Overwhelmed

I feel so overwhelmed I can barely stand it. My workload at my job has increased significantly the last couple of weeks, and it looks like it will stay that way.

We are having work done on our house, and it is in shambles. Meaning I have no peace when I come home. If you know me, a peaceful environment is as important to me as breathing. Maybe more.

I'm a mess inside and out.

I saw this today, and thought it was perfect. Have a great Wednesday!

via

Weekend Shenanigans!

Wow, I feel like such a hot mess lately! I've fallen off the diet wagon, stopped cleaning my house, created uninteresting & poor quality content around these parts, and basically allowed my life to lie in shambles all around me. While that's a bit dramatic, it's truly I how I feel. Like I'm sucking at life right now.

Blah. This is too much of a downer topic for a Monday. Let's talk about something else. 

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty low key and went by way too quickly! I worked from 7am until 8:30pm(ish) on Friday. We were outside basically all day, so I spent Saturday thawing out and recovering.

Oh & I scored these shoes for $8.99! I've been eyeing them for a couple of months; it pretty much feels like I won the powerball. Or at least the grand prize on a scratch off ticket. You get the idea.

 

I also enjoyed  some delicious Starbucks, and played around with 2 adorable pups.

 

 



The weekend wasn't half bad. Linking up for Weekend Shenanigans. Happy Monday!

 

Resvology Review

It's no secret that I'm nearing the end of my twenties. At 28 I don't need a heavy duty wrinkle fighting regimen, but I am very aware of the fact that my skin is changing. Especially around my eyes! Preventative care is really my main concern.

This is where Resvology Age Corrective Eye Cream comes in. I've been using it for about a week, and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. It instantly hydrates my eyes, and I've even noticed it helps my eye makeup stay put. It's just been a week so I can't say it's been a miracle worker, but so far so good.

The science behind Resvology claims to increase youthful gene activity by 330%, and the product is made of a biologist and dermatologist-approved blend of select natural and botanical ingredients At $89, it is a little pricey for my personal taste, but the price point is comparable other high end eye creams. 

 

To purchase or find out more info, check out Resvology here or try their Facebook page!

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Disclosure: As part of my affiliation with Brand Backer, I was provided a complimentary sample of Resvology, but all opinions are my own. 

Two

Kris and I have been married for 2 years today. Today also marks the 7th anniversary of our first date. I can hardly believe it has been that long since we first met.

Our wedding day was beautiful. We were married in Seaside, FL. It was perfect. Here are some of my favorite pictures all taken on 30A by John Shim. You can see more photos here.

High Five For Friday!

Yay for the weekend! I think that about sums it up, doesn't it? Here are highlights from my week.

1. Pumpkin carving fun

2. Gorgeous scenery on my walk this week

3. Getting photos of my cute nephew

4. New chalkboard signage

5. Making (and eating) these cookies

 

Linking up for High Five For Friday! Have a great weekend!

 

 

Wednesdays & A Giveaway!

My boss always says Wednesdays are wonderful because they're a reminder that the work week is halfway over. I tend to agree, but this week is different. I feel like I'm on my third Monday. Which is pretty much how I imagine hell - an eternity of Mondays. Ok, maybe I'm being dramatic, but you get the point.

But, there's good news! Teresa, one of my awesome sponsors, is giving one lucky Love & Loyally reader the chance to win a $10 Target gift card and The Happiness Project One Sentence Journal. How sweet is she?

 

Teresa blogs over at The Adventures of Teresa & Luna, She's chronicling life's adventures one post at a time; you should definitely check it out.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Mixing Prints & Fall Boots

I loved wearing this polka dot skirt in the spring and summer, and I wasn't quite ready to put it away for fall, So in a effort to keep it fresh and on trend, I added gingham, layers, and ankle boots. I wore this to church the other day, and I was pretty proud of myself for mixing prints and trends in a way that didn't make me feel like a child trying to dress herself. Which, let's be honest, happens more often than not.

Gingham & Sweater: J.Crew Factory (similar, exact)
Skirt: Target (similar)
Boots: Nine West (similar)

Linking up for Style Sessions, What I Wore Wednesday, & Trend Spin.

Oatmeal Pumpkin Creme Cookies

Call me crazy, but I love me some pumpkin. I could eat pumpkin flavored anything and be happy. Especially this time of year. When I saw this Oatmeal Pumpkin Crème Cookie recipe on Pinterest, I knew I had to make them.

