Tuesday, September 29, 2015

6 Handbags I Want In My Closet

1. GiGi New York Uber Clutch.

2. Celine Nano Luggage tote.

3. Givenchy Pandora Bag.

4. The Classic Coach Leather Duffle Bag (Bucket bag).
 
5. The Louis Vuitton Antheia.

6. The Brahmin Duxbury Satchel.

Monday, September 28, 2015

September Stitch Fix

Guess what showed up on my door step? My September Stitch Fix box! This month's box had a great mixture of pieces filled with colors for fall. My stylist Edith must have had a sixth sense because she pulled pieces that were similar to things I had been drooling over in catalogs and fashion boards. This month's fix has me really undecided on what to keep. There's two pieces I'm definitely keeping but then another one I'm debating on. This is where you come in to play! Help me decide what to keep and what to send back. Before we get started on what's in my box and figuring out what to keep, here's how Stitch Fix works just incase you've been living without the internet.

Start by filling out your style profile. You will complete all sorts of questions on sizing, pricing, preferences, colors, etc. You can also write notes about likes and dislikes. Make sure to link your fashion board on Pinterest so your stylist can see what you like. This really helps!
Next, order your first fix! Your credit card will be charged a $20.00 styling fee however, if you keep any item [one or more] you will be credited back the $20.00 towards that purchase. I always recommend keeping at least one item or you are essentially giving away $20.00 and getting nothing in return. You will receive 5 items [made up of clothing, jewelry, and handbags]. I personally never want jewelry in my fix so I just always let my stylist know!
 
When your box arrives decide what you want to keep and what you want to send back [in the pre-paid postage envelope]! You have 3 business days to decide so use this time to try everything on, see what you have in your closet that pairs well with it and don't be afraid to yes to something that you wouldn't normally. This is what makes Stitch Fix fun! It's like being a celebrity and getting clothing sent to you! I've chosen to receive monthly fixes but remember is in no way a subscription service and you are able to decide when you want another fix, whether that be in 6 months or 2 years from your first fix! As always, if you ever have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments section below. To save some cash on future fixes they offer an awesome referral package, thanks to awesome people like you trying it out for yourself by using my referral link.
 
Let's get started! Remember - If you see anything that you like below, feel free to pin it and/or ask your stylist in the notes section of your next fix for something similar! 
 
1. Pixley- Ellie Elephant Print Blouse- Size Small.
Who doesn't love an elephant?
 
2. Level 99- Giovanni Straight Leg Jean in Burgundy- Size 10.

These pants feel like butter on your skin. They are SO soft!
 
3. 41Hawthorn- Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer- Size Small.


This jacket is soft, comfortable and has a snazzy stripe on the inside!
 
4. Market & Spruce- Corinna Striped Dolman Top- Size Small.

I can't say one bad thing about this top. It's comfortable, warm but lightweight and can be dressed up or casual.
 
5. Street Level- Justina Laser Cut Crossbody Bag in Burgundy.

I love the color and style of this bag but I just kept a very similar bag from last months fix. So I will not be keeping the bag.
 
Alrighty, that is everything in this months Stitch Fix box! Help me decide what to keep and what to send back.

Friday, September 25, 2015

5 on Friday


1. Empire.

We binged watched season 1 over the last week and now season 2 is here! I didn't realize how big of a following this show had till the past two weeks. Maybe I was hiding under a rock when season 1 was playing out each week? But now I'm noticing Empire is everywhere. I really enjoyed Jimmy Fallon's spoof the other day. Are you watching? I'm sorry but I'm a Boo Boo Kitty fan. Bigger question... did she give Lucious back that Richard Burrton/Elizabeth Taylor engagement ring? That's serious money!
 
2. Aquarium Nails.
 

I just discovered aquarium nails yesterday and it's all I've looked at on instagram for hours now. What's an aquarium nail? It's an acrylic nail that literally has water in it and moves on your finger nail. Most I've noticed incorporate glitter or stars but some are really elaborate making it look like a wine glass is moving, an hour glass etc. Check them out! I totally want at least on aquarium nail so I'll be calling my nail salon and asking if they offer it.

