Thursday, December 29

eShakti Review



I was contacted by eShakti.com to review one of their products.  I agreed to do so because I think the concept behind the site is different and interesting...there are tons of designs (everything from dresses to coats) to choose from and then they are customizable.  Some items have more customizable features than others, but almost all can be custom ordered to your measurements.  You can also change neck lines, lengths, sleeves etc.  I think this is an awesome source for women who may have difficulty finding clothes from traditional retailers to fit their bodies.  And you might expect their prices to be high, but not at all!  Their items are very affordable.

Check out their website!




I ordered the Silk Soiree Sheath Dress to review.  It really is lovely and the quality is great.  I put in my exact measurements and the hem and neckline were customizable.  For example, I could have chosen a deep V neckline and an elbow length sleeve.

Wednesday, December 28

Sunday's Meal

With New Years coming up I decided to hit Pinterest to find a black-eyed peas recipe for a traditional New Year's Day supper.  Hey, I could always use some good luck!

I found THIS article that explains how the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day for luck and prosperity in the New Year began:
   
        "The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War.  At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman's troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.
       Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some.  When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year..." (read the rest of the article for recopies and variations on the tradition)


This black-eyed peas and sausage crock pot recipe looks delish, no?! I'll be making this on Sunday!


What you will need:

4 hot dog length precooked sausages, sliced thinly
1 grilled small to medium sized onion
1 roasted bell pepper
1 (4 ounce) can fire roasted green chilies (mild or hot, your choice)
1 (12 ounce) beer (drink a second beer while assembling)
3 (15 ounce cans) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Olive oil for grilling vegetables

See HERE for cooking instructions!

Do you all have the traditional "lucky" New Year's meal? What do you make?!

Friday, December 23

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas my lovely readers! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend with your families and loved ones. Cheers!

Tuesday, December 20

story of my life

a friend found this print and sent it to me saying it reminded her of me. omg. SO me. i ordered it of course :)

Lolz! Love it! From HERE

Friday, December 16

Please Pray

Please pray for one of my best friend's, Brittany, mom. She suffered two heart attacks last night and they came very close to losing her. As luck would have it, Britt's sister happened to be with their mom when it happened or else she would not have made it. Thankfully she is recovering in the ICU and is expected to be ok. Please pray for her and their family!

Monday, December 12

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday my lovelies! Hope you all had festive weekends! We went to a Christmas party Saturday night and then on Sunday I took logan to a live nativity and attempted to make a gingerbread house. Harder than it looks people! Are you all finished Christmas shopping? I'm about halfway done, hopefully I can knock the rest out this week! 














Friday, December 9

life changer

How have I gone my whole life without this little gem in my makeup bag? What is it? The crease brush. It allows you to apply eyeshadow in the crease (hence the name) of your eye without having to close your eye. AMAZING! And it allows for more even, predictable coverage (I always have difficulty getting my eyes to match). Seriously, if you don't already own one of these you need to go pick one up!





Wednesday, December 7

on my list

I've asked for a subscription to Birchbox this year for Christmas. Really hoping Santa delivers this one to me under my tree...or to my door each month!



Do you all get Birchbox? For those of you who don't know what it is, you sign up and it's $10 per month and you receive 4-5 deluxe beauty product samples in the mail every month. It really is the gift that keeps on giving all year long!

Monday, December 5

Logan's Gift -Wayfair.com

Wayfair contacted me and asked me to check out their new home website (they were formerly CSN)...the new site is much easier to navigate and the layout is more user friendly. 

As their slogan says, they have a zillion things to chose from. I was searching through the kid's items, looking for something for Logan. I think this sweet decorative toy storage container would be a lovely gift


or maybe Santa will bring some lucky child this awesome outdoor play house!
(a kid can dream, right?!)



I settled on this Rocket Play Tent for Logan.  He loves playing dress up and pretend play, so I may have to order him an astronaut costume as well! 

Friday, December 2

HANAair Review

The lovely folks over at Misikko sent me the HANAair Professional Hair Dryer  from the Hana line to review...and let me tell you, I LOVE it!  I was this close to putting a new hair dryer on my Christmas wish list.  I'd been using some cheapy thing from Target for far too long, so I was more than happy to give this baby a try!  It definitely got my hair dry more quickly and my hair was noticeably more smooth and shiny.  The higher end dryer made a huge difference! 


I'm not one to spend $200 on a styling tool for myself, but with Christmas coming up, I think this is a wonderful gift idea {and you could gift to yourself :)}.  I love getting people gifts that they wouldn't normally buy for themselves.  Check out Misikko's website and you will surely find the best blow dryer for the lady in your life, they carry CHI Hair Dryers also!




Thursday, December 1

Blog Sale - Holiday Dresses!

Hello lovlies! I have several dresses for sale that will be great for upcoming holiday parties! Shipping is free. Email me with any questions! 

SOLD H&M teal shift dess size 6. Never worn. $25. Button detail in back. The bottom picture is a more accurate representation of the true color. It is more green than turquoise. 



SOLD Silver & gold one should dress. $40. Worn once. Size 6. Arc & Co. This dress makes your waist look tiny!



SOLD Red BCBGeneration pleated dress. Size 6. This is a true red color, not orange as in the picture. Worn once. $35.





Silver bow dress. Bought at local boutique. Size Small. $15.

Gold strapless dress. Never worn. Size 6.  $40.


SOLD Black satiny long sleeve shift. Express size Small. $10. 


Wednesday, November 30

My Christmas Cards from Minted!

Well, tomorrow it will be officially December!  The holiday season is in full swing!

I wanted to share with you all our 2011 Christmas cards I ordered from Minted!  Aren't they lovely?! This was my first time ordering from Minted and I was pleased!   My first proof came back incorrect, but they made the changes quickly and I wasn't charged $25 for an additional proof since the mistake was theirs.  The quality of the cards really is wonderful!


Have you all sent out your Christmas cards yet?! Minted is still offering $25 off your first purchase when you use THIS link! Go check out all their custom holiday cards!

Tuesday, November 29

Christmas Card Display DIY

I needed something to do with all the Christmas cards that will be arriving in the mail this holiday season, so when I saw this picture on Pinterest, I thought I'd whip one up!

Super simple, just buy a 12-14" embroidery hoop ($1.50), mini clothes pins (99¢), and ribbon(I already had). Hot glue the pins to the hoop and add a bow for hanging...

And there you have it...ready to be filled up with new Christmas cards from friends and family!


(what's with Martha's friends sending teeny tiny cards?)

Sunday, November 27

Christmas Gift Idea #4

For your Guy: $115+

A Smathers and Branson Monogram Needlepoint Wallet. 



Since it is a little late to order a custom wallet, I also like the Derby Horse Wallet


And of course, the UK Wallet!

Tuesday, November 22

Ben and I are in NC visiting his family for the holiday. Have a great week and safe travels!