Petite Fashion Challenge # 2: Wear it now, wear it later

Petite Fashion Challenge #2, hosted by Kelly of AlterationsNeeded (my fave!):

"The challenge: Pick at least one item in your closet (not jeans, that's too easy!), and create two outfits, one for spring/summer, and one for fall/winter."

I sifted through my closet, and quickly decided on an H&M peach tulip skirt. I splurged on it ($40) in the Spring and never wore it again. It's slightly too short/whimsical for a business environment, and too dressy for my weekend lounging.

I took the easy way out and winter-ized this skirt with some black tights, while leaving the rest of the outfit (ruffled top, long cardigan) to mirror how I wore it in the Spring.

Outfit for Fall/Winter:
Skirt: H&M "Trend" sz 4, Blouse: Target sz jrs XS, Cardigan: LOFT sz XXSP (buy here)

Outfit for Spring/Summer:

Skirt: H&M sz 4, Blouse: Topshop sz 0P, Cardigan: Martin & Osa sz XS

Wow, makeup and hair looks a little better this time around too. I almost look cross-eyed in the Spring photo; probably not used to being in photographs yet. I would've liked to add some dimension to the Fall/Winter ensemble with a print top, but in the interest of time just threw on hasty black.

In winter I tend to "recycle" all my skirts by wearing them over opaque tights. No need to shave, yay. I think that black tights worn with black pumps has a similar elongating effect as bare legs with nude pumps. Black tights also make shorter skirts more work-appropriate because no real "leg" is being revealed. What do you guys think?

Be sure to check out Kelly's post today for links to all the other participating petites : )

The Big Winner...

couldn't be more deserving... of the 37 entries that made it in before the noon PST cut-off time, the winning comment is #36...Maire Dodd!! Congratulations :) Your $55 gift certificate coupon code is on the way.

Thanks to all for entering- hope those of you who are new followers continue to stick around!

An Actual Update...

I haven't given an actual life update..I have mostly been complaining about my dog. So, this is what has been going on in my life.

It started raining Monday morning, it's now monsooning out. There is a flood warning until tomorrow morning at 6AM..it will probably be extended.

Tuesday night starting around 8:30 a creditor called Danny's cell phone. It seems sketchy to me, we have money to pay off what he owes but they wanted our bank account number to accept the payment. No, thank you. The good news is, I didn't freak out. I had a plan...until the creditor decided to pull this on us...We asked for them to send a letter and we would mail a money order or something. They said they couldn't do that. See why it seems sketchy?

Wednesday I went to the dentist, I need my wisdom teeth out. Wednesday night while watching Survivor something hit our window, it looks like a bullet. Danny said no, it's a rock. Whatever, either way...I had to contact the landlord and now I'm waiting for maintenance to come look at it. Also Wednesday night, we got into a stupid fight about things we can't control. It's our biggest stressor, I lose my cool, he just shuts down and doesn't answer at all. It's frustrating and this is the reason why I want to do the Love Dare. If anyone has a book I could borrow, I would love you forever!

This morning while it was down pouring Miley ate 7 birth control pills. So, not only did I have to worry about how it would effect my dog...I had to worry about me not having birth control (that I just bought....lovely.) I called the ASPCA poison hotline, they wanted to charge me $65 just to find out what was wrong. I hung up and called Mom in tears. I think she called human poison control, they said Miley would be fine. As for me, since I didn't have birth control anymore, I figured that might be a good idea to make my first doctors appointment using TriCare. Okay, except I call the Naval Hospital and they tell me that even though I have registered for TriCare, I have to register in the administrative offices before I can get an appointment. Um, hello...didn't I basically do that when I signed up for TriCare? So, now I need to do that...ASAP. Lucky for me, Miley saved me pills for the next 3 days, then I'm effed for five days...arg. (I get my pills from Planned Parenthood in Raleigh a little far away to just go pick them up...especially when its monsooning.)

Around 11:30 this morning, I decided that I understand why people drink heavily. I so badly wanted to break into a bottle of wine. For the record, I didn't. But I considered it seriously.

