Kiss & Tell....

Untitled #27 by hchdesigns featuring a lip stick

... my first kiss was in the baggage claim of Oakland airport with my husband Seth... (dated 2 years long distance)... true story.

Kiss those winter lips goodbye with my "Kiss & Tell"... wow, I said kiss a lot...
Here is what I do...

1.  Stay Hydrated!!! Drink at least 1 glass of water before bed and it will dramatically help those lips not to mention those bags under your eyes... 
2. This was a tip I learned from a very well known makeup artist... When you're brushing your teeth, brush your lips too! This helps exfoliate them and remove any dead skin! 
3. I use Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lip shine for day... I have a few of these guys.. so fun! ...Or for night.. I use my very favorite Mac Cosmetics Cremesheen Glass... That stuff is the bomb!

That's it! Super high maintenance right? One of these days I'll venture off into the world of bright red lips ... I think it looks fabulous in the right setting... maybe with a little black dress?... What's something that you've been dying to try out in the world of beauty?

This post is submitted to IFB Project #81 What makes you totally kissable? & inspired by Avon's Totally Kissable Lipstick.. 

My world in Hi-Def....

So very hipster of me...

this is when I'm thinking... please don't let my glasses fall off my face into the creek...

This moment brought to you by... "can you get a picture of my shoes? Oh, please don't drop the camera in the creek"...

Work it... work it... the camera loves you...

posing is hard work.... 

Top- JCP 

Pants- Marshalls

Earrings- J.Dillon | Jewelry

Ring- J.Dillion | Jewelry

Shoes- Old Navy (old) another great option here

Glasses- Bon Look 

There is something about getting new glasses... Not to mention being able to see... It's a mixture of feeling like the smart kid in the glass and pretending to be hipster... Which I am not fooling anyone...  These glasses are from the fabulous BonLook which I am completely sold on buying glasses online! The complete pair was only $99 and free shipping for orders over $99! Glory! .. If you remember I was debating between the tortoise & the black... well I chose the black and I love them! See that post here... fyi, nothing perks your confidence like getting honked at by drivers passing by... I think they were stunned by my awesomeness... 

Also I've been very excited to feature an amazing online store for custom jewelry, J.Dillon | Jewelry. I've known the designer for a few years now and I am a happy return customer! I am wearing their earrings & ring ...Amazing jewelry and I am so  excited to feature some of her work on my blog! You should totally check them out,  you won't be sorry!

In the meantime I'll be practicing my runway walk for the sidewalk... which slightly resembles something from a Jim Carey movie... my gift to the drivers passing by... you are welcome.

Lucky Chambray....

Scarf-Target sold out, this is another great option

Vest- Target (old)

Chambray- JCP

Jeans- Pac Sun (discontinued, similar here)

Booties- Target (old) another great option

Glasses- Cotton On

You know what's awesome? Running out the door realizing you planned a photo shoot and forgetting to wear earrings...  You know what else is awesome...  realizing that in the past 2 photo shoots I am still wearing this green vest! OMG... I do own other clothes... honest.

I am extremely proud to say I finally purchased my very own Chambray shirt.... only like a year late... This top was made possible from my casino winnings playing the slots with my Grandpa! It was awesome!...High Roller here! Sometimes I swear you can't make this stuff up!  

Anyhoo... I've been craving a good Chambray top... looking at Madewell or J.Crew.. which they have excellent options always.. But I never thought to check JC Pennny? I mean I forget about that store all the time! I was in JCP visiting their Sephora store, and my husband found this for me! How awesome is that?? Right there, waiting for me... saying "you've been patient, now take me home"... not sure why my clothes need to talk to me... I looked for my size... (M) and of course they didn't have the most popular size.... so I sighed and was like "oh well"... we walked past the clearance rack and there was a Small.... Ok... ladies you know what happened next... You don't know till you try it on but do you really want to risk the hope of you finding the perfect chambray and frustration of trying on a size that is "clearly" not your size? Such a gamble... I bit the bullet and hit the fitting room... I tried it on... and it fit! OH the heavens were cheering for me! It was slightly tight in the arms... but who needs to feel their arms? Right? I am kidding.. it loosened after a couple of wears... I am so thrilled...It looks like my luck might be changing! Death threats to anyone who would put this guy in the dryer!

What's something that you've been dying to get lately? I'd love to know!

Ps. Photography brought to you by my husband Seth...

Liebster Award...

What an amazing day... I win $20 playing the slots at the Casino, (thanks for the help Grandpa!).... And I got nominated for the Liebster Award by Leonie Sanders of Couturella! I have to be honest I had no idea what the Liebster Award was, even so I am extremely honored and quite honestly giddy that she would think of me! If you haven't checked out her blog yet, stop by.... she's fabulous!

Leonie commented on my last blog post letting me know she had nominated me and as I visited her wonderful site, I learned how this award works... Really amazing actually... "The Liebster Award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers. The award was created to let people discover new blogs. So there are some rules for receiving this award" (quote from Leonie's blog): So here is how it works!

