Fashion Friday Link-Up: My Favorite Skirt

Hello! I am so happy that it's Friday. This week has been pretty crazy to say the least.
Any fun plans for the weekend? I am working at the Phoenix Open on Saturday in the  Thunderbirds tent. I will be going around taking candid photos of the Thunderbirds and their families having a good time. I love working this event! I meet a lot of great people,  get to eat food catered by The Herb Box (sooo yummy), and get to be in the midst of  all the action that is going on. Another plus, my best friend is working right along side of me!
Okay...let's talk about this skirt that I am wearing! I'm going to be honest and tell you that I  have a lot of skirts, and when I say a lot, I mean a lot. Some hung in my closet and about 2-3  drawers full. What can I say?! I love 'em! Whenever I go shopping/thrifting, it's right to the  skirt rack. I found this skirt at TJ Maxx about a week ago and fell in love. I went there to find a cute dress or skirt. I found nothing at first, but as I was leaving I walked by a rack that I didn't  notice and there it was hanging there all pretty and bold! $12.99 and this baby was all mine! What I love most about this skirt is the fun bold flower print, it's b&w, it's stretchy, and  the length is perfect. I can't tell you how HARD it is to find skirts like this that are not short, see-through or cut off your circulation.....so when I do..you better believe I am getting it!  

 

 

Sunnies: Target // Bow Top: Thrifted // Skirt: TJ Maxx // Bracelet: Thrifted // Shoes: TJ Maxx // Purse: TJ Maxx  
  Fashion Friday Link Up Pick
My pick from last week's Fashion Friday Link Up is the Shop Freak Blog! What I love most about her outfit is her polka-dot cross body purse. So cute!  I think I might have to make a quick stop at Target! Take a peak at her blog.

Wait! Don't leave! Make sure you link up your outfit below! You might just be my pick for next Friday's link up!

Win $100 To Ettika!

Happy Thursday!
WIN $100 to Ettika! Tweet this contest and receive 3 bonus entries. Share this offer and get 1 BONUS entry per FB friend that enters after you! Enter, Tweet, Post! Winner will be selected at Random and Contacted on 1/31/14 at 12pm PST! Hurry up and enter to win. 
Enter HERE
Just in case you can’t wait that long, get 25% off by entering EXCL25 at checkout!
Good luck ladies!!
**Make sure you drop by tomorrow and link up your outfits for Fashion Friday Link-Up**

Recipe: Asian Zing Wings (Buffalo Wild Wings)

For those of you who saw this picture below on my Instagram last night, I  asked my followers to try and take a guess as to what Josh and I were cooking. 

Here are some of the responses I got:

I think my best friend Paola was the closest to what the recipe actually was. She said some kind of Asian dish. Well she got the Asian part of it right! I am sure that most of you have been to Buffalo Wild Wings, right?!?! Well if you haven't, you are missing out big time! They have some of the best wings. One of my favorites from there are their Asian Zing Wings. They are so yummy! Well, after I got off work last night, I come home to this..a bunch of ingredients sitting out all pretty and organized on our kitchen counter. I asked Josh, "Um..what's with the huge collection of ingredients on the counter all perfectly laid out?" Josh: "We are going to make Asian Zing Wings tonight. I thought I would lay all this out for you so you could take pictures and put this recipe up on your blog". My husband is too funny. I love him to pieces. He will find recipes online for dishes from restaurants we love and then cook them at home and they taste almost identical! The last recipe we did was Japanese Onion Soup. Okay...so on to the recipe......

     Ingredients:

      *2 teaspoons cornstarch

      *4 teaspoons rice wine vinegar

      *1/2 cup corn syrup

      *1/3 cup sugar

      *1/4 cup chili-garlic sauce (sriracha!)

      *1 tablespoon soy sauce

      *1 teaspoon lemon juice

      *1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

      *1/4 teaspoon salt

      *1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

       

Heat oil in your fryer to 350 degrees F.  Fry wings for about 10-12 minutes, or

until light brown. Remove wings and drain on a rack or paper towels briefly.  

While the wings are cooking, mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and set aside.

After wings are cooked and drained, place wings in a plastic container with a lid. Add 1/4-1/3 cup of your mixed sauce of choice to the container. Replace lid and shake well to coat all the wings.  Pour your wings out onto a plate with some ranch or bleu cheese dressing for dipping!

This recipe was so easy and the wings tasted almost  exact to the Asian Zing wings from Buffalo Wild Wings. 
Let me know if you try this recipe, I would love to know what you think!

