“Help! I have a cocktail party I need to shop for and I’m on a budget!” ’Tis the season!

A couple weeks ago, a love bug of mine asked for my help in styling her up for an upcoming cocktail party. Trouble is, she needs to look HOT and with nadalottadough. You’re in luck sweet Sammy, I’ve got just the ticket! You can nab this whole look for $100!

Forever 21 Sheath | Arden B. Cocktail Ring | Bauble Bar Cuff | Michael Antonio Wedge |  Magid Rose Clutch

Ciao bella! How are you my pets? I’m well except I dropped my phone in the parking lot tonight at the grocery store and cracked the corner. FRENCH! Serves me right for driving with it in my lap then forgetting it was there before getting out of the car. Oprah would be sooooo ticked at me. It’s fine though because I’m not a huge fan of hers either. So, what cures a broken heart over a broken iPhone? CHEESE! Tonight I tried out this little recipe I saw on Food Network whilst in Colorado visiting fam. It didn’t turn out too shabby if I do say so myself.

Holy heart attack.

Wait a second…THAT’S not one of the ingredients…

Wouldn’t this make a beautiful color palette for an outfit?

Look, it’s the leaning tower of cheese-a.

Toss.

Sprinkle.

Bake.

Enjoy.

Good morning POSHees. As I’m writing to you today my pups are passed out at my side, very obviously hungover and spoiled by all the turkey, fun friends, weekend naps with no end in sight, and far too much excitement. As Foxy snores and kicks me in the rib with her little back paw, I have nothing to say but, “I hear ya sister.”

The bummer part about holidays is eventually they have to end and often times, it feels as though they’re over as quickly as they began. But, I have to remind myself that part of the reason holidays are so special is because they don’t happen every day. And until next time, I have a little more warmth in my heart and the pictures to get me through.

As I said, it’s all about the prep work so when the day came, all we had to do was back out a quick timeline of when to make which dishes. For the tabletop, I stuck pretty close to my inspiration board. The only thing I swapped was lilies for hydrangeas (can’t beat buy one bunch get one 1/2 off) and wishbone napkin holders for ribbon. I remember seeing those at PB but alas, they are no more!

I created the centerpiece by wrapping the flowers in a baggy filled with water and using a rubber band to keep them secure. I stuck the flowers in the vase and filled the surrounding part with pinecones to hold them in tight. I added some branches I found at TJ Maxx and pheasant feathers I picked up at Michaels. I pinned place cards to fresh pears and layered our own dishes atop coppery-espressoy chargers found at Michaels. I was thrilled with how everything turned out and I loved that it felt like fall without using a single ounce of turkey (except what we ate), leaves, or orange!

Well friends, I hope you all had a marvelous Thanksgiving. I sure did. I found myself surrounded by love, laughter, good friends and good food. I am constantly in awe of my many blessings and am without words when it comes to expressing my gratitude for them. I am particularly excited to share with you my Merci today because not only is it Thanksgiving weekend, but my sweet, amazing, handsome, best-thing-that’s-ever-happened-to-me, husband is turning the big 3-0 on Sunday. And for him and for his love, I am forever grateful. I dedicate this post to you my sweet. You ol’ geezer you.

{Waking up to discover he had cut the last piece of coffee cake that he LOVED in half so I could enjoy the last little bit too.}

{Seeing his tailights at the end of the block and realizing he was waiting for me so we could be sure to get to church at the same time even though we were in separate cars.}

{Having him back in my bathroom. He moved downstairs briefly so we could both spread out but I’d rather spend my mornings with him. I love looking into the mirror to see him behind me every day.}

{Woo wee, look at that hottie. For you on your birthday baber. I love all the ways you show up in my life, big and small. Here’s to another amazing year. I love you.}

So, I actually planned on doing a post about some yummy coffee cake I made and I might still get to that but after seeing Breaking Dawn Monday with the Thompsons–I decided to take a break from my usual fare and share with you a bit of commentary. Why not, it’s a holiday week, eh?

{Warning… SPOILER ALERT. If you haven’t seen the movie yet and plan to, you don’t want to read this.}

I think I have cracked the code. After watching last night’s epic flick, I figured out why the story is so freaking popular and has swooned Twi-hards all across the world, myself included. These books, and subsequently the movies, have managed to appeal to the female psyche in a paramount way and while most girls won’t admit it, they too wish they could be the leading lady. Read on:

1. At its very core, the story is about two guys fighting over a girl. Um, hello. We’re just starting out and this is already a no-brainer.

2. The two guys fighting over her are totally opposite. This too appeals to females and their desire for drama. You guys always say us gals can never make up our mind….well, we can’t.

3. Not only are our leading guys total opposites but they’re opposites in the best way possible. It’s not like Bella has to choose between a crack addict and a wall street power player. One is a total metro–porcelain perfect skin that doesn’t age, messy “I didn’t try that hard to get this look but really it took me two hours” hair, impeccable dress, speaks every language in the book and fluently I might add, is loaded with cash  and has killer wheels.  Then there is bachelor number two–smoldering in an outdoorsy sort of way, down to earth, rugged, looks great without his shirt, likes motorcycles and loves dogs.

