Kids Holiday Cookie Exchange Party

The holidays can be such a busy time, but they are also super FUN! I think sometimes we all forget that in the chaos of it all.  Especially when it comes to the kids. The magic of it all never dies...just evolves a bit as they get older. One of my favorite events to host, that is fun no matter what the ages of the kids are, is a cookie exchange. Because who doesn't love a good cookie (or twenty?)? 

This is one of those events that seems like it could be a lot of work - but it's not. One year I made the mistake of spending days making cookies. After that I streamlined the process and realized it was much easier to let the kids make one cookie recipe and the rest of the cookies we purchase from the store. We then leave it to our guests to bring either. Some of our friends are major bakers, and others are more like me (and are not). 

This year we did our annual exchange a little early because we had a rare free weekend open that worked for most of our guests. The kids are already so excited about all things Christmas, so we decided doing it a little early couldn't hurt. 

I went with a fun holiday plaid theme, and found some of the cutest plaid party items at Oriental Trading. In fact, I was able to order almost everything I needed from Oriental Trading - including some adorable "Official Cookie Tester" tees for the kids. 

Oriental Trading always has the best holiday items. From home decor to classroom party needs they've been one of our go-to's for years. They've been running a ton of great sales lately too! Use our special code SQAUD19 to snag great deals all holiday season long. 

The party was a great success. There are some cookies the kids are still raving about, and some I might have hidden in the pantry in mommy's special place for further taste testing. 

Here's a peek at all the details before the sugar rush set in and the kids were banished to the backyard to play it all off. 

TIPS & TRICKS FOR HOSTING A KIDS HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE

• To keep it stress free, keep it simple! Have the kids bring their favorite cookie to exchange. If that's an Oreo, let it be an Oreo. No need to make extravagant cookies if that's not normally your thing. 

• Serve just a few drinks - no need to go over board! We served milk (because what goes better with cookies?) in these cute buffalo plaid coffee cups (because what goes better with kids than a cup with a top?). For the adults I might have served something a little stronger. ;) 
• Bring 1-2 cookies per guest. No need to go overboard because with the idea of an exchange kids will be having a lot of cookies. 
• No need to have a ton of leftovers! Have favor bags on hand for kids to take home their favorite cookies for later. 

• Have a well coordinated party with out breaking the bank. We love using Oriental Trading to set the tone for our parties. Through the holiday season you can use code SQAUD19 to access a ton of great deals on top of their already good prices. 

What is your favorite cookie to bring to a cookie exchange? 

Come spend the day with us on:

| Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter |

Holiday Open House Recap

It's official for us - the holidays are here! On Friday we rang in the start of the holiday season with our friends at Findlay Rowe. Each year they host a holiday open house and this year they asked us to help co-host a small part of it. 

We had tons of fun meeting everyone in person, chatting all things Thanksgiving/Christmas, and of course - our favorite part - shopping! 

We were asked to give two presentations. Our first was about holiday decor and entertaining. We designed a quick tablescape with items from the shop (totally swooning over all the holiday plaids this year!), and came up with a quick and easy dessert recipe to share with guests this holiday season. 

(Stay tuned! Recipe to be shared tomorrow!)

For our second presentation we focused on holiday style.

The holidays are always so crazy and rarely do we find ourselves at home having down time to even do the simplest things - like change our outfits for one event to the next. 

We shared some of our favorite key pieces to have on hand and some simple ways to take your outfit from daytime school party to evening holiday soirée.  

Findlay Rowe has so many great quality fashion pieces on hand it made our job super easy! (And our bank accounts super light...)

We also both wore holiday looks from the store to share with everyone for inspiration. Carrie Beth's won on every level.  Style plus comfort always wins. In this case both came in the form of Spanx leggings and Barefoot Dreams. 

We had a blast at the event, and are already thinking of more events to host in the future. We'd love your suggestions on how you would like to interact in person or what you would like to see. Share with us and we'll start working on that for 2020! 

Come spend the day with us on:

| Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter |

What We've Been Wearing {October}

Happy Halloween friends! October was packed with so many events that it FLEW BY! I can't even believe that tomorrow we wake up and it kicks off all the holiday things. 

Weather wise we had a little a bit of everything for October. There were record high temps in the 100's. Then we went to rain and cold. Then we had like two days of Fall. And this evening we are dropping down to 34 degrees. 

So...fashion wise I'm sharing a little bit of everything for any climate you might live in. 

Here are some of my favorite fashion finds from this past month. Some are staples I've had in my closet for the last few years that are still available and some are new finds that I know will be making heavy rotation during the cooler months ahead. All are amazing, and I can't recommend enough. 

Kicking off the month I broke out one of my favorite jumpsuits for our 5 year anniversary bash.

