A Blonde's Moment

After Christmas Sales

December 26, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Just a quick post to share with you some of the best after Christmas sales. It’s the perfect time to use those gift cards or to stock up on winter favorites while the prices are low!

Anthropologie: extra 40% off sale items with code TAGTIME

Banana Republic: extra 50% off sale

BaubleBar: top styles up to 60% off

Gap: up to 50% off

J.Crew: up to 50% off sale styles with code SHOPSALE

Macy’s: After Christmas One Day Sale

Nordstrom: Half Yearly Sale for men, women & kids now through January 2nd!

Old Navy: up to 75% off

Thanks for stopping by and happy shopping! See you back here tomorrow for an all new recipe to kick off your New Year’s celebration!

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Merry Christmas

December 22, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

2016 personalized christmas cards tiny prints

Can you believe that Christmas is only two days away! Today, I wanted to share our Christmas cards with you! Each year, I love picking out our outfits and making the cards. My two counterparts are a little less enthused 🙂

A Sparkly NYE & Shipping Deadlines

December 21, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight |

nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen | fourteen | fifteen | sixteen

Since I wrapped up the gift guides last week with the best 50 gifts under $50, I thought it was time to jump into some inspiration for NYE. I will be sharing a more casual look next week, but this week’s inspiration is all about the glitz and sparkle.

Sparkle, sparkle and more sparkle. New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to break out the sequins and glitz. And whether it’s dressing the part for a night out or accessorizing for a NYE at home, there is something for everyone :

There is no better place to start than with THIS skirt. I can never pass up the chance to wear a midi length skirt or dress and this silver one is too festive for words! I also love these fun skirts for the holiday season: THIS black tulle skirt that’s under $25, THIS pretty pink sequin skirt {!!!} and THIS olive midi lace skirt.

As for sparkly accessories, I love THIS abstract lace clutch {priced under $60} and THIS playful and festive bubbly watch. Not as sparkly but just as fabulous, THIS faux fur collar dresses up a look instantly, and it’s on sale!

For those that are staying in for the final party of 2016, festive decor is a must! I love THIS crystal wine stopper, THIS winter spruce candle and THIS embroidered dot pillow.

Do you have any fun plans for NYE? I would love to hear what you are planning in the comments section below!

For the last minute shoppers, here are some shipping deadlines to keep in mind:

Banana Republic: Order by 12/22 before 3 pm EST with one-day shipping.

J.Crew: Overnight shipping orders placed by Thursday, 12/22 at 12pm EST – flat rate shipping of $10

Mark and Graham: Today, 12/21 at 11:59pm PST with standard shipping for delivery by 12/24. Also today, 12/21, rush monogram cut-off at 7pm PST for delivery by 12/23.

Nordstrom: Today, 12/21, is the last day for two-business-day shipping on gift card & merchandise (order by 12 pm EST). Tomorrow, 12/22, last day for free standard shipping on gift cards & qualifying merchandise (order by 12pm EST).
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Thanks for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow.

P.S. In case you missed yesterday’s Christmas Eve outfit post, you can see that HERE.

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Christmas Eve Dress

December 20, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas holiday is dressing up for Christmas Eve. For as long as I can remember, it has been a tradition to dress up for church and then come back home to a Christmas party hosted by my parents. I look forward to finding a festive outfit each year and when I saw this dress, I knew it would be perfect for the occasion.

Dress: Donna Morgan | Pumps: old {similar HERE} | Earrings: Panacea | Clutch: old, love THIS with the oversized bow! | Bracelet: Elizabeth Cole, no longer available {love THIS personalized style} | Ring: David Yurman | Sunglasses: Prada | Lipstick: #10

I started my search for a dress back in the beginning of November, giving myself plenty of time. I had an idea of what I wanted {and would you believe this was exactly what I pictured!} but I couldn’t find it anywhere. I was searching every possible site I could think of, then Modcloth {unfortunately, it’s sold out here, but I did find it available in purple HERE} came to mind. I had ordered a dress from there a few years ago and it was WAY too short. Since then, I really haven’t looked at their site much. But I figured it was worth a try since I was running out of stores. I clicked on the holiday section and one of the first results that appeared was this gorgeous burgundy dress. I instantly fell in love with the fit and flare silhouette and the lace floral overlay. And the illusion neckline and sheer panels on the sleeves just added to the many gorgeous details of this dress. And with it’s midi length, I figured I was pretty safe in ordering it 🙂

As for size, I ordered my normal size and it fit well — I could have probably gone down a size and been alright since it was a little big around the waist. Although, it did fit well across my shoulders. I accessorized with black heels, clutch and fun tassel earrings. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited about this year’s Christmas Eve outfit and I can’t wait to wear it again on Saturday. Do you have a favorite holiday tradition?