Ingredients:
Oatmeal Cookie

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 & 2/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup all purpose flour

Pumpkin Crème Filling

• 4 oz of cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour (to thicken, if needed)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl with a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugars until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and mix well. Slowly stir in the baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, oats, and flour. Mix together until combined.
2. Chill the dough for at least an hour in the fridge.
3. While the dough is chilling, prepare the pumpkin crème. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, mix the cream cheese, butter, pumpkin, and pumpkin spice on medium speed until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and stir to combine. If the mix is too thin, add flour to thicken. Let chill in the fridge until cookies are baked and cooled.
3. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. I cooked mine on my baking stone, but you could also use a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Bake for 9-10 minutes. Let stand on stone or cookie sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool.
4. Spread a generous amount of pumpkin crème on the underside of the cooled cookie and place another cookie on top to make a sandwich. Makes 30 sandwiches.

Tips:

These cookies were much better after they sat overnight in the refrigerator. I was very disappointed when I tasted them the night I baked them, but it was a completely different story the next day! They were terrific!

If you follow Weight Watchers, one of these sandwiches is 4 Points Plus.

Note: I changed the recipe to fit my tastes, but you can find the original recipe here.

Friday Randoms

I don't know from where this is coming...

I'm terrible at answering blog emails. Please love me anyway.

I drink more coffee than I should just because my coffee cup is gorgeous.

Someone told me I am "big around the middle" last week. I wanted to punch her in the throat.

The egg white delight mcmuffin at McDonald's is awesome, but I can't make myself say "egg white delight" when I order it. I always say "egg white mcmuffin." Even typing egg white delight was difficult for me.

Sometimes, I think I'm not cut out to hold a job. Then I remember I have bills, so I go to work anyway.

I heard NASA is looking for people to participate in a study where you lie down for like 70 days. They pay you $18,000. I seriously considered it for a minute. I love to sleep.

I don't do anything fancy homemaker like crochet or sew.

I don't gush over babies or children, my nieces and nephews are the only exception.

My dogs are allowed on the furniture in my house.  If you don't like that, don't come to my house.

I was a little sad when I heard Bruce & Kris Jenner were separated. Deep down  I thought they would make it.

I love making lists. Like, I' obsessed. I might need therapy, but then again, don't we all?

Via

OK, that's it. Have a great weekend!

Office Makeup Essentials

Lately, I've had some projects going on at work, and I've had to be there longer hours than normal. Having makeup in my desk to freshen up has been a must. Almost as important as my morning cup of coffee. Almost. I wanted to share my office makeup essentials with you.

1. Blotting papers will get rid of excess oil without removing your foundation. Starbucks napkins also work great!
2. A powder freshen will keep you shine free and flawless, but don't do it if you've skipped #1, you'll look a little cakey.
3. Lip balm is great on your pucker, but it also doubles as blush in a pinch. I apply to my lips first, then dab the excess on the apples of my cheeks.
4. Hit your eyelashes with a quick curl midday to give yourself an instant eye lift. This works better than using another coat of mascara, which can cause clump.

What products do you keep in your desk to keep you looking fabulous throughout the day?

Military & Plaid

 

It's Style Statement time again, and I'm so happy to be wearing fall clothes! I think I feel most like myself in fall and winter clothes, and I can always find things that fit my Style Statement* this time of year. Like this classic plaid shirt paired with a trendy military vest, love!

*In case you don't already know, a Style Statement is phrase you choose to define your style. I've chosen "Classic Casual" as mine. It makes getting dressed and buying clothes so much easier. To learn more, you can click here.

Boots & Shirt: Target
Vest: H&M
Jeans: Gap
Watch Michael Kors
Earrings: JTV

 Linking up for Style Sessions and What I Wore Wednesday.

 

Weekend Shenanigans!

Holy weekend! This one was crazy! I spent it with my sorority sisters in Martin, TN celebrating homecoming. I had tons of fun, and I didn't know how much I needed some time with these girls!

Jamie & I pledged together in 2003, and are still best friends

I wish I had taken more pictures, but I was too busy having fun and catching up.

Jen is my diamond sister, love her!

Wow we're old moment: asking the vintage on the wine being served at dinner

Things haven't changed moment: stopping by Wendy's for fries and a frosty before going back to the hotel

I love this place moment: $3 for a 10oz pour of wine. Who cares what vintage it is, it's $3!

Sweetest moment: our chapter advisor telling me she reads Love & Loyally everyday and even has a shortcut to it on her computer. Love you Ms. Suzanne!

We live for each other moment: during tornado sirens and warning we all decide not to "take cover immediately" because if we're going to go, at least we'll go together
 

Our diamond family

Linking up for Weekend Shenanigans!