Baby it's cold outside!!!

Brrrrrrrrr!!! Well it's officially the first day of Winter! Can you believe Christmas is Sunday??!! What?? I know!!! It just hit me last night that it's THIS WEEK!!! Hopefully all your gifts are bought and wrapped pretty with a bow, you're stockings hung & you've got extra milk and cookies for the Big Guy!!!
We took a quick trip this past weekend to Branson to finish our shopping up...I'm pretty sure we have single-handedly stimulated the economy!!! Coach Outlet was def worth the trip. And I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the Landing!!! Apricot Lane, Francesca's, White House Black Market & many other great stores all in one spot!! I saw so many great trends...cropped sweaters, textured leggings, FUR FUR FUR, lace & crochet details, and tons of bright colors!!! Here are a few of my favorite!!!

I love fedoras!! Check these I found
on Glitter Guide. This site is amazing!!
If your even a touch of a
girlie-girlie, you'll love it!!! 

REALLY REALLY REALLY want a sequin
mini!! In fact I probably NEED this for
New Years Eve!! Love how they layered
with all the texture and tones!!
Free People

DRAMA!! Rock a bold eyeshadow
with neutral lips!! 

Or flip it around...put the
color on your lips with a
natural eye and
never-ending lashes.
Vintage Teal

Black-on-Black
How can you go wrong?? Especially trying
to conceal those Holiday pounds!!!
Throw in an accessory in a bold color or print
for a totally together look!
My Heartistry

I am completely head-over-heels
for this look! In fact, I'm so
wearing this combo to work
tomorrow!!!
My Heartistry

Hope you at least a bit inspired to glam it up. Even though this is the season of giving, don't forget to do a little for yourself!! Imagine how great you'll feel if you look fabulous while being your-JOLLY-self!!! 

Be fabulous-

Ging

What to buy?? What to buy??

Got all the Christmas shopping done yet?? Almost??!! Now it's down to just finding that perfect gift for those hard-to-buy for people on my list...Mom, Dad...yes you!!! Why I leave the tough one's for last, I just don't know...What do you buy for those people that:

A. Have most everything they want.

B. If they do want something they go buy it themselves!! 

And then when you ask them to give you some ideas, they give you the "I don't want anything but to just spend time with you" spill. LIE!! Everyone likes presents!! And they know you're gonna buy them something, so why can't they just be helpful!! Oh, if it was only a perfect world!!!

For us that do live in the real world and have come to a brick wall on what to buy, here are some ideas for those hard to shop for people...

1. Massage! Hello...who wouldn't be thrilled with an hour of relaxing during the stressful holiday season??!! Check out Inner Peace Body Studios Premiere Massage and Body Studios in Fort Smith. Plus as an added convenience to you, you can buy and customize the gift certificate right from their webpage.
Coming very soon, your recipient will also be able to schedule their appointment online as well!!
Heavenly peace without the hassle!!

2. The Gift Certificate. I understand some people consider it impersonal to give a gift certificate as a present but in my opinion they are FABULOUS!! Especially if it's to their fav store...that says to me, I know you love this store but there's too many great things for me to pick just one, so enjoy choosing what you like!! And honestly if someone just doesn't know what I would love (so crazy, I love everything!!), I'd much rather get a gift card than have to do the teeth-clinched grin while saying 'I love it'!!! And then take it back to the store and wait in line before I can go choose what I want and stand in line again before I get to have it!! Gift certificates are good will towards men!! And, have you seen the huge rack of gift cards at Walmart & Walgreens?? Talk about one stop shopping!! They have everything from restaurants, to department stores (don't worry if there isn't a store nearby...reason #48396591688 to online shop!!), iTunes, even for FarmVille, YoVille & any other Ville people play on Facebook!!

3. Homemade goodies!!! Who doesn't love Christmas candies & chocolate dipped anything??!! Check out Pinterest for some great ideas. Here are some of my favorites...