And speaking of excitement, I am thrilled to be the Layers & Lipstick Link Up Co-Host today! Be sure to stop by to check out some fabulous holiday looks!

Thanks for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow for an all new Wednesday Wishes!

An InLinkz Link-up

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Christmas Gingerbread Cake with Sugared Cranberries

December 19, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

gingerbread-cake-sugared-cranberries-recipe

Happy Monday, friends! Switching things up this week and bringing you a delicious {and ridiculously easy!} dessert recipe that’s just in time for Christmas! I will be back tomorrow with an all new outfit post, so be sure to check back, but until then, let’s talk about this cake!

Can you even believe this cake started as two cake mixes?! I have been wanting to make a gingerbread cake since last Christmas, but just never had enough time to get around to it. I was determined to find a way this year — and with the craziness of the holiday season, the only way it was going to happen was with a mix. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of cake mixes, but I have to say this one turned out fabulously! And with simple decorations, this cake is almost too pretty to eat. Almost 🙂

I began by garnishing the entire cake with powdered sugar to give it the fresh snow effect. After trying my hand at sugared cranberries {something else I was dying to try!} I filled the center with the glistening fruit and garnished the sides with rosemary sprigs. Super simple and this is one recipe that’s sure to impress your guests! Check out the recipe for assembling the cake and how to make the sugared cranberries below. The sugared cranberries make for a gorgeous topping on any of your holiday baked goods!

Gingerbread Cake with Sugared Cranberries

{what you will need}

2 gingerbread cake mixes {plus ingredients on box} I used THIS mix

Powdered sugar

1 small bag of fresh cranberries

2 cups sugar

Rosemary sprigs, for decoration

{directions}

Follow the directions on the back of the cake mix box. I used THIS pan, but you could also use a round or square pan too. Allow to cool before transferring to serving dish for decorating. Place wax paper around the bottom of the cake so that the powdered sugar doesn’t get on the dish. Using a sifter, sprinkle the powdered sugar over the cake evenly. Garnish with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs.

For the sugared cranberries: Rinse cranberries. In a medium saucepan, heat 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the cranberries until well coated. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack; allow to dry 1 hour. Roll the cranberries in remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar until well coated. Dry 1 hour before decorating cake.

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Thanks for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow for a special Christmas Eve outfit post!

Holiday Office Outfit

December 15, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Continuing the holiday outfit theme today and talking about outfit ideas for an office Christmas party. A little different than a Christmas party at your home, but just because it’s in the workplace doesn’t mean you can’t dress festive!

Coat: J.Crew Factory | Plaid Shirt: J.Crew | Midi Skirt: J.Crew {mini version HERE} | Bag: Modalu {leather version HERE} | Ring: David Yurman | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Pumps: old {similar HERE} | Lipstick: #09

Each year, my office celebrates Christmas with a lunch out and I always like to wear something festive. Last year, it was insanely cold, so I opted for a big down coat and red lipstick. That’s as festive as it was going to get in that weather! This year, we aren’t able to celebrate until after Christmas with so many people on vacation, but I wanted to share outfit ideas for those of you who are looking for a more conservative, work-friendly holiday look.

Nothing is more festive than THIS plaid button-up shirt, not to mention it’s fun but professional at the same time. I paired the shirt with my favorite midi faux leather pleated skirt from a few years ago {it is still available online, but sizing is limited — there is also a mini version!}Naturally, I couldn’t resist wearing THIS red coat with the faux fur hood. I wasn’t kidding when I said I have been wearing it all.the.time. It a necessary accessory with our latest burst of cold air.

