Holiday Shopping at Target

Target is my happy place, it's almost impossible for me to walk out of that store without spending a crap ton of money. The store seriously has everything.... home decor, beauty products, clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, groceries, party supplies, etc...

But one of the reasons I love shopping there is how affordable it is. Not only are they generally cheaper than other retailers and grocery stores, but they also provide multiple ways to save which is great with the busiest shopping season of the year fastly approaching.

I will say though that you will not find me there on Thanksgiving night, I will be enjoying my inevitable food coma with some wine and games around the fire pit and not out shopping. Come Friday morning, I'll be there with bells on!

1. Coupons

I check their site every week and print off coupons to save even more than I already am on top of their already low prices and weekly sales.

They also send out catalogs periodically (especially this time of year) with great coupons and gift guides.

*Fabulous gift ideas in their holiday catalog*

2. Red Card

I was reluctant to sign up for a red card until a little over a year ago. I always thought there was some kind of a catch such as an annual fee, but there are no catches. I have the debit card which is directly linked to my checking account and I save 5% on every single transaction including online orders. Plus I get free shipping on every online order. It's amazing watching my total saved for the whole year.

3. Cartwheel App

My new favorite way to save is with Target Cartwheel where you choose from hundreds of available offers for additional savings. You simply add the offers you'd like to save on to your app, and have the check out associate scan the bar code on your phone before paying. I've had the app for almost a year now, and have already saved over $200 with Cartwheel.

Considering I do a lot of my Christmas shopping at Target (gifts, stocking stuffers, wrapping paper, baking supplies, etc...) it's fantastic that there are several ways for me to wrack up savings.

If you plan on doing any holiday shopping this weekend, make sure you're armed with their weekly ad, coupons, and the cartwheel app. And if you haven't gotten a red card yet, what are you waiting for?! Open one at the check out and you'll continue saving at every visit.

Target

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Pimento Cheese Dip

I decided to try out one of Justine and Emily's recipes for the Kickoff to the Holidays Party, and it was absolutely delish!

Ingredients

8 oz. block of reduced fat cream cheese
8 oz. of shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of light mayo
4 oz. jar of diced pimentos
1 jalapeno, chopped
Garlic powder and pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a mixer and serve with crackers and/or veggies. Refrigerate any leftovers.

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Link-up Rules:

1. Follow Emily and myself on GFC and Bloglovin

2. Link up your favorite recipes or food related posts

3. Grab our Recipe Swap button and link back to both of our blogs

4. Be sure to visit other blogs and find new recipes! 

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Stocking Stuffers

Stocking stuffers are my favorite little gifts on Christmas morning. They're fun to buy, fun to wrap in "Santa paper" (red tissue paper), and they're fun to open.

LUSH Snowcake Soap | Philosophy Ornament | Tory Burch Rollerball | Lindt Truffles | E.L.F. Baked Highlighter | Kate Spade Mini Bow Ring | DryBar Triple Sec 3-in-1 | Essie polishes | Gift Cards | Cleansing Wipes | LUSH Bath Bombs | Burts Bees Lip Balm | Yankee Candle Votives

Essie Kate Spade philosophy Sephora

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Kicking off the Holiday Season

Kicked off the holiday season this weekend, and I'm still in disbelief that Thanksgiving is only a few days away!

Happy hour and a cheese filled lunch with the work peeps. Gourmet cheese, meats, fruit, and bread = the perfect lunch smorgasbord. Friday evening called for some much needed couch time followed by and even more needed pedicure and Target trip on Saturday before heading off to a friend's kickoff to the holidays party.

Sunday was spent working around the house, running some holiday errands, and Starbucks which was definitely necessary.

Joining Leeann and Kimberlee for Monday Morning Gossip 

and

Biana for Weekending

and

Lisa and Bella for Weekend Recap

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Holiday Party Dresses

Tis the season for festive parties, weddings, and of course New Years Eve. I tend to gravitate towards all things shiny, lacy, and/or sequined this time of year and can't get enough!

