Halloween Colors

Happy Halloween! So even though I am not the biggest fan of Halloween (even though it is a fall holiday), I wanted to try and get in the spirit for the day.  My husband and I will be going to a costume party later tonight at a friend's house, and we are going to dress up.  I'm excited to see what everyone will be at the party, and I love to see how creative people get for the occasion.  You'll have to wait until later tonight to see who we decided to be...

But for the day, I decided to be Halloween colors.  Simple, easy, and maybe a little bit spooky.  Enjoy the weekend, eat too much candy, tell a few bad jokes, and have fun!

Xo,
Laura

Outfit Details:

Sweater: Vince (similar style) | Skirt: French Connection (similar style) | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Purse: Stella McCartney

Friday Night Out

It's been a long week, you need someone to cook for you, and you definitely need that glass of champagne.  As much as I love to cook at home with my husband most days of the week, sometimes by the time Friday rolls around, we need a break from the stove and oven mits.     

Last Friday night my husband and I decided to put on some nicer clothes (meaning something other than our usual jeans and a sweatshirt) and head out to try a new restaurant.  We were away for the weekend so it was a great excuse to give somewhere we had never been a taste test.    

It was nice to get a little dressed up, brush my hair, and put on a pair of heels.  Every once in a while a dinner out is needed to spend a little extra time looking at each other and having a meaningful conversation.  So many nights we cook up a storm and then from exhaustion, sit down at our table and turn on the TV to watch episodes of Scandal (I know, it's a good time pretty much most nights).  

But tonight I am encouraging you to put on that special sweater or new boots, experiment with a new lip color, and find a new restaurant to try or make a reservation at your favorite spot.  It's good to love home, but it's also necessary to get away for a few hours to realize how much you love home and how much you love when other people cook for you.  Enjoy your Friday night out and have a great weekend!

Xxo,
Laura

Sweater: 360 cashmere (similar style) | Pants: J Brand | Heels: Sam Edelman | Bag: Stella McCartney

Unwind right at Home

The days seem to be getting darker sooner, but for me they are feeling more full.  Days are so filled with a million things to do at work, taking care of six animals, trying to keep our house clean, and with the little time left socializing with family and friends.  Honestly, by the time my head hits the pillow I am always astonished with how the day went so quickly.  

Some days are more stressful than others and with that I am always looking for a good way to wind down.  Sometimes it's just with an extra glass of wine or a good book.  Last night my mind and body needed something together to relax.  

First it was necessary to get outside and take a breath of fresh air, literally.  We packed up the pups and went for a walk to enjoy the fall scenery.  It felt so good to just move, and that's it.  Allowing your eyes to do the thinking and let the rest of your senses relax is a nice way to focus your energy.  

After our walk, it was too late to find a local yoga class and my husband and I really didn't feel like leaving the house, but we wanted to stretch and relax more.  So, trying to use what we have, my husband got a fire started (hello hot yoga), I lit some candles, got out our yoga mats and an old yoga DVD, and surprisingly our family room was transformed into our own yoga studio.  With the blinds closed to set the mood, I was transformed into a space so peaceful and quiet I couldn't believe it was my own home.  Every time I finish a yoga class I always feel energized and relaxed at the same time and I love that lasting feeling.  

The evening would not have been complete with out a soothing, hot bath to finish the day.  I've included a picture of some of my favorite calming bath products (obviously red wine is included).  The smell of lavender and candle light sends me to another level of tranquility that some nights you just need.

So by the time my head hit the pillow last night, I still had a feeling of deja vu when pulling back the covers, but this time, I didn't really care.  I was too relaxed and peaceful to mind that the day was long, tiring, and went by way too fast.  But I was grateful for an evening to truly unwind, mainly in my own home.  I encourage you to find a way to make your a home a little more peaceful tonight.  Whether that includes your favorite book and a cup of tea by the fire or a leisurely walk with your friends, find a way to make your very own space your very own relaxation area.  Pour a glass of wine, get in that bubble bath, and breath.   Be grateful for having another day and knowing you will be ready for the next one to come.

Xo,
Laura

Bubble bath: Aveeno | Bath oil: Jo Malone | Face Mask: Naturopathica | Candle: Diptyque 

Slight Pumpkin Obsession

For those of you who share my pumpkin obsession, I think you will find this image enjoyable and pumpkin shopping made easy.  I don't know where this pumpkin craze of mine exactly comes from or why I overindulge it far too often.  Maybe the cozy feeling of fall makes me feel happier and warmer, the taste of pumpkin is just that delectable, or the whole package of fall is only complete with a little pumpkin overload.  For all the reasons listed, I am sharing some of my favorite pumpkin finds this fall season.  

Xo,
Laura


1. Williams-Sonoma Sour Pumpkin Gummies

2. Crate and Barrel covered pumpkin pie dish

3. Nest Pumpkin Chai classic candle

4. Pottery Barn mercury pumpkins

5. Crate and Barrel pumpkin wine stopper

6. Hot Skwash velvet pumpkins 

Fall Reading List

When the nights come earlier, the air is cooler, and my sweatpants are worn more often, I find myself quite often curled up on the sofa reading a new book.  I am easily pleased with a glass of red wine, a burning fire and an entertaining paperback in my hands.  I tend to go to Barnes and Noble with the intention of buying one book in particular, but am drawn to other  book shelves and tables, luring me in with new cover photos and the fresh smell of paper (book lovers you know what I am talking about, non-book lovers, you think I'm crazy). 

I have recently been enjoying more cookbooks and biographies with my usual fictional reads on the list.  Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist is a great combination of short stories and recipes combined neatly together.  The title itself was enough to draw me in (bread and wine, do we really need anything more?), but her writing and cooking tips keep my attention.  The Glitter Plan is an amazing book written by the two creators of Juicy Couture.  It is an amazing journey the two women embarked upon, working hard to create an empire while still maintaining a great friendship and a booming business.  

Someday, Someday, Maybe is written by Lauren Graham (yes, the Lauren Graham for all of you Gilmore Girls fans out there).  I am actually in the middle of reading this book right now and I can't put it down.  It follows a young actress try to make her dream of performing on Broadway come true while struggling to make it in New York City.  This is a story I feel I will never do, but love to read about anyway. 

So after you pick-up your new fall books (all available online at Barnes and Noble), find your cozy spot, pour yourself a glass of wine or a cup of tea and let yourself fall into another story or another adventure.  Let these books give your mind the chance to wander and dream.  You never know where a new book will lead you.  

Xo,

Laura

1. Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
2. Bread and wine by Shauna Niequist
3. The Glitter Plan by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor
4. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
5. A Paris Apartment by Michelle Gable

Into the Woods

It's Friday and another beautiful fall weekend is ahead of us.  Every weekend my husband and I enjoy getting outside with our three dogs and taking advantage of the amazing fall scenery and colors.  Whether you go for a hike, a stroll around your neighborhood, or a nice walk through the woods, just get outside.  The fresh, crisp air is good for your lungs and for the soul.  I promise.  And if you can take some pictures with an extra cute Beagle, consider yourself lucky.  Have a great weekend!

Xo,

Laura

Shirt: Three Dots (similar style, similar style) | Vest: L.L. Bean | Jeans: AG Jeans | Boots: L.L. Bean | Socks: J. Crew | Beagle:  My own

Fall Beauty Essentials

When the weather changes, my skin changes.  Sometimes I need a little more moisture, some more protection, and a little extra help hiding some blemishes and dark circles.  And as the weather changes, the morning light is less and I don't give myself much time to get ready.  My daily beauty routine is pretty simple and involves minimal effort (I like to get ready in under ten minutes most days).  

I've recently come across the Caudalie line, which is from Bordeaux, France created from the family's vineyard.  The vines and the grapes grown there contain life-changing ingredients for your skin, and the company has a beautiful origin and story of amazing growth here on their website.  I am also an advocate for products NOT tested on animals and these products are not tested on our beloved animals.  I am finding I love every Caudalie product I try, but my two favorite essentials are using their Vinosource face serum right after washing my face in the morning and later in the day using the Beauty Elixir spray for the best face refresher ever (you seriously feel like you just got a mini facial at a spa).  

