Keeping Up With The Koveses

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Our New Wall Art...It Glows in the Dark

I originally bought this work of art for my classroom because it fits perfectly with my plans for A Midsummer Night's Dream, but it was smaller than I anticipated, so it sat in my dining room for a few days.

I have received a complimentary painting to review. The opinions here are 100% mine! This post contains affiliate links.

My husband and I talked it over and decided that nobody would get to see the awesomeness that is its glow-in-the-dark feature. We sat it up against the glass door for a day and then locked ourselves in the bathroom with this giant piece of art to check out the glow- it was AMAZING.

We knew it needed to be where the glow feature would be appreciated and where it would get light to glow. We chose the stairway across from the window. It looks lovely, and I can't wait until it gets dark tonight to check the stairway out.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Stitch Fix June- Part II

I just got the second of my Fixes for the month of June, and have another great giveaway for you.

This post contains affiliate links to make for easy shopping for you. We receive a small commission from the company at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase.

Summer has arrived-today is the first full day and the longest of the year! However, I am working summer school, so I have a few days left before I am ready to vacation.

I adore my Stitch Fixes so much that I wanted to share the experience with my readers. In July if you sign up, you get a $25 credit, which is your first box shipped for free. Sign UP HERE.

What is Stitch Fix?

It is a styling service that for $20 (which gets credited towards any items you keep) you get five items hand-selected for you by a stylist. You fill out a style profile and link a Pinterest board, so your stylists know what you like. If you are interested in trying out this service, please use my referral link as I can get credit for sending you their way.

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Our school colors are blue and gold, so these first two pieces had me before they even came out of the box. I adore colored jeans, and these cropped ones hit the mark. I wanted some summery tops that would be good for running errands or going out to dinner, and this yellow sleeveless was just what I needed.

These Cents of Style earrings are some of my favorites.

Here I paired the dress with my royal blue Ballasox, which are the most comfortable ballet flats I have found. I have heard them compared to Tieks, but at 1/4 of the price, Ballasox better fit my budget.

I also have on my gold necklace from my first Rocksbox.

Kamala Colored Skinny Jean in Blue KEPT
Breyson Split Neck Pleated Sleeveless Blouse in Yellow KEPT

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I had asked my stylist for capri pants, and she sent gauchos. I was very skeptical of these pants as I love skinny jeans. I wasn't any less skeptical when I put them on. In fact my 15 year old was even less impressed.

However, these pants fit so well around the waist and hips that I contemplated keeping them. We all know how hard it is to find perfectly fitting jeans.

I paired this outfit with my gold sandals. You can't get these ones anymore, but I found these similar sandals. I also got a great necklace in my box, which was cute and matched a lot, but without keeping the pants, the necklace went back.

Bay to Baubles Alec Metal Coin Necklace RETURNED
Mavi Carrie Released Hem Denim Gaucho RETURNED

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I wasn't at all sure about this top when I pulled it out of the box. My stylist suggested pairing it with the Gouchos, but that looks so odd that I didn't even photograph it.

These white jeans I paired the top with are great. I got them at Sam's Club last summer on clearance, so I won't feel bad when they get dirty.

My blue Ballasox match perfectly, and those same Cents of Style earrings.

Senza Embroidery Detail Top KEPT

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Our 15 year old daughter is in need of some wardrobe work, and my mother suggested that we get her a fix. Has anyone ever used Stitch Fix for their teen?

Be sure to follow my Pinterest Stitch Fix Board:

Follow Sarah's board Stitch Fix Board on Pinterest.

If you are interested, please use my referral link as I get a credit for letting you know about Stitch Fix and you get a $25 credit in July.

A huge thanks to Maria at Crazy Together for linking this up.

I would love to know more about you in order to help you more: Do you Stitch Fix already? Do you have any favorite wardrobe pieces you think I should ask for?

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Tea and Blue Ribbon Banana Muffins

Today I want to share with your a family recipe. I have been making these banana muffins since I was little. Several times my brothers and I entered them in the county fair and walked away with blue ribbons thanks to my mother's recipe. My poor recipe card is worn out from the use that it gets.

I have received complimentary samples of these products to review.

The opinions here are 100% mine! This post contains affiliate links.

I inherited my grandmother's Kitchen Aid Mixer. It still works like a champ!

I store all of my cupcake wrappers in a Ball Canning Jar in the baking cupboard. They keep their shape, and the jar is easier to spot than those little packages they come in.

I use my baking scoop to fill the wrappers in the baking pan. It gives them a better shape and a more even size.

I always let my muffins rest on the counter for a few minutes after scooping and before putting them in the oven. It gives them much nicer crowns.

While my muffins were baking, I tried out some new Chai tea that we got.

Chai tea lattes (tea with lots of milk) are a favorite at our house. This tea was no exception. One big pot of water and the whole family was happy. It has full flavor and is very aromatic. We added raspberry honey.

I also got a new infuser. This time I tried it on hot tea, but soon I will be doing some iced tea with it.

We are big loose tea drinkers in our house, so this fancy stainless tea set was a must have for us.

