The Countdown Starts!

Hello!!

Hope you all had a very merry Christmas, complete with tons of family, just enough gifts, and enough food to feed a small army! I know we had all of those! Christmas so often leaves me feeling beyond blessed, a little spoiled, and a lot sad it's over! I love everything about Christmas, and the hubs and I never quite get enough family time. I got some amazing gifts this year from my family - an amazing Kitchen Aid mixer from the best momma in the world (I've named my mixer Lola), and a purse I've been wanting from my mother in law. See? Spoiled! (I prefer suuuuper blessed!)

Anyway, we are gearing up for NYE over here at the Connell house, and that means an annual tradition - the Connell family movie extravaganza!! Four years ago, my husband and I decided that we wanted to save tons of money and a huge headache by staying in on New Year's Eve. We make a TON of food, and rent 5-6 movies from Redbox. We wake up, eat breakfast, shower, put on clean jammies, heat up all the food, and start movie watching by noon! Saves us a lot of money, and protects us from the shit show of drunk drivers and idiots out on New Year's Eve. Typically, my brother comes over, but this year we have a couple of friends coming, so we will probably throw some Fact or Crap and Apples to Apples in the mix. 

Our menu for this year includes Texas Caviar (black eyed peas bring prosperity when eaten New Year's Day...setting some back for that!), my famous buffalo chicken dip, ranch bean dip, hot ham and cheese party sandwiches, chili, pigs in a blanket, monster cookie bars, and funfetti cake dip! We will also have champagne over popsicles! I am pumped! Our movie list right now is Silver Linings Playbook, After Earth, The Heat, We Are the Millers, and Now You See Me! Should be a great day/night.

I hope to take some pictures to post after the new year...we will are!

Wishing you a happy new year, full of life's most wonderful blessings, tons of love, and much prosperity. Bring on 2014!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Wishing you and yours a day filled with laughter, friendship, family, and love! All the best and brightest for the new year, from our hearts to yours! Merry Christmas!

Love,
The Connells

'Tis the Season...

Well, hello there friends! It has been FOREVER since my last post! Like I said, I'm still figuring out how this whole blog shindig will fit into my life. Right now, I'm obviously not good at time management or prioritizing! I will figure it out eventually...I hope!

There is lots of icy rain falling here in Illinois today! That means the hubby and I have been cooped up in the house since about 8:00 last night when we got home from another Christmas shopping shit show! Why, oh why, do we wait until the last minute to get gifts done?! I swear we aren't doing it next year. I plan to be fully done with my shopping by December 15th! (Yeah, right!) 

We snagged some last minute holiday decor at Target, which was 50% off! SCORE! I was able to grab a couple of items I'd had my eye on for quite awhile, but didn't want to drop loads of money on. I also had a $10 gift card from a work function, so extra score! I finished out my red holiday votive holders that looked something like this:

I already had this one since my hubby had gotten it for me about a month ago, so I got its friends "Peace & Joy" and "Noel" for a steal! FYI online shoppers, the prices in store are cheaper than online by almost 50%, but you may find your holiday selection a little picked over. I also grabbed some holiday paper for next year for just $2.50 a roll! Love those deals.

We've I've been going through a redecorating/organizing phase lately, so I also picked up a couple of things to put our bathroom in better order. Up until yesterday, I had been storing my makeup on a shelf in our medicine cabinet. It was in a little clear plastic case that came out of my makeup bag. SO not cute! I decided to change it up a bit, and got one of these bad boys from Target for about $8:

All of my makeup fits in it just PERFECTLY! It's also kind of a decoration in its own way, since it IS a bathroom after all. Can't wait to see how long it takes to get it completely covered in eye shadow...at least I tried! 

I will be putting tons of new makeup in it after the holiday, since I just ordered a shit ton of E.L.F. cosmetics, which are supposed to be delivered 12/28. One of my favorite bloggers, the gorgeous Ms. Mandy over at Our Daily Blessing, has me hooked on E.L.F.! Seriously...check out this pretty lady's makeup tutorial using E.L.F., and you will be inspired too! The makeup is sold at Target, but I found an awesome 50% off coupon code to use online, so ordered it there. Their products are already super affordable ($1 for powder before the coupon, say what?!), so the coupon code made it totally worth the shipping costs. You can Google search to find other coupon codes, that's what I did. They are currently offering free shipping on $35+ orders without a code. Check them out here!

