Silver and White Holiday Decor Ideas!

A palette of silver and shades of white is a really pretty decorating look that matches almost all home interiors. I never see table runners that I like in the stores, so I usually look for unique items that can be used instead.   Here,  I created a table runner out of two scarves, tying the ends together into a big fluffy bow and letting the ends drape all the way down to the floor. These glittery silver trees are from  Home Goods, and the napkin rings are Shabby Chic shower hooks from Target! (I've used these for other projects too-love them!) Silver chargers and napkins from Target too.

I cut a few small branches off of a pine tree in our yard for this idea, and these reindeer are from Target. I alternated them along one of our dining room window sills.

Three snowflake ornaments (available almost anywhere that sells Christmas decorations) fit inside this round vase perfectly.  An off-white candle is in the center. This is very pretty in the evening.

This is a flameless candle wrapped in some beautiful white paper that I found at Michael's. I just cut the paper to size and attached the ends with a glue stick. (You can use a rubber band or a piece of string to hold it in place until the glue dries.) I definitely recommend using a flameless candle with this one for obvious reasons.

Some more decorations made from a pine branch! I simply tied this sage-colored ribbon around the branches and then tied a big bow around the door knob. Of course, pick your favorite color ribbon and you could add some jingle bells too!

An oversized hurricane vase from Pottery Barn holds these snowy-white branches. I found some crystals in varying sizes to hang and then added a piece of the sage-colored ribbon around the vase.

An easy idea for decorating your dining room table chairs.

Hollywood Makeup and Hair Inspiration for the Holidays!

The holidays are so fun for dressing up and getting glamorous. Take some time to try one or more of these looks this holiday and get your Hollywood glamour on.  We say DO try this at home!

This is just a classic, pretty look that Hayden Panetierre wore to a holiday party herself. This look photographs well too-- here's how to do it!

1.   Exfoliate skin, moisturize and apply foundation to even skin tone.

2.    Use a brow pencil to fill in brows.

3.    Line upper and lower lash lines and inner rims with black liner, smudging the corners a little. Apply two coats of black mascara and apply false lashes if desired.

4.   Apply a dab of cream or gel blush on the apples of your cheeks, and then apply a light bronzer from apples of checks up to hairline along cheekbone. Using a big brush, apply bronzer on forehead, nose and chin.

5.   Line lips with a bright red lip pencil and fill in. Coat with a matching lipstick that has a sheen or a gloss.

How awesome are her eyes? This would be really cool for New Year's! Here's how to achieve this look:

1. Prime the eyelid with concealer and add a layer of loose, matte powder.

2. Blend a powder eye shadow over eyelid in a shade which matches the glitter.

3. Apply eye shadow under the eye and blend along lower lashes. Add black liner pencil across the to and bottom lash lines and along upper and lower rims.

4.  Add two coats of black mascara.

5.  Dip a flat brush in glitter glue and press over eyelid avoiding lash line.(There are eye shadows that are just loose glitter and then you can pick up the glue separately. Also there are kits.)

6.  Pick up glitter using the same brush and continue adding until you reach the intensity desired.

I love this look, although you need to have pretty long hair to pull it off. The side chignon is a lot easier to do yourself than it looks. This model is so pretty with her red hair too. Jealous!

1.      Blow-dry hair smooth and straight, using a round brush.

2.      Once dry, use a large-barrel curling iron to create waves from the ears down.

3.      Spritz the roots near the crown and then tease to give height.

4.      Gather hair into a low ponytail and twist it along the nape of your neck, pinning as you go.

5.      When you reach your ear, form the ends into curls and pin them back over the twist. Hairspray.

This is the half-up/half down look that really reminds me of Brigitte Bardot. Here's how to achieve this very classic and beautiful look:

1.      Create loose curls all around your head using a large-barrel curling iron, from the ears down.

2.      Separate the curls with your fingers, and then part your hair down the middle.

3.      Spritz roots with hairspray, continuing to the crown. Then tease.

4.      Smooth over just the top layer to create a smooth appearance while maintaining the height.
5.      Secure top half of hair in a clip or ponytail and push it up a little (This maintains the height on top.)Pin in place, hiding the bobby pins underneath if possible.

Cocktail Ring and Mani Bling

One of the funnest trends right now is to wear one or more cocktail rings while sporting a colorful manicure. As seen in this picture, she's wearing two really feminine ring along with a pink mani.  Looks like she's wearing this look with a more understated dress, since the rings are a bold statement. Love it!

Kelly Clarkson with an oversized pearl cocktail ring and french manicure.

And here is another really cool trend for nails right now. These are "nail strips" and are actually nail polish in the form of a strip. They come in solid colors or in patterns, and you can opt to go with a different design on your ring finger like shown here. I love this! Sally Hansen sells this type of product. (See below for suggestions).

Be the "Hostess with the Most-est" this Holiday Season!

If you are hosting guests for Thanksgiving or Christmas, here are a few tips for making your guests feel right at home! If you are going to be a guest in someone’s home, read on, because we have a few tips for you too! To be the “Hostest with the Most-est” follow these tips and you’ll be sure to have super-happy houseguests!

