Mixed Up Monday: Recent Purchases

Happy Halloween!  I'm lazy and boring and didn't do anything for Halloween nor am I dressing up.  Husband has too much studying to do to break away.  And I just hate to spend money on a costume, and I'm too lazy to make one.

Saturday I had a facial from my best friend.  She's an Esthetician, and owns a spa in our hometown.  My skin has been looking so dull lately no matter how many times I exfoliate.  Plus, it has been a year since I had one.  

Then afterward I tagged along with a friend while she shopped and we ate sushi for lunch.  We spent 6 hours shopping!  It was so fun though.  By the time I came home at 7 that night I was exhausted.

I did pick up a few things on Saturday.  I really wanted to take advantage of the 20% off coupon from Ulta since there were no exclusions.  There were some things I knew I would buy eventually.  So why not stock up when you can get it on sale?  I also went to Loft because they were having a 40% off everything sale.

So here's what I picked up:

LOFT: 40% OFF ENTIRE STORE

Loft skinny patent belt

Loft Boatneck Cable Poncho

Loft Striped Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee

ULTA: USED 20% OFF ENTIRE ORDER COUPON
A lot of these items were things I wouldn't normally buy all at once being the frugal person that I am.  But they were all things I've had on my wish list for a long time.  And since the Ulta coupon was a one-time thing, and you can normally not use their coupons on any of this stuff... I figured this was the best time to buy everything- while I can get it cheaper.  I can either buy things later when I need them or buy things before I need them at a discount.  I follow the same rule for my groceries and household products... "Buy at the lowest price possible if you are going to use it."

 

Philosophy Microdelivery & Philosophy Great Skin Is In Kit

I've been needing and wanting a new skin care set lately.  Normally I use a drugstore brand, usually Olay because I always have coupons.  But some of the drugstore brands can be pretty pricey when you add up an entire line of products.  Since I really needed everything I figured I'd give this kit a try, and I added in the microdermabrasion cleanser also .  I wouldn't have normally bought it or paid full price for it.  I really just tried it because of the coupon.  But I've been using it since Saturday night and I love it.  But I also just had a facial so we'll see how long that lasts. 
 

Benefit High Beam

I've been dying to try this for a while.  I tried ELF's version, the shimmering facial whip in lilac petal.  But I really didn't care for the consistency of it.  It was EXTREMELY runny.  I made a mess every time I used it.  Since ELF's is only $1 I bought 2 different bottles of it.  Because I thought maybe the first one I bought was old.  But they both did it.  I think that's the first ELF product I didn't really like!
 

Benefit They're Real Mascara

This stuff is AH-Mazing!  I've been on a crazy mascara kick lately.  My sister actually bought this stuff and I tried it.  I had to have it.  I was going to wait until I ran out of ELF Mineral Infused Mascara to buy some more.  But I figured I could either buy it in a month or two or buy it now for 20% less. 
 

Naked Palette

I already have one of these and I'm completely obsessed.  But I picked this one up for my mom.  She tried mine a few weeks ago and fell in love.  Is there anyone out there that doesn't like this thing?!

KOHL'S

I've been dying for some skinny black pants that I can wear to work.  I have black jeans, but I can't wear jeans.  And I'm funny about leggings so I won't wear leggings to work.  I found these at Kohl's.  They are the material of sleeping pants.  But they aren't too tight and have pockets in the back.  So they look like regular pants.  They are great quality.  These were originally $48.  But the Daisy Fuentes brand was 40% off and I had a 15% off coupon I printed.  So I think I paid about $26 with tax.

Daisy Fuentes Skinny Ponte Pants

source

Anyone else do any shopping this weekend? 

