Sweet Story... A must read!

While checking emails this morning I came across this headline news story.  I was captivated by the title so I read further.  What a sweet story of a couple married 72 years, whom passed in the hospital, holding hands, only an hour apart.  Now that's what I call true love.  Read the article HERE  May this be a reminder to us all to tell our family, kiddos, spouses, friends, and loved ones how much we care about them!  Now go give someone a big hug and smooch! 
Enjoy your Thursday!  XOXO - B

A Top Bun! Why Yes Please!

Why HELLO there All you fab readers!  I;m back and refreshed.  Well not totally, considering a vacay with kids is a blast, but lets face it not really a "restful" vacay.  Never the less it was fun and a much needed time for fam bonding.  On the subject of all things fun, don't you adore a top knot? I Love me a great, tousled top bun!  It is my go to hairstyle on busy days, windy days, and when I want a fresh face to show through.  It is effortless and easy if it's done right.  If you need hairspray, lots of time, and a back comb then you are doing it ALL WRONG!  A top bun should look like you threw it up and headed out the door, not like you spent an hour on it.  Take some inspiration from the photos below and get your bun on ladies.  It especially looks chic with a scarf and some great earrings in the fall.  XOXO

LOVE! Major DO! It's Messy yet Pretty

DON'T Way to perfectly placed

Gorgeous!  Def a DO!  Love the misplaced wisps of hair.

A Super DON'T!  Looks looks way to polished and coiffed.  Eek!

Ahhh Lovely!  A DO!  Perfectly "undone"
All Images VIA

Bon Voyage, Beach Bound

What is it about going to the coast that is so magical?  The smell? The tastes? The water? The sunsets? The laid back living?  I would think all of the above and then some.  For Fall Break we decided to get in one more family trip before the busy holidays.  We are headed to the coast, San Diego that is for some R&R with our family.  I'm so excited to see my brother and sister in law who have been away almost a year.  I can't wait to build sandcastles with my boys and nephews, go for long bike rides on the boardwalk, eat delish food, and enjoy night walks on the sand with my hubby.  It will be a great trip and I'll be sure to post some pictures as soon as we are back.  To get in the mood for some California Dreamin' on a winters day (Gotta love the mamas and the paps) enjoy these fun photos!  See you soon dolls!

All Prints VIA

Some Fall Goodies

Hello Dolls!!!  Aren't you LOVING this weather here in AZ?  The overcast days are really making me excited for the fall.  I am so glad it is here.  I have been baking up a storm and have probably gained a few pounds as proof!  On Sunday I made peach cobbler... oh man was it divine, thanks to my mom for sending over fresh peaches from Utah.  The warm cobbler with the cold vanilla bean ice cream was just amazing.  Find the recipe HERE.  I also made homemade rolls on Sunday for company.  We had some of the Hubs buddies over for dinner that were in town.  I wish I could share THAT recipe with you...however it is my mom's, and a family treasure.  It really is gold, the best rolls you will ever taste.  Today I made pumpkin bread and that too is amazing!  I will post that recipe very soon... I have tried many MANY pumpkin bread recipes, and this one is just the BEST.. truly the GREATEST!  Okay, enough about food, even though I could talk food all day!  Onto some other deliciousness...fall wardrobes!  Oh yeah baby. Boots, cardi's, jeans, layering, scarves, trench coats, over sized sweaters...I'm in heaven and GAP has some great fall finds.   They are giving 30% off your order today so head on over HERE and enjoy some fabulous fall threads!  Boom!  Don't forget to use the code 48hours at checkout!  Enjoy your Tuesday loves. 
XOXOXO -B

Book Page Decor

Happy Friday... Oh me Oh my how I love Friday!  My boys come home with NO homework, I get to look forward to weekends with the hubs, playing with my kids instead of being chauffeur and I get to catch up on MY to do lists, not everyone elses.  I just LOVE Fridays!  You know what else makes me happy? Books!  I love reading, I love looking at old books with worn covers, I love even smelling books.  Weird? Maybe.  When my boys come home with their library books I love to open them and sniff the pages... I know that sounds crazy right? wait. Don't answer that...but seriously, does anybody else know what I'm talking about?  Books, especially older ones just have a smell to them that is awesome. Okay now that you all think I'm nutty let me get to my point...Books, their pages in particular posses so much character whats not to love.  My mother is an avid reader, book collector, and has selves upon shelves of all the classics.  I'm sure that's where my love comes from.  But when you open a book, the words are worn, the pages fade from white to cream to yellow and almost brown at the edges, there ageing only increasing their delight fullness...ahhh... so decorating with book pages is genius!!!! I was in heaven going through some inspirational photos on clever ways to decorate with book pages.  I hope you enjoy! 
Have an absolutely amazing weekend!
 XOXO -B

Wrap it up

I love Free People and they have done it again dolls!  Every time I gaze at a new collection they put out I am in awe of the style that pops out the pages.  I can not say enough how much I love the ease and carefree attitude that is behind every single piece of Free People.  And another thing I LOVE is Head wraps!  You can wrap up your hair or throw on a cute hair embellishment and head out the door...no brush needed!  Enjoy these stunning new pieces from the FP collection, they are PERFECT for Fall's windy mornings when your playing with your kiddos but still want to look chic and for Date night with the Hubs.  Have an amazing Thursday Beautiful Ladies!

