Boxes and Swaps

I participated in not one but 2 box swaps this month: the Cara Box and the Foodie Pen Pals.

First, the Cara Box that is hosted by Wifessionals. My match this month was Sarah from Random Thoughts and Feelings. To say she was thorough would be an understatement. She asked a ton of questions to get to know me and what I like, and look at how thoughtful she was with her packaging.

Every little thing was individually wrapped with a cute bow. I had to stop myself from ripping into everything and take picture of it!

The theme was "green", and I'd say Sarah did a pretty good job. I got a Burt's Bees lip balm combo pack, all natural soap and loofa, and a super cute nautical themed bracelet and earrings! Okay, the last one wasn't very green, but I love them!

Thanks Sarah!

The other box I got this month was my Foodie box. My lovely pen pal was Sonia from the Mexigarian.

Sonia sent me a ton of goodies that I can't wait to try. I can honestly say that I have never tried any of the treats that she sent me, which I love. I am very eager to try the vanilla bean tea. I love vanilla and I love tea, so it will probably be my new favorite afternoon drink. And I am a huge fan of any nut butter, so all those Justin's packets will definitely go fast!

Thanks Sonia!

Were you involved with any of the boxes this month? If so, I would love to hear what you got!

Linking up for Google Friend Conect, Just Beacause Tuesday, Bloglovin Linkup

Deep In the Heart of Texas

I am so exhausted from this weekend. Well, not just the weekend, but the whole week. Traveling in the middle of the week and getting very little sleep will do that to you. I tried to fit in a lot while I was in Texas. I got to see quite a few friends as well as make trips to Waco and West and catch a hockey game.

1. After work on Friday I did a little shopping inspired by the JCrew Factory store sale.
2. I also visited with one of my friends from grad school and her dog, Ace, who clearly missed me. 
3. Saturday morning I drove down to Waco to have brunch with one of my bridesmaids.
4. I couldn't help but walk around campus to enjoy the beautiful weather and remind myself how old I am (these 19 year old freshman look like babies!).

5. On my way back to Dallas, I couldn't help by stop in West and show some support.
6. What better way than to support the local economy and picked up some delicious kolaches from the Czech Stop (as well as drop off a donation for the local fire house)!
7. Saturday night I got to go to a Stars game as part of a work event, which means I pigged out on free food.
8. I kept it super casual and comfortable on my flight back to Charlotte on Sunday morning. Keds, baggy jeans, and a sweatshirt.
9. I typically don't buy gossip magazines when I am flying, but I couldn't stay resist the Today Show drama!

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Weekend Shenanigans, This Weekend I, The GFC Collective, Mingle Monday, I Heart Bloglovin

 

Friday Favorites No. 2

I am keeping it short and sweet today. So without futher ado, my favorite things of the week:

Favorite Recipe
I found this recipe from Lemon Tree Dweling through a link-up this week and not only looks delicious, but so easy! I can't wait to try it!

Favorite Purchase
I think it was an instagram pic from @SamiShenanigans that turned me on to GroopDealz specifically for this necklace. The sale had passed, but lucky for me it came around again and I snatched up a JCrew-esq necklace for myself!

Favorite Post
This might be my favorite post of the week, from Back East Blonde, because I can relate to it far too well. Check all 10 of those things off for me - I definitely accomplished all of them this past weekend.

Favorite Outfit
This outfit from Seersucker and Saddles is just so easy and fun.  I want to go put it on right now, but I need to go shopping first!

Favorite Video
If you saw last weeks post, you know that the Dove Real Beauty campaign ad was my favorite video. Well, this is the men's version.

What were some of your favorite things of the week?


Linking up with H54F and That Friday Blog Hop

Guest Post: How to Feel Like a Runner

Today while I am in Dallas, I have Bri taking over for me! If you don't already follow Bri, run, don't walk over to her super cute blog!

She has an adorable new baby daughter, Ella, and like most new moms she was looking to shed some of that baby weight. This is when she turned to running. If you want to see how much running has transformed her body, check it out here! It's truly amazing! And even though she inspires me to run more often, apparently there is a trick to "faking it". And I am all for faking it until you make it!!

She has hair now... follow me on Instagram & I'll prove it!

