Friday Favorites...

Y'all have no idea how excited I was while reading Frank Vinyl's blog and finding out I was the winner of this gorgeous, mexicana clutch that she was giving away. I had been eyeing this beauty for months but never pulled the trigger to make the on-line purchase. The leather is insanely soft...like butter! I'm still freaking out that I actually won this...it's the little things that make us the happiest sometimes. This clutch has been going everywhere with me and it's going to continue to get some good use this last weekend of summer. Yes, even though I believe there are no fashion rules I still won't wear white pants, shorts, shoes and carry white handbags after Labor Day (I didn't say winter white or white t's!) By doing this it always gives me something to look forward to in the Spring because y'all know how much I'm into the color white. Tell me, do you wear white after Labor Day?

TGIF!

Monday Decor...

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My son's bedroom makeover has begun and that can only mean one thing...I have created another inspiration board on Pinterest. I'm excited to start Project Best Day Ever but deciding on the "perfect" white paint color, which sounds so simple, has turned into an extremely daunting task. I've narrowed it down to two colors so fingers crossed that one of them will be the winner winner chicken dinner. I am so over waking up at 3 am thinking about this! His only requests are a cool bed and a splash of orange for his new digs so pretty sure I can handle that. The only hard decision will be choosing between all of the great accessories that are out there for boys these days. So with all of the change around here this couldn't have come at the perfect time. My kids went back to school today so posting will be a little light this week as I regroup to my kid free days and homework filled nights...

One of his infamous sayings so obviously this pillow will be in his room!

Fanatics NFL Gameday Jersey

Since football season has started I thought it would be an
appropriate challenge to put together a game day ensemble
with a NFL jersey. As a lot of you know, I'm not a football fan
but if I had to choose a team it would be the Dallas Cowboys.

What girl didn't want to be a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader growing up?

Ha! In my opinion, jersey's are on the masculine side so I decided it

needed some heels and leopard to make it more feminine and edgy. 
Plus watching football usually involves a lot of snacking so comfy 
boyfriend jeans are a must. Hope you enjoyed my game day style 
and what will you be wearingwhile watching your favorite NFL team?

Fanatics NFL Gameday Jersey by charitylittle featuring NIKE

Try It Tuesday...Homemade Ketchup

Ketchup has been the talk of the dinner table around here with my family. I've been trying out different organic ketchups and none of them seem to tickle their taste buds except for the organic Heinz. For some reason, I still keep looking for others to try.  Luckily, I came across a quick ketchup recipe in the paper last week and decided to make it with my own little twist. It was so easy to make and it's nice to know the exact ingredients that are in it. It doesn't quite taste like Houston's ketchup but it sure gives them a run for their money.

Quick Ketchup

recipe adapted from Russell Van Kraayenburg

Makes 2 cups

1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste

2 T distilled white vinegar

1/4 C sugar

1 Whole clove

2 dashes of worcestershire

1/4 t powdered garlic

1/4 t powdered onion

In a heavy bottomed pot, combine all ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, reduce to low and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove clove. Transfer mixture to a food processor and process until smooth. Store in fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Friday Favorites...

Striped pool towels mean one thing... vacation

If you follow me on Instagram then you probably saw a few pics of our weekend getaway to the JW Marriott in San Antonio recently. Bar none this is one of our favorite places to get away from it all during the summer. The fact that it's just a 2 1/2 hour car ride away makes it easy to pack a bag and hit the road. The kids are always entertained (not by their electronic devices!) and it's complete relaxation for the adults. I was having so much fun that I forgot to take a lot of pics of the resort but click here to see all this resort & spa has to offer.

Driving up to the resort

Love this combo for resort life

View of the pool-water slides are to the left

Kids decorating their ducks for the big race

Sunday morning duck races on the lazy river

Always activities for the kids

Checkers before dinner

You never go thirsty

Or hungry...

P.S. This isn't a sponsored post...Just sharing a favorite getaway!