I purchased this ruffle jumpsuit last year and have worn it to so many events since then. It's less than $30, is super flattering, and extremely comfortable.  It also comes in a ton of colors, and some are even less than $15! 

| Jumpsuit | Jewelry (use code MAGNOLIA25 for 25% off) |

I love sweatshirts. My favorite outfit to wear in the Fall is a sweatshirt, shorts, and flip flops. The weather only allowed for it a few times this month, but I still was able to soak it all up in comfort.

This camo sweatshirt has been my go-to, and it's crazy embarrassing how many times I wore it this month. I keep meaning to purchase a few more colors because it comes in a ton. It's oversized, super cozy and I noticed right now it's on sale.

While on vacation in September I spotted these Magnolia earrings from a local jeweler at a boutique. I couldn't resist for obvious reasons. I was nervous they would be heavy like other earrings I've worn this style, but surprisingly they are really light. 

Speaking of jewelry, I think this next piece might win for "favorite of the month". 

| Jewelry | Boots | Jeans | Sweater |

It's no secret we are big fans of James Avery Artisan Jewelers.  I have pieces dating back to when I was a child, and still wear them today. They make such quality jewelry, and I love that there are so many ways to wear their charms. 

When I opened the new Fall catalog and saw this state of Georgia charm I couldn't resist. Between cheering for our favorite football team, and showing off a little state pride I knew it would be something I could incorporate into a lot of outfits. 

I have a charm bracelet I was going to add it to, but then I spotted this interchangeable leather charm bracelet and thought it would be perfect. I've worn it as a stand alone bracelet or have stacked it with my James Avery Hammered Cuff. Both ways I've received tons of compliments. I love that I'm able to change out the charms easily or add to it with just one click. Definitely one of my more favorite purchases for the month. 

Check out some of the other new Fall items from James Avery. You'll swoon and get way ahead of the gift giving game because there's just too many fun goodies not to share.

Fall means football and we've been so here for it all season. 

| Game Day Sweatshirt | Black Cut-off Jeans | Jean Jacket | Black Pants | Gingham Pillows | Red & Black Sneakers | 

 The real MVP though has been these sneakers. We were introduced to Kizik sneakers over the summer, and now that we've had some time to wear them we might be ruined of all other sneakers.

| Black Sneakers | 

Aside from being on trend, they are super comfortable. Which is a must when it comes to being on your feet all day tailgating and watching the game. But the coolest part has to be that they are "hands-free". We were a little confused by this feature at first, but it really is neat. They have been designed to be put on without using your hands. The heel just magically slips on. It's pretty neat and something we wouldn't have ever thought we would care about until we put on another pair of sneakers and realized how convenient it is. Definitely worth another pair (or two!). 

And being a sweatshirt lover, I can't resist mentioning this super soft Game Day sweatshirt. It's fleece inside is so cozy and now that we are getting into our cooler games it will be the perfect go-to for game days! 

Game Day bags are a necessity around here, and I am so excited to finally find a stadium approved bag that isn't hideous.

I grabbed a black one for me and a rose gold one for Carrie Beth. It has tons of pockets, and still is large enough for a large iPhone with some wiggle room. 

The strap is adjustable, and can be worn a few different ways. I like the crossbody style the best though. It also comes in a ton of colors and fun patterns. Definitely worth looking into for a cute stadium or travel option. Especially now that more and more places are instating the clear bag rule or restricted size bags.



This roll sleeve tunic has been a closet staple of mine for years. Each Fall Nordstrom brings it back, and each year I wear it. I now own it in three colors.

| Tunic Top | Sweater | Leggings | Rain boots | 

It's the perfect length for leggings, but not too thick you can't tuck it in for a dressier look if needed. It's comfortable, doesn't wrinkle, and comes in a ton of colors.

Depending on the event I might throw on a cami underneath because the cut is a little low on me. But I've seen some people and it not be so deep. If you're more petite like I am you might opt for one of these easy cami tanks that I love. 

(Psst - saw the tunic shirts are on sale right now!!)

Speaking of things I own in a ton of colors...

| Asymmetrical Snap Fleece | Leggings | Boots | 

This asymmetrical snap fleece is one I can't live with out. I purchased my first one two or three years ago, and now own four colors. This black and white buffalo check fleece being the latest. This one seems to run a smidge smaller than my others to me, but I still love it. It's currently on sale as well, and if you don't own one grab it. It will quickly become one of your favorite things you own! 

That wraps up what I've been wearing this month. If you see me in November, and I'm wearing one of these outfits, don't be shocked. ;) 

What have you been wearing lately? Have an item you've found that you just love? Share with us!

Come spend the day with us on:

| Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter |