Thursday, December 28, 2017

The Must Try Tip for Sticking to your New Year's Resolution

In these few days between Christmas and New Year's Day many people start thinking about their New Year's Resolutions. Once you have your mind set on a resolution it can be hard to not jump in full force, but like most people, this leads to giving up by the 15th...if not earlier!

The Best Tip for Sticking to your New Year's Resolution

Start Small. If you can break your resolution into smaller steps over an extended period of time it will be easier to create lasting habits that you can stick with.  Below are some examples of how to slowly progress into some popular resolutions so you don't get burned out too quickly.  


#1. Eat Healthier:
It may be tempting to jump all in and try to eat only kale and carrots while working out an hour a day starting January 1st but it is very unlikely you will be able to stick with a big lifestyle change all at once.  If you break it down into smaller tasks to complete each month you can create small habits that are easy to keep. 
Small Start Tip: Start making over one meal a month.  Try for the month of January to just eat a healthier breakfast.  Start with 3-4 easy to make options that you like and can rotate easily.  Trying to make a different new recipe every single day for the first month will make you feel overwhelmed and lead to much more grocery waste or more expensive grocery bills.  
Some of my favorite easy quick breakfasts are Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats, Spinach Chicken Sausage and Egg Wrap, and Veggie Frittata muffins.  
After this becomes second nature try adding lunch to the mix.  Once the first 3 months are up and you are eating healthier in general you can try making over specialty meals like your go-to party appetizer or dessert, or try adding in 10 minutes of exercise a day and add a few minutes in the same manner until it is a daily routine you are used to.  

#2. Take Better Care of Yourself (especially for all you Mamas out there):
Every few months I say I am going to try take better care of my skin, but then I get tired, get the kids to bed too late and end up flopping myself into bed with the last bit of energy I have. 
Small Start Tip: To make this resolution more doable try adding this to your existing daily routines.  If you're not great at washing your face at night try doing it while you're already in the bathroom filling up the kids bathwater.  If you want to do a face mask more regularly try putting one on while you plan to clean the bathroom or vacuum.  

#3. Promote a Business:
With so many opinions out there on social media marketing and how to grow you business as quickly as possible it can feel overwhelming when you think about having to post on multiple social media outlets daily while running a full time business. 
Small Start Tip: My best tip here is to master one social media platform at a time. Instead of spreading yourself thin and posting mediocre content on all platforms focus on one first and deliver knockout content that will work for you to expand your business.  Once you feel like your posts are gaining traction on the one platform you started with and are able to circulate due to popularity you can move on to the next platform and give it a whirl.  Once you have spent some time with each platform individually it will be much easier for you to create posts quickly and get your posts in front of more people.  

#4 Spend more Quality time with your Family:
So many of us these days are all consumed with media, constantly checking phones, social media, email, all while having the TV on in the background and it can feel like even if you are with your family you aren't necessarily present. 
Small Start Tip: Start small by scheduling an hour a week where you unplug from media and devote that time entirely to your family.  Make it an appointment on your calendar that you treat like a doctor's appointment.  If you decide to cancel, you pay a cancellation fee to a family fun fund.  After a few weeks add in another night a week, and so on and so on, until this is part of your nightly routine with your loved ones that everyone expects and looks forward to.  

I hope these slow start tips to some popular New Year's Resolutions help you break down a big lifestyle change into doable simple tasks you can stick with for life.  What Resolution are you making this year?

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Cozy Christmas Eve Outfit

Today I'm updating this Winter Essentials Post.  I still love this look from a few years ago and am updating it with some new products perfect for a cozy Christmas Eve at home.  Here is the original look.  

Christmas Eve Pajamas

And now the updated version:

Neutral Christmas Eve Pajamas

If you're staying in why not do something great for your skin? I love this Cellular Renewal Mask from Arbonne, it makes my skin glow the day after and it feels so soft right afterwards. 

Arbonne Cellular Renewal Mask


These cozy slippers from Ugg look like a cute ballet flat. This updated version has a smaller more delicate knit than the original look. 
Ugg Andi Pom Pom Slipper

This Cute mug features a classic mug shape with delicate metallic snowflakes. Perfect for your evening tea or hot chocolate by the Christmas tree. 
Kate Spade Christmas Mug

This oversized sweater is perfect for bundling up on a cold evening but still looks put together. The long tunic style pairs great with leggings.   

Cozy Turtleneck tunic sweater


This Michael Kors watch instantly dresses up any casual outfit. Just because you're staying in doesn't mean you can't add some bling.

