Halloween Discounts and Steals BEFORE October!

As soon as the weather cools and the smell of fireplaces can be smelt in the air,

my mind immediately goes to Halloween. October 1st may be too late to purchase your tickets, especially if you're looking for discounts or you don't want to run the risk of a fun event being sold out. I have been on the lookout for tons of fun halloween activities you're not going to want to miss!

Utah County + Halloween = Cornbelly's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest

Last year my husband and I didn't go to Cornbellys. We had a very small newborn at the time and I was worried she would get too cold. We don't regret the decision of not taking our tiny 3 month old there.. However, we did feel an emptiness throughout the Fall season since we weren't able to go. I'm so excited to take my daughter there this year. She is going to absolutely love running around and playing with other kids. I seriously just purchased half a dozen tickets AND because I ordered my tickets BEFORE September 28th I was able to use Coupon Code: EXPO** to receive $4 off of each ticket! Savings of $24 and I won't have to wait in line since an eticket was emailed straight to my smart phone. Win-Win! If you'd like to purchase tickets or see more information, click here.

**UPDATE! Until Oct. 31st use Coupon Code: VALPAK1 to get $3 off Laughin' or Lovin' admission or 
Coupon Code: VALPAK2 for $4 off Screamin admission. 

Pumpkin Patch Train 

If you think you may be near Heber Valley sometime this October, be sure to purchase a kid friendly train ride to a secret pumpkin patch. Admission is $15 but children under 3 are free. The Admission includes a beautiful 40 minute train ride through a colorful forest, a pumpkin cookie, a cup of apple cider and a pumpkin. There is even more fun at the depot where kids can decorate their pumpkin, get their face painted, a hay maze and haunted train for those with older children. Tickets are running out fast with some dates and times already completely sold out! Hurry to snag your preferred date and time. Click here, for more information.

Sleep Hallow Haunted Wagon Ride

Reservations are required at this Heber Valley favorite. Starting October 9th, hear the tale of Ichabod Crane while riding through a haunted forest. Look out for the headless horsemen-- you just might see him! Rides leave every 15 minutes and the ride is approximately 25 minutes long. The later you go, the less kid friendly it is so if you want to bring a little one I'd recommend going before 6:00, if you are going on a date with your sweetheart I'd recommend going after 7:30 (private wagons are also available for a fee if you are interested). Again, children under 3 are free. Right now through KSL you can purchase your tickets at a discounted rate of $20/person (normally $25) while they last click here for the link! Sign up for their emails to receive an extra 10% off of that ticket price. Another Win-Win.

SLC Monster Block Party - FREE!

Held on Saturday, October 24th at the Gallivan Center, the Monster Block Party is a FREE, daytime Halloween festival for Salt Lake City's goblins and ghouls of all ages. There will be trick-or-treating booths, a costume contest with prizes (Kid and Adult divisions), free arts and crafts projects, face painting, a pumpkin drop, pony ride, petting zoo, live performances and more! This event runs from 11- 3 PM. For more information, click here.

A Wizarding Halloween Spooktacular

Recommended for children 8+. Celebrate the Utah Symphony's 75th anniversary by attending this spooktacular event by listening to a beautiful performance of Harry Potter's incredible soundtrack along with other boo-tiful songs. The performance is on Tuesday, October 27th at 7 PM and is expected to be 2 hours long (including intermission). Costumes are encouraged for the whole family. Go all out as you may be one of the select few to win a costume contest! Tickets go from $8-16 and they are going fast so get to the site as fast as your broom will take you! 

Don't wait too long to purchase tickets for any of these spooktacular events. They might sell out on you... and that would be truly SCARY! If you happen to find yourself at any of these events tag me on instagram @xoxorachelleblog or on FB. I'd love to see all of your great costumes! 

Do you have any more ideas of fun, kid friendly Halloween events this upcoming year! I'd love it if you shared them with us. Post a comment below!

Fall Hike Featuring Nike Free 5.0

Nope, you're not hallucinating.

My husband's dream finally came true.

I purchased a pair of Nike Free 5.0 and I love them!

September is my favorite month. Crispness in the air, pumpkin everything and it's still warm. I love the silence before the storm of the holiday festivities too! This past weekend I finally purchased a pair of Nike Free 5.0 and a beautiful Fall hike up Little Cottonwood Canyon was the perfect way to break them in. If you've never tried on a pair of Nike Free's you are missing out! They are lighter than air and you feel like you are walking on clouds with each step-- 

even with a chunky baby strapped to my back! 

They come in many styles and colors to fit any personality or athletic needs.

Check them out here

So what are you waiting for?! Pick out a spot on a map, grab a pair of these babies and get your bum up to one of the trails while the leaves are changing and the weather is still gorgeous!