A little backstory about these pictures. Last Sunday, we went into DC super early to get two sets of pictures done before too many tourists started sightseeing. We took these pictures in front of the U.S. Capitol and Christmas Tree! Just as we started taking the pictures, my husband said a strange warning came up on the camera, something about the card being damaged!!! Needless to say, I freaked out. I didn’t have another card with me and we are about 45 minutes {on a good day, with no traffic} from the city and their was no chance of us coming back. I took the battery out but the card was stuck. We were able to finish taking a few pictures and decided I would worry about the stuck card when we got home. Well, let me tell you, it’s really stuck. Of course I lost the USB cord to connect the camera to my computer {I probably threw it away when I did the massive cleaning of my office} but we found one on Amazon Prime and had it shipped off. Thankfully it arrived Monday evening and worked, but the card is still stuck! It looks like I’m going to have to take it to a camera technician this weekend, but what timing with Christmas next week! It has been a stressful few weeks and this camera debacle was the icing on the cake. I cannot tell you how excited I am for a day off next week. Anyone else with me?!

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50 Gifts Under $50

December 14, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

With the one week mark until Christmas only a few days away, I’m sharing a round-up of my top 50 gifts under $50!

Whether you are looking for stocking stuffers, a gift for your mom or even a friend, this list will have you covered. And with a variety of prices ranges, the gifting options are truly endless! To highlight a few gifts in each color category:

You can never go wrong with red this time of the year, but don’t think it’s limited to December! This bright hue is the perfect cure for a gloomy, winter day and Valentine’s Day will be just around the corner. THIS crewneck sweater, priced below $20, can easily be worn dressed up for work with black skinny pants or dressed down with jeans. Doesn’t it look cozy too? Speaking of cozy, I’ve been all about the beanies and other winter hair accessories lately and THIS beanie {also available in a variety of colors} and THIS headband will keep you warm when the snow starts to fall {or that has already been falling depending on where you live!}

When it comes to hot pink, there are three beauty accessories that have had me intrigued for the past few months: THIS makeup brush cleaning mat, THIS facial cleansing device and THIS makeup eraser. I think I have mentioned this brush cleaning mat before, but it seems like a really practical gift. With different textures to clean your makeup brushes, this mat sticks in your sink for a simple and easy way to clean your brushes. And it’s only $25! As much as I love my Clarisonic, I’ve had my eye on THIS cleansing device. The Clarisonic can be a little large to travel with and it seems like THIS device is similar in function, but much smaller in size. Lastly, THIS makeup eraser removes your makeup with just water. And that includes waterproof mascara!

Moving onto blush. There are so many pretty, girly pieces in this group, but two of my favorite are THESE statement earrings and THIS oversized scarf. The scarf is super soft, cozy and also available in several colors.

Last, but not least, gold. I recently reorganized and redecorated my office and along with pink {obviously!} I added a lot of gold accessories. THIS agenda is a planner’s dream and THIS gold stripe tumbler is perfect for taking your coffee on the road.

How is all your shopping coming? It’s crazy to me that Christmas is just over a week away! Thanks for stopping by and see you back here tomorrow for another holiday outfit post!

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Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

December 13, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

Hot Chocolate season is here! The temperatures really dropped this past weekend and each year at this time, I instantly start craving warm and comforting foods. I’m not a huge traditional hot chocolate fan, but I thought I would add a spin to the classic recipe to make it a little more appealing, at least to me. This simple recipe really elevates your average hot chocolate. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s in a cute mug 🙂

To be honest, I have never really cared for hot chocolate. Even as a kid growing up, it was never something I really loved. But, I have always wanted to like it, especially on a cold day when I don’t really need anymore coffee! I thought, there has to be a way to put a twist on hot chocolate that would make it tolerable for me and give all the hot chocolate lovers and fun spin to try this holiday season.

I was bouncing ideas for this new version of hot chocolate with my mom when I remember seeing promotional material for the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at Starbucks. I thought this would be an easy recipe to recreate that is not only a little healthier, but much more friendly on the wallet!

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

{what you will need}

2 packets Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate

1 1/2 cups milk

Whipped cream or Cool Whip

Caramel sauce

Crystal salt, for topping if desired

{directions}

Follow the directions on the back of the package for regular hot chocolate. I used 2 packets for my mug. Top hot chocolate with whipped cream or Cool Whip, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of crystal salt, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Thanks for stopping by and see you back here tomorrow!

Christmas PJs & Wrapping Presents with Ella

December 12, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

If you caught Thursday’s post, it was all about the Christmas shopping. But once you buy those gifts, the wrapping must commence. As much as I love seeing all the presents wrapped and accessorized with festive ribbons and tags, getting to that point is a lot of work! Here’s a peek into our present wrapping session, Ella was the best assistant!

sweatshirt | pj pants | lipstick {#09} | Ella’s sweater dress | scarf

We had so much fun taking these pictures, Ella was such a good sport. But who are we kidding, she just loves the camera! I found THIS dress at Petsmart a few months ago — I couldn’t resist the red sweater with the black and white check skirt! Originally, I figured she would wear this in our Christmas card pictures {she ultimately did, but you can’t really see the”cuteness” of the dress in those pictures} so I thought she could wear it for a fun Christmas pjs and wrapping gifts post. Honestly, I think she was exhausted by the time we took these pictures — the day before she had her hair cut, pictures with Santa and our Christmas pictures! A busy Saturday for Miss Ella.

I typically can’t resist anything plaid, as evidence by my growing blanket scarf collection. But when I saw these pj bottoms, I new that they would be perfect for the holiday season. I love collecting pajamas, but Christmas themed are a favorite. A few years ago, my cousins and I decided to all dress in matching Christmas pajamas for Christmas morning. It’s such a fun tradition to start with your family and with basic plaid pants, you could either correspond tops or mix and match! I’ve included a few of my favorite Christmas pjs in the tool below, there are so many cute options! Now, if I could just find plaid pjs for Ella 😉

Thanks for dropping by and see you back here tomorrow for an all new holiday recipe!

This post is linked up with: B Loved Boston | Fizz & Frosting | More Pieces of Me | Lipgloss & Crayons | Start the Week Stylish | Still Being Molly | Fashion Frenzy | October Fashion Series | On Trend Tuesdays | Style Me Wednesday | Layers and Lipstick | Cozy for the Holidays
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CHRISTMAS PJs

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Christmas Shopping

December 8, 2016 by Rachel McCarthy

How crazy is it that Christmas is almost two weeks away? I don’t know about you, but it seems like each day is busier and more stressful than the previous. Between keeping up with the regular daily activities, buying and wrapping presents {ok, haven’t wrapped anything yet!} and preparing for our Christmas party this weekend, I’m beat! With the countdown on to purchase those remaining gifts, I’m sharing a cute and comfortable outfit that is shopping approved…caffeine included!

Sweater: BP. via Nordstrom {on sale!} | Scarf: J.Crew Factory | Jeans: J.Crew | Flats: Chinese Laundry {available in several colors & under $60!} | Watch: MICHELE | Bag: Chanel, classic in jumbo {used HERE, similar under $300 HERE} | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban | Nail polish: wildfire {the perfect holiday red!} | Lips: #09

Return of the blanket scarf! You didn’t think I could go all holiday season without sharing a festive blanket scarf, did you?! All kidding aside, I do love blanket scarves and have been searching for a red and green plaid scarf since last Christmas. When I came across THIS one at J.Crew Factory pre-Black Friday {unfortunately, this color combination is sold out, other colors available} I knew that it would be perfect for a weekend full of Christmas shopping. And honestly, this scarf is more like a blanket, it’s HUGE! I had it on the floor in the family room and Ella instantly walked over and sat on it, thinking it was her blanket! Obviously, it’s Ella-approved 🙂

A few other must-haves: I have THIS sweater in the taupe color as well and it’s one of my favorites from this season. With a crewneck and oversized fit, it’s super cozy for the colder temperatures. And it’s currently on sale…$23 to be precise!! The perfect winter staple sweater in my book. Lastly, THIS red nail polish is my very favorite for this time of the year. I wore it all of December last year and it’s looking to be a repeat this year. It’s a weekly polish and so far, it’s held up pretty well. I painted my nails last Friday and they still look good. And it really is the perfect holiday red — I’m obsessed!

Any fun weekend plans? As I mentioned earlier, we are having our Christmas party Saturday evening so I have a lot of cleaning, cooking and baking ahead of me the next two days! It’s mostly drinks and hor d’oeuvres, but I have some delicious recipes I’m planning to make. I may share a few on the blog in the next week or so if anyone is interested!

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend, friends!

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