Giveaway Day Numba 11: Cami's Cake Co

Ready for some yummy treats?! 

Cami, of Cami Cake Co is a friggin' Rock Star! She just finished decorating 40,000+ cookies. That alone is feat but when you find out these were all custom, hand written - your jaw drops!! As good as these cookies look, they taste EVEN BETTER. Everything she makes is SO dang yummy. I can never get enough. She did the cake and cupcakes for my daughters birthday party this past March - so stinkin cute! She did cactus cupcakes and melted main cake; not only did it look great, it tasted great too! She does custom orders for any occasion, but be sure to get on the books ahead of time as she books up quick as she's in HOT demand! ;) 

Day number 10 brings you a DOZEN CUSTOM COOKIES to be ordered anytime in 2018!! Think birthdays, bridal events, graduations - these are great for ANY occasion (girls nights even! They pair great with wine - haha!) All you have to do to be entered are these 3 things: FOLLOW ME ON IG, FOLLOW CAMI CAKES CO ON IG and TAG TWO FRIENDS IN THIS POST. Extra entries for sharing this blog on Facebook, liking her facebook and liking my facebook page. 

Giveaway Day Numba 10: Hair by Sarah Moiser

I'm jammin to Christmas music as I type this, wrapped in a cozi cardi, in leggings and uggs.... All I need is a starbucks to make this most basic set up, ever - haha! I love being comfy! 

Do you have a hair gal that you just love?? Most of us do but sometimes people say no and it literally BLOWS MY MIND! Hooooww?? Whyy?? Hooooww?? I have to have a go to hair gal, or I feel like I'm in a constant state of panic {just ask my friends, they can ALL vouch}. I have tried several different places in KC over the years and it's not that I haven't enjoyed my time (okay I can honestly say there's been 2 times I didn't enjoy my time, not a single second) but over all it's been fine. Then I started going to Sarah Moiser.... I leave there HAPPY, every single time. I can't wait to go and know that I am going to leave with the most fabulous hair. Her salon [ Studio L ] is located in Mission, right off Johnson Drive and 635, super easy to get to and pretty centrally located. Sarah is spunky, trendy, sweet, knowledgeable and honest. She is the BEST and I highly recommend her! 

Day 10 brings you a deep conditioning treatment ($50 value) from Sarah!! Treat yo self and tack on a color or cut! All you have to do to be entered is FOLLOW ME ON IG - LIKE THE STUDIOS FB PAGE - TAB TWO FRIENDS ON THE IG POST.  You get extra enteries for re sharing the IG post, sharing this blog post and liking my FB page. 

Here's an insight to the salon.... and some of Sarahs magic!

Giveaway Day Numba 9: Jill DeGrave Esthetics

Is your skin suffering from the winter-like weather (well, kinda, I wish it would SNOOOWW). This giveaway is for you if the answer is yes!

Jill owns two businesses in Tonige. One being the dance studio that my kiddo actually goes to. She's part of a tumbling/dance class and really enjoys it!! The other is Jill DeGraeve Esthetics; a spa she runs out of her home. She does facials and all kinds of other skin care practices. I haven't been for a facial yet but I have one on the books for January, I can't wait to refresh my skin!

Day numba 9 brings you a European Facial + a cleanser from the image skin care line! Jill's relaxing atmosphere in her home while being pamered and rejuvenated is the perfect way to spend an afternoon! The image cleanser you go home with all depends on your skin type, so Kill will get you all set up at you appointment! All you have to do to be entered are these THREE things: Follow me on IG, Follow Jill DeGreave Esthetics on IG and tag 2 friends in the post!!  You get extra enteries for sharing this blog post, liking our facebook pages and re-sharing the IG post.

ahh, I just wanna lay on the table and let her work her magic!  

Giveaway Day Numba 8: Owl-R-Junk

Happy Sunday funday!! We spent the day caroling and spreading holiday cheer so I figured it was the perfect time to announce giveaway number 8!!  

