TTO the Holidays: Thanksgiving Guide

Thanksgiving is always a time for food, family and football!  We often change up what we do for Turkey Day each year, but we always make sure these big three things are included! Here are our tips for hosting a terrific Thanksgiving that everyone will love!

• Traditional is always best!  When it comes to Thanksgiving food, you want to go traditional and classic.  This is not the time to try out a new recipe for turkey tacos!  Don't ask us about the time one of our aunts decided to make some sort of corn pudding instead of stuffing.  People want the classics--turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie.  The only place for a little fanciness might be a vegetable side dish.  Try some roasted brussels sprouts or green beans!

• Timing is important.  If you're a football fan like us, then you need to make sure to plan your meal around game time.  Jess still shakes her head at the first Thanksgiving spent with her husband's (albeit lovely) family who decides to eat dinner right in the middle of the Lions game.  If your crew is watching the game, serve dinner first and then watch or snack during the game and eat later in the day.  Our family traditionally snacks all day and then eats dinner after the Lions game/before the Cowboys game starts.

• Simple and seasonal decor is key.  Thanksgiving isn't exactly known for its decor, but you can add a few lovely touches to make your home extra welcoming.  As usual, our favorite source for home goods is Target!  Just check this cuteness out!

This is also a great time to set a formal table and use some seasonal accents.  

Dress the Part!  One of the best things about the holidays is choosing some cute outfits!  Don't forget to check out our guide to Thanksgiving outfits!

So there you have it!  Our tips for the best Thanksgiving yet!  Will you be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this year?  What's your number one hosting tip?  Let us know in the comments below and happy eating!

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Jess here!  A couple of weeks ago, I made some Pumpkin Overnight Oats and posted a couple of pictures on our Instagram stories (if you're not following us--you should be).  An Instagram stories poll said that folks wanted the recipe, so I figured I'd write it up.  I originally tried a Pinterest recipe, but I was disappointed with the results.  Most recipes I found were too heavy on the pumpkin and too light on the oats.  I tweaked it a few times before settling on this recipe.  It's fast, easy to prep, healthy breakfast for a busy morning.  Oh, and it's kid approved!  Mom for the win!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (use pumpkin puree NOT pumpkin pie mix)
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie seasoning
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 Mason jar or resealable container

Here's where it gets complicated, guys.  You literally just put everything except the walnuts into the jar and stir it.  Feel free to pause to snap a photo for your Instagram because you'll look like a total hipster layering stuff in a Mason jar.  Right??

Seal the jar or container and leave in the fridge overnight or at least 4 hours.  In the morning, add the chopped walnuts, stir and enjoy!

Can't beat that for a fall morning!  You can easily double or triple this and make more than one serving.  Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below.  Happy breakfasting!

Friday Pick-Six: 11/3/17

Here's what we're loving and living for this week!

1.  After seeing this jacket on one of our favorite bloggers, Eva Martino, I had to order it!  I can't wait to wear it for a classic, yet edgy look! --R

2.  We're tailgating with friends with this weekend again!  If you're doing the same and looking for a great recipe for a crowd, try this combo of two great brisket recipes!  We used the spice rub from this recipe and cooked the brisket according to this recipe with delicious results!

3.  We're always looking to save a little time and eye shadow sticks help with this in the morning.  I recently ordered this Laura Mercier set and it's awesome.  The colors are great neutrals so they're perfect for work!  What a great deal, too! --R

4.  Since I've been trying to get my running game going lately, you know I had to order some new leggings.  I'm a longtime fan of Old Navy's compression leggings but look at these moto ones, you guys?  They're so cool and I swear I run faster with them on! --J

5.  I recently tried a new-to-me gel nail brand Gelish for my gel manicure.  I loved the shade (Night Reflection) and the shine.  Removal was very similar to my beloved Shellac. --J

6.  One of our favorite bloggers, Liz at Sequins and Stripes, is already rolling our her Holiday Guide! We'll be sharing our gift guides and hosting tips in the coming weeks, too!

What are you loving and living for this weekend?  Let us know in the comments below and have a great weekend, friends!

The Way We Wore: Fall Trends

Earlier this fall, we spotlighted some of our favorite trends and colors for fall.  We thought we'd show you some examples of how we've been wearing them lately.  Some of our favorite trends included plaid, cozy knits, red, navy and spruce.  Here are some of the outfits we've assembled lately and sources so you can copy our looks!

Jess wore this outfit to the Apple Orchard with the family.  Sweater (old) similar, t-shirt, jeans, shoes,
necklace

Date Night!  Dress, tights, necklace and boots (old) similar

Plaid and navy for work?  Yes, please!  Blouse (old) similar, skirt, necklace (old) similar, boots

Jess wore this one on a field trip with her class and was cozy, comfy AND on trend!  Buy these leggings, guys!  We both have them and you can dress them up or down and they're so comfortable!  Tank (old--RIP Merona!) similar, cardigan (old) similar, leggings, boots, blanket scarf.

Love this swing dress and the red for fall!  Blazer (old) similar, swing dress, necklace and boots.

Jess wore this one to rock Parent-Teacher conferences! Blazer (old) similar, t-shirt, jeggings, boots, necklace (old) similar

This is the coziest sweater EVER!  We even featured it in Friday Pick Six last week! Sweater, plaid shirt, leggings, boots, earrings.

Have you rocked any of these trends so far this fall?  If so, let us know what you're favorites have been in the comments below!

Friday Pick Six: 10/27/17

Here's what we are loving and living for this week!

1.  One of our favorite nail polish shades for fall is blue, especially navy.  In Style has a great round-up of navy nail polish colors to check out for the season.

2.  We're always looking for ponytail holders that are cute and comfortable and don't leave a crease in your hair!  Our favorite lately are Teleties!  These adorable hair ties are modeled after an old-school phone cord and the company was created by two best friends.  They come in great colors and two sizes.  Check them out!

3.  Believe it or not, I still have some apples left from the Orchard!  Thinking about making this Effortless Apple Gallette this weekend and serving it up with a little vanilla ice cream! --J

4.  Opaque tights are one of our favorite looks for fall.  They keep your legs warm and provide an elongating, cohesive look.  We recently found Target's A New Day 80D Super Opaque Tights.  They're super opaque, comfy and what a great price!

5.  One of our favorite bloggers, Deb from Smitten Kitchen, released her second book, Smitten Kitchen Every Day this week.  We've already ordered it and can't wait to try out some recipes.  Would you like a blog feature about it?

6.  Obsessed with this GAP cowlneck dress.  How cozy does that look for winter?

What are you loving or living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!

Twins Take on the Holiday: Halloween

Halloween is one of our favorite family holidays.  As kids, we always trick-or-treated with our cousins and had a big party to celebrate.  Even as adults, we still love getting into the Halloween spirit!  Here are our tips for hosting a fun and memorable holiday!

Set the Scene:  As with most other holidays, decor is the first step to getting in the holiday spirit.  With Halloween, we like to go a little traditional, but avoid anything too scary or too gross. We love adding pumpkins, corn cobs and gourds for a colorful look.  However, you're not stuck with the old school black/orange color scheme.  This year, Jess decided to tweak things a little and tried painting pumpkins for a classy spin on the traditional Halloween look.  If you're looking for an easier way, try to hit up the Target Dollar Spot (our favorite place)!  Just look at all this cuteness!

Feed Your Family and Friends:  Of course, Halloween wouldn't be a holiday without all the candy.  Be sure to buy enough to hand out to trick-or-treaters if your guests snack a little.  You might also want to have some munchies on hand and our Chex Mix is perfect.  On Halloween, our main dish is always something that can simmer for a while and still taste great.  Guests come and go as candy gets handed out or little ones are trick-or-treating.  Two awesome options are our Slow-Cooker Chili and our Aunt Maggie's Tortellini Soup (Look for the recipe coming soon).  Who doesn't want a cozy bowl of soup when you're coming in from a chilly fall evening?

