Lovely Lace

Hello Friends!!!!

I think we've finally turned a corner and the fall weather is upon us.  Before we get there, I wanted to share this cute outfit with you.  I wore this outfit yesterday, when the weather was in the high 80's but very comfortable.

I absolutely love this lace tank.  It's the perfect off-white, oatmeal color that works well with my skin tone.  I love how it hangs over the shell on the inside, showing the fun detail on the bottom.  This outfit is the perfect mix of cute without a lot of fuss.  Really, it's a throw on and out the door type of style.

[Lace Tank: Kohl's] [White Tank: Old Navy] [Shorts: Loft] [Sandals: Target]

 [Necklace: LOFT] [Bracelet: Lia Sophia] [Earrings: Stella & Dot]

Looking at these pics, I'm now laughing at myself.  I'm looking at all the little things that I usually hide under my deck but with kiddos and life, they don't always stay put.  My hubby (who is extremely meticulous), always tells me to be aware of my surroundings.  Wonder what he will think when he sees a watering can, the kiddos swim toys, flower pots, etc?  I'm sure he'll just shake his head and go about being meticulous with his own projects. LOL


Catch me linking up over at Real Girl Glam

Hugs,

          Trish

Rule Breaker

Hello Friends!!!!!

If you know me personally, you would probably describe me as a structured, organized and obedient type of person.  I'm not one to stray from the boundaries that are laid out and when you tell me it's a rule - I will typically obide by it.

Not today, so many may think.  Yes, that's right I'm breakin' the rules, breakin' the rules (a little something, something from Beavis and his sidekick).  How many of you still live by the rule - no white jeans/pants after Labor Day?  Not me, at least anymore.  I'm throwing that one out the window.

Why is was that a rule anyway????  Call me a rebel or call me a realist, I see no reason not to wear white after the holiday.  In fact, I've seen adorable style inspiration for fall white.  I may be putting an outfit together in the days to come.

I mentioned to you that I love colored denim and white falls right into that category.  I've worn these jeans in a previous post here.  And promise you, in addition to wearing these with many other outfits, I will also be working on a fall/winter white style. 

[Tank: Old Navy] [Colored Denim: CAbi] [Shoes: Thrifted] [Jewels: Lia Sophia] [Sunnies: Target] 

I have a few frugal finds in this post to share with you.  This fun and whimsical tank from Old Navy was on the clearance rack, originally priced at $12.94 but I paid a whopping $4.99 - uh huh, that's right I savings of over 60% off.     Love it!!!     I also love these simple, slip on sandals that I just got.  I spent the morning going to thrift shops and found all kinds of treasures.  These cutie patooty sandals  were marked $4.38 - so of course I grabbed them immediately.

My girls had a ball thrifting with me.  In the end, I hope to find some amazing deals and show you that style does not have to cost a fortune.  I also have a secret plan in place, I'll share....I want my girls to learn the value of money.  I want them to develop life long skills of budgeting, and how to save money.  

In my opinion, one of the greatest lessons in life is to understand that we all must spend less than we earn and with that, live within our means.  There, ok now I'll get off my soap box and sign off for today.

Have an amazing weekend!!!!

Linking up with  Real Girl Glam. 

  

Hugs,

        Trish

Blue Moon

Hello Friends!!!!

So what were you thinking when you saw the title of this post?  Depending on who's reading, one might think of our Blue Moon we had a few nights ago (which I missed because I was relaxing on the couch), or thinking of the "Blue Man Group" doing something obscene?  Yikes, ok now I'm picturing it.  Hurry, think of something else!!!!!

This was a fun outfit of the day, I'm calling Blue Moon.  This great tank has some fun embellishments that my kiddos adore (camera doesn't quite pick up all the fun stuff).  They love just about anything that shines and sparkles.

