5 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Hello Friends! I have been MIA from my blog lately battling a bad case of the flu.  While I'm so happy to report that I'm feeling much better, father winter has decided to keep many of us down with snow and freezing temps.  It is freezing here in Atlanta, so getting creative is the only way to prevent cabin fever.

Here are few ideas to stir up your creative juices and help you fight those winter blues:

Unleash the Chef within you and try a new recipe. 

I am not the best cook by any means, but I love to play with fun and easy recipes that do not require 200 ingredients to make. Cold days are great for making soups and large pots of anything yummy.  I picked up a Weightwatchers magazine while I was at the grocery store and made Italian wedding soup in only 15 minutes. It was yummy and perfect for a chilly night! You can also go on Pinterest and find easy recipe ideas and create a Foodie Board for  more inspiration. 

Read a Book.

And I mean a real book, not a fashion magazine which is what I usually read.  It's nice to take a break from watching hours of The Bachelor and pick up a book. My daughter suggested this fun novel, "Where'd You Go, Bern-adette".  It is light hearted and fun and easy to follow which keeps your spirits up. I ordered it via Amazon and received it the next day! Check out other Top sellers here.

Get Crafty. Try a DIY.

I love anything DIY. I have kept this spool of burlap ribbon in my drawer because I knew I would use it for something one day. Well, now is the day. I've wrapped it around candles, books and I've made bows with it that I've attached to frames with a glue gun. Get crazy, it's fun. Check out Pinterest for more DIY ideas!

Learn a New Craft.

Being trapped indoors can be the perfect time to learn something new! I've always wanted to learn how to create my own beaded necklaces. So, I went on YouTube and looked up jewelry making and beading videos and just started playing around with some old beads I had in my craft drawer.  I'm thinking I may re-strand an old vintage necklace into something modern and cool. I'll keep you posted how well I do, but so far it has been a lot of fun to design and create my own jewelry! Click here for jewelry supplies and tools need to create your own collection.

Write a friend a letter.  Just because.

I have never been one to hand write and send personal letters via traditional snail mail. It's so easy to text or email anymore that hand written letters have become a lost art.   Texts and emails are erased and gone forever, while your letters remain. I have kept old letters and note cards that I've received over the years from my parents and loved ones. It's sweet to see their hand writing on something that I will always treasure.  

On another note, I became obsessed with vintage typewriters as of late, so I had to include my recent find in these photos along with my pink vintage tea pot. It actually works, so I typed up a letter and mailed it to my Mom in-law, just for fun. Yes, she knows I'm nuts, but she really enjoyed receiving it in the mail!

While my old buddy, Champ, is happy to sleep it off this winter, I hope my ideas will inspire you to try something new!

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things."

~ Robert Brault ~

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Linking up with these fabulous ladies:
Celebrate Southern with Jess and Susan, Tremendous Tuesday, Creative Mondays, Thursday Favorite Things, Fashion Friday

12 Gift Ideas Under $25 and Holiday Deals Roundup

+ NORDSTROM $ 18.00 $ 18.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 10.00 $ 10.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 19.00 $ 19.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 8.00 $ 8.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 10.00 $ 10.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 14.00 $ 14.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 15.00 $ 15.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 12.00 $ 12.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 24.00 $ 24.00 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 24.12 $ 24.12 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 16.50 $ 16.50 NORDSTROM + NORDSTROM $ 21.00 $ 21.00 NORDSTROM

Still at a loss for what to give or receive this holiday? The Nordstrom Holiday Gift Shop has a nice selection of fun gifts that would be perfect for teachers, your baby sitter, daughters, mothers or your girlfriends priced under $25 with free shipping...for that price, you're sure to find a little special something for every cool gal in your life. 

1. Kate Spade Wine Tote (Brownie points if you add the wine)

2. Macaroons Glass ornaments set of 3

3. Personalized Pillow 

4. Personalized Canvas Pouch 

5. Monogram Votive Candle

6. Initial Mug  (Live. Love. Laugh. inside mug)

7. Alphabet Porcelain Tray

8. Pick Me up Tote

9. Vintage Blossoms Notebook set of 2

10. Nordstrom Glam Nail Color Duo 

11. Socks

12. Paper/Note Accessories

Here is a roundup of some of the great sales currently going on:

Amazon: Continuing to have Green Monday Sales. 

