Thanksgiving Break Recap!!

WARNING:  This post is looooongggg!!!  I was totally gabbing away and didn't realize it!!  :)

I can't even describe how excited and happy I was to come home for Thanksgiving Break!!  It was much needed... I had been missing my family and needing a little break for weeks.  For some reason, coming back to the house I grew up in and seeing my family just relaxes me and makes my whole world "right" again...

Tuesday... 

I was really excited to be driving home after class.  Most years, we celebrate Thanksgiving at the lodge, and I have to fly... Which never was a problem until good old law school came around, and now I have fifty pounds of books to pack everywhere, a diva of a dog to deal with, and 7 a.m. class to be back for.  So I was very thankful that we were celebrating Thanksgiving at the house I grew up in!!  I could pack my car with all the books I needed, put Lola in her little car seat, hang up my clothes in the back seat, and be home in three hours flat.  And the best part?!  I don't come home in a cranky mood because of ridiculous airports, bad flight attendants, and screaming children!!


One thing most people don't know about me is that I'm obsessed with cars.  I love cars.  It has been the one thing my dad and I really enjoy together... (Because, let's face it, it's like pulling teeth to get him to go shopping!!)  So watching him work on cars, looking at cars, and going to cars shows together has been our thing.

So anyway, I was extremely anxious to get home and see Dad's new addition to the collection... I had talked to him about it when he first ordered it, and we had been exchanging excited emails and phone calls throughout the entire waiting period... Then finally it arrived!!  I'm not going to say the make or model because I don't want anyone to think I'm bragging or anything (which is ridiculous, I definitely cannot buy this car, I promise you!!)  But I will tell you that it is bright red - the color of shiny, freshly painted nails - and it has the sexiest-sounding engine you've ever heard... (See?!  I told you... I am way too into cars!!!)

After I peeled myself away from the car, Mom, Dad, and I went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant in town that Dad absolutely loves to have when he's home.

That night, the Dancing With The Stars finale was on (oh I know, that is so cat-lady of me to be so addicted, but I can't help it - I danced for 18 years!!)  Did any of you watch it?!  I liked this season... The dancers were good, the guest performers were amazing, and costumes/choreography were creative... But I still liked last season (with Nicole, Evan, etc.) much better.  I think it bothered me that the finale wasn't much of a surprise this time.

Wednesday... 

Mom and I got so much done this day!!  I went through my closet (which is still full of my junk) and took a huge load to the consignment shop in a town nearby.  If you've never taken your things to a consignment shop you should definitely start!!  Sometimes I sell items on eBay, but it's such a hassle to ship them and everything, sometimes just bringing it to the consignment shop near my parents' is easier.  Basically, you bring gently-worn items in good condition (it helps if they are from a good brand) to the consignment shop, and when they sell the item you get 50%.  It's a good way to keep my closet under control, and I like getting a little addition to my bank account!!

Mom had a Shellac appointment... And ohmygosh I should post a photo of her nails!!  She has really long fingers (like I do) but her nails are just past her fingertips, and her nails  look stunning with the Shellac!!!  I need to keep growing mine just a bit more, and hopefully they will look like hers!!

Wednesday afternoon was dedicated to shopping for Thanksgiving food... First, we went to a little Dutch town outside my hometown that is so precious. The town was settled by Dutch immigrants, and has a code that requires all buildings within so many miles of the town center to be in the traditional Dutch style.  So here is this little town with all these adorable Dutch-style buildings and tulip flowers planted everywhere... It's too cute.

There's a bakery in the little Dutch town called Jaarsma's Bakery, and they make the most delicious pastries and treats you have ever tasted in your entire life.  But nothing can beat their "Dutch letters" - flaky pastries in the shape of an 'S' that are filled with this yummy almond filling.  They aren't too sweet, and they have this amazing mixture of the flaky, almost crispy pastry outside and the soft, almond filling inside.  If you haven't tried a Dutch letter, YOU NEED TO... YOU ARE MISSING OUT.  But I don't suggest any others besides Jaarsma's, or you'll be disappointed... So I guess you'll have to come to the middle of nowhere and try them out  :)

After picking up some goodies from the bakery and a meat market in the quaint little Dutch town, we had to go to... DUN, DUN, DUNNNN... the grocery store.  This place was a total zoo... Crowded, chaos, kids screaming.  There is no better birth control than being in a grocery store around Thanksgiving or Christmas... Everyone is running around with their lists, stressed out and grumpy.  Mom and I couldn't wait to get out to the car and get home!!

Thursday... 

We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade... It has always been my favorite thing about Thanksgiving Day  :)

Since our family Thanksgiving wasn't until Friday, Thursday was really relaxing... Dad kept a fire blazing in the fireplace all day, we watched TV, and played with the puppies.  I worked on my blog for a while, then switched to reading in the evening.   (We don't escape studying/homework during this break either... Finals were only a little over a week away!!)