I also visited Tuesday Morning with my hubby last night, since it was next to the liquor store where I was picking up some last minute gifts (more about that hopefully tomorrow!). I usually dislike this store pretty strongly. I refer to it as an "indoor garage sale." Sort of like a run-down version of TJ Maxx. Yeesh. But, much to my total surprise, they had some adorable stuff in there this year! I even found a medium sized chalkboard that the hubby will be hanging right outside my kitchen. Of course, shout out to the chalkboard QUEEN, Jessica, over at Little Baby Garvin who has inspired my chalkboard obsession. Here's what I did last night to "test" it while sitting in bed drinking Sprite and watching Now & Then (nest night ever, by the way...that movie is GOLD!):

It's no Garvin, but it's a good place to start! I am getting a larger chalkboard after the holiday from a friend at work, who does custom framing. I'm excited to incorporate it into my decor!

I will leave you with some pictures that have been taking up space in my phone. Some are of my holiday decorating (which is a HUGE passion of mine), including our newly decorated Christmas tree. I wanted to move away from my "grown up" tree to something with a little more whimsy, so we now have a "woodland" themed tree, adorned with mostly felt ornaments, a $5 red felt skirt from Target, and a disgustingly adorable felt popcorn garland from Etsy! 

 Isn't my baby boy sweet?! Made him wear a scarf and have a photo shoot. This is what happens when you don't have children!

Love him!

He wasn't impressed! I thought it was ADORABLE!

Someone was snuggling up, right after his haircut! The snowman blanket is from Kohl's!

This is my version of a perfect night!

The inspiration for our new tree! There are 8 of these on our tree now, and I love them! They're from Target!

Up close on our felt popcorn garland. It's from Oh My Deer! on Etsy.

Bad Instagram quality photo...sorry! Loving my West Elm felt ball garland, and chalkboard prints from the lady who inspires so many things...Jessica at Little Baby Garvin! You can find more amazing prints in her Etsy shop, J + Paper.

Chalkboard vinyl on our pantry door!

 Our soffee table always has a "tray" on it. Each season has a different one. This one is AMAZING. Love the stag print! I have an apothecary with a stag etched on it from Target last year that fits right in with this! (And it matches our "woodland" tree theme!) The tray is from Target this season, and the mug is a standard from Anthropologie.

 

Hello again, follower...followers?

I dunno how people blog for a living...it's tough finding something to write about...and making it interesting...and finding time to do it. So, pending my working this blogging shindig into my schedule, updates will continue to be sporadic at best. Sorry!

In any case, it's time to get FESTIVE!!! November 1st means Christmas is basically around the corner and it's time to turn this house into a Griswold inspired, Home Alone watching, glitter covered, felt garland hanging, peppermint mocha drinking shit show! The amount of clutter and reorganization involved in holiday decorating is ridiculous. As much as I love it, I'm pretty sure I swear more than usual and have a couple major anxiety attacks before it's all said and done. Totally worth it in the end, but such a hot mess!

This year, I need to get a new tree. Which is insane. I can barely decide where to put decorations I already have. And now you expect me to choose a whole new tree? Oh sure. No big deal. YEAH RIGHT. I have hemmed and hawed over this decision for WEEKS!! I think I want a pencil tree. I want 7.5' but might need 6.5' based on ceiling height because no one makes 7' trees. That pencil tree is too skinny. That one is too fat. Not enough branches on that one. That one is sold out. This one from Target has a Prop 65 warning, informing me that the tree is made with items that cause cancer and birth defects. Say whaaaat?!?! Yes. This actually did happen. Again I say, RIDICULOUS!! I may never find a tree! I also want a new color scheme. I might as well give up now! I'll never be able to decide, and my hubs couldn't care less about what color bulbs are on the tree!

Hoping to have a decor update soon...at least then it means I've made a decision! Feel free to comment with decorating and tree suggestions. Please, Lord, give me tree suggestions!!

Okay...so (maybe) I mean it this time...?

Good thing this blogging is just for me...and maybe my momma (if she even reads this anymore). I went through quite a non-posting spell there for awhile! Honestly, the inspiration and motivation just weren't there. We were busy, and I was lazy...excuses, excuses!

