Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgiving Shopping

Happy Slapsgiving Thanksgiving! In the spirit of the holiday, I wanted to thank all y'all for reading this blog. I love blogging just for me, but y'all make it even better with your sweet comments...and you know, the fact that people actually read it! I hope you have a wonderful day full of food, family, and football. I am currently drinking copious amounts of coffee, watching the parade, and playing fetch with my puppy.
Oh, I am adding various items to my shopping baskets on different websites as hints for my Momma for Christmas presents. It makes me want to shop though, ahh must resist the urge! This will also be my first year participating in the Black Friday madness, but I'll be on the other end of shopping...yeah, I am working the 12am-8am shift at Talbots. If you are at Tyson's, come visit me! 
Here are a few of the online sales going on right now that are worth checking out, especially for those of you who love a good deal but are all about spending the day relaxing instead of fighting the crowds at stores...I know that's how I feel!

J. Crew Factory {50% off} 
crystal sunburst necklace (it's back...ordered. ugh)
C. Wonder {30% off tops and/or if you buy 3+ items}
fox head velvet slipper loafer

J. Crew {30% off} 
jeweled llama sweater

Macy's {huge sale + 15% off} 
kitchenaid mixer (obsessed)

Design Darling {20% Off with code: thanks}
tortoiseshell tumblers
Oh...and thanks to Yani's comment on Facebook, here are some links for guys gear because while I am sure he would rock that llama sweater, I'd rather see him shop in the men's department ;] There are more gift ideas in my post from last week too!

J. Crew {same as above}
fair isle sweater
Brooks Brothers {30% off select sweaters}
merino half-zip
Bonobos {25% off $150+; 30% off $250+}
buffalo plaid shirt
LL Bean {10% off}
anything fishing related for K&N will go over well
Also, I have been meaning to feature my friend's blog on here, but I keep forgetting so expect that post soon. In the mean time, if you want to have a healthy Thanksgiving, check out Blake's blog for some advice on that! 
Eat, drink, and be merry...but not too merry, I am still waiting for Santa to arrive at Macy's before Christmas season can begin.

xoxo,
SSP

update: Santa has arrived...MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Turkey Day Pinteresting

Thanksgiving always seems to get shafted when it comes to celebration since it is sandwiched between Halloween and Christmas. I mean come on, it is a holiday dedicated to food and football...is there anything better? This year I am mega bummed that we are not with my extended family and that I am not in charge of decorating the table with G, but sometimes things happen. I mean there is always next year and I get to catch up with old friends and play with my puppy so it isn't as if I am miserable at home. Although we may not be doing the big Turkey Day shindig that I am used to, I am still ready to celebrate this holiday with a little help from Pinterest. There are no words for how much I love getting inspired by everything on there. It really is the perfect study break, but I have to limit my time on it or I will get sucked in for hours. Oh, if you have an iPad or iPhone, download the app. I actually prefer pinning on my iPad to my laptop! 
Anyways, here are a few of my favorite Thanksgiving themed pins for the holiday. If you click on the caption it will take you to the original pin (and directions, etc). Oh, and if you are looking for outfit inspiration, check yesterday's post. Enjoy!
what a great way to kick off the morning
loving this table
he's so adorable/funny-looking
crockpot cranberry sauce
thanksgiving cocktail
love this idea
stuffins
30 thanksgiving dessert recipes? you're welcome

What are your favorite recipes or traditions? Please feel free to share, I feel like getting a bit creative in the kitchen this year!

xoxo,
SSP

P.S. while writing this post my brothers came over to me and, after telling me I should dedicate a a post to how they are "young at heart" (read: immature), they nagged me to pay attention to them so they could show me how N had done some dumb hilarious defensive move when K went to punch him. Oh the joys of being home...but seriously, I do love being around these goofballs.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

What to Wear: Turkey Time

Three cheers for Thanksgiving Break! Gosh I am so excited for a couple of days off, especially after the craziness that was happening this past week. My absence from blogging was due to exams, papers, and Relay for Life kickoff week. I love this blog, but I love my grades and involvement in the community more (especially grades...sorry, not sorry).
Anyways, with Thanksgiving a couple of days away I thought I should share some outfit inspiration for the holiday. To be perfectly honest, I am not really concerned about my outfit this year since we aren't going to be spending the holiday with my family in North Carolina like we normally do, but I am still breaking out a sweater I haven't worn for some holiday cheer. I am also more concerned with comfort because the day will be followed by an eight hour shift at Talbots in Tyson's starting at midnight on Black Friday. Since we are always in Charlotte for Thanksgiving (and really aren't into Black Friday) I have never witnessed Tyson's Black Friday and I am a little scared...it's hectic there on a normal day!
Back to outfit ideas, one of these is more casual than the other and that is totally based on how formal your Thanksgiving will be. Mine isn't, but if you go to a restaurant for dinner, chances are you should dress a tad nicer. Oh, and if you're going to visit your boyfriend's family (woohoo! you go girl) for the holiday, ask him what dress code is and then plan to dress a tad nicer. I don't know what it is about guys, but they generally lack the ability to gauge what exactly the appropriate dress code is for girls. I am pretty sure it is due to their "it's always khakis with a polo or sports coat, or a suit" mentality. And don't forget, shift dresses and flowy tops are a girl's best friend when it comes to occasions where you want to indulge! 
Turkey Time by sugarsnappearls {item details though link}

