Blogmas 2014!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas season has officially begun. I am excited to announce that I will be doing Blogmas this year! For those of you who are not familiar with Blogmas, the concept is simple. I will be blogging every.single.day till Christmas. It's fun but can be challenged at the same time. My husband and I will be taking quite a bit of time off from work in December so I think Blogmas is doable this year. I'd love for you to join in the fun. All you need to do is linking your daily posts using the tool below. Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for the 1st Blogmas post =)

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Blogmas 2014!

Thanksgiving 2014

This was the 1st Thanksgiving in our new home and I am blessed to have so many great things in my life - my loving family, my supportive husband and my 2 girls. Life is not always rainbows and roses but no matter what happens, I know my family will always be there for me. Our Thanksgiving has always been lunch. We love to mix traditional Thanksgiving dishes and Asian dishes. After gobbling down that massive lunch, we relaxed by the fireplace to let the food digest before heading out the door for some shopping. We got to the mall around 7:00 pm and didn't get home until midnight. A huge thanks to my parents for taking care of the kids. I did score some great gifts at incredible prices. This was the first time we went shopping on Thanksgiving and let me tell you, it was nuts. We then woke up early this morning and were out for round two of Black Friday shopping =) One of the purchases today was this 10ft Christmas tree. It's going up as we speak. The kids are so excited. I am all shopped out and will have use the next 3 days to recoup. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Did you brave the crowds for Black Friday shopping?

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Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving Day 2014 deals

The biggest shopping day of the year is almost here! I don't know about you guys but I love Black Friday shopping. Whether we have something in mind or not, my husband and I fully enjoy the experience and even the crowds. It's one of our Thanksgiving traditions. If you rather stay at home in your PJ's and shop online, I complied a list of some amazing deals below. Please be aware that prices may vary depending on the time you shop. I hope you all have an enjoyable Thanksgiving with your loved ones. I'll be back on Friday to share my Thanksgiving.

• White House Black Market: 25% off your entire purchase with code 15406. Some of my closet favorites are: this lace dress (on me - perfect for the upcoming holidays), this instant slimming dress is on major sale (on me), this amazing leather jacket (on me).
• GAP: 50% off everything in-stores and online with code BLKFRIDAY
• Old Navy: 50% off everything in-stores.
• Ulta: Select deals store-wide. This is my favorite time of the year to stock up on gift sets. They are a great way to explore new products without paying full prices. A few sets I plan to pick up: Too Faced La Belle ($49 - $282 value), LORAC the royal eye collection ($28 - $103 value), LORAC 4 palette collection ($38 - $305 value) and Butter London set ($39 - $60 value)
• Banana Republic: 50% off one full-price item. I purchased this fur vest 2 weeks ago and am loving it. These leopard pumps are also my closet staple (on major sale!)
• Express: 50% off everything in stores and online. Some of my closet favorites are these leggings (on me) and this bar cuff (on me). Both are on my sale right now.
• Ann Taylor: 50% your entire purchase with code THANKS

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Thanksgiving Day 2014 deals

Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe

We went apple picking a few weeks ago and got so many apples. After a few days, everyone was kinda tired of them eating them. I decided to turn those apples into apple chips. These apple chips totally satisfy a craving for the munchies. I basically cut those apples into thin slices, sprinkle a little bit of the cinnamon/sugar mixture over the top and bake them for 2 hours at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. These apple chips are tasty, crunchy and not to mention, they'll make your home smell delicious. Happy Monday, everyone!

{Showing: Pottery Barn Claro cake stand}

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Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips Recipe

Unisa Gilles - A dupe for the Stuart Weitzman OTK quilted boots

Unisa Gilles | Stuart Weitzman 

I had to do a double take when I stumbled upon these Unisa Gilles boots at DSW. They’re almost a perfect dupe of the Stuart Weitzman quiltboot. See them on me here. Just like the ones I reviewed last week, these boots are a wonderful budget option. The fit on me is as expected. There is a little bunching in the ankle area but I have the same problem with the Stuart Weitzman as well. I prefer leather when it comes to footwear. However, I don’t dislike faux leather as long as it doesn't look like plastic. The material is quite nice for the price and the quilted pattern sure adds interest to the boots. I don’t expect them to look and feel luxurious as the designer version. You’re talking about a major difference in cost here. I still have a couple options that I’d like to try on in person but this pair is definitely high on my purchase list.

