The IT List- September 30th

Happy Friday ladies!  Explore some of these fabulous links to get your weekend off to a great start!

• gs lillian says she is more comfortable in a dress or skirt than in jeans.  Are you the same? It's not hard to see why, she always looks fabulous in dresses and skirts! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• lex and learn makes a very delicious looking semi-homemade pumpkin bunt cake - get her simple trick for this fall treat! (find lex and learn on twitter!)
• simply bold just snagged a gorgeous pair of leather shorts... check out how she styles them up for fall!
• rachael, really looks absolutely adorable in her denim shorts plus knee high socks plus hunter boots!  What a fun combo! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl is totally rocking this bright green blazer - I am loving these looks! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• little girl in a big world does a fall weekend on the beach - check out her trip and live vicariously through her! (find little girl in a big world on twitter!)
• everyday mom style wears a great patterned top to work, but wonders... is the pattern too much!?!? I don't think so, I love it! (find everyday mom style on twitter!)
• fabulously average shows you ladies how to layer even if you live in a warmer climate!  So cute! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy rounds up her favorite fall looks - and they are all just swoon worthy! Head on over and see her inspiration! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• the style dossier lists their top reasons why fall will rock - such a fun list! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style rounds up cozy and unique ways to add blankets to your home decor this fall!  These photos all look so warm and cozy! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• chic or treat finds these adorable velvet flats in several colors for such a steal! Stop by her blog to find out where to snag them! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum puts together a fab outfit with white pants - yes, after Labor Day - that is perfect for fall! (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door rounds up her top picks for Anthropologies recent 30% off sale! I am loving this gorgeous camel coat! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Interior Infatuation: Grass Green & Turquoise

Quick post today-have tons of loose ends to tie up before the big party Saturday!

Love both of these rooms-the common element being the color scheme of grass green and turquoise.  Two colors I am always drawn to.

Source: abodelove.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: raenovate.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: raenovate.com via Jackie on Pinterest

There is something so soothing to me about these colors, even though they are rather vibrant.

Work It Wednesday-Mocs!

I love me some mocs.  And I still don't have a pair. Mainly because I just can't seem to choose which color and style I want. They are all so cute and versatile!  Here are three of my favorite styles, all with fun outfits to accompany them!

Woodsy:

sweater

pants

socks

watch

polish

mocs

City:

 jacket

necklace

tank

jeans

purse

mocs

Oceanside:

sweater

cords

earrings

scarf

purse

mocs

Do you own a pair of mocs? What style should I get??

Kitchen Additions

It's been awhile since I have updated you on any kitchen progress. Mainly because there hasn't been any! But over the weekend I crossed off two more items from my list: hanging art above the open shelving and adding new a window treatment. 

I knew I wanted a bamboo shade, and I found this one at Home Depot for $20.  I hung it higher than the top of the window to create the illusion that it is a bigger window than it actually is.  I used the top of the cabinets as a guide for how high to hang it.

I still plan on creating a window cornice with some great fabric to go over the very top.

I also framed the print we got while wine tasting last month.  Natalie said "Uh, mom, that girl is naked."  to which I said "Yep, she sure is!" Ha! I'm probably going to get some interesting comments on it, but my husband and I love it and it reminds us of the fun time we had that day.

I found the perfect frame at Michaels.  The weathered gray look matches my dining table perfectly!

And a few more mini additions:

Missoni for Target glass bowl.  This was one of my favorite items from the whole shebang. 

Fran the fern.  

And last but not least, here is a pic of my new fridge!  I am so in love.  The French-door with freezer on bottom is just genius.  I love being able to see everything in the fridge without having to bend over and move things around to get what I want.  And you can fit so much in the freezer!  

Pretty much all that is left is to tackle the cabinets, which I am lagging on.  I really don't want to refinish them myself, but my husband wants to try.  I would rather just hire out because to be honest I'm kinda over the DIY's for now.  We'll see how it pans out over the next few months.  Oh, I also haven't organized the pantry yet, stuff keeps coming up and I haven't gotten the chance.  

To start from the beginning of my kitchen re-do, including before shots, plans and progress click here.

Cozy Up Your Home: Adding Blankets to Your Decor

With the coming of fall it's time to cozy up your home in preparation for lots more cuddling with blankies on the couch, crock-pot stew get-togethers, reading marathons on rainy days, lingering over piping hot coffee on chilly Sunday mornings and the such.  I thought it would be nice to do a little mini-series on the topic here on the blog, so today I am kicking that off with a super simple way to do so: adding some blankets to your decor!

