Bad Decisions & Cheap Wine

This is my life right now.

I saw this quote on Pinterest, I don't know where it originated so I made this little gem to express how I'm really feelings nowadays. If you're interested in the PDF version of this, leave a comment and I will email it to you.

Cheers!

What to Wear: Girls' Night Out

There are few things I love more than a night out with my best girlfriends. Maybe you drink too much and gossip a little, but hey, a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. As I get older, those nights out end earlier and earlier (cough in bed by midnight cough), but that's a different story for a different day.

1. Trendy Top - Tops are great way to wear trends. Choose a silhouette that flatters you figure. A peplum top or a sequin tank are great choices.

2. Skinny Denim - Skinny jeans are perfect for GNO. They're sexy, yet comfortable. I always feel like a sexier version of myself when in I'm skinny jeans. A dark rinse or waxed pair are perfect.

3. Cute Pumps - I always like to show my personality with my shoes. I tend to be subtle, and pumps let me be me without being over the top. I die for these studded booties and leopard pumps.

4. Clutch Bag - A clutch that has a wristlet or chain is a must for a girls' night. Clutches have just enough space for your phone, lipstick, and ID without any bulk. I like clutches that pack a little punch, just like these.

What about you? What do you love to wear when you go out with the girls?

When life gives you mustaches

Life is throwing me all kinds of crazy loops lately.

Our floors were being redone, and our stuff was everywhere for what felt like weeks. The dogs are acting super weird and needy, probably because our stuff has been everywhere. I see Kris almost never, which is really starting to take a toll on me. And work, work has been a daily challenge.

This leaves me with almost no time or motivation to do anything but keep breathing.

So the point of this is to say that when life gives you mustaches...

...rock them the best you can. And that's what I'm trying to do!

Thankful

In this season of thanksgiving, I would like to take a moment and express my gratitude to those I love.

To Jesus Christ, my ever faithful Savior, I am so thankful for your grace abundant and your never ending mercy.

To my wonderful husband, I am thankful for our partnership and your belief in me.

To my family, I am thankful for your support and unfailing love.

To my friends, I am thankful to for your encouragement and your loving kindness.

6 Watches You'll Love

I haven't had a new watch in two and half years. So pretty much forever. Or at least that's what it feels like.

I only have 2 watches total, but I am itching for more! Since watches are one of the few jewelry items I can wear to work, they're becoming increasingly important to me.

Here are some of my favorites. I'm sure you'll love them, too!

Kate Spade/Michael Kors
Anne Klein/Karl Lagerfeld
Michael Kors/Marc Jacobs

The Vest of Me

I'm loving vests right now! Seriously, I want to wear one everyday. But, can we talk about how much change you can drop on one of those suckers? It's not always worth it. However, if you do some searching you can find a great vest at a great price.

Lucky for you, I've done the searching for you! Which ones do you love?

Quilted/Quilted
Puffer/Puffer
Faux Fur/Faux Fur

Tory Must Haves

We all know about my Tory Burch obsession. It started with a cosmetic case, and it hasn't stopped. My friend recently got some Tory earrings as a gift, thus the inspiration for this post.

1. Reva Ballet Flats
2. Tory Burch Foundation Sunglasses
3. Robinson Agenda
4. Thea Zip Coin Case
5. Donkey Needlepoint Pillow
6. Marion Small Cross Body
7. Logo Flag Square Stud

Kris, if you're reading this, I'll take one of everything!

Monday!

Happy Monday!

I spent this weekend at my best friend's wedding, so I'm a little behind in my blog life. Until I can catch up, enjoy the photo below. I spent most of the reception in the photo booth. Wearing mouse ears.

No taste like home

Being Southern, I know the value of a good meal. Being a working woman, I also know the value of a good cookbook. I'm not my mother. I don't know recipes for the best Southern dishes intuitively. Thank the Lord for Southern Living!

courtesy of Southern Living

I need a place to find all my favorite Southern recipes, and No Taste Like Home is that resource!

Here is recipe from the book that I can't wait to try!

courtesy of Southern Living

Coca-Cola Cake

This is simply one of the best sheet cakes on earth. The magical brew of carbonated cola is the secret to its tender texture.

Makes 12 servings

Hands-On Time 15 min.

Total Time 55 min.

1 cup Coca-Cola

½ cup buttermilk

1 cup butter, softened

1 ¾ cups sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cocoa

1 tsp. baking soda

1 ½ cups miniature marshmallows

Coca-Cola frosting

¾ cup chopped pecans, toasted

1.      Preheat oven to 350°. Combine Coca-Cola and buttermilk; set aside.

2.      Beat butter at low speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until blended. Add eggs and vanilla; beat at low speed until blended.

3.      Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda. Add to butter mixture alternately with cola mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended.

4.      Stir in marshmallows. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13 x 9-inch pan. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven; cool 10 minutes. Pour Coca-Cola Frosting over warm cake. Sprinkle with pecans.

Note:  Don’t make the frosting ahead—you need to pour it over the cake shortly after baking.

Because Southern Living and Oxmoor House are awesome, they're giving one lucky Love & Loyally reader a free copy of No Taste Like Home!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Graphic

When I was in middle school/high school graphic tees were all the rage. You know, the ones from Abercrombie & Fitch or American Eagle? They always had some suggestive language or an obscure sport on them? Are those still popular with the kids?

Well, it appears they're making a come back. At least for people my age.

 

What about you? Are getting on the graphic tee trend train? Linking up for Style Sessions.

Let's Talk About Makeup

Much to my husband's dismay, I love shopping for makeup. Over the years, I've discovered some products I really love both at drugstores and department stores. Trust me, you do not have to spend a ton of money to get good products, but definitely can if you have the budget. Here are some of my favorite drugstore and department store products.

 

Foundation: Garnier BB Cream ($12) and Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous ($30)

Mascara: Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash ($5) and Dior Diorshow ($25)

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter ($6) and Mac Lipstick ($15)

Which products do you love?

High Five For Friday

Holy work week. This one has gone by so quickly, and I am amazed I survived. Well, I guess I really haven't survived yet. I'm working today so we'll see if I make it.

Here are 5 awesome things from the week!

1. Muscadine Gin Fizz. It was fabulous!

2. My husband sent me the most gorgeous flower arrangement for our second wedding anniversary. That was last week, but I forgot to share this picture.

3. In case you were absent from Instagram yesterday, I dressed as Where's Waldo.

4. And my friends dressed up, too. Love them!

 

5. I saw the cutest little boy last night while passing out candy at my house. I didn't get a pic, because that would just be weird. "Excuse me sir, who may or may not live in my neighborhood, do you mind if I take a picture of your kid? I swear I'm not a physco." Um no. But just imagine the cutest little boy you've ever seen, times it by 10, and add adorable eye glasses. That's how cute this little guy was.

Linking up for High Five For Friday. Have a great weekend. I promise to be back next week with some better posts.