Word Up Wednesday

{via}

 

last friday's events were tragic and disheartening.  the shooting made me feel angry, sad and confused.  i hugged my loved ones closer that night and continue to feel blessed for all the good i have in my life. 

 

if you want to help but don't have the money, this is a great way to do something. 

 

or if you are able to donate there are a bunch of different options available here. 

 

xoxo

Holiday Party Time...Rent the Runway Style

i have been dying to try rent the runway for my next big event and finally had the opportunity for my company holiday party. 

 

the dress code was cocktail, so i new i wanted to go short, and for the longest time i have been wanting to wear an all sequin dress. 

 

enter the mark & james by badgley mischka mini sequin pixie dress 

 

 

after searching their endless supply of amazing dresses, and reading numerous reviews i decided to order the dress in an xs and s.  my event was on the 8th and i received my dress on the 7th. 

 

only problem was that i only received one dress instead of the two i ordered (they always give you one extra size free).  i glanced at the size xs and was a little nervous that i would have to do some last minute shopping. 

 

lucky for me, the size xs fit like a glove. 

 

(i should mention that rtr did email me on the 6th (and i missed the email) that they would only be shipping the xs as there was an issue with getting the s)

 

off to the party b and i went and let me just say the dress was a hit!  i loved dancing in it and it was definitely a conversation starter! 

 

i opted to go with a "sock bun" top knot, simple eyes and bold lips which i think complimented the dress even more. 

 

we had such a great time that we forgot to take more pictures (or a full length shot) and at the end of the night i didn't want to give the dress back! 

 

but back into the pre-addressed stamped envelope it went and i bid adieu to all the fun memories the dress provided. 

 

although my rent the runway experience wasn't perfect, it was pretty damn close and i will most definitely be renting in the near future again! 

 

be sure to check out rent the runway for your next event...perhaps some more sparkly goodness for new years?

Song of the Week ~ Christmas Vacation

mavis staples sings the "chistmas vacation" song from national lampoon's christmas vacation which is easily one of my most favorite holiday movies.  my pandora holiday station played the song and i got super excited and was all ready to purchase the song when i realized buying this individual song is impossible and the only cd i can find it on is this ultimate christmas album volume 3.

just a few more days for me until i get to enjoy my own christmas vacation!



Happy {Festive} Weekend!

{via}

 

be sure to get in some extra sparkle and shine this weekend along with a festive drink to go with your amazing weekend!

 

xoxo

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Gift Guide 2012

 

forever 21 offers a great selection of gifts to help you cross off some names from your list.  a few of my current faves...

 

studded glitter loafers / heart sweater / sparkling square necklace / neon fold-over crossbody bag

Gift Guide 2012 ~ Nifty Gifty Under Fifty

 

a fifty dollar present is generally reserved for those that you care about.  you are looking to impress and the items above are all guaranteed winners!

 

donner skirt / backup battery / loafers / champagne flute / xo circle necklace

 

nest votive collection / sequin clutch / bralette / bracelet

 

happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

Gift Guide - Under $30

 

my roomie and i were just talking the other day about how hard it is to find presents under $25 for gift exchanges or coworkers. 

 

have no fear, after some searching i found all the items above for under $30!

 

cinnamon buns ornament / homegrown monogram mug / after dark holiday gift set

 

glitter iphone 4 case / metallic polka dot cosmetic pouch / mini emergency kit / bracelet

 

Guest Posting at La vie... Jaime today & A Winner!!!

 

it has been a busy, exciting week since i last posted.  first i was in scottsdale for a work event that went swimmingly, then my work holiday party, followed by a birthday brunch and some exciting news at work today.  needless to say i am behind in blogging, my laundry and a few other things!

 

 

 

i was lucky enough to be asked to participate in la vie... jaime's "my stocking" series. one of my daily reads, i happily share what i am crossing my fingers for this christmas from santa! be sure to pop over and look at my picks as well as some other great bloggers selections!

 

and of course, it is time to announce the winner of the shopbop $100 giftcard giveaway!

 

the lucky winner was jess of just rainbows and butterflies!

 

 

congratulations jess! 

 

thank you all for entering and don't fret if you didn't win this one, another giveaway is just around the corner!

 

xoxo

Golden Gift Idea!

 

i became a julep maven a few months ago and have to say that i have really enjoyed the product and all of my polishes i have received. 

