friday favorites - christmas vacation

Yesterday was my last final for the semester, and now I am officially on break from grad school! 24 glorious days off before Spring semester starts back up...and 11 of those days I am also taking vacation from work. I am so excited, I could cry. ;)

I definitely want time to veg out and relax since it's go-go-go all the time, but I also have a couple ideas of some fun things I'd like to do too!

// wildlights at the columbus zoo

The Columbus Zoo does an amazing display every year using over 3 million twinkle lights. We went once a couple of years ago, and it was amazing!

// ikea trip

We are long overdue for a trip down to the closest Ikea, near Cincinnati. I want to wander around getting decor inspiration and pick out a couple of items for the house.

// state auto's christmas corner

The State Auto building downtown puts us an amazing life-sized nativity scene every year (a tradition started by the company's founder in the 1930s!) and while I always drive by it on my way home from work and school, I would love to walk down there with Aaron and the dogs one night to check it out up close!

// holiday baking

This year, I really want to make some Christmas cookies and holiday wassail! I think I'm going to use my mum's gingersnap recipe and add a white chocolate drizzle to the outside - stay tuned for a post on that recipe! I also remember just loving wassail as a kid, and although I can't find our original recipe, I'm going to create one on my own - I'll share that with you too!

// outdoor ice skating

I love ice skating - as a kid, we always had my birthday parties at an ice rink since my birthday is in January. This year, I want to go to a festive outdoor ice rink, instead of the typical indoor ones. There is a cute one in Cuyahoga Falls (near Akron) right on the riverside and skating is only $3! 

What festive activites are you up to this holiday season??

Share your Friday favorites with all of us by linking up with these lovely ladies! 

 

friday favorites

Happy Friday ladies! 
I'm just popping in to share a few of my favorite things from the past week or so. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

 // sweater weather

It's chilly here, and I am not complaining! There's nothing I love more than curling up on the couch in a comfy sweater with a big blanket and hot apple cider...and snuggles from a certain blue doberman :)

// halloween

We had a great Halloween this year! We spent one night carving pumpkins - Aubrey did a classic Jack-o-Lantern, Aaron did a take on one of his favorite craft beer labels (haha) and I did Jack Skellington from A Nightmare Before Christmas - one of my all-time favorite movies. Trick-or-treat was fun this year too because it wasn't too cold and we found a great couple of streets to hit (hello full sized candy bars!)

// throwbacks

Aaron went through an old phone of his this week and found a million old pictures and videos of our dogs when they were just puppies. It was SO much fun looking through all of them - I can't believe how tiny they used to be! It feels like it only lasted a minute, and then they were huge!

 

Dexter at just a couple months old in his favorite jammies - that don't fit anymore!

// fall fashion

Hands down one of my favorite seasons as far as clothes go.

Maybe I'm just biased because the colors match my hair haha ;)

Floppy hat / Old Navy - sold out (similar)

White tee / Express

Maxi Cardigan / Target

// holiday decorating
Don't hate me...BUT I just can't wait to get my Christmas decorations up! :)
Especially after discovering Target's new line of holiday home decor and purchasing quite a few things in the store and online! I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I feel like I work so hard decorating, I don't just want them up for a couple of weeks. This photo that Liz Marie posted earlier this week has me itching to get started this weekend! 

Link up with you Friday favorites with any of the lovely ladies below!

friday favorites

Happy the weekend is here! But, not so happy that I have to spend all day tomorrow in a workshop for school :-/ such a pain...weekends are so important to me, especially since I've been working and going to grad school at the same time... so when something comes up that takes away time with family & time to relax from me, it is a major bummer. 

Oh well, it's only one day...and I have a mini girls trip and Halloween to look forward to the following weekend...silver lining! :)

Enough complaining and on to the good stuff - my Friday favorites!

// favorite recipe

This moscow mule recipe - I've never actually tried this drink before, but I hear about them all the time. I love the sound of all the ingredients (ginger beer - yum!) and the copper mugs are just too cute!

// favorite internet find
Truth. #crazydoglady

// favorite fashion item
This beautiful number is on its way to me as we speak! I saw it on Brittany and clicked on the link she provided... thinking I would be majorly disappointed when I saw it was hundreds of dollars...but it was only $64! Major steal for such a gorgeous and unique dress - I think I scooped up the last one, but check out Mod Owl's other gorgeous items! 

// favorite purchase(s)
I had a spontaneous trip to Target on Tuesday night and scooped up some great things - a slouchy beanie, some new face wash, and a couple cosmetic items. I was super excited to see this particular Target has a whole section of Shea Moisture makeup - which I didn't even know that line carried! I grabbed some foundation and nail polish which I'll review in a separate post :) #crueltyfree 

// favorite show(s)
There are too many right now! Aaron and I can't keep up. What have you all been watching? Not like we need even more shows, but I'm always interested to hear about good ones that we can stream later on!
{Disclaimer: pretty sure he would want me to clarify that he does not watch all of these - you can guess which ones - but he is also busy keeping up with football lol}


Link up and share you Friday favorites with the ladies below!

friday favorites

Happy Friday my lovelies! What do you all have planned this weekend? I am so happy the cool fall weather has decided to make an appearance here in Columbus...hopefully it sticks around so I can bust out my new jacket and boots! 

