Home Inspiration

Now that Matt and I live together I've been on a decorating frenzy! It's been interesting combining our style but it has been great! I'm extremely thankful that we generally like the same things. I love that every photo here is clean and modern but has a little bit of character to it. 

Photo Credit

[Photo 1] [Photo 2] [Photo 3] [Photo 4] [Photo 5]

Fall / Winter Soups in 30 Minutes or Less

1// Tomato & Roasted Capsicum Soup  2// Harvest Chowder  3// (Panera Bread) Black Bean Soup  4// Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup  5// Chicken Corn Chowder  6// Crab Bisque  7// Chicken Tortilla Soup  8// Chicken, Vegetables, and Pasta Soup  9// Classic Chili Soup  10// Italian Winter Soup

Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

This time of year I think every girl can vouch for me, anything pumpkin spice is our favorite. I found this recipe here and I knew I had to try it out! It was absolutely delicious and super creative!

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Recipe

Ingredients,

1 1/2 cups of flour

2 tbsp. of sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 cup of milk

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients.

2. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add your milk. If you find your batter too runny, you can add more flour, but do this a tbsp. at a time in case you add too much. If your batter is too thick, add a splash of milk until it’s a consistency you like.

3. Now add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

4. In a medium skillet, on medium-high heat, add a tsp. or two of vegetable oil and spoon in your batter to as big or as little as you want your pancake to be.

5. Once bubbles start forming on the top, it’s time to flip the pancake.

6. Repeat until all your batter is used

7. Serve with whatever syrup or fruit you like and top with butter (optional).

You may not know...

1 // When I was 7 I got my front tooth knocked out

2 //  I love giraffes & elephants

3 // I believe the body has the full potential to heal itself

4 // God is my best friend

5 //  I believe you need to dream big

6 // I'm extremely close with my family, they're perfect

7 // I care... but not that much.  [This is sort of a new attitude for me lately, I care about things... but not that much! Now that sounds a little mean but It's more so that I don't care what people think about me anymore. I do what I love annnnd don't care! :D ]

8 // Before I act on or say something I try extremely hard to make sure my intention is right and genuine, our egos are a little annoying sometimes..

9 // Our puppy is seriously our entire world

10 // I believe you are who you surround yourself with.

11 // I hate tomatos but I could drink ketchup

12 // I have an extremely handsome boyfriend

13 // I could cry about almost anything

14 // I use Twizzlers as a straw to drink coke

15 // When I get embarrassed or in get put in awkward situations I just laugh because I have no idea what else to do..

16 // In public places / performances I feel like I always get pulled out of the crowd.. I think It's because I'm executing "don't pick me, don't pick me" energy...

17 // I try really really hard to be a good cook

18 // Dancing used to be my entire life

19 // Ghosts terrify the absolute shizzz nizz out of me

20 // This sounds cliché but, I truly believe you have the ability to be do have absolutely anything and everything you want in life.

October's Picks

So it is now pretty much winter. Yesterday we had our first snowfall (for about 5 minutes) BUT STILL! I am so not ready for winter we hardly had a fall, truly! I feel like last week it was still in the 70's but oh well.. I put a little list together to inspire me to still dress cute and dress for the season.. My idea of dressing for the season is lounging in sweat pants because it is so incredibly cold here in the Mitten. My perfect fall / winter attire is a slouchy sweater with leggings and a cute pair of statement boots. Trust me I am all about comfort! What is your go-to staples for fall & winter?

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DIY Lip Scrub

So in Michigan the temperature has completely dropped. I've even broken out our winter coats and used them! Anyways, because of the weather my lips have gotten extremely dry and even started to crack.. I didn't feel like running to the store and looking for some lip exfoliating scrub so I decided to make my own! The recipe was extremely easy and works great!

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Heres what you'll need.

1 //  2 tbs of Cane Sugar

2 //  1 tbs of Raw Organic Coconut Oil

3 //  1 tbs of Organic Olive Oil

4 //  1 tsp of Honey

5 //  1 Little Drop of Peppermint Extract

You combine all ingredients into a small bowl and mix them together until you get a paste (I just used my fingers to mix) and then you apply and scrub for two minutes! Super simple right?

Enjoy!