Ann Taylor: 60% off sale items 

Anthropologie: Extra 25% off sweaters, free shipping over $150 with code HAPPYGIFTING 

ASOS: 30% off Cold Snap Cool, select brands 

Banana Republic: 40% off full priced items with code BRSANTA 

French Connection: Up to 40% off select styles 

Gap: 30% off with code SHOP 

J.Crew: Up to 40% off with code GIVETHIS 

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything including new arrivals 

Kate Spade Saturday: 25% off with code RSVP 

LOFT: 50% off full-price sweaters and tops, 60% off sale items 

Madewell: UP TO 30% off with code GOFORIT 

Nordstrom: Up to 40% off select new markdowns
Shopbop: Extra 20% off Sale Items with code:EXTRASALE

 Happy shopping, friends! Thanks so much for stopping by!

xo

Linked up with Fashion Friday

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Getting Fall Ready with 40% Off Sale

There is a chill in the morning air that makes me happy just thinking about the seasons changing, sweater weather and wearing scarves and boots again. While there are tons of summer sales going on, I have been shopping for fall basics. Don't get me wrong, it's still really hot here, but fall will creep in on us before we know it.  

I've put together a list of fall wardrobe essentials that are classic closet staples worth investing in.  Many of these can be worn as we transition into fall and layered on cooler days. The best part is, they are all 40% off this weekend only at the Loft Friends and Family Sale with the code shareit! 

1. Neautral Color Moto Jacket: Great for layering on chilly days over your casual work outfits. The color looks so pretty with jeans, tee's and booties. 

2. Black Moto Jacket: Every girl needs a cool black moto jacket to give your jeans and tee's an edge.

3. Distressed Boyfriend Jeans: This casual and relaxed jean is here to stay.  They rarely go on sale, so you better get them when they are!

4. Dark Skinny Jeans: Perfect for wearing with sweaters, tucked in boots or with booties.

5. LBD:  Every girl needs a little black dress in their closet. This cute number has short sleeves making it perfect for layering under sweaters and jackets.

6.  Floral Print Dress:  Floral is huge this fall. This little dress is the perfect summer transition into fall paired with a cozy sweater.

7.  Black Flare Skirt:  I bought this skirt and LOVE it. It's timeless and you can wear it all year round. For the fall, just pair it with a sweater and booties.

8.  Camo Pencil Skirt:  The pencil skirt is popular once again. The camo print gives it an edgy twist. It's a fun versatile piece to wear with a chambray top or a sweater.

9.  Chambray Top: Timeless and classic staple. Goes with everything and anything.

10.  Black Utility Shirt:  I bought this top and can't say enough about it. Roll up the sleeves sleeves on warmer days and drop them to layer under sweaters in the fall. Classic and timeless top.

11.  Camo Skinny Pants:  So HOT. Love these with the black utility shirt or throw on a tee and a top off with a moto jacket and booties!

12  Casual Field jacket: I bought one of these about 2 years ago and wore it a lot on cool days with jeans and boots. This is a must have!

13. Denim Jacket: Classic jacket that goes over everything. Think over maxi's, rompers, dresses, shorts...great transition piece.

14. Light Sweater:  This little sweater is great for layering under jackets, over shirts or cami's with jeans. Cute camo print!

15.  Chambray Dress:  Perfect for transitioning into fall.  Wear with booties and a scarf on chilly days.  Love  it and bought it!!

I am a LOFT girl at heart and LOVE to share with you when they have a great sale! Use the code shareit for the 40% discount at checkout.

Happy Shopping! 

Linked up with:

 Fashion Item Friday, Friday's Fab Favorites

The Retro Inspired Bride

An evolution of retro glamour from "The Golden Age of Hollywood" is said to have begun in the 1920's during the end of the silent film era and continued through World War II and the 1950's.  During this magical era, a few stars would become Hollywood legends.  Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Shirley Temple and Ingrid Bergman are just a few that lit up the stage with great flairs of passion and glamour. After the outbreak of World War II, stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, and Katherine Hepburn became memorable and patriotic performers for their contribution to help Americans through this tough and fearful time.   