Owl-R-Junk is part of the revival of the downtown area of Bonner Springs! I love walking around downtown Bonner Springs, all the while longing for down town Tongie to be the same way. You can spend hours in the shops down there! Owl-R-Junk is filled with tons of great finds. From the Farmhouse style to the fun Tee's with sayings to trendy jewelry & clothes; you'll find something you can live without {trust me, I always do!!}

Day Number 8 brings you a pair of these SUPER CUTE leather earrings. Have you seen these?? They're really popular right now. What I like most about them is they are really light! So you get the "dramatic" look of a larger earring without sacrificing comfort and your earlobe (I did this when I was younger and my ears are so stretched-waaahhh). So for me these are a very easy wear! These sparkly red ones are SO darn adorable - perfect for the holiday season && for the KC Chiefs! All you have to do is ALL THREE of these things to be entered to win: FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FOLLOW OWL-R-JUNK ON INSTAGRAM & TWO FRIENDS on the IG Post!! You get extra enteries for following each of us FB (MG/OWL), sharing this blog post and sharing our FB pages.

I'm slightly obsessed.  

I wore them today while we had a progressive party with neighbors and Friends. Then headed out to do some caroling  & random acts of kindness. It was a fabulous Sunday! 

Giveaway Day Numba 7: The Ruffled Daisy

Fa-la-la-la-la ..la-la-la-la .... 

Ready for day numba 7?? Beth owns The Ruffled Daisy, she's local to Tongie and does fabulous work! Everything she does is hand made/hand painted, hand loved!! I've ordered from her several times. Most recently for Mother day's gift for my mom and both my aunts. She made these amazing keep sake braceletes with my late uncles favorite saying on them. They were the perfect, hand stamped gift! We all loved them. Beth works really hard on all her pieces to make sure they're perfect. She volunteers her creative mind for the towns yearly seasonal craft events too! The kids always love what she puts together! 

Day 7 brings you these super cute Christmas Signs!! All you have to do to be entered is ALL THREE of these things: ONE: Follow The Ruffled Daisy TWO: Follow me on IG, THREE: Tag 2 friends in the IG post. You get bonus entries for each of the following: re-posting IG post, sharing this blog post and liking BOTH of our FB pages {Ruffled Daisy/Magdalena Styles} -- there will be TWO WINNERS FOR THIS GIVEAWAY!!! 

Giveaway Day Numba 6: Ever After Boutique

6... 

Ever After boutique is local to Tongie. It's owned by Libby; a hard working little momma! I love seeing pics of her little gal, she's just too cute and oh so fashionable! The online boutique is filled with super cute things like tops, workout leggings, tunic tops & hats! Ahh the hats always get me! It's less than a year old but already a very popular place to shop! I ordered a few Christmas gifts there, I can't wait to give! 

Tonights giveaway - a super cute CC beanie. Have you seen these?! If not, I have to believe you've been living under a rock - haha! These stocking caps are sooo cute & so popular. I love the Pom-Pom accent on this one! You can even find one for kids- perfect for the mommy and me outfits!  All you have to do to be entered are these THREE things : one- follow me on IG, two- LIKE the Ever after boutique on Facebook and tag TWO friends in the IG post...... extra entries: like my FB page, she this blog post, regram the IG post, share on FB. 

Giveaway Day Numba 5: Sarah Crochets

Eee! I'm having SO much fun with this! Hope you are too! 

Sarah lives in a quiet little area of Mission KS. The best word I could use to describe her is: COZY. Her home, her style, her personality: she's warm and sweet and comfortable. Which works well with what she does in her spare time to rest her brain from teacher-mode : She Crochets! She makes these ADORABLE little head bands. My daughter and I wear ours all the time (she does mommy and me sets which of course I adore)! You can custom order these in different colors/sizes. These are staple items for fall, winter and most kansas springs! They are easy to give as random acts of kindness gifts too because who doesn't want a stylish way to stay warm?? 

Giveaway day number 5 brings you TWO of these ear-warmers. For the winner, you do have to pick from the ones she has made, hard choice I know. However she is taking orders and is beyond affordable! All you have to do to win is ONE: Follow me on IG, TWO: Tag 2 friends in the IG post & like the pic! .... Bonus entries: LIKE my FB page, Share this blog post (be sure to tag me in it so I can see it!), re-gram the IG post! 

She also makes beanies!!! So cute right?! And this blush color is to die for!  

Love the bow detail! Bows are so in and a subtle bow is the perfect bow. 

As the winner you get to pick TWO of these!!  

Giveaway Day Numba 4: Nuance Style House

The days are just ticking.... are you done shopping?? These vendors would be great places to find those last minute gifts!!

