Shades of Blue

Blazer: J. Crew (in navy here) / Shirt: J. Crew Factory (retail version) / Pants: Hudson / Clutch: Target / Necklace: Banana Republic / Earrings: Target / Shoes: Coach

If you remember this post about J. Crew's new spring collection, you'll recall that I pinned a mint gingham shirt as one of my spring must-haves. While the J. Crew version was more than I was willing to pay, I later found its twin at J. Crew Factory for a much cheaper price, as documented in this post.

For weeks I've dreamed of ways to wear it and potential color combinations (I can't wait to pair it with pink or yellow for spring). This past weekend, as I looked in my closet and noticed an abundant amount of blue staring back at me, I decided to go for a monochromatic look with pale mint jeans, a cobalt blazer, and ombre chandelier earrings.

Don't forget to visit Walking in Memphis in High Heels tomorrow for my guest post!

Pretty Pastels

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16

In my closet, it's spring. Sadly, it's still winter outside. As a matter of fact, as I'm writing this, it's 40 degrees outside. Nevertheless, the groundhog says spring is coming, so its time to shop new spring arrivals and start incorporating pastels into your winter wardrobe! Annnnd go!

Friday, I'll have the honor of guest posting for a fellow Memphis blogger, Laura, on her fashion & fitness blog Walking in Memphis in High Heels! Be sure to check it out! 

Guest Post: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Boy, have I got a treat for you! My super sweet friend Taylor is guest posting today! She'll be sharing the beauty secret she can't live without and have you running to your nearest Sephora! Take it away Taylor!

First of all, let me give a big thank you to the lovely Amanda Parks for letting me dish a little on her incredible fashion blog! I am a twenty-something wife-to-be and dental student who has always wanted to blog – and Amanda is giving me my fix – thanks, girl!

Me and the fiancé, ZRJ

Today’s obsession has been in my life for 4 years now, and if you only knew how ADD I am about cosmetics, that is a testimonial in its own! I was an undergraduate student at UT-Knoxville, freezing my buns off winter 2009, walking from class to work in the bitter wind and back again. My lips were dry, cracked, and frankly…miserable. No amount of lipstick or gloss could improve their shattered state. So in true Taylor fashion, I ran to the closest Sephora to seek a solution.

While standing in the check-out line with a handful of other goodies (ADD, remember?), I noticed a handsome little tube of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment and remembered the purpose of my visit. I scanned the box to see: Vitamin A, E, & C, essential fatty acids, antioxidant grapeseed polyphenols, black currant oil, and SPF 15 (a must, y’all). I tossed a box onto the counter with my pile and was on my way. 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment $22.50

The moment I left the store, I ripped into the box and smoothed some onto my lips.  Now imagine the clouds parting and the world filling with an ethereal light… INSTANT relief, instant improvement, and the smell! It is reminiscent of the lingering aroma of a freshly baked Pucker Up cupcake from Muddy’s Bake Shop.

Suffice to say, my lips were forever changed.  Also, in the past four years, Sugar has gained a cult following.  How did Fresh respond? Tinted Lip Treatments!

 LOVE! My go-to winter color is Rose.  It is sheer, but has enough color to give you that perfect pout with pale winter skin. It isn’t pictured above, but what I’m most excited for for spring is Fresh’s newest addition: Petal! Isn’t it gorgeous?

Have you ever used Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment? 

Umm, do we share a brain?! I am always on the hunt for a good lip treatment! I make a conscious effort NOT to go in Sephora (I just can't handle that kind of temptation) but I'm allowed to order online, right?! 

I'm loyal to MAC and always purchase my tried and true favorites when it comes to cosmetics, so I love reading new product reviews, especially from someone I know and trust. THANK YOU, Taylor! I hope you'll contribute again soon! 

Now.  Am I the only one who's craving a cupcake?!

