Tag: holiday

Friday Favorites #69

Post author By elspeththeblogger
Post date November 24, 2023

Hello All! Happy Friday and happy Black Friday!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and loved ones. I hope the day was filled with loved ones, good food, and lasting memories. I enjoyed spending the day with extended family and continuing some traditions too. I also ran my first Turkey Trot which was so fun!

Yesterday was all about Thanksgiving and today is all about getting ready for Christmas by decorating our home.

This weekend we will be enjoying a second Thanksgiving dinner with my immediate family which I am looking forward to.

Today’s Friday Favorites post is a mix of holiday fun, some shows to binge watch and a good movie, there’s certainly something for everyone as I link up with Erika and Andrea .

Book Club: The Next Chapter– My mom and I had a girl’s movie night a few weeks ago and watched Book Club: The Next Chapter. We saw the first movie when it came out a few years ago and we thoroughly enjoyed the sequel. It follows the four friends as they embark on a long overdue trip to Italy, however, no trip is complete without a few hiccups. There’s some fantastic one-liners, beautiful scenery and above all, great message about friendship. We watched it on Amazon Prime and I would definitely recommend it for your next movie night.

The Crown Returns-The first part of the final season of The Crown came out last week and I started watching it right away. Without giving too much away, it begins right where the last season left off. I think Peter Morgan has done a phenomenal job with the series and this past season. I have been following along with Elizabeth Holmes’ Crown commentary. She provides so much insight and information about The Royal Family and The Crown. You can find her here if you want to follow along more.

Halloween Candy Cookies– I am always on the hunt to try new recipes and I found one from another blog and had to try it. If you still have some Halloween candy lying around or if you want to go buy some candy, this is such an easy and tasty recipe. It’s basically a chocolate chip cookie dough recipe with any of your favorite candies. I added Milky Ways, Twix, M&M’s, kisses, and chocolate chips. I opted not to add any peanut based candies due to allergies, but these cookies were a hit! Here’s the recipe if you want to try them for yourself.

Apple TV Christmas Special– From Halloween to Christmas, I am getting into the holiday spirit with Apple TV’s Christmas Special. If you are a fan of Ted Lasso, you will love this special. There’s appearances from the cast of Ted Lasso, there’s singing, dancing and Christmas cheer! Here’s the preview if you haven’t seen it yet. There’s Christmas specials are always so creative and fun. I’m looking forward to the lighting of the Rockerfeller Christmas Tree next week. Now, that Thanksgiving is over, I’m in full on Christmas mode.

Festive Christmas Shirt– Speaking of the holidays, I got a new graphic t-shirt to wear leading up to Christmas. I always have luck with festive t-shirts from Old Navy. I picked up this shirt along with a few other articles of clothing a few weeks ago. I love adding some holiday cheer to my wardrobe even if it is only for a few weeks out of the year. These festive shirts bring me so much joy. There’s so many different patterns and styles, there’s something for everyone. Also, as a side note, Old Navy’s pajama collection is great this year, there’s something for every member of your family-including pets!

That’s a look into life recently. Some movies, baking, binge-worthy shows and getting into the holiday spirit!

Tell me: are you in full on Christmas mode yet?

Let me know in the comments below!

Happy Black Friday!

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites #32

Hey all! Happy Friday and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! If you choose to celebrate, I hope you have an enjoyable and safe holiday!

Last weekend we had another burst of snow, so I’m hoping this weekend it’s just clear skies and sunshine and more spring weather.

Here’s a look at some things I’ve been watching, eating and reading as I link up with with Erika and Andrea!

The Law According to Lidia Poet- I found this mini series on Netflix and really enjoyed it. It is in another language but there are English subtitles and dubbed in English so you can follow along. It follows the story of a young female lawyer who’s looking to make in the courts but keeps facing roadblocks in the late 1700’s to early 1800’s. I love the costumes, the casting and the murder-mystery storylines. Did I mention, while she’s trying to become a lawyer, she’s also solving murders?! So clever! Definitely an intriguing show you can watch in a weekend or over the course of the week.

Lemonade Packets– My go-to drink is always water but sometimes, on long days, I like to change it up. These lemonade packets are the perfect fix for the afternoon slumps. They are low in calories, there are lots of flavors and it’s the perfect pick me up for long days. I always have them in my pantry or lunch box for work. They also get you in the spring and summer season. Yum!

Behind the Scenes of Daisy Jones and the Six– Each week, I’ve been enjoying Daisy Jones and the Six. It’s been so fun to follow along after reading the book. I’ve also been doing lots of reading on the making of the series. This article gave a great inside look at the relationship between the characters. I love learning about what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling. So fun to hear about their friendships off screen.

