September 2017

Currently Loving- September 2017

CURRENTLY LOVING- SEPTEMBER 2017

Hi friends! Anyone else feel like September just kind of blurred by? I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that October is, like, tomorrow. But it is, so I’m here to share some of my favorite things about September. I do, however, love October. It’s officially time for slightly cooler nights, lots of actual pumpkins (not just pumpkin spice), and things start changing colors…those beautiful colors. I digress…In no particular order here are some of my September favorites:

Walmart Finds

I’ve told y’all about the website Bauble Bar before and how much I love their jewelry. I just don’t really love their price tag. It’s not outrageous or anything, but I love a deal. That website inspired me to make these earrings instead of paying nearly $40 for them.

Well, a while back I found these for $32. And these for $34.

Cute, right? Well, I follow this Instagram account called WhoaWaitWalmart. And they posted this picture.And in case you can’t read that price, it says $4.00!! AND just this week they put on their Instastories that they are all marked down to $2.00! Bummer for those of us who live in Greenville because they didn’t get any of this cuteness, but I did find them in Montgomery at the Walmart on Chantilly. Here’s what I got. Don’t these look almost identical to the Bauble Bar ones? I paid the full $4, but still! I’m pretty bad at math, but that’s an eighth of the price right? I’m counting it as a win.

I’ll never quit black and white stripes. And how fun for Halloween?I convinced myself I just needed one more pair so I could have game day earrings.

Now that they’re $2.00, I want to go back and get all the others I wanted. Anybody know how to grow a money tree? Because if you go back and look at that picture of all the earrings, how could you say no to any of them? So much goodness!

Ginger Hair

In case you don’t know this about me, I go through an annual period where I want to dye my hair red. I’ve done it once, and I didn’t realize how much upkeep it is to be a ginger. It faded so quickly, and I got nervous and let it grow out to a weird color before I dyed it blonde again. Well, it usually happens around fall. (Must be all those awesome Pinterest photos.) But I always chicken out. I get too nervous that I’ll look ridiculous or that I won’t be able to keep it up. Also, I want one of the more expensive processes to be done, so where’s that money tree again? Anyway, here’s what I want to do this time. Come follow me on Pinterest for more pointless red hair inspirtation. 🙂 Isn’t it so gorgeous? Initially, I think it isn’t that drastic of a change, and yet as I’m writing this post I’m totally thinking, I could NEVER! But it’s SOOOOO pretty! I don’t know what my obsession is. I just love it. One day I’m going to do it and never look back. 🙂 Also, anyone watching Making the Team with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? I have loved this show since it started. Kelli is cutthroat, and I love her! This beauty right up there is Stephanie. In this season, her hair is so gorgeous. Every time they show her, I say out loud how much I love her hair color. Maybe I’ll do it over Thanksgiving break so I have a week to get used to it. (Who am I kidding? I’ll be saying this again next September.)

Beachin’

Paul and I went to the beach recently with my parents and brother. It was a quick trip but much needed and definitely enjoyed. We were in Gulf Shores, and though we’ve been there countless times, we found new restaurants and had a great time. If you’re going soon, you should visit Fisher’s Dockside and pretty much order anything. It doesn’t disappoint.

Fashion Week

Fashion week has been happening all over the world recently, and I pulled together a few of my favorite looks from some great designers.

Oscar de la Renta

Carolina Herrera

See that silver dress above? Well, it looks stunning on the red carpet, but Sarah Paulson wore it to the Emmys earlier this month, and I really didn’t like it. Perhaps it’s the styling differences, but I loved it in the show. Here it is at the Emmys. Alberta Ferretti

Now for some fashion funnies

I’m not knocking fashion as an art, but I’d never wear those glasses nor the purple swim cap dress. And it sort of looks like the 80’s are back at Gucci. Hmm…Fun to look at, and laugh at, at least.

Broadway Under the Stars

If you’ve never gotten the chance to go to Broadway Under the Stars at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, you are missing out on life! The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra comes to play music from Broadway shows past and present. They played Hamilton, y’all! It was the most perfect weather, and we had a wonderful spot complete with three little girls in front of us who ballet danced to nearly the whole thing. Next year, you must go! It’s outside on the grounds, hence “under the stars”. And the moon was full and enormous. It was practically magical.

And I just love this building and always have to take its picture.

