Tag: mix and match

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Let's Look

Let’s Look: Gift Guides for Guys

Hi everyone! 

Happy Wednesday! I hope you are having a great week. These next few weeks will be busy as we get ready for Thanksgiving and then eventually, Christmas, but I am ready for it. Bring on the challenge and the fun too! It’s still fairly decent weather for November, so I have been doing my best to enjoy the outdoors as much as I can, even enjoying my drinks outside when I can.

It’s the second Wednesday of the month which means it’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Shay and Erika.

Here’s a recap of the things we have talked about so far this year:

In January, we talked about How We Clean Our Closets.

In February, the topic was Things We Do Every Day

In March, it was all about what’s in our Grocery Carts

In April, we chatted about our Quiet and Prayer Time.

In May, we talked about Summer Staples.

In June, we shared our Summer Schedules.

In July, we chatted about our favorite TV Shows and Podcasts.

In August, we learned about our Pantry Staples

In September, we shared Easy Weeknight Meals

In October, it was all about how we Prep for the Holidays.

I can’t believe we only have a few more to go this year. Today’s topic is Gift Ideas for Men, now guys are hard to buy for, no matter the age, so hopefully, this gives you some ideas or suggestions. I asked my boyfriend for some help on this and I came up with my own ideas too. I created five categories or groups to get ideas from. 

First, when it comes to men, always think practically. It may not be as fun, but most guys prefer a practical gift that they will use time and time again over something that is nice, but not as functional. Let’s dive right in!

  • Experience– Rather than getting a guy something they may not use or like, think about getting them an experience. This can be anything from tickets to seeing their favorite sporting team, going to a concert, maybe doing an activity, like beer tasting or trying a new hobby, and taking lessons or a course in it. You can still wrap up the tickets and make it something fun to open with the information inside.
  • Game Day Gear– Whether they are into sports or music or another hobby, you can never go wrong with getting them some gear. This can be more traditional items like jerseys or t-shirts, or you can go the more unique route and find something vintage online. Etsy always has such unique gifts and I love supporting local businesses too!
  • A Nice Watch– Guys might not be into jewelry as much as girls, but, you can never go wrong with a nice watch. You can take the more route with a traditional watch that they can dress up or down, or if they are more sporty, you can go the fitness watch route. I personally love my Apple Watch and use it every day. This is definitely a practical and useful gift for the guy.
  • Favorites Gift- For the guy who has everything, get him all his favorites. This can be his favorite foods, drinks, snacks, and gift cards to his favorite restaurants. You can even use this gift as a way to restock on his go to items, maybe he has a favorite type of pen that he only uses or a brand of shirts that he always wears, buy all his must have items and wrap them all up together or separate.
  • Upgrade Essentials– Purchase some higher quality versions of his favorite items. This can be anything from buying some nicer dress shirts or socks if he works in an office, to getting him a new pair of running shoes. Guys don’t always want to spend money on themselves, so this is a great way to get them things they need and splurge a bit. 

I know these aren’t specific gifts for guys, but hopefully these suggestions lead to more ideas for the special guy in your life. Tell me: what are some things you plan on buying for the men in your lives? I’m always open to ideas! Happy Christmas Shopping!

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Let's Look

Let’s Look: What’s In Our Grocery Carts

Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope you have had a great week and are enjoying the spring season. It’s time for another Let’s Look as I link up with Shay and Erika

In January we talked about cleaning our closets.

In February we discussed things we do every day.

This month we are talking all about what’s in our grocery carts.

This topic was a little tricky for me since I still live at home. When I go to the grocery store, I’m not just buying for myself but for other family members too. I typically go shopping with my parents for their weekly grocery shopping trip.

Before I head out to the store, I always plan meals with my family and make a list of meals we plan to make in the week. Typically, we aim to cook five to six meals at home each week and we make a list of what nights we plan to eat them (this may change through the week, but having a list saves stress from figuring out meals the night of and it saves money from eating out.