So funny story, I was introduced to Rachel (owner of Nuance Style House) through Melissa Misic -my old boss and current insurance agent (she's the bessst, check her out, I've linked her page!). via social media. Mel told me about her cute boutique and all her hand drawn designs, immediately I follow her on FB and IG but we had never actually met in person. Over the summer she hand drew these ADORABLE cactus hats that I just had to have,so I ordered one, again never meeting in person but chatting away like we'd been friends forever. Then, while shopping at Target last week, I ran into her! You'd never know we had never met and she is just so sweet!! Her boutique style is one of a kind; most of her designs are hand written then put onto product. I love the uniqueness of that! She also designs and hand sews some of her products too; like this kimono she's giving away! a very original boutique; she's got something for everyone including plus size! She has an open house this Sunday from 10-2! Be sure to go check it out!!

Day number 4 brings you a kimono + flowy Tee with hand written saying (pictured below). Isn't this cute??? Versatile options that can be dressed up or just thrown on quick with leggings; gotta love pieces like that! All you have to do to be entered is ALL THREE of these things: ONE: Follow Nuance Style House on IG, TWO: Follow me on IG, THREE: Tag a friend in the IG post. You get bonus entries for each of the following: re-posting IG post, sharing this blog post and liking BOTH of our FB pages, 

Here's some more examples of her super cute clothes!! 

Giveaway Day Numba 3: Paradise Tan

Day three.... A little holiday Glow! yay!! 

I have been going to Paradise Tan for YEARSSS... literally, like 13 years (wow, that's kind of crazy)! She's the only person I completely trust when it comes to a spray tan! You can end up looking a mess if you don't go to the right person/salon. She hand sprays you although there is booth option but she makes you so comfortable and it all goes SO fast! You're done in 15 min, if that (yes I get completely naked, no you don't have to, yes it's weird for like 2 seconds then you're chatting away and you totally forget).  I simply love going and love how I feel after I leave with a gorgeous non-skin threatening glow! 

Day Number 3 brings you a FREE SPRAY TAN from Kim at Paradise Tan in Bonner Springs. Be sure to exfoliate the night before, shave the night before & moisturize your skin daily for longevity. Wear lose fitting clothes (it never fails, I always forget this part and usually dig for something in my car). You can use this spray ANY TIME. Even if you don't win, mention Magdalena Styles at your next spray appt and get 20% OFF for the rest of the year!!

How to be entered to win: MUST DO ALL 3 THINGS!:: Follow me on IG, Follow Paradise Tanning and Hair on IG, Tag a friend on the IG post. For bonus entries (each thing counts as one): like our FB pages (Paradise/Magdalena) or share this blog post on FB (be sure to tag me so I see it)  GOOD LUCK!! 

Here's some examples of Kim's work! 

Giveaway Day Numba Two: The Paisley Peony

I LOVE COLLABORATIONS. I love promoting other local business's and getting to chat with other ladies just hustlin' for what they're passionate about! So, here goes day numba twoooo!

Day Two brings you a giveaway from The Paisley Peony. Kelli Romero is the owner of this little custom design store. She custom designs T-shirts, wine glasses, tea towels, tumblers, even car decals! I've had Kelli design a hand full of things for me; onesies for friends babies, T shirts & even my car decal that says "Magdalena Styles" (I say that like there's something else it would say, "hot mess express" maybe....). Everything she has done has been fabulous. A quick turn around (because all my gift ideas are usually needed within 3 days), quality products, affordable & exactly what I was wanting plus Kelli is SUPER sweet & SO easy to work with.

You get to pick 3 tea towels of YOUR CHOICE - custom sayings or use a design she's already done -  as this giveaway!! Aren't these adorable?!? Who doesn't love a cute tea towel, great for teacher gifts or hostess gifts. All you have to do is ONE: Follow her on Instagram, TWO: Follow me on Instagram, THREE: Tag a friend in the IG post. Bonus entries for liking BOTH (The Paisley Peony / Magdalena Styles) of our Facebook pages and for sharing this blog post on facebook! Be sure to share publicly or tag me in it so I can see it! MUST DO ALL 3 THINGS TO BE ELIGIBLE . Winner announced Tuesday morning at 10:00! 

you'll get to pick THREE! you can pick from these designs or send her custom orders!

Here's a couple other things she makes!! Cute right?! 

Do you stuff your own stocking??

