A Sale for the Ages

Saturday morning I met my mother for the most wonderful local shopping event a girl could ask for!

This did not take place on February 12th!

I love this sale! Repeat, LOVE! It only comes but twice a year.  All the local shopping boutiques in town that choose to participate mark their lovely merchandise down to AT LEAST 50% off and bring it to one convenient location, our Oleika Shriner's Temple.  It's almost a tradition with my mother and I.  Our routine is flawless (at least we'd like to think so) and can take on the crazy crowd of ladies.  Trying on clothes at this event however is uncomfortable for newcomers.  You basically are in one big room and have to undress in front of everyone!  My first visit I was scared and unsure, but now I just don't care!  I wear a tank with a built in bra and underwear that is comfy, but also doesn't expose my entire behind!  I've seen 80 year old ladies in the "fitting room" so we are all very hardcore in scoring designer clothing at a great price. 

Link here

I was able to score some lovely things from Bella Rose.  A shop that has been in Lexington for over 30 years and carries wonderful labels (including two of my favs, Milly & Tibi).  The best deal I got by far was from here and it was a beautiful gray dress originally $130, I snagged for $36!  I also picked up some beautiful designer $10 scarves.  Gotta love it!

Link here.

Another great store was present, Worlds Apart.  I scored a beautiful sweater here.  Their selection at this sale is my first place to hit up.

Lily Pulitzer c/o The Peppermint Palm

The past two years I have had wonderful luck in the shoe department from the retailer, The Peppermint Palm.  I was able to nab these Little Knotty Wedges from Lily Pulitzer at 60% off! So cute and can't wait to wear them this spring/summer.

This event will not come again until after the summer.  If anyone wants to join me to get the insider training and low down just let me know.  As I am shopping this event, I can hear ladies all around me saying, "Gosh, this is crazy!", "I am overwhelmed!", "I've never seen anything like this!".  Those people are not prepared like the regulars!  HaHa! It is so much fun and is quite an experience for any Lexingtonian.
XO
Carey

Weekend? What Weekend?

Last week was a complete blur.  With piling design deadlines, school work to grade, lectures to prepare for and driving in the rain to and from Newark, Ohio.  I was one happy girl when the weekend happily arrived. We did have an unpleasant beginning to the weekend, finding out that my husband's grandfather has lung cancer.  Prayers please! But we visited him on Saturday, taking Hudson to visit as well and he was resting and begins treatment very soon. 

Saturday morning kicked off early with the local Specialty Store Sale Spectacular! Which I will post about separately. After the shopping extravaganza ended, my parent's and I went next door to Winchell's Restaurant.  A local place that has wonderful home cooked food and plenty of TVs for catching UK games!

This was my first brunch at Winchell's and I was not disappointed.  Everything was delicious! Right down to my cup of coffee.  If you eat here, definitely get their jalapeno grits.  They are, as I said to our waitress, "Da bomb!".  Hah-aha! Then the hubby and I spent some time visiting his family and running errands, only to end up at my parent's house to watch the UK Game!

With a UK victory and bourbon in hand, we all celebrated with a Filet Mignon dinner!  Cooked to perfection by my dad!  I made Pioneer Woman's fresh green beans and my mother made hash brown casserole.  Apparently my hubby didn't contribute, he just enjoyed our hard work.  I also was very proud of myself and made a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie for dessert! Not to toot my horn, but it turned out delish.

Not to end the food fest, I woke up Sunday (a bit hungover) and thought it was a great day for pancakes!

Hudson and I enjoyed a walk, then snuggled up for a movie!  We watched The Help, my favorite movie from 2011 by far.  And Hudson liked it, but managed to sneak in a nap during the film (which is fine, he'd seen it before).

So snuggly.  And I'm usually not this yellow I swear!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, I know I'm already looking forward to the one coming up.  Happy Monday to all!

Wednesday from H.E.Double Hockey Sticks

I am super stressed at work, big deadline coming up.  I've got class tonight on campus and haven't finished preparing.  And my hubby is out of town, so me and Hudson are left to fend for ourselves!  Nothing left to do but take a deep breath, take one step at a time and.....

Too late to change my major to Anthropology?

I've still got the shopping fever and so I thought I would share more items I am looking at.  On of my favorite retail stores of the moment is Anthropologie.  The stores atmosphere is lovely and almost everything in the store is just beautiful and intricately detailed.  For Christmas I just asked for gift cards to this store.  And Santa delivered! So I cannot wait to go on a shopping spree and actually shop at Anthropologie (meaning, buy more than one thing, and buy something not from the sale rack for once!).  We unfortunately do not have one in my town, but I am very familiar ordering from them online or just taking the time to go up to Cincinnati and visit.  Here are some items that I have my eye on:

Link here

One of my favorite time periods is actually the 30s/40s.  I love the style of clothes, hair and history of the world during that time.  This tuxedo jacket reminds me of that time and I think it's divine.