3. Fall television.

Fall television is finally back! I just want to state for the record, I'm still bitter that they cancelled Stalker in the spring and that it didn't get a season 2. Shame on you CBS because CSI Cyber really worked out for you...not. Can I get an amen that fall tv is back? I was getting desperate for something new to watch. Here's a small list of my dvr list...

Blind Spot- New
How to Get Away With Murder
Empire
Leftovers
Scandal
Dancing With The Stars
Madam Secretary
Quantico- New
Mysteries of Laura
 Life In Pieces- New
Grandfathered- New
House of Cards
Secrets and Lies
 

4. Kim Zolciak.

I love me some Kim Z. I've been watching her since the first episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Then of course, I watched her wedding and not her show Don't Be Tardy. When I heard she was going on Dancing with the Stars, I started tuning in to see her performances. I hadn't watched that show in years. I was completely shocked yesterday when I heard she had a mini stroke! She's only 6 years older than me so that's just crazy! I'm hoping she can continue on the show but I don't know if she will be. Get well soon Kim!

5. My boo...

Just because I love him. Good luck today!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Theater Thursday

 
It's Thursday and that can only mean one thing... it's Theater Thursday! This week's featured movie is based on a true story... Kill The Messenger.

Jeremy Renner stars as journalist, Gary Webb working for lesser known newspaper in California in the mid- 1990s. When he uncovers the CIA's alleged role in importing crack cocaine into the United States to secretly fund the Nicaraguan contra rebels. As he begins to investigate and research for his story, he takes a trip to Nicaragua to speak to some of the witnesses who might be able to shed light onto the truth. He travels to the site of where planes would come and go filled with American CIA and where the drugs were loaded.

Once Gary returns back to the U.S. he starts to get threats from high level officials letting him know that harm my come to him or even worse his children if he goes through with releasing the story in the press. Refusing to back down, Gary works with his editor and his paper to get the story out there. Once it's released into the press, it lights a fire across the United States. It covers the front of newspapers nationwide and hit the airwaves on the news. It's also insinuated that they sold the cocaine in poverty stricken areas in dominate African American areas. This claim creates an uproar. The fact that the U.S. government was behind such a horrible plot to it's own citizens.

Gary is honored for his story but with every great story comes a backlash. When a high level paper starts to dismiss Gary and his claims he feels the tide turn and more people are wondering if the story has real merit. As Gary's life starts to go downhill, the story continues to cause controversy. So the real question is... Was the CIA really involved?

Watch and find out. This is based on a true story.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Wedding Planning Wednesday

Our wedding is now 81 days away.
(Not my dress. One of the NOs and for the record, I hated almost everything about this dress)
 
I have a list of things to do that is three pages long. This weekend, I tackled my list and was able to mark multiple items off it...

Table Numbers.
Place settings
Flower girl dress.
Flower mock ups.
Groomsmen Suits.
Grooms Suit.
Crafting some mason jars.
And we mailed our Invitations!
The back of our invitations. Once I know they've all been received, I'll show the front!

There is still tons of things to do before the wedding gets here but we are tackling them one at a time. I know a lot of brides have said they get sad after their wedding because they don't have anything else to plan but I don't think I'll feel that way. I'm busy. I have other stuff to do and frankly, I'm over wedding planning. We've been planning this wedding since last November. I want the day to finally get here! A few things I'm going to work on crossing off my list of to-do's is my hair trial (happening this week), searching for my purse and finishing some crafty mason jars. I'm also working on finding my shoes but I want closed toe shoes and they are slowly coming into season!

So... with that being said we are writing our own vows and doing a first look. What's some of the fun things you incorporated into your wedding?

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Threatening to Climb Out of the Cellar

On Sunday, the Raiders finally pulled out a win.

The way the team played on Sunday showed their loyal fans that they were serious about trying to turn the beginning of the season around. If you watched last week then you know that the Raiders were schooled by a far worse team and lost big. This week though, the team showed up to win and win they did.

