Random Wednesday #5

Cardigan: Target (similar) | Top: Lauren Conrad @ Kohl's (similar) | Skirt: Forever 21 (old) | Boots: Mia | Necklace: Sweet Clover

Before we start with Random Wednesday...Happy Halloween and Trick or Treat Day!

1. Speaking of Halloween, I must admit that I am not a huge candy/sweets fan. I typically prefer salty (think chips and salsa). But, I can tear through an entire bag(s) of Twizzlers in less than time than it takes me to shower. So, I am keeping my fingers crossed that Logan and Landry get a sack full tonight and I will be able to stash them in my secret drawer. And I wouldn't be upset if they got a few Twix and Kit Kats as well. Anyone else swipe your kids' candy and hide it for yourself?

2. The color mustard. I have never been a fan, until the stores started putting out fall clothes this year. I always associated it with well, with mustard, as in the condiment. I picked up this cardigan a few months back and have worn it more than I ever expected. I call it my ol' trusty now. And then I moved onto mustard colored denim that you can see here. So, a color that used to be a "no-no" for me has now become a "yes-yes". Do you have a color that you have grown to love?

3. I started the psychological, suspense thriller, Gone Girl, this week after reading some positive reviews on a few blogs. I like it so far, but not super intrigued just yet. I am ready to hit the juicy, I don't want to put this book down part. Have any of you read it yet? 

4. I know I already mentioned it last week, but I have to say it one more time....I am obsessed with Taylor Swift's new album, Red. I can't get the songs out of my head. I must stop the repeat madness. What albums/songs do you have on repeat?  

That's all for today! 

Don't forget to listen to Micheal Jackson's Thriller at least ONE time today. Maybe I will put it on repeat.

 Linking up with The Pleated Poppy.
and Marionberry

House Like No Other

**I could not get my pictures to align for this post. Cuss words were said and then I gave up.**

I know I said last week that I was taking Tuesdays off from blogging. I had no other choice but to share this insane, over the top house with you. A house like nothing I have ever seen in my entire life. These picture do not do it justice, but I did the best I could with what I had. And I didn't even scrape the surface. It would have taken me hours or possibly days.

So, I found out about this home, that people actually live in, on Facebook. It's called the Halloween House and it's in Round Rock, where we live. If you are in the area, you have to go by it. They are having another open house on Halloween.

Anyway, these people must have either a) lost their minds, b) are trying to get on TV or c) just the nicest/coolest/most loaded/creative people in this town. I pick C.

I walked into the door and no lie, and my eyes watered up...like I proud mom. I couldn't believe my eyes...literally.

I haven't a single clue who these people are or even know their names. But hey, they invited us over for some hot chocolate, Starbursts and Kit-Kats, so I guess we are are sorta of friends now, right?

I like to exaggerate from time to time, but not today. I swear EVERY inch of their home was filled with the most whimsical, intricate, detailed, crafted Halloween decor. Hobby Lobby, Micheal's, Garden Ridge nor JoAnn's couldn't hold a tea light candle to these people. I mean, I don't even know how in the world they thought of half this stuff, but I do know that the majority of it was handcrafted and designed.

I think this was the most quiet my children have EVER been in public. They were speechless and their eyes wide and round. I don't think they could wrap their little minds around what they were seeing. My mind could barely grasp it.

I mean, these people spent God knows how long finalizing every teeny-tiny detail and then welcoming complete strangers into their home for a public open house. Baffles me beyond belief.

I got a little dizzy and light headed just thinking about putting all this away. Can you even fathom? I bet it takes months. Glad it's not me

So folks, a new tradition started last night, visiting the Halloween House.

I leave you with one word: WOW!

Holla for Halloween

As you probably already guessed from the pictures, I was a BIG pink loofah and Ross was a simple guy in need of a shower. I like to call our Halloween theme this year as "Bathing in Love". Cheesy I know, but clever nonetheless, right? By the way, Ross has been a hardcore gym rat lately...just look at those abs!

So, I Googled this costume and those that posted the DIY tutorials are LIARS!! Straight up LIARS! They said they only used 30-50 yards of tulle and that it only took them 1-2 hours to make. Puh-leeeeeese!!! Guys, it took 300 yards of tulle, over 300 safety pins and almost 6 hours to cover my strapless dress. Once I started I knew I was in trouble, but there was no looking back because I had no back up plan. It was not the best use of my time, but it was fun wearing and I am happy with how it all turned out. Lesson learned: BUY A COSTUME NEXT YEAR!

We had two parties Friday night.

