Mid-Month Must Haves

I love the end of the month "monthly favorites" videos, but I always miss them in the middle of the month. So I thought I'd switch it up and start something new--Mid Month Must Haves.  This is basically the same thing, a random compilation of my favorite things this last month, only in the middle of it :) 

& sorry this wasn't up yesterday but my computer crashed!!  It's pretty devastating but hopefully I can still fix it...If anyone know how to fix a Mac grey screen--holla because it's still broken :(

 

1) Apple cider vinegar

I might do a whole post about this because I have been loving it SO much! I use it topically on my face and it has been such a game changer! I struggle with deep, hormonal, cystic acne and ever since I started using this, my skin has completely changed! All I do is mix this with some water (about 1:3) and use it morning and night with a cotton ball.  Literally nothing fancy.  I even got the Heinz brand because you know what, it was cheaper and they had it at Wal-Mart.  So there.  This stuff has been awesome!  The quickest change was that my makeup looks totally different-it stays on better, applies smoother, and doesn't oxidize throughout the day.  It's also prevented any new pimples and evened out old marks.  I could go on and on...   

2) Nyx dark circle concealer

There isn't an Ulta really close by where I live (luckily!) but when I was home recently I stopped in with my sister to look for a good highlighter (for her, not me).  I spotted this and tested it in the store. NOTHING that allegedly covers up dark circles has ever worked for me.  I have deep eyes and no matter how much sleep I get, very dark circles.  The moment I put this on one of my eyes, my sister looked up and told me I had to get it.  It has a salmon-y, orange-ish undertone which counteracts the blue/purple very well.  It also has coconut oil which helps moisturize and reduce fine lines and settling.  It took me a few days to figure out exactly how to use it, but if I set it with a mattifying powder, it looks great and stays all day! Definitely a staple from now on.     

 

3) Garnier De-Constructed Texture Tease

Words cannot express how much this product has changed my hair's life!!  I think it may be safe to say this is my favorite hair product I've ever used.  The best way to describe it would be that it makes your hair feel rough...in a good way.  Does that make sense?  I feel like it gives me that "second day hair" curl ability even on freshly washed hair.  And the HOLD! omygosh.  It's not designed as a hairspray but it hold my curls better than anything else I've tried.  All I do is curl my hair, comb it out, and spray a ton of this on both sides (top and bottom) and style/shape it with my fingers.  It's seriously amazing.  I'm sure there are a million billion other things to use it for too, but so far I'm loving this. 

4) Hummus

More specifically...eaten with raw onions.  So this is weird but I've been super-de-duper obsessed with hummus this past month.  I've been making wraps for lunch, having it with veggies for snacks, I just cannot get enough.  There are tons of varieties but I get the Roasted Red Pepper because I like the spice.  PS-I get the Aldi kind though because it's cheaper :)

5) Planner (DIY)

Not embarrassed to admit that I legitimately fan girled over my planner.  I am loving it so so much and I hope to post about it soon! Let's just say, if I had to pick between my planner and the teasing spray (above) it would be a difficult decision. BUT I could just write in my planner "Buy more teasing spray" sooooo...decision made!  If you want my planner cover see THIS post :)

 

6) Puffy Vests

Even though it is darn cold out, I refuse to wear my jacket already (okay I did once!).  Instead, I love wearing my simple white puffy vest I got on extra double super clearance from Land's End (dude, have you checked out their sales?? Killer).  I just ordered this one (above) from Wal-Mart for *drumroll please* 9.88!! Seriously a steal considering the one from JCrew that has basically become a cult favorite on the web, is around $120-$150.  I know they're not the same but for 140 bucks, I can pretend! See...

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^This is Caitlin from Southern Curls & Pearls.  I adore her style!!

  

7) Statement Necklaces

So, Wal-Mart carries really cute statement necklaces now...for only $10! I noticed them a few weeks ago when I was home...and maybe I bought three, so what? Whoops #mybad.  But the white one (middle) is "on hold" for a Christmas gift.  I thought it would look cute for any upcoming bridal events! :)  They are really cute and fashionable and for $10, the quality is great!  I love pairing a bold necklace like this with a basic white tee, skinny jeans and boots or flats for fall.  Throw on that puffy vest and it's Wal-mart for the win!!

8)  Alexandrea Garza (YouTube and blog)

This girl.  I think I found her when I was searching for a wedding binder video.  She does a lot of makeup and style videos and she is just too adorable!  I was quickly drawn to her because we're both Midwest girls who love makeup, fashion, hair, Disney and Lilly Pulitzer, and we're both getting married next spring!  She seems super down to earth and I feel like we have similar styles.  I love her #weddingbelles series (of course) but seriously, all her videos are great. Go check her out! 

  

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9)  Gold Glitter Wall Border

I've seen this floating around Pinterest for a while, but I didn't seek it out until just this past month.  As I kind of mentioned above, I've been working on my Wedding Binder and I thought this stuff would be perfect.  Well, it is! It's a really gorgeous shade of gold and it was only $4.88 from...you guess it, Wal-Mart!  It's super easy to use because it's removable.  It doesn't flake off like a lot of glitter papers so glitter doesn't go everywhere and it's self-adhesive.  I seriously love it and just watch, everything I own will be gold glitter by this time next month.    

