vampires, ghosts & goblins, oh my!

Happy Halloween! Any plans? Tonight, I'll be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. Tomorrow, I'll be tending to my tummy ache from devouring any said candy that may be left over. This is really the only time of the year that I feel compelled to wear orange and black together. I absolutely adore Halloween. I use to love scary movies, too. Now, if I watch one, I find myself running down my pitch black halls and jumping into my bed before anything can grab me. You know you do it too. So, scary kids costumes are pretty much all I can tolerate anymore. Unless, of course, the costume is a very realistic zombie. Then there's no telling.

F21 Striped sweater, skirt, F21 belt (similar), tights ($8!), similar shoes, sideways cross necklace

Enjoy Halloween! And Be Safe!

halloween porch

Hey guys! Just thought I'd show you my Halloween porch decor...I had to wait until tonight to put some of it up (due to hazardous wind conditions {ok it's not that bad, but I wanted to play it safe annnndd I'm a procrastinator}). Anywho, this was just for fun and I thought what better time to take the pics then at sundown when all the vampires come out to play but mainly so you can see the candles and lanterns lit up.

OOOOOOO creepy dog face in the window! EEK!

I just finished the numbers...had to show them off too!

For DIY instructions for this adorable ombre wreath click here! The wreath I made is an 18" (instead of the 14" used in the directions so I had to make 33 rosettes instead of 24...lesson learned...use the 14")

work it wednesday: corduroy pants

I was trying to figure out how to tie in a particular style with the hayrides, campfires, and trick or treating that will be taking place this weekend. The weather here is getting awfully chilly (with the exception of the 85 degree day we had on Tuesday...too weird). Other than that randomness, it's been sitting pretty in the 50's during the day and 30's at night. Corduroy pants have always been a friend to me in chilly weather so that's the theme for this week's work it wednesday. Hopefully I'll see more women taking their kiddos door to door in outfits like these than the regular sweatpants and hoodies that arrive on my doorstep on Halloween...it's scary enough people...please no more.

Casual Pants by L'Agence
Boots by Frye

red wool coat, yellow cardigan, stripe pullover, shearling tote, black corduroys, short boot

Cardigans by Anthropologie
Boots by Jeffrey Campbell

ikat hobo, boot, brick corduroy pants, wool scarf, shearling coat, anthro cardi, denim shirt

Cardigans by CeCe
Boots by Frye

plaid shirt, gray cardigan, boots, plaid tote, blanket cardigan, fur loop scarf, green cords

asos cape giveaway winner

We have a winner! The winner of the ASOS Intarsia Cape is Kelsey Williams! Congratulations!!! I'll be in contact!

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway...there are many more to come. Join my site with Google Friend Connect so you'll have a heads up!



pumpkins

Anthropologie sweater (similar) & (similar), gray henley tee (on sale), AE skinny jean (on sale), mixed bracelets, boots

My porch decor is almost completed for Halloween/Fall. After Halloween, I'll just remove the jack-o-lanterns (preferrably before they turn into mush...but we'll see) and be good to go for the next month. I was working this weekend so didn't have a chance to carve the pumpkins. Jake & I are going to tend to that today...he just doesn't know it yet. And yes, I already invested in the super sized band-aids. Just in case.

rain dance

ASOS Cape (sold out but enter my giveaway for one here), Long sleeve T, Aerie knit hat (similar and on sale!), skinny jean (on sale!), Boots, Bracelets: Gift

Jake and I were heading out the door to take the pics for this post when he made a comment that I looked like an Indian. I did what any normal person would do after a reference like that. I did a little rain dance. We giggled and walked out the door. Not even a minute later the dark clouds started rolling in over our lil photo opt. Wha? At least, the rain held out until after we were done.

