Catching Up on Fall

I'm back! Thanks, everyone for being so sweet and supportive of me taking some time away from blogging to get re-focused. It certainly helped! You're probably wondering what I've been up to. Like, what could I have possibly filled up all my time away from blogging with, right? Thinking, reading, planning, un-planning, renewing my faith, solidifying my ideals and the goals I have in life.

I even have a fun announcement at the end of this post but, for now, here are some pictures :)

1. I dug out the bins at my parents' house that my mom had designated just for Fall decor. These are only a few of the many bins that she had. My mom was SO talented at decorating every little piece of the home. She made it so beautiful and inviting and I'm sure her love for decorating led to my extreme LOVE for the HOLIDAYS! I tried my best to recreate some of the magical Halloween decor she was known for.

2. Because who doesn't love a lot of little glitter? I know I sure do! I had a blast working on this project for Project Inspire! More on that this Thursday!

3. How cute is this little photo op on the side of I-95 in Virginia? Inside the O it says, "Virginia is for LOVERS!" You've got that right! #LOVEVA

4. I was finally reunited with some of my sorority sisters a couple weekends ago! As always, it was so great to see them and catch up and make fun of my height :)

5. You'd be surprised how much commotion this outfit of mine caused at work. The guys couldn't get over how "colorful" it was saying things such as, "Well, we'd definitely be able to see YOU at night!" Please note my TOMS that I am in LOVE with! Not in love with the "no-see-um" socks I wore with them. Suggestions?

6. I'm in love with diners. I'm also in love with San Diego. So, a picture at the diner with the super retro SD was definitely a necessity. On another note, my hair is ridiculously long and needs to be cut.

7. Church outfit! I could pretty much live in pencil skirts. [Okay, so maybe that's not very practical.] But there's just something special about putting on your Sunday Best in the morning and heading out for a beautiful day.

8. On the drive home from church, I took in the color of the Fall leaves changing and their contrast against the bright blue Virginia sky. It is surely a blessing to live in such a pretty place during this harvest season.

And, now, for the announcement:

I am leaving for beautiful San Diego this Thursday! It's been nearly two years since I've visited my favorite place and I've missed it more than I can explain. It's my second home; my haven. The place for me that just makes sense. I'll be there for about a week and I am super excited to finally meet some of you beautiful ladies! If you're a San Diegan and we don't already have plans - let's meet up! :)

I will be writing more about this trip and my decision to go soon :) As for now, I'm super excited to be back to blogging. I love you all!

Wishing to Wear My Fall Wardrobe

I "tossed and turned" so to speak about what to write about today. I was going to do my foundation review but decided to hold off on that. Then I was going to write about friendship but I'm not sure my heart is ready to yet. So, let's talk Fall Fashion.

Yesterday's post on the RoseRags Leopard Poncho [which you can win!] got me thinking about styling different pieces together and about how stellar that poncho will look with my brown faux leather jacket. [Remember when faux leather wasn't cool? SO glad it is now. #idontwearrealleather] Hashtagging in a blog post is cool now too, luckily.

Anyway - the temps are supposed to be in the 80s here in DC today. It's rainy. Muggy. I'm over it. I know some of you around the country are getting this same kind of weather too. It's October - come on now. Bring me the cooler temps! Here are the outfits that I wish I could be wearing right about meow:

1. This warm sweater/poncho is from Old Navy [Last season. Boo!] Have you heard of the blog Workday Weekend? Go check it out. I've apparently been hiding under a rock that I'm just now finding her.
2. I just want to wear my blazers! I have some fun colors this year like this one from The Pink Peonies and I want to wear 'em!
3. I like to call this look business meets urban meets a polo match. Kinda cute mash-up, yes?
4. I'm obsessed with plaid button-ups. Not pretty "J Crew plaid" but the "kind-of-worn vintage surfer plaid."
5. Do I even need to say it? I want to wear an animal print infinity scarf. Note: As of now, I still have not purchased one on Etsy. Soon! I love this outfit with the camel blazer. Although those particular heels aren't super "me."
6. But what do most of these outfits have in common/what is the #1 Fall item I am waiting so patiently to wear? Boots! Chambray and boots together = perfection.

Next week, I think I shall do the other half of my Fall fashion “wish” list. And when I say “wish” I mean “I have most of this stuff already and just wish to WEAR it.”

Which outfit is your favorite? :) What Fall items are your favorite to wear? Anyone else impatiently waiting to wear their Fall wardrobe??