The Hollywood glamour that evolved from the post-war era is what inspired me to create my blog, GlamVolution, bridging the gap between timeless and modern trends. 

I am excited to team up with Brilliant Earth in their launch of their exclusive Windsor Collection. This collection was inspired by the exuberant beauty of an unforgettable moment in time.  The Windsor Collection features engagement rings, wedding rings, and fine jewelry that channel the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the optimism of the post-war years with bold design, feminine curves, and lavish use of diamonds. 

Below are a few of my favorite pieces from this romantic and timeless collection.

Bridal Images: 1 // 2  // 3 // 4 // 5  

The most important thing and what really excited me about partnering up with Brilliant Earth is

wait for it....

They are dedicated to socially and environmentally responsible sourcing. Their carefully selected suppliers adhere to strict labor and environmental standards. To reduce the demand for additional dirty gold mining, they only use recycled gold and platinum. These precious metals come from secondary sources and are re-refined to ensure that they are identical in quality to newly mined metals. 

and...

Brilliant Earth donates 5% of profits to help communities harmed by the jewelry industry build a brighter future. They support initiatives that are designed to improve livelihoods, prevent abuses, protect the environment, and empower communities.

Oh gosh, I am so in Love. 

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Thanks so much for reading!

Accepting My Imperfections

Wearing: Madewell Tee, old, but also love this one // Hat: Target //  Necklace: BCBG, similar // Bracelets: C Wonder 

I have a cross-bite that causes my crooked smile. As a child, I begged my parents for braces because I felt awkward when I smiled.  Of course, we are beautiful to our parents no matter what, but they agreed to take me for an orthodontic consultation anyway.  I was told that I was not a good candidate for braces due to my severe cross-bite.  The only solution to "fix" my problem would be to break my jaw in various places and wire my jaw shut for a few months.  Yikes!!! Needless to say, this was not an option. Just the thought of the pain and the financial strain on my parents would force me to accept my cross-bite and learn to overcome it. 

Then it happened; I BROKE MY NOSE, not once but twice. It healed slightly crooked only to add to my insecurities already weighing heavily on me about my smile. Over the course of my teen years and all through high school, I let my exterior insecurities affect my confidence.  In my college years, I met the love of my life and married my best friend, Bill. From the minute I met him, he made me feel beautiful. He always comments how much he loves my smile and crooked nose. Bill made me see that my "imperfections" make me the person that I am today and that I should embrace them, not hide them.

As women we tend to focus on our flaws negatively and maybe it just takes that one special person to remind you that your flaws make you who you are and that beauty is much deeper than our surface level. So there you have it; this is me, crooked nose and a cross-bite smile and I am okay with that. 

I challenge you to share your imperfections and share how you have overcome them...what makes you unique and beautiful?

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Style Sessions, Stylish Tuesday, Random Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, I Feel Pretty, The Pleated Poppy - What i Wore, Treat Yo'self Thursday, Three-fer Thursday, Tres-chic Fashion Thursday, Color Brigade, Passion for Fashion

Finding The Courage to "Just Do It"...Whatever "It" Is

Hope is wishing something will happen.  Faith is believing something will happen.  Courage is making something happen. - anonymous 

Image credit 

This past week was an immeasureable test of courage, strength, and hope for our family.  My mother in-law (I call her mom) recently found out that she had a heart condition that would require open heart surgery. While just typing the words "open heart surgery" is mind blowing to me, it does not compare to the overwhelming fear that my mom was facing. Where do you get the strength and the courage to go through something as life altering as this? Many tears were shed along with the the"what if's?" What if she didn't get the surgery? What if she is not mentally or emotionally strong enough to go through with it?

Mom and I playing dress up in an antique shop last year.

It didn't take very long for my beautiful mom to make her decision to trust the doctors and have faith that everything would go well. After all, what were her options if she didn't go through with it? She was not willing to find out, so she chose to overcome her fears.  With all the strength and courage that she could muster, she decided that she can do this. Her faith kept her going.  Fortunately, the surgery went really well and my mom is doing great today as she recovers. As she laid in pain in the hospital bed after the surgery,  she had a smile on her pretty little face that almost seemed like a sense of peace had come over her.  Was it relief that it's over and she is alive? Was it a sense of  accomplishment of overcoming something this major? She did it. She overcame her biggest fears.

