Waiting to Exhale

My heart is heavy with this post. I have been a big fan of Whitney Houston since I was a young child singing into my hairbrush. Her first album is one of my top favorites, and I play it every few months.  I lost count of how many times I played Exhale after I broke up with my first serious boyfriend in college.  Like other fans, I hoped that she would beat her demons, and was so excited to hear she was coming out with a new movie.  I was shocked and saddened by her sudden death, and I hope and pray that her mother, daughter, and all of her friends and family find solace during this time.  Her voice was like an angel's, and now she is singing with them.  

Sometimes you'll laugh
Sometimes you'll cry
Life never tells us, the when's or why's
When you've got friends, to wish you well
You'll find your point when
You will exhale 

Love Prints

We don't normally do a lot on Valentine's Day, since I prefer to be pampered year round we like to appreciate each other every day.   We do usually get a small gift for each other, and I like to think outside the box.  I love this gift idea I saw in Us Magazine.  This is from Between Everything. I love that its so simple but meaningful.  This could work as a great valentine, wedding or anniversary gift. 

While in her store, I came across a few more prints I love. I don't have children yet, but this style would be great for children's birthdays

Another great idea for valentine's, engagement, save the date or wedding present.

Great for an expecting or new mom.

And for the dog lover.

She has so many fun prints, all for $24.

Super Bowl Shuffle

We hosted a super bowl party last night.  I love when the football game is a nail biter.


Highlights:
What I wore: 
I waited too long to buy a NY Giants shirt, so I had to improvise for the game.  I have had these royal blue jeans from Asos since the summer, and found this striped blue shirt from Old Navy on Friday. Since I was at home, I just wore some flip flops.

Food:  
I came across these football trays at The Dollar Tree a few months back, and knew I would be able to use them at some point.  That place sometimes has the greatest finds.

We had about 12 people over for a potluck party.  We had cheese and buffalo chicken dips, pizza, homemade Russian potato salad (which was the best potato salad I have ever tasted and I forgot to get the recipe before she left), and chicken from Mr. C's.

Commercials:
I was a bit underwhelmed with the commercials this year.  I can't say I saw all of them, but these were my top 5

5.

4.

3.

2.

1.

Half-time:
Madonna was AMAZING!! I know some may not agree, but she has always been more of a performer than singer, so I don't care that she lip syncs.  She knows how to put on a show, and she looked great.  

What was your favorite part of the Superbowl this year?

SAG Award Red Carpet Faves

Pretty in Purple

Trying to figure out somewhere fancy to go so I can recreate this makeup look Naya Rivera had for her 25th birthday party. Love the purpley-pink lip. Off to try to find a similar lipstick.

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Hair Crush

You may remember this post when I talked about ombre hair vs. face framing highlights.  Well, I ended up getting just one color, so my hair looks like this.

But after seeing these pics of Kate Beckinsale's hair, I am again thinking about going ombre.

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People

People

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Comfort Food

Now that its finally starting to get cold in North Carolina, I love eating chili.  I decided to try to make my own chili from scratch, and I must say it turned out pretty good.  I got this recipe from google, but can't remember which site.  

Recipe:

2 lbs ground beef/chuck

1 cup chopped onion

1 green pepper, chopped

2-3 ribs celery, chopped

1 large (28oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 (8oz) can tomato sauce

2 cans kidney or pinto beans, drained (I used kidney beans)

1 tsp pepper

3 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic salt ( I used garlic powder)

cayenne pepper to taste

 Brown ground beef in skillet and drain well.  Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.

Cook for 7-8 hrs on low.  I cooked mine for 7 hours and it was perfect.

I added a little bit of shredded cheese on top and served with some saltines. 

Guilty Pleasure

I have a confession to make.  I am currently obsessing over the show Pretty Little Liars.  I started watching it on demand over the summer and got hooked.   I don't know what's worse: to be so engrossed in a late teen/20 something drama in my 30s (gasp, how is that possible?) or the fact that I was a teen/20something fan of the parents of these girls (gasp, how is that possible!!)

I love the individual style of each character.

Aria

Spencer

Hanna

Emily

Anyone else hooked on this show?