Fall-Winter Style // Friday Favorites

I  think we've all picked up on the drastic weather changes in this last week here in PA - we are definitely headed for winter temps people! Ew. Winter is not my favorite season, BUT there are some things I like to enjoy during this chilly time - cozy-ing up, warm coffee, blankets and comfy clothes. Speaking of which, I thought I'd share some of my favorite trends for this winter's fashion. Nothing fancy - just classic, comfy cozy.

1. Plaid

This year I am beyond obsessed with this pattern. It is a little out of control. But seriously it is so timeless. Put it under a sweater or pair it with a furry vest. You canNOT go wrong.

2. Cable Knit Sweaters

Since we are talking timeless ... it doesn't get much more classic than this. When it comes to winter, I prefer to be warm, even if it means sacrificing a little fashion. But I'm so glad I have a piece like this that keeps me warm and allows for a little style.

3. L.L. Bean Boots and thick warm socks

After the snow we got last year, I'm determined to be more prepared. I can feel cute AND ready to take on the elements in these booties.

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Like I said, nothing fancy, just classic, comfy cozy.

Instagram // Friday Faves

I might have mentioned a while back this new rule I have with Instagram: I try and only follow those who truly inspire and motivate me (oh and my friends too ;) ) It is easy to get sucked in following all kinds of other photographers or creatives, but then there comes the jealousy/discontentment struggle. Also, I shouldn't be surfing Instagram and catching up on so many other people's lives and career's that I am missing out on my own. SO I've tried to stick with a select group of uplifting and influential instagramers. Not to say I don't love to just peruse photos or people on this site, but if we're talking about living more purposefully - this is just one small step to take in that direction.

Without further ado here are a few of my faves:

Photographers

From top, left to right: 1. Jasmine Star - incredible writer and well known photographer based in California  2. Char Co. - my mentor and her amazing creative collective of photographers and stylists  3. Lauren Fair - film photographer extraordinaire  4. mlippman - my handsome, talented and creative brother who has quite the creative eye

Stores

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From top, left to right: 1. Targetstyle - the best store EVER displays just their style and decor  2. LClaurenconrad - Lauren Conrad's adorable line at Kohl's packed with stylish clothing options  3. WalkinLove - truly inspiring t-shirt, sweatshirt, casual clothing line  4. Anthropologie - one of the other best stores EVER and their home decor, clothing and lifestyle creative displays

Spiritually Inspiring

From top, left to right: 1. Lara Casey - wedding magazine editor and motivational speaker, with an incredible store of goals sheets and inspirational prints  2. Returntorest - a gathering of photographers and creatives with the goal of stopping to focus on Jesus  3. Lindsayletters - a graphic designer who makes beautiful inspiring prints and canvases for your home  4. Emilyley - creator of the Simplied Planner, her goal is to encourage time management and organization, so you can live life fully

Home Decor

From top, left to right: 1. TheNester - I've mentioned this talented lady before, author of The Nester blog and The Nesting Place book  2. Abeautifulmess - two adorable women whose blog boasts home decor displays, diys, recipes, stylish clothing suggestions and all around fun  3. JoannaGaines - founder and owner of Magnolia Market in Texas and star of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, this stylish momma has so much decor inspiration to offer

Just for Fun ...

From left to right: 1. Marniethedog - I am biased that shih tzus are the best, so why not follow this adorable tongue dangling pooch  2. Jimmy Fallon - because it doesn't get much better than EW!

Happy Instagramming!

Friday Favorites

Instagram is a wonderful thing. I mean, just wonderful. It is interesting how I've found it to be dangerous at times though. It only takes a split second to grow discontent or jealous when you see a person's 'picture perfect' life displayed in 100's of little square photographs. However, I've decided (and believe me you must intentionally make this decision) for Instagram to instead become one of my greatest inspirations. I have made it a point to only follow those that truly inspire, encourage or advise me in a positive way. Many of my Friday faves come from my Instagram wanderings.

New Favorite Book

1. The Nesting Place

This book is quite the reality check for an avid home decorator like myself. One I needed. This book has taught me how important it is to make your home a place for people to live within, not tip toe around in so they don't break anything in. Myquillyn Smith shares photos of her own home - messy and clean, put together and torn apart - all to show you that it is ok - that it is ok to not have it all together, that everything isn't perfect, that you don't have a lot of money to decorate or that you cannot figure out for the life of you what to hang on that wall behind the couch. She is a sweet soul, you can tell by her kind, encouraging and true to life words. Go buy this book. Seriously, if you love decorating or want to love decorating - go buy this book!

Myquillyn Smith // Instagram

New Favorite TV Show:

2. Fixer Upper on HGTV

Talk about feel good television. Seriously, this husband and wife team brighten my day every time I watch there show. Joanna is a decorating genius. She owns her own shop in Texas Magnolia Market (I SO wish I could visit this gem!). She is also a mother of four. This couple has some super cute chemistry - they don't take life to seriously. But they also do an amazing job with the homes they renovate and decorate. I have fallen completely in love with the rustic, fresh, soft and beautiful style that Joanna creates in the homes she completes. Favorite HGTV show ever and I watch a LOT of HGTV.

Joanna Gains // Instagram

New Favorite Product

3. The Mason Bar Company

How adorable are these cute little lids for your mason jar. Let's be honest, who doesn't feel a little bit cooler takin a sip out of a mason jar, verses a regular old drinking glass. Also, I'm bound and determined to solve the 'there aren't any more clean glasses' problem in my house, by having my 'go to glass'. Of course, it needs to be cute though too, right?! They have an array of different colors of their super awesome lids and different mason jar sizes, as well. They even offer really adorable, customizable cuffs too. Now if I could just decide which one I like the best, then I can place my order! YAY!

Mason Bar // Instagram

 

New Favorite Recipe

4. Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you know me at all, you know it only makes sense that my favorite new recipe is for cookies. This is the simplest, fewest ingredients and most delicious chocolate chip recipe for me to date! I love making desserts from scratch, but sometimes you just want a cookie and you don't want to take the time to make them. With this recipe I had cookies within a half hour of starting to make these bad boys. They are fluffy, soft and chewy, with a hint of moistness in there too. I must say I have eaten more of these little delights than I care to share with you ... I found this recipe on Pinterest - if easy is in the title, that's my kind of recipe. But this one is easy AND delicious!!

 

So there you have it - my Friday Faves. I hope these encourage you, inspire you, get you to pull our your wallet and even hit your sweet spot. I suggest you follow these people on instagram for inspiration. Happy Weekend!!!

 

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