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to cook a meal for my family each week by trying and testing new recipes, so I will take one night, my mom cooks the other four and then we may go out or order in for the remaining nights. Our meals range from a mix of chicken, pasta, salads, sometimes seafood, and then an easier night of leftovers or soup/sandwich/salad for late or busy nights. 

One of my latest meals, baked chicken tacos!

When we are making a list of what to buy, we take an inventory of things we already have and can use for dinners or lunches. Making a list saves money and it encourages you to use what you have rather than buying new. 

Besides things for meals, we tend to stock up on fresh produce and veggies and any staples we may be low on in the pantry, like bread, milk, lunch snacks etc.

At the store, I also to keep my eyes open for new products to try. For example, I enjoy eating hummus with veggies or fruit, I saw this hummus trio at the store and gave it a try and loved it. You never know when a new item could be a win. I also get inspired by different things I see at the store that I may want to try on my own. 

As far as my lunches go for work, I did a post about meal prepping here. I like to have a variety of easy food options for lunch. I typically have some sort of fruit, veggie, something sweet, and then either a salad (veggies, chicken, tuna, egg etc.) or I will eat leftovers from the night before. I like to use what I have in my home before going out and shopping.

We love a good meal prep!

That’s a look into my grocery cart. Not too exciting or thrilling, but fun to share what things I enjoy buying and making.

Happy Wednesday!

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Let's Look

Let’s Look: Amazon Purchases

Hi all! Happy Wednesday! I hope your March is going smoothly and you start to see the beginnings of SPRING! We’ve had a mild winter so far, but I’m already craving the sunshine and 50 degree temperatures. 

Today I’m linking up with Erika and Shay for this month’s edition of Let’s Look. Every month, whoever links up gives you a look into a different aspect of their lives.

This month it’s about all time favorite Amazon purchases! I have to be honest, I use Amazon, but I do prefer to shop in stores. Amazon definitely makes it easier to order things you need in a pinch, but sometimes it’s fun to browse stores and the aisles. 

Here’s some fun things I’ve bought from Amazon recently. 

Photo Frame-Not a super fun purchase, but I needed it for a gift and rather than going to multiple craft stores to find this large frame, I went on my Amazon app, ordered the it and had it shipped to my house in two days. I could choose the color and size and it was inexpensive too. Just what I was looking for.

Jeep Key Fob Cover- One of my co-workers had this cover for her key fob and I loved how it looked (so sleek and sophisticated) so I wanted to get one for myself. This soft rubber key fob slips right over your key fob. A larger key ring also comes with it, so you can slip it right over onto your wallet or key ring. When I was looking on Amazon for it, I came across other covers for different cars and their keys. My mom loved how mine looked, so she ordered a cover for her key fob, (a different make and model than mine)! It wasn’t too expensive, but it was more of a fun purchase than a practical one. But every time I see it, does it bring me joy? You bet!

Charging Station for iPhone– I talked about this purchase in my Friday Favorites at the beginning of the year, but I wanted to bring it back again. I got this three in one charging station for my phone and apple watch. You can charge your AirPods too, but I don’t have AirPods, so I don’t use that feature. I love how I don’t have to worry about multiple cords and chargers anymore. it’s one plug and everything gets charged. I also have a pop socket/ring on the back of my phone, and you can still charge it with it on. The only catch is to make sure when you order it, it’s compatible for your version of your watch, phone and AirPods. It comes in multiple colors and it affordable and it saves you time and energy from searching for multiple cords.

Spare-No surprise here that I pre-ordered Spare and it arrived on the day it came out. The library is typically my go-to for books, but I do order books if I know I will want to re-read it or hold onto them. Amazon made it easy for me start reading right away!

Heatless Curling Rod Headband-This will be getting its own post soon enough, but like many others, I purchased this curling rod headband that gives your curls without using heat. I’ve tried it a handful of times and have been pleased with it, but still need to try it out different ways to really get the hang of it. But Amazon made it so easy to order it and try it within a few days.

