bad cop, no donut

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Most of you are aware today is National Donut Day!!!  And if you didn't know, now you know.  So, this is the perfect excuse to go grab a sugary, sprinkle topped doughy piece of heaven and not feel so guilty about it.  Go ahead, take your pick!

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Or maybe you feel so fancy, you could make your own batch!?!

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Or perhaps donut holes are more your speed???

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Don't be rude, share with a friend or two!

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And at the end of the day when you might be feeling guilty for all the yummy goodness you just consumed, I say throw on your swimsuit and hit up the pool!  Celebrate.

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Happy weekend to all!  Except for that bad cop that gave me a ticket....bad cop, no donut!!!!

Addison's 5th "Candy"-licious B-Day Par-Tay!!!!

Layla's BFF, Addison, turned 5 a few weeks ago!!  {Um, blow me away with a feather!!!  eeek!!!} 

But this past weekend it was celebrated with a super sweet CANDY-licious birthday party at The Bake Shoppe and Cafe in Cypress, Texas.  This place was soooo uber vintage chic and fun.  I could go on and on...but I will let the party and the decor speak for itself.  I was in HEAVEN!!!!  And so were the kids. 

I mean LOOK AT THAT CAKE!?!  I think I know where I am ordering Layla's!!!

Seriously...that cake!!!  It was yummmmm-meeee!!!!

{and that face!?!}

How sweet are these two lil' ladies!?!

{love much?}

Just check out the quirky signs and decor...

{National Sarcasm Society - like we need your support!  ha.  priceless.}

{me too and that's a problem.}

{doh-kay!}

{I do!}

{I don't!  bwahahaha}

{love this, especially that witches shoe! Oh, and the fact that this is their bathroom.}

{I know that's right!!!}

Fabulous, huh?!?

But you know what the most important fabulous item of the day was?  Definitely celebrating this...

What Makes Me Smile

What makes me smile? 
Lots of things!  Like....carnivals!

Layla {duh!}

My family

Blue Skies with fluffy white clouds

Green, green grass against said blue skies

Flowers

Kites

Balloons

Bubbles

Graffiti

Hugs from friends

Our dog, Sammie

Hearing the giggle and growl from Layla and Sammie playing

Celebrations

Weekends

Splash Pads

Spring

Autumn

Sweet whispers

Moving quotes

And of course - PHOTOGRAPHY!!!

My most favorite pic this past week - that made me smile real BIG - came from one of Layla's BFF's birthday parties!  It was a Tangled/Rapunzel theme...and her mother made the most adorable "Tower" cake!  Check it out....



Pretty impressive, eh?!?!



I'd say she did a fabulous job!!!  Quirky and fun....right.up.my.alley!

Fall Crawl - Usher in Fall, ya'll!

Happy Friday ladies!  I am excited to participate in Marilyn's Fall Crawl and Link Up Party today. 

I have bookmarked many fabulous fall recipes and crafts to help me usher in fall...all thanks Marilyn and her Artsy Girl Connection ways!!!! 

As a native Texan, I understand ushering in Fall can be a little hard when the temps are still scorching outside!!!  So I hope some of my tips and tricks can help others experiencing less than Fall-like weather, usher in Fall with style! 

Tip # 1

It may scream SUMMER outside, but that doesn't mean your doorstep welcome to your home needs to be.  I love yarn wreaths for this very reason! They add a fabulous fall feel....with just a lil crafty imagination!!!  Small budget, big results! 

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Yarn Wreath Tutorial here!

Tip # 2

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the switch from fruity-floral-beachy scents in my home to the warm-cinnamon-baking scents!  Bring on the Creamy Pumpkin and the Cinnamon Cookie!!!!  I just hit up Bath & Body Works and they have many lovely new fall scents to choose from!  My favorites?

{Creamy Pumpkin Candles}

If you are not a fan of candles...kids and fire usually do not mix well, so I opt for the plug ins too! 

{Acorn and Fig Scent - to.die.for....pinky promise you will love it}

{Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Hand Soap}

Tip # 3

If you still want the delicious scents of the season...you know you could always grab that apron {or not} and get ta baking!!!  Something about a warm oven...that feeling will surely usher in fall!!  Try this....

Recipe found here!!!!  Yummy.

Tip # 4

Of course it is important to make our homes feel a little more cozy at this time, but let's not forget about our physical appearance! 

One way to make a big impact is by transforming your summer hair into a shade or two darker.  I dare you to try out a shade of red....for a stunning Autumn impact!

I just tried and LOVED the new John Frieda Precision Foam Colour in Radiant Red!!!! 

Tip # 5

If that sounds a bit extreme for your taste, then you can easily make a switch with your make-up instead.  Take those soft, irridescent beach colors and take it up a notch with warm, rich browns, golds and plums.

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I am a huge fan of Bella Terra Mineral Eye Colors.  I have had the 9 Stack "Diamond" eye colors for well over 2 years and have plenty of shadow left!  Definitely a great investment.  It is easy to control the amount of color you prefer on your eyes.  Use powder alone to provide a soft sheen.  Or use with a touch of water...and watch your eyes POP!!!!

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Tip # 6

And wait!  Don't check out just yet....if hair and make up are not high on your "to-do" list, maybe just a simple manicure with the Season's hottest colors and trends will do the trick!?!

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I know I am sure to be rockin' Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Misbehaved very soon...

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And my Sephora Traffic Stopper Copper will still be a hit this fall...I just know it!  Thanks Linds!

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This Traffic Stopper Copper {I just like saying it!} looks good on top of another paint color, alone with one coat...or alone with 5 coats!!!!  This is my favorite way to rock it, FYI.

Tip # 7

And perhaps my most favorite piece to help usher in Fall....while still battling the Texas heat....is the multi purpose scarf!!!! You can easily pair a very Autumn feeling scarf with a plain white tee and dark colored jeans for a casual, yet chic look.

I am really loving this look!  Those boots and that coat would be superb to add on once the weather does decide to join the seasons!

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And if you are feeling extra frisky....try this turban look!

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But when all else fails.....

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Happy Fall Ya'll!!!!