Friday... 

Poor Lola was having back problems, so I had to take her to the vet to get her some pain medicine :(  All I wanted to do that afternoon was give Lola attention and talk to Mom, but Lola needed to rest and I needed to force myself to do some studying.  It was not pleasant, and getting myself to focus was nearly impossible, but I knew that if I didn't I would feel totally guilty once I was having fun with my family later...

Friday evening my family came over for our Thanksgiving dinner!!  We ate dinner by the fire: turkey, gravy, veggie casserole, sausage dressing, oyster dressing, steamed corn, cranberry dressing, and homemade dinner rolls.  We popped Christmas crackers (the British kind with the prize inside) because Mom said we were "kicking off the season"... Christmas is huge in our family :)  After dinner we managed to make room for dessert... Triple berry pie, Dutch apple pie, pumpkin pie, and coconut dream cake.  Everything was absolutely delicious... It was a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner.

My cousins and I ended the night by playing the game "Clue" - it was one of the only ones left in my old room!!  I'm glad they talked me into it because it was really fun... We were laughing so hard!!  My younger cousin kept calling his older brother and I out... "WHY are you checking off The Study?!"... "Ohhh... So it can't be The Rope!!"... "So if I have the Professor Peacock card, it means that he couldn't have done it?!" (halfway through the second game)... It's amazing that anybody won because he was like an open book!!  I love how the simplest things are entertaining and hilarious with them... My cousins are more like brothers to me. 

Saturday... 

 Mom and I took Dad to the airport... Then we did some Christmas shopping.

Saturday night was girls' night... My mom, aunt, and I went to the movie Burlesque, which is soooo good!!  It has a good plot, and the burlesque dances are amazing... The choreography is great, and the costuming and makeup will blow your mind... I guarantee you will leave and secretly want to be a burlesque dancer!!  :)  Aaaand let me just say, the music is fabulous... I downloaded the entire album from iTunes as soon as I got home!!

Sunday... 


All too soon, break was over... I spent the day with my family and drove home in the evening.  I hate leaving them... They make me so happy, I just wish I could be with them every day  :(  I'll be counting down the days until my Christmas break!!


Hope you all had great Thanksgivings, and that you all got home safely and with full bellies!!  :)  Again, I'm sorry this post is soooo long... I felt like I had a lot to tell you!! 

Xoxo B.

Giveaway Winner!!

And... The winner of my very first blog giveaway is...

Ali Peach!!!!

  

Congratulations!!! 

Please send your address to me at: tortsandatiara@gmail.com and I will ship your package to you within the next few days!!  Thanks for following... And happy holidays!!!  :)

Xoxo B.

Giveaway Update!!

What I'm Thankful For....

Today is Thanksgiving... And I think it's a great time to think about being grateful for all the blessings each of us have in our lives.  I wanted to share a few of the things I'm thankful for with you... Some are more serious, some are just silly, but I am grateful for all of them.  And I would love it if you left me a quick comment with what you are thankful for today as well!!

I'm thankful for my family. 

I have been blessed with such an amazing family... I mean, isn't it crazy how your family seems to fit you just right?!  My family can drive each other crazy, but we are there for each other at just the right time.  And really, isn't that all any of us need in life?!  To know that there are a few people who will scoop you up in their arms when you fall??  Who know you so well that they can sense when you need help??  I think so... And that is why I love my family so, so much.  I would do anything and everything for them... And I know they would do the same for me.

I'm thankful for my friends.  

I honestly don't think I would make it through law school - or life, for that matter - without my friends.  I was chatting with a friend in medical school the other evening and was updating him on my life... I was telling him about my friends and the only word I knew to describe them was "angels".  Yes, those girls who have sipped one too many glasses of champagne with me, those girls who want to pull one another's hair out on occasion, those girls are angels to me.

When you go off to college, your friends become your family.  You live with them, you eat with them, you study with them, you go out together on the weekends, you visit their hometowns with them... You literally spend 80% of your life with your friends.

In law school your friends become your family even faster.  You come into this big, scary thing that is law school, and none of you know what to expect... You're terrified in your first year classes together, you spend hours studying together outside of class, and you stress together during each three-hour first year exam.

Law school literally affects your whole life.  And you can only snap and vent to your family and non-law friends so much... You need a support group who understands how frustrating and difficult law school can be.  So when you're crying, when you're venting, when you feel like nothing is going right... That's when your friends step in to lift you up and pull you together, and you realize that they absolutely are angels.

I can only hope that I can be as good of a friend and be there for my friends as much as they are for me.

I'm thankful for my dog. 

Almost four years ago, my sorority mom took me into a shop and I fell in love with Lola.  She was this tiny, cream-colored fluff-ball and she didn't even weigh a pound!!

Now Lola weighs about nine pounds and she totally knows that she's in charge... And that she owns my heart!!  It sounds crazy, but she has taught me so much over the past years... How to be more responsible, how to put someone else's needs before all of your own, and how to love someone no matter what.  I say "no matter what" because I'm not sure humans are capable of truly loving unconditionally... But dogs are.  If I yell at Lola, if I forget to fill her food bowl one morning, or if I can't get home to let her outside for eight hours, she still loves me.

And I can't tell you how great it feels to come home from a long day at law school and see her happy little face.  She is almost always happy (except when I dress her) and seeing her leap across the floor and wag her tail when I come through the door makes me completely melt... She is the best decision I've ever made.

I am thankful for Starbucks.  

Yes, yes, okay?!  I said it... I am actually thankful for Starbucks.  :)  Some days, all it takes is a pumpkin spice latte (PSL for those of you on Twitter!!) or a gingerbread latte to make my day all better.  Some days I don't know what I would do without being able to run into Starbucks, see someone smiling and cheerful at the counter, and get a warm cup of pick-me-up!!

I am thankful for heated seats. 

I have lived in places that experience cold Winters my whole life... But I still never get used to them!!  I always cringe when I first step into that freezing cold air, I still hesitate to leave my house on Winter evenings, and I will probably never stop hating how my hands never seem to warm up even once I'm inside.  The one thing I am thankful for in the Winter is the fact that my car has heated seats.  After classes I hurry to my car, reminding myself every step of the way that my toasty seat is just feet away... Within a block or so, my car seat is heated up, and I nearly forget about the freezing cold walk there!! 

I am thankful for blogging. 

I talk about this a little bit in my video tomorrow... But I have absolutely fallen in love with blogging.  I didn't know what to expect when I first started six months ago, but this blog has become a huge part of my life.  It's a way for me to keep my family and friends updated on my life... It's a way to discuss new trends and new beauty products... And it's a way to communicate with people who are also into fashion, beauty, and maybe even law school  :)

But most of all, and most importantly, it's a creative release for me.  After a day at law school, my brain feels so constricted... I spend the day learning about what assets creditors can go after, what duties a corporation's directors owe to shareholders, and what travel expenses you can deduct from your gross income.  Sound super interesting??  Well, it can be at times... I like the fact that I'm learning so much, and I love the fact that I'm being challenged.  But after class I can't suppress my creative side... I'll sketch an outfit design, put together a scrapbook page, or work on my blog.  And as I'm typing away, I feel so much more relaxed... I really don't think I could focus on homework or go to an evening class without it.

So, for that... I am thankful.  I'm grateful to have found an outlet where I can release a little creative energy, and I truly appreciate being able to follow other blogs and communicate with people who love fashion and beauty just as much as I do!!



Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!

Xoxo B.

Holiday Outfit Guide: Meeting His Family

The holidays are the perfect time for a guy to introduce his new girl to the family... But what do you wear?!  I styled this layout with casual options... Perfect for meeting his family!!

**Note: For this outfit layout, I used mid-to-high priced items... (For a formal outfit using affordable items, click HERE.  And keep checking... I will be posting various holiday outfits in different price ranges throughout the holidays.) 

  
1.  Stay Casual. 


It's super important to find out the style of his family function... Is it at a nice restaurant??  Is it at night??  Is it a Sunday brunch after church??  Finding out this information will give you major clues as to how you should dress... When the event is closer (maybe a week or so) ask your guy what he is planning to wear.  Although men's clothing styles are able to span a variety of events, this should help narrow it down between formal and casual if you're still not sure. 

As a general rule, a lot of family events around the holidays tend to be more casual... They happen around mid-day or early evening, and they usually take place at an older relative's house... A grandma's or aunt's perhaps.  For events like these you should stay casual.  

Steer clear of any clothing that could be described as "sexy", "hot", or "low".  You are meeting his family... You already have the guy taken care of (hellooo, he's letting you meet his family) so put the cleavage and heels away!!  You are going for "cute" not "sexy"... For this time of year, think cozy sweaters and boots. 

I love this Rebecca Taylor poncho because it mixes the look of a classic sweater with the poncho style that is so popular this season.  Because the sleeves are elbow-length and the v-neck is low (it is supposed to look slightly oversized), you'll need to wear something underneath.  I like the wine color of this J.Crew long-sleeve tee against the creamy beige of the poncho... Plus, when layered, the v-neck of the tee will complement the v-neck of the poncho. 


Rebecca Taylor Wavy Poncho - $275 - find it HERE.
J.Crew Perfect Fit Long-Sleeve V-Neck Tee in Dark Rosewood - $17.50 - find it HERE.

2.  Be Comfortable. 

While dresses are always cute, you have to think about the nature of the family event you're going to.  If this is a typical family holiday gathering, there will be lots of food and lots of people.  You don't know what you'll be asked to do... Maybe his mom will need help in the kitchen, maybe you'll have to help with cleaning up after the meal, or maybe you'll end up entertaining his little cousins.  The point is, you don't know what you'll end up doing... You should be comfortable in whatever you're wearing because if you go wearing some body-hugging silk pencil skirt you'll just end up looking like the stuck-up biaatch who was terrified of ruining her clothes and couldn't lift a finger to help out!!

You usually can't go wrong with jeans, and these jeans are just too adorable!!  Paige jeans tend to be flattering on various body types, and the darker wash of this pair look great with the color of the sweater and long-sleeve tee.  They're skinny jeans, so they'll tuck perfectly into those gorgeous brown boots!!

Paige Skyline Skinny Jean in Super Rebellious - $189 - find them HERE.

3.  Don't Wear Heels. 

There are a few different reasons for this... First of all, I don't think heels look as cute with this sweater look.  Second, if you live somewhere that snows or ices around Thanksgiving and Christmas, you will deeply regret those four-inchers when you're struggling up his Auntie's ice-covered steps!!!  And third, I don't know why, but heels just don't look as "Hi, I'm your new daughter-in-law" as boots with a flat or lower heel do... I think maybe it's because heels can appear a little high-maintenance or too sexy.

**Note:  I am not saying to never wear heels around his family... I'm just saying that if this is the first or one of the first times you've met his family, you will look so much more "girl-next-door" and will feel much more comfortable in boots, I promise!!  Just wait... And when the holidays go well, you can break out your five-inch espadrilles at their Fourth of July barbecue, okay?! 

These boots are ga-ga-ga-gorgeous!!  I love their rich brown color... Especially when worn over the skinny jeans.  The flat style makes them casual and comfy... The perfect thing to wear to a family gathering.  :)

Charles David Rouse Flat Riding Boots in Brown - $395 - find them HERE.

4.  Keep Over-the-Top Accessories to a Minimum. 

Again, this one depends on the family function you're attending... A family dinner held at a ballroom in a five-star hotel will obviously permit dangling, chandelier earrings and a designer clutch, whereas those accessories would look completely ostentatious at a cozy, family get-together at Grandma's house.  Just remember to do your research... Know when and where you're going!!

As a general rule, I feel that less is more here... Keep accessories limited... For this outfit, I would stick with simple earrings, a ring, and layered bracelets.

Juicy Couture Pave Pyramid Earring in Hematite - $48.00 - Find them HERE.
Lucy Brand Pyramid Stone Ring - $35.00 - Find it HERE.
All Saints Keepsake Bracelet - $50.00 - Find it HERE. 
Alexis Bittar Lucite Square Bangle Bracelet in Dark Sage - $75.00 - Find it HERE.

I love this Tory Burch handbag... The beautiful olive color is set off by the gunmetal chain straps.  It's a great size... Not too big, not too small... You could easily fit a Blackberry, camera, and all your necessities inside!!  The designer isn't obvious or in-your-face - the Tory Burch metal symbol on the front of the bag is very subtle. 

Tory Burch McLane Shoulder Bag in Deep Clay- $450 - Find it HERE.
**There are only 3 left in this color at Shop Bop, so hurry if you want it!!


Well, princesses... That's my advice!!  I hope your prince sweeps you off your feet this holiday season... (And maybe you even get to discover the King and Queen are pretty lovely as well!!)

Wishing you all safe travels for Thanksgiving... And lots and lots of pumpkin pie...  :)


 Xoxo B.

Healthy Holiday Eating!! A Guest Blog by SL

 So... I was recently asked to do a blog post on healthy holiday eating... Although I knew a few tips and ideas, I'm not very good at restricting myself during the holidays.  So I didn't want to write a blog post and then feel like a total hypocrite when I'm stuffing my face over Thanksgiving!!  My friend SL is much more disciplined than I am... And she offered to write a guest blog post on healthy eating!!  You can follow SL on Twitter... Her username is @selong!!  Thanks for the great tips and ideas, SL!!!

Enjoy!!  Xoxo B. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanksgiving is one of the biggest food holidays.  Many families take this opportunity to mindlessly eat whatever is in front of them regardless of what it is.  Your options do not have to be gain weight during Thanksgiving or starve yourself.  There are healthier options out there for everyone to take advantage of.

Before you head out to your family dinner remember to eat.  Regardless of when your family eats, remember to eat a healthy breakfast and/or lunch before you go.  Eat something of substance that will stick with you so you aren’t starving by the time dinner rolls around.  After you arrive remember the following tips so you don’t overindulge.   

Snacks:

Bring your own!!! If your family has everyone bring snacks to munch on before dinner then your best bet is to bring a healthy option.  Choices as simple as fresh fruit or veggies are great alternatives to unhealthy dips.  If you still want to enjoy dips or cheeses, make a healthy dip alternative or bring low-fat cheese. Also, bring your own crackers like Special K crackers.  These crackers have about 60 fewer calories per serving compared to crackers like Wheat Thins.  The following is a cheese ball that I have made for a few holidays.  It is very good and although it still has 20 servings, it is a much healthier option than buying a cheese ball from the grocery store.