I spent Sunday afternoon helping Kelley with a commercial shoot and afterwards we decided to have a glass of wine and relax on her new couch. As we sat there catching up and chatting about Christmas decor the kids came blazing through like little tornado's. My daughter noticed her friends already had things in their stockings! So they poked and prodded and figured out all the stockings had a few things in them... except one. As the kids counted off who's stocking was who's, her oldest piped up "Momma! Your stocking is the empty one! There's nothing in your stocking". Kelley and I looked at each other and had similar thoughts, you could see it on our faces, I said out loud "Sounds about right". Now this is not a hating on men post - let me make that clear. 

Hearing Sully say it out loud, kind of made me sad. There's nothing in Momma's stocking. I can't be the only one feeling like it's not just about the cute fur lined sock, hung on the mantle. It made me sad because of course there's nothing in momma's stocking. We're busy making sure everyone else's vintage stripped stocking's are filled with wants/needs/love. We're not thinking about ourselves, we're thinking of others. By doing that though, we often leave ourselves feeling "empty" or "drained" You don't always realize it till a 6 year old questions it. You don't even think twice because it's like this every year, if not nearly year round. We put ourselves last. We leave ourselves with empty stockings. 

This year, I refuse to do this. I will not continue to fill everyone else's stocking at the cost of emptying mine {It's bull shit}. Of course, I will do the things I do every year; Hand write Christmas cards (I really hate the way I write Merry), stock cyber Monday deals for 40% off (then have that item shipped to your work so your husband doesn't see what you got him), wrap presents till midnight a couple nights (guilty, oh so guilty), grocery shop with kids hanging on me (ugh), then make another 3 trips for the things I forgot (well of course I forgot something, I pretty much spent the whole time saying "NO, we're not getting that"), plan the perfect holiday party, (it won't be perfect, I'll burn something), hand make items with the kids for grandparents (and hover wishing she'd use red for the candy cane instead of orange).... but this year will be different. Here's what I'm doing to make sure I stay cheerful & my stocking doesn't hang empty.... 

• Present #1: Each time my kiddo smiles, I remember why I'm doing these things. I smile and my heart fills with love and appreciation for my own mom & dad. All those years of making everything memorable. 
• Present #2: Each late night wrapping session is parried with M&Ms, Popcorn and Wine. I wrap with the light of the Christmas tree too.
• Present #3: Before shopping, I fill envelopes. I mark with each one with the persons name & fill it with the budget I have for that person. (I tend to overspend.... I like to shop)
• Present #4: Each time I'm in the car at night I drive with no music on & soak in the lights. Just like your kids do. 
• Present #5: When I'm cooking, I turn on Christmas music; dance sessions make me happy (and could be why I burn things -- opppss.... haha) 
• Present #6: Look at your calendar right now, mark 2 nights that you'll do something for yourself - Hair mask, face mask, early bed time, book a massage, girls dinner, get your nails done. It's 2 nights out of the month, make it happen. 

These are the things I'm trying this year and so far, so good! Hang in there momma, it's the holidays. Your stocking should be abundantly full!  

In the spirit of filling your stocking, I'm doing 15 days of giveaways. I've collaborated with some FAB ladies. Tonight : I'm giving away this VS perfume and body gel set!! All you have to do is follow me on IG, like the pic and tag a friend! Bonus points for sharing the blog posts on FB! 

Devin's Wedding

Sweet Devin. She found me on instagram (good to know that thing works! haha!) Turns out though, we knew a lot of the same people & live close to each other. I got the pleasure of doing their engagement style first then came the wedding. It was the perfect November day, a little overcast, no humidity and a gorgeous Bride. {all makeup pictured done by me}

Devin- thank you for letting me part of your wedding journey. I loved getting to know you and your girls. I had a blast! Everyone just looked stunning. 

Professional pic from:   Brittyn Photography

Jessica's Wedding

Miss Ogan! I was around Jessica growing up, at least our high school years. She was always a freaking blast to be around so when she asked me to style her wedding I was all over it. Plus it's just fun to catch up with girls you knew years ago. An early morning and a whole Slewwww of girls (literally, so many girls, I loved it!) later, she was off to get married on chilly, rainy Saturday but gurrrrrll, she looked good!! I did all the bridesmaids makeup and the brides makeup + hair. 

Jessica- THANK YOU for letting me part of your big day! I was so excited walking through the process with you. I love that your a fellow make-up junkie too, so fun! You looked amazing. I absolutely loved the style you chose, you'd never know we didn't do a trial! Enjoy married life lady! 

