Scarf Exchange 2016

Friday evening I hosted my annual scarf exchange with some of my friends locally.

We all met at a crowd favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner around 6pm.

Of course I took a #OOTN pic before heading out!

Love that the weather was nice enough to wear my open toed booties still!

I paired them with my new moto jeggings, black sweater and a light leather jacket.

Don't mind the messy bed and junk all around me! #reallife

After enjoying dinner and adult beverages it was onto the exchange!

We drew numbers and I some how ended up with the last pick!

I thought for sure with nine of us someone would decide to steal, but no one did!

Since I was the last to go I stuck with the surprise element of things and decided not to steal either :)

We all loved our scarves!

It turns out that most of us shopped locally at some super cute boutiques :)

We had a good mix of infinity, oblong, and blanket scarves this year.

After wards, most of the group headed over to The Blueberry Patch for a drink.

If you are any where in the area, you must stop by and try their blueberry cake donuts!

And a glass of the Apple Cider wine with the brown sugar rim!

So good!

There was a group of ladies in there all dressed up for Halloween.

They were dancing and having a great time!

We even saw Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton get down together! lol!

And before we left, Donald even asked for a picture will all of us ;)

I always have a great time with these ladies, and Friday was no exception :)

Scarf Exchange | Blogger Edition

Hello Friends!

Today is reveal day for my blogger scarf exchange :)

First, I would like to thank the lovely ladies who participated in this fun event and for dealing with all my emails! lol!

I can't wait to see what scarves you all received!

Now let's get to my reveal!

Shelly @ The Queen In Between sent me this beauty!

The colors and style are perfect for Fall!

And it is called the Southwestern scarf!

Seems kind of perfect coming from one of my very favorite Texas ladies!

I actually was thinking about ordering this one, so I am so excited that Shelly sent it to me :)

When I got it in the mail I immediately tried it on despite having a purple sweater on.

Love it!

I did change into this burnt orange shirt I just picked up on sale from Old Navy.

(sorry I couldn't find it online)

Love it!

I will be wearing this a lot!
It is the right amount of big mixed with a lighter weight fabric so it doesn't choke you.

Perfect in my book!

Now go check out Katy @ The Queen of the Kings to see what scarf I sent to her!

And to see what the other ladies in the exchange received just click on the links below :)

Katie @ The Mishaps & Mayhem of a Solitary Life

Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side

Rachel @ MakeupLovingMama

Holly @ While I'm Waiting...

Deena @ Shoes to Shiraz

Penny @ Penny's Passion

Annual Scarf Exchange

Hey! I am back!

Did you miss me? ;)

After coming home from my annual scarf exchange on Friday evening I came down with some sort of sickness that took my voice and energy for the rest of the weekend!

I am still fighting some slight yuckiness, but much better than I was!

My guys came down with something similar as well, so we didn't do anything this past weekend.

Well, other than sleep, snuggle, and take medicine.

Thankfully, all three of us are on the mend and looking forward to getting through the week.

So the only I did do this weekend before getting sick was host my annual scarf exchange :)

This year was a bit different than the last couple (1st and 2nd)

The two previous exchanges I headed north and got together with some of my high school friends.

Unfortunately, they aren't scarf girls :(

#ididntknowtherewassuchathing

Anyway, I mentioned the idea to some of my local friends and they loved it!

So begins a "new" annual scarf exchange!

They are even talking about having a ornament exchange for Christmas, and other ideas throughout the year :)

So heading into Friday night I hadn't picked out the scarf I wanted to put into the exchange yet.

See I loved them all.

Originally, I purchased one during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and thought it was the one.

Well, then I realized my scarf selection was missing a black and white option.

So I kept it. And wore it.

Then I hit up Target and gave into my weakness for all things plaid!

I mean, this is perfect for an exchange!

Who doesn't love plaid?

And the white plaid goes with so much!

In fact, it goes with so many things that I have ;)

Hmm, maybe I can keep it and just find another scarf somewhere else :)

My final stop was a local boutique that I had never made the time to check out.

Posh is super cute and carries so many things and brands I already love!

I might have found my new clothing spot :)

I went in looking for a blanket scarf, because everyone needs at least one. lol!

I found this beautiful navy, green, and red one that just screamed "wear me"!

I immediately thought of Christmas outfits that could be worn with this scarf.

Ugh! There I was again ready to purchase another scarf for myself instead of the exchange!

Forever 21 - similar

So I kept looking in the store and I found this one (similar)!

Oh my is it amazing!

