Five {little} Blessings

Sometimes the week is so full and days off are so few that there is hardly any time to take in all the little blessings. This past week was one of those. And while I wish I'd had more time to post daily, I am glad that this post is included. Even if it is a couple days late. Here are five little things that made my week lovely.

Blue plaid flannel sheets that have changed my life.

A peacock statue that reminds me of my bestie.

This casual outfit that's part of a new project {more about that later}.

A pair of nude suede shoes.

A sparkly ornament from my in-laws.


xoxo

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Wallflower

One of my favorite things about my town is the abundance of random brick walls. Maybe it's my childhood home nostalgia, but I love the red-brown color of brick and the imperfections of the individuals stones. In fact, when it comes to buying a house or condo, two of my absolute requirements are an interior exposed brick wall and hardwood floors. {I know. Picky picky.} For now, however, I will settle for these walls. Perfect for hanging Christmas lights and garland, and perfect for outfit shoots

Anthropologie coat & necklace, H&M faux fur stole, Tucker for Target blouse, American Eagle cargos, vintage & F21 rings, Michael Kors heels, Coach bag


xoxo

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Holiday Gift Guide: For Him

As I've mentioned previously, giving gifts is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. I love finding something so perfect for someone else and seeing their faces when it's opened. It's nice to know that every time they use or look at your present, they will think of you. Sometimes, however, it's difficult to find something for even those people closest to you, especially when it comes to guys. Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for every personality, from the athlete to the artist.

1. Buck Jr. Wall Trophy - Carboard Safari

2. Holga 35mm Camera - Urban Outfitters

3. Magazine Subscription - Men's Health

4. Thermal Running Tights - Nike

5. Classic Thermos - Stanley

6. Wooden Cocktail Set - West Elm

7. Grey Flannel Classics - TOMS

8. Flannel PJ Bottoms - Gap

9. Leather Day Bag- Wilson's Leather

10. Original Wall Art - Tyson McAdoo

11. Kraft Speakers - West Elm

12. Camper Watch - Timex

13. White Elixir Colognt - C.O. Bigelow

14. Bikila Running Shoes - Vibram Five Fingers

15. Merino Cardigan - Gap

For other gift guides, see this and this.

Happy Gifting.

xoxo

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Five {little} Blessings

Things have been quiet this week as my days have been filled to the brim with studies, pots of coffee, textbooks, exams, and late nights. For now, I am taking the weekend off to enjoy time with my husband, a gingerbread house building birthday party for my nephew, a Christmas party at our pastor's house {He & his wife are so cool. They're the same age as husband and me!}, and a fancy dinner for my mom's birthday {in no particular order}. So this week, I found my little blessings in the people that surround me, including you.


Happy weekend.
xoxo

image via weheartit
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Mantra

This is my mantra.
I'm only three days away from the end of the semester and only five months away from rotations. It's safe to say I feel overwhelmed, but I will not let it consume me.

Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16

{Thanks, E.}
xoxo

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Winter Comforts: Moroccan Vegetable Soup

With cold winter breezes and long hours of studying filling my days as of late, I have been craving warm dishes like vegetable soup and black bean chili. I stumbled upon this recipe in a Taste of Home magazine and decided to try a twist on my traditional vegetable soup with a Moroccan-inspired version. With a mix of butternut squash, zucchini, potatoes, garbanzo beans, and carrots, I was immediately sold on the idea. The cinnamon, however, is the secret ingredient! I also threw in a bit of chicken to appease the meat-eaters in the crowd, and the end result was far from disappointing.

Happy warmth & winter days.
xoxo

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Blending In

I realized when sorting through these pictures that my outfit camouflages well with the orangey-brown of the leaves and brick surrounding me. Nonetheless, I love the feeling of fall/winter that this outfit brought to me this past weekend. Not to mention that this dress was a total steal from Urban. {50% off all sale on Black Friday. Yes, I am crazy, but it paid off!}I love that it can be either dressed up with heels or worn casually with flat boots. Stay tuned for that post in the next couple weeks.

F21 hat, Urban Outfitters dress & cardigan, vintage & Banana Republic jewelry, Target belt, Modcloth tights, Seychelles booties, Coach bag


xoxo

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Five {little} Blessings

The week after Thanksgiving is typically a bit rough for me. I've had multiple days off with my family and husband, gone shopping and drank coffee with friends, decorated my home for Christmas and baked holiday goodies... And then I suddenly return to the world of textbooks, exams, and antibiotic stewardship in the blink of an eye. And it's the end of the semester, which means multiple finals and this year, the looming thought of moving to a new city alone. Because the transition back to school made this a challenging week, these five blessings have been especially important over the last few days.

{Hopes and dreams of the future}

{Winning a subscription to Southern Flourish magazine from one of my favorite ladies.}

{These Teva Stilettos that I find equally intriguing and hilarious. Thanks Brittnie and Christy!}

{Fashion inspiration via my bestie}

The more familiar two people become, the more the language they speak together departs from that of the ordinary, dictionary-defined discourse. Familiarity creates a new language, an in-house language of intimacy that carries reference to the story the two are weaving together and that cannot be readily understood by others.

~ Alain de Botton, On Love (via)
{This quote that reminded me to cherish these days with my sweet husband because they are numbered.}

xoxo

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Winter Work

When it comes to winter dresses, I typically just layer tights and cardigans over sleeveless silk pieces and let my wool coat do all of the work. Lately, however, I have taken a turn toward dresses that are more specific to the colder months. {This one is a new favorite.} Although it won't get really cold here until February, I pulled out this winter favorite of mine this past weekend. The amazingly soft flannel-esque fabric and muted jewel tones make it a perfect winter companion.

