Her November Issue

A Cozy Lounge Look and My Favorite Banana Nut Bread Recipe

Happy Thanksgiving week! How many of you will be hosting this year? We're going to my sister's and I'm in charge of dessert. So I've been going through my recipes this week and have a bit of a sweet tooth right now and a bunch of brown bananas on the counter. Never throw out those bananas you forgot to eat and are now brown and gross looking. They are the sweetest in this state and are absolutely perfect for some easy and delicious banana bread. The darker the better! An added bonus is the delicious scent that will spread throughout your home while it bakes. That alone is heavenly!

Through the years I've tried dozens of recipes, but recently I found one that I love above all the others. It's super simple and only uses a handful of ingredients. One thing that I do differently is that instead of using walnuts I add in crushed up almonds. I just prefer the flavor and texture of them and have found that other people are surprised with how much they enjoy it too. Since I am lactose intolerant I do use a dairy free butter so I can attest to the fact that dairy free butter does work wonderfully in this recipe.

Sometimes I add in fresh blueberries for just an added burst of flavor and that is always a hit as well. Play around with the recipe and find what you love. Everybody is sure to enjoy this banana bread so make sure you make an extra loaf!

I've been living in cozy clothes all season and baking up a ton. So I thought I'd also share one of my go to looks along with my banana bread recipe. I love a good pair of soft joggers. This pair is so comfy I never want to take them off! And of course, I paired them with one of my favorite front tie thermals that I've shared several times a soft lace bralette! If you come over this season you can probably bet that I will be wearing some variation of this look!

Best Affordable Target and Walmart Christmas Decor

Hey Ladies! I hope you're all doing well! I've been so sick and that makes me incredibly restless! To pass the time I may have been doing a little too much online shopping. Oops! Let's keep that as our little secret. One of the main things I've been shopping for is Christmas decor and let me tell you how impressed I am with the affordable options this year! Walmart in general has been killing it and their new decor is no exception. I decided to round up some of my favorite affordable Christmas decor from both Walmart and Target for you. Don't forget to check back or check in store for things that go out of stock. I've found that they've been restocking some items sporadically. Enjoy!

Self Care Routine: Sick Edition

Happy Tuesday Friends! How was your Veterans Day weekend? I've been sick as a dog so mine wasn't exciting at all. I figured this would be a good time to share my self care routine, though, since I've had the extra time for face masks and nails while I veg out on the couch. My voice may sound deep and hoarse, but at least my nails have never looked better!

I find that when I'm sick my skin really suffers so I've been trying to give it a little bit of extra TLC. I recently received that new Jafra Royal Boost collection and have been trying them out over the past couple weeks. The detox clay mask is one I've really been enjoying for my normal/ combo skin. It removes impurities and leaves my skin feeling super soft. I was experiencing a mild breakout last week and this mask help clear it up quickly. I've been using it every other day, but I would recommend less frequent use if you have drier skin.

I've also really been enjoying the gel cleanser from this line. It's gentle, but effective and leaves my skin really clean. It's also great at removing makeup!

Being stuck in bed is the perfect time to wrap your hair up in a hair mask and cap (or towel) for hours to get your hair back in tiptop shape. I hate the mess of sleeping in a hair mask so this is really the best time for me to get that intense hydration you get after a long hair mask session. I've been loving THIS mask from Deva Curl. My hair tangles easy, but this mask always helps give me smooth and silky, tangle free strands for several days.

Being sick is so hard on my already dry lips! I have to use a more intense lip balm to keep them from cracking during this time. I have recently discovered THIS lip mask that helps keep them more moisturized. I'm obsessed with it. If there's one thing from this list that you need it's this! I put it on at night and by morning my lips are so hydrated and smooth. A little trick I also do is to use a little bit on the edges of my nostrils to keep them from getting raw and peeling from damage from using so many tissues.

I've been loving my gel lamp since I bought it last year. I've gotten pretty good with it and have been able to extend the length of my mani to up to over two weeks and even then I only have to redo it because of growth. I've been using this cuticle oil daily and I'm amazed at how much of a difference it makes! Not only are my cuticles in the best shape they've been, but I find that the more moisturized my nail bed is the longer my polish goes without chipping. I always follow up with THIS hand cream for extra soft and moisturized hands.

