Mondays Are Best Short With Lots of Coffee

   

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     Today went by quickly. It's the beginning of Thanksgiving week, and there was lots of shopping to be done. I'm responsible for the peas with bacon, and pecan pie. Last year was my first attempt at making a homemade pecan pie, and it came out better than I expected. I made it the morning of, so it was fresh and marvelous when we cut into it. I'd like to do the same thing this year, only this time I'm making my own pie crust. Can't wait to share!

     I also did a little online shopping this weekend, and earlier today. I've been needing a new pair of black heels because I wear them so often, they get way past their prime. Since I go through heels so quickly, I don't like to spend very much on them. I've learned that it's best to have at least two pairs of heels in nude and black--one pair for work and another for nice occasions. I like to shop at 6pm, and I find inexpensive heels I always love. Today they had an extra 15% off coupon, so bought these babies. 

     I've also been in need of a better shampoo, so I used my birthday coupon code for 15% off their PRX Reparatives shampoo. I have not tried it before, but I know their other shampoos work well. I also have a ton of conditioner, so for now I only bought the shampoo. A few months ago I went to the Fredrick Fekkai here in Dallas, and I really enjoy my haircut. I have received several compliments, and I look forward to going back many more times. 

     I'm also a huge fan of homemade gifts. One of my ideas this year, besides jewelry, is one given to me by the person I am gifting it to. I received an email one day with this adorable DIY craft idea on Etsy for making your own pressed flower iPhone case. I usually save my bouquets, and let them dry out. I also have some vintage pressed flowers from a craft store I would love to combine to create one of these lovely gifts. I purchased a clear iPhone 5 case from Amazon for less than two dollars. Light bulb! I'm thinking because I love DIY crafts so much, I will have to share a blog post in the near future about some of my other DIY crafts. 

     I hope everyone had a blessed and joyous Monday. May your Tuesday be just as special, as well as the days that follow. 

     -xoxo-
         
         Stephanie

Pre-Black Friday and Weekend

     

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      This week went by so fast, I can hardly believe it. Last night I took a quiz for school, and fell asleep shortly after, which was before 10PM. I'm more of a night owl, so it's always a sign when I fall asleep early. Between work and school, I can hardly keep track of the days. I'll be dedicating most of my time this weekend to cleaning and homework. I have a few more assignments and quizzes to complete, along with a paper I need to start. Oh, and I will be redoing my mani on Sunday. 

     Black Friday is so close, I am too excited to wait. I am so happy stores have started having sales earlier and earlier. I just can't wait! I can't wait to buy presents, and I can't wait to give them. My Yahoo account is flooded with emails with gift lists and sales. I'm too afraid to delete anything in case I miss something. Let's just say I have over 500 emails right now. My budget is limited, but a girl can dream. 

     Forever 21 is having pre-Black Friday deals. I believe there is a different sale every day. Modcloth is also having a similar promotion. I also love the H&M sales. Another one of my favorite stores is 6pm, and they are also having some great sales. There is a whole list of Black Friday deals here at Lucky. 

     I hope everyone has a good weekend!
  
     -xoxo-
  
         Stephanie   

It's That Time of Year Again

   

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     Tuesday is almost over, and I'm pleased with the progress I made with my blog and Google+ account. I have a lot more work and dedication to commit, but I am eager to keep moving forward. There are many bits and pieces I would like to string together, and create something beautiful. 

     Dallas is getting chillier, which I'm actually grateful for because that means snuggling in blankets, and wearing layers of fashion. But one thing I don't like very much is dry skin. This morning I had to put lotion on my arms after getting out of the shower, and I don't do that very often. I used a large bottle of Julep's bare body milk lotion, which smells simple and pure for after the shower. I also use Cetaphil's moisturizing lotion on my face every morning. I also love Kiss My Face Olive and Aloe lotion. And when I'm feeling really eager, I use L'occitane's Immortelle face cream before bed. Which body lotions do you use? Leave your comments below.

     I hope everyone had a wonderful week so far. I'm excited for what the rest of the week has to offer. Every day is a gift, and I am thankful to be here. Thank you to all of those who read my blog. 

-xoxo-

    Stephanie

The Gift of Giving

     

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     I have one of the kindest neighbors who lives upstairs. Almost every day she leaves a handwritten note on my door. It always contains the most wonderful and positive messages of God's joy and blessings. She has been through many hardships, and lives by herself since her husband passed away a year or so after purchasing the condo. Every time I see her, there is a light about her that makes me want to sit for hours with her and chat. She has a way of turning anything negative into something positive. And I really need that type of influence in my life. Ever since we became friends, I've learned to become closer with God, and it has compelled me to work on blessing others in the way my friend has blessed me. 