I hope you have an amazing week full of fall festivities. If you happen to be hiking, snap a pic and #xoxorachelleblog on instagram or share it on my FB page. I would love to see them!

The Yays and Nays of Cardis.

Listen up, cause I'm only going to say this once:

Not all Cardigans were created Equal.

Here are 4 styles and how (and not) to wear them.

I'm guessing you have about a dozen cardigans in your closet. Don't be ashamed, so do I. They come in all shapes and sizes, colors and prints. But, all cardigans are not created equally. Some cardigans are better for certain outfits. It can get a little confusing sometimes, but wearing the right cardigan is important. So today, let's talk about it. Lest you wear something that makes you look sloppy, wide or just... ugh. Hey, this may seem blunt, but I've got your best interests at heart.

<3

1. Waist Length Cardi.

Photo taken by photographers at A'GACI

Don't wear them with long tops. The contrast in lengths is not flattering and creates a weird shape and proportion to the body.

Do wear them with fit and flare style dresses, or high waisted skirts. The hem of the cardigan should not go more than a few inches past the waistband so keep that in mind when pairing items together.

2. Oversized Cardi.

Photo taken by photographers at Phildar

With all the bulk that an oversized Cardi brings to the table, Don't pair this cardi with wide legged pants or a maxi skirt. The wideness of the Cardi coupled with the wideness of the bottom will make you look, well, wide. That's not a look I think any of us are going for. 

Do find the most flattering skinny jeans you own and wear them with your oversized Cardi. You really want to make the bottom half of your body appear as slim as possible. Also, make sure you wear a pretty form fitting top underneath the cardi as well. It doesn't need to be tight, just slightly tapered in should be sufficient.

3. Wrap Cardi.

Photo taken from the ever amazing blog, "Lily, the Wandering Gypsy."

Even though it's less bulky than the Oversized Cardi, it's still long. Don't wear it with any sort of short skirt. The proportions will look completely off. 

Do wear it with dark colored jeans or pants to elongate your silhouette and compliment your figure. Those drapey lapels will create long & sleek lines up and down your figure.

4. Boyfriend Cardi.

For a plethora of work friendly, modest clothing check out I.believe.in.Unicorns

As much as I love Boyfriend Cardis, the longer length does not work with full skirts or dresses. Yeah, no bueno. For that kind of look, stick to the waist length cardigans, as mentioned previously in this post (#1, in case you haven't been paying attention... there will be a test. Just kidding!)

Do wear them with jeans, knee length pencil skirts or shorts. They really will go with almost anything as long as your bottoms are fitted and slimming.

I hope this blog post has helped clear up any pestering questions you have ever had about cardigans. If you have any questions you would like covered on my blog, let me know in the comment section below!

Is Your Hair Fall Ready?

Summer is wrapping up which makes me sad.

Autumn is coming in full force though which means exuberant amounts of plaid, pumpkin and darkening hair colors which makes me mucho mucho happy.

It breaks my heart to know that Summer is quickly coming to a close. 

But Fall is super exciting in more ways than one.

It's the time for "dark haired Rachelle", my alter ego, to come out and play.

I really wanted to keep my hair red as I feel naked without my "indicator"-- that thing that keeps me unique from others. When I discovered Marsala, I fell in love.

What's your 2015 Hair Color?

2015 Fall Hair Color Guide

1. Move over Ombre! There's a new coloring trend in town and it goes by the name "baby lights."

Babylights are reminiscent of the soft, sunkissed dimension that graced your hair as a child. To achieve this look, ask your stylist to weave highlights with hand painted pieces for a subtle glow around the face and on the ends. As the name infers, Baby light have the ability to add a hint of youth to your overall appearance. Never doubt the power of a few face framing highlights! They are low maintenance and can be done on all hair types. If this is your first time getting your hair colored Baby lights may be a great Baby step! 

2. 2015's color of the year is Marsala. Aubergine is a perfect way to capture this color on your hair. Its deep plum color embodies that of a deep, full-bodied wine color. This hair color is extremely versatile and looks great on all skin tones. For cooler complexions, focus on your purple, eggplant hues; for warmer skin towns, add a few brownish-red colors to ensure skin does not appear yellow.

Much like the wine, Merlot is a rich red color with subtle hints of cherry and cocoa.

**This is the one I did**

3. Rose Gold isn't just for blondes! These gorgeous pinkish copper tones can be accomplished on almost all hair colors. Be sure to have a picture to show your stylist as Rose Gold is one of those hair colors that is open to interpretation. There are many shades of Rose gold and I'd hate for you to end with a color more pink than you would have liked.