[Top: Dress Barn] [Colored Denim & Ballet Flats: Old Navy]

 [Sunnies: Drugstore] [Jewels: Stella & Dot]

I love the colored denim trend and will probably find myself buying a few more colors.  Can you guess which color I'll be looking for?  Oh yeah baby, give me some mustard.  Make it spicy of course, LOL.    You've seen me wear these in a previous post here, and will continue finding new ways to wear them.  I LOVE these so much.  If you don't have a pair of colored denim, get some.  You won't regret it!

Some fun to share....

We did something that was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again.  My hubby took Tuesday off and we planned a surprise road trip to an aquarium and museum.  The girls had no idea.  We picked them up from school and told them we're going on a trip.  They had the biggest smiles, priceless!!!!

Our kiddos absolutely love road trips, I think mainly because of the snacks but also because they get to watch a DVD in the van.  It's the little things, you know!

We went out for lunch, danced to the fun music in the restaurant and then headed to the museum.  They had a ball looking at the fish, boats, and watched a 3D movie.  It was the best afternoon!  My hubby is convinced that it was the lack of planning and element of surprise that made it such a hit. Not sure of the why, but I know that I will definitely do this again.

The last pic you see in the collage is me dancing to the fun Samba music.  Kinda remind you of Elaine on "Seinfeld"?  Ok maybe not that extreme, but after looking at a series of my dancing pics, I realize just how goofy I look.  Oh well, my hubby still loves me regardless.




Hugs,
         Trish

Versatile Dress

Hello Friends!

Did you have a relaxing day off?  I may have taken time away from writing this blog and reading my various blogs but as stay-at-home mom, the day is still very much about work, work, work.  Monday is laundry day, including all the bedding.  Up early and the job is done in no time.  I'm a morning person, so I'd rather get up and get going than find myself doing it at the end of the day.  By evening, I'm tired and ready to kick my feet up and partake in one of my guilty pleasures - BLOGS, BLOGS & More BLOGS!!!!!!  I like to call it Blog Love!

 [Dress: Old Navy] [Belt: Target] [Sandals: Payless] [Jewels: Stella & Dot]

Here's an outfit that I wore while doing a little shopping with my kiddos and hubby.  I've told you that I love to wear dresses and skirts in the summer, and this was one that goes perfect with sandals and a few accessories.  I've worn this with a belt and without, with a necklace or without.  Add a scarf, and you've got yet another way to make this dress look like a different outfit.  You'll probably also see me wear this with a cardigan at some point.



Hugs,
         Trish

Weekend Wear

Hello Friends!

I hope you're having an amazing start to your weekend.  We don't have a lot going on today but I do need to get myself organized with all of my coupons.  Do you coupon?  Isn't that a funny question?  Not too long ago, it wasn't unusual to have a few here and there to give to the cashier but today is different.  This whole idea of extreme couponing has me changing my tune.  It's about finding the rock bottom price, matching a manufacturer's coupon with a store coupon and then stocking up until the next sales cycle.  It's not a ton of work but it's not just clipping and couponing like it used to be.

Here's to you and your frugal ways, I hope to find some amazing sales not only on groceries but of course of some of my favorite clothing stops.  I'll be sure to share with you anything I might find.

[Tank: Sears] [Shorts: Kohl's] [Shoes: Payless] [Sunnies: Drugstore] [Jewels: Stella & Dot]

I think these linen shorts have become my favorite summer piece.  I've worn them with several different tops and it's such a great mustard color that it goes well with more than I expected.  You've seen me wear these shorts here and here.



UPDATE!!!!

I have news for you on my Jalapeno Pepper Jam.  I tried some last night, not on a dare, but out of curiosity.  I think my husband's exact words were "Are you scared?".  Now, I wouldn't say scared but I would say I was hopeful and would be disappointed if it was a total flop.  I chopped and chopped and chopped and, well you get the picture.  It was a lot of work.