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Unisa Gilles - A dupe for the Stuart Weitzman OTK quilted boots

Fall Fashion Series Recap: Leopard Print & Leather

The 1st wintry storm has arrived to slam the Midwest. Schools were closed and temperatures are expected to drop into the teens this weekend. In my mind, Fall is officially over. Today, I am doing a Fall fashion recap as I am saying goodbye to my favorite season. It's time to start bundling up and embracing the chilly weather!

{Outfit details: leopard parka | AT sweater (this year's version) | denim | lipstick | sunglasses}


{Outfit details: skirt | similar blouse | purse  *sold out* | sunglasses}


{Outfit details: similar skirt | similar shirt | sunglasses | purse *sold out*}

Leopard pieces: 

1. Leopard coat

2. Similar leopard cardigan here and here

3. Leopard parka

4. Leopard scarf

5. Similar leopard skirt here and here

6. Similar leopard blouse here and here

Leather pieces:

1. Leather jacket

2. Leather/ponte leggings

3. Similar leather dress here and here

4. Similar leather skirt here and here

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Fall Fashion Series Recap: Leopard Print & Leather

Stuart Weitzman quilted OTK boots

I wanted to do a quick review on these Stuart Weitzman quilted OTK boots just in case anyone is interested. While I am not 100% impressed with the 5050, I am head over heels in love with the quilted version. They look stunning in person and feel amazing on. They run very true to size. I am trying on a size 7 here and they fit really well (I am between a 6.5 and 7). The leather is so soft, luxurious yet durable at the same time.

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Stuart Weitzman quilted OTK boots

Kyodan clothing and a new fitness routine

Winter can be a challenging time of the year to stay in shape. As a full-time working parent, wife and mother to two children, exercise was the last thing on my mind at the end of the day. I *try* to work out 6 days a week. Sounds like a lot but once I have established a fitness routine that fits my schedule, it's not so tough. My fitness routine consists of core strengthening and running.

{Wearing: c/o all Kyodan clothing - size XS and Nike Flex running shoes}

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday night, I do ab exercises. I follow this 10-minute intense lower ab workout. I know 10 minutes doesn't sound like a lot but believe me, your abdominal will hurt the next day. The reason I chose M, W, F because Monday night is usually the busiest night for us (the little one's homework assignments due every Tuesday). On Friday night, I want to take it easy since it’s the end of the week. 10 minutes is all it takes to complete my workout routine. This schedule just works for me.

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Kyodan clothing and a new fitness routine

Fall Trend: Black and White Plaid Coat

Over the years of blogging, I have featured many clothing items from Asia-based retailers. My expectations for those items are relatively low. It's really hit or miss from these companies. If I receive an item that looks awful straight out of the package, I won’t be posting on my blog . However, if the item surpasses my expectations, in all fairness, I am going to give it props. This jacket is definitely a hit for me.

What I am wearing: 

Coat: OASAP plaid coat c/o (size M)

Sweater: J.Crew honeycomb cable sweater *sold out*

Leggings: Lysse - I took the sequin stripes out

Boots: Me Too Dee riding boots
Socks: H&M knee socks
Sunglasses: Karen Walker Number One

Plaid is always on trend for Fall and this year is no exception. I’ve always wanted a plaid coat but didn’t want to spend a lot on a trendy item. This coat fits the bill. Honestly, I am impressed. The jacket has a substantial weight and feels great on. OASAP’s sizes are all over the place. You just have to check the size chart and compare it to your own measurements. The smallest size available was a medium but measurements sound like a great fit for me. I did notice the plaid stripes do not line up nicely. It doesn’t bother me but I thought I would point it out.

 

The coat is 100% lined and measures 15” (shoulder-to-shoulder), 23” (sleeve length) and 31” (body length). Having a pretty basic wardrobe, sometimes, I enjoy incorporating trendy pieces to change it up even though it’s not something that going to last me for years. Today only, OASAP offers free shipping on any order. Don’t forget to use code OASAP1st for an additional 12% discount.

  

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Fall Trend: Black and White Plaid Coat

Fall Trend: The plaid scarf (under $50)

Plaid scarves are a huge hit this Fall. Every fashion blogger I follow owns a variation of a plaid scarf. While I haven't jumped on the bandwagon (yet), I found a few options below if you're looking for one. Everything pictured below is less than $50. Happy Thursday!

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Fall Trend: The plaid scarf (under $50)