Here & Now

7 Fall Finds Under $100

I am just ecstatic about this concept board.  Shall I dare discuss Fall fashion yet? xo

1. Earrings   House of Harlow 1960 - Sunburst Button Earring   $30.00

2. Blazer   Ark & Co. - Pop Blazer   $59.00

3. Ring   Sabine - Faceted Statement Ring   $24.00

4. Blouse   Collective Concepts - Color Block Blouse   $69.00 

5. Jegging   Free People - Biker Babe Legging   $98.00

6. Bootie   Michael Antonio - Moxby   $59.00 

7. Cuff   Hive & Honey - Geometric Stretch Bracelet   $28.00 

Find all of these fabulous finds at Piperlime.com! 

Put the Clutch In

A vibrant clutch adds the perfect amount of flair to any summer outfit.  Realistically, size does matter.  The BIGGER the better.  Don't be afraid to make a serious statement when selecting this must-have summer accessory.  Dare to be bold and invest in an over-sized, envelope-style; neon, floral or sparkly metallic clutch.  Tis the season to strut your stuff; why not carry an attention-grabbing clutch while you're at it?

Cherry Blossoms

You ask, “Where have you been?”  My honest answer: I’m not sure!  Maybe I left my mind on the beaches of San Carlos, Mexico—or I could just blame my absence on my impatient mind wandering 24/7.  Bottom line, I’ve absolutely been MIA.  Quite honestly there is a relative correlation between blog writing and my quality of life; therefore, I feel it’s necessary to pay a little (and by a little, I mean a lot) more attention to my blog. 

Oh, and I guess spring is finally here.  Hooray!  That sure happened over night, huh?  There’s not too much blooming here in Flagstaff but I am aware other cities have been graced with the debut of the gorgeous cherry blossoms.  How delightful!

Oh, I am finally getting my hair done for the first time in an embarrassing 3 to 4 months, tonight.  I think it was my budget-friendly attempt at giving myself a natural looking ombre look.  Ha!  I am giving Lauren Conrad, Drew Barymore and all of the fashion-forward ombre hotties a run for their money!   My stylist, bless her heart, has her work cut out for her tonight.  Goodbye, tattered tresses!  Although, for as much as I desperately feel I need a color and trim, I am really loving my hair today.  It’s hard to part with a mane only comparable to a bushel of golden straw…

Oh, and I also read the Hunger Games and saw the movie directly afterwards.  The book was, as no surprise, much better then the film.  But, the movie was entertaining and I’m glad I saw it on the big screen. 

I am most certainly looking forward to a relaxing Easter weekend.

What are your plans for the upcoming holiday?

Getting Some Air

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In today’s case "getting air" may mean being swept away in a treacherous wind tunnel.  We are anticipating a Pacific winter storm from the west to roll in this evening and dump 3 to 8” inches of snow.  I am comfortable with the prospect of more snow (more snow = more skiing on the weekend and I am totally okay with that!).   

However, being outdoors today is just plain uncomfortable, the wind gives no mercy!  I am looking forward to Zumba after work and creating a delicious pot of turkey chili with my sweet babe this evening.  Reading a book or magazine could easily be worked into the evening agenda, too.  Monday, you’ve been good to me.  Thank you!

Bootie

Kendi, rocking the nude bootie!

The bootie, oh the bootie!  The bootie is a shoe you can’t go wrong with.  It's a versatile, stylish and comfortable alternative to a pump or a knee-high boot. 

Here's some reason's why the bootie is simply the best:

1.  No need to fuss with knee-high boots if you sport thick calves or muscular legs. Go ahead and give your legs some breathing room while still sustaining the appearance of wearing a boot. 

2.  You can wear booties with trousers, bootleg or flair style jeans or pants; however, the skinny jean looks best.  Try rolling up the cuff of the jean to create a fun and fresh look!  Exposing ankle is sexy, right?

3.  Unlike flats, the booties traditionally have a modest to high-heel, most baring just a modest heel.  Anytime I can get away with wearing a heel, I will.  I am odd in the fact that I cannot stand flats and the bootie is a fabulous alternative to pulling off a casual but put-together look. 

4.  Comfortable.  Every pair of bootie that I have owned has been extremely comfortable.  When a shoe is comfortable you wear it and that is a good investment.

