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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Elf on the Shelf is coming to Emily C.'s house!

Yes, yes, it’s me.. I am alive!  Aside from the obvious hustle and bustle of the upcoming holiday season, let’s just say that life has gotten in the way of my blogging and my focus has had to be elsewhere for the time being.  BUT! I am back, and hopefully here to stay!

Instead of boring you with what life has been throwing my way the past few months, I thought I would share with you all what life is currently looking life at Casa de Cain….


Ahh!! I am so so stinkin’ excited!  
This year is finally the year that we will be debuting our little Elf on the Shelf, Murray (more on that name in a second!).  
We have actually had said Elf since last year, but we didn’t think Liam was quite ready or would really understand the concept until this year.

We’ve been talking to him about his special visitor since the beginning of November.  Instead of it being a sprung on surprise, we felt like with Liam (being as peculiar as he is!), it would be better to garnish some anticipation and excitement for his arrival!  He has even given his little elf a name already, Murray.  
(If you’re wondering where the heck that name came from, he heard it on a Christmas movie and proclaimed that his Elf be named that! Okay, Liam, works for us!)

So for the past few days, I have been sorting through blogs, pinterest, you name it, for the perfect ‘line up’ for our elf.  Being that our family’s schedule, is, well, um, strange to say the least, I had to get a concrete plan of what it is that our little Murray will be up to 
(because let’s face it, without the calendar, I’d probably forget all about him!)

Oh, and hey, if there are any other slightly OCD momma’s out there that think this calendar might be useful for their little family, I’ve made a customizable one just for you!

click on picture for printable

I’ll be posting daily pictures on instagram of what our Elf has been up to, as well as a weekly recap here!
Here’s how you can follow along:
Check back here each Friday for a ‘What’s Murray Up To?’ update
Follow hashtag #whatsmurrayupto
Follow Emily C. on Instagram @emilyyycain

Any ideas for our little elf that I might be, gasp, missing?!
I’d love to hear about your ideas

Keep Celebrating!

Sunday, November 23, 2014

When the Clock Strikes 12...

Bah! Ok, so I feel like all of my favorite TV shows AND my favorite Disney princess have come together to make one (and from the looks of it) spectacular movie!


Yes, they are making a Cinderella movie annnnndddd the trailer came out last week and I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!

First off the casting. I seriously think the casting director went hey, what are Emily's favorite shows? Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones? Ok, lets have a majority of the cast come from there.

Cinderella is played by Lily James,


who was also Lady Rose MacClare on Downton Abbey.


Now who is going to play Prince Charming next to this lovely leading lady? Good news everyone, Robb Stark from Game of Thrones lives! Yep, the handsome Richard Madden is taking on this royal role.

Richard Madden 1


And what about the villains?


Oh yes, Cate Blanchette is playing Lady Tremaine the Wicked Stepmother. Also, another Downton Abbey cast sighting! Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy, has taken on the role as Drizella (the one in the yellow).

And last, but certainly not least, who else would save the day and get Cinderella to the ball then Helena Bonham Carter?


Bellatrix Lestrange turned Fairy Godmother (bet you never saw that one coming!)

If I haven't sold you on the cast, maybe the costumes will convince you otherwise. Cinderella's gown is nothing more than swoon worthy and is what fairy tales are made of (as it should be!)

Richard Madden 4

Even the villains have amazing costumes! But don't just take my word for it, read all about how Oscar award winning costume designer, Sandy Powell, is revamping the wardrobe from this classic story here.

And if by some miracle, you're still not sure about this film, I'll let the trailer speak for itself.




Keep Celebrating!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We're exchanging our laptops for the stove top today! We hope you enjoy this time with your family and eats lots and lots of food!


rifle paper co.
(Photo from Rifle Paper Co.)

We just wanted to say that we are so thankful that we have such great friends, old and new, who have been so supportive of us on our blogging journey. To be honest, it can be a little intimidating trying to come up with posts that we think other people will like and enjoy reading. Every one's encouragement is so greatly appreciated and the new friends we have made within the blogging community have been absolutely wonderful (how did we get through life without y'all before?!). Anyways, we just wanted to say that we are thankful for each and every one of YOU!


Happy Thanksgiving!








