Peridot Skies: 2014

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas from my family to yours. I hope you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones and take the opportunity to reflect on everything you have to be grateful for. I have so many blessing that I am thankful for and this has truly been a good year! xo

December 25, 2014
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Uniform

December 16, 2014

Fall

Pretty much my uniform lately, a pair of leggings and boots. Throw on a sweater and scarf and done! You will see these boots in heavy rotation so get ready! Yesterday I mentioned I had only one toy left to purchase... well... that didn't go as planned and I purchased 4 more toys, but I really am done with toys now!! Promise! Christmas is in 9 days... are you ready?

I am gonna share a little behind the scenes with you today. This is what it really looks like in between shoots! COLD! Oh sure... I may look all happy go lucky, but sometimes I am freezing. If you blog too you know what I am talking about!!

Cardigan ~ Leggings ~ Boots ~ Scarf ~ Tee ~

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December 16, 2014
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Riding Boots

December 15, 2014

arm party

Happy Monday. I have been absent for a while from blogging and working on something fun I can't wait to share soon, but I am back and have a slew of outfits to share with you. I have been busy baking, decorating, and shopping. I have one more toy (I think) to purchase for one grandson and I'm done! What a great feeling to know I can coast into the last 10 days until Christmas having a tree full of wrapped presents! The only snafu in my plan would be UPS not delivering the last few gifts to arrive. But I should receive them this week in plenty of time. Are you still shopping? There are so many great sales and deals you almost want to buy one gift for them... one gift for me!! Haha! My list this year has some fun things on it and I have been good this year so I'm hoping for a few of these things under my tree! What are some of the things on your list?

Boots ~ Leggings ~ Sweater (love this one) ~ Bracelets ~ Bracelets

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December 15, 2014
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Traditions

December 09, 2014

Baking

What I love most about the holidays is the traditions. I remember every year growing up some of the traditions my mom carried out and I have continued with a few traditions for my boys. We made divinity, fudge, haystacks, and spritz cookies. I loved helping her in the kitchen if for nothing else other than a sneaky little taste without the others knowing. One of my favorite cookies to make at the holidays is the Spritz. A light delicate almond flavored cookie. When my grandmother passed away several years ago I requested her cookie press. I know they make new one and they have a handy trigger that "presses out the correct amount" but I never could get it to work better than my old fashion press. So the new one sits in the box, and with the right amount of twist of the wrist I use my Grandmother's every year.

I am all about traditions. I try to instill in all my boys the same. There is something to be said for have certain expectations. For example, every year I make home made cinnamon rolls Christmas eve for the morning festivities. My boys have come to know this and expect them. My oldest wanted to start the same tradition with his family and asked me to share my recipe with my daughter in law. That's what I love about the holidays. The warm memories traditions bring. Another tradition is cut out cookies for santa. Every year the boys and I would gather around the table and cut, frost and decorate cookies for santa. He always had three on his plate, one from each boy! One year their dad actually informed me "santa really would like to try the fudge dipped oreos"... I told him that was not tradition... and Santa never received dipped oreos! Haha!

I enjoy baking a lot this time of the year. Chocolate, frosting, sprinkling, dipping, and stirring is in full force in my kitchen. So what do I do with so many sweets coming from my kitchen? I purchase Christmas plates and fill them up with an assortment of goodies and give them as gifts. Home made treats make the perfect hostess gift for home parties. When the plate is empty the hostess has a holiday plate to use again and again.

With the holidays creeping up on us wouldn't you love to have a little extra spending cash? I know I would! Weather you have your shopping done, or are just starting, Coupons.com/TGS has the good stuff!

If you are a budget friendly shopper, (I know I am) there are gifts for everyone. If you're not into baking away for a hostess gift (like me), Coupons.com/TGS has hostess gifts galore. Do you have a hard to buy for on your list? Yeah, everyone has at least one of those, well there are gifts for the enthusiasts too!

The Good Stuff 2014 Holiday Sweepstakes will be for one $100 winner per week and one $500 grand prize winner now thru December 25th. Just click on the photo above and it will take you straight to Coupons.com! Now that's something to be merry about!

