Friday Inspiration: Fallin' for Fall

This Friday's inspriation is the love of fall. Most of us are tired of the hot day and we long for the next seasonal transition. I know, like most of you, that I am prepping my closet for the chillier weather ahead to give some solace from the hot weather we have had this summer. Our inspiration is for those cozy knits and layers that we cannot wait to wear.


Via Polyvore

Who doesn't love the thought of a long sweater with a pair of Hunters and sweater tights. This is the ultimate comfortable outfit for fall. What if it rain/snows? You are covered. What if it starts out nice, but gets chiller? You can handle that too! What if you aren't leaving the house for the day? It's a great day to cozy on the couch in this outfit too!

Via Tumblr

Ahh, the layers. Flannel, Boots, Sweater, Hat, Hot Cocoa, this is exactly what I want to wear this fall. How perfect! Mixing patterns and being able to keep everything simple and yet warm, makes for the perfect fall day. Is it time for pumpkin carving and falling leaves yet?

Via Love, Ramsey

Love at first sight! Between the boots with skinnies and the blazer and oversized infinity scarf, this is exactly what I plan to wear out and about during the fall. How comfortable is that outfit!? Fall is the best time to take statement pieces and mix them in with casual pieces to create an overall pulled together look thats warm, comfortable and still super stylish.

Are you as excited about fall as I am?

My Week In Pictures

 Are you on Instagram?? Try it out!! Better yet, Instagram me!! @baconneggs

My week in review.....

1. What is currently in my purse.....(yes my wallet is a business card holder)

2. I absolutely love the 'smiles' at Johnny Rockets

3.  I have a super green thumb for amazing plants....like peppers (my secret for these?...Epsom Salt)

4.  I love the historical places in my city...GO RVA!!

5. I love my pets...all 5 guinea pigs. This is Mr. Bruce

6. One of my favorite cheap date spots is the Byrd Theater for $2 movies.

7. I love that my boyfriend surprises me with funky gifts....at random.



Thrifted Weekend!!

I am always in search of a good deal. Why pay full price when you can get a great deal on the same thing for less clams spent? This weekend, after Frog Legs left for MI, I took some time to do some retail therapy. And, boy did I get lucky!

First stop was at World Market. One of my absolute favorite stores in town. I always find cute accessories or gifts here. However, Saturday proved to be more than just a quick trip for a gift. I walked out with a new vase for my desk and a tea pot for my early morning tea! So pretty, and all for less than $6.

Mini Milk Container & Tea Pot

After a few other errands, I ran into Goodwill to see what i could snag up. I wanted a few cute pieces that would transition well into fall and I got so lucky again. I really wanted a dress, but I cannot complain when I find these awesome items for under $10. I snagged up American Eagle jeans (similar), Lucky Brand mint ruffle shirt (similar) and a Target sheer birdie tunic (similar). I am so stoked to pair these cute items with the rest of my wardrobe. I cannot tell you how soft and comfortable the mint blouse is- what a deal!



Scored two shirts and jeans

Have you snagged any goodie lately at a great price?? Do tell!! I always love to hear about some great grabs!

A bit of "ME" time

via Etsy

Since the man will be going back to his home state to visit his family for a couple of days, I am taking this week to focus more on "ME"....getting back to relaxing, trying something new for myself I would not typically get to with him at home, and stepping back from life to breathe! This is what I have been doing....

1. Take time to enjoy life, even the smaller parts. Taking time to "stop and smell the roses" is my focus. I cannot remember the last time I slowed down from the hustle and bustle to stop and enjoy the small things in life. And, to me, life is a whole lot of great little things.

via 10,000 Blessings

"Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if this activity is the axis on which the whole earth revolves. Live the moment. Only this actual moment is life."
-Thich Nhat Hanh

2. Try a minimalist approach. Why am I a clutter bug? I am not a big fan of having a mess, but I allow it to overwhelm me. Instead, it is time to clean up my home. Take out the mess and leave myself with a much more organized space.

Via Houzz

Okay....well, that may be too minimalists, but you get the idea.

3. Make some of those DIY projects on my list. This is what I am most excited about. Crossing off things on my to-do bucket DIY list. I have so many projects I have wanted to do. Now, I have some down time to do them.

Via Ruche

What do you do when you find yourself having a block of time to yourself? What do you enjoy doing?

Friday Inspiration: DIY Project Love

This Friday, my friends, I am feeling very inspired by all the wonderful new DIY projects I have stumbled across. For a few beans, you can make some really amazing gems. Here are a few of my favorite.

Via What Hopes and Dreams are Made of

What a super fun DIY idea, either for a newlywed couple or for yourself and special someone. It is super easy...just a few markers, cheap mugs and an oven. And you have the cutest gift...that you don't have to spend $30 on!

Via West Elm

I really love this ottoman, but why go to a big ticket store and spend $400, when you can DIY. All you need is a wooden pallet (free if you find one), filler foam, table legs, chevron fabric and a staple gun.