This is the same as the ASOS cape that I'm giving away. I absolutely love it. It's so comfy and cozy. It'll be with me a lot this Fall. I wanted to show you one of the ways I'll be wearing it. To enter for a chance to win one of your own click here! The giveaway ends Sunday night! Good Luck :)

thursday latelies

What a fun week this has been! Here's a run down on what's new with me and things I want to share! I'll eventually work up to doing these in a video post. I'm kind of awkward though (can't say I didn't warn you).

Johnson's baby shampoo: This stuff is great! I use it once every few days (I don't use it anymore than that because it doesn't do a deep clean). Because it's so gentle, it leaves some of your natural oils in your hair which in turn makes it shinier, softer, and will help keep the flakes away during this upcoming cold weather. Amazing hair at a drugstore price!

Giveaway: Can I just say how grateful that I am to even be able to have a blog, let alone to have the opportunity to do a giveaway (and to have a great guy who is willing to take pics of me as soon as he walks in the door from work...cue the awes!). I'm doing my first ever giveaway here on my blog, for an awesome ASOS intarsia cape, and it ends this Sunday! Make sure to enter!

Lush Cosmetic Lad moisturizer: This is a calming moisturizer, meant for after shaving, but...it helps to ease the redness and irritation when I have a huge pimple  minor imperfection :) I use this everyday and absolutely love what it's done for my skin.

MAC Lipstick in Angel: I recently went to MAC looking for a lipcolor I could sport everyday. Being the makeup guru that she was, she matched me up with Angel...Oooo baby what a perfect name! I feel like this color is absolute heaven. You will be seeing this on me...a. lot.

Aerolatte frother: how fun is this little thing?! We're having our first real run of Autumn weather here in the Midwest (it's been in the 30's at night). Perfect weather for blankets, fires, and hot chocolate. This is how I've been mixing up our drinks to give it some froth...Plus it makes me feel like a barista :)

Blk water: Ok, I originally heard about this on Real Housewives of New Jersey. Love them! Jake saw this in the store and picked up a few so we could try it. Honestly, at first I thought this was going to be highly overrated. It took me drinking about half the bottle to actually get the full effect. It tastes like most other natural spring waters but with more of an earthy flavor. It's naturally black in color and is packed with all sorts of vitamins and minerals. Plus, how fun, and strangely appropriate, would this be to have at your Halloween party!

Now it's your turn! Anything new you want to share? Oh, and make sure to go visit Bex for more Thursday Latelies!

work it wednesday: velvet trend

Hello, hello. I've recently been seeing more and more velvet pieces this Fall. This seems like a no brainer for me...cozy, cuddly material and cool weather? Yes, please! I originally fell head over heels for the J Crew velvet blazer (featured on the 2nd style board) about a month or so ago. I'm absolutely crazy about it! The fun color, soft material, statement piece potential, and structure...drool. I'm hoping it'll go on sale eventually. Then there's no stopping me. Are you wanting to be wrapped in velvet, too? Here are three different velvet pieces and how I'd style them up:

Running around town:

Tanks by Anthropologie
Flats by Anthropologie

Infinity scarf, Anthro flats, Velvet skirt, Layering tank, Anthro cardigan (on sale!), Shell ring


Heading to class or a meeting:

Blazers by J.Crew
Flats by Steve Madden

Anthro scarf, Gray sweater, J Crew Velvet blazer, Bracelet, Skinny jeans, Gray flats


Date night:

Leather Jackets by Miss Sixty
Wedges at DSW

Leather jacket, Snake wedge, Red stone ring, Velvet skinny pants, Striped top (on sale!), Red circle scarf

Psst...don't forget to enter my giveaway! It ends soon!

october?

