Happy {Holiday} Weekend!

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I am off to Seattle today to spend Christmas with my family and friends which should be full of good cheer, laughs and celebrations!  I wish you all the happiest of holidays and safe travels to wherever you are headed! 

XOXO

GAP Demin Giveaway WINNER!

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Eeks!  Yesterday was busy and I totes forgot to announce the winner of the Gap Giveaway yesterday!  I want to thank you all for entering and am excited to announce that MJ from Teaching In Heels is the lucky winner!! 

Congratulations MJ, hope you find the perfect fitting jean just for you!  Please email me with your address so that I can get your prize out to you! 

Thanks again for entering and I look forward to hosting another giveaway soon in 2012! 

Song Of The Week ~ All I Want For Christmas Is You (Cover)

We all know that the Mariah Carey version of this song (minus Justin Bieber) is the best and most adored pop Christmas song.  While I am not the biggest Mariah Carey fan I do just jump for joy whenever this song is on the radio or my iPod.  It reminds me of a fantastic evening in Solvang with my girls and makes me happy as can be. 
When I first heard the Michael Buble version I just wasn't sure what I thought...but after 3 or 4 listens I realized it is a beautiful different take on "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and very romantic and perfect for a holiday evening with your sweetie.  Michael Buble croons those poppy lyrics with a nice piano backup and it really makes me feel all romantic and stuff.  Normally I would say don't mess with a classic, but this is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous stuff!

Two great versions of the same song is just fine with me when they evoke such different feelings, both of happiness!  Also, please tell me y'all watched this on SNL!

Forever Frugal Friday

Do yourself a favor and invest in this Bold Shoulder Striped Blazer immediately!  Last February I purchased an almost identical blazer (in navy blue) from H & M and it was easily one of the best purchases I have made as I am constantly complimented on every time I wear it.  The blazer is the perfect piece to add to almost any outfit and I just know you will love it as much as I love mine! 

Gift Guide #4 ~ Kate Spade for All!

I am pretty sure if I only received presents from one store this year, Kate Spade would be the place for me this year.  Every single item I am head over heels in love with!  And if you follow Kate Spade on Twitter or Instagram you would see all the fabulous happiness this company spreads to all around!

If you are still stumped on what to get that special lady or bestie in your life, look no further than below!

all wrapped up cards/live colorfully borough coasters/bellevax fingerless gloves/cascade bib necklace

putting on the ritz earrings/this is the year bracelet/cheers necklace/pavé surround large stud earrings

sparkle summit brynn/charm shoe/sparkler gia/gold playing cards (* pretty please santa)

Any of the goods above is sure to make your loved one overjoyed!

Song Of The Week: Christmas Wrapping

Happy (dreary, rainy) Monday!  Anyone sick of holiday music yet?  I sure am not!  One of my favorite holiday songs of the season is The Waitresses "Christmas Wrapping".  It's totally 80's fun and the perfect punch to the normal slow holiday tunes.  This song would be the PERFECT addition to your cheesy, ugly Christmas sweater party!

Gift Guide #3 ~ Give the Gift of Gap {GIVEAWAY}

Being the generous people we all are, every so often it is nice to treat yourself to a little holiday cheer!  And the nice folks over at Brand About Town and The Gap are helping make that possible with a free pair of Gap jeans! 

To enter leave a comment below with the item(s) you want most on your Gap Wishlist.  You will earn one entry for leaving a comment below (please include your email address) and a second entry for tweeting (@lyndsylee) about this giveaway (please be sure to leave a second comment that you tweeted for your extra entry).  The contest will close at 11:59 PM PST on December 18th!  Good Luck!

I have become a true believer in Gap jeans and can be found wearing mine every weekend!  In addition to their fantastic jeans, I basically want just about everything in the store every season.  My Gap Wishlist is below and I am hoping a certain Santa is taking note and making purchases...

faux fur coat - so soft and gorgeous!