1. List 11 facts about yourself.

2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.

3. Ask 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.

4. Choose 9 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate. 

5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.

6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

Ok, so 11 facts about me... ready... set... go!

1. My middle name is Celeste, I love it... the end.

2. I have a knack for killing houseplants... cactus beware..

3. I don't want to get out of bed in the AM unless I know what I am going to wear....

4. I have 7 siblings... 4 brothers & 3 sisters.. (my parents are rockstars!)

5. I am known at my local Starbucks, as the "half caff" lady.... trying to cut back on the caffeine..

6. My perfume is Bright Crystal by Versace... and I love it..

7. I don't have my drivers license...but one of these days I will...

8. Hot Tamales cinnamon candy is like my favorite....

9. I am a natural Redhead... therefore I am awesome... ;)

10. My drink of choice is San Pellegrino with lime...

11. I believe the when you realize just how amazing you are, your choices in life completely change all for the better and when you can see the best in yourself the best of you will shine through!

Ok... now for the answers to the questions Leonie asked me....

And here are my 11 questions:

1. When did you get into blogging? September of 2012.. only 4 months and it's been amazing...and I'm hooked!
2. Best comment you've ever received on your blog? Honestly, I get so excited every time there is a new comment... so hard to pick but being nominated was pretty sweet...

3. First blog you've ever read?  This Time Tomorrow
4. Favorite blog to read? The Daybook Blog... Sydney Poulton totally has my humor...

4. Favorite shoe designer? I am really loving what Rachel Zoe is doing...

5. Best vacation destination? Dream vacation, Fiji.. one of those over water bungalows...sigh..

6. Favorite color? Right now...Gold! I love it...

7. Where do you see your blog in 1 year? Building my reader base and gaining sponsors!

8. How would you describe your personal style? Classic trendy... and just awesome...
9. Item that's on the top of your wish list? iPhone 5... need to stop using a stupid phone...

10. Best store in your hometown? Downtown Bakery & Creamery... OMG, best Morning Buns of your life!
11. If there's one wish you could make, what would it be? My prayer is that all children's cancer would disappear...

Ok.. so the 9 bloggers that I nominate are... drum roll please...

http://annestikvoort.blogspot.com/

http://obsidiansouldreamcatchers.blogspot.com/

http://mintgem.blogspot.com/

http://lalamamma.blogspot.com/

http://modeandprerogative.blogspot.com/

http://fashionfrommycloset.blogspot.com/

http://zerxzastyle.blogspot.com/

http://www.thepolishedmonkey.com/

http://libertysarahchrismas.blogspot.co.uk/

Ok... so now for the questions I have for all the lovely bloggers I've nominated...

1. First album you bought?

2. Favorite city in the world?

3. Someone gives you a $1000 shopping spree, first place you spend the money?

4. Favorite thing about blogging?

5. Favorite movie quote?

6. What is something that you love about yourself?

7. Favorite item in your closet?

8. #1 on your Bucket List?

9. What are you excited about this year?

10. Drink of choice?

11. If you could meet anyone in world who would you want to meet?

Ok.. there it is... I want to thank Leonie Sanders of Couturella from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful honer to be nominated... and I am so giddy with excitement! 

For the mama to be..

For the mama to be.. by hchdesigns featuring michael kors watches

(don't freak out, I'm not pregnant)

So I was thinking a few days ago... I've got a lot of friends who are pregnant... I think I counted at least 5 on Facebook... wow...  One being my amazing sister in-law Leah... she asked me a little while ago to do a blog post on Maternity Clothes... I of course said yes! And since I don't have any experience in this department ... I asked a few of my friends... This is what some of  them said...

Erin -"it needs to be cheaper!!"

Kirsti - "It soooo needs to be cheaper! And cuter! And they need to have more flattering options for those of us (like me) that get pregnant "all over"..."

Sarah - "Urban outfitters maternity"  She wishes...

Tara  -"Something I wish I had more of are maternity clothes that don't look so maternity! (If that makes sense) I love when I can wear something while pregnant and after I've had the baby!"

In hearing all this... I had to do a little research... and here are some awesome links that I found along with a few tips!

Inexpensive Maternity Clothing sites or stores-

1. Old Navy... Did you know that you can order things online and return to your closest Old Navy store?
2. Target... Same story, you can find more selection online and return it to the local Target store...
3. Pink Blush Maternity.. typical 30 day return policy, responsible for shipping charges..etc.
4. H&M.. so if your lucky to live close to these stores then score! Otherwise, I would search Ebay for this brand of Maternity..
5. Ebay... check for used/gently worn Maternity or brands that you love... some great deals on there!

Tips-

•  Spend money on items that are versatile... and will (hopefully) last a while...
• Accessories are your best friend! A scarf is a great way to add pop to your outfit without spending an arm and a leg...
• Dress to flatter your shape, not cover it up... repeat after me... moo moos are not for me..

