Boo Blocks Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the BOO Blocks giveaway is.......

Bobbie! Congratulations Bobbie! I will be emailing you shortly!

Be sure to check out Three Peas Designs! She already has these Christmas Stocking Holders in the mix! 

***This giveaway winner was chosen via random.org***

It's Fall Yall! - My First Giveaway!

***This giveaway is no longer accepting entries. Congrats Bobbie!***

After 60 plus days of the temperature being 100+ degrees in OK, I am so happy to welcome Fall with open arms. I've actually wrapped up in jeans and a sweater on an 80 degree day because I thought it was cold! haha 

So... in the spirit of welcoming Fall, what better way than to win some super cute Halloween decor? I can't think of one! 

Without further adieu... A Dash of Kennedy presents its first giveaway!!!

Sonja at Three Peas Designs makes these festive blocks that would look so cute on an entry table, a shelf, or even a mantel!

Here are some of the sets from her Halloween collection:

Sonja also makes these adorable Fall blocks!

Up for grabs is the super cute BOO block set! 

To enter the BOO block giveaway....

                1.)  Leave a comment on here saying ITS FALL YALL and tell me where you would put the BOO block set in your home

For another entry...         

2.) Like Three Peas Design on Facebook & leave a separate comment below

**You have until Thursday, October 6th at midnight to enter! The winner will be chosen via random.org and will be announced on Friday, October 7th! Good luck ya'll!!

Ice Coffee Goodness

I just had to pop in and tell you guys what I am up to this weekend. Lately I've been thinking a lot about how to cut down expenses not to mention calories.... and I have a major problemo with running and getting an ice coffee almost every morning whether it be from Starbucks or McDonalds. Those prices can really stack up. So naturally I took to Pinterest to find a solution! And I can't even tell you how excited I was when a recipe from the Pioneer Woman popped up! As soon as I saw the pin I knew the method/recipe had to be legit...

Good gracious that looks Heavenly!

I'm also seriously lovin' the mason jar and red straw :) I've recently become addicted to finding cute vintage mason jars...

The only downside to this recipe is the wait :( I've been waiting for the coffee to steep for about 7 hours... only one hour left before I can enjoy the delish that is Ice Coffee!

Has anyone else become as addicted to Pinterest as I have? I am seriously on there once, twice, three hundred times a day. Anyone else lovin' the ice coffee as much as I do?

Hoping and Wishing and Thinking and Praying

Just finished watching My Best Friend's Wedding on TV. Anyways I'm "hoping and wishing and thinking and praying" for rain here in Oklahoma because it's hot hot hot! Okay enough with the song references...

Here is what I have my eye on for the future rainy days and what better way to make a splash than a brand new pair of rain boots?

So many colors! Should I go with the classic Yellow?

The classic Black?

The classic Red?

Or should I go wild and get a really really fun color like one of these below?

Pink. Need I say more? 

Orange would certainly make an impact!

Anyone have a favorite brand of rain boots? A favorite color? Do you tend to gravitate towards the practical color or the less practical but extremely cute colors when it comes to buying staple items such as rain boots? I'd love to hear from you guys!

*All of these images are via Pinterest and I was in no way compensated for writing anything about Hunter rain boots. I just want a pair badly, but don't know how to decide on the color!*

Long Skirts Yay or Nay?

My obsession with finding the perfect long skirt all started when I saw Erika from Urban Grace Interiors featured in Better Homes and Garden Magazine. Her outfit is stunning, yet seemingly effortless! Love the hot pink with the turquoise! I've had mixed feelings about long skirts since they popped up on the fashion scene, especially because I'm a shortie at 5'3", but I decided to go for it! Who wouldn't when that outfit looks so comfy yet absolutely/outrageously cute!

        

Here it is at Anthropologie, but unfortunately I couldn't find it in the way too cute hot pink color. It comes in navy though.

Below are some of my inspiration skirts....

These were the types of long skirt outfits that threw me off though. One because I would look like a bag lady and two because I would look like a bag lady :) 

*All of these images are via Pinterest*

Any thoughts on long skirts? Are they Yay! or Nay for you? Stay tuned to see what I whipped up!

Food for Thought

I usually try to think ahead when it comes to dinner plans for the week, otherwise we end up eating a lot of fast food which gets pretty old considering I eat at Chick Fil A about 12 million times a week. Anyways one of my favorite places to look for food inspiration and recipes is Val So Cal. Val is awesome and is constantly coming up with great recipes that are full of fresh produce and super tasty! Here's what I'm thinking dreaming about making next week...

Avocado Feta Salad

I'm a sucker for anything with avocados or tomatoes, especially if it involves tortilla chips! Love me some guacamole and salsa. Not mixed together sillies :)

Spring Veggie Pizza

I've actually tried this before and it was heavenly! The only thing I didn't put on it were the artichoke hearts because I spent about 30 minutes in the canned food isle looking at corn, green beans, pinto beans, spaghetti sauce, every can on the isle and completely missed the artichoke hearts. Sneak sneaky. I finally found the artichoke hearts and plan on adding them this week! 