Bodysuit Love and a quick Route 66 Trip!

Happy Monday Ladies! How was your weekend? I just returned from a quick little birthday trip down a small portion of Route 66 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It is something I've been wanting to do for years! It was everything I hoped it would be and more and I'll share more about that shortly, but first I wanted to address my new found love of bodysuits. I think I mentioned them in one other post recently, but I have not stopped wearing them since! They are so comfortable paired with some high waisted jeans and look effortless chic paired with a simple cardi. I may have gone on a bodysuit spree recently and now have a collection of every style from mock neck to long sleeve to henley styles, they are all great!

This brown bodysuit I wore on my birthday was a recent under $10 score and I can't recommend it enough! The torso length is perfect so this is such a comfortable find that I see myself wearing time and time again this season. Also, notice how I'm not wearing grey again. While brown may not really be a daring color choice I'm making baby steps to incorporating color back into my wardrobe.

You guys know I LOVE history. The more boring and detailed a story about our past or historical buildings is, the better. I especially love American history and the gold rush period. This little trip got to combine both of those loves.

So while on our little Historic Route 66 adventure we stopped at the ghost town of Calico. Located near Barstow, CA this is most famous for its association to Walter Knott, founder of Knotts Berry Farm. The town of Calico still exists today partly because of his efforts to preserve it and his donation of the property to San Bernardino County, but its history stems way back to 1881 when it was booming because of a very successful silver mine. Only a few of the original buildings still exist, but a lot of pretty accurate replicas have been built to create this fun little tourist spot in the middle of the desert.

There are a couple of small museums you can walk through and see what early life was like in the town and walk through an original home. Shops to peruse that aren't your average souvenir shops are also plentiful in Calico.

There are a few places to eat in Calico including this building that is the Calico House Restaurant. It has the most heavenly front porch full of a bunch of rocking chairs to just lounge on and enjoy a nice cold sarsaparilla. I could have sat there and taken the whole vibe in for hours.

There are two mine tours available in Calico. The one most tourists visit is the one at the Maggie mine that is a short 10 minute walk through that gives you a quick glimpse of what being in a mine was like for the miners. The Silver King Mine Tour is a more advanced 4 hour tour that requires a little bit of a hike to get to and a lot more walking to complete. We only had a few hours so we didn't get to check this one out, but are really hoping to get to it soon. There is also a ghost tour available on Saturday nights that piques my interest and we might also have to check out.

Our most random find on Route 66 was a McDonalds inside of train cars. It's actually even better than you expect. You walk into the McDonalds train station, which is actually just the Barstow Station and there is the option to purchase from several different restaurants and then eat inside of the train cars. There is even a small arcade and some shops inside. And if you're a pressed penny collector you can stop here for some cool Route 66 ones!

My family was having a birthday party for me the next day and I had to get back so it wasn't the longest Route 66 trip, but it was definitely full of so many good discoveries. I cannot wait until we can head back and explore some more!

A Cozy Halloween

Happy November girls! Can you believe we're already in November? The years just fly by. I feel so old when I say that, but it's the truth. How was your Halloween? We took my nephews trick or treating and honestly, I did not have a costume planned. Things have been crazy and I just had no desire to come up with anything this year so I was scrambling at the very last minute. My inspiration came from the very popular teddy bear sweaters this year so I quickly made myself some bear ears that I attached to a stretchy headband. I used a stretchy headband because I have a trigger spot for migraines near my ears that headbands always put pressure on (and sadly sunglasses too) Does anybody else have this issue? I also luckily had these bear paws stashed away so I dug them out and called it a costume. We had a wonderful time and the kids got so much candy! (Even after I collect my tax) Did you pass out any candy?

This sweater is is so cozy and kept me warm all night. Plus it's under $20!

Bear Paws

Here's a similar Foot Prop if you want to get ahead for next Halloween season

Cozy Cardigan and Baseball

Hey Ladies! And if you're a baseball fan like me, happy 2nd game day of the World Series! I'm a huge Dodger fan so it's a little extra exciting for me. Although the Dodgers did play (and lose) in the World Series last year, my dad had just passed away so I didn't get to really enjoy it. This year I am soaking it all in and pulling all my Dodger gear out.

