Savin' Maven Monday: No Fire S'mores

Happy Monday my loves!!!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is off to a great start today. My weekend was pretty productive; I was finally able to sit down with my family and get invitations made out for my upcoming baby shower-that literally took all night and I'm still not even finished yet.

Before I get into my post, I would like to give a special 'Thank You' to all of those who have served or are currently serving our country-your fight for our continued freedom is very much appreciated.

I had recently taken a huge break from blogging in order to focus on preparing for my lil man but blogging just wouldn't escape from my mind. Though my posts probably won't be as regular as they used to be, I still wanted to make sure that I dropped in every now and again if for no other reason than to keep my writing skills fresh.

So today, I'm bringing you a quick and easy recipe that I've been craving lately.

No Fire S'mores!!!

Now, I looovvveee s'mores, however, I don't have a fireplace nor am I much of a camper so I had to find the easiest way to create this delightful snack without the use of the aforementioned things. So here's what an economically resourceful gal uses to make s'mores at home.

(All of these things were purchased while couponing, by the way!!)

As you may have noticed from previous recipes, I don't do measurements. I just use the ingredients as my heart desires. Here, I poured into a small cereal bowl a decent amount of marshmallows, approximately a tablespoon (or larger) scoop of butter, and milk chocolate morsels. You would obviously use more or less of the ingredients depending on the serving size you desire.

Place bowl and ingredients in the microwave for about 40 seconds-stopping every 20 seconds to mix and stir.

The consistency of your mixture should look like this when fully nuked...

Add your desired amount of Golden Grahams and stir, making sure to evenly coat all of the cereal.

You can eat these warm or you can place them in the fridge and indulge later. 

Whatever you do though, don't leave them sitting on the counter!!!!

What do you think?

Are you all going to try this recipe in the near or distant future?

I can't wait to hear from you!!

OHHHH....one thing before I go. 

Don't forget to enter my $25 Target gift card giveaway going on right now until the end of the week. It's super easy to enter-just visit this post!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

My Favorite Wedding Party + A $25 Target Gift Card Giveaway!!!

**This post is sponsored by Target but all opinions and views are my own**

Hello my loves!! I hope you all have been doing well. I know I haven't blogged in a month of Sundays (literally)but I've been busy being super duper pregnant. I couldn't however pass up on another opportunity to team up with my favorite retailer for Part II of their 'Be Yourself, Together' campaign.   Weddings seem to be taking over my social media time lines lately and I'm loving every second of it. I adore looking at the gorgeous gowns, the beautiful wedding parties, and of course the touch of creativity that each couple adds to their special day.   My absolute favorite part of these special gatherings, however, has to be the Honeymoon. During this time, the bride and groom get to enjoy each others company and bask in the glory of being newlyweds. As I was browsing through my local store the other day, I spotted some gorgeously sexy pieces from the Gilligan & O'Malley bridal collection that would make great gifts for any Bride-to-be and/or Groom-to-be for that matter.   Pair the aforementioned scrumptious pieces with the following items from Target's Wedding Catalog and you have satisfied the bride who loves to serve homemade, gourmet meals on fancy Threshold dinnerware...   as well as the groom who loves to mix up signature cocktails using his OXO Cocktail Shaker...
while waltzing around wrapped in Fieldcrest Luxury towels... #TargetWedding offers such great gifts for both bride and groom. So if you're tying the knot in the upcoming future or even if you know a couple who will be, please make sure to sign up using Target's Wedding Registry for the best selection of bridal gifts and goodies.   And now for the best part of this post....   I'm giving away ONE $25 Target gift card to one of my lovely readers.    All you need to do is visit the Target Wedding Catalog and tell me which product you would choose as the perfect gift for newlyweds to use during their honeymoon and leave a comment as to why the chosen product is your favorite. A winner will be chosen Friday, November 15, 2013.   a Rafflecopter giveaway Good luck and Happy shopping!! Thanks so much for continuing to visit! XOXOXOXOXO

High Waists and Studs with a Dash of Sparkle...

Hello my loves and Happy Thursday.

I hope each of you are off to a great start.

