The Perfect Combination

Puffer vests and plaid. 

Does it get any better? I think not.

Around these parts it's cooled off, but it's not so cold that a coat is required. Call in the puffer vest. I have a couple of vests and I adore them.  Paired with plaid, be it in the form of a shirt or a scarf the combo is perfection. You can't throw a rock these days without hitting someone wearing either a plaid flannel or a blanket scarf. 

plaid shirt / puffer vest / jeans / riding boots / Alex and Ani bracelets

This flannel is from last year at Old Navy but there's one very similar this year and right now it's on sale for $13. WHAT? Yes, $13...order one NOW.

My vest is also from a couple of years ago, but J. Crew has a really cute red one that is the perfect answer and YES, it's on sale too!

#canitgetanybetter

So let's talk jeans. These are actually jeggings and they are so great with tall boots as long as you are wearing a longer shirt to cover your backside. They are stretchy, but don't get baggy and the legs are tight enough that they go into your boots easily. Love that!

Last but certainly not least we've got to discuss my love for these Frye riding boots (in cognac). I'm not even kidding when I tell you I looked at these boots for the last 5 years and kept thinking if I knew I'd wear them enough I'd invest in them. I finally bit the bullet and ordered them and haven't been sorry for a single second. The leather is so soft and smooth. They are actually buttery and the leather smell is to die for. They are currently on sale and if you want a really nice Christmas present, then you need to leave these open on your computer screen and maybe your man will take the hint, be the hero and order them. These boots are timeless and while a little pricey, you'll wear them forever. 

  plaid shirt / puffer vest / jeans / riding boots / Alex and Ani bracelets

In case you're keeping track, my kids get home a week from today.😉😍

Lisa

XOXO

Tuesday Tidings and Happy Birthday!

We made it through Monday!

Happy Tuesday! This is going to be short and sweet. You know how it is...lots to do today.

 First I have to say a very Happy Birthday to my sweet mom! I'd like to say your card is in the mail, but that would be a lie.
#baddaughter 

She's not wearing her cape in this picture but, this woman is a human super hero. She's like a Timex watch. She takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Some of you may be too young to recognize that so how about saying she's much like the energizer bunny and keeps going, and going, and going....you get the picture!?!?!

 Anyway, I hope you have a great day! I'm beyond thankful that God picked me to be your daughter!

XOXO

This is my parents year to come out here for Christmas so we are looking forward to their arrival in 3 short weeks. We plan to celebrate Christmas and squeeze in some touristy things too so you know you'll get to come along and watch the antics first hand.😉

Before I leave you today here's a quick outfit idea for your everyday running around.

 similar tee / sweater  / jeans / booties

You know I love my booties and wear them all. the. time. so I don't need to tell you anymore about them. This wrap sweater is such a versatile and cozy piece. It's like being wrapped in a hug. #cheesy

I love that you can wear it open or buttoned for two different looks. And you can add a scarf for yet another great look.  Versatility rocks y'all! A blanket scarf or plaid infinity scarf would be adorable with it. 

Well friends, that's going to have to be it for today. Hope y'all have a great day and mark some things off your list. I know I'm going to try!

Lisa

XOXO

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Happy Monday Friends!

We are officially into December and the countdown is on to Christmas. I started decorating a little last week which led to this...

The good news is I now have several cabinets organized and most of my Christmas decorations up. I still have a little more to do, but I'm a lot closer than I was.

Yesterday I tackled the tree. We finally broke down 3 years ago and bought a PRE-LIT tree. The lights were the ONLY reason I gave in because I ALWAYS end up doing it by myself and putting the lights on seemed to somehow turn into a 3 day job. You know, you drag out all the lights and half of them don't work so you have to go on a hunt to buy more OR my favorite is when you get all the lights on and then one or two strands go out and you have to figure out if you can replace a bulb or the entire string. 

#somebodyshootme

Well those days are gone and now we pull this bad boy out of the box and in 4 easy sections it's done which means we no longer have to go from Christmas tree lot to Christmas tree lot looking for the perfectly shaped, just the right height tree only to end up back at the very first lot.

#andallthepeoplesayhallelujah

It still takes me plenty of time to decorate it, but at least I don't have to spend HOUR upon HOUR wrapping all the branches with lights. 

#becauseilikeitbright

And here she is all finished. I see now looking at the pictures I need to adjust a thing or two.

This candle is one of my all time favorites and smells just like a fresh tree, so I burn one pretty much all my waking hours during Christmas.

I was planning to wait and watch all the new Gilmore Girls shows with Katie when she gets home, but she said she had already watched the first one so for me to go ahead. Kent watched it with me (well he napped some and watched some). I've still got the other 3 episodes to go so no spoiler alerts, please!

I'm participating in a Christmas gift exchange with friends from Facebook and this weekend 2 gifts arrived. This is pretty fun because you only buy one gift, but you end up receiving multiple gifts.

