Stranded: Books

Hi! It’s been crazy around here. We’ve been packing boxes and running errands and all sorts of things these past two weeks so my blogging as been sporadic. I’m hoping to get back on track soon…hang with me!!!

Today I’m participating in Shay and Erika‘s stranded link-up and we’re talking books.

What 3 books would I take off my bookshelf if I was stranded on an island?? Ugh, this is hard. I don’t know if I would want to read or if I would be too pre-occupied and anxious to read. You know what i’m saying?!

The first book that I would try to make sure that I had was some sort of guide for surviving on a deserted island. You know, ’cause i’m all practical and stuff 😉

I’d get this book so I could figure out WHAT THE HECK TO DO. It looks helpful and probably would be a good read as a just in case. In this guide you’re suppose to figure out how to signal for help, get drinkable water, and catch food. I’ll need all the help I can get!

If I was stranded on an island I would want a funny book, you know to entertain me and also keep me sane.

So i’d pick Bossypants by Tina Fey because…
-SO MANY OF YOU recommended it and really loved the book
-I haven’t read it before, which I’d love because I don’t read books more than once
-It’s also an autobiography which is my favorite!
-It was rated on buzz feed’s most funny books

Win, win!

And the third thing I would take with me is a series. You know, have a long drawn out series to read to keep me occupied while I am waiting on someone to come rescue me. That’s a good idea, right?!

I’m normally not into all the mystical creatures and made up stuff with vampires and witches, but Morgan LOVED the Twilight series along with just about everyone else. I’ve seen the movies (and liked them) but I haven’t read the books. Do you suggest I take this series or would I have a better series to read while I’m stranded??

YAY FOR READING!!! Except I probably wouldn’t be this happy and I wouldn’t have a school book with me. Haha!

So what do you think? Would you keep it practical or would you just take your favorites? I’m really hoping I would never be in that situation!

Ps…to see my reads for 2016 click here! And in case you’re looking for other great options, check out a link-up I host on the first Wednesday of every month (don’t worry it doesn’t interfere with this one) called Bookworm Wednesday!!!

Show and Tell: Your Own Talk Show

Today’s show and tell is all about…my own talk show? Oh boy, that’s a lot of pressure.

When I think about my favorite talk show, I think of these people…

KLG and Hoda are my FAVORITE. I love to start my morning with them. I love the things they talk about. I love that they always have wine in front of them. I love that they are hilarious. I love the stories and features that they do. I love them. So if I had my own talk show it would be just like theirs! Besides that, being on their show is on my bucket list. So I could double cross that off if I had my own show like theirs.

Or maybe I could just take one of their places? 😉

I also love

Ellen’s talk show because she’s so positive! She’s got good stories and she just seems happy all the time.

So yeah, my show would be just like KLG and Hoda with a twist of Ellen….but replace the wine glass with a cup of coffee and we’re set. Now accepting applications for my co-host.

Along with the people i’d invite to my dinner party, I would choose people who have been influential in my life this far.

So like KLG and Hoda this morning, I too would interview Shay…

…because I loved her when I met her a year ago! I’m so looking forward to seeing her this morning. Shay is the reason that I started blogging in the first place. I have loved every second of it and I definitely have her to thank for that.

I would also have to interview Candace Cameron Bure. This woman does it all and I look up to her a lot. She’s a great example of a Christian woman, she writes books, she acts, she works out (she’s got a hot bod) and she’s a great mom, I mean…GOALS. Plus look how stylish she is!

I would want to interview Ben…just to be in his presence 😉 But also because I feel like he’s a genuine guy that does a lot for others. I’d just want to get to know him better.

Danielle Walker would have to come on my show because this cookbook is the one that first got me into cooking. Not only cooking but cooking for food allergies. She went through a lot of what I did so I loved reading her story.

Danielle plus Ina that is.

(and Giada) because my mom always has their shows on in the background during the day, so I have been watching their shows for a couple years now. I love that they have their own shows and cook for other people. I want that to be me some day! Danielle and Ina’s cookbooks were the first two I ever had thanks to my mom.

I would also want to interview Kayla Itsines.

I’ve mentioned her before because of her workout guides that I have done in the past. I look up to her so much in the health and fitness industry! Y’all need to follow her on Instagram and look at her website! It’s so positive and uplifting (that’s a running theme for me, obviously). She’s amazing.

I would have to bring on some of my favorite authors. I mean, the people that got me to enjoy reading have to get other people to enjoy reading too. I just know it.

And then I would of course have to interview Kate Middleton so I could figure out how we are related already!!!!!! It’s killing me!

Hoda and KLG, Ellen, Shay, Candace, Danielle, Ina, Giada, Ben, Kayla, Kate…anyone. Call me. I want to be friends. So that I can interview you. When I get my own talk show remember you were the first ones on my list!!!!

Yes that was a pathetic beg. No I am not ashamed.

So that’s just the start of my show. Just to get it up and running you know 😉 So, tell me, would we have the same people on our show??? That’ll help me figure out who is going to co-host with me. Haha!

