I'm Moving!!

Hey guys, remember all those years (for those that have known me) I spent talking about moving to LA and getting out of Connecticut to a place where winters don't exist? Well, I'm finally moving.... to Nashville! Surprise! Slight change of plans! Nashville may still have "winters", but I couldn't be more excited to start this next chapter of my life! So many exclamation points being used here.. I can't help it!! Looks like I can check off "moving" from my 2015 resolution list! 
I get to live with one of my best friends (who I've already recruited to be my blog photographer :) ) and I know I belong in Nashville. One day I may make my way further across the country and make it to LA, but for now, Tennessee is where I will call home :) 
Just wanted to stop in and explain why I've been MIA the past few weeks - my free time was pretty much spent on my computer applying to jobs! All of the love and support I've gotten over the past few days is definitely making the move bittersweet, but I'm so excited! 
As always, thanks for reading and I hope Nashville brings bigger and better things for Pleather & Sparkles as well! 

Spring Break

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In light of Snowstorm Thor who is dumping more snow across the country right now, I thought today would be the perfect day to share a Spring Break Wishlist post! Not only do I want all these items, but I want a Spring Break! Fun fact: I never went on spring break in college. But I have definitely made up for it by traveling post-college, which is much more enjoyable knowing I didn't spend every dollar to my name like I would have in college. 
These are pretty much all of my beach vacation essentials - and yes, that definitely includes sunscreen and aloe. I always love Victoria Secret's bathing suits, but they usually end up being so expensive! I find that Target almost always carries the same style but for much less, which I especially love because I like buying trendier bathing suit pieces. 
What's your favorite Spring Break destination? 

Friday Five

Happy Friday!! I can't believe it's almost March. I feel like I say this every week/month/year, but this year is flyyying by. Which also makes me hopeful that maybe spring will come sooner than I'm expecting it! I'm going to WrestleMania tomorrow (no, really, I am...) so if anyone has any idea what is an appropriate outfit for such an event, let me know! Because I'm a little stuck. 
Here's what I've been loving this week... 
These Two. As if I didn't already love Tim McGraw (and Faith), just look at him! I'd let him eat my ear for real. They're pretty much perfect. If I was a hip, trendy youth, I think what I would say here is #relationshipgoals, but in reality, I have no idea why that hashtag even exists, or if it's "on fleek" or not. Seriously, I'm pretty much a 65 year old. Anyway... 

These Boots. I have a slight obsession with booties, mostly because you can wear them almost all year long. And not only are these absolutely gorgeous, they're the "Colleen" bootie! I just love them so much. 

Crowns. I cracked up when I saw this on Instagram. If you know me, you know I have the world's most cavity prone teeth and frequent my dentist more than I would like. 

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Laughing Baby. Seriously, I sat at my desk laughing hysterically all week at this baby. It's always funny. Every time. If you need a smile, listen to this adorable laugh. 

Donuts. I'm usually the butt of most jokes at the office, but this week I totally did it to myself. I made a comment that I see donuts everywhere these days and I feel like they're becoming very "trendy". As in, a lot of specialty donuts are showing up and recipes for donuts. I see them more and more on Pinterest, Instagram and various blogs. So, in honor of sticking to my guns on this one, and who doesn't love a good donut, it made the list! And here's a whiskey glazed donut recipe I stumbled upon this week for you as a bonus (because seriously, they're everywhere - totally the new cupcake). 

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I hope you all have a great weekend and as always, thanks for reading! 

Friday Five

Well, we made it to Friday without freezing! Considering it is 4 degrees (feels like: -21), I'd call that a successful week. I am so sick of winter it's not even funny - I'm almost too cold to complain about it! 
Bluke. What better way to warm up your day than watch Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton? Not sure there is one. 
90210. Maybe it's just me dreaming of being in Beverly Hills where they are going through a heat wave, or maybe it's because this reminds me of The O.C., but 90210 has been my most recent Netflix binge. Granted, I'm only on about episode 5 of the first season, but I have high hopes so far! 

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Non-Chocolate Desserts. With Lent in full swing, it's time for great search of non-chocolate desserts. I have a maaaajor sweet tooth and love chocolate, so this is always a "fun" little challenge. I come from a chocolate and peanut butter loving family, so when I want something sweet, it's hard to find a recipe without it. I think my first dessert will be these Funfetti Gooey Cake Bars! 