Mom and I at a Nordstrom Makeup event a few years ago.

This tiny woman that I think of as my hero and my best friend,  pulled through and showed us all that no matter what life throws at you, you have the power to pull yourself together and find that inner strength and the courage to "just do it".  What do you have to lose if you don't?

A true life lesson that makes one think.  It may not be major surgery that you are facing,  maybe you are thinking about starting your own blog, or you need to get out of a bad relationship, or maybe you are unhappy at work and are thinking about switching jobs or careers. Within each of us, there is a small piece of us that is not affected by all of the external stuff… that place is calm, unfazed, unwavering.  Calm gives you strength, courage and peace to move forward in life.  Through deep breaths and visualization of the positive, you can get to that place of calm - and before you know it, you will find that courage you need to move on.

Thanks so much for reading! 
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The Gladiator Princess

Images: 1 // 2 // 3

I am obsessed with gladiator sandals and they are back with a vengeance for spring! I first fell in love with this trend in my early teens when my mom bought me a pair of ankle high gladiators. They made me feel like a powerful warrior princess.  I wore them so much and kept them until I grew up and got married. I thought I had outgrown this trend, until now.  I don't know if I dare wearing the knee high gladiators at my age, but we all need to take a fashion risk once in a while, right??

What about you, do you like the gladiator trend?

A few more of my favorite gladiator styles:

Valentino Sandals · Stuart Weitzman Sandals · Steve Madden Sandals

Thanks so much for reading!

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Treat Yo'self Thursday, Friday's Fab Favorites, What I'm Loving Friday's

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Delicate Jewelry Inspiration

Since this is my year for trying new things, I am really inspired to go simpler and more dainty with my jewelry for Spring. I have always been a huge fan of statement jewelry and I will wear my chunky bracelets occasionally, but I am really loving the look of these delicate pieces that add a je ne sais quoi to any outfit.

How to Layer like a Pro:

When it comes to layering delicate jewelry, stick to one story. Choose one metal, whether it's gold or silver and find interesting dainty pieces.  For necklaces, choose different chain lengths and pendants in similar size.  For bracelets, less is more. Stack bracelets of the same metal with different shapes for interest. A delicate hand chain bracelet layered with one or two cuffs is my favorite combo. 

I found all the above images for inspiration on Pinterest, but you can shop for similar looks here:

Laurèl Necklaces · Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry Diamond Necklaces · Jennifer Meyer Charms

Thanks so much for reading!

                                               

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Treat Yo' Self, Three-fer Thursday, Tres Chic Fashion Thursday, Look What i Got, Spotlight Weekly, Manic Monday, Monday Must Haves

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My Lovely Valentine

Winged Eyeliner and Red Ombre Lips // Red Nail Polish // Hair-Heart Bun // Whoopie Pies

My hubby and I usually celebrate Valentine's Day at home with a nice dinner and a really good bottle of wine.  Even though we don't really do anything fancy, I still love the idea of trying romantic/sexy makeup, a new nail color,  or a new recipe for the occasion.  Here are a few ideas I found online that seem fun and easy to try.  We are currently waiting for the snowpocalypse in the ATL,  so putting on red nail polish and baking whoopee pies sounds like a lovely plan to me. 

Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:

The Pleated Poppy, Totally Posted, Treat Yo Self, Three-fer Thursday

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Bloggers Closet

Hello everyone! Hope you had a fabulous weekend! I am so excited to share with you an exciting new website, Bloggers Closet, created by one of my favorite bloggers, Lauren at Style Elixir.

Lauren's passion and enthusiasm for the blogging community inspired her to create a place where fashion bloggers have an opportunity to sell their clothes, making room in their closet, while giving us ladies a chance to snatch up designer brands and the latest fashion trends at discounted prices!

Bloggers Closet is the ultimate style destination for fashionistas on a budget, featuring ‘Buy Now’ and Auction items.  You can shop gorgeous dresses, fabulous shoes, dazzling jewels, haute handbags and amazing accessories… bloggers have it all – and now you can too!