It was fantastic.  It was sweet with just enough hot to make it the perfect mix of yumminess.  What I didn't like was how the peppers all settled to the top of the jam.  Hmmmm, I'm guessing it's because of the overcooking but the taste is awesome.  I love this on crackers and pork chops.  Now that I have a few more jars, I will have to do a bit of experimenting with it.

I used the simple Sure-Jell recipe, and it was just that.  SIMPLE!  Well, with the exception of our spill and overcooking....but that's minor.

Sure-Jell's

Sweet Jalapeno Pepper Jam

2 red peppers, seeded, finely chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)

2 green peppers, seeded, finely chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)

10 large jalapeño peppers, seeded, finely chopped (about 1 cup)

1cup cider vinegar

1pkg. SURE-JELL Fruit Pectin

1/2tsp. butter or margarine

5cups sugar, measured into separate bowl 

BRING boiling-water canner, half-full with water, to simmer. Wash jars and screw bands in hot soapy water; rinse with warm water. Pour boiling water over flat lids in saucepan off the heat. Let stand in hot water until ready to use. Drain well before filling.

PLACE peppers in 6- or 8-qt. saucepot. Add vinegar. Stir in pectin. Add butter to reduce foaming. Bring mixture to full rolling boil (a boil that doesn't stop bubbling when stirred) on high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 min., stirring constantly. (this is where I cooked it WAY too long)

Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon.

LADLE immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/8 inch of tops. Wipe jar rims and threads. Cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands tightly. Place jars on elevated rack in canner. Lower rack into canner. (Water must cover jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.) Cover; bring water to gentle boil. Process 10 min. Remove jars and place upright on towel to cool completely. After jars cool, check seals by pressing centers of lids with finger. (If lid springs back, lid is not sealed and refrigeration is necessary.)

 Enjoy!!!

Hugs,
        Trish

Sherbert Anyone?

Hello Friends!

It rained all day yesterday, well, ok most of the day.  So needless to say it was gloomy.  Today's outfit is inspired by the sunny, happy weather we have today.

There's something about this happy green and coral color that instantly reminds me of sherbert.  It's casual, it's happy and it's fun.

[Top: Old Navy] [Tank: Gap] [Shorts, Shoes, Sunnies & Belt: Target] [Jewels: Stella & Dot]

This top was another great find at Old Navy.  I got this on sale (can't remember how much on sale) back in the fall of 2011.  These kind of finds are great wardrobe builders since this piece really is a year round staple.  I've worn this with cardigans, leather jackets, blazers and as you can see with shorts.  Belt it, tuck it or leave it out with just about anything.  You'll see this top pop up with many different outfits.

Happenings over the weekend.....

My hubby and I love to garden and can.  We do tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, jelly and now we've tried our luck at sweet jalepano pepper jam.  You know how luck seems to work, it's either with you or against you.  Well, let's just say it wasn't with us this time.  We I had a lot going on....spaghetti sauce was saucing, the pepper jam was jamming and it the end it was a little too much for us me.

By the time the sauce was ready to can, my jam was boiling and also ready.  Our my timing was all off....UGH!!!!!         DOUBLE UGH!!!!!        So the jam probably overcooked since it was only supposed to boil for a minute and let's just say I was able to watch the first half of my Real Housewives of New Jersey before we actually started to jar this stuff up.

See how the jam looks separated with peppers on the top...yeah that doesn't look right

The last of the sauce was in jars and now we're set to can the jam.  My sweet and patient hubby, who had already told me we had too much going on, went to put the lid on the first jar of jam and it happened.  The lid came off, the jam spilled all over the hot stove and hot, boiling sugar began to fill the stove and burn.  He was shocked that we didn't catch the kitchen on fire with the mess.

TRIPLE UGH!!!!!!

We jarred what we had and are waiting to see what happens.  Here's a peek at what it looks like but I will not brag or give this one as a gift.  I think I'll have to give this recipe another shot before I'm willing to give up.

I'm going to spare you the recipe until I've mastered this one.  I will, I'm very determined and I LOVE this pepper jam (that other's have made).


