Friday Favorites

Happy Friday friends! The weeks seem to be zipping by -- before you know it, Christmas will be here and we will have wrapped up another year.

Exciting(?). Terrifying. Both of those explain my feelings about how fast the years are going by.

Speaking of years going by, happiest of birthdays to my best friend, Jenna! Welcome to 35! It's as great as they say it is (I'm sure someone says that)! :)

Let's do some Friday Favorites!

I don't know how you all feel about ponchos, but when Lauren and I saw this one, we knew the store had to have it.

It's cutout to wear perfectly around your neck and layered with a tissue turtleneck or tee, it's the perfect little outfit!

Where can you find this, you ask? Please, click here! :) There are only a few left and currently it's sold out from the vendor. So... if you want one, I highly suggest you get it quickly! :)

JCrew Factory has six different colors of tissue turtlenecks. I love these because they are lightweight so perfect to wear under sweater cardigans or vests. I do wish they had some options with a stripe - anyone know where to find a good tissue tee or tissue turtleneck with a stripe or pattern?!

Either way, you will find me in this turtleneck tee and the above poncho next weekend when Two Dots takes over the Gift Gallery in Kansas City! Can't wait for a fun weekend of shopping and hanging out with my sister for 48 hours straight! :)

My aunt recently introduced me to Pick Your Plum, another amazingly wonderful and dreadfully terrible discount site! I've tried not to go look at it every day, but when I recently looked, this immediately caught my eye! 

This particular banner comes in three different colors and is glittery (here's your warning)! I love how they used this in the picture, but they also showed it as a prop for Christmas pictures. There are a few other sign options and ENDLESS options when you go back to the main page.

But it's $12.99.

How do you beat that? 

You can't. So you buy it. 

Ummm... did anyone else know about these amazing Aldi bags???

Ummm... everyone is getting one for Christmas, no joke.

If you aren't an Aldi frequenter, they don't bag up your items when you checkout, they just put them back in your cart, then you either bring your own bags in or grab a box to throw it all in.

Well holy heck, these genius bags allow you to attach to the cart, toss your stuff in, and then close it up, and go home!

This. Is. Amazing and a game changer! And only $8! With all the money you save at Aldi, this is basically free!

PS. The White Cheddar Cranberry cheese is back for the holidays! I only hope that means the amazing chocolate drizzled caramel corn will be back soon, too!

This color will be here any day. And I will immediately be trying it out! I'm obsessed with all of the great fall color options! 

If you missed my video on my Two Dots Facebook page (you can watch it here), I mentioned how anyone who places an order in November will be placed in a drawing for a $10 Two Dots gift card. I will announce the winner on the last day of the month! So if you have been waiting to get a color for the first time or need something for the Fall, now is the time to get something. Because you might get something special with it, like a gift card! :) 

Everyone have a wonderful weekend and as always...

GO CATS! Beat the Red Raiders! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

Welcome to the weekend, friends!

It's been a slow... yet fast week. Is that even possible?!

Tess and I spent all morning at the pediatrician's office trying to get urine from a 19-month-old. Yeah... super fun! Girlfriend has been running a fever all week so we are trying to figure out the cause. She's on antibiotics right now, but we will have some ultrasounds and a consult with a specialized doctor in a few weeks just to rule out anything.

All is good though! Just a very, very long Thursday!

This weekend we have Matt's dad and girlfriend visiting and his cousin Kyle coming in to the city (he's near for work) to watch the K-State/OU game so we will be busy showing off the city and praying the Cats offense shows up to play this week!

I feel like a beer will be needed for that one.

Anywho, Friday Favorites... here we go!

Who remembers me rattling on and on last year about trying to find a necklace that represented my three kids? 

Is everyone raising their hand? Because I feel like it was at least every other week that I brought this topic up! 

I'm so darn picky. THAT is the problem (and absolute truth). So I love the initial necklaces, but thought I wanted just one trinket on my neck, not three. Same with the circle charms. I love them, but I feel like I might sound like a cowbell coming down the road with three on. The bars also intrigue me, but I would just want one and then what do I put on the bar? 

Lisa Leonard Designs pop up on my Facebook feed a lot and I'm sure its because my best friend received some of her jewelry so then I looked it up and you know how creepy Facebook and Google are - they know every detail of your life. So Lisa Leonard is one my feed constantly! 

She actually has a bar necklace that I was intrigued by that I considered getting three stones put on to represent the three kids. I started browsing her necklaces and found this. And thought... "That might be it!" It's unique and different, it's sweet and soft. It has the inscription "bigger than the moon, brighter than the stars" on the back... I'd probably prefer to leave that out and have my own story for the three stars BUT... I'm digging this one! 

It's obnoxious how many times I have been to JCrew Factory lately. I usually walk out with nothing, too which is just awful! 

