Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope y’all are set to have a wonderful day with loved ones, reflecting on what a wonderful life we’ve all been given!

I found this Norman Rockwell painting on Pinterest… From best-norman-rockwell-art.com.

Do you ever wonder what other folks are feasting on for their Thanksgiving meal? Here’s our menu this year, along with the names of the folks preparing each dish:

• Turkey (smoked by Daddy!)
• Dressing (Uncle Craig & Family)
• G-F Dressing (Daddy)
• Cranberry Sauce – No kidding: we actually eat this out of a can – no changes made. It’s one of probably 2 or 3 foods I can ever remember eating like this regularly… (Mama)
• Green Fluff – You know… That delicious, unidentifiable green fluffy stuff that’s served cold and probably has Jell-O and marshmallows in it… It’s amazing. (Mama)
• Broccoli Souffle (Aunt Carol)
• Rolls (Aunt Carol)
• Sweet Potato Casserole (Grammy)
• Fruit Salad (Grammy)
• Squash Casserole (Grammy Evelyn – Haha, yeah, we call both grandmothers the same name… So, I have to delineate by adding one or the other’s first name…)
• Pies – Possibly chocolate pie and caramel pie??? (Great Aunt Lou)
• Pecan Pie (Aunt Carol)

Since the menu was shared by the whole family, each household only needs to prepare a dish or two. Plus, this way everyone’s able to contribute. It adds that special dynamic of family recipes and memories…

Festive Fall Table

Last year, Daddy bought Mama a set of each color (at the time: red, cobalt, green, yellow, orange) of Mainstays dishes.

At the time, this color was not available… But, this is the kind we purchased – Mainstays 16-Piece Round Dinnerware Set ($26.88). Click on the image to see it at Walmart.com.

So, this year, I was able to set a festive, fall-colored table using all but the cobalt.

It is so simple, affordable, and festive. We paired them with alternating green and gold napkins (avoiding setting the gold by the yellow, or the green by the green…). On the table, we have a white (off-white would work great) brocade table cloth, covered with an off-white lace cloth. A centerpiece of a few varying-sized pumpkins – some white, some orange – makes for an excellent fall table.

 

 

Red + Sequins + Holiday Makeup

So, I’ve taken the inspiration from the last couple of posts (on holiday makeup and fashion), and gone “closet shopping”. By this, I mean that I’ve stepped back, taken a fresh look at what I already own, and assembled a brand new look – no money involved. Talk about budget-friendly style!

Sequins have been a staple in my wardrobe for nearly 6 years… But, only for on stage. I wanted to find a way to wear them that wasn’t so dressy. Using some ideas from yesterday’s post, this is what I came up with:

I’m wearing a basic white button-down underneath my white+silver sequin tank top. To make it more casual (and add a much-welcomed pop of blue), I added the denim shirt.

And, since this season begs for bold red pieces, I wore this with my straight bright red skirt. With some tall, high-heeled leather boots, the ensemble came together pretty well… Minus the photography part… 😉 (I’ll explain the measuring tape and Post-Its in a later post.)

And, here’s a closer-up of my hair and makeup. I decided to go simple on the makeup… Foundation (e.l.f. – applied with fingers, then brush), powder blush (minimal blush, focusing on cheekbones), ivory eyeshadow (just the base color from a basic “nude” palette – all over the lid and brow bone), black mascara, and a rusty-red lipstick and liner.

My hair was even simpler! Working after my normal routine*, all I did was use 2 bobby pins to hold back the top section of hair. That’s it. No brushing. No hairspray. Just 2 bobby pins.

*I had washed it 24hrs earlier, used some mousse (working it in while it was still really wet), and scrunched it while it air-dried. This helps encourage/define the natural waves. To help keep volume at the crown, I slept with it (dry) that night in a high ponytail.

 

 

Holiday Fashion to Try

As I’ve looked around for inspirational holiday season fashion, I’ve seen a theme: Sequins.

This is definitely the time to break out the sequins – for any occasion!

I’m seeing LOTS of sequin tank + blazer outfits, and I’m really liking it. Here’s one I found that’s on the dressier side of things, perfect for a night out.

found on Pinterest – created on Polyvore by styleofe

But, it doesn’t have to be that dressy! Check out these looks, pairing the sequins with simple cardigans or button-down blouses, and your favorite denim:

found on Pinterest – from nyandcompany.com

found on Pinterest – from weheartit.com

Holiday Makeup Looks to Try

Here are a few looks worth trying that I’ve found on Pinterest. The great thing is, I probably already own most of what these take!

This season, try going for a clean, fresh makeup look. Add a bold red lip color, and maybe some simple eyeliner, and you’re ready for whatever the holidays throw your way!

Even if you don’t go really festive with your outfit, your makeup can subtly show your holiday spirit. (found on Pinterest)

 

You can take it up a notch, and add a metallic eyeliner, as shown below:

found on Pinterest

 

Or, if you prefer a more casual look, try doing less to your eyes. Keep it looking natural: Use little to no eyeshadow, and only white eyeliner (for the lower waterline… I would consider this optional).

found on Pinterest