1969 ponte five-pocket leggings - most comfortable pants ever!!

metallic blouse - love the leathery look

cozy squirrel socks - shout out to my AGD secret squirrels!

gFast capris - cause i could use some more workout pants for cw!

quilted knit bomber jacket - it makes me feel warm and cozy just looking at it!

heart print henley T - um...could this be any cuter?  i think not!

Good Luck Everyone!!

Gift Guide #2 ~ For the Foodies

Food related gifts are the perfect present for just about anyone!  Co-workers, friends, family, you name it - everyone needs a little something for the kitchen.  And if that person is not one that works well in a kitchen, then I am sure they would love to eat any of the sweet treats!  The gifts below are sure to strike a chord with someone special in your life!

willowherb rolling pin/kitchen magic whisk/set of 3 spatulas/baking gift set

refresher deluxe gift basket/three months of coffee/hario buono V60 drip kettle

kuhn rikon classic paring knife set/molcajete/dean & deluca salt essentials collection

chocolate swirl marshmallows/hot chocolate trio

dark chocolate peanut butter bites w/ sea salt/dark chocolate jalapeño meltaways/peppermint spoons

s'more basket

Wide Open Spaces...

Thanksgiving in Kansas was wonderfully relaxing and full of good memories.  I can honestly say I experienced the most beautiful sunsets/sunrises ever and felt like a straight up country girl.  While I  not ready to make the move to farm life anytime soon, I thought I would share my fave pictures from the trip.  I returned relaxed and full of cheer and am so thankful for B's amazing family for hosting such a wonderful trip!

Below are some of my fave pics (loving instragram btw! follow me @lyndsylee) from the trip!

4.5-5 hour drive from Colorado to Kansas

early sunrise Thanksgiving morning

sunrise continued from the farm

wild farm kitty who couldn't have been sweeter!

happy thanksgiving (i wore my uggs the ENTIRE week!)

shot some guns at targets (no animals)

serene sunset

gorgeous deer who just stared at us!

more deer off in the horizon - bambi?

finished the 750 piece puzzle...only took us 2 days!

sunsets with my sweetie make me happy

wide open spaces is all i kept singing the whole drive there and back (also thought about the disgusting outhouse we had to stop at on the way to Kansas but passed on the way back to Denver)

rocky mountain high! returning back to LA aboard Frontier

Song of the Week: Twelve Days of Christmas

With the recent revival and successful return of The Muppets (thanks to one darling Jason Segel) it seemed only fitting to select the "Twelve Days of Christmas" for song of the week. 

Can I just tell you how much I loved this song as a child growing up?  It brings me back to my aunt and uncle's house on Christmas Eve and begging for them to put The Muppet Christmas record on...yep I said record.  Oh the joy that album would bring me. 

While the album was filled with great holiday tunes, my favorite still to this day is their "Twelve Days of Christmas" version.  Miss Piggy's "ba-da-bum-bum" always had me in stitches and I also loved Beaker's little squeaks (which is missing in the version above).

All this reminiscing has me looking forward to Christmas Eve again at Aunt Randi & Uncle John's, where I just may make them pull out the record and play it for old time sake.  Enjoy!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Robes for Everyone

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A bathrobe is a pretty standard holiday present and let's be honest, we all are usually wearing a robe that could use some replacing.  Why not treat yourself or your bestie to a cozy, lovely robe she can feel confident wearing to the door should an unexpected visitor stop by?  Best part about these robes...they are all under $20!!  Go ahead and check off a few of your favorite ladies from your holiday shopping list with one quick trip to Forever! 

Gift Guide #1 ~ Pretty Polished

Happy 1st of December!  You now officially have 24 shopping days left to get gifts for those special to your heart (including yourself!). 

Today's gift guide is for the gal in your life who likes to wear her flare on her fingertips.  Nail polish is the perfect gift for any one if your life.  You choose the price range and the color selection is endless.  It's a perfect stocking stuffer, little gift for your favorite gal at the office or little sister. 

