friday finds.

[smooth sea print from the very talented Sean Wes]

As you might know by now, I'm obsessed with anchors...from earrings to necklaces, shirts, prints, etc...you name it, I have it. I originally started following Sean Wes on Instagram and immediately became a fan of not only his love of anchors, but his typography and hand drawn lettering.

Has anyone else made any great discoveries on Instagram?

[brushed gold anchor earrings from iBiss in Willow Glen]

[my friend Lori modeling a wallet friendly version of the popular bubble necklace, also from iBiss in Willow Glen]

[my not so healthy afternoon snack]

[turquoise door I walked past in Willow Glen - my favorite color!]

Hope everyone has a great Easter Weekend!

xoxo,

what i wore: stripes + riding boots

top: H&M  |  jeans: Forever 21  |  jacket: Zumiez  |  boots: Ann Taylor (old)  |  earrings: Target

Spring is officially upon us, but the weather doesn't necessarily agree. This is an simple everyday outfit that is somewhat of a uniform for me during the colder months. I often find myself reaching for a striped shirt, skinny jeans, and I practically live in my riding boots throughout the fall and winter...so much so that I'm due for a new pair this year. 

I paired this outfit with a new jacket I got on clearance a few weeks back (all jackets were buy one get one free at Zumiez...yes, Zumiez!). This is probably the first casual jacket I've purchased in a few years, and I'm glad I did! It's so casual and comfortable, I plan on putting this to good use during the remaining cold days this spring.

xoxo,

red chili + chicken enchiladas.

Growing up in New Mexico, practically every meal was accompanied by either red or green chili. It's something that every New Mexican is accustomed to, yet isn't readily available in other parts of the country. After moving to Northern California I found it was nearly impossible to find traditional New Mexican chili. Chili from Anaheim yes (not the same!), but nothing labeled, "New Mexican." After a bit of research, I found I was able to order chili by the jar from one of my favorite hometown restaurants, El Pinto. Naturally, I ordered an entire case...no big deal.

This is a really simple recipe that I slightly modified to make a little healthier (traditional recipes usually call for ground beef and frying the tortillas before baking). This can be prepared with any red or green chili you find at the grocery store, but New Mexican red chili is my favorite. 

red chili + chicken enchiladas

• 16 oz. jar of red chili
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 1  diced tomato
• finely chopped onion (optional)
• 1 cup shredded spinach

First, start by cooking the chicken breasts using your favorite method (I boiled mine), and dicing them up into small pieces. Next, layer four corn tortillas into a 9x9 glass baking dish. Spread on a generous layer of the red chili, topped with about half the diced chicken, followed by a couple of handfuls of the shredded cheese.

Continue with another layer of four corn tortillas, topped with red chili, the remaining chicken, and more shredded cheese. For the top layer, finish off with the last four tortillas, a generous layer of red chili (it should  be smothered), and the rest of the shredded cheese. You should see three layers in your baking dish by this point.

Place the baking dish into your oven, pre-heated to 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and edges are beginning to brown.

Allow the enchiladas to cool for about 10 minutes, then cut into four servings. Top with diced tomatoes, onions, and shredded spinach. Enjoy!

xoxo,

what i wore: gray + blue

sweater: Forever 21 (old)  |  shirt: H&M  |  jeans: Forever 21  |  shoes: Tory Burch  |  purse: Fossil via Crossroads  |  necklace: Tiffany & Co  |  watch: Timex  |  sunglasses: Gap

For as long as I can remember, I've admired the timeless "preppy" look that J. Crew exhibits so well. However, I've also always been a bargain shopper and I can't seem to justify paying sometimes triple the price for similar items that I've found at places like Target, Forever 21, etc.

This outfit is an example of something you might see at J. Crew...just a simple button up shirt layered under a v-neck sweater, paired with skinny jeans and a pair of ballet flats. While something like this might cost hundreds at J. Crew...my shirt, sweater and jeans together only cost about $40! Obviously the Tory Burch flats cost are a little pricier, but in my opinion they're some of the best flats I've worn and they've lasted going on three seasons.

My philosophy is that if you can save money in one area (not sacrificing style or quality), then you can spend your money elsewhere and invest in something like a pair of shoes you'll be able to wear for seasons on end.

Hope everyone has a great start to their week...happy Monday!

xoxo,

friday finds.

[mini cupcakes served at a friend's baby shower last weekend]

[up-cycled liquor bottle vases at same event]

[colorful earrings from Target...remind you of anything *cough* kate spade *cough*]

[polka dot dress from Target - $24.99..regretting not buying it!]