For you ladies out there that have the fringe scarf from Nordstrom from a couple years ago (see below or similar),

it is like that only cuter and easier to style!

I mean literally just put it over your head and your done!

The fringe, the buttons, the mix of beige and cream!

Heaven!

Man I wanted it for myself!

I couldn't buy two of them.

I mean, I see these girls enough that we could easily wear this scarf at the same time.

So which one did I decide to gift in the exchange?

Keep reading or scrolling to find out!

From my experience I like to wear something neutral to the exchange so that whatever scarf I go home with matches my outfit :)

Skinny jeans, gray tee, some black booties, and my leather jacket.

100% Vanessa outfit!

Rancho Fiesta (a local favorite) was our spot for some dinner, but were greeted with a 45 minute wait :(

That just meant order a drink while you wait for your table ;)

Strawberry Daiquiri for me please!

And yes, I realize I am not in the above pic.

That is usually how the evening goes for me. lol!

Kelli was first up and received this super cute scarf!

I can't lie, kind of wanted to steal it!

It gave me a bit of a camo vibe with the colors.

Alison was next with this stripe and Aztec print mix scarf.

And then Bobbi Jo picked my bag!

After going back and forth I went with the navy plaid blanket scarf.

I just love the double pattern on it!
I sure hope she does too!

Jody thought about stealing the plaid scarf for a moment, but then opened up this Aztec print infinity scarf that is so her!

Last was me!

That is just how the numbers fell honestly.

I picked the last bag standing and it had this gorgeous paisley/tie dyed scarf.
Don't mind the horrible lighting and my awkwardness :/

We all had a great time!

On the way home a few of us drove by a local winery and figured "why not" stop in for a drink and some dessert!

Pretty much anytime there is live music I am guaranteed to have a good time :)

Again, no pic of me but my wine glass is there reprensentin' ;)

We all enjoyed the apple cider wine with brown sugar on the rim of the glass.

So good!

So was this double double chocolate cake!

I ate about half and brought the rest home to Mic.

It was a fun evening with friends and I am already looking forward to our next get together :)

Do you host or attend a scarf exchange?
Anyone interested in a blogger ornament exchange? ;)

Linking up today with the following blogs:
Tucker Up
Cappuccino and Fashion
The Pleated Poppy

Scarf Exchange | WIWW

If you are new around these parts you may not realize I have a slight obsession with scarves.

I mean I went from having a few that I wear when it is cold out, to having at least a dozen that are just to wear.

I now have Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter scarves!

And I love it!!!

For the last two years I have hosted a scarf exchange (1st and 2nd) with some high school friends and really enjoyed bringing scarves into their lives.

I know, I am weird.

Well, a wonderful friend of mine thought it would be fun to do a blogger scarf exchange and I was totally on board!

Deena @ Shoes to Shiraz did an amazing job getting everyone signed up, partnered up, etc.
Make sure you check out Deena's blog to link up your post today!

Speaking of Deena, she was my secret sender!

It is funny to think that someone I have never met knows me so well, but she does!

She sent me this warm, colorful, super soft scarf for the exchange :)

I was sick all last week and this baby was wrapped around my neck every time I stepped outside of the house.

Not only did it keep me warm, but it made me look good when I was so not feeling good!

Thank you so much D!

Pop on over to see what scarf I sent to Tiffany @ Jersey Love!

Yesterday was my birthday :)

I turned 36 years old.

I have made a promise to myself to get back to myself this year!

So my theme for year 36 is "Take care of Me!".

Since we are all still sick in my house the day was pretty uneventful.

I hung out with X, took a solo trip to Target in the evening, and enjoyed a glass of wine all by myself after the boys were fast asleep :)

Oh, and I did rocked one of my new favorite sweaters yesterday :)

Yes, I just turned 36 and am rockin' a Mickey Mouse sweater!

And I love it!

I picked this bad boy up at Burlington a few weeks ago for $11!

It is thin, comfy, and has my absolute favorite mouse on it!

Perfect for my birthday outfit!

Making my outfit complete, I threw on my Hunter boots, some holiday socks (from Target $1 Spot), and my very favorite Vigoss jeans (similar on sale).

Linking up with Sarah @ Tucker Up, Alison @ Get Your Pretty On, and Shanna @ Because Shanna Said So.

S'mores Party|Deal|Biggest Fear

I have been telling Mic for years that I wanted to host a S'mores Party in the Fall.

And every year we run out of time, are too busy, or the weather in Ohio goes straight from Summer to Winter in a week!

But not this year!