Link here.

paired with these beauties.

I love this sweet polka dot dress paired with these delightful coral flats.  Just lovely.  However I am not sure if i could pull off this dress for I have hips, major hips.  I don't think this dress would accent them well, but I still love this look!

Link here.

I love this romper! This reminds me of the 30s so much! I have to have it, I must have it, by gosh I think I might just get it!  I would like to try this on.  Like I've said before I am busty and hippy so I could look dreadful.  But, I think this is classic, elegant and detailed to the point of not overdoing it. 

xo

C

Hot Rolls

My first memories of hot hair rollers were from childhood on picture day.  My mom would put my hair in the plastic and piping hot rollers, held in place with what I thought was a ginormous paper clip.  After they had cooled off, she would take them out and tell me to flip my head upside down to release the curls and add volume, then hairspray.  It was very cute and I liked being made-up, especially for important days such as weddings, school picture days,etc.  

I have never actually owned a set of hot rollers, for whatever reason, and for the past few years I wanted a set and never actually bought them.  What set do I get? Which one will achieve the look I want?  What look do I want to achieve!?! So many questions.  To achieve the waves that are everywhere right now, I would either use a curling iron and curl every strand (and with my thick sometimes long hair) this can take an eternity.  Or use a clever non-heat method, such as sleeping in a sock bun.  A working girl that has to be at the office at 8 a.m. needs ways to save precious time in the morning.  So, I thought hot rollers would be a great way to get curls/waves all over and save me a ton of time. 

I bit the bullet this past weekend, and after years of wanting to buy some, I did!  I watched some YouTube reviews of women that had tried two different sets to see what they like and what styles they achieved, this helped a lot.  I recommend to check out YouTube videos of makeup reviews, hair product reviews and styling tips.  It helps to see the products in action and to get an opinion.  The state of my hair currently is: just below my shoulders, growing out my Zooey Deschanel blunt bangs (which means they will be pinned back in some form for the next two months!).  I was worried that large rollers in the 1.5" to 2" range would be too large and my hair wouldn't curl, I was afraid that it would just curl under and look like I round brushed it.  I can get a set with large 2" rollers once my hair gets to a long length.  For now, for my length, and style I want I decided a medium roller of 1.25" would be adequate.  So with this worry in mind, and after YouTube watching I landed on:

Remington's T Studio, Set of 20 (12 - 1.25", 8-0.75")

The set runs around $35, and with a 4-year warranty.  The curler's are heated horizontally as opposed to the traditional vertical coil and each roller comes with it's own clip to hold in place, which warm up with the rollers as well.  Some reviews complained about the clips leaving marks on the hair.  The clips leave marks on my hair, but I want loose curls and I only wear the rollers for about 2.5 minutes and the marks quickly leave as I work through my curls.  The rollers are velvet covered which help hold the hair and not burn my fingers.  I like this set and I am happy with my purchase, so happy I rolled my hair Saturday, Sunday and Monday! It takes so little time that I just love it!  The rollers also only take 90 seconds to heat up.  Here are a couple of pics of how it turned out.

So that's my UN-sponsored product review for today. Haha! I just wanted to share what I thought and what look I achieved and it only took 5 minutes, which is wonderful for a busy professional!

Spring A'Peel with Banana

Well, it's official.  After buying 5 gallons of Amazing Gray paint in September we officially started to paint inside our home! Don't ask what has taken so long, I cannot even answer.  Yesterday for a couple of hours we began to just paint the edges so later we can strictly focus on rolling the large portions of wall space.  However as my father-in-law (who so graciously volunteered his time) and hubby were painting I was thinking to myself how blue-gray the paint was looking.  But then, I thought, well maybe because it isn't dry all the way yet. 

He doesn't even need tape!

Now after looking at it this morning, it is definitely not the color that we had picked out.  Since I am an interior designer I selected a color from my Sherwin Williams paint deck and took it into Lowe's.  They said they can match the color and so we got a such a great deal on paint during their Labor Day special we went ahead and bought our paint and supplies.  I'm hoping its the fact that my hubby and his dad didn't stir the paint prior, but we'll see.  I might paint a portion of wall tonight after stirring the paint to see if that's the case.  If that's not the issue I might have to go back to Lowe's to see if re-mixing/coloring is possible! Oh well, nothing worth doing is easy right?

But on to more enjoyable desires, like shopping!  I have a need, no a hunger, wait....a desire to go shopping!  As a newlywed we are on pretty tight budgets and shopping sure doesn't happen like it used to.  I remember my single days (and I do love my husband sooo much!) when I would just go shopping and by amazing clothes/shoes/jewelry for the hell of it. One of my favorite stores is Banana Republic.  I love their quality, classic style, and the fact that we have one in Lexington.  Another great thing that I love about shopping at Banana is that most pieces work great going from the office then out at night, and that flexibility is wonderful to me.  I also get great discounts being a cardholder, which is fantastic since every little bit helps.

Link here.

Link here.

Link here.

This trench with beautiful pink blouse and polka dot skirt would look amazing at Keeneland spring meet this year.  Look back at October for more on Keeneland here in Lexington, KY.  

I guess my style is mostly class and preppy, however I do like to have fun with several trendy pieces.  One rule I like to shop by is to purchase statement pieces.  A piece that reflects my style, the times and something that most people don't have (so in that case I have to shop at stores not located in my town or specialty local boutiques).  Happy MLK and Monday everyone!

Pinning Accomplishments (Part 3)

 Last night was my first class as a college instructor at my Alma Mater, UK's College of Design.  I was sooooo nervous, and I bet the kids could tell.  I don't know why I was nervous, I mean, I am the teacher right?  Any how, I really did like it and all the students were wonderful.  I hope to continue teaching part-time if I end up really enjoying it!

I wanted to show more accomplishments that I've achieved thanks to the wonderful Pinterest.  More focused on the DIY/craft/decor side of things.

corny.

I love that the simplest ideas are usually just about the most darling.  These candy corn candle displays were just perfect for the Halloween season and so of course, I imitated this for our Halloween party.  I already owned the clear glass containers, then visited the dollar store to snag some candy corn (which surprisingly was more delicious than the name brand).  

subtle.

not so subtle.

My first thought for this pin of white canvas and 3D letters was, What a great wedding gift!  And I still believe that it is.  However, I wanted to use the idea in a not so romantic format. 

Sometimes in the morning for me it is difficult to skip out the door all "honky-dorey" (not sure about the spelling there!?!), but when I look at my mantra on the wall it makes me laugh and helps me skip on outta there.  I found all the items at Hobby Lobby, canvas, letters, white acrylic paint, and white spray paint.  I first painted all the letters I needed then hot glued them to the canvas.  Then spray painted the canvas and glued letters with spray paint so all was glossy and consistent.  I like how it turned out and would like to make more.

clever.

In my kitchen I mounted an espresso floating shelf above our breakfast area and place three mismatched white plates (well two match, but anyways...) on them.  I wanted to write a cute message on the plates, but was so unsure as to what I wanted to write with my handy Sharpie Paint Pen (awesome by the by). Then I checked out Pinterest to see what I could find, because "Eat/Pray/Love" had just been done one time too many.  I'm a quirky person so I wanted something food related, funny, cute.  I found this farmer's market poster on a wall and just loved it at once.  See my version below.

kitchen humor.

I have seen these yarn wrapped wreaths on Pinterest many-a-times.  Craftspeople will sell them on Etsy as well, if you prefer not to make them yourself.  The pin below I believe is an Etsy available product.  However, I wanted to give it a whirl myself.

lovely.

I picked up a round straw wreath from Hobby Lobby.  Selected my yarn for the wreath body and picked out some felt for the flowers.  I actually kept the plastic around the wreath that comes on it.  Since I was not sticking anything in the straw or gluing directly to the body of the wreath I just let it on for overall aesthetic consistency.  I wrapped the wreath twice with yarn (one large unit of yarn worked fine), but it is tedious.  I put in a DVD and cozied up with my yarn wrapping to help pass the time.  Then I looked up felt yarn tutorials via Pinterest and used a combination of all that I read.  I actually did not glue the flowers to the wreath, I just used pins.  I wanted to be able to switch them out depending on the season.  I selected these colors for fall, but for spring I have bright green and purple flowers and summer are warm and bright colors.  I really loved the way it turned out and how well it greets guests and I get so many good responses when people realize that I made it!  In fact, I'm going to make some for friends at their requests.

More to come! Have a fabulous day!

School Eve

Tomorrow is my first day of school, as a teacher! I am super excited about this new adventure.  Although I don't think the students are as excited as I am.  I know when I was a student I wish more alumni were around to support us and advise us.  So now this is my chance to give back! I'll let you know how my first day goes.

Our Hudson is almost one year!  I cannot believe it, but we excited to see him grow!

My boy only eats organic natural.

To top it off, it is a full moon so all the crazies are out and my moods are unpredictable.

From our deck.

Hey Big Spendah!

My latest Essie color added to the family, called Big Spender.  Hoping it will brighten up a dark winter wardrobe and pathetic winter season we have had thus far here.

Pinning Accomplishments (Part 2)

Since I am on a recipe kick here lately, let us continue.  Back to "What I've actually created thanks to Pinterest!"

This time we're going to talk about recipes I've seen/pinned from Pinterest that I have actually tried.  Mind my recipe board have at least 40 pins, however I have only actually made a handful.  I like to actually take a look at what I've done thanks to Pinterest.  I mean, I can be on the site for hours at a time but never create anything that I loved and inspired me so much.  This is an exercise in hopes that I will continue to re-create what I pin and that, yes it does indeed happen!

This was a lovely pin that sparked my eyes and taste buds, mainly due to the fact that it contains....what for it....Bourbon! 

Link here.

Ginger Apple Bourbon Cider! The recipe is: One parts Apple Cider, One part Ginger Ale to two parts Bourbon. I enjoyed this beverage very much this past fall, using my favorite bourbon (Woodford Reserve), Cider from a local orchard (Boyd's) and my absolute favorite ginger ale - Vernor's!  The only thing that got me was the calories from this delicious drink, so I did opt for a diet ginger ale after I learned how much I did love this. Hehe!

Link here.

Pizza Puffs: My husband is always up for eating one thing....Pizza!  Even if we had it two days ago, he'll eat it again. Delivery, DiGiorno, or whatever else you can think of he is down to eat if for dinner.  I came across this pin, first thinking of it mainly for appetizers during parties/game watching.  Then one night I was craving pizza, but didn't want to fork over the twenty odd dollars for a delivery.  I wanted to make a pizza (which we enjoy to do) and thought this pin would be perfect.  The recipe is very easy, the Pizza Puffs cook fast and most importantly are yummy!  I serve with marinara sauce on the side and we eat it with a salad.  Two thumbs way up!

Link here.

 Pumpkin Fluff was an item I made for our Halloween party last year.  Only containing a few ingredients (cool whip, pumpkin pie spice, and a couple of others), just mix and pop in fridge.  Serve when you're ready with graham cracker sticks to dip.  Very delish and something easy to make and eat at a party.

Link here.

This was another Halloween party snack I made: Mummy Dogs.  Which my husband loves so much we make it now for dinner every now and then.  Did I mention I married a kindergartner?  I wanted to serve some meat of some kind for the men to chow down on.  We had some classic chicken wings, but I made this cute little guys and had ketchup and mustard available for dipping.

Link here.

Chicken Bruschetta Bake: I am a follower of a Weight Watcher's Recipe Board and love to try out these yummy low calorie meals.  I have actually used Weight Watchers before and believe it does work and helps people with calorie and portion control.  This recipe is fairly easy.  I love these recipes where you toss everything together and bake.  This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a fine example. I loved it the next day too, so if you're a leftover fan (however the husband isn't, so annoying).

Link here.

These mounds of awesomeness are Oreo Bars.  Similar to Rice Krispie Treats, but with Oreos!  I recommend eating after a low cal meal such as the Chicken Bruschetta Bake so as not to feel too bad.

Under each pin I attached the link so you can see who came up with these wonderful recipes!  Enjoy them if you do try them!  And sometime actually go get the ingredients and make something delicious that you've seen on Pinterest.  You might be surprised and find a new staple for your family.

Cook-Aholic

This past weekend I was a cooking fool!  I made all kinds of different recipes just for fun and they all turned out fantastic.  I was very pleased with my feats of culinary talents.  As per usual, the weekend flew by way too fast.  And Sunday night my husband and I are looking at each other going, "What did we do this weekend?"  It had gone by so fast we had already forgotten what we did Friday night, but we didn't forget this:

Come 'n' get it.

For some reason this weekend I channeled the Pioneer Woman and cooked like I was on a ranch and my husband was a cattle rancher and I had to make sure my man was fed!  So for Friday night dinner we had Pioneer Woman's Rib Eye Steak (We used Sirloin Steak, that way we bypass the bone) with a Whiskey Cream Sauce (and because I live in Kentucky I used Bourbon).  It turned out delicious!  It was rich, creamy and I was amazed that I made this homemade country style meal.  I added some carrots and scalloped potatoes for some veggie factor and we honkered down and enjoyed! Again, any recipe I find in her cookbook is not on her blog (for obvious reasons, girl needs to sell books right?).  But I really have enjoyed this book, she uses pictures and great instructions so that I'm not scared to take on some of these recipes. 