Thursday, November 20, 2014

Dressing for Thanksgiving (and not the food kind)

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching (Where does the time go? Seriously? It'll be Christmas than NYE in a blink of an eye), I thought of a few outfit ideas that would be Thanksgiving day and family photo appropriate. Whether your family gets dressed up, or you prefer to dress comfortably so you can quickly descend into food coma (Congratulations! It's a food baby!) I think I've got you covered!
Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

The first look is for those of you that want to wear a dress, but still be cozy and comfortable! A sweater dress is the perfect solution. I took inspiration from Caitlin Coving of Southern Curls and Pearls blog on this combination because I just love it so much!

You can find her sweater dress here. She's wearing red Hunter boots, but you can also purchase them in a variety of colors! I've heard mixed things about these boots. Either people love them or they say that you always need to clean them, so if you are interested in investing in these willies I'd do some research first. Her scarf is from Sole Society and the earrings are Aztec Drops from Bauble Bar. And I threw in the Gigi New York clutch because it's currently on my wish list hehe. 

The second look is for the girl who likes to keep up with all of the latest trends. Class up some pleather leggings with a large camel sweater, leopard heels and a faux fur scarf. This girl will certainly be turning some heads at the dinner table. Of course I included my favorite double back 360 pearl earrings and another item from my lust list was added with the Kendra Scott Naomi Double Ring.



My third look is for the classy and preppy girl. Mixing patterns and colors are a few of her favorite things and what better than gingham and green? You can find the blouse here and the green skirt (I want one in every color!) here. Throw on a great statement necklace to your outfit and you're ready to throw a pie in the oven.


The last look is for the casual Thanksgiving with close family. With it turning into snowvember, throw on some bean boots and head outside to play with your cousins in the snow. Pair with some comfy jeans, cute sweater and vest and you're ready to tackle on the weather!

What are you planning on wearing this Thanksgiving? Do you have a favorite look? I'd love to hear it friends!
Keep Celebrating!









Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Mini Pumpkin Pies, Oh My!

I'm getting my oven mitts ready and my oven turned on, because Thanksgiving is upon us!!! And although it isn't exactly time for me to be exchanging my laptop for a stove top, there are some recipes I've been itching to try this season, like these mini pumpkin pies!


I keep seeing them pop up all over Pinterest, and each time I have to just stop and  admire how cute they are (I'd also say I'm analyzing on how I could make some of my own!). I make the pumpkin pie for my family every year at Thanksgiving, so I'm not really doubting my pumpkin pie culinary skills (as long as I don't burn the little things, I'd say I'm doing alright)

(photo from Home is Where the Boat Is)

I'll probably just use the recipe that's on the back of the Libby's Pumpkin can for pumpkin pie filling and then follow the cooking directions from 'Home is Where the Boat Is' blog. I really hope these turn out! Just have to go on a quest for little cookie cutters now...

Are their any recipes you're wanting to try this Thanksgiving? (or have you tried to make these little pies? If so, I need all the advice I can get!)

Keep Celebrating!


Oh Goodie, Goodie!

I'm pretty sure that one of my love languages is gift giving.

Not only because it's a nice way to show someone that you're thinking of them, but it's also fun to think of gift ideas and pretty packaging (y'all know my love for paper and presentation!). Although most people associate gift giving with Christmas, I also think that Thanksgiving is an opportune time to show people that you are thankful for them and that you appreciate them.

And in my eyes, what better way to show this than by food.


Bake a loaf of pumpkin bread or banana bread! Its super easy to make, and will last quite awhile. I made pumpkin bread for my good friend Mary, and she said that she ate it for breakfast for a few days! As far as gift wrapping a loaf of bread goes, I bout the bread gift bags at Wal-Mart (they'll be located with the extravagant cake decorating supplies, usually close to the craft aisle and wedding aisle), which included the ribbon. I got the free 'Thankful for Sweet Friends Like You!' tag from Lil' Luna {all things good} blog, and wrapped it with white and gold twine that I found at Target.


If you don't quite feel like making bread, or feel like your on a time crunch, there is always that wonderful thing called Nestle Tollhouse Cookie dough. Buy them precut, slap them on a cookie sheet and throw them in the oven for about 10 minutes and voila, you're a domestic goddess.

Obviously, you still want to make it look like you put a lot of time into this gift. Presentation time! I like to find pretty little gift bags and tags to snaz it up a bit.

I found these mint and gold bags from the Oh Joy! collection at Target (I'm obsessed with her stuff and was tempted to buy everything in her little corner of Target!), I also picked up these gold glittered clothe pins from their craft aisle as well. I printed out these pretty little tags from She Wears Many Hats blog, and added a pop of color to them by painting over them with pink watercolor paint.

I hope my friends love how they turned out as much as I do!