Michael Kors Gold Watch


These faux leather leggings are a great alternative to sweatpants. They're just as comfy but give off an edgy vibe and look just casual enough paired with an oversized sweater. The original leggings from Venus above are still available.  Shop the look below for 2 alternate versions that are great too at a great price.  

Leather look leggings

I still love this look, I could just snuggle up in it right now. Wouldn't it make a great Christmas Eve in option too?

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Holiday Party Dress Guide

Amidst all of the Christmas Decorating, Gift Shopping, and Baking it can be difficult to carve out time for yourself.  Do you have a Holiday Party coming up with nothing to wear?  We've compiled a quick guide to the best Holiday dresses and shoes from Luna Boutique in Canton, NY.


I stopped into Luna Boutique a few weeks ago with my toddler and infant in tow. (Brave I know!)  I got to quickly browse their gorgeous selection but wasn't able to try anything on.  Left wanting more I logged into Instagram and found Luna Boutique has an online shopping site as well.  I browsed their selection and compiled my favorites to share with you today. 

#1. My absolute favorite dress in person when I visited the store was this Burgundy Lace Overlay dress.  I love that it covers the shoulders and the A-line shape works on almost every body type. 


Try it paired with this wedge bootie 


#2. Next is this flutter sleeve velvet dress with plunging neckline. Sure to be a head turner at any party. 


This edgier trendy dress can be paired with a non-traditional shoe like this metallic oxford or moto bootie




#3.  This more traditional red Christmas dress would work for almost anyone.  Pair it with a cute leather blazer or cropped jacket for those colder locations.  


This dress looks best paired with a classic shoe, like this versatile black pump


#4. Off the shoulder looks have been one of the most popular trends this year so why not carry it into your Holiday party look with this beautiful off the shoulder dress.  The long lace sleeves help balance out the bare shoulders of this dress so you still feel covered up enough.  


And isn't the back just stunning!


Pair this more covered up look with a sleek strappy shoe


#5. The fitted bodycon velvet dress is in my favorite Christmas color, Emerald.  This dress is a plus size option that embodies some of this years hottest trends, bodycon style and velvet.  


This color would look amazing paired with a nude bootie or nude suede boots.
  


#6. The final option is the beautiful babydoll lace dress.  


The voluminous layers of this dress would look amazing paired with a sleek tall boot



If you haven't already be sure to stop into Luna Boutique in Canton, NY or you can check out the links to shop their items online.  They have a gorgeous selection and I can't wait to go back myself (kid-less) to try some things on.  

Which of these looks is your favorite?




Monday, December 11, 2017

Quick and Easy Ways to Decorate for Christmas

Sometimes getting your house decorated for Christmas can feel like such a huge undertaking.  If you're not yet in the Christmas Spirit or just don't have tons of time I've compiled a list of super quick and easy ways to add some Christmas Cheer to your home. 

#1: Let your friends decorate for you
By this I mean use those beautiful Christmas Cards your friends and family took the time to create and display them in a prominent place in your home.  They can instantly add Christmas Spirit to any  spot in your home.

Some of my favorite ways to display them are:

This DIY Chicken Wire Frame from LollyJaneBlog

A super simple display using string and clothespins like this one from Design Improvised

My own window display pictured below

Christmas Card Window Display



#2: Change out your picture frames with some free Christmas Printables
You probably already have picture frames scattered throughout the rooms of your home so why not change the pictures out using some beautiful free printables you can find on Pinterest.

#3: Use Simple Garlands
If you aren't in the mood to wrestle evergreen garland, try something much simpler, like pinecones strung on twine, or a simple fabric garland

#4: Change out your Linens
Going through and changing out your bed sheets, kitchen towels, dining table runner, and doormat is a quick way to add a Christmas touch to every room of your home.


Check out our Pinterest Board for more inspiration!

Saturday, December 9, 2017

The Ultimate Gift Guide for any style Mom

Do you Mama’s out there know what you’re asking for for Christmas this year? Here are some suggestions you may not have thought of but I’m sure you will love. And for the men out there check out this list for any of the special women in your life and I’m sure you’ll be the star gift giver this holiday season.

Mom Gift Guide



1. This cute bar necklace is a great gift for the sentimental mom. I love the idea of having the date of your anniversary or children’s birthdays in Roman numeral form. It looks so classic and chic on this super simple bar necklace. Santa, I’ll take one in each color please.

Sentimental Mom Gift

It also looks great layered with other necklaces. 