Oh Deborah you always have me crushing hard on your polishes!  for that rockstar best friend of yours, why not treat her to the Get This Party Started set?  Or for your sweet little snow angel and Led Zeppelin fan, a little Stairway To Heaven which looks like little bits of snowflakes in a jar.  Love!

A little sweeter but still smooth as butter is this Holiday Glitter Trio.  All the goodness of butter with none of the calories...yes please!

Glitter?  Check.  Sparkles?  Check.  All out flashy fantastic - yep and the names are just my favorite!

Don't Be Eggnogious, Getting' Miss Piggy With It, Meteor Shower 

For your favorite gold digger who likes to play it cool, Gold Flash should do.

I am loving this pair together, Shine of the Times and Bobbing for Baubles.  Essie's whole holiday collection is straight up glamorous and rich.

The perfect red, a splash of white a tinge of black and a gloss of gold, could we NARS have nailed it any better with this Kabuki Mini Nail Polish Coffret?  You could buy the set and split it amongst your different girlfriends - sexy, innocent, bold and dazzling. 

Any of these polishes as gifts are sure to leave you perfectly polished in their books!

Song Of The Week: Little Drummer Boy

I'm back from a wonderfully relaxing holiday vacation and overjoyed at the abundance of holiday music that is filling my ears (minus "Christmas Shoes" which was the VERY first X-mas song I heard this season  - trying to block that out).

I love all the pop holiday tunes but every once in a while really enjoy a classical holiday tune that includes a choir.  My favorite holiday tune with a choir has to be Harry Simeone Chorale's "Little Drummer Boy".  I love the beautiful voices behind it and singing along to the "pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum".

If you are starting to compile your holiday party mixed tape, you most definitely should include this beauty.  It may be on the slower side but will surely please all your guests.

Anyone else so excited about the return of holiday music?

Happy Thanksgiving!

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I have long said that Thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday if I didn't love giving presents so much.  I love the smells, the food, the friends, the family and just this general time of the year. 

I am thankful for my incredible family who love and support me through my toughest times and taught me how to love others. 

I am grateful for my amazing friends who make me laugh, cry and push me to excel and be a better me. 

I am thankful for my sweet Waldo who loves me even when I am hungover and pain in the butt.  He gives the best snuggles and brings a smile to my fave on a daily basis. 

I am thankful for B and his support, love, and intelligence.

And I am thankful for all of you that read my blog, and leave me comments that bring a smile to my face (often times a chuckle).  It means that world to me that you take time out of your busy day to read YBB and I love you for it!  

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

XOXO

Happy {Turkey/Vacay} Weekend!

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I am officially on vacation and off to Denver to spend Thanksgiving with this turkey...

It will be my first Thanksgiving not spent with my own family or California friends and while I sad to break tradition, I'm also excited to experience a different side of Thanksgiving and indulge in new traditions and feast on new treats with ones I love. 

I will try to sign in next week and share any fantastic goodies with you all, but want to wish you all a happy turkey day, and may it be filled with tasty food, the best wines and warmth and love from friends and family!

XOXO

Make This - Roasted Butternut Squash Soup w/ Spicy Seeds

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One of the many things I love about fall is the abundance of delicious soups available for the tasting.  When I was in Amsterdam, we at this incredible Peruvian restaurant where I drooled over the best Butternut Squash Pumpkin soup I have ever had in my life.  No joke.  The second time I was in Amsterdam I made sure it was the first stop on my list. 

The other day while cruising through Williams-Sonoma (my fave store during the holidays) they were sampling the most incredible version of Butternut Squash Soup from Derek Clayton of Lola in Cleveland, OH.  They were serving it in little dixie cups that you drank directly from and the sample included roasted pepitas, julienne cut Granny Smith apples and a pinch of fresh cut cilantro.  It was to die for. 

I instantly knew what I was bringing to the Thanksgiving dinner table and highly recommend if you are still stumped for what to bring to your next potluck, or your own Thanksgiving dinner table look no further!  This recipe gets it done with a smile on every one's face!