Don’t forget that tomorrow is Bookworm Wednesday!

Blog about your reads this past month and then link up with Katie and I!

In case you missed any of my S&T Tuesdays for 2016:

Introduction
Momfessional Moments (I didn’t participate)
How To Win My Heart
Favorite Pinterest Pins (This was during my blog break)
My Hometown
My life’s mix tape (This was during spring break when I had guest bloggers)

And here are all my 2015 Show and Tell posts.

Happy Tuesday!

What’s Up Wednesday: March

What’s up?!

I’m here and i’m linking up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer. Every last Wednesday of the month, we all blog about what’s been going on. If you missed 2015’s posts, check them out!

What I’m eating:

I post about food a lot…if you hop around here you’ll be able to find something. 😉

Yesterday I posted everything about the sugar detox I completed.

A couple weeks ago I mentioned my daily eats.

Before that I told you all about my favorite lactose free products. Later this week my favorite gluten free products are coming!

What I’m reminiscing about:

My spring break in the midwest. Oh how I miss it and my family. It was such a great vacation. Check out my recaps of this trip:

Day 1, 2, and 3
Day 4, 5, and 6
Day 7, 8, 9 and 10

What I’m loving:

Kale.

Look, I realize i’m hopped on this bandwagon super late, but I am ALL ABOUT kale right now. This salad has kept me going for the past couple weeks.

What I’ve been up to:

A little bit of everything. I like to keep busy, so that’s just what I have been doing!

What I’m dreading:

All of the schoolwork that I see coming up on my calendar. It’s just so time consuming and boring and I just want to whine okay 🙂

On another note…I love the simplified planner.

What I’ve been working on:

Something exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. I don’t want to mention anything just yet in case it doesn’t pan out, but there’s the potential that I may have just gotten my degree in one thing and take a complete opposite direction.

What I’m excited about:

Baseball is back!

Last night I cheered on my brother at his baseball game…

…and in 2 weeks i’ll be cheering on the Red Sox for opening day!! YAY!

What I’ve been reading/watching:

I’ll talk about what i’m reading next Wednesday, April 6th for Bookworm Wednesday!! Link up with Katie and I for that.

As for what i’m watching…

My last Bookworm Wednesday turned into TVworm Wednesday. Check it out because I talked about all my favorite shows. But since then I found this show on Netflix…

…and i’m obsessed with it. I find it so dang hilarious. Do you watch?!

What I’m listening to:

This song on repeat for the past month!

 What I’ve been wearing:

Jeans, booties, and some kind of cute shirt. This is my go-to outfit. Always.

What I’m doing this weekend:

Work and school. Nothing exciting is on the agenda this weekend.

What I’m looking forward to next month:

The semester being over and only having 3 classes standing between me and graduation! I’ll be looking like this come last week of April!!! 🙂

 

What else is new:

I’m trying to get myself, specifically my blog out on social media.

Follow me and i’ll follow you back!!!

Instagram: @mollymiddleton01 here
Facebook: click here to like my blog
Pinterest: @mollymiddleton1 here
Bloglovin’: click here
Snapchat: I’m “mollymiddleton”

What is my favorite spring cleaning tip:

To get rid of all the winter clothes in your closet that you didn’t even wear. I like to do this after every season. My clothes get all sorts of piled up and I end up keeping it because I think i’ll wear them next season, and then I don’t, and then they sit. Just do it now!

And that’s March!

Friday Favorites: Must Haves

Happy first Friday of March, peeps! This time next week I will be in full on Spring Break mode. Oh, am I ready for that!!!

We’ve got some things to cover before Friday can officially start though. Blog your FAVORITES from this week, link to Erika, Andrea, and Narci and let’s get this Friday started!

La Croix

La Croix is a carbonated water beverage with 0 calories, 0 sweetener, 0 sodium, 0 everything. The only ingredients are “carbonated water” and “natural flavor”. I must warn…this drink is an acquired taste. I basically had to force myself to like it, but now that I do, it’s my FAVORITE. La Croix has become so refreshing for me when I am wanting something with a little flavor. You know, since all I drink is water. Other than my water and back coffee this is the only drink I can have on my sugar detox right now. I especially love it because it doesn’t bloat me thanks to no sodium or artificial/any sweeteners. These are the 3 flavors I have in the fridge now, but there are SO many options. Give it a try if you haven’t already!

Clarisonic Mia

For Christmas, I asked for a Clarisonic Mia. I just wanted to see what all the talk was about…now I get it. My Mia 2 has become my FAVORITE beauty product. I tried to research the 3 versions to know which one to specifically ask for, but I couldn’t figure it out. I asked her why she chose this one and she said that after reading all of the reviews it was like a no brainer that the Mia 2 was the one to go with. It has made my skin so clear looking and feeling and just more “lively”. I get compliments all the time and I especially love the fact that I don’t have to use my hands to wash my face. Word on the street is that using your hands will cause wrinkles. No ma’am.