So...now does it make sense why I haven't updated anything? The good news is, the week can only get better...unless of course the creditor calls back, my house floods, they tell me its my fault the window is cracked, or my dog gets sick.

Okay, now that the rant is done..I promise only positive posts!

Thursday Five

So, it's not even 8AM and I'm already having an awful day.

Apparently Miley doesn't trust that she is spayed...

and decided to eat seven of my birth control pills.

Poison control wanted to charge me $65 just to find out what would happen,

so Mom is on the phone in Massachusetts with poison control there.

I'm currently waiting for the phone call back.

Let's just say this. Miley is still being her annoying self. So far, no side effects.

While I wait I'm going to force myself to come up with the five things that have made me

Content

Thankful

Adored

Giggly

Blessed

1. I'm content with the fact that I now, officially, have to call to make my first doctors appointment since getting TriCare. Thanks Miley for forcing me to need more birth control.

2. I'm thankful to Beth over at Just Me and My Life. I won a CSN stores giveaway over on her blog! First I wanted boots, then I was getting kitchen stuff...I ended up with an elevated dog dish and meat thermometer. Because I needed them. Miley tips over her water dish, I'm hoping to stop that.

3. Three times while I was sleeping last night, I felt Danny kiss me. I wonder if he was "sleep kissing" or if he knew he was doing it...either way, I felt adored!

4. I was literally giggling after my dentist appointment yesterday! I still have perfect teeth (their words, not mine) and no cavities. Except, I do have three wisdom teeth that need to come out. 

5. Me and Danny watched Fireproof a few weeks ago. While I was watching it I thought it was dumb but as the weeks go on and stresses catch up with us, I'm seriously considering the Love Dare. Somehow I wanted to relate this to "blessed" but I don't have the energy to come up with something witty!

Update on Miley:

Poison control said she will be fine.

Her biggest threat today will be me.

I'm not happy with her! 

Wordless Wednesday: Dancing Edition

On Fire For Handmade Feature Artist: My Helping Hands

This weeks Featured Shop is My Helping Hands Graphic Design. Custom Avatars, Banners and Ads!

You can find My Helping Hands Graphic Design at:

Website

Artfire Shop

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Fall Favorites Swap Partners!

Here it is! The moment you have all been waiting for! Swap Partners! Remember, the gift limit is $20, not including shipping. All packages are to be shipped by October 9th. Please contact your partner ASAP! And remember, you signed up for this swap..it's wrong to accept a gift without returning the favor. Do not disappoint your partner!

When you receive your package, please dedicate a post to it. I'll be setting up a linky soon! 

Have fun!

My Marine and Me and A Whole New World

The Annoyed Army Wife and Standing By Him

We See the Same Stars and Food, Photos and Tanks

The Young Retiree and Pennies from Heaven

Southern Hospitality and Army of Two

The Ramblings of a Marine Wife and The "Sometimes Single" Mom

A Day in the Life of a Navy Wife and {Mis}Adventures of an Army Wife

Like Sunshine After Rain and Home is Where the Heart is

Life as a Sailor's Girl and Colwells in Carolina

Our Navy Nest and Surviving the Distance

Flip Flops and Combat Boots and Ashley Amazing

Hangin' With the Hagans and Everything Happens For a Reason

Goodnight Moon and Skinnie Piggie

Young But Not (Completely) Dumb and Semper Gumby...the Return of Sunshine

Blessed Mommy, Blessed Wife and A Freckled Life

Such is the Life of a Military Wife and Married My Airman

Mowenackie and The Year After

The Sweet Life of Semper Fi and Adventures in Abby Land! 

Hyphenation Diaries and Semper Fi to Apple Pie

One Step at a Time and The C.W.

Cut/Copy&Paste and Military Mommy

Alot 'o Curls and a High&Tight and Military Spouse in Training

Head in the Game, Heart in the Sand and Serendipitously ME

(Mil)ing it Over: PCS Edition

 What exactly is (Mil)ing it Over? It is a group of a few girls who answer questions, like this one! Have a question...ask! I'm totally not an expert in anything military. But I do love finding things out and sharing information!

