Update and Gievaway winner!

We finally made it back to NC after 2 cancelled flights, 3 delays, one missed connection, and lots of stress.  We had SUCH an amazing time in Memphis -- thank you to everyone (especially John's parents) who made it so special!!  It is wonderful to be home - and my parents arrive this evening from Florida!!  I've got tonnnnnns of pictures and stories to post from the holidays, but will post those very soon.  No time now!  Have to clean, unpack, grocery shop, wrap presents, cook, bake, and shower.

Here is the fabulous giveaway winner!!!  Congrats Candice, number 8!!!  I'll email you shortly!

 Candice said...

Wow what a fabulous giveaway! Thank you for doing this!! I'm a follower!

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:8Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Christmas Eve

via

Merry Christmas Eve!!  I hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday full of laughter, love, and the true meaning of Christmas -- the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We have a had a fun-filled week here in Tennessee spending time with friends and family, making gingerbread houses, eating delicious food, hours spent cozied up by the fire, and sleeping in every morning :)  I unfortunately have been battling a bad cold the past 2 days, but hope to recover soon.  I'm up to my elbows in kleenex and nyquil, and my poor nose....oh my poor nose.

I hope you all have a joyous day tomorrow, I can't wait to hear about all of your Christmas travels and adventures!

XOXO

Christmas Travels

"All my bags are packed, (well...actually they aren't, but I've made my list!), I'm ready to go, (I AM SO READY TO GO!), I'm standing here outside your door (ok, I'm technically sitting at my desk at work...), I hate to wake you up to say goodbye...." (I really don't know if you're sleeping, but I really would hate to wake you up!) 

images via google

"......'CAUSE I'M LEEEEAVING ON A JET PLANE!!!"  Now THAT part is very true :)  John and I are leaving Monday morning for Tennessee to spend the wonderful holidays with his family!  I am soooo excited, I can hardly stand it because, if you don't know already, we just moved from there in July, and we will get to reunite with all of our dear friends and family who we have missed sooooooo much!  I already have a few dinners planned w/ friends and old co-workers, and I am so looking forward to spending time at John's parents cozy home.  We will spend Christmas Eve day with family in Jackson, and the rest of the week in Memphis.  Saturday afternoon, we will fly back to North Carolina, (I have to work Sunday), and then my parents will get here Sunday night!!!  Then we're off the beach for a few days to visit my dad's side of the fam!  AHHH, I love the holidays so incredibly much and I can't wait to spend them w/ almost ALL of my family (from both sides!)

I hope to get out a couple of blogs, but if I don't,

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

"“But the angel said to them...Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” - Luke 2:10-14

Giveaway!!

YAY for my first giveaway!!!  I'm excited to do this for my readers and followers, and especially during the holidays!  I love shopping for gifts, and wrapping them up, and then seeing the recipient's face/reaction when they open the gifts from me!  So I thought, why don't I do a little something like that for my blog :)

So, now for the giveaway.  I am giving away 4 wonderful MARK beauty products!  I will go into detail about each one a little later, but wanted to tell you WHY I am giving away these items first.  

Mark (which is a branch of Avon) has makeup, skincare, hair care, jewelry, and clothing.....and sells everything for a great price and an even GREATER cause. Proceeds of their products go to support the Empowerment campaign, which helps put an end to abusive relationships and also helps empower young women all over the world.  Lauren Conrad has been an ambassador for the past couple of years, and now they just introduced Ashley Greene as their latest spokeswoman. 

I became a Mark rep this year, and have loved it so far!  

So here are the items included in the giveaway!!!

1. Mistletoe Kisses Lip Gloss Duo in "Naughty and Nice"

An adorable compact of gorgeous shimmery pink lip glosses; can be worn individually, or together!

Mark Perfume in *Rio Bikini* 

I love this scent for spring and summer, it smells like a tropical vacation :)

From the website: "All the fun and playfulness of Rio, captured with a blend of pitaya fruit, juicy kiwi, coconut milk and exotic flowers. Beachy notes and sandalwood give the scent a warm, sunny feel." 1.7 fl. oz.

Juice Gems in *FIG*  

(My absolute favorite scent and color!) From the website: "This high-shine tinted gloss contains real fruit extract, so each shade has its own tantalizing juicy flavor."

Making Eyes - Eye Shadow Duo


Like the lip gloss duo, but in a pretty eye shadow compact.  The one I'm giving away is actually NOT the colors shown above.  It is compact with a light caramel, and a darker cocoa color.  VERY pretty.  


So there you have it!
Now for the ways to enter:
**You must include your email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win!**


1. REQUIRED: You must be a follower of my blog, and leave a comment letting me know that you are one (1 entry.)


Extra entries (optional):


1. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite beauty/makeup product is. (1 entry)
2.Visit Mark's website and leave a comment telling me what product you would love to try! (1 entry)


Contest ends on Dec. 26th at 11:59pm EST
I will randomly pick a winner on Dec 27th. 


GOOD LUCK!!  And be sure to check out my online boutique if you want to purchase anything from MARK!  Great prices and great products - and you'll get free shipping on your first order -- just enter WELCOME for your checkout code. 


XOXO

Stay Tuned....

....For a FABULOUS giveaway coming soon!!  I am so excited to be doing my first blog giveaway, so make sure you check back for the announcement and rules :)

Here are 2 little hints:

**Make-up or beauty junkies, you will be excited! 

**Ashley Greene fans, you will be one step closer to getting her look!

Happy List!

Check me out today at D's lovely blog, Enjoy Yourself , where I am featured, giving my "Happy List"!  Her blog is a new favorite of mine, and she is absolutely adorable! 