XO-Heather

weekend shopping

weekend shopping by hbaham featuring a stripe t shirt

LOFT poncho top
$70 - loft.com

LOFT stripe t shirt
$25 - loft.com

Belt
$17 - bardot.com.au

FRUGAL FRIDAY: CHEAP DATE NIGHT

Happy Friday everyone! 
So since this week was our anniversary I thought it would be fun to share some quick tips for cheap date nights.  I'm really easy to please when it comes to going out to dinner or a date night.  I don't like expensive restaurants because it's not worth it to me, and I'm 100% ok with pizza and beer for a date night!
So here's my tips for cheap dates:

1. Sign up for restaurants' email lists.
1. I put this #1 because it is the best tip I have.  For our anniversary we got a coupon for a free dinner at Texas de Brazil (at $50 value), a free pizza at Rotolos, a free appetizer at Lone Star Steakhouse, free chocolate covered strawberries at The Melting Pot, and a few other offers.  A lot of restaurants will send you an initial offer and something on your b-day and/or anniversary.  Use these coupons!  We are saving the Texas de Brazil because it's good until November.  But last Saturday night we went to Rotolos, ordered a pizza, drank and hung out for a few hours for $15!!!
2. Sign up for daily deals sites
1. They always have great offers for things to do in every area.  I always buy the Fandango tickets when they are like $12 for 2.  If you go to the movies it is $18.  So that is a $6 savings.  I keep the codes in my email.  Then when we have nothing to do I check out the movie times and use one of my codes for Fandango I already bought!
2. My top sites are: google offers, groupon, daily deals, screamin' daily deals, & living social
3. Use restaurants.com
1. You can do a search for restaurants in your area and buy $25 gift certificates for $2!!!!
2. Read the fine print and make sure there are no restrictions.
4. Hip2Save.com does a Weekend Restaurant Round-up every Friday to let everyone know of the deals at restaurants for the weekend.
1. She also does a weekend retail round-up for shopping
5. Go to a restaurant a little early for happy hour to get cheap drinks and appetizers
6. Check out local wineries and breweries.  
1. Sometimes they give free tours and samples
7. Cook at home together
1. I put this last because I cook during the week everyday so it's not my ideal thing to do for a fun night.  Plus, my kitchen is small so it's hard for us to do this.  But other people may enjoy this!

If you start signing up for all these email lists I would create a separate email account for them to go to.  This way it isn't clogging up your inbox.  Check it a few times a week or every other day.

And just for fun here are a few of my favorite pics from my wedding- since it is my anniversary week!!!  I had the easiest best experience planning my wedding.  We had a small wedding, and it was SO SO fun!

 Our venue. I love this! It's my background on my computer

 me & my youngest niece

me & my dad

clearly this isn't the most flattering picture but i love how happy i am!

ha!

me & my mom

me & my parents

me & my bridesmaids my sister is farthest to the right!

my big sis in my sorority sang while we lit the unity candle

my dad & i dancing to Hank Williams, Family Tradition!

Sorry about all the images! I just kept adding!!!! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!
XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: eShakti Review

Sorry I've been M.I.A., guys! Life has been a little crazy.
I got the news on Friday that my grandfather passed away.  He had Alzheimer's disease.  He was 81 when he died.  My grandparents, along with most of my family, live in the middle of nowhere, Mississippi.  The husband had a weekend full of studying for his last CPA portion.  Then we headed to MS Sunday and came back Monday night.  The funeral was Monday.  I took the day off to recoup yesterday.
In the midst of the sadness we were supposed to find time and energy to celebrate our 2nd anniversary Monday.  We spent it at my grandfather's funeral.  Definitely not the ideal date.  But I was happy to be among my family that we don't see often.  We exchanged gifts on Friday and had a few cheap dates over the weekend to make up for it.
Husband got me a gorgeous Michael Kors watch (you can kinda see it below).  I got him some Bose earbuds and personalized autographed football from Jonathan Vilma.  Our company is considered the "Preferred Dental Office of the New Orleans Saints."  So we got him to do a promotion for the LSU school of dentistry with us.  So I had him sign an official NFL Saints Superbowl Champions football, "to Matt, Jonathan Vilma #51."  He almost died!  He absolutely loved it.  I was pretty proud!  Last year I did a boudoir photo session and made a book for him!  What the hell do I do next year to top both of those?!
So anyway, that's where I've been lately.  I felt so disconnected from the world although it was really nice to celebrate my grandfather's life with my family.
On to the reason for this post!

