Gifts for the Hostess

Gifts for Teachers

Simple boxes Thanksgiving stuffing recipe VIDEO

Leopard flats

I wear my leopard flats with nearly everything!  They elevate any outfit and add an unexpected element to any look.  Here are some of my favorites! 

Like to Know it-Why You Need To Use It

This week I asked you guys how many of you know what Like to Know it is and how many of you have no clue.  The polls came back 50/50.  Some of you know what it is and use it in different ways and some are missing out the awesomeness of the tool!  I'm here to demystify it all so you can easily find all the fab pieces I am curating ! 

 Let me give the skinny on why you may want to use Like to Know it!  You may already use it, but there are so many ways to maximize your shopping with different Like to Know it tools you may not be familiar with.  

Like to Know It is here to save your life, well not really, but it is definitely here to save you tons time! It is an easy way for you to shop via Instagram. Once registered, you only have to ‘like’ my photos and Like to Know It sends you an email (usually within 5 minutes) with the links to every item I am wearing or showcasing!

1. Go to www.liketoknow.it and watch the tutorial video that pops up (under the sign-up button).

2. Register (takes 2 minutes, and it is completely free)

3. Come to my Instagram and ‘like’ one of my photos. Within 5 minutes you will have an email that has all of the outfit details in it!! It will have pictures of the items that, when clicked on, will send you straight to the store that I got it from to check them out!

4. If someone doesn’t have the exact item they are wearing linked, it is because the store doesn’t work with rewardStyle. You can usually check out their blog and they will have a link there to the exact item!

5. You can also shop directly from the LiketoKnow.It website itself! You can keep track of everything you have liked on Instagram under the ‘My Likes’ tab, that way you never loose the outfit! You can also shop all of your favorite blogger’s posts, but adding their Instagram handle at the end of the URL. For example, you can shop all of my posts here: www.liketoknow.it/LifewithLipstick.

By taking two minutes to register, you will save yourself hours of time! You can also use the app.  

1. Download the Like to Know it app. 

2.  Screenshot any of my images.  The heart symbol is a giveaway that the image is Like to Know it enabled.  Not all enabled images will have the symbol but most will.  

3.  The images you have captured will all be collected in your app for you to shop. 

Gifts for your BFF under $50

Boots under $100

Christmas accessories for the home

Vintage trailer pillow, Wreath, Let it Snow print, Galvanized Advent calendar, Striped apron, Wood Lanterns, Plaid travel mug, Red gingham hand towel, Baby It's Outside door mat, Vintage truck pillow, Jingle 'til you tingle mug and spoon

Gifts for Husbands

Red and Black Flannel,Navy blue Duffle bag, Grey and Black Northface Hoodie, Fishing tackle backpack, UGG slippers, GoPro camera, Nike running shoes, Apple iWatch 3 series, UnderArmour Dry shirt, Beard tonic, North Face jacket, Grooming kit

Fall Tablescape inspiration

As I curled up with my Fall Magnolia Journal, I came upon their article talking of soup gatherings. A simple meal for your dearest friends to gather and enjoy each other's company.  The whole mission is to create a standing date of soup, gathering and quality time  No fuss !  I of course don't mind a little fuss so I decided to create a lovely tables cape to accompany my launching of the monthly " Soup Sioree" ( yes I gave it a name). I have so many incredible friends and wanted to mix up my group a bit and grab some of my most dynamic.  I have 3 girlfriends coming over for lunch tomorrow.  One is a fine art photographer, one a self made bad ass attorney with her own practice and another attorney with the most impeccable home decor taste I have ever seen! Just interesting, cool, funny ladies.  Some of us know each other better than others and some not at all. Love that part!  I can't wait to see where our conversations lead.