Spinach Lasagna Rollups

Tyler and I have been in a bit of a food rut lately. Every night, we'd stare into the pantry without a clue what to make, and always ended up making some sort of chicken with sides of corn, black beans, or rice. Usually we didn't have much leftovers, so for lunch we bought lots of lean cuisines (which also get old) or ate out (which gets expensive). 

After talking with my friend and co-worker, Ellen, about planning meals and adding diversity, I decided that's exactly what we're going to do. I began pinning recipes on Pinterest and stalking cooking blogs. That next weekend, Tyler and I sat down and planned 5 meals for the coming week and made a grocery list. Because we went with a plan, we actually spent less at the grocery store than normal (what were we buying?!) and lunch equaled $0 thanks to leftovers! This was Wednesday night's meal: Spinach Lasagna Rollups. I'd seen several versions on Pinterest but I decided to combine aspects of different recipes. Here's what I came up with:

Spinach Lasagna Rollups:

Ingredients:

About 10 strips of lasagna pasta

1 package of frozen chopped spinach

A couple cups of mozzarella cheese

A few heaping spoonfuls of ricotta cheese

1 egg

Sprinkle of oregano

Sprinkle of basil

1 can of marinara sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350*. 

2. Simultaneously, microwave the spinach until completely thawed, cook the pasta in boiling water, and heat the marinara sauce (in a small saucepan) on low-medium heat.

3. Squeeze the spinach with paper towels to soak up all moisture.

4. Combine the spinach, cheeses, and egg in a medium sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle in a little basil and oregano.

5. Spread the mixture on top of the cooked lasagna and roll up.

6. Place in a casserole dish with a little marinara sauce spread on the bottom. 

7. After all the lasagna pasta are rolled up, spoon a little sauce on each one, and bake for 15-20 minutes.

8. To serve, top with more marinara and mozzarella. 

It's such an easy recipe with only a few ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes! It's a keeper for us! Now I actually look forward to supper each night, and since we're not going out during the week anymore, eating out on the weekends is even more of a treat! And the best part: spending less on food means spending more on shopping. It's a win-win :)  I'd also like to incorporate couponing. I'd love to hear your tips!

Blueberry Muffins

via Instagram. Follow me here!

On Sunday morning I wasn't feeling well so Tyler and I lounged in bed an extra hour and decided on these muffins for brunch. Actually, they were supposed to be for breakfast, but they took so long that they became "brunch." They were so delicious and I had one too many, so I didn't need to eat lunch anyway! I used this recipe from my friend and culinary genius, Sara. She writes a cooking blog called Breakfast in Bread. Go check it out!

A few helpful tips:
1. Use muffin/cupcake liners. They will make your life much easier.
2. Don't fill them with too much batter, or they will be HUGE. I always have a hard time with the whole 3/4 thing.
3. Wait until they're entirely cooled to store in an airtight container. Otherwise they'll become soggy. Oops.
4. Clear about an hour and a half from your schedule. Can you say time consuming?!

Delicate Necklaces

 B (for Bella & Bentley) / Bow / Arrow / Mrs

Now all y'all know how much I love bejeweled statement necklaces. I haven't had a chance to share many of them yet, but anyone that has ever seen my necklace collection will tell you: I have an unhealthy obsession with large and colorful baubles (I own 5 bubble necklaces!) and unique statement necklaces. I've always thought of small necklaces as outdated or reserved for formal occasions, but I have completely changed my opinion recently! Delicate gold necklaces seem to be popping up everywhere, and I couldn't think of a more beautiful, understated, and simple accessory to sport in the warmer months with a tank and shorts (can you tell I'm craving summer already?!). Wear them alone or layered, with a tee, a sundress, or even a bathing suit. I think it will be one of my summer must-haves, and luckily I have a few more months to decide on one (or two)!

