Elf inspired movie night

We are gearing up like crazy for Christmas in our house and I had so much fun setting up for our annual Christmas movie night!  I love giving the girls their Christmas pjs and slippers and we cozy in by the fire for a family movie night to kick off the season.  We've done Polar Express before ( see our fun here) and this year we  chose the movie  Elf so I thought it would be fun to decorate with all things Elf inspired.  Hot cocoa and candy galore!  I found the cutest Elf quote mugs and wrapped up their glittery slippers and pjs with bright red ribbons.  I adore this tradition!  

Holiday Cocktail dresses

It's "fancy" dress season!  (insert happy dance) With all the festivities coming, there is nothing more fun than taking it up a notch!  I've rounded up my favorite holiday worthy dresses for you today!!  Cheers to looking fabulous!

Photos: Corey Morgan

Thanksgiving 2016

Beyond blessed with so much love this Thanksgiving!  I thank God everyday for my wonderful husband and precious chiclets!  I am such a lucky girl!  We wish you the best Thanksgiving from my family to yours! 

Gifts for the Tropical Traveler

With our cruise still on the brain, I've rounded up my favorite looks from the trip as well as other goodies for the beach babe on your list!  Most of these items are on major sale right now too!  

Off the shoulder dress ( worn here) , Sun hat, Sunglasses, One shoulder swimsuit ( worn here) ,Eyelet coverup,  Travel sized Sea Salt kit, Red Bow swimsuit ( worn here, Luggage, Sandals

Black Friday Sales

Amazon major deals including 60% off apparel and toys

J.Crew 40% off with code HOLIDAY

Target daily deals all week

Sephora stocking stuffers and holiday kits as low as $10

Nordstrom 40% off items this week and more to come

Gap 50% off everything with code TGIF50

Old Navy 50% off everything

Serena and Lily 20 % off everything with code THANKYOU

ASOS 20% off with code GOGOGOHOME

Yosemite family trip 2016

Erik had a random week off from work  and we decided to take a last minute to getaway for some family time.  We always love our camping trips but thought we would maximize our time and head to Yosemite. We had never been and only heard incredible things about it.  We rented a last minute Airbnb and packed up the car.  We landed in Oakhurst, which is about 40 minutes from the gates of Yosemite.  Everywhere we went it we were overwhelmed by nature's beauty.  Just unreal colors!  Our cabin was about 1 mile from Bass Lake.  We made our way into town for some groceries and essentials.  Everything was so easy! I am the queen of getting us into "great" locations and it not being what we hoped for.  I botch more travel plans than I get right! And we have learned over the years to never give me the map!  We were pleasantly surprised that mommy got it right this time!  Our cabin was nothing fancy but had more than we needed and was so well equipped! And had a hot tub!  Sold!!!

On our first morning, we drove into Yosemite to visit some of the hotspots.  We started with Half Dome and Glacier Point.  The views were spectacular!  We could see views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country, 

Don't miss our video recap at the bottom!!

After Half Dome, we headed down to the valley to check out Vernal Falls.  The trees looked like they had been painted bright red and yellow!  We stopped in the valley to see more waterfalls and check out the river.  Beyond dreamy!  

We didn't really know what what we were in for with hiking Vernal Falls.  We knew it was 1 mile at 1000 ft climb which was a little rough.  I really wanted to take advantage of us being there so we tried it.  I thought Capri and daddy would beat us lazy girls me and Peyton  but I was so wrong!  I was totally left in the dust but Peyton and daddy flew past me and Capri.  Peyton literally ran up the hill half of the time.  We made it to the top and the view was beautiful!  I loved seeing the bright yellow  trees amongst the lower parts of the hike.  So gorgeous and totally worth the workout!  

After our hike we all were starving and thought we'd splurge on Mexican food in the local Bass Lake town.  So yummy after a long day.  

On our last day we visited Sugar Pine Railroad and learned all about the steam train locomotives and history of the railroad.  The railroad was opened in 1874 to transport lumber to the bottom of the mountain.  Due to the Great Depression and lack of trees it was closed in 193.  The kids had a great time and we learned a lot about the trains history.  

Erik loves to fish and so we really wanted to make a point of getting some fishing in on this trip. I've grown up around fishing and really like to fly fish myself so it was fun to teach the girls.  We found a great little spot on the river next to the Wawona Golf Course and tried our luck.  Erik caught one right off the bat but no luck for us girls.  It was such a gorgeous setting we could have tried all day.  We fished until the rain came in and then headed back to play board games and watch movies for the rest of the day while it rained.  

We can't wait to head back in another season.  We hear that summer and spring are breathtaking as well. We can't imagine anything prettier than the fall colors though at the time we were there.  

I put together a fun video from our Snapchat ( @LifewLipstick)  of the trip!  

