Funky and Fun

It's a normal Monday night at my house. Got home from work late, just finished dinner, and now munching on fruit watching E!'s Fashion Police. This show makes me laugh until I cry and also shake my head in disagreement. I experience both ends of the spectrum while watching.

With all of that said, I bring you today: 60 degrees in January. In Oklahoma, this isn't typical. So you can imagine the joy I had in my closet this morning dressing for the day. I went for fun, funky, and vibrant.

Sugar, Spice, and High Heels

Yesterday Jered and I were out and about shopping around. It all started with a local coffee shop because I introduced him to a little place in Shawnee. For you Stillwater natives, I describe it with an "Aspen" feel to it. Next we went to Sarah Sarah's cupcake bakery to pick up little cakes for Kristin's birthday party. (Side note-Kristin's birthday dinner was delicious and so much fun)! We had some time to kill so we went to a shopping center filled with all kinds of different shops.

I found the loves of my life and it happened without planning on it or even looking for that matter. A shoe place in this shopping center caught my eye so we had to go in and look. Pink Sugar Shoe Boutique is the name of this place or also known as shoe heaven to me.

They had two Kate Spade High heels in my size. Girls know that this is basically a sign from God if they have your size and they fit you flawlessly. Boys are not aware of this special sign (not sure what they learned in school) so as girls we have to teach them that. I tried them both on and pranced around the store. I couldn't just decide on one, could I? That would be like adopting a kitten and leaving its only sibling behind to be all alone. The thought of that is just truly depressing, I know!

Jered is by far one of the sweetest guys ever and I am so lucky to have him around. He said that they both could be my Valentine's day present.

Pretty As A Flower

I haven't been to a high school basketball game in years. I forgot one important thing--the entry fee! Even when I was in high school I cheered for basketball. However, I never had to worry about paying to enter a game. With that said, last night I rolled up to the gym for a basketball game without any cash. A complete stranger paid my way in. My face was red with embarrassment.

One of my 4-Her's was freshman attendant for basketball homecoming. This was very important to her so I decided to go and be supportive. It was a great time, the social scene of the town. Not to mention she looked like a doll!

Five Things: Steve Madden Finds

This Friday I figured that staying with the shoe theme would be fun.  I ventured to Stevemadden.com and found a few of the shoes that I am dying to have in my closet right now.  Consider this being Lindsey's want list.  Notice I did not say need (I am trying to be a grown up and really determine the difference between need vs. wants).  Does that give me enough brownie points to at least buy just one pair?!

Two things that cannot be wrong: leopard and preppy.  This look is so amazing; it can be casual to glamor in an instant.  I have been drooling over these for months now.  Eventually, I will break down and purchase them and add them to my extensive collection.

If I said it once, I have said it a thousand times—I am a sucker for bows.  Now this flat is great, it’s a natural color that is so hot right now but it also has a great touch with the rhinestone bow.  It could make any girl feel like a pretty ballerina.

This flat almost has a southwest meets Native American feel to it and I must say—I don’t really hate it.  I am actually drawn to it.  Imagine this with dark washed jeans and a white blouse.  It would be so crisp, clean, but still has a fun element to it.

Not sure what is drawing me to these; it could be the peep detail all over, the gold studs, or the great leather color.  Whatever it is, they are doing it right.  I see this early spring paired with a pretty floral sun dress with a matching leather belt.  Almost a little rustic feel to these flats but still very edgy with the gold studs.


Last but certainly not least, every girl needs a peep toe wedge in her closet.  This gives you everything: mile long legs, height, texture, and it’s such a neutral color you can wear them with just about everything.  To me, this is a no-brainer .

4-H Cupcake War

Tuesday night I had the opportunity to judge the 1st ever Cupcake War (based off of the TV show from Food Network) contest in Murray County! I could not have been more excited about this whole situation, how perfect? 4-Her’s and cupcakes—two of my favorite things!  As many cupcakes that I have made in my life, I should be able to give constructive comments and positive feedback—I did just that.

Let me just say that this contest did not disappoint! I could have not been more proud of that group of young kids. There were kids from 9 years old-15 participating. For some of them, this was the first time they have ever baked cupcakes or given a speech. It’s truly heartwarming to know that there is such a great program for youth to be a part of that fosters personal development in such a way as 4-H.

To me, this is what it is all about!  Seeing the joy on their face when they receive a ribbon from their hard-earned work!

Love seeing young people do great things!

Southern Comfort Food

Very rarely I get homesick but when I do, I try to do something that reminds me of home.

Today for lunch I had beans and cornbread. As silly as it sounds, I love beans and cornbread. During the winter, my mom or nana would whip up a batch of this dish. It was great, especially when we were out working with our animals; we needed something to keep us warm but also warm the soul. I believe it did just that.

Big Personality, Little Shoes

Everyone's outlook on life is just as different as our shoe and style.

Currently, I am sitting at Starbucks reading my new book I just started. I must say, so far so good! One more book to read and I will be having a blog giveaway (so keep your eyes open for that).

Hannah searching for a song to sing

This past weekend was Hannah's birthday celebration! We had dinner at a fabulous little Italian resultant followed by Karaoke. A night filled with laughter is an understatement!

I found these adorable shoes for her birthday. I had to take in consideration she is on her feet all day, so a flat was necessary. She also had a big personality, so I wanted something to showcase that. Mission accomplished!

January Birthdays

I just love birthdays! January is filled with them! My Nana's was earlier in the month. Then followed by my cousin Allie. Tonight we celebrate Hannah's special day. Last but not least, my best friend Kristin's birthday is at the end of the month.

I love this card! I picked it out for Allie. This past summer we made cupcakes together and had a blast doing it. So I thought I would remind her of that. Here is to multiple birthdays! A reason for me to enjoy cake all month long!

Five Things: Kate Spade High Heels

There are two things that are certain: 1) Kate Spade is fabulous and 2) You can never have too many shoes.  I am slowly justifying my shoe obsession to the world.  Today I want to share with you some of the shoes that I think are absolutely wonderful.  Do with them what you must: stare, drool, or add them to your wish list via Pinterest.  Drum roll please....

1)Does it get any better than this?  The gold and black ribbon chain that straps at the ankle makes this show stand out and makes it land on top of my list!

2)I am running to my closet in search for the perfect sundress to pair with these shoes.  Oh how I wish warmer temperatures were near!  Love the colorful detail in the wedge, hello stripes of color!

3)Speaking of color, check this out!  It’s like a highlighter exploded on this high heel!  There is just something about bows that make my heart melt.

4)This reminds me of a stain glass window.  The different colors are incorporated together and outlined in black.  I think that is it very simple, elegant, and topped off with a bow!

5)Two words: GLITTERED BOW!

Which high heel is your favorite?  I hope that you enjoyed my five things: Kate Spade High Heels.

Life Lesson Through Shoe Shopping

Extrinsic motivation is something I learned a lot about in my leadership classes while in college.  It is interesting to see why people do the things they do.  At one time, I was extremely motivated to achieve task simple because I felt accomplishment after it was all said and done.  Some people need a little more motivation.

I am kind of doing this when it comes to shopping.  I have been looking at these shoes for the longest time, I told myself I would purchase them only when they went on sale.  Living on a budget is not something that is fun, however, shopping is.  #sorryiamnotsorry

LOVE!

The good news, the shoes finally went on sale and they were delivered to my office this morning.   I cannot wait to wear them, now I just have to find the perfect outfit for them to make their debut to the world.

Sweet Tooth

I have a sweet tooth that I cannot seem to fully satisfy.   Finally, people around me are becoming aware of this.  Maybe it’s my cupcake decor in my office, my daily Starbucks, or my addiction to Ben and Jerry’s.  Not sure what gave it away however I am thankful that people are catching on.