We got up at 5:30 a.m. to head over to Oakland. When the parking lot opened we were ready to tailgate. We grilled tri-tip, chicken, hot dogs and had tons of snacks. This game we had special passes and were able to hang out on the field. We also were able to sit on the field for the game. Beezy even got to smack hands with a player and talk to some of the Ravens players. We also saw our favorite guy from Hard Knocks Charles James. He had on boring black socks so clearly his sock game wasn't on point Sunday.



We had a great time at the game and were very excited that the team pulled out a win. However, it was in the high 90s with no breeze so we were sweating hard core. I think I drank 10 bottles of water in the 5 hour span of being there. This was also my first at home win that I've been in attendance. Every game we've went to they lost last season. It was exciting to finally see their dedicated fans happy while leaving the stadium. So maybe it's going to happen. Maybe the Raiders are finally going to climb out of the cellar and win this season. In Al's immortal words... Just win baby!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Theater Thursday

 
It's Thursday and that means it's time for the return of Theater Thursday! Every Thursday, I talk about a movie I've recently watched. This week's featured movie is... The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.
 
The Hand That Rocks The Cradle scared everyone the year it came out in theaters and scared me last week when I saw it for the first time. Now I know why I didn't see it in 1992. Rebecca De Mornay stars in this twisted thriller. Her husband Dr. Mott is a prominent obstetrician and live a life of luxury. She is pregnant with their child, when Dr. Mott is outed for sexually molesting multiple women patients. When he faces the charges and losing everything he shoots himself leaving behind Mrs. Mott (De Mornay). As a reaction to the news, Mrs. Mott goes into early labor and loses her baby. She also has complications and has to undergo a hysterectomy. While in he hospital she seems the first woman who came forward about the sexual molestation, Claire (Annabella Sciorra).
 
Fixated on the idea that Claire is the woman who ruined her life, Mrs. Mott changes her name to Peyton Flanders and vows to get revenge. When Claire has her baby Joey, she looks for a live in nanny. Mrs. Mott strikes at the opportunity and poses as Peyton. Quickly she gains the trust of Claire and her husband. She also becomes close to their little girl and works on getting her trust. Then she works on making Claire's life a nightmare. One of the many things she does, is try to get her to believe her husband is having an affair with her best friend.
 
I'm a grown adult and this movie still freaked me out. Watch with caution. You may never want a nanny again.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

5 Reasons Back to the Future Is Still Cool

1. The DeLorean.
 
This car wasn't just a car, it was a machine. It was like nothing we had ever seen before! The DeLoreon DMC 12 was an all metal car that fictionally ran on plutonium and once it hit 88mph would launch you into a different time. The doors came straight up and the flux capacitor kept the whole thing going with 1.21 gigawatts of electricity. It's license plate read...
But remember, "Where we're going. We don't need roads."

2. The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance.
 

When Marty goes back in the future to 1955, he makes it just in time to witness the night his parents got together. It was at their school's  Enchantment Under the Sea theme dance. When I was in high school, my school did a homecoming dance that was Under the Sea theme. I think 9 out of 10 people have had these theme dance when they've been in school. Mine was lacking Marty rocking on the guitar though....

3. The Hover Board.

We are all still waiting on the hover board. We have the Segway and other cool gadgets but this is the one we want. And in hot pink.

4. Nike Mags.

When Back to the Future Part II hit theaters, everyone wanted these shoes. The only problem was they didn't really exist. They had been made by Nike for only the movie. Decades went by of fans and shoe collectors asking, begging and wishing for these shoes to be produced. In 2011, Michael J. Fox teamed up with Nike for charity to create a limited edition amount of these shoes. The proceeds were going to charity and a limited number were made. These shoes went for high dollars. The average kid, teen and adult still are lusting after these shoes. Heck, even I want a pair! Come on Nike give them to the world!

5. Marty's Fashion Sense.

Let's face it the 80's didn't have the greatest fashion. Large shoulder pads, sequin covered everything and tons of neon. Maybe it was all of his time travelling but he had style. He knew those sunglasses would remain timeless. That his jean jacket would always be a classic and that his shirt was one that could be from any decade. Keep on stylin Marty.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Commitment to Excellence

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders had their season opening.