Gifts for the Beauty Lover

 Artis Foundation brush, Clarisonic Fit, Bare Minerals Moxie lip gloss, Bobbi Brown brush set, Beauty case, Sequined sleep mask, Deborah Lipman polish set, Bobbi Brown eyeshadow collection, Rose gold flat iron, Jo Malone collection, Monogram pouch, Rose gold manicure case

Fall plaid skirt

We just got home last night from our cruise and are adjusting to land legs again.  We had the best time!!! It's our annual Disney cruise that we make into a "girls trip" with my mom, myself and the kidlets.  We got to fly first class this year which was a real treat!  Hello, ice-cream sundae and champagne!!!  Not to mention, I sat across from Henry Cavill for the 5 hour flight!  Not sad at all! I'm sure he is seeking a restraining order at the moment!  We typically stay in Miami the night before embarking the ship so so we have plenty of time.  We boarded Wednesday and partied our booties off until Sunday! I will do a full recap post on it next week!  

We are back to rainy, cozy weather today at home which this mama is soaking up!  I plan on lighting every candle in the house, firing up the fire place for the first time since in the new house and padding around in my robe all day!  I may even destroy a couple online sales popping up before Black Friday and Cyber Monday!  Speaking of sales, this jacket is on major sale right now!  I'm so glad I snatched it up in early fall because I've been wearing it on repeat.  I styled it here with a cozy camel colored sweater, skinny jeans and my favorite leather booties.   I also used it to top off a clean navy blue blouse and white culottes here.  It's so versatile and the heavy collar gives it such a chic look. 

I paired the coat today with a  winter look over a wine colored v-neck sweater and festive plaid skirt.  Both the sweater and skirt are on sale now too!!  This look would be perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or brunch this Christmas season!   

Stay tuned for lots of goodies being added to the SHOP tab at the top of my site as well as the rest of my specially curated gift guides rolling out this week! Never miss a beat and get updates early by subscribing to Life with Lipstick On  too! 

Photos: Corey Morgan

Coat, Earrings older similar here and here, Sweater, Skirt, Booties similar here and here

Holiday party dresses for girls

We took our Christmas pictures last week and I am so giddy share our glittery, wintery fun with you!  I have so much fun shopping with the girls this time of year for new party dresses and outfits for all of our holiday fun.  I'm so lucky that both of the girls are around the same size so we mix and mingle our frocks throughout our events.  What is a dress on Peyton can be a top for Capri.  It works great!  There is nothing sweeter than seeing the little ones all decked out!  Here are some of our favorite looks for little ladies! 

Fur collared peacoat, Navy and gold polka dot dress, Glittery gold flats, Plaid blouse, Plaid short sleeved dress, Red bow flats, Grey Peter Pan collared dress, Red fluffy swing skirt, Lace red dress ( on Peyton) , Cream and gold shift dress ( on Capri) ,Black satin bow flats,Striped black bell dress Red peacoat, Gold sequined short sleeved dress

Gifts for Guys

Vest, Backpack, Flyfishing fly box, Drone, Apple watch, Whisky decanter, Waterproof wireless speaker, Branding irons for grill, Plaid flannel

Everyday makeup shopping trip

The other day I took you makeup shopping with me on Snapchat to pick up some of my tried and true makeup staples ( I explain why in the video) .  I am super simple with my everyday makeup and love products that check off a lot of boxes and save time.  I headed to Ulta for my favorite foundation from It Cosmetics.  I love this one because it offers full coverage but also gives SPF 50!  I've used it for years now and would highly recommend!  . 

I chose Ulta because they carry my foundation but there are other products I swear by from other shops.  

I love DiorShow mascara for fluffy lashes.  

RubyWoo lipstick is my ultimate favorite red lip. 

For eyeshadow that doesn't move, I use Lorac Pro eyeshadow primer

For the look of airbrushed skin I love Artis Elite Mirror brush

Thanksgiving

For the last couple years we have been traveling for Thanksgiving.  This past year my mom and I headed out to our annual Disney cruise while my dad and hubby work or travel themselves ( they can only take so much Mickey ) Last year we decided it was sad to not be together on Thanksgiving so we bumped up our trip to this week.  Problem solved!  We hit the Bahamas and make it back in plenty of time for turkey and time with loved ones.  

For family holiday's I feel like I hit the jackpot when I claimed hosting Easter!  My sis in law is a great hostess and always tackles Thanksgiving.  She is a great cook and we always have something delicious and unique additions to our feast.  I always aim for to bring something super yummy and fabulous. Any of you girls have a killer recipe for this year?  I've done stuffing a couple years back and mac n cheese 2 years ago.  So I need a really good one to up the ante on my mac n cheese!   It was LEGIT!