OK, so full admitting here that what these tips are just basic fashion rules.. but I feel the same thing applies...  Spend the money on your basics like jeans, T-shirts etc... (depending on the season) they will get a lot of use... and these are things that you will always reach for in your dresser.Then pull from your closet, anything that has an open front like a cardigan,wrap sweater or blazer... Add in a few awesome accessories and cute comfortable shoes..

Then lastly...

Hair, Nails & Makeup! I know this doesn't really count for the Maternity category.. but honestly I feel like its extremely important to pay attention these area's especially if the rest of your outfit is a little on the casual side. Tease the hair, play with some new eye shadow and get a pedicure... Because hey, you're making a person and that's more than the rest of us can say we did with our day!

Four eyes...

Last night-2 Tylenol... cold cloth... in bed by 9pm... geez... it's been 7 days of this headache nonsense.. I am not someone who normally struggles with migraines but if you do, my heart seriously goes out to you... One night of it and I am done... I am going to the eye doctor today, to see if my eyes all of a sudden realized that they are now 31 and need some serious glasses... Lame... The only thing that gets me excited about all this is the possibility of a new look with some snazzy new frames... seriously my thing for fashion, knows no end... Channel my inner nerd... hey we all know it's in there!

I've been shopping around, there are few great websites that catch my eye.. one being, BonLook... Fabulous selection, current trends & you really cant beat the price! $99 for a complete pair? Seriously... not to mention free shipping...

URBAN DANDY TORTOISE HAVANA

These are my two picks... 

URBAN DANDY BLACK

What do you think? I'm kinda leaning towards the black... but seriously there are so many great options.. I might not just limit myself to one! And the best thing is I'll be able to see! Here's looking at you kid!

Happy Birthday To Me...

Husband got me the Naked 2 palette for my birthday... review to come..

It's my birthday today... and I am officially now a real adult by turning 31.. yikes! I am now in the market for anti wrinkle cream.... I am celebrating today with waffles for breakfast & football (GO 49'rs) with some best friends... I plan wearing cozy socks all day, doing som online shopping & drinking coffee....  super glam no? Oh well... It's my party and I'll wear what I want to...cue evil laugh...

I just wanted to give a little "thank you" to all my readers... thanks for the love! You all are awesome... I can't wait to see what this next year will bring! Now.. bring on the cake

Release Your Inner Audrey...

Release Your Inner Audrey... by hchdesigns featuring a turtle neck sweater

Sometimes a little black ensemble is the best thing for those, ahem... blah bloat days...  You know what I'm saying... All black creates a slimming affect to where... we need it most.. Glory! I have to be honest doing this trick saves my bacon on a regular occasion.
Coming off the holidays everywhere you look there is new motivation for creating a new healthy lifestyle.. which I am in full support. However, what do you do when you efforts haven't taken full affect? Release your inner Audrey... my favorite item to help with this, is the leopard print flats.. Can you say awesome? With the monochromatic color, slimming and all that goodness... an interesting print it draws attention to all the places you do want to show off! Don't feel you can "pull off" an animal print? That's ok,  you can... just like here, do it in small amounts .. see there is no other print in the entire outfit...
Besides, it's a New Year and a new you! Go for it... I am sure Audrey would... and that is enough for me!  

For the love of Parka... can I find me a coat?

For the love of Parka... by hchdesigns featuring fur coats

On Black Friday, I was shopping with my husband we walked into Gap and there it was... staring at me saying.... "I'm the perfect parka, perfect green... perfect weight... perfect everything.. take me home with you"... It might as well had been a puppy at the dog shelter... except a couple minor, tiny, little... problems... 1- they didn't have my size in the color I wanted, Kale Green...See the yellow version here... 2- $$$$ it was over my  Black Friday budget.

Since then I've been searching Ebay practically every single day for it.. and then last night I found it! And half the price!!!! It was almost too good to be true... I bought it before anyone else could snatch it up!

Then... I noticed something.. there was two different sizing advertised .. oh no... two areas say Small , another says X Large... Which one is it? I promptly emailed the seller, and to my disappointment it was the XL....So close yet so far... sigh... Oh well....

 A parka is a great classic piece for your wardrobe, it's also a great way to incorporate all those military details seen in Winter Fashion... it's everywhere.. between the heavy wool , variations of green and button detail, I love it!  These are some choices that are out there for a great green parka, and with faux fur? I mean it's so awesome! I would pair the coat with black leggings, lounge sweater & booties...  And if my Ebay stalking adventures turns out to be a bust, then these are a great alternative!  

2013... Goals, Dreams & Aspirations!

Last week I submitted a project for IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) to make a Pinterest board that speaks of your goals, dreams and aspirations for 2013... "Putting the New, in New Year" IFB Project #77

 I am very excited that they selected my board to be number 5 in their top 10, see them all here! ! This is my first time being selected in IFB Project Round Up and I am extremely honored... commence little dance party in my office..

If you would like to see my goals, dreams and aspirations for 2013 check it out here! 

I am excited to see what this next year will bring... Thanks to all my wonderful readers... this year is going to be the best yet!