I've been living in this cozy cardigan. It's an amazing deal and comes in a bunch of different colors. It is so versatile! I have dressed it up and worn it just around the house. AND it's currently on sale for under $25!

Autumn Style Cravings & My New Hair!

Hi friends! Based on the title of this post (and if you follow me on Instagram) you may know that I chopped my hair off! I had been wanting to do it for a while and one day I just woke up and it felt right. I actually had cut my hair off a few years ago and then grew it right back, which doesn't take long for me because my hair grows so crazy fast. I wasn't in love with it and I think that's because I was scared to go too short so I had it cut too long. It was awkward and difficult to style so I just reverted back to my long mermaid hair. This time I made sure to go even shorter and I picked the exact cut I wanted. I got a blunt cut just above the shoulder and I have to say it's exactly what I was hoping for. I do have to have it trimmed every two weeks to keep it at a length I like since my hair does grow so fast, but the day to day upkeep of it is otherwise super easy. I know I'll eventually go back to my long hair, but for now I'm really in love with my lob.

So, today I'm sharing the things that I'm gravitating to this season. There are a couple of things that I keep reverting to and have become my everyday style. Read on to see what they are!

Cardigans

Lately I've been cardigan obsessed. I've been picking them out in all different colors and lengths. They are just an easy piece to layer on right now as its getting chilly here in CA and go with any outfit.

Bodysuits

A super easy outfit is pairing a cardigan with a simple bodysuit and high waisted jeans. They are easy to dress up or down and look effortless yet chic. I just love how you don't have to worry about your top untucking! It took me a while to get hooked on these, but now I absolutely love them!

Super High Waisted Jeans

Of course I had to add super high waisted jeans to finish off the outfit. This is a great style for all body types and is especially flattering for short legged girls like myself. They visually add length to your legs!

Moto Leggings

You've heard my love for moto leggings so many times now, but the obsession hasn't stopped. There are also so many lower priced options available on the market now too. I've been picking them up in a bunch of new colors. They are perfect for an athleisure look that has just a little something extra and are another pant that are flattering on all body types!

October Reading List

I took a nice long break from my book lists and reading altogether. Life happened and I found that the last thing I wanted to do was use my brain in my free time. Instead I opted for mindless Amazon Prime series after series and web browsing. If you follow me on Instagram you may have caught my story about losing my nephew unexpectedly. I won't go into it, but I wanted to take another opportunity to thank you all for your kind messages and comments. They meant the world to me and I will honestly never forget the outpouring of love you all showed me.

I'm finally back to my usual little book worm self and am averaging 3 books a week so expect tons of new titles next month. Actually, I might end up making a book flop list because the past few books I've read have been very underwhelming and not really worth mentioning. I'm on a roll!

Here's a few I did enjoy. And, yes, two of these can be considered coffee table books, but they are so good! The Year of Cozy is especially perfect for this time of year as well so I figured it was the perfect time to share.

Dream Daughter

This was just released and is the perfect cozy read.

Devil in the White City

This is the story of H.H Holmes, who terrorized the streets of Chicago during the Worlds Fair of 1893, and the architect of the event. Erik Larson does a wonderful job detailing all aspects of both the creation and workings of the fair and the actions of murderer H.H Holmes. It's an interesting take on the topic and a must read for true crime lovers like myself.

The Year of Cozy

This is more of a coffee table book, but it has some great tips and ideas for this time of year so I had to include it. If you're looking for ways to make the most of the fall season then definitely pick this one up. It has tips for every season, but the fall & winter sections are my favorite. It definitely gets me in a cozy mood when I flip through it.

Celebrate Everything

Another coffee table book, but this one is full of great ideas on how to easily create some memorable decor for even the smallest of celebrations. This is full of beautiful pictures and unique ideas ranging from recipes to diy decorations. I like to look at this on days when I'm feeling less than inspired and usually results in a burst of creativity.

I picked up three of these titles on Thrift Books for a steal! Click HERE to read my post all about Thrift Books

And don't forget to follow me on Goodreads!