I'm super excited that the weekend is almost here-I'm planning to participate in a yard/stockpile sale with my Mother and spend some time with her and my sister discussing plans for my little Peanut's upcoming baby shower. His dad and I are also planning to finally put his crib together sometime this week. I feel like I'm so behind with this whole nursery thing. At times I find myself worrying about things not being done by the time he gets here but when I bring myself back to reality, I realize that I may be overexxagerating just a tad.

However, I'm not exaggerating when I say that pregnancy has given me some new found curves. Like wowzers, where did these boobs come from!?

 I'm loving every moment of them. LOL

I'm also loving this super comfy outfit that I put together to attend a Yelp event in my area last month.

Oh, and this grand piano!!!! Honey, I wasn't leaving the scene without taking some pictures by this gorgeousness. I mean who would be able to resist this breathtaking, picture perfect moment?

NOT I!!!

I also couldn't resist the urge to pair these high waisted pants with this cute little bolero jacket that I snagged from Plato's a couple of seasons ago. Now let me tell you, I've never really been a super huge fan of high waists OR wide leg pants but these worked so well for me.

For starters, they have lots of elastic in the waistband so they fit comfortably over my 6 month bump, which I can't keep my hands and eyes off of. Secondly, the studs had me at hello and thirdly, they were only 7 bucks at a clearance event Dillards. Major score!!!

I was initially on the fence about what to pair the pants with because I didn't want a top that would take away from the studs on both the pants and the bolero so I went to a trusty, solid colored tank that I got at one of Old Navy's '2 Dollar' tank sales.

I think everything tied in together really well-especially with the dash of sparkle from the necklace and my infamous Target clutch. This was unexpectedly one of my favorite outfits of the month.

What do you all think of the high waist trend?

I can't wait to hear from you.

Thanks so much for reading.

XOXOXOXO

Linked to:

WIWW

Monday Bloom

Funday Monday

Style Session

The Pleated Poppy

I Feel Pretty

All Things Pretty

Tres Chic Fashion

Casual Friday

Friday Style

How To Wear: High Waists

Happy Tuesday my loves....

I hope everyone is off to a great start this morning. I'm running a bit late but hey, better late than never, right!?

Today I wanted to discuss a recent trend that I experimented with a couple of weeks ago-high waists. If you aren't a regular visitor, then you probably aren't aware that I'm expecting a baby boy in December. Therefore, when it comes to style these days, I'm drawn towards anything that's comfy and functional for my expanding midsection.

High waistlines afford me the opportunity to completely cover my bump without looking like Steve Urkel. I believe that this style was made especially for expecting women such as myself. I'm not too sure that I would wear this trend if it weren't for my bump.

How To Wear: High Waists by sherockwell featuring long cotton shirts

 

Steffen Schraut merino wool shirt, $270 / Warehouse long sleeve ruffle blouse, $65 / Long cotton shirt, $61 / Topshop vintage high waisted shorts / Pants, $29 / Party skirt, $29 / Jimmy Choo pointy pumps, $765 / Enzo Angiolini ankle booties / Sole Society pointed cap toe flat / Ann Taylor clutch / H M shoulder bag, $24

What about you...how do you feel about the high waist trend?   I can't wait to hear from you!   Thanks for reading. XOXOXOXO  

 

Savin' Maven Monday: DIY Washi Tape Makeup Jars

Hello and Happy Monday my loves. 

I know it's been a while...(sticks hand out for you to pop)! I've been a horrible blogger but I promise I've been doing productive things.

I've gotten my little man registered at yet another store and I've really been working on preparing for a stockpile yard sale that I will be participating in with my mother this weekend.  I was also able to attend a Baby Expo at my local Convention center over the weekend and I learned a wealth of information so I'm really thankful for that. 

I had mentioned in a previous post that I had my blog business all planned out for the month of September. And, I DID. It's just that life happened and I got a little sidetracked but this is one of the many posts that I had planned for the month.

I've really been in the mood to create and do some DIY projects so today I'm sharing with you just that.

I saw this wonderful DIY on I Spy DIY a while ago and I thought it was soooo fun and creative. 

DIY Washi Tape Votives

Most importantly I knew it would be inexpensive and quick so it was right up my alley.

Over the years, I've really become a hoarder of all things-especially these jars which once held pickles, pasta sauce, etc.
 

