Happy Holidays!

I know I probably won't have a chance to get on here again before the Holiday, so I just wanted to wish all of you a very very Happy & Healthy Holiday!!!

Thanks so much for following my blog! Lots of love!!!

Tis the Season...

I start out every Holiday season with the best intentions, and like always, run around until the very last minute. Thankfully there's Pinterest! I was pretty good at making a list of gifts out for my little boy this year, but I'm still struggling with Teacher's gifts, class gifts, a little something for my neighbors etc. I found some great last-minute ideas on Pinterest that could pretty easily be thrown together...

Holiday Treat Bags Via Pinterest

These adorable little treat bags would be great for gifting cookies, truffles, etc!

Bell Ornaments at CraftsRedesigned via Pinterest

I'm planning on making these cute little ornaments for the Kindergarten class... if I can find them! *fingers crossed*

Reindeer Food at Chic N' Scratch via Pinterest

Reindeer Food is also a great last-minute gift for a child's class!

Michael Buble Holiday Cd

Gifting your fav Holiday CD is also a great idea! Add a bottle of wine or champagne and your set! I love the new Michael Buble Christmas!!!

DIY Holiday Cd at Let The Games Begin via Pinterest

If you're really ambitious and you have the time and supplies, you could make your own Holiday CD with all of your favorite tunes to give out to neighbors & friends. This would make a lovely personalized gift =)

DIY Ornaments at A Yellow Bicycle via Pinterest

DIY Ornaments are also a fun, personal gift for the special people in your life! You can use acrylic paint {shown above} or you can do the glitter version here. Gift them individually or in a gorgeous set!

It looks like I'll be quite busy tieing up loose ends and throwing together some DIY gifties! Ps - I just had to share these adorable little toys I bought for my kitties yesterday...

Aren't they the cutest?!? I found them at Target. They are going to LOVE them!!!

XOXO

Book Review : Before Ever After

I just finished this book a couple weeks ago and it's absolutely AMAZING! Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto is not just a love story.... It's pure magic. I don't even know how to explain it other than the fact that it took my breath away. Here is a snippet of the synopsis from the website:

A modern fairy tale about true love, happy endings, new beginnings, and everything in between. Available as a hardcover and eBook August 2011.

Three years after her husband Max’s death, Shelley feels no more adjusted to being a widow than she did that first terrible day. That is, until the doorbell rings. Standing on her front step is a young man who looks so much like Max–same smile, same eyes, same age, same adorable bump in his nose–he could be Max’s long-lost relation. He introduces himself as Paolo, an Italian editor of American coffee table books, and shows Shelley some childhood photos. Paolo tells her that the man in the photos, the bearded man who Paolo says is his grandfather though he never seems to age, is Max. Her Max. And he is alive and well.

As outrageous as Paolo’s claims seem–how could her husband be alive? And if he is, why hasn’t he looked her up? – Shelley desperately wants to know the truth. She and Paolo jet across the globe to track Max down–if it is really Max– and along the way, Shelley recounts the European package tour where they had met. As she relives Max’s stories of bloody Parisian barricades,medieval Austrian kitchens, and buried Roman boathouses, Shelley begins to piece together the story of who her husband was and what these new revelations mean for her “happily ever after.” And as she and Paolo get closer to the truth, Shelley discovers that not all stories end where they are supposed to.

Before Ever After has definitely topped my list of all-time favorite books! I borrowed it from the library and waited forever to read it, so I read it quickly. It's on my Holiday Wishlist so I can actually go back and take my time reading it now that I know what's going to happen. And something else funny that I have to add.... Do you ever have "characters" pop in your head when you're reading a book? Sometimes it happens for me, but not always. I actually find it truly annoying when some do and some don't, which was the case with this book. Only Max really had a clear picture and voice in my mind, and this was him...

Charles Mesure

 For anyone that's read this gem, what do you think? He's on Desperate Housewives this season. I think that may be why he popped in my head. I think he seems pretty dead-on, with the exception that he's slightly older than Max.

XOXO

Dreaming of Sparkles

As you can probably tell by my blog name, I absolutely adore sparkles! So it's only natural with the quickly approaching Holiday Season, that they are not only on my mind, but quite a few sparkly items have made my holiday wish list! Here are a few of my current fav's...

Factory Scattered Sequin Tank

 I was lucky enough to grab this beauty during an amazing JC Factory sale a couple weeks ago! Such a great price I wish I would have gotten the warm taupe too. So pretty under a blazer with trouser jeans!