5.  Cross-seasonal.  Don’t know if I just made that term up but what I’m saying is that you can honestly wear the bootie year-round if you style correctly.  Winter; with skinnies and an oversized sweater.  Spring; with a maxi skirt and cotton tee.  Summer; with boyfriend jeans and a flirty tank.  Fall; with tights and a blazer.

6.  Can be dressed casual or fashionably chic.  Fun colors?  Sign me up.  Pointy or almond toe?  Work appropriate.  Check, check and check.

The most conflicting issue of all. . .  which to choose?  With such variety in style and selection I would recommend buying a nude or neutral pair first.  Nude is chic and will elongate the look of your legs (and will go with just about…anything).  If you feel inclined; buy in multiples!  Once you find the perfect pair, see if it comes it different colors. 

What is your favorite way to style the bootie?

Report; $99

Scarf Season

Scarf fashions

It's officially scarf season.  Here's a fantastic visual of how versatile a scarf can be!  Keep your neck warm using one of these fancy styles.  

I wore Number 9 today, how about you?

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Paula Dean's Sweet Potato Biscuits

I don't know if it is just the change of season but I am feeling the impulse to bake... a lot!  I'm feeling inspired by all of the amazing holiday recipes and I recently ran across a sweet potato biscuit recipe that sparked my interest.  Needless to say, I ended up making the sweet potato biscuits and they tasted phenomenal and were no chore to make. It is helpful if you have mashed sweet potatoes prepared prior to baking this recipe-- great for using left-overs! Just a few ingredients and a few dirtied dishes later make for a worthwhile baking experience!

Paula Dean's Sweet Potato Biscuits 

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 heaping tablespoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter
• 2 to 4 tablespoons milk (depending on the moisture of the potatoes)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate, large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes and butter. Add the flour mixture to the potato mixture and mix to make a soft dough. Then add milk a tablespoon at a time to mixture and continue to cut in. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and toss lightly until the outside of the dough looks smooth. Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits on a greased pan and coat tops with melted butter. Bake for about 15 minutes. (Watch your oven: If the biscuits are browning too fast, lower the temperature.)

Subsitutions & changes to the recipe:  I did not use a biscuit cutter to form my biscuits.  I just rolled my hands in flour, formed a ball of dough in between my hands, placed the biscuit on a non-greased pan and flattened the top out a little.  I also didn't cook my biscuits for the full suggested cooking time of 15 mins.  Cooking in high altitude sometimes can be tricky but my biscuits came out SUPER moist.  Make sure you don't forget the drizzle of butter on top before you bake, it adds sweet texture and yummy flavor to the end product!  Forget about adding extra butter for serving--the biscuits are super rich on their own.  Dollop a bit of honey on top--presto!

Yummo.

Airborne

Tis the season... for traveling!

It is ritual that I always over pack.  Use the diagram above to thoughfully plan what to pack for your next holiday expedition.  What an abundance of possibilities!  Minimalism, please be my friend this holiday season!

Trendsetting: Fur

Fur Vest // $19.95    Sweater // $9.95

Okay, I am freaking out over the new "Winter Collection" by H&M, that has been introduced today.  Common theme: fur, fur and more delectable.. fur!  Faux fur, that is.  Fur vests and scarves, polished leather jackets, cozy and roomy sweaters are definitely putting me in the mood for a change of season!  Too much fun.

Warm

Oh hey there, Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha, you naughty little devil!  I had the pleasure of sipping a cup of this goodness while commuting on a business a few weeks ago and it quickly turned around my attitude.  What a tasty, delightful treat!

Consider yourself warned, this beverage has the potential to put a huge smile on your face for no reason at all.

So, if you are looking for a seasonal and indulgent treat--look no further than the Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha.  Plus, everyone knows after the 20th cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season, you are looking for alternatives.  Try something new!

Keeping up with the Times

One of my mild and ongoing obsessions this year has been the statement watch.  Whether it be Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Timex or Fossil; each piece is just as stunning as the next.  

What to look for?  A piece that is feminine but still maintains the classic menswear look.  I love bling--but best to not go overboard if buying as an investment piece to wear for years to come.  Another striking feature? A mother of pearl inlay. 

As the holidays approach, my mind wonders to hues of gold timepieces and I think I know what to put on my Christmas list...