Murdaugh Murders Documentary-Like so many others, I was following the trial of Alex Murdaugh, however, I didn’t realize the whole scope of this family until I was watching the three episode documentary on Netflix. I planned on watching the first episode, but quickly got hooked and finished the whole series in one night (mind you-the episodes are only 45 minutes). The series shows how this one family was tied to a series of deaths, leading up to the most recent murders. It was fascinating to learn so much about the power that one family had in South Carolina. Definitely worth watching if you are interested in current events and true crime.

Fairytale Scent– New season, new scent! I recently started using Bath and Body Works Fairytale Scent. It’s a perfect mix of warm and fresh wrapped up into one. I also go for a body spray and lotion combo from Bath and Body Works and they last me for about three months. I always like switching out scents and trying what’s new. What’s your current favorite scent?!

As we make our way through March, this is just a look at some things I’m loving right now, certainly a mix of reading, watching, tasting and wearing. Tell me, as we gear up for spring, what are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great weekend!

Fabulous living

Valentine’s Day and Gift Guide

Post author By elspeththeblogger
Post date February 9, 2022

Happy Wednesday! I hope your week’s are moving along well.

I have a two for one today as we are talking about Valentine’s Day which is next week!

Today’s post is a mix of gift ideas and date ideas for you and your sweetheart if you are celebrating a day filled with love on Monday.

Let’s start with gift ideas.

Valentine’s Day Gifts

You can always go for a box of chocolates or something sweet and flowers. As someone with a big sweet tooth, I would love a big box of chocolates, but if you want to be a bit more creative, here’s some ideas.

-An Experience

If you want to combine gifts and a date in a gift, maybe splurge on an experience or an activity. It can be anything from tickets to a show (movie or concert) or a favorite sporting event (it’s Hockey season!) to maybe a unique date like wine tasting, candle making or a painting night. This gift allows you both to spend time together and do something a little more special or fun that you may not typically do during your date nights.

-A Memento

This gift allows you to flex your creative muscles. Maybe try getting your significant other a memento from your relationship. This can be as easy as getting a new frame and printing some of your favorite pictures to put inside. Maybe you saved a special receipt or a hand written letter, consider framing them. Another idea is adding a few keepsakes to a scrap book or even make up a memory box to put some of your favorite memories that make you think of the other person.

-A “Couple” Favorite Things

This is another fun gift idea, put together a little box of gift of some of your favorite things you both like to enjoy. This can be your favorite candies, snacks, or drinks, maybe a favorite movie or activity or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or a place that you went to on a favorite or memorable date. Put it all together and gift it. This allows you both to enjoy something together and enjoy some things you have grown to love together. A perfect walk down memory lane together.

Date Ideas

-Home Cooked Meal

I always love this as a date idea. This date allows you and your girlfriend or boyfriend to enjoy a more relaxing night at home and avoid the craziness and crowds of restaurants. Maybe try a new recipe or meal together, you can bond in the kitchen and can enjoy a delicious end result. To make it extra special, use some nice plates and dishes, light some candles and set the mood for a dinner date for two.

-Night on the Town

Even if you have to work during the day, enjoy the big night after work. You can enjoy a favorite spot to eat at or try a new spot to make it special. Then head out to enjoy the rest of the night, whether it’s with a show or maybe a walk in a park or even a drive. . As fun as it is to enjoy the actual day, to avoid the hectic-ness of Valentine’s Day, maybe head out to celebrate the weekend before or a few days after to enjoy a quiet night.

– Day Trip

Even if you don’t celebrate the day of, plan a day trip to either someplace new or a favorite place that holds meaning to you both. During the winter months and being coped up for so long, it’s exciting to try something new and head out for a day trip. Start the day early and get some snacks and hit the open road, set a destination, and make some stops along the way. It doesn’t matter where you end up, what matters is the journey and the memories you make along the way.

These are just a few ideas to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Whether you like to go all out or like to keep it low-key, what’s most important is showing the people in your life that you love them. And yes, these ideas work just as well for a girl’s night out too!

Tags boyfriend, couple gifts, date experience, date ideas, date night, day trip, gift guide, holiday, home cooked food, homemade food, love, mementos, night out, one on one time, planning, saving money, Valentine's Day date idea, valentines day

Fashion

Look of the Day #129

LOTD

Hey hey everyone!

Happy Thursday! I can’t believe the holidays are quickly approaching. Halloween was just a few weeks ago, Thanksgiving is in a few weeks and then we are into the Christmas season. Have you started your Christmas shopping? I know, I have not. I have some ideas but haven’t started the shopping yet. That will come soon enough. The one thing that comes with the holidays are all the holiday parties, whether it’s through work or school or friends, nothing brings people together than a party.