Here are few of my favorite finds currently listed:

Necklace // Coat // Booties  // Bag

Be sure to come by today and check out some of your favorite bloggers closets! I’ve also listed many of my own outfits from GlamVolution – you can shop my closet here.

This post is not sponsored by Bloggers Closet. All opinions are my own. 

Linked up with:

Manic Monday, Mix it Mondays, Monday Must Haves, Visible Monday, 

Love Your Look, Style Sessions, Treat Yo'Self Thursday, Three-fer Thursday, What I'm Loving Fridays

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Wrap Scarf 6 Ways

Illustration A

How many ways can you wear a blanket scarf?  I can think of more than 6, but not sure that it would be considered acceptable as fashion. Here are the easiest and most comfy ways I wear mine.  I have never worn #5, but it looks cute, right?

Scarf Tutorial:

Illustration B 

Look 1: Fold the scarf in half, into a triangle and wrap around like a shawl (#1, illustration A). 

Look 2 : Fold the scarf in half into a triangle  and pull over your chest like a bib, see illustration B, steps 1 and 2.  Cross over behind your neck and pull the sides over each shoulder to the front and tuck behind scarf. 

Look 3: Follow same steps for Look 2, but you tie both sides into a knot above the fold, see illustration B, step 3.

Illustration C

Look 4:  Take the scarf ( still a triangle) and fold inwards into a roll, see illustration C, step 1.   Drape across your neck towards the front,  illustration C, step 2.  Wrap twice around your neck and tuck sides inside to create this knot effect, remaining steps from illustration C.

Look 5: Same as Look 1, tied in a knot in the front see illustration A.

Look 6: First two steps from illustration C,  my favorite look with this type of scarf. So there you have it! Which look do you like the best?

My scarf is from ZARA.


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Watch what I'm Wearing, The Style Record, Funday Monday, Monday Mingle, Visible Monday, Style Sessions, Love Your Look

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Three Wishes...

Happy December, Lovelies! I thought it would be fun to take a break from reality for a minute; the holiday shopping, decorating and stuffing our faces and ask, if you were given three magical wishes for the holidays, what would you wish for?  Money, health, family, fame? 

There are many material things on the wish list, but, for me,  it all still comes down to one thing; family. Here are my three wishes:

Wish one: 

Three Monica's:  One Monica to help me shop and plan for the holidays with my hubby in Atlanta. One Monica to spend time with my family and friends in Florida and the other Monica would be in New York with my daughter all of the time. Getting the family together in one state is a challenge.

Wish two:

To spend one more holiday with my father. This will be our 3rd Christmas without my dad and I miss him dearly. This was his favorite time of the year and I very am grateful for the beautiful memories of the holidays with him.

Wish three:

My dog, Champ will live forever. He is going on 14 years old but acts like he's 5. We rescued him ( he really rescued us) when he was one and he has grown up with our kids. I adore him.

So, do tell...what do you wish for?

What I'm wearing: Hat: Target // Top Coat: Lulli // Jeans:  Rock & Republic // Boots: old, Loft // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff 

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Get your Glow On: 5 Cold Weather Beauty Essentials

While I love the crisp sweater weather and the colorful landscapes of fall, the dipping temperatures can be hard on our skin. Living in Florida, I have tried every beauty product that is not prone to melting on my skin from the sun and humidity. Now that I live in Atlanta, I've had to tweak my beauty routine to keep my skin hydrated and keep a healthy glow. Here are my top 5 no-fail products that will make a difference in your beauty routine this winter (depending on your climate).

5 under $50 :: Accessories to Glam Up Your Outfits

The best way to dress up an outfit is to add accessories.  Here are five inexpensive classics that will make your outfits look glam and sophisticated while making it easy on your wallet. 

A Dash Of Charming...

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons.  It is a season of spice infused sweet treats, cool and cozy nights, shorter days, and changes in natures leaves. With so many tomboy fashion trends this season, which I love and am obsessed with, I thought it would be fun to curate a post with lovely ladylike things that bring romance.

Images: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Have a lovely weekend my lovelies!

Thanks so much for reading! You can also find me here:

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