And for my favorite part... Dessert! I'm big on dessert, but I also enjoy them so much more when they have an inkling of healthiness (thats probably not a word, but ya know what I mean) to them. 

Apple Crisp Cups

I'm completely addicted to these! They are so yummy! I love that they are made with oats and brown sugar and apples of course. My dad loves apple pie, but I think these are a healthier option so I made him a batch and he loved them too. They are great with coffee and if you want to add some extra sweetness, they go great with vanilla ice cream too :) Anyone have a favorite recipe that they make every week or just on special occasions? 

Fab Finds!

Last week my sister and I decided we just needed to get away, so we headed down to Dallas for the night for some much needed home decor shopping at Ikea, World Market, and the Container Store. With Mom and my nephew, Baby J, in tow we had a blast! Poor Baby J was so tuckered out at Ikea that he tried to take a nap on one of the kid beds. It was so cute. I wish I would've snapped a picture! 

So at World Market I picked up two of these baskets in sea mist that fit perfectly in the bathroom cabinet. Unfortunately they don't sell this color online, I checked. :( I really could use two or even three more!

I also found this adorable pink dish towel! Isn't it cute?! I think so! It's reversible too. Makes me feel like a princess when I'm drying off the dishes. Oh the little things in life :) 

        

              

My finds at Ikea were these grey velvet euro shams that were just perfect for my bed!

via

And these...

via

 Two panels come in each package, but I wanted them to be really full and billowy so I bought two packages for each window. I haven't hemmed them yet because I kind of like the dreamy way they puddle on the floor. Or I could just be being lazy?! 

As for The Container Store... no luck, I was just thrown off by the weird pricing. Some things were so reasonable, while others were ridiculously expensive for my budget. 

Jumping to this Friday, I had an amazing coupon at Bath & Body Works, so I headed to the mall and had no idea that soap could be so cute! These covers were only 5 dollas yall! They come in two sizes. One for the foaming soap, thats shorter, and one for the anti-bacterial soaps that are taller. This picture is kind of horrible because it was getting dark outside, but still super cute right?

                                            

Here's the pic from the Bath and Body Works website.

I also saw these at the store and thought they would be super cute for halloween, especially as an incentive for kids (boyfriends, husbands) to wash their hands :) 

Have a great weekend yall!

The List

This Fall changes around the house will be in full swing. My plan is to start with the living room because it is the room we use most and is definitely in need of the most attention. We painted it this Summer so it is pretty much a blank slate. I'm excited to start transforming the furniture we already have and bringing in some new pieces. So without further ado.... here is THE LIST!

Living Room

• buy a rug that has a bold pattern
• paint trim white
• replace sofa with this one eventually
• end tables (add nail head trim)
• wicker chair re-do
• pouf 
• continue floors from kitchen
• new tv stand, but I want it to be a piece of furniture with a lot of character, but still functional to house the thousands of speakers and tv contraptions we have
• turn coffee table into an upholstered ottoman 
• DIY curtains
• do something to make the front door pop 
• buy some new lamps
• paint the living room
• replace bar with a table 
• paint table silver (I'm not sure what I want the chairs to be yet)
• gallery wall
• hang mirrors

Hallway

• paint hallway
• paint drawers and cabinet
• replace hardware

Bedroom

• sew euro shams  (bought super cute grey velvet euro shams at Ikea)
• make upholstered headboard
• sew curtains (bought white flowy ones at Ikea)
• find interesting dresser 
• paint dresser
• beef up night stand
• buy new rug 
• paint tv stand the light blue greenish color of the ribbon I'm in love with
• hang mirror
• take old mirror off the wall

Guest Bedroom

• paint walls
• make a tv stand
• paint captains bed
• buy mattress
• sew throw pillow
• sew curtains
• create study area
• bring in desk and chair

Bathroom

• buy/make shower curtain
• new light fixture
• fix mirror
• paint trim
• fix door
• replace hardware

Kitchen

• paint cabinets white
• do something with back splash
• fix kitchen light
• add hardware
• repaint kitchen door
• add kitchen rug 
• add stainless steel contact paper to dishwasher

This list is definitely going to change and transform over time. Pictures will follow as soon as I cross some items off the list in each room because as of right now its looking a little like a frat house over here.      Good news is boyfriend and I have started our Fall semester and we are actually starting to love it already!      

P.S. Sorry I have been MIA for a while! Wrapping up Summer and starting school kind of took my breath away. Promise. Promise, I won't leave for that long again without any warning. Happy Back to School everyone!

Frizzle Frazzled

While I am shamelessly avoiding doing my homework/studying for my final in my summer class, (which is Friday) I decided I wanted to take a quick break and share with you guys one of my favorite times of the year.... wait for it....