XOXO

LBD

Just snagged this amazing (not so traditional) LBD this week that I plan on wearing to a wedding in January.  I loved the ruffled/poofy sleeves, and I think it will be perfect for the cold east Tennessee climate.  I hate wearing strapless/sleeveless dresses in the winter, because I never want to take my jacket off.  But I think with this little number, I could just pair it with some sassy tights (think herringbone or polka dots), and my new suede pumps, and ........ta daaaaaaaa!  

 

Oh, and I forgot the best part -- this BB Dakota frock retails for $80.00 on their website, but being the thrifty and frugal girl that I am, I spotted this beauty between the racks of our local T.J. Maxx for $39.99!  Can I get a resounding WAHOOO!  Don't you just LOVE finding deals like that?! 

 :)

I love the exposed zipper in the back :)



Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut Butter Cups

Adapted from Yum Sugar
Ingredients:

For the peanut butter base:

1/4 cup soft dark brown sugar
2 cups confectioner's sugar
1/2 stick butter, softened
7 ounces smooth peanut butter

For chocolate:

7 ounces dark chocolate
3 1/2 ounces milk chocolate
(You could always use white chocolate too!)

Directions:

Place all the ingredients for the base in the bowl of a food processor. Blend the mixture until the mixture takes on a sandy texture.

Place 48 mini cupcake liners in mini-muffin tins. Use 1 teaspoon of the base mixture to fill the bases of the liners. Press the sandy mixture down into the cases as best you can to form a layer at the bottom of each paper case.

Place the milk chocolate and dark chocolate together into a heatproof bowl. Suspend the bowl over a pan of simmering water (the water should not touch the bottom of the bowl). Melt the chocolate gently while stirring. Spoon teaspoonfuls of the melted chocolate onto the top of each of the sandy bases of the liners.

Let them set in the fridge, for about 30 minutes.

Then package them up and give them as a hostess gift, or bring them to a holiday party! (Or eat them all yourself - I won't tell!)

*Makes 48 peanut butter cups.  Divide the recipe in half, if you don't need that many.

Fashion Friday - Shimmer and Shine

It's that time of year when everything sparkles and shines!  There are christmas lights twinkling on houses and on the trees, glistening ornaments, shiny wrapped presents, glittery tinsel, and of course,

festive outfits! 

For those of you who like to shine at your holiday parties and gatherings, let me introduce you to these perfectly shimmery dresses and tops that are sure to make you sparkle :)

David Meister - $460

Forever 21 -  $26

Forever 21 - $22.80

The Limited - $49.90

Ann Taylor - $128

National Jean Company - $98

Asos - $55.17

Madewell - $98

BCBG - $118

Charlotte Russe - $39.50

Charlotte Russe - $29.50

J Crew  - $168

And now, some lovely lady celebs who pull of the sequins oh so well....

XOXO

Chalkboard Love

I have been recently dreaming of having a chalkboard wall in our apartment.  Maybe a section of the kitchen where I could make a list of grocery items to buy, recipes to try, or the menu for the week. 

Or in the office, there could be a chalkboard calendar of John's school schedule, and my work schedule.  (Although that would be depressing to have to look at,

because our schedules are completely opposite.)   

Maybe an inspiration chalkboard by the shower....

Doesn't everyone come up with the most amazing ideas, plans, and songs in the shower?

You could literally write down your thoughts and/or lyrics as they came to you! 

I've found a lot of chalkboard paint designs that have made me want to try a project. 

I could always start small, right?  :)

What do you think of chalkboard paint?  Would you try it?

I love this idea to paint the bottoms of plates and platters

So Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!!  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday filled with lots of love, food, and happiness.  Ours will be spent here in NC with wonderful new friends.  I'm looking forward to having a few quiet days off with my hubby - something that I have learned to be VERY appreciative of lately  :) 

A few things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving season:

A warm home.

Canned pumpkin.

My family.

The colors of fall.

Skype dates with old friends.

Lunch dates with new friends.

The Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack.

A job that I love.

Starbucks Iced Chai Tea Lattes.

Over-sized sweaters.

My beautiful nieces and nephews.

Self-tanner.

My health.

A sweet and loving husband.

The sales rack at Anthropologie.

Gingerbread scented bubble bath.

A good book.

And most of all, Jesus.  Without Him, I am nothing, and have nothing.

Happy THANKSgiving!
XOXO

Holidays and Wishes!

It's time for the holiday season, and I thought I would share some of my wish list items for this Christmas! This is my favorite holiday for so many reasons....the birth of our Savior and the truth of His love for us, the shopping for gifts, and the giving of those gifts, the cheery holiday music, the beautiful decorations, festive holiday parties, delicious food, christmas cookies, and the time with family and good friends.  To be honest,  receiving gifts is probably at the very bottom of my list of things I'm excited about.  

But just in case you need some inspiration, or are looking for that perfect gift for a gal in your life, I'll share a few things that have made their way onto my wish list this year.  Hubs and I decided last year that we would give the money that we would normally spend on presents for each other, to charity instead.  We decided to do Angel Tree, and we 'adopted' 3 children from our area to give gifts to!  It was sooo much fun, and it was definitely one of my favorite memories of the holidays last year.  We are doing the same thing again this year, and I can't wait!  So needless to say, the items on this list probably won't end up in my stocking, or under our tree, but a girl can dream right!  Maybe a few things will show up....Santa?  Are you there?   

Happy Holidays lovelies :) 

1. New Perfume!

buy here 

2. Comfy, cozy, flannel pajamas! 

buy here

3. Rainbow Sandals 

buy here

4. Pretty little make-up bag

buy here

5. Yummy and wonderful lip balm

buy here

6. Stella and Dot Jewels - love. 

buy here

7. Cookbooks!

buy here 

buy here


8. Warm, puffy jacket

buy here

I hope all your wishes come true!

XOXO