Keep Celebrating!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

#Girlboss

We all have our favorite brands and companies, but how many of those can we say where either started or run by women? Not very many.

"Who runs the world? Girls."
-Beyoncé 
#Girlboss: Sophia Amoruso: 9780399169274:
Since Sophia Amoruso's memoir #GIRLBOSS is on my fall reading list, I've been thinking a lot about girl bosses.  The women who have created something out of nothing and who have decided to make their own path. A few big names that come to mind when I think of girl bosses are Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, and Lauren Conrad (maybe because I'm obsessed with their stuff!), but I also think of all the Etsy shop owners, bloggers, and artists who have gone out on a limb to share their gifts and talents with other people.

"What's your favorite position?"
CEO.
-Lauren Conrad

Considering  'Small Business Saturday' is coming up on November 24th, I'd thought I'd share a few of my favorite girl bosses that own small business (and some of which who are growing pretty fast or aren't so small anymore!)


Emily M.'s Favorite Girl Bosses

1. Amanda Catherine Designs- After ordering her "Gentle Reminders" pencil set I knew I was in love her shop! Her pencils are a perfect addition to any desk or office and her prints are beautiful for any gallery wall. Plus she just added an adorable market tote printed with a grocery list that any girlie girl could agree on.


2. Evelyn Henson- I adore this lady's prints. Colorful and unique they bring a little sunshine and happiness to any room. Whether it be whimsical animals or pairing up with blogger College Prepster to create a collection of all things pretty and preppy, I'm sure you will find one that fits you! I'm currently loving her 'Suri the Camel' print.

3. Charm & Gumption- Owner and creator Holly Casto designs fun coffee mugs, prints, notepads and T-shirts. I purchased one of her 'The Little Things' gold foil prints and it is one of my favorite things on my gallery wall! I am also drooling over her 'I Woke Up Like This' mug. Be sure to check out her shop if you're a lover of simplicity, fonts, and gold.

4. Be There in Five- I bet you never thought a welcome mat could be this cute did you? Well, creator and etsy shop owner, Katherine proved us all wrong with her reminder and affirmation doormats. If you feel like you're having déjà vu, you might have seen her mats featured in Teen Vogue, Glamour, and Good Housekeeping. Because who doesn't need a cute reminder to turn off their curling iron?

5. Ashley Brooke Designs- Need a little fancy in your life? Ashley Brooke's mugs, notepads, and stationary is just what you need to add a little sparkle into your everyday grind. Her mugs are my favorite item that she sells. They make perfect gifts for the girl who has everything!

6. Confetti Cake Collection- Creator B. Mckensey Williams has created  t-shirts that are both comfortable and trendy. With cute sayings and fun fonts, I promise you'll fall in love with this brand as much as I have! What can I say, we 'mermaid' for each other.

Do you have any small shop owners or girl bosses that you love? Or are you a girl boss? Emily C. and I would love to know about them!

Keep Celebrating!

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Weekend Recap

My little in my sorority came to visit Nashville this weekend! Words can not even begin to express how happy I was to see my sweet little BayLee.

I haven't been able to see her in a couple of months since she's been attending grad school at Ole Miss (Hotty Toddy y'all!), but thankfully her and her dad came to Nashville for CMA's Country Christmas (yes, they really do film it this early).

Since BayLee has visited Nashville before, I didn't want to go down the whole touristy, Broadway Street route. Instead we decided to go to Pinewood Social, which has quickly become one of my new favorite places in my little big town.

It has a unique and cool atmosphere, and whether you want to grab a latte or a martini, they've got you covered (did I mention they have a vintage bowling alley inside?!)


Pinewood Social is also one of the few places in Nashville that I know of to create coffee art.
BayLee and I tried to sip carefully so we could keep these pretty little hearts in place. (Did y'all know that Nashville is now ranked the 13th City in the Nation for the best coffee? We've come quite a long way from just being about country music)


And of course a Nashville visit wouldn't be complete without a picture together in front of that beautiful skyline. If you're wondering where I got my outfit from (maybe you weren't, but some people have asked haha) I thought I'd tell you. I included links :)

Nashville Native

Clothes:
This BP. Print Tassel Trim Poncho is light weight, soft, and fun. Pair it with leggings, jeans, or even throw it over a cute dress! It's become one of my new favorite things. You can only buy it online, but since it's one size fits all you don't have to worry about trying it on.

The grey shirt is from Old Navy, which is perfect for layering and comes in several colors. 