Fall Bucket List

Due to the fact that I was lying out on the hot sand on the first day of Fall, I was slightly in denial that the season had actually arrived. Naturally, though, if you checked my closet you would most definitely think otherwise. Fall has sprung in my wardrobe! Get it?

Anyway, I figured I'd come up with my little list of Fall Must-dos. Perhaps we can call this my Fall Bucket List? You see, I'm the kind of person who has a list of a million things I want to do and try and make but I never get around to them. So now, hold me to it!

Fall-themed Nails

Can you believe I have yet to experiment with all the nail art trends going around? I paint my nails and that's about it. Bo-ring, right? So, what better way to get into the game than to dress my nails up for the Fall holidays? Candy corn nails, anyone?

Fall Recipes

Pinterest. Gotta love it. I currently have over 4,000 pins but I can count on one and a half hands the number of pinned recipes that I've actually tried. And my DIY pins? Forget about it. So, here are the recipes [and hopefully I'll find a few more] that I will be making!

1. I found this Crock Pot Apple Cider. Are you kidding me? It's a must!

2. I love chopped salads and this Southwest Chopped Chicken salad looks divine!

3. I have been wanting to make chili and this Skinnytaste White Bean Chili might just be the one.

4. If the name of the Green Goddess Grilled Cheese isn't enough to make you want it, then I don't know what is.

5. Red Velvet Hot Chocolate w/ Cream Cheese Whipped Cream. Enough said.

Bake Pumpkin Bread

While we are on the topic of food, let me just tell you that I am in love with pumpkin bread. I had my first piece of the season last week from Starbuck's during my road trip and it was so delicious. I can't wait to try a healthy pumpkin bread recipe like this one. Perhaps this weekend?

Decorate Pretty Pumpkins

I have been wanting to do something fun and different for Halloween pumpkins. I am loving all the glitter pumpkins, painted pumpkins, etc. so maybe this year will be the year to do a little something special like these gorgeous white pumpkins I found.

Buy TOMS!

It wasn't until I moved to Utah nearly three years ago that I saw people wearing TOMS shoes. I honestly wasn't sure what to think at first. I mean, I wore sandals and I wore heels and boots. There wasn't much grey area. Needless to say, after living back on the East Coast for a year now, and with Fall rolling in, it's time to buy some of those bad boys. (But really they are good boys because for every pair bought is a pair donated!)

Note: Since I can't decide what pair to get, I'll probably just purchase them all. Totally okay, right?

Wear My Boot Socks

I think I bought some boot socks last Fall, although it could have very well been two Falls ago. Unfortunately, they have gone unworn. It's time to change that! I love layers and I think boot socks are the perfect way to add some layers (and some extra warmth!) to an outfit. I even found a DIY tutorial using old sweaters!

That's all for now! What am I forgetting? Better yet, what is on YOUR Fall Bucket List?

2012 Fall Wish List | One

Are you ready for the crisp leaves, the pumpkin spice lattes or apple ciders, the boots, the sweaters?

Today, on this last day of August, I am so ready. I've been so excited as I scoop up some fresh, new clothes for the cooler days that are on their way. Today, I wanted to share a few of the little Fall accessories and beauty items that I most look forward to!

First up is an accessory I can't believe I don't already own from last year. I was all about scarves last year [and the year before that, and the year before that...] but I never ended up getting an infinity scarf! I LOVE them! Whether you wear them as part of an outfit or under your Fall jacket, they add the perfect pop!

Each of these scarves was found while perusing Etsy and they are all $25 or less! :)

1. This $16 scarf by anils is labeled as "Summer" but I think it's perfect for Fall!

2. I love the warm Fall colors in the orange/brown color block scarf from ohzie!

3. This scarf by DreamingDays is my favorite color. Enough said :)

4. This fun-patterned burgundy and white scarf by fairstore is also perfect for Fall!

I might just have to buy them all!

Now, if you're like me, you're obsessed with nail polish. While I don't have numerous Tupperware boxes full of nail polish, I've had fun growing my collection. As soon as I heard about OPI's Germany Collection, I practically jumped for joy. I took German in high school and fell in love with Austria and Switzerland so I knew I had to buy a couple of these bad boys:

OPI has the best names, don't they? My favorite names have to be, "Suzi and the 7 Dusseldorfs" and "Don't Talk Bach to Me." Genius. "Schnapps Out of It" and "Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!" are hilarious as well and those two will definitely be added to my collection!

Does anyone have any of these new colors yet?

