Featured Fashion Friend: Cathlyn

Cathlyn is late. Not very Late-perhaps-15 minutes-but the girl who I have known since that dance class when we were 4 is late enough that sorry texts have been sent. Then she appears in my driveway, issuing greetings and apologies as she welcomes me into her new vehicle, and after sitting in park, in a middle of a neighborhood, contemplating where to eat, we drive to a local restaurant (Frank and Angies) listening to old Hilary duff songs, catching, up and laughing about old times. 

We arrive and as Cathlyn settles into her seat it becomes clear that the 16 year old is just as lovely as the day I met her. Brown hair, Brown eyes, and a polished style fit perfectly to reflect her body and personality. The style that she describes as classic and dull because of her love for “business like attire and dark colors”). As she finishes her pasta, we talk about life, school, and our future plans.

We go back to her house and end up in a talk of fashion and all those girly things we love. She talks about her favorite items of clothing (Blazer by theory, Black skinny jeans), Her love for the style displayed by newcomers such as Selena Gomez and old timers such as Audrey Hepburn, and her obsession of red tops and sunglasses. After a late night snack run at McDonalds, the night slowly comes to an end. As I say my goodbyes and walk into the house it becomes apparent that just like the first day I met her, Cathlyn’s spirit and soul rival her beauty and She continues to be an extraordinary friend. She is always there for me and I know she will continue to be there for me as I will be there for her.

What's In My Bag?

1. Apple iPhone
2. Lancome Dual Finish Powder
3. Maxwell M&M Ear buds 
4. Buxom Lash Mascara
5. Tide to Go Instant Stain Remover Pen
6. Cesca Braid Trim Crossbody Bag
7. Warm Vanilla Sugar Anti Bacterial Hand Gel
8. Lancome Juicy Tubes
9. Bubble Yum Original Bubble Gum
10. Sephora Loves NY Sliding Mirror 
11. Ray-Ban 'Club Master Cat' Wayfarer Sunglasses
12. Pink with a Splash All Over Body Mist in Soft and Dreamy
13. Coach Poppy Quilted Universal Case

Outfit of the Day

White T-Garage

Dress-Forever 21

Tights-Target

Boots-Steve Madden

Feeling Inspired

Feeling inspired on a Saturday morning I put together some outfit collages, that in my opinion, are to die for.  Once I got started I simply couldn't stop. One of my favorite parts of fashion is putting the outfits together to create something magical. I become inspired by different and random things in my everyday life. Whether it be from something in a magazine or something I see from another blog. Anything can be inspiration. I hope you enjoy these outfits and I encourage you to take fashion inspiration from something you see today. xoxo -Morgan

An Everyday Indiana Jones

Paris, I'm Here

Orange Julius

Royal Coral

New York City Blue

Peachy King

Zooey: A Style Icon

Whose that girl? Whose that girl? It's Zooey Deschanel. I am just so obsessed with this girl right now. She is the queen of adorable and super talented as well. Her eyes are stunning and her comedic timing is perfect. Another reason I adore her? She is always wearing dresses. As am I. Talk about soul sisters. I love her show New Girl (On Fox Tuesdays), and her movies never fail to entertain. Here are some of my favorite movies and style moments from the One and Only Zooey Deschanel.(Check Her out on the cover of Allure this month!)

500 Days Of summer is probably my favorite Zooey Movie. Her and Joseph are Cinema Gold.

At First Elf wasn't my favorite movie but it really grew on me over time and now Its a christmas time essential.

Her character in Failure to Launch is literally amazing.

Although I must Admit Schmidt is my favorite character, Zooey never ceases to put a smile on my face.

My Favorite Zooey Style Moments

Outfit of the Day

Poncho-Karlie

Jeans-Vigoss (Nordstrom)

Belt-Gap

Shoes-Steve Madden

My Top Five 2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Looks

5. Lea Michele

4. Emma Stone

3. Julianne Moore

2. Sarah Hyland

1. Charlize Theron

Happy Saturday My Friends

Outfit Of The Day

Sweater & Shoes- Nordstrom

Cami & Jeans-A'GACI

DIY Celebrity Style

Diet Do's and Don'ts

Now that its the new year a lot of people have decided that eating healthier is their goal for 2012. Now we all know this is easier said than done, but with the right mental and physical attitude anything can be accomplished. One mistake often made when dieting is rushing into things or going about it the wrong way. Here are three tips to help your diet not only be successful, but healthy too!

