Birthday Wish List!

I may or may not be celebrating a birthday in the next few days and I thought I would share a couple of items that I would love to see all wrapped up! I really do not spend much money on beauty products day to day so I often save a few items that I really want for my birthdays and holidays. If we can't splurge on ourselves a little bit for getting through another year then..well... A few of these items are a bit on the spendy side and may have to be a gift that covers my birthday, Christmas, and maybe an anniversary or two...or three. It's up to you honey!(You know I would be perfectly happy with a night out with some friends and family too!)

1. NAKED 2 palette: I am a die hard fan of the original Naked palette and have wanted the 2nd version for over a year. I bought it for my oldest daughter and she adores it. My turn!

2. Clarisonic Mia 2: Man I have seen tons of reviews for these facial cleansers. Some are stellar and some are not so stellar. I really would like to try it out for myself. I love my sonic toothbrush so....

3. Hoola Bronzer by Benefit: Many of my Youtube gals love this non-orange, good for all skin shades bronzer. I must tell you that I get very "Minnesota white" real quick here and will be needing some fake bronzing STAT!

4. Michael Kors watch: This is a doosey. These watches are Gorgeous with a capital G and Expensive with a capital E. Normally I am a total knock-off-but-still-looks-like-it kind of girl, but these watches are just stunning. We have a Michael Kors outlet nearby and I have already snuck a peek.

Anything on your birthday wish list? Share in the comments!

Six Ways to Style~{Leopard Print Skirt}

No one could ever say that the TMS ladies don't love themselves some animal print. It is part of our Fashion Foundation and we swear that our animal print flats go with EVERYTHING. We are applying the same philosophy to this rockin skirt! At first I just stared at it and could not for the life of me land on a way to style it. I was flipping through my Pinterest boards and caught someone wearing orange and leopard and was like...ummm..Bingo! The ideas kept rolling from there. I even wore it the other day with tights and LOVED it! Talk about a 4 season staple!

The one in our pics is nearly sold out online at the Limited. Get it while you can!

1. Craving Cognac
Love this color jacket! (Watch for a Six Ways post coming soon featuring a cognac jacket.)  It's the same color as the skirt, but not too matchy-matchy. The details on the cuffs and the pop of red for a shoe give the perfect amount of dimension to tone down the leopard, all the while staying completely stylish.

Jacket: Limited
Shirt: Limited
Necklace: Limited
Heels: Herbergers (Bandalino)

2. Green Scene
Who knew you could wear so many different colors with leopard print! I chose to pair a black and cream small striped tank as a layering shirt under the green sweater. Don't be afraid to put different prints together. See Print on Print post. You wouldn't have to use the black vest, but I looked ALL belly without out, so I opted for it this time. Lastly, a pair of bling-ed out nude flats to pull it all together.

Sweater: Good Will! $6.99. (Banana Republic)
Tank: Nordstrom Rack
Vest: WalMart
Flats: Target

3. Orange Oasis
LOVE it!! This tends to be what I grab when I wear this skirt. However now that we've put our heads together, it may not be in first place any more. (Although I am still in love with it!) The colors are great and the belt gives extra definition where it's needed. A pair of black pumps is the finishing touch.

Cardigan: Limited
Sleeveless: Old Navy
Belt: Limited
Heels: JC Penney

4. Back in Black
Black is an easy choice to go with this skirt. If you want to try the skirt, but you're not really sure if it's too loud for you, this is a perfect way to ease into it. This look is very classic/chic. I chose to put on brown boots and a coral statement necklaces for the finishing touches. Viola!

Jacket: Older
Shirt: Target
Necklace: GroopDealz
Boots: Macy's clearance rack

5. Mustard Must Do
The mustard goes great with this print. The cardigan is a shade darker and compliments the sleeveless shirt perfectly. The skinny gold belt draws the line between shirt and skirt to define it. I chose a pair of black leather boots for the colder weather, and it adds just the right amount of masculinity to this otherwise feminine look.