I am a bit of a blanket junkie.  I love them. I can never have enough.  And I hate that in the summer I have to put them all away.  Although I do keep one on the bed because my husband likes to crank the ac down to 40 below on hot summer nights, so I end up needing one regardless the season!  Anyway, blankets are a must for keeping yourself warm of course, but they also add a great layer of texture and depending on the blanket also pattern and color to your room.  I tend to pick blankets in warm tones since they come out in the months when I am craving those color schemes.

There are many ways you can display and organize your blankets, and one of my favorites is the old standby drape-it-over-the-sofa method.

Source: thedecorista.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: thedeskofannie.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: ooh-lala-belle-vie.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

That way they are just within an arms reach when you need one.

I love the look of an old ladder used to hold blankets as well.  This can add great visual impact in a small area since the vertical form doesn't take up too much space.

Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Katie on Pinterest

A basket or crate is another great option for keeping them neatly contained when not in use.

Source: erinmccall.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I see these baskets at Target all the time.

Source: thehouseofsmiths.com via Becky on Pinterest

Scour local flea markets and antique shops for great vintage crates.

In fact, I am using a basket to hold blankets for use at my party this weekend, and I like the look so much that I am going to be keeping them like that once I bring them back home.  Here is my little group:

Pick a blanket, any blanket!

If you prefer to have them hidden away, you could always store them in an ottoman or vintage suitcase.

So how do you store and/or display your blankets in the fall and winter months?

Monday Morning {P}Inspirations

Can you guys believe it is the last week of September already? Jeesh, where does the time go??

Source: houseandhome.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Loving this room hard core.  Need it in my life.

Source: jeanasohn.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Such a great winter outfit. And of course the Clare Vivier bag ups the chic quotient by a tenfold.

Source: frugaldecormom.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

What a great idea for spice storage-empty baby food bottles with the lids painted in chalkboard paint. Of course make sure you don't have any pranksters (aka toddlers) that would erase all the names!

Source: turquoise-la.com via Jackie on Pinterest

I am going to add tassels to all my lamps asap.

Source: tumblr.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Come see me over at 100 Inspirations today to see how I recreated this Kourtney Kardashian look for under $103!

The It List-September 23rd

Happy Friday ladies!  This week's IT list has a decidedly fall feel!Dig into these great links!

• if I must say so is looking fall-chic in this chambray dress and Western booties - seriously, this is so cute! (find if I must say so on twitter!)
• undeniable style is inspired by polka dots... see her inspiration and how she wears them! I am loving polka dots this season! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• gs lillian has a new series where she features a fun manicure style each week. I am so in love with this weeks design that she whipped up with these three polishes! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy continues her series "she" with another fabulous combo of eye candy and a quote.  Love this! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• simply bold takes a bad hair day and turns it into a good one... plus, I love this little belt trick! 
• lex & learn has a gorgeous selection of fall scarves... check out her picks! (find lex & learn on twitter!)
• little girl in a big world scores some great pieces for fall at Old Navy and Target... check out her finds! (find little girl in a big world on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl shows off her favorites for fall... of course, coffee is at the top of her list - it's at the top of mine too! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum is going on a shopping diet... but not before she snagged this super fun outfit! I love this layered tunic. Way to go out with a bang! (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
• rachael, really is sporting her new Hunter boots and looking fabulous doing it!  This outfit is so perfect for fall! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style shows off her new obsession... party bars. I too am loving these... especially this apple cider bar!  What a fun way to entertain. (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door has anthropologie's new arrivals for fall and I am loving these bright corduroy pants - how fun! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
• one hundred inspirations has this stylish Heidi Klum look for less. I'm loving these colors!
• good life for less is talking blazers, blazers, blazers!  Check out her top picks and her favorite way to wear them! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by jill of good life for less! for information on how you can be involved - click here!

Sweet Obsessions: The Unique Party Bar

I just love a fun and unique "bar" setup at a party!  Check out a few of my favorites:

Source: divinepartyconcepts.com via Jackie on Pinterest

The Coffee and Donut Bar

Source: sociallycircled.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

The Trail Mix Bar

Source: maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

The Cider Bar 

Source: iloveswmag.com via Jackie on Pinterest

The Biscuit Bar 

Source: forgetmeknotweddingsblog.com via Jackie on Pinterest

The Cheese Bar 

Source: belleamour.co.uk via Jackie on Pinterest

The Spud Bar 

Source: belleamour.co.uk via Jackie on Pinterest

The Pancake Bar 

Source: issuu.com via Jackie on Pinterest

The Popcorn Bar 

I could go on and on with all the fun bars people have put together.  Have you ever gone all out with a bar at a party?  I'm doing a s'mores bar for my party and can't wait to make some ooey-gooey goodness!

Work It Wednesday: Gingham Shirt

A little late with the post this morning, I was too busy celebrating my bday with Margaritas last night to do my post.  I'm sure you understand. 