P.S.S. Please ignore the funky lines around my pics...TGIF

Friday Favorites...

shorts//t//blazer//shoes-similar/bracelet1//bracelet2-anthropologie

Date nights are always fun especially when they are impromptu. Recently we headed out for dinner and it was fun throwing on something to wear within minutes! Every girl needs a challenge like that once in a while. As you all know palm trees are a necessity in summer fashion and these shorts make me feel like I'm on vacation when I'm not and that always seems to put a smile on my face. 

I dressed my casual palm tree shorts up with a graphic t, white cotton blazer, couple that with some black strappy heels and a few accessories and I was out the door. M only had to honk for me once. Why are men so impatient?

Writing Process Blog Tour...

So this post is a little out of the norm for me but I was so happy when my blog friend Brandi over at Don't Disturb This Groove blog asked me to participate in The Writing Process Blog Tour. BTW-if you haven't checked out her blog please click on over to get your creative juices flowing. This Georgia Peach has been featured on so many sights for her creative projects it's insane! Plus she makes some pretty rad pillows that you won't want to miss.
 I'm usually posting about new recipes to try or favorite fashion of mine but today it's all about me answering 4 questions on my writing process and inviting another blogger to do the same.  I'm featuring a design blogger that I can't get enough of. If this tickles your fancy please keep reading!

What am I working on/writing?
I'm currently writing a fashion post on one of my favorite summer outfits. Being a busy mom, always on the go I'm trying to post more casual, but fun/trendy outfits that don't break the bank. I'm also trying to incorporate pieces that you can dress up or even wear casually. You know...the mom that loves style but her typical evening doesn't revolve around a night out on the town anymore! 

How does my work/writing differ from others of its genre?
I don't have a professional photographer to take pics of me wearing my favorites so I have to rely on my family to help me out! They don't seem to mind but the kids always want to make sure they get the credit for doing so. All of my pictures on my blog are taken with my iPhone.

Why do I write what I do?
Writing is not my strong suit obviously, but I do enjoy blogging to share my passion for fashion and posting about my discovery of anything from new recipes to home decorating tips. I still have a strong desire to learn and enjoy spilling that over into my blogs. But I basically enjoy posting pictures of different outfits to hopefully help and inspire others because other people are constantly inspiring me. What you wear is a reflection of yourself and I just think it's a fun way to represent!

How does my writing process work?
My writing process seems to go a little smoother when I have certain themes that I write on every week. Try It Tuesday & Friday Favorites are my current weekly categories that I blog about on a consistent basis. My blog posts are short and to the point with pics. A lot of times I capture my ideas on my camera first and then review the pics and formulate my ideas on my blog. How in the heck did Shakespeare ever write a play without an iPhone?!?

Now it's time to meet my sweet and talented friend Lisa. I love her blog, I love bummin' around town with her and I think you will love her as well.

Hi there!  My name is Lisa and I have an interior design blog called Stroke of Luxe.  I started my blog in 2012 because I wanted a place of my own where I could share, discuss and dork out over interior design, fashion and food.  I am in constant pursuit of beauty in any form, so there is always something to talk about!

I am an Interior Decorator with an unhealthy obsession for wallpaper and textiles I feel that any space can be elevated with a touch of animal print and color absolutely affects a mood.

I live for peonies, leopard, unusual art, sunburst mirrors, skinny jeans and vacations with my family. 

Please hop on over to visit her! Be sure to also check her out on Instagram & Twitter!

Thanks again Brandi for asking me to participate.

Friday Favorites...

photos courtesy of ryan

Nothing screams summer as much as palm trees and the color white. Both are favorites of mine that I can't wear enough of this summer. My mom and I found this t in J.Crew back in June and we literally walked in the store, picked it up, bought it and walked out in under 3 minutes! We work fast and she is one of my favorite people to shop with. Another favorite of mine is a good sale and right now this gallery t is an extra 40% off. You might want to check it out...