Zara Sequin "wallet" that's more like a clutch ; )

DSW Alice Glitter Pump in Gold - Oh so lovely

 

Marcia Moran Gold Druzy Studs

 I'm so in love with these earrings. I'm hoping they'll go on sale at some point! 

JCrew Gold Glitter iphone 4 Case

This is WAY high on my holiday wish list & if I don't get it I'm going to hurt someone be VERY disappointed! It may just need to be an early gift! 

Coming Soon.... more gift ideas & amazing finds! Enjoy your weekend!!!

XOXO

Favorite {Healthy} Beauty Products

I've been thinking a lot about the beauty & personal care products that people use so I thought it was time to do my own personal spin of "What's in your medicine cabinet". I'm a huge believer in using natural products for everything down to my toothpaste! Why? Because your skin is your body's largest organ and it's like a sponge. It literally absorbs anything you put on it, including all the chemicals that might be hiding in your everyday favorites!

I'll step off my soapbox for now and save all that for another post! Here are some of my must-haves that are healthy to boot ;)

Weleda Citrus Deodorant

 This smells SO good! I sometimes need to mix it with another Aluminum-free deodorant, but it works great! They also have it in a pretty rose scent too. And you can it it at Target or your local Grocery stores health food section

Shea Terra Mint Marrakesh Black Soap

 

 I cannot live without this stuff! I've been using it for over a year and it's awesome! I use it as a face wash and on my back & upper arms. Sometimes it can be a teeny bit drying at first, but it still works great and so refreshing!

Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus

 This stuff is inexpensive, works great and smells AMAZING!!! Smells just like Ambrosia (that fruit salad with coconut milk, mandarin oranges & marshmallows) OMG ... And even better? They sell it at Target!!! 

Pacifica Anything!

I adore Pacifica! The body butter is lovely & I own several of the solid perfumes, which I can't get enough of. One of my fav's that just happens to be on sale in a gift set right now is Mediterranean Fig (shown above). It's earthy, fruity & just plain sexy. But not for everyone I'm sure.... which is ok because there are so many great scents to choose from!

I plan on reviewing and introducing additional products every week! What are some of your favorite good-for-you products? I would love to try some new ones!

XOXO

DISCLAIMER: I did not receive any compensation or free products for my reviews above. These are my own personal reviews.

Latest Anthro Loves

Like SO many other bloggers I am a major Anthro lover, have been for years! I know the clothes are overpriced, but there's just something about the designs, fabrics, colors etc. They just... get it right. I'm a sucker for drapey blouses and collars and I love the basic tee but it needs to have that little extra something that Anthro so willingly dishes out! Quite a few things have been added to my ongoing Anthro lust list. I went to the store last night to see if I could try any on, but I was kind of disappointed to see that a lot of the new pieces aren't available in my local store yet. I would have loved to try the coat most of all as I've read mixed reviews about it. So without further ado....

Tartan Boucle Blazer

I have seen this blazer in person and it's stunning! I would love to snag this if it goes on sale at some point!

Superfine Cowlneck

This is another that was in-store. Very pretty!

Runway Lapel Coat in Navy

It was lust at first sight when I saw this coat online a couple weeks ago. Alas, after two trips to Anthro, it's still not available in my closest store. Some people love it, others not so much. I may just need to order it to try it out!

Shawl-Collar Boatneck

This reminds me of a fancy sweatshirt, which I love! Sadly I could not try it on. Love the Turquoise as well! What made your Anthro lust list? Have you tried any of my favorites? I would love to hear your throughts!

XOXO

Happy Weekend!!!

COMING SOON....

~ New Name
~ New Design
~ A bunch of new content plus the same fun fashion/style stuff =)

Have a great weekend!!!

XOXO

Need Opinions Please!

So my 4 part nasal/sinus surgery is only a couple days away and after I'm back on my feet I'm planning a major revamp of things. Being that I'm just a few months away from graduating from my Holistic Health Coach program, I would like to start posting all the amazing info I have on healthy eating, wellness, fitness etc. I've been back and forth on whether to do a separate blog, or to incorporate it into this one. Since you all read my blog, I would love to know what you would like to see! I adore fashion, DIY, chatting about books and shows etc, so I still need that outlet and will keep this blog if need be, I'm just worried that adding nutrition info, fitness tips etc into the mix is way too much going on in one place. What do you think? Any input is so much appreciated! Thanks!!!

XOXOXO

Fall is here!

