Okay, let’s face it ladies, we all want to look cute on Thanksgiving even though we are just driving to grandma’s house to sit in the living room and eat and look at Black Friday ads…or is that just my family and me? Of course, we have to get those family photos so we all want to look our best! Well, I’ve got you covered whether you want to dress up or go comfy chic. AND…I’ve got something for your whole family!  I’ve tried to put together outfits with pieces you may already have in your closet or are very affordable to purchase, like less than $25.

A sweater dress and OTK boots is a comfortable but dressy option. This $16 tunic sweater is sold out online but check your local Walmart because I’ve seen them in stores. Throw on a pretty scarf to jazz it up a little.

This is a casual but really put together way to rock Thanksgiving! I got this cute plaid top at Walmart in the clearance section for $5!

Here is another casual, yet very put together look. A cardigan with jeans and booties will never go out of style and this $16 Walmart cardigan has been one of my favorites.

Show up to lunch in style! This little floral skirt came straight outta the Target clearance section! I snagged this velvet tee at Old Navy when they had them for $8 ad they are still on sale now! My metallic flats are on sale for $6.29 but are only available in a few sizes so act fast!! Easily recreate this look with any floral skirt and the top and cardigan doesn’t have to match perfectly. Just in the same color scheme 🙂

You can’t celebrate a holiday by eating and leave Spanx out of the mix. Pair it with with an oversized sweater, statement booties and a cute scarf! Easy Peasy!

 

This is the epitome of Thanksgiving wear. The colors of this poncho just scream fall and it’s basically like wearing a blanket so it’ll do it’s job in covering up your food baby. I paired it here with distressed denim and booties. The poncho is an Amazon find and only $25. It’s so warm and versatile, it will carry you all the way through winter.

This option isn’t too dressy but isn’t too casual either. I love OTK boots with white denim and and an oversized sweater! These neutrals work so well together and this look can easily be recreated. This sweater and jeans are from last year and my boots are sold out.

This is a more casual, comfy option but you can dress it up or down as much as you want depending on shoes and accessories. I lucked up and got this puffer vest for $15 and there are tons of colors to choose from.

This color combo is classic and is one of my absolute favorites! This cargo vest has been restocked in all sizes and is less than $25 but the leopard booties have sold out for the moment BUT if you are wanting some they will be in Walmart’s Black Friday ad for $12!!!

Here’s a few options for your baby boy! I won’t link everything but I buy most of Caden’s clothes at Old Navy, JC Penney, Crazy 8, and Walmart.

You want your little one to be stylish but comfortable so they can go out and play football with the big boys 🙂 This little plaid button down and long sleeve graphic thermal was on major clearance at Crazy 8! When lunch and pictures are over he can take the button up off and still be cute!

This would be a good mommy and me option if YOU wanted to go with the neutral outfit and let him wear this! These grey skinny jeans from Old Navy go with so much and have an adjustable waist which are a must when you have a skinny dude like mine.

Puffer Vests! I absolutely LOVE puffer vests on guys and little boys! They are a great layering piece. Just make sure and get a good color that you know will go with most of what you have so you can get a lot of wear out of it. This little striped shirt Caden is wearing was $4 at H&M! They have really good deals on kids clothes at times.

A Henley and joggers…need I say more? It’s a super trendy look right now but not to mention it looks good. I love mixing color combinations and the wine red and blue work well together!

A monochromatic tee and cardigan look would be perfect and this color is nice for fall. Add some dessert boots and roll the bottoms of the jeans for a little more polished look.

Since I don’t have a little girl and can’t borrow one for a photo shoot, I just picked out a few outfits from Old Navy that I think would be precious. The best thing about Old Navy is that you can buy online and pick up the same day in store!

 

This fur vest paired with this plaid dress is the perfect combo! And, so festive!

 

These are two of my favorite colors right now and would be so pretty in a family photo! The floral blouse comes in 4 colors and the leggings also come in 4 colors.

