Exciting Contest Coming!

I have got an exciting contest coming for my wonderful readers!  Stay tuned for details. . . 

Outfit of theDate Night!

This week was "Restaurant Week" in my city (I'm sure other places do this too), which means that a group of restaurants put together select menus and all charge the same price for a meal.  Tonight we went to a steakhouse that specializes in wood fired steaks.  We had never been there before, and figured why not try it when it's a little cheaper than normal?  The menu included a soup or salad, an entree, and a dessert for a set price.  The steaks were amazing.  Everything else was only so-so, but I've never tasted a steak quite like the one I had tonight.  Yum!

I had planned to wear my new dress that I bought last Friday at the outlet mall, but at the last minute realized that I couldn't find my flash tape.  This dress definitely needs flash tape, I promise.  So I had to do a quick change and grab another dress to put on.  Here's what I ended up wearing: 

This belt just kept moving around on me and drove me nuts! These shoes actually have a little bit of a kitten heel, but you can't really tell in the photos.  

Here it is without the jacket. 

Outfit Details: 

Grey Lace Cami: Old Navy

Purple Dress: Old Navy

Black Tuxedo Jacket: Torrid  (isn't the lining pretty?)

Grey Suede Kitten Heels: Target

Black Belt: Torrid

Floral Necklace: Fashion Bug

Tomorrow Jimmy and I are planning on doing a bunch of stuff around the house, and a friend is coming over to help us with some landscaping for our yard.
  What do you have planned for the weekend? 

Help Me!

Just a warning: This post is going to be completely different than anything I've posted before, and it in no way relates to fashion. 

I need your help!  I have a teeny kitchen with not much cabinet space.  This leads to clutter and mess.  Tonight while I was cooking dinner, I was looking for my Italian seasoning. I ended up pulling about ten bottles and jars out of my cabinet in order to get to it.  It is so frustrating when I pull something out of the cabinet and an avalanche of spices, seasonings, and sprinkles rain down on my head.  So here is my trouble cabinet:

Yes, I have a cowboy cookie jar (it's where I keep the animal treats!).  You can start being jealous now.  : )

Does anyone have any good storage/organization solutions for me?  As you can see, the cabinet isn't that big so everything is on top of each other and it drives me nuts! Please help, I'm begging you. 

And just for fun, here's the new tile we are going to be putting up in place of the stainless steel backsplash:

Style Show & Tell - Sparkle & Shine Edition

I got some really great contributions for this edition of Style Show & Tell. Thank you all so much for sending me your photos!  

Up first is Kameel from Mrs. Hall In Training.

You all have seen her around here before, and if you're not familiar with her, go check out her blog!

She wore this outfit on New Year's Eve this year and looked fabulous!

Up next is Kimberly from Fab Finds Under $50.

Kimberly is one of the first fashion bloggers I started to follow, and she has been a huge inspiration to me.  If you haven't been to her blog, you must go.  She is so creative and fun with her outfits! 

She put her super-cute sparkly flats with a bright colorful shirt, and army-inspired jacket for a cute, casual look.

Outfit Details: 

Sparkle Tank: Lane Bryant (very similar to this one)

Jeans: Avenue

Striped Cardigan: Old Navy 

Brown Ruffle Wedges: Fashion Bug

Bangles: Lane Bryant

(Trixie loves that purple frisbee thing in the background.)

Thanks so much for the great contributions ladies! 

Stealing From the Stars!

I love reading fashion magazines, but I hate how most of the clothing is either; A) super expensive, or B) only made up to a size 10/12.  I have decided to take some of the outfits that have caught my eye and try to re-create them using clothing that I can actually wear and afford!  

I have always admired Kate Hudson's style.  She is able to go from carefree casual to super glam without a hitch.  In honor of her great style, this installation of Stealing From the Stars features one of her casual outfits: 

 Photo source: People.com

Here is my version of Kate's outfit using items available in plus sizes: 

K.H. by * Courtney * featuring Old Navy jeans

Plus Size Tunics at Avenue.com and JessicaLondon.com, $15
Old Navy Womens Plus Low-Rise Pieced-Pocket Skinny Jeans, $18
Minnetonka Hobo Fringe Bag - Brown Suede - Free Shipping & Return..., $75
Paisley Scarf with Border - Blue : Target, $13
Lumiani Barbara (Wide Calf) at Zappos.com, $158
Trail Blazer, $30
Forever21.com - New Arrivals - Accessories, $5.80
URBANLIVING, New York / Midtown West / 10001, West 31St Street, 2...

What do you think of Kate's outfit and my version?  Who's style do you look up to? 

Skin Cancer Facts

Via: Term Life Insurance


Everyone (and I even mean you, my darker skinned lovelies) needs to wear at least an SPF of 15 daily!  Many makeup formulas and moisturizers have 15 SPF in them, so check your products and if they don't have SPF, start including a sunscreen in your routine! 

365 Things I Love

Here's the second edition of 365 Things I Love! It got some great feedback last time, and I really enjoyed reading all of your loves as well.

8. Bubblegum!
I have always loved bubblegum, and anytime I see one of those big fancy gumball machines I have to put a quarter in!
9. Chloe PerfumeI love this scent. It is my absolute favorite.

10. MassagesI haven't had one in way too long.

11. OPI nailpolish in "Polar Bare"

It is this great nude color (at least for my skin tone), and is so sophisticated.