I bought the jeans from The Limited awhile back so they don't sell them anymore, but you can find skinny jeans almost anywhere if you don't already own a pair :)

Beauty:
One of my favorite fall nail polishes is Essie's Chinchilly. It's the perfect light grey and if you see it in stores, go ahead and throw it in your basket! This is one shade that tends to sell out quick!

With the weather changing, I try to keep my skin from getting ashy and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. My favorite lotion to use in the morning is Philosophy's Amazing Grace Lotion. Not only is it moisturizing, but it doubles as perfume that lasts all day long! 

Last, but certainly not least, bronzer. I like to give my face just a little bit of color and contour it by applying some bronzer along my cheek bones, hairline, and jaw bone. My favorite bronzer is Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer (I use Hula Hula). This drugstore bronzer, costing only $9, is actually a dupe of MAC bronzer! I promise it will become a permanent addition to your make up bag.

Accessories:
Both bracelets are from the J. Crew Factory and the double back pearl earrings are from Target. 

Shoes:
My good ole Frye boots. You can basically count on me living in these the rest of the season. (Btw, BayLee was wearing the same boots! Like big, like little)

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend friends!

Keep Celebrating!


Friday, November 7, 2014

Emily M's November Must Haves

Tennessee has finally decided to shift into fall mode and sweater weather has arrived! We're sharing our November lust lists and must haves; whether it be pretty or cozy, trendy or classic, or just something we love, we're positive you'll be adding a few of these things to your list too!

Since Emily C. has been pretty busy recently, (um hello, she's a mom, works a full time job, and is going to school! I really don't know how she does it), I'm going to start off with a few things that I'm loving this month and she's going to share her must haves next week :)

So here you go friends! I was able to find a cheaper version for a few of the items listed below and was sure to include where you can find them (you know how I love my looks for less!).


November Must Haves

Blanket Scarfs- A blanket scarf is the perfect addition to any fall outfit! Add it to your favorite sweater dress or blue jeans and a shirt to complete a cozy fall look. Zara started the trend, but now several boutiques sell them! I purchased mine here.

Marshmallow Fireside Candle- This is the best smelling candle! After my friend Sarah recommended this candle to me, I knew I had to give it a try. I now understand what all the hype was about and why she buys this candle in bulk! Trust me, smell this candle and I assure you that there is no turning back. Welcome to the dark side my friends. You can find it here.

Essie's 'Dress to Kilt' Fall Nail Polish- This is the best red nail color for fall. Its not too bright or too dark, so it works well for every day wear.

Metallic Temporary Tattoos- The adult version of the colorful tattoos you used to put on as kids, these are the coolest things! Put them on your wrists, fingers, or wherever to get the tattoo look without the commitment. I'm especially loving the metallic arrows and infinity signs. Seriously, how fun are these! You can buy them here.

Double Back Pearl Earrings- Because what's better than one pearl? Two pearls of course! These have become my favorite earrings to wear this season. Classy and stylish, what could be better? I purchased mine for $7.99 here!

Sequined Camera Strap-  I am absolutely loving these sequined camera straps from Sam and Kate Designs! Before being locked indoors from the cold, spend as much time outdoors as possible. Grab your friends and go out on a hike or visit a corn maze, just remember to take as many pictures as possible!

Market Tote I adore this market tote from Amanda Catherine Designs. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, what better bag to carry your groceries in and be saving the planet at the same time in? It's a win, win.

Turtle Necks- These turtle necks are great for layering underneath vests and ponchos. They're thin and light weight, plus the stripes add a preppy look to any outfit. J. Crew sells them, but Old Navy has a cheaper version as well!

L.L. Bean Boots- Keep your toes toasty in these L.L. Bean boots! They are a classic fall staple in any closet! My favorite style is the 8" and they are a bit of a splurge costing $109, but like I said, they're classic and won't be going out of style anytime soon. You can buy them through the L. L. Bean site or Ebay.

Dark Lips- My love of lipstick only grows during the fall. Plums and dark reds are flattering on any skin tone and its a quick and easy way to look like you spent a ton of time on your appearance (when it really only took you about 30 seconds to look this pulled together!). My favorite is CoverGirl's Lip Perfection Lipstick in Euphoria. This shade looks great on my little sister who has a dark complexion and on me who is the fairest of them all.

'I Woke Up Like This' Mug- The cold weather months is the perfect time to pour some apple cider, hot chocolate, or coffee into this adorable mug and curl up to a good book. You can find this lovely mug from Charm and Gumption, along with some other cute mugs and prints from her store!


What's a trend or item you're loving this month? As always, I'd love to hear it!

