5 Beauty Items I am Loving + Must Have Poncho

Happy Friday!  We are nervously watching hurricane Matthew and praying he veers off into the ocean before he hits Charleston.  It is so scary not knowing what will happen. I am sending thoughts and prayers to all you in Florida right now.  I know he has hit hard there and so many are without power. I hope power is restored soon and not too damage is done. 

Today I wanted to share 5 Beauty items I am loving and a must have poncho for Fall. 

ONE | CHANEL DOUBLE INTENSE LIP

My mom got me hooked on this lip color.  This goes on like lip gloss but lasts like a lip stick.  You can eat and drink and the color really stays on.  You apply the color first and then top with a layer of  clear gloss.  All the colors are just gorgeous on.   My mom and I both have the Tender beige color.  Yesterday I just bought Milky Blueberry a new shade out for Fall.  Trust me you will love these! 

TWO | BODY BUTTER

Lotion is one of the main products I try to use a "clean " version of.  I feel like it covers so much of your body and really gets absorbed in your skin so it is important to try and find one without chemicals.  I have tried several so called clean versions and they all left my skin ashy, I felt like they didn't really moisturize at all.  Someone sent me a sample of this Beauty Counter Body Butter and I have been hooked ever since.   The scent is light not over powering at all and it feels so good when you slather it on and it really moisturizes.  A little goes a long way! 

THREE | TATA HARPER FACE MASK

I have mentioned my love for Tata Harper on here often.  I recently shared that she came out with a new Honey Blossom face mask that I have been using and loving.  I also highly recommend her Resurfacing Face Mask.  Well now for a limited time only you can try all three.  This includes the Resurfacing Mask, The Purifying Mask, and The Honey Blossom Mask.  You save about $20 by buying all three together.  This would make a great Christmas gift too!  Last year I gave my mom and sister the Purifying Mask as part of their gift.

FOUR | CHANEL NAIL POLISH

Vamp and Particuliere are my two favorite Chanel colors but when I saw this emerald shade at the mall I fell in love with it.  It is the most gorgeous shade of green on. Such a fun shade for Fall.

FIVE | Lancome Defincils Mascara

I am always on the hunt for a mascara that I love.  Currently I am using this one and really liking it.  It goes on without clumping and I feel like it makes my lashes look thick and full.

I picked up the cutest poncho this week and wanted to share because it is currently 40% off.

With the discount it comes to under $50.  I wore mine last night with my pjs and it is so cozy.  I plan to wear it with leggings and skinny jeans all this Fall.  The poncho is one size fits all.

Poncho

Here is what I wore it with last night:

Poncho | Ugg Slippers | Lounge Pants | Tee (40% off)

Thoughts For Thursday

Thank you guys so much for the prayers and well wishes while we wait to see what Hurricane Matthew is gonna do.  I am not gonna lie when they declared a State of Emergency and Mandatory evacuation I felt panicked.  There were long lines at the grocery and gas stations and it just felt eery. Like impending doom or something.   The kids and I got up at 5 yesterday morning and headed to Charlotte.  It took us about an hour longer than usual but we made it.  Matt decided to stay put- he is that crazy guy that will go surf in a hurricane.  But all jokes aside he never leaves during storms.

I mentioned the Marysia sale that is going on right now- there are still some awesome deals left.  Frances Moon's bikini came and I am dying over how cute it is.  I mean that belly and the black and white floral print it makes me giddy!

Bikini

Our first stop when we got to Charlotte was the mall!  We met my sister for lunch at Arthur's. Fun fact I worked at Arthur's when I was in high school.  I love their hot health on pita.  It is basically a salad on toasted pita bread with melted provolone cheese.  It is so good.

After lunch we headed to Old Navy.  I loved this floral dress and the price it is only $26.  I am wearing a small.  It is on the short side so size up a size for a bit longer length.  This would also be great paired with leggings.

Floral Dress

I bought these two vests for Frances Moon. Both are on sale right now.

White Vest | Grey Vest

 I love getting my baby fix with my nephew Rutledge.  He is the sweetest.

I have been reading Truly, Madly Guilty for over a month now.  I usually love Liane Moriarty's books but man this one has been hard for me to get into.  I hate to say but I am ready to finish it so I can start a new book.  

Two recent OOTD's this week.  My plaid blouse is currently on sale.  I wear this at least once a week.  I love it paired with jean shorts or jeans.  I am wearing a size small.

Plaid Blouse on sale | Necklace | Jean Shorts | Sandals

When we arrived to Charlotte the weather was cooler than I expected.  I had packed my favorite moto leggings that look like pants but feel like pjs but no long sleeve shirts.  My mom let me borrow this sweater and I loved it so much I promptly ordered it.  It is the perfect length with leggings and great with skinny jeans too.  It also comes in a charcoal color.  My mom's sweater is an XS and i ordered that size too.  I am wearing a small in the leggings.

Sweater | Leggings | Scarf | Slippers

I don't drink a ton of red wine but my parents always have the best red wine.  Last night we enjoyed a glass of this red wine from Costco and it was so good!  I highly recommend it.  

The sunrises have been so gorgeous on the way to take Sterling to school- and yes he starts super early we leave the house at 7.

This is a new favorite Fall salad. I ate it three times last week.

Shredded Kale + chopped green apple + chopped white cheddar + crumbled bacon + roasted Brussels sprouts.  I use a green goddess dressing with it that I pick up at a local restaurant Dellz.