 

Well, there you have it gals! I hope I have helped you check at least one thing off of your to-do list this holiday! If you have any questions about anything just send me a message! Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

XOXO,

Lauren

 

 

 

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!! You can just call me the crazy Christmas lady because I am legit obsessed with Christmas. I start decorating before the kids are even done trick-or-treating. But, let’s talk gifts shall we? I mean, gift cards are awesome and good for someone that has everything but are very impersonal. And, even at 34 years old, I love getting a stocking filled with cute little goodies! I made a list of ten items for her and ten items for him and then a few ideas for stocking-stuffers!

GIFTS FOR HER

Instant Pot

Sherpa Throw

Faux Fur Slippers

Urban Decay Naked Cherry Palette

Boxercraft Sherpa Pullover

Puffer Vest  Comes in 9 colors!!

Cuisinart Advantage 12 Piece Knife Set

Velour Sleep Set **These are amazingly soft**

OR…

Striped Flannel Pajamas

 

 

Monogrammed Handbag I Love Jewelry has several items to choose from and you can also choose to leave the monogram off.

Hot Tools Curling Iron **This comes with a free 1 inch flat iron with purchase!!**

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR HER

• Jewelry from Target for less than $10
• Mug and Ear Warmer Set from JC Penney
• Tarte Tartelette Tease from Sephora
• 6 pack Wet-N-Wild crease brush from Walmart
• Tyler candle from Amazon
• Old Navy Scarves
• Personalized Jewelry from the Sis Kiss
• Burt’s Bees Chapstick
• NYX Butter Gloss
• Starbucks gift cards
• Coffee mug with favorite coffee
• Nail polish, nail file
• Swig water bottle, Fruit Infuser Water Bottle
• Fleece lined beanie and glove set from Red Dress Boutique
• Bath and Body Works gift set

GIFTS FOR HIM

Sleep Joggers

Faux Suede Moccasin Slippers

Folding Cooler Chair

Adidas CF Racer

Puffer Vest

Music Beanie Hat

Cell Phone Stand

Pile Lined Corduroy Jacket

Canvas Travel Bag

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR HIM

• Grill grate scraper from Amazon
• Burt’s Bees Chapstick Set
• Bear Claws meat shredder from Amazon
• Dove men’s gift set **Clean Comfort smells amazing!!**
• Old Navy Scarves
• Shaving Gift Set **Walmart has some great options online**
• Gift card to their favorite sporting goods store
• Candy or beef jerky..if your guy is anything like mine 🙂
• Hat and glove set from Amazon

I hope this makes makes picking out the perfect gift for your loved one a little easier. Merry Christmas, y’all!!

XOXO

Lauren

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey, friends! I recently took a poll on what you guys wanted to see more…Amazon finds or Athleisure Wear and Amazon won by a long shot! I normally take to Amazon when I’m looking for something unique, specific or name brand but don’t want to pay the price of a department store. It’s also a great place to find “dupes” which is an item that looks just like a name brand or expensive item without the price tag. Cool, huh?!  Here are a few of my favorite things from Amazon recently and I’ve styled them a few ways that would be super easy for you to recreate!

I know I talk about my Spanx Faux Leather Leggings all of the time but it’s because I love them so much! You can dress them up with a cute sweater and mules or dress them down with a pullover and tennis shoes. I would suggest getting your normal size.

This fleece sweatshirt is just about as cozy as they come and it looks just look the ones from Abercrombie but half the price. I’ve paired it here with my Spanx again and another Amazon find, Adidas Cloudfoam QT Racer. I’m usually a Nike girl, but these are so comfortable!

Same fleece sweatshirt, styled another way. This time, with jeans and furry sneakers. My shoes are from Payless and they are having a 40% off sale now through Nov 5th!