Hello, I'm Bri Bliss & that little peanut I'm holding onto is my daughter, Ella. I blog over at Back to Bliss & I started blogging on New Year's Eve, as part of a resolution to keep better track of my life. (Or at least that's what I told my husband... I really just want to be the next Skinny Runner & a stay at home blogger.) New Year's was as good of a time as ever to get started and once I started, I just couldn't stop! Like I said, my blog was originally supposed to be about my day to day life as a mother, teacher, and runner. But somewhere along my journey, I decided that I just couldn't ignore my passion for fashion, and started posting my outfits weekly, along with my favorite things.

one of my most recent outfit posts... I can't get enough of colored jeans!

So now that you know a little bit about me & my blog... I'm going to share an epiphone that I had about running the other day. I only started running about 6 months ago. At that time, I could only run 2 minutes before walking. Less than 10 days from now, I'm running my first half marathon. I've come a long way, but I don't always feel like a runner. The other day though, I was about half way through my 7 mile run when I looked at my reflection in a store window as I passed. I hardly recognized myself, I looked like a real runner. That's when I realized the secret of running - fake it til you make it. If you look the part, you'll have confidence. So, I'm obviously headed out to buy more athletic apparel, so that I can keep looking the part. Here are a few things that I have my eye on right now...

1. Ruffles With Love Tank $24 - I own another version of this tank & it is so comfortable. When I saw that Vanessa is now offering this design, I just had to order it! Admit it, you didn't read those words, you immediately starting singing the song.

2. Run: Breeze By Skirt from Lululemon $74 - Yes, this skirt is expensive. But, I have one from Lulu and it is hands down my favorite. Mine is white, so I'd love to add this light pink version to my collection. Yes, I collect running skirts... I own 9 of them. Do not share that fact with my husband. 5 of them are black, so he can't tell the difference.

3. Gap Fit Breathe Striped Tank $17.99 - I actually already own this tank in another color, but I love it so much that I want this version too. It's incredibly soft, and it's long enough that it doesn't need to be pulled down every 5 seconds. (Real runners don't have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions.)

4. Under Armour Women's Coldblack Run Hat $24.99 - I've been really into my running hat lately, mainly because I can't stand running with sunglasses on. The key to a good running hat is making sure that it's made of moisture wicking fabric. That way, you won't have sweat rolling down your face on a sunny day and you can wear it to stay dry on a rainy day. Added bonus - if you're concerned about safety, this flourescent color will make sure you're highly visible!

see... the hat really makes me look serious

So now that you know the secret to my running success, what are you waiting for? Head to the mall, then get out there & fake it!

 Linking up with The Bloglovin Collective, and Thursday Thoughts

Jetsetting Chic

Jeans: LOFT, Jacket: Cynthia Rowley via TJ Maxx (similar), Tank: Ann Taylor, Shoes: Steve Madden (similar), Necklace: c/o Excessory Exchange, Watch: Kate Spade, Sunglasses: Oscar by Oscar de la Renta via TJ Maxx

I'm off to Dallas today for work. I don't travel a lot for work, so I have yet to master a good business travel wardrobe. Fortunately for me, our office is pretty casual which means I can get away with wearing jeans. I like wearing dark wash jeans in the office, and when paired with a fun jacket and necklace I look professional but not boring. I never want to look boring!


This beautiful necklace is from Excessory Exchange. And because they are so wonderful, they are offering one lucky reader their choice in color of the chevron stackable ring I am wearing below as well as any ring you like from the Excessory Exchange boutique!

Also in blue and turquoise.

All you have to do is like Excessory Exchange on Facebook and win the awesome ring!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking up for What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, Wildcard Wednesday, Pinterest Power Party
 

What I've Learned From Pinterest

Sometimes it seems like everything I know at one point came from Pinterest. Just about every recipe I have made or craft or decorating project I have tried.

But there are legitimately some pretty cool things that I have learned from other blogs and websites found through Pinterest. Here are my some of favorites:

1. I learned how to get a kick ass workout in under 20 minutes.



2. I learned how to cover up dark circles under the eyes.




3. I learned how to take off nail polish easily.




4. I learned how to quickly dry nail polish.




5. I learned the best way to curl my hair.




6. I learned about all the wonderful benefits of coconut oil.




7. I learned how to get rid of that lower belly pooch.




8. I learned how make grapes taste like candy.



9. I learned how to make Somoas from scratch.




10. I learned how to make my own dishwasher detergent.


What have you learned from Pinterest?

Linking up for Google Friend Conect, Just Beacause Tuesday, Bloglovin Linkup, Oh How Pinteresting

Table for One

This weekend I was all by my lonesome. B was off in Georgia for a bachelor party. Don't feel sorry for me, though, I took this opportunity to get some stuff done.