Girlfriend Time

Now if you were here on Wednesday you might have seen that instead of Bookworm Wednesday this month, I switched it up to TVworm Wednesday. And you also read that I love watching my FAVORITE shows with my FAVORITE people. While my momma was out of town this week, my girl Alyssa came over on Monday night and we watched The Bachelor and The Voice.

Alyssa and I were best friends in high school and when it came time for college she went to Texas Tech and I went to The University of Oklahoma.

We lost touch after being so far away, but she recently graduated early in December and now she’s back in the DFW area for her job. I’m so happy my friends are coming back to town. Alyssa and I had so much fun and spent the night giggling about random things and arguing about who is actually going to win the Bachelor! She’s all #teamlauren and i’m all #teamjojo.

Aromatherapy Pillow Mist

One thing to know about me is that when it comes to Bath and Body Works…I love love love candles, aromatherapy, and vanilla bean noel. My FAVORITE product from B&BW that got me hooked on the store in the first place is their aromatherapy, specifically their stress relief one. I adore this stuff. I have the lotion, the shampoo, the hand sanitizer, the body wash, the bubble bath soap, the chapstick, and…the pillow mist!

I spray the pillow mist well, on my pillow before bed at night. I spray it actually all over my bed and in my floor fan (to diffuse it throughout the room) and it seriously works. Not just stress, but it just relaxes me when I take a deep breath. Try the bubble bath soap too! You need this in your life.

In fact, when I went over to our host home from the Church retreat a couple weekends ago, the mom at the host home said “What do you have in there because my daughter and I were talking about how amazing it smells.” I told her it had to be my deodorant because I hadn’t sprayed anything. She said it’s almost like aromatherapy and that’s when it hit me…it was my pillow mist. That I had sprayed a couple days before. Not even on my blanket. It’s so great, friends.

Stevia

Speaking of our host home at the retreat, the mom introduced me to Stevia while we were there. She said to “only put a drop because otherwise it’s overpowering” and she was right. I loved it so much that I went to buy it the following week. I put one drop in my black coffee (when i’m not on my sugar detox) and it’s perfect. Again, another product that I recommend if you’re trying to limit sugar. And just because it’s a healthier way to sweeten your FAVORITE morning up of joe.

Not only do people use this in coffee, but a lot of people use Stevia as a liquid sweetener in their foods. I bet if you Pinterest this, you’ll find a lot!

Milk Frother

And since we’re talking about coffee…and Christmas. I got a milk frother for Christmas and it is so fun. I had been wanting one for eh…forever and Santa came through! I knew nothing about these originally. The one I have has a cold, warm, and hot milk setting. This day I did the cold setting…which is why I think it turned out bubbly below:

And see it in action:

I re-watch that video and can’t help but laugh. Because i’m weird. And awkward. You’ll have to forgive me 😉 But now you need to get cha some of my FAVORITE Stevia with my FAVORITE milk frother and make some delicious coffee this weekend! I gave you all the good products!

Blog Button

A couple weeks ago, Jacquelyn posted about her awesome goal of meeting 100 Bloglovin’ followers and that she was putting blogger’s buttons on her page. While we were e-mailing I said something about how sweet it was that she was doing that, but I didn’t have one so I couldn’t send it to her. Well, a couple days later I did have a button…and now it’s on her page!!

Thank you for being so kind, Jacquelyn. Sweet gestures like this are my FAVORITE. It is perfect! Bloggers, i’ve added my button to my sidebar. Feel free to grab the link and post it to your blog page 🙂

xoxoxo

And there we have it for today. You must have everything I mentioned today people. They’re too good not to! I hope you all enjoy your weekend. I’m hoping to get my shifts covered so I can relax and get ahead on blog work and school work 😉

What’s Up Wednesday: February

What’s up, friends?!

I’m back and i’m linking up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer. Every last Wednesday of the month, we all blog about what’s been going on. If you missed my 2015 posts, check them out!

What I’m eating:

I went straight to the source to get the answer for this…my iPhone pics. Lately I’ve been having so much fun in the kitchen creating, and then photographing, and of course eating. It’s become a hobby. I could probably make a post on all my pictures, so instead i’ll just show you a few.

Turkey bacon and an egg-white omelet just about every morning 😉

Pesto fish in foil for the win.

Yes ma’am, banana protein pancakes drizzled with almond butter.

I’ve been making my plate colorful with some chicken, snap peas & asparagus, and grapes.

Why and of course my FAVORITE creamy fudge protein shake.

What I’m reminiscing about:

Just this time last year. Today…but in 2015 I was blogging about our first snow day of the year.

And right now our weather is sunny and warm and 70 degrees. That’s crazy.

What I’m loving:

The relationships that i’m making with my kiddos at Church. If you follow me on Instagram (DO IT!) then you saw a picture I posted with my little Alina. This girl gives me a run for my money and the other morning she was playing around on my phone and took about 5 videos that make me smile every single time I watch them. I love Sunday mornings with my 4 and 5 year olds!