Gigi New York just started their Friends and Family Sale.  Use code WEAREFAMILY to save 25% everything. This Cross body is my favorite pick.  I carry mine all the time.  It is the perfect size and it also comes in several other colors.  I have the stone color and it is a really nice neutral.

Cross Body

Two of my favorite Beauty Counter lip colors are back in stock.  They have been sold out because they are so popular.  They are the perfect neutral.   They are great alone or paired together.

Lip Sheer in Terra

Lip Gloss in Dahlia

Saks is running their Friends and Family Event right now.  No code needed most items are 25% off.  I will share more favorites with my Weekend deals.  I just ordered this blouse though I love it.

Off Shoulder Blouse

Stay safe everyone that is dealing with Hurricane Matthew.  I am sending prayers your way. 

Butternut Squash, Arugula and Turkey Sausage Lasagna

As of right now we are headed to Charlotte since Charleston has called a mandatory evacuation because of Hurricane Matthew.  Prayers to all of you in this hurricane's path. I pray the damage is not bad.  Today I wanted to share a lasagna recipe that I was cooking right as all this evacuation business went down.  

I love lasagna.  Sometimes it can be time consuming to make but I always find it is worth the effort.  It is officially October so you know I have Fall food on my brain.  I have been wanting to use butternut squash somehow and this was the perfect answer.  I love that they now sell butternut squash already peeled, seeded and cubed.  It saves so much time!!  The flavors in this lasagna are rich but so good.  I was originally going to use kale or spinach for the greens but I had a huge bag of arugula from the Farmers Market so I figured why not?  The peppery arugula paired perfectly with the slightly sweet squash, spicy sausage and creamy goat cheese.  This is the perfect one dish comfort food.

|| B U T T E R N U T   S Q U A S H + A R U G U L A + 

T U R K E Y  S A U S A G E   L A S A G N A ||

- 1 box lasagna noodles

- 1 pound ground turkey sausage or regular sausage

- 2 cups chopped and cooked butternut squash

- 1/2 cup whipping cream

- 1.5 cups ricotta

- 2 cups arugula

- 2 garlic cloves minced

- 1/2 white onion diced

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella

- 4 oz crumbled goat cheese

- 1 ball fresh mozzarella

- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cook noodles according to box and lay flat to drain and dry.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Toss chopped butternut squash with olive oil and salt and pepper and spread evenly on a baking sheet.  Roast for 30 minutes until fork tender.  Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.  

In a food processor or blender add the cooled squash, whipping cream, and ricotta and blend until smooth.  Add in a little salt and pepper to taste.

In a skillet heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add the garlic and chopped onion.  Cook 5 minutes and then add in the turkey sausage.  Cook until browned.  Stir in the arugula and red pepper flakes and cook until it wilts.  Remove from heat and add in goat cheese and parmesan cheese.

Take a rectangle baking dish and grease with cooking spray.  Spread a small about of the pureed butternut squash over the bottom.  Then add a layer of noodles, shredded mozzarella, butternut squash puree, then turkey sausage mix.  Repeat 3 times or as many as your dish will fit.  For the last layer do a row of noodles and then the fresh sliced mozzarella ball.  

Cover with foil and bake at 350  degrees 30 minutes.  Remove the foil and cook another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly but not too brown.

Shades of Grey + 2 Favorite Fall Outfits on Sale

Grey, it is one color I never get tired of.  I love every shade of gray from super light to charcoal.  They look great paired together and mixed in with denim and black as well.   Grey is also a super flattering shade on everyone.  Today I complied a list of some of my favorite grey pieces for Fall. 

This sweater is a recent purchase, it comes in several other colors but I was drawn to the gray (go figure) .  It is so so soft, it feels like pjs and the back is adorable.  I am wearing a size XS.

Sweater | Jeans

see how cute the back is??

These jeans I am wearing above are the lightest shade of gray and I wear them so often.  They are currently 25 % off right now, no code needed.  They run TTS.  

Moto Jacket

This comes in several colors but I love the gray.  It looks so soft and is under $100.  The perfect jacket just to toss on over a tee shirt.

Split Back Turtleneck

I ordered this and LOVE it.  The fit is great and it is a perfect light weight material for right now.

The back is my favorite part.

Tassel Earrings

I have a few pairs from this brand and I really like them because they are super light weight and don't hurt your ears.

Zella Twist Tee

This is technically a workout tee but I would pair it with jeans too.

D'Orsay Pumps

I have a similar pair of these by Vince I wear all the time.  I love this charcoal gray.

Woven Scarf

Love this and it is only $29!

Bow Back Heels

Banana Republic's fall shoes are incredible this season.  These are sitting my basket, I love the bow detail.

High Waisted Leggings

I love these high waisted leggings.  They suck everything in and I am really digging this new gray pattern.

Mixed Media Dress

I really love this dress.  The front is charcoal and the back is chambray.

Off Shoulder Top

Off shoulder, yes please.

Cross Body

This cross body is a steal, only $39.  

Leather Cuff

This is currently on sale. It would be great alone or layered with some smaller bracelets.

Lace Up Sandals

 These may be more brownish taupe than gray but man are they gorgeous.

Tote 

I have this purse from 2 years ago in a different color and it is still a favorite.  It is such a great size and I love that it has a longer strap option.

Fringe Cardigan

I mentioned this one last week but love it so much I am including it again.

Dress

This looks like 2 pieces but it is a dress.  Would be great paired with booties and tights when it gets cooler.

Lastly two of my recent Fall purchases are now on sale.  I am wearing a small in both.

Plaid Shirt

Tie Neck Dress

You can shop all my favorites below: