September's Favorite Things

Here are a few of my favorite things from September.

Everyone is so excited about Pumpkin Spiced Lattes....and pumpkin everything, and I'm over here like, have we forgotten about the actual best fall treat there is??....Halloween Oreos?  Because yes, they are better than the regular ones.

This book is genius.  It's all of the Mother Goose nursery rhymes that we know and love....but truck edition.  "Peter Peter Payload Eater, Hit a rock and blew his heater...." things like that.  

My plaid shirt.  I showed how I wore it 3 different ways (here), and it's quickly becoming a favorite in my wardrobe.

This movie!!  I am borderline obsessed with Leo, and this movie, though obviously depressing, did not disappoint.  Even though I knew the story going in to it, I couldn't help but hate Carrie Mulligan (yes her character AND her personally) for breaking my Leo's heart.  (Did you know she was the younger sister in Pride and Prejudice?? see pic here)

Charlie scored a goal during his first soccer game!!  I might as well have won a million dollars...it was that exciting for me.  I also love this picture of him...it seems sort of "dancer like"...which proves that he's my child through and through.

September has been a great month.

Now it's your turn to link up.

1.  Link to your actual Favorite Things post.

2.  If you have an old post you want to use, that's totally fine!!  Just make sure you link back to my blog in some way.  (You can grab a Favorite Things button on the sidebar if you'd like)

3.  Go visit a few other bloggers and say Hi!  (I've met some pretty amazing people through link ups!)

Happy Monday!!

Stages of Life

Every time I read this quote, it means something completely different to me.  Which, I guess, is the point.  How often do we say or think a variation of, "When this happens, I'll finally be able to do that" or "I'll finally be able to be happy when this happens."

It's so important to make sure we are enjoying the stage of life we're currently in....and that we're doing whatever it is that we're doing with everything we've got!  (Sister Hinckley includes in her quote about these "assignments", "It may be to get an education, it may be to rear children in righteousness, it may be to be a grandparent, it may be to care for and relieve the suffering of someone you love, it may be to do a job in the most excellent way possible, it may be to support someone who has a difficult assignment of their own.") Every stage has it's challenges, but each one also has it's up-sides or benefits.

I've gone through a lot of times where I've wanted the next phase of life to come quickly, and looking back, I wish that I had just enjoyed it.  I have to admit though, that this stage of my life is turning out to be a favorite of mine.

2 adorable, sweet as sugar boys, who love to play and eat lots of goldfish. We have a good time. :-)  I know this stage is going to change so quickly, so I'm trying to enjoy every minute of it.

Are you thinking about something you're enjoying about your current stage of life?  And how you can do, whatever it is that you're supposed to be doing, with your whole heart?  I hope so!

Happy Friday, friends!

PS.  I hope you'll link up with me on Monday for September's Favorite Things!

3 ways to wear a plaid shirt

Outfit 1, Shirt: Gap Outlet (similar, similar, similar), Sweater: Gap Outlet (favorite "similar", similar, similar), Boots: ASOS (exact). Outfit 2, Shoes: Target (exact and on sale!), Khakis: Old Navy (exact), Pearls: Ann Taylor.  Outfit 3, Shoes: Tory Burch, Skirt: JCrew Outlet (similar, similar), Necklace: c/o ElizaJay Charms (exact).  Photos edited by the talented, Kayla.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here lately...with the exception of 1 morning.  That morning happened to be the only time I had available to take pictures for this week.  So this is me...trying to be all Tyra Top Model. Trying not to show that the wind is blowing rain straight up in my face, but my ridiculously huge hair is kinda blowing my cover.

I bought this plaid shirt at the Gap Outlet on super sale a while back, and have been looking forward to fall so that I could wear it.  I've come up with about a billion ways to wear it (it's so versatile!)...but here are just 3 ways that I really like.

Maximize your wardrobe by wearing 1 piece in many ways!  This shirt (along with so many other items) can be worn in a casual or a dressy outfit.  So, my fall wardrobe advice is to find a cozy, cute plaid shirt, and shop your own closet to find tons of ways to wear it! 

Linking up with Char, Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy.

Campus Tour

The babes and I met my sister, Jessica, for a little bagel brunch yesterday morning.  We met her on ECU's campus and, even though Charlie let out an "ewww, I like the Wolfpack school", we had a great time walking around.  

We stopped by the School of Theatre and Dance, my old stomping ground, and that, plus the beautiful weather, made for a great morning.  I can't believe that it's been 6 years since I graduated....old lady status over here.  

Happy Fall everyone.  I'm excited for a beautiful season!

A few Mason Jar Projects

I am slightly obsessed with having everything organized, and throwing things out/putting them in a yard sale stash in my attic, is on my top 5 favorite things to do list.  My mom also contributes to my yard sale stash every year as she's cleaning out her closets.