Farmhouse table,Faux fur pillow,White dot pillow, Soup bowls, Napkins, Beaded dinner plate, Straw charger, Gold flatware,  Striped runner, Grasscloth runner, Brass bell, Pitcher, Brass name plates

 I am prepping an easy Ablondigas soup which is hearty and all things yummy.  I created an airy table filled with Fall feels yet kept things coastal like I love.  I topped my layered grass cloth and striped runners with straw chargers and beaded plates that we received as wedding gifts. I love how simple pieces can be refreshed over and over.  I added more texture with a simple plaid patterned napkin and an adorable vessel for our soup.  For my runner, I grabbed pumpkins from our porch and foliage from our yard to bring nature in.  I added Hearth and Home pieces to make things personal and warm.  

Cheers to amazing, inspiring, funny friends! 

Christmas picture outfit inspiration

If you are a "Classic Christmas" fan and love all things green and red for Christmas you may lean towards this timeliness option for your pics.  We did a play on this look last year amongst the trees and it turned out so festive. You could also shoot this look next to your Christmas tree at home.  

Tip: Don't be afraid to introduce sequins and navy blue into your classic feel.  Navy adds some dimension to the traditional red and green and there is nothing more Christmassy than sparkle! 

His: Red Sweater, Plaid Button up shirt, Dress Pants, Dress Shoes

Hers: Drop Earrings, V-neck Sweater, Sequined Skirt, Nude heels

Little lady: Pearl headband, Plaid dress, Glitter flats

Little man: Blazer, White button up, Tan courdory pants, Suede boots

Our 2015 Christmas pictures ore my favorite to date!  We were barefoot and casual.  These pics turned out so dreamy!  I wore a flowy navy blue dress which caught the slight breeze perfectly.  The girls wore soft cream dresses and Peyton topped hers with a faux fur vest.  The added texture and color was unexpected but just right.  I loved our clean pallet that just lent itself perfectly to the coast. 

Tip: Mix and mingle textures in neutral colors for beach shoots.  I always aim for coastal colors when shooting at the beach. Think creams, tan and blues for the perfect soft pallet.  Bright hues tend to detract from the gorgeous coastline.  You want to pop against the waves but organically so. 

His: White button down shirt, Dark denim jeans

Hers: Gold hoop earrings, Blue maxi dress

Little lady: Faux Fur vest, Lace 3/4 sleeve dress

Little man: Chambray button down shirt, Tan corduroy pants

Think crackling fire, snow covered trees and snuggles!  This theme is so fun and totally casual!  Go all out with your plaids, beanies, vests and fur!  All of it works!  

Tip: Classic red and greens are super festive for this sort of theme.  I like to play the outside of the obvious choice and go with neutrals and deep jewel tones.  Layer colors and fabrics to create something interesting and different. 

His: Fur lined denim jacket, Plaid flannel shirt, Khaki pants, Brown leather boots

Hers:Cream fur lined coat, Cream turtleneck sweater, Highwaisted jeans, Tan suede booties

Little Lady: Fur Lined puffer vest, Polka dot blouse, Burgundy skinny jeans, Fur boots

Little Man: Olive green puffer jacket, Cream cowel neck sweater, Jeans, Brown leather boots

Christmas picture tips

I love love love Christmas cards and get so giddy when planning our Christmas pictures for the year.  It's one of my most favorite parts of the holiday!  We rush to our mailbox ready to gather up sweet cards each day of December filled with our friends and family's gorgeous faces.  I know that Christmas pictures can be dreaded for many families though.  What to wear?  How to get the kids to cooperate?  How to get the husband on board with a 30 minute photo shoot?  ALL the things!  Luckily, I've got you covered on the fashion end of things!!  I love dressing families and making the group as a whole look effortless yet still cohesive.  First, here are some first key elements to nail down before working on your outfits. 

1. Where is your shoot taking place?  We have done beach, woods, kitchen, pumpkin patch etc.  It doesn't matter where you pick but make sure your photographer is used to shooting there and is skilled at kids photography.  Our dear friend Alice Hu has shot our family for years and we are all so comfortable with her that our shoots go super smooth.  The kids love her and she knows how to capture the magic of a family.  