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Don't
Obsess over counting calories!


Do
Use a mental checklist. Eating better isn't all about counting calories its about the nutrients that is in the calories. If your body doesn't get all that it needs, you will get intense cravings that will make you scarf down ANYTHING you see later! So make sure you get 

• Protein- lean meats, beans, or dairy
• Healthy Carbs-Fruit, veggies, or whole grain.
• Healthy Fats- Nuts, Avocado, Olive oil, or fish.

Don't

Swear off "bad" Foods

Do

Eat smaller portions! Sure some things are worse for you than others, but when you totally quit all those foods you just want them MORE. If you love french fries(honestly who doesn't?!?!) Make them a side to a healthier meal, like a salad. The fiber of the salad will fill you up so you will eat less fries!

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Don't

Skip Meals

Do

Eat More! You may think its smart to skip meals or snacks to save calories, but by dealing with your hunger as it happens (every 3 or 4 hours) you'll eat less over the course of the day. It works as long as you treat snacks like tiny little meals.

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Ombré

ombré. adjective. shaded or graduated in tone: said of a color

Looking though magazines lately a new occurring trend in the beauty world is the ombre effect. This effect is commonly used on the lips. By fading colors onto the lip it not only draws the eye but also makes for a dramatic yet fun look. Lucky for us this look is not only easy create but a delight to look at.

All You Need is..

1 Dark Lip Stick

1 Lighter Lipstick or concealer

*It is better to use opaque colors for this look because you want to get assurance with both the dark color and the light color. Also leave the lip liner at home for this one. No need for a 80s flashback*

3 Easy Steps!

1. Apply the darker, opaque lipstick 

2. Apply the lighter lipstick in the middle of your pout

3. Blend & Add a clear Gloss

Outfit Of The Day

Shirt-F21

Skirt-Macy's

Boots-Steve Madden

Socks- Urban Outfitters

Bag-Nordstrom

Chicken Breast Gourmet

It's Sunday night, and yours truly is in charge of making the din din, and make the din din I did! It was quite delicious. Searching the internet I stumbled across a recipe found here. The chicken is to die for and the sauce is equally fabulous. And to top it all off, bacon is put on the top. Yum.

CHICKEN BREASTS GOURMET

6 to 8 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts

6 to 8 pieces of crisp fried bacon

Directions for Chicken:

Toss each boneless, skinless chicken breast in a bag of flour that has been seasoned with salt & pepper Coat well.  Melt a couple tablespoons of butter along with a few tablespoons of olive or Crisco oil in a skillet over medium high heat.  When the grease is hot, place the floured breasts in the skillet, and brown very well on both sides.  Lay the browned chicken in a 9×13 ” glass baking dish and set aside.

Directions for cooking bacon the easy way:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with heavy duty foil.  Lay the strips of bacon on top of the foil.  Place the pan in the center of the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the bacon is done as you desire.  I like mine pretty crisp.  Note:  If you prefer to wrap the bacon around each browned chicken breast, you will need to leave the bacon a bit flexible! Drain the grease away from the bacon, and reserve 1 tablespoon for the roux.

For the sauce:

1 cup milk

1cup whipping cream or half & half

1 cup chicken broth

1 1/2 cups Cheddar, Swiss or Colby cheese – grated

1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

2 tablespoons butter or use 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon bacon grease

2 heaping tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon onion powder or use sauteed onions instead

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)

2 teaspoons white granulated sugar

Directions for sauce: 

Over medium heat, melt butter and add the salt, pepper, pepper flakes, onion powder and the sugar.  Whisk together.  Add the flour, and stir quickly until the roux is bubbly and smooth.  Continue whisking and slowly add the milk, cream, chicken broth.  ( I combine all of this together, then just pour it all in at once)

Continue whisking over medium heat until it has thickened – about 10 to 15 minutes.  Turn heat to low!