When I saw this longsleeve shirt with pockets I jumped on it! It’s tunic length and the pockets are the best part! It’s perfect for lounging or layering. I would suggest getting your normal size unless you are taller or want to wear with leggings, then size up one or even two. **Mine is the color Light Red**

Jazz it up a little and layer with vest, add some destroyed denim and animal print and you’ve got another look!

I COULD NOT wait to show y’all this velvet kimono cardigan! It’s only $15 and feels amazing! The picture really doesn’t do it justice! I mean, you really can’t beat it for the price and the quality is really good. I’ve paired it here with white denim, a white and black polka dot tank and white mules. I have the navy blue color.

I love wearing graphic tees because they add an edge to your outfit and they are so versatile. This can easily be recreated with a graphic tee, jeans and any booties. You could even wear this cardigan over a dress or with a skirt for date night!

Exactly what I need! I finally get to wear a blanket! I swear y’all, I freeze everywhere I go so I’ve been on the hunt for a good poncho. I found this one from Amazon and it had good reviews and several colors to choose from. I have the khaki option. There are so many ways this can be styled, but I went with black skinny jeans from Old Navy (which are only $25 right now) and leopard booties. The poncho is one size fits all and I was worried that it might be too long but it fits just right and will be perfect when it gets really cold out.

This mini backpack purse is my favorite purchase! I only paid $15 but the price has gone up to $20. I love it so much I would pay the extra $5. I have the Acorn color.  I don’t like big purses so this is perfect for me and I also don’t like to carry purses on my shoulder. I either like a crossbody or backpack style. It fits all of my essentials and has a pocket in the front and an extra little zipper space in the front as well! This style is super trendy right now but also great if you’re traveling or going to be doing a lot of walking.

Thanks for stopping by and as always you can click the hyperlink to take you straight to the item!

XOXO

Lauren

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey, friends!! Okay, don’t let the title scare you. It is perfectly fine to wear white all year long! The rule, no white between Labor Day and Easter went away a long time ago! And, honestly white in the winter is even prettier to me, than in the summer. There are tons of different ways to wear white, but I’m going to show you four ways here to wear white denim.

I bought these distressed white jeans from Ross a few years ago, but if I were to buy another pair, I would go with the ones from Old Navy. In my opinion, they have the best fitting jeans…especially when you’re a short girl! Back to the outfit…stripes, leopard, cardi, you can’t go wrong! My cardigan comes in five colors and is only $18 right now! My exact leopard booties are only available in size 10, so I have linked a similar option. The striped tee I have is old, but I found one just like it and it’s linked here.

I talk about sweaters from H&M a lot because they are good quality, have a huge selection and great price point. Their fine knit sweaters fit a bit oversized and would also be great with leggings. I love how soft and lightweight they are but not see-through. I decided on the fur mules because I like the contrast of black and brown together, but you could go with riding boots, over-the-knee boots or the leopard booties would look nice as well! With white pants and a solid colored top, your shoe options are endless!

They can totally be worn with an oversized sweatshirt just like this one for a more comfy, casual look. My sweatshirt is still on clearance and is VERY big. I would suggest sizing down one size at least. I normally wear a small and I bought an XS. It’s perfect for leggings as well and so, so soft. Complete your look with some snakeskin slip-ons and you have an easy, carefree look!

This outfit is what neutral dreams are made of! White, on white, on white, with a slight neutral on top…classy! This cardigan is really warm, comes in six colors and is only $16! I think y’all know by now that my love for these white mules runs deep. H&M is always a great place for basics such as my white tank. It’s $5, and I literally wear it all the time.

 

These are super easy looks to recreate and sometimes you just need to step outside of your comfort zone and let your inner fashionista shine! As always, you can click the hyperlink to shop this post! Until next time…

 

XOXO

Lauren

Hey, friends!! Switching gears a little here because, hey, we all gotta eat and Aldi is the best place to save money doing it! I have been doing the free online and grocery pickup at WalMart for a while and really got spoiled with the convenience of it all, but I really believe that you get more for your money at Aldi and their produce is the bomb.com. The picture above is everything in my haul from there and cost me $105. I have compiled for you a weekly dinner meal plan and the cost breakdown. Also, at the end I will show you how I meal prep for my husband for the week! Hope you enjoy!