What we’ve been up to:

Speaking of Church, and kiddos, and following me on Instagram, and what i’ve been up to…this past weekend was the high school retreat. Church retreat weekends are incredible and life changing and I was so happy to be a part of this one. Students dedicating and re-dedicating their life to Christ, fellowshipping with one another, pigging out on tons of sugar (we did lots of that!), not sleeping, and just enjoying each other. Is there anything better?

STOP. Are they not the cutest?!

A little co-leader love, plus some photo-bombers. Jen (the one in the red next to me) and I co-lead a group of freshmen girls, and Megan (the one taking the picture) co-leads a separate group of freshmen girls all at the same campus. This weekend our groups were merged and it was A BLAST.

I love Wednesday nights with my 9th grade girls.

What I’m dreading:

All of the schoolwork that I see coming up on my calendar. It’s just so time consuming and boring and waahhhhh. Let me whine okay 🙂

On another note…I love the simplified planner.

What I’ve been working on:

Me.

You guys know I took close to two weeks off from blogging here. More details to possibly come at a later date.

What I’m excited about:

FULLER HOUSE COMING TO NEXTFLIX ON FRIDAY!!! Two sleeps. Two sleeps. Two sleeps. I’ve been waiting for this for what feels like forever!

What I’ve been reading/watching:

I’ll talk about what i’m reading next Wednesday, March 2nd for Bookworm Wednesday!! Link up with Katie and I for that.

As for what i’m watching…

I found a new show that I am IN LOVE with. Seriously. I watched the 2 seasons in a week. I was first intrigued when I saw Lori Loughlin starred because I’M OBSESSED WITH HER (see above “what i’m excited about”), but then when I realized it was an old western drama tv show that was it. Season 3 aired on Sunday and you all need to go watch it…this is not a drill. 🙂

And of course, i’m watching my boy. Ben is a charmer y’all. Did you watch on Monday because hometowns were awesome! I’m #teamjojo what about you??

What I’m listening to:

A fan in the background, my space heater making noise, and Pops saying goodnight. You know.

 What I’ve been wearing:

Apparently nothing of any relevance because I couldn’t find any pictures. But I will tell you it’s just been the usual workout clothes and work clothes (as usual). With some Nike shorts and fuzzy socks thrown in for good measure!

What I’m doing this weekend:

Hopefully visiting my friend who just had her baby! Other than that I work all day Friday, babysit Saturday, Church on Sunday, and then i’ll hit the gym a couple times. Nothing out of the ordinary over here!

What I’m looking forward to next month:

Oooooh, lots. February is blah to me so i’m glad it’s coming to an end. But I always look forward to March because….two words….

Spring. Break.

A week off of school, some days off of work, vacation planned. Even if it is the last Spring break i’ll ever have (sigh)…bring it on!

And then there’s baseball season starting, getting outside more, Easter, my bestie coming home from school for her birthday. So much fun to be had.

What else is new:

A LOT. But i’ve already put so much in this post, sooo that’ll have to wait.

What is my favorite Easter tradition:

When mom decorates the dining room table. Mom was an interior designer (well, still is considering that’s not something you just grow out of…lucky for me) and she makes everything look amazing all the time. I love our house around the Holidays.

Well, that’s February! Missed y’all!

What’s Up Wednesday: January

Oh, Wednesday is here! I don’t know if i’m excited about it or not! Ha!

Link up with Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for What’s Up Wednesday today. Every last Wednesday of the month, we all blog about what’s been going on with us. If you missed my posts last year, check them out!

What I’m eating:

Lately, it’s been a lot of my creamy chocolate fudge protein shake. I’m pretty sure I have one every day, if not, then every other day.

In the mornings, i’m swearing by my toast (I love the charred black on it so I like to burn my toast), avocado smeared on top, and then scrambled egg whites on top of that. Throw on some pace picante and you have a nutritious, filling breakfast.

I made my peanut butter cup protein pie when Morgan was home…and all I got was ONE SLICE and it was gone. She ate the whole thing in like 2 days. It’s good, friends, it’s good.

What I’m reminiscing about:

Well, since I just mentioned Morgan…i’m reminiscing about her being home this past month. She was excited to go back but we had some fun while she was here!

What I’m loving:

Lately, it’s been sleep. When I can get some sleep that is…I feel like i’m constantly tired. Monday night I crashed around 11:30, like didn’t even get my episode of One Tree Hill in because I was so tired. Well yeah, I woke up at 8:15 yesterday morning with no reason to. WHY BODY, WHY?

What we’ve been up to:

Mom has been gone this week visiting her dad so my pops and I have been watching The OC together like we used to. Other than that, we’re just trying to survive on leftovers, dirty laundry, and paper plates 😉 I kid about all that…we’re self-sufficient when she’s gone but it’s easier when she’s doing all those things. Haha

What I’m dreading:

Probably if anything, work this weekend. I’m working two jobs while i’m going to school full-time, so the last thing I want to do is wait tables on the weekends. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

What I’ve been working on:

Creating a healthy balance for myself…

Between work, school, sleep, exercise, food, seeing my family, a social life, and “me time” i’m just trying to find the right balance in a healthy way. Feel free to let me know if you’ve mastered it all. Share your tips!

My blog friend Angie did a great job talking about self care in her guest post, you should read it here.

What I’m excited about:

I officially activated my gym membership on Sunday. So now that i’m “up and running”, i’m ready to keep on it with my group exercise classes…but also (because this is just me) i’m a little nervous because now i’m like “I won’t like it”, “This is 2 years”, “What if I get bored with it?”, you know…just being my normal anxiety-filled self. Working on that too!

What I’ve been reading/watching:

I talk about what i’m reading on next Wednesday, February 3 for Bookworm Wednesday!! You should link up with Katie and I for that.

At night, you can find me re-watching an episode of One Tree Hill before bed. Am I the only one that loves the older seasons better?? I kind of feel like that’s how it is with all my shows though. My dad and I are thinking of not even going into season 3 of the OC because it gets all dark on us.

What I’m listening to:

Right now, i’m typing this post during my break in between classes so i’m hearing students walking around, typing, talking, etc while i’m playing NF radio on Pandora.

But when I get out of my night class, i’m heading home to finish watching this week’s Bachelor episode! Watching some of my favorite shows has become my “me time” lately when I need to relax!

What I’ve been wearing:

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, these leggings (well and other pairs) are on. When i’m sitting in classes all day I do not want to be uncomfortable. I always have some leggings and a t-shirt/tank/sweatshirt on.

And then MWF,

I’m wearing my work clothes with my coffee. Coffee is part of my uniform on those days. It’s just what M,W, F calls for 🙂

What I’m doing this weekend:

I’m working Friday night, which i’m bummed about because I could have gone to a family dinner.

Saturday is going to be my relaxation day. I usually always try to have one day each weekend where I don’t have anything to do. This gives me time for exercise, schoolwork, blogging, etc. I totally recommend this if you’re not doing it already!

Sunday i’ll probably do some yoga before I work the dinner shift at work.

What I’m looking forward to next month:

Next month, i’m looking forward to…uh…nothing right now. There’s honestly nothing about February that gets me excited. It’s cold, there isn’t a holiday off from school. Well I guess I can be excited because it is a short month???

Oh wait, I know…

Fuller House premiering at the end of the month!!

What else is new:

Nothing that I haven’t already shared!

What is my favorite Valentine’s Day treat:

As I looked at this question, I definitely thought of those little Debbie chocolate brownies with the icing and sprinkles. So random, but that’s what came to mind! However, #thankyougluten I can’t have them. Maybe i’ll try and make my own??

Last year, I made a heart shaped cake for my family because i’m #sosweet 🙂

Nothing too exciting, but that’s what’s up this month!

Bookworm Wednesday – November

I’m honestly still in shock that it’s November. Yes, it felt like August when August came around. It felt like September. It felt like October. But it just doesn’t feel like November. I just love this month though.

And that’s exactly why. I mean I love October, November, December. Those three months are my favorite time of year. Because…family. You all know i’m all about family. So put that together with family, the happiness of the holidays, the weather, and you’ve got one happy Molly! 🙂

And now that it’s the first Wednesday of November…

…it’s time to get our Bookworm on.

I had a lot going on this October and didn’t get around to reading anything other than textbooks and articles to write papers on (again). So instead of telling you what I didn’t read…this is what i’m planning on reading this month. That’s if I can ever stop binge watching this:

I watched an entire season this weekend and I have #noshame. My goal has been to get caught up so I can watch this season as it’s been airing. All of my free time was spent eating leftover Halloween candy and Scandal watching on Sunday. And Saturday too. Ha!

Oh yes, back to what we were talking about. So when i’m not watching Scandal this November (i’m really going to try and back off a little bit), i’m planning on reading/ordering these books below.

1. I want to finish up something borrowed. I started it month’s ago and it’s been on my Bookworm posts ever since. I really need to just finish it.

2. Elin Hilderbrand anything.

I’ve seen in Shay’s book posts that she (and many others) love Elin Hilderbrand. So I figured I might as well give her a try and see if I like her books too!

3. Paul Miller’s A Praying Life

My pastor spoke about this book one Sunday and i’ve been wanting to read it ever since. Actually, any book he recommends I usually want to read.

Don’t forget that all the books i’ve read in the past are on my Shop My page. You really need to check them out. Such great deals!! Okay, so tell me what else I need to be reading. I need to order some more books…today!! No seriously, i’m probably placing an Amazon order today so help a girl out!

Please and thank you!

November Pin-spired!