4. Rich Chocolate Brown hair color is a classic but it's a beautiful color for Fall. Mix in some caramel highlights if you are a brunette that craves dimension without a huge commitment. If you're looking for a brown color to pair with caramel highlights stick with your mochas and neutrals. Too cool of browns could make your hair appear dull and flat.

5. Silver Fox. Forget covering grays and learn to embrace them. Silver will be a huge color this Fall. Although I wouldn't be able to pull it off, I have been to the stylist where a girl went from bronde to silver and it was absolutely stunning. It's surprising how striking and sophisticated silver can make you look. Who knows? Maybe I'll be bold and brazen enough to try it sometime! Silver Fox's cousins dark grey and Charcoal will continue to trend upwards as well.

6. Platinum Blonde was big last year, but it's coming back with an even stronger vengeance this season. Perhaps people who were on the fence last year are now finally taking the plunge. While the 90's sported platinum blonde with golden undertones (I'm looking at you Justin Timberlake circa 1990) this year's platinum is much more modern and chic.

7. Lavender! Bubblegum! Cotton Candy! If you're feeling particularly brazen this season, take a gamble with these Pastel Shades. In order to successfully pull off this look, you need to make sure your hair is particularly healthy as hair color will need to be lifted (a lot) in order to achieve this look in its fullest prime. Protein and Moisture treatments are an absolute must if you are to do this trend justice without frying your tresses.

I hope this list of 2015 Hair Trends has helped you in your quest to find the best Fall Color for you!

I am loving my Aubergine color. My hair is Fall ready, is yours?

:)

What hair color do you think you'll be trying this Fall? What do you think of the trends I posted? Do you like a subtle difference or do you love any opportunity to go all out? I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below!

5 (Killer) Ways to Extend the Life of Your Summer Wardrobe

Do you feel a crisp chill in the air?

Worried you're going to have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe?

Well honestly, to me, that sounds like a dream but alas, it isn't very practical.

Here are 5 (Killer) Ways to Extend the Life of Your Summer Wardrobe!

Summer 2015, it's been real.

I love Fall just as much as the next girl. Seriously, did all of us girls have a meeting and agree that Fall is the best season, like, ever? I have yet to meet a girl whose favorite season wasn't Fall. Am I right or am I right?! 

While the idea of blowing cash on a completely new "Summer to Fall" wardrobe just about sounds like Heaven, it's not very practical... Or so the husband says. 

:/

But never fear! Here are:

5 (Killer) Ways to Extend the Life of Your Summer Wardrobe

1. Layer with Cardis.

Extend the life of those Summer tanks and sleeveless blouses with cardis. All you need is a few simple ones in colors you love to wear frequently. Think your neutrals (navy, gray, black, cream & taupe!) and you'll be able to wear your favorite summer shirts and sundresses long after skies are grey.

2. Add Tights or Leggings.

Think September 1st marks the end of sundresses? Think again. Add thick tights or leggings underneath your favorite sundress. Don't forget you can always wear tights underneath shorts for a very sophisticated and Parisian look. Pair a cozy cardi on top and you'll be cute, fashionable AND warm all Fall long. 

3. Layer Layer Layer.

The transition from Summer to Fall can be tricky. There are plenty of days when it isn't quite warm enough for short sleeves, but it isn't quite cool enough for long sleeves either. Have a favorite sundress? Have a favorite neutral sweater? Get those babes married then why don't you! Sure, it may get hot throughout the day and you might have to take off the sweater at some point, but when it gets a bit chilly you'll have it with you. Nothing is less attractive than goosebumps (or goose pimples if you live in the U.K).

4. Roll Em Up.

The temperature can vary widely throughout the day. Stay comfortable by rolling up your long sleeves or pant legs into cute cuffs. You've seen it in the magazines, those cuffed pants with some sexy heels or casual Keds? Soooo "in" right now. Plus, you'll be chic and comfortable. Win-Win much? Heck yes!

5. Add a Scarf.

If scarves aren't your favorite fashion accessory-- they should be. Something as simple as adding a scarf can really dress up your outfit or make it more playful. You don't have to wear itchy thick scarves to stay warm either. You may be surprised how warm a light scarf can keep you when you wrap it up right. Check out Pinterest to find a plethora of ways to tie your scarves. There are literally hundreds of creative and unique ideas just waiting to be utilized. 

I hope these tips have been helpful. I will be posting EVEN more examples of these tips in upcoming posts so be sure to check back with us soon! As always, I hope you have a great day and enjoy 

PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!!!!!!

Do you have any tips or tricks to extend the life of your Summer Wardrobe? I'd love to hear from you. Please post a comment below!