Halloween....the best I can do

This may come as a surprise to you because I truly embrace celebrating just about anything.....but Halloween is not my jam.  I don't begrudge anyone who loves it but I just don't get that into it.  Now I do enjoy seeing the little kids dressed up in fun costumes.  Note: little kids, not people who are larger than me and say trick or treat in a baritone that rivals Barry White.  Anyway, I try to make the most of it and by that I mean make a crockpot of something good.

If you actually take kids around, you definitely need to have the crockpot working for you so you can enjoy something warm and comforting when you come in.  Even though we are just home handing out candy, it is still nice to be able to do so knowing dinner is cooking on its own.  If it is not too cold and we have a steady stream of kids, we will often sit on the porch and hand out the goodies.  So when we open that door to some simmering deliciousness, it is all good.

Here are a few recipes that might interest you:

Trisha Yearwood's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Here's how I modified it for the crockpot.  Use already cooked rotisserie chicken shredded, dump all the ingredients in the crockpot except the flour, the tortilla chips, the cheese and the sour cream.  Since you are most likely putting this on after work, put it on high for about 3-4 hours.  Everything is essentially cooked already so you just need to heat it.  About an hour before you are going to eat it scoop about a cup of liquid from the pot and stir in a couple of tablespoons of flour, then add the mixture back to the crockpot to help thicken the soup.

Pioneer Woman's Spaghetti Sauce

Again, the earlier you put all this in the crockpot the better but if you only have a few hours just crank it up on high so everything can heat through.  Make sure you are paying attention to the note at the bottom of the recipe because this will make a ton of sauce.  You might want to cut it in half if you are feeding a normal number of people and not everyone on the ranch. And be mindful, Ree lives on a ranch with another whole building just to cook in, so I use this to get the basic ingredients and adapt it to us.....I don't have a whole Parmesan rind....so I just skip that step and there is super good chance that I am sprinkling in a little dried spices instead of all the fresh.

Family Favorite Chili from Betty Crocker

And you know what is good to add to chili.....little smokies.  Just cut them up and let them heat in the crockpot with everything else.

Whatever you do today I hope you enjoy to the fullest.....even if it is just a warm bowl of something in front of the tv.

Talk to you on Friday!

Fall Back and a Winner!!!!

Happy Monday, everyone.  Hope you are set for a great upcoming week.  This week leads up to one of my favorite weekends of the whole year.....this weekend we will Fall Back!!!!! And I am pumped about it.  I don't know what it is, but I enjoy that extra hour probably more than most.  I encourage you to embrace it, prepare for it, relish in it and here are a few things I highly recommend that you can gather this week so you will be sure to be ready.

First up, nothing makes an extra hour in bed better than fresh sheets.  I don't know what your sheet changing schedule typically is, but make an extra effort to make it Saturday so you can crawl into fresh, crisp linens.

Next, nothing prepares you for good rest like lavender.  If you have time for a nice soaking bath try


If you have Amazon Prime, you can grab these there and have them here in time for this weekend.  If you want to try purchasing locally, try some of the specialty grocery stores like Sprouts, Trader Joe's, or Earth Fare.  You can also sometimes find them at Bed Bath and Beyond.

If you are a shower girl but still want the whole lavender experience, try


You can usually find in the same places I mentioned above.  I personally think the Amazon price is a little higher than you can find locally.  So I would try the local options first.

Ok, then we are going to need some comfy jammies

Mae Thermal PJs
There are a couple of pattern options so I think you can find some you like.

If you prefer shorts


Target Women's PJs
Three color options in these.

And, of course, an extra hour means we can read longer before turning off the lights.  Here is what I am currently reading and highly recommend


comfort & joy

I will have a full book review later but go ahead and start it....you will love it.

So join me in the countdown to an extra hour of rest!

Before you go, we have a winner of the Hallmark movie tee and hot chocolate.....

CONGRATULATIONS......Karen T.  !!!!!!

I will get your prize to you as soon as possible.

Thanks to you all for checking in with me here.  Hope you have a great week!!!!

Advent Calendars - time to buy

There are Advent Calendars rolling out from everywhere.  Yes, these are super fun gifts especially if you have someone who has a November birthday.  But let me recommend that these are also just a good way to get stocking stuffers or just try out lots of products for yourself.  If you have a situation where you can use lots of little gifts, grab yourself an advent calendar or two and put together some nice gifts.