The Sequined Valentine

 Blazer: J. Crew / Top: Express / Skirt: Express / Bag: Kate Spade / Heels: Nine West

Since Valentine's Day fell on a weekday and Tyler and I are old people with early bedtimes, we decided to celebrate the following weekend. Tyler made reservations at our favorite Italian restaurant, The Brooklyn Bridge. Note to self: Don't wear a tight skirt to eat Italian. After dinner, we went to see Safe Haven, where I got to unzip my skirt halfway, kick off my heels, and cry my eyes out. I literally had to put myself back together after the movie was over!  

I gave into the Valentine's cliche and ended up in pink and red for our date and I couldn't resist adding a little glitz with a sequined tank and bag. Tyler gave me the bag a couple years ago for my birthday and since it's too fancy for everyday use, I get so excited for a chance to carry it!

Look for Less: J. Crew Fatigue Jacket

J. Crew Fatigue Jacket / Forever 21 Utility Jacket (also comes in mint!!!)

I'm so glad that utility jackets (or military or fatigue or whatever you wanna call them) are in for spring. They're everywhere! They're so versatile and can be dressed up with a floral dress or dressed down with jeans and a tee. You can also play around mixing it with dressier pieces, such as sequins, crystal baubles, or patent heels! The options are really endless, which officially makes the utility jacket a must-have for spring. But who wants to pay $170 for J. Crew's version?! Forever 21 has some AWESOME alternatives that are so much cheaper! I even actually like some of them better than the J. Crew version, believe it or not. Vests, faux leather sleeves, studs... Decisions, decisions!

 

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Evolution of Polka Dots

Paige $190 / J. Crew $98* / Gap $55* / Target $25

I knew I wanted needed a pair of polka dot jeans ever since I saw Paige's version on Shopbop. I wasn't about to drop $200, so I kept trying to find more inexpensive alternatives. I found as the price decreased, the dots became more and more subtle, which only makes them more versatile in my opinion. Of course I liked J. Crew's version, but I still wanted to look for cheaper options. I finally came across the pair from Gap and fell in love with them, and felt the price was reasonable. I tried them on in-store a couple weekends ago and just wasn't impressed with the fit, so back to the drawing board I went. Earlier this week, I went to Target to see the new Prabal Gurung collection (the Southaven store has a really limited selection, much to my dismay) but it was worth the trip because I found these polka dot jeans for only $25! The dots are subtle but noticeable, the fit was decent, and the price couldn't be beat! They wouldn't let me leave without taking them home with me, so I happily obliged.

*J. Crew: Now on sale, with an additional 40% off (ending today).
*Gap: Now on sale, with an additional 30% off (ending today).

Mint Gingham Shirt

  J. Crew $78 / J. Crew Factory $54 (with 30% off until Sunday!)

When you're a newlywed with a small shopping budget like me, every dollar counts. I included the gingham shirt in my top picks from J. Crew's new spring collection, so I was pumped to see its twin at J. Crew Factory online. At $54, it was still more than $20 cheaper, but I decided to wait until I could find a coupon for an even better deal. Lo and behold, I woke up Tuesday morning to an email from J. Crew Factory offering 30% off sitewide! I was more than happy to scoop it up for only $38 ($50 cheaper than the original J. Crew version!!!!).

If you're a J. Crew fanatic like me but can't always afford their prices, check J. Crew factory! They often have similar styles for less $$. And on that note, HAPPY FRIDAY!

Red, Pink, & Valentine's Trivia

Dress: Gap (on sale!) / Necklace: J. Crew / Bag: Gianni Bini (old) / Heels: Ivanka Trump (on sale!) / Bracelets: J. Crew

The beauty of East Tennessee gets me every time we visit. I realize I totally took it for granted that I got to see mountains every day when I lived there, so I have a newfound appreciation for their beauty whenever I walk out the front door of my in-law's home. We visited last weekend and enjoyed time with family, eating at our favorite Mexican restaurant, getting pampered at the hair salon (me), shopping at West Town, and watching the kids happily run free around the farm. Being there always makes me happy, and what better way to show happiness than by wearing bright colors? This dress was comfortable enough for running around Knoxville but still looked put-together with a statement necklace and pumps (however, I did mildly regret wearing them after walking around the mall).