I couldn't muster the strength to throw them away because I was convinced that there was something I could use them for.

So when I went into my bathroom and found this underneath my sink, I had the perfect idea.

 

Believe it or not, I'm not even a huge makeup wearer! But I do have a really weird obsession with purchasing lip glosses, lipsticks, lip butters, and the like. I don't know what it is but I can't seem to keep myself away from these things. 

Anywho, I felt that this makeup situation was a little too unorganized and it needed a bit of taming. Besides, these flat bins took up too much of my space. So I came up with what I thought was the perfect idea for up cycling my old jars when I got this washi tape for free while couponing a couple of months ago.

I really loved the great colors that I found. The patterns together with the solid actually made for a great combination. 

I put these together while watching an episode of Oprah's Lifeclass so it didn't take me long to finish at all.

I'm really digging how they turned out too.
 

And even after I filled all 5 of them up to the brim, I still had more makeup left. Needless to say, I will either be hosting another giveaway in the near future or attempting to sell what remains.
 

I'm thoroughly pleased that I was able to take some ordinary materials and create something unique and creative for little to no cost out of pocket. Now I'm scrambling around my house trying to see what other items I can use to craft with.

What types of things do you like to up cycle around your home?

I can't wait to hear from you.

Thanks for being such faithful readers.

Hump Day Pops of Coral...

What day is it!!??

What day is it!!??

What day is it!!??

It's HUMP DAY!!!

Woot Woot!

LOL...I'm such a dork...as I began writing this post all I could think about was this silly

 Hump Day commercial that has me balled over in laughter every time I see it.

I'm so glad that we are halfway through the workweek. I've really been on it this week-catching alot of couponing deals to build my stockpile before my little man gets here. I'm happy I don't have much planned for the weekend other than getting my Peanut registered at store #2. That means I can focus my energy on reorganizing my home and getting things prepared for our first annual

Mother-Daughter Red Tag Boutique sale that my mom and I will be holding at the end of October.

Yesterday on the blog I discussed how to wear the whole "coral trend" and though it's not particularly a fall color, I plan to incorporate it into my wardrobe anyway.  

I think this color works at its best when styled as an accessory hue.

For example, the necklace, purse, and bag that I added to this 'fit complimented it very well and added just a touch of edge.

It's amazing how much a pop of color can bring out an otherwise ordinary outfit.

I'm a classic type of girl so when I'm out shopping, I tend to look for neutral pieces that can be remixed and paired with several combinations for different looks.

So when I found this 99 cent striped chambray and these shorts at a $2 clearance I knew they would last a while in my wardrobe.

Both pieces are hella comfy, which makes great for my growing belly...

and I love the menswear inspired vibe that this look is giving me!!

Chambray/Belt-Thrifted | Purse-NY&Co | Sandals-Old Navy | Necklace-Platos

What color do you pair with your neutrals to give them a much needed pop?

I can't wait to hear from you!

Thanks for reading.

XOXOXOXO

Linked to:

WWIW

Monday Bloom

Funday Monday

Thrifters Anonymous

Style Sessions

The Pleated Poppy

Random Wednesdays

I Feel Pretty

Tres Chic Fashion

All Things Pretty

Casual Friday

Friday Style

How To Wear: Coral

Hello and Happy Tuesday my loves....

It's been a while, huh!?

Between baby stuff, work stuff, and school stuff I haven't had much time to focus on my blogger stuff but I made it my business to devote some time to writing today. Tuesday is actually one of my favorite days of the blog week because I get to discuss my favorite trends.  In this week's edition of my 'How to Wear Trends' series I wanted to focus on a color which seems to be the go to hue for all things chic and fabulous.

Coral is one of those beautiful shades of pink that I just can't get enough of. It's actually one of those tints that doubles as a neutral for me because it goes so well with everything.

Dress it up, dress it down-I'm sure this trend will be here to stay for much of the fall season.