I finally made it to Old Navy yesterday as well, and got a few tops on clearance, this gingham number being one of them.

Only I got it in aqua, and now am regretting not getting it in this color too.

Here are three fun ways to style this puppy up:

Here I would throw on a long gray tank underneath, a pair of black leggings and fun accessories.  Don't you love the panda earrings??

earrings

tank

leggings

purse

shoes

polish

Here's a sportier version that I femmed up a bit with a floral scarf, dangly earrings and pink polish.

jeans

earrings

scarf

polish

purse

shoes

And finally, the perfect versatile fall outfit.  You could pretty much wear this morning through evening and be appropriate for whatever you are doing.

skirt

necklace

boots

purse (only $44-doesn't it look more expensive than that?)

bracelet

So what do you think? Will you be rocking a gingham shirt this fall?

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Monday Morning {P}Inspirations

My ideal fall day would include...

Snuggling and reading books all day in this cozy bedroom...

Source: anindiansummerlikes.tumblr.com via Jackie on Pinterest

While lounging around in something like this...

Source: freepeople.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Then I'd pad on over to this kitchen...

Source: thevintiqueobject.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

To whip up a batch of this...

Source: afarmgirlsdabbles.com via Jackie on Pinterest

And then maybe these...

Source: cookiesandcups.com via Jackie on Pinterest

But it is still flippin 90 degrees here and it is really ticking me off!!! I'm so over you summer weather.

The It List-September 16th

Friday already? Celebrate the weekend with some fun links!

• if I must say so is rocking some fall boots and they look fabulous!  Have you whipped out your fall boots yet? (find if I say so on twitter!)
• undeniable style has a perfect day in this darling outfit... do you ever have all the components of one day align just so? I love it when that happens! And I am in love with her shoes! (find undeniable style on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum pulls together the perfect Sunday outfit... how gorgeous is this ensemble? (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
• the style dossier always has the best tutorials... I'm loving this make-up tutorial that they call "bold and metallic" - gorgeous! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• behind the dressing room door always has her eyes on the best sale items at Anthropologie.  I love this cute jacket - it's perfect for fall! (find behind the dressing room door on twitter!)
• 100 inspirations recreates this great denim on denim outfit that Katie Holmes wears for less!
• sweetie pie style is loving this mustard sweater - so am I!  See how she styles it three ways! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• fabulously average is seriously rocking the red pants - one of my all time favorite trends!  See how she wears them. (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl is headed back to school... what's your favorite part about back to school? Or favorite memory? (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• lex and learn rounds up her favorite black boots for fall... check out her gorgeous picks! (find lex and learn on twitter!)
• gs lillian just snagged a pair of gorgeous green loafers and I am totally crushing on them.  Head on over and drool over them with me! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy rounds up some really fun Peter Pan inspired eye candy - go check it out and then dream about being a kid forever! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• simply bold says all you need is love... or at least all you need is a cute "love" t-shirt!  I love this look!
• good life for less is one of the hosts for the luxe lotto... have you entered to win a Kate Spade handbag and a Coach necklace yet? Check it out! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved, click here!

Gorgeous Fall Tablescapes for Next to Nothing!

Upon planning the decor for my 30th birthday bash, I realized how much I love a long table, outdoors with an organic look about the centerpieces and candles galore.  It really is the perfect fall tablescape and can be used for a dinner party, birthday party, Halloween bash, Thanksgiving, you name it!  Here are a few of my inspirations:

Source: 100layercake.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: crossedkeysinn.tumblr.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: styledcreative.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: tecpetajaphoto.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: saipua.blogspot.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Source: ruemag.com via Jackie on Pinterest

The great thing about these tablescapes is that you can put them together for next to nothing!  Collect glass jars from your spaghetti sauce, pickles, etc and wine bottles to hold flowers that you can purchase at your local Farmer's Market.  Buy some inexpensive burlap to cover the table (I just bought some at Joanne's for $4/yard making it much cheaper than buying tablecloths), gather any other candelabras and candlesticks you have around the house and voila!  You have yourself the making of a beautiful table.  Oh, and don't forget the wood slices!  I am so obsessed with those lately.  And those are completely free if you can find a good fallen branch around your neighborhood.  Another great resource of course is thrift stores for all of these items as well as mismatched plates and silverware for the place settings if you so desire.  I love the vintage, eclectic look it brings to the table.

Yesterday I did a bit of the crafting for my birthday tablescape and wanted to share what I completed:

I simply wrapped vintage lace and gold glittered tulle around wine bottles.  These will each hold a flower stem or two. I am hoping to find some gorgeous Dahlias at the Farmer's Market the day of my party, but if not any flower with a nice big bloom will do.  I have lots more to do, and am really getting so excited!  I will keep you updated!