Good Christian Bitches by Kim Gatlin

*Psst* Click the picture to find a copy

I haven't been reading a lot lately because I have been so busy, but I needed a lightweight book to carry on a plane with me and Good Christian Bitches won the coveted spot in my backpack. I wanted a quick read and this definitely was one. Seriously, I read it in two days, mostly on a flight from Texas to California.

I watched the ABC remake of this book a few years ago and I loved it (in a trashy, guilty-pleasure-viewing kind of way)! I mean Kristin Chenoweth in a television show... it can't be bad! It might just be funny because I am from Texas and the women portrayed actually exist, but I think anyone can find humor somewhere in the show. So when I was checking out at B&N and needed $4 more to get free shipping and GCB was on sale, I thought I'd give it a chance. 

If you have seen the show, don't worry the script and the book are completely different. There are no spoilers in the series and the characters and their roles are even different. There are characters in the book that don't make an appearance in the show at all and vice versa. I'm still sad the show only lasted one season.

This is the first book that author Kim Gatlin wrote and it's rather obvious. I give her a pass on that though because writing a book is so difficult and I think it's great that she wrote something, got it published, and it sold enough copies to be turned into a show! I have started many novels that have just become Word documents saved to the Cloud never to become anything, but my ramblings. So you go, Kim for making your book happen!

But because this is a book review, here's the truth: I thought the characters were well-developed, maybe because there are speculations that they take after real people, but the writing was a little abrupt. I thought the endings of conversations and chapters were really abrupt, like there could have been a more natural way to end them, but instead they just stopped or were rushed to the point. I don't know if I would spend the money on a sequel if one were to come out, but for a plane read this book did the job. It is a rare time that I actually enjoyed the adaptation more than the original, but in this case I really did.

If you want a book for the pool, something fluffy to read after you've finished a tome or you really enjoy lady drama then this book will do the trick.

Love you lots,

Fall Must-Have List cont.

I didn't want to overwhelm anyone with the longest blog post of the century, so I broke this list into two! As promised here is the rest of my must-have items for Fall! Plus, I am super excited about it being Friday and wanted to do something fun and special! 

One || Two || Three

Too cold to wear leggings or you want a little more coverage (back pockets!)? Everyone needs a great fitting pair of skinny black jeans! Tuck them into boots, cute heels, or your favorite flats there really isn't a wrong way to wear them! I still love Taylor Swift's black ensemble from the Shake It Off Video and you could definitely recreate it with a pair of these. I've heard amazing things about the TopShop black jeans (2), but I am always a little partial to Joe's (3). 

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I never thought I would get behind this trend, but I am jumping on board. I'd pair them with a long grey sweater, black suede OTK boots (for some texture contrast) and dainty jewelry. I don't think this trend will be around for an extended time, so I wouldn't spend a ton of money on these, but for a fun weekend look I say, "Go for it!" It's also a cute item to stash away and rock on New Year's Eve if it's too cold for an LBD. 

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SUEDE IS HUGE! I bought this TopShop skirt (2) during the Anniversary Sale and I absolutely love it! The point is that heavy fabric skirts like ones made of suede, wool, or tweed add a definite cool weather feel to your look! Pair them with a simpler, light-weight top and let the specialness of your skirt shine. To my shock (and probably my mom's), I am really loving the fringe one!  

Just a tip: Splurge for nice suede or a good faux, cheaper options can look like craft store fabric and detract from your overall look!

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Ahhh! The trench coat! I don't know if there is anything that can make a fall outfit look more polished than a great-fitting trench! Obviously, I dream about owning a classic Burberry, but until I have that kind of cash hanging out in my bank account one of these options will have to do. I love all the colors you can get a trench coat in and it still looks cute! Go for a neutral if you plan to wear it a lot, or be brave and go for a bright color like red to add an instant pop to any outfit!

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This last one isn't inspired by fashion magazines, things I've seen on the runway or a starlets paparazzi photo, but it's just something that I want for this Fall! I am looking for a pull over, but the cardigan with a chambray shirt underneath is so cute, too! It's perfect for football games (Boomer Sooner) and I love the color red for Fall and Winter, despite how cliché it might be. I also think a deep crimson or bordeaux will look great with skinny jeans and these boots! If you want a good quality and super warm sweater definitely check out Barbour (it's one of Kate Middleton's favorites and mine, too!).

Hope you are having a great Friday and have an exciting weekend planned! Let me know what some of your favorite pieces for fall are and which ones from this post you like most! I'd love that! 

Lots of love, 

Fall Must-Have List

Fall is fast approaching even though the temperatures outside might have a different opinion. But with Labor Day behind us, it's totally acceptable to start (slowly) switching out your summer wardrobe with your fall favorites. This is just a list of some of the staples I plan to incorporate into my fall closet!

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This is just a classic piece that goes with everything! I've had my current wool camel coat for two years and it's still as perfect as ever! I love the robe-style tie and the toggle buttons if you want something a little extra! Since this is such a classic, you should feel ok splurging on a more expensive one. It will last forever so it's a great investment!

One || Two || Three

You don't need real leather to add this edgy look to your wardrobe and a moto jacket doesn't have to be expensive. However, this is another piece that will last forever and can be worn so many different ways that if you chose to buy a little more expensive, you won't regret it. I also love the collarless looks that are out there for something more streamlined, especially if the moto-style is too heavy for you and the pieces you tend to wear!

One || Two || Three

As wasteful as it might seem, I am a strong believer in replacing your whites in the Spring and in the Fall. Whites start to look dingy, get stained so easy and that's not what you want to start your new season look with. White sweaters are a must have because they are so versatile. I recommend buying looser fitting styles and adding a blanket scarf, boots and your favorite jeans for a super easy and cute outfit.

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Plaid is huge right now! Kate Spade's Fall line is packed with plaid midi skirt, overcoats and purses that are all so cute! I am really into these long sleeve plaid shirt dresses and I can't wait to get mine in the mail (oh the joys of exchanging online purchases...). Of course you can go classic with a plaid flannel and a puffer vest or you can really branch out and try on a pair of plaid shoes!!

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In my opinion, long sweaters are the best item to have for cold weather. There are so many options out there, whether you do a lace trim, a boyfriend fit or the very popular open-front duster these are great for on-the-go outfits. Pair them with leggings, your booty will be covered, and you're out the door!

One || Two || Three

I don't think you can have enough flannel. Why? Because it layers well, looks cute and is so comfortable. If you want to try something new check out the patterned flannels like this one from TopShop! Of course, you can always go more traditional with navys and reds OR try a fun mixture of colors with a neutral wool skirt!

Check back this afternoon for more pieces from my Fall Must-Have list!
That's right it's a double post day!

Love you lots and lots!

Five new outfits from Stitch Fix!

Oh hey! I got a Stitch Fix box and for the first time I kept all five pieces, mostly because it was cheaper to keep the five pieces than just the three that I really liked! But here is how I styled them!

Stitch Fix Cardigan (similar here, here and here)  || Tank top || Stitch Fix 

Purple Pants (similar here and here) || Necklace || Earrings || similar booties || 

I immediately fell in love with this fringed cardigan! I love that the sleeves are short because it makes it the perfect piece to transition from summer to fall! I can wear it now with a white tank and then when the temp drops I can put on a fitted, long-sleeve white tee or sweater underneath for extra warmth!

I was super unsure about these pants when I first saw them in the box. I am not one to wear purple, but it is a super popular color for this fall, so I went in with an open mind. When I put them on I decided that these were worth adding to my wardrobe. I've wanted to add some colored pants to my repertoire for a long time. It's a great way to be comfortable, but not get stuck in a rut by wearing your Levi's every day. Also, these fit great and are super comfortable.

 Stitch Fix Top (Similar here and here) || White Jeans || 

Shoes (similar here, here, and here) ||Pave Cuff || Watch || Bag ||

This top is so bright! I had no idea what it would look like on because on a hanger it looks pretty triangular, which we all know isn't terribly figure flattering. I tried it on and was very surprised by how well it fit! I don't know how much I will wear it this fall and winter because of the color, but I will definitely be taking advantage of it while it's still 90 degrees outside. It also looks cute with dark skinny jeans and layers great under a white cardigan!

Stitch Fix Bow-Back Sweater (Similar here and here) || Jeans || 

Boots (These sell out fast!) || Bracelet || Necklace || Watch || Sunnies || Hat

This outfit is something I plan to wear very soon! This piece I wasn't sure about because it's a pretty simple sweater that I could probably find at a cheaper price, but since I wanted the three pieces above it ended up only costing a few dollars. If you've never used Stitch Fix before then let me explain. You are charged a $20 styling fee for each box. If you keep an item from the box then that fee is deducted out of the price of the garment, but if you send it all back you're charged $20. If you keep all five pieces then you're given 25% off all of your pieces. So I could pay for the full price of three garments minus the $20 or in this case pay $11 more, get the discount, a sweater and a dress. In a convoluted way I got the sweater above and the dress below for $11, which is cheaper than Forever 21! 

I also can't wait for the temperatures to drop enough that I can switch out the hat and sunglasses for a more wintery look and add these!

Click the images to find the products!

Stitch Fix Dress (similar here, here and here) || 

Booties (Sold out, but these are similar) || Leather Moto || Sunnies

This dress fit fine, but I wasn't sold on it because the print and color (once again purple) just aren't really me. But as I described above, I needed to keep it for the discount. I think I will definitely wear it or I might sell it on Poshmark, but either way this is how I would style it. I would try to make the paisley print a little edgier with all black accessories and a little leather to go with that lace trim. I think pairing this with a black cardigan would work too, but I would feel to much like a librarian. I can this dress transitioning into to fall just fine, but add a pair of black tights to stay warm! 

If you love any of the pieces, let me know! How would you style them? If you're interested in Stitch Fix, I encourage you to check it out! I don't always love everything I get in my box, but it also helps keep current trends in your closet without having to go to the mall. 

Love you lots!

DIY: Pumpkin Chai (Latte)

Pumpkin Spice is officially back at Starbucks and there are hundreds happy fall lovers rushing in to get their annual fix. I however live 45 minutes from a Starbucks and I find the syrup they use a little too sweet for my taste, so I have created a way to make my very own Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte at home!

I for one spend waaayyyy too much money on coffee and I know I'm not the only one. I also worry about the nutrition facts in drinks because HELLO sugar and fat! This recipe will not only save you money on your daily fix (something I am trying hard to do) and it's not going to use up a meal's worth of calories and sugar intake!

If you like super sweet drinks or something a little heavier this recipe probably isn't for you because instead of a syrup base like the one used in most coffee shops, this is actually made with tea! It's lighter and more like tea than the coffee drinks you're probably used to.

What you will need:

Two Pumpkin Spice Chai teabags: Tazo Teas are no longer at 

Starbucks, but this is the Pumpkin Spice Chai that I had left 

over from last year. You can get it on Amazon, too! 

Other options can be found here, here, and here.

A Milk frother and 1/2 cup your choice of milk.  I used Almond milk 

because I am lactose intolerant, but you can use whatever you prefer using 

real milk will make the drink a little heavier. If you don't have a 

milk frother you can try this method or get this less expensive one.

What you will do: 

Step 1: Steep two teabags in a mug until the tea is very dark. The

darker the tea the more pumpkin chai flavor you'll have once the 

milk is added. If you want even more flavor, use less water (I recommend 

using a little less than 3/4 of a cup, I used too much water in this photo) 

Step 2: Pour your milk into the frother. Mine has a max line, which 

is about 1/2 cup.

Step 3: Turn on the frother or use whatever method you chose to 

warm and froth the milk. 

Step 4: Pour the steeped tea into a larger tea cup. You'll be adding 

the milk so you have to have a cup large enough to accommodate both. 

Step 5: Add your warm frothed milk to the tea. If you're fancy you 

can learn to add a design with your foam, but I am not that skilled. 

Step 6 (optional): Add to your latte to make it taste just right. I like adding a 

shot of espresso to add in a coffee flavor. KB likes to add raw sugar 

or honey to make it a little sweeter. Try a few things until you create your 

perfect Fall treat!! I love this because you can try out so many variations!

If you prefer the Starbucks flavor then you're going to need the syrup! It's super easy, all you have to do is blend it with milk and voila! Another option if you're in a hurry is the Trader Joe's Pumpkin Spice Chai Mix! It's just like making powdered hot chocolate, but with a great fall twist!