Cardigan: Limited
Sleeveless: New York & Co
Belt: Target
Boots: Charlotte Russe

6. White Out
White on white is an easy way to be simple with style. The layering shirt is a couple of shades darker than the blazer to add a little detail. I chose a pop of red for a scarf and played it safe with those amazing nude pumps. Perfect!

Shirt: Target
Blazer: Good Will
Scarf: handmade by Emily's Mom!
Heels: Payless

Trend Watch: {Print on Print}

Trend Watch: Print on Print

 So many times I catch myself grabbing a plain "undershirt" to go with a printed "overshirt". I started experimenting with mixing prints and take a peek at what I came up with! Too Cute!! Adding another print can totally add to the style of your outfit. I was so afraid of being "to busy". Take a look for yourself-- it's not too busy-- it's too AMAZING! I chose more subtle colors to explain what I'm talking about, but don't limit yourself. Add in some dimension with color. Add colored bottoms if you chose the same tones on top. Or a great statement necklace for a pop of color.  Catch my drift?

First Look: Striped over plaid

Second Look: Dots over stripes

Third Look: Striped over animal print

I also LOVE big polka dots over small polka dots. Same pattern, but slightly different. You can put together almost anything! Let us know what you find or which look you're willing to try.  

Print on Print by hollymuilenburg featuring blue jeans

~Holly



Pinbuster: Baby Leggings!

BABY LEGGINGS!

These work amazingly well in these fall months where the temperature can change a large amount from the morning to the afternoon.  I dressed my baby girl in onesies or a dress and kept a pair of leggings close by to slip on when needed.

Also they are super easy to use as tights because diaper changing is a cinch with these babies!  

The tutorial suggests using women's (I found cuter patterns in juniors or girls) knee high socks, cut off the foot part, sew closed at the ankle area and viola...baby leggings. It was SUPER easy! I made 6 pair in 1 hour. (with the help of my mama on the sewing machine)

There are also ideas for boy patterns as well (navy striped, bold colors, and take a gander in the boys dept. for baseball socks, too cute!) . I can't wait to find out what the twins will be, so I can get sewing. There is a lot on clearance right now at Target.

Click HERE to go to the original tutorial on my Pinterest Page.

~Holly

Six Ways to Style~ {Faux Leather Leggings}

I'll admit I would never have pegged myself as a leather pants kind of girl. They seemed pretty edgy to me. Plus, every time I think of leather pants I think of the Friends episode where Ross has some major leather pant malfunctions and I end up laughing uncontrollably about Joey telling him to, "make a pair of paste pants." (I am so laughing right now!) Anyway, I tucked my Friends phobia about leather pants away and took the plunge. Forever 21 had faux leather leggings for just $13.50! The perfect price point for a fashion item that you are not 100% sure about. Well it turns out....I love them! They are ridiculously comfortable and very easy to style and wear. They still hold a bit of an edgy vibe for me and I am finding that I like it. You should totally rock this trend too!

Faux leather leggings: Forever 21 (similar)

1. Cognac Casual
Black on black with a touch of green. This look is casual chic. It's perfect for a date night or a ladies night.  The cognac leather jacket is a great color contrast to accent the entire outfit. Check out the Black & Brown post to get more ideas for mixing these colors.

Sleeveless: Good Will! $6.99 (similar)
Jacket: Target (same)
Necklace: Jo-Ann Fabrics (similar)
Flats: The Buckle (similar)

2. Bold Beauty
Any wardrobe needs a fun, bold print. It's an easy way to give your look some dimension. A great leather accented jacket is the perfect choice to add to the look but not be too edgy. And oh those boots are amazing!!

Sleeveless: The Limited
Jacket: (similar)
Boots: Target (similar)


3. Graphic Hue
Love me a graphic T!! This shirt makes the outfit. I chose to pair it with the Hot Pink blazer (any color would work) and a great chunky statement necklace. Of course I had to throw on my leopard print flats to finish off the look. LOVE IT!! Our Graphic T Time post has more tips on styling a graphic T.