Keep Celebrating!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Fall Reading List



I am a complete sucker for a good book and fall always has me itching for something new to read.

My fall reading list this year is filled with books I wasn't able to get around to this summer or books that I’ve heard nothing but good things about!

Fall Reading List
1. The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty: Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret--something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive. . . .
Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all--she's an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia--or each other--but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband's secret.


2. Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt: 1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

3. #GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso: "A #GIRLBOSS is in charge of her own life. She gets what she wants because she works for it." The first thing Sophia Amoruso sold online wasn't fashion--it was a stolen book. She spent her teens hitchhiking, committing petty theft, and dumpster diving. By twenty-two, she had resigned herself to employment, but was still broke, directionless, and working a mediocre day job she'd taken for the health insurance.
It was there that Sophia decided to start selling vintage clothes on eBay. Eight years later, she is the founder, CEO, and creative director of Nasty Gal, a $100 million plus online fashion retailer with more than 350 employees. Sophia's never been a typical CEO, or a typical anything, and she's written #GIRLBOSS for outsiders (and insiders) seeking a unique path to success, even when that path is winding as all hell and lined with naysayers.
#GIRLBOSS includes Sophia's story, yet is infinitely bigger than Sophia. It's deeply personal yet universal. Filled with brazen wake-up calls ("You are not a special snowflake"), cunning and frank observations ("Failure is your invention"), and behind-the-scenes stories from Nasty Gal's meteoric rise, #GIRLBOSS covers a lot of ground. It proves that being successful isn't about how popular you were in high school or where you went to college (if you went to college). Rather, success is about trusting your instincts and following your gut, knowing which rules to follow and which to break.
A #GIRLBOSS takes her life seriously without taking herself too seriously. She takes chances and takes responsibility on her own terms. . She knows when to throw punches and when to roll with them. When to button up and when to let her freak flag fly. As Sophia writes, "I have three pieces of advice I want you to remember: Don't ever grow up. Don't become a bore. Don't let The Man get to you. OK? Cool. Then let's do this."


4. The Vacationers by Emma Straub: An irresistible, deftly observed novel about the secrets, joys, and jealousies that rise to the surface over the course of an American family's two-week stay in Mallorca. For the Posts, a two-week trip to the Balearic island of Mallorca with their extended family and friends is a celebration: Franny and Jim are observing their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, and their daughter, Sylvia, has graduated from high school. The sunlit island, its mountains and beaches, its tapas and tennis courts, also promise an escape from the tensions simmering at home in Manhattan. But all does not go according to plan: over the course of the vacation, secrets come to light, old and new humiliations are experienced, childhood rivalries resurface, and ancient wounds are exacerbated.
This is a story of the sides of ourselves that we choose to show and those we try to conceal, of the ways we tear each other down and build each other up again, and the bonds that ultimately hold us together. With wry humor and tremendous heart, Emma Straub delivers a richly satisfying story of a family in the midst of a maelstrom of change, emerging irrevocably altered yet whole.


5. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham: For readers of Nora Ephron, Tina Fey, and David Sedaris, this hilarious, wise, and fiercely candid collection of personal essays establishes Lena Dunham--the acclaimed creator, producer, and star of HBO's "Girls"--as one of the most original young talents writing today.
In "Not That Kind of Girl, " Dunham illuminates the experiences that are part of making one's way in the world: falling in love, feeling alone, being ten pounds overweight despite eating only health food, having to prove yourself in a room full of men twice your age, finding true love, and most of all, having the guts to believe that your story is one that deserves to be told.


So grab a warm blanket and some cozy socks, because its time to curl up to a good book or two. What books are on your fall reading list? Do you have any recommendations for me to add to my list? If so, I'd love to hear them!

And if you love that "Like a Boss" mug as much as I do, you can buy it here!


Keep Celebrating!


Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Pumpkin Scones

I really, really, REALLY try to take one holiday at a time, and as hard as it is not to jump right into Christmas mode after Halloween, I don't want to skip over Thanksgiving and the last bit of fall we have left to enjoy either.


Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie {$500.00 Amazon Giveaway!} Recipe – The Lemon Bowl

So, I am still lighting my pumpkin scented candles, ordering Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and baking everything pumpkin related.

 The most recent pumpkin recipe I've tried was a Starbucks Copy Cat recipe for Pumpkin Scones. If you want to make some of your own, I found the recipe from Cooking Classy with a Sprinkle of Fancy's blog! It was my first time to ever make scones and they turned out pretty good (especially paired with coffee filled with pumpkin spice creamer!). 