10) The League

This show is so funny! We actually started watching it because I joined my first ever fantasy football league (so fancy) this year.  It's hilarious and totally not all about football, which is good.  The characters are awesome and the writing is just top notch.  One of those shows where there really are no bad episodes, you know what I mean?  It's a lighthearted comedy that I love watching on relaxing evenings.  It's on Netflix so check it out! 

And that's all folks! See you soon :)

<3, court

Lilly Inspired Planner Cover

Let's be honest, I've been drooling over the Lilly Pulitzer planners since they were launched.  They are just so preppy, bright and beautiful, but at $17-$34...a lil' bit out of my price range.

I plan to do a whole post about my planner (which I am LOVING) but for now, just a peak at the cover I made: 

 

It was seriously so easy to make! And exactly what I wanted-bright, fun, preppy, and Lilly-but at the price I needed-FREE! 

And because I'm a dork, I made a matching lock screen for my phone:

 If you want your own, just leave me a comment and I'll customize it for you! The only price you'll pay is to re-pin THIS pin and share my blog on any of your social media accounts.  

Thanks and love!

-cas 

Sale (& new obsession) Alert!

Totally & completely UH-bsessed with our new comforter. 

OBSESSED.

  

It's the "Threshold™ Multi Floral Comforter Set" from Target.

It is so cute and, yes, very summery as we go into the winter months-but I don't even care!  

I saw it online a few weeks ago on sale for around $75, which I thought was okaaay but when I went into my store it was full price-$99.99... 

so I passed. 

Sorry I'm not sorry.

But TODAY!... having already accepted the fact that I'd never have my dream comforter, I was wandering aimlessly through the bedding and saw it...  

on sale for (get ready for it) $45! 

SAY WHAA?

Needlessly to say, it came home with me.

*It's on sale online for $55.98. It was $45 at my local target though, so check it out. 

  It did come out of the bag pretty wrinkly but I'm still in love.  To be fair, the pattern does stop about halfway up and the comforter is just pure white.  It doesn't look exactly like the picture (at least the king size).  But that actually just makes me love it even more!  It makes our small bedroom bright and happy.  

So I'm happy.  

Get yours here and enjoy summer all winter.  

-I'm hoping to do a full bedroom post (we have a very small bedroom) soon! 

<3 xo

Cheap Valentine's Day Party Ideas

 Heyo! So have I mentioned how much I ♥ Valentine's Day?! Well it's coming right up and this year I am hosting my "second annual" GALentine's Day! 

This is just when all my girlfriends come over and enjoy treats, pink wine, and great company.  Remember all of those healthy treats I shared? Yeah no-not last year.  Here's some things I did for the party last year-it was so much fun!  And literally Pretty [&] Cheap.  

see what I did there ;)

Melted Almond Bark was legit my best friend. It's only $2.50 at Walmart.

 Oreos! I love the little heart sprinkles (also from Walmart).  These were SO easy to make! Just dip and sprinkle :)

*Can you tell those are Walmart brand Oreos?  When you're dipping them in delicious almond bark, who cares? :) #savingmoney

 Pretzels! Just dipped 'em and added sprinkles. Would be so fun to do with kiddos!

 Also, pink wafers.  Any chance to add pink-obviously. 

*rolls eyes at self

I put everything in adorable heart bowls that I got for $1 at the Dollar Store!

 This precious candy heart box was $1 at the Target Buck Stop-score!! 

Obviously had to fill it with candy hearts (my fave!!!)

I just put the long pretzels in one of our (conveniently) red cups.  That cup went into a bowl filled with even more pretzels.  

 

Which I made like this: Step 1) spread them out on a cookie sheet

 Step 2) Slice almond bark and into the oven. Literally no work. Done.  

Here's what our table looked like:

 [napkins from the Dollar Store]

 I love this shot! The adorable wreath around the bowl is from the Dollar Store as well.  

Honestly, this party was SO much fun to host!  We had a blast and I spent maybe $20, including the adorable decorations, which I'll be using again this year.  

I can't wait for Friday's party!  What are your plans? :)

♥, courtney

Healthy Holiday: Valentine's Day

So...I may have mentioned [again, and again, and AGAIN] I am trying to be really healthy!
[I swear I'm not trying to make this a health blog...]

 The holidays can be such a difficult time to keep up with a diet, and if you're anything like me, you can't limit yourself to ONE cookie-that's just crazy!
I thought I'd share some of my favorite treats that you can enjoy until your heart's [no pun intended] content!  Delicious and guilt free! 

Peppers are an amazing snack, aren't these just adorable?!

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This pepper is adorably stuffed.  I love how nature gives us the color we want for Valentine's Day! :)

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This idea is SO easy, but healthy and cheap! WIN WIN WIN!

