Soup and Scones

Fall in my eyes means beautiful weather and comfort food. Last night I went for the comfort food, and today I'm going to the pumpkin patch and enjoying the outdoors! So, first let me just say I have an obsession: Pinterest. I am seriously on everyday looking for new recipes and other ideas. Bryan and I have been trying to cook homemade meals more often and Pinterest has been my housewife lifesaver! Last week I tried a new recipe almost every single night! I know my blog is usually just outfits and style, but I want to start branching out and adding more lifestyle posts. Decorating ideas, recipes, etc. So, today is the start to my new adventure on my blog, and what better way to do that than with one of the best comfort foods of all time: chicken noodle soup.

Chicken Noodle Soup
I found this chicken noodle soup recipe on Pinterest, but it's originally from Lady Anne's Charming Cottage. Go check it out and then try it for yourself! It was easy to make, took under an hour to prepare and cook, and was absolutely delicious. Plus, with only two people in our household we now have leftovers for the next couple days!

Pumpkin Scones
Along with fall also comes everything you can imagine containing pumpkin. I love to bake, but usually just stick to the basics, so I was really excited to try this new recipe! And let me tell you, it was amazing! I think I left them in a little too long which made them a little dry, but otherwise the recipe was great. It has just the right amount of spice to it, and the easy homemade icing on top is the best finishing touch. They were so good we had them for dessert last night and breakfast this morning! I also found this recipe on Pinterest but it's originally from Sweet Peas Kitchen. If you're a fall lover like I am, this recipe is an absolute must!

Fall Colors

The fall colors are just beginning to come out up here in the beautiful state of Minnesota, which meant Bryan and I had to go out and take some pictures. This is by far my favorite time of year. I love all of the colors, the fresh air, and the coolness that reminds you that summer has come to an end. We had originally planned on going out just so Bryan could take some nice scenery pictures, but I had to take advantage of this perfect setting and get a few pictures for the blog. Honestly, I don't know what I would do without my husband and his amazing camera skills!

Top: ?; Jeans: Express; Boots: Etienne Aigner; Earrings: Express; Belt taken from another outfit; Sunglasses: Oakley

Purse: Justfab.com

Fall/Winter Must Have

Sometimes a girl just wants to wear white! And let me tell you, there is nothing better than a comfy white sweater, skinny jeans, and a pair of boots. Ahhh, so glad it's finally fall. Once it starts getting colder out this outfit will pair perfectly with an earth tone scarf to match the brown boots.

I bought this sweater last fall for $12 at Kohl's for my wedding weekend. Yes, I was that girl who wore everything white from Thursday through Sunday of that weekend. Come on! You have to take advantage of being a bride and dress the part! I needed something comfy to arrive at the hotel Thursday evening and this was perfect. Warm, casual, and just allowed me to be comfortable and relax before a crazy weekend. Wearing this always brings back good memories :)

Sweater: Kohl's; Jeans: Express; Boots: Etienne Aigner

Boot Weather and Bold Lips

The time is finally here! Yesterday my favorite brown boots were finally taken out of summer hiding. Best. Day. Ever :) The sweater is also one of my most recent purchases. Found it on sale at Target for only $18. I think this look would also be great with a brown belt and a chunky necklace, but I was running errands and went for the simple look instead.

Also, my new obsession is bold lipstick/lip gloss. I can't get enough of my new Mary Kay lip stain in Enchanted Mauve. Stays on forever and pairs perfectly with my MK lip gloss in Au Naturel. I think you'll be seeing a lot more of this :)

Target sweater, shirt, and earrings; Express jean leggings; Maurices purse; Etienne Aigner boots; Oakley sunglasses

www.marykay.com/patricia.sjulson

Simple Fall Fashion

It's been awhile, but I'm back to blogging! So excited to share my current style ideas for everything from clothing and fashion to house decor! Today, a quick look at my favorite fall look. You can never go wrong with a great pair of skinny jeans and a comfy over sized sweater. Plus, this look is totally affordable. The jeans are only $16 which gives you more spending money to splurge on those amazing Etienne Aigner boots. If you're going to spend money on fashion, make sure you put it towards something that you can wear forever!

H&M low rise jeans
$16 - hm.com

Etienne Aigner boots
dsw.com

SELECTED scarve
$54 - selected.com

Mary kay cosmetic
marykay.com/patricia.sjulson

Mary kay cosmetic
marykay.com/patricia.sjulson

Fancy Night Out

Bryan took me out for a belated birthday dinner tonight. We had so much fun dressing up and feeling so fancy. Ruth's Chris downtown Minneapolis was absolutely amazing and delicious, although definitely only a special occasion restaurant for us because it's super expensive!

Oh, and the dress I'm wearing was only $10 at JCPenny! Love it when I run across a great deal.

Necklace: JC Penny

Dress: JC Penny

Clutch: Express

Shoes: Liz Claiborne

The reason I loved this dress so much when I tried it on in the store was it's vintage and classic look. The sleeves give it a forties feel while the shortened skirt still gives it a modern edge. Pair it with my favorite Liz pumps, a pretty necklace, and a statement clutch and you have yourself the perfect downtown dinner look.