Christmas Sugar Cookies
Our Italian Kitchen



Peppermint Chocolate Cake Pops

52 Kitchen Adventures

Oreo Snowman Pops
The Idea Room

 

Snowman Cocoa Stirrers
Make 'n Mold

 

4. Gift baskets are always an easy option when you can't find that one perfect gift. Try to make one up based on their hobbies or favorite past times.

Movie Fanatic

Popcorn

Boxed Candy

DVD's (pick a theme)

Maybe even gift certificate for the theater (see #2 above)

Coffee Lover

Mugs

Coffee

Cocoa

Snowman Cocoa Stirrers

Biscotti



Or pick a hobby....I knit so a basket full of yarn, patterns, & needles would thrill me!!! The ideas are really limitless. Check out these cute ideas from (of course) Pinterest...

Bakers Christmas Gift
The Art & Soul of Baking

Who doesn't need a sewing kit??
Texas Cottage list 10 great ideas for
gifts in jars!! Everything from
cocoa's to cookies to
homemade vanilla.

Hope you have a few ideas brewing now! Santa will be here in 18 days!!!

Stay warm & be fabulous-

Ging



'Tis the season!!!

Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday!!! I did!! And a very, very productive long weekend, I might add!! Enjoyed spending time with the fam on Thanksgiving! Most definitely appreciate my cousin Molly taking time to give me some knitting tips!! Already putting the ribbing to good use & can't wait to try my hand at cable knitting!!! I'm very excited to move on from scarves, I love them but rectangles get a little old!!! Stay tuned, I have a headband in the works...cross your fingers it turns out good enough to gift!

My favorite thing about this past weekend (after shopping, of course) is decorating for CHRISTMAS!!! Glitter everywhere...even the kitties are covered!!! If I can just keep that crazy Cheezy out of the tree, we'll be doing good!!!

Yes he's in the tree...half way up...just chillin...

To round out my decorations I needed a wreath. I had one in mind from Pinterest, an ornament wreath made from a wire coat hanger & bulbs. Here's the link to Everything Fab, where I was inspired! So off to Michaels!! Here's what I found!!!

Shatterproof ornaments (on sale yay!) & Cute polka dot ribbon

Everyone has a wire hanger.

Bend into a circle and untwist the hook.
It doesn' t have to be perfect...
you won't be able to tell if its a bit rough!

Before you get started, hot glue all the tops onto the ornaments.
They might feel sturdy enough but trust me,
even a little pressure and they'll POP right off!!
You can also add a touch of glue were the top and the
metal loop meet...
Double Reinforcement!!

Start adding ornaments to the hanger!
Stagger your colors to make a pattern
or throw them on randomly.
You can also use all different sizes!

Twist the hanger back together and tie a bow to
cover your rough edges...
& TAH DAH!!!
Glittery eye candy for your front door!!!
The adorable snowflake hanger came from Michaels as well.

I'm proud of my last minute Sunday evening project!! Probably could have used a few more ornaments but still turned out pretty stinkin cute if you ask me!!! 

My tree!! Sparkly & bright!!!

Hope everyone has a great evening & an even better Tuesday!! 

Be fabulous-

Ging

Just another Maniac Monday

There is nothing better than a short work week!! 

It def makes Monday a little more doable!! 

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!! I definitely did!!! Becky & I had a blast at Girl's Night!! I was so disappointed that the one pic I took didn't turn out & that I didn't take more but oh well!!! There were sooooo many super cute stores & different types of merchandise, it was hard to even know where to begin!! I am easily distracted by sparkles, the sequins were over-powering me everywhere I looked!! But Becky kept us on track and we made our way around to each of the different vendors. We found a couple boutiques we had no idea existed (& can't believe we've lived without) like Maude Boutique on College Ave. in Fayetteville. This has def become one of my must shop stores!! We also had a blast playing with the gently used fur coats!! Thanks to a very sweet lady who let us try on everything and giggle like little girls!!! Feeling glamorous is one of the most fabulous things!!! 