#everyonelovespresents #andsurprises

Look how fun these are. A monogrammed travel jewelry case and Dr. Bronner's Soap. I think I've heard of this soap, but not 100% sure. Anyway, it will be fun to try something new.

I think that about does it for today. 

Happy Monday!

Lisa

XOXO

On the 3rd Day of Christmas...

Happy Saturday friends!!!

🎼On the 3rd Day of Christmas my true love gave to me some RF goodies 🎼🎄

How about some FREE goodies today?!?!?! All new Preferred Customers receive a FREE essentials item of your choice today!!!🎄💙

#rf12daysofchristmas

That's right, I'm giving away a free Essentials product of your choice today to all new Preferred Customers. 

Put it in your own stocking or gift it to a friend.

Comment below to get on the road to better skin today.

Check out my lash results with our Lash Boost in just 5 1/2 short weeks.

Perfect gift for your mom, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt or BFF.

#lovemylashes

The countdown is on!

Mark the ladies off your list!

Lisa

XOXO

Friday Favorites #34

HO-HO-HO....Here we go.

It's December 2nd and the countdown is officially on to Christmas.

I've started decorating and hope to get our tree up this weekend. I love sitting around in the warmth of our home all decked out for Christmas. There's just something about it that brings joy to my heart and makes me happy.

I've decided to start numbering my Friday Favorites posts to keep it simple and let's face it, that way I don't have to come up with a catchy title.

#imlamethatway #sorry

So let's catch up with Erika, Narci, and Andrea and see what made their lists.

Here are some things that made my favorites list this week.

ONE

Sorry about the glare on the picture. Benny swam for his high school swim team. His favorite stroke is butterfly which I'll never understand, because I couldn't  make my body do that if you had a gun to my head. These are the records that he held on the record board. At one point he held all but one of the men's records. YES, bragging, proud mom right here! One of our friends is a coach for his old high school team and her son has now broken almost all (if not all) of Benny's records. She kept these for me and when Katie and I visited Minnesota this summer I was able to check them and bring them home. I hadn't told Benny we had them, so when he came home for Thanksgiving and went in his room he saw them hanging there and really liked it. 

#scoreoneformom #thanksforsavingthemkim

TWO

duvet and pillow shams /  navy quilt and euro shams

I'm in the process of giving our guest room a makeover. So far I've gotten new bedding (from Pottery Barn) and painted the chest of drawers. I want to replace the bed with an upholstered head board, but that's just going to have to wait until after the new year.

 This chest of drawers was mine in my parents house my entire child hood and teenage life. I've never been a fan of maple wood (sorry mom) and wanted to paint this for a long time, but I knew it wasn't an idea my mom was too hip on. She's come one board with painting some furniture here of late so I finally felt like I could do.

Here it is now and I like it so much better.

I stained the top darker and painted and slightly distressed the body, but kept the original hardware.

THREE

I talked about how I organize my jewelry in this post several months ago. Well as I've added to my bracelets they become a hot mess in the drawer and I decided I needed to try a different way of storing them. I'd been looking for a simple, plain bracelet bar for a while and finally found one.

You can click here for a similar one.

FOUR

These are MY personal results with Lash Boost. Aren't they AWESOME?!?!?!?!?

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to see my lashes becoming longer, thicker and darker. For the first time in my life I can actually see them when I don't have mascara on.

#getyoursnow

If you have some sad eyelashes, or even good lashes that you'd like to make better then this is the product for you. It doesn't have the danger of discoloring your lids or eyes like other products of this type on the market. I'd been wanting to get my hands on something like this for years, but wasn't willing to risk messing up my baby blues.

These are the results of my friends daughter has had...amazing!!!

Right now through January 2nd or while supplies last you can get 2 gifts with your purchase of Lash Boost. You'll receive a mini eye cream, which is the best eye cream ever and this cute cosmetic case.

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a sister, mom, daughter or best friend you will be a sure fire hit if they unwrap this. If you want it for yourself, have your kids tell your husband or leave this up on your computer screen😉

Contact me through the comments or go to my website and order your own.

lrichardson3.myrandf.com

FIVE

I've been wanting to feel warm and cozy all week with the cooler temperatures and my circle cardigan affectionately referred to as a "baby blardigan" makes me feel just that. I paired it with a simple white long sleeve tee, skinny jeans and my Frye riding boots for a simple, while still cute outfit.

 baby blardigan / tee / skinny jeans / boots

I added a long necklace and my Alex and Ani bracelets for a little more personality.

These are all basic pieces that can be used over and over and would make a welcomed addition to your closet. The cardigan and boots would also be perfect items to request for Christmas when your husband asks what you want. 😉

SIX

In case you missed it earlier this week I participated in another link up with Shelly from The Queen in Between and Katy from The Queen of the Kings where we talked about our favorite holiday movies. There was a lot of agreement on quite a few, but there were also new ones discussed. If you're family is looking for some new movies to watch during the upcoming holiday season be sure to check out my post on our favorites.

