Friday Favorites

Ahhhhh. The school week is over (I can breathe), the house is clean and now I'm writing my blog post while watching an episode of Gossip Girl on Netflix. Life is good. 


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My newest pair of lamps from IKEA are real winners. Some IKEA products are questionable in my opinion, but these are great quality and easy to put together. They are a nice addition to my guest room. I originally fell in love with these Ranarp lamps while searching pinterest and google images. I actually had to visit IKEA 3 times before they were back in stock. Apparently, they are a hot item. Here were some of the pictures I found before buying them. 



               

You can't buy these adorable lamps online, but click HERE to see them online and check your store for availability!

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Nordstrom has discounted some of their infinity scarves!! I personally bought these two, but probably could have chosen a few more. I love how easy infinity scarves are to put on in the morning when I'm trying to run out the door. I can't wait to get them in the mail.

Black and White Plaid HERE $7.97 65% off!!

Multi Colored HERE $7.97 60% off!!

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Earlier this week, I featured several Stella and Dot pieces on my blog. My Stella and Dot stylist, Catherine, was a guest blogger and she really shared some great info. It was definitely one of my favorite posts yet! Read it HERE for yourself! Anyways, I wanted to also mention another Stella and Dot necklace that I always get compliments on when I wear it. 

Introducing the Rebel Pendant in Gold...


Click HERE to purchase online OR host a party and probably get it for FREE or half off! I have not paid full price for any of my Stella and Dot pieces. The Rebel Pendant also comes in silver and rose gold. The gold is a bestseller and probably the one I wear the most. And I'm telling you every time, I wear it, I get at least a handful of compliments and people immediately want to know where it is from. Go ahead and search online to see all the outfits people are putting together with this necklace!! It's a staple everyone needs in their jewelry collection. 

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This week for dinner, I made the most amazing Baked Ham and Cheese Sammies! I found the original recipe HERE. I did change the recipe a bit by using Garlic Texas Toast from the freezer section. Also, instead of using a casserole dish and spreading the mustard on the bottom of the dish, I used a pan (with foil on top) and just squirted the mustard on the bottom of the bread. Using less dishes and pans, makes me a happy girl when it comes to clean up time!

I plan on keeping a recipe list of easy weeknight meals on my blog HERE. Check back often to see what else I am making!

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EEEEKKKKK! This guy has a book and I've heard it's really good. I have to say he led me to his sister's blog after seeing her on his Bachelor episodes. I found out his sister's family lives in my area and I started stalking her blog. I loved it so much, I started contemplating starting my own blog. She doesn't know it but she pretty much the reason I have one ;) Read her blog HERE. Buy Sean's book HERE. 

Today I'm linking up with these bloggers...





THE GOOD LIFE BLOG




Enjoy your weekend ladies! 

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Stella and Dot as seen on The Bachelor


Blogger friends! I am pumped about today's post. If you are a Bachelor fan, than today will be a real treat. 

I started noticing last season that Andi Dorfman wore several Stella and Dot pieces. I immediately texted my Stella and Dot stylist, Catherine, to share the news. 

Thennnn I found out that Desiree Hartsock was kinda obsessed with it too!



And to top it off,  I noticed that Emily Maynard also wore Stella and Dot jewelry while she was on the Bachelorette. Gah!!




Sooooo with this season of The Bachelor, it has been my mission to find Stella and Dot. Obviously, Farmer Chris will not be caught, but he does have several ladies that make this game double the fun. Last week, I did find one of my FAVORITE pieces on Mackenzie. I really haven't figured out if I like this girl or NOT, but needless to say her style is exceptional...especially found wearing the Pop Geo Necklace. 


My stylist, Catherine was so excited to share how she puts together an outfit with this particular Stella and Dot fav. 

I'm so excited to team up with you, Amber, for this post, so thank you for letting me share in your little realm of the web that is your blog. 

I love getting to share the joy of Stella & Dot and am happy to hear that the bachelorettes of season 19 are repping our line like those from past seasons. Last Monday, Mackenzie wore the Pop Geo Pendant ($89) from our Fall 2014 Collection. I love this necklace because it looks great over a solid or a print. If you don't know Stella & Dot yet, you will be amazed to find out that so many of our pieces are versatile and can be worn multiple ways. This bright & fun pendant can be worn two different ways, long or short. Simply unclasp the lobster closure, loop it through the large link, and clasp it to the large link on the opposite side and voila! Two necklaces in one. 

To finish the look I like to layer with my Signature Engravable Bar ($59) in gold, a dynamic arm party--the Enlighten Bracelet ($39) & the Gilded Arrow Bangle ($39), and finish with the Pop Geo Chandeliers ($49) as studs (YES!...there are earrings to match AND they can be worn multiple ways! Pinch me.) To get an idea of how to style these accessories I've shared my two favorite outfits with this combination. The Janice Studs ($24) in Orange also pair perfectly. For a bolder statement wrist you can finish the look with the Becca Bracelet ($89) in Orange or if you're more into rings the Rosanna Ring ($39) is beautiful & so easy to throw on. 










