Fav Stores : T & N

My all time favorite store is NORDIES!! I get kind of obsessive too…. 

My other fav more reasonable store is Target. They always have such cute things in all sections of the store. I ALWAYS walk out with more then I anticipated. -- I just can't help myself -- They suck you in!! (you know the feeling… go in for one thing and come out with twenty!)

{TARGET}

jacket

{NORDSTROM}

scarf by Michael Stars (no longer available) (similar & here)

top (similar)

jeans

 booties 

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xo,

CLL

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Chambray & Prints

Such a long time since my last blog post. The last month has been extremely busy leaving me no spare time! ---- For me I find posting to be calming -- I escape my crazy world and enter a world of what I call my serenity. 

With my long absence I had to take some much deserved time out for blogging today! It's my serenity time and I need it NOW. I dragged my "photographer" outside to take a few pictures for me. Let's just say it lasted about 2 minuets, the cold wind and lack of interest ended my photo shoot early (not me but the one behind the camera). ..... . humm .... if only I had a way to take pictures myself......    

Top: J.Crew popover 

Pants: Wayf track pants (on sale!)

Shoes: rag & bone 'Harrow"

Watch: Nixon "The Monopoly"

Bracelet: House of Harlow (old)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

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xo xo 

CLL

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Autumn & Butternut Squash Soup

It's officially autumn! 

I hate to say this but I think this might be my favorite part of the year (that and spring). Being so spoiled living in San Diego for 8 years with perfect weather year-round then moving to the east-coast, then mid-west has been quite a change!! This time of the year it's starting to cool down, not be so freaking hot and muggy .....yuck.... hello bad hair day everyday! or freezing cold your bones shiver. 

Anyways, I love soup and this is the perfect time of year for it!! Don't you agree?? 

I wanted to make a butternut squash soup like I had at Panera the other day. But I wanted to make it healthy, not with all the cream and unneeded calories.... we don't need to pack on extra insulation just because the weather is cooling off.... after all summer is again just around the corner! 

So, I googled some recipes. 99% of them called for HEAVY CREAM and BUTTER....hummm.... I think not!! So, I just went on a limb and made my own with what I had on hand. 

Here goes..... Oh and by the way it turned out A-MAZ-ING!! 

(This will make 1 huge bowl or if you feel like sharing 2 bowls.)

    

Start with a med sized butternut squash

Cut off skin, cut in half, scoop out insides. (reminds me pumpkins!)

Cut into equal chunks. 

My boys had to be in the kitchen waiting for something to fall. They are so so cute... I love them!! 

In a warm pot add 1 tablespoon oil. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. I just started sprinkling until I thought it looked good...haha.. but I guess if you want to be perfect then use 1 teaspoon each. Let all the spices "come alive"... 

Next, add 3 cups water and a cube of bouillon. I used vegetable. Bring to a boil. 

Add squash cubes, cover, simmer for 20-25 min until tender. (The kitchen will smell so yummy!)

Add to blender (work with small batches if you have a smaller blender.)

Puree and watch the magic happen!!
When finished add pepper to taste,  and any more spices if you feel the need. I added just a touch of agave nectar to add some slight sweetness. (Blend...just a few sec more)

All done!!! ENJOY!!! 

I hope you try this, and put your-own personal spin on it. Comment below when you make some ;-)

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xo,

CLL

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Little Grand Canyon

A beautiful day with perfect weather calls for a little hike!! We went to a place called Little Grand Canyon, part of the Shawnee National Forest. It's short at just 3.6 miles with a overlook of the Mississippi and Big Muddy Rivers. 

(All pictures by CaliLoversLife --thats me-- and unedited.)

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xo,

CLL

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First Day Of Fall Links

via

If you have been following me lately you know I have been obsessed with blazers! Previous Blazer 101 post here. Sometimes I'm not sure if one fits correctly. So after some googling I came across this amazing blog post to help determine the perfect fit.  

I recently became a big fan of Tj maxx. (It's not every time you find that great item but this time I did!) I found this exact jacket that sells at Nordstrom for half the price!! SCORE!! 