Graphic T: Forever 21 (similar)
Blazer: Kohls (similar)
Necklace: Target
Flats: Target (similar)

4. Polka Dot Dare
This look could have easily had a pop of color for a blazer or a great statement necklace, but there is something so classy about black and white. It's a timeless classic. The polka dots and leather take the outfit to a more modern 50's feel. What's not to love?

Shirt: Forever 21 (same)
Blazer: Cotton On (similar)
Flats: The Buckle (similar)

5. Layered Animal
I have to confess, I was wasn't originally thinking of animal print under the chambray, but my shirt doesn't exactly button up these days. (Thus the double time baby bump-twins!) So I was flipping through my closet and thought I'd give the animal print a try. So cute! And the layers are perfect for the fall temps. You never know what you're going to come up with until you try it on together. Keep experimenting!

Sleeveless: Macy's clearance rack (similar)
Chambray: Good Will!
Cardigan: Target (similar)
Flats: Target (same)

6. Dress Up
If the leather seems to be a little much for you, use a dress to tone it down a little. This is an easy way to start your venture into a more conservative edgy realm... (If that even exists?) The heels and the necklace add the finishing touch needed to pull it all together. Too cute! 

Dress: (similar)
Necklace: (similar)
Heels: JC Penney

Trend Watch: Flawless Foundation

As I have mentioned several times on this blog--I am a YouTube beauty tutorial addict. You can check out some of my favorite beauty gurus HERE. Through these lovely ladies I have learned so much about what products to buy and what not to buy. I have learned awesome tricks of the trade and what tools make the whole "putting on a face" process quicker and easier. A tool that I purchased based on several beauty guru recommendations is the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki foundation brush.

 This is the ONLY foundation brush several of my fave gurus use. It is fairly priced at $18.00. And I must tell you...it is fabulous. In the past, I have put foundation on using my hands, a sponge, and several other types of brushes. This is by far THE BEST foundation brush I have ever used. BONUS--I don't get my hands dirty! This brush absorbs no product so nothing is wasted. It creates a smooth, streak-less application that I am so happy with. I have several other eyeshadow brushes from Sigma and plan to pick up a few more in early November at a Sigma party I am going to. YAY!! I hope to create a tutorial of my own soon showing my face routine! Check out Sigma's entire line HERE!

Six Ways to.... {Fall for Fall Style}

Fall is my second favorite season. (I'm a summer gal). I love the colors of fall, the pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING, and of course, the fashion. We wanted to share our favorite fall fashion trends so you too can style this season with sass.

1. Scarves
These have to be my favorite fall accessory. They give you just enough added warmth to get you through the chilliness of fall while adding a perfect style pop to any outfit.

2. Leggings
When its chilly out you really just want to dress comfy and warm. Leggings offer you both while still being super stylish. Snag some with fleece lining and you are good to go.

3. Layers
Fall can be a bit fickle in the temperature department. Mornings can have a chill where temps can rise throughout the day and make the afternoon warmer. Dressing in layers is the perfect solution. This outfit would look great with just the striped tee and necklace but it also rocks all three layers.

4. Leather
Boy do I miss my leather pieces during the summer. They are the first thing I grab when fall weather hits. You can dress up an outfit in an instant by adding a leather jacket or blazer. I even have two skirts with leather accents that I love to style for fall.

5. Blazers
Blazers are my go-to outer layer in the fall. I tend to use cardigans as my outer layer in the summer because they are lightweight, yet warm. Blazers add style and warmth to any outfit which is just perfect for fall days.

6. Boots
These are another item that I miss dearly in the summer. Right around September I start pinning for days cool enough to wear skinnies, boot socks, and my favorite boots. Boots look great with leggings, skinnies, dresses, skirts....Love! 

Pinbuster: {Apple Pie Bites}

Apple Pie Bites
(Recipe found on Pinterest)

These were AMAZING!! I made a few (like 8) from one apple, and they were gone before my husband came home from work. My kids also had friends over who usually inhale anything I bake in an instant. (I swear, they have some sort of mama's in the kitchen radar)

I wasn't sure if I should peel the apple or leave the skin on, as the recipe didn't specify. So I left them on...I liked the texture and color it added. Next time I'll try without so I can compare the taste, though. I also wondered if the apple would be hard and uncooked baking such a short time, but they were very soft and tender, the crust crispy and golden.