1. Clean, clean, clean. The guest bedroom and bathroom should be spotless. Vacuum, dust, windex, and scrub that tub! If you are adverse to cleaning (like 99% of us), you can make it a little more fun by cranking up some tunes and using a fun cleaning product like Meyer’s Clean Day. For some reason when I clean using Meyer’s products, it’s more enjoyable—I think because they smell so good and I know that what I’m breathing in isn’t toxic. They have several different scents, which are made out of all-natural essential oils and the products are good for the environment and biodegradable. My favorite is the lavender scent.

2. Make a Cozy Bed. You will want to make sure that the guest bed has nice clean sheets and enough blankets. If you really want to pamper your guests, you could pick up some 1000-count Egyptian cotton sheets, which are so luxurious and soft! Also, make sure the room has adequete privacy (blinds or shades that function), as well as a reading light, and an alarm clock next to the bed.

3. Clothing Storage. You will want to make sure that there is a place to hang clothes in a closet (make sure you have enough hangers) and you might want to clear out a few dresser drawers or pick up a luggage rack.

4. Bedroom Extras.  Here are a few extra-nice touches for your guests: fresh flowers next to the bed,  a bedside bottle of water and a magazine or books.




5.Bathroom Essentials. Just in case your guest forgot something (or if their toiletries were confiscated by airport security, lol) you can make a little basket of bathroom products. Fill it with things like a toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, a razor, and a fresh bar of soap. There's nothing worse than getting somewhere and realizing you forgot your toothbrush, so this will score you extra points!



6. Towels, Washcloths. And don’t forget to provide at least two towels and a washcloth per guest. Bath sheets are my favorite—they are huge towels that you can wrap your entire body in. They are great!


If you are the guest-
1.You might want to consider bringing a small gift-- flowers, soap, candles, or a dessert.
2.If you go out to dinner, it’s nice to offer to pick up the tab.
3.Pitch in- help with dishes, walk the dog, help watching the kids. With the extra work of the holidays, your host will much appreciate your help!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

 

Mixing and Matching- More Fun Outfits!

Splendid top, Anthropologie; Earrings, Target; Necklace, Forever 21

Hobo International Bag, Nordstrom Rack; Ring, Anthropologie

Dress, Earrings and Bracelet all from Francesca's; Clutch, H&M; Boots, Bebe; Headband, Old Navy

Earrings, Francesca's; Headband, Old Navy

Bracelet, Francesca's; Clutch, H&M

Top, Anthropologie; Necklace, Target; Rebecca Minkoff Bag, Nordstrom Rack

Rebecca Minkoff Bag, Nordstrom Rack; Ring, Antrhopogie

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Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas!

Here is a pretty alternative to a wreath.  It's really simple to make and smells wonderful as you walk into the house. I purchased a bag of cinnamon-scented pine cones, tied a piece of ribbon to each one and then hung them from the wreath hook! So easy! You see a lot of orange and brown Thanksgiving decorations in the store, so I went in a different direction with this pretty shade of purple.



This tablescape is shown in two ways-- here with a fresh arrangement of spray roses in a salmon shade and mini calla lilies in a currant color (flowers from Whole Foods). Plates are from Pier One; napkins from Crate and Barrel; gold mini pumpkins are from Michael's (originally a different color and I spray painted them gold.) Table runner is a piece of shimmery salmon-colored organza fabric which you can buy at any fabric store.



This version has a vine pumpkin as a centerpiece (from Crate and Barrel.) Candles and candleholders all from Michael's.



If you like extra gold, you can twirl some gold, wire-rimmed ribbon around the centerpiece and candles as shown. I had fun putting this all together. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Accessories that Shine!




A bag like this would look great with jeans, leather or metallic, and of course sequins are not just for evening anymore. Betsey Johnson wristlet, Nordstrom Rack.




Add a little fun to your hair with some sparkly hair jewelry. Marc by Marc Jacobs bird hair barrettes, Nordstrom Rack. Flower hair pin, Anthropologie.



Headbands can really change a look of an outfit, like these two gorgeous finds! Pair with jeans for a fun going-out look or wear with something dressy! Lace headband, South Moon Under. Gold headband, Ann Taylor Loft.

Fall Trends 2011!

Now Find It!

1. Kate Spade, 'Cooper Square Zippered Darcy'--Nordstrom

2. Kate Spade, 'Pastiche Brynn Patent Clutch'-- Nordstrom

3. Pink Mini Skirt--Old Navy

4. Necklace--Forever 21

5. Lambskin Motorcross Jacket--J Crew

6. Juicy Couture Lace Top--Piperlime

7. Canna Cape Sweater--Piperlime

8. Bow-Tie Blouse--Old Navy

9. Faux-Fur Scarf--H&M

10. Black Booties--H&M

11. Sterling Kitten Heels--Anthropologie

12. Pilcro Stet Slim Pants--Anthropologie

More Fall Outfits We Love!

Hinged top from Nordstrom. Pearl necklaces from Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.





Gibson top from Nordstrom.