Add the grated cheeses. (Cheddar, Colby, Swiss & Parmesan) Stir well until nice and smooth and creamy.  Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Note:  If the sauce seems a bit too thick after all the cheese has been added, simply add a bit of chicken broth or milk and stir well.  This sauce should not be as thick as pancake batter. You will want it a bit thinner. If you want additional seasonings add them.

Pour the sauce over top the browned chicken in a 9×13 inch glass baking dish.  Toss in about 4 pieces of crumbled bacon.  Reserve some for the top as garnish.

Cover the chicken with foil, and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 45 -60 minutes.  Cooking time will depend on the THICKNESS of your chicken breasts.  When it pulls apart easily with a fork, it’s ready and tender.  Place a chicken breast on top of pasta, mashed potatoes, rice or cooked veggies or eat the chicken as is. 

Spoon extra sauce over the top of each breast and crumble additional bacon on top if desired.

Outfit Of The Day

Shirt & Tights- Nordstrom

Skirt-F21

Boots-Frye

Scarf-Francescas

Outfit Of The Day

Shirt- American Apparel

Skirt & Necklace-F21

Jacket-Old Navy

Tights-Target

Boots-Steve Madden

Don't Stop Till You Get Enough

Whether it's when you're applying your makeup in the morning or when your getting ready to go out at night, these 3 products were destined to benefit you during your beautification process. These products are here to help you keep partying all night long without having to keep checking yourself in a mirror every 20 minutes. 


1. Urban Decay All-Nighter Long Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. $11


2. Sephora Ms. & Mrs. Minimergency Kit For Her. $13


3. Serge Normant Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo. $25

Thank you, Thank You Very Much

So I'm channel surfing on a saturday morning and what do I come across? The Parent Trap. One of the bestest movies from my childhood, If I do say myself. I think you'd be lying to yourself if after seeing this movie you didn't wish you had a secret twin. I sure did and do. Well anyway, without a doubt my favorite part of the movie is when Hallie seeks revenge on Annie by totally wrecking her cabin. It was the coolest thing I ever saw back in the day and what do you know, It still is. A question I have always had was also answered while watching this. When I come across awful girls in my everyday life, why have I called the "the lowest, most awful creature that ever walked the planet?" in an english accent. Now I remember! :) xoxo

Outfit Of The Day

Shirt, Sweater, and Skirt-F21

Socks-Nordstrom

Boots-Nordstrom

Movies I Cant Wait to See This Year

If you know me personally, then you know I happen to be quite the movie buff. Luckily for me, this year there will be lots of pretty awesome movies coming to the cinemas this new year. There are so many I CANNOT wait to see. Here is my list of movies I'm excited for this year.....so far. :) xoxo


Ps. You will notice that there is a recurring theme when it comes to these movies. Attractive leading males :P

21 Jump Street 

Honestly I Didn't Even Need to Watch the trailer for this one. This movie had me at Channing Tatum.

The Vow

This movie had me at Channing Tatum Too! BUT Rachel Mcadams just put the cherry on top. Lord knows I wouldn't see this movie if they weren't in it. Too Depressing.

The Hunger Games

I'll be honest...I didn't read the books. This makes me the only one on the planet who didn't, it feels like. The movie does look pretty intense though and I'll at least be surprised at what happens. Oh yeah, and Liam Hemsworth is in it :)

Mirror Mirror

Armie Hammers in it....Duh.

The Lucky One

 A Depressing movie based off of Nicholas Sparks + Zac Efron? Count me in.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

This Movie looks really funny, and it has an ensemble cast which I love. Chace Crawfords in it too.

The Five-Year Engagement

Jason Segal is pretty much a genius and Emily Blunt is pretty much perfect.

Men in Black 3

I have missed Will Smith.

The Avengers

Combining Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America? Pure Genuis

The Amazing Spider-Man

Andrew Garfield & Emma Stone. Alrighty Then

Some Others

The Gangster Squad

Taken 2

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II

The Big Wedding

Lincoln

The Great Gatsby