How To Wear: Coral by sherockwell featuring a pocket watch

 

H&M cut out sleeve top, $32 / Floral peplum top, $27 / Navy blazer / Paul & Joe Sister clothing, $135 / Light blue ripped skinny jeans, $36 / Cameo Rose aztec tribal skirt, $16 / JustFabulous tan platform sandals / River Island coral heels shoes, $71 / Flat / BCBGMAXAZRIA clutch / 10 Bells handbag, $19 / H M shoulder bag, $24 / Blu Bijoux necklace / Fornash bracelet / Pocket watch

Are you a fan of this shade? If so, how do you plan to incorporate it into your fall wardrobe?   I can't wait to hear from you!   Until then, thanks for reading... XOXOXOXOXO

 

A Shift Dress and 99 Cent Nine West...

Hello and Happy Thursday my loves.

I hope each of you are off to a great start! We are one day closer to the end of the work week. I personally am looking forward to the weekend as I'm finally going out to add things to my baby registry. I'm making an event out of it-as I do with everything these days-so stay tuned for updates.

Speaking of making a big deal out of things, I definitely made it a HUGE deal when I found these adorable Nine West sandals at my local thrift store for all of 99 cents! Brand spanking new! I'm not sure who is giving away such great pieces but I am truly thankful for them because they've saved me a pocketful of money over the years. These shoes would easily go for well above $40 in the retail store.

So I say yes to 99 cent Nine West.

I decided to pair them with this cute little geometric shift dress that I found in NY & Company a few years back. 

The thing about getting great deals on shoes and clothing is that you often tend to forget about the gems that are hidden in the corners of your closet. At least I do anyway!! I wonder if that means I need to start getting rid of things? 

Nah!!!!

 I've never been one to follow the shopping rule which states that you shouldn't spend your money on items that you won't wear right away. My garments almost always sit for a full season before I feel like it's the perfect time to pull them out. This ensemble, for instance, was purchased at least 1.5 years ago.

As my baby bump takes off in size, I try to scan my closet for easy yet functional pieces so this shift dress was perfect.  

This style of dress is the business for an expecting woman and for any woman in general because there's just so much that you can do with them. If you're into shift dresses you should definitely see my most recent post which discusses additional ways to style them.

I love it when you find a piece in your closet and it just so happens that you have all of the right accessories to go along with it. 

That totally happened here!!!

Can't you tell!?

Dress/Cardigan/Accessories-NY&Co | Sandals (via Nine West)/Purse-Thrifted

Now it's your turn to sound off! 

I'm curious to know how long after purchasing your clothing, shoes, accessories, ect. remain in your closet before you decide to wear them?

Are you a semi hoarder like myself or do you purge your closet each year?

I can't wait to hear from you!

Thanks a bunch for reading.

XOXOXOXO

Linked to:

Funday Monday

Monday Bloom

Thrifters Anonymous

Style Sessions 

Rolled Up Pretty

The Pleated Poppy

I Feel Pretty

Tres Chic Fashion

Casual Friday

How To Wear: Shift Dresses

Hello and Happy Tuesday my loves.

I hope each of you had a great Labor Day weekend. I had a very fun filled weekend with my family and I sort of relaxed and got some things together in my house on my 'free Monday'. Today marks my first official day back at work in over 9 weeks so I'm attempting my blog posts may be pretty sporadic times throughout the day though I will attempt to remain on a good schedule especially for you all. I really do enjoy reading your comments and interacting with all of you so I will try my best to keep everything consistent.

In this week's 'How To Wear' series, I want to discuss one of my favorite pieces to transition into the fall with-shift dresses. These babies are everything. They are so easy to style and and the end result with any shift dress is always effortless yet pulled together for a nice, clean look.

I especially like the variety of styles, patterns, and fabrics which make styling that much more simplistic.

I really enjoy the flirty, casual, and edgy looks listed below but you can also tone your dresses down a little by pairing them with riding boots, loafers, and oxfords.

How To Wear: Shift Dresses by sherockwell featuring high heel shoes

Topshop rayon dress / Little Mistress chiffon wedding dress, $77 / River Island black and white dress, $34 / Ted Baker lace cardigan / Merona blazer / Saks Fifth Avenue slingback pumps / GUESS black thigh high boots / Steve Madden high heel shoes / Charlotte Russe straw purse / Michael Kors bracelet jewelry / Blu Bijoux coral bib necklace

How do you like to style your shift dresses?   I can't wait to hear from you!   Until then, thanks for reading. XOXOXOXOXO