Lust List – 10/18

1.|| This beautiful blue & gold kitchen – I could really have fun cooking dinner in here! You think they knew Pantone would pick “Dazzling Blue” as the 2014 color of the year? ;-)

2.|| I have been using the Cambell’s Slow Cooker sauces the last few weeks, and YUM!! My favorite so far is the Moroccan Spiced chicken. I love pulling out my slow cooker in the fall and winter and having warm, comforting meals, that take very little effort.

3.|| After reading this article over on Kristin’s blog, I was so inspired to start taking classes with shootFLYshoot. I’ve had a Nikon DSLR for over a year, and it’s been on my to-do list to finally learn how to really use it. I love that their classes are done through videos, because I’m a very visual learner. Who wants to take a class with me? Let’s do this!!

Makeup Debate

4.|| Is wearing makeup a betrayal? This girl was given quite the transformation, and has a lot of people saying it’s deceiving. Leave me a comment below telling me if you think she’s “tricking” guys.

5.|| This print is so sweet, and would look great in a girls bedroom, or nursery. The words really resonate with me.

6.|| I bought these jeans last weekend at H&M for only $19.95 and I’m in love. They do not feel like $20 jeans. I am definitely buying a few more pairs!

7.|| This hilarious article about kids that were raised right. #22 is so stinkin adorable.

8.|| Saks is having their Friends & Family sale – 25% off with code FRNFAM. I want these, these, (in my dreams) this.

9.|| These gorgeous BipAndBop tassel bracelets. If you missed yesterdays post, BipAndBop has generously given all of my readers a 15% discount. Use code “SAMANTHA” at checkout. (Valid until 10/31)

10.|| The Kate Spade collection for Swoozies is out, and in typical Kate fashion, everything is adorable. These will be my holiday cards.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Don’t forget to enter the POPSUGAR must have giveaway if you haven’t already.

XO – Samantha

Jewelry-aholic & BipAndBop Coupon

Let’s talk jewelry, because I know y’all are as jewelry crazed as I am. Nothing changes an outfit, or creates a more fun, trendy, polished, romantic, playful, colorful, or edgy look as easily as jewelry does. It’s the finishing touch; the icing on the cake.

Here are some pictures of my recent “arm parties”:

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As you can clearly see, I believe in the saying “More, is more, is more!”

I have been posting my tassel bracelet all over Instagram and tons of you have asked me where I purchased it, and how you can get your hands on one, and the answer is BipAndBop. Lucky you, BipAndBop is offering all of you a discount for the next 2 weeks! Head over to their shop and use code “SAMANTHA” for 15% off YOUR TOTAL ORDER. My beloved tassel bracelet comes in a variety of colors, and is so affordable. BipAndBop has so many other pieces that I am lusting over! Mom…Husband… I hope you’re taking notes. Christmas and my Birthday are right around the corner ;-)

 

 

With so many beautiful choices, how’s a girl to choose? These would make great Christmas gifts too, so be sure to grab something for your Mom, Sister, Daughter, or Friend!

Don’t forget to enter into the POPSUGAR must have giveaway if you haven’t already, and share on Facebook for 5 extra entries.

XO – Samantha

POPSUGAR Must Have Box *GIVEAWAY*

It’s that time…time for one of you lucky ducks to win one of my absolute favorite things. Instructions on how to enter are at the end of the post, so stay tuned…

So lets talk about what the POPSUGAR must have box is. It’s a box of full-sized products, handpicked by the editors at POPSUGAR magazine, with a focus on fashion, beauty, home, fitness, and food. The box is currently sold for $35 per month, or you can save by buying a 3,6,9, or 12 month subscription. The box ranges in value every month, and speaking from my own personal experience, they are always a great value. Here are a few products that have been in some of the previous POPSUGAR boxes:

Here are the items that were in Octobers must have box, which have a value of $117.27 – Not too bad for having only paid $30, after applying my REFER5 discount.

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The POPSUGAR box is not only a great gift to yourself, but the items also make great Christmas or birthday gifts for loved ones. My mom and I both have subscriptions, and we are so excited each month waiting for our little surprise to arrive!

So, here’s how you can enter to win the November POPSUGAR must have box:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

That’s it! The winner will be selected at random, and I will contact you for your shipping address.

Leave me a comment below telling me the item you’d be most excited to receive in the November box if you won. I would love a chunky knit infinity scarf, or a rich body butter to fight dry skin in the cooler months ahead. Some peppermint bark candy bars from William & Sonoma wouldn’t hurt either. ;-)

If you love what you see and are interesting in subscribing to PopSugar’s Must Have monthly box, use code REFER5 to save $5.