To shop this look or to learn more about Stella & Dot you can visit my e-boutique at www.stelladot.com/catherinesartain. We just launched a new line that is SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE , so please pop in to browse our entire collection and find out what we're all about. Thinking a few of these prices are a little high? Ask me how you can earn these pieces and more for free and half-off! 

To make this even more exciting, Stella and Dot just released the Trunk Show Exclusives for February and the Pop Geo is included. Spend $50 and you can get the Pop Geo for half price..$44.50. What is there not to love about that??? 


Isn't Catherine the best? She gives some great styling tips. I love being her instagram friend, because I get to see all her Stella and Dot fashion statements. Pinterest also has some amazing outfit ideas for Stella and Dot jewelry. And if I am really being honest friends, this jewelry is not just seen on the ladies of the Bachelor. Kelly Ripa, Anna Kendrick, Kate Hudson, Amy Poehler, Julianne Hough, and Carrie Underwood, are just some of the celebrities wearing this jewelry. This speaks of the quality products they have. 

Visit Catherine HERE, for all of your Stella and Dot needs! 

Bachelor fans- I'm looking forward to reading Sheaffer's Bachelor recap blog tomorrow. You should too! It's one of the best!

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Brayden Bear is Here!!!

This weekend has been one I will never forget. My best friend since the 4th grade...had her baby boy. Leah is basically the sister I never had. We've known each other for 16 years. In quiet moments, I tear up at the thought of how much we have grown and how far we have come. From elementary school, to middle school, to high school, to college, to marriage, to babies, it is all just moving so fast. UH! life. The older I get the faster it goes and it's never slowing down. Thank God for Jesus and my eternal life in Heaven. ha!

Some of my favorite memories with my sweet friend are below. We have a billon and one memories and one day I will get that elementary yearbook out and share. 



 This was our last pedicure/outing of any kind before baby Brayden came 6 days later. I look so happy here, but I broke down when I got in the car. I had already cried a week prior when Leah was opening her first gift at her baby shower. Pretty sure I was more dramatic then she was throughout her pregnancy. Terrible.  

Although the Saturday was one of the happiest days of my life so far...it was also bittersweet. Brayden Luke was born and I became an aunt...but it also ended a chapter of our friendship because Leah had entered motherhood. Can you say grown ups...blah!

Through all my emotions, I realized God brought me the best Saturday ever to spend with my sweet friend and her boy. A couple hours after Brayden was born, Leah's family left the hospital, Kevin's parents left, and Kevin even had to leave for an unexpected dog errand. It left Brayden, Leah and I in the room together. I joked with Leah that it felt like we were having our last sleepover with a random baby we stole. So surreal! She was on the phone ordering her hospital dinner and I was seating in a chair, holding Brayden, and propping my legs on the side of her bed. The TV was on in the background and we were just talking. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to be with Leah that day for 8 hours and at the hospital for 10. I have no doubts that God orchestrated that perfect day for us. I needed it. 

I am the biggest fan of her little man. Brayden came out a perfect 7 pounds and 10 ounces, at exactly 11:00 am. He has a head full of hair and the sweetest little faces. Love my precious friend and her baby boy...my nephew, (pretending)! But in all seriousness. Let's get real. I have forever stepped into the auntie role, wanted or not!

 Here I am waiting for Brayden's arrival. Leah was admitted into the hospital between 8:30 and 9am, I believe. I thought for sure getting there by 11 am would be no problem at all. I mean we would be waiting there all day after all. Heck no! She was apparently fully dilated when she arrived to the hospital and started pushing by 10:15 or so. Soooo...please excuse the mess that I am. I literally sped all the way down 75, with my wet hair from my 2 minute shower. Dramatic- I know. Her sister in law took these pictures. So grateful she was there to capture the these memories. 

Giving my brave friend a hug before even seeing that baby. YOU DID IT GIRL!

Holding Brayden Luke Hull for the first time. Most handsome baby I have ever seen. What a stud!!







Ahhhh! Can't. Get. Enough. Separation Anxiety has set in. 

Tonight, I am thanking God for the friendships and people he perfectly places in my midst to make it through this life. 

Love you Leah. Thanks for being my longest bff ever. Here's to the years to come. Ya know, when Brayden turns 5...10...18...30. Gahhh. Where's the kleenex. 

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Friday Favorites: Kathleen's Edition



This week, I asked my friend Kathleen to be my Friday Favorites guest! I'm thinking, once a month, it would be fun to have a new friend put together a list of their favorites to change things up a bit. I mean let's get real---I can only think of so many favorites everyyyy week. 