Plaid shirt (similar), Skinny jean, Boots, Michael Kors watch, Rings

I think someone is sneaking into my house every night to change my calender. Perhaps I should check on my silver and fine china...hmmm, that'd be a waste of time really. Anyway, it can't be the middle of October, right? There's just enough of a chill in the air to wear my boots (finally!) but my roses just bloomed again. Seriously? Don't judge my lack of yard work (I'm fully aware I need to mulch). Meh, with the weird Midwest weather, it'll probably snow next week and nobody will even see my lack of yardly accessories. Yes, my plants sport accessories. Nobody likes a naked plant. Trust me. It's awkward.

pumpkin whoopie pies with chai filling

Hellllooooo. Here's the recipe I told you about last week. As one of my best friends pointed out to me...I might be a little obsessed with the pumpkin spiced latte. "Me? Noooo." To which I got the crazy eye and the sympathetic response of "you literally mention it in every other post and you don't think you have an issue? I think there's a group for people like you. Want me to find the phone number?" Um, no. It's only a problem if you admit it...I'm not. So instead of the latte today, we'll be talking about it in little bite-sized (ok big bite-sized) form. Better? I think so :)

And you'll have left over pumpkin puree...here's the face mask you can make with it. Dessert and beauty in one? Oooo yeah baby! If you try this, let me know what you think!

Makes about 3 1/2 dozen (remember they're small and will go pretty quick!):

Whoopie Pie
3 cups flour
2 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup canola or vegetable oil
3 cups canned pumpkin puree (don't get the pie mix!)
2 eggs (beaten)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Chai Filling
1 stick unsalted butter (4oz) at room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese (Philidelphia, you can use low fat too...won't make a big taste difference) room temp
3 cups powdered sugar
2 1/2 tbsps dry chai mix (I use David Rio's Elephant Vanilla Chai)
1 tsp vanilla extract (if you don't use a vanilla chai)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350F. Use parchment paper on your baking sheets so you won't destroy your cookie lifting it from the sheet.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil together. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk together. Add beaten eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine thoroughly.

4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely combined.

5. Use a small ice cream scoop to drop a rounded, tablespoon of dough onto the sheets. If you don't have a small ice cream scoop, spoon your dough into a ziploc baggie and snip off the corner. This will allow you the pipe the dough, making sure to create rounded balls of dough (the shape of the cookie won't change a lot during the cooking process so be neat). Place the balls about 1 inch apart.

6. Bake for 11-12 minutes. The cookies should just be starting to crack on top. To check, stick a toothpick in the middle of the cookie, it should come out clean when done. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

7. For the filling, beat the butter until smooth. Add the cream cheese and beat until smooth and completely combined. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time. Now add your dry chai (and vanilla extract if you're not using a vanilla chai). Beat until smooth and completely combined.

8. To assemble, turn half the cookies over and give them a little press so they will flatten down and your whoopie pie will be able to sit. Pipe about a tablespoon amount of frosting onto the cookie (using the same piping method you did for the dough). Place another cookie of similar size, flat side down, onto the filling to create a sandwich. Once all your whoopie pies are assembled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, prior to serving, so the filling will set.

To store, keep them in the refrigerator or freeze in air tight containers.

The pie recipe was adapted from source.

ASOS Cape Giveaway! -CLOSED-

This is my very first giveaway and I LOVE to give so I was super excited when conjuring up the idea of what was going to be my first giveaway! You all know I love the cape and poncho trend this fall. Plus, native prints are popping up everywhere! I ordered this over a month ago from ASOS and it got held up in customs. I'm so happy I purchased it when I did though because this baby sold out quick! I snatched up one for myself too. I couldn't help it...I'm in love. It's sooo soft and cuddly...it's screaming hayrides and coffee shop trips to me! If you're unsure how to work it, refer back to my work it wednesday (where I gave you a little sneak peak of this beauty) and you'll be seeing plenty of outfits from me :)

To enter:

1. Become a follower on Google Friend Connect (left hand side of this page) and if you already are, that counts too. Either way, leave a comment below.
2. Add SimplyBold to your blogroll or link it in a post. Leave a comment below with the link. (This one is worth 5 entries!)
3. Facebook it! Example: "Enter SimplyBold's giveaway for the Intarsia ASOS Cape! Check it out at http://simplybold.blogspot.com/2011/10/asos-cape-giveaway.html". Comment below.
4. Tweet it! Example: "SimplyBold is giving away an awesome ASOS Cape! Check it out here: http://simplybold.blogspot.com/2011/10/asos-cape-giveaway.html". Leave a comment.
5. This adds up to a total of 8 entries!