This year, a mason jar was in her yard sale stash, so I actually went against everything I believe in, and shopped from my own yard sale loot. (I usually like to get rid of things and not look back.)  There's just so many cute things to do with a mason jar these days...so I thought I'd try something out.

It was the quickest project in the history of projects.... I took some white spray paint, used my Michael's App to get 40% off a silk flower, and spruced up my laundry room window sill a bit.  I'm in there all the time, so now it's nice to have something pretty to greet me when I walk in.  (See more laundry room posts here, here, and here.)

Too bad it was kinda dark, because it really is so pretty in the room.

If I ever come across a ton of mason jars, I think I'll try out some of these projects. These are my favorites that are circling Pinterest these days...there are so many things to do with them!  You can use them....

1.  As Centerpieces

Source

2.  As a Cup

Source

3.  As a Chandelier

Original Source not found, but please let me know if you can locate it!

4.  For Cupcakes on the go

Source

5.  As a Sewing Kit

Source

6.  To hold utensils for a party

Source

Aren't these so creative and cute?!  Have you tried any mason jar projects lately?

Happy Friday, friends.  I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Linking up with Lauren.

Fall Fashion Series

It's a challenge to come up with outfits every day.  We all want to look presentable, but want to be comfortable at the same time.  I have some fantastic ladies here today, who have helped me come up with a collection of outfits that can be worn on a typical/normal day.  Out to run errands, a casual day at the office, lunch with a friend, your child's soccer game...whatever it is that you do! 

It's also nice to be able to take your outfit from day to night.  I can wear this chambray with denim look out during the day with the babes, and transfer it to a girls' night or date night outfit, with just a few accessory changes.

Chambray: Gap Outlet (similar here), Jeans: Gap Outlet, Brown Boots: Cousin Couture, Fringe Necklace: Groupdealz, Fedora: Charming Charlie's, White shoes: Vans, Scarf: Gap Outlet, Coral Earrings: The Purple Polka Dot, 

Photos edited by the fabulous Kayla

Here are 11 incredible ladies who are sharing some fall outfits with you.  (And I put them in categories to help you when you're out shopping or searching through your own wardrobe!)

Dawnelle/Angela/Alyssa

Layers are your friend during the fall.  They add so much personality to an outfit, and are perfect for the cool mornings and evenings with the slightly warmer days.  A cardigan, a vest, a sweater....all great ways to add some pizazz to your normal outfit.

Rebecca/Monica

Black leggings and black pants are my go-to clothing item for the fall.  They are extremely cozy (my favorite can be found here) and can be worn with almost everything in your closet.

Ashley/Amanda/Amy

My three A's rocking the dresses and skirts for the fall!  Don't put your dresses to the back of your closet just yet.  Throw on a pair of boots with your dress, pair it with a sweater, or add some fun tights to make it perfect for the fall.

Jodi/Natalie/Hailey

Scarves...scarves...and more scarves!!  Go ahead and stock up.  The most basic of outfits can look like a million bucks with the addition of a cute scarf.  Wear a snazzy scarf with a neutral outfit or vice versa....scarves are the way to go.  I've had my eyes on a few from Etsy, lately.

Don't these outfits make you so excited for the fall and for fall weather?!  I hope you now have some ideas to carry you through the season!  Make sure to go visit these ladies for more outfit inspiration.

If you would like to be part of my Winter Fashion Series, please send me an email (ashanderson10@gmail.com) with the Subject Line:  Winter Series.  You don't have to send me the picture now, just an email.  You can definitely participate in the Winter Series even if you were featured in this one or previous ones.  And no, you don't have to be a blogger to participate!

See the last Fashion Series here.

PS. Be sure to enter this incredible giveaway. It's a great way to add to your fall wardrobe and makeup collection.

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, Amy, and The Pleated Poppy

The Beauty Queen

One of the questions during our blogger speed dating game (at our last NC Blogger Buzz), was "what is your favorite beauty product?"  I answered with an honest, "my chapstick". I have at least one stick of chapstick in 10 different locations around my house, and a few in my car. But seriously, I wear the basics when it comes to makeup, I haven't worn perfume in 3.5 years, (Charlie had really sensitive skin as a little baby), and I barely ever wear lipstick, (this picture ^ is proof that I actually own lipstick...but it was a free sample from a Clinique goodie bag, or something like that)

Rebecca, from Rebecca Lately, nodded her head when I answered, because she knew it was true!  And then she went on to give a fantastic beauty product recommendation....because I'm telling you, she is the beauty product queen.  

Rebecca and I met through blogging, and later became real-life friends.  She is just as fantastic in person as she is through her blog.  Rebecca puts together the cutest outfits (and I always tell her I wish I could zap them straight to my closet), has a personal style that is insanely cute, and has a "Thrifting Thursday" segment each week, where she gives amazing tips on thrifting.  

