Moustache Fiesta

Last weekend was quite the celebration :)  Hubs and 2 other good friends all had birthdays and we went all out with a good ole fashioned "Mexican Mustache Fiesta!!"  It was a blast and such a great turnout -- thanks to everyone who came!!  

The birthday boy sure was glad you did....

Some of the food: 

Me and Becca -- the other hostess!  

We set up a "photo" corner, where people could choose props from a basket and self-time their own photos of the evening -- it was a hit!! 

Some of the chicas:

More from the photo corner ;)

Me and the BDAY Boy!

Next was "Pin the Mustache"!

Thanks, Gary for being our studly model ;)

The other BDAY girl, Whitney!! ;)

It was amazing!!  Happy Birthday John, Becca, and Whitney!!

Love y'all!!!

Love and Mustaches, 

Em ;)

Friday's Fancies - Gone Camping

It's Friday, and you know what that means!  Linking up with {av} from long distance loving for the weekly fashion dose of Friday's Fancies!  This week's theme is BOOTS, and I just had to center my outfit around the boots that I've been dreaming about for....hmmmmm....a long time.  

These gorgeous FRYE "Paige" tall riding boots.  Aren't they amazing?!  I love all of the colors, but I think the one below (TAN) is my fave.  You can wear them casual, like below, or dress them up with a cute skirt and tights.  

John and I are planning to do a fun little camping trip this weekend, so I paired my boots with a cozy plaid shirt, casual shorts, and a fun bag in bright orange bag...

(I am loving all Baggu bags right now --- so fun!)  

{ similar shirt, boots, similar shorts, bag, bracelet}

Can't wait to explore the outdoors, enjoy the cool weekend in the NC mountains, and load up on hot dogs and s'mores :)  It's been a very busy semester at school for John, so I'm looking forward to a nice and relaxing getaway w/ my man.   

Hope you all have a lovely weekend!!

XOXO

Taste of India

I made this dish last week, and it turned out to be really yummy!  I am still doing the Paleo diet for the most part (read about here)...and this is definitely a Paleo friendly recipe.  And it is FULL of flavor.  I've never cooked Indian food before, so this was a first, but John and I both really loved it!  

There were a couple ingredients that are listed below that I didn't use... (fenugreek seeds and tumeric), mainly because I didn't have them and didn't want to spend $6 on a bottle of something that I only needed a 1/2 teaspoon of.....BUT if you have them, use them!  Also it called for boned and skinned chicken thighs, which I did buy, but I'm sure you could use whatever chicken you have handy.  

Ok, here it is:  

via my Instagram

North Indian Style Chicken

(adapted from 30 days of Paleo)

3  tablespoons  canola oil

1/2  teaspoon  fenugreek seeds (optional)

1/2  teaspoon  turmeric (optional)

1/2  teaspoon  cayenne

1  large onion, chopped

8  ounces  cremini or button mushrooms, quartered

2-in. piece fresh ginger

4  large garlic cloves

2  teaspoons  each ground coriander and cumin

2  teaspoons  kosher salt

1 1/2  pounds  boned, skinned chicken thighs, cut into 1-in. chunks (or chicken breasts)

1  cup  diced canned tomatoes

1  pound  baby spinach

1/4  bunch cilantro

1  tablespoon  fresh lemon juice

1. In a 6- to 8-qt. pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add fenugreek seeds (if using); sizzle 2 seconds, then stir in onion and mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, mince  garlic and ginger.

2. Add ginger, garlic, turmeric, cayenne, coriander, cumin, and salt to pot; sizzle a few seconds. Add chicken and cook, stirring often, 3 minutes, or until no longer pink on the outside. Add tomatoes and simmer, covered, 8 minutes.

3. Stir in spinach and simmer, covered, until wilted, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, chop enough cilantro leaves and tender stems to yield 1 cup. Stir into pot, along with lemon juice.

Enjoy!!

It's Fall Y'all

Just a few pics of the week, all via my Instagram :)

Hope everyone is having a lovely week so far.  It's been a hot one here in NC, but things are hopefully supposed to cool off this weekend.  I think I'm finally ready to pack up my Rainbows and tank tops, and trade them out for cozy sweaters and my tried and true Uggs.  

Are y'all ready for fall??  Or has it already come where you are??

Chalkboard love :)

Out to dinner w/ friends!

Tequila Sunrise for me

Me and the "almost" bday boy :)

John's Bday lunch at Toast

Sneak preview of my DIY moustaches for the
 "Triple Bday Fiesta" -- post to come!

First time cooking Indian Food -- delish!

