Current Obsession: Floral Pants

With Spring just around the corner, I can't help but be excited for bright colors and fun prints.  I can't wait to buy a pair of these to go with a cute pair of heels or flats, and a simple top.  

Would you wear a pair of floral pants? If so which is your favorite? 

ASOS flower print pants / Lucca Couture flower print pants / Ark & Co. flower print pants / 

7 For All Mankind flower print pants

Low Fat Shamrock Shake Recipe

 Nothing marks the countdown to St. Patrick's Day then a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's. If you've never experienced the shake it is amazing, and something me and my sorority sisters would look forward to after class. Oh the days when calories didn't matter. Now that I am a little more conscious of my intake of something sweet - I decided to create my own that wouldn't take out my entire calorie intake for one day.

Let me know what you think!

Shamrock Shake Recipe (Serves 2) :
2 Cups Fat Free Vanilla Ice Cream
1/4 Cup Skim Milk
1/2 Table Spoon Peppermint Extract
3 Table Spoons Vanilla Extract
3 Drops Green Food Coloring
Heaping of Fat Free Whip Cream

Total: 215 Calories/Serving vs. McDonald's Small Shake 540 Calories

Picking the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

One of the hardest tasks when planning a wedding has to be picking a bridesmaid dress.   For me it was making sure that my girls are comfortable, the dresses are long enough not to show too much skin, while also fitting in with the look and feel I want my big day to give off. I wanted to make sure my dress wasn't too expensive, but also gave off the quality the price tag noted. I also wanted to make sure my girls wouldn't be upset and dread the dress I choose. 
Being a former bridesmaid, I know that sometimes the dress choices might not a fit for the maids taste and even though you are happy to wear it, might not really want to wear it after the fact.  Here are some of the many factors I choose to picking my girls dresses. 

MATERIAL: For me I wanted something light and airy so a Chiffon number made sense as we are going to be running around an island. However, Satin and Taffeta are still great choices,  the only down fall is that Taffeta lacks the color option you might be looking for because they are more shiny then true to color. 

SHAPE: Not everyone in a bridal party is typically the same size, making sure that the dress is flattering on every girl is extremely important, it's not fair to let the girl who looks great wearing everything be the one that picks the dress. For me as a bridesmaid, I know I liked the dresses that were less fitted in the waistline so that when I was dancing, drinking and eating lots of yummy delicious food I didn't have to worry about my dress splitting open. 

FIT: Not all dresses are meant for a girl who is petite, or for someone that is bigger.  Making sure you pick a dress that doesn't cost your maids too much in additional alterations is key. Longer dresses traditionally require more alternations then short because longer dresses require extra fabric to make sure they cover someone that is 6ft tall since you can't add fabric to the bottom. That is obviously only an issue for someone like myself who is 5'3. 

Which one of the dresses above is your favorite? I'm love the Donna Morgan strapless in Peach Fuzz. 

J.Crew deep v neck dress / Donna Morgan strapless dress / Ann Taylor cocktail bridesmaid dress / Ann Taylor cocktail bridesmaid dress

Current Obsession: Fun Flats

I can't help but love flats. I've purchased my fair share of heels, but i'll be honest I can never find a pair that fits just right. I'am always in extreme pain, and I find myself walking awkwardly in them due to the fact.  I think at one point one of my previous coworkers said and I quote "You look like a toddler wearing her mom's shoes." To avoid that "look" I would prefer to wear flats. Here are a few of my current favorites - and you know my obsession with bows so I would find two pairs I really like. Which one is your favorite? 

Tory Burch ballet flat / Rebecca Minkoff flat shoes / Juicy Couture ballet shoes / Vince Camuto pointed toe flat / Saks Fifth Avenue ballet flat / Steve Madden gold shoes / Coconuts pointy toe shoes / Pink shoes

Happy Valentines Day!

Hope everyone has a very special Valentine's Day!  Whether it is shared with someone you love, your best friends, or even with just those you care about. It's a day to remind you that life is too short to take anything for granted, and you are lucky enough to have people surrounding you with their unconditional love and affection. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous day! 

First Dance: Song List

With less than seven months from our upcoming nuptials we've started to begin thinking of possible first dance song options. There are SO many great songs, and it's hard to pick just one. Here are a few of our contenders - and of course we would love suggestions.

Let me know which one(s) are your favorite. 

1. Wanted- Hunter Hayes
2. Everything - Michael Buble'
3. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
4. We Found Love- Rihanna
5. You've Got What It Takes - Michael Buble'
6. Look at Me - Carrie Underwood
7. God Gave Me You- Blake Shelton
8. You Found Me- The Fray
9. You and Me - Lifehouse
10. Best Friend- Tim McGraw

Current Obsession: Polka Dots

 I've never been a stranger to Polka Dots. I love the contrast and the ability that polka dots have to dress up any outfit and make me feel sophisticated and put together. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have some kind of polka dot item on today. 

Here are some of my current favorites that don't break the bank! Which one is your favorite? 

 J.Crew long sleeve blouse / Old Navy button shirt / Forever 21 knit shirt / Belted skirt / Forever 21 polka dot legging / Alice + Olivia polka dot pumps / Kate Spade bangle jewelry / Kate Spade wool shawl / Kate Spade / TOMS Grey Dot Women's Classics Size 8.5 / FOREVER 21 Polka Dot Nail Stickers

Lasagna Cupcakes

    Yesterday, was Andy's Grandparents 60th Wedding Anniversary! Such a special and memorable party to attend, because they are amazing. Not only did they raise 8 children, but  they are the most hip 80+ year olds you would ever meet.  Need to know how to work a kindle ask his Grandma she's got it on lock down.
Traditionally for parties at their home every child brings a dish to pass.  Usually I bring a dessert but this time I wanted something I haven't made before but wouldn't be overwhelming so I went with Lasagna Cupcakes.  These are EXTREMELY easy to make, and I even taught Andy who made his very own batch.

What you will need: 
1 12 oz Ricotta Cheese
1 Package Italian Blended Cheese
1 Regular Sized Package of Non Fat Cottage Cheese
1 12 oz package of Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning
1 lb of Ground Beef
1 Jar of Marinara Sauce or in our case Tomato Basil Sauce
1 Package of Won Ton Wraps

*Makes for 24 individual cupcakes

Step 1: Place 1 Won Ton Wrap in bottom of Cupcake or Muffin pan

Step 2: Mix 1 lb of cooked ground beef with the jar of marinara - place small amounts in the bottom of the cups created by the Won Tons.

Step 3: Begin layering Ricotta, Cottage Cheese and Italian Cheese Blend

Step 4: Place an additional Won Ton on top of first layer of cheeses, repeat step 3 on top of this Won Ton - adding a dash of Italian Seasoning and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake in oven for 18-20 minutes at 375 degrees.

Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes and enjoy!

Snow Day!

As an adult it is extremely rare to get a snow day - at least when you're not a teacher. But today, unlike most days when we get rain, sleet, and 4 inches of snow I got the call that I could work from home. Whoop Whoop!

I'd take working from home any day - I actually work from home on quite a few occasions but it's better when it's slightly unexpected and I don't have to worry about trying to drive an hour and a half to work with ridiculous road conditions.

So here on this lovely snow day - are some of my favorite things from the web:

I am in the mood to make all of these specifically the cupcakes .......

With my new addiction to tea these would be a great gift............

Behind the scenes cuteness from the Puppy Bowl............

This dress reminds me that spring is just around the corner............

Nail trend I actually want to try................

Happy this finally went on sale...........


Have a great weekend!

Thirsty Thursday: Tie Me To The Bedpost

With my favorite holiday quickly approaching - why not try a martini you both could enjoy and could grab your man's attention!

Don't let the name fool you - this martini is delicious and might make an appearance at my wedding (with a different name ofcourse.)

Tie Me To The Bedpost: 
1/2 oz Malibu Rum
1/2 oz Midori Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz Sweet and Sour Mix
1/2 oz Lemon Vodka

Enjoy & Drink Responsibly!

Wedding: Asking The Bridesmaids

This past October I asked five of my best friends to be in my wedding this upcoming August. 

Coming up with how I wanted to do it - was probably the hardest part.  

Originally I wanted to send each girl a spool of lace with the words: Will you be my bridesmaid on the opposite side. While it would have been cute and unsuspecting, my girlfriends are tons of fun and I wanted something cute and fun like them. 

I decided to send each girl a copy of the DVD Bridesmaids (you can get them relatively inexpensive on Amazon) and created my own card (above.) Each girl got the DVD and card wrapped in a bow sent directly to their house. 

I think the best part of sending to their house was their reactions - even though I couldn't see them I could tell by their voices how excited they were which means the world to me. I wouldn't want anyone else to be in my wedding but them. I am so lucky to have such great friends. 

Now onto the fun part - planning.

Hump Day!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

Current Obsession: Mint

Last summer, I slightly became extremely obsessed with pops of color including mint but this year it seems everyone else has come on board with their love for mint too giving us many more options on what to wear in mint.  

Recently while picking out bridesmaid dresses for my girls, I really wanted to play with the color mint but Andy vetoed the option - regardless I'm still obsessed.  Here are a few of my favorite mint items  - I am really considering the Steve Madden Clutch with the pop of Gold. Perfect for any spring/summer outfit. I already have worn mint nails once  this year so far. I'm sure that won't be the only time.  


Tippi Sweater/ Triangle Necklace/ Steve Madden Clutch/ 
Mint Candy Apple / Coach Nala Pump / Kate Spade Bow Earrings / 
BareMinerals Eye Shadow in Siren/ Else Skinny Jeans 

Follow LGB!

I finally bit the bullet and created a LGB twitter page! 

Follow me @lipglossandbows on Twitter & Bloglovin

I promise you won't be disappointed.

Valentine's Day Treats: Raspberry Pocket Pies

I've never made pocket pies before, but while shopping at Target this weekend, I couldn't resist but pick up a pie press for $5.

Here is my step by step on making my first ever pocket pies.  I am pretty impressed with the results and these are amazing to take on the go - or share with someone you love.

What you will need:
One package pre made pie crusts pre rolled
1 Small Can Raspberry Pie Filling
1 Small container of fresh Raspberries
1 Egg
1/4 cup of Sugar

Relaxing Weekend

The past weekend was nothing but perfect. Minus a slight hangover Saturday from a night out with friends on Friday - I loved doing nothing but relaxing at home with Andy & Lincoln.

The only things I really wanted to accomplish this weekend was to order some wedding invitation samples - which I did Saturday night along with finalize what scriptures and music we wanted at the church on our wedding day. (Our church wanted it 6 months in advance.)

I can't believe we have less than 7 months to go!

Other then that, I baked, I watched a bunch of movies, and enjoyed staying warm underneath the covers.

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!