Top 10 {Makeup} Under $10

Here are my favorite makeup products under $10. I use these almost daily, and have loved them for a very long time. 10under10 1.|| Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation $9.99

2.|| Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer $6.49

3.|| Rimmel Stay Matte Powder $3.97

4.|| Revlon Photoready Cream Blush $8.48

5.||Maybelline Color Tattoo $5.99

6.|| Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner $3.97

7.|| Maybelline The Falsies Mascara $5.99

8.|| Maybelline Baby Lips Gloss $2.99

9.||Revlon Lip Butters Lipstick $5.84

10.|| Real Techniques Expert Face Brush $6.74

BONUS.|| Essie Nails Polish in Barefoot & Topless, and Fishnet Stockings. Great colors all year round! $7.79

Leave me a comment below - What are your favorite products under $10?

My Weekend

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. Me and my little family spent the weekend at home, relaxing, after getting rained in. I guess summer here in Texas is finally coming to an end.

If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw this picture of Camryn with all her pumpkins.

photo Well here’s where all those pumpkins ended up.

photo (2) Do you see my peeping toms?!

I saw this picture on Pinterest, and I think the little mice would be the perfect addition to my steps on Halloween.

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Camryn and I were feeling festive on Friday and spent the afternoon doing Halloween crafts. I found the wooden masks from Michaels for a dollar, and we already owned the paints, so our project was only $1. Hours of entertainment = a good $1 investment.

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IMG_2780 On Saturday we baked sugar cookies and decorated them with a LOT of sprinkles.

DSC_0784 DSC_0793 Then we ran by H&M for a few minutes and I came across these cute little gold bangles, which I decided needed a good home. ;-) The gorgeous tassel bracelet is from Bip & Bop.

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The rest of my sunday was spent organizing my closet, which you guys will see pictures of later this week.

Stay tuned for tomorrows post on my favorite beauty products under $10.

XO – Samantha

Weekly Lust List

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1.|| This delicious baked oatmeal casserole. I am making this tonight!

2.|| Serena & Lily are having their 20% Friends and Family sale. Use Code HEART20

3.|| These new Freshly Picked Moccs for Camryn (Walnut & Platinum). I absolutely love these moccs, they are such high quality, and so durable.

4.|| Gulliana and Bill Rancic’s home tour in Traditional Magazine. I could move right in to this dream house!!

5.|| Tory Burch just launched her new fragrance, with notes of peonies, and the most beautiful packaging. Add this to my Christmas wish list!

6.|| I just received this cookbook in my monthly Pop Sugar Must Have box. I love her “Deceptively Delicious” book, so I have high hopes. I’ll let you know how we get along. I’ll be giving away a November Pop Sugar box, so stayed tuned for how you can enter to win!

7.|| Febreeze Spray in “Falling Leaves and Spice” smells amazing!

8.|| This quick and healthy treat makes my mouth water!

9.|| All of my favorite shows are coming back. Are you watching Greys Anatomy, Scandal, Sons Of Anarchy, and Homeland? My hubs also got me to start watching Blacklist with him, and I can’t lie, it’s pretty good if you like action and suspense. I’m also get my once-a-week trashy TV fix with the Kardashians. What are you watching lately?

10.|| This beautiful bedroom makeover done on a serious budget, by the incredibly talented Kirsten of 6th St Design School. I’ve been reading her blog for years, go check her out!

Sick Day // 99 Questions Tag

My husband shared his cold with me, so I spent most of yesterday laying on the couch watching The Little Mermaid with Camryn. Thank you Mom for that wonderful gift, it has been a lifesaver!

While I’m relaxing, drinking my tea, and trying to fight this cold, I thought I’d let you guys know a little more about me. I saw this 99 Questions tag going around on YouTube, and I thought it’d be fun to do, just minus the video part….because I look ratchet, and nobody wants to see that!

Here we go.

1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?

Open. My husband & I have separate walk-in closets off our master bath, and we rarely close the doors. Although, both our closets are crazy messy since our vacation, so maybe we should close the doors. :-\

2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?

Uhhh DUH! Doesn’t everyone? No? They’re just so cute, and little, and useful.

3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?

Out. I’m a mover at night, and I hate feeling trapped.

4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?

No. That’s illegal.

5:Do you like to use post-it notes?

I try to avoid them, even though they tempt me with their fun neon colored selves. I try to use the notepad on my phone, or a real notepad that I can keep running notes on.

6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?

I cut coupons and give them to my sister, who unlike me, is organized enough to remember to take them to the store….and use them.

7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?

Bees. Bears have giant teeth and claws. No thank you.

8:Do you have freckles?

I am a giant freckle.

9:Do you always smile for pictures?

Yep, like a cheeser.