Bacon and Onion Cheese Ball

• ½ C. bottled bacon bits
• ½ C. fat free sour cream
• 1 8 oz. package fat free cream cheese, softened
• ¼ C. blue cheese crumbles
• ½ C. chopped green onions
• Extra green onions for garnish

Mix bacon bits, sour cream, cream cheese, blue cheese and green onions together in large mixing bowl.  Shape mixture into ball.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.  Garnish with sliced green onion.

Dinner:

Fill up on lean protein!!!  Most families do turkey for Thanksgiving, and you should be filling up on the lean white meat.  Dark meat has more calories and a lot more fat.  While eating a whole plate full of turkey is not a good idea, it should be a majority of what you eat.  Some families also do ham for Thanksgiving.  Having a slice of ham is also good, but ham tends to carry a little more fat and a lot more sodium.

Unfortunately Thanksgiving side dishes tend to be filled with calories and fat.  Mashed potatoes sans gravy are your best bet, but you should still only eat about a ½ cup.  If your family makes some sort of steamed veggies than you should fill your plate!  Steamed corn is still a starch, but it is significantly healthier than stuffing or green bean casserole.  As for the rest of your sides stay away if you can.  Items like stuffing, green bean casserole, and corn casserole are filled with calories and fat.  If it is made with cream of anything stay away!  However, if there are a few sides that you just can’t live without only take a spoonful.  Eating just a little bit will curb your craving without adding a ton of calories.  You can also bring your own side dish that is a healthier option for you and your family.  These green beans would be a great alternative to green bean casserole.

Green Beans Amandine

·       1 ½ lb. fresh green beans cut into 1 inch pieces

·       3 t. lemon juice

·       2 t. margarine, melted

·       ¼ C. sliced almonds

Cook fresh green beans in a saucepan, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 12 to 15 minutes or until crisp-tender.  Drain well.  Meanwhile, stir together lemon juice and melted margarine in a small bowl.  Toast almonds in a small skillet over medium heat until golden, 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly.  Pour lemon mixture over green beans; toss to coat.  Gently stir in toasted almonds.  Serve immediately.

Dessert:

Here again you have to be very careful.  If you just can’t skip the pie than remember portion control.  A typical slice of Thanksgiving favorites like cherry and apple can pack 300-400 calories per slice!!!  Stay away from the additional ice cream calories, and if you want a slice cut one in half.  If you are bringing a dessert try your local grocery store or bakery.  At my local grocery store I found a no sugar added pie that had about 100 fewer calories and about half of the fat of the regular pie per serving!  Some of these alternatives can be misleading though so make sure to check the Nutrition Facts.  If you are a cook check different websites online.  I know that some chefs like Bethenny Frankel are posting recipes for things like Pumpkin Cheesecake.  These alternatives are sure to please without expanding your waistline.

Remember Thanksgiving is all about portion control.  There is no reason for you to give up your healthy habits in favor of holiday binging. 

Fabulous Holiday Finds: Sephora Edition

**Note:  Again, family and friends, just forget about these items when you open your gifts!!!  :) 

Designer Spotlight: Zuhair Murad

So if you're a Gossip Girl fanatic like me, you probably remember Serena's insanely gorgeous gray lace dress from the episode called "Juliet Doesn't Live Here Anymore".  As soon as I saw the dress, my jaw basically hit the floor... It is so stunning, in a beautiful steel-gray fabric with a lace overlay and lots of crystals and embellishments on the bodice.

Above is a photo of Serena wearing the amazing gray gown in the Gossip Girl episode... I think she looks absolutely, insanely gorgeous in it... She is the perfect age for this style, and she has the perfect body for it as well... Long, thin legs and arms.

So who makes this dress?!  After the episode aired, I started researching the dress and found that it was made by designer Zuhair Murad... A Lebanese designer based in Beirut.  He opened his first couture shop in 1995... A mere 15 years ago.  His designs began as a hobby, but it wasn't long before his designs gained international recognition.  Zuhair Murad has two boutiques ("houses") - one in Beirut and one in Paris.  He also has a showroom in Milan, Italy.

His dresses have an intensity and glamour that are missing from design houses that have been around decades before Mr. Murad.  He has somehow found the perfect blend of classic and modern, the perfect  balance of jaw-dropping crystal embellishments and body-hugging swags of fabric.  After viewing a few of his collections, I've come to the conclusion that Zuhair Murad is a genius. 

A photo of the designer after his 2009 fashion show in Milan.

Other than the boutiques, Zuhair Murad designs are available at select, high-end boutiques and department stores internationally.  His dresses are available in the U.S. at a few select Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Jimmy's stores. 