Here are a few that I am particularly tempted with

First this QVC beauty advent calendar

QVC Beauty Advent

The box itself is $64.75 and includes

• 1-oz First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
• 0.17-fl oz LAVANILA The Healthy Fragrance
• 0.25-fl oz Kate Somerville ExfoliKate
• 0.02-oz Julep When Pencil Met Gel Eyeliner
• 1-fl oz Skinfix Foaming Oil Cleanser
• Two 2-fl oz WEN Cleansing Conditioners
• 0.0018-oz IT Cosmetics® Brow Power
• 0.17-fl oz Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream
• 0.07-fl oz Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer
• 0.14-oz Doll 10 HydraGel Cream Balm
• 0.34-fl oz Vita Liberata Beauty Blur
• 0.05-fl oz bareMinerals® Mascara
• 0.2-fl oz NEST Black Tulip EDP
• 0.5-fl oz ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
• 0.25-fl oz StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS
• 0.8-fl oz James Read Gradual Tan Sleep Mask Tan Face
• 2.5-fl oz L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil
• 2.54-oz Obliphica Seaberry Hair Mask
• 1-fl oz philosophy amazing grace firming body emulsion
• 1.01-fl oz MineTan Coconut Super Dark Coffee Self Tan
• 0.6-oz Erno Laszlo Sea Mud Deep Cleansing Bar
• 0.5-oz LXMI Creme Du Nil
• Sigma Beauty Brush Mat
• Eyelash curler

Do you know how many stockings you can stuff from this.....lots.  Or just think if you are having some girls over during the holidays what great gift bags you can put together.

If you have someone with a sweet tooth this Sugarfina one looks super tempting

Sugarfina Taste of Christmas

24 drawers filled with 4 pieces of candy 

• Candy assortment includes: Fuji Apple Caramels, Red Noses, Royal Roses, Watermelon Slices, Sugar Lips, Pink Flamingos, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, Sparkle Pops, Pumpkin Pie Caramels, S'mores, Gingerbread Cookie Bites, and Cinnamon Crunchies.

If you have a little girl to buy for, check out the American Girl Advent Calendar

It is full of doll sized surprises


Lush has a great 12 day calendar



And if you are a candle lover or need a gift for one - VOLUSPA Japonica

Lastly I could not find a photo of this one but there is a rumor that Aldi Grocery Stores will have a wine advent calendar and a Cheese advent calendar available in stores on November 7th. Food and Wine posted an article on it that you can read here.
Apparently, these are a big deal.  If wine and/or cheese are your thing, you should plan to be at Aldi on Nov 7th.

Have a wonderful weekend.  Oh and if you haven't had a chance to comment on Wednesday's post for the giveaway, click here to do so.

See you back on Monday.

Hallmark Christmas Movies

Yes, I know how they are all going to end.  Yes, I still can't wait to watch them all.  Honestly, while the story lines are never very complicated - the wardrobe and scenery are always on point.  Watching these movies always makes me want to own and wear more coats in fun colors with lovely scarfs.

So set your DVR's or schedule your life around this great HallMark movie schedule

October 27 8 pm/7c - “Christmas at Pemberley Manor”

November 3 8 pm/7c - “Christmas Joy”

November 4 8 pm/7c - “Road to Christmas”

November 10 8 pm/7c - “It’s Christmas Eve”

November 11 8 pm/7c - “Christmas in Love”

November 17 8 pm/7c - “Christmas at Graceland”

November 18 8 pm/7c - “Mingle All the Way”

November 21 8 pm/7c - “Christmas at the Palace”

November 22 8 pm/7c - “Christmas at Grand Valley”

November 23 8 pm/7c - “Pride, Prejudice, and Mistletoe”

November 24 8 pm/7c - “Christmas Everlasting”

November 25 8 pm/7c - “A Shoe Addict’s Christmas” 

December 1 8 pm/7c - “Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa”

December 2 8 pm/7c - “A Majestic Christmas”

December 8 8 pm/7c “Homegrown Christmas”

December 9 8 pm/7c - “Christmas Wonderland”

December 15 8 pm/7c - “A Gingerbread Romance”

December 16 8 pm/7c - “Entertaining Christmas”

December 22 8 pm/7c - “Christmas Copy”

December 23 8 pm/7c - “Christmas Made to Order”

December 25 8 pm/7c - “When Calls the Heart Christmas”

December 29 8 pm/7c - “Focus on Love”

The movies will start this Saturday night, fingers crossed it will be a cool day and we can all enjoy a good movie on the couch under a throw!