I'd continue on with more of my Fall wish list but... we'd be here all day! I'll save those for later because there are few things I love more than BOOTS!

What is on your Fall Wish List?

I'm linking up these favorites of mine with Lindsey, and you should join in too :) Happy Labor Day Weekend, everyone!!

Fashionable Fall Foliage

Fall fashion is, by far, my favorite out of all the seasons. Winter is fun for the first little bit, but, if you live in Utah {like I did for the past Winter and a half} you can only walk around in non-snow boots for so long. Spring is fun too but I don’t feel like I can get super creative with my wardrobe. Summer is obviously nice with sundresses and sandals but, other than that, I feel like a lot of Summer clothes can be unflattering, for me, at least. Fall is just the all-around perfect fashion season. Especially if you’re like me and love to layer :)

The color palette suits me and my skin tone fairly well also so, that never hurts. Speaking of color palettes, I’m linking up with {av} over at {long distance loving} to show you an outfit in some of my favorite Fall colors! Fashionable Fall Foliage for Friday’s Fancies! What do ya say, friends? :)

I saw the casual cotton dress and thought it’d pair perfectly which a nice, rich, heeled boot. It’d work without tights for now since the temps are still pretty mild, but once it’s chillier, I think some warm tights and a nice jacket would look great! I loved the scarf because it reminds me of the beautiful Fall foliage we get here in the DC area! The bracelets are also full of lots of burnt orange and burgundy colors. For the earrings, I had to go with leaves :) Lastly, I ADORE this Michael Kors handbag not only for its shape and texture, but for its beautiful mustard yellow color as well!

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I’m also linking up with Lauren from The Little Things We Do to fill in some blanks!

 

1.   The most selfless thing I've ever done was     drive up and down the canyon from Salt Lake to Park City and back twice a day for a week to foster Kip. I didn’t care how much gas those mountains burned, I wanted Kip to have a safe and warm place to cuddle up at night. I haven’t given birth to a child, so I can’t say that. The only part of my body I’ve donated is blood, so I didn’t want to say that. {Eh, that sounds weird} But, I would have done anything for the animals I fostered :) {Read about them here and here!!}

 

2.   When it comes to working out    I’m now obsessed. Ever since I started going to my Gold’s Gym here in Virginia, I’ve been in love. The equipment is all brand new {I adore the built-in fans} the people who work there are super nice, and the other gym-goers are cool too! I’ve been going 5 days a week and might start making it 6 :)

 

3.  A woman should always   stand up for herself. Whether she’s standing up to another woman, a man, or even herself, a woman should always remember her worth, and do so with poise.

 

4. I wish I could   stop talking myself out of my dreams  and then I’d  never have to wonder “what if” again!

 

5.  A best friend is   the person you’re on a different level with. You connect with them in a way you don’t connect with anyone else. You may not see each other often or talk everyday, but that bond is always there. They’re your rock.

 

6.  I can't get enough of   jewelry. A lot of girls go to the mall and walk out with bags of clothes. Me? I walk out with jewelry. Bracelets and watches are my current obsession.

 

7.  This weekend I am   meeting up with the lovely Raquel in DC for my first-ever BLATE!!! The story {and hopefully pictures} to come next week :)

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What are your plans? I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)

Everything but the Leaves

As I mentioned yesterday, the crisp Fall air certainly showed itself to us here in DC this past weekend. In fact, the temps we had are normally what we see in the last weeks of November. No joke – I could even slightly see my breath on Sunday! When I was outside, I made sure to wear my favorite brown Steve Madden boots and a Pashmina wrapped around my neck!

And when I was inside, I looked like this:

Mmmm… fur hoodies!

And, mmmm… comfy Ugg-ish slippers because my feet are always cold!

This weekend I also made another trip to the local Farmers Market where I sampled some yummy cherry apple cider! I LOVE seeing what fun Fall things they’ll have out on display. I think the barrels of hay with the pumpkins on them are always so cute! Unfortunately, the Farmers Market was hay-less.

 

Anyone else a white chocolate fan like me? These bad boys are amazing! Hands down, the best thing you can get from this Farmers Market :)

The next day was full of errands and shopping {for a bomber/moto jacket} and a trip to a kitchen/bathroom appliance showroom aka Pinterest in the flesh. Pictures from there to come!

It was definitely a chilly/rainy day so what better way to get warm than to stop and enjoy some delicious pumpkin treats before heading back out?