That being said, I am planning my most turkey dinner friendly outfit so I can do some major work on all yumminess! This turtleneck is perfect!  It's nice and blousy but still has cute little peak a boo cut outs in the back to add a little interest.  Top it with a festive scarf and you are ready to all the food!  

Holiday look with plaid blanket scarf

casual holiday look with orange turtleneck top and white skinny jeans

casual holiday look with orange top and white skinny jeans

casual holiday outfit with orange top and plaid blanket scarf

Orange sweater paired with white skinny jeans and plaid blanket scarf

orange sweater with white skinny jeans and plaid blanket scarf

Orange sweater with white skinny jeans and plaid blanket scarf

Photos: Corey Morgan

Floral Wrap dress

I'm on this major "clean up my life" kick right now and really trying to tighten up our routine with the kids to help them be less messy! The messes are on another level!! We are tackling the deep cleaning and the projects that have been shuffled to the side.   I decided to break our chores down so I didn't lose my mind cleaning and the girls can tackle each day's task quickly.  We are three days in and it's going well!  No my house isn't all clutter free but we are making some major breakthroughs with my little piggies!  Any clean up tricks you mama's have had success with?  

In other news, this bomber jacket is getting so much play with fall!  I paired it here with a purple shift dress and today with a floral wrap dress.  I also wore it over the weekend with distressed jeans, flats and a tee. Favorite peice in my closet right now! Why wear black when you can mix it up with olive green?

Photos: Corey Morgan

Hostess Gifts under $25

With Thanksgiving around the corner, be the bell of the ball with the perfect hostess gift!  I've rounded up my chic little favorites all under $25!!!  

Bottle opener, Liquid therapy wine glasses, Plaid scarf, Giving Thanks guest book, Personalized pouches, Squirrel wish, Wine canteen, Candle, Cards Against Humanity game

Plaid cape

We had a fun and pretty relaxing weekend! On Saturday night we met up with some good friends to try the Eskape Room.  Have any of your tried one? Here's how it goes, you are given clues and puzzles to try and escape your room.   You are trying to smart your way out of a room basically.  Once you have figured out all the clues and decoding you can unlock the door with one of the codes.   So to give you the whole picture, I was going with an attorney and two police officers.  I was obviously going to be completely worthless in my "decoding knowledge" .  It was so much fun though! We ended being in an expert room which was definitely expert!  Even our guys couldn't figure some of it out!  I can't wait to go again and try a beginner level to redeem myself and my smarts! Overall a great double date!

Photos: Corey Morgan

Layered Neutrals

Baby Shower for Duke

My cousin Jenna has a bun in the oven and we couldn't be more excited to share her gorgeous baby shower from a couple weeks back.  My mom and I adore throwing parties and we we so giddy to get to dream up the perfect shower for baby Duke!  We envisioned a seaside feel with fresh white blooms and succulents scattered amongst driftwood.  We topped the table with burlap and layered on a frayed edged runner and a blue and white striped searsucker runner.  The straw chargers where topped with white china and blue and white napkins in mix matched patterns to create some interest.  We sipped custom mimosas and noshed on handmade crepes.  I was a piggy and had two because I couldn't decide if I wanted a sweet or savory crepe.  I went with a California Sunrise which was made up with avocado, egg, bacon and sun-dried tomatoes.  For my second option, I chose a Cinnamon Apple crepe with carmel and mascarpone cheese.  I mean!!! Now you know why I had two! We kept the games simple and opted for baby bingo.  As we ate and mingled, each guest could drop a sweet message to the mama to be in our message in a bottle station.  As Jenna, opened up presents we cut the gorgeous succulent topped cake which was chocolate with a raspberry filling. It was heaven!  

Thank you to all the amazing vendors that helped create our vision for the day!  

My dress: Rent the Runway

Photography: Gina Diaz photography

Floral: Bottles n Blooms

Table and Chair rentals:  All Occasion rentals

Chargers and Napkins: Pottery Barn

Crepe station: Crepes Bonaparte

Mimosa bar: Bottles n Blooms

SHOPBOP Flash Sale

SHOPBOP just announced a 40% flash SALE!  I rounded up my favorites!  Snag your steals now!  The sale only lasts until November 3rd!  

Halloween

We just spent the best week in Yosemite this past week and now are ready to launch right into Halloween!  Erik and the girls carved their pumpkins over the weekend and I roasted up the seeds with this amazing recipe!  We spent Sunday night with my family at our local country club's Boo Bash, where the girls did carnival games, dominated the cake walk ( Peyton won), collected candy and road a hay ride.  Can't forget the serious face painting too. We decided to dress and Indians this year and Erik is our cowboy! Tonight we are headed to church for some fun and then to visit our friend's neighborhood for some trick or treating.  We wish you all a safe and fun Halloween! 

Work Wednesday

Sunglasses, Sweater, Necklace, Watch, Heels, Pants, Tote