I was contacted by a rep from eShakti about a month ago asking if I would be interested in doing a review for them.  I had actually heard about the company on a few other blogs.  I loved their concept so I said yes immediately!
You can customize your items or order them by size.  You can change the neckline, the hem, the sleeves, etc... It's really a great idea!
I was totally overwhelmed because I wanted to pick something good!  They really have a lot to choose from.  And as a bargain shopper, their prices are very reasonable too.
I took my time picking my item.  Then I had husband measure me and I submitted my measurements on aa easy online form.  Then within 2 weeks I got an email stating that my product had shipped and I got it in 2 days.
I was so excited to get it.  I tried it on immediately.  It fit like a glove, the material is really soft, but durable.  I was pleasantly surprised because the dress is actually a lot dressier than it looked on the website.  But that is a good thing!  It came with a spaghetti strap on the other side.  But I wasn't crazy about it so I tucked it in.  But me being me... I had to add a belt.  And then I felt like it was perfect and very "me". 
I feel like this dress is perfect for a daytime dressy event, like a shower or daytime wedding.  Or even a casual night wedding.  There are so many vibrant colors in the dress too, which I love.  

dress- c/o eShakti 
shoes- Aldo
belt- F21
*Please excuse my messy hair.  I dunno what was going on there.

If you register for their emails they will send you a coupon code for $20 off your first order.  I am still trying to decide what to order with mine.  I'm thinking real hard about the sweetheart dress.  The whole process was easy and painless.  The dress is great and just as I wanted.  I highly recommend this company! 
XO-Heather

*I was not compensated for this review.  But eShakti did provide me with this dress.

Copy Cat- OOTD

So everyone has jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon, and I'm no different.  I found myself pinning or thinking about pinning things every time I see something I like.  I have an outfit ideas board that I pin outfits from other blogs or celebrities that I like. 
I decided to try a different approach to getting dressed for work today.  Usually I pick something out real quick in the mornings b/c my hair always causes me to run late.  And I revert to the same comfortable outfits and pieces all the time.  I have a closet full of clothes.  I need to use these clothes!  So last night I took my iPad in my bedroom, shut the door, pulled up Pinterest, and started brainstorming.  The picture below was something I pinned a long time ago.  I thought it was a good inspiration source since I had similar items.  This is the first real cold snap we've had so it was a perfect chance to pull out my tights.

couldn't find an image source

Here's my take:

tee- Walmart
cardi- Ann Taylor outlet
skirt- Loft
belt- F21
tights- Walmart
oxfords- Target

The outfit is pretty comfy too!  Next time I will change the belt.  I'm not crazy about it with this.
Do you plan your outfits ahead of time?  Do you use inspiration photos?
XO-Heather 

Mixed up Monday: October Birchbox

Happy Monday! I'm starting a new feature today where I will do a post and review of what comes in my Birchbox each month.  If you haven't heard of the Birchbox service yet you can read about it here.  I really love this service!  It comes all wrapped up with a note each month! I get it delivered to my office because I'm always so excited to get it.
Sorry about the blurry photos.  I didn't notice they were out of focus until I uploaded them this morning. 

What's in my box:

Redken Shine Flash glistening mist

 

The claim: Redken’s signature Shine-On Complex has antioxidant-rich camelina oil and vitamin B5 to condition strands. It smoothes the surface of hair to give you a mirror-like finish. 
My take: I forgot to use this this morning so I have nothing to report on this yet.

Blinc Mascara

The claim: This mascara doesn’t just paint your lashes to make them darker and longer — it uses a copolymer-based formula to create little tubes around each one of your lashes. And since it’s not a paint, the mascara won’t flake, run, or smudge. When you’re ready to remove it, each individual tube slides off in one piece — no more black smears under your lashline!
My take: Ok guys, this stuff does EXACTLY what it says it will.  I should've taken pictures but I forgot!  It really does put "tubes" around your lashes.  It didn't smudge or flake at all.  When I washed it off at night I got freaked out b/c it looked like my own lashes were coming off, but it was just the tubes coming off.  My only complaint is that it doesn't really plump or lengthen the lashes.  It just makes your own lashes more defined.  This is not good for me because I have puny lashes.  But if you have full lashes your are happy with then I HIGHLY suggest this!