But, now I have something that HUGELY inspires me to write  obsess about! Drum roll, please....

It's Fall, Y'all!!!!!

I am legitimately OBSESSED with this season...and I want to scream from the rooftops that it is now OFFICIALLY upon us!!  At this point in the year, I eat pretty much anything that is flavored with pumpkin, hit up Pinterest to find MORE things that are flavored with pumpkin, invent things I can eat and drink that have pumpkin in them, decorate with pumpkins, and DREAM of pumpkins! Can ya tell I like pumpkins? Ha!

It is this time of year that leads me to drive all of my family and friends insane with my crazy rambling Facebook posts about loving fall...and where I talk endlessly about fall nail color, fall eats, sweets, and treats, fall weather, fall decorating, fall movies, and HALLOWEEN! My house has been decorated for fall since September 1st! I have a serious problem!

I have spent the past couple of weekends scouring Target for more fall decor, making trips to Starbuck's for Caramel Apple Spice Ciders and Decaf White Chocolate Mochas with a shot of Pumpkin Spice, and picking out the PERFECT fall nail color (OPI's Every Month is Oktoberfest was the winner). My poor hubby knows of my obsession, so he tolerates it well...and might even enjoy the decor and MUCH better mood this season brings out in me!

So, I owe y'all a "Favorites" post. Here is my MOST favorite list to create...FALL FAVORITES!! 

1. Every Month is Oktoberfest by OPI - I am love, love, LOVING this totally fall nail color! It's a deep burgundy with a hint of purple...and plenty of gorgeous sparklies when the light hits it. The best part is...it comes in OPI's gel line, so you can get a pedi and matching gel mani that will last for WEEKS! In love.
2. Caramel Apple Spice Cider - This drink tastes like apple pie in a paper cup! It is SO delicious that I can't stand talking about it because I want one so badly! I had one while I got my fall mani and pedi this weekend...HEAVEN!
3. J and Paper's Etsy Shop - I have mentioned this wonderful Etsy shop before...as well as the wonderful blog the shop owner writes! This shop is run by the brilliant mind of Jessica, who is the amazing author of Little Baby Garvin! She is an amazingly talented chalkboard artist who has some of my most FAVORITE fall prints in her shop right now. She is also obsessed with all things fall (and all other holidays and holiday eves), so her penchant for my next favorite pretty much makes her my soul sister! Check out her shop and blog...but prepare for a brain explosion of awesomeness!
4. Hocus Pocus - Otherwise known as the BEST EVER Halloween movie in the history of mankind! My obsession with fall makes this one of my all time favorite movies! I watch is on endless repeat during this season, and you better believe my tv is set to auto-tune every time it comes on ABS Family! Amuck! Amuck, amuck, AMUCK! (Love that part!)
5. ABC Family's 13 Nights of Halloween - Starting October 19th, this is on my tv pretty much every night! Not only do they Hocus Pocus, I can usually count on other favorites like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloweentown, The Witches, Haunted Mansion, Casper, Ernest Scared Stupid, and Coraline! In love. If you've never tuned in, DO IT! You won't be disappointed!

Those are my top five most favorite fall things...if I wrote about all of them, we would be here all night long! I hope you can enjoy them as much as I do...they really are my favorite things!

I am off to enjoy this fall weather by opening the windows and listening to my hubby scream at the football game! Hope you all enjoy what little is left of this beautiful fall weekend! Hopefully, I will be posting again SOON!

I'm Baaa-aaack!!

Who knew blogs could be hacked like email accounts? I guess since this is all attached to the hacked email, it makes sense! After a bout of laziness followed by a dash of Internet headache, we are back and better than ever! I have a couple ideas for posts coming...so bear with me as I catch up on emails and get everything back in order!

Still Slacking in Blog Land!

We are still cleaning up our basement, and have been super busy! I really need to work on a better blog schedule...! Sorry, y'all!

Aside from cleaning up the basement and shopping my favorite flash sale sites, I've been doing some heavy duty reading lately. So, be prepared for a nice long book review/recommendation post coming soon! I'm also preparing a post about perfect gifts for mom for Mother's Day...hopefully I will post that this weekend.

