4 Easy Ways To Decorate For The Holidays!

With Christmas right around the corner, I'm sharing my 4 favorite ways to add holiday spirit to you apartment! If you don't have time to get a tree or the room no biggie, these tricks will leave your place full of holiday cheer! 

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1. Light holiday scented candles! This is super easy, run to your nearest Bath and Body works and purchase some fun winter scented candles (they have been on sale lately too!) These will leave your place smelling amazing as well as put you in the holiday mood!

2. Add some fun holiday signs around your apartment or house! You can find some super cute and inexpensive holiday signs at HomeGoods and TJ MAXX! 

3. Have holiday napkins in the kitchen or perhaps on the bar car! Another inexpensive way to bring the holidays into your apartment is to have some cute holiday inspired napkins in the kitchen! You can find some at Target or TJ MAXX at a great price!

4. Add some festive throw pillows to your living room! Throw pillows are a fun way to easily change your room for the holidays! They instantly make your place more fun and festive as well as cozy! Again HomeGoods is my go to for throwpillows!

What are your favorite ways to add some holiday spirit to your place? Let me know in the comments below! I hope you all have a fabulous holiday!

Dressed for the Holidays!

I don't know about you but I am already in full on holiday mode! Work parties, gatherings with friends, and holiday happy hours are in full swing. This is one of my go to holiday outfits for the season! Almost the whole outfit was purchased on Black Friday and comes out to be under $100! This look is great for the office or going out, just throw on a pair of flats and your good to go to work! I hope you all enjoy, and please let me know what your favorite holiday looks are in the comments below! 

Outfit Details:

Pants: OldNavy

Top: Banana Republic

Jacket: Target (from last winter)

Shoes: Nine West

Holiday Inspired with KRZA by Krystle Dawn

Hope you all had a super Thanksgiving and Black Friday! Now were are on to Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday next on the to do list!  Make sure if you haven't already to check out KRZA by Krystle Dawn, her fun pieces make perfect gifts especially with the holidays coming up! This month she launched some fabulous new colors and prints along with some super cute holiday inspired pieces! Not only did I get some pieces for myself but snagged a few for gifts as well!

Make sure to check out her site HERE

Pictured below in order is:

"The Knot" in Sugar

"The Tie Side" in Candy Cane Dash

"The Knot" in Candy Stripe

Winter is Coming!

The slightest bit of climate change that remains for days straight is so exciting here in FL. It has been so so nice here in the early mornings and evening as the air gets cooler and there is a need for a sweater, it puts an instant smile on my face. Below is one of my favorite looks for fall and winter. A sweater with jeans paired with a pair of fun boots and sunnies, topped off with a deep colored lip. This is a great look for day paired with shorter boots or flats and neutral gloss and then take it to evening with a heel or tall boot and deep colored lips! Please leave your favorite winter and fall fashion pieces in the comments below! 

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Similar pieces:

Jeans, Sweater, Boots, Bag, Sunnies

Orlando Artists To Watch!

Art...what do you think when I say that word? I have always loved art and studied art in school, granted I don't have much talent when it comes to painting or drawing. My art is photography, but I have always been super inspired by artists, whether it be a painter, a photographer, or a writer, in a way everyone is there own artist right? Well I am very inspired by two awesome artists in particular that I want to share with you, Genna Sweetnam and Peterson Guerrier. I want to thank these two fabulous souls for opening up their studios and allowing me to capture their art and them at work! You both are SUPER AWESOME!

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Genna

Genna and I met in a drawing class in college and we were instant friends! This girl loves everything art and everything art loves her....she is so talented in all art forms! It's inspiring to know someone that doesn't want to limit themselves to just one art form but do their very best at every art form they try! She is a fabulous painter and creator, her pieces have a great sense of adventure and whimsy that bring such joy to everyone that sees them! Make sure to check out her IG @giggerbug and show her some love!

