5 Pumpkin Recipes To Try This Season

Hooray, it's officially fall and it actually is starting to feel like it too. Goodbye 80˚ and 90˚ weather, I'll see you in June. Until then I'm embracing some of my favorite things, one of which is actually pumpkin. The real pumpkin guys, not pumpkin spice. That hearty, melt in your mouth goodness that reminds me of years of Thankgiving dinners with my family. Baking it is such a joy, it fills the house with an amazing aroma and your stomach with so much satisfaction, especially when homemade whipped cream is involved. So, in honor of my favorite gourd, I'm sharing 5 of my favorite pumpkin recipes...

Pecan Strudel Pumpkin Pie

Crustless Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Spice Latte with REAL Pumpkin

Pumpkin Spice Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

Honorable Mentions: Pumpkin Muffins and Pumpkin Cookies. 

Summer To Fall Transitioning: Summer Dresses

It may officially feel like fall but that doesn't mean I'm 100% ready to ditch my summer dresses (especially this one) for oversized sweaters. Thankfully with the help of a moto jacket and some sneakers I'm taking this dress with me all the way through autumn. Also, how flipping cute are these butterflies?

Dress PayCustom, Bag H.Butler, Jacket FewModa, Shoes Adidas

Fashion Essential: Amopé Gel Activ™ Insoles

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Amopé™. The opinions and text are all mine.

If there's one time of year where my feet need a little extra TLC it most definitely would have to be during September fashion week. Sure, February is brutal but comfortable boots more than make up for the hours spent standing in line, catching up with friends and trying to snap the perfect shot for Instagram. September, however, especially this year, tends to be a little more difficult when it comes to picking footwear. Naturally you want to wear your flashiest heels or try out new shoe trends but they're not always the most comfortable or practical, and you end up feeling miserable after an hour and half a dozen blisters. Thankfully this year I teamed up with Amopé Gel Activ™ Insoles and put them straight to the test with one of my highest, dare I say, most fabulous yet impractical heel in my closet: these glitter platforms. Usually I get about an hour or two of wear before throwing them to the wind in favor for something less rough on my feet. But this year, I was actually surprised that I didn't feel the urge to swap out my 5 inchers out for something flat.

The Amopé Gel Activ Extreme Heel insoles relieved the pressure and left my feet way less stressed than they have been in the past- and on a 90 degree day, at that. The built-in arch support kept me comfortable and feeling supported while hopping from one show to another and everywhere in between. The insoles stayed firmly in place, so I wasn't slipping around in my shoes. And the extra cushion at the ball of the foot and arch made for a comfy feel, almost like wearing my favorite pairs of sneakers but with way more glitter. Hello, fashion secret weapon.

The Amopé Gel Activ Insoles are super easy to use and only take about a minute to apply. Each insert is labeled with a L for left and R for right for easy application {make sure the shoe is clean and dry before applying}. You just have to make sure the raised area of the insole matches up to the natural arch of your foot. Don't worry, repositioning is easy. It took me an extra try to get it exact, but it was worth it. Holy moly. A pair of shoes with exactly no cushion or comfort, made bearable to walk in for a day, sans blisters and aches. The insoles should last about 6 months: when you start see some wear, just toss them and slip in a new pair. I snagged mine at Target for about $10 and plan on heading back to stock on up more in a week or so. Which happens to be when Amopé will let you try their Gel Activ Insoles and Inserts for free via mail in rebate. The offer kicks off with purchases made on the 25th of September through October 23rd, more details below.

Guys, you have to take advantage of this, because trust me, you need them in your life. Even your most comfortable heels will feel like heaven on your feet. Not a heels gal? Amopé Gel Activ is available in four varieties, Gel Activ Everyday Heels, Gel ActivExtreme Heel, Gel ActivFlat Shoes, and Gel Activ Open shoes.

Amopé Gel Activ Insoles are made with super concentrated gel, and are 25% thinner than other insoles, so they fit in even the most slender shoes without crowding toes. They are made of a sticky material and do not lose their tack, even if removed from one shoe and put in another. They have support that is tailored to the pressure points created by the different kinds of shoes women wear. So turn your heels into sneakers with Amopé Gel Activ Insoles!

Building up from the most comfortable gel insoles around, this look has all sorts of pops of color and retro vibes. I can't help but be totally obsessed with this floaty swing dress with the embellished platforms and mini bag. It's all in the details, all the way down to the invisible fashion secret, my insoles.

How many pairs of shoes do you own versus how many you actually wear? These insoles allow you to wear them ALL! #Amopé #ShoeLove

Get a free pair of Amope inserts or inslues valued up to $10 when you buy at Target and send in a mail in rebate, now until 10/23/16. Look in your local paper for the mail in rebate or download at wwww.amope.comGet a free pair of Amope inserts or inslues valued up to $10 when you buy at Target and send in a mail in rebate, now until 10/23/16. Look in your local paper for the mail in rebate or download at wwww.amope.com.

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Fall Beauty: Violet Eyes with Sally Beauty

This post brought to you by Sally Beauty. The content and opinions expressed below are that of TfDiaries.

