Holiday Beauty: Mastering the Red Lip

Good Day!

Today I just wanted to talk about red lipstick this holiday season. I see it everywhere! I'm not very big on makeup, but when it's a special occasion I figure, why not try a red lip? It always looks stunning on my younger sister. It's a classic color. I always think of the winter months and white snow! Whenever I do wear this vibrant color, I feel like a million dollars!  If your complexion is pink, I would go for the plum shade. If you have a yellow tone go with a warmer red with a brown base. They say if your going with a red lip, enhance just your lip color. Don't emphasize your eyes by putting too much drama on them. Pick one feature and show it off. Don't wear too much red! Red is a strong color. Try a nude color on your nails so the red pops. A glimmer of gold eyeshadow is always gorgeous in December. There are so many brands to choose from. Here are just a few color brand links that are pretty. I love red! Happy Holidays!


2013 Berry Color Pick:

http://thecitizensoffashion.com/2013/11/26/lipstick-8-most-delicious-berry-shades/

Holiday Looks:

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/makeup-articles/holiday-makeup

Sephora:

http://www.sephora.com/rouge-artist-intense-P268702

Chanel Lip:

http://tablet.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Lipstick-88830

Holiday Gift Guide: For Dad

Hello All!

Since I talked about gifts for Mom, I need to include gifts for Dad as well. It's really tough thinking about what they want or need. Dads are very simple yet complicated creatures.  I feel like they have everything at that moment, and are so content with just quality time on the couch relaxing. My dad has a really cool hobby of collecting and competing in model boat races. These boats can travel up to 70 mph and are incredibly loud. My dad used to take my sister and me down to ponds and small lakes in the summer, while he would zoom around in his model boat. My dad always likes to golf, so something golf inspired? He lives for music and jam bands. Maybe I could get him a collectors box. Or, tickets to a game in Cleveland? Which sport? And are they good enough to even watch? Hmmm...so many choices. Here's a few links I have for your dads. Have a good one! Ideas, Ideas!


Nordstrom Men's:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/mens-clothing?dept=8000001&origin=topnav&cm_sp=Top%20Navigation-_-Men-_-Clothing

Golf Link:

http://www.golfgalaxy.com

StubHub Link:

https://m.stubhub.com

Hobby Lobby:

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/?c1=google&source=camp9hoblob&_kk=hobby-lobby%2520international&_kt=c140a02d-ac94-4890-8e40-e42de51c7148

Men's Fragrance

http://www.sephora.com/men?pageSize=-1


Apple iTunes:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/?cid=wwa-us-kwa-itunes-10001

December Children's Book: The Polar Express

Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted to review a great book for December. This story is called The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. This story is all about a boy's adventure on Christmas Eve. One night he's lying in bed, listening hard for the bells of Santa’s sleigh. At first, he does not believe in Santa or the magic surrounding Christmas. Later that night he hears not bells but a a steam engine whistle! He looks out his window and is astounded to see a train parked right outside his home. The conductor invites him to board the Polar Express, a train filled with children on their way to the North Pole.

The train takes the children to the center of the city, where Santa and the elves have gathered for the giving of the first gift of Christmas. The boy is chosen to receive this first gift. Knowing that he can choose anything in the world, he decides on a simple gift: one silver bell from Santa’s sleigh. Santa cuts a bell from a reindeer’s harness and the jubilant boy slips it into his bathrobe pocket as the clock strikes midnight and the reindeer pull the sleigh into the sky.

When the children return to the train, the boy realizes the bell has fallen through a hole a hole in his robe pocket. Heartbroken, he is returned to his home. In the morning, his little sister finds one small box with the boy’s name on it among the presents. Inside is the silver bell! The boy and his sister are enchanted by its beautiful sound, but their parents cannot hear it. The boy continues to believe in the spirit of Christmas and is able to hear the sweet ringing of the bell even as an adult. I love this book! A perfect holiday read! All this talk about winter and snow makes me want to find the best cup of hot chocolate! I heard The City Bakery has a great cup. I want a gargantuan marshmallow in my hot cocoa. I guess I'll find out soon! 

