OOTD & a recipe

I haven't been feeling too good since yesterday afternoon. I had a 3 mile run scheduled with a friend. And I thought really hard about canceling. But I went anyway, and I felt better afterwards.

For my meal 5 on day 1 of the 5dsd yesterday I made a random concoction of kale and chickpeas.

1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Minced garlic
A few handfuls of kale
2 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
.5c veggie stock

Heat up a pan with olive oil
Add minced garlic (however much you like)
Pour in chickpeas and heat them up for a minute
Throw in kale, balsamic vinegar, & stock
Let simmer until kale is wilted
* this would w great topped with feta too!!

This morning I did not want to wake up to work out. But I got up and did the surfer girl routine from the TIU beach babe DVD. My M1 was a typical protein pancake.

Here's an outfit for today too!

 Top: Loft

Blazer: LC for Kohls

Skinnies: Kohls

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: Stella & Dot

Headband: Goody from Target

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

XO-Heather

OOTD

It is getting unbearably hot here. I can't remember the last time I wore pants to work. I've been sticking with dressed and skirts lately. I actually need to find a couple more work appropriate length dresses.

Speaking of it being so hot... I fell off the wagon with running. It is just miserable with the humidity.  And I have a genuine concern that I will pass out.  Even at 5:30 a.m. its sweltering...

Sorry for the iPhone pics. I didn't have time to get out the camera this morning.

 

top and skirt- Target

necklace- Macy's

shoes- DSW

Have a great day everyone!

Don't forget that I'm giving away one of these adorable Stella and Dot bangles!  See how to enter here

 

XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday

pants- Target Mossimo Ankle Pants
top- thrifted- random brand
wedges- Diba via DSW
watch- MK

The lighting is awful in these pictures. I snapped them real quick before running out the door, and I didn't have time to edit them. 
I love these pants.  I know its hard to see them in the pictures.  But they are a nice thick material.  They look like regular dress slacks, but they are more of a skinny ankle fit.  I bought them in black and this royal blue color!  They are very flattering and comfy.  I would definitely wear them outside of work too.  They are sold out on Target's website, and it says they are not sold in stores.  But that is not true.  I bought each pair at a different store.  So I highly recommend looking for them!!!
Have a great day!

XO-Heather

Happy Friday- outfit & a few sales

Happy Friday!! I am exceptionally excited and happy today, because it is my last day of work until Wednesday of next week!!  I took the day off on Monday, and Tuesday is Mardi Gras, of course!!! 
We'll be headed into the Big Easy on Sunday for a little Mardi Gras celebration.  We're going to the Bacchus parade on Sunday afternoon.  Will Ferrel is the grand marshal this year! But I'm sure we'll watch all of the parades that day.  Last year during Bacchus we got a parking ticket.  Let's hope we find a good spot this year!
I want to share a few peeks of my outfit today. 

This dress is from Gap.  I got it during a 25% off sale a few weeks ago.  I love it. I think its so versatile. 
If anyone has any weekend shopping planned there are plenty of sales for President's Day!
Loft 30% off full price purchase (in stores and online)
Gap up to 40% off (in stores and online)
Banana Republic 25% off sale items (in stores and online)
J. Crew 30% off all factory items online

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and Happy Mardi Gras!

XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: OOTD

Happy Wednesday Everyone!
This is what I wore to work today! I picked up this skirt at Banana Republic the day after Christmas.  I scored some great deals that day!
This plaid top was a one of Target's Daily Deals online.  I love their daily deals!  Sometimes the clothes are pretty ugly, but sometimes you can score cute stuff. Their daily deals always ship free too. I ordered 2 different colors for $8 a piece.  They came to my door for like $18 total!

skirt- Banana Republic; shirt- Target; tights- Target; shoes- Payless; necklace- F21; watch- MK

XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: outfits from Vegas

I hope everyone's holiday was fabulous.  Be on the lookout for a recap of my Christmas soon.