 

this morning i received an email with this gold glamour mystery clutch and just had to share it with you all!  this darling clutch comes loaded with 2 or more polishes and is priced at $29.99!  perfect for your besties, sister or coworker! 

 

heck if i am being honest, i want the clutch for myself and may just divvy up the polishes for the girls at the office. for $29.99 it is just too good to pass up! 

 

use the code GOLDGLAM to purchase for your favorite fashionista!

Happy {Welcome to December} Weekend!

{via}

 

holy cow - this weekend marks the beginning of the last month of the year! 

 

this weekend i am celebrating a group 30th b*day, attending my first holiday party of the season and hopefully putting up a few holiday decorations!

 

cheers to the official start of the holiday weekend!  hope you stay warm and merry!

 

don't forget to enter to win a $100 shopbop giftcard!

 

xoxo

Forever Frugal Friday

 

after seeing this waffle knit sweater on the look for less and then seeing andee from the honeybee in it i have been crushing on this sweater pretty bad. 

 

well today, at lunch wouldn't you just know that this sweater was all alone, front and center as i walked past forever 21.  and wouldn't you just know that it happened to be my size?  well you can pretty much assume (and you would be correct) that it made its way home with me. 

 

in the photo above it looks yellow but this sweater is neon green - do not be fooled!  the sweater is also available in cobalt blue and cream.  perfect piece for the cold winter days ahead. 

 

wanna know what else is frugal?  entering yourself to win a $100 giftcard to shopbop!  click here to enter!

'Tis the Season - Shopbop $100 Giveaway - Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent

 

i just love the holidays!  i always say that thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday if i didn't enjoy giving (and receiving) presents so much! 

 

well guess what!  the nice people at shopbop have provided me with a $100 giftcard to reward to one lucky ybb reader! 

 

shopbop is my go to website to always browse all of the greatest items from all of my favorite designers!

 

one designer i have always enjoyed is twelfth st. by cynthia vincent.  i love her use of color, prints and most of all her dresses.  simple, clean and sexy. 

 

i currently loving the printed challis grocery bag twelfth for some grocery shopping and these wells gold trim riding boots are just beginning to be worn in the current rainy conditions in l.a.  the gathered strapless dress and pleated shirtdress would be perfect for the holiday season in that gorgeous shade of red.  best part - the boots and dresses are all part of the twelfth st. by cynthia vincent sale going on right now!

 

TO ENTER:

 

*leave a comment below telling me what you would treat yourself to from shopbop with the $100 winnings (be sure to leave your email as well)*

EXTRA ENTRIES:

*please leave a new comment for all of the additional entries*

1. become a follower of ybb via google friend connect at right

2. follow shopbop (@shopbop) on Twitter

3. tweet or retweet this giveaway and be sure to tag @lyndsylee

 

the contest closes on december 9, 2012 at 5:00 PM PST and i will announce the winner on december 10th! 

 

good luck and happy shopping!

 

*this is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Song of the Week ~ The Nutcracker Suite

 

oh me oh my, the time has arrived! christmas music nonstop until december 26th - woot woot!

 

it is absolutely pathetic how much i look forward to listening to christmas music, some might say borderline psycho, but i can't help it.  it's how i was raised and the only way i know. 

one of my fave christmas movies with a killer soundtrack is of course elf which introduced me to a great modern, jazzy remake of a christmas classic the nutcracker suite.  it is so good!

are you a fan of christmas music?  do you sing along out loud with pride or immediately change the station and grumble when you hear it at the stores?  (i should note, the next few weeks are going to be dedicated to christmas music... don't say i didn't warn you)

happy holidays, let's get this celebrating started!!

Happy {Thanksgiving} Weekend!

{via}

 

happy thanksgiving to you all!

 

i am thankful for many things, including... a healthy, loving  family, incredible friends, and all of you who continue to read and support my blog.

 

wishing you all a thanksgiving that leaves you full of thanks!

 

xoxo

Word Up Wednesday

{via}

 

truth.

 

this thanksgiving i am responsible for apples on horseback appetizers and cauliflower gratin.

 

{via}

 

i couldn't agree more! 

 

i am thankful for all the blessings in my life.  although i may overlook them occasionally not a day goes by that i do not remember at least one thing i am thankful for. 