But every time I have been there, this coat has been staring at me. The color is SO pretty and I love to have one or two nice coats that are different than your standard black. 

So if you're in the hunt for a nice winter coat, look at the options at JCrew Factory! Good quality at good prices!

I have been hunting for this glass cloche jar for a very long time... or maybe since September (but doesn't early September seem like months ago at this point?). But they are pretty expensive and I was nervous about purchasing online and it being shipped and then being broken.

I had found one online at Hobby Lobby for $20 and wanted Lauren to go check it out. Then she got busy having a baby and all.

So Tess and I loaded up and drove 30 minutes outside of the city to the nearest Hobby Lobby. And though that seems a little irrational, I love to drive. And I love to drive outside of the city to open spaces! The suburbs are getting some pretty fall leaves, too, so I was OK with the drive (plus it doesn't seem like a 30 minute drive).

To Hobby Lobby we went to find this jar... and then I of course snagged a few other things, including this adorable sign. It comes with three panels of letters and numbers and punctuation so you should have plenty to work with! And as always, it was either on sale or I get 40% off with a coupon.

I of course can't find the link to the jar or the sign, but... both are at Hobby Lobby in the glass jar section and near the sign section.

I'll keep hunting for the links!

It is mid-October and I am already planning ahead for the months to come... and what comes with those months. 

At a parent party for Reece's class a few weekends ago, some of the moms were discussing how they get their kids to school when it starts snowing. Strollers become a hard option to push through the snow. One mom said she... used a sled. 

A sled, people. 

This is real.

And I lived through the real, legit snow in Minneapolis. But I didn't walk more than I drove in Minnesota, nor did I walk far to take my kids to school. 

I don't walk far here in Chicago, but there is much more walking going on than in previous years and a legit (and cute) snow boot is needed. Hence... Sorel. 

Don't even ask me how I came across these... but I did and oh my, am I glad I did! 

How adorable are these signs? They aren't large signs - 6"x7" inches. But I'd love to snag the states that we have lived in - how cute would they be on a gallery wall?! 

And even better news? They are on Amazon, so you know the process of buying will be a cinch! 

Everyone have a great and relaxing weekend! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Must Have Bottoms for Fall

This is one of those posts that I really would have preferred to have two-three hours completely by myself to go to a store, try things on, switch sizes, wander... 

That is my fantasy life though and my real life involves a very busy 19-month-old and a stroller and snacks and being as fast as possible before she loses her mind! 

So we ventured to Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue and originally, I had planned to take the van because to me, it was just easier than taking the train. But then I saw how much it would be to park, and the train became the more logical option! On the train we went.

And I'm giving you not only five must-have pants for Fall, but I"m giving you life lessons here, people. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT pay so close attention to your phone and get invested in your InstaStories or you WILL forget to pay attention to when it is time to get off the train and miss your stop and get off the train being absolutely clueless as to where you were! 

Luckily when I walked out of the station, I did know where I was, but we had missed our stop by one so we had to backtrack. And the backtrack took us way too long! So in the end, I would have paid the money to park! :) 

Memories, right?!

Anyway... the real point of this post.

I wanted to venture out to Nordstrom to find five pairs of bottoms that everyone needs to have for the Fall (and the winter, too)! The pants are not going to be from JUST Nordstrom, but I knew I'd find quality selection there, so that's where we started. 

Comfy/Dressy

These Trouve High Waist Pleat Front Crop Pants were a bit of a surprise to me. I picked them up not knowing if they'd make the cut or not and surpringly, they did! 

I walked around the dressing room (and around Tess) to get a feel for them. And really, really liked them! I have larger thighs so I loved how they weren't too tight in that area, but then were more fitted past the knee. There are also zippers at each ankle so to be a little less dressy, unzip and voila! 

These get high marks for me and ran true to size! 

Other options: Winnie Pant - Skinny Ankle Pants - Pixie Mid-Rise Ankle Pant

Leggings

Not a baby bump. Just a non-beer belly belly. 

I don't know how you all feel about leggings. But I feel like they are a staple in the fall and winter. And I'm here to tell you that it is OK.

It's OK to wear an extremely comfortable pant and not be ashamed of it. 

BUT I will also tell you that there is a rule to leggings to make all of the above true.

Your bum must be covered. 

That's all there is to it! 

If you aren't wearing a long tunic or sweater and your rear can be seen, then you need to put on a different pair of pants! That's all there is to it! 

Now... I put on these leggings from Madewell and let me tell you what was great about them.

     *Thick material

     *High-waisted 

     *Long, but not too long

All things that I 100 percent need in a legging! And at $34.50, I expect them to last me awhile! 

Options: High-Waisted Fleece Legging - Hue Leggings - Rachel High Waist Leggings

Denim

Though I will highly recommend going and trying things on, I realize that it hard to get to places. For many reasons. Like maybe you want to go alone .... and that's just not an option (see: all of my pics from this blog - thanks, Tess). 

With that in mind, I am 100 percent vouching of these 10" High Rise Skinny Jeans by Madwell. I blogged a few weeks ago about how hard it is to spend so much on clothing, but that when it comes to good jeans, you have to cut yourself some slack. Jeans are something that you ALWAYS have to have. The one item in your closet that doesn't go to the Goodwill pile in a year. So you're allowed to spend more for a quality pair of jeans. 

When I tried these on, I was so surprised how much I was in love with them. They were super comfortable, had the perfect amount of stretch in them (but not so much that they would be falling down your backside half-way through the day) and the high-waist is amazing! 

So if you can find time to go try on some nice jeans, find a Nordstrom and just go try on. Try on MANY pairs so you can spend your chunk of change wisely! But make sure you try these on. You will surprise yourself! 

Options: Vigoss Skinny Jeans - Boyfriend Jean

Jogger Pants

Thanks to yet another wonderful blogger that I follow, I was introduced the Make + Model brand at Nordstrom and ordered a pair of the 'All About it Pants' in black. And I have worn them so many times, I can't even count! The blogger mentioned that they could be pajama pants, but... I can't tell if they are, and I'm pretty sure no one else can tell if they are either. 

So we are going with it! :) 

Of course that exact pant that I love is on markdown right now, which is fantastic, but the only color available is a light grey. So I found a few other options, including the one above that would be great to try (Good Vibes Jogger Pants).

Joggers are so great because I feel like they are the updated, fashionable version of sweatpants. You can wear them with a sweatshirt, you can wear them with a tee. They can be worn on a date night, to a movie, to a football game, to the grocery store. I own quite a few pairs of joggers and honestly love them all! 

Options: Lounge Around Pants - French Terry Fleece Joggers - Piece Dyed Slouchy Sweatpants

Corduroy

I don't know why, but when I think of Fall attire, corduroy is what I think of! So ofcourse, it has to be in the five must-have's! 

I will have to say I haven't ventured far from what I found I loved. And that is Gap Mid Rise Skinny Corduroy Pants. They come in a skinny-style that hit at the ankle which works for me! I do wish they were a little more high-rise but that just shows my age... ;)

A few years ago, they really had a fun color selection, but this season are showing six or so color. This color above is one of my favorites. It goes with so much and is a nice color option for fall and winter! 

I will mention that Old Navy has a pair of cords in their Mid-Rise Rockstar and I have yet to try them but LOVE the Rockstar jeans from there. They are beyond comfortable and stretchy and a great inexpensive option! Color selection isn't great, but they have black which would be great for fall and winter! 

Options: Mid-Rise Rockstar Corduroy Jeans - Garment Dyed Cord

There you have it - what I have believe to be five must-have bottoms for the fall (and winter)! If you have any additions to the list, leave a comment that way everyone that reads can see it! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday friends! Welcome to the final edition of Friday Favorites from Arkansas -- unless by some chance I actually find time next Thursday evening or Friday morning to sit down and do this on the last day of school/the day before we officially leave the Land-o-Hogs behind!

Who knows?1 Maybe I'll have a last second burst of energy!

If by chance I don't (😂), I will return to you from my parent's office space in Manhattan, Kansas, where we will be bunking out until our housing situation finally situates itself in Illinois.

Can we just get some extra prayers and fingers and toes crossed that that will happen soon? Not because I'm not excited about living with my parents again. If I were going to choose who to hang out with, it would probably be them.

But I do not want them to get sick of us. Which I feel like could happen rather quickly!

Anyway... Friday Favorites, here we go!

It is that time of year. Pool season! I think we officially kicked it off last Sunday by going to the Splash Pad the day it opened! 

Pool season for us the last few years has been an almost daily occurrence. In our old neighborhood, they have the most legit pool that we lived at during the summer months! And I snagged some Target swim coverups and I have one from Old Navy that does the trick.

But then I saw this coverup on Brickyard Buffalo and had to share! It's so cute, especially if you have a suit that either has no straps, or small straps like this. It's so cute and will for sure make you the talk of the  pool! :) It's only available through the weekend for $21.90 so make your purchase soon!

I'm not sure if you all know this.

But I love JCrew Factory. 😜 For those that really don't know, I will just save you the hassle of reading past blog posts, but I spend a lot of time talking about this store. 

But for good reason!

The clothes are classic, good quality and good prices. 

And this dress is a great example of all three of those things! I LOVE this color during summer. It's a mix between a tomato red and a coral. It's so pretty and I'm trying to think of who this would look bad on... and I'm drawing a blank. 