So I know I'm super late (like a month) at posting these.  But below are a few outfits pics I took before we were headed out while we were in Vegas during Thanksgiving.
We had a great time.  It was our first time going.  We stayed for 5 days, which was a little too long, IMO... We have to go back for a friend's wedding in June.  I think that will be a blast to go with a group of our high school friends!

first day there sightseeing. skinnies: Kohls; shoes: Coach; cardi: F21; tank: F21

Before heading out to see Peep Show:: BTW, this show was absolutely amazing! I love burlesque shows.  I think they're so fun to watch!  And this one had some amazing dancers!!

 dress: Old Navy, tights: Target; necklace: F21; shoes: DSW; clutch: local boutique

Holly doing an interview

 Holly!

Shopping day:

 jacket, tee, jeans: Loft; shoes: Steve Madden

 Before heading out to see the Blue Man Group:

 shirt: Old Navy; black jeans: Loft; shoes: Payless

Happy Hump Day!

XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: OOTD

Today's outfit is a pretty basic work outfit- nothing fancy.  Pretty boring... It got pretty cold here overnight. 

 

pants- Loft
sweater- JCP
wedges- Target
scarf- American Eagle

I picked up this scarf over the weekend with an American Eagle coupon, and I couldn't wait to wear it.  I have no makeup on today.  My eyelid has been itching all week in one spot, and I just couldn't bare to put any eye makeup on just to rub it off.
With that being said... This leads me into a discussion about the random "health" issues I've been having for the past month. 
I've got this weird red patch on my left eyelid.  And it itches like crazy.  I haven't changed my makeup or any facial products recently.  So I have no clue what it is.  My vision insurance kicks in January 1st so I'm going to have my eyes checked then.
Both of my eyes have been twitching for over a month.  Not continuously.  But on and off and nearly every day.  Just recently my entire right eyelid has been twitching every few times I blink.  People can even see it when they look close enough.  I have no idea what is causing it. 
I have also been having crazy muscle spasms everywhere lately.  Sometimes when I lay down at night my temple will spasm while I'm laying on it.  I get spasms in muscles in my legs, arms, back, etc... I've never had them this much this often.  So at this point I've convinced myself that I have some neurological problem and I need to go to the doctor asap.  Husband thinks I'm over-reacting...
Anyone else ever had this happen?!
XO-Heather

Wardrobe Wednesday: OOTD

Happy Wednesday!
Today I'm wearing what's as close to PJ's to work as possible.  I think I may have injured my knee in the gym yesterday, doing lunges.  Something popped, but it didn't hurt.  So I finished my entire routine.  Then later in the day it kept popping and feels like something is pulling whenever I straighten it.  I've been wearing flats for 2 days, and I have to take the elevator in my building.  I'm so mad because I feel like I just found my groove.  I had a good routine down that I really liked.  Now this happens!!!  Hopefully it's nothing serious.  But its still bothering me this morning. 

Anyway, I'm wearing my Daisy Fuentes skinnies that I posted about in my recent purchases post Monday.

Shirt- Gap $12
Skinnes- Daisy Fuentes via Kohl's $23
shoes- Steve Madden via Plato's Closet $9.99
These pants feel like a really thick legging.  They have an elastic waist.  So you just pull them on.  But they're not tight like leggings.  They are looser like a regular pant, and they have pockets in the back so it looks like pants.  I probably wouldn't wear them with anything other than a looser shirt though.
I picked up this shirt of the clearance rack at Gap a while back.  This is my first time wearing it.  I really like the back of it!!  

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 

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

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

Wardrobe Wednesday- Old Navy Trip

Last week I took a trip to Old Navy.  Their full priced items were buy 1, get 1 75% off.  I've been seeing a lot of cute items on their website so I figured I would take a look.  Man, I wanted so much stuff.  Their clearance items were also another 50% off.  I only had a little of my weekly allowance left.  So I knew I had to spend wisely.  I picked up this new camel blouse below, a leopard cardigan, 3 tanks, workout pants, and 2 pair of Bermuda shorts for $70 total- with tax.
I love the look of this blouse.  I think it looks way more expensive than it is.  It has a very vintage-y feel to it too.  I think it's extremely versatile.  My only issue with the outfit is that I needed some more color.  I need some red heels! 
Oh, and Victoria and I are wearing the same shirt today!     

blouse- Old Navy
pants- Express
shoes- JCP

Happy Hump Day!
XO-Heather