Three Things Thursday

Today is my first Three Things Thursday post, and I foresee these happening more often in the future. The three things I will share with you do not have much in common, aside from the fact that I love them all and want to share the fabulousness of all 3 things with you!

1. Will You Accept This Podcast? 

Do you watch The Bachelorette? If not, good for you. :) I watched it a while back in the Emily Maynard days. Then, I'm not sure what happened, but I took a break from watching the show. Until one of my old Huntsville roomies started posting Bach Caps on her blog Deep Hunger Deep Gladness. Her writing was so amazing and hilarious that it made me want to start watching the show again so that I could fully understand what exactly she was talking about in her Bach Caps. So I started back a couple seasons ago, and now I think I look forward to her analysis of each episode more than I actually do the show. She has recently switched over from Bach Caps in written form to her podcast- Will You Accept This Rose?. She and her husband provide commentary through this podcast that truly makes me laugh out loud. And I mean laugh out loud hard. Check them out for yourself. She posts them on Wednesday mornings. Click here to be taken to the podcast she posted yesterday. Let me know if you get a chance to listen to it!

2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Muffins

Parker and I are not inventive chefs to say the least. We were making cookies (out of the bag) before his parents came to visit us, and Parker decided he wanted to put some of the cookie dough in a muffin tin. This led to chocolate chip cookie muffins. Y'all, these things are insane! They are not to be confused with chocolate chip muffins. It is actual chocolate chip cookie dough in the shape of a muffin. AKA chocolate chip cookie muffins. Delicious! Try them for yourself and enjoy the luxurious treat. 

Also, Parker's dad asked me for the recipe, so here it is (I know it is really complicated :) )-

  • Buy a bag of Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
  • Follow directions on back of bag
  • Instead of putting cookie dough on a cookie sheet, spray a muffin tin with Pam, and scoop in cookie dough
  • Cook on 375 degrees F for 11 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

3. Old Navy Sueded Sherpa-Lined Moccasin Slippers (for $6.97!!!!!)

These slippers are almost sold out online, but if you happen to pop in to your local Old Navy, you need to look for these! They have them in pink, gray, and tan. Click here to be taken directly to the site. If you are a size 5, you are in luck. However, if not, check your store! This price is beyond fabulous!

Thanks so much for reading! Have a  great Thursday, and let me know if you check out any of these three things!

Wednesday Wishlist: Anthropologie Edition

Y'all. There are SO many things I want from Anthropologie right now. When they launched their new summer styles last week, I found countless items I wanted on their website. Then I went to the store in Memphis on Saturday, and I found even more items I wanted.  

I only bought two items in the store because I always get nervous they're going to have a 20% off sale the day after I make my purchase. I justified buying two dresses because I will wear them for a friend's wedding weekend in a couple of weeks. However, I cannot live without several more items I tried on, so I'm hoping to see a sale soon and will scoop up a few more things then. The number 1 thing being the white dress with ruffle sleeves. LOVE! 

Also, have you seen their latest deal for AnthroPerks members? If you sign up (or are already signed up) for AnthroPerks, you get free shipping on all purchases when you spend $150+. I'm pretty excited about this! With all the things I have in my cart, my total is way past that. Now I just need to win the lottery to pay for all the things I'm currently wanting.

Tops

Sia Embroidered Peasant Top (click on words in Italics to be taken directly to site)

Edgewise Chambray Tunic- This top reminded me of something my mom would wear. I actually loved it for myself too when I tried it on. It's just a classic white top that is a great length.

Marigot Poplin Blouse- This is clearly not how you are supposed to wear this top. I had to include it on my wish list though because I love it so much! When I picked it up off the rack, I didn't realize it was a crop top. I am not a crop top wearer. However, if you are, please get this one and wear it for me. Those sleeves and ruffles are simply gorgeous!

Linen Chiffon-Sleeve Tee- I'm always drawn to flutter sleeves! Plus, this color is gorgeous.

Outfield V-Neck Tee- So this is your basic tee, with some great details. It's super soft, comes in 9 colors (although I absolutely love this sky blue the best), has cute sleeves that are a little different than your usual tee, and is a longer length in the front and back. I included a photo from the front and back to show you this detail. I don't know about you, but I always love a shirt that is a little longer in the back and will cover my behind!