Goodwill Goodies & 7 Thrifting Tips

Hello lovelies! I hope that the start to your week is fabulous and very productive. 

I am sure most of you have noticed in my outfit posts, that a majority if not all of my outfits are thrifted.

My two go-to places for finding the best items are Goodwill and SAVERS. Sometimes I can go and find

absolutely nothing at all, sometimes I find just a few items, and sometimes I hit the jackpot and come

out with a haul of goodies. Those days are my favorite! Since I love thrifting so much, I thought I would 

start sharing some of my finds with you on this little space of mine. Below are also 7 thrifting tips for you too!

 

BCBG Pink Heels (mint condition) // Purple Beaded Flower Bracelet // Mason Jar Hand Wash (never opened)
Total Spent: $10.00     1. Go regularly

Thrift stores put out new inventory daily, so it pays to go in frequently for great finds. 

I try and go at least once a week. 

2. Sale & discount days 

Find out if the Thrift store has sale/discount days were you can get a percentage off of certain items or your total purchase. My "go-to" Thrift Store on Tuesdays and Fridays are 25% each item with my rewards card. On Thursdays, its 50% off red marked tags. Score!

3. Keep an open mind

Sometimes Thrifting can be very overwhelming and you can run across items that you think wont fit or maybe a home decor piece that is a little roughed up. Don't pay attention to sizes. You can always find something that's a little to big or small that will only need minor alteration to make it work! As far as home decor there is always paint!

4. Keep a wish list of wants and needs

I have a small notebook in my purse that I keep a list of items I am on the lookout for.

5. Only buy what you really love 

I double check my finds before going through the checkout just to make sure that everything I'm purchasing I love and know I will wear it or use it. Most Thrift stores only accept exchange if you need to return something. I have made the mistake many times of not trying clothes on and getting home and having it not fit. So make sure you love it and it fits!

6. Dig...dig...dig!!

This is probably the most important tip. Thrift stores have massive amounts of "stuff"

It's not like a regular store that you can just go into, see something and buy it right away. 

For the most part most Thrift stores organize it in sections (jeans, long-sleeve tops, short-sleeve tops, dresses, skirts) but you have to dig to find the treasures. Most of the brands I find a lot of are Juicy, Banana Republic, GAP, Ann Taylor, F21, and BCBG. I pay anywhere from $3-$8 a top.

7. Look over each item and question each item before buying

Take a look at the item and make sure there are no rips, tears or stains before buying.

I also make sure that I will really wear the item I am buying. When Thrifting, I have found it to be so easy to just buy something just to buy it because its such a great deal. I don't do that anymore! Now I picture what I could wear it with and how much use I will get out of it. You don't want to buy something to have it just sit in your closet!

 

I Am a Mormon Monday: Meet Anne

   

Hi friends! My name is Anne, and I have a little lifestyle blog called The Hills Are Alive. I blog about our daily life, little adventures, and mostly my cute baby Eli, because I can't get enough of him! This year we moved from Alaska to Canada, and the blog has been the perfect way to chronicle our journey. I hope you'll come follow along with us! 

What is hope and what do you hope for? 

To me hope is a quiet assurance that through work and faith we can achieve and receive great things! I hope for so many things, but now as a mother, my hope more than ever is that I can do a great job raising a child of God. I hope I can raise a righteous, fun, and happy family! 

How do you live your faith?

I live my faith by trying to be a bit more like Jesus everyday. That's a tall task, and I wouldn't say I am always the best at it. But, one of my favorite ways to try and be Christ like is to smile at people and/or say a kind word. On the street, at the store, wherever you may be. Human kindness goes a long way, and it brightens my soul!

Blog http://www.thehillsarealiveblog.com

Instagram http://instagram.com/annehilldesign

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/annehilldesign/

Twitter https://twitter.com/annehilldesign

So fun to share a piece of me on your lovely space. Thanks for having me Kimberly!

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If you are interested in being apart of I Am a Mormon Monday, please email me!