Professional Pics by Ashley Mizell Photography

{I so appreciate the behind the scenes shots! Getting to do what I love!}

Would you look at that hair?! SWOON!

The Truth

Yesterday I was chatting with a client of mine about her upcoming wedding. We were discussing schedules, details, times, ideas and everything in between. She said the funniest thing, I literally laughed out loud at her comment. "Girl, you just have it all together! You're just so on top of things. You & your life just seems so perfect. How do you do it? I really hope that someday I keep my shit together the way you do. Thank you for being awesome!"................ I didn't even know how to reply. 

 I'd love to sit here and tell you I have all my calendars in sync, my kids lunches are packed with perfectly balanced meals, I'm never late, my closet is color co-coordinated. I'd love it if I could say, my house is spotless and so is my car, my house is decorated in the perfect mix of farm house chic & pumpkins. We eat a made from scratch meal at 6:00, as a family, every night and the dishes are done immediately after... I could go on and on at the things I WISH I could say are true. 

Time for some truth: I do not have my shit together. My life is not perfect. 

Is it wrong that I was flattered that my life looks that way from the outside in?? Like, I WISH my life was perfect (eh, kinda at least, I'd go for the pumpkins and clean kitchen). Funny how everything has a different perspective depending on which side of the glass you're standing on.

Another truth: I love how imperfect my life is. It's not the life for everyone.

If you're a clean freak, you can't ride in my car. If you're a person who's always 10 minutes early, you're going to hate me because unless it's a style, I'm usually a solid 7-16 minutes behind schedule (sorry husband, he falls in the early category). If you can't handle the fact that I may dress up for dinner but put on sweats for the movie afterwards, we can't be friends (I mean we can but I'll be in comfy sweatpants while you hate your life in jeans, don't worry, I'll share my sweats with you). My life is CHAOS and I only have one little person to tote around (hooooww do people have more than one kid?! Kuddo's super moms)! Sometimes, I don't have time to shower, sometimes my kid wears the same socks 2 days in a row and sometimes my husband is left to dry off with a wash rag after showering because I forgot to switch over the towels. My schedule is overly full because I can never say no. I never want to disappoint, I never want to let anyone down. Sometimes we eat cereal for dinner, sometimes I forget to get bread for my kids lunches so I have to text my neighbors! My life is not perfect, sometimes my life is really hard & sometimes it's really easy (praise the lord for those days). But this is the life I have been working towards, this is the life I am thankful for. This is the life I want. Even with all it's imperfections. 

The point of this post is that even though you may think someone's life is perfect and find yourself comparing, wishing for someone else's life; don't. Love your life, love who you are and what you do. No one's life is perfect & if they tell you it is, they are full of shit. 

Feeling Festive

How was your weekend? Everyone always asks on Monday's, don't they? The standard response is "Good! How was yours?" - am I right?? Normally conversation moves on from there. This morning a co-worker asked me how my weekend was and I said "Festive! I'm ready for the holidays". This sparked more of a conversation about what I did and recommendations for his family! I love sharing fun places and sharing ideas for busy families that fall into the same yearly rut of wanting to do things but then don't.

A girlfriend of mine and I decided we wanted to do something fun Saturday so we loaded up our kiddo's and headed to Cider Hill. This just happens to be the place that Scott and I got married so I enjoy visiting. They have a pumpkin patch, duck feeding, swing sets, hay ride & yummy snacks! Our girls loved it and so did we! We got the chance to just hang out and let the girls run. Their cider slushies (for just a $1.00 a piece - woop!) were SO good! They also had pumpkin donuts (fresh and warm-what dreams are made of), bbq options, apple crisp and other foods that all looked really good! We took a ride on the hay wagon out to the pumpkin patch, ate our donuts, drank our slushes and of course had to snap a few pics with this adorable setup they had! 

The fun continued into Sunday with more girlfriend time! I haven't been able to make it to a Holiday Mart (crazy, I know!). Finally, Sunday I was able to go check it out! I loved everything about it! Defiantly put me in the holiday mood! Over 200 vendors and TONS of cute stuff. I've already made plans to attend another similar event in November (9th-12th), located at the OP convention center; KC Holiday Boutique. Send the date to your lady friends and make a date! 

How do you Pumpkin Patch?

I heart fall and all the fun things that come with it; smells, foods, adventures, fashion, decor..... all of it! 