Today’s outfit is perfect as we get ready for the cold weather. I have recently been wearing a lot of blacks and grays, I think this is due to the gray and cloudy weather I have been experiencing. This outfit would be perfect if you are running errands or out and about. Pieces of this outfit could even be used for a holiday party. Let’s get to the details.

I LOVE this black turtleneck sweater, I adore it so much that I have one in pink too. It is warm, made from good material, and can be dressed up or down, wear it with jeans, leggings, dress pants or even a skirt, there are truly so many options. I opted to wear this black turtleneck from GAP with a pair of houndstooth leggings.

I got these leggings from Old Navy, I love the houndstooth print. It reminds of a classy and European style. I have worn this leggings with a red blazer for a dressier holiday look and heels, which worked great. But for today’s look I went for a simple look of the leggings with the sweater.

Lastly, I opted for my high black boots. I love the heel and how they tie my whole outfit together. I got these boots from Marshalls last year and they are holding up great for year two!

This outfit feels very wintery to me. I love the darker colors for the darker weather, but I also like how it feels very warm and cozy too. How are you prepping your wardrobe for the colder weather?

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Tags black, black turtleneck, cold weather, fall fashion, gap, gray, holiday, holiday fashion, houndstooth leggings, look of the day, lotd, marshalls, old navy, weekend fashion, weekend look, winter fashion

Fashion

Look of the Day #29

LOTD

A very winter-y outfit for Chrsitmas shopping or date night or even a class!

This winter outfit is perfect for heading to class, shopping for Christmas, or a date night. This comfortable outfit is a great way to kick off the first snowfall. Let’s get down to the details of the outfit.

This are my favorite black boots, they are warm and fashionable. Leather boots are so versatile, you can wear them with jeans, leggings, a skirt or dress. That is one of the many reasons I love these boots.

These cheetah print leggings are from Old Navy. I love the dark colors it comes in and how they can be pair with any outfit to dress it up. They are both comfortable and a pop of print instead of wearing standard black leggings.

I’m wearing a simple black shirt under this poncho. I get my solid black and white shirts from GAP and Old Navy. They are excellent quality and last a while.

I got this poncho from the Scandal Style the Limited Collection. It is from the show Scandal, one of my favorite shows. Olivia Pope wore a look alike sweater like this in the series. It is both comfortable and chic, two things you want in the things you wear. The sweater is a big statement piece that changes my whole outfit. Plus, not gonna lie, when I wear this poncho, I feel like I’m Olivia Pope and I can “handle” anything that gets in my way.

I’ve worn this hat before in the fall but here is another way you can wear the hat in the winter. I have bought all these things separately but put them together to form this chic outfit for a day of Christmas shopping.

I hope this inspires you to put pieces together you may not put together in the past. What is one accessory that completes all your outfits? Happy Thursday! xoxo

Tags black leather boots, christmas shopping, fashion, gap, hat, holiday, leopard leggings, look of the day, lotd, old navy, olivia pope, poncho, scandal, the limited, winter fashion

Fashion

Fourth of July Recap + Look of the Day #8

Post author By elspeththeblogger
Post date July 6, 2017
6 Comments on Fourth of July Recap + Look of the Day #8

Well, the celebrating has come to an end and we are at the halfway mark of summer. I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July. Mine was shared with family, friends, LOTS of food and fireworks. It’s always nice to take time to spend with family and relax.

My pinterest treats weren’t a complete flop. Granted, they didn’t turn out just like the pictures (but do they ever?!). Overall, everyone loved them from snacks, to desserts and displays. If you follow me on Instagram I showed preparations throughout the day. Down below I also share the before and after of all the goodies. Almost all the snacks were easy to make and devoured. To read more about the treats feel free to follow me on pinterest to see the full recipes. I got in the patriotic spirit with my outfit and nails as well.

My outfit is from Francesca’s. I loved the one shoulder top, it was also lightweight which was perfect for a warm day. The blue and white got me in the holiday spirit

My scalloped shorts were also lightweight and matched my top perfectly. You can’t have blue and white without red!

I did my nails in red and silver to celebrate but I didn’t want to do anything too crazy since I had to be at work the next day! Haha!!! My nail polish is from Chrome Girl Nails. The sparkly red is called Pretty Pout and the silver is called Party Star.

Well, that wraps up my Fourth of July. I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing day! Check down below for my outfit and dessert details. Happy Thursday!

Outfit details!