2.  Pick a time that everyone is feeling best.  If naps are in the mix still schedule your shoot for about an hour after your little ones nap so you know you have plenty of time to get a snack in and everyone is at their best.  Also, keep the session 30 minutes long!  You will lose your people after that!  

3.  Consider hair and makeup for mama.  I know this sounds a little overkill but nothing makes you feel better than a little pampering.  If all else fails, mommy looks fantastic!  

4. If working with a new photographer and not yet built a great rapor, bring along a trusted friend to help make sure you all look great.  You know that friend!  The one that will shamelessly tell you, you look chunky in that pose or help you not do weird things with your hands.  A wingman of sorts.  

5.  Lastly, don't sweat it!  Make sure to encourage the kids to play and keep loose.  There is nothing worse than looking stiff in pictures that should capture the essence of your family.  If you don't get the best family shot, use a great candid of the kids or make a collage of some great relaxed moments of the kids frolicking and you laughing  with your hubby.  It's all about capturing the current moment and there is only magic in that. 

I'm excited to share our favorite pics from past years!  Hopefully they can give you some idea inspiration for themes for your own shoots.  Stay tuned for my full family outfit looks tomorrow!  

Photo: Jackie Wonders 

Photo: Alice Hu 

Photo: Alice Hu

Photo: Alice Hu

Photo: Alice Hu

Photo: Alice Hu

Colors of Fall: Burgandy and Olive Green

Fall booties under $150

Our weather has been so gorgeous lately.  It's been crisp in the mornings and a perfect 75 with a breeze in the evenings.  I am dreaming of hot apple cider on a rocking chair on our porch.  Dreamy right?!  I'm starting to slowly bring out my cooler weather pieces in my closet.  I love the way a chic boot can change the whole feel of a look.  Floral dresses paired with suede booties or skinny jeans tucked into slouchy bootie styles.  I'm always partial to a pointed toe style.  I feel like it elongates any leg and keeps the look feeling chic and elevated.  I've collected my favorites for this fall all under $150.  

Mommy Monday- Stuck in a rut

As you know, the girls have been back to school for a couple weeks now.  For some reason this year, it was really hard for me to get back into a groove.  The first week back, I felt like I was a little aimless. I have had a list of to do's growing by the second but I couldn't get myself sorted out enough to tackle any of them. I really noticed myself not really interested in getting ready for the day in anything but workout clothes.  Not that I was really working out though.  I hate the feeling of non productivity and am used to getting a lot done in a day. This odd feeling of lack of ambition was really thick and I didn't like it at all!  I decided enough is enough of that!  I decided to get my act together and get back to my normal kick butt routine and feeling great.  

Here was my plan: 

First, I decided to tackle myself.  I took a long shower, slathered on some tanning lotion ( I feel like tanning lotion solves a lot of issues - if you can't tone it, tan it :)).  I whitened my teeth and got myself in for a hair cut and color.  BAM!!  Already feeling a little better.  I decided to get dressed up a bit even just to pick up the kids from school.  I put on my makeup and off I went. This can seem so trivial and superficial but I think my rut was something of not feeling great about my appearance too.  Once, I put in a little more effort my focus came back in line.  

Second, I started making tight plans to workout again regularly.  I don't love to work out but know it does wonders for my productivity and doesn't hurt in the body either!  I've gotten back on the train with my Tone it up workouts and am doing regular yoga too.  Yoga is a savior for me!  

Thirdly, I made a master list of what I wanted to accomplish that week and a plan on how to get it done.  Little to big!  I packed our fridge with healthy food, meal planned for the week, made sure we had pencils and erasers set aside and ready for homework and mopped the floors.  I took a look a head at my work needs and made a plan of attack on scheduling and emails.  I did all the laundry and organized the girls clothes back in order. This alone made me feel so in charge.  

Lastly, I picked out a new outfit for a date night with my guy. It was a funny feeling going gapping specifically for a date night outfit. We have been married 10 years now.  With crazy work hours, his new position at work and me with the kids schedule, it can be really tough to plan/justify a date night.  Nevertheless, I was a woman on a mission!  I put together an outfit that made me feel pretty and we loved our night. I can't say I've woken up this week with the same pep in my step but I plan to repeat steps 1-4 and tackle this week again like a BOSS! 

Anyone else feeling like they have been a little "stuck" lately?

Oak Glen Apple Picking

September is in full swing and we are plotting our Fall bucket list.  I love apple picking and last week we had perfect weather for it!  We were a little early in the season but still had a great time! We are lucky to be so close to apple country and love the sweet country feel of the area.  Our favorite Riley's farm was closed , so we visited Riley's Apple Farm to pick our apples.  We had such a great lazy day.  The girls found some fun activities.  Capri decided she was very into archery.  Little Peyton was to young but was just as happy to watch.  After our Merida moment we went on the hunt for apple pie.  We ventured up the hill further to Los Rios farm and picked up a slice of apple pie.  The fresh air, bbq smells and families frolicking on the large grass lawn made for the perfect kick off to Fall.  

Mommy Monday-Back to school blues, Destruction and bed buddies

We have officially started back to school this week. I have been feeling so sad about our lazy days coming to an end.  I am not however sad about the constant mayhem and destruction that these two tazmanian devils cause.  OMG!!!  How can two little girls make such a hurricane of a mess every day.  As August rolls around, we typically travel a lot and keep slower days when back home.  The means, loads of endless eating, fort building, slime making, scrapbooking, etc.  SO MUCH MESS!!  My girls are generally pretty messy all the time but they love to play together and are super imaginative.  As I write this they are converted two large boxes into forts and are closing each other into them with tape and "shipping" each other off to exotic lands.  They are giggling so hard that each of them has basically peed themselves.  While I'm scrubbing surfaces and sweeping slime supplies I can't help but adore those giggles.  That is what imagination is all about right?  With that said, I think my melancholy about back to school has worn off a bit. A quiet house for 80% of the day is pretty heavenly!

This week we got the girl's room lights installed. They both have pendant lights now above their beds for reading.  I adore how they turned out!  While they love their new additions they are both total scardie cats when something changes in their rooms.  Peyton was first with her imaginary fear.  As I was tucking in Capri for bed and discussing her day, in comes sissy worked up about something in her room.  Of course I knew it was the new light.  Capri offers to share her bed with her for the night so she wouldn't be scared.  Big sissy protection.  I wash my face and get into bed so giddy to binge watch Game of Thrones and in comes my two little babies.  Both now are spooked by something so in my bed they come.  While I know I'm getting no sleep that night I can't help but love them all cozied in with me while daddy was gone.  I remember the feeling of calm that would come over me as soon as I was let into mommy and daddy's bed when scared.  I'm hoping they are over it tonight though!  Peyton likes to sleep on my head for most of the night and Capri grinds her teeth out of her head.  It's super restful!  

'til next week....

Barstools: To Splurge or Save?

The second we started the kitchen vision board, I had my heart set on these Serena and Lily's barstools.  These stools were the perfect height and the wood color was perfect!  I loved how they weren't a typical option for a kitchen. Since we have finished the kitchen, I've even saving my pennies for all the decor items to finish off the attached rooms like the living and dining room.  We still have to finish painting the fireplace, add built ins and a couple bigger projects but the decor elements are really starting to come together.  This is where all those pennies I've been saving can add up.  My perfect Serena and Lily stools aren't super cheap and I wanted to be practical with this purchase.  The chairs were going to be used pretty often with sticky fingers and plenty of crayons.  Durable and easy to clean were top priority! They needed to be attractive from all sides as they are seen from all angles in kitchen and living room.  We have a couple different wood colors flowing through the rooms so the wood on the chairs needed to compliment.  Little checklist to work with on requirements.  I started searching for similar styles of stools and found some great options.  Here were the top two contenders!  