Kristin xx

Free Fonts

Market Deco // Lemon Chicken // Antrokas // Zapfino // Jane Austen // Two is Better Than One // Mathlete // Sequi // Eight Fifteen 

Aruba

Hey guys lets go to Aruba!

I've never been to Aruba but I'd defiantly love to take a little trip there some day!

Here are some great ammendities that they have!

Aruba, one happy island that contains everything you need and more! Whether your a foodie, the adventure type, or a beach bum, Aruba has everything at you want at your fingertips!

Here are some things to do in Aruba:

1. Activities: Sharp geographical differences create a unique combination of land and sea activities. Calm, glittering turquoise waters fringed by marshmallow-soft ivory beaches neighbor a national park encompassing a wild windward coast and unsettled rugged interior.

Quiet horseback rides and leisurely beach walks are good for the soul. Hikers can explore twenty rugged miles of trails in Arikok National Park. Golfing combines the challenge of constant trade winds and tropical sun with desert beauty and sweeping Caribbean views. Tour the island from the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach or on a jeep safari. Be sure to exercise caution on mountain bikes and all-terrain vehicles!

The water is calm and perfect for swimming at resort areas. Challenging wave conditions and constant trade winds attract an international host of windsurfers as well as kite surfers and wave sport enthusiasts. Hop aboard a pleasure boat or luxury catamaran for a day of sailing. Rent a jet-ski, sunfish, wave-runner or tube for some wet 'n wild fun. Reel in dinner on a fishing excursion or kayak tranquilly along the mangrove coast. Shallow coral formations await snorkelers but reef and wreck diving reveal a brilliant underwater fantasy. 

2. Beaches: Fringing turquoise Caribbean waters, kissed by the sun and cooled by constant trade winds, Aruba’s beaches include wide shaded expanses, quiet retreats, and busy sunbathing and water sports meccas. Much of the seven-mile strip along the west coast is lined with resorts and packed with activity. Beachgoers relax on their comfortable lounges, lost in their favorite book or enjoying people-watching. Swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing, waterskiing, tubing, parasailing, banana-boating, and all kinds of wet ‘n wild adventures are just steps away on Aruba's beaches.

In contrast, the Caribbean beaches along the windward coast are in more secluded and undeveloped areas. Overlooked by craggy desert terrain, this stretch of Aruba beaches is home to magical coves carved out of limestone and inlets formed by the relentless pounding of waves. Because of strong undertow and crashing waves, swimming here is not recommended. But the Caribbean beaches on Aruba’s wild coast do afford tranquility, privacy and unique natural phenomena. Both coasts afford spectacular, glittering Caribbean views that will surely take your breath away. All Aruba beaches are open to the public.

3. Shopping: Shoppers will find an enormous selection of international brand name products and prices that are 10 – 35% lower than those in the United States. Jewelry store-lined streets and upscale malls with prestigious international brands fill the downtown area while gleaming new shopping/entertainment centers front the high-rise resorts.

Aruba offers a bountiful selection of newly constructed shopping/entertainment centers in the high-rise resort area and downtown store-lined streets and upscale malls, as well as a potpourri of unique boutiques and emporiums. Gleaming shops are brimming with diamonds, gold and silver jewelry, timepieces, perfumes and cosmetics, state-of-the-art electronics, beach and resort wear, designer apparel and accessories, lingerie, fine linens and china, collectables, handicrafts and souvenirs. Friendly, knowledgeable and multilingual salespeople will assist you wherever you go.

With a modern bus station, sparkling new shops, prestigious international brands, and restored historic buildings, downtown Oranjestad has a fresh face. A few miles away, the high-rise hotel area has recently added three new and exciting shopping centers complemented by restaurants, movie theatres and nightly entertainment to the jumping, bustling strip

Downtown stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm; if a cruise ship is in port, some open on Sunday. Shopping hours vary in and around the hotels; some stores remain open to 9 pm. Though personal checks are not accepted, major credit cards, travelers’ checks, and US currency are welcome.

4. Restaurants: On Aruba, the abundance, full flavor and diversity of cuisines prepared by world-class chefs; fine international wines; casual, elegant and creative ambiances, and attentive service combine to create very special dining experiences at out Caribbean Restaurants.