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Peterson

Peterson and I met at my first job out of college at an art gallery. He quickly became one of my favorite people at work and another inspiring artist! Peterson is also super talented at all art forms! Not only is he a great photographer but painter as well! I love that he blends these forms together capturing his subjects through his lens as well as his paint brush! Probably my favorite thing about Peterson's work is that it is expressive and takes you to a place with true emotions. Peterson is super fun to be around and watch take on the art scene, truly inspiring! Make sure to check out his IG @mr_guerrier and his website HERE

Glo Minerals Look & Review

Happy November everyone! Glo Minerals was kind enough to send me their new Cream Stay Shadow Sticks and Precise Micro Browliner last month, and let me tell you they are not playing games! These shadow sticks last ALL DAY LONG! They don't crease and look amazing even after a full day of running around and being in the FL heat. I am thoroughly impressed with the pigment and sheen of these beautiful shadows! The shadow sticks are great to take from day to night as the shadow is buildable and easily taken to the next level. These are the perfect addition to my makeup bag for the fall and winter months! 

Make sure to check out Glo Minerals HERE

Below is a look I created using the shades Gold Blush and Beam, hope you enjoy!

Halloween Tricks & Treats

This past weekend I went home to Sarasota and of course while I was home I helped my fabulous mother with some baking and crafting! My mom is literally the most crafty and talented person I know! She is so inspiring, there are not enough things I can say to express how much I love her! Halloween starts our extreme love for the holidays and everything that comes with them! Baking, crafting, decorating, we love it all her and I! I hope you enjoy the fun Halloween inspired tricks and treats I'm sharing with you this week! Have a great week and happy Halloween festivities! 

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes (GF)

The cupcakes are the Betty Crocker gluten free chocolate cake mix.  Make them based on the box instructions and add 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter.  It makes 18 cupcakes.

The Caramel Icing:

4 cups powder sugar

1 cup butter

3 Tbsp cream cheese

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup caramel sauce (used Smuckers salted caramel)

Beat with mixer and then pipe on cupcakes when cool.

Mummy Mason jars

These are super easy, as well as super cute and festive!

You will need the following:

Mason jars

Washi or craft tape

Fun face stickers

Electric tea light candles

Simply put, wrap the tape around the mason jar in a mummy like fashion. Then place stickers on the front of the jar. Lastly place a candle in the bottom and you magically have a super cute decoration or table topper!

Getting Sassy with KRZA by Krystle Dawn

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I'm already ready for this weekend and it's only the end of this weekend! Sometimes I feel like I'm living for the weekend, but what can you do, right? So about a week ago I became a Fall Rep for KRZA by Krystle Dawn, I'm already enjoying her products! Krystle makes these fabulous contemporary head bands, that are super comfortable and chic! I love that these pieces give an extra bit of sass to any outfit whether more of a going out look or a laid back one, her pieces step up your style just that much more! 

Make sure to check out her site HERE

Pictured below is "The Halo" in Desert Moon

Pictured below is "The Tie Side" in Tropics which is an exclusive print to KRZA

Did Someone Say...Dessert?

Did someone say dessert? Yes! With October leading us into the holiday season I wanted to feature some of my favorite go to desserts that are simple and tasty for any occasion. We all know that once we hit Halloween we blink then it's Christmas, which means all kinds of get togethers and parties. My mother taught me to never show up to an event empty handed, so here are some simple yummy treats to bring to your next party or event! These recipes are super easy and major crowd pleasers, whether you have a party to attend or a night in watching movies these treats are great for literally any occasion! 

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Caramel Cheesecake Dip with Apples (GF)

Ingredients: 

1  8 oz block of cream cheese

1  16 oz tub of old fashioned caramel dip

1  bag of heath bar bits 

2 bags of sliced apples 

Directions:

All you need to do is put the cream cheese in the middle of a serving platter to start. Then pour a good amount of the caramel dip on top of the cream cheese, enough to cover it. Next top the caramel dip with the heath bar bits. Finally places all the apple slices around the cheesecake dip! This is a great dessert and is awesome for any gluten free guest that might be attending the party as well!

