Brunette life

I recently had my naturally blonde hair dyed brown! I had my hair stylist do it about 2 weeks ago, and I'm still getting used to it. It's a bit darker than I had wanted, but I did want a big change!  Isn't it amazing how much changing your haircolor can make you feel so different!?  I suppose it's good for fall.  I hardly ever dye my hair, so when I went, I told her lets just go big!

Do you ever change your hair? Any drastic color changes or do you stick close to your natural shade?

Life

It's been ages again. You know the usual reasons why I haven't blogged in forever, life, being busy, being a mom of young kids, etc.

Honestly life has been a bit challenging lately. I think everyone goes through periods in their life that are tough. This too shall pass, right?

What do you do when the going gets tough? I find myself reading my bible more. Sadly, I find that when life is going well I don't spend as much time in the Bible as I should, but when I'm looking for answers or hope I turn to God's word. It's good to turn to the Bible during the rough times, but I feel I need to do it more through the good times too.

I also have been reading in general more. I've always loved to read books. To get lost in another world.

I'd like to say I've been exercising as well, since it's a good outlet for stress, but unfortunately I haven't been. 😆

Soaking up time with my kids, making wonderful memories is another way I've been getting through this stressful time.  Nothing is better for the soul than children's laughter.

How about you? What do you do?

PICKY, PICKY, PICKY

How many of you cook at home?  As a stay at home mom, I'm the primary cook in our household.  I've been married for 9 years and have a 5 year old son and a 2 year old daughter.  Our family is complete.  I wasn't much of a cook when my husband and I got married.  We spent a lot of our first year or two eating out.  Along the way, I've learned a thing or two.  I'm not the best cook, but I think I could manage an award for most improved.  I love to bake and am a better baker then cook but my husband doesn't often get in the moods for sweets!  From my sweet tooth perspective, it's hard for me to even imagine!

If you have a sweet tooth like me, try this recipe here for these yummy looking banana caramel cupcakes pictured below!

Anyway, I sometimes find cooking a meal in our household frustrating.  My husband is a picky eater.... He hates tomatoes and doesn't like a lot of vegetables.  That limits a lot of easy meals!  And if any of you have children, you know how picky they can be from time to time.  I myself, am not a picky eater.  I like most foods.  Cooking in my house is definitely a challenge.

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One of our favorite meals that we can all agree on, are TACOS!  Luckily we all love tacos in one form of another and that's an easy but delicious meal to make!

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We also do indulge a little bit with takeout.  We have a family tradition of PIZZA FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT every Friday.  We usually pickup a couple of pizzas at a local pizza place or sometimes make them at home.  We get to eat dinner in the living room (which is not something we normally do) and watch a movie perfect for our little ones! Pizza isnt always the healthiest option but we've really enjoyed having a consistent family tradition each week that are our 5 year old son really looks forward too!

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Do any of you deal with picky eaters or limited skills in the kitchen?  I'd love to hear any of your go to recipes or personal favorites?  Or tips with how to cook for picky people!?  Or maybe you have some fun family traditions you either grew up with or are incorporating into your family now?  I'd love to hear!

SIMPLY STYLISH

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I love looks that aren't trying too hard.  An outfit that isn't full of so many prints and patterns.  Ones that are simple, but yet so chic.  Styles that look effortless, those are some of the best looks, in my opinion.  I love the cropped skinny jeans she's wearing above paired with those beautiful nude flats and simple white on top.  She looks gorgeous even without the outfit being super fancy.

I think black and white pieces are the easiest ways to pull this off.

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Little to no accessories, 

help with getting this look just right.  

You don't need a lot of extra things

 to distract from a great look.

                   

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Is this a type of style you try to achieve?  

Do you have a go to outfit

 for when you want to look effortlessly stylish?

FALL FAVORITES: FOOD OR FASHION

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Fall weather is just around the corner and you know what that means.... Time to bring out those blazers, your favorite chunky knit sweater, and a scarf or two.  It's about time to bring on the stylish, yet cozy layers.

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It seems most people enjoy fall.  Not too hot, not too cold, just right.  Plus you get to indulge in everything pumpkin.  Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread..... Pumpkin everything. 

recipe here

  Even those that say they can't stand when pumpkin flavor hits the stores, are secretly eating pumpkin brownies late at night.

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Yeah, I'm looking at you!

Although, I must confess, my all time favorite fall drink isn't actually pumpkin flavored!  It's always been hot caramel apple cider!  GASP! I know right?!  Oh, but it's so delicious!  But a tall cup of hot caramel apple cider and a comfy look like above, or a more sophisticated look like below and I'm good to go. 

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What's your favorite thing about fall?  The food or the fashion?

  Or are you like me, and love both?

 Love the layered look below with the collar!

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Lastly, I adore the cream shades below!!

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What are some of your favorites?

OVER OVERALLS?

I haven't liked overalls since I was a young girl.  Although, I've seen them 

 make a little comeback from time to time throughout the years, I myself haven't had any interest in putting a pair back on.  Until now that is.  I came across this:

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I love this look!  I never thought I'd say that about an outfit involving overalls!  I think it's the fit of them that really caught my attention.   They aren't baggy or unflattering.   They have a nice skinny fit throughout the legs.  She paired them with feminine strappy heel and a solid black tee.  She didn't over do it. A cute messy bun and super chic sunglasses with a fabulous little purse and she's all set!  I really do love this look!  Would I actually go out and buy a pair of overalls?  To be honest, I'm not sure if I would.  Only, because I don't think I could pull this look off!  