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH SPICY SEEDS

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash (about 3 pounds) (or buy the puree from Williams-Sonoma to save time.  Also Trader Joe's offers already cubed butternut squash for your convenience)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• 1 teaspoon butter, melted
• 2 pinches cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon
• Vegetable oil
• 2 yellow onions, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
• 2 medium carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 medium celery ribs, chopped (about ½ cup)
• ½ jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 4 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• Cider vinegar
• 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced into matchsticks
• ½ cup cilantro leaves

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. Slice the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and fibrous pulp and separate the seeds from the stringy pulp. Reserve the seeds. Use a sharp knife to score the neck portion of the squash several times, then rub the flesh with olive oil and season with salt. Roast the squash cut side down on a baking sheet until tender and lightly caramelized, about 1 hour.

2. In a colander, rinse the reserved seeds and dry with paper towels. Place on a sheet pan and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, until golden and fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and a large pinch of salt. Toss the seeds in the mixture and set aside.

3. In a medium stockpot set over medium heat, heat about a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onions, carrots, celery and jalapeño, if using, and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the maple syrup and cook, stirring frequently, until the syrup is reduced by two-thirds, about 5 minutes. Remove the stockpot from the heat and set aside.

4. When the squash is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool briefly. Remove the squash flesh from the skin and mix it into stockpot with the onion and carrot mixture. Return the stockpot to the stove. Turn the heat to medium, add the chicken stock and cream, if using, bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. Season with the cider vinegar and salt. Serve soup hot with apple, cilantro and toasted seeds.

Bon Appétit!

I'm Loving It...(Shh...Don't Tell)

The Starbucks "Red Cup" is back!!!

I found myself in a funny situation today.  I was overjoyed by the return of the red cup, but then felt annoyed that it seems a little too soon...like perhaps November 15th would have been a better day to release the glorious red cup. 

I will tell you that it is FAR TOO EARLY for the holiday music that greeted me today at Macy's while browsing the racks.  Unacceptable.  I love holiday music more than the average person and it is too soon.  Holiday music after Thanksgiving all for it. 

Which makes me wonder...am I a hypocrite for loving and smiling at this beautiful red cup and cursing out loud at Macy's for playing holiday?  You be the judge. 

Truth be told...I can't wait to get my new red cup tomorrow ;)

Happy {Spooky} Weekend

I am not really one to celebrate Halloween but if I did, these skulls would most definitely be displayed around the house. 

Hope you all have a spooky, frightfully fun weekend ahead of you!

Forever Frugal Friday

Forever Frugal Friday's have been on hiatus for awhile, but I am excited to share today's fabulous find!

I love a good black dress and this Heart Print Dress would be perfect for the upcoming holidays or a girls night out.  It is sweet with the little hearts and also a little naughty with the sheerness at the top and keyhole button back.  The dress is part of the Rory Beca collection currently at Forever.  There are some great pieces in the collection and while I am still looking forward to Thanksgiving and in no rush to head into Christmas, I will say I am excited for all the holiday collections that are beginning to emerge.  

Regardless of the upcoming holidays, this dress is sure to be in style anytime of the year. 

Easter Best Dressed

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1 - Mon Cheri Dress

2 - Ruffle Dress

3 - Kelly Dress

4 - Ruffle Print Dress

5 - Ruffle Cami Dress

6 - Side Drape Jersey Sheath Dress

7 - Watercolor Dress

8 - Ruffle Dress

Ever since I was 11, Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays because of the bright colors, pretty prints and the fact that I almost always got a new dress for church on Sunday.  I just realized that I haven't even begun to think about what I will wear this coming Easter but I after browsing through a variety of dresses, I am leaning towards ruffles and bright colors. 

Now I just need which brunch spot to wear my Easter best.... 

buy this banner here

And a very special hug and a squeeze to my girl Karli and the healthy (quick) delivery of her new baby boy Liam!  So happy for The Konings! 

Now I am just waiting for the 22nd and the arrival of little RJR...