Well, I thought that Pin-Spired was going to be on Wednesday because um I don’t know why? But then of course after I did my daily Shay and Sheaffer blog stalking on Friday I found out it was Monday with Mel, too. And then all of a sudden I got all “holy crap I can’t be my normal procrastinating self and wait until Tuesday” panicky. *Cue me getting on Pinterest during my 8am Friday lecture*

So I’m searching Pinterest and all, right? I can’t seem to understand why nothing is popping out in my face and inspiring me to get Pin-Spired. Then I got mad at Pinterest and broke up with her for a day. (No it wasn’t me being moody and cranky in my 8am lecture. How dare you think that!) Saturday I was drinking some hot chocolate and I thought I should apologize to Pinterest for being breaking up with her and try again. So, I got back on and started scrolling, then it hit me….I’m not finding anything popping out at me because it’s all so SIMPLE! I know that the holidays are coming up, so we tend to spend less on our own outfits and clothes and more on presents, obviously. This is that difficult “there’s so many things I want but I have to wait until after Christmas” time. Therefore, I thought this was the perfect month for turning the simple pieces of your wardrobe into simply comfy, cozy, cute outfits. November’s Pin-spired is brought to you thanks to Pinterest being forgiving and that hot chocolate on Saturday. Let’s check out…

SIMPLICITY!

*Because most of my outfits were pieces in my closet put together, some clothing recommendations might not be exact, but most are.*
Also, Target is offering free shipping and save 20% when you spend $75 on clothing, shoes, and accessories!! Links under the pictures.

Simplicity #1:

becauseshannasaidso

This outfit just screams my name. Leopard, leggings, boots, and military green. I think I started drooling once I came across this outfit. Here’s my version…

Leopard Scarf//Black Legging Pants//Green Tunic Option//Another Green Jacket Option//Brown Boots//Layering Tank
The brown boots I linked to got 4.7 stars and have a quilted part. They look amazing! Also, I do believe that thanks to the tank it covers the crotchal area. So I think I pass Sheaffer’s test!!

Simplicity #2:

source

For the not so cold, cold days you can throw on a sweatshirt shirt with a scarf of your choice, jeans, and booties. Because why not? It’s a comfortable, easy outfit. Especially for a day you’re just hanging around the house.


Grey Sweatshirt Shirt (ON CLEARANCE)//Navy Scarf//Black Booties//Skinny Jeans

Simplicity #3:

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I love a long cardigan. This one is super soft. Now, I don’t really wear heels except for fancy occasions, but I love a good pair of booties so I chose that instead with a long necklace.

 Charcoal Cardigan//Layering Tank//Black Legging Pants//Black Booties//Long necklace (cute tassle option)

Simplicity #4:

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Another staple that I believe EVERY closet needs. Women, men, kids, whomever…need. a. denim. shirt.! And you will see why I say that in the rest of this post. Instead of the military green pants in this collage, I used grey pants. And then as we know from Shay, that #leopardisaneautral (the link is the first post that I saw her actually say it) I throw leopard in my outfits as often as possible. The scarf and the flats. Oh my goodness. I love.

Leopard scarf//Denim Shirt//Grey Legging Pants//Leopard flats

Simplicity #5:

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This is absolutely the most simple outfit in the world. If you’re ever in one of those “omg I have no clothes I hate my closet (when it’s full of clothes) mood” that I go through at least once a week..this is super easy to pull together.

Leopard scarf//Denim shirt//Black Legging Pants//Brown Boots

Right about now is when I got “the look” from my brothers. The why are you running by us every minute in different, random clothes all excited look. All I said was #FTB (for the blog). They just don’t understand. Boys…

Simplicity #6:

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I fell in love with this outfit, it was definitely one of my favorites. First of all girl in the emerald, you’re ADORABLE! and I can’t find her on Pinterest, so sad. I didn’t have emerald in my closet but I did find this loose fitting flowy shirt in the closet and knew this was the one. Look, i’ve even got my cup of coffee like she does. 🙂 I love the back of this shirt. It doesn’t show your bra in the back, which I love because it’s such a pain having to change your bra in order to cooperate with a piece of clothing.

Scarf//Shirt//Skinny Jeans//Tall Black Boots (version of the brown)

(I think Sheaffer’s case for over-the-knee boots would apply here)

Simplicity #7:

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Sometimes it’s cold outside but I don’t feel like I need to bundle up completely, maybe just wear a warm sweater. Maybe because i’m from Texas and am used to it being warm. I really don’t know. But I liked this outfit. A good sweater = a good day. See, i’m cuddling with myself because i’m so warm and cozy. There those leopard flats come making an appearance. And i’m sure it would look cute with the scarf too if I wanted that.

Sweater Jacket//Layering Tank//Jeans Rolled up//Leopard flats

Simplicity #8:

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I do understand that not many people probably have this outfit in their closets and it’s not simple, but when I saw this on Pinterest and knew I had some funky leggings, I had to show it. There’s something about funky leggings that can brighten your day and your look. The second picture is me thinking “Ohhh I don’t know if I look completely ridiculous or cute but I like it either way”. There’s that darn denim shirt again. How dare this piece of clothing be so versatile!! 😉 I’m telling you. It does wonders.

Scarf (not exact, but would look good with leggings)//Denim shirt//Fun leggings

Simplicity #9

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Dear Sheaffer, (if you can’t tell I love her blog. she can rock anything. check it out if you haven’t already) yes, I am absolutely, most definitely, positively, one thousand percent crazy MAD FOR PLAID! You nailed your post, and I hope I can do it some justice here. This is also such an easy outfit for a fall day when it’s chilly but not freezing. And check out the totally awesome striped elbow pads on this shirt. Love. I wanted some height to this outfit so I threw on my booties. And the best part is you can accessorize this outfit however you want.