During my planning session on how in heck I am going to get more consistent with blog postings, I was thinking about how few comments I get, but how many page views I have. So, y'all are reading...but not commenting? Maybe? No? Anyway, if there is something you would like me to post more of, or less of, or if you have other suggestions, please comment and let me know! The only way for the blog to grow is for me to write things people want to hear about, and for you all to share back what you like and don't like about Adventures! So, bring on the comments...and please feel free to share my blog with your friends, family, and co-workers...!

Until then, I'll be planning more posts. Sorry for leaving you all high and dry for so long!

Monday Favorites #2

Hello, again beautiful blog readers! Sorry I have been MIA for so long. It has been a crazy couple of weeks!

I had every intention of posting a real blog last week. Then, the RAIN started. And I mean ark inspiring, flood inducing, basement soaking rain. We woke up Thursday to a good inch of water on our lower level. Since we have a split level, our lower level is another living area...like a walk-out basement. So, the carpet was completely ruined (and now ripped up), we have one wall needing replaced, and we are missing a few tacky pieces of furniture (read: particle board stuff we had in college). We are annoyed by all of this, and by the huge bill for new porcelain tile, but are SO thankful that it was not worse. There are some people here who have completely lost their homes, and they are evacuating even more. So scary. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are still feeling the effects of this huge storm and subsequent flood.

But, that's enough excuses, right? Let's get down to what you REALLY came here for - Monday Favorites! Woohoo! I have become a HUGE CRAZY online shopper as of late!! I wrote about some of my favorite online jewelry retailers in my first Monday favorites. You can look back for links to Everyday Icing and Charles Emerson Designs here.

Today's favorites has a theme - my favorite (ever, of all time, always) FLASH SALE sites!! People are always asking where I got some cute and unique piece of clothing or jewelry. So, it's time to share my best kept secrets! Here are just a few of my MOST favorites!

• VeryJane - I am insanely in love with the amazing deals I get from this flash sale site. This is honestly where I get 70% of my jewelry, some of my clothes, and almost ALL of my baby shower gifts! Totally worth signing up and checking out their daily deal email every morning.  This is probably one of the best sites for any of you chic mommas looking for adorable baby gear! Such a variety and great prices!

• GroopDealz - This is where I get a lot of my other jewelry. I think Groop Dealz has more trendy jewelry, whereas Very Jane has a lot of classic, staple pieces. But, they both have amazing things! I love that Groop Dealz sometimes sends more than one "daily boutique deals" email (which I sometimes delete without even reading, just to keep me from emptying my bank account on four colors of Wilma necklaces and $3 statement bubble necklaces)!

• Brickyard Buffalo - These lovely folks are probably the most high end of my favorite flash sale sites. Things can get pricey here, but the quality is amazing, and they are so completely worth every penny! Right now, I have my eye on a wooden mounted deer head in a natural wood color. So insanely cute and trendy! I have also ordered jewelry from them - I know, go figure, right? I love the mint and gold enamel link bracelet I got from them earlier this week.

• Screaming Owl - Screaming Owl is definitely geared toward mommas! They don't have as many items, and most are mom or baby themed. You can also purchase just one item at time, which keeps their costs lower. That scared me at first. But, it hasn't prevented me from ordering literally EVERY color of their adorable bubble bracelets...because they were on sale for $3.99!!! Seriously? And, I just ordered two chevron headbands for a couple of my friends' baby girls because they were FREE! I just paid shipping. Uh-Maze-Zing!

For reference, I am also a complete Etsy addict, am in love with Zulily, and can't get enough of thrift stores (including Goodwill) and antique malls. I love to shop at Aldi because getting a deal makes me excited, and I shop the Bergner's yellow dot sales like a boss! Can ya tell I love deals?!

I hope these get you as addicted as me...because let's be honest. Your wardrobe and jewelry box will thank me! So will your checking account (and maybe even your husband?) when it realizes how much more money is in it after a shopping binge!

Good night and happy shopping, loves!

So sorry!

I've been away for too long!! And, I'm even posting this from my phone. (Read: please excuse my horrible auto-correction spelling errors!)

Crazy storms mean spotty Internet tonight...so, no involved post like I had planned. Just an update to say sorry I've been neglecting you all, and be prepared for a REAL post tomorrow about one of my favorite things...flash sales! Can't wait!!

It's a BEAUTIFUL Day!!