Email: bostonksox@gmail.com

   

Sunday Inspiration: Deep Faith Eliminates Fear

  Today’s Sunday Inspiration:     I have been thinking and pondering a lot about faith. My faith has grown so much from my trials and experiences in the last few months. I am grateful for that, but I want deep faith, the kind of faith where I can face anything and not question, have doubts or be fearful...but just have faith. Faith that Heavenly Father has it all figured out and I just don't need to worry about it. That kind of faith. That's the kind of faith I want!   On Friday, Josh and I had date night. We went to this Chinese restaurant down the street. The food is so good and the prices are very reasonable. I am just going to throw it out there.. ....they know us pretty well. When we were getting ready to leave, I cracked open my fortune cookie and found this lovely message inside. It was just what I needed. I now have it placed on my nightstand right next to my picture of Jesus Christ so I will be reminded of its powerful truth on days that I may feel discouraged or fearful.    During dinner, Josh and I were talking about my Dad and all the health problems that he is facing  and ways that we can try to help him to feel better and ways that we can show him just how much we love him. For those of you who might not know, my Dad is very sick. You can read my previous posts HERE and HERE to understand more about what is going on. We took him into our home about mid-September of 2013. Currently, Josh and I are his full time caregivers for as long as we can be. It's HARD. REALLY hard sometimes. I have had different comments from people telling me that they don't know how we do it, because they never could or never would take something like that on. My response and feelings to that are, yes we do it, of course it's hard sometimes but we get through it together. Everyday we put our faith, hope and trust in our Heavenly Father and do the very best we can. It's those three key principles that keep us going and give us the strength we need throughout each and every day as we care for my Dad. One scripture that continues to come to my mind often is Exodus 20:12 "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee" This commandment can be understood and interpreted in different ways. When I think about this scripture, I think about my life growing up and how incredibly blessed I was to have a Father who loved me, guided me, and cared for me in more ways than I can count. He has done and has gone over above and beyond for me throughout my life and continues to do so now. I feel like the roles are reversed and it's my turn now. My turn to take care of him and serve him in every way I can. That is the VERY least I can do for all that he has done for me.     I can't begin to tell you how huge a blessing it is being able to have him living with us and being able to see him everyday. One of the hardest parts for me as his daughter, is watching him suffer and seeing him in pain. I see it day, after day, after day right before my eyes and it tears me up inside. I know one day I will soon lose him, but I also have the knowledge that I will see him again. I am so grateful to have this knowledge and that is what gives me peace and that is what keeps me pressing forward. My Dad's life is in the hands of a loving Heavenly Father who knows him, loves him, created him, knows his situation, knows what he is feeling and what he is going through. I don't need to fear, I just need to have faith. Deep faith.   Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark. God is able to do far more than we would
 dare to ask or even dream of...infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. 

Don't be fearful, doubtful or discouraged. Just have faith. God's got it all figured out already for you.

 

Fashion Friday Link Up

Spring is just around the corner!  Designers are taking a modern twist for Spring 2014, by pairing soft pastels with vivid brights to create a colorful equilibrium. Inspired by a mixture of blooming flowers, travels abroad, and strong, confident women, designers are using color to refresh, revive, and stand out!

For sunnies, my Spring 2014 pick are these heart sunglasses that I snagged at Tillys a few weeks ago!

Fashion Friday Link Up Pick
My pick from last week's Fashion Friday Link Up is Jessi from Haircut and General Attitude I love her style and creativity. She is so pretty too! Head on over and show Jessi some love!  

Wait! Don't leave! Make sure you link up your outfit below! You might just be my pick for next Friday's link up!

LULU*S GALENTINE'S GIVEAWAY: WIN FREE DRESSES FOR A YEAR!!

Today I am excited to promote this amazing GIVEAWAY from on of my favorite online shops LuLu*s!  Valentine’s Day may be coming up quick but at LuLu*s,Galentine’s Day reigns supreme!!

  Forget the flowers and treat yourself to a year of fresh frocks! LuLu*s is giving away one free dress a month to one lucky gal (and her best pal) for all of 2014! Follow the link to enter and refer your best gal pal with your custom generated link for a chance to WIN: Click here to enter!!
You know that one thing I love it dresses. I can NEVER have too many dresses! That is one thing I love about LuLu*s is the fact that they have SO many dresses in all different lengths and styles to choose from! When LuLu*s emailed me about this GIVEAWAY, I was so happy! FREE dresses for a year! This my kinda GIVEAWAY!!!
Here are two of my favorite dress picks worn by Rachel and Ariel

Hurry on over and enter for a chance to win!

Brilliant Earth: Personality Style Challenge

Jaimie, a Community Outreach Coordinator from Brilliant Earth, recently approached me to join their Personality Style Challenge. Ethically sourced diamonds and engagement rings are their forte. Their mission is to acquire conflict-free diamonds from ethical sources and to donate 5% of profits to help communities harmed by the jewelry industry build a brighter future. 