*This post was brought to you by Coupons.com but all the traditions are mine and I wouldn't change a one... not even for fudge dipped oreos!!

December 09, 2014
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Holiday Party Time

November 26, 2014

Ann Taylor

The holiday season has begun. I attended my first party this past Friday. It is a grand affair every year and my companies biggest fundraising event. Me, Gab, and Jen spent the day assisting with the set up of the event. There were bars to stock, and tables to decorate. Gift bags to stuff and raffle items to display. We finished setting up and headed straight to get ready with a visit to Parlor KC to have a blow out and then off to Halls Chanel counter for a makeover. It was an extremely long day and we were on our feet for 12 hours straight... but ohhh so fun!

I started to decorate for Christmas earlier than usual this year. I never decorate before Thanksgiving, but this year I knew I would come home on Sunday and be rushed to decorate so I put my tree up but will not turn on the lights until the Sunday after Thanksgiving. My pretty tree sits quietly in the dark just waiting to shine!!!! The girls and I attended a DIY workshop and will be sharing my finished project next week, but here is a peek at what I am up to!! I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving and enjoy quality time with your family. With all the unrest happening around the world right now we need to remember to be the change we want to see in the world. Pay something forward this week and hopefully start a chain reaction of kindness.

November 26, 2014
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Tunics Boots & Scarfs

November 19, 2014

Fall

I was dying for the weather to turn cool enough to justify pulling out my boots. Well it turned cold alright. Many days not getting any warmer than 30 and at night dipping into the low teens. I know come January I will be wishing it was sandal weather again.... we're never happy with the season are we? Halloween is over and stores already have trees up for Christmas.... ummmm what happen to Thanksgiving... or 2014 for that matter?

The holiday season seems to be in full swing with party's already and tons of decorating pics filling up my instagram feed. (not judging in the least) I think with the earlier than usual cold weather it makes us want to go all Christmas-ee! Not to mention if you have travel plans and wont be home for the thanksgiving holiday, having your tree up already will just be one step closer to the holiday when you get home. (don't turn on the tree lights at least until thanksgiving eve).

But seriously...who else is excited it's tunic, boots, and scarf season? This girl that's who!!

Tunic (similar)~ Leggings ~ Boots ~ Bag (Similar) ~ Necklace ~ Watch ~ Sunnies ~ Earrings ~

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November 19, 2014
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Muchana Scarf Giveaway

November 17, 2014

giveaway

The perfect combination of fall colors is right here in these two scarfs and you could win them both!

Handmade in Ecuador and exclusively at Muchana. Muchana is a Kansas City based Panama Hat company. Working directly with artists in Ecuador Muchana imports high-quality, luxe accessories all while supporting their craft.

Katie and Kelly who are not only business partner, but also sister who fell in love with Panama hats during one of their trips to Ecuador. But it didn't stop with panama hats. They recently added beautiful hand made scarfs and capes. Artist in Ecuador carefully dye and weave luxe scarfs on a loom. Made from 50 percent cotton and 50 percent wool they are vibrant, beautiful and so soft.

Remember this outfit below? What appears to be one scarf is actually two Muchana scarfs. I laid them back to back and gave them a little twist around my next to let both the scarfs show. I love how well they go together. Today I am teaming up with Muchana and giving away a set of both of these scarfs.

Enter below using the rafflecopter form to win both of these beautiful scarfs. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

November 17, 2014
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Weekend Sales

November 15, 2014

Events

There are some great sales going on this weekend. Take advantage of the discounts and start your christmas shopping early!!

Just click the store name below and it will take you straight to shopping!

Kate Spade ~ Madewell ~ Old Navy ~ French Connection ~ Bloomingdales ~ J Crew Factory

J Crew ~ Banana Republic ~ Gap ~ Macy's ~ Singer22 ~ JC Penney

November 15, 2014
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Favorites

November 14, 2014

Ann Taylor

T.G.I.F.!! Well the polar vortex has settled over KC and it is frigid. We are expecting snow Saturday, ugh... I'm not ready for snow. So the next best thing is to bundle up and suck it up! These favorites definitely have the warm and cozy look don't you think? Im thinking I need this sweater for sure, how cute would it look with tights and boots? And that plaid cape... sassy!