And I promised you a giveaway........simply shout out how many of these movies you think you will watch in the comments.  How many will you aim to watch? 10? 7? All 22?

Here is what is up for grabs

This T-shirt  will be perfect to wear while you are enjoying the movies and I will even throw in some hot chocolate.

To enter, leave a comment here and I will use a random number generator to select the winner.  Winner will be selected on Saturday (Oct 27th) noon CST. Giveaway open to U.S residents only.

And don't forget to honor a neighbor or co-worker as we complete our Great Things in '18 challenge for October.

And one final note - if you are local get yourself to Sweet Pineapple on Airport Road this Thursday, Oct 25th.  They are having their Holiday Open House and they have tons of specials.  They are open 10-7 on Thursday and you do not want to miss it.

Now shout out your movie goal in the comments......

Adding Sherpa to a Denim Jacket

Welcome to another week, girls.  Who's ready to show Monday what we are made of?

I mentioned we went to Nordstrom for a fall fashion tips and tricks.  If you missed that post, click here, One of the other things they talked about was how big sherpa is this year.  If you have been out browsing, you have most likely seen a bit of it yourself.  Well, we had just purchased this denim jacket

Topshop Boxy Crop Denim Jacket

Boxy is in the description of this one and that would be very accurate.  We sized down it.  We got it when it was on sale but still a bit pricey.......as in I didn't want to buy another denim jacket with a sherpa collar.  So off to Joanne's Fabrics we went. We found this in the trim section

Here is the sherpa side

Here is the sueded side

It was only about $7 a yard and we only purchased about 1/2 yard.  It has a kind of leathery backing and sherpa on the front.  I simply traced her collar onto a piece of card stock and then traced around that pattern on the leathery side.  When I cut it out I cut about 1/2 inch larger than my card stock tracing.....just to make sure.  I figured I could always trim it more if I needed once I got it attached.

I went to one of my jars of buttons and selected 5 buttons of similar size and color.

I then hand sewed the buttons inside the collar of her jacket.

Since this sherpa had this sueded type backing, you can cut the "buttonhole" and not need to stitch it.  I simply lined up the collar and made a tiny pen mark to show where I needed to cut my buttonholes.  Here is your word of caution, find the tiniest scissors you have and cut the tiniest hole you can.  You can always widen it if needed.  I am telling you when you make the snip it will seem the button could never fit through it......IT WILL.  If, however, you cut it too large simply give it a few stitches to close it up and make it tighter.

Here she is in the original jacket

Here she is with the sherpa collar on.

Now she has the one jacket with the two looks and it was less than $4 and about 30 minutes to make it happen.

Maybe you'd enjoy a little removable sherpa in your life.  If so, give it a whirl.

If not, here are some ready made options for you

Target UT Jacket

Mavi Jean Jacket

Make it a great week!!! See you back her on Wednesday and by the way, we will have a little giveaway on Wednesday, so make sure you don't miss it!

Friday Retail Finds

So I stopped at Target on the way home for some pepperoncini to go on our roast beef sliders.  I took the scenic route to the grocery section and ran into a couple of things you might be interested in.

Target is carrying some jeans made by Levis. They are called Denizen.  The good thing about Levi products is they typically come in a range of sizes so everyone can usually find a fit.

I saw these

Marissa Bootcut

They come in a medium and dark wash, sizes 2-18 and in short, regular and tall.  I tried them on so I could give you an informed report.  I could wear my regular size 8.  The regular length would require me to wear a good height heel.  The short length would be what I would buy.  The pocket placement and shading on these really accent the hind quarters.  So if you are curvy you may not like these.  If you are rear challenged, I think you will love these.

I also really liked the slim jean

Marissa Modern Slim Jean

These basically had the same fit but just with the slimmer leg.  Again you have a full range of sizes and two color options.  I would have to go with the short length on these as well.

And then because I am committed to full research I tried on these

Ankle Jean

These jeans also come in two color options.  This super dark and then a really light.  Because these are ankle jeans they only come in the one length option.  Here is what I loved about these: one, they are high rise so they really combat the muffin top and two, they are ankle length.  Because I am only 5'4" ankle length becomes normal pant length for me.  They have zippers at the bottom and I think they would also be cute on you taller girls with your booties because they should hit right above your booties. 

So I really didn't need any new jeans BUT these had the high rise, the ankle length and they were only $29.99......so I accidentally bought them but I did remember to get the pepperoncini too.

They did not leave out the men.  They have several to choose from for them like this one for $24.99

Straight Fit 218

And some for the kiddos too

Boys Levis Skinny

Cat and Jack Ruffle Hem

I am thinking everyone can get a pair of jeans and a fun top for Christmas...... well the guys probably don't want a fun top but maybe a manly flannel for them.  Check these out for gifts or for yourself.

Have a great weekend!  Saturday here is supposed to be quite rainy.  If your weather is the same I hope you can enjoy some time on the couch under a throw.

September Book Review

Welcome to this month's book review.  It was a good month.....very diverse, but good.  As you guys know I both read and listen to books.  I had a request to indicate if a book is better read or listened to #hellostayce......So I will try to do that for you.......let's get started.

This first one is just a good basic story.  I think you can either listen to or read this one and enjoy it either way.




My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan.  American Ella Durran finally gets her dream, to study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship plus she lands a great position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. But, of course, she meets a boy.  But not just any boy.  A boy whose life, love and secrets will forever change her.  Honestly, this is most likely the life you would not want your college daughter to experience.  But the story grabs your heart and doesn't let go.....even in the end....it doesn't let go.  If you like things set in England you will enjoy this one all the more.  There are a few graphic scenes, but for the most part the author respects that you can adequately imagine the goings on and does not feel the need to spell out every detail.  Thank you, Ms. Whelan.  I enjoyed it tremendously.

The next one I would say definitely just read it.  There's not really anything in it that requires the drama of it being told to you as an audio book.



The Sometimes Sisters by Carolyn Brown is a sweet simple predictable little story.  Every now and then you need something that is entertaining yet not emotionally taxing.This is just that.  Basically three little sisters who haven't had the best relationship are drawn back to familiar ground when a dear relative passes away.  They discover they all have secrets, they all have misunderstood each other and they need each other more than they ever thought.


Ok, there are some real suspenseful moments in this next one so I would say listen to it if you can, but you will be just as drawn in if you read it.



Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman will leave you guessing until the very end.  I liked this story but I can't tell you why because it would spoil the ending.  Let's just suffice it to say people should be smarter.  A honeymoon is interrupted when a scuba diving couple finds an interesting package, but what decisions will they make after they find it.  What decision would you make? A good suspenseful and surprised filled read.

The last book of the month could also go either way.  But first choice would be read it although I wouldn't hesitate to listen to it.


An American Marriage by Tayari Jones.....ok, I put this one in my cart.  I took it out.  I just couldn't decide if I wanted to read it or not.  Well I finally took the plunge and I am so glad I did.  When you read as many books as I do you can get to very predictable plot lines.  And it seems like one person writes a book about something and then there are 2 or 3 more that are eerily similar.  Well I have never read a book that covers this subject this way.  Now it has some tough topics.  It has some harsh language.....including some racial stuff.  But it is worth the read.  A young married couple's life changes in an instant. And let's face it....all of our lives have this turn on a dime potential.  But how they react makes you consider how you would react to such a life altering event.  

So that is it for the month. Hopefully at least one sounds good to you and you add it to your wish list, your stack, your spreadsheet....or however you keep up with good books. 

As always, let me know what you think I might enjoy next.

Fall Tips and Tricks by Nordstrom

Nordstrom invited us up for a Fall Tips and Tricks workshop.....and we gladly went. We were a little concerned when we arrived and they told us the workshop was set up in the Gucci section.... yikes....all these tips and tricks may be out of our budget.  But the sweet stylist informed us there would be items from all price ranges.  We settled in for the workshop.

Some of you may consider the fall trends great news.....others may moan with dread

Here are some of the key trend words for the fall: Prairie, 80's and Bandana Scarfs.

So does that sound good or horrid to you? Well just remember all trends are best done with your own personal flair.  Here are a few options in each of the trends for you to consider.  There are lots of tops with small floral prints

Hinge Ruffle V -neck

BP Gathered Back Top

Caslon Print Blouse

And if you like denim, this is the fall for you.  Tons of jeans in every style imaginable, bootcut, boyfriend, slim fit, etc.  Also, it will be a great season for throwing a denim jacket over all the above tops and over dresses.  