Happy Fall! Love you lots,

My Labor Day Shopping List! EVERYTHING IS ON SALE!

Over the weekend I was out of town and didn't take advantage of the great Labor Day Sales going on! Don't think that has stopped me though because online shopping is a thing and so is free shipping!!!

I love Labor Day Sales because it gives you the opportunity to buy those few Summer pieces that you weren't sure about on sale (Because it's not cold yet!) and the chance to get a few Fall things for cheap! I think the best purchase to make before the sale ends tomorrow would be on an Excursion vest from J. Crew Factory! They are under $50, in five colors and the super popular herringbone print (I bought mine last year, not on sale) is back for $54! The puffer vest is a trend that is still going strong! Make sure to use the code FREESHIP to get free shipping!

If you're looking for some designer to add to your collection (especially coats and sweaters) I recommend checking out the Clear the Rack event at Nordstrom Rack! I went over Memorial Day weekend and it was amazing how great the prices were. VINCE sweaters are super on sale right now. They are all still pretty pricey, but $100 is better than $300!

At the end of Summer I like to take stock of my basics and layering pieces for under sweaters. I always, always, always buy a new white or cream long sleeve shirt, because after a year they usually look pretty dingy. H&M's sale right now is amazing for getting these pieces for under $10! Not only is it great that it won't break your bank now, but it won't matter next year when you drop it off at Goodwill because you definitely got your money's worth!

Puffy Vest ($49.99) || Skirt ($37.00) || Gingham Shirt ($32.00) || 

Bucket Bag ($49.00) || Plaid Shirt ($32.00) || Check Shirt ($32.00) || 

Leopard Flats ($59.00) || Statement Necklace ($27.00) || Studs ($11.00) ||

Booties ($21.00) || Over-the-Knee Boots (price varies by size) || Snake Heels ($59.98) || 

Tweed coat ($89.98) || Leather Leggings ($26.23) || Black Coat ($97.48) || 

Infinity Scarf ($17.23) || Link Bracelet ($26.23) || Camel Blanket Poncho ($11.23) || 

Navy Blouse ($5.99) || Cream Long Sleeve ($6.99) || Navy Cardigan ($9.99) || 

Black Leggings ($6.99) || Faux Suede Boot ($34.99) || Striped Tee ($6.99) || 

Satin Blouse ($17.99) || Military-Style Coat ($34.99) || Printed Blouse ($5.99) ||

I want to apologize for being so MIA last week. The stress levels were high, the overwhelmed feelings were consuming and there was very little sleep. I took the week and the weekend to decompress and I'm feeling much better. I am back to daily posts and I hope my absence didn't disappoint any of you. I love you all and really appreciate your support. Sometimes life just gets in the way, but this blog is so important to me and I don't want to let any of you down.

 I just needed a little sunlight! So make sure you spread some to someone who's feeling overwhelmed this week!

Happy Shopping!

Look Great at the Gym!

Lilly Pulitzer: Pullover || Puffy Vest || Yoga Pants || "Gym" bag

Rebecca Minkoff: Sports Bra || Vest || Leggings || Gym bag

Carrie Underwood: Sports Bra || Top || Leggings || Gym bag

With a cute matching water bottle! 

Lilly Pulitzer Cup || S'well Steel Bottle || Calia Infuser Bottle

Some of my favorite people (designers and singers) have branched out into fitness fashion and it would be an understatement to say that I'm obsessed! These are just three outfits that I would love to flaunt at the gym, but each collection has so many other pieces that deserve to be adored! 

While I was scrolling through all the options, I kept thinking, "Wow, these are kind of pricey to go sweat in!" But then I was shopping at LuluLemon and realized that the prices are really about the same. And I wouldn't think twice before buying a pair of Lulu leggings. I think if spending more on cute workout clothes gets you motivated to hit the gym or do a workout video then it's totally worth it! Splurge on a really cute pair of leggings or a jacket and pair it with a plain tank or top from Target! If you look cute, you'll feel better at the gym and work harder. 

Also, we missed Monday with Matt yesterday because of some construction at the gym, but check back tomorrow for a brand new video! (Just kidding... Matt had family stuff to do, so we will be back on schedule Monday!)

Start this month's fitness goals off right and spread some sunlight!

Love you lots,