10:What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who leave the toilet seat/cover up. I’m not talking about the seat you sit on, I mean the lid. I hate seeing inside toilets, its gross. I think I’m the minority of people who close the lid after every use though. Side note: If you’re ever at my house, I’ll always know where you’ve gone potty, because the seat will be up. I know, I’m weird.

11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?

OCD much? No, I don’t.

12:Have you ever peed in the woods?

On camping trips, sure, but I don’t make a habit of it.

13:What about pooped in the woods?

No. I would rather die.

14:Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing?

My daughter and I have dance parties almost every morning, and it’s almost never to music. Sometimes I sing “Let’s go to the beach…each…Lets go get away…” like I’m Nicki Minaj. Man my kid is lucky to have such a cool Mom!

15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?

No.

16:How many people have you slept with this week?

Well, since I’m married, this could be a dangerous question….Just Kidding! One, of course.

17:What size is your bed?

King. My husbands a bed hog, so if there were a larger size, I would buy it!

18:What is your Song of the week?

Lorde – Royals

19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?

Why not?

20:Do you still watch cartoons?

Do I watch anything but cartoons? That’d be a better question. I have a 2 year old, so yes, I watch a few cartoons.

21:Whats your least favorite movie?

American Psycho. The hubs loves it, but I just get really bored.

22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?

Wouldn’t this be a good problem to have. Hmmmm…probably somewhere really hard to get to, like on top of a mountain or something.

23:What do you drink with dinner?

My husband makes me drink water, because otherwise I never would. That should be my New Years resolution: Drink more water!

24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?

Ranch, always.

25:What is your favorite food?

I’m obsessed with Pain Au chocolat since we visited France. I could eat them all day, everyday.

26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?

That’s a tough question….let me think about it and get back to ya.

27:Last person you kissed/kissed you?

My daughter, goodnight.

28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?

Sure was! I was a brownie, and a girl scout. Those were the days!

29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?

No, and the general public thanks me for it!

30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?

Yesterday. Mailed my friend a card and a necklace she left at my house.

31:Can you change the oil on a car?

I can check the oil, but I don’t think I could do a full oil change.

32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?

Sure have.

33:Ever ran out of gas?

No, but I’ve pushed the envelope a few times.

34:Favorite kind of sandwich?

Turkey with bacon, avocado, jalapeƱos, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, red onions, O&V, and S&P on white. How’s that for specific?!

35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?

Pain au chocolat

36:What is your usual bedtime?

Around 11

37:Are you lazy?

I can be, but lazy and mom don’t usually go together, so it’s infrequent.

38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?

Cat in the Hat (because my name is Sam)

39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?

I’m a rat. Go figure.

40:How many languages can you speak?

English, and about 100 words in both french and spanish.

41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?

No.

42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs?

Legos.

43:Are you stubborn?

Always.

44:Who is better…Leno or Letterman?

Ellen Degeneres?

45:Ever watch soap operas?

My mom watched General Hospital my whole childhood, so I feel like I have, but no.

46:Are you afraid of heights?

Yes and No. I started getting odd anxieties after having my daughter (fear of losing her, fear that something would happen to me and she’d be without a mom, I dunno…) so occasionally I get nervous with heights….and flying, driving, and anything else dangerous. Basically I’m just saying I’m a mom. HA!

47:Do you sing in the car?

Poorly.

48:Do you sing in the shower?

Even more poorly.

49:Do you dance in the car?

Well since we’re letting out all my skeletons, yes, I do that even better than I sing.

50:Ever used a gun?

Yes.

51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?

February. Fam Photos.

52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?

No, I love them.

53:Is Christmas stressful?

Yes, but I love every minute of it.

54:Ever eat a pierogi?

I’m sorry, a what?

55:Favorite type of fruit pie?

Cherry a la mode

56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

Surgeon, but I realized I was definitely not dedicated enough for that many years of school, nor was I intelligent enough. I decided to manage an Orthodontic Office, but a few years later I got pregnant, and wanted nothing more than to be a stay-at-home mom.

57:Do you believe in ghosts?

No.

58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?

Yes. It’s so weird. I wonder why that happens….

59:Take a vitamin daily?

No, but I should.

60:Wear slippers?

Yes.

61:Wear a bath robe?

Yes. My husband brought me home a silk robe from Singapore that I love.

62: Do you wear pajamas to bed?

No.

63:First concert?

Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera.

64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?

Target.

65:Nike or Adidas?

Nike.

66:Cheetos Or Fritos?

Hot cheetos.

67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?

Peanuts

68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?

No.

69:Ever take dance lessons?

Yes.

70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

Well I hope my current spouse is also my future spouse….so being a computer nerd?!