The downside??  The handmade dresses are expensive... Non-bridal dresses cost around $12,000 - $18,000 while his bridal dresses can cost anywhere from $26,000 to $45,000.  These are obviously beautiful, intricate gowns that would be worn for a very special occasion - a wedding, a charity ball, a black-tie event.

But, anyway... There's nothing wrong with a little drooling... Check out some of Zuhair Murad's other amazing designs...

From his Fall/Winter 2010 collection... (This is where Serena's dress was from)

 From his Spring/Summer 2011 collection... 

I had only seen Zuhair Murad's name a few times, describing gowns that Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Carrie Underwood, and Beyonce Knowles were wearing... But I really didn't know much about him until after this Gossip Girl episode!!  I am now absolutely in love with his designs!!  :) 

Just thought I would share in case anyone else didn't know where Serena's dress was from, or didn't know who this fabulous designer was!! 

Hoping you all have the best day... 

Xoxo B.

Fabulous Holiday Finds: Victoria's Secret Edition

Another stop on my little Christmas shopping adventure last week was Victoria's Secret.  I always love this store during the holidays because they go all-out with the decorations, Christmas music, and lots of sales and specials.  So here is my little haul... And if you're one of my friends or family members, just block these images out when it comes time to open your gift!!  :)

#1 - Tissue Tee with Sequined Pocket and "The Dreamer" Plaid Flannel Sleep Shorts

I love, love, love this little pajama set.  It looks so Winter-y and warm!!  They're the type of pajamas that should always be worn with a cozy pair of Ugg boots on your feet and a warm cup of cocoa in your hand... Add a big, knit Grandpa cardigan and you'll be ready for a Christmas movie marathon.  :)

The shorts have this pretty silvery threading going throughout the plaid flannel fabric, and the back pocket has an adorable tiny white pom-pom trim that reminds me of a gingerbread house for some reason!! 

This white tissue tee immediately caught my eye because of the sequined pocket on the front.  It adds a touch of sparkle that you wouldn't expect on a simple tee... I would wear a red or black thermal long-sleeve tee underneath when it's really cold. 

Tissue Tee w/ Sequined Pocket - $24.00
(I couldn't find this one online!!)
"The Dreamer" Plaid Flannel Shorts - $24.00
(Find it HERE.)

#2 - Beauty Rush Holiday Gift Set in "Unwrap Me"

As soon as I smelled this "Unwrap Me" scent, I knew I had to buy this set!!  The scent is described as "whipped cream and winter pear" and it smells delicious you guys!!  I am terrible, I know, but I think I might keep this set for myself...

"Unwrap Me" Beauty Rush Holiday Gift Set - $16.00
(Find it HERE.)

The set also comes in the "Midnight Kiss" scent, which was my second favorite to "Unwrap Me"... The scent is described as "fruity cranberry and vanilla" and is a bit of a warmer scent compared to "Unwrap Me".
"Midnight Kiss" Beauty Rush Holiday Gift Set - $16.00
(Find it HERE.)

#3 & #4  -  Lipgloss & Body Mist Ornament and Bombshell Mini Gift Set

Lipgloss & Body Mist Ornament - $10.00
I just love this little set!!  The shimmery, transparent lipgloss is in "Sugar High", a beautiful shade that looks Winter-y on bare lips and can add shine and sparkle over a darker lip color.  The body mist is in the scent "Plumdrop" and is the perfect size to throw in your gym bag or in your purse for touch-ups throughout the day. 
(Find it HERE.)

**Victoria's Secret carries these little "ornaments" in a variety of their perfumes or beauty products... For example, there is a "Sexy Little Things" perfume ornament, a "Pink" perfume ornament, a lip gloss ornament, and an eyeliner ornament... They make perfect stocking stuffers and are great ways to try out a new product before you buy it!!

"Bombshell" Mini Gift Set - $15.00
The perfume "Bombshell" is described as "a glamorous blend of purple passion fruit, Shangri-la peony, and vanilla orchid".  I thought glamorous was a great description for this perfume... It's very floral, and just slightly exotic.  I thought the perfume and lotion combo would make a great gift... But it would also be a good way to test out a perfume before you buy the large bottle!!
(Find it HERE.)

**Victoria's Secret carries these "mini gift sets" in a variety of their perfumes... The packaging is adorable - it looks like a big, sparkly book!! 

Here are some items that I didn't buy, but I think they would make GREAT gifts... 

#5 - Collegiate Longsleeve Tee & Boxer Gift Set

Now, don't freak out on me because of the team... I have no preference at all, I don't even watch sports... I pick teams based on their colors and (vaguely) their proximity to where myself or my family lives.  That being said, I think these pajama sets are adorable!!  Don't they look comfy?!  And the sequin lettering makes the top look so festive and fun!!  This would be a perfect gift for someone going off to college, for an alum who went to that college, or a friend who you know loves that particular team!!

