Your 30's are the perfect time to build a simple core wardrobe while also experimenting with trend-driven items. ~InStyle

Monday, December 14, 2009

Women aren't the only ones who like to get all decked out for the Holidays.

I thought I would start this week's posts out with some love for our beloved men who like to sport some extra style with their attire during this season. Does your man have a good sense of style? I am very proud to say that my honey definitely has a great fashion sense and has no problem dressin' up to the 9's. I know that as women we usually take some extra pride and time (pressure too) in how we look, especially for special events, but let us not forget that there are plenty of men who take just as much pride in their style. Here are some pics of some smooth looks for your man. If your beloved needs a little extra TLC in this department, hopefully you can draw some inspiration from some of these looks and pass it along to him!



David can definitely clean up well, not that it takes much, when changing from the uniform to a suit.





A white coat is always nice for something different from the classic black suit.






Mario, George (one of his signature looks) and Terrence show how classy one can still look with out a tie...love this look myself.









If your sugar is not into dressing up this is the perfect look, and again can go with out the tie. A classic black suit is worth the investment because it really does look nice on just about any guy and can be worn for any occasion. Then he can hang it right back up until the next time.



These two show us the nice grey suit with some color to it, and I am diggin' Hugh's polk-a-dot tie!






Neo always looks nice in his hats to add to his style...I have to admit that my hubby looks great in this style himself!




That is seriously just a nice suit, plus I had to post Ryan Reynolds for the girls with Krummer. They have given me a couple of good laughs in some of their posts about him!






So....couldn't help myself. Saw some short flirty dresses that I thought I would also post.














I am a fan of this style that Natalie is wearing.


Love this dress as well.












One shoulders are definitely still in this season.






Liking the trim on this one.






Enjoy the Hustle and Bustle of the Season!


Blessings!!!











Friday, December 11, 2009

Sometimes it's the little things that can bring you the BIGGEST Joy!

OK, so I couldn't help myself! I have seen so many of all of your beautiful Christmas trees and I decided (today after we, me and the little ones, put it up) to post a picture of mine....my little one that is!!! We have just moved into in apartment out here, until we have our house, and it is pretty cozy in here....not a ton of space. I didn't want to put a big tree up and take up the space. Though this is quite small, the smallest I can say I have ever decorated, I can honestly say that I love it though. It brought my Holiday mood up even more. Feels even more like Christmas to me now!!

My daughter did a great job with the ornaments though, seriously didn't have to move many and won't. I'll be good and leave them where she put them! Even happened to have a little angel handy too:)

Hope you all have a beautiful weekend....take in on some of life's little pleasures!

Bendiciones!!!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Some Christmas Cheer From Me To You.

So this post goes along with yesterday's. Christmas music always gets me in the mood for the Holidays and I thought I would share a couple that I have been listening to lately...a couple of my favorites. How could you really pick a fave though? Too many good tunes out there! The first one is one that my kids and I have been dancing to A LOT, and the second is just so beautiful to me. It makes me just look around and appreciate all that I have, and appreciate the Christmas season in general!








More than half way through the week....2 weeks until Christmas...close enough anyway!

Y'all have your shopping done? Not so much for us, but that's OK...we work well under pressure;)

Hasta El Viernes!!!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Overcoming the Holiday blues?

With Christmas under way and Thanksgiving past, this season of cheer, for most of us, can sometimes be a struggle for others. If you are one of those with the Holiday blues then I hope I can help to give you some encouragement in finding that joy that comes with the season...hopefully into and through out this new year a comin' too. First of all, I want to convey my sincere heartfelt condolences for any of you readers that may be coping with any type of loss in your life right now. The loss of a loved one, a could have been loved one, or any other circumstance that has created a loss to you, can be so difficult to deal with and come to terms with. For others it may simply be not being around your family during the holidays, maybe not enough in the bank to have the sort of Christmas you hoped for, or maybe a certain someone has let you down. Whatever it is that has you feeling like shutting off that Christmas music rather that singing along can take so much away from enjoying a time of love, gathering, laughing, appreciating, and hoping. Some things to help with this ( I really hope they can anyway) are for one, take the time to grieve for whatever it is that has you feeling down. Be sad, angry, irritated, frustrated, annoyed...get it out. But then, know that it is time to focus on moving forward. The infamous saying "it is not what happens to us that is nearly as important as how we respond" holds so much power in that statement. I have learned (not easily) that no matter what, life here on earth moves on. The sun and moon continue to rise and set daily, seasons come and pass swiftly, and here we are at yet another end of another year gone by. None of us know when we will each take our last breath, so truly try to focus on the positive, be thankful for those that you do have, the health that you have, the health that your kids have, the house you have, another year that you were here for. I am not saying just "get over it" by any means, but I am saying that life is precious and it is really important to relish in the beauty of it. I was once told "remember that whatever you are going through, know that there are many more that are going through far worse...though it might not seem imaginable, it's true". Schedule some girl time and go have a good laugh with your sisters. That is an instant pick me up! I can't tell you how thankful I am for my sister and my best girlfriends. Give some extra cuddle time to your honey and embrace the love you guys share, pick up the phone and call that person you know you can confide in and let it all out. Visualize yourself in a happy state, truly believe it and see it, and then let it manifest. Do something for yourself that makes you feel GOOD! Perhaps the best advice I can give would be to simply give it God.