Are you ready for Thanksgiving?

xoxo,
SSP

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Sweatshirt Chic

I am trying to remember where i first saw the "dressed up sweatshirt" look, but I can't. Honestly, I would bet you dollars to donuts that it was something on Pinterest as so many of my ideas come from that online slice of heaven. Regardless of where I first saw the style, I fell in love with it. People always say to me that they see me dressed so nicely all the time and what they don't know is that the second I get home, even if for just an hour or two, I fold my outfit and throw on a big tshirt and boxers. I love to be comfy, and I probably wear a sweatshirt and leggings once or twice a week around because it is college and I cannot be bothered to always dedicate time to an outfit (usually that is the time spent laying in bed and I use a cute outfit idea to motivate me to get up). 
The sweatshirt look is cute, comfy, and so easy. Seriously, it requires such little effort. All you need is a cute sweatshirt, button down, and a statement necklace. I am a huge fan of the Old Navy sweatshirts because they are at a price you can't beat and they are light-weight...perfect for those menopausal lecture halls (seriously, pick a temperature). 
I have talked about my love for statement necklaces before, and I really can't emphasize how much I love them enough. A necklace, or even a great bracelet or pair of earrings, can completely change the mood of an outfit. Plus, getting fun accessories is an excuse to only really need to stock up on the basics so that you can splurge on that one item you are absolutely dying for. 
Sweatshirt Chic by sugarsnappearls {as always, click on link for details}

Have you dressed up a sweatshirt yet? If you haven't already seen it, I did it today on my Instagram!

xoxo,
SSP

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Gifts for the Guys

Today's the day! My baby brothers are 19!!! Oh my gosh, sometimes it is hard to believe they are so old and in college and doing big things. Of course, then I see them in person and am reminded that they dwarf me so that brings me back to reality. I love my brothers so much and I cannot wait to see them for Thanksgiving.
In honor of their birthdays, and the fact that being in a sorority means lots of girls wondering what to get for their guys, brothers, or dads, I decided to make a bit of a list. I categorized it by interests, and while I know I left off those with musical interests and a few others...but you get the idea. And seriously, anything in the "for the dude..." section can go to any guy.
My brothers are this strange combo of frat star and outdoorsman so I tend to hit up LL Bean for them because they love their flannels this time of year. Of course, I have never gone wrong with a bow tie or food before. As for outdoorsman supplies, fair warning, you will look like an idiot in Gander Mountain if you don't know what fishing flies or gun cleaning kit to buy (yes, personal experience).
presents for guys 1 by sugarsnappearls (click on set link for product details)



for the guys 2 by sugarsnappearls (again, details in set link)
What are your go-to gifts for guys?


xoxo,
SSP

Monday, November 18, 2013

Long Week Pinterest Inspiration

My week is crazy, crazy busy. I have 2 huge papers and 2 exams, oh plus it's Relay for Life Kickoff Week (please like this pic). What happened to "off weeks" is that just not a thing anymore? Anyways, here is a little pinterest inspiration for everyone else who has a packed week this week. We can do it!
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xoxo,
SSP

Friday, November 15, 2013

Fall Fashion with a Coffee in Hand

First of all, thank you to everyone for such wonderful feedback yesterday. I love that it resonated with y'all. Thank you for reading my blog and supporting me, it means the world to me. Now, back to this post...
Fall is here and I am definitely feeling it. Tights have come out, momma is driving down with my late fall/winter gear today, and I am perpetually wearing a scarf. Just because it is cold out doesn't mean that we can't dress cute! In fact, I love the look of a comfy, worn-in sweater in the winter. Today's Fashion Friday includes some of my favorite fall looks thus far. As always, follow along on Instagram for regular outfit posts! Also, I realize there is only one picture included here where I am not holding a hot beverage...
I love coffee and it loves me, okay? no judging...
J. Crew Factory vest, pants // DSW shoes // sweater (old)
J. Crew Factory shirt (similar), bracelet, scarf //
Eddie Bauer vest
sweater (old) // Old Navy tights // J. Crew Factory skirt
J. Crew Factory jacket (similar), scarf, shirt //
H&M cords (old) // boots (old)
Ralph Lauren sweater (old) // JCF skirt //
Old Navy tights // Shop Ruche shoes
JCF sweater (old), skirt // DSW shoes
What are your favorite fall outfits so far?

xoxo,
SSP

P.S. sports fashion note: not a fan of the NBA Christmas Day jerseys, but this promo video is awesome