One of the things I look most forward to each year is the pumpkin patch!! It's one of the few days my family is ALL together (forcefully? Possibly but whateves). Each year we like to try new pumpkin patches, just because, no special reason. We have close friends (like some of our all time favorite people) that live out in Lees Summit and my girlfriend is working part time at a ranch; they also have a pumpkin patch. So she tagged along with us; an honorary Clev for the day. Faulkners Ranch was nothing short of amazing! One of my favorite patches that we've been to so far! Tons of activities including; hay rides, corn shooting, train ride, corn pit, horse rides, goat farm & so much more! The corn pit was probably bry's favorite. My favorite was the FOOD! Holy delish! Not your typical pumpkin patch food, these were actual meal options (well kind of anyway - no walking tacos haha!). Piggy Mac was what the boys got - macaroni and cheese topped with pulled pork - YUMMMM! I had a Pumpkin donut sundae; its exactly what it sounds like, so dang good! Plus, their pumpkins and mums were gorgeous; they even had some funky gords, I always like those for decor! The place was just all around fantastic! If you're looking for a patch to visit; go check this one out!  

They also have space for special events; be sure keep this place on your radar country brides! It's beautiful! 

I do.

Friday the 13th, we celebrated 5 years married. Let me tell you something about marriage, it's basically nothing like you thought it would be. Some days, its better. Other days, well, other days it's just really hard. Thankfully in my married life so far we've had a lot more of the moments where you say "damn, I'm blessed"  rather than the moments where you're secretly plotting each other's death, thinking a Mr. & Mrs. Smith style shoot out might be the way to go... ha! 

I get the pleasure of talking with brides all through the moments leading up to getting married. They all ask, how long have you been married? Was it love at first sight? (ha! Just replaying the first time I met Scott. I'll get to that). Are you always happy? Is marriage the best thing ever? 

I always just laugh and some what sarcastically say yes. The truth is, every single day I am thankful and every single day, I am happy. That doesn't mean that at some point in the day I thought about sending him to sofa city for the night or burning all of his socks. That is reality though. If someone were to tell me that they're never irritated, mad, frustrated with their spouse -I'd be running away because their pants are about to catch fire. 

Scott and I were both managers at a large retail store and we had it out one afternoon about an event I was running. He was trying to tell me no, ha. Guess who one that one?? About a year later, we decided to stop hating each other & he asked me out on a lunch date  I proceeded to ask him super personal questions, no time for BS & he answered them - the rest is history. 

On October 13th 2012, the rainiest day we'd seen in 3 months, we said I do. I have no idea what the future holds, no one does. All I know is, I will continue to thank God for bringing my scotty and his boys into my life & I will continue to be the "okay" wife I am, because let's face it, I'm not perfect ;)   

outfit: Jcpenny dress, kendra scott accessories, open toed shoes from Buckle (purchased 2 years ago - staples!). 

Dinner: Gas light grill - totally recommend it! Romantic atmosphere, live jazz music, delish food and a nice patio for toasting -no matter what you're celebrating! 

September Favs!

mmmmm - It's almost fall!! Some mornings have been toying with my emotions and have been super chilly. I'm LOVING it! However, it's made me emotionally unstable because by the time the afternoon rolls around; im sweating and crankin' up the AC. Still though, my house is smelling like fall and starting to look like fall - all things that make me happy! September has brought LOTS of celebrating! For one, it's my birthday month (thanks for all the love y'all!). I had a wonderful time celebrating with friends & fam. For two, it's my husbands last month at his job of 15 years so we had fun celebrating that! In just a week it will be my bonus mom's 40th birthday so we'll be partyin' down for that (stay tuned, it's 80's and 90's theme, style will of course have to be on point for that!). Below are just a few of my "I'm pretending it's fall even though it's 89 degrees out, favorites". 

1. Fall Scented Candles: This could be the best part of fall.... (retract that, not sweating and sweater weather is the best part but this comes in at a close 2nd!). I freaking love a good, strong, long lasting smelly candle. I get so bummed when I buy a candle and for one it doesn't burn the same scent as it smelt when I stuck my nose it & for two it only smells up the 6inches of the candles circumference - boo. So I've figured out where to buy candles. Candle Queen Candle in Leavenworth makes her own soy blend of candle and they smell. soo. good. They also last a long time and will smell up your entire house! I'm currently burning Butterscotch delight - yum! The other place is Bath and Body works, now I will NOT spend $24.95 on their candles, they have $10 sales waaaayy to often to be spending that kind of monies; however, I will drop $50 on 5 candles and not feel bad about it. This season I have already picked up Flannel, Caramel Pumpkin Swirl and Pumpkin Cupcake.