Plaid shirt//Skinny Jeans//Black Booties

Like throwing the navy scarf in there.

Navy Scarf

I really hope you were inspired to pull out your simple clothing pieces to throw together some cute, cozy, and comfy outfits this holiday month or get some of these very versatile closet staples. Happy Monday after Halloween!!!! I know i’m well rested after that extra hour yesterday.

PSA: even when you’re cranky and tired don’t break up with Pinterest because she really is good to you and might save your procrastinating self some day.

Don’t forget what I said earlier! Target is offering free shipping and save 20% when you spend $75 on clothing, shoes, and accessories!!

Please note, this post contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links may result in compensation for the blog author. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.

PINTERESTed in: Leopard Flats

I decided to start a new series today called “PINTERESTed in” where i’ll find something all over Pinterest and just have to show you because it really interests me…get it?? They will be things that you just have to have. Feel free to link up to me!

So friends, if you’ve been hanging around here long enough you are well aware of my love affair with leopard print. You know that

So, that being said I just got this pair of leopard flats AND I’M IN LOVE. Really and truly, why get married, when I have already found my soulmate. Yes! they go with EVERYTHING…and get this?! $17….SEVENTEEN DOLLARS. Look at that again. $17 for a soulmate. Yep, never getting married.

I even talked my mom into buying herself a pair. And she just couldn’t put them back because of how comfortable they were. I totally sold her on the idea that they can match just everything! (Her pair not online, sorry!)

BUT THESE BABIES ARE MINE!!!!

HERE they are. I like them because they are scrunchy and form fitting.

Don’t like my pair? I’ve found you others!!!

Women’s Odell Flats HERE

Leopard Trina Loafers HERE

 

Sorry this picture is so blurry. BUT LOOK AT THE CUTE BOW!
Sam and Libby Chelsea Bow HERE

Madeline Flats (Model #2) HERE

So you look at my picture and say, yeah Molly those look okay, but why do I want these? Because friend, all. the. cool. people. are. doing. it. I’ve found similar clothing items all from Target (because…bargains), they are having a special deal going on!! Please know these are not exact. However,  spend $50, get FREE shipping. FREE RETURNS. AND BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF CLOTHING, SHOES, AND ACCESSORIES!!!!

 Ashley Olson has paired hers with a leather jacket, white shirt, and distressed jeans.

Black leather jacket HERE
A White blouse HERE
Cute distressed jeans HERE
Similar black tote HERE

Sheaffer over at Pinterest Told Me To has hers paired with a brown/cognac leather jacket and stripped dress.

Cream Stripe Dress HERE
Juniors Floor Length Stripe Dress HERE
 Leather Jacket HERE (select Cognac)
Gold Jewelry that would look great with Cognac HERE

Shay over at Mix and Match Family has hers paid will rolled-up jeans, and a buffalo check shirt. She always says Leopard is a neutral. I totally agree!! How else would it go with everything??

Similar plaid tunic HERE
Light roll-up jeans HERE

Random Pinterest model #1 has hers with just a regular ol’ sweatshirt and jeans.

Similar color pull-over sweater HERE
Essential Jeans HERE
Leopard print sunglasses HERE (I had to!!!)
Black stiff tote HERE

 Random Pinterest model #2 has hers with a white blouse, and red jeans.

Red leggings HERE
Flowy White blouse HERE
White statement Pearl Necklace HERE
Women’s Leopard Flats HERE
Love your pairing with the leopard belt, model #2. Well done.

Radom Pinterest model #3 is looking comfy and casual with blue shorts, a plain black shirt, and a statement necklace. And a delicious looking drink, whatever it is.  

Blue shorts (on clearance) HERE
Simple black blouse HERE
Statement necklace HERE

And cute Pinterest model #4 has her black leggings and long red coat. Cozy!!!

 Black leggings/skinny jeans HERE
Red Coat HERE
Women’s Red Jacket (Check out the dress underneath) HERE
 Paired With Black Jeans HERE
Similar Black Purse HERE

AND PEOPLE! You can’t let this adorable little girl show you up??? Get. The. Flats. TODAY! You won’t be disappointed.

Here are more options and color combinations thrown together for you:

Happy Shopping! Live on, leopard!

#FoodieToosdy Week 9

 Fall food is officially in the air! Last Thursday was a total weather changer for us. All last weekend was in the 60’s and 70’s. Soooo cozy. I’m a total cold weather loving girl. I had my fan going all weekend because I was getting hot. But really there’s nothing better than cozying up in 60 and 70 degree weather with some good ol’ supper.

This week I FINALLY tried Andrea’s pulled pork recipe that Shay swears by. You guys, I finally get it. This is the most flavorful delicious pulled pork I think  know i’ve ever had.