The high-rise strip is now home to over 100 resort and independent restaurants. This bustling area is dotted with an eclectic patchwork of shops, malls, cafés and Caribbean restaurants. But do venture downtown and off the beaten path to discover local favorites and trendy new establishments. No matter where you go, you will find an eclectic menu of delicious ethnic and international fare.

Classical delicacies such as frogs' legs, duck, venison, foie gras and chateaubriand join fresh Caribbean catch such as mahi-mahi and wahoo, Argentinean churrasco, Middle Eastern shoarma, Japanese sushi and teppanyaki selections, Spanish tapas, Indian curries, Caribbean jerk ribs, homemade pastas, USDA choice steaks, Maine lobster and local goat stew and keshi yena. Indeed, the tiny island nation of Aruba provides an impressive world culinary tour rivaling the most cosmopolitan of cities.

5. Attractions: World-renowned beaches along the resort-lined west coast fringe turquoise Caribbean waters, kissed by the sun and cooled by trade winds... Secluded beaches off-the-beaten path along the wind-whipped coast afford magnificent panoramas.

See the sights! Explore natural wonders throughout Arikok National Park, the Casibari and Ayo rock formations and Indian caves. Walk through history at the Bushiribana gold mill, Aruba Aloe Factory and Alto Vista Chapel. Museums in downtown Oranjestad include the new state-of-the-art Archaeology Museum and the fascinating Numismatic Museum. Kids will enjoy all the creatures at the Butterfly Farm, Ostrich Farm and Donkey Sanctuary.

6. Events: The Aruba calendar is filled not only with traditional holiday celebrations but also with international tournaments, caribbean festivals , competitions, regattas and sporting events; film, art, food and music festivals, and other cultural events. It reflects the island's treasured heritage and multi-cultural history and also the elements that attract hundreds of thousands of tourists.

Carnival is a thrilling show of over-the-top pageantry, brilliant costumes and fantastic music. It is a fun-filled season that begins on November 11 at 11:11 am when the Prime Minister symbolically turns the country over to the Prince and Pancho, and formally ends before Good Friday with the burning of the King Momo effigy. The months in-between are filled with contests and jump-ups. The two final weekends feature the Pajama Parade in San Nicolas and the Lighting Parade in Oranjestad. Grand daytime parades shut down Aruba's two cities.

Do check the 2013 calendar to see all that is happening!

7. Nightlife: Aruba nights add excitement to the island's quiet desert island persona. Mingle with locals and tourists at any of the scores of casual beach and pier bars that dot the southwest coast from downtown Oranjestad to the far end of the high-rise strip. Weekly managers' cocktail parties and daily happy hours are island traditions.

Cruises depart from Palm Beach piers; hop aboard for a sunset sail, romantic nighttime interlude or a wild party with rope swing. At resorts, carnival shows and Las Vegas-style revues boast talented dancers and brilliant costumes. Sumptuous outdoor theme night buffets are perfect "stay at home" entertainment. Ten exciting resort casinos offer non-stop after-dark gaming action, lively house bands and exhilarating ambiance.

The high-rise area now rivals downtown Oranjestad for trendy venues and after-hours haunts, from karaoke and martini bars to upscale bistros and casual pubs. The strip comes alive after dark with shops, kiosks, movie theatres, cafés, restaurants and bars. Let loose on a wild and wacky barhopping bus.

8. Getting around: Getting around Aruba is quick and easy. Bus service to and from downtown Oranjestad and resort areas is reliable and inexpensive. Taxis are always available and have set rates. Many visitors rent a car for at least one day to see the sights beyond resort areas. Driving is on the right side of the road, foreign and international driving licenses accepted. Free parking throughout the island, no right turns on red light. Click here to view the road signs in Aruba. While many tour in the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach, those more daring may prefer a jeep or all-terrain vehicle.

After reading everything about Aruba I defiantly think I'd like to take a trip there someday! Mayyyybe for a honeymoon someday?? Ha-ha *wink-wink* That would be such a dream come true. There is so so much to do there and I especially love the shopping and food, looks and seems delicious! Make sure to check out Aruba's site Aruba travel for more information and make sure to "like" their facebook page!

xoxo

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Aruba Tourism Authority for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Black Friday Tips + Sephora Giveaway [Closed]

Even though it doesn't seem close, Black Friday is right around the corner! A lot of times people decide to completely avoid Black Friday Sales but there are ways around it to make the morning much more enjoyable!