Other details:

• The giveaway ends Sunday, October 23 at midnight CST. I'll be announcing the winner on Tuesday, October 25!
• I'll pick the winner using random.org
• You can use all methods to enter (in fact, I encourage it) but I'll only count each method once for a total of up to 8 entries.
• The giveaway is limited to residents of the US and Canada only.

Good Luck! I can't wait to see who the lucky winner is!

If you're having a problem being able to join the site or comment below, email me!

work it wednesday: midi skirt

Hey guys! It's wednesday again already? Crazy. I was having trouble coming up with an interesting item to work this week but thought back to my last great thrifted find! I nabbed up a great olive green midi skirt with these big fabulous tortoise shell buttons all the way down the front! And i statched it up for only $1! Yup...it's true. It's like 4 sizes too big but I'll just bust out my handy dandy sewing machine and fix that up, no problem. It was worth the buck :) and I'm sure you'll be seeing it as soon as I have the time to make said alteration. Anywho, it got me thinking of all the great ways to wear midi skirts. I love the idea of pairing more tailored and masculine type pieces with feminine skirts...and that, as we say, is history.


To run around town in or on a casual date night:

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by J.Crew
Flats by Lands' End Canvas

leather jacket, Anthro feather skirt (Psst it's on sale!), j crew tee, navy suede flats, navy satchel


To the coffee shop or walking (ok running b/c I'm always late. Ugh) across campus to class:

Flats by Prada
Satchels by Co-Lab by Christopher Kon

Brown midi skirt, gold cuff, Anthro striped sweater, J crew plaid scarf, green satchel, laceless oxfords


To the farmer's market or the pumpkin patch:

Longsleeve Tops by Topshop
Boots by Steve Madden

puffer vest, Madewell loop scarf, leather messenger, striped tee, Steve Madden boots, pleated midi skirt, ring

happy thoughts

Hey guys! This is just a lil rundown on products and updates that I want to share with you!

1) Lush Caca Henna Hair Dye: I've treated my hair twice with this now and I. Am. In. Love! I did Brun (dark brown) last time and did a half and half mix of Brun and Noir (black) today. I was a little scared to go straight noir...next time...promise. This leave my hair sooo glossy and thick with a beautiful color! Plus, it's all natural!

2) MAC Pro Longwear Foundation: I've finally switched! I do 12 hour shifts at the hospital and don't look like a melted troll by the end of the day...what more can a girl ask for?...besides a pony...and a castle of course.

3) Clarisonic: I have the Pro because of the body attachment (bumpy arms be gone!) Mine is white but with it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month I thought I'd feature the pink. I use it daily ok fine I use it probably every other day because I'm lazy. But come winter...oooo baby! You won't be seeing me with flakes...no siree bob!

4) Teavana Chai/Chai Blend: Come cooler weather, I am a hot drink fiend. This is one of my all time fave drinks in the fall! Make sure to add the german rock sugar. Mug of heaven? Yes, I'll take a refill please.

5) DaniMakes: Feather accessories are popping up everywhere. I ordered this ring (and maybe a few other things) from DaniMakes on Etsy, and just got it today. It's not leaving my finger anytime soon. Swoon.

6) Spanx reversible tights: How smart are these? Tights and leggings are definitely a go-to item for me. I wear them under skirts, shorts, dresses, and tunics. These keep the jiggles at bay and can be flipped from black to gray! Genius I say! Genius!

What else...Oh! In addition to my nursing position in the ICU, I got a position in the ER so I'll be filling in as needed. Bring on the adrenaline! With the additional hours, I'll need more scrubs (or at least this was how I justified it)...I know I told you I can only wear navy scrubs so in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month I picked up this cute lil gem!