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Another simple fruit idea:

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How adorable are these little Valentines for a class?

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Or maybe for a special cutie in your life :)

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I need to find a heart cookie cutter STAT!

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Again, SO unbelievably simple, delicious AND healthy!  Even add a little whip cream-YUMMY!

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Who else loves avocados? Power food!

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I've also been obsessed with cherry tomatoes! This one might take a little more time, but definitely worth it!

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What's your favorite way to stay healthy during the holidays? Please share!


♥, court

CHEEZ-y Valentines

After my last post, I got really excited for my work Valentines!  Again, here is my inspiration:

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 I literally could not wait any longer and whipped up this quick note: 

I still have to go and buy Cheez-Its, so I'll have to customize the size.  I'll be sure to post pictures :)

 But anyway, here's yours!

Be sure to share photos if you do use it! 

<3

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Okay so here's the deal, I LOVE Valentine's Day, I really do! And not only because my favorite color is pink and it's EVERYWHERE this time of year :) I just think it's such a nice opportunity to give thoughtful little gifts and let the people in your life know how much you care about them.  I've listed a few of mine below.  What are your plans for LOVE DAY? :) 

For Him:

This is definitely what I'm getting my mister on February 14th.  He's been talking about how he wishes he could make his own breakfast sandwiches before work, and this one was only $25 at Walmart!  I think gifts are really special when you listen and remember things the other person said :)  

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I actually made this Beer Cake for my fiance for Christmas.  He thought it was hilarious and thoughtful.  It was SO easy to make, maybe I'll do a tutorial someday.

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I think he'd like this better than a bouquet of roses.

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I also homemade a similar basket for my man's Christmas gift.  He loves spicy food so I included jalapeno peppers, Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Cholula, Salsa, Hot Chili, Spicy V8 and Hot Tamales.  I made a sign that said "You're HOT" and he loved it :)

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My guy isn't really into sweet things (see above) but I bet anyone would love these super soft, Valentine's themed cookies.

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For Her:

I have always thought this was such a cute idea! Pre-planned dates for each month in a basket.  Takes the thought out of it but is still a surprise.  Precious.  She even has date ideas on her blog!

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Peanut Butter & Chocolate.  'Nuff said. 

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Another cute yet very cheap idea.  What a great keepsake!

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This gift idea is SO cute, and she did it on the cheap! I would love to get this thoughtful gift, and you can put as much or as little time into this DIY as you want.  

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I purchased necklaces from Eliza Jay for Christmas and they were SUCH a hit (literally, tears were shed).  They arrived so quickly for a custom piece and I love the quality.  Anything customized will win her heart!

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For Parents:

It would be so fun to help a little one create this colorful work of art!

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Embarrassing but true, I made this card for my own mom just a few years ago (it's kind of "our saying").  She loved it and it was super easy!

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I also made this for my mom! Another super easy, and deliciously simple, DIY.

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Fun for teachers or babysitters to do with kids.  Would be cute to see how each kid creates different patterns :) I remember doing this as a kid myself!

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Adorable coupon book for parents (or anyone really).  Cute keepsake and the kiddos can make up their own "coupons"!

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For Teachers:

Simple but I'm almost positive they'd love (and use) it!

 

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Another simple idea-

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A different take on those silly popcorn tins!

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I know you can get these cups cheap and the flag on the straw really makes it special.

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Okay but really, who wouldn't love to get a s'more kit?? This would be great it you had several teachers to give gifts to.  

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For Classmates:

Bringing Valentine's to class and exchanging used to be so much fun! These will be sure to get the other students talking :)

Stop by the dollar store for some of these critters.

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We all know how much we love Twinkies (especially given the recent scare!) and minions.  Put the two together.... 

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Dollar Store saves the day again! These cute shovels and printable make for a great little gift!

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Takes a little bit of advanced planning, but totally worth it! Super cute. 

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CEREAL-sly, could this be cuter? And I can't get over those awesome pink spoons!

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For Coworkers:

It really livens and brightens up the office when holidays are celebrated (appropriately).  So much fun to show your coworkers how much you appreciate them!  Here are some simple and easy ideas for all my hard workers out there with no extra time to make treats (like me!) 

Luckily (unluckily??), they just opened a Dunkin' Donuts near my house :)  I'm sure you could customize this little sleeve with whatever language you'd like-so cute!

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I made this for a coworker last Christmas after I noticed she was always drinking Mt. Dew.  I would be great for your team members and this site has printables-score!

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Another super creative yet inexpensive gift.  Literally takes almost no time but will show your gratitude. 

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I am totally making these for my coworkers, no lie.  I think it's hilarious and would make everyone laugh.  Again, very simple and not at all time consuming! 

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It really says something when this is the most time consuming gift idea of all at about 10 minutes. These are cute, festive and could be bagged up individually, or left out in a bowl with cute little dixie cups.  

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 So there it is-30 great gift ideas for everyone in your life.  Which ones are you thinking about making?  Happy Valentine's Day! <3