Rebecca and her blog are beyond amazing, and I know you'll love her as well!  Today, Rebecca is giving one lucky reader TWO gift cards.  1 $25 gift card to Old Navy, and 1 $25 gift card to Sephora.  Who doesn't want to add to their fall wardrobe and makeup collection?!

Just use the Rafflecopter below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway will end this Sunday.  The winner will be notified via email.

Comments turned off so you can go show Rebecca some love!

On being a boy mom

One thing I was really nervous about, when becoming a boy mom, was all the sporting events I would have to attend.  I don't mind sports (football games are fun), but I have no clue what's going on during those games.

As it turns out, it doesn't really matter if I understand the rules of soccer/football/baseball/golf/tennis...and on and on....I do know that I get so excited watching the boys succeed and have fun.  I got so excited and had the best time on Saturday morning...and all I was doing was watching a 3 year soccer practice.

I loved watching Charlie listen to his coach, and play with his sweet friend, Sophia, who is on his team, and get so excited when he hit the ball between the cones.  I guess the knowledge of the game will come with time...but for now I'm just enjoying him looking all sorts of adorable in his miniature soccer gear.

I hope you were able to do something outside this weekend...the weather we had on Saturday needs to stay here forever!!  (Even though NC people busted out the hats, scarves, boots, and jeans with our 70 degree weather...too soon!! too soon!)

An Outfit and some links

I've tried to get in the habit of taking pictures right before we scootch out to church every Sunday. Pretty soon, I'll get that "Church Outfit" tab up and going here on the blog.  (For more information on that and/or more info on how to be a contributor for that section, please see this post) 

And for your Saturday, here are some links that I've been loving around the internet:

*Really liking the leather trend for fall (especially the shirts with just a touch of it on there).  These skirts are fantastic.  

*Sometimes I can't decide on a color, and just want my nails to be neutral. These options are great (I think I'll try #1 soon)

*I can never go on a trip without packing my entire house.  This post is a great "how-to" on packing with quality...not quantity!

*This is a great, behind-the-scenes clip of a famous ballet company...and the all the work and dedication is takes to be a dancer.

*My outfit above is featuring one of my year-round closet staples...the black blazer.  Find more fall wardrobe essentials here.

I'm excited about this nice weather here in NC.  I hope you're enjoying beautiful weather as well!

Styling Session

One of my favorite ladies, Chelsea from Haute Child in the City, was featured at a JCrew Fall Styling Session last night.  The boys and I went to check out the new fall line and to spend a little time with Chels.  So proud of her and the amazing person she is!

^^I really wanted one of everything.  With a great recommendation from Chelsea,  a bit of money left on my JCrew gift card (I used the first part on this top), and with a nice percent off for the event...I bought a really fantastic, long sweater (and still have a little left over on my gift card!).  I'm so excited to wear it.

^^Charlie always making the "Wolfpack" sign.    

^^These cupcakes were well deserved.  These sweethearts were so patient while Mommy chatted and played dress up.

^^And a trip to Southpoint isn't complete without playing in all the fountains.  

A big thank to Chelsea and JCrew for having me and the babes.  We had a wonderful night.

I hope you have a great weekend...Happy Friday!

Some stories...

Shoes: Chinese Laundry (here) but I got mine from Nordstrom Rack for $18, Skirt: Gap, Top: Gap Outlet, Pearls: Ann Taylor, Clutch: Che Bella

Pictures edited by Kayla

I wore this outfit to a law school dinner a few weeks ago.  I had a couple of pretty great conversations that night....

The Dean had all the 1st year students over to his house for a BBQ, so while we were waiting in the buffet line (for barbeque) a girl kept asking her friend, "what is that stuff?" while pointing to a dish in the buffet line.  She was obviously from the South (Jack Rogers) so I knew she had to know what "that stuff" was.  Finally, after a back-and-forth between her and her friend, I had to say, "that's coleslaw!!".  I wanted to add a "sweetie", or a "welcome to the south", or "ohhh...you must be book smart" in there.

Second was a girl fresh out of undergrad.  We were talking about where we grew up and where we went to school, when I mentioned that I was Dance Ed major at ECU.  She thought for a minute and then asked me if I knew someone.  I didn't, but asked if that person was a dance major.  "Oh no" the girl said..."I think she was in nursing, but she was one of my mom's friends that went to ECU, so I thought you'd know her."  I was just going to smile, but I had to say, "Now, you know I'm not your mother's age, right?"  As in...I'm sure being in your 50s is great, but I'm not even in my 30s...so let's not mess that up.

On a less confusing note, I also wore this outfit to the temple with my family this past weekend.

What a beautiful morning that was!

I also just "liked" this 9/11 Day Facebook page.  The page is encouraging people to perform acts of service and kindness today (and every day), to unite us through positive action. What a great way to honor and pay tribute to the victims of 9/11.  

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, Amy, and The Pleated Poppy