The Cats Meow

        Busy day so I don't have a lot of time to write a long post today. Just thought I would drop in and tell you of one trend I'm loving right now, cat eye sunglasses. Whenever I think of cat-eye sunglasses I always think of Kourtney Kardashian because it's a trend she always has on. I never saw myself as someone who would like cat-eye glasses, I am more of an aviator with a hint of big Jackie O sunglasses kind of girl. However, I was recently in Banana Republic and fell in love with the Mari glasses. They ended up being really flattering on my face, so I put them on my to-buy list next time they have a sale. They're really feminine so they will be a perfect addition for my outfit on days that I'm straying away from my typical tom-boy style in favor of a more girly persona. 

What sunglasses do you prefer to wear?

Mari Sunglasses

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

Five Friday Favorites

       I'm having a little bit of a creative block so I'm stealing a common blog topic "5 things I am loving right now." I think it's a great way to discuss even the most random things we are loving and I'll probably continue to use these in the future.

1. The ICC Italian Festival. Each September our local Italian Community Center holds an Italian Fest where they have lots of traditional Italian dishes, music, desserts, games, and raffles. I went for the first time a couple years ago and fell in love. Obviously, I love to eat and this Festival allows you to sample so many dishes, they even have booths for homemade wines and desserts. Plus, you're guaranteed to run into somebody you know, so it's kinda like one big party. It's something I've been looking forward to all week.

2. Fall TV: Is anyone else ready for all their fall TV to start? I've had a busy summer and have been out and about most nights, but as fall creeps in I find that I need something to do at night. There has been too many cliffhangers and I'm ready to find out what happens to my favorite characters. I am especially excited for the return of 3 of my favorite shows, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story and Survivor (yes, Survivor...it's a guilty pleasure, don't judge me). 

3. Essie's Breast Cancer Awareness Collection: I've been on the hunt for the perfect baby pink nail polish color, but I couldn't find the right shade until I saw the new Essie Breast Cancer Awareness Collection. Obviously, I love the idea of women supporting other women, plus the color is fun and flirty. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so it's a great way to support a great cause and have great nails at the same time. 

4. Target's B&W Collection: Their slogan is everyone feels bright in Black & White, and they kinda nailed it. Black and white together will never go out of style and it looks great on every body type. The Target collection has a lot of great pieces, from sweaters and blazers, to dresses and pants. They even have a ton of pieces in the houndstooth pattern that is so popular this fall. Plus, it's target so it's affordable for all bank accounts. 

5. The Beau Bag: Ohhhh man, is this not the most perfect bag you've ever seen? It has great structure, a great bow detail and it comes in so many colors. This is one of those bags you see someone using on the street and you say "Now thats a great looking bag!" Not gonna lie, its pretty pricey but it's one of those great investments you will have forever. My two favorites are the leopard print and the bright purple. Swoon.

What are you loving right now?

Essie: Pink About It

Target B&W Collection

Kate Spade 2 Park Avenue Beau Bag

xoxo

Fake Bake

      It's September and I am officially in panic mode. The family pools are closing all around me and the thought of my tan starting to fade makes me break out in a sweat. I know, the sun is bad for you, I get it. But there is nothing like a good tan to make an outfit pop. Plus, there is nothing like the feel of the sun on your skin, I could spend every day at the beach and be one happy girl. I'm almost full blood Italian, pale skin just looks weird on me.
      Alas, I'll have to wait another 9 months before I can bask in the sun again, so I'm on the hunt for a good self-tanner/bronzer. Please understand, I do this every September... hunt through the local drug stores/Target for a self tanner that actually works, and every year I fail miserably. So I'm looking for your help! 

      Last September I bought the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (for medium to dark skin tones) at Target because it was recommended as one of the best Body Bronzers in the magazines. This year it was also voted as "Best Drugstore Self-Tanner" by Glamour Magazine (it was a 7 time winner). However, I was not impressed. I didn't think it kept up my tan and I found myself getting lighter and lighter as the month went on. Also it wasn't the best smelling thing. Maybe I'm missing something, but it didn't give me the glow I was looking for.

       So I think I'll have to try something new this year. Glamour also did a poll for best self-tanner from a department or speciality store and the winner was St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, so despite being $32 I might have to try it out. I also heard good things about the Tan Towels brand which makes body wipes and lotions to create a summer tan. So I'm open to suggestions, how do you keep your summer tan?! Am I doomed to be pale by October? SOS, please send help.