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Country Meets Bravo. Okay, seriously two of my all time favorite things (people?) came together this week for Mardi Gras. Dierks Bentley and Lisa Vanderpump. I pretty much only watch Bravo, and, in case you didn't know by now, I love country music. This picture is fantastic. 

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Friendly Reminder. I'm so mad. I went to go buy this little bag after I saw it a couple of days ago, and it's sold out!! I hope it comes back in stock, because as one of my best friends say, I may need one in every room of my house :) 

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Stay warm and enjoy your weekend! Thanks for stopping by! 

Black & White

You know what this shoot was not? Warm. But it was the first sunny day since I can remember so I took advantage of it. In the midst of putting off laundry for far too long, I was running out of pants options (no, I totally wasn't, but my favorite pair of jeans was dirty so basically, yes I was) so I dug out these gray pants from Express as an alternative to my dirty white jeans. In these completely frigid Connecticut temperatures, I have been opting for pants, boots and oversized, warm sweaters. 

This is what I actually wear in 20 degrees. 

Outfit Details | Sweater: Gap, no longer online, similar here | Pants: Express (old, similar here) | Booties: Kohls (old, similar here) | Coat: J.Crew Factory | Scarf: Target (no longer available, similar)| Necklace: Baublebar | How do you dress for the cold? 

Friday Five

Happy Friday the 13th! I am counting down the hours until our early close at work and will be meeting up with one of my best friends for happy hour to celebrate her acceptance into the Peace Corps! I am so proud and excited for her. And of course, taking all the proper preparations for Manless Margarita Night tomorrow. 
Here's what I've been loving this week (what I have not been loving: New England winter): 
This Beauty. Talk about an inspiration. Meet Jamie Brewer, the first model to walk in NYFW with Down Syndrome. Read the full story here. 

Prada Cinema Sunglasses. I will be the first one to admit I have a hoarding problem when it comes to sunglasses. I have at least 8 pairs in my car at all times, and I love a good statement pair (the bigger and flashier, the better). I have been obsessed with this Prada pair. By the time I can actually afford them, they will be way out of style, so until then, I'll have my eyes peeled for a knock off pair! 

Target Bathing Suits. I know it's only February, but Target has had their bathing suits out for at least a month and I can't help but browse every time I go in there. I have a tendency to be a compulsive bathing suit buyer, but have held off so far. Trying on suits with some pasty white skin and single digit temperatures? No thanks, Jergens and I will need to spend a little more time together before that happens. 

NYX Primer. So I know I mentioned a NYX primer I loved a few months ago here, but I take it back. This is my favorite primer. It does, however, smell slightly like gasoline when you first put it on, which is mildly alarming, but once you get past that, it's magical. I bought the green tone, as my skin tends to have redness in my face. 

Cookies & Creme Cookie Butter. Okay, I definitely saved the best for last here. Trader Joe's. Run there now and get this. I would be lying if I said my coworkers and I didn't eat this with a spoon. It is AMAZING. Get some pretzels or graham crackers to put this stuff on, YUM. It's Valentine's Day, treat yourself. 

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Hope you all have a great (long) weekend! Thanks for reading! 

Manless Margarita Night

People keep talking about this holiday that's coming up. Valentine's Day I think they are calling it? Never heard of it. Personally, I'll be going on year number 5 of celebrating Manless Margarita Night. While that does make me feel slightly pathetic, I'd like to preface that with I haven't been manless for 5 years, I'm just completely incapable of having a lasting relationship (I swear this is mostly me making fun of myself and only a little bit of bitterness :) ). 
So, this is a post for all my single friends out there - don't spend this weekend having a pity party for yourself, go out and have a few margs with your friends or stay in and have your own party that may consist of inappropriate decorations, sombreros and an inflatable palm tree (see below). Buy a new outfit, glam yourself out and if nothing else, celebrate the guilt-free chocolate binge that is allowed on this holiday, and the fact it will all be discounted on Sunday! But, cardinal rule of MMN, wear black, obvi. 
I wanted to share a few (embarrassing) photos of Manless Margarita Nights throughout the years from the deep, dark archives of Facebook - sorry ladies!  
This was my first taste of MMN, and it did not disappoint. Check out those silver hoops - nothing says "night out" like a pair of big hoops and showing off your right arm circa 2011. 

 The rookie days of Instagram. Oh how times change....

Last year I spent MMN with my best friend on my couch with feet upon feet of snow outside. This was the result - the most accurate depiction of my life ever taken.

I personally can't wait for Saturday - I may even break out some false lashes! What are your plans this February 14th?