     I've always cared deeply about others, and now that I live in Dallas, I'm in contact with a lot more people. Recently, I decided to put together care kits for the homeless I see some days on my way to and from work. The care kits included things such as a pair of socks, knit hat, t-shirt, soap, and a few other toiletries, such as items in a first-aid kit or . Most of the items I used in my care kits were items I already had around the house. Everything was packaged in a zip-lock baggie, and placed inside of a used backpack.

     Today I was blessed with the experience of giving away one of these care kits. On my way to work this morning, a one-legged man was standing on the median of Northwest highway and Preston. I had enough time at the red light to remember I had a care kit in the back of my car, and wait for the man to walk past my car. I hope to make more care kits in the future. 

     Tonight I have more homework due, and then work again tomorrow. I hope everyone has a pleasant evening. Please consider making some of your own care kits, or giving in some other way before the year is over. Here is a link to an idea for care kits. Also, check out this link.

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Holiday Outfits

Holiday Outfits by dressdynamic featuring a patterned hosiery

Sunday Night Panic of Manic Mondays

   

Doesn't this make you want to relax?!

     
     Mondays are certainly not most people's favorite day of the week. I'm usually victim of manic Mondays, because sleep is my very best friend. It's difficult for me to wake up when my alarm first goes off. All weekend I have a hard time waking up before 8AM. My typical wake-up time is after 10AM. I know I should not allow myself to sleep-in, because it puts me back all week, but I keep doing it. I LOVE SLEEP!

     So, since I am dreaming about sleep, this is a good time to talk about adorable pajamas. I spent a large quantity of my spare time shopping online this weekend, and I am drooling over thigh-high socks and over-sized t-shirts. My pajama collection is very skimpy, and it's about time I start investing in my nighttime fashion. 

Jammy Jam Wish List

• Nordstrom has cute pajamas under their sale section. I've recently fallen in love with rompers, and this pajama romper is calling my name. Imagine how sassy it would look with socks of all lengths! I'm also really obsessed with adult onesies. I think they are so funny, and look really cozy. This kitty onesie is so stinking sweet. These also need to come home with me. Coffee coffee coffee!
• Forever 21 (my obsession) has affordable pajamas. I love this horse pullover, and there are pants, as well. I'm also really loving this bed+me=sleep nightie. I love my bed!
• I saw Blair in Gossip Girl wearing a similar pajama set to the set here at Shopbop. I'm so obsessed with the fashion in Gossip Girl-this will not be the last time you hear about it. I also sleep with an eye-mask every night, which is why I love this eye-mask. 
• This onesie at Asos is also to die for. I'm also crazy about this long tank top. I also need a yeti robe this winter!

    

    -xoxo-

       Stephanie

     

I Could Eat Soup at Every Meal

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    I've been living in Dallas for a little over a year. Fortunately, I have been able to try a lot of the delicious restaurants around here, but there are so many more to try. One of my menu go-to items is soup. I love trying soups at different restaurants, especially if I am not feeling very hungry, or it is around lunch time. 

    One of my favorite soups is at Mesero over by Inwood. I believe it is called pollo y tomatillo. It is so delicious, I really savored it and made it last the whole time I was there. Mesero has only been on Inwood for a few months, and I have enjoyed my experience every time. I never go wrong when I order to tortilla soup at any mexican restaurant. I'm also a fan of the black bean soup at Cooper Fitness Center in their restaurant Cedars Woodfire Grill. You want to purchase it early because they might run out. 

    Another place I often order soup is at Pho Envy on Hillcrest. It's really close to my house, so I often find myself stopping there when I have a soup craving. I typically order the spicy shrimp, and put in all of the goods they give you on the side. I know it is not one of the best places to order pho, but I haven't been disappointed so far. I guess I would have to try pho elsewhere, since I have never ordered it at any other restaurant. D Magazine just put out an article about the Five Best Bowls of Pho. Let's just say they are on my to-do list. I also love the miso soup at Sushi Star on Preston, and the hot and sour soup at Royal China on Royal Lane. 

     I also enjoy any of the soups at Le Bilboquet. It is another restaurant with soup I could sip on for hours. Not to mention the soups on the menu at the Zodiac in Neiman Marcus, or Bistro N at Nordstrom. Eatzi's on Lover's isn't a restaurant, but it has some of the best soups I have ever tried. One of my absolute favorites is the chicken dumpling soup. 