I made a few purchases for ME!! (surprise, surprise) 

& Becky bought Miss Layla the most presh outfit for family pics!! 

Here's what we got!!!!

Asymmetrical sweater from Maude Boutique
in Fayetteville. This is already my new fav!!
Can't wait to layer it & mix it up with
skinny jeans & boots!!
Also these leggings are fleece lined!!
From E.Leigh's out of Little Rock, check them out online.

These lil jewels are from
dragonflies boutique in Van Buren.
Pic does them no justice...
they have just a touch of rose color to them
& just the right amount of sparkle!!

Last but def not least...

my 'didn't even look at the price tag' purchase...

A-mazing chiffon & sequin dolman sleeve cropped blouse.
From The Rage!!!
You must friend them on Facebook if you haven't already...
she posts new items non-stop
& most days if I order early
I'll have it the next day!!!

Even though my intentions were to Christmas shop for others, I'd say it was a SUCCESSFUL night of shopping!!! Becky was very frugal when it came to buying for herself...only a pair of cute lil black flats. But just wait till you see the OMG outfit she got for Layla from Baby Chic.

Really?? Could she be any cuter??!!!
Check out Baby Chic on Dodson Ave in Fort Smith

I have to brag on my bestie just a smidge more...they had family photos Saturday and they turned out so incredible I have to share!! Check out Jessica Meinardus Photography on facebook.

Sweet lil family!!

She melts my heart!!
Love that lil girl!!! 

Hope everyone has a great & short week!!! Until next time....

Be fabulous-

Ging

Today is finally here!!!

Girl's Night is finally here!! The bestie & I are so excited for some 

girl time, cocktails & of course SHOPPING!!! 

 

So now the big question is...

WHAT TO WEAR??? 

I've always loved animal print but

lately it has evolved into a full on obsession!!!

Check out the uh-mazing outfit Suite One posted a couple days ago...

To die for!!!

Only $32 for the shorts!!!!

But back to tonights outfit...

I definitely have a few looks to try out but

I will be rocking my fav skinnies by BDG from Urban Outfitters

& my Cheetah Pumps

Cheetah Viviana Pumps from Target

I love these soooooo sooooo much!!!
And for only $30, they are super comfy!!

Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday &

an even better Friday night!!!

Becky & I most certainly will!!! 

Check back tomorrow to see what we decided to wear

& pics of our super fun night!!!

Until then...

Be fabulous-

Ging

P.S. I just have to show you guys a pic of my most fav baby girl, Becky's lil angel

Miss Layla Jane!!!

Don't even try to lie to yourself...
you know that's the cutest thing you've ever seen!!! :)

 

SHOP 'TIL U DROP!!!

Friday CANNOT get here fast enough!! 
It marks opening day for my shopping season!!! 

Girl's Night at the Holiday Market kicks 
the season off with a bang!!! 
Cocktails, fashion show, shopping & the bestie...
it'll be one for the books!!! 
Basically its all the best stores in the area, 
over 100 merchants in all...
vendors from all over the country & even local 
favs like Suite One & The Rage!! 

Holiday Market Schedule

Black Friday is huge in my book!!! 

Its like the super bowl of all sales...I mean, really, people camp out to save 75%+!!! 

Since my idea of camping is Holiday Inn Express, Becky & I usually set up in line a couple hours before opening.

FYI- HOT HANDS are a life saver for this portion of the night...add a Starbucks Mocha Latte and you should be set for a bit!! (We both take them skinny, just in case you feel like refueling us while we're in line!!) 


Black Friday Survival Tips
1. Spend some quality time Thanksgiving afternoon scanning ads and making a list of the key places & items you are after. Or if your a shopaholic like me you've been checking Black Friday Ads online psychotically for weeks. 


2. BLACK FRIDAY IS NOT, I REPEAT, NOT A NIGHT FOR STROLLING AROUND BROWSING AND TRYING CLOTHES ON. This is an event people!!! Not an afternoon shopping with grandma!!! 