2. Statement Sleeves: Currently LOVING this trend. I don't know about you but I look forward to shirts with sleeves and when they have some personality, it's even better. When I find puff sleeve or bell sleeve items that are a normal cut (I say this will love, I just can't do crop style top, if you can I secretly hate you anyway - enter winky face- xoxox). I have found a couple SUPER fun tops, with puff sleeves. The White with black stripes is from Franchesca's ($34.99), I paired with a floppy hat; made for the perfect winery outfit! Also, gotta share this steal of a deal I picked up from Franchesca's; $9.00, cactus print and has flouncy sleeves! Swoon! I'll spend a little more on things that I can easily dress up or dress down. I feel like statement sleeves are versatile must-have's this season! 

3. Fenty Beauty Foundation: I plan to do a video review on this so I wont' say too much so I don't over dose you in info but make the purchase. It's as good as they say it is. I'm color 170 and it's a perfect match! 

4. Dark Lips: I'm all about a fun colored lip. Now when I say fun I do not mean greens and blue and yellows - I can not pull that off (shout out to those who can tho- get it guurrrll or guy, whatevs!). I'm talking the rich plums (featured on right), darker nudes, blue undertoned red - eeekk! I love them all! My go to Red right now is from Urban Decay: Rock Steady Vice Liquid Lipstick. A little pricier than my normal buy but once you find a red that is matte, vibrant color, no orange undertone; you stick with it. I get asked all the time "how do your lines always seem so crisp with no bleed"? - LINE YOUR LIPS. Use lip liner; even if you don't use a red liner, use something close to it. Sephora has liners for $6, I always have a nude liner on hand. PRIMER - use a lip primer, the elf brand works just fine for me, just make sure you smudge it in good. 

5. Chili: I don't talk much about recipes.... Let's get one thing on the table; I don't pretend to be good at cooking, nor do I pretend to do it all the time. I hit the husband jackpot; he cooks and he cleans! Lawdy, I am blessed. However, when fall comes around, I spend a little more time in the kitchen. One of my FAVORITE go-to fall meals is White Bean Chicken Chili. There are SO many variations of this chili & I've never had one I didn't like....I'll share my recipe below. 

serves 8-10.... Crock pot (4-6 hours on low) or stove in large pot.    4 cans great northern beans, 2 cans pinto beans, 2 cans kidney beans, 1 can of white hominy (all beans drained), 1 can of green chilies,  2 cups of chicken broth & a chopped up onion (optional). Let that all simmer. I pull chicken off a rotisserie chicken and throw that in but you can also throw in 2 chicken breasts to cook with it all (8 hours in crock pot on low). Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions & fritos (hubs personal fav).

Emma Wedding

Ahhh-- it's been a couple weeks since I've written-- sorrryyy -- it's been a BUSY couple of weeks and I have some REALLY pretty faces to share with you this week! 

First up, is the gorgeous Emma! I got up at 3am to leave by 4, to start styling at 5am! Lucky for me Emma's wedding party was so lively and hilarious from the get go! Plus they made a coffee run, I was pretty thankful for that! haha! 

Emma, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your big day! I had SO much, it was well worth the early morning! I hope you had the wedding of your dreams. You made such a stunning bride! 

Here's a few snaps I was able to get of all the styles the I did that day (missing a couple - wah) + a few pro pics from the amazing Nicole Renee Photography

Ethan & Brooklyn - Engaged

These two people are near and dear to my heart. Ethan is my cousin and he is marrying the love of his life this coming May. Ethan and I have grown up together (obvs, we're fam!), there's 3 years in between us. His sister, Liv, has been a built in best friend since the get go. Our family is odd (HA, I say that like we're the only weird family) in that we can literally go MONTHS without seeing each other and pick up right where we left off. We never skip a beat. Like most families, we've endured some hard times but we've also had A LOT of FUN times. I know without a doubt this wedding is going to be amazing. I was asked to style both this engagement session and the wedding -- I am THRILLED. My little red head gets to be a flower girl too - she's puuuumped! 

Brooklyn - thank you for choosing me. Thank you for trusting me. You are going to make such a gorgeous bride. I simply can not wait. So happy the festivities have officially kicked off! Starting with this engagement session! Photos by Jen Kalmm Photography.