Friday Favorites

As I slowly but surely dive back into blogging, Friday Favorites has been what I have missed the most! It's what I got the most feedback on and what people really seemed to enjoy!

As did I... there was so much fun stuff to throw at you! And so today... we get right back to it.

Glade has done it again, my friends! Last year's Fall candle was ahhh-mazing. It was a Friday Fave maybe more than once (or maybe I just talked about it constantly)!

And they have hit it out of the park this season once more! The Cozy Autumn Candle is legit. I've had  two of these going in the basement and in the kitchen for less than a week and both are almost gone. The smell is perfect - it's Fall at its best!

I picked these up at Target so when you make your third trip of the week out there, this time grab a few of these candles!

I am a SUPER picky shoe person! And even more picky when they are from Target. I want them to look 'real' but I want them at a fantastic price.

Those things usually never coexist.

BUT... Lauren and I got a 'Free Mom Afternoon' a few weeks ago when I was in Kansas City and we went to Target. Because where else would you go when you have four hours of freedom?

I found these and though I don't normally gravitate to a heel because I just like to be comfy... these spoke to me. So I tried them on. And I loved them.

I've done a few InstaStories on them and about their greatness, but really. If you need a nice Fall shoe to wear with jeans or a skirt, I'd check these out. For $35 (with an extra 20 percent off online), you can't beat this!

I went to The Loft this past weekend to work on a future Fitting Room Finds for you all - a new post I hope to try and do once a month from different locations that are fairly easy for everyone to get to. 

This sweater was the first thing I saw when I walked in - smart, Loft. Very smart.

So I picked it up. It was also the first thing I tried on. And I was smitten! 

It's not itchy (key), it didn't feel constricting (key), and it hit me in the right spot that didn't make me look too short (also key). 

The colors are great, especially for the Fall and though it's listed as $69.50 on the website, you know that The Loft is ALWAYS having some kind of deal! So... if you are smitten with this as well, give it a go! With some dark denim and the DV mules from Target listed above, you have yourself a nice little outfit! 

I have to give a shoutout to Matt's cousin Jen for this Friday Fave because without her, we would have never known it existed. 

And that would be a shame. 

We went on a Michigan vacation with some of Matt's cousins (and aunt and uncle) this past summer and everyone (except us who had moved in to our apartment two days before) brought food to share (thanks for the kindness, everyone!). Jen's family brought this layered dip and I think Matt and I literally ate about three-quarters of it. 

I love a good Mexican layered dip. My mom and her friend Kay make it frequently. But this one has nothing I have to pick out, like jalapeños and olives. And I could eat it with a spoon!

SO... moral of the story is that if you are having a get-together, a tailgate... or just want some damn fine dip, get to Costco and get this! You can thank me later.

And if I haven't convinced you yet to try LipSense... I'm failing at my job. :) No, but seriously... I tried Dark Pink on yesterday for the first time and have found yet another color that I love. Why do I have to love them all?! At this point, I don't even know what my go-to color is! 

So for you newbies (and anyone else who reads this blog), if you want to try out LipSense for the first time, comment below or message me and I'll give you five percent off your first purchase! 

I have said it before, but direct sales was not my jam... until I tried this stuff. I was an immediate believer and just want to share the love! :) 

Everyone have a wonderful weekend! Matt and I are going to a Cubs game on Sunday to celebrate my birthday early -- I get to fly to KC on my birthday weekend to meet my nephew who has yet to arrive. But he will be here by then or my sister will be LOSING her mind!!! :) 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday and welcome to another addition of Friday Favorites!

I'm excited about this one -- I've been making a list this past week so let's see what makes the cut!

Another season, another wonderful candle from Glade! I went through three of the Glade pumpkin candles this fall so when they put out their Christmas editions, I knew it would be trouble.

I LOVE the smell of a fresh Christmas tree and Timeless Joy is a great spruce smell! You will walk in your house and your nostrils will clear right up!

This is on sale at Target right now so load up, my friends!

This Lucky Brand Breah Bootie keeps popping up on my Facebook page and it has totally grown on me. As my friend Gabrianna knows, after spending an hour with me at DSW trying on many different kinds and colors of booties, shopping for shoes with me is difficult.

I'm very picky!

Or I know what I want. :)

Now... I love this one and would take it. But I also am still in search of a pair similar to my old and now just yucky Old Navy booties I bought years ago. It' shocking, but they are starting to fall apart. 

Anywho, these are at Nordstrom Rack and $80, which to me, for a bootie that will be worn repeatedly, is a good deal!

I realize the randomness of this favorite, but I couldn't live with myself if I didn't pass along this amazing find at Aldi.

Which is my new favorite place to shop.

I live in the land of Wal Mart, so when I actually found an Aldi - far away from where I live - I was thrilled! AND they recently renovated my Aldi, and it is AMAZING!!! I can fill a basket there and spend less than $100. It's unreal. And it's good stuff.

Hence, this amazing cheese, my friends. Holy moly. It is so fantastic! It's white cheddar (which I love) with the sweetness of cranberries. If you're hosting a holiday party... or just like to cut off a hunk of cheese to eat at home, go get this immediately!

I feel strange admitting this.

Since I'm not 17.

But I've been browsing the Abercombie & Fitch website. Fashion bloggers I follow keep posting these cute outerwear items and when I click on it, it takes me to A&F. I literally haven't walked in that store since 2005. But I'm kind of wanting to go back!

