{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Doesn't this look sh-mazing? I love sloppy joes and grilled cheese - putting them together is just pure genius.

- I purchased this for my living room and I LOVE it (hint hint) you should get one too...

- I'm adding this bag to my Christmas list...

- Loving the coats over at EmersonMade...

- Oh It's Fall Alright - love the vintage fur...

- Isn't this room divine? That lamp!

- Need some work outfit ideas? Click here

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!

{mmm...mmmm...good}

Don't these look delicious? I need to figure out the points value for one of these - but I'm thinking it can't be too bad. Lately I've been exploring in the kitchen, making new recipes, and trying to actually enjoy cooking - so these will be going on my list of tries:


For the full recipe click here.

{Vicky's Secret is great - but...}

Oooooo - aren't these pretty? I saw these over at Design Love Fest yesterday and immediately was drawn to how girly and frilly this lingerie is. I have to be honest, my go to night-time outfit usually consists of an old high school cheerleading t-shirt (yes I was a cheerleader...and a gymnast) and a pair of basketball shorts, but these really make me feel like maybe I should step up my game!

If you too need to step up your game, click here, to browse the Journelle lingerie shop!

{Just Go With The Faux}

Fur and leather have always been a luxe option but also a very controversial one. Lucky for us, designers are now opting to include the use of FAUX fur and leather in their collections. I'm loving all the options that are available this fall and below are a few of my faves (*note - the coat below will be purchased as a birthday present to myself):

{Shop til you drop: 1/2/3/4/5}

{A Personal Reflection: My Healthy Life Journey}

If you follow me on Facebook, you know this past weekend I gained 1.4 pounds and was devastated (and even shed a tear - which took my leader by surprise). I have really made a commitment to eating healthy, drinking 8+ glasses of water daily, minimizing carbs, increasing fruits/veggies/protein, exercising 5 times a week - and to do all of that, not cheat once, and gain weight - it was almost like a slap in the face of all of my hard work. 

The first thing that I wanted to do right after my WW* meeting was to go and eat something really good - which meant something that was awful and full of carbs, fat, and cheese. THAT (eating) was exactly how I used to deal with stress, disappointment, loneliness, happiness, to be honest - all emotions. After some thought (while sitting in the WW parking lot) and weighing the pros and cons of me having a pig-out fest, I opted to go home and take an extremely long power walk with Addison. The walk did me a lot of good, and allowed my mind to get back "in the game". Once we returned home from the walk, I cooked a healthy meal - TBLETC (turkey bacon, lettuce, fried egg white, tomato, low fat cheese sandwhich) with a fruit salad that equaled 6 WW points+ (vs. the 30+ points the Five Guys burger and fries would have cost me) and I felt good....and strong...and in control. 

As much as I wanted to quit after my meeting on Saturday, I know I have grown because I didn't allow this small setback to keep me from moving forward. This week, I will continue to do everything that I've been doing and hopefully this Saturday I will see a loss on the scale. Moving forward, while the scale number is important to me - I will focus on inches lost, and my continued strength in my workouts...eventually, I'll see results - at least that is way they say (and in my heart I know this is true)...

Thanks for listening and THANK YOU for all of the encouragement - it truly keeps me going. While I don't plan to turn this blog into a weight loss blog, by keeping you up to date on my journey helps keep me accountable (I hope you don't mind) - next up: my before pic (yikes)!

*ww = Weight Watchers

*If you haven't already, don't forget to sign up for the GIVEAWAY - it ends today at 3PM ET.

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- A quick and easy weekend decorating idea - I like it!

- Salted Caramel and Candied Bacon Ice Cream Sandwiches - say wha? Not WW friendly at all - but ummm...I gotta try this. And what a lovely lovely blog!

- Want a fun read - click here on Blissfully Unsettled. Hilarious. Candid. And she has a filer (or lack thereof) like me! Hey - we all go through it right? Why not talk about it...

- Click here and this site will allow you to click on a body part and will give you a fitness workout to work on that specific area - love it

- Every girl should have one of these - sooo perfect for my pamper Sundays...genius right?

- I love these polka dot glasses - and they're only $24 for 4!!!

- Click here for a cute little online foodie magazine A Little Relish- I love the styling...

- Don't forget to sign up for my GIVEAWAY!!!

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!

{Trend Alert...}

 Here are a few variations on this chic look:

• For a menswear-inspired look, wear a cotton bow tie blouse with a skinny jean paired another one of the season's must-have items: the long boyfriend blazer.

• Work the transparent fashion trend by wearing a sheer bow tie blouse with a pair of skinny or even a pair high-rise wide-leg jeans or trousers, and finish it off with a slim-fitting cropped blazer or faux fur vest.

• Look for blouses in solid colors, tiny polka-dots or other small prints. Steer clear of large, busy patterns; the bow tie is embellishment enough.

Cheat the Trend

For the look-for-less: fake the bow tie blouse look by wearing an button-up blouse and tying a coordinating silky scarf (or thick ribbon) loosely around your neck in a knot or bow. Voila! – now you've got a faux-tie blouse!

(Shop blouses above: 1/2/3/4)

{A Little Coffee Table Frosting}

1. Simply comment below why you would love to win this giveaway {I need your email to contact you if you win. If you do not feel comfortable placing it in the comment box below, please feel free to email me: japayne3@yahoo.com}

2. To receive an extra entry: simply blog, tweet, or post on your facebook about this giveaway - and provide the link in the comment box below.

The last day to enter is Monday, September 26 @ 3:00pm ET. The winner will be announced in next Tuesday's post. Good luck and spread the word!!!