Click HERE

Okay friends, we've got 3 weekends until Christmas so let's get some things done and mark them off our lists. What are hoping to accomplish this weekend? Next weekend we have our first Christmas function to attend, but I bet a lot of you may be starting your celebrating this weekend.

Whatever you're up to...Enjoy!!!

Lisa

XOXO

There are some many good blogs out there and a lot of them have link ups on Friday. Stop by and check some of them out. Who knows what fun things you'll find.

High Five for FRIDAY / Five on Friday / Friday Favorites / oh hey FRIDAY

MEET @ THE BARRE

 Life in Leggings

A Family Favorite

Cheesecake! 

We love cheesecake! Frequently if we have a celebration or special occasion we will hit the Cheesecake Factory and everyone is happy. We all have our favorites. Katie likes the Adams, it has peanut butter and chocolate. Benny likes Oreo and Kent and I like Godiva. Here's another cheesecake that everyone loves.

 This cheesecake has been a favorite in our house for at least 10 years.

I started  making it one year for Valentine's Day. We would always have a special Valentine's dinner with just the four of us and it always ended with a special dessert. For quite a few years, this was the expected and desired dessert. I had shared with several of my friends our love for this cheesecake and as a result it became their families Valentine dessert too.

When I was trying to decide what to make for Kent's birthday a few months ago I remembered this and decided to resurrect it. It did not disappoint and was just as delicious as we both remembered.

It's actually a really easy dessert to make and might be just what you are looking for as you are preparing for upcoming holiday gatherings.

Here's what you'll need to gather.

1 1/2 cup Oreo Cookie Crumbs

1/4 cup butter melted

3 - 8 oz. packages of cream cheese (I ALWAYS substitute 1/3 less fat Neufchatel cheese)

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream (again, I always use light)

2 1/2  cups Semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips 

1/2 cup whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees for a silver springform pan. (if using a dark, nonstick springform, reduce temperature to 325 degrees)

Spray sides of springform with baking spray and line bottom with parchment paper.

Place Oreos in food processor and crush into crumbs. Melt butter in microwave.

Combine and mix thoroughly.

Press into bottom of springform pan.

oops...no picture...sorry

Place cream cheese in mixer and beat until smooth.

Add sugar and mix until well blended.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each one.

Stir in the sour cream and then 2 cups of chocolate chunks or chips. This particular time I decided to try Bittersweet Chocolate and it was equally as good, so use whatever you have or your families favorite.

Pour cream cheese mixture over crust and place in oven. Bake 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edge to keep cake from sticking and cracking as it cools.  Cool completely.

Once cooled you're ready to make your ganache.

Bring cream to a simmer on low heat or put in the microwave, but don't boil. Remove from heat, add 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and let stand for 5 minutes.

Stir until chocolate is melted and glossy. (Resist the urge to eat it by the spoonful) Let cool and begin to slightly set up.

Pour over cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

Remove from pan and serve.

Happy whatever you are celebrating. Even if it's not a special occasion you might want to give this a try. It would be perfect for Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.

Hope you love it!

Lisa

XOXO

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake

1 1/2 cup Oreo Cookie Crumbs

1/4 cup butter melted

3 - 8 oz. packages of cream cheese (I ALWAYS substitute 1/3 less fat Neufchatel cheese)

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup sour cream (again, I always use light)

2 1/2  cups Semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips 

1/2 cup whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees for a silver springform pan. (if using a dark, nonstick springform, reduce temperature to 325 degrees)

Spray sides of springform with baking spray and line bottom with parchment paper.

Place Oreos in food processor and crush into crumbs. Melt butter in microwave.

Combine and mix thoroughly, then press into bottom of springform pan.

Place cream cheese in mixer and beat until smooth.

Add sugar and mix until well blended.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended after each one.

Stir in the sour cream and then 2 cups of chocolate chunks or chips. 

Pour cream cheese mixture over crust and place in oven.
Bake 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from oven and run a knife around the edge to keep cake from sticking and cracking as it cools.
Cool completely.

For the ganache:

Bring cream to a simmer on low heat or put in the microwave, but don't boil. Remove from heat, add 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and let stand for 5 minutes.

Stir until chocolate is melted and glossy. 

 Let cool and begin to slightly set up.

Pour over cooled cheesecake and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

Remove from pan and serve.

Clean knife between cuts and/or run under hot water they dry to make knife slightly warm for cutting.

This is a wonderful special occasion dessert or even just because. If you are a cheesecake fan this recipe is for you.

Lisa

XOXO

❤️

Linking up with A Gal Named Al