Hugs,
        Trish

Bountiful Butterflies

Hello Friends!


I pulled out an oldie but a goody from way back in my closet.  This adorable butterly camisole is one of the fun designs from Gabby Basora's Tucker for Target line.  Back when this collection debuted, it was next to impossible to buy a piece online but I did score one at our local store.  Guess the midwest wasn't as excited about these pieces as the rest of the fashionistas world.

Check Ms. Basora's latest collection here.   It's such a fun and whimsical line, I wish I had a few more of her latest pieces.

[Top: Target] [Shorts & Sweater: CAbi] [Shoes: TJMaxx] [Necklace: Forever 21]

Have a great week fashion friends!!!!!!!

Hugs,

         Trish

Hot Pink and Animal Print

Hello Friends!

This is such a fun outfit and I'm dying to tell you about.  Run out immediately and get to both Old Navy and LOFT.  Both are having amazing deals on summer clothing that can easily transition into fall.

 

[Top: LOFT] [Cropped Pants: Old Navy] [Sunnies: Target] [Shoes: TJMaxx] [Jewels: Stella & Dot]

I'm serious, get to these stores and look for pieces that can be worn now with the heat and later layered under great jackets, sweaters and scarves.  This fall is favoring anything with animal print and jewel tones galore.  These pieces were less than $20, total!!!!!!!  This is a major frugal find.  The pants were about $10 at Old Navy and the top was $9.98 at LOFT.  I would've snatched up another pair of pants if they had them but it is on the sale rack and you know how that goes.

So have you gotten off the couch yet?  Have you looked at these stores online?  Don't wait, sales like this won't last long!!!!

Linking up with Marion Berry Style. 

 She has fun with great monthly challenges.  August challenge is the statement necklace.

Hugs,

        Trish

Dots and Stripes

Hello Friends!

Temperatures are still high and finding the patience to wait for fall is getting harder and harder.  I pulled out this fun jersey skirt, that typically I wear with a simple tank but I wanted to show a more dressed up look.  This skirt is the perfect day to night, business casual, picnic in the park, errand running piece to have in your closet.

[Skirt: Target] [Top: JCrew] [Tank: Christopher & Banks] [Shoes: Payless]

 [Sunnies: Drugstore] [Belt: Kohl's] [Brooche: Stella & Dot]

I'll be wearing this jersey skirt ultra casual today, but since we're heading to church this evening I wanted to have a look that's somewhat more appropriate for mass.  This small polka dot blouse has popped up in a previous outfit of the day, shown here.

I love this fun look of a belt with a playful flower.  I was inspired by this Ann Taylor LOFT idea shown here.  I opted not to buy a belt with a flower.  I can get much more mileage from a separate belt and brooche.  I'll keep you posted on all the ways to wear these pieces separately and together.

I should also share that this skirt was slightly discounted for me at Target.  It started at low price of $14.99, then marked down to only $10.48.  That's not a huge savings off of the original but I'm still happy as it's in the $10 range and this skirt can be dressed up, dressed down and beached out!



Hugs,
        Trish

Feeling Inspired...

Hello Friends!

 I found this fun look here and knew it was one that I had to copycat. It's so easygoing and I had all some of the pieces. Don't feel like you need to have the exact same pieces to create a look. Copycat is really about inspiration. Use it as a start and create YOUR look.

 

 

[Top & Shorts: Kohl's] [Shoes: TJMaxx] [Bag & Sunnies: Target] [Wooden Bracelet:  Unknown] 

[Cream Bracelet: Lia Sophia] [Turquoise & Coral Bangle: Stella & Dot] [Scarf: Christopher & Banks]

That little skunk that popped up in my last pic is a cute DIY from my Father-In-Law.  Once he retired, woodworking became a new hobby before starting a second career.  This little guy greets everyone that comes over.

Have a FUNTASTIC weekend!!!!!

Hugs,

        Trish