Now for some Valentine's Day trivia! I Got these questions from The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife and thought they sounded fun! I answered the questions then gave them to Tyler to answer to see how well he knows me. Here are our answers! I have to say, Tyler knows me pretty well :)

How long have you been married?

AP: 7 months, 7 days

TP: Over 7 months

Where was your first kiss?

AP: Phoenix airport

TP: Phoenix airport

Who said "I love you" first?

AP: Me

TP: Amanda

What were your wedding colors?

AP: Pink, purple, and gray

TP: Purple, pink, and silver

What is her most commonly used phrase?

AP: "Bella, I love you!"

TP: "Please can I {insert shopping, nails, etc}

Who is her celebrity crush?

AP: Justin Timberlake

TP: JT

What's the last thing she does before she goes to bed?

AP: Watches Friends and kisses Bella

TP: Turns off Friends and tells Bella to come snuggle her

If you could throw out one item of her clothing, what would it be?

AP: my blazers

TP: high heels that makes her taller than me

What would she say is his most annoying habit?

AP: crunching ice and spitting it at Bella & Bentley

TP: crunching ice or yelling at games on TV

What would he say is her most annoying habit?

AP: being reluctant to admit when I'm wrong

TP: being OCD

Happy Valentine's Day! xoxo

De-Clutter Your Life (or at least your bedside table)

When my bedside table is clean and de-cluttered, I feel like my entire life is in order. There's just something about clutter that ensues chaos and simplicity that brings a level of psychological clearness. White is one of my favorite home decor colors because it's crisp and clean, simple yet elegant, and goes with everything (except puppies, I've learned). As Tyler and I have begun the long (never-ending) process of decorating our apartment, I've turned to white with pops of color (see: all white bedding and mint headboard). While cleaning the other day, I snapped a few photos of my bedside table in all its white glory.

Table: Amazon / Lamp: Target / Shade: Lowe's / Print: Kate Spade / Frame: Michael's / Necklace: J. Crew (currently craving this bracelet version) / Candle: Candlelite

This spring I plan to replace the candle with fresh flowers :)

Bella was lying on the bed watching and seemed jealous I was giving a nightstand attention instead of her.

As you can see, I didn't make the bed that day. Just keeping it real, guys.

Prabal Gurung for Target

Image via Harper's Bazaar

My heart skipped a beat when bold florals and neons flooded my Instagram feed last week from the Prabal Gurung for Target at NYFW. The collection launched this past Sunday, but instead of showing up at Target first thing Sunday or shopping online at midnight like all the other fashion crazies, I waited until Monday to visit a Target. And of course, I was one day too late to get the floral jacket I wanted. I only wanted ONE thing, people! And it's out of stock. There is one location within reasonable distance that has "limited stock", whatever that means, but I'll take that as a green light. Wish me luck!

The only thing I had to have from Prabal Gurung's collaboration with Target

Hunter Madness

1. Emily Schuman 2. Reese Witherspoon 3. Hilary Duff 4. Rachel Parcell 5. Blake Lively 6. Rachel Bilson 7. Rachel Parcell 8. Mary Kate Olsen 9. Shannon Willardson 10. Anna Jane Wisniewski

I've been dying for a pair of Hunter boots, but have been hesitant to spend $135 for colored rubber. How is it that when you want something, it always starts popping up everywhere you look?! It never fails. Almost every blogger I follow has a pair, countless celebrities, friends at church, even a coworker! Since I had Christmas money to spend, I started looking more seriously at purchasing a pair of the seemingly most popular rain boot on the planet. Of course I was drawn to the bright pink, but I also had a strong gravitation to red. After my search for a red pair in my size came up empty, I came across the pink for sale on eBay (new with tags!). I got a great deal on them, and was especially excited since the pink color is no longer for sale on any retail website. I love my pink pair, but I'm still not ruling out the possibility of other colors (have you seen their new spring colors?!).