For the Brilliant Earth Personality Style Challenge, a group of selected bloggers were provided with background information on several different “personality styles,” along with corresponding Brilliant Earth accessories for each personality. Each of us had to pick our favorite category and create a fashion style board or mood board surrounding our theme. They gave us the opportunity to style our board however we would like and they will be selecting their three favorites to feature on their Brilliant Earth Pinterest page.

Personality styles include: 

I love all of these different personality styles, so it was definitely hard to choose just one. I decided to choose the vintage dress and thrift store shopping personality style. For one, I am obsessed with dresses and skirts and two I am  a thrift shopping queen! More than half of my closet is thrift find from SAVERS, Goodwill, Turn Style, and my Sisters Closet. I get especially excited when I find designer items for anywhere from $5-$10. I can go in with $50 and come out with a bag full of clothes! 

Earrings: Promenade Earrings
Middle Ring: 18K White Gold Eternity Diamond Ring
End Ring: 18K White Gold Hudson Ring


What kind of girl are you?

Weekend Style: Pearls, Polka-Dots, Heart Shaped Sunnies and Blinged Out Phone Case

I cannot tell you just how nice it was to have yesterday off! I got to spend the ENTIRE day with Josh. It was so great. I really cherish those moments of quality time with my love. Quality time where we can  talk, laugh, sleep in together, have lunch, run errands, do house projects and just plain be together and  enjoy each others company. Yesterday we slept in together, had a meeting at the PHX Open for the Thunderbirds, had lunch/went shopping at Tempe Marketplace, fun house projects/decorating together  and BBQed hamburgers last night. It was a busy fun-filled day and I enjoyed every single second of it!

 

   

I am in LOVE with this blinged out phone case from Born to Be Pretty

The quality is great and I love the detail of all the rhinestones. When out and about, I get so many people asking me where I bought it at! I can tell you right now that I won't be changing my phone case for while!
Talk about cheap! Most of their cases are just under $5.00! Check out their I-Phone cases HERE
Use coupon code KIMBERLYBC10 and get 10% off 

Sunglasses: Tillys // Jacket: Thrifted // Cardigan: Target // Jeans: Thrifted // Boots: Kohls// Jewelry: Thrifted // Purse: Down East Basics // Phone Case: Born to Be Pretty Have a GREAT day!

I Am a Mormon Monday: Meet Lisa

 

Follow me on: Pinterest // Instagram // Facebook // Bloglovin // Twitter

About Me:

My name is Lisa and I blog over at Grey Luster Girl. I am a mother to two darling silly girls and one danger magnet little boy. My kiddos keep me on my toes but in my spare time (haha) I like to make things. I enjoy refashioning clothes, planning parties, making and eating food and doing all the DIY projects I can.

What is hope and what do you hope for?

Hope is a trust I have in the unique plan that my Father in Heaven has for me. I hope for love and happiness for myself and my family. I hope to teach my children and watch them grow in understanding and tenderness. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't completely anxious for my kids to grow up in the world I see with all the scary things that go on. The only thing that keeps me sane is knowing that each of my kids also have a unique plan and that a higher power oversees it.

How I live my Faith

The way I live my faith is by focusing on doing the best I can to follow the teachings of my Savior Jesus Christ. I know that if I am doing that my kids and those in my circle of influence will notice. I also know that if I do that I will be happy and that is certainly something to hope for.

Thank you so much for having me Kimberly! It was alot of fun! 
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If you would like to participate in I Am a Mormon Monday, please contact me!
bostonksox@gmail.com

Fashion Friday Link Up: Red Coat

I am borderline obsessed with this burgundy Pea-Coat from VS.When I saw this coat online I knew it was love at first sight. I managed to pick this beauty up for $29 when VS had their Winter Clearance clear out sale then gave myself a pat on the back. 

Coat: Victoria's Secret // Dress: Thrifted // Tights: TJ Maxx// 

Shoes (Franco Sarto): Thrifted // Purse: TJ Maxx // Necklace: efoxcity

Fashion Friday Link Up Pick
My pick from last week's Fashion Friday Link Up is Carolyn from CCMCafee Perspective Carolyn loves running, dancing, hiking, cycling, swimming, rollerblading, and jumping on the trampoline. Wow! This woman is so active! Head on over and show Carolyn some love!

Wait! Don't leave! Make sure you link up your outfit below! You might just be my pick for next Friday's link up!