Sweater ~ Vest ~ Ruana ~ Black white fur ~ Pink coat

November 14, 2014
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Stripe and leopard scarf

November 12, 2014

Colors

Finding a scarf that you love..... good!

Using your ability to research its origin.... great!

Knowing how to sew... PRICELESS!

This scarf came up on my instagram feed a few weeks back and I fell in love with it! After researching where to purchase it, then to find out that it was pricey, I knew the next step was to make it. I have said before that knowing how to sew is a fabulous skill. I shared my idea and the image of the scarf with the girls at the office and of course they wanted me to make them one as well. What the heck... you can make 4 scarfs as easy as one! I set out over the weekend to purchase the fabric thinking this would be a cinch. Well let me tell ya... trying to find striped fabric was a challenge I would not have imagined. After driving to several fabric stores searching for the right stripe, I stumbled upon finally this striped jersey. I quickly did a little arm measuring, and calculating in my head and it was just enough fabric. I also purchased the last of the bolt of the leopard. The stars were aligned for this project I'll tell ya! Well... four scarves later and three happy friends I love how it turned out, not to mention the savings! I made them long enough that it may be worn looped twice or three times around your neck.

Jeans ~ Blouse (similar) ~ Shoes ~ Bag (vintage) ~ Bracelet ~ Earrings ~ The Scarf ~ Watch ~ Lips ~

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November 12, 2014
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Black and Camel

November 11, 2014

arm party

Happy Veterans day. There are many Veterans Day parades going on today to honor the service men who have fought for our freedom. Today I am participating in the Leavenworth parade and Brrrr is it a cold day today. Yesterday would have been a better day with warmer temps so to say the least.... we are bundled up in layers!

I wore this outfit obviously when the weather was warmer. Let's talk about color comfort zones. I have mentioned before what some of my least favorites are... yellow and orange, while some of my best colors are pink and green, and everyone's favorite Black! Your color comfort zone can make or break an outfit. If I am wearing pink then chances are its going to be a great outfit. Now don't think just because I am wearing the color everything is good with the world, no what I mean is that when I wear a color in my comfort zone I carry myself with greater confidence. Now do you get it? Try wearing a color out of your comfort zone and see how it makes you feel about yourself. Not the same is it? There are a few colors out of my zone that when paired up with something it works. This scarf is clearly orange... and not my comfort color. It is however a perfect fall color and paired with this camel sweater and dark jeans or black slacks it works for me. So try to remember when stepping out of your comfort zone to do it in small accessories and pair it with colors you do feel comfortable in. This is a winning outfit for a perfect fall day!

Slacks ~ Cardigan ~ Tank ~ Bag (vintage) ~ Shoes ~ Sunnies ~ Scarfs c/o ~ Bracelets ~

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November 11, 2014
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Blanket Scarf

November 10, 2014

Bracelets

Happy Monday. How was your weekend? Mine was spent resting to get over this cold (I think it's gone) and running a few errands. Friday night we went to see the movie St Vincent and we loved it. Bill Murray's performance was phenomenal. Saturday I popped into Madewell to support a blogger friend who was hosting a sips and shopping event. I took advantage of the sale and discount and picked these fab shoes on serious sale!

Blanket scarfs are still so popular this year and the same plaid seems to keep showing up on a lot of girls. There is something to be said for not following the crowd... this is a favorite of mine. Maybe its the pink stripe or the fact that it's so neutral. One of the benefits to a blanket scarf is they are larger than say a "normal" scarf, and generally they are square so there is more to bundle around you. The other benefit to it is you can drape it over your shoulders for another look and added warmth. With so many different plaid scarfs available right now there is sure to be a color combination that suits you. The weather is scheduled to turn drastically colder tomorrow with a high of 38 and that is perfect blanket scarf weather, not to mention gloves and hats too! I'm not ready for fall to turn to winter yet are you?