That’s a look into some of the things I’ve ordered from Amazon, some fun, some basic, a little bit of everything. What are some of your favorite Amazon purchases? Let me know in the comments below!

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Currently

Currently #24

Hey guys! Happy December…the countdown is on until Christmas! I hope you are gearing up for the holiday season!

Quick check in time…How are you doing? Got everything wrapped? Checking off all those holiday traditions? Feeling overwhelmed with everything you still have to do? We’ve all been there…while it may seem like this season will never end, it will. In the meantime, enjoy every moment and soak up all the moments, the big ones (like decorating the tree) or the little ones like looking at Christmas lights.

Onto today’s post, can you believe that we are up to two years of Currently?!  This has been such a fun monthly post, not only does it keep you updated on my life but it also puts in perspective everything I’ve done in 30 days or so…without further ado, here’s this month’s Currently.

What I’m up to: ALL the Christmas fun and cheer. From skating, to watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music at every opportunity, baking cookies and shopping and wrapping this month has been about enjoying all the Christmas fun!

There’s Christmas cheer all over the house.
We got our tree earlier in the month and it was perfect tree cutting weather.

What I’m wearing: Besides work clothes, I’ve been getting in the Christmas spirit by wearing Christmas sweaters, some cute graphic shirts and of course, Christmas socks!!! I can’t get enough of Christmas socks!

What I’m reading:  I finished reading “All the Light We Cannot See”, it was definitely a heavier read but it was so well done. This month I have been reading all the Christmas books. I read “A Shoe Addict’s Christmas”, which was super cute. I then read “Pride and Prejudice and Mistletoe”, this was the perfect mix of Christmas and a beautiful tribute to Jane Austen. I’m currently reading “The Mistletoe Secret” by Richard Paul Evans, I read his series, “The Walk” during the pandemic and loved it, so I’m very excited to read this one too. 

What I’m Watching: Besides watching classic Christmas movies and some Hallmark ones too.  I have also been watching Selling Sunset on Netflix and like many other women out there, I’ve been watching “And Just Like That”…the first two episodes were so beautiful and so poignant, but broke my heart. I can’t wait to see what else this season has in store. If you have watched them, what are your thoughts on the shows?

What I’m Loving: Christmas spirit all day, every day! I love this time of year, there’s nothing better than having a candle lit, while wrapping presents and watching Christmas presents. Plus, making treats hasn’t been bad either. I made some Christmas bark this year and it was so good. It’s super easy to make and its’s easy to save and store. Here’s the recipe I used, thank you Mix and Match Mama!

Look at all this delicious Christmas bark!

What Inspires Me: The holiday season puts me in the best mood. I decorated my room at the end of last month and whenever I put on my tree and light a candle, I’m automatically put in the Christmas spirit. I also can’t wait to spend time with family and continue our holiday traditions. I went skating this month and had the best time.

Skating in the city
Buffalo was beautiful.

What I accomplished: I’ve been doing a great job at being intentional and present during the holiday season. From the gift buying to the family time and holiday traditions. I wish this season was longer. Even enjoying a hot coco and cookie while driving back from ice skating made me so happy. 

Besides homemade cookies, I can’t resist some Pillsbury cookies too!
Even the shopping malls are all decorated

Goals Accomplished from Last Month I got all my Christmas shopping done by my deadline and I got almost all my gifts sent out or wrapped. It was a huge accomplishment! I love all the gift giving but it can be a lot to get everything organized. I don’t know how parents do it, they are the real super heroes during the holiday season!

My presents for others all wrapped up under my tree.

Goals for the New Month:  Kick off 2022 with my New Year’s Resolutions. I also can’t wait to break out my new Simplified planner and start getting ready for the next. As much as I hate to see the holidays come to an end, there’s nothing quite like a fresh start.

That’s a look into my life this past month, lots of holiday fun and traditions. How are you spending the last few weeks of this year?