     I'm a major foodie, and ever since my braces stopped feeling unbearable, I can now really indulge. I plan to post many more articles in the future about food. Check back often to find out what I talk about next. Feel free to ask me questions about food in Dallas, and I might even write an article about it. 

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

One Skirt Two Outfits

One Skirt Two Outfits by dressdynamic featuring knee high socks

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Weekend and Shopping Updates

     

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     It's another mellow weekend for me. I have an assignment due on Sunday, and a few more due on Monday, so I plan to study and work on my fashion blog. Just a few more weeks left, and the semester is over. If all goes as planned, I hope to graduate by May of 2015. It's been a long journey, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am very blessed to have experienced so many wonderful things. I can't help but feel nostalgic at this very moment, because I am ready for a new chapter in life. Studying will not cease, but I do not plan on taking courses that are meant to fulfill a University-required course load. My studies will include education around my passions. 

     I'm also working on organizing my house. Ever since we started selling stuff on Ebay, my house has been cluttered and chaotic. I finally got it together a few weekends ago and organized my office, but since then new items have replaced the old. I can still maneuver around, so that's saying a lot. I'm also reorganizing my closet, since the weather finally dropped in Dallas. Some days it still reaches around 80 degrees, but overall it has been chilly. I'm excited for a new season, and new fashion inspiration. Check back for more fall and winter fashion articles. 

Weekend Shopping

• Shop Ruche sale this weekend on new items and tops. 20% off new items and 40% of tops. I did try to purchase a top, but it said the code for tops was invalid. Not sure if anyone else had this problem. Love this store either way!
• Henri Bendel is having a buy 3, get one free sale on their candles this weekend only. Although I have never smelled or purchased one, they look so fun and playful for the home, or as a gift.
• Ann Taylor is having a 40% off sale for friends and family. Just sign up for their email newsletter, and you get the coupon code. Their Lookbook is adorable and inspires adorable office outfits. 
• Ralph Lauren is having a 25% off cold weather sale for up to 50% off some items. There are a bunch of other sales around their website worth looking into. Love this boat-neck dress on sale. 
• I'm also loving this dress over at Anthropologie. There is a 25% off dresses and jewelry sale. Don't forget to look around the other sale section. Love this sweater. 

   

    -xoxo-

             Stephanie

How to Save Money This Shopping Season

     

Need giant cups of coffee from Bubba's for this one.

    Last year I was so excited to shop Black Friday deals that I stayed up until about four in the morning, browsing all of my favorite online stores. Although I love a good deal, I want a great deal. I love Black Friday holiday deals, along with all of the other sales before Christmas, but I discovered you can save even more money. 

     Websites, such as retailmenot.com and ebates.com are both useful tools for saving even more money. Before I make any online purchases, I check to see if my Ebates is active on my browser, and then I check Retail Me Not to see if there are any coupon codes I might be able to apply to my purchase. Both Ebates and Retail Me Not have apps you can install on your phone for on the go purchases, as well. 

     Especially during the holidays, there are even more savings available. Throughout the year, Ebates offers double cash back at participating stores. That means 10% or more cash back. I'm a huge fan of Forever 21 because of their adorable fashion at an affordable cost. Recently, I noticed Forever 21 is no longer participating, but it used to be that I could save a few dollars on each purchase of $50 or more, along with other savings if a promotion or sale is available. 

    There are other ways to save money, such as the Coupons app. I really enjoy the Coupons app when I'm out on the weekends, and want to see if there are any restaurants or department stores having promotions around my designated locations. I'm not a big fan of shopping in stores on Black Friday anymore, but this app is useful year-round. I also utilize my AAA discounts when out and about. My favorite place to use my AAA discount is in hotels if I can't find a better deal online. If you haven't had AAA before, there are many more perks, as well. But that is for another article. 

     These are just a few of the apps I actually use, but I am sure there are many more out there. If you know any and would like to share, please leave a message below. I would love to write another blog article in the future with other savings ideas. As a college student putting herself through school, I love stretching my money as far as I can. On another note, check back soon for more articles. I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend! 

     -xoxo-

       Stephanie

Timeless Fashion

Timeless Fashion by dressdynamic featuring a woolen hat

AnotherUse Gift Ideas

AnotherUse Gift Ideas by dressdynamic featuring Bungalow 5