It has been a GORGEOUS weekend here in Illinois! Spring has officially arrived, and I have smelled rain and a charcoal grill in the same weekend! Amazing! I have given myself an adorable mint and hot pink pedi, and cannot WAIT to wear more sandals...I loathe shoes and socks!

Friday and Saturday night were amazing! Hubby and the pup went to bed early, and I laid out on the couch with the kitty girls reading. But, the windows were open, a cool breeze was blowing, the rain was falling, and I was snuggled up with my pillow, a blanket, and my iPad. I'm telling you...the most wonderful way to welcome spring EVER!! It was so relaxing to lay in a quiet house and read. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for hubby, the television would have remained off ALL WEEKEND...who knew I was capable of that?! Ha!

If you know me at all, you know that I am an AVID reader. I will read just about anything (fiction), and once I get into a good book, don't expect me to talk to you or catch up on my DVR for a couple of days. If I have the time, and a book is really good, I will most likely finish it in two days - obsessive insanity! Because I tend to read so quickly, I have stopped buying hard copy books, and just use the Kindle app for the iPad. Books on Amazon are MUCH cheaper than paper versions, and quite honestly, I was sick of investing money in new book shelves every 4-6 months.

People ask how I read so quickly, and my answer is fairly simple. One, I LOVE to read. I am pretty sure I inherited this from my Gram (my mom's mom), as she was an avid reader also. Two, when I read, it's the same as watching a movie. I see everything in such amazing detail that I can get lost in someone else's world for a bit. And three, I have no children - lots of free time, people!

All that being said, I am also constantly asked about what books I would recommend, and what I have been reading lately. So, this will be my first "book review" on the blog! These are not "official" reviews - more like me sharing the plots of books I have recently read, and whether I liked them! The titles/authors are links to the books in the Amazon Kindle store, so if you're on a device that can download, and any of these sound good to you, download away!

I tend to be into "romance-y" type novels right now, so be warned...most of these books have "mature" (read: ADULT) content in varying degrees and levels of detail (if ya catch my drift).

And here is it - SPOILER ALERT! I will try not to give too much away, but let's face it - book reviews often include a couple of spoilers for the plots. So, if that is a turn off to you, stop reading now!

Here are my top three books from the last few months:

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski - This story brought me to TEARS! It was such an amazing emotional journey for both of the main characters (Cam and Andrew). They are both facing some pretty heavy changes in their lives - including death, growing up, and love. I loved that I could really see the changes and growth in them by the end of their story. I was completely lost in this one while I was reading it!

The best part is...the author is writing book two of this series! Woohoo! I have already pre-ordered it for my iPad through Amazon, and cannot WAIT to start reading it when it comes out! The sequel is called The Edge of Always, and is set to be released November 5, 2013.


Falling Into You by Jasinda Wilder - Another tear jerker! This book literally had me near sobbing at some points. It was so well written, and you could feel the pain of the main character (Nell) as she experiences one of the most heartbreaking, tragic events anyone can go through. Her guilt, fear, and pain over the course of the story are easy to experience right along with her. The comfort that she seeks in the other main character (Colton) is so heartfelt and poignant. Again, I was completely consumed by the world this author created, and barely came up for air while reading this one!

The author has said she is coming out with a sequel, but it will read more like a parallel story - what other characters we know from the first book were going through while Nell and Colton were feeling the tragedy. It is said to be coming out in late summer of 2013. More updates on this soon, I hope!


Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens - This was one I read because it's what my book club was reading. The plot sounded like something I would like, based on the Amazon description, so I was perfectly fine to read it. (I also like long books since I am a quick reader - and this one was PLENTY long. Love!) 

Once I started reading, I was HOOKED! Could. Not. Put. This. One. Down. I am not even sure what exactly I can say about this book without giving everything away and launching into an obnoxious, rambling synopsis of the entire plot and cast of characters. 

The characters (all of them, not just the main ones) were amazing, and one of the male main characters - a local rock star named Kellan - SWOON! Pheeew, ladies! He is a hot one! If you read any of the three of these books I have talked about, read THIS ONE!

I am pretty excited that there are two more in this series - Effortless (book 2) and Reckless (book 3) - and that I am guessing we will read them in book club. I have refrained from reading the two sequels since I don't want to get ahead, but I am dying to read them both! Once I do, an update will ensue!