 

xoxo

Rent It ~ Moonrise Kingdom

 

it has been awhile since i watched a movie that had me smiling from ear to ear the entire time.  moonrise kingdom was beautiful to watch, had an incredible soundtrack and reminded me of my youth.  first loves, rebelling against your parents and camping.  pure fun. 

 

with the four day weekend ahead, i highly recommend renting...heck even buying this flick.  it will not disappoint (unless you absolutely hate wes anderson flicks - then perhaps you should skip it). 

 

here's a sneak peek of what to expect...

 

 

amazing.

  (also my favorite gif to describe how i am feeling about this short week and thanksgiving!)

 

have you seen it yet?  what did you think?  love or hate?  i think i may be adding it to my christmas wishlist.

Song of the Week ~ I Follow Rivers (The Magician Remix)

i totally had a different song in mind for song of the week, but on my lunch break heard this song instead and just knew it was a better fit for the mood i am in. 

only problem...i didn't know the name of the song, nor the artist and the only words i could remember were, "i, i, wanna".  well let me just tell you, googling that phrase will not provide you with the song i was looking for.  so i took a shot and sang those three small words to my co-worker yvette who luckily, knew not only the song name but also that it was lykke li!

what a lifesaver! today i am thankful yvette knew what the hell i was singing since the lyrics are actually, "i, i follow, i follow you" - not even close. 

in any case, if you need a little pick-me-up for this monday (it's a short week!) this song is sure to do the trick.  

Forever Frugal Friday

 

i recently picked up this iphone cover in gold from the jcrew outlet in palm springs and have received numerous compliments on it (surprisingly mostly from men?) and while i am seriously in love with it right now, i am always keeping my eye on what cover will replace it.  the only problem with constantly replacing your iphone cover is that these suckers don't run cheap!  thank goodness forever has jumped on the bandwagon and is carrying their own affordable trendy cases. 

 

i am a sucker for anything with hearts and am loving this metallic heart phone case.  ever since i saw design love fest's  gold chrome iphone case, i have lusted for my own, and this metallic case would work just fine.  lastly, looking ahead into spring, this ombre metallic case is just gorgeous. 

 

best part...they are all under $10!  they would make a great gift for your office secret santa or as a stocking stuffer!

And I'm Off...

{via}

 

i'm off today to scottsdale with my gf christy for a little getaway. 

 

 

 

we'll be lounging by the pool, dining here, watching the cougs take on the sun devils and exploring a new city. 

 

so excited! 

 

have a fabulous last weekend before the holiday madness ensues!

Word Up Wednesday

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

 

it really would.

 

happy hump day friends!

Lusting Lately ~ Leopard, Leather, Lippman

 

ever notice when you start your holiday shopping, suddenly everything you see you want? 

 

yeah...me too.

 

this year i will be doing most of all my christmas shopping online (using ebates of course) and have a feeling that a few of the items above might just happen to find their way into my own shopping cart (or hoping my mom will pick up on my subtle hints - aka sending her the links to everything i want).

 

it appears i am craving dark and glimmering this holiday season (i am sure next week i'll crave bright and sparkly)...

 

lustworthy leather - bod and christensen draped leather jacket (earn 6% cash back using ebates at cusp)

 

leopard with flair - sperry top sider annabelle leopard pony gold glitter

 

t-riffic - t-rex necklace

 

add it to my list - ash and dans- metallic cutout wrap w/ jersey

 

struttin' it - regina frye boots (earn 10% cash back using ebates at piperlime)

 

glam at your fingertips - deborah lippmann - cleopatra in new york nail lacquer (earn 3% cash back using ebates at norstrom)

 

what are you lusting after lately or adding to your wishlist? 

Happy {Vetrans} Day

 

a big heartfelt thank you to all who have served us and all who are currently serving for us. 

 

Happy {Take it Easy} Weekend!

 

doesn't that just look lovely?

 

this weekend i am planning to "take it easy" before all the holiday madness begins.  planning on some netflix time, exercise, massage and a b*day/anniversary bbq on sunday.  laying low and loving it!

 

hope you get a little time to yourself this weekend as well!

 

xoxo

Forever Frugal Friday

 

even though the warm weather is supposed to return next week to l.a., i am planning to take full advantage of this fall chill and bundle up in sweaters, boots and scarves!

 

i was looking through my collection of scarves this morning and noticed i didn't have a chunky scarf that goes with everything.  what a shame!  thank goodness i found this metallic flake infinity scarf which fits my every need and desire.  creamy, cozy, with just hint of sparkle. 