For size reference, I am wearing a medium in all of the tops above, except for the sky blue Outfield V-Neck Tee. I am wearing a large in that style. 

Pajama Pants

Ruffled Sleep Pants- Parker's sister and her family have given me Anthropologie pajama pants (or gift cards for them) for Christmas the past few years, and I always love them. What a fabulous gift?! Tried these on and loved them, as usual. The big ruffle on the bottom is unusual for them, and I really like it! If you know me, you know I would never wear a shirt this fitted with my pj pants though. Humongous, over-sized Disney shirts are clearly the most fashionable way to go. :)

For size reference, I wear a medium in their pajama pants.

Coverups

Pastel Yarn-Dyed Tunic- So glad I didn't buy this on Saturday because since I shopped in store, it has been marked down from $88 to $49.95!

Jayla Printed Caftan- This is not really a length I can pull off, but I love everything else about it! If you like longer coverups, this one is fab.

For size reference, I am wearing a M/L in both coverups. Although maybe I could have sized down to an XS/S to give the second one a more flattering fit. An XS/S is a foreign size to me though, so I didn't even grab that option to try on.

Dresses

Maella Off-the-Shoulder Tunic Dress- I have seen this exact dress in this color online and have had it on my wishlist for a long time. When I saw it in person, of course I had to try it on, and I loved it even more in real life. I did buy this dress, but I got it in the bright corally red. It comes in the bright corally red that I got, pink, and this moss color. When it goes on sale, I'm tempted to get the pink too. Love it!

Lottie Fluttered Tunic Dress- This is currently number 1 on my wishlist! I LOVE every single thing about it. The flutter sleeves obviously, the pockets, the v neck, the fact that it comes with a slip so it is not see through, and it is machine washable!

Brooke Eyelet Swing Dress- This is the other dress that I bought. As soon as I saw this one online last week, I knew I had to have it. This is the peach color. They also have it in black, which my mom is ordering when it goes on sale. Again, I love the fun sleeves, the v neck, the slip underneath it, and the fact that it is machine washable. I also think the eyelet is so pretty. I don't really own many eyelet things, so I'm super excited to add this to my wardrobe. 

For size reference, I am wearing a medium or size 6 in the dresses above.

Other items I love, but did not try on (numbers go from left to right, top to bottom):

1. Leopard Printed Shirtdress     2. Skysail Ruffled Tunic Dress     3. Galway Fluttered Dress     4. Emmalyn Ruffled Mini Dress     5. Karina Embroidered Tunic Dress     6. Pocketed Linen Tunic     7. Striped Kaftan Cover-Up     8. Linen Boat Neck Pullover     9. Nihira Embroidered One-Shoulder Top     10. Christel Ruffle-Sleeve Top     11. Harley Embroidered Blouse     12. Drake Striped Tee     13. Corinna Ruffled Top     14. Striped Tie-Front Mini Skirt     15. Blair Striped Shorts     16. Ruffled Gingham Mini Skirt

Can you choose 1 or 2 things that you like most?! Please comment below and tell me what they are! These are my favorite finds at Anthropologie in several seasons. There are just too many things to want! And if you are a bride-to-be, you need to check out their whole selection of white dresses. They are gorgeous! Thanks so much for reading!

How to Remove Smoke/Any Bad Odor from Your Home

So today's post is content-heavy and about a topic Parker and I decided we would never share with anyone. However, now that our issue has been resolved, I feel like I should risk exposing our stupidity in hopes of our newfound knowledge helping someone else.  

The Background Story

It all started when we began our search for a new home to rent in Southaven. We came down from Fayetteville, Arkansas for two days in search of a new home. Parker has been doing this moving-around-for-work thing for 10+ years, and he's gotten really good at finding the perfect house for us. He made a list of 18 houses for us to check out. I remember this number because the lady who brought us to see all of these houses thought that 18 was an insanely high number and enjoyed joking with Parker about how ridiculous it was to look at that many houses.  