Also, we carried a picnic dinner from Jason’s Deli. I got the Caprese Panini, and all I can say is, how have I never eaten here before? Holy crap it’s good! And bonus, if you dine in, you get a complimentary ice cream cone for dessert. #winning

Sean on the Porch

If you’ve never heard of Sean of the South, then click his name and go read his latest post. You won’t be able to stop at just one. He’s a magician with words. It’s unbelievable how good he is at telling stories. He’s a good ol’ southern boy who loves his wife, mama, and dog. He writes feel good stories, sad stories, love stories, and everything else in between. He recently came to Greenville to speak and play some guitar out at Nanny’s Fine Dining. It was a true pleasure to hear him tell stories in person. He’s just as good at that as he is at putting them on paper. Promise me you’ll go check him out. Just go ahead and sign up for them to come to your email every morning, ok?

September was pretty good to me. I’ve clearly had a busy one. How was your September? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Have a great weekend, y’all!

Elizabeth

Fall Recipe- Pumpkin Oatmeal

PUMPKIN OATMEAL

I’m still on a fall food kick, and I’ve found another yummy one. Pumpkin Oatmeal, y’all! I am a fan of oatmeal in bursts. Sometimes I get really into it, and I’ll stay into it for a few weeks or so, but then I don’t want it for about six months.

I was in one of those six month stretches when I came across this recipe on Pinterest. (Seriously, what did we do before Pinterest?) I’m a sucker for just about anything with pumpkin, so I decided to give it a go.

The Recipe

As is my pattern, I cannot take credit for this recipe, so I’d like to link to the original post where I found it. Click here to go to Damn Delicious. Yep, that’s the name of her site. Ha! Well, the oatmeal was just that, so her content lives up to her site name.

I cooked the oatmeal (Old Fashioned Oats) in almond milk, and once it was done (ten-ish minutes), I added canned pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Something about cinnamon screams fall and simply warms my heart.

Your kitchen will begin to smell like some serious fall goodness, and you’ll want to eat the entire pot even though it makes about four servings.

Let’s Eat!

Chungah, the author of Damn Delicious, serves hers with pecans on top. (YUM!) But I didn’t have any pecans, and it didn’t make that much of a difference to me to have them, so I omitted them this time.

But you should for sure drizzle on a little maple syrup before serving the oatmeal for just a hint of sweetness. So tasty!

Then pour yourself a coffee with your favorite pumpkin spice creamer and you’ve got yourself a bona fide fall breakfast.

It keeps well in the fridge and warms up pretty well in the microwave. I recommend pouring a bit more almond milk over it before microwaving since it can dry out the longer it sits in the fridge.

Don’t forget to head over to Damn Delicious to get this DELICOUS recipe. I hope you get a chance to make it and enjoy it as much as I do.

Happy Wednesday, friends! See you soon with some September favorites. (There’s quite a few!) 🙂 Have a great rest of the week.

XO,

Elizabeth

Emmy Awards Fashion Favorites 2017

EMMY AWARDS FASHION FAVORITES

Happy Fashion Friday, friends!

I know the Emmy Awards were last Sunday, but I keep seeing these wonderful pictures of the beautiful gowns that were strutted down the red carpet, and I have to share my favorites. Here they are in order of my most favorite to my least favorite.

Millie Bobby Brown in Calvin Klein by Appointment

She is my best dressed, hands down. I thought she looked stunning. Gorgeous, classic, and conservative (she’s only 13). Her simple hair and minimal makeup were the perfect styling, and I even loved the shoe pairing. Two thumbs way up!

Nicole Kidman in Calvin Klein by Appointment

The tea length dress was very popular on the red carpet last Sunday, and though I didn’t love all of those dresses, this one was beautiful. I love the bit of sparkle. I love the deep V, but loved even more that it wasn’t all cleavage. The color looks amazing against her fair skin, and the pink shoe is a fun way to add a little something extra. She rarely gets it wrong on the red carpet and this was no exception.

Thandie Newton in Jason Wu

She always looks so beautiful on a red carpet. But she usually does something very fashion-y. This look is so gorgeous. I think this color is perfect on her. I love her hair and makeup, too. She knocked it out of the park with this look.

Felicity Huffman in Tony Ward

Now that’s a red carpet moment! I just love everything about this. The color, her hair, and let’s not overlook the fact that her body is killer and the dress makes her look 8 feet tall. So beautiful.

Mandy Moore in Carolina Herrera

Okay, so I know people said she looked a bit like an Oreo, and I’ll give them something because the still shot of this dress is NOTHING compared to when she walked. It was a beautiful, flowing bit of nothing that resembled an Oreo. She looks fabulous. And that pink lip…Perfection!

Anna Chlumsky in Sachin and Babi

This dress looks like liquid silver poured over her body (well, the bottom half). I love how it’s mirror-like and totally picking up the red from the carpet. I really like the ombre to gold around the shoulders. Just a beautiful dress. It was even better on television. I would have rather seen her hair not so slicked back, but she looks incredible.