F21 jacket & boots, Lizard Thicket Boutique dress, gifted scarf, Simply Vera tights, vintage belt, vintage & Banana Republic rings, Target earrings, Essie Chinchilly polish


Do you believe in winter dresses?
xoxo


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Baby, Put on That Party Dress

I don't usually need an excuse to get dressed up. In fact, I've been known to wear stilettos to the grocery store for no particular reason. However, there is something about holiday parties that makes me a bit giddy. Maybe it's the glitter, the sequins, or the sweetheart necklines of my favorite fancy dresses. Or maybe it's just the warm buzz of being around some of my favorite people. Either way, these party dress picks will have you looking chic whether you're attending an office party, a family gathering, or a swanky soirée.

Chiffon Chain Waist Dress - Topshop

Strapless Silk Bustier Dress - Rebecca Taylor
Ruffle Dress - American Eagle

Bronze Statuesque Dress - Modcloth

Berry Kiss Dress - Spotted Moth

Cream & Navy Sequin Dress - Miss Selfridge

Gold Sequin Sleeveless Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Feather Embellished Silk Dress - Rebecca Taylor

Folded-sequin silk-organza dress - Adam

Dream a Little Gleam Dress - Modcloth

Rose Sequin Tunic - Topshop

Red Carpet Royalty Dress - Modcloth

High Caliber Dress - Modcloth

Beaded Leopard Print Dress - Topshop

Rebecca Dress - French Connection

Devoré velvet dress - Juicy Couture

Puff Sleeve Lace Dress - Dorothy Perkins

Navy Embellished Dress - Miss Selfridge

Happy party dressing.

xoxo

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A Grey Sky Morning

I've been doing quite a bit of layering lately to keep up with the weather changes. Socks over tights, vests over cardigans. Not that I mind, really. Layering is definitely one of my favorite ways to spice up an outfit as well as a practical way to stay warm or cool according to your surroundings. I wore these layers last weekend for a Sunday morning & afternoon out with the husband.

Twelve by Twelve silk tunic, Forever 21 cardigan & vest, J. Crew belt, Modcloth tights, MRKT wedges via DSW, vintage ring, Essie Ballet Slipper polish


Happy Layering.
xoxo


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Holiday Gift Guide: Under $50

Christmas is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons, and among them is gift giving. Whether it's a sparkly trinket or a killer pair of heels, I love giving something special to the people in my life. Here are some of my favorite finds for less than $50. {For gift ideas under $20, see my previous gift guide.}

1. Relief Gold Bud Vases - Jonathan Adler $39.95
2. Ruched Platform Heel - LuLu's $31
3. Sparkling Wine Evening Dress - LuLu's $44
Faux Fur Mittens - Urban Outfitters $28
4. Classic Century Salt & Pepper Shakers - Crate & Barrel $38.95
5. Mini Donut Maker - Urban Outfitters $30
6. Atessa Vase - Crate & Barrel $29.95
7. Top of the Charts Bag - Modcloth $34.99
8. Feather Collar - Twelve by Twelve $22
9. Taupe One Shoulder Dress - LuLu's $47
10. Little Birch Jewelry Stand - Urban Outfitters $32
11. Something About Sophia Fragrance - Benefit $36
12. Enchanted Buck Measuring Cups - Anthropologie $48
13. Capri Blue Mercury Jar Candle - Anthropologie $25
14. Patent Platform Boot - Charlotte Russe $42.50
15. Illuminated Moon - Urban Outfitters $45


Happy Gifting.
xoxo

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Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it centers around being grateful for what comprises our lives. While I am very thankful to have a great apartment & rent that allows me not to work while in school, the things on my list this year aren't things. This year {and always} I am thankful for the people in my life who make me feel happy and loved - my family, my friends, and you. But most of all I am thankful for a kind, caring husband who is strong in his faith.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
xoxo


image via we heart it
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LuLu's Loot

LuLu's has been one of my favorite online stores for a while now, thanks to my girl over at Junk. I can always find something I love for a really great price point. That's why I am excited to tell you that LuLu's is offering 15% off to Hiking in Stilettos readers from now until Novermber 28th! With already affordable prices, this discount is a steal! Be it something special to wear to a holiday party or a gift for a girlfriend, you will definitely find something at LuLu's that's just perfect. Here are some of my favorites:

Details:
The offer is for 15% off your entire purchase, site wide. Just enter "HIKING" (it's case-sensitive, all caps please!) at checkout. It's valid for customers in the US and Canada and is a one use per customer coupon. It expires on November 28th, and some of my favorites are already selling out, so best go now! Let me know what you end up with! I know I will be doing a bit of Christmas shopping for a few of the ladies in my life.

xoxo

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It's All About the Veggies

I've never met a vegetable that I don't like {well, except for baby corn, which just freaks me out & has a weird texture}, so Thanksgiving to me is more about the veggies than the center-stage bird. Honestly, I've often filled my plate with delicious-looking sides and completely forgotten about the whole turkey thing. After I stumbled upon this article, my stance on vegetables was only more solidified.

I absolutely love Thanksgiving. An entire day devoted to family, friends, blessings, and food? It's perfect. This year I'm trying out recipes with a twist on the traditional. Here are some veggies that are contenders for this year's table.

PW Green Bean Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

PW Rosemary Acorn Squash Wedges

Jalapeno Cheddar Corn Bread


What are you cooking this Thanksgiving?
xoxo

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