Beauty Counter products and they are paired together for a great holiday deal.  I use the body butter as my everyday lotion and it is amazing. I also love the body scrub, it smells so fresh and makes your skin feel really soft.
I love any and all Nest scents but this one is my new favorite.  It smells heavenly and so fresh.  I love the diffuser for my bathroom it smells so nice every time I walk in.


T3 Hairdryer + Straightener
I just recently got a T3 hair dryer after using a cheap one for awhile and I must say I love it.  It is lightweight and drys my hair quickly.  This is set is a great deal for the holidays you are basically getting the straightener for half price when you buy the two together.
I just tried this set yesterday and let me tell you it is awesome.  The lipgloss is not sticky at all which is my complaint with many others.  The lighter color is perfect for everyday and layered over lipstick and the red is gorgeous for a pop of color.
I have mentioned this device on here before.  I own it and love it.  I have yet to do the real Microdermabrasion but I feel like this really has helped my skin.  It is easy to use at home. It feels weird at first it almost suctions your skin but it smooths it at the same time. It is so hard to describe but trust me this little device is great.


Yes the hype is true,  I love this hairbrush.  It is expensive no doubt but it will last forever and it is something you use everyday.  I like the smaller sized one and it is half the price of the regular one.  
I really like the idea of this trio of cases as a gift.  They would be great for travel and the smaller one would be great to keep in your purse with everyday make-up essentials.
they also come in a metallic version as well.









Thursday, December 3, 2015

Thoughts For Thursday

Hello Thursday!  

First of all I am so excited because tomorrow I am headed to Palmetto Bluff with two of my best friends.  We are having a fun girls weekend for Caycee's birthday.  Toyota is giving us a Camry to test drive for the weekend which should be fun.  I am sure I will be posting many pictures from our weekend, so follow along on instagram @snoopnattynat


I am so happy Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce started back this week.  I LOVE that show.


I got on the ball this year and decorated early for Christmas,  We have so much going on the next few weeks it is nice to have our decorations up and to enjoy them!  Our elf Elfie is back too:)

Tis the season for baking.  I can't wait to whip up some of my favorite oreo brownies for our friends.  I am thinking this year I may even buy the holiday oreos with the red filling for a more festive look. You can see my recipe HERE

Some of my Black Friday purchases have started to arrive and I am loving them.  These Vince booties make me swoon.  They are still on sale 50% off, not quite as cheap as when I bought them but still a great deal.

This Joie sweater was another Black Friday purchase.  I plan to pack it this weekend for my girl's trip.  It is so soft and I really like the frayed edge detail. It is currently 40 % off.

I tried to take a Christmas Card picture of the kids this week and let me tell you it was like pulling teeth.  I am starting to fear we may not get a good picture.  Although part of me is very tempted to use a crying picture.
Frances Moon's Dress is Little English

I have started making some progress in Sterling's room.  His new bedding arrived as did his print for over the bed.  I let him choose his bedding and picture and I was relieved it was something I actually liked- haha. 
His surf picture is from Minted our new go to source for art.  Until tonight at midnight you can take 25% off with code CM2015. 
Next up I need to paint his room.  Any suggestions for a good light gray paint color?  I probably won't paint til after the holidays but want to find the perfect color.


Rodney loves to sleep on our bed pillows.  I busted him the other morning like this. 

Frances Moon's favorite thing to do in the morning is sit at my vanity and put on lipstick.  Yesterday she insisted she needed shades on too.


word.






Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Outfit Favorites On Sale Under $100

Happy Wednesday! 
Today I wanted to share a few outfit favorites and all are on sale and under $100.

Right now Macy's is running their Friends and Family Sale and you can take 25 % off your entire purchase with code FRIEND. All these items are from Macy's and I found they were actually cheaper here than other stores.


I have searched for awhile for the perfect pair of over the knee boots, so when I found these and for under $100 I was ecstatic.  They come in 5 different colors.  I debated a long time between the black and gray but went with the black and LOVE them.  They are comfortable and have a bit of stretch to them so they are not too tight.  They run TTS.

This top is a recent purchase.  It is the perfect casual top and so incredibly soft.  I love the wrap front detail and draping. 

It also comes in gray and cream.  I think it is a great light weight fall sweater. With the extra 25% off it comes to around $27! I am wearing a size XS.  


This Free People Top is on major sale.  I love mine so much I own it in two colors.  In fact my mom and sister promptly bought one too after seeing mine.
It is on sale in the ivory and red color for $55 then you can take an additional 25% off that price. I am wearing a size XS.

Another Free People Favorite is this By the Bay Blouse.
Currently reduced as well + 25% off.  I tend to find most Free People items run on the large side so size down.  I am wearing an XS.

and can you tell I love Free People?  This little dress is also on major sale.  The colors are stunning in person.  In this dress I am wearing size small.

Ray-Bans are also included in the Friends and Family sale. You can take 25% off and if you buy two pairs you can save an additional $40 use code BUYTWO.
Macy's has an awesome assortment of Ray-Bans, you can view them all HERE

I also own this Erika version and they come to under $100 with the discount.  I like the tortoise shell look of them.

The home section at Macy's is always a favorite of mine and it is also part of the Friends and Family Event.  These Hotel Towels are the softest towels, we love them.
I actually love the entire Hotel line.  These sheets are 800 thread count.  They wash really well.  I  actually asked for another set for Christmas.


There are so many great deals that are part of the Macy's Friends and Family Event right now!
Don't forget to use code FRIENDS for the extra 25% off.




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Thanks to Macy's for partnering on this post.




Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Brown Rice Veggie Bowls + Spicy Lemon Tahini Dressing


If you are anything like me then you needed a few detox meals after the holiday week.  I did my fair share of over indulging and not exercising last week, so it was time to get back on track.  I was feeling sluggish and bloated and knew I needed some healthy meals to make me feel better. This is a great way to get your fill of veggies and it is easy to make ahead of time.  You can cook the brown rice and veggies ahead of time and just store in separate containers until ready to use.  The dressing is the best part.  You really could use any type of dressing over these bowls but I love the creaminess the tahini brings, the tartness of the lemon and the spice of the red pepper flakes.  It is a great combo!
You could easily serve the veggies over quinoa or another grain if you prefer. 
Enjoy!


|| B R O W N   R I C E  V E G G I E  B O W L S  + S P I C Y   L E M O N  T A H I N I 
  D R E S S I N G ||

Adapted Via Food and Wine Magazine

INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup brown rice
-1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 3 carrots sliced
- 1 small container shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 2 zucchinis sliced
- 1 head broccoli chopped
- 1/2 head of kale de-stemmed and shredded
- 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce
-1/4 cup tahini at room temperature
- 1/2 cup  fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 avocado diced
- fresh bean sprouts

DIRECTIONS
cook rice according to package.  I always add about 2 tablespoons of butter and bit of salt to my rice while cooking,

In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of the oil. Add the onion, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms and cook until tender.  About 10 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile toss the broccoli with olive oil and salt and pepper and roast at 350 degrees about 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and add broccoli and kale to the veggies on the stove and toss together til kale wilts.  Add 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk the tahini with the lemon juice, garlic, warm water and crushed red pepper. Season with salt.

Transfer the brown rice to bowls. Top with the cooked vegetables, diced avocado and bean sprouts. Drizzle with the Lemon Tahini Dressing.