Although you've got plenty of candy, folks might want something else on the sweet side.  Our sugar cookies are perfect with some Halloween shapes and festive sprinkles!

Don't Forget a Signature Cocktail:  If your friends are looking for something else to keep them warm on a chilly fall night, don't forget a little cocktail.  A fall sangria (like this one or this one) is great because it gets better the longer it sits.  For your younger guests, you can warm up a little apple cider with a cinnamon stick and cloves for a holiday drink.

Will you be hosting a Halloween shindig this year?  What are your tips for the best Halloween party ever?  Let us know in the comments below!

Twins Take on the DIY: Painted Pumpkins

Hi friends, it's me, Jess!  This year, I was looking for a way to change up our traditional Halloween decor, which is usually just a few orange pumpkins.  I thought that using craft paint would be an easy way to jazz up some little pumpkins and also change up the color scheme a little.  Finally, I thought this would be a fun activity that I could do alongside my kiddo.

First things first, we gathered our materials:

• Acrylic craft paint (Available at Target or any craft store)
• Small pumpkins (I couldn't find white ones, which would obviously be easier to paint.  Get them if you can, or just plan on doing more coats of paint)
• Foam brushes 
• Newspaper or tarp (to cover your table)
• Paper plates

We decided to choose a color scheme for a more cohesive vintage look.  I chose a copper, shimmery white and a grey-green color.  Our procedure was pretty simple.  We used the paper plates as pallettes and then dipped our brushes in and painted.  We found that it was easier to start with thinner coats and then layer on more paint after a short drying time to get better coverage.  I started off drying to direct my preschooler to adhere to the color scheme, but her mixture of colors looked cool, so I just let her rock and roll.  

After they dried overnight, we displayed them in a little fall decor scene.

There ya have it!  Easy, cheap, fast and festive!  

Would you try painting pumpkins?  Let us know how it goes in the comments below and Happy Halloween!

Apple Bread with Walnut Streusel

Hi pals, it's Jess.  After a recent outing to the apple orchard with the fam (Hi, Fall Bucket List), we found ourselves with more apples than we knew what to do with!  I decided to make some apple bread, since the kiddo loves to have baked goods for breakfast.  I found this recipe on Pinterest and enlisted my sous chef and got to work!

First things first, we gathered our ingredients.

The most tedious part of this process was peeling, coring and shredding the apples.  I also realized that my kid was eating the apples as I peeled them, so I had to do more than I needed.

We combined our dry ingredients.  My secret ingredient change was to substitute Pumpkin Pie Spice for half of the cinnamon.

Then we creamed together the butter and sugar in our mixer.  We added vanilla, milk and eggs to the wet ingredients.  Finally, we added in the shredded apples.  This might look gross but stay with me!

We assembled the streusel topping in a small bowl.  I wasn't really able to mix the cold butter into the flour/sugar mixture, so I actually melted my butter first.  I also doubled the flour-sugar-butter to have more topping to cover more of the bread.

We spread this out over the top of the apple bread mixture in a greased loaf pan.  Then it was into the oven for 60 minutes.

After an hour and some change to cool off--we were ready to dig in!  This bread was the perfect snack on a cool fall day and a great way to use up those extra apples.

Give this apple bread a try and let us know what you think in the comments.  Happy Fall!

Friday Pick-Six: 10/6/17

Here's what we are loving and living for this week.

1.  We started off the week with yet another heartbreaking tragedy with the shooting in Las Vegas.  Here's an article with ways you can help and if you're like us and wish there was something else to do to prevent gun violence, check out Everytown with some ways you can take action.

2.  Essie released their preview of the Winter Collection this week and our girl Kindra at Essie Envy has the details.  These look pretty great for the holiday season!

3.  After a recent trip to the Apple Orchard, I'm looking for some ways to use up our apples!   I think I might be trying this crockpot applesauce this weekend.  --J

4.  We'll be tailgating this weekend and came across these S'mores Shooters.  Who is the genius who decided make a drink that tastes like s'more?  These would be perfect for a tailgate or bonfire night!