1. I made a long to-do list, and only accomplished half of it.
2. Saturday morning I got up and climbed to the top of the Duke Energy building for Race to the Top.
3. I climbed all 50 flights in 12 minutes. And let me tell you, that was harder than any run I have every done.
4. After the depressing week we had last week, I decide to spread some smiles through my Old Navy sweater.
5. I spent some quality time at the mall. I was only able to accomplish part of my shopping list.
6. I came home inspired to finally organize my closet. I pulled out a bunch of stuff I no longer wear and am selling those items on Poshmark.
7. Sunday, I spent some quality time in the kitchen. I made lemon scones, quinoa blueberry muffins, and portabello mushroom burgers.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Weekend Shenanigans and This Weekend I

Quinoa Blueberry Muffins

I've been on this weird kick of trying to make different breakfast foods using quinoa. First pancakes, now muffins. I have to say, after making Gordon Ramsay's uber healthy blueberry muffins, I think I kinda like these better. It could just be that I am not a huge fan of banana, which GR's version has. But these muffins are light and fresh tasting, and frankly, don't taste so.....healthy!

But these muffins are just as healthy, if not healthier. There is no butter or oil. Very little sugar. Quinoa is incredibly healthy and packed with protein. I have found that quinoa, after it's cooked, can be used almost interchangeably with flour or oats. So don't be surprised if you find me making more recipes with quinoa!

I hope you give these muffins a try!

1. Preheat over to 400 degrees and line a muffin tin with liners, then set aside.

2. Mix together in a large bowl:

1 cup quinoa, cooked

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp lemon zest

3. Mix together in a small bow or measuring cup, then add to dry ingredients:

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/3 cup applesauce

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

4. Fold in:

1/2 cup blueberries

5. Spoon batter into prepared muffin tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes. 

 Linking up for Linking up for The GFC Collective, Mingle Monday, I Heart Bloglovin

Sunday Social

What is your shopping weakness?
Pretty much I am a sucker for anything on sale. I try not to buy anything unless it is on sale, so sometimes I will stalk my favorite things until they go on sale then just binge shop.

What is your food weakness?
I have lots. Pretty much anything with sugar is a huge temptation. If I bake cookies, I will probably eat 5 before I put them away.

What is your go to movie to watch when nothing is on?
I will watch Love Actually whenever. Best movie ever.

What is your go to breakfast food?
Right now it is a protein bar and coffee. But I go through cycles.

Do you drink coffee? If so how do you take it?
I was a sporadic coffee drinker until recently. My mom got us a Keurig coffee maker when we moved into our new apartment and now I pretty much have a cup every day. My favorite coffee shop drink is a cafe au lait or cafe misto (Misto at Starbucks), which is pretty much half coffee half steamed milk. At home, I will make a normal cup of coffee and put in quite a bit of almond milk and a little sugar. 

Saturday Shopping List

The weather sucks and I still have a hangover from this Boston manhunt, so I think I need some retail therapy. Here is what is on my list:

LOFT/Ann Taylor/Gap/Sold/Maison Scotch

Zara/LOFT/Forever 21/Banana Republic

Asos/Top Shop/JCrew/Target

Francesca's/LOFT/JCrew/Nordstroms/Forever 21

Friday Favorites No. 1

There were a lot of things about this week that were sad, tragic, stressful, frustrating, and just downright ugly. Boston then West And all the other crappy things from the week. Sometimes we just need to focus on the happy things to get us through.

And that is why I decided to start a new Friday tradition. Friday Favorites!

Favorite Outfit

Atlantic Pacific

Favorite Tweet

@heleneinbetween

Favorite Pin



Favorite Post

The Angles Were Protecting Us by Confessions of a Northern Belle

Favorite  Recipe

Oatmeal Cream Pies by This Beautiful Life

Favorite Viral Video

What were some of your favorite things from the week?

Linking up with H54F and That Friday Blog Hop

Check to see if you are the winner of the Kendra Scott giveaway here! 

The Bloglovin Collective

<a href="http://www.peacoatsandplaid.blogspot.com/search/label/bloglovin%20collective" target="”_blank”"><img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a268/bre916/bloglovinhop200_zps1f5121c1.jpg"/></a>

Welcome to the weekly Bloglovin Collective party!
There are many out there in Blogland like it, but this is THE Bloglovin' hop you do not want to miss.