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Trend Spotting: Polka Dots

I haven't always been a huge fan of Polka Dots.  For some reason whenever I wear them I feel like a little girl, not the grown-up momma that I am.  However, I have definitely been swayed by this seasons polka dots.  I am changing my ways for sure as this  trend is emerging into the fall season.  I really got some fashion inspiration after grabbing these photos.  Enjoy dolls and go have some fun with the grown up version of Polka Dots!

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Re fried Beans and Spanish Rice - Better then a Restaurant

Hello Ladies! I have a great dinner recipe for you today!  I have mentioned before that we have soccer 3 nights a week usually from 5:30-7 so that means I have to think ahead and prepare crock pot dinners, or easy ones that are ready when we get home. This is such an easy recipe, gets better as the days go on, and can feed an army.  Oh and did I mention it costs just cents to make.  Yep, this is a Major cost effective meal.  I serve these beans wrapped in homemade flour tortillas I buy from my fav Mexican food restaurant and load them with cheese.  I serve homemade Spanish rice on the side and all the boys in my house (and Moi, the only girl) are as satisfied as can be!  Enjoy!

Re fried Beans:

• 1 bag dry pinto beans (small bag, 2.5 cups)
• 3/4 onion peeled and chopped.
• 7.5 cups water
• 4 tsp. salt
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/8 tsp. ground cumin

Put all in crock pot and cook on high for 6 hours or more. Drain beans but SAVE LIQUID! (I always put a colander in the sick when I need to save liquid to remind me, My friend Beautiful Mrs. K taught me that!)  Mash the beans with a hand help blender until smooth and creamy, adding reserved liquid until desired consistency is achieved.  Fill homemade flour tortillas with a generous amount of beans down the middle.  Put some shredded cheese on top (don't skimp, this MAKES these sooo yummy as the hot beans melt it) and fold up into a burro.  Serve with Spanish rice on the side.  Yummy!

Spanish Rice:

• 1.5 cups white rice, not instant.
• 2 Tbs. Minced onion
• 1 can of Chicken Broth
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1/4 tsp of salt or more to preference

Saute onion in a little oil in pan until translucent about 4 minutes.  Add Rice and cook until golden, adding the garlic the last minute of the sauteing time.  Slowly add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and the salt and bring to a boil.  Then cover the pan and reduce heat to low and simmer 30 minutes or until rice is cooked.  Let sit 3 minutes and then fluff with fork and enjoy. 

A little something different and some Monogram Wreaths

Nine days.  It's true.  It has been nice days since my last post. I know, I know, I know....I've neglected my blog for a long time now.  Going out of town mixed with being the room mom in both my kids classes, their sports, and my semester at school life is CRAZY!  I have made a commitment, however, to be better about my daily blog posts. I think one reason why is I haven't been happy about the limitations I set on myself to blog in specific categories daily.  Sometimes I want to blog about motherhood, on a Tuesday, or a recipe on a Friday, ya know?!  So I have decided to blog about what ever is inspiring me that day!  So lucky for you it will be a surprise on what I'm posting about.  But I digress... enough about myself...Okay so today's post is about something I have been swooning over for awhile.  I love anything Monogram because it shows a personal element to an item.  On that note these monogram wreaths are fantastic!  They are so easy to do yourself, and allow plenty of room for creativity. Enjoy and I hope you get some inspiration! 
XOXO - B

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Tasteful Tuesday - "Quick weeknight Meals, Sandwich Style"

Happy Tuesday Ladies!  I hope everyone had a great long weekend.  We were able to go play with friends and family at a resort and enjoy some downtime in the sun.  It was nice to get away and do something different.  But now it's back to the week, and boy is it a busy one for us!  We are heading to the Midwest for a wedding so I'll be busy packing, cleaning, and driving the kiddos around to soccer and all their other activities!  You know what that means right? Easy dinner recipes are a MUST on weeks like this!  Sandwiches are great because they are quick, and portable!  Oh and since we are on the subject of sandwiches has anyone caught the new food network series from the Sandwich King?  I adore the sandwich king!  He is a family man full of life and humor.  His ideas are superb!  I suggest you DVR his show asap (Sunday's at 11:30)  Now onto the food, here are some of my fav dinner sandwich ideas that are great for busy weeknights.  Enjoy dolls and have a wonderful Tuesday!!
XOXO - B

BLT Pita Pockets *Serves 4

15-20 slices turkey bacon
 Mayo (I like the olive oil/mayo combo from Kraft)
2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
4 vine-ripe tomatoes
4 cups romaine lettuce
Handful of spinach leaves
4 whole wheat pita pocket breads ( I buy at Sprouts)
Cook the bacon on a griddle or skillet  until crisp, then drain on a paper-towel lined plate.
Slice the tomatoes thinly.
Cut pita breads in half and open the pockets.
Toast the pita halves in the toaster until toasted.
Spread mayo on pita half.
Fill each pita with lettuce, tomatoes, Bacon and then avocado – dividing all ingredients evenly between the pita breads.