5.  Our fave show Scandal came back last night!  We are so excited about the final season.

6.  Our favorite workout these days is the new Pure Barre Empower!  It combines everything we love about traditional Pure Barre with a cardio circuit component.  We went last weekend and we were sooooo sweaty!

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below.

Twins Take on the Season: Fall Bucket List

As much as we love the other seasons, fall is truly our favorite.  Football, cooler weather and pumpkin spice everything!  What's not to love?  Here's what we're looking forward to doing this fantastic fall!

The Twins Take On Fall Bucket List!

• Enjoy Pumpkiny Treats:  We love the classics like Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but we also like to try new recipes, too.  We may have to try this Pumpkin Pie Puppy Chow, this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie or Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones.

• Pick Apples:  This year, we want to try to get out and pick some fresh apples.  Last year, Jess and the family put this off too late in the year and most of the apples had been picked.  Lucky for us, our local orchard also makes delicious donuts, so it wasn't a total loss!  This year, Jess is hoping to pick enough apples to make some homemade applesauce and a pie or two!

• Hit the Cider Mill:  We love visiting our local cider mill for fresh cider and donuts.  (If you're noticing a theme that much of our Bucket List features donuts, you aren't wrong!)

• Rock our Fall Wardrobes:  Fall is our favorite fashion season by far.  We are obsessed with plaid, knitwear and boots! We'll be featuring our faves in some posts yet to come!

• Tailgate Like Champions:  We spend almost every fall Saturday consumed by football.  We usually set aside at least one home game and plan a killer tailgate.  This year is no exception--look for an upcoming post with our Tailgate Tips. 

• Kick Our Fitness Plans into Gear:  Usually, we're more motivated to keep working out hard in the summer (Hello, beach vacation).  However, between Jess's Back of School and Ryan's commute, it's been challenging to get our workouts in lately.  This fall, we want to hit the reset button on our fitness routines.  We hope to get serious and see some awesome results by the holiday season.  

What's on your Bucket List this fall?  Let us know in the comments and Happy Fall, ya'll!

Friday Pick-Six: 9/29/17

Here's what we're loving and living for this week!

1.  You guys, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially the cutest couple on the planet!  Look at these adorable photos from earlier this week!

2.  If you're looking to splurge a little on something special, check out the Shopbop sale that ends today!  You can get 20% off an order of less than $500 with the code EOTS17.  Speaking of Meghan Markle, you can get the adorable jeans she was wearing the other day on sale!

3.  One of our favorite bloggers, Eva Martino at Happily Eva After shared her powder room makeover, which is gorgeous and so glam!

4.  As with some of the recent severe storms, we're heartbroken over the terrible damage in Puerto Rico.  Here's an informative article with link with where you can donate to help out!

5. One of our favorite shows, This is Us, came back this week!  Without spoilers, there was a big reveal at the end of the episode!  Who's watching with us?

6.  You might say that Ry is obsessed with candles.  What kind of candles you ask?  Bath and Body Works Three Wicks!  They come in so many amazing scents, burn evenly for strong lasting power and are often on sale!  They're currently mix and match 2-for-$24.  If you order before Friday, there's an extra 20% off your order with the code FALL4FALL.  You know we are both going to take advantage of this!

What are you loving and living for this weekend?  Let us know in the comments below and have a great weekend!

Fall Beauty Faves

The change in seasons brings us to even more beauty picks!  Fall can be a tricky time for beauty routines.  The unpredictable weather can result in a hot and humid weather one day and dry and chilly weather the next.  We are trying to hang on to our summer glow while also dealing with drying skin and puffy eyes (thanks, ragweed!)  We have to have some beauty multi-taskers in our arsenal to survive the fall.  Here are some of our favorite products this fall!

1.  Julep Boost Your Radiance:  We have been learning more about face oils lately (upcoming post idea?) They can repair fine lines and discoloration without being oily.  This rosehip oil from Julep is moisturizing without leaving my face feeling greasy.  Jess's tip--add a couple of drops to my evening moisturizer.

2.  CND Shellac Polish in Oxblood: This dark red is perfect for fall!  We love the lasting-power of a shellac manicure and this shade will look amazing all season.