Also, this entire outfit made me feel like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, and I am definitely OK with that!

Spring Mint

Trend alert: MINT! I paired an Express portofino shirt with skinny black pants and boots. Then I added a chunky necklace to complete the look. Perfect errands outfit during the day or a wear to work outfit by replacing the skinny pants with dress pants or a high waisted pencil skirt. 

(The camera made the shirt look light blue, but it's definitely a more minty color in person!)

Classic Elegance

I entered one of the contests on Polyvore called Prom Do-Over and this is what I came up with. Classic sweetheart chiffon gown with lots of diamonds, simple silver clutch and heels, and peach lips. Wish I could go back to high school just to wear this!

Don't forget to follow me on my Polyvore page and see what other sets I've created. While you're there you can set up your own profile and let your imagination run wild!

Birthday Weekend

Flew home to Iowa this weekend for my birthday. I had so much fun spending time with my family, and of course had to take a few pictures of my outfits for my blog!

At the airport!
Dress and jacket: Express
Sandals: thrifted from Goodwill

My birthday outfit :) Comfy and casual to go out for lunch.

Jacket: Express
Top: Express

Pants: Gap Outlet

Flats: Express

Summer Date

I'm loving this look for a summer date! Pair a casual top with your favorite ankle pants. Then add simple pumps, a clutch, and a pop of gold jewelry. You could also try switching the pumps for a pair of fun sandals and swap out the ankle pants for a pair of white shorts. There are so many other things you can do with this outfit, but I love how these pieces came together and made it look so classic and effortless! 

Top: Forever 21
Pants: Express Ankle Jeans
Shoes: dorothyperkins.com
Clutch: Nordstrom
Bracelets: Forever 21
Earrings: windsorstore.com

By the way, so glad I discovered polyvore.com! I had so much fun putting this outfit together.

Craft Day

It's been a busy day here in cold,windy Minnesota. I worked this morning, went to a few thrift stores this afternoon, and then I had craft time. I bought a small box and paint at Michael's and made this cute "Questions, Comments, and Concerns" box for me and Bryan. I felt like a kindergarten teacher making it, but it was a lot of fun! I think it will be a great way to make sure we're talking about important things when we sit down together and also a nice way to leave cute, positive thoughts for each other. And I have to say, I'm pretty proud of my painting skills...  :)

Box and paint from Michael's

Emerald

Three words: Express clearance sale. Seriously, this is my new favorite dress, and of course I buy it right when the cold weather is going away. The green color is a little bit darker in person, and I added the belt to give it a little more shape and bring in my waist. I just don't think anyone can go wrong with a great sweater dress, belt, and tall boots. With this bright color and the added belt, I decided to just go with simple earrings.  I'm not a huge accessory person to begin with, so I tend to stay with either one statement piece or simple, classic pieces.

Also, notice the snow melting on our deck... woohoo!!!

Dress: Express
Leggings: Express
Boots: Forever 21
Belt: ?

Rain and Groceries

Dress: H&M
Leggings: Express
Boots: Forever 21
Scarf: ?

Bryan and I had to run to the grocery store today and this is what I threw on. I didn't have many options since it is also laundry day, so I tried to work with what I had. I'm loving this accent scarf with the black and white, and of course my favorite part of this outfit are the leggings and boots. Even though I'm tired of winter, I'm definitely not tired of boots. 

Also, it's raining, snowing, and it's cold. Where in the world is spring?

April Snow

Top, pants, and jewelry: Express
Boots: Forever 21

Jacket: Express
Scarf: ?

I wore this outfit for work today and out to dinner with my husband and I love it! It's comfortable, classy, and I love the pop of color with the red scarf. Let's hope this is the last week I have to wear a jacket and boots...this cold weather is really starting to get to me.

Just a little reminder...

I'm back! Been away from the blog for a little while but I'm excited to start posting again. Just thought I'd share something I've been thinking about a lot lately: doing what you love to do and not being afraid to start right now. I found this written on a wall at a Caribou coffee shop downtown Minneapolis, and I think it is a great reminder to everyone to make sure you enjoy life and love what you do!

So, what are you waiting for?

Iowa Trip

Bryan and I just got home from a short trip down to Iowa. We headed down to Des Moines on Friday night for a Trampled by Turtles concert. Then on Saturday we spent the day with our college friends in Ames. We had a great time and I just thought I would share a few pictures with all of you. And yes, I of course had to wear a few of my favorite outfits while we were out and about :)

Ready to go to the concert!
Express jeans, top, and necklace. Etienne Aigner boots

Express necklace

At the concert with my best friend :)

Saturday during the day outfit.
Top and Jeans: Express
Boots: Etienne Aigner

Taking pictures downtown Des Moines

Nine West coat found at Goodwill

Back to our old stomping grounds :)

Walking around campus. Had to switch coats because it was so cold!

How could you not fall in love with this school after being on central campus?

My Saturday night outfit pics taken in the hotel room. 

Another Express top and necklace with my Express jeans. Boots from justfab.com.