 

done and done. 

Word Up Wednesday

 

how on earth is it already the 7th of november?  woah.

{via}

 

love this.

 

{via}

 

good to remember

{via}

 

my much needed motivation for the gym today.

{via}

 

four more years!

Do It!

{via}

 

please.

 

 

i did and you get a fancy sticker - woot!

 

Song of the Week ~ Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)

the first time i heard "thrift shop" i totally thought it was a really long commercial with a catchy beat.  then i noticed that it was the song my roomie avery was raving about on instagram earlier that day. 

turns out this song is fun, catchy and totally puts a smile on my face.  which is the best way to get the month of november started!  anyone else excited for thanksgiving, starbucks red cups and the return of eggnog? 



Happy {Gratitude} Weekend!

{via}

 

this week i was reminded of all the things i have to be thankful for...

 

my heart goes out to everyone that were affected by hurricane sandy.  i feel blessed that all of my east coast friends are safe and at home recouping for the storm. 

 

it's events like this that sadden me and yet lift me up in the most surprising of ways. 

 

take for example my cousin taryn who lived in jersey city and whose apartment was completely flooded and without power.  my  cousin was sleeping on her wet bed in her flooded apartment seeking a place to stay but stuck in jersey city.  i reached out to my friend christa who offered to pick her up and let her stay at her house.  my friend kimi reached out to her east coast friends and a total stranger offered to meet my cousin at the williamsburg bridge and offered her a place to stay, a warm shower, internet and anything she could need.

 

strangers opening up their homes to strangers.  i didn't know this girl sarah but she was willing to help my cousin anyway she needed it.  it warmed my heart and reminded me that humanity is not dead.  there are still good people out there and that human kind is indeed kind.  i have been hearing and reading stories like this all over the web and am so thankful for the existence of these people. 

 

and so today, this weekend, next week, etc, i need to remind myself of all the things i am blessed to have in my life.  i need to stop complaining about the petty things and start observing my amazing surroundings. 

 

i am happy to report that my cousin is on a flight to seattle for a hot shower, drinks and a meal with the family.  and i hope that you all have a wonderful weekend with the ones you love and take a moment to recognize all the amazing things you have in your life. 

 

xoxo

 

Forever Frugal Friday

 

 looking through my closet recently i noticed a few things...

*i have been very frugal with my clothing purchases

*i think i buy more workout attire than normal clothes

*i need to add red, pink, and blue into my wardrobe more

* i need to buy new jeans

*i lack polka dots

which is why this polka dot raglan sweater is the perfect piece for me to add as it is both work friendly and weekend friendly. plus every time i see someone wearing polka dots i get jealous that i have not incorporated any into my fashions as of late.

what's your closet lacking?

Drug Store Beauty Booty

 

1 ~ got2b rockin it encore fresh dry shampoo

i have never used the got2b products before and kind of find them a bit gimmicky.  i was forced to try this dry shampoo as it was the only option at the grocery store and i was in dire need of some.  well my friends, turns out jokes on me, because not only is this stuff totally cheap but it always totally works and makes your hair smell amazing.  it isn't the best dry shampoo i have ever used but i much prefer it over the dove and suave dry shampoos. 

 

2 ~ clean clear morning burst skin brightening scrub

this goodie was recommended to me by mr. b himself.  when we were home in may for the young wedding my parents had this in their shower and b kept raving about how much he liked it.  so i thought i'd surprise him with a tube of it at my house.  well wouldn't you just know that it turns out i quite enjoy it myself as well!  the scent is incredible and it really does do a lovely job of exfoliating and leaving your skin clean and clear and under control!

 

3 ~ maybelline color show nail color "green with envy"

i kept seeing this color at the drug store and picking it up and then putting it back because i needed another nail polish color like i needed  a hole in the head, but it turns out that i did need this color for the wedding i attended in september!  the color is very similar to the essie "mint candy apple" but a lot less goopy.  it required two coats (like most polishes) and lasted at least 3 days without chipping.  i received many compliments on the color and will definitely be exploring the other colors in the collection for my next special event. 

 

4 ~ garnier fructis body boost conditioner

i have extremely fine hair that is so easily weighed down.  finding the right shampoo and conditioner is down right difficult.  i usually stick with the bumble & bumble thickening products but always require a little extra conditioner for my ends and don't want to waste the expensive stuff on that.  i recently purchased this conditioner for less than $4 and i absolutely love it!  it has a lovely scent and leaves my ends soft, straight and healthy.  in fact since i started using it, people have complimented me on my hair a lot more frequently. 