Via Something Like That 

How super cute is this throw pillow?? All this DIY'er used is polyester fiberfill, a seam ripper and a placemat from Target for $3. I really love the design and the color. What a super cool idea. Most pillows can cost about $20-$30, so this is a steal!

Via CrafyNest

I am a HUGE fan of these adorable lanterns. With just a few items, you can transform a plain paper lantern into a masterpiece. How adorable would these be in a nursery or reading nook? Just a bit of whimsy fun in your home.

Have you found any DIY projects you just absolutely adore? What are you working on? I always love to see how other people transform items. Show me your best DIY project.

Back to School

It is that time of year to enjoy the stores bringing out the newest school supplies for the upcoming year. This was always one of my favorite times of the year. It felt like Christmas had come early. I was always facinated with getting new pencils and clothes for the year. What an exciting time in a kids life. Now, I share with you some of my favorite back to school projects for those who know someone returning to the books.

Via PolkaDotChair

What a great idea for a new teacher. What teacher would not like a fun addition to their classroom door than a fun ruler wreath. (And, I am sure brownie points will not hurt early on) A great, and super easy gift. I'm sure you could find all the supplies you need from the dollar store or craft store nearby for pennies.

Via Babble

What about that kid on your list? Want to bring a smile to their face at lunch on the first day of school? Add a cute note with paper stock and cereal to not only brighten their day but add a fun snack to their lunch. I'm sure the other kids will be envious of such an awesome mom!

Via Bee in our Bonnet

Maybe you have friends that are teachers and you want to send them into the new school year with a bit of pep in their step. Why not give them a cute First Day of School Survival Kit. You can incorporate any type of goodie in these cheap craft boxes that you wish. Band-aids, Candies, Paper Clips, Chap Stick, Nail Polish, Drink Mix packs, Crayons...whatever they may need, you can add and personalize each one.
Regardless if you know someone who is returning to school or not, enjoy the transition into the next phase of the year. So stop and smell the pencils, maybe grab a new planner, get a fresh box of crayons. Enjoy the transition into fall....for it is a great time of year.

Recipe: Homemade Banana Bread

I have to share one the absolutely best recipes for Banana Bread. I love fresh Banana Bread. When the holidays come around, it is simply one of the best homemade gifts to give. I will share with you my secret recipe. And, the best part is if you prefer a nutty version, you can add pecans/walnuts in the recipe as well.

Everything you will need!

No Fail Homemade Banana Bread

• 2C All-purpose Flour
• 1C Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 medium mashed ripe bananas **best if browning**
• 1/3C Milk
• 1/4C Vegetable Oil (or Applesauce subsitution)
• 1 Egg
• **Optional: 1/2C Pecans/Walnuts**
• **Optional 1/2 tsp nutmeg** - best for fall/winter dishes

Preheat oven to 350. Spray loaf pan with non-stick spray. Combine all dry ingredients (Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt) into medium bowl. Add all remaining ingredients (except nuts- those are last).  Stir until all dry ingredients are just moistened. Fold in nuts. Pour batter in prepped pan. Bake 60 minutes or until toothpick in center comes clean. Remove and cool on oven rack.  Makes 1 loaf (about 12 servings).

Fresh out of the oven

And the best thing about it is if you need to make more, you can double the recipe in order to make additional loaves. I always make two, since I tend to freeze one, just incase of company.

Additionally, you can add items like cream cheese for breakfast or serve it with butter for a side of bread with dinner.

I hope you enjoy this recipe. I will tell you that it smells so yummy out of the oven! Yum!

DIY Project: It'll Be Curtains.... Part II

A few weeks back, I shared with you guys my amazing new curtains. Now, I finally get to show you how you can make your own curtains- with just a few easy items!

1. Curtain Rod - If you don't have a curtain rod , you can find them pretty cheap (I found mine on clearance for $4).  
2. Clip Rings - These are going to be what holds your "curtain in place on the curtain rod. 



Clip Rings


3. "Curtain" - You can use as shower curtain (like mine), a table cloth (like this gem), or any favorite fabric- ensure the item is easy to wash. **Measure your window ahead of time as sizes vary**

Assembly is quite easy. All you will need to do is hand your curtain rod and then use the clip hooks to hold your "curtain" in place. Make sure each clip is spaced out properly - to ensure that there is no "slouching", like in the photo below!



Finished product!

And, there you have it. A very easy and cheap DIY way to have curtains without the hefty price.

Welcome Back....

Via Traci Throson Photography

It is so nice return feeling refreshed and renewed after a vacation. Frog Legs and I had a wonderful time with his family in Michigan. It is so nice to be around great people. We truly enjoyed our day trips around the state and I look forward to returning later on this year, if all goes well.
I have to reflect and say I really am grateful for all those wonderful people in my life. I feel truly blessed to have so many unique, inspiring and kind souls near me, who influence me to be a better person. I feel so very blessed.
And....I am so excited to share with you guys some of my new projects...and a few follow-ups to some others. So, stick around and let's get back to the day.
Happy Tuesday!