I had a parent bring me some chocolates….I ate the whole thing this afternoon.

 

I really enjoy fro-yo !

Cinnamon Mini's

Something about cinnamon rolls warms your soul. They have ways been a big part of my life. Where I am from, my family is known for their homemade cinnamon rolls. Long before the pioneer woman, my grand grandmother would take her homemade Christmas candy and cinnamon rolls around to everyone in the Pawhuska community from church goers to bank tellers--she didn't leave anyone out.

Remix! That's right, I said it, remix! The new, easy, semi-homemade cinnamon rolls are making their debut.  Hit the print button or grab a pen and paper!  These are easy enough that even YOU can make them!

Cinnamon Mini's

Ingredients:

I-8 oz tube crescent roll dough

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

Maple Icing

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon milk

3/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven according to crescent roll dough package directions.  Layout half the dough (4 triangles) and pinch all the seams together.  Flip over and pinch the seams on the back side together too.


2. Using a rolling pin, smooth the seams and roll the dough into a square about ¼ inches thick.  Brush with half the butter, and sprinkle with as much of the sugar mixture your want.  Roll into a long and cut into 11 pieces.


3. Place mini cinnamon rolls into a non-stick sprayed mini muffin tin.  Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the other half of the crescent roll dough.  Bake for 6 minutes.


4. Meanwhile, whisk together maple syrup and milk in a bowl.  Add in powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.  Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls.


5. Enjoy!

Before the oven

Out of the oven waiting for icing

Drizzled with the yummy maple icing

My BFF'S Birchbox

Everyone has a friend who is extremely trendy and fabulous, right? To me, this is Kristin, my interior designer best friend. In December, I was thinking of all the possibilities for Christmas presents. After countless failed shopping attempts I finally came to the conclusion that a subscription to Birchbox would be the perfect thing for her! What more could a trendy 20 something want?!

She took a quiz about her beauty, this way they would know exactly what to send her from month to month. A personalized box with sample sized goodies will arrive at her doorstep . Last night the first one came in the mail. The best part? The nail polish name is Kristin. How perfect is that?

Pinterest Party

When you plan to have a watch part with four sorority sister who are each bringing something different to munch on during the football game; I can assure you one thing: Pinterest. Yes, Pinterest will be involved. We all ended up bringing something that we found on Pinterest to try.

We had a veggie tray with a green pepper hollowed out that held the ranch dressing for dipping that Nancy made. Kristin whipped up some delicious guacamole she found via Pioneer woman. I decided to bake Cowgirl Cookies. However, Hannah, on the other hand, stole the show with her festive "Princess Punch" adult beverage.

Here are the Cowgirl Cookies all mixed up

The game was all kinds of crazy and full of excitement. I am pretty sure all across the nation cowboy fans were going to work with heavy eyes and sore voices. The nation's brightest orange shined a little brighter today.

Orange Power

If you listen closely enough you can hear the loud cheer that is coming from every Okstate fan from across the nation. The sea of orange is in full force today. I happen to have my OSU sweat pants on currently while watching a Sex And The City marathon with my best friend, Kristin. Later today we are going over to our friends Hannah's for a watch party.

Today I am making my famous "Cowgirl Cookies" to take along with me. I am really excited for all of us to get together! It should be a great time.

Something Blue By Emily Giffin

Today we kick off the new year! Cheers to 2012, may you bring new and exciting things our way. During the course of this year, I want to read more, to take time for myself.

However, I must say that the past two days have lacked excitement. I was in bed last night by eleven. I had dinner with a few good friends and that was that. I did not feel like getting too terribly wild last night. I know, my old lady tendencies are showing.

So here I am messy hair, wearing glasses, in an oversized cozy chair at Starbucks reading a good book. I can not put this book down. I went and purchased every book Emily Giffin has out.