3. It's important to know what items are at the top of the list, go to that item first then make your way down. Don't freak out and get discouraged if something you're after is gone. Always have a black friday back-up!!


4. Know what times the stores open and which ones will have the most sought after stuff. 


5. Most importantly have FUN!!! This is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with your fav shopping buddy!!! 




Hope everyone is having a great week!!! It's gearing up to be a great holiday season!!! Can't wait!!!! 
Until next time...
Be fabulous-
Ging

Glitter, Sequins, Faux-Fur...OH MY!!!

I love getting mail!!
I especially love the mail this time of year more than any other
time because of a little thing called...

CATALOGS!!!

Only 4 today...but still I was super excited to see all the

GLITTER SEQUINS & FAUX-FUR!!! 

Here are a few things that stopped me from turning the page...

Victoria's Secret
Sequin Cardigan

Victoria's Secret
Sequin Top 

Victoria's Secret
Sequin Mini!!! My FAV!!!

Victoria's Secret
Faux-Fur Bag 

Victoria's Secret
And last but not least...a Belted Faux-Fur Boot!!!

I also got my CB2 & uncommon goods catalog!!!
Let the shopping begin!!!
I can hardly wait for BLACK FRIDAY and to get everything decorated for the holidays!!!

CB2
Shiny coil & silver glass ornaments

CB2
Those are party toothpicks inside glass ornaments!!
I'm sensing a DIY project!!!

And last but not least the GLITTER...

We Are NOT Martha
Make Your Own Glitter Flats!!!!

It's looking like it's going to be a glitter filled weekend!! I have some ornaments to 

make & now some old ballet flats to give new life!!! 

Hope everyone has a FANTASTIC FRIDAY!!! 

Be fabulous-

Ging

On Trend for Fall

So one of my fav looks right now is tall boots & socks!!
I couldn't find just the right pair of socks to satisfy my fall wardrobe (well, without breaking the bank!! Knits are $$$!!!) And can you imagine how comfortable it would be to stuff you jeans into bulky socks and zip your boots up over that..
So thanks to Pinterest I found a tutorial to make a pair of leg warmers for next to nothing!!!

Completely, utterly, head-over-heels in love
with knee high socks & leather boots!!

I took a lil adventure to SAVERS and found 2 shapeless sweaters that were screaming to be repurposed!!!

$4.99

$5.99

I cut off the sleeves and used the sewing machine to hem the edges.

Tah Dah...

Boot socks!!! 

I also cut up the body of the sweaters into four parts...

From here just hem the sides and you have 2 extra pair!! I think it would be adorable to add some buttons to them and give just a lil extra charm!! 

Now if the weather would just cool off for good, I can't wait to rock my look with a big cozy sweater & skinny jeans!!! Maybe by then I'll have convinced TJ I need those new boots to continue living!!! 

Be fabulous-

Ging

1st Blog Post EVER!!!

Well today is a BIG day!!! I finally got around to starting up my very own blog!!! I'm sure it's a lil rough around the edges but masterpieces don't happen overnight!! 

Let me start off by introducing you to my little family.

My Husband T.J.

The Cheezy Mac

Smokey Pokey

Itty Bitty Kitty

Flower Cat

I've been married to my best friend for a little over 3 years!! I'm a sucker for homeless kitties...obviously!! These guys are my heart & soul & I couldn't imagine my days without any of them...especially T.J.!!! 

I'm so jazzed about starting this blog!! I can't wait to share all the things I get excited about...and just wait...there's plenty!!! I have a ton of crafts lined up for Christmas (thanks Pinterest!!)!! (I may as well just admit it up front, I have a pinterest addiction. There I said it. Now lets move on!!) There are so many trends this season I can't wait to share & hopefully get you to think outside of your fashion box. Also a ton of new recipes...my crock pot love has been rekindled recently!! Even if it's not the fanciest blog out there, hopefully you'll leave inspired or at least a lil excited about something new!! Until next time...

Be Fabulous-

Ging