I need several dresses as I have a kick off to the holidays party this weekend, our annual Christmas party at the house, my work Christmas party, a wedding, and a New Years Eve martini party that we're supposed to wear all white for. That's a lot of new dresses, and I couldn't be happier with an excuse for a shopping spree. Some of my favorite finds are from my go-to stores: Express, F21, Kate Spade, Kohls, Bebe, and LuLu's. Some are total splurges, while others are steals!

1. LuLu's Black Swan Tinsel Lace Dress - Perfect for one of my many Christmas parties

2. Kate Spade Open Back Silk Mini Dress - Gorgeous festive dress

3. Express Sequin Cut-Out Back Mini Dress - You can't go wrong looking for holiday dresses at Express.. sequins and lace galore!

4. Bebe Embellished Lace Dress - Beautiful gold and blush tones

5. Kohls Lily Rose Embroidered Scoopneck Sheath Dress - I've found my holiday dresses for the past 2 years at Kohls and they continue to have great festive finds.

6. F21 Sateen Midi Dress - Nothing says the holidays like red and satin. Perfect combination.

7. F21 Sequined Fit & Flare Dress - Beautiful and comfortable looking, you won't feel stiff (or stuffed) all night.

8. Bebe Geometric Studded Dress - A decadent white dress perfect for the NYE party.

9. LuLu's Bariano Nanita Navy Blue Sequin Dress - Loved the color and pattern on this dress.

10. LuLu's Pretty Olive Green Dress - What could be more festive than green and sequins?

11. LuLu's Glory Never Fades Gold Sequin Dress - I'm always drawn to gold especially this time of year.

Where do you like to shop for holiday party dresses?

Bebe fashion Forever 21 Kate Spade Kohls LuLu's

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Pretty Baubles

If you still haven't heard of Rocksbox it's time to see what all the fuss is about. A jewelry stylist picks three pieces to be shipped to you, and you can keep them as long as you'd like. When you're done, send them back and they'll ship you a new set. It's like Netflix for jewelry! You can see my previous sets here and here.

Urban Gem Elsa Necklace in Amethyst

House of Harlow 1960 Tres Tri Cut out Cuff

Kristine Lily Druzy POP Ring in Quartz and Silver

How can you not love a new shipment of pretty baubles as often as you want right on your doorstep wrapped in cute little bows? If you have any questions about Rocksbox, just ask me and I'll be sure to fill you in.

Rocksbox

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Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

One of my favorite fall desserts are my pumpkin spice cupcakes that I make from scratch. Perfect for Halloween parties and Thanksgiving potlucks.

The Cake

Cream 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter until smooth in a large bowl

Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar and mix until smooth

Add 3 eggs one at a time and set aside

Combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of buttermilk, and 1 tsp. of vanilla in a medium bowl and set aside

Combine 2 cups of all purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 and 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon, and 1 tsp. of baking soda in a large bowl.

In thirds, alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture blending well until smooth.

To make a cake pour batter into three 8 inch pans and bake for 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees

To make cupcakes, pour batter into cupcake liners in a muffin pan and bake for approximately 25 minutes 

After the cakes have cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting

The Frosting

Beat one 8 oz. package of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of butter (both softened) until fluffy.

Gradually add about 8-10 oz. of powdered sugar beating at low speed until blended.

Add 1 tsp. of vanilla beating until well blended

Store any leftovers in the fridge as the frosting contains cream cheese.

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Link-up Rules:

1. Follow Emily and myself on GFC and Bloglovin

2. Link up your favorite recipes or food related posts

3. Grab our Recipe Swap button and link back to both of our blogs

4. Be sure to visit other blogs and find new recipes! 

Recipe

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A Few of My Favorite Things

Is it too early to have a Christmas wish list? I drafted mine up a few weeks ago to give to the fam, and it continues to grow....

1. Cards Against Humanity - the staple of game nights everywhere.

2. V by Maroon 5 - always have and always will love Maroon 5.

3. Curlipops Bed Head Wand - because I'm a total dunce at doing my own hair.

4. Statement Necklaces - everyone needs some pretty baubles.

5. Tory Burch Eau de Parfum - such a pretty scent that would be a fantastic addition to my collection.

6. Hayworth Vanity - gorgeous vanity set for getting ready.

7. Essie Nail Polishes - I just want all the colors!

8. iPad Mini 3 - perfect for blog reading and every day life, pretty much a total want not need.

9. iPad Mini Folio Hardcase Glitter Bug - just the absolute prettiest iPad case ever courtesy of KS.

10. Michael Kors Berkley Platform Sandals - obsessed with these nude platform sandals.

11. Naked Flushed - been wanting to try out this beautiful palette since I have loved all their other palettes. Always excited for the new one.

12. Barre3 Core Ball - the missing piece to my Barre3 home workouts.

Linkin' up with Elise for some holiday fun, hop on over and join us!

Barre3 Michael Kors Pier 1 Imports Tory Burch

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Whirlwind Weekending

What a whirlwind weekend, I haven't had a chance to stop and take it all in and now we're heading right back into another week. I am so thankful for the short holiday week next week, and the kick off to the holiday season.

Friday was dinner and drinks downtown with friends. I tried the most amazing apple mac n' cheese, and am still thinking about how to re-create that deliciousness!

Ughhh... Movember... love the cause/awareness I just miss my husband's clean-shaven face. December 1st please hurry up!

Saturday was BOGO holiday drinks at Starbucks, and I tried the Chestnut Praline.. YUM! Then it was doggy time, and I couldn't believe how adorable it was that there was a doggy water fountain on the trail we took her. She was so excited to have a drink after her walk.

I was absolutely exhausted, but ventured down the street to my neighbor's for the annual house divided game as one of them is a FSU fan and the other is a Miami fan. The trash talking is hilarious, and it's always a good time.

Sunday, it was time to shower the bride with gifts and of course we had champs... which is always a good idea. Can't wait for the wedding in a few weeks!

Joining Leeann and Kimberlee for Monday Morning Gossip 

and

Biana for Weekending

and

Lisa and Bella for Weekend Recap

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Friday Favs

Happy Friday! After a rough week of being sick and being super busy at work I couldn't be happier for the weekend. So much to love this week!

1. My Wednesday was a little brighter when I saw a box from Sephora waiting on my front porch holding my goodies from the VIB sale. Can't wait to review them all, as I'm excited to try all three products after recs from Biana and Deborah.

2. Not only are the red cups back at Starbucks, but BOGO holiday drinks are going on now through Sunday as well.

3. Even though my week consisted of throat spray and cough drops, I was able to enjoy lots of time on the couch watching movies.

4. Finally found my first bottle of Skinny Girl Sparkling Margarita, and all I can say is YUM! I've always loved the ready to pour margarita, but add some bubbles to it WOW! Even better!

5. Loving some of my recent finds on Pinterest:

Linking up today with Lauren for High Five on Friday, Rebecca for That Friday Blog Hop, and Amanda for Friday Favorites. Hop on over and join us! Happy Friday! 

Sephora Skinny Girl Margarita

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Kate Spade Holiday Gift Guide

I can't believe how close we are to the holiday season, and have already begun some Christmas shopping for family and friends. Some of my favorite boxes to find under the tree are that of the Kate Spade variety. They have some of the prettiest gifts and I love their accessories.

Eat Cake for Breakfast Mug | Be Merry Be Bright Ornament | Make Me Blush Pave Bangle | Confetti Note Cards | Oh Joy Santa Mittens | Garden Drive Frame | Wine Tote | Mini iPad Folio Glitter Case | Cedar Street Leopard Niccola | Light Up the Room Scented Candle

One of my favorite gifts last year waiting for me under the tree, was my "Eat Cake for Breakfast" mug. Who doesn't want to eat cake for breakfast? And I'd love to find any of these goodies under the tree this year, and think they will also make fabulous gifts for others.