Collegiate Longsleeve Tee & Boxer Gift Set - $49.50

(Find it HERE.)

**Victoria's Secret carries lots of collegiate teams, and now has NFL teams too!!  Check the website for more teams!! 

#6 - Satin Sleepshirt

I loooove this sleepshirt because it looks like something an old Hollywood actress would wear... I mean, can't you see Audrey Hepburn or Doris Day wearing this in a black and white movie?!  It's so glamorous... I had to make it a "fabulous find"!!  :)

Satin Sleepshirt - $45.00

(Find it HERE.)

#7 - Holiday Limited Edition Midnight Glamour Eye Palette

 This eyeshadow palette is gorgeous... It has really deep, dark, pigmented shades as well as beautiful shimmery highlighter shades.  It's limited edition, so it won't last long... It would be perfect for holiday parties and New Year's Eve events!!  Also... When I checked it out in-store the cobalt blue and black shadows looked like they would look amazing applied as eyeliners!!

Midnight Glamour Eyeshadow Palette - $24
(Find it HERE.)

Okay, princesses, that's the last of my haul!!  I hope I gave you some fun gift ideas for the holidays!!  :)  Remember to get your "Secret Reward Card" if you shop at a Victoria's Secret store!!  After December 1st you can return to the store and your "secret reward" will be revealed at the counter when you check out... You can have any amount from $10 to $500 deducted from your total amount!!

Happy shopping!!!

Xoxo B.

Christmas Countdown = 34 days!!!

Fabulous Holiday Finds: Bath & Body Works Edition

Movie Reviews!!

Last week I saw two really great movies... Secretariat and Morning Glory.  If you follow me on Twitter, you've heard me go on and on about movies... I absolutely love going to see movies.  I'll see a trailer online or see previews in the theater, I get so excited to see the movie, aaaand then I annoy everyone to go with me until it comes out...

So... I had been driving myself (and everyone else) crazy because I wanted to see these two movies so badly!!  I was really happy that they both ended up being great... It was worth the wait.

Secretariat

Photo Credit: Walt Disney

My friend EF told me that she had heard this movie was The Blind Side of this year, and after the movie was over, I think she was exactly right.  Diane Lane possesses the same "quiet strength" that Sandra Bullock did in The Blind Side... She plays a woman with unbreakable determination who fights against the sexist views of the late 1960's to save her family's stables. 

The story surrounding the race horse Secretariat (who still holds the records he broke in 1973) is a true story... And an amazing one at that.  You definitely don't have to know horses or even have an interest in them to appreciate this movie... The horse's background and the records he set will be undeniably incredible to anyone.  

 Photo Credit: Walt Disney

Disney did a fantastic job at finding actors and actresses to play the colorful characters involved in Secretariat's career.  They made the movie funny, dramatic, realistic, inspirational... All at the same time.  I especially loved Secretariat's fabulous French trainer, Lucien Laurin!! 

If you haven't seen this movie, please please hurry!!  It's almost out of theaters!!

Go to see Secretariat with:  your girlfriends, your mom, your kids, your boyfriend/girlfriend.  

Morning Glory

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

I adore Rachel McAdams, and I expected this movie to be very charming and funny... But I had no idea it would be hilarious!!  The advertisements for Morning Glory made the movie seem like your average romantic comedy, but my friends and I were so surprised at how hard we were laughing in the theater!!  Maybe it was because we just didn't expect it, but this movie was really great.

The chemistry between Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, and Harrison Ford was phenomenal.  They created a perfect mix of humorous, can't-stop-laughing scenes and portrayals of more serious, real-life issues.

One of these "serious, real-life issues" was when Becky (Rachel McAdams) is feeling pulled between her career and her relationship.  She played the part so well... And I think it's something that myself and a lot of my friends have dealt with.  You're stressed, and you're frustrated with yourself that you can't do both things well... It's an issue that happens a lot now that more women are going after professional careers while still being expected to be great girlfriends, wives, and mothers.

This movie is one of my new favorites... I would go see it again in theaters, and will definitely buy it when it comes out on DVD!!  If you want a movie that is realistic, but still makes you laugh, go see Morning Glory.  

Go to see Morning Glory with:  your boyfriend/girlfriend, a group of couples, your girlfriends, your mom or dad. 

Holiday Outfit Guide: Formal on a Budget!!

Do you have a formal event to go to this holiday season??  Maybe your family's Christmas gathering is formal, you might have plans to see a holiday musical or play, or maybe you have a dressy Hanukkah dinner to attend. 

As you probably know, keeping a formal outfit inexpensive is extremely difficult.  If you have multiple formal events to attend, your outfits can really add up because you probably won't want to wear the same outfit to every function.  Also, if you're on a tight budget right now, even a single formal outfit can be stressful... You have to buy the dress, the jewelry, the shoes... Frustrating, right?? 