BACK TO SCHOOL!

I know, I know... -insert Haley's a nerd joke here-

ANY ways :) Fresh packs of paper, pretty notebooks, sharp pencils, dividers, labels, neon notecards, hot pink highlighters the list of endless enjoyment goes on and on! Too bad I am absolutely hating my Summer (bummer) class right now. Who knew you needed to take Macroeconomics and Microeconomics when you are an Advertising major? Lets just say, not me! Speaking of myself pursuing a major in Advertising, (if you guys haven't already seen it) I thought I would share with you the Target Back to School commercial. Just cause I likes it...




Also anyone see the new Pepsi commercial? Someone's looking to get into a breakdance battle with Coke.

** P.S. sorry for the random advertisement post, as I am feeling really random and not very focused I thought it was fitting. Back to the regular home decor/ fashion /food programing soon....

Jackie Kennedy

It is scorching hot here in Oklahoma! Of course I wouldn't just write a whole post about how hot it is here, (hotter than you know where) but in efforts to keep my mind off the blazing temperatures I thought I would start a sort of inspirational series. Cheesy? Yeahh, but I need a little inspiration every now and then. Don't we all? :)

So, when it gets so hot outside that your makeup melts and your hair frizzes or falls flat like mine, I try to think to myself HWJD? " How would Jackie Dress? I'm just being silly, but I have always admired how she exuded grace and elegance. She is truly a fashion icon, designers for years and years to come will make designs with her in mind. From shift dresses to her huge black sunglasses. All instant classics. I've definitely been known to rock the huge sunglasses that she is known for :) Such a classy lady! 

Any other classy ladies that you admire? 

Its Here, Its Here!

Every girl (or guy) on a budgets dream catalogue is finally available! Its the IKEA 2012 catalogue! Mine is coming in the mail later this summer, but for now I am perfectly happy perusing through the online catalogue. I love how Ikea takes small spaces and packs 12 different functions into the room without making it feel overpowering. Especially since my home is on the teensy side.

Here are a couple of things I'm thinkin' about obsessed with...

 This sofa would fit perfectly in with my idea for the living room. Plus I've alway wanted a chaise lounge  + sofa combo. It looks like you could just curl up and read a book for hours. If only I had a fireplace/it was winter time... then it would be a dream come true!

This book case looks kind of blah blah blah now but over at Maillardville Manor she and her husband took the Billy bookcase (pictured below) and transformed it into this fabulous built in look alike.

 I've had my eye on this mirror for a while... It doesn't look like it, but it is almost 6.5 fit tall! I love mirrors... I sound pretty vain when I say that, but I just love how they can make your space look so much bigger.

In no way did Ikea give me anything to write this post! I just get overly excited when the new catalogue comes out and wanted to share with you guys some things that I'm thinking about. Any one have an Ikea piece that they couldn't live without? I'm a little dramatic :)

For The Love of The Lake Pt. 2

Part Two

There is paint!!!  I love the color my mom picked out for the exterior of the lake house I helped:)  It is so breezy feeling. Is that an adjective, Idk?

(I promise the house is level and I appologize for the wonky photos!)

I love the natural wood tone of the porch posts agains the breezy green paint and crisp white windows.

Here are the millions of windows that make up the living room walls. Very cool during the day. Kind of creepy at night. I'm a little bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to being able to see into the forest at night! 

The room above the garage is the game room which is such a neat space to have! I'm so glad our builder suggested it! It has already been used a ton since we started going up there to do little DIY projects like painting trim and installing door handles.

(again with the lopsided photos sorry!)

There are five ceiling fans on the front porch, which at first seemed excessive, but when it doesn't get below 100 degrees until 10 o'clock at night, they ended up being totally neccesary! Can you spot the retro outdoor furniture in the corner? My mom is totally obsessed and I'm positive there will be more popping up as soon as the house is finished :) My dad repainted these in a cool turquoiseish color, which really pops against the crisp green exterior of the house. I can't wait for it to finally be finished!

Smitten With This Kitchen (Honey We're Home)

I'm absolutely smitten with this kitchen! Megan from Honey We're Home did an awesome job designing her kitchen. Everything looks so fresh and clean. This is definitely where I would spend most of my time if my kitchen looked this blissful! 

I love how she mixed the white cabinets with the dark island and floor. The darkness anchors the kitchen so beautifully! Love, love, love the pendant lights above the island. They're so shiny, like jewelry for the kitchen!

Fabulous!

Check out the furniture feature built into the cabinets! 

The farmhouse sink = classic. Love!

This kitchen is the best of both worlds, dark wood tones in the island with elegant white cabinets. To see more of this kitchen and Megan's other gorgeous rooms check out her Home Tour! (Don't miss her fabulous closet! It's every girls dream!)