Look // 

 If I could raid any blogger's closet, it would be the gorgeous Andee over at The Honeybee. She has the perfect mix of classic chic - bohemian - rocker girl. You'd think it would be impossible, but just check out her blog and you will see what I mean! LOVE this Free People peasant blouse...and you can never go wrong with flared jeans ;)

Book // 

Well, I haven't exactly read it yet, but I can't WAIT to get my hands on Mindy Kaling's newest book!

Music // 

Have you heard of Elle King? She is amazing. I picked up her cd after hearing her single Ex's & Oh's last weekend and I love it - she is such a badass and has an awesomely raspy and soulful voice. She reminds me of a classic rocker like Stevie Nicks or Janis Joplin! Definitely check her out. Fun fact - her dad is Adam Sandler's bff, Rob Schneider ;)

Purchase //

 I'm so happy with my first beauty box subscription. It's from Petit Vour and is completely cruelty free - and a great bargain! If you missed my post from Wednesday reviewing all the items, be sure to check it out here.  

Join in the link up fun and share your favorites from the past week! xx

friday favorites

via

Happy Friday! 

Linking up with some great ladies today to share some of my favorite finds from this week!

This job beats all other jobs...hands down.

 I definitely want to try this recipe this weekend - I'm always in the mood for curry.

My favorite show has announced their Season 3 release date.

And some great fall fashion pieces that I found while trolling the internet this week...

Blouse / F21 ... Hat / Old Navy ... Rain coat // Target ... Marble iPhone Case // Society 6

Join the link ups and share you Friday favorites!!

friday finds

Hiya ladies! This Friday's post is going to be more of five recaps from my past week, rather than my typical "favorites / finds". 

one //

After spying the LC Lauren Conrad collection (for Kohl's) on Biana's fabulous blog and falling in love with it, I finally got my hands on two items - the marled grey leggings and pointelle back knit sweater.

Leggings / Sweater / Slippers (BBW old, similar)

 two //

I'm loving Old Navy for cute kids clothes right now. Aubrey and I picked out this new outfit the other day and everything was on clearance! Sweater, tank, leggings, and boots all from ON! She's super excited because the boots have the tiniest wedge heel :)

three //

This little guy fits in Deedee's old pajamas! So he has been spending his days snuggled up in hand-me-down jammies...sometime chewing on them as you can see near the back leg ;)

 

four //

More products of my recent cooking kick...

Oriental Cole Slaw Salad and Classic Shepherd's Pie - I'll be sharing the recipes soon!

Both super easy to prepare and very tasty!

five // 

Aaron and I went out on Sunday night to celebrate my birthday. We go to the same restaurant every year, Cantina Laredo...it's one of my favorites, but pretty pricey, so that is why it's saved for my bday.

Ensalada De Camaron con Miel - so delicious!!

Grilled shrimp, jicama, mangos, roasted walnuts, and goat cheese crumbles with a tropical honey vinegarette dressing.

  And the main reason we love this place (besides the margaritas ;)...the dessert.

Well, one in particular. It is hands-down THE BEST dessert I have ever had.

Mexican Apple Pie

Sizzled in brandy butter and topped with cinnamon ice cream.

Aaron and I always share one, because hello! It's so rich and probably 1,000 calories if you ate it by yourself lol! I think we polished it off in less than 5 minutes ;)

And I know that is five, but I have one extra thing to share ;)

If you missed my recipe post on Wednesday, check it out here!

Home Made Version of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Soup

Have a great weekend and be sure to join in the Friday Link-Ups with some of the best bloggers around!

friday finds

one // I caved. I know this time of year we are supposed to buy things for others...BUT....these babies that I posted about a couple weeks back are on their way to my door step as we speak!

two // New found favorite makeup products! I was in need of a new concealer the other day while shopping at Ulta, and just happened to grab these two NYX concealers and they are both awesome!! Who would have thought? Awesome coverage for only $5 a piece! I am shade 03 in both.

three // After seeing this image on Biana's blog, I instantly went to the Kohl's website and have these two items sitting in my shopping cart just asking me to hit "Checkout". I've never really shopped at Kohl's, but this adorable LC collection has me reconsidering that!

four // AHS Season 3 just came out on Netflix and I will be binge watching over the holiday break! I just watched the first two seasons about a month ago (2 seasons over like 5 days - I became slightly obsessed). I didn't like season 2 as much as the first, but I've heard season 3 is really good, so I'm excited!

five // One of my favorite parts of this season is hot mulled cider! My dad made it for my Mum's birthday party this past weekend and I had like 4 glasses - it is so delicious!

six // Ahead of the game! I've already got my 2015 planner - this cute Sugar Paper one from Target.

... And lots of funnies for you this Friday!! ...

Or let's be honest, any store really...

Lost it when I saw this one - immediately was sent to my sister and about 5 other people ;)

 Did any one else think this too?? I legitimately feel stupid that I didn't realize this in my whole 26 years...

Smart ass...

 I'm pretty sure Aaron gets this face from me on a regular basis - I have an attitude problem ;)

Wouldn't you just love to have natural shimmer built into your face?...but alas...

Amen.

Happy Friday ladies!! Can't believe we are only 6 days away from Christmas - I still have SO much to do!!

Join some lovely ladies in the Friday link ups here...