Claire Foy in Oscar de la Renta

And so continues my obsession with the designs of Mr. de la Renta. I know he’s been gone a few years, but the clothes with his name sewn into them NEVER disappoint me. (It’s one of my favorite Instagram feeds.) 🙂 I loved that it was a jumpsuit, and that half-cape-train-thing is very chic. It was just something unexpected that I really liked.

Ellie Kemper in Jenny Packham

I love the top half of this dress. The navy color and the beading is bananas, but why couldn’t they line it all the way to the ground? That would have probably put her at number two. I love the color of the dress with her hair color. And she’s just flat out beautiful! Though, I would have liked it to be a tad different, it’s still one of my favorite looks.

Zoe Kravitz in Dior Couture

I know this one isn’t for everyone. But I loved the rainbow skirt on this one. I feel like this one isn’t just a dress for an event. I feel like she was trying to make a fashion statement. Some people have said she maybe looks a little like a bird, but I think it’s so unique and just so dang pretty. I love the rainbow with the black bodice, and I’m kind of liking her darker hair. Pretty.

Jessica Biel in Ralph and Russo

Yes, this is my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely gown. I love that it’s drapey at the top, and I love the train. But can someone please tell me why they covered up this pretty, shiny, sparkly goodness with gauzy badness? It would have been SOOOO much better had it been all silver and ALL sparkly. That being said, I really do like the dress. And you just don’t get much better looking than Jessica Biel.

Well, y’all, that’s it! Hope this brought some pretty to your Friday!

Wait! One more. I love Stranger Things and can’t wait for it to come back this Halloween, and the boys of the show looked very dapper. I love how their own personal style is displayed for each young man.

Have a great weekend!

XO,

Elizabeth

Fall Recipe- Cheesy Potato Soup

FALL RECIPE-CHEESY POTATO SOUP

Have y’all ever been to O’Charley’s? Have you ever ordered the potato soup while there? Did you ever go back to O’Charley’s and order that soup every single time you went? Guilty.

In my fall state of mind over here I went to Pinterest to look for some yummy fall recipes. Okay, let’s be honest, I went there looking for pumpkin recipes because I’m a basic white girl that loves her #psl (psl=pumpkin spice latte for those of you living under a rock) and I ain’t ashamed to admit it! (I’ve tested one recipe already, and I’ll be reporting back next week with that treasure.) Anyway, as one often does on a Pinterest binge, I found myself heading down the soup-hole that is so enormous on that site, and I landed right on THIS ONE. I immediately wanted to try it, so I set out for the grocery store. I didn’t get a good picture of all the ingredients, but I will link the original website that was linked to the pin here at The Chunky Chef and she will give you all the information you need.

It calls for three pounds of red potatoes, so here’s a picture of those yummy potatoes post boil. While the potatoes were boiling, I was chopping green onions, making a roux (Louisiana friends don’t hate on the looks of my roux-I didn’t burn it, so I’m proud!),and cooking the bacon to be crumbled on top. I don’t know about y’all, but I just about don’t cook bacon any other way than in my oven. I don’t like being popped by hot grease nor do I like cleaning it up. So this is my favorite way.I need to say that it’s not a healthy soup. It has half and half, whole milk, Velveeta, and cans of cheddar cheese soup to name a few unhealthy ingredients. But sometimes you just want some comfort food, and when those temperatures dropped a week or so ago, the fall feels were all over me, and I needed some soup dang it.

And of course I served it with more bread because No Carb Left Behind! It’s super delicious. It does call for a lot of garlic, so if you’re garlic-sensitive like my dad, you will need to scale down on the amount you put in. It really makes it taste so good, and I don’t recommend leaving it out entirely, but maybe you could use only half the amount it calls for (2 tsp, I think) and it would still be tasty. The other thing that makes it so good is the little kick you get from adding a touch of hot sauce. It’s the magic ingredient for sure.

One more thing-it makes a very large pot. So share with someone! Paul and I don’t mind leftovers, but it was still too much for the two of us. Needless to say, we shared. I cannot take credit for this recipe, so I won’t list the actual written recipe here on my post, but if you click HERE you’ll go right to it on The Chunky Chef’s blog. Her pictures are way gorgeous, and her tomato soup looks to die for. I don’t even like tomato soup and I want to make it!

I hope you give this one a go. I know the temperatures have gone back up to the low 90s lately but just bump your air down a bit before dinner. 🙂 It’s worth it!

Happy Friday, friends!

XO,

Elizabeth

Currently Loving- August 2017

CURRENTLY LOVING-AUGUST

I feel like I say this every month, but how in the world is August over already?