Pangea Organics Facial Scrub 

The claim: Made from natural ingredients, this nourishing scrub has both chemical and physical exfoliators for an effective one-two punch. First, Cranberry Seed enzymes dissolve dead cells, and then finely ground Adzuki Bean gently whisk them away to uncover fresh, healthy skin. Geranium Oil helps to tone, while Vitamin C brightens, and Almond Oil restores moisture.

My take: This is probably my favorite in the box.  I have very dry skin.  Lately it's been really bad.  And I use powder foundation so you can see dry patches sometimes.  I've been using this every night after I wash my face since Friday.  My skin is a lot smoother and brighter.

Befine Belips: Lip Exfoliator

The claim: The key to smooth skin — be it on your lips or your visage — is exfoliating. Befine’s ultra gentle scrub uses pineapple enzymes to dissolve dead skin and finely ground almond meal to softly buff lips. The matching lip serum has plant-based amino acids and peptides to boost collagen and firm skin, plus soothing chamomile oil and moisturizing safflower seed oil.

My take: I used this a few times because my lips have been dry lately too.  But I wasn't too impressed.  I couldn't tell that much of a difference after using it.  But it also says it should've come with a lip serum too.  And I only got the exfoliater.

Tea Forte Mints 

The claim: These pick-me-up treats are laced with healthy ingredients that keep you balanced. The flavors are designed not only to taste good but also to accomplish specific wellness goals. Resist boosts immunity with lemon and lime extracts, while Results, a spicy matcha chai and cinnamon blend, spurs metabolism.

My take: I guess it's a little difficult to tell whether or not they're doing what they are supposed to do.  So it's kind of hard to report on.  But they taste really good!

The only thing I would order a full size of out of this box is the facial scrub.  

If you're signed up for Birchbox- what did you get?

If not- what are you waiting for?

XO-Heather 

 

Frugal Friday: Fit on a Budget

source

I got up at 5:30 this morning and did the Couch 2 5K program with Mocha.  As I was jogging I started thinking about this idea for a post...
We all need to exercise, right?  Even if we aren't trying to lose weight it is necessary for our health.  I'm a firm believer in exercising and keeping a healthy heart.  Although, I don't exercise every single day and some weeks I don't get around to it at all.  But I don't believe in being lazy every single day for the rest of our lives.  I certainly do not claim to be a fitness enthusiast or expert either.  But I have always been very body conscience.  Even though I don't think I am "fat", I have some issues with my weight.  It's all part of my perfectionist personality.   
I REALLY love good food.  Really, words CANNOT even explain my love for food.  One of the ways I feel better about myself is by exercising.  I figure, at least I'm trying, right?!
We all make excuses for not exercising, including me!  One excuse for not exercising is budget...  Gym memberships can be very pricey.  But exercising does not have to cost a fortune.  So here are my "fit on a budget" tips.

• Get outside! Walk, jog, or run!
• ITS TOTALLY FREE!  Some fresh air always makes you feel better.  But the downsides: it can be pretty boring and monotonous and the weather.  It's really hard for me to get outside when it's super cold and when it's 100 degree Louisiana heat.
• Try to C25K app.  I think it's 99 cents.  I love it!  I've read that interval training burns more calories too! 
•   Make your own circuit!
• This will take some investing at first.  But it will be one time costs, and you can usually find these items at TJ Maxx or a garage sale.  Get a few sizes of dumbbells, an exercise ball, and resistance bands.  Then look up some circuit-type exercise routines on Spark People, You Tube, or just Google it.
• That brings me to my next step... There are a ton of online videos and routines.  You can find some on Netflix too.  You can also look into Exercise TV.  
• Check out your local library for fitness DVDs.
• You can also invest a small amount of money in a few quality DVDs.  Pick some up on Amazon.  I know the Jillian Michaels DVD's are pretty good.  
• Use your Wii if you have one to play fitness games.
• Gold's Gym 
• EA Sports 
• Wii Fit 
• Find a gym with no contracts.  
• I am REALLY funny about signing a gym membership contract.  I WILL NOT do it.  I don't like to be stuck in something.  Things change, situations change, jobs change, you move, etc... and I get bored easily. There are too many factors that play into where I work out.  I don't want to be stuck with something.  24 hour gyms are a good place to start.  My husband has a membership to a Snap fitness 1 mile from our house.  So we added me to the plan for $15/month.  But I can cancel it at anytime.  I like that.  I also found a gym near my office that strictly teaches classes.  They have Zumba, kickboxing, Body Pump, spin, step, and a ton more.  Best part: I can either pay for a month of unlimited, or I can pay $5/class.  I like to pay $5/class.  I really only like to do Body Pump because I hate lifting weights on my own, and I really enjoy that class.  I usually only go once a week though.  So I use that in combination with walking on the treadmill or doing C25K outside.  So I work out in a group setting or on the treadmill at a gym for less than $40 a month.  I pay around $20 for body pump and $15 for Snap.  