I served them warm with ice cream....2 little pies a piece was just a perfect size dessert. I made only half a batch as I wasn't sure how they would taste cold or reheated.

I still don't know...... as they were gone in a flash.

But my kitchen smelled great all day.... apples and cinnamon...making me wish I had made the full batch!

Bite Size Apple Pies
Taste of Home
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 pkg. (14.1 oz..} refrigerated pie crust
3 tbsp. melted butter, divided
2 medium tart apples, each cut into 8 wedges

In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, set aside 1 Tbsp. On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pastry. Brush with  2 Tbsp. melted butter, sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture.

Cut each sheet into 8 one inch strips, about 8 in. long. Wrap one strip around each apple wedge, placing sugared side of pastry against apple.

Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar mixture. bake at 425 for 13-15 minutes or until pastry is golden brown. Serve warm. Makes 16.

Follow this link to get to my Pinterest Page and the original recipe Apple Pie Bites

~Holly

Go-To Looks for Fall Fashion

Go-To Looks for Fall Fashion

YAY fall is on it's way! I love dressing for fall temperatures. Even better I love using my Go-To Looks because my fall season is CRAZY busy! A while back I started to notice that I was reaching for the same outfits when I was in a pinch. So I made a mental list (you can make a physical list, if you're Type A and download our Outfit Menu) of my go-to outfits. If I'm running late or just am not ready to be creative in the morning, I usually turn to these basics. (See Picking out your Outfit in a Pinch post for more tips. This is tip #2) Between back to school for my kids and myself (I am currently taking a few classes, as well) running my kids to activities, planning birthday parties and trying to figure out what to eat for supper all the while making sure everybody is getting along (which may be the most time consuming task with kids at times.)...AH....breath....I still want to look like I got a full night's sleep and pull off a great look. You know it gives a girl an extra confidence boost and just makes ya kick off your day right. Take a peek below.

Top Group: One of these is what I usually grab for any color skinny jean. This alone can be 15-20 different outfits. The three basic top combos are easy and go with almost everything. This makes it so easy to grab whatever color pant is on top of the stack and run. The statement necklace in the middle is colorful so it can go with any color pant. Even if the actual color isn't in the necklace it still works. Trust me! The tops all act as neutrals to balance out the loud color on the bottom. It's that easy!!

Bottom Left: My all time favorite outfit! This entire look is chic and oh so comfy! You can mix and match the scarf to create an entirely new look. The black leggings with the brown boots is a great contrast (See Black & Brown post) and the chambray shirt is perfect. You have to try this one!

Bottom Right: This over-sized sweater with skinny distressed jeans is casual, but not frumpy. The leopard print flat is the perfect detail. (if you are new to our blog, this shoe can go with ANYTHING! It appears in almost every Six Ways post) Love this look! This screams "I didn't try to hard, but I'm still super cute and stylish."

I hope this helps...Let us know what you like best.

~Holly

 

Go-To Fall Fashion by hollymuilenburg featuring long chunky necklaces

Trend Watch: Graphic-T time!

Graphic-T time! I LOVE a great graphic-T! This is an easy way to add dimension to your look. I created a couple of looks (because it's easier than changing, and finding someone to take my picture in between chasing after a busy toddler and needing a leg cramp break because I'm expecting twins....ooo, sorry.)Where was I, o yes, I created a couple of looks below to show how a little detail can add a ton to an outfit. I chose neutral colors here, but FEEL FREE to add some shades! The first look I made a bit more chic, and the second is more casual. But look at the pop of detail instead of just a solid color T! It gives the entire look a different feel. There are many places to find graphic-Ts but one of my favorites is Forever 21. They are inexpensive and there is a ton to chose from. Follow the link to check it out online before you make a special trip.

Trend Watch:

 

Graphc-T by hollymuilenburg featuring a gold and silver necklace

Get creating and let us know what you come up with! Hopefully you have an idea of what you want to try.

~Holly