I wouldn’t necessarily say that this is a bad thing. Because it leads me to my first favorite of August:

Fall

Okay, so I know it’s not fall yet, but August has notoriously been the month where I start really itching to wear scarves, boots, and sweaters. Unfortunately, living in the southern portion of Alabama is just not conducive to those things in August. However, a girl can dream, no?

Let’s start with fall decor. I don’t exactly have a front door to decorate, but Pinterest lets me see what I could do one day when I’m not in an apartment. This front porch is perfection. I’m obsessed.I think I mostly love the buffalo check pillow in the picture below. But the hay, the rustic bench, pumpkins, and lanterns are so charming. Something else I don’t have is a fireplace, but how great is that garland? I also love when there’s something in the fireplace that isn’t ashes from a leftover fire. I love this container of wood. And that “Thankful” sign. Next up for fall is, of course, fall fashion. If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you probably know that I love a scarf. I have too many to count; it’s shameful, really. Anyway, I found a few more I’d like to add to my collection. I actually like both of the entire outfits, but I especially love those scarves.

Next is a poncho (maybe not a poncho-I can’t quite tell if it has arm holes. I think it does, but maybe it’s a blanket scarf or just an oversize cardigan). Again with the buffalo check. I can’t get enough.

TV Show(s)

Any Game of Thrones fans out there? Paul and I just recently binged the series. We were caught up in real time by about episode three of this season (7). And we, like most of you, are wondering how in the heck we are going to wait until the next season! It definitely left us wanting so much more, so I’ll be excited for that one to come back.

We are mostly ready for September to bring our regular shows back that we love so much: NCIS, Bull, Big Bang, and so.many.more. We have a show or two most every night that we watch. We love us some TV.

Podcasts

Do y’all listen to podcasts? I am fairly new to this realm of entertainment, but I have to say, I really like it. I have three that I’m really loving lately. All, of course, are right up my alley from home decor to Broadway.

Young House Love Has a Podcast– If you’ve never heard of Young House Love, they are a married couple who started a blog many years ago, and are so knowledgeable about so many things regarding home decor and renovation. They are renovating a beach house right now and it’s PINK! It’s so stinking cute. I’ve linked to their website in their title, you should check it out. All of it. Their blog is the one that really got me interested in blogging myself.
Sorta Awesome– I’m new to this one (only about 4 episodes in and there are over 100), but I am really enjoying it. They talk about Netflix a lot, so they’re basically my soulmates. They also talk about life in general. I like them. They seem like nice girls. 🙂
Little Known Facts– The is the Broadway one. Ilana Levine interviews all sorts of people from the Broadway community. They sing a good bit and share behind the scenes information. And Ilana’s speaking voice is so calming and almost child-like. She is just wonderful to listen to. She played Lucy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, if anyone remembers that musical several years ago.

A Vegan

Yes, that’s right, a vegan. I subscribe to several channels on YouTube. And often times, YouTube will suggest videos that you might be interested in. Well, one day I saw this before and after picture of a girl who had lost a lot of weight and the title of the video was something to the effect of “How I lost 70 pounds”. So I clicked on her, and she just sat explaining herself and was so real about everything. Usually there’s a gimmick or a fitness program attached to these types of videos, but this girl just said, nope, nothing did this for me, but me. She began eating a high carb diet. Yep, HIGH carb. Hmm…my skeptic ears perked straight up. But I kept listening. Turns out, she’s a vegan and her YouTube name is High Carb Hannah. She makes the most delicious looking meals-all plant based and vegan-friendly. She is very passionate about the way she lost weight. She said it took her two years, but it was because she was transforming the way she ate. I’m not turning into a vegan by any means, but I do love these plant based meals she shows you how to make on her videos. I’ve got plans for a burrito bowl, and I can’t wait. I’ll share with you when I make it.

She gave me the idea to make these black bean burgers. I found the recipe on Pinterest and gave it a try with my dad a few weeks ago while my mom and Paul were out of town. (High Carb Hannah just posted this week about a black bean, sweet potato burger, and it looks AMAZING!)

Forgive my bad, unedited photos from that night, but this is how it went down. They were seriously amazing, y’all. I want to eat them again but not as a burger. I sort of want an avocado type sandwich with the black bean patty. If anyone wants to know any tips about making these, let me know and I’ll do a quick post about them. And if you’re looking to clean up your diet, check out High Carb Hannah. I like what she’s doing for people by spreading the news that plants are good and good for you!

Now, let’s gear up for some football!! We’ll be yelling War Eagle here in the Norman house. I hope y’all have a safe Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy that extra day off! I know I will.

XO and War Eagle,

Elizabeth