So without further a due...Kathleen's post. She really should be a blogger herself and I'm willing to bet you guys will agree with me :) 

Hello fellow blog followers! I’m so honored to be a guest on my dearest friend Amber’s blog this week for Friday Favorites! I’m Kathleen and I love sweet tea, dark chocolate, teaching a class of crazy 2nd graders and coming up with clever hashtags. (please don’t tell me if you don’t think they are clever. #imightcry) And without further delay…HERE WE GO!  

These are 5 things that I absolutely love!! I decided to focus on something for each of my “friend types”. (Yes this is something I totally made up just now) 1. Teacher friends. 2. Mommy friends. 3. Church friends.  4. College friends. 5. ANY friends. Are they frivolous? Yes. Totally random? Maybe. Life changing? Certainly. Hope you enjoy!

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First up, Pentel Energel Deluxe Pens. I know, I know you think this is so random and so boring, BUT HAVE YOU TRIED THEM YET?!?! I swear-- these are literally the greatest pens I have ever used in my life! As a teacher, I have to do anything I can to make my days grading papers and writing in math workbooks more enjoyable. These totally do the trick! You can all thank me later by buying me a package of these. I get mine at Staples or Office Depot. #gonow

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Next, we have my MOST FAVORITE essential oil by Young Living. I started using these oils almost a year ago and can’t imagine life without them now! They are truly amazing and I’m nowhere near as knowledgeable as I’d like to be about them, but love learning more! Keep in mind that anything I’m about to say is just a testimonial of my experience and I am ONLY talking about the Young Living brand since it is one of the only ones safe for topical use. Please educate yourself before using essential oils of any kind! Now the good stuff! Let me share just SOME of the things I use this for...burns, scrapes, cuts (especially those of the paper variety), face moisturizer, chapped skin, acne, allergies, stress, cramps, tummy aches and sleep! HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE SOMETHING THAT DOES ALL THAT!?!? Seriously, mommy friends you need this in your arsenal. If I could whip it out and oil up my sweet little students every time they got a paper cut my life would be a million times easier! #teachersbestfriend

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Okay, church friends…this one is for you! If you know me then you know I absolutely ADORE Rifle Paper Co. They sell the most beautiful journals, phone cases, prints, stationary, garlands, office goodies and so much more! I’m currently busy coveting their new black and gold wallpaper. #savingitforsomedaywhenIhave12bathrooms Back to these little beauties in the picture…these journals come in a set of 3 and are the perfect size for me to carry around with my Bible and take notes in at Church and Homegroup. (Shout out to The Village Church Plano!) I love that they are cute and still “grown up.” I even have one in my purse for all my to-do lists and random musings. And the best part is they are so affordable it’s not even a big splurge! Helpful Hint: they make great gifts. #yourewelcome  Pick ‘em up at PaperSource, Anthropologie, or Rifle Paper Co.’s website!

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Okay, so I know it’s been 5 years (almost 6…yikes) since I graduated Texas Tech in 2009, but I still have an obsessive love of all TTU paraphernalia. I even decorated my classroom with Red, Black and White and I totally take pride in brainwashing my students to think that the only sensible choice for college is Texas Tech. #wreckem #iamaredraidereveryday True, I don’t keep up with our sports teams as much as I probably should, but I’m okay with it.  #youshouldbetoo  On to my glittery koozie…I occasionally stop at Rally House on my way home whenever I need a dose of Texas Tech cuteness and I often find myself compelled to buy completely ridiculous items that I don’t really need but just HAVE TO HAVE. #storyofmylife Insert glittery koozie. However, I’ve been surprised at how much I use it since I now recycle Snapple bottles and fill them with water and citrus oils to drink at work everyday. So, my frivolous spending finally proved worthy. #youmightdisagree #butitsokay And for all my friends who have to have a Diet Coke or Dr. Pepper everyday this is PERFECT for you! My goal in life is to make the mundane more magical…so there you go. #whatsmoremagicalthanglitter?

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And finally, if you haven’t been able to figure out which category of my friends you belong to so far…never fear! This favorite is for you! Probably the greatest idea I’ve ever had was to buy these Natalie Lete plates my heart had been longing for from Anthropologie a few years ago. I once heard Nate Berkus  say (on OPRAH of course) that the most beautiful things in your home should be the things you touch and use everyday. IT COMPLETELY CHANGED MY LIFE. Now, instead of saving my pretty things for “someday” or “once in a while” I try to use them often and enjoy them! I’ve never regretted it for one second! These hand-painted plates are my everyday dishes and they still make my heart pitter-patter even when I’m eating cheese and crackers for dinner. #theglamourousgirlssinglelife AND I love that she still comes out with new designs every few months so my collection continues to grow! Check out Anthropologie’s website for all the ones in stores now!

It’s been so much fun to share my favorite things with you! Hope you revel in all the beautiful and magical things the world has to offer this weekend!
Much Love, Kathleen

Thank you sweet friend for putting this post together. You made me want everything and I know others will enjoy it as much as I did!

 Linking up with...






THE GOOD LIFE BLOG

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