Thanksgiving Table 101

Thanksgiving is in a week! 

If the food stinks make sure at least your 

table looks good!

Here are some stellar ideas for sprucing up the dining room.

This mixes two top trends: Burlap & Gold.  All you need is a can of gold spray paint.
This modern design from a pumpkin and a princess.

I'm Dying for Denim

I was digging through my closet yesterday morning desperately trying to find an appropriate outfit for a day of...wait for it.... fishing with my husband??!!  Seriously, what to wear?  

Well, I ended up fishing out (hee-hee) a denim shirt from the far recesses of my closet.  I was most impressed that it didn't need to be ironed, as well as the fact that it seemed to be a workable option for the day, so I went for it!  

Now, I feel like this is a great option going into fall and to my delight there are tons of options out there from weekend denim to totally cute chambray options for work.  

Check out some of my favorites.

Daydrifter Denim Tee by Anthropology.  Get it here.

Have Oily Skin...Need Help!

I'm not one of those girls that can throw on a trendy necklace and transfer to a clutch  for a day to night look.  Here is my issue, I have oily skin.  I usually need a complete overhaul in the make-up department before being presentable for those Happy Hour cocktails.  Well, I recently re-discovered a long lost favorite of mine from about 10 years ago.  Oil Blotting pads!  Where did they go and why are we not talking about them any more?  I am leading the charge to bring them back!

My favorite is from Shiseido and they are amazing.  Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Papers are available almost anywhere Shiseido is sold.  They cost $18.50 and are little life savers for girls like me.  

They come packaged in a small blue holder and are the perfect size for your whole face.  The trick is to use them throughout the day.  I love this brand because they do not leave that weird looking white powder finish that some of the others do.  Another great plus for those of us that like to stay on the more natural side of beauty is that they are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.

I feel like they hold my make-up in place all day so I only need a quick touch up before going out after work.  And, all that oil is not sitting on my face all day which probably leads to blemishes and clogged pores.

Don't you love it when you find a long lost love!

Love and Tulips,

Amanda from Irvine

Get in the Spirit...It's Halloween Time

I'm not really into Halloween.  Maybe it's that I don't have any kids at home, maybe it's because I can't get into the dressing up thing, maybe it's the temptation of eating a whole bag of Tootsie Rolls!  I don't decorate the house but I do give out the candy and at least make an attempt to partake in the festivities.  So, I thought I would share some of the cute ways to get into the spirit without the ridiculous costume!

My sister's kiddos hamming it up!

How about some cool make up for a way to get into the spirit?  Even if you are not going to dress up, why not do a cool look?  A fresh cat eye, powdered face and a vampy lip.  Halloween for the cool girl.  Get more ideas here.

Hair can always change your look and if your good with your hands, you can create some pretty spooky looks!  What about this option?  Throw on a powdered face, dark make-up and break out the crimper and Voila! You look like you are part of the party. 

If you're anything like me, there is nothing worst than that cheap nylon Halloween costume.  Why not try some real clothes that give a cute nod to "dressing up".  How adorable is this option AND you can wear everything again in your real life!  Get it here.

Lastly, and my favorite why not do something dramatic on your digits!  Nail polish can shout Halloween all week and you can change your look everyday if you like.  Tip-don't go overboard with purchasing these polishes.  While we all love our OPI or Chanel polishes during the year, you can purchase orange and black very cheaply at Target or Ulta to get the look.  Get more nail looks here.

Check out my look for the week!  I used Rimmel London in Black Satin and Orly in Shine on Crazy Diamonds.  Oh and they are crazy long due to Biotin-this stuff is great!

Have a super fun Halloween however you choose to celebrate! 

Love and Tulips, 

Amanda from Irvine

Foolproof Caramel Apple Pie

Put your own spin on classic apple pie with a caramelized glaze that will get your guests thinking you slaved in the kitchen all day.

Support Breast Cancer Research right now...and think Pink

 

Are you looking to support a Breast Cancer Charity, but don't know where to start?  I often feel overwhelmed with how to make my contribution.

This year, I have seen so many options to support Breast Cancer research while also doing one of my favorite things...SHOPPING!  I have pulled some of my favorite items from around the web that are available right now and through the rest of the month to support Breast Cancer research.  You still have a couple of weeks left to make a purchase and help support the cause, so get to it.

Of course, we had to feature a couple of fellow Etsians.  How cute is this hoodie by Love.Greek.Life?  A portion of the purchase price is donated to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

 These bracelets are not only right on trend but they honor Susan G Komen Race for the Cure as well as support the women who create Fair Trade Beads.  I love the story behind this Etsy shop, Fierce Forward and encourage you to take a look at all the offerings!

Fall Inspirations

Without fail every change of season I find myself fake cyber shopping.  You know when you browse expensive items with no intent of ever buying them? I feel like maybe if I make a wish board they will come true.  What would be on your board?