The coliseum was packed with their loyal fans sporting their silver and black. Faces were painted black, die hard fans in costumes and every other person wearing their favorite player's name on their back. The three large parking lots were packed to capacity before 9:30 a.m. for tailgating and since the game didn't start till 1:30 p.m. that gave everyone time to enjoy themselves. Some people may have enjoyed themselves too much (like the guy who was sitting in front of us who proceeded to vomit on himself the first minute in the game and then sleep through the next three quarters).

The pre-season brought a lot of build up. New head coach, new defensive coach, new players and most importantly old players committing to bring greatness this season. In all three pre-season games, the team was showing promise. They were making plays and working together as a team. You could see they wanted it. They want to be a contender. The die hard fans and the old fans that have been around to see them win championships in the past had a good feeling going into the game. The game began and quickly those hopes were hosed.

Now one thing you have to understand about Oakland Raider fans is that they are die hard. They've been with this team for years. They've followed them from Oakland to Los Angeles and then back to Oakland. Thousands of them making the 5 hour drive to L.A. for the game and then driving it right back to northern California. During off season, the threat of the team relocating to Los Angeles loomed over their heads causing everyone to hold their breath. It was closest threat the Raiders have came to actually moving back to L.A. in years. When news of the team staying hit the airwaves the fans collectively took a deep breath. These fans are generations deep. They come to the games win or lose. So on Sunday, when the game started to take a turn for the worse, the fans let their team know that.

Oh, you think these die hard and loyal fans won't turn on their own? You got another thing coming! I heard loyal fans screaming Raiders you suck! Booing their own. That's the thing about Raider fans. They'll tell it like it is. They want their team to get better. It's the same principle behind not giving everyone a trophy at soccer games. If you don't win, you don't get a trophy. Raider fans won't tell their team,  "Great job! Keep trying! You did great!" etc when they really haven't. Instead they cuss and throw things and boo. They'll get up and leave their seats. They want them to play hard.
 
The Raiders may have been schooled by the Cincinnati Bengals but the fans showed up and they'll keep showing up. Come on Raiders, honor Al and show us that Commitment to Excellence that he would preach about to the press, the fans and the team. However, we want to see some winning. Give back to the fans. Give them the season they've been hoping and longing to have for the last few seasons. In the mean time though, we'll keep eating bbq in the parking lot...


Wednesday, September 9, 2015

3 Day Weekend Got Me Like Whoa

I don't know about you but I think I need another 3 day weekend to make it to Friday.
 
I haven't posted much on the subject because I really can't. In June, the 25th to be exact my soon to be mother in law was out on her morning walk and was hit by a car. After many weeks of being away from home she finally came home on Friday. She has a long recovery to go and we are hoping she can walk by our wedding. When she came home on Friday we were flooded with tons of family coming to see her and had a little party in her honor. I prepared and made a 16 pound ham. Have you ever made 16 pounds of ham? No. Well it's an experience.

 
I baked this ham in pineapples and brown sugar. It was good! I've also ate ham everyday since for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Anyone want some ham?
 
On Saturday, I totally screwed up my nail appointment. I talked last week about my strong nail game and I think that came back to me. I always have my nail appointment at 11:00a.m. The salon isn't super packed, I'm in and out early and have the rest of my day to do whatever errands or relax. I want in the door at 10:57 a.m. announcing I'm here and on time! And guess what... my appointment wasn't until noon. They were super nice and went ahead and took me. The girl that always does my nails, her 11:00 didn't show so it all worked out!
 
I also spent a huge amount of time knitting. I got sucked into the Michaels' Labor Day Sale of 30% off all yarn and got a few rolls. So I spent the weekend knitting 3 scarfs. I also made my soon to be mother in law a phone holder to put on her wheel chair. I mean clearly you have to have priorities when your hands are being used to wheel yourself around. Her phone is stored now!
 
I also consumed the following movies... because what's Labor Day Weekend without some movie watching?

 
How did you spend your Labor Day Weekend?