Sorry this post is so wordy!
What are your fitness tips?  How do you keep your wallet and waist in check?
XO-Heather

A to Z of Me

So instead of doing my Three Things Thursday this week I decided to do something a little different.  I've been seeing this A to Z thing on a few blogs lately.  So I thought I would tell you guys a bit about myself.  Here goes:
A. Age: 24
B. Bed size: King
C. Chore that you hate: there's not just one... dusting, mopping, the dishes...
D. Dogs: Mocha and Fred
E. Essential start to your day: peeing... is that gross?
F. Favorite color: pink, of course
G. Gold or Silver: this is hard... my wedding band is white gold. but i really like the look of yellow gold. it goes so well with everything!
H. Height: 5’6″
I. Instruments you play: are you kidding? i can't play anything!
J. Job title: Human Resources Coordinator
K. Kids: Pass
L. Live: Southeast Louisiana
M. Mother’s name: Trenna. (Pronounced Tree-na) you know like the rapper?!
N. Nicknames: I always wanted a nickname, but what do you do with Heather?!
O. Overnight hospital stays: None.
P. Pet peeves: repetitive noises, obnoxious people, people who drive in the left lane on the interstate without passing someone...
Q. Quote from a movie: OK, my favorite movie EVER is Old School.  I LOVE Will Ferrell!  So here are my faves:
Frank-"Well, um, actually a pretty nice little Saturday, we're going to go to Home Depot. Yeah, buy some wallpaper, maybe get some flooring, stuff like that. Maybe Bed, Bath, & Beyond, I don't know, I don't know if we'll have enough time."
Frank-"Well, uh I guess I, deep down, am feeling a little confused. I mean, suddenly, you get married, and you're supposed to be this entirely different guy. I don't feel different. I mean, take yesterday for example. We were out at the Olive Garden for dinner, which was lovely. And uh, I happen to look over at a certain point during the meal and see a waitress taking an order, and I found myself wondering what color her underpants might be. Her panties. Uh, odds are they are probably basic white, cotton, underpants. But I sort of think well maybe they're silk panties, maybe it's a thong. Maybe it's something really cool that I don't even know about. You know, and uh, and I started feeling... what? what I thought we were in the trust tree in the nest, were we not?"
Mitch-"True love is hard to find, sometimes you think you have true love and then you catch the early flight home from San Diego and a couple of nude people jump out of your bathroom blindfolded like a ** magic show ready to double team your girlfriend."  
R. Right or left handed: Righty.
S. Siblings: 1 sister
U. Underwear: umm... yes...?
V. Vegetable you hate: believe it or not, i don't really hate any.
W. What makes you run late: my snooze button and my hair.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: arm. i broke it in a 4-wheeler accident in Jr. high
Y. Yummy food that you make: i make some really delicious red beans & rice
Z. Zoo animal: gorgeous black and white tigers

Now I want to know more about you!!!  Tell me some fun facts!
XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: OOTD & Ramblings

It's cooling off a bit here lately.  So I added a long sleeve thin black tee under this dress to make it a little more work appropriate.  Since I am showing a little leg I wasn't sure about bare arms too. 
I just realized my sleeves were pushed up in the pics too...

dress- TJ Maxx
undershirt- Target
belt- Target
shoes- Payless
Oh, and I'm trying out Caroline's faux braid today.  You can watch her quick how-to video here.