First up was the "Hootenanny" at Mr. and Mrs. Jon and Ruthie Hart's house. Ruthie is a fellow Austin blogger and to say that I absolutely adore her would be an understatement. This was our first time meeting IRL and I was so excited to finally hug her neck. She is as gorgeous and sweet as she is on her blog. Ruthie, I can't wait for Top Golf to finally open so we can get our swing on with our boys. Some other Austin blogger lovelies also joined in on the festivities: Mallorie, Nikol, Samantha and Brooke.

Next, it was off to our neighbors shin-dig. Oh.My.Stars! Jesus even appeared for this one and graced us with prayer and blessings. I also ran into the one and only Magnum P.I., hung with Snooki and Pauly D and may or may not have been handcuffed by "The Sheriff". I would say it was an epic night. A memorable night. A look back at your camera the next day and laugh your loofah off kind of night. And no, I did not fall asleep in my loofah, just in case your were wondering.

Until next year, I mean Wednesday.

Did you dress up this past weekend? If so, what did you dress as and did you see any AMAZING, one of a kind costumes out there?

I am linking up with: Leeann, Dana and Sami for the Weekend Update. 

Molly for YOLO Mondays.

Go visit them! 

 

Staples

Top: Old Navy | Skirt: Forever 21 (similar) | Shoes: Express (similar) | Belt: Forever 21 (similar) | Necklace (old) & Bracelet: Target | Ring: Forever 21

I have had a few requests on work attire and what some staples are that hang in my closet. So, I thought I would share three basics that can get you through all four seasons, no matter where you live and are perfect for the office. I did this post back in September for Annie and figured why not post again here.

Chambray Top (aka - the Blue Jean Shirt)

Okay, I will admit that I wasn't a fan at first, but my mind quickly changed. I am now a proud owner of not one, but two chambray shirts. One is plain and the one you see here showcases another fave of mine, polka dots. Ladies, IMO, you can't go wrong with chambray. It's like a LBD, you can were it  so many ways and with so many things. Get one, if you haven't already!

Pencil Skirt

Keeping this one simple. Every lady needs at least 3-4 solid pencil skirts in their closet. They can be remixed over and over and over again. My choices would be khaki, black and creme. Again, dress them up or dress them down, just make sure they aren't hoochie short. Right above the knees is always best.

Red Shoes

We have all seen the Wizard of Oz, right? Well, let's keep Dorothy's legacy alive. Red shoes can be paired with numerous colors and patterns and is a color for all seasons. It doesn't matter, wedges, heels, flats, boots...just a pair. You will be surprised at how much you wear them.

Easy as 1-2-3!

I am linking up with Long Distance Loving and Two Thirty-Five Designs

Girlfriend Land

I like to keep things real on this blog because one day, I will look back at my posts and say, "This blog was originally started by me for me."

Soooooo, this post is kinda, sorta for me. To remember this ah-hah moment in my life.

I am a real person, dealing with a real life, a real marriage, real kids and real routines. I also cope with real crappy days even though they may seem like GREAT days to someone else. They are still MY "crappy" days. Call me selfish, spoiled, unappreciative, greedy or self loathing. I probably would do the same thing if I were in your shoes, but I am not.

Sometimes I take for granted all the magical things God granted and blessed me with, but I am a REAL person and have my faults.

Don't get me wrong...I love my family and I love my life, but sometimes it's nice to escape to "girlfriend land" and pretend nothing exists but laughter, Mexican martinis, lake view sunsets and a little catching up. And that my friends, is what I did last night....escaped to the world of "girlfriend land". It was nice. Really nice.

I mean who wouldn't want to escape to views like this.

And drinks like this.

And gorgeous friends like this (minus iPhone alien eyes)

It was just what I needed. I think all of us that were there needed it. We sat there chatting about endless topics that made us laugh, made us think and made us feel part of something...a group of women who can lean on each other no matter where we are in life.

It just feels good to be able to be myself around a group of girls that have known me for years, that honestly care, genuinely listen, actually respond to what I have to say and like/love me for who I truly am. That is hard to find these days. Its' so easy to get caught up in a clique of women just to be part of a "group". I am slowly starting to learn that quality prevails over quantity.  I guess you could say I am getting wiser in my older years. Wow, I have I just turned into my mother? If so, I will take it with honor!

Link

So, thank you to all my girls who have stuck by me through thick and thin, who do not judge me, who call to just catch up and who actually care about what I am doing. You know who you are. And to my blog friends whom I have never met, you brighten my day...every day and as much as it is a huge commitment to be a blogger, I wouldn't take it back for anything. There are so many that I have NEVER met in real life, but have all of a sudden consider my closest friends.  Again, you know who you are!