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Let's Get Cooking

Let’s Get Cooking: Margarita Chicken Soup

One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to do more cooking and make a meal a week for my family. For me, it’s a way to try out new recipes, brush up on my cooking skills, and do something nice for my family since they do so much for me.

 I have looked on Pinterest, blogs, and recipe books to find different and fun meals for my family and I have found a ton that I can’t wait to try out!

Shay Shull is a blogger and cookbook author. I read her blog every day and I love her posts about family, faith and life. Mix and Match Mama is my go-to for recipes. I have made so many recipes from her and I have been so pleased with every single one. From treats, snacks, dinners, and lunches…she has so many fun and creative ways to eat meals even on busy nights. 

Last week I made her Margarita Chicken Soup and it was incredible.  It was easy to make since it’s a crock pot soup, I put everything in at 3:00 p.m. and we ate around 7:00 p.m.. To see her recipe click here.

This soup as hearty and filling, there were lots of different flavors and it fed 4 with leftovers! I know this will be on rotation in my house for fall and winter months. Who doesn’t like a warm bowl of soup at the end of the day?!

Here’s how I made it:

The Prep

Ingredients 

1 pound of chicken breast (frozen or defrosted)

2 (10 oz can) of diced tomatoes

1 can of Sprite

1 can of Black Beans

Half a bag of frozen corn or 1 can of corn

1 packet of taco seasoning

2 limes 

Chips, Sour Cream or Shredded Cheese to garnish

Directions

In a slow cooker layer the ingredients (minus the limes and garnish)

Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours 

When done, separate the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker.

Slice limes in quarters and then add to the soup.

Serve and garnish with sour cream, cheese, and chips.

After!

Something else I have started to do is compile a list of my favorite recipes. This will come in handy when I am living on my own and I am craving some homecooked food or a yummy dish. 

What are some of your winter go-to meals?

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Fabulous living

My Favorite Blogs

Hey guys! Happy Tuesday! I have just a short post for you today. I’m currently in Rome for Spring Break! I can’t wait to share all about my trip when I return.

However, today, I have a fun post for you all about blogging. For those of you who are new here, I have been blogging for almost two years and I have loved every second of it. I love sharing fashion and organizational tips, healthy life hacks, and overall, my experience in college. I’m so glad to have you all here with me on this journey. However, I didn’t get here alone, I get a lot of inspiration from a lot of strong and powerful women who have paved the way in the blogging world. Today, I’m going to share with you my favorite bloggers and a bit about them. This post is not sponsored-I just wanted to give some love to my favorite girl bosses and bloggers! I read their blogs every day and I love to learn different things from them whether it is recipes, skin care, day in the life or travel. If you are looking for some other blogs to check out be sure to give these ladies a follow! Let’s get to it!

Mix and Match Mama

I love following Shay Shull and her whole crew. Shay shares everything from recipes, adoption, children, travel, faith, and family. I love how real she gets with her readers. She also has a few cookbooks out that has the most delicious recipes. I love to read her travel posts and her day in the life posts as well as her book reviews. She has been at blogging for over 10 years and always comes up with new content all the time. Such a fun blog to follow.

Laura Likes Design

I found Laura’s blog a few years back and I love following her healthy lifestyle, fitness, and personal development posts. She always keeps her posts positive but also honest-two things I love in the blogs I read! She recently just had her first baby and he is cutest thing ever! I love reading all her latest posts especially balancing life with a new baby and getting into a new routine. 

A Little Bit of Everything

I found Erika’s blog through Shay’s blog. The two moms work together and are close friends. I love reading all about her travel posts, running around with her children and online shopping finds. Her posts about Q&A’s and surveys are my favorite to read. She also keeps it real and anyone who is a mom will find her relatable. 

Carly the Prepster

I found Carly’s blog through a friend. The first thing that drew me to Carly’s blog is that she started it in college-just like I started my blog. She writes all about her college experiences, being homesick and how she grew from those experiences. A few years ago she quit her intense job to blog full time, it’s been great to see this transition. Now, Carly blogs about fashion, accessories, and life lessons. I love her refreshing personality. 