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Nutella Pie Crust Rolls

Ingredients:

1  package of pie crust dough

1  jar of nutella

1  spice jar of cinnamon sugar

2  tbs. of melted butter

Directions:

Roll out pie crust dough on cutting board and cut pizza style into about 14 slices. Next spread some nutella in the middle of each roll and roll like croissants. Then brush some melted butter onto each roll and top off by sprinkling all the rolls with cinnamon sugar. Bake 8-10 minutes at 425 degrees. I found this recipe on Pinterest years ago and its always a hit!

Review: Valentia Night Revive Retinol Serum

I have an awesome new product to tell you all about! I have been testing out the Night Revive Retinol Serum from Valentia. I must admit I have very sensitive skin so I am always skeptical to try new things on my face, however this product did not let me down. Everything is attests that is will do it does. This serum is to help diminish wrinkles, stimulate collagen, improve skin tone, manage breakouts, and condition skin. I'm in my early 20's and these things are important to me, I want to age gracefully and great skin care is one of the best ways to do that! Growing up I dealt with a lot of skin issues. I of course had blemishes and also fought with my skin as it was prone to severe breakouts and sensitivity as well as having combination skin so the struggle is real! This product from Valentia is great and I recommend it to anyone struggling with any of the issues above, you won't regret taking a chance and trying out this product no matter what skin type you have!

Check out Valentia!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H54PU4Y
http://valentia.com
https://www.instagram.com/valentianatural/
www.facebook.com/valentiabeauty

Sponsored by BrandBacker

Review: Target Beauty Box

Target Beauty Box! Yes our favorite store has jumped on the subscription beauty box craze and let me tell you it does not disappoint! The September box came with 7 products, three of which were full size products and the rest deluxe samples! This is already worth the $10, as well as every product was great! Below is the list of products found in this month's box and what I thought!

OGX- Renewing Coconut Milk Conditioner

This is a great everyday conditioner. It leaves hair feeling hydrated and smooth, smells wonderful as well! 

S.W. Basics- Organic Lip Balm

I don't usually wear lip balm but this is great and feels nice on your lips. I put it on before bed and it helps moisturize and heal my lips!

Maybelline- The Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara

This mascara is absolutely awesome! The name speaks for itself, lashes look long and fluffy and it gives drama to your eyes without looking overdone.

Rimmel- The Only 1 Lipstick in Best of the Best

I love Rimmel lipstick and this one is no different. Lip products that have a harsh smell aren't my favorite, this one has a wonderful scent that is subtle and smells yummy. The color is vibrant and I love that is is smooth and creamy!

EDEN BodyWorks- JojOba Deep Conditioner

This is a great conditioner for when your hair needs extra care and attention. I love deep conditioning my hair every few weeks to give my hair an extra boost. This deep conditioner helps revitalize and repair your hair and is amazing!

Laneige- Water Bank Moisture Cream

Believe me when I say you must go out and buy this right now! I have been putting this cream on my face right before bed and it does wonders! I wake up with clearer and more moisturized skin, without feeling oily. This is now a staple in my skin care routine.

Biore- Baking Soda Cleanser

Biore has never done me wrong and this product is no exception. This cleanser leaves your face feeling clean and fresh. I noticed it helps calm my skin and redness without being harsh. This is a great product!

* Currently the September Beauty Box is Sold Out! Make sure to catch the October box!

Here's the link for the beauty box: Click here

Fall Fashion Favorites!

Sweater weather!...well at least for most of you! Here in Florida it's still hot and rainy but I'm optimistic that cooler weather is coming! This week I'm bringing you something different than you have seen thus far! I'm used to being behind the camera (usually photographing weddings and portraits) so I'm no expert at modeling. I'm bringing you two of my favorite looks for fall here in the Sunshine State! Every piece in these outfits is super affordable and easy to wear day or night! Please let me know what your favorite fall looks are below in the comments! 

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Thank you to Jessica Bentley for the fabulous make-up skills and photos! 

Check out her IG @thejesswho

Jeans: Old Navy $15

Mustard Sweater: Macy's $20

Necklaces: Dillards's (gifts)

Olive Green Top: Lush from Nordstrom $15

Flats & Feels: Halogen from Nordstrom Rack $39.99 each

Gray Bag: BCBG from TJ Maxx $35