If you need a good denim jacket, allow me to recommend

Helena Denim Jacket

The stylist also suggested we have great boots....and western inspired are highly recommended

Lance Block Heel Bootie

Sam Edelman Macon Bootie

And a lower heel option

Dolce Vita Pearse

And all of these can be worn with your dresses and pants

As far as the 80's go....blush is back with a vengeance

The makeup artist demonstrated this blush on several of the models

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic

This particular color is First Love.  It worked on almost all skin tones.  Notice how it is made....a darker pigment in the center.  It is designed to swipe up the cheekbone with the lighter color and then give the pop of color on the apple of the cheek with the center shade.

Here are all the color options

And who remembers these ?

Madewell Bandana

This one comes in about 7 color options.  We may have come home with 5 of them.  I even came home and found one I held onto for all these years.  I yard sale stuff like crazy but I did hold on to one and it was fun to pull it out and put it back into circulation.

And if you are not into things being tied around your neck, these also look great on a tote or a purse

Other things that we saw a lot of were long denim skirts, corduroy of all kinds and jackets upon jackets.

I am very excited to layer up and enjoy these new fall trends. Temps are falling and here we go.

See you back here on Wednesday.  Make it a great Monday!!!

Fall Table Decor (Part 2)

Welcome back.....are you ready for more fall table decor?  Well great.....because that is absolutely what we have today. If you missed part one, have no fear just click here.

Today our first table is from my friend Janet.  Janet totally rocked at this.  She did several centerpieces using the same basics but then just added things, switcherooed....and made new magic.  Here is her first look where she really went for height and symmetry....love

Then she went a little lower by removing the candle holders and adding a different floral

Then some of the candles returned and the grasses showed up.

The last look incorporated this beautiful gourd in the center

How cool are all those looks.  Janet said her table kept changing and I just loved that she took us along for the ride.  I can't pick a favorite....love them all

I also snuck downstairs to my mom's kitchen and got a few pictures of her table

She, unlike me, commits completely.  See she actually has fall plates.

And her amber tumblers and gold flatware seal the deal.

I remember growing up with full holiday tables. Whatever the season, she is 100% in.  I am glad nothing has changed.  She's totally responsible for my love of and embracing of every holiday that comes along.  Good job, Mom!!!

Now on to my friend Kim......before we see her table check out her fireplace

I love the mix of the orange and white pumpkins.

Here is a close up of the mantle

Just beautiful......

And look at the gorgeous colors she used on her table

It is like elegant, classy, subdued fall.  I love the height variance she achieved with both the candle holders and the pumpkins.  You know what I need?......some pine cones.  I always love them in decor and yet I have none.  Thanks, Kim, you have given me decor envy and yet another reason to shop!  Well done.

This next table is from our youngest participant, Taylor.  She is the blessed new owner of a beautiful custom built home.  They literally just moved in this week AND they built their table, decorated it and sent in some pictures.  I know.....youth!  Check out this lovely decor

I am in love with her color palette.  In love.  Just look at these plates and that napkin ring

The metallic spheres are that perfect unexpected touch that makes this divine

Taylor, wishing you and your sweet family many wonderful holidays in your new home.  Thanks so much for inviting all of us in the first week!

Next up, is my good friend Denise.

I was totally distracted when she sent me these because I thought her actual table was gorgeous.  And then I looked at the decor and was even more impressed.

I love the grasses in the middle and the drama and height 

And she really took her pumpkins and foiliage to each end of the table.  No matter where you sit at this table, you will enjoy some good fall decor.

Who wants to go to Denise's house for some mulled cider?  Me..Me..Me!!!

Oh and I told you guys I would show you my table with the velvet pumpkins I made.  If you missed the making of the pumpkins click here.  And here is how I put them together on the dining room table

I used a William Sonoma tablecloth I have had for years, my basic china (sorry mom), some green napkins under each plate and tiny faux acorns on each plate

I also clustered the candle holders with the acorns and used some wooden block candle holders to elevate some of the pumpkins

Here is a close up of the acorns on each plate.  I found a whole bag of them at Art & Soul on Whitesburg Drive.

A huge thank you to today's ladies - Janet, Mom, Kim and Taylor and Denise.

And thanks to you for checking in with me here on the blog.  I hope you have a great weekend.

It should be a great one because this

 is our first seven day forecast with mostly 70's!!!!

Of course, sending big prayers to all those who were affected by the hurricane.  Unbelievable damage and clean up. All the best to the multitude of folks in the path and prayers for all the crews there to help out with it all.