Friendsgiving in San Francisco

This Thanksgiving marked my first time away from my family for the holiday. And also my first visit to San Francisco. Of course, being away from my family was something that was heavy in my heart, but I was so happy I was able to spend the day feasting, laughing and loving with my amazing friends in San Francisco.

The city was absolutely beautiful. More charming and lovely than I ever imagined. Oh, and absolutely delicious. :)

Fresh Oysters at the Ferry Building

Beer and the Bay Bridge

Seagull Friend

Isn't he handsome?

Sipping hot cocoa on the beach

Friend in the City Center

Kale Kraving

Hi, my name is Sam and I'm an addict. A potato chip addict that is-- I crave them and can never stop at just one. Lucky for me, this is a common problem to have and there is a (tasty) solution out there!

Say hellllllllo to kale chips! Wait, kale chips...? The weird, green mostly known as a garnish? Yeahhh, that kale. I was unsure at first too, but after trying this recipe for kale chips I'm hooked!

This recipe is everything a girl would want- easy, quick, cheap, healthy and it tastes like potato chips! Perfection.

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350.

2. Cut yourself up some kale! Only use the leaves-- the stem is super bitter. And make sure the pieces you are cutting aren't too small, and aren't too big. Just perfect bite size pieces.

3. Clean that kale and dry it.

4. Line a baking sheet with some foil.

5. Put the clean, dry kale on the baking sheet. Spread the kale over the entire sheet.

6. Drizzle with about a tablespoon of Olive Oil and then sprinkle salt over all of it. I also added some garlic salt because I'm garlic's #1 fan.

7. Pop 'em in the oven for about 10 minutes and Ta-da! You've made kale chips. Easy right?

I'll be honest, these babes aren't as good as the real things, but they are pretty darn delicious. I made them as a side for soup and the meal was super satisfying. Delish.

So instead of going for that bag of potato chips to cure your late night salty food cravings, whip up a batch of these yummy, crunchy and healthy chips :)

For best results, drink with a glass of wine:

Lipstick Junkie

Is it just me or does fall weather call for an extra dose of drama to play into your look?

I personally take the chilly temps as a sign to break out my most fabulous and dramatic lipstick. I strayed away from lipstick during the hot months here in Phoenix, because it usually resulted in me smearing it across my face when I wiped away sweat. Ew. That is the definition of "hot mess."

Luckily, the weather here is absolutely lovely now and it's allowing me to transform my makeup regimen!

Hello lip color and a semi-smokey eye! Please excuse my wild mane of hair.

Some of my favorite lip colors- (from left) Clinique, A Different Grape; Revlon, Cherry Ice; Clinique Chubby Stick (Love that name!) in Mega Melon; and another Revlon shade in Red Revival.

The beauty of lipstick is that it can take any look and completely transform it into a put-together and classic ensemble. For example, last Saturday morning the boy and I wanted to go to the Farmer's Market in Old Town Scottsdale. We wanted to go early, but there was NO way I was showering before noon on a Saturday (It's just a rule of mine. I also refuse to workout on Fridays), so I threw on a pair of leggings, an oversize jean shirt, black flats, my Ray-Bans and OF COURSE a shiny pair of red lips (I forgot to take a picture- sorry!). My boyfriend then admitted to me that "lipstick freaks him out," but OH WELL I felt like the epitome of fall chic fashion regardless! :)

Do you have a go-to make-up or accessory that makes you feel instantly glamourous? Have you found that "perfect shade" of lip color?

Grey Daze

Grey days are limited here in Phoenix (I've lived here five months and have yet to use an umbrella!), but the weekend forecast is calling for rainy, chilly weather and I'm NOT complaining! Of course, the Midwestern girl in me is super excited to feel real fall weather in the Valley of the Sun, and I wore my favorite grey sweater in celebration.

One of my favorite parts about Phoenix this time of year is the ability to intermix my summer and fall wardrobe. More options = more outfits. Here, I'm wearing a black and white floral dress from Forever 21 and my favorite slouchy sweater from American Eagle tied in a knot.

I love being able to get away with open-toe shoes in November! These are Vera Wang for Kohls and I'm wearing a shiny, shimmery metallic polish on my toes called Midnight Haze by Revlon.

Other great components to grey fall days= good books, new nail polish and fun, shiny rings (they brighten up the grey days a little).

Am I the only one who enjoys a good grey day once in a while? What are your favorite rainy day activities?

Welcome to Charm Canvas!

Hi there!

This is my personal style, beauty, food and lifestyle blog! I absolutely love fashion, styling and all things CHARMING, and I started this blog to share what I love with others. I’m a Midwestern girl trying to find my way in the wild west. I currently live in Phoenix and work for Nordstrom, where I get to be surrounded by trendy clothes and stylish people all day, feeding my inspiration even more. Thanks so much for coming to my blog. Enjoy!

XO

Sam

Ten Quick Facts about Moi:

1) I grew up in Ohio- I truly believe it’s the heart of it all.

2) I have a Public Relations degree from Ohio University, and my dream job would be combining my two loves- PR and Fashion.

3) I started reading Vogue when I was 13 and had my first (yes, FIRST... I've had others) pair of pleather pants in the 6^th grade. Obviously, I’ve always gravitated towards fashion.

4) I am FAR from a homemaker, but I love trying to find my way around the kitchen, safely use a glue gun and keep my home clean, all while wearing heels and lipstick of course. Aspiring to be a modern-day Martha.

5) Shiny is my favorite color. I like anything that sparkles, gleams, shines, and radiates.

6) I’m obsessed with owls-- I find them to be such beautiful creatures and collect owl trinkets and jewelry. I even have an owl tattooed on my wrist.

7) I think good music can solve any issue and make you forget all your problems. Soundtrack to my life? Bon Iver, Bob Dylan and The Beatles.

8) I. Love. Food. Probably more than anything. I’ll try anything once and most likely, I’ll want seconds. Self-proclaimed foodie.

9) I adore getting dressed up and going out, but the truth is that I’m a serious homebody. I proudly admit that I love my couch, I love TV and I love my boyfriend.

10) I will be buried in leopard print.

My Mantra