YOUR HOST:
Bre @ Peacoats & Plaid

CO-HOSTS:
Amanda @ My Show
Sarah @ Limited Space Organizing
Jamie @ Things in You
Lindsey @ Follow the Ruels
Beth @ Arrow in the Eye
Caitlin @ The Petite Chronicles

**Co-hosting slots are filled until May 30th**
Send me an email at peacoatsnplaid(at)gmail(dot)com if you want to get on the list

Guest Post: DIY Recovered Porch Chairs

Today on of my beautiful sponsors, Rebecca, is sharing her chair cover DIY project. This couldn't come at a better time. Now that the weather is warming up, all I can think about it what to do with our little patio. Her project turned out so well, I am definitely inspired to try to recover chairs of my own.

I'll let Rebecca take it away, because she is a much better write than I. But when you are done, go check her out here, here, and here because she's awesome!!

Hi y’all! My name is Rebecca and I blog over at Caravan Sonnet! I am so excited to be here today and have loved getting to know Lindsey better this month. Isn’t she so sweet? I love her posts and am honored to be a sponsor! Isn’t that a wonderful part of bloggy world: the wonderful opportunity to meet some fantastic people! It is definitely my favorite part! *smiles* One of the things that I love are Lindsey’s DIY posts! I love thrifting and DIY’ing and today I thought I would share about some Goodwill porch chairs that my mom and I made over for our camp porch.

For a number of years our porch housed wonderful chairs that have been passed down through four generations that had been quaint but it didn’t provide a very comfortable sitting area. Enter in a wonderful find at Goodwill! Don't you just love thrifting? My mom and I found the chairs for the porch at a half price Thanksgiving Sale at Goodwill in 2010. There were four large chairs and three matching footstools. While they were in "struggling" condition we knew with a little lot of love and a lot of work we would show the treasure that they were! It took some time to wash, clean the chairs, repair rips in the fabric, paint, and get everything set up but after two summers the porch has come together like a dream! *smiles*

The first thing that we did was to take out the original stuffing from the cushions and then wash every cover (twice!). I had done some research and had learned that it was best to stuff pre-made fabric cushions while the fabric is still damp. This allows the fabric and the stuffing to mold together. I am not going to lie it took some energy to stuff those cushions!

After we stuffed the cushions we set them in the sun to dry while we went to work on vacuuming the chairs and washing the wood. We took wood paint and touched up the areas that needed to be touched up. Finally, we took muslin and covered the holes of a couple of the chairs.  It took us two summers to transport the chairs to our cabin in New York and to complete the above process but it was definitely worth it. In those two years I also found some additional (small) pillows that matched the chairs (at a Goodwill in another state!) and found some material that we made into additional pillows. Isn't the final product delightful?

 

Thanks so much for reading along today! I would love to meet y’all! To me the best thing about blogging is meeting others! I look forward to meeting y’all! Have a wonderful day!

Neon Pink and Navy Stripes

Shirt: Ann Taylor (on sale!), Shorts: LOFT, Belt: JCrew (similar), Bag: Kate Spade (similar), Sunnies: Cole Hahn, Shoes: Sperry (similar), Earrings: Haskell (similar)

I've got a thing for navy and white. Always have. Always will. It must be that nautical influence from growing up by the ocean. The only thing this outfit needs is a sail boat and a fancy drink with an umbrella in it. Ironically, the last place you will find me is on a sail boat with a fancy drink with an umbrella in it.

Linking up for What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, Wildcard Wednesday, Pinterest Power Party

Group giveaway going on now!
Do you love Kendra Scott? Pick your favorite item to win here!

How to Make Friends in Foreign Places

Me in B's Barca jersey after the 2011 UEFA Cup win

Step 1: Identify the popular local sports team.
Step 2: Purchase a jersey from said local sports team.
Step 3: Wear new jersey around town.

B is a huge soccer fan, so the one thing he wanted to do during our trip to Spain was get an authentic Barcelona jersey. He wasn't ever planning on wearing it while we were there, but the night he did, he made plenty of new Spanish friends.

Our very last night in Barcelona was also the night of the UEFA Cup championship game. As you may or may not know, soccer (football) is probably the most popular sport in Europe, but especially in Spain. That year (2011) Barcelona was playing Manchester United for the Cup.

Appropriately, B wore his new jersey to watch the game.