I think I will now go off for some more reading and general enjoyment of this gorgeous weather (reading outside, anyone?!). Let me know if you read any of these books, and what you think of them once you do! Final note - be prepared for a new look to Adventures soon! So excited!

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend, lovelies!

Happy ((Belated)) Easter

Hello blog world! It's been a bit since I've updated, but the hubby and I have been busy with Easter! We don't currently live in either of our hometowns, so there is always travel involved in our holidays. With the puppy, you'd think we were packing for a newborn...who knew an 8-month old Shih Tzu puppy required so many things?!

Hubby and I enjoyed a nice trip back to visit my family for Easter. We got to meet the newest addition to the family - my cousin's little one! He was so sweet...and his festive outfit was complete with bunny ears and a little cotton tail - in love! It was great to see everyone. I wish we could all get together as a family more often, but with distance and busy schedules, it's not always easy getting us all in one place!

We are back home now, and have tried to spend our past few evenings relaxing! I always miss having weekends at home. For some reason, I am never more relaxed than I am in my own home, on my own couch, watching my own television, surrounded by my own pets! Home really is where the heart is I guess!

I posted a while back about being on Bloglovin', but the link stopped working. So...here is a new link to find my little blog on Bloglovin', in case you want to follow me along with your other favorite blogs! Click here to follow Adventures of a Connell on Bloglovin!


Mondays can always bring me down a little bit (mostly because I want nothing more on  than to stay in bed until noon! for just ONE more day), so I thought I would start a semi-weekly Monday tradition on the blog to raise our spirits - Monday Favorites! Here are a few of my favorite things from the last few weeks!

• Everyday Icing Accessory Auctions - This is an amazing company that does Facebook auction style sales of the most adorable jewelry and accessories every Monday night at 9pm EST/8pm CST! If you are looking for some trendy, affordable pieces for the spring, check them out!
• Charles Emerson Designs - Another online source for trendy, fashionable jewelry at amazing prices! I'm obsessed with The Abigail! So cute!
• Brownie Refrigerator Cake - My aunt made this for Easter, and it was absolutely delicious! I just finished up the last of our "to go" order of this tonight, and it was just as good! So chocolately and fudgy, but light too!
• New Girl - At first, I thought this show wasn't  funny...I had high hopes, but Jess was just a little too weird for me. But, after a couple of episodes, it has grown on me and is now my absolute favorite comedy on television. So hysterical...my stomach hurts from laughing after every episode! I you haven't seen this show yet, set your DVR - you'll thank me later!
• Little Baby Garvin - Probably my most favorite blog ever! I don't even have a kiddo of my own yet, but I dream of one day being one tenth as amazing as Jessica, who writes this incredible blog! She is completely hilarious, has the best ideas, is an amazing momma, and has the most gorgeous baby girl to boot! I read her new posts every morning...they make my day!

I hope those favorites give you all a place to start, and that maybe some of my favorites can become yours, too!

I am off to update my iTunes, since my iPhone officially ran out of memory today! I have learned three things from this dilemma:

1. Take less pictures with my iPhone! We DO have a camera...why don't I ever just USE it?!
2. Always keep iTunes updated. If you don't, it will take about 45 minutes you don't have to update.
3. When purchasing a new iPhone, don't be cheap - pay the extra $100 to have double the memory! (Oops!)

Fashion Finds #1

Spring is (hopefully) on its way here in the Heartland! By the end of the week, we are expecting sunshine and weather that just screams spring!!! I cannot WAIT to start wearing some of my favorite spring trends, and have already busted out pastels, neons, and cutout ballet flats. (Yes!!)

Today's post will be dedicated to some of the most delicious spring must-haves out there! I love to shop  am a shopaholic, so I have been snatching up some great items since the middle of winter. Who can resist a neon scarf when it is freezing outside? The thought of being able to wear it with a white tee, ankle length pants, and some amazing sandals just warms me right up! Here are my top four favorite spring trends right now:

• Pastels - Can you say MINT and CORAL?! I am in love with this color combination. It is amazing!!
• Neons - This trend is bringing me back to my elementary school days! Remember neon slouch socks and scrunchies? I wouldn't take this look that far,  but a few pops of neon are an essential part of your spring wardrobe!
• Arm Parties - Ya know, when you wear a TON of coordinating bracelets at a time? There are so many adorable bracelet choices this season, and I have been stocking up on some great deals. I love being able to wear five of my favorite bracelets at once!
• Nautical - Stripes, stripes, stripes! Loving this trend so so so much! Bold stripes are probably my favorite, but the right skinny stripe looks great, too! This trend also includes some super fun jewelry and shoes - look for rope textures (espadrilles, anyone?!), anchors, starfish, and coral shaped pieces - SO IN!!