It also comes in black ... and did I mention it's only $36.50?! 

And to go with your cute new pool coverup or new shirtdress is this adorable beach bag from Sole Society! 

It comes in an off-white as well, which I loved, but I know that my little grubby-handed adorable children would want to touch and so off-white just isn't in the cards for me at this time in my life.

This bag is definitely big enough to fit books, extra change of clothes, towel, etc. 

Free shipping over $50 at Sole Society. A definite must have! 

I came across these sandals on a bloggers Instagram page the other day and had to do a little digging to find them.

But I found them -- Dolce Vita's Para Slides. Love them. 

Love them, love them, love them! I think its just a cute and maybe edgier sandal - and by edgy, I mean as edgy as this anti-edgy person can get! They come in four different colors and the straps transition to a different color.

They ARE pricey at $120, but if you haven't shopped on Dolce Vita's site, then you can enter you email address and get an additional 15 percent off.

I haven't blogged about this yet, but... I started working out at Burn Bootcamp about two weeks ago. It was recommended to me by one of my former Chapman Cheerleaders (Go Irish!) who is about to open one up in Overland Park (for all my KC girls)! 

You guys... it's awesome. It's a 45 minute class and I leave sweating and out of breath. Which is the greatest feeling! 

If you are in the hunt for something to get you in shape and kick your rear, find your nearest Burn Bootcamp! 

ANYWAY -- the last thing the instructor always says before we leave the class is to remember to drink LOTS of water and try and eat 30 grams of protein shortly after class is over. I'm such a picky eater that it's hard for me to find much! 

I was at Wal-Mart though and found these little packets - almost like Lunchables - that have a meat, cheese, almonds and cranberries in them which are perfect for me to snack on and eat right after class.

But I found one that had a small thing of chocolate covered pretzels. Yeah. I'm not going to say much except to say YUMMMMM!!!!! It's a quick and tasty treat, as long as you don't eat the entire bag! :) 

And I'm going to call it a wrap today! I'm going to post about my new facial cream from SeneGence that I tried and really like, but right now, I need to wrap it up! :) 

Everyone have a fantastic weekend! 

XXOO,

Allyson

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends!

A fun weekend ahead for us as my brother, sister-in-law and nephew are coming down to visit for the weekend! We've got a jam-packed Saturday and I'm going to drag the entire family to all of it and they are going to love every second! :)

Time for some Faves...

I have professed my love for these tees before. I saw this one the other day and laughed out loud! And for Mother's Day? Yes... I had to post it.

Thanks Vanilla Ice for your poetic lines and thank you Saturday Morning Pancakes for putting in on a tee!

I have been hunting for a good face mask (not the baseball kind) this week. My face just feels... bleh. I really, REALLY want to go get a legit facial from a dermatologist, but until I can do that, I feel like a good mask will do the trick .

One of my favorite bloggers mentioned two that she likes and then I found one that SeneGence (who owns LipSense) sells. After gauging the options, I ended up purchasing the version from SeneGence for $50. 

Here were the other options: 

This version is $62, but I do truly believe that it would really help the areas I need the most help with. It purifies skin, is a deep cleanser, and helps with pores, blemishes and oiliness.

This is the other version she mentioned and MUCH more affordable at $10. It came in a few different versions but I feel like this one was most what I was looking for.

I will give you an update after I use my SeneGence version!

Ladies, these came across my Facebook page the other day and I stopped, took a picture and made a mental note to make sure to post them on Friday Favorites. 

These are fantastic summer shoes! Cute with dresses, cute with shorts, cute with skirts... and the color is bright, happy, summery! 

They are $34 from H&M. Hop to it! 

And while you're on the H&M website, browse the sunglasses. I can vouch for H&M sunglasses as I bought many pairs from there when we lived in Minneapolis,

And though maybe you aren't like me, but I refuse to spend a lot on sunglasses because I will a) lose them b) sit on them/break them c) my children.

Pick out a pair -- they are the summer accessory that you wear the most!

If you all don't have a pair of jean shorts, you need to go find a pair immediately! I own about six pairs of shorts (that don't have a Nike swoosh on them) and the only pair I ever want to wear are my jean shorts from JCrew Factory that I bought last year. Sadly, I can't find the exact pair on their site anymore, but these are close.

They are super comfy and just loose enough that they aren't sticking to my thighs. Key for summer comfort.


And that's it for this week, my friends! I'm not posting a new LipSense Color of the Week because I haven't been able to try a new one yet -- I can't wait to get my hands on some that are coming in this week so... next week! :)

Have an awesome weekend everyone! Matt is doing some house-hunting today so seriously, say a prayer that one of these is it. I feel it in my bones that one of them has to be it!!!

XXOO,
Allyson