First up is the Chili…With the weather finally cooperating, I love to do soup during the week because it’s quick and easy, you can throw it in the crock pot and you’re done! I bought a 2lb pack of meat and will divide it out between two dinners. The spices are used in the recipe are probably ones that you already have but if not, they are super cheap at Aldi…recipe in next photo.
Chili                                          Grilled Cheese

Meat $4.08                               Bread $.85

Beans x4 $1.96                        Butter $2.85

V8 Juice $2.44                         Cheese $1.99

Chili Mix $.39

Total cost of Dinner: $14.56  **keep in my that you will use the bread for another meal, the butter can be used several other ways and you according to family size, you may have leftovers!** Still cheaper than eating out!!

I HATE onions so I leave them out of all of my recipes…sorry!!

Items for the grilled cheese! My hubby makes a mean grilled cheese with shredded cheese and this grass-fed Kerry-Gold butter is so good…and good for you!

Mandarin Orange Chicken with Organic White Rice and Broccoli

Chicken $5.29

Rice $2.59

Total cost of dinner $7.88

**I already had the broccoli, but if you buy it from Aldi, it is less than $2. I have also cooked this meal with canned green beans.**

 

Avocado Toast with Eggs and Bacon

This is one of my all-time favorite meals and who doesn’t love breakfast for dinner?! I do realize that not everyone is a fan of avocados so you can substitute with biscuits and gravy instead.

Avocados x2 $1.58

Bacon $3.49

Eggs $1.38

Bread $.85

Total Cost of Dinner: $7.30

 

Boneless BBQ Chicken Thighs, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Asparagus

All I do with this is pour the BBQ sauce over the thighs and either put them in the oven or crock pot. I roast the asparagus in the oven on 400 for 20-30 mins with kosher salt, lemon juice and minced garlic. (photo below)

Chicken Thighs $4.93

Shells & Cheese $1.09

Asparagus $2.99

BBQ Sauce $1.99

Total cost of dinner $11.00

 

TACO SOUP!!

Taco Soup just reminds me of Fall, and family get togethers and football Saturdays! It’s probably the easiest soup to put together so super cheap! Just cook and drain your hamburger meat, drain the corn and beans, then throw it all in the pot and add 3-4 cups of water. I add more salt to mine because I’m obsessed with salt but you add it to your liking. I like to eat my soup with sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips!

Taco Mix $.29                                                 Corn $.49

Rotel $.45                                                        Pintos $.89

Black Beans $.55                                          Dry Ranch Mix $.49

Tomato Sauce $.25                                       Meat $4.08

Total cost of dinner $7.49

 

MEAL PREP FOR THE HUBBY!

You’re probably wondering why I only meal prep for my husband. I am very fortunate to work in a doctor’s office where we have lunch catered to us and my son Caden likes to eat lunch at school. I have seen the school’s menu and I trust that he is eating a proper diet and I send a snack, so that takes care of that. But, these items could easily be doubled for two people to take to work.

Chicken Tenderloins in Teriyaki Sauce $7.67

Quinoa x2 $3.78

Fresh Green Beans (Roasted with the ingredients below) $1.69

Oatmeal cream pie as a desert $1.50

Containers from Dollar Tree 4 for $2

Lunch for the week including containers $16.64

Roasting ingredients for green beans and asparagus!

And, here is the finished meal prep. I only did 4 because he has a day off during the week and can take a break from eating the same thing.

PRO TIP: I ALWAYS GOOGLE OR PINTEREST MY RECIPES FIRST, THEN MAKE A LIST AND STICK TO IT!

I know this is a long post and you’re a gem if you’ve made it this far but I hope this helps with meal planning and saves you money on groceries!

XOXO

Lauren