I'm super excited because my amazing friend, Lauren, is in town.  She moved to Utah to go to school 2 years ago.  I haven't seen her since our wedding, which was October 2009.  We're going to meet up for dinner tonight after I go to body pump.  I'm trying so hard to stay on track lately.  I even got up at 5 a.m. yesterday and did C25K
Anyone else tried C25K?  I did it last year for a while.  I didn't make it all the way through.  But I really enjoyed doing it.  I'm very much a morning person.  So getting up and doing something like that is way easier for me than after work. 
XO-Heather

Tasty Tuesday: Best Chicken Enchiladas EVER

I am about to blow your mind with the BEST chicken enchilada recipe ever!  Best part is it's fairly healthy.  I adapted, yet another, recipe from Gina at skinnytaste.com.  Have I told y'all enough how much I love her site?!
I absolutely love Mexican food.  It's probably my 2nd favorite next to Asian food.  But the husband doesn't really like Mexican.  So I don't cook it or eat it often.  But I decided to say to hell with him and make myself some enchiladas!  Here's how I did it:

Chicken Enchiladas
make 6 servings;  serving= 1 enchilada
(per serving) guesstimate calories: 159, WW points: 3, WW points plus: 4  
(these are her calculations. mine may be more or less since I changed her recipe a little)

Ingredients:

• for chicken:
• 1 lb of boneless chicken breast
• .5 of taco or fajita seasoning pack (i like to use low sodium)
• 3/4c chunky salsa or picante sauce
• 3/4c fat free chicken broth
• 6 (7 inch) reduced carb whole wheat flour tortillas
• this is what her recipe calls for. and this is what the nutritional value is based on.  But I used the Mission Artisan Style corn & whole wheat blend tortillas which have 40 more calories and less fiber.  So the nutritional value might be a little worse. 
• for sauce:
• nonstick spray
• 1tsp minced garlic
• 1-2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (i used La Costena from WalMart)
• smallest can of tomato sauce (i used a brand I found in the Mexican section at WalMart)
• .5tsp ground cumin
• .5 tsp chili powder
• 3/4c fat free chicken broth
• salt & pepper

Make your chicken in the crockpot in the morning so that at night all you have to do is assemble the enchiladas, make the sauce, and bake.  To make the chicken just throw everything from the chicken section above into the crockpot.  Cook it on low for 6 hours or on high for 3.5 hours.  When the chicken is ready you can shred it in the pot with a fork.
Once you are ready to make your enchiladas and the chicken is ready preheat the oven to 400.  To make the sauce spray a small sauce pan with nonstick spray and saute the garlic.  Add the other sauce ingredients with salt and pepper.  Bring to boil, then reduce heat, & simmer for 7 minutes.
While your sauce is simmering you can start to assemble the enchiladas.  Scoop 1/3c of the chicken mixture into each tortilla and roll it up.  Spray a small baking dish with nonstick spray and put your enchiladas in after assembly.  Pour the sauce on top.  Top with a little fat free cheese.  Cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.  I topped mine with scallions.  For additional calories and points you can top with sour cream.

I've made enchiladas a few times before.  But I always used store bought enchilada sauce, and it was never really great.  Y'all, this sauce is phenomenal!  It's really what makes the recipe.  And the chicken is so easy to make.  You can certainly follow her recipe and cook the chicken like she did.  But since I get home late from work it was easier to have part of it ready.  I actually made the chicken all day Sunday, put it in the fridge, and used it Monday.  It was a pretty budget-friendly meal to make too.     
Excuse my picture below.  It's a little dark.  And I only added scallions to half because husband doesn't like them.  This was the perfect amount of food.  Her recipe calls for more and makes more, but I wasn't sure how they'd turn out.  So I scaled it down.  I had 2 leftover for lunch today, and they were just as good!!

I want everyone to make this!  A co-worker tried mine today, and she said they taste like they came from a restaurant.  That is the BEST compliment ever.  Have a fab day!
XO-Heather 

PS: some of my other faves from her site are: chili, black eyed peas, chicken rollatini, skinny taco dip, Sweet Barbacoa Pork, &  sante fe chicken... Those are just a few!

Mixed up Monday: Weekend Recap

I'm writing this from my new recliner today...  I wasn't feeling too good this morning so I took a sick day.  I've spent the day catching up on my shows on DVR (Revenge, Big Rick Texas, Secret Circle, Rachel Zoe...) and lounging with the pup.
I just wanted to share some pictures with you guys from my last few days.