4. Two words. Engagement ring. Have you SEEN that rock?! Antique, giant, given to her in a field of flowers on a warm summer day. Need I say more?

{I will pause here a moment to say that the following points are about the first part of the final movie only but now that I have this whole thing figured out, I may just have to go back and watch the others again to find the hidden, Indiana Jones type clues.}

5. So not only do we get these amazing guys chasing our girl for the first two books/movies but you mean to tell me that when she finally picks one, this chick gets to bow completely out of her wedding and not have to plan a single detail? Oh and it’s not like Bella’s crazy aunt plans the whole thing and she winds up with balloon animals and a keg of Pabst. No, she gets a wedding that is every bit as picturesque and fairy(tale) like as her sister-in-law that plans it.

6. Speaking of in-laws…you show me a single girl who gets along with EVERY SINGLE one of her in-laws and so swimmingly that they go so far as to say they’d die for her. That’s right Miss “did you see this hideous sweater my husbands parents picked out for me? DO THEY KNOW ME AT ALL?!”

7. Fast forward to the honeymoon. Again, Bella doesn’t have to plan a single trip detail?? Or pack?? And it’s a total surprise? (By the way, props to you Mr. Pratt) And it’s on an island your new family owns? And after traveling hours on end to get there you look just as stunning as you did before the wedding started? And it comes with cleaners?

8. Bella wakes up on day two of said honeymoon to find her first night with her new hubs has resulted in a busted up headboard, exploded feather pillows and bruises. Now granted, a case could be made that this guy is one restraining order from being dubbed “the abusive husband” but I think we can all agree there is a fine line between passionate love and ravenous hate and after staring into Edwards eyes for three movies, we know it’s not the latter. Raise your hand if you’ve fantasized about a night so wild you wake up with a busted lamp or two. Uh huh, I thought so.

9. Ok, so now let’s talk about how our leading lady gets pregnant on her honeymoon. Ladies, don’t try to tell me some of you wouldn’t have LOVED that.

10. Now not only is B pregnant but gee, the pregnancy goes at lightening speed so the whole thing lasts about a month.  Now granted she looks a little pekid but I’ll be damned if she’s not supermodel thin and we all haven’t dreamed about being skinny while we’re pregnant at some point or another. “Oh I hope I don’t look like a parade float when I get pregnant. You’ll tell me if I do right?? Promise! Maybe I’ll try Pilates…”

11. And imprinting. Ah imprinting. Where do I begin? Excuse me, Ryan Gosling, I’ve imprinted on you so we must be together. I’m sorry, there really is no choice in the matter. Now, where shall we go pick out china patterns?”

12. And as we zero in on the last scene of the movie, we are raptured by one last nugget…Miss B strikes again as after she has her bundle of joy, her sickly appearance transforms before our very eyes to glowing bronzed skin, rouged cheeks, pouty lips, voluminous eyelashes (are those extensions I see??), cascading and shimmering chestnut locks and a killer bod. You show me a new mommy who wouldn’t give her right arm (and maybe her left too) to not only be back to her old self but be a hotter version of herself. Sold.

Aaaaaaand scene. Until next time Twi-hards.

Now a few snapshots of that magical night…

Terrific Tuesday to you tator tots! Today you’re get more of my mug. This time I’m sharing how to make waves–not trouble but tousled tendrils. Enjoy!

Tools
Garnier Surfer Spray in Matte Finish
Garnier Hair Spray in Medium Hold
Flat-iron
Clip

Steps:
1. The day before you wish to sport your waves, wash hair, apply Surfer Spray and blow dry or air dry.

2. Start with sectioning your “day-old” hair. As with the blow-out, you are working from bottom to top and moving around your head.

3. Take a 1″ section of hair and starting at the base of your scalp, clamp the hair at the tip of the flat-iron with the handle pointing down. Twist the flat-iron AWAY from your face, slowing pulling and twisting the hair. When you near the bottom, let the hair go and gently pull the flati-iron out of your hair.

4. Repeat with the rest of your hair, taking care to style small sections and hair by length.

5. Spray for a light hold. Again, practice practice practice. You’ll be a pro in no time!

Merry Monday kittens. I’m just tickled red and green that the holidays are quickly approaching. But before we can rip into stockings…THANKSGIVING! This weekend I managed to buy all my turkey day and weekend entertaining nibbles as well as a couple of tabletop items I needed. Not only are we getting to have an intimate dinner at home with some besties on Thanksgiving, but my other bestie KMT and her Mr. are also visiting. PLUS it’s MY MR.’S big 3-Uh OH on Sunday. YIP. EE. My head is spinning just thinking of all the excitement and fun to be had. Speaking of my bestie KMT… Did you know that stinker sent me a little somethin’ somethin’ from Splendid? Actually a couple somethin’ somethin’s but first we’ll start with the dress and how I styled that baby right up!

