Take me out to the ball game

Loving the ball cap fashion trend. Perfect for a casual day or when doing your hair sounds like too much of a chore.

A Simple Hello

"The most wonderful gift one human being can give to another is, in some way, to make that person’s life a little bit better to live."- John  Assaraf

What a simple yet powerful notion. We can get so caught up with the busyness of our day that we forget about the people around us. How nice it is to get an unexpected greeting from a clerk or coworker. It's enough to possibly make your day better in some aspect. Throughout the day, think of doing something to make someone's life better. It can be as easy as asking someone how their day is to a much more involved situation of helping someone. Doing something kind for others, whether you know them or not will in turn make your life much more fulfilling.

Keepin' your makeup classy

If your anything like me, you seem to accumulate makeup and nail polish like it's going out of style. Where did it all come from? and how is it so hard to part with these items we haven't used for years? I came across this idea and thought it was a beautiful way to display your essential makeup, nail polishes, and perfumes. Narrow down you're everyday essentials to keep it simple. Forget about sorting through your makeup bag or drawers leaving you frustrated and late! Your life will be simplified and all your 'go-to' items will be displayed right in front of you for ease!

Although this is very chic, I also like the patterned vintage plates which adds a unique touch to your bathroom and may show some of your personality.

For those friends that love makeup and all things pretty, this would make a great personalized gift!

Listening to

Some of my favorite singers of all time. Please tell me why Nina Nesbitt is not a complete huge superstar in the US...makes no sense. She's about 99.9% better than Taylor Swift...in my humble opinion. Also, love Birdy as usual.

 

 

 

 

The Crazy One's

I often have a hard time grasping that me, one person, can do anything alone to change the world. Of course I strive to do my best, but what I'm realizing is that life will continue the same unless we grab ahold of our morals and what we believe to be true. For those who perhaps follow life to please other's and go unnoticed, this notion to be one of the 'crazy one's' is a bit overwhelming. It is true however that life needs those crazy one's to set new standards, make new inventions and really to keep things above status quo. Life is constantly moving and growing, it's time to stop and think about how you can leave your footprint on this world. Whether big or what you might consider small, it's your footstep and as we all know, our footprints are unique and valuable.

"When you grow up you tend to get told the world is the way it is, and your life is to just live your life as it is and try not to bash into the walls to much. But that's a very limited life. Life can be much broader, once you discover one simple fact. And that is, if everything around you that you call life was made up by people that are No smarter than you. And you can change it. You can influence it. You can build your own things that other people can use. It's to shake off this erroneous notion that life is just there and your just going to live it verses embrace it, change it, prove it, make your mark upon it. And once you learn that..... You'll never be the same again!"~ Steve Jobs ~

 

Dark & Mysterious

So, I'm typically a fan of a pink and orangish lipstick hues but, with winter I've become a fan of the dark lipsticks. It's a bit mysterious and risky but it's fun and definitely makes a statement. MAC Rebel or Sweet Succulance, NARS Afghan Red and Butter London in Black Cherry have been rated as the top sellers for this category! Have fun with it!

Mad about Monogram

I love just about everything monogrammed and it makes such a beautiful and personalized touch to the home and wardrobe. Here are just a few of my favorites as I was bombarded with other options I loved. All options are found from Etsy and the monogrammed coffee mug is from Anthropolgie.

 

Mmmm....Muddy Buddies

The Holiday's are a time to indulge (in moderation, right?) and I had to share one of my favorite sweet treat which is typically called Puppy Chow or Muddy Buddies. It's easy and soooo delicious! This particular recipe is a bit jazzed up with salted Carmel. Who doesn't love a little salty and sweet? It's a recipe that will wow you're guests and WARNING make an extra batch because this puppy chow will go fast!

DIY Holiday Gifts

The Holiday's can be a stressful time for many due to financial reasons and the feeling of trying to purchase the 'perfect gift.' No need to worry my friends! There are a plethora of easy and quality DIY presents that won't break the bank and will be appreciated by everyone!