Serve immediately with side of choice (I like sweet potato fries, smoothies, or fresh fruit)

Cheese steak Subs (sisters cafe, adapted by ME)

2 tablespoons butter
1/2 onion, sliced into thin half moons
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons A-1 steak sauce
1 pound deli roast beef, cut into 2-inch strips
Salt and pepper to taste
4 sub rolls, split partially open lengthwise (please by good quality from the bakery, it's worth it)
8 slices provolone cheese (I buy mine from deli, non smoked for the kiddos)
Preheat the broiler in your oven and place the rack to the upper-middle position. In a large skillet, melt the butter, and cook the onion and until softened about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute, do not burn!  Add the A-1 sauce and the beef strips, stirring well to coat the beef with the mixture. Cook until the meat is heated through, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the sliced rolls on a baking sheet. Divide the beef mixture among the rolls. Top with the Provolone cheese and broil until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes (They melt really quick!  Don't take your eye off the oven, or it will burn) Serve immediately. I like to serve with fresh veggies, or a salad.

Meatball Marinara Subs:
4 sub rolls cut lengthwise (fresh from the bakery, or sourdough rolls)
12-16 meatballs (I use the ones from Costco when I'm in a hurry)
Favorite Jared or homemade Marinara sauce(Giada has a great easy recipe)
Provolone cheese (I buy the non smoked kind from the deli)
Olive Oil
Fresh Basil leaves


Preheat oven and cook meatballs until done with a little marinara on top.  Turn off oven and turn on broiler.  Drizzle olive oil over sub halves. Place a spoonful of marinara over both halves. Place 4 meatballs on sub roll.  Top with another layer of marinara sauce spooned over the top.  Top with a slice of Provolone cheese.  Place under broiler under cheese melts (Do not take your eyes off the oven!  This will only take 1-2 minutes) Place fresh basil on top of cheese if desired, then top of sub roll on top of sandwich and serve with a salad or roasted asparagus.

all images VIA

Fashion Foward Friday - "The Layered Look"

It's Friday!  I'm singing a song about that one.  I get to babysit my cute nephews tonight, and I can hardly wait.  Captain Character and Mr. Happy Pants love having their cousins over.  We are going to have some fun making homemade bouncy balls, eating NY style pizza (must be folded), and whipping up some cookies.  We might even have a dance party if I'm feeling crazy enough... but I am crazy so that is a most likely possibility.  Anyway,  I have a GREAT look book for you today in the fashion dept.  Layers.  One word, great look.  I ADORE anything layered.  Layered cake, layered salad, layered necklaces, layered linens, layered clothing, layered photos, you catch my drift.  I gathered up some of my fav layered looks for Fashion Friday.  Enjoy Ladies! 
I hope your weekend is full of fun and happiness, and if it's not, well that's relative, so make it happen!  XOXO - B

Even though she is hardly warm in spirit, Olivia often gets it right!

Over sized watch + Bangles = Perfection

Simplistically divine

Stellar for Fall with motorcycle boots.  Yes please!

My everyday go to outfit in the fall. Comfy and chic.

I have this skirt, and I Love it!

Soooo right.  Love the nude heels and pulled back hair to offset the layers.
Images VIA

The Beauty Bag Thursday - "My Beauty Bag"

Hello Lovely Ladies!  I am a beauty junkie.  It's true.  My husband gave me the medicine cabinet and all the drawers in our bathroom to house my array of boot loot.  Out of all my product here is a list of my MUSTS! These are always in stock in my Beauty bag.  I can't live without these products.  You might need to just pick some up for yourself today!  These are goodies! Enjoy your Thursday!
XOXO - B

A wonderful cheek and lip stain for instant color!

The perfect eye brightener,  I place on inner rims, and below my eyes.

An amazing Primer

Can't live without my powder cover up!

This dry shampoo smells Ah-mazing and dries clear, not white!

I prefer the hot pink color, and pouts up my pucker perfectly!

Created for the inner rim of the eyelid, it doesn't wear off, ever!

Whimsical Wednesday - "Fall door Decor"

Hello Dolls!  I think everyone is absolutely done with this heat.  I love the carefree days of summer, but I'm ready for fall.  I want to ride bikes with my kids, play ball at the park, and enjoy soups and stews and pumpkin bread.  In observance of the upcoming season, and the new month I came up with these beautiful fall doors.  I love decorating for the fall and adding a bit of comfort and warmth to my front door.  Enjoy these photos, and I hope they inspire you to add some fall love to your entryway.
 XOXO!  Make it a great one! - B

All images Via Here and Here