What are your favorite color of Hunters?

{Award Winning} Chicken Taco Chili

Image via Pinterest

If you're like me, it's easy to feel depressed during the months of January, February and March because a) It's cold and all you want to wear are sweats and UGGs, b) Spring is still 3 months away, c) There's only ONE holiday off work in THREE months, and d) Despite all the new year's resolutions you made, the last thing you want to do is cook healthy meals and work out. (See how I turned it around on you? ;))

On days when this is you, slip into your comfiest pajamas and remedy the cold with this delicious (and healthy!) crockpot chili (and spend hours looking at spring fashion while its cooking). Trust me, it's amazing! You can also freeze the leftovers for a super quick meal :)

Chicken Taco Chili (recipe from Skinny Taste)

1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 8-oz can tomato sauce (I use a 16 oz can and a splash of tomato juice to make it a little more soupy)
10 oz package frozen corn kernels (I use 2 small cans of corn kernels)
2 14.5-oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies 

1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder 

 24 oz (3) boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 onion, chopped (I actually forgot this recipe calls for an onion. I've never used one)
chili peppers, chopped (optional, I don't include this)
chopped fresh cilantro
 
Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in. Top with fresh cilantro, low fat shredded cheese and/or sour cream.  

Enjoy!

Note: This chili is "award winning" because it beat 7 other entries at the Island Community Church Annual Chili Cook-off this past Sunday. I even have the trophy to prove it.

^ via Instagram. Follow me @thesequinedspaniel :)

Happy Friday!

Look for Less: Christian Louboutin

 Christian Louboutin 'Pigalle' / Steven by Steve Madden 'Loulu"

Look like a million bucks (without breaking the bank)! I've found that one of the most important aspects about shopping on a budget is finding similar pieces for a fraction of the cost! Up first in my new series, Look for Less, are the coveted red-soled heels designed by no other than Christian Louboutin. Want the look of Louboutin but not the price tag? These Steve Madden heels (right) are a dead ringer for Louboutin's Pigalle style and are so utterly classic and sophisticated I cannot stop drooling. I know they look sky high, but at 4" with a 1/4" hidden platform, they are totally manageable! They're selling out quickly (already sold out on Shopbop and Zappos!) so act fast!

Be sure and follow me to see more Looks for Less!*


*I also share "mini" Looks for Less on Instagram (see kate spade v. groop dealz here) so follow me @thesequinedspaniel!

J. Crew Spring Collection

Ever since J. Crew debuted their spring collection on January 31st, I've pretty much been drooling over everything. I've complied a collage of my favorite items and am sad to report the total cost is $950. Obviously I'm going to have to par down (by a lot!) and choose a couple must-have items, and wait for others to go on sale. And let's not even discuss all the gorgeous shoes I can't afford.

cabochon necklace / plaid shirt / pink tipped blouse / denim shorts / colorblock cashmere / ribbon necklace / mint tee / striped & floral sweater / mint gingham shirt

The only thing I know I will purchase is the cabochon necklace. At $45, it's affordable, I don't have many short necklaces, and hello? It's mint! I'll also probably get the tee, because it's a perfect basic, and only $30. I am trying to layer more often so one of these button-downs are a must! I feel like the strawberry mint plaid will be most versatile with my existing wardrobe. I love how the shorts are slouchy and not too short, it may be a little too premature to purchase them now for full-price. And as much as I love the colorblock cashmere sweater, it is just too expensive at $248. I'll have to wait for the sale on that one.

What are your top picks?

Sequined Chevron

There is little that could be better than sequins AND chevron (except maybe pink sequined chevron, but that may be a little much. Or would it...?) which is why I immediately fell in love with this sweater from J. Crew. I actually exercised self control and held out until it went on sale, which I am pretty proud of. But considering my entire outfit is from J. Crew, it's obvious I don't exercise as much self control as I probably should....