 

THE FAIL

 

organix nutritional acai berry avocado shampoo

after raving last post about organix coconut conditioner, i figured i would absolutely love their acai berry avocado shampoo which smelled wonderful.  wrong.  i have pretty normal hair, neither oily nor dry, but when i began using this shampoo i noticed my hair looked really flat, dry and dull.  not at all what the bottle promised.  i also felt as though i had to use a lot of the shampoo to get my hair clean.  not a fan at all.  after about two weeks it was back to bumble and bumble and my hair has been a lot happier. 

Happy Halloween!

{via}

 

i mean...could this picture be any cuter? 

 

happy halloween y'all!  hope your evening is full of lots of treats and zero tricks!

 

xoxo

 

 

Make These - Butterscotch Pudding Double Chip Cookies

 

a few weeks back my work hosted a bake sale for our "light the night walk" in l.a.  we raised over $800 from the bake sale alone and seeing as a few weeks later one of my girlfriends was diagnosed with lymphoma the bake sale meant that much more to me. 

 

the cookies i made for the bake sale were an absolute hit!  i had numerous people email me for the recipe at work and instagram and thought the best place to share it was here on the blog! 

 

these cookies are easy to make, taste incredible and really have a fall attitude to them!  i am sharing the original recipe i found and will note the substitutions i made next to them. 

 

enjoy!

 

Butterscotch Pudding Triple Chip Cookies

fabulous recipe found via two peas and their pod

 

{ingredients}

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (3.4 oz) package butterscotch instant pudding mix
• (my store was out of butterscotch instant pudding, i substituted 1 (1 oz) package of sugar free butterscotch instant pudding mix + 1 (3.4 oz) package of vanilla instant pudding mix (less 1.4 oz)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• (i hate white chocolate, so i removed this portion and upped the butterscotch & semi-sweet chips up half a cup each)
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

{directions}

 

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat and set aside.
• 2. Using a mixer, beat together butter and sugars until creamy. Add in butterscotch pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and butterscotch chips.
• 3. Drop cookie dough by rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until slightly golden around the edges and set. Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheet for two minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

{a few variations}

 

*surprisingly i think the pudding substitution worked in my favor.  the cookies were sweet without being overly sweet

*parchment paper is key!

*i baked the cookies for 8 minutes and 45 secs and then watched them closely for about another 15-30 seconds.

*after sampling the first batch i realized they would greatly benefit with a dusting of kosher salt before i baked them.  the cookies with salt on them were most definitely the best of the group. 

 

so if you are looking for your next sweet to bring for the fall holidays, go ahead and give this one a try.  i promise it will leave them all raving and craving another one!

Song of the Week ~ Adorn

my roomie avery and i share similar tastes in music and agree that "woo-woo" music has no place in our apartment. 

that said, we both made a recent exception for the song "adorn" by miguel (the remix with wiz khalifa is awesome).  i love it. 

it kind of reminds me of junior high with a little bit of marvin gaye's "let's get it on" mixed in.  it is completely "woo-woo" music and i don't even care. 

stop.  sexy time.

Happy {Horror} Weekend!

{via}

 

yahoo!  so happy it's friday and you can even speed on the highway (if you are lucky enough to not be stuck in traffic)!

 

tonight b and some friends will be attending the l.a. horror fest to see b's sister and hubby's film "evidence".  first we are planning a bite and drink at pizzeria mozza and i couldn't be more excited. 

 

trying to fit in a workout into saturday somewhere and devote some time to traffic school (don't cross over double yellows to get into a turn lane - $300 later). 

 

lastly a sunday morning hawks game and mimosas.  life is good!

 

xoxo

Forever Frugal Friday

 

capes.  formally only for superheroes are now being worn by all in the fashion world. 

 

a heavy coat in l.a. is a bit of a waste of money as it only gets probably 30 days of wear for the year.  but a good cape can be worn well into the spring.  this contrast boucle poncho (it's a cape) is the perfect piece to add to your fall wardrobe that will also work in the winter.  i love the marbled grey and contrast black stitching, perfect to dress up or down depending on what your day has in store. 

 

what do you think about the cape trend?  in or out?