3.  OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Body Wash:  This stuff has a delicious coconut smell that will remind you of summer and provides serious moisture to keep your dry skin smooth.

4.  Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm:  We love the original version of this, but this one has a minty twist.  Very moisturizing without being sticky like many other balms.

5.  Philosophy Pumpkin Icing Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath:  If you're so basic, you want to even Pumpkin Spice-up your shower (and we are!), this will be right up your alley.  We love this product and always try to stock up on seasonal scents.

6.  Sonia Kashuk Instant Smoke Stick: The busy girl's best friend!  This multi-tasker will help you create the perfect smoky eye with just one product.  Throw this in your purse to make your daytime look date ready!

What's in your fall beauty bag?  Let us know what products you have to have for fall in the comments below!

Color Crush: Spruce

Another color we are feeling from the Fall 2017 Pantone Color Picks is spruce.  We don't wear a lot of green, but when we do, this shade is especially flattering.  You can pair it with naturals of any shade (tan, brown, black, etc) for a distinctively fall/winter look.  Here are some great ways to incorporate spruce into your look.

Top Row (Left to Right):  OPI Amazon Amazoff, Hunter Tall Boots, Gibson Twist Pullover,  Old Navy Heavy-Knit Leggings

Bottom Row (Left to Right): GAP Softspun Dress, Julep Eyeshadow 101, Athleta Chi Tank Top, CND Shellac in Emerald Lights.

How will you rock spruce this fall?  Let us know in the comments below!

Twins Take on the Trend: Cozy Knits

Another trend we are excited about for fall is cozy knitwear!  We love a good comfy sweater and love to layer up when we can.  Here are some knits that we have in our carts right now for when the temperature cools off!!

1.  GAP Marled Stripe Boatneck Pullover
2.  JCrew 1988 Roll Neck Sweater
3.  Old Navy Open Long Line Sweater
4.  Gibson Bell Sleeve Cozy Pullover
5.  Calson Jacquard Cardigan
6.  Love Split Back Pullover

Later this month, we'll show you how we've been wearing all our featured trends, so watch out for that post!  Are you planning to wear plaid this fall?  Let us know how in the comments below!

Color Crush: Navy

How excited were we to see that one of our favorite colors, navy, was in the Fall 2017 Fashion week color palette.  We wear navy in all seasons, but it's a little unexpected in the fall.  Navy always looks classic and chic, especially when paired with other neutrals.  Here are some awesome ways to incorporate navy in your fall look this year!

(Top Row: Left to Right) Essie After Schoolboy Blazer, GAP ponte sculpt leggings, Sole Society booties, Julep When Pencil Met Gel

(Bottom Row: Left to Right) Banana Republic Navy Boucle Tie-Front Shell, Tieks Flats, Athleta Responsible Down Sweater Jacket, OPI Russian Navy

How are you planning to wear navy this fall?  Let us know in the comments below!

Twins Take on the Trend: Plaid

If you're familiar with our fall wardrobes, then you know that we already love plaid.  Luckily for us, it's on trend for the fall!  A girl can never have too much plaid, so here are a few new pieces we want to add to our wardrobes this season.

1.  GAP Cozy Buffalo Check Scarf
2.  Old Navy Plaid Shirt Dress
3.  JCrew Factory Plaid Midi Skirt
4.  JCrew Plaid Bow Flats
5.  Sperry Plaid Duck Boots
6.  Old Navy Classic Plaid Shirt

Later this month, we'll show you how we've been wearing all our featured trends, so watch out for that post!  Are you planning to wear plaid this fall?  Let us know how in the comments below!

Fall Nail Polish Picks

As the weather changes, our nail polish style changes, too.  As much as we were into lights and brights this summer, we love our dark fall/winter nails!  Here are a few of our favorite nail colors for fall!

1.  Essie As If: This fall's Essie collection takes its inspiration from the 90's and this polish gets its from one of the great 90's movies, Clueless!   This grey-blue is a perfect transitional color from summer to fall.

2.  CND Shellac/Weekly Polish in Field Fox:  This neutral goes with everything, but is a little darker than your typical nude color.

3.  OPI Less is Norse:  This grey-blue is on trend and gives you a small twist on the usual dark color choices.

4.  Chanel Vamp:  This is an all-time favorite color that we wear in the fall and winter.  This is the shade that made us fall in love with dark nail polish back in the day when everyone was rocking it in the 90's!

5.  CND Shellac/Weekly Polish in Rubble:  Ry found this color at the nail salon last week and we love it as a transitional shade.  It definitely screams fall, but isn't so dark that it will look out of place with any summer wardrobe items you might still be wearing.

6.  Essie Petal Pushers:  This grey with purple undertones is a great transition to the darker greys and blacks that we wear in the middle of the winter.

What colors are you wearing this fall?  Let us know in the comments below!

Twins Take on the Trend: Red

We are planning to feature our take on several fashion trends this fall.  The first trend we are into is the color red!  One of the coolest things about red is that there are so many shades to incorporate into your wardrobe.  A bright red can provide a pop of color with a neutral outfit.  A burgundy red can transition an outfit into fall.

Here are a few pieces you can grab to rock red this fall!

1.  Banana Republic Ruffle Neck Crew Sweater
2.  Old Navy Jersey-Knit Swing Dress
3.  GAP Plaid Pintuck Long Sleeve Top
4.  GAP Tie Belt Shift Dress
5.  Old Navy Pixie Pant
6.  Gibson Tie Front Fleece Pullover

Later this month, we'll show you how we've been wearing all our featured trends, so watch out for that post!  Are you planning to wear red this fall?  Let us know how in the comments below!

Friday Pick-Six: 8/25/17

Here's what we are loving and living for this week!

1.  As much as we love summer, we always look forward to wearing fall clothes!  There's something so cozy and cool about booties and blanket scarves.  Jill from Good Life had a great post this week about the 13 new pieces you need for fall.

2.  Our favorite workout, Pure Barre, just added a great new class called Empower.  It incorporates the great burn from our regular PB class with an added cardio and plyometric component.  We are trying it out this weekend and cannot wait/are going to be so sore!

3.  I've been on the hunt for the perfect paint color to change up our master bedroom.  We painted it upon moving in a few years back, but didn't test the color first and it came out differently than we hoped (too light).  As we've been looking at chips to repaint, I came across this great article from DIY geniuses, John and Sherry at Young House Love.  Look forward to an upcoming post this fall documenting our search and final choice!  --J

4.  One of our favorite blogs, Go Fug Yourself, had a great retrospective of all of the outfits that our BFF Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, rocked this year.  Check it out and be prepared to be jealous.  So many beautiful looks.

5.  Sunday is the Game of Thrones season finale!  You can catch up on HBO Go if you need to prepare for the final episode.  We plan to be glued to our TV on Sunday at 9:00.

6.  After manicures earlier this week, our new favorite shades are CND Shellac Creekside (Jess) and OPI Tiramisu for Two (Ry).

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!

Twins Take on the Brand: GAP New Arrivals

Have you guys noticed that all the fall clothes are starting to come out already?  Even though we are still rocking our beach wear, we are keeping our eyes peeled for items we love at our favorite stores.  Here's what we plan to purchase at GAP for the fall!

1.  As you know, we're stripe-obsessed and this midi-length dress looks like it would work perfectly with sandals now and booties and a blazer once fall hits.

2.  This floral swing top is adorable and the burgundy is on-trend for fall.

3.  Jess is addicted to ponchos and draped cardigans, and this one is not going to escape her clutches. Seriously, you guys, it's a problem...

4.  If there ever was a pair of leggings that were made for Barre class, it's this pair!

5.  A scarf is a great transitional piece and this floral print seems fresh, but the colors take it into the fall.

6.  OMG Moto jeans!  These will look great with a sandal now and tucked into boots all fall and winter.

Have you noticed anything you like in the new arrivals at GAP?  Let us know in the comments below what you plan to order for the fall!