{Avocados Are Good For The Soul}

Over the weekend while looking through the Sweet Paul Fall online magazine, I came across a spread that was dedicated to avocados and once I spotted this pizza - I was sold. I'm obsessed with avocado, and while they are a little higher in points for me, it's something that I work into my diet because of the health benefits (an avocado has 60% more potassium than a banana) and simply because they are oh so delicious (especially when they are ripe)...

To view the recipe for the pizza shown above - click here - and be sure to view the entire magazine...it will definitely get you inspired for Fall!

{What's Not To Love About This Outfit}

Seriously, what is not to love about this outfit. In my eyes, J.Crew can do no wrong, and this outfit is certainly proof. To shop this entire look - click here - and remember my birthday is not too far away (lol)...

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Thanks to my friend Eleanor, here's a clip of Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe (but it's not Bell Biv DeVoe) - lol!!!! I'm learning this dance for tomorrow!

- Would you like to see a first glimpse of Nate Berkus newly renovated NYC apartment? If so - click here!

- As I'm already thinking of Halloween - I purchased 2 of these glitter skulls (one in black, one in orange) from Target for $2.50 each. Can't wait to put them out!

- Closet & Casa with Emily Schuman - loving this post....and those shoes!

- I really love this gold chevron tray - I can't wait to the Etsy seller gets back from vacation so I can purchase one!

- I'm buying this book today - and may even save a few points for a glass of wine to go with it!

-  This shirt is from Target, eh? Hmmm....I may have to make a trip to see if they still have it.

- My sister has me thinking of glitter shoes - so now I think I may want these....still thinking.

- To make you the person you were meant to be...word

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!

{White Tents + Bryant Park =}

{I'll Make It Up To You}

Morning! I apologize for the short post today, but I've had a rough night of no sleep and I'm off to a couple of doctor appointments, and an afternoon full of meetings. I'll make it up to you...PROMISE!

Have a good one!!

{Foodie Faves}

For those that have been following me for a while, you know I'm on a path to healthy eating and living. I've been trying to get creative when it comes to food because we can easily get caught up in eating the same thing over and over again because it's safe. Below are a few of my current favorite treats - they are so good that I thought I would share with you:

1. Pancake mix - the best homemade pancakes I've ever made. Add a couple pieces of turkey bacon, and a side of blueberries and strawberries and you'll have one yummy breakfast.
2. These ice cream sandwiches are full proof - the perfect sweet and refreshing ending to the day.
3. BLT lettuce wraps - you are going to love them!

Enjoy!

{Color Lovin...}

{TGIF Peeps}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- You can shop ZARA online now...yahoooo! My shopping cart is already starting to get full. I'm in retail bliss right now!

- I want this for my balcony - the beauty of North Carolina is you can grill out year round!

- The new issue of Matchbook is out - check it!

- Pumpkin Spiced Oatmeal Pecan Cookies - think I'm going to try these on Sunday - nothing like a little pumpkin to bring in the Fall...
- Don't reward yourself with food...word.

- Looking at this post makes me realize how badly I want to go back to Venice!

Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!

{Wedge Into the Fall}

Yesterday I went to my mailbox after receiving a personal letter from the mailman to empty out my box or he will take everything to the local post office and I can pick it up there (I immediately said "whatever, you can take it to the stupid post office, there's nothing in there but junk anyway - but then I remembered and said "wait, it's the beginning of the month, I bet all my magazines have arrived"). So after not being appreciative of being told what to do, I walked over to my mailbox and yep, I was right - a mother-load of magazines were jam packed inside - and yep the mailman was right - he "couldn't even fit a postcard inside" - ooops, lol.

Last night I spent the evening looking through all of the magazines (while saving 3 WW points to enjoy a glass of wine) and the one theme throughout them all was Fall Trends. So today I thought I would gather all my findings and give you what are considered the must-haves for the upcoming season. Is there a trend that you are particualary excited about for the Fall? Or one you could do without?

---------------------------------------------------------------
(Where to shop: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7 - and don't worry, there's always a look for less out there!)

{September Picks}

Morning Peeps! Did you miss me? I had a great time in Ohio this past weekend - time away relaxing with the family was exactly what I needed. The long weekend wasn't long enough {it never is} but the dose of the fam that I received has given me enough to get me to Thanksgiving. I never fully understand how much I truly miss them until I spend time with them, and then have to leave again. For those of you that have family within a short driving distance, don't take it for granted - visit them often.

So...it's the beginning of the month and you know what that means - time for my September Picks!

1. I would die to have this exact cognac leather coat - but because it's way out of my price range, I'm on the hunt for something similar...

2. I love this little guy by Jonathan Adler - I first saw it over a year ago, and not quite sure why I haven't purchased it yet. I love the whimsy Mr. Adler brings to interiors...

3. Next month {October 8} is my birthday and I've been trying to decide what I am going to purchase for myself. I really really want these Tory Burch boots - and I've been keeping my eye on this Kate Spade bracelet, and this Emersonmade gold necklace. I think I'm going to go with the boots...I only turn thirty-something once, right?

4. Loving this leopard print skinny belt from Banana Republic

5. I would do anything for this ring...I love the vintage-classic feel. I'd wear it everyday...

6. I'm kind of obsessed with finding a pair of black leather pants. These are from Gap, $400, and that absolutely means I need to keep looking....the look for less will pop up sooner or later.

So what are your current must-haves?

{Happy Weekend - Early}

Check out some of the links that I've been lovin' on this week:

- Necklaces for your shoes...intriguing DIY.

- Sherman Williams removable wallpaper - wha what!!!

- Lobster mac n' cheese - uhhh yes please!

- IF I ever have a little mini-me - this is what her nursery will look like - you don't doubt it do you? lol

- Buh-bye food pyramid - hello healthy plate!

Think of me as I'm traveling through the mountains today...don't miss me too much!