Long story short, we found several houses we could see ourselves in and couldn't decide on which one to choose before we left. I guess that's what looking at 18 houses will do to you? So we came back to Fayetteville and continued to look at our notes and check out our options online. Well, we ended up finding one online that we fell in love with and didn't know was available to look at while we were in Southaven. So we got the kind lady (who had taken us to 18 houses) to go back and look at it while FaceTiming us. We asked her to do this not only so that we could see what the house looked like via video, but also so that she could walk into the house and let us know if it smelled like smoke. It looked fabulous. Parker was sure to say- Stacey, you know we turned down several of the other houses because we will not move into a house where a smoker has lived. Does this house smell like cigarette smoke? She said no, and we signed the paperwork. 

Fast forward a few weeks and we are beyond ecstatic to move out of the Town Place Suites where we had been living in Fayetteville (because our lease ended at our house there before Parker's job was done). Living in a hotel for over a month with two dogs is about as glamorous as it sounds, so our level of excitement about moving into our new home with a huge fenced in backyard was through the roof. Parker walks in and is elated. I walk in, and all I notice is the smell of cigarette smoke. My excitement shoots down real low real quick. Somehow Parker couldn't smell it. As soon as I mention it to him, his excitement disappears too. What could we do? The movers were outside with all of our stuff, and we'd already filled out the paperwork.

We are with the guy who is doing our walk through inspection, and he writes it down in his notes and says- no worries, I have something in my car that will make the smell go away in no time. Parker and I had never dealt with this issue before, so I believed the guy. I didn't know it would take a million different attempts, quite a few dollars, and 3 months before we would find a solution. 

What We Tried:

1. Renuzit Air Fresheners (what the guy pulled out of his trunk) 

2. Candles  

3. Zep Smoke Odor Eliminator Spray from Amazon

4. Ozium Air Sanitizer Spray from Amazon

5. Smoke Odor Exterminator & Air Freshener Spray from Amazon

6. 4 TrueAir Machines from Amazon 

7. Sara Organic Air Purifier & Odor Remover (aka activated bamboo charcoal) x 9

8. 2 Ozone Machines (Google really made us think these intense things would do the trick- they did not)  

9. Baking Soda (spread out on the carpets- this briefly helped, but the cigarette smell came back eventually) 

10. Essential Oils in a Diffuser (specifically Young Living Peppermint and Walmart Tea Tree Purifying Essential Oil)

What Saved Us

Let me start this section by saying I have never used essential oils before. I do not sell essential oils. And I am making $0 by writing this post. I am writing this post in hopes of helping someone else who cannot live happily with the smell of cigarette smoke (or any other unpleasant odor) around them constantly. 

When Parker and I were on vacation at the lake with his family, I finally broke my silence. Parker's parents were coming up to visit us a week and a half after we visited them, so I thought I should warn them about the cigarette smoke smell and also ask them if they had any suggestions. Parker's mom immediately suggested essential oils. I have always been skeptical about essential oils when she has suggested them for other reasons. However, I had gotten to the point where I would try ANYTHING to get rid of the smell. 

Mrs. Carol so kindly brought her diffuser and essential oils to share with us when she and Mr. Mike came to visit. I will admit that I thought the chances of this working were slim to none. She set it all up, placed it in the area that I thought smelled the most like smoke (by Parker's bedside table), and shut the door. We kept the door closed for a couple of hours, and, YALL, when I went back in there, I couldn't smell the cigarette smoke. Not even a hint of it. I started to believe the essential oils might be our knight in shining armor at this point. (Plus, there are so many other uses for them, but I won't digress. If you've made it this far, I love you!)

The moment of truth came when we left the house on Saturday and went to the lake. You know how when you don't leave the house for a little while, you grow accustomed to a smell? I was so worried that I had gotten used to the cigarette smell, and the essential oils were just a momentary fix and as soon as we returned from our outing, I would smell it again. Nope, I can't tell you how relieved I was to come home from the lake, open the door, and breathe in fresh air for the first time since we moved into the house.

We continued to use Mrs. Carol's diffuser and essential oils through Monday. I was scared the smell would return, so I went to Walmart the following day and bought my own diffuser and purifying oil. Mrs. Carol left her Young Living Peppermint oil with us. I have set up my diffuser with water and 3-5 drops of each of those two oils every day, and our house is still smelling fresh!

Conclusion

The essential oils do not just mask the smell, like so many of the other things we tried. Essential oils purify the air and eliminate the bad odors. I am now a firm believer in them! Also, I am aware this was a super long post that didn't have anything to do with art, fashion, or fun. However, I want to share our solution with everyone! I hope you don't ever need to use this information, but if someone you know does, you can pass this info along to them! Essential oils for the win! 