The reaction in the bar after a Barca goal.

Before the game even started and we were just walking around town, B got a couple cheers and cat calls. And he fit right in with all the other Barca fans as we watched the bar from the finest Irish Pub in town (they were offering a free glass of champagne for every Barca goal and spoke English, don't judge).

But after the game...boy you would not believe how popular B was! As we made the long walk back to our hotel, dozens of people called out to him from their mopeds and cars. They couldn't have been yelling at everyone wearing a jersey, because EVERYONE was wearing a jersey. Maybe it was because he is so tall that he stood out. Or maybe they just knew he was American and wanted to let him know that they appreciated the support.

Who knows! But he was the most popular American in Barcelona that night.

Since that trip, B has worn the jersey plenty of times. And even when hes just traveling here in the States, he makes new friends (although, he did almost get in a fight with a Man U fan in New Orleans because of the jersey).


So there you have it. Three easy steps to make some new friends when traveling abroad.

Linking up for Google Friend Conect, Just Beacause Tuesday, Bloglovin Linkup, and Travel Tuesdays,

P.S. Check out the Kendra Scott giveaway going on now!!

Mastered

In case you missed it, this weekend was the big Master's weekend. There was no way I was going to miss it. If we were at the house, it was on. If we were out and about, B had the tournament on his phone.

Oh yeah, we also watching some women's college bowling. Yes. They actually televise that.

1. On Thursday, we had a thunderstorm roll through and I spent about 20 minutes trying to get a shot of the lightening.

2. Friday was a rough day at work, so we stayed in, made pizza, and had a nice bottle of wine.
3. I also decided to take on a craft project.
4. Now becoming my typical Saturday morning routine, I went for a run.
5. This time, 7 miles. My legs were dead afterwards.

6. After my run, B and I got outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. I wore my current favorite color combo: pink, navy, and white.
7. What better way to recover from a long run than with a margarita, right?
8. After some shopping and walking around town, we headed up to our buildings roof and enjoyed a glass of wine.
9. Sunday, B sported his new shoes. He lost a bet he made earlier in the week, which meant he had to buy me a pair of shoes. In the end, he's the one that got new shoes.

How was your weekend?

Linking up for Weekend Shenanigans, This Weekend I, The GFC Collective, Mingle Monday, I Heart Bloglovin

P.S. Big Kendra Scott giveaway going on NOW!!

Kendra Scott Giveaway

*up to $70

Today Jaime and I are kicking off our month giveaway series! Basically every month we let you pick your favorite thing to win. Some months we will give you a couple options, a theme, or leave it totally up to you!

For the very first Favorite Things Giveaway Jaime and I, along with 5 other awesome bloggers are giving away your choice of jewelry from the Kendra Scott Color Bar, worth up to $70.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are interested in co-hosting next month's giveaway, you can get more information here!

Too Many Shoes

What am I saying? That's not possible.

1. I got 2 new pairs of shoes this week. This cute pair of Guess slingbacks were given to me by Billy's coworker's wife who wasn't wearing them anymore. There is no way I am saying no to a pair of free shoes, especially ones this cute (thanks Jo!).
2. I had to buy these sandals. I wish the good people at TJ Maxx would just give them to me, but I suppose that's not a good "business strategy".
3. I was on a salad craze this week. Monday I made this delicious cranberry and spinach salad. Tuesday I made an equally wonderful strawberry, basil, and red onion salad.
4. Obligatory outfit shot of the week.
5. Thursday morning was spent at the lovely office of the local Department of Motor Vehicles.

  Other happies from the week:

• The weather was beautiful early in the week. I was almost tempted to go work out by the pool.
• I got a pretty awesome email from one of my blog friends and sponsors. It literally made my day.
• I feel like I got a lot of wedding stuff done this week! Just about everyone got their save the dates by now, I secured my hotel block, and I got a discount for my out of town guests on American Airlines. 

Some crappies of the week:

• Did I mention I had to spend a morning at the DMV. Which required me to study for a test. I haven't studied for anything since grad school.
• Work has been pretty busy this week and I was totally unmotivated. I need to get back in the routine.
• I ate waaaayy too much Easter candy.  

 

• I was pretty bummed that Michigan lost in the Championship game against Louisville. My MOH went to Michigan, so they are my 3rd favorite college team. Also, because Louisville won, I ended up not winning my office's bracket pool.

Linking up with Happies and Crappies,  H54F and That Friday Blog Hop