Booting Season

It was 53 degrees in Chicago this morning, can we say brrrr?  I've been holding onto to summer for a little longer than I should, unwilling to give up hope.  Today was a huge reality shock and made me realize it’s time to welcome and accept fall.  Honestly, I adore fall, I love the foliage and the cool crisp air, apple picking, scarves, boots and cozy sweaters are my thing.  I can confidently say autumn is my favorite season.  But, this summer just went by too quickly. 

As my official welcome to fall, let’s take a look at some of the boots I've been coveting…

1) Naturalizer Jersey Leather Riding Boot

2) Frye- Melissa Button Boot Wide Calf 

3) Diane Von Furstenberg- Ashton Genuine Shearling Lined Boot

4) Tory Burch- Marlene Leather Riding Boot

5) Tory Burch- Hilary Suede Chukka Bootie 

6) L.L. Bean- Bean Boot

Happy Booting Season All!

XX,

LT 

Crushed Blush? A DIY Fix!

Is there anything more disappointing than realizing that your never-been-used before blush/powder/bronzer has arrived home broken?  Well this happened to me a few months ago when my Korres blush showed up on my doorstep destroyed.   Luckily for me the amazing people at HauteLook refunded me my money and let me keep the blush.  

Since I had this broken blush I decided to give fixing this a shot (obviously thanks to YouTube). Check it out here.


Items Needed:

1. Rubbing Alcohol 
2. Your crushed blush
3. Gallon size freezer bag
4. Rolling pin 
5. Paper plate
6. Teaspoon 

Step 1

Step 2

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 4

Step 6 and 7

Steps:

1. Empty your broken blush (or any powdered make-up) onto the paper plate and place inside gallon size storage bag and seal 
2. Take the rolling pin and crush the blush into a fine powder.
3. Gently remove paper plate and pour powder back into the compact. 
4. Slowly start to add the rubbing alcohol and mix with spoon or coffee stirrer. Make sure you add the rubbing alcohol a little bit at a time until you get a paste like consistency.  
5. Slam your compact down on the counter a couple of times to remove any air bubbles that may have developed.  
6. With the teaspoon, smooth out your blush/powder/bronzer (this will not be perfect but, it's okay).  
7. Leave open and let it dry overnight or for 24 hours.  
8. Ready for use! 

Wasn't that easy?  Next week we'll look into how to fix that $18 lipstick that broke in half.  

Until then, Happy Monday Lovelies! 

XX

LT

Happy National Dog Day!

Here is to my little mischievous maker, my little buddy shadow, my sweet little “monkey”! 

I never realized how complete my life would feel once I adopted Scrappy.  He was the little itty bitty pup at the pound pawing at his kennel door trying to get to me.  We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into bring this mischievous terrier pup into our home, many destroyed remotes and shoes later Scott and I could never imagine life with a different dog. 

So, let’s raise a glass of champagne to all the pups in the world and give them extra treats today and take a moment to think about all the homeless pups in shelters that could use a good home! 

Just look at this face! 

High Five for Friday!

Happy Friday All!  It's been one of those weeks and I'm so happy we're at the end of it!  Sadly, I have to make an appearance in the office tomorrow morning, it's only for a few hours so it's okay.  

Here's the highlight of my week: 

1) I took my very first CorePower Sculpt Yoga class with one of my favorite friends on Wednesday, it kicked my behind and I'm still incredibly sore, like can't laugh or sit sore.  

2) Today marks 3 months until "I DO"!!!  It's crazy how time flies. 

3) This little guy has been so snuggley in the mornings before work.  Terriers are naturally not cuddle bugs, so I take it every chance I get.  

4)  Okay, my Lilly Pulitzer After the Party Sale purchases .... enough said?  

5) WE GOT OUR WEDDING INVITATIONS IN!!  My dear friend Julia of JYB Jewels (Check out her blog here, she has great tips on how to protect your jewelry from the summer sun and how to style those pearls) designed our invitations for us and had them printed!  I couldn't be happier about them and cannot wait for all my friends and family to see them.  They're so so perfect!  Things are really starting to feel real!  

Chin Chin to the end of another work week!  

XX-

LT 

30 to 30

I don’t have too many readers of my blogs, let alone really any followers.  So, I’m always skeptical about writing posts like this.  I’ve been having a major “what am I doing with my life” moment.  I don’t want to come off as a complainer or unfocused, but as I see so many successful entrepreneurs, I’m starting to wonder, what am I doing wrong, why haven’t I been able to find my niche?  I’m hopeful that I’m not the only one that has these mini life crises.  Thoughts of, I’m in the wrong industry, I wish I loved my job, maybe I should get my MBA, maybe I should look into purchasing a sewing machine, maybe I should open an etsy store,  maybe I should just be more focused...  I just want to be real here with you all and look for some solidarity… surely someone must feel this way, sometimes.

With 30 not too far away, 16 months to be exact.  I would love to set some goals to achieve by the time I’m 30.  We’ll call it 30 to 30. 

Guidelines for Goal Setting:

• Goals shall range from a variety of personal goals to professional development goals
• Goals shall be evaluated monthly with full status updates
• Goals shall not be dismissed or eliminated, but simply revised
• As goals are completed, new goals may be added

Goals:

• Attend work-out classes at least 3 times per workweek and at least one weekend day; total of 4 classes per calendar week for a minimum of 3 three consecutive months
• Brown Bag lunches to work at least 4 times per workweek
• Cook dinner at least 5 times per calendar week
• Manage finances more closely to eliminate any lingering credit card debt
• Make an offer on a condo
• Purchase a Sewing machine
• Learn to sew
• Open an etsy shop
• Learn to cook traditional Chinese and Vietnamese recipes
• Obtain any needed licenses for a small business
• Learn to ballroom dance
• Attend 2 Chicago Junior League events
• Learn Calligraphy
• Wake-up at 5am M-F for two weeks straight
• Go to bed at 10pm M-F for two weeks straight
• Write 4 blog posts per week
• Purchase a good DSLR camera and learn to use it
• Read a minimum of 5 books per month for one year; two of which must be business related books
• Reread the American classic books by authors like Ernest Hemmingway
• Attend a fashion show
• Spend the day at the Field Museum
• Spend the day at the Art Institute
• Visit the History Museum   
• Study for the GMATs and take the GMATs
• Give up all soft drinks
• Visit Washington, D.C
• Take a wine tasting class
• Take a painting class
• Get monthly facials
• Take 15 minutes to myself daily, without any interruptions from technology.  

What are some goals you've set for yourself?  Leave them in the comments below! 

Remember to follow along on twitter and bloglovin

XX,

LT

Styling my New Lilly Purchase

Like many of you, I swooned over the Lilly Pulitzer #AfterPartySale this Monday.   I've started mentally styling outfits for dinners Scott and I will have during Honeymoon.   My first dream outfit is below.  What do you think?

Styling my New Lilly Purchase by laceandgraceblog featuring a kate spade bangle

Who else made some Lilly Purchases this week?

XX,

LT

How To: Gracefully Pen Thank You Letters

I took the week after my shower to pen thank you letters to all my gracious guests and hostess.    As I began writing and reading each card to Scott he made a comment on how I really have a knack for this.  I, naturally, thought he was just being a sweet doting Fiancé but as I continued I realized how easy this was for me.  To be honest, I've also been writing thank you cards my entire life, so I've had a little bit of practice.  I also understand that this can be a pretty daunting process, so I’m hoping you’ll find this post helpful.

Examples of eloquent Thank You Cards

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Guest Attended

Dear Aunt Kathy,

It was so lovely being able to spend time with you at my shower, thank you for coming and celebrating my upcoming wedding.  I absolutely adore the Lenox dining sets you gave me, Scott and I cannot wait to start hosting dinner parties and your gift will come in very handy.  You and Uncle Michael must attend some of these dinners.  Thank you again for your gracious gift, Scott and I look forward to seeing you at the wedding! 

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Guest Did Not Attended

Dear Aunt Linda, 

I was so sorry to hear that you couldn't make the bridal shower.  I had such a lovely time, my bridesmaids really went above and beyond to make the day special for me.  You would have really enjoyed some of the games we played.  I want to thank you thinking of Scott and me and sending the lovely Kate Spade wine glasses.  We cannot wait to have a relaxing evening where we can lounge around and have a glass of wine. Thank you again for your generosity, we look forward to seeing you at the wedding. 

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Many Pieces 

Dear Michelle,

Thank you so much for thinking of me and sending so much love my way.  I am incredibly grateful for all the new thoughtful additions to our home you included in your gift.  I've already given the garlic press a good workout.  With all these new toys and gadgets, I've actually been looking forward to staying home and cooking a nice meal.  Thank you again for your generosity, we cannot wait to see you at the wedding.

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Money

Dear Aunt Betty,

Thank you so much for coming to my bridal shower, it wouldn't have been the same without you.  Also, thank you for your generous gift, Scott and I are saving for a new home and thanks to you we are that much closer to buying the home of our dreams.  Again, thank you for thinking of us and celebrating such a special day with me.  We look forward to seeing you at the wedding.

Thank-You for a Bridal Shower Gift | Gift Cards

Dear Megan,

I was so happy to see at my bridal shower, it was such a beautiful surprise.  Thank you for your very thoughtful and generous gift.  Scott and I just moved into a new apartment and we will be using your gift to purchase some new picture frames for our engagement photos.  Thank you again for thinking of us and sharing this beautiful day with me.  We look forward to seeing you at the wedding.

Let me know that you all think?  Do you find these helpful? Would you like to see more options?

XX,

LT