Memorable Mom Gifts

2. My number 1 favorite item that I use all day everyday is the Ninja Coffee Bar. My Hubby got it for me last year for Christmas and I still love it to pieces and suggest it for any coffee lover out there. Especially you Stay at Home or Work at Home Moms. This is great because on those days you aren’t planning to leave the house it can make your morning a little extra special. Or perhaps you used to get a special latte or cappuccino on your commute to the office each day but now miss that specialty coffee, this machine allows you to make that latte yourself and brew a plain old pot of joe also. You don’t have to have 2 units out on your counter. I love the lattes it makes and it’s definitely great for any pregnant or nursing mamas that love their coffee too. I find decaf tastes much better in latte form than regular coffee so if I’m craving that 2nd or 3rd cup in the afternoon I can whip up a decaf latte. It’s so versatile, it can make single cups or a pot of any style coffee drink you decide. If you decide to get this for someone in your life I know they will love it, and they will most likely use it everyday and think of you! As you can probably tell from the length of this paragraph, I really do love mine.


Coffee Lover Gift


3. This next gift may be somewhat controversial, but the iRobot Roomba is a great idea to help make your life easier. I do not suggest or condone you guys buy the special women in your life any other cleaning products or machinery or a stand up vacuum, that will probably not go over well. The Roomba however takes that chore and checks it off of your to do list for you and leaves you with clean floors and maybe some extra time to spend doing something you love.

Ultimate Mom Gift


Wife Gift

4. This Mom planner is my favorite because they seem to have thought of everything. It includes so many pages you won’t see in a conventional planner.

Best Mom Planner


I love that it has special holiday planning sections with meals, decorations, traditions, etc. And how great is that beautiful floral cover. What Mom wouldn’t want to start the new year off a little more organized.

Perfect Wife Planner


Beautiful Day Planner


5. This next gift I love because it is a continuous gift that brings cheer all year long. I love the look of having fresh flowers in my house, but usually end up grabbing some quick at the grocery store as I checkout or go without. These Bulb Gardens from Plow and Hearth are beautifully arranged and a new one arrives each month so you always have fresh flowers without having to lift a finger. 
Great Mom Gift for Gardeners


You can choose from 3, 6, or 12 month packages and then the anticipation of an awesome gift can last all year. long

Gifts for Gardeners


Will you be adding any of these to your wishlist this year, or do you see something that's perfect for a special someone?

Christmas Gifts for Wife






Friday, December 8, 2017

Step by Step Tutorial to Create a Christmas Outdoor Urn

Creating Festive Holiday Decor Outside can be simple and quick using empty urns you may already have from your summer annuals.  I hate looking at empty pots in the winter so filling them with some holiday cheer always makes me feel better when I step outside or pull in the driveway and catch a glimpse of a full beautiful Christmas Urn.  

Holiday Outdoor Greenery

First thing you will want to do is gather your supplies.  I used fir branches that were clipped from our Christmas tree to create this look.  You can also ask your local Christmas tree vendor if they have extra branches you can have, most won't mind you taking them since it's less they have to clean up. 

You can use any style of greenery you like, I have also done this look with Cedar branches, and they look great with mixed greenery too.  

You'll need some pruning shears to cut branches smaller if needed, and any embellishments you want for your look.  For mine I used pinecones, red berries, gold glitter branches, some mini bulb ornaments (these have wire on the ends so you can twist them around your branches to stay in place), and plaid ribbon. 

Christmas Urn supply list

For Step 1, If you haven't already, remove any dead annuals from your urn or clip back any perennials you may have planted.  

Empty Urn of Summer Annuals

Next place the largest branches in a fan shape flat on top of your urn to cover the front.  

Festive Holiday Outdoor Urns

Then i take my branches and separate them into 3 approximate sizes.  

Chrismtas Urn Branches

Then starting with the largest branches first and in the back I stick them in my urn vertically into the soil.  Then repeat this step with your medium branches working forward, and finally your shortest branches in front.  I keep my shortest branches 1/4 of the way back in my urn so that it creates a pocket to place my embellishments.  If you place your shortest branches all the way at the front of your urn you will have no space to put your pretty details. (I try to place these vertical branches between the forks of my flat laid branches from step 1 so that they help to keep them from blowing away in any wind.) 

Vertical Evergreen Branches

Then add your embellishments in the pocket you created.  My red berries and glitter branches have stakes that allow me to stick them into my soil, while my mini bulb ornaments and bows have wire that I twist around my desired branches.  

Evergreen filled outdoor urn

Then step back and enjoy your lively Christmas Urn.  

Festive Outdoor Plants


If you live in a location with a lot of snow like I do, then you may want to occasionally brush off any large amounts of snow so that the glitter branches and pinecones stay nice looking.  But small amounts of snow just add to the festive look I think.  

Outdoor Urn embellishments

Snowy Outdoor Greenery

Do you have any regular outdoor winter plantings or many outdoor urns to fill? 

Step by Step Christmas Urn Tutorial






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