I've been using the Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 for my daily face cream and cover up and then I follow with the YSL Radiant Touch corrector to help brighten my eyes and cover any redness.  

I am able to easily refresh my hair with the Unite dry shampoo to help my hair last a few extra hours (or days, slightly ashamed) before I wash it again.  With a few sprays of my favorite perfume, I'm finished.  The nail polish is an added bonus if I have time to paint my nails.  I don't always treat myself to a manicure, but I have a strange enjoyment with collecting nail polish-the colors just make me happy!  These two Essie polishes are my go-to fall hues.  

Shop these products with the links below or share your favorite fall beauty must-haves here with me! 

Xo,

Laura

Essie Polish Colors: Smokin Hot and Carry On | Perfume: Chanel COCO Mademoiselle Spray | Dry Shampoo: Unite 75seconds Refresher | Face Serum: Caudalie Vinsosource | Beauty Elixir: Caudalie | Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier | Radiant Touch: YSL | Candle: Diptyque

Weekday Style

Coat: Vince | Sweater: Vince | Jeans: J Brand | Boots: Russell and Bromley (similar style) | Leg warmers: Nicole Miller (similar style) | Hat: Adora (similar style , similar style) | Bag: Tom Ford

After this weekend, I think the fall weather is here to stay.  So I am embracing the crisp, cool air and adding layers to my outfits.  This coat I know I have shown before, but it is just so easy to throw on and keeps me warm-and it's still 60% off!  I purchased the leg warmers at Tj Maxx, but many styles are available from different designers right now for the season.  So get your warmer layers out or shop this look, be adventurous and try a new style (I'm loving hats right now), and bundle up to enjoy the fall weather.  

Xo,

Laura

A Plaid kind of Weekend

It's Friday.  It's the first weekend in October.  It's Fall.  All of this means it's time for more plaid and getting outside to enjoy this beautiful fall weather.  Have a great weekend!

Xo,
Laura

Jacket: Elliott Lauren, past season (Forever 21  has similar style) | Tank top: Gap | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity (on sale!) | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, past season (similar style, similar style) | Nail Polish: Essie-Fishnet Stockings

Think Pink this October

Officially October, officially Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Today I want to keep the writing simple and the message clear.  These products below are meant to represent the greater cause of spreading breast cancer awareness to all women and families.  It is to honor those who have fought through this battle, those who put forth efforts to find a cure, and those who continue to raise funds to promote awareness, resources, and hope to those facing breast cancer.  With a simple click on the links below and a small donation that includes you being able to keep a wonderful product, you can become a part of this inspiring journey to spread awareness. 

There are so many more companies with wonderful products donating proceeds this month to promote breast cancer awareness and research.  Check out your favorite stores to see what they are donating or even encourage them to participate in this amazing cause.

Xo,
Laura

1. Nest Passion Classic Candle-Designed to honor the memory and the extraordinary achievements of Evelyn H. Lauder, Founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

2. Forever21 t-shirt-For every item purchased, one dollar will be donated to The Keep A Breast Foundation to help educate about breast cancer prevention 

3. Tervis Pink Ribbon Cups-10% of the proceeds from sales of pink ribbon cups this month will be donated by Tervis to breast cancer research (they normally donate 5% all year round!)

4. Stella McCartney Limited Edition Pink Lingerie-A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Linda McCartney Centre to support their work in providing the most advanced treatment and technologies for patients with breast cancer.  

5.  Alex and Ani bracelet-20% of sales from the Arms of Strength Charm with a minimum donation of $10,000 will Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, a Rhode Island non-profit that works to spread awareness, education, resources, and hope in the fight against breast cancer. 

6. NFL Gear with Pink Ribbon-100% (that's right!) of the proceeds from the NFL Pink product sales go to the American Cancer Society.