It was for these reasons that the first holiday layout I chose to do was an affordable formal look.  I love this look because it's so girly and feminine, yet the faux fur shrug and pearl jewelry make it classic and beautiful.  Think Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly... Very elegant, with just a few pieces of classic jewelry.

It's conservative enough for the environment of most formal events (religious functions, family gatherings, etc.) but it definitely has some sexy little details... Crystals on the bodice, the tiny straps (if you wanted to show them), and the elegant ballerina-like neckline sets the stage for a beautiful necklace and earrings.

Peoria Black Party Dress - $57 at Lulu's (Click HERE)

Faux Fur Shrug With Brooch - $36.50 at Charlotte Russe (Click HERE)

Paris Hilton Black Patent "Missy" Heels - $78.95 at Zappos (Click HERE)

Sondra Roberts "Taupe" Evening Bag - $88 at Lori's Shoes (Click HERE) 

Rhinestone Bow Earrings - $4.80 at Forever 21 (Click HERE)

Classic Two-Layer Pearl Necklace - $8.80 at Forever 21 (Click HERE)

Flower and Pearl Ring - $4.80 at Forever 21 (Click HERE)

I would add some sheer black pantyhose, and as for hair I would loosely curl my hair all over, then do a slightly-messy updo with little pieces falling down to make sure the outfit doesn't look too prim and proper...

I love the look of Hilary Duff's updo... She wears it off to the side 
and low, with lots of pieces pulled out to create that "undone" feel.

This is probably my most favorite hair look for this outfit... It reminds me 
of an elegant ballerina bun.  I love how soft and delicate the loose curls look. 

I hope you enjoyed this look!!  Happy Wednesday!!!

Xoxo B.

Holiday Gift Guides: Mini Shower Gels

Winter Coats

This weekend we had our first snow of the season!!  It was just a further reminder that more is on the way... And Winter is fast approaching!!

As a follow-up from my post on Fall jackets (view it HERE), here are several of my favorite Winter coats this season.  I always love Winter coats, but the ones out this year are some of my all-time favorites.  Faux fur/fur is really popular this season, and I think it looks great... Even if it's just a little touch at the collar.  I also adore the double-breasted styles... They look so vintage and make any coat look a bit more polished!!
**Note: This isn't a layout geared toward a specific price point... I tried to incorporate various price points into one layout, so don't be surprised when you see that the prices vary a lot!!!  :)

1.  Tyndall Coat - $248 at Anthropologie (Click HERE)
2.  Betsey Johnson Black Ruffle Trim Coat - $179 at Bluefly.com (Click HERE)
3.  Winter Sun Coat - $368 at French Connection (Click HERE)
4.  Just My Luxe Jacket - $97.99 at ModCloth (Click HERE)
5.  2xpose Purple Stand Collar Coat - $207 at Bluefly.com (Click HERE)
6.  Erno Military Jacket - $298 at French Connection (Click HERE)
7.  Spiced Wine Coat - $99 at ModCloth (Click HERE)
8.  Myne Rocky Jacket - $231 at Piperlime (Click HERE)
9.  Burberry Zip Waist Pea Coat - $2,598 at MyTheresa (Click HERE)

Happy coat shopping!!  And stay warm!!!  :)

Xoxo B.

I NEED THESE...

So, the other day I was looking through Oprah's new "O" magazine - the Favorite Things issue.  I was just flipping through, you know, reading about Gayle and Dr. Phil and Tyler Perry and such, when I came across this absolute vision... Sparkling at me from a glossy advertisement... 

Do you know what they are?!?!  They are sequined Ugg's... Sequined, I tell you.  I know they're completely obnoxious, but I'm already in love with them... Consider it a done deal (as soon as I can figure out when/where I can buy them!!)  I cannot resist sparkle, and maybe it's the dancer inside me, but I just love anything sequined-out.

I think they are fabulous, and I would proudly wear them with tights for extra dancer-effect  :)  They are going on my Christmas wish list immediately!!  (Which, by the way, I'll be posting as soon as I'm done with it!!)  But really... SEQUINED UGG'S?!  I just couldn't wait to show you all!!

What do you think??  Would you rock sequined Ugg's?!

Advice/Opinions Wanted!!

Okay guys... I need some advice!!  I have an upgrade at Verizon and I want to get a new phone... But I don't know what to get!!

I currently own the Blackberry Tour and I really like it... I've been a Blackberry fan for about five years now, and the Tour has been my favorite so far.  But I'm kind of curious about the Droid phones... I would be willing to try one if they have good reviews!!

I would love any advice you have about these phones... Maybe you own one, you decided against owning one for some reason, someone you know has one... It doesn't matter, I don't know anything about these phones so I would greatly appreciate any comments!!

Here are some of the phones I'm considering...

Blackberry Bold:

Droid 2 Global 

 

Droid X

Droid Pro

Droid Incredible:

Motorola Devour:

 What do you think??  What have you heard??

Xoxo B.