Ordered some new flats and love! 1. 2.

Added a new decor item to my bathroom. 

Dreaming of this bag and jacket.

Loving leather for fall and these. 

Having some skirt inspiration from here, here, and here. (Some many more cute ideas.)

Thats about all for now. Until next time, Happy Sunday! 

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xo,

CLL

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Simplistic Saturday

I love fashion blogs! I adore the style of the girls but I can not afford most all those super expensive outfits. $400-800 shoes, $2000 bags, $300 on a T-shirt?? Nope not this girl.... or at least not for now. So, I decided to blog about my outfits. Affordable for the regular not rich fashion obsessed ladies. Let me be honest, I do have some expensive items but I planned and saved, saved, saved! 

TOP -- color fleck tee from Madewell

SHORTS -- J. Crew (on sale)

BOOTS -- Steve Madden (last season)

WRISTLET -- Alexander Wang Fumo

SUNNIES -- Tory Burch (similar here)

WATCH -- Nixon (here)

Hope you enjoyed. Thanks for coming by!

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xo,

CLL

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Funnies...... 

Stop moving I said! Let me do the moving..lol..

Ooops, I spot an extra shadow. 

Currently My Go-To Beauty Items

Currently My Go-To Beauty Items by caliloverslife 

PMD Personal Microderm: I recently received this as a gift and I am IN LOVE!! Use it once a week and my face is glowing! 

DDF Exfoliating Gel & DDF Moisturizer: For the longest time I wanted to try the DDF line. I found some products at Tj Maxx at a great discounted price and I had to have. I have been hooked ever since!! Every time I bop in to Tj Maxx I see if they have any, and when they do I stock up! Sometimes I have to order online at full price (or find the best price available) but I really like it so I'll pay.

Fresh lip treatment & Fresh coral: By far this is my favorite lip treatment I have come across. When I'm in a rush or just don't feel like messing around with stains, lipstick or gloss I grab this and go. They have many different shades to choose from. Currently my fav is coral and rose.

Chanel: Soleil Tan de CHANEL. I have had this product for awhile and just currently started to use it again. I mix it with my MURAD tinted primer and it gives my skin that subtle sunkissed effect. Not making it very sparkly like some highlighter bronzers can do. I put on a little setting powder and out the door I go. It's perfect for days like today when its gloomy and raining.

Urban Decay matte eye shadow: I find myself going to this pallet more often then any other shadows or pallets I have. And let me tell you I have ALOT!! As I get older (almost 30 -- tear just fell) I have gone away from shimmery shadows. I feel they can accent fine lines and well, they kind of remind me of teenage girls. --- But thats just me --- It is the perfect set of neutrals all in one cute little package. 

Tarte brown eyeliner: I mostly always use liquid liner. But I love this one because I find it perfect for the upper inner lash line. It stays all day, super creamy and goes on like butter! For days when I do not feel like making a whole face I line my inner lash line (upper) apply some mascara and done! Natural beauty at its finest and it makes your eyes pop and look like you have thicker lashes. 

Maybelline Mega Plush: Yes my ALL TIME FAVORITE mascara is Maybelline. I have used tons of higher end ones like, YSL, DIOR, Lancome, Chanel and I can't even remember the rest at the moment. Yes I did like some of them but for the price I was never in love. My drug store one always won! I like this plush one because it dons not dry out my lashes like some and its easy to get off! Nor does it flake off! 

Mason Pearson brush: OMG I can't believe I paid this much for a brush!! How much better could it be?? The first time I found out about this brand was at the salon I went to back in San Diego. Its all they used. About 2 years I broke down and bought one. I cant explain it but its amazing. I clean mine once a week and "dry brush" it about every day and I can assure myself I will have this same one years and years from now!! 

Last but not least I have been obsessing over neutral browns and grays nail polish. Not sure why I guess its just the mood I'm in lately. 

I hope you come back again and check out whats going on at CaliLoversLife!! 

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xo,

CLL

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