Here is a delightful collage of some of my favorite web finds for spring trend pieces. Links to find these amazing items are below the picture!

1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8

I can't wait to break out more of these trends on a daily basis, along with my skinny jeans, Toms, and SUNGLASSES! It seems like forever since we've had decent sun here...I can't wait!

If you have an idea for a blog post, please let me know! I am always up for a challenge! Also, look for some possible giveaways of trend favorites in the future!

Lazy Sundays

Hubby and I have a difference of opinion on what Sundays are all about. I think they are for laying around the house, relaxing. Or, maybe doing some shopping (because there is NEVER a time NOT to shop). He thinks we should be cleaning maniacs - as in, the whole house should be shiny and spotless when we're done. I am not sure we will ever see eye to eye on this, but we do a combination for now. We clean some, and sit around some...works for me!

Today, Mother Nature appears to be drunk. She has decided to unleash a winter storm on the Midwest, complete with 6"-8" of snow in our area! If you know me at all, you know that there is one thing I despise most about the winter months here in Illinois - SNOW! Sure, it's pretty when it's falling and makes everything look "peaceful." But, my commute to work is 50 miles each way. That means that I spend two hours on the interstate every weekday, and when there is snow on the ground and crazy drivers all over the place, I am NOT a happy camper! But, what else can you do but make your semi-lazy Sunday into a super fun, cozy, productive snow day?!

Today, I have been a kitchen queen! I baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast...and they were SO good on this snowy day!

So yummy! (And don't be fooled! My mug is filled with ice cold chocolate milk, not coffee like a grown up!)

Mug can be found here.

I also made a white "poke" cake with coconut cream Cool Whip frosting, and buffalo chicken dip for my hubby. (In our house, buffalo chicken dip is its own food group.)

I have done it all with a smile on my face because I am wearing the BEST SHIRT EVER! Her face is a little "wiggly" since I am wearing it, but this would be my girl Kelly Kapowski from Saved By the Bell! Love!

Similar here.  

I would say today has been pretty productive. Hubby is still running around cleaning, so I suppose I should go help him...or at least think about it! Hoping this snow ends soon, or that we get enough that I can have a snow day tomorrow! Because, let's face it, snow days NEVER get old, no matter how "grown up" you are!
 

 

Welcome!

Hello, blogging world! This little blog has been a LONG time coming. 

Do you know how many times I have heard, "you should start a blog?" I am admittedly one of "those" people - you know us...the ones who have an opinion on pretty much everything? I am forever recapping last night's television, sharing amazing fashion deals I've scooped up, helping others get their home decor on, obsessing over a new recipe, singing my new favorite song...you get it!

So, I have decided to take the plunge, make the commitment, and start my very own blog! I plan to share lots about things I love, books I read, shows I watch, music I can't get enough of, fashion finds too good to pass up, decorating tips that will change your life, and maybe even a little about my life here in the Midwest with my husband (and our "fur babies").

I'm sure by now, you're wondering who the crazy person manning the keyboard is! My name is Annie. I'm 28 years old, and have been married to my wonderful hubby since 2010. We reside in Illinois (where the weather literally changes every 15 minutes), and have three wonderful fur babies - two cats, and a puppy! I work for a non-profit, and he doesn't. 

I have a mouth like a sailor (but will try my best to pull it back here, and only use phrases like "bat shit crazy" when absolutely necessary), speak fluent sarcasm, am almost always inappropriate, still giggle when people older than me use anatomically correct terms for gender specific body parts, and rarely do a good job at keeping my opinions to myself. I like to think those things add to my inherent charm!

I suppose compared to some, our lives aren't very exciting. Must be why I've never been asked to join "Real Housewives of the Midwest," huh? But, I hope that you will find things in this blog that you can relate to, and that you enjoy following along on my adventures!