If you like that metallic arrow tattoo I'm wearing in the photo, you can buy them from Christen Strang's shop! (I love my girl bosses!) 

I hope you enjoy the last bit of fall we have left! Any pumpkin recipes that you've stumbled upon that makes your stomach happy? I'd love to hear them!

Keep Celebrating!

Emily M's Favorite iPhone Apps

If you’re like me, your phone is literally glued to your hand. It’s your alarm, flashlight, map, calendar, and most importantly, your connection to the outside world. How did people get through life before cell phones? It baffles me, but I can tell you when I don’t have my phone I feel naked.
So, of course, I love discovering new apps to download that make my life just a tad bit more fun in Apple land. Here are my top 7 favorite apps right now:

  1. Afterlight. This is by far my favorite photo editing app. It has tons of filters and settings that you will be playing around with for hours (don’t say I didn’t warn you!) It costs about $1.99, but is well worth it; because let’s face it, a picture is worth a thousand words.
     
  2. Word Swag. Want to make a photo look fancy by adding a favorite quote or word? Look no further, because word swag has got you covered. Your photos will now look professionally done. There are plenty of fonts and styles to choose from so it is well worth your buck!
     
  3. Waterlogue. Ok, this app has got to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen. It converts any of your photos into watercolor! It’s a dream come true! You might end up getting a bit carried away by converting every single photo in your gallery (don’t worry, I promise I won't judge you), but it’s just so fun! Print out a few of your favorite ones to hang up or add to your gallery wall at home. It runs at $2.99, but come on, that’s cheaper than that print on Etsy you’ve been eyeing.
     
  4. DropBox. Need to clear out your gallery, but are afraid to delete any photos? Download DropBox. It saves ALL of your photos, so you can clear out some data space and save yourself some anxiety and regret.
     
  5. CocoPPa. I’m sure you’ve seen it all over Pinterest of girls having Lilly Pulitzer looking apps on their phones, and I’m sure you (like me) wondered "how on earth did they do that?!" Well, friends, I’m here to tell you, it’s from using a FREE app called CocoPPa! You can choose from several pretty styled apps. Just link the new app to your old one and voila! Just make sure not to delete the original app and move it to another screen; otherwise, you’ll delete the whole thing altogether. Now you can start giving your home screen that makeover you’ve been dreaming of!
     
  6. Marley and Lilly. Now that your apps are one of a kind, it’s time to have your wallpaper personalized as well. With the Marley and Lilly app, not only can you grab coupons for their store, but you can also design your very own monogrammed background. Choose from monogrammed fonts, colors , and background patterns (like anchors, pineapples, bows, chevron, every possible combination a preppy girl could think of). As Reese Witherspoon said, “If it’s not moving, monogram it!” 
     
  7. She Reads Truth. I saved the best for last. I love, love, LOVE this app. If you need any guidance on having some quiet time with God, this app is a great start. It has countless studies to choose from, plus it has verse lock screen savers that can help you focus on the word throughout your day and add a few to memory. You can download “The Sermon on the Mount” and “Open Your Bible” studies for free, but there are a few more studies you can choose from and download for $1.99. So when you’re at work, waiting for class to start, or just need to spend some time reading the Word while waiting in line, it’s now as simple as pulling out your phones.


    So there you have it! I promise you that these apps will be game changers. Do you have any apps that you love? Emily C. and I would love to hear them!  Just comment below!
Keep Celebrating!

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Breakfast at Tiffany's Costume

I can't believe its already November, can you?!

I thought I'd give a little recap of what I wore for Halloween this past weekend. Of course I modeled my outfit after one of my favorite movie characters and celebrity icons, Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (if you've never seen it, I'd highly recommend it!)

I didn't want to go the traditional route with the black dress, pearls, and crown (as fabulous as it is, I feel like that has been a little overdone and didn't want to be one out of 100 Audreys on Halloween), instead I wanted to go another iconic route.




This is one costume you can easily imitate from the movie (and one of my favorite scenes!) All you need is a large white button down shirt, leggings, sleep mask and purple tassel earrings!


Breakfast at Tiffanys

I ordered the mask and tassel earrings from Kelley Hughes Designs shop on Etsy and I couldn't have been happier with how they looked! And a fun bonus is that this mask is now an adorable addition to my nightstand. 



Here's how my outfit turned out! (George wasn't too happy to be 'cat' in the picture, if you couldn't tell) I got tons of compliments, plus my outfit was super comfortable!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and Halloween!

Keep Celebrating!