Keurig rant

Dear Keurig, 

Does that coffee mug look full to you? 

Because it certainly does not look full to me. It's actually about a quarter full, to be exact. And this is after I've hit the button for a large cup. 

I thought one of the benefits of using a Keurig was that it brews the perfect size of coffee every time. Recently, however, our Keurig has decided it wants to play games with how much coffee it's going to brew on any given occasion. 

I don't play games with my coffee. 

I want a full cup — I don't want to have to hit the brew button twice and get watered-down coffee the second time around, and I surely do not feel like filling the container with coffee grounds two separate times. And worst of all, I don't want to clean up the hot water spewing from every direction as my coffee brews. 

I follow the instructions and make sure everything is lined up and fitting correctly, and this catastrophe still happens every morning. 

Keurig, if you're reading this, I'll take a replacement as soon as you can send me one. 

Wishful Wednesday

I wouldn't mind one bit if I found any of these pretty pieces in my stocking come Christmas morning. 

Kate Spade Know the Ropes Knot Stud earrings // Michael Kors Darci Glitz watch // Jacquie Aiche Diamond Waif Bezel Ring

Friday's Fancies #3: Black Friday

Accordion pleat top // Classic link necklace  // Minnie pant in stretch twill // Baby Brompton bag // Cece Cap Toe Ballet Flats 

If I was venturing out today, this is the kind of outfit I'd need. Must haves include: an easy top and bottom to slide in and out of while trying on clothes, and comfortable shoes. A crossbody bag solves the problem of the achy shoulder/arm/whole left side of your body when you're carrying a heavy purse all day. And I'm always glad when I have a piece of jewelry on while trying on clothes to see what certain outfits would look like accessorized.

Wishful Wednesday

1) Gold sequined dress 2) NARS glitter pencil 3) Tory Burch Glitter Reva Ballet Flats (similar) 4) Essie nail polish in Golden Nuggets 5) Betsey Johnson Glitter Box clutch

I don't know about all of you, but I'm so ready to throw on something super sparkly this New Year's Eve! Regardless of our plans (which are yet to be made), I know I will be wearing something glittery! 

Hair help

I've been wanting to do something different with my hair (in terms of styling it) for awhile, especially now that it's getting long enough to actually do something with it. (Thank goodness.) I have thin, fine hair and I either wear it straight or use some sea salt spray and let it dry naturally and wavy. What I really want to do though is learn how to curl it with either a wand or a curling iron. I can't even remember the last time I curled my hair—just because it never lasts. I could never find the right product to keep the curls from falling out. So here's where I need your help, pretty please!

When you curl your hair, do you use a wand or a curling iron? And what hair spray, root lifter, etc. is the best to use?

I spent my Sunday doing productive things like googling how to curl my hair with a wand and stumbled across The Small Things Blog and totally fell in love with all of Kate's hair tutorials and makeup tips. She uses a product called Acquage Uplifting Foam, and after watching her video on how to use it, I can see that it works, but I'm still a little intimidated to try it. Have any of you tried it?

Also, I am probably the last one on the planet who hasn't tried the sock bun yet either. Does anyone know how long hair has to be for a successful sock bun?

I'm grateful for any and all advice! Tell me your secrets to pretty curled hair!

Wishful Wednesday

J.Crew sequined chevron sweater // Diptyque Amber Oud holiday candle // Betsey Johnson vintage leopard watch // Butter London glitter lacquer trio  // Tory Burch Jess riding boot  // Pim + Larkin square stud earrings

I'll take any or all of the above. Please and thanks. 

Also, you should go check out the awesome monogram necklace giveaway going on over at Beauty & The Beard. Because seriously, who wouldn't love winning a monogram necklace?

Color crush: Oxblood

Shop these pieces 1) Berry Full Skirted Coat // 2) Michael Kors Astrid textured-leather tote  // 3) Essie nail polish in Berry Hard  // 4) Dorothy Perkins Oxblood skinny jeans // 5) ASOS Punch Mary Jane heels

I love, love, love the oxblood color trend right now, and it's my goal to incorporate something of this color into my wardrobe ASAP, although I may have to start with the nail polish. 

What fall colors are you loving?

Friday's Fancies #2

In this week's Friday's Fancies, we're gathering around the bonfire. In my perfect bonfire world, however, I would be able to leave without my hair or clothes smelling like smoke.

Especially these pretty clothes:

J. Crew painter boatneck tee

J. Crew wool angora snood 

J. Crew excursion quilted vest

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Jac denim jeggings

J. Crew wool-angora gloves

Michael Kors Hamilton boot

I actually scooped up this painter tee and vest last weekend during some birthday shopping. I can't rave about this vest enough—I would wear it every day if it was socially acceptable.

And to top off the bonfire-themed Friday's Fancies, here's a yummy recipe for some spiked apple cider.
There's nothing better to sip on while sitting around the fire. 

Happy weekend, everyone!

Thursday randoms

First things first, I bought the new Jason Aldean CD last weekend, and I cannot stop listening to it. For those of you who haven't bought it yet, I highly, highly recommend it. 

One of my favorite songs is "Staring at the Sun." Take a listen. 

Next, have you heard that Pinterest is allowing users to make boards private now? I'm so excited about this in terms of planning for Christmas. I always think of things I want to buy people, but then I never remember to write it down. Now I can make boards for each person I'm buying for and I'll never forget a thing. 

Here's a link that teaches you how to make boards private. 

Happy holiday planning! 

Wishful Wednesday

1) Paula Bianco Chunky Knit Wrap Scarf

2) Gap Mixed Stich Cardigan

How comfy do the wrap scarf and the cardigan look? I want to snuggle up in both. 

3) AllSaints Restrain Skirt

The skirt is just so fabulous I don't know what to do with myself. 

4) Michael Kors Slim Double Wrap Watch

5) Gorjana Alphabet Stackable Ring

The Michael Kors watch is such a classic piece, and the ring reminds me of the beautiful initial bracelet Elizabeth got me for my birthday. 

{What are you wishing for today?}

Gimme those shoes

{gimme those shoes}

{one}

These cognac-colored riding boots from Target are a dead ringer for the more expensive Frye version and are a fraction of the cost. You know there's room in your closet for a pair.

Women's Merona Manette Double Buckle Boot 

{two}

 How much fun are these flats? I'd pair 'em with skinny jeans, a black blazer and a chunky statement necklace.

Belle By Sigerson Morrison Vamante

{three}

These Jack Rogers rain boots are both adorable and a nice change from Hunter rain boots. I love the fun zipper.

Jack Rogers Whirlaway Rain Boots

{four}
These Tory Burch flats are droolworthy. I need a pair ASAP — end of story.

Tory Burch Aaden Ballet Flats


{five}
Finally, how about these beauties? They're Sperry Top-Siders so you know they have to be super comfortable. I am obsessed with the glittery gold toe. 

Sperry Top-Sider - Annabelle (Leopard Pony/Gold Glitter)

Which is your favorite pair?

Friday's fancies #1

My first-ever Friday's fancies is devoted to sweaters, particularly the drool-worthy sweaters at J. Crew right now. 

Here are the top four sweaters on my wish list (and hey, tomorrow is my birthday — hint, hint!)

1) COLLECTION CASHMERE TIPPI SWEATER in Bright butternut

2) NILI LOTAN® OPEN CABLE SWEATER

3) DREAM COLORBLOCK ELBOW-PATCH SWEATER 4) TIPPI SWEATER IN MULTICOLOR STRIPE

While I am in LOVE with all of these sweaters, I seriously need something the color of first one. Cashmere and a lovely butternut color? I'm sold. 

Visit {av}'s blog to link up and see her Friday's fancies, and while you're at it, check out Laura's top sweater picks, too!

Forever 21 love

{Forever faves}

1) Layered Pearlescent Necklace 2) Bias Sheath Dress 3) Pleated Satchel 4) 20 Denier Floral Tights 5) Tasseled Wedge Booties