What's new with you? Have you tried any new products or have something great going on your life that you want to share?

Happy Friday Ladies! Take some time to check out these great links!

• gs lillian shares these quirky loafers and flats she found - how fun are these? Check out her blog to see more fun styles! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style never disappoints with her simple and inspiring Monday posts.  This "just breathe" photo has me swooning! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• lex and learn tries stuffed peppers for the first time... yum, these look amazing! (find lex and learn on twitter!)
• rachael, really gives us the scoop on gel nails. I love her insight here - have you ever tried them? (find rachael, really on twitter!)
• little girl in a big world is vowing to shop her closet... I need to be better about this too! (find little girl in a big world on twitter!)
• everyday mom style shows us her sideline attire - all you 'soccer moms' know what I mean! And I love this outfit... perfect for a stylish mom! (find everyday mom style on twitter!)
• spot of whimsy is totally in fall mode... check out her gorgeous farmers market pictures and other snapshots of fall! (find spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• fabulously average sports an adorable fall outfit including stripes and a few bold colors.  How could it get better than this? (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• the style dossier has a flapper/20's gal hair (and makeup!) tutorial.  Just in time for Halloween! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• simply bold is loving ponchos for fall!  Me too! See how she styles them up!
• chic or treat shares her favorite beauty finds at Target - I always love a peek in to a fellow bloggers "shopping cart" so to say!  Check out her picks! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl shares her favorite podcasts... are you a podcast addict too!?!? Check out her favorites! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• good life for less releases her newest e-book called "Blog Bits" where she dishes on how to grow and monetize your blog.  Check it out if you are interested in taking your blog to the next level! (find good life for less on twitter!)

pumpkin face mask

Hey guys! I made pumpkin whoopie pies today, YUM! Tutorial to come, but I had some left over pumpkin and thought I'd share one of my favorite diy face masks! I've been using different variations of this mask for the last couple years and I love it and with Fall kicking in it's a must try. This will be great when you have left over pumpkins after decorating for the holidays too (I never know what to do with them). Kick back and relax with your spiced latte, enjoy the smells of Fall, and dream of the weather to come (where you can wear your tall boots and not sweat to death) mmmmmm Heaven? I think so.

Base
2 tsp cooked or canned pumpkin (make sure it's pumpkin puree, NOT pie mix)
1/2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp milk

Optional
For dry skin add:
1/4 tsp heavy whipping cream
-or-
1/4 tsp brown sugar to exfoliate

For oily skin add:
1/4 tsp apple cider or apple cider vinegar
-or-
1/4 tsp cranberry juice (not the cocktail...loaded with sugar)

Directions
Combine chosen ingredients. Mix gently and apply to face (avoid eye area). Leave on 10-15 minutes. Then rinse with cool water to close the pores.

source

work it wednesday: capes and ponchos

I am really falling for the cape/poncho look this Fall. Here's 3 ways how I'd work this trend. Have you taken this jump yet? Just think about it...stylish, comfy, and covers flaws? Fat day...no problem.

Casual, cozy weekend look, stopping by the coffee shop and running errands

Skinny Denim by 7 For All Mankind
Boots by Frye

cape, fur scarf, boots, skinny jeans, long sleeve tee, bracelet, bag

Going to the Farmer's Market on a crisp Fall weekend, with my pumpkin spiced latte in hand, feeling the chill in the air and the sun on my face...EEK! I need Fall to get here now!

Skinny Denim by J Brand
Boots by Juicy Couture

Anthropologie cape, striped tee, tote, boots, J brand jeans, ring


To the office (If I went to an office, but I don't I'm a nurse and wear navy scrubs all day at work...exciting huh?). Don't be jealous that I get to wear pajama like clothes at work...it gets old, real quick.

Wide Leg Pants at shopbop.com
Boots by Lauren Ralph Lauren

cape, blouse, tweed pants, arrow ring, knuckle ring, bag, boot