I don’t usually get it with the whipped cream, but hey, I considered it my “dessert” for the weekend ;)

It truly felt like Fall this weekend {minus the GORGEOUS orange, yellow, and red leaves} and I kept thinking to myself, “I love this!” Call me crazy, but I love the click of my wedge boots on the wet pavement and the chill of that crisp Autumn wind on my face. Each season has its special qualities and I’m remembering to appreciate each one.

I’m excited to watch as the leaves transform from a forest of green to a sea of vibrant colors.

What’s your favorite way to stay warm in the Fall?

Fall Fashion | Bomber/Moto Jackets

I’ve been a pretty big fan of bomber/moto/military-style jackets for quite some time now. Given my obsession with all shades of brown this past year or so, I’ve really, REALLY been into this style of jacket and have had my eye out for the perfect one.

I’m picky. I don’t wear real leather jackets, I prefer a stand collar, I don’t want the jacket to be cropped, I want it to be a shade of brown or cream, and I don’t want to shell out a lot of cash – I’m on a budget! So, I decided to start doing some online window shopping before going out to make my purchase. Here are some of the jackets that I found! Best part – they’re all under $100!

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Although it’s grey, I love all the edgy detail on the jacket below. I LOVE asymmetrical zippers!

 

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So, after checking all of these out and going to the mall to try on a few more, I found what I think is my “dream” bomber/moto jacket. I can’t wait to get a picture in it to show you guys :) I’ll be wearing it all season long – that’s for sure! I’m already daydreaming about my next jacket and I’m thinking it might have to be the jacket below in “sand” but I’m hoping it won’t look as cropped on me since I’m petite :)

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I love the structure and detail in bomber/moto jackets. As these pictures show, they pair perfectly with jeans or even a mini! With a couple layers underneath and maybe a scarf and some gloves, they’ll even work for a nighttime hayride or a dinner date once it starts getting even more chilly!

I’m totally curious to know which of these would be your pick!

Also, friends - for those of you who have loved me enough to put my button on your blog, I realized this weekend that the code was wrong! If you wouldn’t mind updating the code {or adding my button would be fabulous as well!!} I’ll love you forever :) Here it is:

<center><a href="http://lifeisasunset.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Life is a Sunset" src="http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x372/lifeisasunset/SunsetBeachButton.jpg" /></a></center>

Oh, yeah and remember how on Friday I said I’d be going to the National Zoo this past weekend? That didn’t happen. The weather here in DC was cold and rainy and my niece is getting over an ear infection. So, hopefully next weekend I’ll be there visiting the cheetahs and zebras! I’d be lying, though, if I said that I didn’t go see Drive again this weekend. I’m sorry I’m not sorry :)

Oh, How Pinteresting | Festive Fall

The more I think about it, there aren’t many things that I don’t like about Fall. It’s such a fun and festive season that I will be welcoming with open arms. I’m really not sure where my love of Fall comes from.

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

 

 

Perhaps it was years of traveling to the pumpkin patch as a child.

Maybe it was the brisk days of walking to work in the city and hearing the sound of leaves rustle along the sidewalk.

I don’t know but I’ll always have these vivid memories of the sights, smells, and sounds of the season we’ll soon be entering.

Join me today as I link up with The Vintage Apple and with Natasha over at Schue Love and talk about all the things I have to look forward to this season :)

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I own that last pair and will proudly say that you will find me living in them all season long! Probably even to bed.

 

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Okay, and MORE boots. Also, I can’t help it that Lauren Conrad has perfect style… for every season.

 

Source: superswoon.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Source: thehouseundone.blogspot.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

 

Fall decor makes the home so warm and comforting. I LOVE that feeling. Walking in from a crisp Autumn evening and being able to nestle in with a warm cup of apple cider. Speaking of apple cider…

 

Source: images.google.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Source: theberry.com via Chelsea on Pinterest

 

 

Not only do all of these things remind me of Fall but they define Fall for me. In the Fall, I can look forward to the rainy days, the chilly nights, and the slightly higher amount of calories that I may consume thanks to pumpkin pie :)

And, of course, there are many other aspects of Fall that I also love – football, Halloween, pumpkin patches, the anticipation of Christmas right around the corner, etc. I could go on and on. But, Fall isn’t just my favorite season because I get tired of the heat of Summer. {I never really get tired of the heat} I love Fall for its festiveness, for the feeling I get when I hear those leaves crinkle under my boots. Maybe life is just a little better and a little more real in the Fall :) I like to think so at least.

What do you most love about Fall?