I thought I would share some things that work to help me feel like this during the Holidays....






Eating balanced..what you eat can have an effect on your mood.



Exercising, GREAT stress reliever!



Girl time, though it is over the phone for me now after moving away.



Daily chats with my mom and my sister







Praise, worship and TIME with the big guy above.




Dancing around to Christmas music, lots of kid music too, with my two little love bugs...such Blessings!














Laughing with The Love Of My Life!



Each day we learn from yesterday of God’s great love and care; And every burden we must face He’ll surely help us bear. —D. De Haan



By the way, great Christmas movie to watch is Love Actually....LOVE it;)


Blessings,

Amanda C.

Monday, December 7, 2009

What's your look?


Here are my top three favorite hairstyles that I myself usually tend to go with when getting all dressed up. Really, you can wear these (well 2 out of the three) on an everyday occasion but if we are being realistic, especially for those of us with little ones running around...or even older ones stealing our combs, hair product and other beauty needs (I confess that I am guilty of having done that to my mom) then these hairstyles usually end up being done when we have more TLC to give ourselves, along with time to get ready!



I love the loose waves look that Gisele and Amerie are both wearing. This is one of the styles that never disappoints, goes with absolutely any outfit and can be worn for any occasion. If you are wanting some extra hold, make sure to wash your hair the night before, use a good setting cream/gel/spray and don't be afraid to get some good sprays out of that hair spray. There is a great "how to" to create this look here:http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/how-to/ by Emily.


These are two different styles but they really do have the same look to them, so I paired them as one. The side pony, one I actually tend to wear quite often, is fabulous for a great day to day hairstyle too...easy, and quick too! The low asymmetrical bun is really just pinning those pieces from you ponytail around to create a little more elegant look..both are so pretty and easy. The side swept bang is one to always add some softness and class to your style too.








This style is more for the volume in the Mohawk section then the ponytail, though I like the pony too. This style is definitely not one for everyone, nor is everyone as fond of this style but I for one, love this style. It has a little edge with it, and it is something different then the side swept bang, or the flat sleek look...definitely a style that I like.






Here are a couple(seriously just a few of many) of my favorite short hair looks, for those of you that are not growing those longer locks.

Love this super short, sleek style....always wanted to have the guts to just go for it!





I have also always been a fan of the pixie. Stylish, relaxed, super easy, and actually has quite a bit of versatility with all the looks you can create with this short style.







Happy Monday to you all, and hope it has started off well. May you have a blessed week!


P.S.- Don't forget to check out my daily 'beauty tips of the day' located at the bottom of my page!


Ciao Lovelies!!!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Picks of the Week.

So, if I had a Holiday party to attend this weekend my 'picks of the week' are of ensembles that I would definitely consider wearing. However, I am not quite sure which I would go with because it all depends on.....






If I want to make a statement with my dress, like this winter white short gown....LOVING!







If I want to wear the always classic, LBD....






















If I want to try out one of the season's hottest styles, the jumpsuit, which can be worn for so many different occasions...













If I feel like wearing some color...


Here I would do without the head band, the shawl and the beaded necklace too, and go with just that beautiful gold gown.





































Or, do I want to go with something absolutely Beautiful?












May you look lovely and FEEL lovely where ever this weekend may take you!
Happy Holidays!!!
Monday Then....

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Jump In To This Holiday Season Perhaps?



With all of the hustle and bustle of the Holidays it can sometimes feel as though there is just not enough time in our busy schedules to really be able to go and look for that perfect Holiday attire. Hopefully I am giving you a little extra help in figuring out what you are going to be wearing for some of your special occasions this season. As you have seen, I already posted some dress ideas and if a dress is not up your preferred style lane, then may I recommend a fabulous jumpsuit. I found these more "dressy" jumpsuits (found @ victoriassecret ) and I for one, am actually liking them...what you think?



























Not so much the jumpsuit or even a dress for you? Here are some great pant outfits that look just as dressy as most dresses and look very stylish. All of these styles offer some great pant and top combos to get those wheels turnin' for you in creating your "perfect" Holiday outfit! All images below found here: lanebryant




















































Whether you go over the top with an evening gown, try a hot jumpsuit, or choose a great pair of dress pants with a rockin' top, wear something that you feel comfortable with yourself in. The key is to 'love how you look' and what you're wearing...not what someone else might be wearing. Step out of the house and in to that Holiday party feeling confident with how you look, and you will be sure to look amazing!


Blessings!!!