What about you?  Would you wear overalls?  Or are there any certain fashion trends that you love, but don't actually indulge in, because you don't think you could make it work for you?

PLEAT IT

Pleated skirts!  

I absolutely love this look above!  Doesn't it seem like a perfect summer outfit?  She's dressed this super chic black pleated skirt more casual with a basic white tank and sneakers.  Comfortable and cute.  Perfect summer combo.  Normally I don't think wearing skirts while riding bikes is the best idea, but I could totally see this working out.  And don't you just love bikes with cute little baskets?  Why have I not upgraded my bike?!

More pleated skirts for your pleasure!

Looks business chic above. 

A fun pop of color below!

It's a shame to realize I actually don't own a pleated skirt!  How can this be true?!  I know what I'm adding to my next shopping spree!

What about you?  Pleated skirts, yay or nay?

How do you or would you style it?

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LAIDBACK & CHIC

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I wish I could look this effortless and cool.

Laidback and chic.

Comfortable yet super stylish.

All hard things to pull off, yet she does it so well!

PINK HUES

I have always wanted to dye my hair a soft pastel pink or get pink highlights.  Although I have had my hair dyed here and there through the years, I have never been brave enough to actually take the plunge.

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When I was working, it wouldn't have been professional.  I've also had a fear of it looking ridiculous or now that I'm a stay at home mom and don't have to worry as much about professionalism with my five and one year old, I have to worry if it might be strange showing up at school things with pink hair. Oh, what's a girl to do?

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Maybe one day I'll just go for it, but for now I'll just admire it from afar!

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Would you ever dye your hair a more unnatural color?  Do you like pastel shades or neons? I also think a soft lilac is so pretty!

OUT OF CONTROL

Hello there lovelies!  I hope you are all well!  I know my last post was titled moody blues because I had been having an off day that day.  Unfortunately it hasn't quite improved.  Do any of you struggle with feeling a sense of helplessness when you can't "control" things?  This may be a heavy topic for a blog,  but in all honesty I'm someone who loves having things set up, planned, organized.

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 I'm not one that does well with not knowing what's going to happen or when things are out of my control.  I worry and worry some more.  Do any of you suffer from that as well?  I know I need to "let go" sometimes and be a bit more easy going though when things don't go according to my plan ( besides I need to remember, my plan isn't always the best plan).  It's a working progress, that's for sure, but at least I'm trying.

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My goal this week, relax, let go

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Doesn't that look peaceful?  Do you have ways of letting go and worrying less?

MOODY BLUES

 It's been kind of an off day.
Do you ever have days filled with a wide range of emotions? Not often do I have a day where I've had such fun for part of the day yet also had some really stressful moments too.

 Anyway, it got me thinking about something.  
Do you have something in your closet that when you put on, it helps you get out of your funk?

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 Something that makes you feel good?
A piece of clothing, like a super chic dress or a pretty blouse?

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 Or possibly a certain accessory cheers you up, like a sentimental piece of jewelry, a fun hat, or an amazing pair of heels?

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 Fashion can definitely have an effect on your mood.  It's not just me that feels this way, right? Does any piece in your closet come to mind as a mood lifter?  

HOW HIGH DO YOU WAIST IT?

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Don't you just love this look?  I love everything about it!  The gorgeous skirt paired with a simple white tee, so the skirt can be the stand out piece.  And those pale pink high heels are so pretty and lady like!  LOVE!!

I love high waisted skirts, do you?  Most of the time that style can be super flattering, especially if you have an extra pound or two around your stomach area, that can often times be hidden beautifully by a high waisted skirt.

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The black tulle high waisted skirt above is so pretty!  I love skirts made of tulle, so feminine and fun!  The hue below is so pretty! Sort of peachy, sort of a coral shade, either way, gorgeous!  And did you notice those bow high heels?!?

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I love how the girl above accessoriesed her high waisted maxi with a belt!  And the girl below looks great pairing a navy blue high waisted skirt with a striped button down and bright red high heels! 

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What's your favorite look?  
Do you wear high waisted skirts?  
What's your favorite way of styling them?

CUPCAKE DIET

Today my kids and I made lemon cupcakes!  I was in the mood to bake something and was leaning towards blueberry muffins since we still have a lot of fresh blueberries left from picking last week, but my son wanted cupcakes,  and surprisingly lemon.  I myself, like all cupcakes, well to be honest, I like almost all desserts, haha, but I thought for sure he would pick chocolate.  However, the lemon ones were delicious! We made regular size cupcakes and mini ones too, which was good for me, so I could eat a couple without feeling completely terrible!  I've been trying to eat healthier these last few weeks.  I wouldn't mind losing just a couple of pounds. 

So instead of cupcakes, I should be eating this: 

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Which don't get me wrong, I love fruits, but I do have a sweet tooth!  Goodness, dieting can be no fun!  What about you all?  Are any of you on any type of diet?  If so, what are your go to recipes? 

I'm really into nuts and seeds right now. 

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 My current favorite seeds right now are raw pumpkin seeds and my go to nuts are raw almonds and a little bit of walnuts too.  Pair nuts and seeds with a a little bit of dried fruit and it's super yummy! Although you really have to watch the sugar content on dried fruit.  Do you have a favorite healthy snack?  

ALL "HALE" LUCY

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Lucy Hale has always been my favorite prettiest little liar, on the show and off.  I didn't realize I could love her style more until she chopped off her hair this last year or so and has been unstoppable ever since!

Her short do looks great in any shade. 

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And her style is always on point.  

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She's definitely someone I would love to swap closets with! 

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 Her haircut is also perfect for summer!  What do you think?  Anyone else have a little style envy?

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