[Cadbury Mini Eggs - my second favorite candy of all time (favorite seen here), also only available at Easter]

Last weekend Nick and I attended a couples baby shower...this was a first for me and it was a great experience (I'm typically not a fan of "shower" type games). The weather was great, mimosas were poured, and cupcakes were served...as you can see above :)

The shower itself was executed amazingly well, from the invitations, food and drinks, down to the decor. I really liked the idea of re-using empty liquor bottles, removing the labels and up-cycling them into vases for an outdoor event. Such a pretty centerpiece! Does anyone else have any great up-cycling examples to share?

Hoping everyone has a fantastic weekend!

xoxo,

diy: half moon nails

For years, I've been doing my nails at home every Sunday night. Not only am I saving money, but it's become such a routine for me that my week always feels a little off if I don't have freshly painted nails each Monday morning...not to mention that I know I do a better job than I would get at the nail salon! :)

Nail art has become increasingly popular over the past year, and thanks to Pinterest I've found dozen of inspirational photos. The "half moon" nail has become one of my favorite looks, and it's super easy to master!

To start off, you'll need two contrasting colors of nail polish...and yes, any brand will do...not just Essie ladies ;) You'll also need a top coat and sticky "hole reinforcers," which can be found at any office supply or dollar store. 

First, paint your entire nail with the color you want for the "half moon." Below you can see the gold on my nails, though I painted a second coat after I took the photo.

Next, wait about five minutes for your first color to dry then carefully place a hole reinforcer onto each nail and press down gently. Once they're on your nails go ahead and paint the second color onto your nails over the hole reinforcers. Please excuse the polish all over my cuticles...I've been doing this for years and I still can't color in the lines! ;)

I generally wait about 15 minutes for the second color to dry and then I carefully peel off the hole reinforcers. Occasionally, some of the first color will peel off with them, so you might have to do some minor touch ups. Note: I've found that the white paper reinforcers remove more easily than the clear ones I used in these photos.

Once they're removed go ahead and apply your favorite top coat polish. I like the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri because it's only $4, super shiny, and it's literally dry to the touch in minutes.

As for removing the excess polish on your cuticles, you can either use a cotton swab and nail polish remover, or my preferred method and wait until you take a shower and it will come right off!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial...happy manicures!

xoxo,

spring finds: shoes

1. Forever 21  |  2. Forever 21  |  3. Forever 21  |  4. Forever 21  |  5. ModCloth  |  6. Target  |  7. Payless  |  8. Target  |  9.  Target  |  10. Target  |  11. Target  |  12. Target  |  13. Payless  |  14. Payless  |  15. H&M  |  16. Forever 21

I had so much fun researching this post, I could have included another 10 examples! With the cold weather (mostly, hopefully!) behind us, here are 16 great shoe options for spring. I'm a HUGE fan of ballet flats, as you can probably see...but I've also included a few wedge options for the days when you need a little extra height!

Enjoy!

xoxo,

what i wore: turquoise + leather

jacket: thrifted (also seen here)  |  cardigan: H&M  |  necklace: Forever 21 (sooo old)  |  skirt: H&M (old)  |  tights: Wal-Mart |  boots: Cathy Jean

Happy Monday...I hope everyone had a safe and fun filled St. Patrick's Day weekend!

This is just one of the many outfits in which I've been wearing my new leather jacket. As I mentioned before, I scored this jacket at Crossroads Trading Co. (used clothing store) for only $32.50! This just might be one of the best thrift deals I've ever found...it's in great shape, real leather, and actually fits me! I'm sure I'll be wearing this jacket for many seasons to come with everything from skirts, to jeans, slacks, and dresses.

This is an outfit I wore to work, luckily my office is pretty relaxed when it comes to the dress code. I really like this skirt from H&M...and I liked it even more when I saw a replica at J. Crew this past winter for over $80!

Have any of you found any great thrift deals lately?

xoxo,
 

P.S. Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin since Google Reader will be gone in a few months! Leave your Bloglovin link below as well!

friday finds.

[nail polish in my favorite color]

[an discontinued H&M dress I'd been searching for forever on eBay with an awesome bow belt from Forever 21...can't wait to try it out!]

[just about my favorite candy in the world...and it's only available for Easter]

[the best $3 lipgloss I've ever used...perfect sheer everyday color]

[my view running down the trail after work this week]

Spring is my favorite time of year, especially now that when I leave work it's still light out. This week I started running after work with a new friend on my favorite trail near the bay. We'll be running a 10k in Santa Cruz next month so it's been great to fit in a run after work in preparation!

Have a great weekend and enjoy your St. Patrick's Day!

xoxo,