12. Shopping!
Duh, right?!

13. Singing in the carI couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, but I don't let that stop me from belting out a song when I'm driving (or a passenger for that matter).

14. Daisies
I think daisies are such sweet flowers.


What are your favorite flowers? Tell me about the things you love in the comments. I love hearing from you!

Outfit of the Movie Date

Today Jimmy and I went to lunch and to a matinee of Inception. We tried a new Mexican place, and it was really yummy. The movie was really interesting, and we both really liked it.

Outfit Details:
Colorful Blouse: Catherine's
Denim Pencil Skirt (yes, my legs are that white): Lane Bryant
White Cardigan: Old Navy
Coral Flats: Born
Wooden & Silver Bangles: really old
Earrings: I think I stole them from my sister
Sunglasses (it was really sunny& hot today!): Rayban Wayfarers

I wish this top were a little shorter, and I may end up hemming it a bit. I think it hits me in an unflattering place and looks shapeless. I do love the colors though! I actually had a lady in Krogers stop me today to tell me that she liked my blouse. It's always nice to get compliments from strangers!

I'm sorry that I haven't done many outfit postings lately. It's been so hot and I've been such a homebody lately that I haven't been wearing many real "outfits". I'm going to try to kick things into gear again, so stay tuned!

Don't forget that today is the last day to send me Sparkle & Shine photos to be featured in the "Style Show &

Saving...

Tell" post!

Shopping Trip!

Yesterday my sis-in-law and I went to the outlet mall for some shopping. We had so much fun! (Well, at least, I did.) I bought a new dress and jacket and she bought a ton of great stuff. Here are some dressing room pictures I took of her:

.
M didn't love this jacket, but I convinced her to try it on. Isn't it cute?!

All day I kept suggesting items for her to try on and she would ask "What would I wear with that?" Every time, I would answer with "Whatever you want!" She is a matchy-matchy type of girl, and is starting to become more adventurous with her clothes. Of course, this makes me happy!
I got to ride around all day in M's new sexy Camero, which made the day even better.


And just for fun:
We happened to see a man in a Ghostbusters truck leaving the mall, as we were arriving. Ah, Ohio.

So what have you been up to this weekend so far? Any fun plans? Let me know in the comments.

And the Winner Is. . . .

DanaElayne!!!
(as randomly chosen by Random.org)

Thank you all for entering, and following the blog. I will have another giveaway once I (hopefully!) reach 100 followers, so keep reading!

Congratulations, Dana! If you'll send your full name and mailing address to courtney.6708@gmail.com, I will mail your goodies out as soon as I can!

Vacation Pics Part 2

I am sorry it took so long to get the rest of our vacation photos posted. There has just been a ton going on around here lately. I mostly took photos of the scenery and pretty buildings, because that was what the town was all about!

Here's the Frankenmuth Brewery where we had dinner our last night in town. It was wonderful! They bring out soft pretzel breadsticks instead of bread before the meal, and their burgers (and of course, beer!) were excellent.

Here we are on the balcony of the brewery overlooking the Cass River. (Evident self-photo!)


When we came upon this fountain, Jimmy saw these "shoes" on the edge and thought they were actually shoes that someone had left.While on our way home, I was craving a cherry-limeade, so I plugged "Sonic" into our GPS in the hopes that we were coming upon one soon. We ended up getting "Shanks On Ice" as a result. We agreed that it sounded like the prison version of the Ice Capades.

This is what I wore yesterday (and actually is the same dress as in the above brewery photos). I did have on a necklace and earrings, but took them off before I took the photo.

Outfit Details:
Black maxi dress: Fashion Bug
White Tank: Lane Bryant
Grey ruffled cardi: Marshalls
Sandals: Avenue
Sunglasses: Rayban Wayfarers

Just a Reminder!

Just a reminder that today is the last day to enter the Pixi makeup and Fluff cosmetic mirror giveaway! Enter here by midnight!

Bear Your Threads - Sparkle & Shine

So this time, I would love to see some of your outfits that have some sparkle! Sequins, beading, or even glitter! Send me your photos and I'll post them here along with a link back to your blog.

Here are few inspirations I found:

spin my world with your love by Nysh featuring Loewe bags

Taxi! by ♥Flora♥ featuring Burberry coats

Unbenannt by popbarb featuring Stella McCartney dresses

I would love to see any photos you would like posted. Even if you are only wearing sparkles on your shoes! Send me your photos by Saturday the 24th if you would like to be featured on Style Show & Tell.

The Return of Tuesday Temptations!

I have not been very good at keeping up with the Tuesday Temptations posting lately, but I'm back on the wagon!

#1. The 5 o'clock chair by Moooi and designed by Nika Zupanc.

#2. Hand Painted Sunglasses by hpaynter on Etsy.
Aren't these cool?!

#3. The Betty Plus Size Apron by Boojiboo on Etsy.I love the retro feel of this apron. I have made a few of my own, but none look as cool as this!


#4. A Kindle
I fought hard against the Kindle when it first came out because I love the feel of cracking open a new book and feeling the crisp pages. I guess technology finally has me in it's grasp, because now I think the idea of having any book you want at your fingertips at any time is amazing.


#5. Jeff Saturday One of the reasons I look forward to football season.
Yes, my husband knows about my pseudo-crush on Jeff. He'd be way more upset if I liked Tom Brady. (Boo! Hiss!)