Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life

It's Black Friday!

So let's get shopping- online shopping that is- cause I am not about to tackle malls with my two littles and all the other crazies out there.

Here's a quick rundown of some of my favorite things that I either own or have already purchased for the women in my family:

Kendra Scott 'Dira' Stud Earrings- $40

I love, love, love these earrings. I wear them almost daily. They come in silver and gold and are currently 20% off at Nordstrom (found here) and Amazon (found here)

J. Crew Factory Fireball Stud Earrings- $11

(found here)

Sam Edelman 'Penny" Boot - $149.90

(wide calf here, medium calf here)

These are my favorite boots. They are so comfortable!

Also check Amazon (found here)- they have a wider color selection and some sizes are as low as $83.

TOMS 'Desert' Wedge Bootie- $69.90

 (found here)

Ask me how often I wear wedges and you'll be convinced that these Toms are comfortable and a staple for your Fall and Winter wardrobe. If I own these and wear them often- they are 100% worth your money! They are currently 20% off at Nordstrom.

Women's Drew Pointed Toe Flats - Merona™- $24.99

(found here)

I bought these in a 1/2 size larger than I usually wear, but they are so comfortable and come in 5 different colors. They've been 30% with free shipping lately as well, so hopefully you can catch that sale!

BP. 'Autumn' Plaid Scarf- $29

(found here)

Maybe it's because I'm a Clemson fan, but I LOVE this scarf!

J. Crew Factory Plaid Scarf- $24.50

(found here)

J. Crew Factory Quilted Jacket- $79

(found here)

I have this jacket in black and LOVE it! I love the collar, the buttons, the warmth without too much puffiness. It's a favorite of mine for sure.

And by the way, everything at J. Crew Factory is 50-60% off right now with free shipping on orders over $50. Yes, please.

J. Crew Stadium Cloth Cocoon Coat- $210

(found here)

This picture does not even do this coat justice. I am CRAZY about this coat. I feel like Olivia Pope every time I wear it. It comes in 9 different colors. I have this tan color and love it. The bad news is it's pretty expensive (retails for $350- whoa) but it's on sale for 40% off right now with code HOLIDAY.

There is also a J. Crew Factory version on sale for $114 that comes in 6 colors and looks identical that you can find here.

For the Love- $13.99

(found here)

This is one of the best books I have read. I LOVED it and plan to read it again soon. You can read my review here, but I think it would make for a great stocking stuffer or part of a gift set with a candle and a Starbucks gift card.

Happy shopping!

Life Lately- Thankful Edition

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

This Thanksgiving, and everyday, I want to remember to be thankful for everything we have been given. I saw this quote on the wall at a church where I take a workout class. It struck me the first time I read it and has stuck with me since.

So true, right? There is always a silver lining when certain days are tough, and gratitude gives us that sense of peace and extra push toward positivity when we need it.

So today, I am going to focus my attention on all of the big and small things that we have to be thankful for: Our family, food, the opportunity to cook for others and enjoy a meal together, memories shared, the fact that we've added two kids of our own to the Thanksgiving gathering, Tally's old doggy daycare getting so excited at the chance to see him that they made an overnight spot for him last minute (hilarious- that sweet pup is LOVED!), family sleepovers, and the list goes on and on.

I've learned that when I make a point of listing out the things I have to be thankful for, it doesn't leave much room to be dissatisfied.

So what are you feeling thankful for today?!

Here's a look at our Life Lately- it has been FULL!

On November 17th, Nonni Girl turned 9 months old, and Matt and I celebrated our 9-year anniversary.

We celebrated that night with dinner in our new downtown at an Italian restaurant where we got to eat outside by a fire and were the only ones out there! That would have never happened in Buckhead, haha. A big thanks to Mimi for staying with the kiddos so we could go out to eat!

Friday night, we celebrated my mama's birthday at our house. We love our Nonna!

Saturday, we celebrated our favorite 2-year-old niece at her gymnastics birthday party!

After Natalie's 9 month appointment, we met Mimi for lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, and these two shared some sips from the same big water. :)

A college basketball team arrived as we were leaving, and the bus driver let Ryan and Mimi go on and see the big bus- gotta love this age and the small things that excite them!

Speaking of, as we were getting out of the car to head into Publix, Ryan spotted an ant the second we got out of the car, and immediately dropped to his stomach to get a closer look. Please also take note of the two plastic rings from one of Natalie's toys that he wore as bracelets through the store. :)

We took a family trip to the mall and Ryan got to try his first macaroon. When the lady handed it to him, she said he would need to wait 3-4 minutes for it to get to room temperature before he could eat it (that's kind of a big deal for a two year old). But I set a timer and the sweet buddy carried his little bag with the cookie through the mall until the timer went off and didn't get the slightest bit upset about having to wait- and then got so exited when it was time to eat it! Love this little guy.

Sunday, Matt and I left for Old Edwards Inn, in Highlands North Carolina, to celebrate our anniversary. Thanks to my sweet parents, we stayed for two nights and almost didn't know what to do with ourselves! We enjoyed so many delicious meals, hikes, a yoga class, a facial, a mid-day movie on Netflix in our room, reading, relaxing, and sleeping in! We had a great few days!

Walking to breakfast on our last morning before heading home to see our babies!

While we were gone, my parents spoiled our kiddos in the best way. Two small kids for two whole nights is a LOT! And they rocked it. We are so thankful for them!!

Home :)

Yesterday, we took the kids to visit Santa and ride the Pink Pig! 

We didn't get a great picture, but we got some good memories! Ryan asked for a "twain" (train) and said he thought Nonni would like a new Bumbo- hah!

Mimi and Papa met us for Santa and lunch and the Pink Pig!

Sweet buddy saw this big pig when we walked in and went right over and gave her a hug!

And Natalie was fascinated by her too!

First Pink Pig ride for both of our kiddos!

That smile! Sweet buddy was trying to smile with his teeth together- love him :)

He crashed after all of the fun and transferred from the stroller, to the car, to the crib without waking up. Now that is a sign of good day!

Today we'll head over to Mimi and Papa's house and get ready for the rest of the family to arrive!

I'm making Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Corn Soufflé, and Pumpkin Cheesecake- I wrote the recipes for the potatoes and cheesecake yesterday, so if they turn out well, I'll be sharing them on here- stay tuned!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!!!

For Your Thanksgiving Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Overnight French Toast

Aside from this breakfast casserole tasting delicious, my favorite thing about it is you can make it the night before and pop it in the oven on Thanksgiving morning. That means not a minute of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, family time, or other day-of food prep is interrupted and a yummy breakfast is still enjoyed by all.

Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 loaf french bread, cubed

2 apples, peeled and chopped

8 eggs

2.5 cups milk (2% or whole)

8oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted

1/2 cup sugar, divided

1/4 cup brown sugar

2T vanilla, divided

1.5 tsp cinnamon

Streusel:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1.5 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces

Directions:

Spray the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish thoroughly. Layer bread and apples on the bottom. Warm butter and cream cheese in a bowl in the microwave until butter is melted and cream cheese is softened (don't forget to cover the bowl!). 

Mix 1/4 cup sugar, brown sugar, 1T of vanilla, and butter/cream cheese mixture until blended and smooth. Pour over casserole.

Mix together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and remaining sugar and vanilla and pour over casserole.

Refrigerate overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat oven to 350. Bake for 35-40 minutes. 

While baking, prepare streusel by mashing together ingredients with a fork until it forms a crumbly mixture.

Remove casserole from oven and crumble streusel on top. Continue baking for 5-10 minutes until streusel in melted over the top.

Serve with warm maple syrup.