Becoming A Better Hostess & Verily Magazine

I have the privilege of being Verily Magazine's guest pinner this week. They asked me to share with their readers what I'm inspired by. One would think it would be fashion related, but instead I chose to pin about being a great hostess.

In the past couple of weeks I've hosted a shower and a couple friends from Houston. I've also been doing a lot of home renovations to get my house in order once and for all. I really want to be a great hostess, but most of the time I don't feel like I'm all that great. I get anxiety about whether my house is clean enough, pretty enough and if my food tastes okay...Anyone else out there feel like this? I HATE that feeling! It's an insecurity that needs to be tackled!

As the cooler months approach and the holidays creep up I know I'll be doing more entertaining too. So, instead of anticipating my hostess anxiety I'm sharing what I love about gathering people together, what foods I think would be great to share and what home environments I find most inviting. Follow along with me, and please comment and share pins with me that you think would be great inspiration for others!

And, if you've ever been interested as to how I became a pinner and stylist, check out Verily's interview with me here. 

Photo credits: Korean BBQ photo by Jennifer Causey; berry galette by Will Cook for Friends

Ted Baker's A/W 2014 Collection & Contest

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This month I'm collaborating with Ted Baker to put together the perfect outfit using Pinterest as part of their #PinpoinTED campaign. Ted Baker has an amazing new collection full of bold colors and sophistication (see it all here on Pinterest). I generally lean toward earth tones during the fall months, but how can you resist bright pink and cobalt blue? It's as if they are neon signs flashing right before my eyes saying, "Stop! Wear me!" This hot pink sweater alone is enough for me to go outside my comfort zone and I did...

Ted Baker is offering a chance to win $800 for you and a friend to buy some of these beautiful pieces! All you have to do is put together a Pinterest board for a friend sharing the Ted Baker pieces that you repin for the #PinpoinTED pinterest boards that you think your friend would look amazing in, submit it and wait to hear if you were selected. Click here to learn more.

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This collection has something for everyone - preppy, feminine, edgy, boho...See for yourself below. This blue lace dress was too pretty not to try on. I generally don't go for dresses that girly, but the twirl factor was irresistible.

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Paired with a leopard belt, some simple heels and a bright clutch...I'm ready for the opera, a wedding, or a fancy date with my hubby.

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If you're a lover of prints you'll love this silk scarf cape. They also have it in a simple scarf, but I'm diggin' the boho feel of this cape.

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It's truly an art piece, and I think this outfit would be great to wear to an art gallery. The skinny jeans, simple cami and flats make it so comfortable too.

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And let's talk about these accessories! A neon pink fedora?! I had to!

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You might be thinking to yourself, well, these clothes are great for the weekend, but what do I wear to the office? Look no further than this suit jacket.

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I don't think you could see past it if you wanted to. ha! Seriously, it's one bad ass blazer. This would be my jacket to get stuff done. It's bold and it speaks style volumes. Keep the rest of your ensemble simple with black skinnies, leather pumps and a nude tote. However, if you really want to turn heads at the office you can buy the whole suit.

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For the young professional, try this cobalt blue tunic dress with a white collar.

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They sell this dress in black as well. It's so classic! I chose to wear black booties with this outfit to make it feel younger.

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Lastly, my favorite look for everyday life is this coral embellished top with light denim. There's no fuss, and it makes a bold statement with the color alone.

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I would go everywhere in this outfit. It's great for dinner with girl friends, shopping at the mall, playing with my daughter...

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When I say Ted Baker has something for everyone I mean it! Go check out their latest collection here. Plus, enter their #PinpoinTED Pinterest contest show off your style skills. You might just win some major cash for you and a friend!

A big thanks to Liz E. Studio for capturing all of these outfits!

*This post was created in collaboration with Ted Baker*

Mint & Florals

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I mentioned in a past post that I don't own very pieces of clothing with floral patterns. I generally stick to simple stripes, plaid or solid colors. This minty floral skirt by Shop and Apparel really caught my eye, and I couldn't pass up the chance for it to be mine.

Mint has been a popular color for awhile now, and it has really grown on me. One of the things I love most about the color is that it often makes people look tan. I haven't seen a skin tone that looks bad in this color. Also, you would think that a tight pencil skirt wouldn't be too comfortable, but this one will prove you wrong. It's machine washable and let's me move freely so I can chase after my two-year-old.

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Because the skirt is so bright I paired it with a simple, fitted chambray shirt also from Shop and Apparel. It's incredibly comfortable as well. Chambray shirts have become one of those closet staples that can take you through every season of fashion. This one in particular is fitted and perfect for tucking into pants and skirts.

To add a bit of glam, I accessorized my outfit with a gold glitter belt, navy suede shoes with gold studs and gold spike earrings. I think a denim jacket, leather jacket, a white blazer and many other closet favorites would work well with this skirt. It's definitely my new favorite piece in my wardrobe.

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Photos by Michelle Herrick

Green Banana Blueberry Smoothie

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Healthy eating is part of my new lifestyle since starting my fitness challenge a couple months ago. I would say that 70% of my battle to getting the body that I wanted and feeling good about myself had to do with my diet and what I was putting in my body. As a mom and business woman on the go I reach for anything processed and packaged. The Starbucks Drive-thru would see me almost every day. Not only is that unhealthy, but my wallet was burning a hole.

Smoothies are the perfect way to start a day. They are faster than Starbucks, cheaper and healthier. This recipe that AVE Styles intern, Alyssa Hodson, created has become a new favorite of mine. It incorporates protein and greens without a yucky, earthy taste.

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Green Blueberry Banana Smoothie

:

(Yields 2 servings)

1/2 c blueberries

1 banana (frozen)

2 handfuls of spinach (about 2-3 cups)

1 1/4 c almond milk

2 Tbsp of peanut butter

1/4 tsp cinnamon

Place all ingredients in blender.  Blend until smooth and serve.

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Photos by Alyssa Hodson. Shirt from Le Tote.

Red Pepper Hummus Dip

When I started my 30 Thriving Challenge with Mountainside Fitness I committed to not only exercising regularly, but adopting better eating habits. I buy hummus every week to enjoy as a post-work out snack. It's a good source of protein, and I pair it with carrots or sugar snap peas rather than pita chips. Because I eat it so much I have been interested in creating my own hummus, but in my mind it seemed really hard. AVE Styles intern, Alyssa Hodson, equally enjoys hummus and decided to come up with a tasty and cost effective recipe. Not to mention, it's fast and easy to make. WINNER in my book!

RED PEPPER HUMMUS - Created and tested by Alyssa Hodson

Ingredients:

1 - 15 ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 2 cloves garlic 1/2 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper

3 Tablespoons of chopped purple onion

2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons Tahini Sauce 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste 1/8 teaspoon cumin

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Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add water if it needs more liquid. Pour into a serving dish and pair it with fresh veggies, pretzels or pita chips.