This is only as snapshot of the outerwear, but I'm loving it all! I LOVE the pop of red in the Puffer Jacket and I'd take everything in the second row. Right now, everything is 30% off plus free shipping. And I'm sure there will be more deals to come.

Take a look. Do it in the privacy of your own home so no one can see you. NO JUDGING at Tess and Elm!!!

I follow Mom Edit on Facebook and they always blog about great things, but they posted a Gifts Under $25, $50, $100, etc. today and oh goodness. I pretty much wanted it all. But this sweater caught my eye!

It's the Ruffle Shoulder Sweater from Nordstrom. I kinda love it. And kind of want it in my life. It's a little steep for me at $68, but again, it's going to be a sweater lifer, which means it's not leaving my wardrobe ever.

I don't necessarily love it with this skirt, but that's personal opinion. Just for a classic look, I'd do it with dark skinny jeans, some black suede block heel pumps and some fun earrings. Cute little look for a night out ... if you get to do that. I do not, but if I did, that's what I'd wear. :)


Ahhh. Friday Favorites. I love it! I have more on my list, but I'll hold that til next week. Or maybe I'll work on a gift guide.

That would be highly ambitious of me! I'll let you know!

Have a great weekend everyone!

XXOO,
Allyson

Friday Favorites

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! We did it! We survived another week - alleluia (though I'm currently listening to my 7 month old today screaming bloody murder because she will not nap)! We are excited for a weekend at home - my parents and niece Perry are coming down to stay which always makes me happy!

Here are some of my Friday Favorites...

Seventies Suede Mini Skirt

Oh girls. I have a newfound love with Boden USA. The stuff is so classic with not alot of fuss -- it screams "ALLYSON! BUY ME! EVERY LAST THING!" Sadly, I have to scream back, "I'D LOVE TO! BUT YOU'RE TOO FRIGGIN' EXPENSIVE!" As is this skirt. This skirt is so friggin' adorable. But it's $298.

I'm laughing as I type that.

So what is my new mission? To find this skirt for MUCH less expensive, but still good quality. I'm actually in love with the entire outfit, but know I can find that same top for a lot less as well.

But I love to find places that give me great ideas when it comes to fashion and home decor -- so here you go! Browse away and if you can, buy away. Just know that I'll be sitting here in Arkansas being very jealous of you. 

Gallery Skirt

***UPDATE: Thanks to Tanya Orstad, a similar option (though not suede) was found at Anthropologie! The Gallery Skirt comes in a three different colors, but is super adorable and $78 (vs. $298)! She said to order a size up because the sizing is small on this skirt.

                                                      Essie's Big Spender

I love painting my nails... only since 2008. Before that I thought it was too much. Now I feel like if I don't have it on, I'm missing something.

But I'm very particular about color choices and seasons. Like right now, I couldn't do a hot pink or really bright colors because we are now officially in the fall season. So I feel like it's time to dial it back on the brightness, which is why I LOVE Essie's Big Spender color. It is not too bright, but it's not full on dark yet... which comes later as the season gets chillier! 

Target always has a great selection of Essie Colors... as does Walgreens. So if you're near either of those, stop in, drop $9 on some nail polish and get into the fall spirit! 


 

Sit Me in the Front Row - closest color to Big Spender

***UPDATE: Thanks to Kaye Nemec for telling me about Sally Hansen's Gel Polish (Essie's version is Gel Couture). She said you can put it on and it will last for almost two weeks versus a few days like most other nail polishes!!! Definitely worth a try! Has anyone else tried this and been happy?!

                                          Rich Pumpkin Dream Glade Candle 

Speaking of fall, I'm a lover of apple cinnamon scents in my house all year long. Blame (or thank) my mother, but I'm obsessed with it and it always makes me happy! I buy the Airwick version of it.

But this time of year, I try to light some candles and Glade seems to always have great options during the seasons. This year, I found Rich Pumpkin Dream and holy cow! It is ON POINT, people! I lit it oen afternoon and left the house only to receive a text from Matt saying our house smelled awful. I immediately was upset because I knew I had just lit these brand new candles. He then said he was kidding and that it smelled great.

And he was right! It smelled amazing! I picked mine up at Target, but I know they are pretty much everywhere. So if you need some instant fall, get this ASAP! 

                          Birkenstock Essentials Madrid EVA Flat Sandal

If you ask me what was the one best thing I purchased all summer, I would tell you it was this sandal. 

I wore it almost every single day. 

And they were $29. Birkenstock's for $29. You read it right! 

They were the most comfy sandal I've ever put on. Plus I know they were much better for my feet than my normal flip flop that I wore as well as were a little more fashion-forward. 

If you are still needing a slip-on sandal (because let's be real, it's fall, but where I'm at - it is still in the 90s ... BLEH!) and one that you will continue to use every time it warms up, GET THESE IMMEDIATELY! They come in black, navy, hot pink, hot green, red and white. If I could find them in an olive color, you bes' be believin' I'd be getting that color as well! 



I hope everyone has a great weekend -- hopefully the weather cools off, you can sit outside, drink a brewskie or Coke and enjoy some football.

Because that is what I will be doing. 

And saying a little prayer that my kids can take care of themselves while I'm doing those fun thing! :)

XXOO,
Allyson