Summer to Fall transitional outfits

Were we live, summer hangs on for quite some time.  Our summer wardrobes need to stretch a little longer yet have a transitional feel for when nights get cooler.  I have been eyeing some great classic pieces that will get me through summer, the cooler seasons of Fall/Winter and even into spring.  I love all these picks because they can be layered, mixed and mingled or worn separately and work seamlessly together. This is my method of shopping always.  I only like to add pieces into my wardrobe that can be worn at least 3 different ways.  Here I have slightly paired everything in outfit suggestions in each row to help you envision how I saw each piece working as an outfit. 

Look 1: Striped sweater, Navy bow tank, distressed denim

Look 2: Blush sunglasses, rust sweater, white denim shorts, tan strappy sandals

Look 3: Blush trench, White embellished peplum top, distressed denim

Look 4: Beaded earrings, Striped peplum blouse, white skinny jeans, tan loafers

Mommy Monday- Summer tutoring, delirium, groceries and game day

We have heard nothing but daunting claims that 3rd grade is the most challenging  academically. Man, I thought 1st and 2nd gave me a run for my money with my not so studious big girl.  She comes by it honestly though.  The academic part of school was not my specialty.  Ha!  I had the social part down though!  Learning new skills still are hard for me.  I have to work really hard to master something and Algebra was never one of those things.  We are supposed to tackle multiplication, division, long addition and subtraction and ALGEBRA!  What the heck!!  I was planning on doing some tutoring with both girls this summer to hopefully get a head but we are into August and mostly have been just partying!  I decided that since all I've done is work on the fashion part of school next year, I should probably get going on this "getting ahead biz".  Math is her biggest struggle.  I called a couple local tutoring centers and they were all so pricey!  I thought maybe I would skip a formal atmosphere and get them something online that they would think is fun.  Challenge accepted. We do Jiji math at their school but I wanted to try something not as familiar for them to hopefully keep it fresh.  We landed on Splash Math and it seems to be going well.  They start with an assessment and then we move on slowly through the different lessons to really hit all angles of the new skill.  Both girls seem to be enjoying it and most of the time they are able to get the hang of it themselves.  So far so good!  

Today was filled with church and solid delirium for both the girls.  They were so giggly and looney!  This makes me nuts!!!!!  I love the giggles but the loon nonsense makes me crazy! They just start getting ornery and stop listening.  We have been staying up really late and I've decided it might be time to start inching towards our normal bedtime to avoid days like today.  The day ended nicely thoug.  I fired up my Chris Tomlin worship music and sent them outside to jump on the trampoline for 4 hours.  Work that energy out while mommy get's rid of her crazy eyes.

Next thing that I can't understand is the sheer amount of food my family eats during summer!  Any other mamas find this to be a struggle to keep up with?  I'm talking meals and snack plates every hour!  I really try my best to feed my family fresh and organic.  I know this isn't for everyone but it's really important to me and something I try to stick to.  We have a great produce stand around the corner from us that I make weekly trips to stock up on all of our fruits and veggies.  I recently tried Butcher Box for our meats and we gather fresh eggs from our hens daily.  My girls are super picky as I mentioned last week in my Mommy Monday post and my hubby is pretty picky too. I'll eat anything so I'm super easy I think!  Erik is a big guy so to feed him is literally 3 servings of our dinner or meal.He likes what we have coined "goulash" meals.  That means basically anything that looks like a casserole and is all wet and mushy together.  He also is trying to keep the lbs. off so he wants me to make healthy " goulash" . What?!  He loves mexican food, won't eat fish, no pork, minimal fruit and some veggies.  Okay, good luck to me!    My struggle is not spending an million dollars a week on feeding everyone.   How does anyone else battle this?  I think it may be time to get back to Costco trips!  

Lastly, I had such a happy mommy heart this week with my whole gang together.  If you have followed for a while you know my hubby is a police officer.  We don't see him as much as we would like to.  When he is home our time together as a unit is gold!  He took the kids with him running errands the other day and came back with two games. They picked up LIFE and Battleship.  We decided on LIFE first.  We got our snacks all ready and gathered around our sweet new breakfast nook table to play.  We giggled and played together for about an hour.  Man do I love my little group.  Time like that is so priceless and makes my heart so full.