Also, I am fully aware that my bag appears to be overwhelming me, but... a) it was on sale, b) i didn't have a black bag, c) it has a unique shimmery tweed fabric, d) it holds everything and e) Beyonce has it! So that's my justification.  

Shirt: J. Crew / Sweater: J. Crew (sold out, but check eBay!) / Jeans: J. Crew (on sale!) / Flats: J. Crew Factory / Bag: Kate Spade

* FYI, this was our very first attempt at blog photography. Please excuse the lighting issues.

Meet Bella and Bentley!

They are the inspiration for my blog title and the loves of my life (besides Tyler, of course- love you honey!)... Meet my furry children, Bella and Bentley!

This is Isabella, most often referred to as Bella, Bella-Poo, Beller, Stinkerellie, and B.P. She's a Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel & Poodle) although she looks nothing like either in my opinion. She's a Bella-Poo! Tyler surprised me with her for Christmas in 2009 (when she was just 5 weeks old), and she's been my very best friend every since. I smile remembering the early days when she would whine if anyone except me held her. It was just she and I for two and a half years before I married Tyler (and before I had a big-girl job), and I cherish the memories of our late nights watching TV, our (all day) cuddle time, and afternoon walks. I love her more than life and would do anything for her. She's as friendly as can be and has never met a stranger. She's also more spoiled rotten than you could possibly imagine, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She basically gets everything she wants, including treats and bones whenever she asks (whines) for them. She sleeps on my tempurpedic pillow with me at night and whenever we're gone, she has her own memory foam bed. She gives me kisses on demand and is the sweetest cuddler. Walks and treats are her two favorite things and she is so smart that we have to spell those words out while in her presence or she will go bananas. Speaking of bananas, that's her favorite food. She was quite rambunctious as a puppy and destroyed too many things to count. It took her a good 2 years to calm down, but now she is just the perfect dog child. It's no secret that she's my favorite, but please don't tell Bentley. It would break his little heart.

This is Bentley, most often referred to as Bentley-Bug, Little Bear, and Pip Squeak. He's a Cavachon (King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and Bichon Frise) but looks mostly like a Bichon with brown colorings. We got him in September 2012 when he was 8 weeks old (he was born on our wedding day!). He's always playful and happy but is little shy around new people and is scared of young children. We're hoping he'll grow out of that as he gets older. He practically worships Bella and follows her everywhere, doing exactly as she does. He likes to jump on her head and taunt her with his toys. He likes to lay our bed but is no longer allowed up there after several accidents. He loves to play "hide and seek" where he hides in various spots (under the bed, in the linen closet, behind the washing machine) and we have to find him, then brib him with treats to come out. He has grown to love his crate and willingly goes in there when it's time for bed. He's just the sweetest little puppy that loves to play fetch and nap in your lap. I'm soaking up every moment of his puppy days.

Is it obvious that I'm obsessed? These little furballs are the reason I smile 99% of the time. I couldn't imagine life without them!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: for him

half-zip sweater / golf ball cuff links / armani cologne / plaid shirt / camp socks / leather card holder / dotted tie / kyoto pen / opus x cigar / iPhone attachment / lips boxers / meat thermometer / mint shirt / shaving kit / manly travel bag / striped bow tie

We all know that guys are impossible to buy for. They most likely are not going to like anything fuchsia, mint, or leopard print, which are always my first picks. So, what you end up with are primary colored sweaters, "cool" gadgets, neckwear and hobbies. (If you want to spend more than $100, I also recommend a watch.) I included a mint shirt and a pink striped bow tie in hopes I can convince Tyler how cute he would look. But I don't have high hopes considering he probably doesn't want to look "cute."

This gift guide is obviously inspired by my hubby and things I would consider buying for him, although I think many of these things are universal man must-haves! And like the gift guide for her, all of these items are under $100!