What are some of your favorites from Kate Spade's gift guide this year?

Kate Spade

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Tour of Blogland

The fabulous Kristina reached out to me a few weeks ago, and asked if I was interested in being featured in her Tour of Blogland. I was so excited she asked me to be a part of this fun tour, and loved how she put hers together.

What am I currently working on?

~ I mentioned at the beginning of 2014, that I really wanted to get back to my roots of why I started this blog. As much as I love sharing my weekend shenanigans and yummy recipes, I wanted to incorporate more fashion posts and beauty reviews. I feel that I've definitely incorporated more fashion and beauty into this little blog of mine, but I could definitely amp up my game. I'd like to spend more time piecing outfits together for future posts and learn how to nail down that pesky lighting thing so they will photograph better. Baby steps...

I also plan on showcasing some great festive recipes and holiday decor in the coming weeks as we get closer to my favorite time of the year. I love to go all out and deck the heck out those halls!

How does my work differ from others in it's genre?

~ I feel that a lot of bloggers fall into the same genre that I've found myself in. We don't fit into one specific label, but instead enjoy writing about all the things we enjoy about life... fashion, travel, home decor, recipes, beauty reviews, and good ol' fashioned weekend recaps. Who doesn't love a fun weekend recap? I started this blog with the intention of it being a full on fashion and beauty blog without realizing how much work and money it would take to stay true to that. I would love to showcase fabulous new outfits and Sephora hauls every week, but it's just not realistic on my budget. I've enjoyed watching my blog evolve more into my niche which is a little bit of everything. One of my biggest hobbies is traveling, and I love that I have an online scrapbook of all my trips over the past few years since blogging. Coming back after a fantastic trip and sharing pictures and reviews of where I stayed and must-dos is simply priceless.

Why do I write/create what I do?

~ I write what I do because it just flows from me and I love sharing advice, tips, recipes, reviews, and fun pictures with you all. This has been such a fantastic creative outlet for me, and I love the friendships that have also come out of my little corner of the internet.

How does my writing/creative process work?

~ I try my best to stay organized and schedule my posts ahead of time. I usually prepare 2-3 posts for the week on Sundays, and if I have time during the week will schedule another 1 or 2 to go live in the mornings. I also keep a planner, and jot down ideas/notes for future posts. I feel like Jerry Seinfeld where he would wake up in the middle of the night and scribble down ideas. Sometimes something will come to me overnight and I'll forget what my great idea was by morning *womp womp*.

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Now it's time for the tour part of this post. I'd like to introduce you all to some fabulous ladies that you may or may not have already had the pleasure of getting to know. If not, I'm sure you'll love them so make sure to hop on over and check them out and follow along.

Emily from Martinis & Bikinis

Hi everyone! I’m Emily from over at Martinis & Bikinis where I talk about my life in the sunshine state, fashion & shopping finds, travel adventures and delicious recipes. I’m a wife and a marketing professional who has a love for dirty martinis, going to the beach and always having fun with friends. I hope you’ll hop over and join me on my adventures!

Pamela from A Little Glitter

Hi!  My name is Pamela and I am the sparkle-loving blonde over at A Little Glitter.  I am a New York gal enjoying my days and documenting my life.  Come on over and visit my little slice of the internet.

Lindsay from Pink and Fabulous

I'm Lindsay and I live outside of New York City with my husband, two kids and fur baby. I blog about fashion, food, kids, and home decor.

Pam from Sequins and Sea Breezes

Hi lovelies! I'm Pamela and I blog over at Sequins & Sea Breezes. You can find me blogging about fashion, beauty, and all the craziness going on in my life! I'm a Florida girl (by transplant from the Midwest) with a love of football, wine, cheese and traveling. Hope you'll stop by and check out my blog! 

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