1. Infused Olive Oil. It's easy to do and delicious. I use Olive Oil in just about every dish and it's perfect for bread dipping. Add garlic cloves, rosemary, jalapenos, pepper flakes or citrus to the bottles of quality Olive Oil. It's a unique gift and will be a fun surprise especially for those foodies.

 

2. For the Fashionistas: I'm a sucker for jewelry especially if it's one-of--a-kind. These options are not only beautiful but appear simple to do!





 

Pick fabric that has some stretch to it. You can even use some old tee's that you haven't worn in awhile!

3. For the home: Every time they see the present they'll think of you!

Even the basics need a little sprucing up. Use paint or wax dipping to give your wooden utensils a pop of color.
 

Purchase geodes and other beautiful rocks at a local hobby store and using super glue attach to a wine cork.  

Take a cheap door mat (you can find them at Ikea) and using a stencil and spray paint personalize it with initials or a cute saying.

Awesome idea and so practical!

Happy DIY, get your craft on!

Wow...I'm about to get really honest here

 

I've been thinking lately about the way we portray ourselves. Take for example, social media where we are bombarded with happy posts many of which tend to state, "Flowers just because...," "Couldn't be happier," or "So in love with my husband and family." I genuinely appreciate these posts and hope that they are authentic. I'm guilty of such statements but, it's got me thinking, are we genuinely that happy or do we have this internal need to share with other's perhaps an exaggerated version of life's reality?

Let's be honest, your much more likely to post something happy than really explain hardships for all your loved one's viewing pleasure. Is this our way of showing that our life is better than other's, or is it that we don't feel comfortable sharing our hardships for fear it appears weak? Feeling down and going through adversity are just a fact of life, unfortunately.

Personally my fear when life get's tough is that I become the dreadful 'Debbie Downer.' I typically put on a brave and happy face only because I feel I have to. Society hasn't exactly made it acceptable to share with other's our true feelings and really get into those deep and meaningful conversations. For example, If you run into someone you haven't seen for awhile you're most likely to say, "I'm doing great, how are you?" rather than, "My life is actually pretty shitty right now to tell you the truth."

This inability or should I say, need to 'appear' happy at all times have led me to some pretty difficult situations where I'm not only being dishonest with myself but also my friends and family.

This comes with great humility to share with all of you that I have had the hardest year to date. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for some time now and some days it has felt debilitating. After much hard work, I am on the mend and so proud to say that I have decided to live a healthier lifestyle which for me was essential to cut out my alcohol consumption. I haven't had a sip of alcohol in 4 months which is still pretty shocking to say! My deep depression came as a great surprise to nearly everyone I know. This is because I felt the need to keep up with society and be "okay." My decision to get sober was because I realized I was using it as a cover to take the edge off or to not feel which ultimately led to a greatly feeling of hopelessness the next day.

Today, I am clear minded, I feel emotions (both good and bad) but the best thing of all is that I feel. I don't have to hide behind the glass or the facade any longer. The struggles of personal and family illness has become bearable rather than giving me complete sadness. I can tell you exactly how I'm feeling and I don't fake a smile. I'm authentic, I'm how God made me, yes, terribly emotional but loving and passionate which are traits I'm proud to have. I'm not sorry about, nor do I really care what other's say because I have the confidence and the love I had always longed for. My hope for you is that you reach out if you are struggling, from my experience people are inspired and proud. My hope is that you find a content version of yourself and live a life of authenticity where your free to voice your opinion and show people TRUELY how you feel!

High on Holiday Fashion

It's that time of year when we have Holiday parties galore not to mention New Years right around the corner. While I typically opt for a dress of some sort, with the weather being so chilly I've felt the longing to wear something a bit more casual and not as frilly. Here are a couple of my favorite looks for a fancy night out.

1. The snazzy sequined pants

2. Knee Highs

 If these are a little too risque for you, try layering with tights.