Saturday was a day filled with eye exams, eating breakfast out and watching UK basket ball with friends!  We finished up our night watching the hilarious and one of our favorite movies, Bridesmaids.

Sunday I was back in the kitchen "slaving away", I woke up in the morning and was craving eggs and toast.  Then I remember a recipe in my wonderful cookbook that combined the two:

Cast Iron Workout.

Pioneer Woman calls it Egg-In-The-Hole, but my husband calls it Gas House Egg.  Basically you cut a hole out of your bread and crack and egg in the center and cook it up.  I don't like my eggs runny, so I cooked them over medium.  The toast was yummy, buttery and crisp.  Again, I was like, "I'm pretty good at this!" Hahahaha.  I guess when I'm out of my element and cooking new things I get a little scared about how it will turn out, so when it turns out scrumptious I give my self a high five.

But my culinary achievements were not done yet.  I worked on my syllabus for my new class that I am teaching at UK's College of Design that starts on Wednesday so when it came to dinner time, my husband stepped up and cooked dinner for me.  I decided to tackle dessert:

Kentucky Goodness.

I made a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie!  I used a local recipe and would be happy to share.  This turned out to be so delicious.  It is rich I will warn so a small piece goes a long way.  I can't wait to share this pie with my parent's and blow my Mom's mind.

1 cup sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

-Combine these three ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted.   Cool slightly.

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup bourbon

4 large eggs beaten

-Combine these four ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.  

Once mixed: slowly add the sugar mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly while pouring.

6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped pecans

-Add these two ingredients to the mixture, the chocolate will melt as the egg mixture should be very warm.

-Pour into unbaked pie shell (I just used the pre-made ones in the refrigerated section).

-Bake at 325 for 50-55 minutes until top is browned and set.

Now that I ate like a cowgirl this past weekend, this week will be filled with carrot and celery sticks I'm sure!  But it sure was fun to out these fun things, never thought I could straight up make a pie!  Haha! Here's to a good week!

Lately

Lately I have been sssssuper stressed.  About work, home, holiday weight gain, etc.  I worry too much and this is a fact that I am coming to terms with.  I believe that you should give your worries to the Lord and He will never give you more than you can handle, but there is that control freak in me that thinks I can handle it all.  I am up against several deadlines at the office and all are due yesterday I feel like.  At home, the Christmas decorations are slowly coming down and I need to clean it thoroughly. My other stress is my weight, and I just didn't care what I was putting into my mouth during the holiday season.  It sure was fun, but now I am paying the price.  I went for a jog last Wednesday and it kicked my hiney!  So per usual start to the new year I am trying to get back to a healthy, happier and less stress routine.  

So for today, since I haven't posted in a while, just wanted to keep my blog afloat and talk about some fun things.  I recently tried out a shellac manicure for the first time and really loved the results.  However due to my nail biting habits it only lasted 1.5 weeks, as the promised 2.  But I do love to have painted nails and my absolute favorite brand is Essie.  Then the $8 price at checkout just kills me for some reason.  I'm like, "What if I don't like this color?" then I'm stuck with this polish forever and have dropped almost $10 on it!  (That's the deal finder in me).  So, sometimes what I like to do for trial reasons is to buy a different less expensive brand to test out different color types.  Then if I use that color quite a bit I will go all out and buy the fabulous Essie version. 

Vintagey.

I bought this Petites brand in the color Vintage Gray and have worn it several times.  It lasts about a week and that is with a base and top coat.  Sometimes with this gray I will imprint newspaper using rubbing alcohol so that my nails resemble a newspaper (thank you Pinterest!).  But now I think it's time to upgrade to the good stuff.

This past week my Dad was out in Phoenix on business and being the fabulous only child that I am, I invited my Mom to come join my husband and I for dinner this past Wednesday.  I made Mini-Meat Loaves which is a super recipe I found in a local cookbook called Beyond The Fence.  And for dessert:

All-American.

The Pioneer Woman's Flat Apple Pie!

Her recipes have never let me down!  I love them all!  My Mom got me her cookbook and biography for my past birthday this year.  This was my first technical pie in the baking department.  I have made cold pies such as peanut butter pie and lemonade pie.  So I was very excited to make this American treat on a cold winter's night (although today will be a balmy 56 degrees).  This recipe is not available online however, ya gotta get her cookbook.  But I'm sure a quick google search can solve anyone's recipe search problems.  This pie was easy, fast and DELICIOUS! 

Tonight I am going to give her steak with a whiskey cream sauce a try, so wish me luck!  Here's to a stress free weekend everyone!