I had everything out and I put it all (by all I mean THREE INGREDIENTS) in the crock pot at 6:30 Wednesday morning.

1 pork shoulder
1 onion, chopped
2 cans soda (I used coca-cola)

This is Shay’s picture of Andrea’s pulled pork.

How to:

In your slow cooker, place your pork and onion pieces inside.  Pour your soda on top of everything and cover and cook on high at least 8 to 10 hours.

Remove the lid after 8 to 10 hours and the meat should be falling a part at the touch of your fork.  Remove all of the meat from the slow cooker into a bowl and then drain your slow cooker of the onions and liquid.  Add your meat back to the slow cooker and shred it up with two forks.  Stir in as much of your BBQ sauce as you like.  At this point, you can serve immediately or you can turn the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting and let it stay warm up to 4 or 5 hours until you’re ready to eat.

Here’s how mine looked.

When I was finished with classes, errands, and about to go nanny, I finished it up. Is it not beautiful?!

So by 4:30 when everyone’s rollin’ it I had it all set up, for the family to eat whenever they were hungry.

Can I please tell you that I have THE most picky brothers on the planet. One bite into his sandwich the 14 year old says “Wow, this is really good.” The next day the other brother asked for “that BBQ thing” again. My dad had two bowls that night, took it for lunch the next day, had it for dinner another night, and lunch on Saturday. We had a container of leftovers and it’s almost gone. My mom and sister didn’t even get to try it.

 

Now, my next recipe that I tried (because I was in the fall mood) was Shay’s Chicken Fajita Soup

Mmmmmm y’all. It doesn’t make you feel stuffed, it’s the easiest thing to make, and it’s very healthy and full of protein.

Here’s Shay’s…

Get:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (frozen or thawed)
1 onion, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can chopped green chiles
1 package taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons Chili Powder) (I actually used fajita seasoning that we had)
3 cups chicken stock (or water)
1 can (10oz) nacho cheese soup (on the soup aisle)
1 cup frozen corn (I used canned corn)
1 cup prepared rice (I made minute brown rice in the microwave)
Sour cream, tortilla chips, green onions to garnish

How to:

Layer chicken, onion, beans, Rotel and green chiles in your slow cooker. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over everything. Pour chicken stock on top. Cover and cook on low 6 to 8 hours or on high 3 to 4 hours.

Remove lid, using two forks, shred chicken right inside the slow cooker. Add can of nacho soup, corn and prepared rice, stir and cover cooking another 10 to 15 minutes.

Garnish with your favorite toppings.

Here’s mine in the slow cooker yesterday.

And I added some avocado to mine and absolutely loved it!

I’d say over anything don’t forget the Nacho Cheese Soup…I would have never thought about that, but personally I think that’s what makes this soup. My dad told me he had three bowls, my sister really enjoyed it, and I did as well. I can’t wait to see what my mom says when she comes home.

So, thank you ladies for the meals this past week!

#everydaymollay: August Edition

Let me just start today by saying: Red Sox beat the Yanks last night, woot woot!!!! I’m sure Mix and Match Mama is just as excited as I am!

Wow, another month has already gone by! It just so happened that my #everydaymollay fell on Labor Day this year. #everydaymollay is usually on the last day of the month, but I thought I would hold off until Labor Day to show you what I did. So here.we.go.

I’ve been staying at the house I was watching this weekend, so first things first. Gotta take out Daisy about 7/8am:

 

I don’t think she’s feelin’ me this morning. After we hang out for a little while, I had to leave so I could get home in time and head off to work.

Once I get off around 2, I come home and guess what we are doing?

Cleaning out the garage today. I get home from work to work around the house. Aye, Aye, Aye! But seriously, we’ve lived in this house for so many years and I have the biggest pack-rat parents…I don’t know if that’s even spelled right…but they do not get rid of anything. I’m just proud they started on the garage. It looks so much better!

About 4:00 it’s time to let Daisy out again. Are we becoming friends yet, homie??

 

Maybe a little bit. I decided to do my run at their house for a little change of scenery. Getting my goal #3 from my September list started!

HA! Why didn’t anyone tell me how stupid I am? It’s 96 degrees outside and in the heat of the day I decide it’s a great time for a run. Look people, there are my running shoes again!!

I come back from my run and after I cool down and stretch Daisy and I have a little play time.

She did not want ANYTHING to do with me the first time I went over on Thursday, but now she’s diggin’ me.

I got home, showered, and my family and I sit down for Labor Day dinner about 7:00.
What is it you ask? Duhhh, burgers and brats (forgive my cheese, it doesn’t melt) #lactosefreeprobs, fries, watermelon, and a Giada vegetable recipe. Yum!

After the dishes are all done, I go back to work in my room. And about 9:00 it’s time to let out Daisy. Look at those li’l puppy dog eyes! She gets the hang of our routine by the time I get over there at night, just so we can do it again.

So on Labor Day I labored all. day. But actually, it was fun. I told you I like to work. I’m an odd bird.

Link to my page and show me what a day in your life looks like!!