It provided the option to get variable strengths to fit all our taste buds while giving us a clean cup of tea. I am not a big fan of lots of sediment in the bottom of my tea cut, but I enjoy my tea strong. This fine mesh strainer provided me with the best of both worlds.

I finished baking the muffins, brewed myself a cup of Chai, and enjoyed the quiet.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

3 Necessities for our Fourth of July BBQ

I love having people over and entertaining, so we will be having a get together the week of the Fourth of July. It will be standard fare: burgers and hot dogs on the grill with the usual sides.

I have received complimentary products to review.

The opinions here are 100% mine! This post contains affiliate links.

Herb Scissors for Our Salads

We have the most gorgeous chive plant right outside our kitchen door. I love to add chives to all of my salads: pasta and potato. These herb scissors make putting my fresh herbs in salads a SNAP. They have four blades and you can snip directly into the bowl.

Star Silicone Molds for Ice Cubes

I have all five of these start molds filled and in the freezer for drinks. We will have an assortment of red, white, and blue beverages available, so these little start cubes will be the perfect addition to the party.

A New Magnetic Screen Door

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Stitch Fix June

It's that time again-Stitch Fix mail for June has arrived. In addition to my first box for summer, I have a big surprise for you too.

This post contains affiliate links to make for easy shopping for you. We receive a small commission from the company at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase.

Summer will be here before I know it; eight days of school left before the girls and I are on vacation. We will be busy in June, but the days will be longer and filled with fun.

I requested items in this fix that would help me get through these last days of school with honors night, graduation, and open houses filling my calendar and Roseann DELIVERED!

I adore my Stitch Fixes so much that I wanted to share the experience with my readers, so I teamed up with 27 other Stitch Fix bloggers to bring you a huge Stitch Fix Gift Card Giveaway, so be sure to stick with me to the end in order to get entered.

What is Stitch Fix?

I changed up the location of my photos, so this month you get a different view of our deck. I must say that I am thrilled warmer weather has arrived here in Michigan.

Photo credit goes to the girls, who also helped style each outfit in this post and took the photos.

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I specifically requested dresses for my June events, so it was no surprise when I pulled three dresses from my fix. Only recently have I become a dress wearer. There have been great maxi dresses in previous fixes, which I usually end up loving. This maxi dress was no exception.

I paired this dress with my gold sandals and my state necklace. You can't get these ones anymore, but I found these similar sandals. My state necklace comes from Cents of Style, and they have every state available.

It is one of my favorite pieces, and I always get compliments on it when I wear it.

Everything about this dress was perfect: the color, the fabric, and the fit. My favorite part is the detail on the top. I have already worn it to work twice.

Gilli Jessie Knit Maxi Dress in Teal Green KEPT

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My quest for skirts continued with this fix. This cargo skirt is probably the most wonderful skirt I have ever had on; I swear it fits like a pair of yoga pants, and who doesn't love yoga pants?

I first paired it like the style card with my Dolman Top from my February Fix, which is the exact top pictured on the card- coincidence? This is a perfect date night look for the day Steve and I finally get out again.

I also tried something a little dressier. This outfit I could wear to work and look professional while being comfortable.

Here I paired the skirt with the same gold sandals, the blazer from my second Fix, a peach tank, and a Cents of Style stamped scarf.

Overall this skirt has become a staple of my wardrobe, and I know it will be in regular rotation.

Level 99 Andy Cargo Skirt in Olive KEPT

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My stylist has sent me some great wrap dresses over the last year and a half like the one from February 2015, which I ended up getting in another color too. I have become a dress girl as a result; they really are so much cooler when I'm in my third floor classroom in June with no AC.

This fun print will be perfect for all season and day or night.

Adrianna Papell Evren Jersey Dress in Black KEPT

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These white jeans I paired the top with are great. I got them at Sam's Club last summer on clearance, so I won't feel bad when they get dirty. I also have those gold sandals again. The earrings I got in a Cents of Style Grab Bag last winter. Here are some similar ones.

Right now Cents of Style is hosting another grab bag event. You get a make up bag and three random jewelry pieces (a bracelet, earrings, and a necklace) for $19.98 with free shipping when you use the code GRABBAG20. I already got mine, and I am excited to see what pieces I get.

Skies are Blue Gelsey Crochet Blouse in Coral KEPT

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The last dress in this fix was not a winner out of the box. My whole family thought it looked frumpy as did I, but as often happens with my fixes, I was shocked when I put it on: it looked so much better on than on the hanger.

The fabric is stretchy, which makes it perfect for me because the sleeves are more fitted than most items I own. This was my husband's favorite dress and is unlike any other dress in my closet. I know it will get some wears at open houses this June.

This dress I liked with my leopard Ballasox, which are super fun and Cents of Style earrings. I also added a white infinity scarf like the style card suggested.

London Times Odell Textured V-Neck Dress in Teal Green KEPT

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Another 5/5 box. I really do believe that these are getting better the longer I have been subscribing.

Our 15 year old daughter is in need of some wardrobe work, and my mother suggested that we get her a fix. Has anyone ever used Stitch Fix for their teen?