Have you ever used a self-tanner?

What brands do you like?

Tan Towels

Illuma Glow

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

xoxo

New Recipe: Cheese Tortellini with Parmesan Cream Sauce, Prosciutto and Peas

         The Italian in me is mad at myself for not posting a true Italian dish on my blog sooner. Be warned this is no healthy recipe but it is delicious. Again, I really only make easy recipes... I don't like things that are complicated or take a long time because ain't nobody got time for that! The hardest part of this recipe is grating the cheese, but you'll feel like you have arms of steel when your done, which somewhat makes up for the calories in this meal. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups parmesan cheese (buy a brick and grate it yourself...much better flavor)
• 6 slices prosciutto ham diced into pieces (buy it at the deli so its fresh)
• 2/3 cup frozen peas, thawed
• pepper to taste

Tortellini before cheese was added to thicken it up

Directions:

1. Cook tortellini according to box directions. While it cooks assemble other ingredients.
2. Melt butter in large pan over medium heat
3. Add cooked tortellini, stir gently to coat pasta with butter
4. Add cream and prosciutto ham. Cook until mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes)
5. Add peas, cheese, and generously pepper to taste. Stir allowing cheese to melt completely and mixture to combine.
6. Serve and enjoy!

xoxo

Labor Day Salezzz

Manchester Outlets

      So I'm not gonna lie, I may have scooped up a couple Labor Day sales despite not having any money. One day you will probably get an announcement on my blog that I've checked myself into Shopping Addicts Anonymous never to be released into civilization again. But, I get such a rush from getting great sales, plus the weather this weekend in the 518 was super gross so I needed something to do. 

       On Saturday I went to the mall to pick up a birthday gift for my little cousin but I ended up in J Crew, which was mistake #1. I had a 20% off coupon and everything on the sale rack was an additional 30% off the lowest ticketed price so I picked up a few items I've had my eye on. Firstly, I finally got my brown leather invitation clutch that I wanted for months now. The leather feels like butter and I'm so happy I got it. My mom and I split a purchase of the Peter Pan Collared top because we both wanted it, so we figured we could share it and swap it back and forth. I also got a pair of toothpick jeans that were on clearance for like $20. They are a really cool pattern and I was looking for something funky to wear on my girls trip to Vermont in a couple weeks. So overall, it was a successful trip because in addition to my 20% coupon, I was able to use my 15% student discount. 

        Then, I was planning on being poolside Sunday, but the weather sucked so I headed to the Manchester Outlets in Vermont to hit up the Kate Spade outlet store. I scored two bracelets for super cheap. I also ended up in the J Crew Factory store and I got two more of those pencil skirts I love because they were both on super clearance. I got the yellow one for $8.50!!!!! So I'm happy with my purchases and feel ready to bring on the fall weather. 

Did you score any Labor Day sales?

J Crew Toothpick Jean

Invitation Clutch

J Crew Tip Silk Collared Top

J Crew Factory Pencil Skirt

Kate Spade Pinata Park Skinny Bangle

xoxo

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day everybody! 

Hope you all got a chance to get outside this weekend and soak up some last minute summer sun before fall officially arrives. 

xoxo

Statement Jewelry on eBay?!

                                        

          Never have I ever bought something off of eBay, which is weird because I get such a rush from finding a great deal. Over the years I've become more of an Amazon girl, ordering something at least once a month from the online retailers. But... I was searching Pinterest looking for some inspirations for my next post and I came across a pin about buying great statement jewelry on eBay. I clicked on the link and I was shocked at all the stuff I found. First of all I found the J Crew Necklace I've had my eye on for $19.00 (with free shipping)! 

    So I browsed the site and I learned that it's important to only buy from people who have a high positive seller feedback information. Also most of the people selling will offer free shipping so make sure you browse so you don't end up paying for shipping if you don't have to. The majority of jewelry I found was under $10.00.

Here are just a few of the great jewels I found on eBay:

This Seller had a lot of great stuff

Have you ever bought something on eBay

Free People Bubble Necklace (in a variety of colors!)

Geometry Flower Necklaces

Teardrop Necklaces with Earrings

xoxo