Yes, we have been super busy every weekend (and will continue to be).

Yes, we were literally scrambling around to the final minute to get the food made, drinks prepped, etc.

And yes, the weather on Saturday evening was much more Winter than Fall (think spitting snow and temps were about 35-40*).

But we didn't let any of that stop us!

My first time using/writing on the chalkboard. Next time I will trace! lol!

We provided some seasonal beer and hard cider, pop, water, hot chocolate, etc.

Mic came up with a specialty S'mores cocktail too!

It was yummy :)

I had laid out all the necessities for campfire S'mores as well as having my go-to Pretzel S'mores Cookie Bars, and a crock pot of S'mores Dessert Cake.

I added a couple apps (Spinach & Artichoke Dip and Brown Sugar Smoked Sausage) to what everyone else brought and we had more than enough food to fill us up and keep us warm!

Side note: That smoked sausage appetizer is seriously one of the easiest recipes I have ever made! Everyone loved it too!

The kiddos seemed to have a great time too making S'mores, coloring pictures, and drawing on mini pumpkins.

X made a new friend too :)

KD walked in and saw that X was wearing his TMNT shirt (probably for the third time this week) and immediately took off his jacket and flannel to reveal his TMNT shirt.

They were meant to be friends :)
They even had fun blowing out candles together. lol!

When it came time to go X was not happy. He was actually so sad for KD to leave he was crying :(

I promised him a play date soon to cheer him up!

I decided to add the scarf exchange to the group as well for an extra something for the ladies.

There were only 4 of us that remembered, but it was still fun to exchange new scarves :)

light blue-similar/teal-similar/gray-exact/plaid-similar

I can't wait to do it again next year and have the scarf exchange and S'mores party grow!

I am already thinking the first of October to (fingers crossed) have warmer weather.

All in all it was a great time!

We had good food, conversation, and company.

What more could you ask for?!

Do you host or attend an annual Fall or Harvest Party?

Have you tried any new S'mores recipes?

To see all the S'mores recipes I have pinned on Pinterest click here.

Hey Ohio readers!

Check out this fun and super safe option for trick-or-treat with your kiddos this Halloween.

Click on the image to find out more about the show and to purchase your tickets today.
All kiddos 10 and under are FREE!
And don't forget to use coupon code OHIOWEEN for 10% off!


And last on the docket today is

Taylor/Helene

The topic today is My Biggest Fear.

Oh goodness I have a lot of fears!
Seriously, I am a scaredy cat!
I can't watch a commercial for a horror/scary movie of any kind without freaking out! I will honest to God have nightmares if I watch anything scary! Even if it flashes on the TV screen for a whole 30 seconds! I have always been this way. I blame my parents for never allowing me to watch scary movies as a kid.

Side note: My little brother is the King of horror flicks.
He seriously owns most of them on DVD and has watched every last gruesome, bloody one that has been created!
How are we related? I don't know!

Anyways (Hey Helene! lol!), my fear of all things scary carries over into being home alone or just by myself in general.
If I am home by myself (which is a complete rarity since X came along) I will be scared to go downstairs if it is dark outside.
Unlike most people who proceed to turn all the lights on...I turn them all off! I don't want anyone from the outside seeing me!
I close all the blinds just to the point I can still see outside and make sure all the outside lights are on.
I then crawl, yes I said crawl, all over my house to the bathroom, kitchen, etc. before running as fast as I possibly can up the stairs and back to my bedroom.
Serious chicken sh*t here!

Heights creep me out too, but only if I can see the ground.
Like when you are standing on the open stairs and you can see through to the ground 50 feet below you.
Or when you are walking out on a pier over the ocean and you can see the water through the slates.
My knees go weak!

But my absolute biggest fear would have to be being alone.
Don't get me wrong a few hours by myself won't kill me, but longer than that I just don't like it.
I can't be home alone at night.
I can't go out to eat by myself.
And I can't imagine living my life without any friends or family.
Being alone would be the worst!

The only exception I have to that fear is shopping.
I am SO not a girl's girl!
Yes, I like my hair and makeup done from time to time.
And a mani and pedi once a year doesn't bother me either.
However, shopping is best done by myself or at least with someone who shops like me.
I am the kind of person who likes to get in and out.
Look for what I need, get it, and go.
I don't browse. I am horrible at looking at sales or clearance racks.
I could walk around a mall all day with friends, but please don't make me stay in the same store for hours. I will go crazy!

With that said, who wants to go Christmas shopping with me? ;)

What are some of your biggest fears?