Thanks so much for reading! If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below or go to the Contact page and shoot me a message! 

Weekly + MDW Recap

Memorial Day Weekend Recap

For Memorial Day weekend, we had our very first visitors come stay with us and see our new home in Southaven! Parker's parents made the trip from Dothan, and we had the best time with them. It takes about 6.5 hours to get here, so Friday was their travel day. We kicked off the fun activities on Saturday.

Saturday- We started our day out slowly with coffee and cinnamon rolls. And fresh peaches that Parker's parents picked up in Clanton. Yum! Parker and Mr. Mike started getting the boat ready for the lake and realized the battery had died. Yikes. So they had to go out and get a new battery before we headed to the lake. This was our first time taking the boat out since we moved to Southaven, and I was SO grateful to have Mr. Mike there to help Parker out. This girl is NO help when it comes to anything boat-related. We spent the rest of the afternoon out on Arkabutla Lake before coming back and grilling out that night. 

Sunday- I recapped this day in full detail on yesterday's post! Click here to see alllll the details from the fabulous day we had in Memphis! 

Monday- We ended our long weekend at our favorite Mexican restaurant before Mr. Mike and Mrs. Carol had to hit the road. I'm still trying to talk Parker into wearing seersucker clothing, like his dad. :)

We miss these two already! Did you have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend and short work week? Time certainly flew by for us. Thanks so much for reading! Have a great weekend!

May Favorites

Check out some of my favorites from the month of May below! When you see words in Italics, you can click on them to be taken directly to the site.

Favorite Dress- Free People Folk Town Mini Dress 

This is my number 1 favorite item from the month and one of my favorite dresses ever. In fact, tomorrow's post is all about this dress, so be ready for more details soon!

Favorite Top- Anthropologie Ruffled Cross-Back Top

So many details that I love about this top. The color, the ruffles, the cross back, and the material. I love it so much that I also have it in gray. My mom has it in both colors too. It's a great one! Click the link above, so you can click through the photos and see the cross back. Super cute!

Favorite Bottoms- Old Navy Mid-Rise Linen-Blend Shorts

If you read yesterday's post, you know these shorts are my new uniform! The comfort, the length, the color, and the material caused me to purchase them in yellow, gray, and white. And put the blush and black pairs on my wishlist. Plus, you just can't find good shorts for under $12 elsewhere.

Favorite Shoe- Sam & Libby Tibby Whip Stitch Thong Sandals

My mom sent me a picture of these Jack Rogers dupes, and I immediately went to Target to try them on. They are similar to the look of Jack Rogers sandals, but they have a very different fit and are a fraction of the cost! I usually size up half a size in Jack Rogers sandals (to a 9.5), but I was between an 8 and 8.5 in these. I did not end up getting them because the 8 was too short, and the 8.5 was too loose in the black part. However, if they fit you, I would get them in black and gold! Such a cute, comfortable sandal for this summer!

Favorite Accessory- Statement Earrings from Target! Sugarfix by BaubleBar Triad Ball Drop Earrings // Target Drop Earring with Beads // Sugarfix by BaubleBar Floral Drop Earrings

Is anyone else currently loving statement earrings? Every time I go to Target, I slip a new pair into my cart. I am loving the three pairs below that I have bought recently. Thanks Kel, Jacks, and Cam for helping me decide on my most recent pair!

Favorite Painting- Mixed Media XXIV

My favorite painting that my mom did this month is actually currently on its way to one of my best friends. I think it will add so much warmth, happiness, and color to your bathroom, Kelly! I love the pretty colors my mom used and the texture too. We hope you love it as much as we do!

I hope you enjoyed checking out my favorites from May! Do you have any favorites? Thanks so much for reading! Have a great day!

Old Navy Finds

I was on my way to get groceries last week, and I accidentally stumbled into Old Navy to check out their Memorial Day sale. When shopping at Old Navy, I always wait to actually buy things because they have sales so frequently. So I bought the shorts I will share below because they were 50% off- making them under $12. However, the dress and shirts were not on sale yet, so I held off on those.