As soon as I have the link for the other videos, I'll be posting it!

Jen @ Chances I'm Taking

Chelle @ It's a Hooah Life

Mrs. Ma'am @ Life as a Cajun Bombshell

Mrs. K @ Mrs. K and Captain J 

Kat @ 3 Bedroom Bungalow 

Nicole @ Sailor's Sweetheart

Henrietta Pertuz Petites Fall 2010 - Drew Silk Blouse

Some of you may remember Henrietta Pertuz Petites from this post and this post. The NYC-based petite fashion designer is out with her Fall/Winter collection with extended sizes (00P to 14P in certain items). Starting at $195+, her items are truly "investment" pieces, boasting classic silhouettes and luxurious imported fabrics.

 I was thrilled to receive the Drew blouse for review:

Silk Blouse: Henrietta Pertuz "Drew" in 0P (buy here)

Jeans: Gap legging jeans in kids sz 12

Booties: Calvin Klein "Hadrian" sz 6
Blazer: (pictured below) Theory 00
Necklace: J.Crew

Continue reading for more photos...

Drew Blouse description: "A classic, chic silhouette with vertical details to elongate your frame.  Gorgeous silk crepe de chine fabric looks equally great with wool or denim." Comes in three colors.

Measurements of a 0P: 12" across the shoulders, 16" across the chest, 17.5" across the bottom hem, 10" sleeve length, and 20" total length.

Material: 100% silk (lined). Made in the USA

I think this blouse is the most versatile piece in her collection. The above-the-elbow sleeve length is unexpectedly chic - I don't have anything in my wardrobe with sleeves at this length. The fit of this top is breezy, but the narrow shoulders and tailoring keeps it looking put together. I have been wearing it over skinny jeans as well as black pants for work.

*Note - Gap kids leggings jeans pictured above were returned after I tried on their adult legging jeans. As mentioned previously, the adult ones are my new love. Post to come soon!*

Love, love nice details...delicately gathered princess shoulders, neat pleating down the center, shell -like back buttons, and fully-lined torso:

Tried wearing this blouse tucked into a skirt for work, but due to the flowy shape it is hard to tuck neatly. I added an elasticized waist belt to conceal the gathering. What do you guys think? Better untucked over pants?

I have my eye on Henrietta's new wool dresses (Kelly shift and Morning to Moonlight shift). They are so simple yet classic for work or cocktails. Word on the street is that a petite blogger favorite will be reviewing one of them soon, so keep your eyes peeled : )

Disclosure: Blouse pictured is courtesy of Henrietta Pertuz. Thank you, Henrietta!

Stess: All Time High

Thanks to my dog. Miley might look cute and innocent but she is awful. Absolutely awful.

We have had Miley for a little over five months. I believe she will be 1 in November, atleast that's what the vet is estimating. So, I know she is still a puppy. I know she is going to have puppy habits. But seriously, this girl is going backwards instead of forward.

I should have known she was going to be hard to break her bad habits. From the very first weekend we had her she broke out of Danny's mom's fenced in backyard and ran through someones house....twice.

Next, she likes to dig. I can't even let her out in the backyard alone...because it would look like this if I did.

She refuses to sleep past 7AM. This morning I was dumb enough to think I could "play dead" to trick her. Except she probably thought I was really dead because she decided to get into everything in the bedroom. I can't leave our bedroom door open at night because she will a) eat the blinds if she knows a cat is outside b) not sleep at all and stare out the back window...and bark...constantly. 

Even the day we had Miley spayed she was getting into trouble! The girl just doesn't stop! She jumps when she is excited, she apparently can climb into my sink and get forks (and she broke a wine glass this weekend.) and one time she got on my kitchen table. 

Miley doesn't understand "no," "stop," "don't do that," or anything like that. She constantly needs someone touching her. She will bark for hours on end...not wanting to play, pee or eat. In the past two weeks she ate 2 of my bras. She ate some of the flowers my Mom sent me, five minutes after they were delivered. She seems to get angry when I rearrange, putting dishes in different spots, she has attacked my table centerpiece twice since I completed it less than a week ago. She has chewed my computer adapter, two phones, cell phone charger and an electric razor charger!

The best part? She doesn't do this when Danny is home. She is "Daddy's little princess" when he is around. She is the devil when it is just the two of us. I am sick of not getting anything done during the day because I have to cater to her every need (don't tell me to ignore it, you haven't witnessed her barking. And I don't want to get thrown out of my apartment because my dog is disturbing people.) I am fed up.

Every suggestion you guys have made, I've tried. We have a crate (I tried not to use it as a punishment, however..sometimes I have no other option), clicker training (she thinks its a toy), a laser pointer (she's not dumb, she knows we have it in our hand), backpack (that might be the only thing that works), puppy daycare (she has been a few times, I think it's made her stronger and awful to walk on a leash with), I could go on and on. You suggested it..I've tried it.

My final thought? Separation anxiety. I think this dog needs medication. And if she doesn't...I might. I'm losing my friggin mind!

Food vs. My Waistline: Weeks 4, 5 and 6

Okay, okay..I haven't updated in two weeks. Reasons why? #1 I forgot to post week 4....oops. #2 I thought weighing in for week five was going to be awful. So I conveniently had another post planned.

So as of today there are a little over 6 weeks left until the ball. I have ordered my dress and I have my shoes. I also have my dress for Katie's wedding. So, now there is no room for error!

I'm starting to think 130 is where I'm supposed to be. I'm okay with that...as long as I can tone up and not have to buy new clothes! As of right now, my clothes fit..my jeans are snug, but I bought a new pair that feel awesome..and are even a little big. Maybe the others shrunk? I'm not sure.

Either way. I think I'm starting to actually like my body where it is. I'm not super skinny, I'm not fat...I'm healthy. I want to keep up with working out, and definitely tone up! There are 6 weeks left until the ball, so I'm still going to track my weight.

Here we go!

Starting Weight: 131.6
Week 1: 129
Week 2: 130
Week 3: 130
Week 4: 130.6
Week 5: 130.4
Week 6: 130.4

Me and Natosha have been walking. Not only is it a good workout, but it's a huge stress reliever. Having someone to actually talk to around here is great. I've also dusted off my tae-bo abs video...that Billy Blanks knows what a good workout is.

This is the most recent picture of me. Wearing my favorite jeans. I loved that they fit the way I wanted them to! I actually love the way I look in this picture!

Here's to more happy weigh ins!

You Inspire Me: Pretty is as Pretty Does

This weeks inspiration is Kandi over at Pretty is as Pretty Does. Kandi is a photographer, wife, mommy of one...and one on the way! In November her new studio will be opening in Savannah, Tennessee. So, if you are in the area and need a photographer...this is your girl! Check out her photography website here!

Kandi's movie recommendation was Spanglish. I actually already own this movie and love any opportunity to watch it.

Spanglish is advertised as a comedy. I don't think it's a "laugh out loud" movie but there are some point where you might chuckle. I love Adam Sandler in this movie, and it's not very often I like a comedian in a serious role like this.

The movie focuses on the Clasky family and their housekeeper, Flor. When the family decides to rent a house for the summer, they tell Flor she must come with them. But Flor has bee keeping a secret, she has a daughter! The movie then shifts to show how parents might treat other children better than their own and how families are never quite what they seem.

You fall in love with Flor and John and hope they fall in love with each other. But do they? You'll have to watch it to find out!

Two thumbs, way up!

Kandi recommended the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett. If you haven't read it...go out, right now, and pick it up. I love love love it! I admit, I am one to judge a book by its cover. Three birds on the cover? I would usually overlook it. So, thank you Kandi for making me read it!

This book is about the struggles of African American maids in the early 1960s. Set in volatile Jackson, Mississippi, the book focuses on three women. Abileen and Minny are maids and Skeeter is a recent college grad, looking to write something with meaning.

The book is written so beautifully, with three different voices. The chapters are named to tell who the narrator is, but with such distinct voices, this wasn't necessary. The friendships in this book seem so real to me, I kept imagining what each person looked like...but at the same time praying they wouldn't make it into a movie!

I loved this book so much, it already has a permanent spot on my bookshelf...no swapping this book! I recommend this book 120%!

And now...the food! Kandi recommended Milred's Burritos. Mildred's was a great place to eat in her hometown. Her grandmother got the recipe for the burritos and handed it down to Kandi. Kandi makes her burritos vegetarian style..but I had chorizo on hand, so I used that. Simple, easy...and I love Mexican! Qdoba's got nothing on us...except maybe in the wrapping department..I'm a horrible burrito wrapper!

Thanks Kandi for the great recommendations! I really loved the book!!

Pretty Things...

made by Dana of Colors of the Woods and Lisa of lisalu jewels.

Dana always comes up with such strong color contrasts in the gemstones and focals she chooses...gorgeous! I think this looks like such a comfortable bracelet design...I'm such a fan of the byzantine chain.Lisa also mixes artisan beads with gemstones and metal. Her pieces are so soft and romantic...I love the layering of the ceramic charms over the etched disks in these earrings...Lisa features so many lovely artisan beads in her pieces...
Hope you enjoyed the eye candy courtesy of Lisa and Dana...

If you missed my last post I have a great gift certificate giveaway running until September 30th. Check out this post to enter!

Muscadine Harvest Festival

What a fun time! Yesterday Me, Danny, Carmen and Mike headed to a wine festival. Ever since me and Danny started dating we have loved drinking wine together. So we were really looking forward to the festival to get to try new wines and have some fun!

One of the many things I love about being a military wife...discounts. What would have cost of $50 to just get in the door, only cost us $24. Except when the man taking my ticket sees that I only have a $12 ticket, he assumes I'm underage...and gives me a funny look when I tell him I'm 24. So, there it is...this haircut might actually make me look younger than my long hair.

There were over 20 wineries at the festival. Over 150 wines. A band, food, and drunk old people. Sounds like my kind of fun! When you walked in they gave you a wine glass, you walk up to each stand, and get as many samples as you want. The samples aren't big...but when there are that many of them...they build up! You could also buy glasses of wine for $5.

Muscadine grapes are really sweet. So there were some wines that I didn't like...at all. Like apple wine, no good! But I did buy a glass of blackberry wine, which was amazing. We hungout in the Duplin tent for a while and tried all their Christmas wines and some of my old favorites. AND I had a grape cider slushie...amazing!

Of course we left with a bottle of wine. Our big purchase of the day was Catawba Belle by Vineyards on the Scuppernong, NC. It was yummy!!!


My goal for the season? Go to one fair every weekend! This is one of the many reasons why autumn is my favorite season!

Giveaway!

I realized that it has been quite a while since I've held a giveaway and coincidentally was approached this week by CSN stores, a giant network of online shops, to offer a $55 gift certificate for a lucky follower! I am so excited to offer this fantastic giveaway. CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish handbags to cheap bedroom furniture to cute cookware!


I'm currently obsessed with drink pitchers so this "Hot Tamale" ceramic pitcher jumped right out at me...hmmm...margaritas anyone? I have so many items I've found on their sites on my wish list...gorgeous lamps, rugs and dishes to name a few things I've been smitten with. Isn't this lamp the most elegant thing you've seen?Want a chance to win the $55 gift certificate for use on any purchase through CSN Stores? (shipping to US and Canada only)

For one entry just follow my blog and leave a comment to let me know you're a follower. For a second entry, blog about this giveaway with a link back here and leave a comment on this post with the link. Please make sure that I have a way to contact you if you're the lucky duck... if I don't hear from the winner by October 4th I will draw a new winner.

Since this month seems to by flying by I think we'll make this a "Goodbye September" giveaway. Contest entries will close at 5:00pm PST on Thursday, September 30th. I'll use a random number generator to choose the winner who will be emailed the one time use certificate code.

So there you have it! Good luck to all!

Yay or Nay: LOFT Scuba Seamed Pants

Now it's LOFT's turn to have the 40% off 3 or more full priced items sale. Here is a quick post because I know some of you have been wondering about these scuba cropped pants. When I first tried them on I didn't love the thicker material on a fitted pant, and felt "fat" in them. After I looked at these photos however...they actually look streamlined and not chunky as I had feared. I'm thinking I like them! What do you guys think? Your opinions would be appreciated.

Top: H&M sz 2

Pants: LOFT Scuba Seamed Pants sz 00P (buy em here)

Shoes: Ann Taylor perfect pump (buy em here for over 50% off using tips from my previous post)

Continue reading for more photos...

 MEASUREMENTS:

Inseam: 25.5"

Waist: 13.25" across

Hips: 16.25" across

MATERIAL:

46% polyester, 45% rayon, 6% cotton, 3% spandex. "Dry Clean"

These definitely fit smaller in the waist/hips than any other LOFT 00P pants I have tried on previously. I don't think any alterations are needed on me, however if you are smaller than these may be a little big. I paid $45, so approximately the same price as they are now with the 40% off. Sophia also ordered these, so keep an eye out for her review.

I ordered 4 of these long cardigans in XXS Petite and am keeping at least 3 (black, dark gray, and olive green). They are lightweight, slim-fitting, and look great over pants, skirts, and dresses alike. If you haven't gotten any yet, I highly recommend them!

PS - the Scuba Trouser pants which I reviewed in a previous post are starting to pop up on fellow petite blogs. Strange that they don't look as flattering as I had initially thought in the fitting room. Check em out on Hanna and Vicky (let me know if I missed anyone). 

Fan Mail

I love feedback. I don't blog for anyone else but myself, but I think the fact that I have over 400 followers is pretty cool. I don't like to toot my own horn, but I really like receiving fan mail. Not that it happens very often! I just want to thank everyone who leaves comments...and I really want to thank these two girls, Allissa and Tory.

My first piece of fan mail was from Allissa...way back in March! After she e-mailed me she started her own blog Hope Floats. I thought her e-mail was too cute that I just had to share it!

Okay, so I feel like a total stalker emailing you, but I just was looking through your old entries and I saw that you guys met online too. I wanted to ask how you went about introducing each other to your families (if you don't mind).. I guess I'm having a little trouble wrapping my head around it, since I was so anti-online dating. He'll be home soon, and I know that my parents are going to want to meet him.

So sorry for being a creep, but I've developed a little bit of a blog crush on you (like, I want to be your friend haha..), and since you've obviously been in my shoes, I was hoping to get your opinion.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Allissa

I love that she said I was her blog crush..because I know exactly what she means. I definitely have my fair share of blog crushes! And I'll just point out, that I told her not to do what I did...I told my parents I met Danny at a party...not online. Oops!

The next message is from Tory, who wrote to me yesterday. Even though she thinks her story is boring, I think she should start her own blog. Hell, I think my stories are kinda boring and find it funny that so many of you read them!

Hello Nicole,
My name is Tory ,I found your blog from another blog that was posted on Marine Gals, a discussion group for girls that are in love with their Marine’s. Allie from “Me and My Marine” posted her blog one day and I came across yours as well. I don’t have a blog myself or I would have just followed your page. I wanted to tell you that I love to read your blog every day it’s very entertaining! I just wanted to say that reading your blog is a great pick me up and I love seeing what you have to say next, it’s great! I love the new layout by the way :) I hope to have a blog of my own someday when Jonathan and I get married and I just hope mine can be as good as yours one day! I really hope that you don’t think I’m crazy for sending you a message but I really love to meet new people that know what life is like loving a Marine! Hope you have a great weekend :)

My favorite part of her next message was "I love your blog because it is so real life and I hope to have as much fun with Jonathan as you do with Danny when we get married!"

I really love that people like to read about everyday life with me and Danny. I personally love our TMI stories the most! Me and Tory have made plans to get together the next time I go home. You all know I love my bloggy meet-ups!

So, if you ever want to e-mail me to chat or anything...please do. I promise I won't think any of you are creepy (like both girls thought!)

On Fire For Handmade Feature Artist: KP Designs

This weeks Featured Artisan on Share the Love.. Blogger's Unite is KP Designs! Kathy has wonderful creations. You can find KP Designs at:

Madeitmyself

The Gift Shop Handmade

Facebook

Twitter

On Fire for Handmade

A Story and A Recipe

First, the story. Hubby got home from ten days of training last night. I am so excited that he is home! However, the next time they go away to train...I will know to expect vacation stories. They were gone for ten days, Danny worked every other day...and had a 96. So what did he do with all of his spare time? Oh, just ate tons of amazing food. Melting Pot (yes, with a bunch of guys...I thought it was a little gay,) Cheesecake Factory, Japanese Steakhouse, Brazilian Steakhouse, and bars every night. Oh, and then he went to a baseball game, a museum, and had a "training" flight to NYC. How is that training for him? Flying isn't even his job!

But anyway..the point of the story! To "make it up to me" Danny brought  me to Starbucks last night to get a Pumpkin Spice Latte. As we were pulling away from the drive-thru window I said "thanks." His response? "Well, now I can get what I want tonight!"

I thought it was funny, thought about blogging about it, and then said "nah, it's not that funny." Danny thought maybe it was because my Mom reads my blog. I said "Well, obviously she knows we have sex." There was a long pause before Danny said...."How about you're Dad? Has anyone broken the news to him?"

Maybe it was one of those "you had to be there" conversations...but I thought it was SO funny!

And now, to the recipe! I enjoyed my pumpkin spice latte with homemade Warm Pumpkin Pudding Cake! It made my house smell so good!! And it was unbelievably easy to make!

Warm Pumpkin Pudding Cake

2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp.salt
1 cup buttermilk (If you do not have buttermilk, put 1 tablespoon lemon in a 1 cup measuring cup and fill the rest with milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to batter)
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted
2 cups pecans (I used almonds!)
1 jar Stonewall Kitchen Maple Pumpkin Butter

Directions

1. Grease a 9"x13" baking pan with shortening.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F.
3. Excluding the Maple Pumpkin Butter, mix all other ingredients well. Batter will be firm.
4. Spread in prepared pan.
5. Spread Maple Pumpkin Butter over batter.
6. Bake until bubbles have risen to the top and cake feels firm to the touch, approximately 55-60 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
7. Transfer to a rack to cool. 

American Eagle Jeggings Review in sz 00

I purchased these AE jeggings a while back during a sale for $32, and was initially excited about how they fit and felt. After some thorough nitpicking, I decided to send them back and instead bought the Gap Legging Jeans in 00P, which I now love love love. Since these photos were already taken, I figured I'd share my thoughts anyways:

Jeans: American Eagle jeggings in "Dark Indigo" sz 00

Jacket: Lucca Couture sz XS

Heels: Marc Fisher, thrifted

Continue reading for my review...

What I liked: 

- the weight of the denim. These shouldn't even be called "jeggings" ... more so "very stretchy jeans"

- The dark wash of the denim

- The fit in the waist and hips (12.5" across the waist and 15.5" across the hips)

What I didn't like:

- The non-petite length (30" inseam)

- The AE signature embroidery on the back pockets

- The low rise (6.25"). Refer to pics below on how low the rise is. Butt crack galore when bending over!

Verdict: Return. However, for someone who doesn't mind a low rise plus contrast stitching on the back pockets, these are not bad. The fit was very decent plus the material was sturdy and comfy...not at all flimsy like leggings.

More funky fit...note the itty bitty gap above by my crotch. Probably means the thighs are too tight. I know a reader (Bella) mentioned she was going to order the AE jeggings in sz 14 - if so I'd be interested in hearing how they fit. If anyone else ended up getting these, I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

The Gap Legging Jeans I ended up ordering in 00P, "faded dark wash" provided a solution to all of the above complaints. I paid about $50 for them which is pretty expensive, but I think they are worth the premium over the pictured AE's. *However* the color of the Gap's are a little more medium blue than true dark. Keep an eye out for those later : )