The City Bakery:

http://www.thecitybakery.com

Author's Link:

http://chrisvanallsburg.com/redirect.html

The Polar Express:

http://www.polarexpress.com

Hot Chocolate Song:

http://youtu.be/cTUJ9U6_nwM

Children's Book: On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein

Hello All!

So, as I continue to review my December Children's books, I came across a really neat book that I had to share! This book is called On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein. This book is about Albert's experiences as a young boy. It takes students on his adventures about things that fascinated and intrigued him in his life. It tells the story about how he came to be such a genius physicist. This book is for ages 6-9 or grades 1-4. It's really great opening students minds into learning about the historical mavericks of the 20th century. His life story really inspires me. It just goes to show that each one of us has something unique we bring to the world. Einstein had his struggles and weaknesses he just never quit! He was so passionate about his endeavors that he ended up leaving an everlasting mark in the world. Never stop believing in yourself, no matter what others may think!

Albert Einsteins Bio:

http://www.biography.com/people/albert-einstein-9285408

What I Love During The Holidays: The Nutcracker Ballet

Hello Everyone!

Each year when I was younger, I use to look forward to going to see the performance of The Nutcracker. This ballet always use to put me in the Holiday spirit! I remember my sister and I always dressing up in our American Girl inspired petticoats, fancy dresses and opaque white tights for this dressy little occasion. These magical little toy soldiers dancing on the stage always made me excited for Christmas Day. Even the beauty and detail of walking into the theatre was something I always kept stored away in my mind. The gold encrusted hallways and ceilings were so beautiful.  Or, the velvet red theatre seats and chandelier lighting throughout the Hall. That was such special detail I had when I was young. This ballet performance isn't just for little ones, it puts everyone into the cheery spirit! I can't wait to spend time in New York and see the many different ballets, Broadway's plays, shows and comedies. It filled to the brim with all sorts of these performances! So, if you haven't yet experienced The Nutcracker during the holidays, I recommend you do. If ballet performances bore you, just go for the experience of going with your friends, family or someone special. I'm sure you will find it awe inspiring. Go see a performance, donate or sponsor the arts this holiday season!

NYC Ballet:

http://www.nycballet.com/season-tickets/default.aspx

What I'm Thankful For This Thanksgiving

Good Day All!

I hope everyone is enjoying their week! Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I thought I would share some of the things that I am grateful for this Thanksgiving. These past couple years have been such an eye opening journey. I am so thankful for the many family and friends that stood by me when things were tough and uncertain. Without the consistent love and support of my family, I don't think I would be on my successful path that I am on today. Going back to school was a big choice, I knew it was the right thing for me to do so that I could continue to serve my purpose in this world. On my righteous path, I grew to understand, love and accept myself. I knew that nothing could stand in my way of my goals and dreams for what I wanted in my life. So continuing on my path, I bumped into someone unexpected, and found comfort and a great companion to grow with in life.

Each day, I felt my life had little miracles and allowing myself to see each day as precious became the norm. As I live each and everyday like this, I never take advantage, sulk less, savor small moments, and see each person I talk to as a friend. By turning my impatience into charm and friendliness at the checkout counter, I can even create kind chit chatter. See, I may be in a hurry, but you never know what is happening in another persons life, so I choose to be kind and considerate. I am thankful for my patience and good will for another human being. It doesn't matter where you live; Montanna, New York, Tokyo, or Paris, we are all connected and treat one another with good intention. I am thankful for being able to attain a degree so that I can help achieve success for future generations and be hopeful that I can inspire others to do the same in life.

I'm thankful for my warm bed, delicious food I eat to nurture my body each day, and my health. Without all this, I would not be functioning at my utmost potential. I am also thankful for my upcoming marriage and my family and additional family! This has been a great year! I have so much to be thankful for!

Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get Him

Hi Guys!

I didn't forget about you!  Sometimes you are hard to shop for. Every time I try to shop for my fiancé, I feel like I could have done better in my gifting ideas. He recently just purchased the latest and greatest XBox One for himself. I do not really know about that complicated game console. I just knew he was ecstatic when news broke out about its upcoming release date. I previously got him a game about a year back. I will never do that again. Not that I don't want to get him what he wants, I just don't want to regret it when he gets in his man cave. So that being said, I think I will purchase some things that make him look good and anything other than a video game. Here are some things for your guy that you may like.