71:Can you curl your tongue?

Yes.

72:Ever won a spelling bee?

No.

73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

Yes.

74:Own any record albums?

No.

75:Own a record player?

No.

76:Regularly burn incense?

No, but I burn candles 24/7

77:Ever been in love?

Yes, madly. Still am. Lucky me!

78:Who would you like to see in concert?

Adele & Justin Timberlake again

79:What was the last concert you saw?

Either Dave Matthews or George Strait. I can’t remember. Oh, never mind, Randy Rogers!

80:Hot tea or cold tea?

Hot.

81:Tea or coffee?

Coffee.

82:Sugar or snickerdoodles?

Snickerdoodle.

83:Can you swim well?

Yes.

84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

Yes.

85:Are you patient?

Not even a little.

86:DJ or band, at a wedding?

I dunno. I didn’t have a formal wedding. Probably a DJ.

87:Ever won a contest?

No.

88:Ever have plastic surgery?

No.

89:Which are better black or green olives?

Mmmmmm BOTH!

90:Can you knit or crochet?

No.

91:Best room for a fireplace?

The family room.

92:Do you want to get married?

Already did. Don’t ever want to do it again, I’ll keep the one I have.

93:If married, how long have you been married?

3 years

94:Who was your HS crush?

My husband. <3

95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?

Seriously? No. I’m an adult.

96:Do you have kids?

Yes, and 2 year old daughter.

97:Do you want kids?

I want one more. Working on it! ;-)

98:Whats your favorite color?

Blue.

99:Do you miss anyone right now?

Too many people to list. Most of our family and friends are in other states, so I’m constantly missing them all!

WOW! If you are reading this, then I applaud you! That was LONG. Phew! I hope that didn’t scare any of you away…Come back tomorrow for my Lust List. Trust me, it’s a goodie!

XO – Samantha

Mantles

I found a new mirror last week, and decided to give my mantle a new look using it. I painted the mirror gold (it was an awful crackling silver color before) and added some of my favorite art from MadeByGirl.com and Leigh Viner’s shop on Etsy. I wanted to stick to black & gold and add in a few pops of color with coffee table books, flowers from my garden, and art. Here’s what I came up with:

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What do you think? I have a few other pieces from both artists that I’ll feature in my Home Tour soon. Check out their shops if you’re interested, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Here are some other inspiring mantles:

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What do you think of the wood stacked in the fireplace?

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Oh, and while I have you here, HAPPY HUMP DAY! :-)

Fall Loves

I tried wearing a sweater yesterday in hopes that the beautiful 60 degree morning weather would last all day, but ended up a sweaty mess by lunch when the Austin sun warmed up into the 80′s. Fail. I just can’t help but be drawn into the allure of boots, sweaters, darker polishes, and everything pumpkin flavored and scented. Here are a few of the items I’m already loving this fall.

Fall Must Haves

I also tried a new nail polish this weekend from Revlon, Gray Suede, and I am IN LOVE! I’m on Day 3 without chipping, and the color is a beautiful nude beige. (you may have caught a glimpse of it in my Summer-to-Fall photos yesterday)

What have you all been loving lately?

Summer to Fall – 1 Dress, 5 Outfits

Hello!

I know, I know, it’s Monday….again…but I’ve got a little something fun to perk you up!

With all this beautiful fall weather upon us, I thought it might be fun to show you a few outfit ideas for warming up a summer staple. I used a simple white dress, which could easily be replaced for the notorious little-black-dress that we all own and love. I added layers to create a cooler-weather appropriate look. If you don’t live in a warmer climate, like I do, you could also add some tights, cute frilly socks peaking out of your boots, a knit hat, and of course a jacket.

Pinterest Fall Outfits

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The details:

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Shoes: Kohls, no longer available. Here are great alternatives.

Nude Patent Leather Clutch – Michael Kors, no longer available. Here’s an even cuter one.

Belt came with a Lauren Conrad dress from Kohls

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Necklace – Charming Charlies (in-store)

blue sweater

Blue Sweater – Banana Republic

Necklace & Earrings – Charming Charlies (in-store)

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Green Sweater - Banana Republic

Tassel Necklace – Charming Charlies (in-store)

Gold Glitter flats – Target

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Wedges – Similar

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Here are a few fun outtakes. :-)

DSC_0687 Seriously, this little girl is the best thing in the world. We go to our local farmers market every Sunday, and she gets her face painted. She was a flower princess this time. :-)

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Camryn says “Hands on hips, Mom”

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Hope you guys are feeling inspired, and as excited about this cooler weather as I am! If any of you give one of these looks a try, tweet me or instagram me using the hashtag #playdatesandpearls!

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