Ok.... I know Fall hasn't "technically" started, but to me it starts the 1st day of school! lol. I have been dreaming of this day all summer and even though it's raining, it's still cool and starting to feel a little like Fall. Today was my Son's 1st day of Second grade! I can't believe how big he is getting and what a little man he has become. Time goes by so fast!!! We had a very low-key holiday weekend. Shopping, wrapping up some loose ends for back to school, my husbands fantasy football draft, dinner with neighbors and just spending time together as a family. It was a really nice end to summer break! I also cooked up some amazing pumpkin bread last night to send in my little guys lunch today. It also makes for a great breakfast!

 Easy Pumpkin Bread

Adapted from Bethenny's Boo Boo Banana Bread Recipe

*recipe is doubled to make a large amount

~ 2 cups flour (I use oat flour, whole oats run through the food processor)

~ 2 eggs

~ 1 can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)

~  1 cup raw sugar

~ 1 1/2 TB butter (I used Earth balance)

~ 1 TB Vanilla Extract

~ 1 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

~ 1 Tsp Baking Soda

~ 1/2 Tsp Salt

~ 1-2 TB Cinnamon (more or less depending on what you like, I like a lot!!!)

~ A couple dashes of Pumpkin Pie Spice if you have it

~ Raisins and/or nuts are optional

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. I like to put all the dry ingredients in 1 bowl and whisk them. Wet in another, whisked as well. Then combine. I use Unrefined Coconut Oil to grease my pan. I don't need parchment this way, but you can cut a piece or parchment to fit your 8x8 pan or larger loaf pan.

2. Pour batter into the pan of your choice with parchment (I recommend if you don't use coconut oil). Cover your pan loosely with foil or a glass lid if using corningware etc.

3. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Remove cover and bake for an additional 20-30min or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean. Cool completely, slice and serve. 

*If you don't want to use eggs, you can also substitute 1/3-1/2C apple sauce 1/3-1/2C yogurt. Your cooking time may vary depending on the texture of the batter, pan used and your oven.

Enjoy!!!!

Ready for the long weekend!

I am SO ready for the long weekend! We're not going away, just getting some last minute things done before school starts next week and spending some much needed Family time together!! I can't believe that the summer is officially over, yet I'm so excited because Fall & Winter are my favorite seasons. I've been daydreaming of crisp air, apple cider, pumpkin picking and gorgeous fall leaves for some time now! This embodies everything I love about Fall...

Via Pinterest

 Wouldn't that be lovely framed as a Fall decoration? Love it! I've also come across some must-haves for my bday wishlist (it's Sept. 19th) that I've been lusting after. Most of them are on my Pinterest Fall Style File, but here are some of my fav's...

VS Maxi Skirt

FP Floral Burnout Henley

Liebeskind Taupe Coral B via Gilt

Nine West Mavenue

Poetic Justice Top

What are some of your staples for fall? Have a great holiday weekend lovelies!!!

Anthro Finds

Happy Weekend everyone! I hope you all are enjoying your Sunday!! This weekend has been pretty low-key for me. I recently accepted a position at my Son's elementary school, so we took a trip out to Anthropologie and JCrew yesterday. I didn't really fall in love with anything, but I did get a couple things from Anthropologie and have my eye on a couple other things...

Gathering Tank

I totally fell in love with the color of this Tee! I'm a sucker for green and I love "the business" it has on the shoulder. It just gives a plain tee something special =)

Silver Pave Posts

 I own these posts in gold and they are a must-have! They are a touch more blingy than traditional diamond studs, but not over the top. I get tons of compliments on them all the time, so I had to snap up the silver!!

Deciduous Pullover

 I didn't really see much else that I fell in love with, but I did see this interesting shirt. I didn't feel like trying it on, but I loved the color, the drape in the back and the little bow.  I also saw these gorgeous post earrings as well. The photo does not do them justice. I made sure to show the hubby so he could add them to my bday list!!

Creme Brulee Posts

 Are you an Anthro fan? What are some of your favorites?

I'm a pinning fool!

Are you familiar with Pinterest ? If not, you have no idea what you're missing!!! I joined probably almost a year ago now, back when they were in the beta-testing period. It has become quite the addiction! As you will see by my boards, I have been doing it for a while, but I love that all of my inspiration, recipes, crafts, style files, etc are all in one place. I also love checking out all the pins that everyone adds. I think you can really tell a lot about someone from their pins =) Here are a few of my fav's .....

 Make sure to check out my boards and if you need an invite, let me know by clicking on the hot pink "email me" tab on the right and I'll send you one!!! Enjoy the rest of your weekend @->--