September 2015

Fall Workout Gear

Posted on September 23, 2015September 23, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy First day of Fall! That is music to my ears…literally!

I try to take a walk with my little one daily, so stocking up on Fall workout gear is essential for me. Plus, let’s face it, some days, all I wear is workout gear (even if I don’t get a workout in that day) to run errands in, go to library story time or just wear around the house while cleaning. It’s just easier. And, I know I’m not the only Mom that does this either. Who’s with me? Workout gear is so comfortable, and now there are a lot of cute options to choose from, so you don’t look frumpy.

Here’s what I’ve got my eye on right now. Happy Shopping!

Half-Zip Pullover

I bought this the other day, and it is so comfortable. I love the bright flamingo pink color too! You can’t beat Old Navy’s prices either. They’re always several dollars cheaper than Target sometimes.

Go-Dry Compression Leggings

I have always worn the Target leggings, and love them. I might have to try this pair next.

Go-Dry Compression Crops

This length looks perfect for the cooler temps. They come in some fun prints/colors. And, the price is right.

Elastic Strap Burnout Tanks

I love wearing tank tops under my pullovers. This tank would be a good option for laying under your pullover this Fall.

Zella “Neo” Wraparound Cardigan

This would be so chic with leggings for running errands/weekends. I think it’s too way too cute to sweat in…don’t you?

Patagonia “Re-Tool” Snap Pullover

This fleece looks perfect for those chilly mornings! I love this yellow color.

Women’s New Balance for J.Crew

Gold tennis shoes? Need I say more? Hello Happy Feet!

Hope y’all have a happy day
~KSSBelle

Creamy Tomato, Basil, Parmesan Soup

Posted on September 21, 2015 by KSSBelle

With the cooler temperatures coming soon (yay!), I decided it was time to breakout my trusty crockpot and start making more Fall recipes. I found this easy, soup recipe on Pinterest yesterday, and just had to go ahead and make it for the week ahead. We really like the fact that this soup is loaded with vegetables as well. The recipe doesn’t call for an avocado when serving it, but I added an avocado to the top when I served it last night. I hope you like this soup as much as we do!

Creamy Tomato, Basil, Parmesan Soup
Adapted from Tastes Better From Scratch

Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with the juice
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 cup finely diced celery
2 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano or Tbsp fresh oregano
¼ cup fresh basil (or 1 Tbsp dry basil)
½ cup butter
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1½ cups half and half
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper

Add diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, celery, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and basil to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About 30 minutes before the soup is ready, prepare a roux. Melt the butter over medium low heat in a skillet and add the flour. Whisk together constantly for about 10 minutes or until the roux is a nice golden brown color. Slowly add 1 cup of the soup from the slow cooker to the roux–it will start to form a thick paste. Slowly add another 3 cups of warm soup to the roux. Whisk together until smooth. Add the roux mixture to the slow cooker.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, half and half, and salt and pepper. Add additional oregano and basil if needed, to tastes. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes.

Sunday Inspiration

Posted on September 20, 2015 by KSSBelle

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Happy Sunday, Everyone!
I hope you’re enjoying your weekend so far!
~KSSBelle

Weekend + First Signs of Fall

Posted on September 14, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Monday, Everyone! I hope that y’all had a fantastic weekend. I know we sure did. We did a little bit of this and that around the house, but mostly relaxed in this slightly cooler weather!

Our new chandelier is amazing in our master bedroom. My husband actually admitted after he put it up that it looked good! It’s going to sound silly, but I wake up feeling like a princess in our room now! I absolutely love it, and it so much better than our fan, which was barely used anyway.

I added the little white baby lamp shades that I already had from years ago to make it feel more cozy. I love the simplicity of this chandelier. It’s modern, yet still classic.

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I did decorate a little bit for Fall. Mostly pumpkins sprinkled here and there around the house and on the front door, of course. We burned our new Harvest candle from Target during dinner times and at night. It makes the house smell so good!

Lastly, we played outside a lot with our little one! Like I’ve said before, this is my season, and I couldn’t be happier that it’s started!

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I am in need/search of some new rain boots. Mine literally had a hole in them, so it was time to throw them away. I run errands in them, garden in them, and simply throw them on to go in and out of the house a lot. I am thinking about this pair or this pair.

Happy Monday, Friends!
~KSSBelle

J.Crew – Fall Wish List

Posted on September 8, 2015 by KSSBelle

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone enjoyed their last weekend of Summer. I’m happy to report that I am currently blogging in our new seafoam/mint master bedroom! I couldn’t bring myself to move my computer up to my office today. My husband did a fantastic job painting this weekend, and we are pleased as punch with the results!

I always look to J.Crew to set the trends for Fall, and they’ve done it again. I love browsing their “new arrivals.” Some of these new arrivals are currently on sale, too. I’ve rounded up a few that I’ve added to my Fall “wish list!”

Silk Drapey V-neck Blouse

This blouse is classic. I know it would get a lot of wear this Fall.

V-Neck Cardigan in Fringe Trim

I love the fringe trim. Such a new take on a classic cardigan.

Stadium-Cloth Cocoon Coat

I’m pretty sure I’m asking Santa for this coat this year!

Suede d’Orsay Loafer Flats

These are adorable. They come in 3 colors. I’m in love with this strawberry color!

Palm Earrings

I love the color mix here. It feels very fresh for Fall.

What’s on your “wish list” for Fall? Anything from J.Crew?

Have a happy day!
~KSSBelle

Where I’ve Been + Happy Weekend!

Posted on September 4, 2015 by KSSBelle

First of all, I want to apologize for my absence, as I have been trying to keep up with the blog in between a teething toddler (which means lots of nap drives and Starbucks drive-thru runs for us the past two months), and now a sick toddler after a play date last week. I would typically blog during a nap time, but since I’ve been out on nap drives instead, this blog has had to take a back seat for a little while. The good news is that during those nap drives, I’ve been able to do a lot of brainstorming for the blog, so between my little one getting rest, I’ve been productive too!

On a random side note, I’ve actually started to get up about an hour & 1/2 before everyone else in the house (around 5:30AM) to do some blogging and sip my first cup of coffee while the sun rises. It’s actually really peaceful & relaxing for me. Contrary to what some people think of a SAHM life is, there’s no such thing as “me time” or “free time.” I wouldn’t have it any other way either. I LOVE taking care of my family. So, the nap time blogging is changing to early morning blogging going forward.
For all of those still with me, thank you, and please know that I love this little creative space of mine, and I do intend to have tons of great posts to share with you! I just wanted to pop in and give you a little update on me/us, so you don’t think I’ve forgotten about you!

What are your plans for this long weekend ahead? Our plans include: relaxing and painting our master bedroom. Which really means, my husband will be painting, while I watch our toddler! This has been on our “to-do” list since we’ve moved into the house 3 years ago, and I could not be more excited! For 3 years, I’ve been thinking of painting it a “seafoam” mint color; however, now I’m thinking…a very light gray? What to do?

Here are a few bedroom paint colors that have inspired me from Pinterest:

Which color do you guys like better?

I hope y’all have a happy labor day weekend!
~KSSBelle