1 // Go shopping with someone who is like YOU. If you're a morning person go with someone else who is also a morning person, ((vise versa)) That way they will be a help and wont bother you! Sounds like a silly piece of advice but it is so true!

2 // Making a list and sticking to it. I've made the mistake of making a list and getting sidetracked. I saw another item that I didn't necessarily "need" (or want) and after debating on getting it and reading the reviews online of that item I was either too late for the other items / deals (that I did need) and I left the the store with nothing..

3 // Figure out where you're going first! Don't fluster yourself and pick where you're going on a whim. Make sure you have your morning planned out from where your first stop is to where you're going for your celebration breakfast!

4 // Search for your Ads ahead of time, If you see an ad somewhere don't trick yourself and think you're going to remember what it said and what time deal starts/stops. Same with commercials you will not remember, maybe get a little booklet or journal so you can write down all of the deals you want to go after!

5 // Lastly, be kind. Don't be a grouch! Be nice to the people around you and especially the store employees. If you're nice they will do anything and go out of their way to help you out more and maybe give you an extra deal!

Also, we have a GIVEAWAY! 

Yes, one lucky reader will win a $100.00 Sephora Gift Card!

Good Luck Everyone!
This giveaway will end Monday, October 21st at 12:00 am

Coupons.com Coupon Codes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tomato Tortellini Soup

The other day I saw this recipe on Pinterest. After reading it, it was all that I thought of the rest of the day, so I had to try it out! I added some alternatives and bought a few different ingredients but the original recipe is below. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini

• 2 cans (10-3/4 ounces each) reduced-sodium condensed tomato soup, undiluted

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cups 2% milk

• 2 cups half-and-half cream

• 1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

• Additional shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stirring frequently. Drain tortellini; carefully add to soup. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese if desired. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Three Picks

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What To Expect? Happiness?

Expectations are simply overrated and I think we can all vouch for that. I think we all expect too much and I'm coming from personal experience. We are all guilty in this part of life.. I really believe that it all comes from self comparison, we are constantly comparing our lives, friends, clothing, relationships to everyone around us (especially social media!) So in turn we start to except that we should have that life too. If we don't have that life we tend to get angry and frustrated because of the fact that these things aren't our reality "yet." It can really affect the people and relationships around you. If you want these things you need to first work on yourself and be in gratitude with absolutely everything you have in your life.. The fact you woke up this morning is something to be grateful for, the fact you have a computer or smart phone and your reading this is something to be grateful for.. I'm not perfect and by all means I am not a pro at being in gratitude 24/7 but lately I've been really trying to. I've made the mistakes of gossiping, calling people names, judging but who hasn't. If you haven't please be my mentor and teach me to be a better person because the reality is that we've all made those mistakes and they're just life experiences to learn from and what a great place to start, well now. 

Social Media, We constantly go through our feed on Facebook, instagram, twitter ect.. and are constantly comparing ourselves to others. I really feel like it's gotten a bit out of hand we say we use it all for inspiration but we all know that that we have that thought in our mind that on why can't I have that or why can't my life be that way.. We need to take a step back, take a nice breath in and return to gratitude and start listing the things we're grateful for what we have. In fact, go through your own feed and go through your own instagram photos and appreciate those experiences you had and those little things that made you so happy that you decided to post a photo of it. Look at those photos and feel that feeling of when you took that photo. That will help you appreciate your own life and your own life experiences this will help you get out of focusing on the lack and back to appreciate and gratitude. Guess what when you have more appreciate and gratitude you will bring more things into YOUR life to make you feel appreciation, gratitude, and happiness. Thats all we really want in life right? To be happy?

A Wedding Day

The other night all my close friends and I got together to celebrate our best friends marriage. I couldn't be happier that I got to share this day with them. The bride looked so so beautiful, and her gown was absolutely stunning! We all had an amazing time and it was so great to share the day with everyone from High School. It was so great to see everyone and made me realize how much I missed them all. I really couldn't ask for better people to surround myself with and better people to stand by on their wedding day. I wish them such a happy marriage and i love them both so much.

the wedding cake and design was absolutely beautiful. ^^

that is it! i hope you all had an amazing weekend yourselves!

xx

Fall Staples

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