Edited- I noticed the dress went on sale online, so I ordered it last night when Old Navy offered free shipping. Plus, my purchase gave me Super Bucks, which I am hoping to use to buy the shirts once they go on sale (hopefully between June 3 and June 11 when the Super Bucks are redeemable)! Do you get great joy out of finding great deals and saving money, or is that just me?!

Mid-Rise Cuffed Linen-Blend Shorts (click words in Italics to go directly to site)

Y'all, I LOVE these! So much that I bought 3 pairs of them. I got them in yellow, gray, and white. For $11.45, I am honestly still considering the black and blush pairs as well. The material is super comfortable and tops look cute tucked in, front tucked, or untucked.

I definitely suggest trying them all on before you buy them though. I tried on the yellow and gray pairs in the store, and they both fit the same way. So I thought I would be safe grabbing a white pair without trying them on. The white pair is the same size as the yellow and gray, but the fit is much looser. I discovered this after taking the tag off. Oh well. At least they have a drawstring! They were perfect to wear for eating Mexican with my in laws yesterday. I'm thinking these will all be my uniform shorts this summer. 

Off-the-Shoulder Swing Top

I have an obsession with white tops. I have way too many, but I can never get enough. I think this one looks much more expensive than it actually is. I love the details around the ruffle at the top. (These shorts are currently on sale too, but I liked the fit of the other ones better.)

Relaxed Off-the Shoulder Swing Top

This striped off the shoulder top is similar to the white one above, but it does not have the details around the ruffle. It comes in several other colors too. I have my eye on the coral and white striped one, as well as the navy and white striped one.

Off-the-Shoulder Shift Dress

They only had 3 dresses in this style left in the store. I think it was my very favorite thing I found during this Old Navy trip. It reminds me of an off the shoulder Tina Turk top that I have, but of course it's a fraction of the price. I love the ties on the sleeves and the fit of the off the shoulder part. It will stay where you want it to and not ride up. It also comes in black, navy, and a blue stripe. I just ordered it in this color and navy! 

FYI- I do not plan on styling these items with my blue Nike socks. I honestly planned on going grocery shopping and just had to pop in when passing by. 

Did you get any good deals this past weekend? My in laws came in town and we had the very best time at the lake and exploring Memphis! Hope you had a fabulous long weekend too!

Weekly Recap + Memorial Day Sales

Memorial Day Sales

Click on words in Italics to be taken directly to the site.

1. Art Fashion Fun- 20% off with code Mday20 through May 30 + Free shipping

2. Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale- Save up to 40% off through June 4

3. Anthropologie- Extra 40% off sale + Free shipping when you spend $150

4. BaubleBar- Save up to 70% off

5. J. Crew- 30% off your purchase with code SWEET

6. Tory Burch- Save up to 60% off + Free shipping

7. Kate Spade- Save an extra 25% off sale styles with code REFRESH

8. Lilly Pullitzer- Free gifts with purchase

9. Pottery Barn- Save up to 25% off with code SAVEMORE

10. West Elm- Save up to 30% off + Free shipping with code MORELOVE

11. GiGi New York- Save up to 40% off + Free shipping on orders over $100

12. Old Navy- All tees, tanks, shorts, and swim 50% off + Free shipping on orders over $50

13. Jack Rogers- Save up to 50% off on select styles

Thanks so much for reading and make sure you take advantage of the amazing deals going on this weekend, especially at Art Fashion Fun! :) Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Sally Wilson Art: Memorial Day Sale

I am so excited to tell you about our first sale! Art Fashion Fun has been live for just over a month now, so we decided it would be a great time for a Sally Wilson Art sale! From now until Monday at midnight, take 20% off your total purchase with code Mday20. Free shipping on all purchases too! Click on the following link to be taken to the Shop page- https://artfashionfun.com/shop/. You can check out some of my favorites below. (The words in Italics are direct links, so click on them to be taken to the exact painting on the site.)

                              Acrylic Abstract I

                              Acrylic Abstract I

                                Acrylic Abstract II

                                Acrylic Abstract II

                                   Acrylic Abstract V

                                   Acrylic Abstract V

                                       Mixed Media IV

                                       Mixed Media IV

                                      Mixed Media XI

                                      Mixed Media XI

                                    Mixed Media XX

                                    Mixed Media XX

Happy shopping and feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions at all. My email is artfashionfun@gmail.com!