Mocha and Fred in their Halloween pumpkin shirts.  They even glow in the dark:

A few pics from our craft night- making Halloween wreaths:

A few pics from yesterday featuring my new Saints tee.  My spent the day in NOLA with Victoria and her BF, Mike.  But we forgot to take pics!

Hope everyone has a great rest of the day.  I'm getting back to my DVR... Man, my life is EXCITING!
What did everyone else do this weekend?
XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: Animal Print

I'm participating in my first round of Bloggers Do It Better today, and I couldn't be more excited.  I love the concept of these little challenges!  And words cannot explain my love for animal print.  Leopard, particularly, is my favorite.  Because it is so versatile.  I can wear it with black or brown basics.  Today I paired a leopard cardi with gray pants.  Usually I would wear it with black or brown pants.  But I decided to try something different.  The gray lightens it up a bit.

shell- Loft clearance $14.98- a while back
pants- Loft final sale $9.88-a while back
cardi- Old Navy $21 with 30% promo a few weeks ago
belt- Target clearance $4
necklace- Macy's clearance $15
shoes- Missoni for Target $39

These shoes were the only thing I picked up in the Missoni craze.  I really like them.  They're super comfy.  Speaking of shoes...  I had a little incident this morning.  I keep my most worn heels in plastic shoe boxes in the top of my closet.  I have them stacked 2 high across the top.  Well I tried to grab these before work.  They were on the end under another pair.  As I grabbed them 3 other boxes fell.  One falling right on my cheek bone, under my eye.  It was probably the heaviest shoes I own too.  I wouldn't be surprised if I had a black eye by the end of the day.  It even hurts when I smile.  Good morning to me!
But then while I'm taking my outfit pics in the kitchen I look outside... And I see this... How can you not smile?

XO-Heather  Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Tasty Tuesday: Frito Pie & a few outfits

The husband and I had a fun-filled weekend spending time together.  We went to the mall on Saturday to get him some new glasses.  We also got a recliner for an early anniversary present for him.  We get to pick it up on Saturday.  He's so excited!  He's a pretty red leather.  Our couches are black leather.  So I think it will look good.  Here's my outfit from our 5 hour shopping trip.  Notice I sported Saints colors all weekend (husband loved it)!

top: Gap; skirt: Urban Outfitters; necklace: Macy's; belt: Target

Sunday we went to New Orleans for the day.  The weather was absolutely perfect, and we didn't want to waste it inside.  So we made the little hour trip to The Big Easy for the day.  We watched the Saints game at a quirky little bar in the quarter and ate a delish pizza for lunch.  After the game we walked around in the quarter a bit before heading back home for the night. 
Here's a few pics of my outfit for the day.  The first pic is in Jackson Square right in front of the Saint Louis Cathedral, one of my favorite spots in the Quarter.  I wanted to get married so bad in Jackson Square, but it just wasn't possible.  We took our engagement pictures in New Orleans, and this was the backdrop for a few of them. 

tank: AE; jeans: buckle; shoes: Target; bag: Coach

Now onto one of my new favorite recipes: homemade turkey chili.  I put this in the crock pot before we left on Sunday.  It was super easy and quick to make.  It's also a good budget meal since the ingredients are pretty cheap.  The recipe was found on skinnytaste.com

Turkey Chili
Servings: 12 • Serving Size: 10.8 oz , Calories: 206.3, Fat: 1.4 g

• 1.3 lb (20 oz) fat free ground turkey breast
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (4.5 oz) can chopped chilies, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, undrained
• 1 (15.5 oz) can black beans, undrained
• 1 (15.5 oz) can small red beans, undrained
•  1 can corn
• 2 tbsp chili powder

Brown turkey and onion in a skillet.
Drain any fat remaining and transfer to crock pot.  Add everything else!
Cook on high 6-8 hours.
I topped mine with green onions and cheese.  You can also top with sour cream.  I ate mine over Fritos for an amazing Frito Pie!
Here's a pic from my lunch today:

 
Sorry for the complete randomness of today's post.  But I really wanted to share both things with you guys!
Happy Tuesday!
XO-Heather