It was chilly chilly out so I first threw on some lulu leggings. They keep you warm and well, let’s be honest, suck everything in. Over those I put on the gorgeous charcoal long sleeve maxi. Like butta baby. The dress felt uber fem so I mixed it up with my leather moto jacket. For a pop of color I added my crimson Nord’s scarf. I finished the look with a messy side pony and my leather knee high BCBGeneration boots. Comfy+chic=fabulouso. And here you thought I was bad at math….

This week, in lieu of a Merci post, you all are enjoying a fabulous mash-up of some of the best blogs out there including YOURS TRULY! Awwwww…..I’m so honored and excited to join in on the fun! What are you waiting for?! Check it out!

Where to begin?! First, I feel like I’m busting at the seams with joy this season…I’m one turkey leg and Peppermint Mocha away from donning a pilgrim costume, bursting out in song and flying to Africa to give Christmas gifts to orphans. I won’t bore you with the details about why this year is so different than all the others but I will say, I can’t wait to spend the holidays with you; gobbling turkey and dashing through the snow. (Notice I said snow, not rain. HEY, I’m not giving up hope ok?!)

Between a crazy work schedule and traveling, we didn’t spend much time at home last year decorating or celebrating for the holidays but this year I’m diving into the turkey and tinsel head first! However, since the holidays can feel anything but celebratory and relaxing with all the madness that accompanies the merriment, I want to break the season down for you–Lacie style. I’ll share with you how I try to savor every moment this time of year by planning and prepping ahead, sticking to what I know, and keeping things simple.

So, are you ready to (jingle bell) rock?

1. {Pick and choose who you’ll spend time with under the mistletoe.} I’m going to spend the most time on this one. Listen folks, the holidays are not the time to be rubbing elbows with people you only sorta like. First things first. Sit down with all your partay invites and your fam and decide what YOU want to do; not what your boss wants you to do, or your old friend from elementary school wants you to do or your mother-in-law wants you to do. Make time for your traditions and the things you love most about the season and schedule them in advance. Kindly pass on everything else. It can be tempting to cram everything in or accept last minute invites but this way you’ll have made your top picks a priority. On my list? An intimate Thanksgiving dinner at home, getting a tree from Redwood Family Farm, taking our annual trip to Leavenworth (where KP and I got engaged) to pick out our Christmas ornament, driving around to look at decorated houses, taking Foxy to get Santa photos and a Christmas Cruise with Argosy.

2. {Grab a box of cozy.} Duraflame logs are the best. They last for hours and can make even the chilliest night feel toasty. They’re perfect for entertaining because as Ronco says, you can “set it and forget it.”

3. {Stock up on nibbles!} I LOVE Trader joes for quick but delicious pre-made (I prefer the sound of “pre-made” over “frozen”–much more chic) apps I can throw into the oven at a moment’s notice for impromptu entertaining. I like to grab a few boxes of all of my favs (stuffed mushrooms, crabcakes, mac and cheese bites) and I am ready to party!

4. {Break out the bubbly!} While you’re there, don’t forget the champagne! Champagne makes everything feel festive. Grab a couple of bottles to keep on hand in the fridge for spontaneous sipping.

5. {Dish it up.} Make sure you have on hand, one simple set of dishware. I have white plates with silver trim and I can do ‘em up a hundred ways. In the case of this year, with lime and brown for Thanksgiving or lime and gold for Christmas! Simple is better as the versatility will keep you sane. (More later in another post about how I’m transforming my home this season!)

6. {Turn up the tunage.} Music makes for a great icebreaker. “Hey, I love this song.” “Me too!” Get it? Pandora is the best invention since sliced bread (or if you don’t eat carbs, steak). Dial in a great holiday station, plug it into some speakers and you’re all set. My favs for the season are Frank Sinatra, Rat Pack Christmas, and Jazz Holidays.

7. {Deck the halls.} Or at least the table. I’m a huge fan of fresh flowers but on my last shopping trip I spotted this ‘Gold European Tree’ and it will go PERFECTLY with my Thanksgiving tablescape and being that it’s a plant–the longevity can’t be beat.

8. {Light up.} When the songs talk about “tots with their eyes all aglow” it’s not just because of the presents. Candles cast a beautiful light, make everyone look more attractive and add that much more magic to the season. I opt for candles in a Cinnamon Vanilla scent over anything too Christmasy like Pine (the tree should take care of that).

9. {Let Santa be Secret.} With a 1,300 mile trip on the books and Janie’s baby on the way, I suggested to family this year that we draw for names and do Secret Santa instead of doing gifts for everyone this year.  Trust me, I love gifts as much as the next person but it feels great to put a ton of thought into one special gift rather than shopping until you drop (either because you’ve passed out from starvation or you were knocked out by someone’s Coach purse trying to get a tv on Black Friday). This works great for big families, stressed families, eco-friendly families, well…really all families.

10. {LBD.} Finally, pick out one fabulous Christmas frock (either from the store or your closet) that’s appropriate for the festive occasions on your books. Have it pressed, altered, cleaned, etc. now and then hang it up. Think of it like a fighter pilot ready for takeoff or a horse coming out of the gate. If you pick one fabulous thing–whether it be a sequin skirt or a cranberry red party dress–you’ll feel quite cheery all season through.

And those my friends, are just a few little tips from me to you.