Just added this to my morning routine -- amazing.
Buy here

Happy Thursday!!

XOXOXO

Bestie Blogger Challenge

About a month ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a fun blogging challenge with ShopMamie, a super cute and trendy online clothing boutique.  The creators, Megan and Amy, have a wonderful blog, called Style Me Mamie, and they wanted to feature best friend bloggers. They selected readers to style an item from their lovely boutique!  I was thrilled for this chance, and I loved being able to share this experience with my bestie, Ashley! 

The item that they sent was an adorable black, white, and turquoise strapless dress.  The print is so chic, and it's definitely an item that could be dressed up or down.  And the versatility of it doesn't stop there!  You'll see what I mean as you scroll through the pics below...

Check out Ashley, and how she styled the fabulous dress with a bold cardigan and classic pumps; this combination can be worn anywhere, from the office, to a night out with the girls!

Next up is how I styled the dress.....er, SKIRT!  I have been seeing "midi" skirts all over the stores lately, so I decided to pull that little dress down to my waist, and tuck a shirt right into it!  Ta-da...midi skirt!! :)

tank - old navy, belt - H&M, shoes - banana republic

 So fun!!  A HUGE thanks to the girls of ShopMamie for letting us participate in your fabulous feature!!  And don't forget to check out their website!! Unfortunately the dress from this post is already sold out, but click here for more dresses - both casual and dressy, and perfect for fall! :)

XOXO

Friday's Fancies - Cozy Side of Fall

It's that time again!  Linking up with {av} for the weekly Friday's Fancies, and it's a definitely a cozy one this time :)  Today marks the "official" first day of Fall, so we are kicking the new season off with an outfit that is perfect for the cool autumn weather.  



dress, coat, similar boots, bag, scarf, watch



A belted cashmere sweater dress, underneath this pretty wool peacoat would be a lovely fall outfit.  Accompanied by a fun printed scarf, tall leather boots, and a neutral bag, and you're ready to conquer the day!!  Lately I've been loving burnt orange, and I really think it is the perfect fall color to incorporate into your wardrobe this season.   

Hope you like it!!

Happy Friday!!

XOXO

Oh so Pinteresting

So, I might be just a tad bit late to the Pinterest craze, but I finally caved this week, and joined.  

And oh.em.gee.  

I'm obsessed, to say the least!  It is the most fabulous resource for inspiration of all types: photos, recipes, DIY projects, home decor, fashion, beauty, travel, inspirational quotes, and much much more. 

I have loved finding friends that are "pinning" away, and getting my daily (or hourly) dose of inspiration and creativity. For those of you who haven't heard of Pinterest, or can't decide whether or not to join, I urge you to stop reading this sentence (but come back of course!!) and go sign up immediately.  You won't regret it.  

Well, you might if you are anything like me and literally cannot fall asleep because so many ideas of what I need to "pin" next, are running through my weary mind. 

If you need an invitation - send me a comment or an email w/ your email address and I'll be happy to send you one!!

These are some of my favorite "pins" I've found:

(all via Pinterest, obviously)

Crock pot mexican chicken

Cheesy, garlic breadsticks

Inspiration for upcoming fall dessert party :)

Great way to hold drinks

Maxi skirt for fall

LOVE the red pants

Blackberry Cheese Danish

Pretty waterfall braid

love this for the home

DIY Vanity tray - old frame with pretty paper or fabric under glass

Glazed Doughnut Muffins

Reese's Cheesecake Brownies

Find the rest of my favorite pins here :)

Photos of the week

This week has been filled with working (2nd week of new shift!), cooking, baking, reading, and gearing up for fall!!  Here are some photos of the week to explain a little more of what I've been up to.....

New reads:

Salmon, coconut yams, and asparagus...yummmmo

Busting out my coziest fall slippers....meow.

New Nail polish - Sally Hansen "Gray Area"

Baked Apple Chips -- made the apartment smell diviiiiiine

I think I bought the 1st package of these as soon as they hit the shelves....

but don't worry -- I didn't eat a single one! (I'm doing the Paleo diet for 30 days...) 

My 1st "Blate!"  (w/ {av}, Jana and Courtney)

Remember the cute Duke hoodie that I had in my latest Friday's Fancies post??

Ok, I'm sure you don't....click here to see it.

WELLLLLL, looooookie what I found!!  And at Marshall's for only $24.99!!  :) :)

i don't look happy, but i swear i am!!
i'm just trying to concentrate on taking the pic....hehehe

Ok, that's it in the weekly photo recap.  Ta-ta for now!

XOXO