The Chic Mamas

I found Abby on Instagram after I watched her husband in one of my favorite shows, SEAL Team. Abby is a blogger, dermatology nurse, and a mom of three! She does it all. I love her posts about Amazon and Target finds, her beauty and skin care treatments and above all else keeping it real with being a working mom. I can’t get enough of her posts!

Emily Ley

Okay, by now you know I love Emily Ley based on how much I talk about her on my blog. I love how she strives to live a simplified life and lead a life of grace not perfection. She is also the Founder of Simplified, her own boss, and a mom to three. Her posts always make me energized and positive. She is such an inspiration to anyone looking to simpliify their lives. 

If you are a huge fan of blogs, I hope these are suggestions of blogs to check out. If you aren’t a fan of blogs then I hope this gives you some insight of women who inspire me in the blogging world. 

I hope you all have great weeks! See you soon!

Categories
Fashion

Look of the Day #56

HI All!!

It’s Friday Eve!!  WOOOO HOOO!!! What are your plans for the weekend!? A picnic or barbecue, whatever it may be I hope you have some fun in the sun.

Speaking of fun in the sun, today’s look is perfect for a summer activity. It’s fashionable, yet functional and its SCREAMS summer! I mixed two completely different outfits to put this piece together.

A perfect summer fun outfit!

I have worn the top in the past with ripped jeans for a more edgy look  here

I have also worn the shorts in the past with a fun top for the summer months here

I got both the top and bottoms from Francesca’s Boutique. I always find something unique when I go into their stores whether it be a piece or jewelry, clothing or accessory.

I was so surprised when I put the outfit together because of how well the colors and patterns worked together. I love a solid shot because you can pair it with so many patterns, materials, and styles of tops. My top was more tight fitting which worked out great since my scalloped shorts with more snug. I finished off my outfit with my gladiator sandals from DSW. I wore gold jewelry to garnish my look.

I wore this outfit for a barbecue, but you could wear it to a summer concert, park, dinner, or a day out at the beach. Always look at what clothes you can mix together, you never know when you ca create a new outfit.

Happy Thursday! Have the BEST weekend.

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Fashion

Look of the Day #22

Fall Fashion

LOTD

Today’s outfit is all about taking neutral pieces and putting them all together in a chic outfit. We all have simple pieces in our closets but we never think to wear them together. Today, I’m going to show you how. Wearing all these pieces alone makes your outfit bland but tying them all together with a few accessories makes everything better. This outfit is perfect for college students heading to class. Heading to a fall festival? A pumpkin patch? Or a day shopping? This outfit would work great for any fall activity. Everything I am wearing are all neutral, fall colors and I’m sure you have these pieces or ones similar in your own closets. Here’s what you need to make this outfit work for you.

  • Black leggings or pants even jeans if you like. Whatever you feel most comfortable in. I get my leggings from GAP.
  • White t shirt (long or short it’s up to you. I wore a short sleeve shirt since it warmed up in the afternoon. I get my white t shirts anywhere. Whoever has the best sale wins.
  • Light jacket or coat. I got this tan jacket from Old Navy and it is perfect for fall or spring. A jean jacket or leather jacket would work great as well.
  • Little booties (a must have for fall, I love these suede wedges but brown, black even peep toes shoes can work great). I got these last year from Shoe Carnival.
  • A scarf to tie the whole outfit together. This scarf is from Old Navy has the black, white, and brown to tie the whole outfit together.

Alone all these pieces are simple, solid colors but get a scarf, fun jewelry or even a pop of color and you are set to go. I didn’t spend a penny on this outfit this season. It was all things I already had in my closet. Sometimes we forget what we have in our closet and we want to buy something new. However, if we take a few extra minutes we can be creative and make our own outfits. I hope this inspires you to think out of the box when it comes to fashion. Who knows your next favorite outfit may be your own creation.