Anything Nike.
Men enjoy getting a good workout in. Why not get him a great pair of
running shoes or the Fuel band. Workout gear is another essential. The North Face tech gloves are nice for the cold winter months. They don't have to take off their gloves to use their phone.

How about a nice fragrance for him? Tom Ford has some pretty nice ones along with Burberry Touch and Hermes. The Art of Shaving always has some great shaving kits for the man on your list. They may need it to shave their mustaches or beards off from No Shave November. Thank you!

Cuff links are another option. Bonobos is a nice men's line that my fiancé likes. Technology is a man's world. Anything Apple, Microsoft, and phone inspired will sure put a smile on his face. Ray Bans are classic sunglasses for him. These are just a few ideas to help you get started. Good luck!

http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TNFLocaleSelectionForm?storeId=10005

http://www.ray-ban.com/usa/

http://www.kiehls.com/MEN/men,default,sc.html

Men's Fragrance:

http://www.sephora.com/fragrance-gifts-gift-value-sets-men


The Art of Shaving:

http://www.theartofshaving.com

Nike:

http://www.nike.com/us/en_us/

Apple:

http://www.apple.com


Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx

The North Face:

http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/

Bonobos Link:

http://www.bonobos.com

Style and Grace: Remembering John and Jacqueline Kennedy

Hello There!

I wanted to devote this page to John and Jacqueline Kennedy. She has been one of my icons for a very long time and was such a remarkable woman. She is the epitome of style, class and grace. I don't know how she went through such a horrific tragedy in such a public spotlight. I have always been intrigued by this woman! Jackie O.  had such an off set balance with conservative wear for the presidency gatherings, but she also went boho in capris and babushkas. Even style magazine's have given a " type" of Jackie O persona in fashion. I not only applaud her exquisite taste in dress, her manners and grace are moving. I'm not putting down society today, but why must we give attention to people who don't exhibit exceptional manners and noteworthy contribution?

 Has society fallen so low as to give money and attention to people who are rude, egotistical and only care about themselves? I hope as a society we can see the true role models and weed out the bad. I hope reality television becomes a fad and we don't hold these people on high pedestals for doing nothing for society but profiting for themselves.  Hey, I'm all for a capitalistic economy, but contribute  to some worthy cause for our nation! I'm not trying to be tasteless or tacky in my words by putting down others, I just don't see people as being exceptional or remembered for their generous deeds. Let's remember the class acts and repeat those great people in history! So today, in remembrance of John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie, for serving our society and trying to make America a better place. Salute!

Inspired by Kristen: Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get The Lovely Ladies

Inspired by Kristen: Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get The Lovely Ladies: Hello There! Next on my idea board would be the ladies in your family. This female can be your sister, girlfriend, cousin, or whoever is...

Holiday Gift Guide: What to Get The Lovely Ladies

Hello There!

Next on my idea board would be the ladies in your family. This female can be your sister, girlfriend, cousin, or whoever is in the demographic of 16-30. There, I made my point. Here are some ideas that I loved and are on my wish list this holiday season. Laura Mercier makes the best fragrances and candles this time of year! The body lotions and bubble baths are to die for:) I like the Ambre Vanilla, Creme Brûlée  and Creme De Pistache. Yum!  Another fragrance that is super up and coming is the Bond Number 9 fragrances. These perfumes have their own little story and are named after the Burroughs and hot spots in New York City. So many to choose from!

Why not buy a nice pair of  Frye boots for her? They are well crafted and she will wear them for years to come. Lauderee Paris makes the cutest little macaroons to eat while sipping hot tea. Hunter Boots are great for the slush filled streets come January and February. Come to think of it, year round use!  A traditional Burberry scarf would come in handy each Fall and Winter season.  If those ideas aren't for her, a gift certificate to a spa or a nice dinner works just as nice. I hope some of my ideas inspired you on your gifting adventures. Don't get too crazy out there!

Laduree Link:

http://www.laduree.com/en/maisons/monde-details

Bond No 9 Link:


http://www.bondno9.com

Burberry:

http://www.burberry.com



Hunter Boots:

http://usa.hunter-boot.com


Laura Mercier Link:

http://www.lauramercier.com/store/home.jsp

Frye Boots Link:
http://www.thefryecompany.com/womens-boots