Now that it is officially Fall, it means it's time to up your beauty game for the new season. Hello rich, vibrant hues paired with over the knee boots and chunky layers. In honor of my favorite season of the year I'm teaming up with Sally Beauty to show off some of their amazing beauty finds, and for under $10. I'll let you in a on secret, Sally Beauty is pretty much my go to for all things hair, nails and makeup - it's never overcrowded, you can always find a great deal and the quality is definitely closer to salon than drugstore. For my 'seasonal upgrade', I decided to take advantage of their Red Violet selection and scooped up Palladio's Silk Fix Eyeshadow Palette in Femme Fatale and Real Colors Hydra Eyes Eyeliner in UltraViolet for the perfect pretty in purple look. One of my favorite things about the Palladio palette is the packaging comes with easy to follow steps for creating a quick and easy beauty look that looks like it took FOREVER, or at least like you put some serious effort into it. I skipped the palette's liner (though, it's really pretty) and opted for more of a color pop from the Hydra Eyes liner. Hello, purple fever. I finished the look with a few swipes of mascara to brighten and a lighter pink lipstick to let my eyes be the center of attention. Who else is ready for a seasonal beauty update?

Don't forget to check out the Fall Color Sale Under $10 and for all of your beauty needs. Find your closest store here, shop online or check out the Sally Beauty Instagram for more inspo. 

Get The Va-Va Violet Look: 

Palladio's Silk Fix Eyeshadow Palette in Femme Fatale

Real Colors Hydra Eyes Eyeliner in UltraViolet

First, you want to use the all-over base color (the light pink) to create a canvas for the rest of the colors. 

Next, brush on a healthy amount of the lid color (the purple) and blend. Add the crease color (dark purple) and blend. Apply more as needed. 

Next, highlight (light purple) the in inner small of your eyes to brighten tired eyes. 

Apply liner and blend as needed. 

Finish with the mascara and lip of your choice. 

Voila! Now you're ready for Fall with a new beauty look in under 15 minutes and $10 a piece.

Hair Essential: InfinitiPRO by Conair® Diamond Brilliance™ Smoothing Hot Brush

As far as my hair routine goes I try not to spend a boatload of time on it. In some cases my naturally wavy hair works in my favor. But honestly, that’s only if I take the time and let it air dry after my shower with a ton of product. Which, in reality, isn’t really all that often because I LOVE to shower right before bed and sleep on it wet, turning it into a complete mess by morning. Well, unless I blow it out. But who really wants to do a full blowout at 9 or 10 at night? Not me, that’s for sure.

Thankfully, it looks like my hair problems may have been solved, Last week, while I was at the Conair Style Coalition Lounge at the Dream Downtown during Fashion Week, I was introduced to my hair’s new best friend, the InfinitiPRO by Conair® Diamond Brilliance™ Smoothing Hot Brush ($49.99 at Target). Basically it’s the most time-efficient and easiest way to straighten my hair without having to put the effort in with a blowdryer or straightener. I love that it  gives my hair a more naturally straight look as opposed to the fried, stick straight ends from using a straightener. If you can use a hairbrush, you can use this. The paddle brush design with nylon, silicone and ceramic-coated bristles glides through hair for faster styling, and enhanced manageability. Kiss frizz goodbye with the ion generator, which neutralizes static to remove frizz and add smoothness and shine. The brush has three settings, low, medium and high. Low worked perfectly on my color-treated, dry hair. Note: It has to be used on dry hair, making it the perfect contender for straightening out my morning-after curls.

Since the girls did my hair at the lounge last week I was a little apprehensive about taking the brush home and trying it on my own, without their skills or products. Turns out I had nothing to worry about and it was a lot easier than I initially thought. I like to believe I did a pretty good job, even on my first try. My bangs even favored the ease of the brush gliding through my hair, making them nearly perfect. Conair did it again and I have a feeling this beauty essential is coming with me EVERYWHERE for now on.

This post is sponsored by Conair. All opinions are my own.

Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tazo® Tea for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's officially starting to feel like fall outside and I'm loving every single second of it. Most of you are already on the PSL bandwagon already but I think I have something far better courtesy of Tazo® Tea Pumpkin Spice Chai  (see my regular Tazo Chai Latte recipe here). It's aromatic, flavorful and unique blend makes it the perfect contender for a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte. Hello, new fall favorite that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Pour it into your favorite on-the-go cup for a stroll through the park, to perk up your midday workday blues, or shared over a croissant with your bestie. 

Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

2 Tazo Pumpkin Chai Tea Bags

1/4 C Boiling Water

1/2 Tsp. Maple Syrup

3/4 C Milk 

1. Boil water and place TWO Tazo Pumpkin Spice Chai tea bags into mug of your choice. Fill mug with 1/4 cup of water. Add maple syrup and let steep. 

2. In a saucepan heat milk over low to medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. If you don't have a milk frother, whisk milk on medium until desired consistency is reached. For frother: Pour milk into frother and pump about 20 times. 

3. Remove tea bags and stir. Add milk and sprinkle with cinnamon. 

4. Enjoy. 

Head over to Tazo.com to check our more amazing blends like Passion®, Awake™ English Breakfast, and  Zen™. #sipjoyfully