If this is what shoes for the Spring look like….

then I’m there! Stores are already gearing up for the Spring and I’m right there with 'em!

LOVE these lace-up shooties by Fioni for Payless! Vintage inspired with floral cut outs and peep toes, they are just too adorable! Will look great paired with a short Summer dress and a jean jacket! Tan lace-up shooties at Payless $34.99




Every girl can use another pair of ballet flats! I really love these at Old Navy. They come in 8 different colors/prints, but the sheen of the Rose Pink color is just beautiful! Pair with a lightweight babydoll dress for Spring! Ballet flats at Old Navy $19.50




This Spring is all about cut outs! This pair is also vintage inspired but the color adds an extra pop! Wedges are my personal fave cause they are comfy for both day and night! They will look great with a mid-length vintage dress! Merona yellow wedges at Target $22.99




These pleated heeled sandals are splendid! Pair them with a long, flowy maxi dress to get a super flirty look! Or wear with a pair of cut off denim shorts and a guy's white button up for a casual, sexy look! Mossimo black pleated sandals at Target $24.99




The fringed flap on these oxfords give last years' trend a total update! Pair with shorts or short skirt and a cardigan for a playful look! Cream and black golf oxfords at Forever 21 $20.80

Spice up your tank dress

I wear my American Apparel tank dress all the time. I switch off pairing it with the many vintage belts I have, but wanted to spice it up more! I decided to cut 2 small pieces of ribbon and tie them at each shoulder.(Tuck in ends of ribbon so they don't show.) This look really accentuates your shoulders and makes it look like a whole new dress! Quick and easy!

Why you should have tea tree oil in your cabinet

Tea tree oil has so many uses, it really should be considered a household product! Tea tree oil kills bacteria and is also very soothing. Here are the ways tea tree oil can be helpful to you!


Acne

Dab directly on break out or add a few drops to any face wash.

Dandruff, Dry or Itchy Scalp

Add 10 drops for every 8 ounces of shampoo to soothe the scalp.

Sunburn

Add a teaspoon of oil to warm bath and soak. Will disinfect and help ease itchiness swelling.

Insect Repellent

To keep bugs out of your house and kitchen wipe cabinets, pantry, and doorways with the oil. Even drip oil in cracks and crevices where bugs may be. To make bug spray add 15 drops of oil to a quart sized spray bottle and spray on skin.

Insect Bites

Applying a drop of oil to an insect bite or sting will help ease the discomfort and kill bacteria.

Cold or Canker Sores

Apply directly to sore twice a day. If sore is inside the mouth mix with water and swish around.

Athlete's Foot

Pour 3-4 drops in palm and mix with lotion. Apply to feet at least once a day until it is eliminated.

Sinus and Bronchial Congestion

Pour 5 drops of oil in pot of water. Once boiling, take off heat and put towel over your head and inhale steam. Also can dab drop of oil near nostrils or on chest. The vapors will help to break up congestion.


I ordered my 100% Australian tea tree oil from Swansonvitamins.com

Nail it with wine shades!

Choose a rich, matte hue this season. Wine shades are seductive and will make a bold statement. Deep burgundies, plums, and reds will do!

Try this tasty salad!

Try this tasty warm salad for the Winter! If you're a brussel sprout fan you will adore it!

1. Chop brussel sprouts and saute in pan with olive oil & pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Once they are browned throw in handful of dried cranberries and chopped nuts. (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

3. Drizzle a bit of honey, toss and continue to warm for a few minutes in pan.

4. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious healthy salad!

Ooh la la, Rue La La!

Rue La La is a members only private club of sales on your favorite fashion brands, home decor, even resorts and spas! Each boutique's sale lasts 2-3 days a week. Shop boutiques like Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Via Spiga, Lela Rose, Pillow Play, Baccarat, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, and Twenty Seven Degrees Tuscan Villas! To join it's free, but you either have to be invited by an existing member (me!) or put your name on a waiting list and let Rue La La contact you when there's an opening. Once you're a member, you can invite your friends and even score $10 in Rue La La credit when they make their first purchase! Go on and enjoy a life of style!

(Message me to get a personal invite!)

Ladies, take your multivitamins

Although we try to eat healthy foods, it is very likely that most of us aren't getting all the vitamins we need on a daily basis from our food. A multivitamin will provide you with much needed vitamins and minerals. Calcium is a vitamin that many women do not get enough of. Calcium helps to prevent osteoporosis and helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for women of child bearing age to take a multivitamin containing folic acid. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the baby's brain and spine even if taken before you are pregnant. It also keeps your blood healthy by aiding in the production of red blood cells. Ladies, take your multivitamin and stay healthy!

Classy ways to wear mesh on your dress!

Sheer mesh is HOT right now in evening wear! If you're not careful though you could end up looking trashy instead of classy. Here are the correct styles you should look for when going for a sexy evening look!

Sheer sleeves on a little black dress is super seductive.


Embellishments make even a sheer bottom look elegant.


Less mesh is better with bright colors.


A sheer shoulder is super sexy. Nude lining under a long sheer skirt is exquisite.


Small inlays of mesh on the side look hot without showing too much skin.

Red Wine for the Holidays!

Opt for red wine over sugary cocktails this holiday season! You will save calories in the drink department and feel less guilty about eating your favorite holiday foods! Not to mention red wine has many health benefits and has even been linked to slowing down age related health issues. Go on and pour yourself a glass....or two...or three...

Gifts for the Young at Heart

These gifts will make even the biggest kids jump for joy!


Carnival-Style Cotton Candy Maker



Who doesn't love cotton candy?! This gift will undoubtedly be a hit! Just pour the sugar in and spin!

$29.99 at Kmart


Jumpin Jammerz Footed Pajamas



Such a warm and cozy gift for the Winter! These PJ's will surely get a few laughs too!

$44.99-$54.00 on Jumpinjammerz.com


Soul Pancake



A witty book written by Rainn Wilson of "The Office" intended to provoke the mind about life's big questions. List 5 things you would literally chop off your little toe for...or...If you had one hour left to live, how would you spend it? So creative and fun!

$11.99 at Borders


DIY Shower Curtain





This environmentally friendly shower curtain is a blank canvas for patterns, scenes, messages and more. Comes with 3 markers and 12 grommets.

$38.00 at uncommongoods.com


80's T-shirts





Choose from great 80's vintage print tees like Pacman, Wonder Woman, Transformers, My Little Pony, Batman, and Nintendo.

$20.00-$24.00 on 80stees.com

Holiday Party Dresses under $50

As the holidays are upon us > so are the holiday parties!!! Hit up all the great sales to find your perfect holiday party dress!


Kensie Dress, Long Sleeve Sequin at Macy's SALE $48.99 (originally $88)




Elementz Dress, Sleeveless Lace at Macy's SALE $29.99 (originally $48)




Elementz Dress, Three Quarter Sleeve Velvet at Macy's SALE $39.99 (originally $64)




Robbie Bee Floral Brocade Dress Ribbon Belt at Belk SALE $29.99 (originally $100)




Taylor Bow Front Jacquard Print Sleeveless Dress at Belk SALE $46.00 (originally $155)




Maggy London Spaghetti Strap Taffeta Wrap Bow at Belk SALE $47.00 (originally $158)




Asymmetrical Ruffle Sleeveless Taffeta Dress at JcPenny SALE $44.99 (originally $90)




Strapless Taffeta Dress w/ Bow Waist at JcPenny SALE $49.99 (originally $100)




Allen B. Crystal Studded Shoulder Dress at JcPenny SALE $20.99 (originally $70)

Fun for Kids!!!

Papertoys.com is a fun, free toy site for kids! Just print out the paper toys, cut, fold, and glue! Kids can even color them if they like! With so many fold-ups from a T-Rex to the Taj Mahal, these toys are sure to bring up educational conversations as well! Paper Toys features new models every month. They are perfect for rainy days and goodie bags too!

5 Travel Must Haves

This time of the year so many of us travel far and wide to see loved ones. Here are my top 5 travel must haves when flying high in the sky!

1. Blistex Lip Medex

Keep your lips chap-free with the best (in my opinion) Blistex formula! Moisturizes and cools to keep your pout pretty.



2. Aluminum Water Bottle

Fill up your reusable canteen after you get through security. It's important to stay hydrated at high altitudes on the plane. (Environmentally friendly too!)



3. Pashmina Scarf

A nice big soft scarf can also double as a blanket! Not to mention, it can be worn so many different ways that it's quite fashionable too!





4. Hand Lotion

The air gets super dry when you're up high. Make sure your hands stay properly moisturized with lotion. (3 oz or less of course!)



5. Fruit & Nut Mix

Always travel with a healthy snack! You can munch without guilt while getting a serving of fruit and protein!

World AIDS Day 2010

December 1st marks World AIDS Day 2010. Started on December 1st, 1988, World AIDS Day was created to raise money, increase awareness, improve knowledge, and stop prejudice. 2010's theme is "Universal Access and Human Rights". AVERT is an international AIDS charity with projects in parts of the world most severely affected by HIV and AIDS. Also aiming to help children that have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. For fundraising ideas and ways to donate go to AVERT's fundraising page.

If you're looking for a fashionable way to honor World AIDS Day as well as contribute, Piperlime.com has teamed up with Project Runway finalist Mondo Guerra. He has specially designed 2 limited edition tees only for sale on Piperlime.com. $20 from each tee will be donated to amfAR AIDS Research.




Tees: $50

No Kid Hungry: Take the Pledge

Join Food Network and Share Our Strength in the fight to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. More than 17 million children are affected. Together we can create happy, healthy lives for these children. No donation is too small! Even $1 can help provide 10 healthy meals. Take the pledge and make your holiday donation now.

Never pay more than $7 for sunglasses

Seriously > $7!!! Sunglasses so easily get lost or broken, so why spend a wad of cash?! Hit up stores with lower priced accessories such as Claire's, Wet Seal, Forever 21, Old Navy, Walmart, Target, drug stores, and other trendy low cost stores in your area. My personal favorite place to purchase shades? The street! Make a deal with your local street vendor and get 2 pairs for $14. Split with a friend and you gals will walk away with extra cash in your pocket and lookin' oh so stylish!

Edible Beauty!

Save hundreds of dollars by using items in your kitchen! Yolanda Banks -chef and lifestyle expert- raves about creating your own beauty products by using what's readily available in your kitchen! If it's not stocked in your home, a quick run to your local grocer will do! Here are 3 fun and fabulous recipes to make you beautiful:

Java Almond Body Scrub

2 cups coffee
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup almond oil

Mix all ingredients in bowl. Use the mixture to scrub and exfoliate your skin. Rinse and there you have it, soft glowing skin! (Coffee also helps reduce to appearance of cellulite! Scrub those problem areas to make less noticeable!)


Sencha Green Tea Mask

2 egg whites
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons water
3 teaspoons dry green tea

Mix thoroughly. Apply to face and let sit for 15 mins. (Egg whites will lift and tighten your skin while honey detoxifies!) Store in a container and place in your refrigerator. Will last about a week.


Ginger Grapefruit Elixir

2 ounces vodka
1/2 cup grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger

Throw all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake! Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spritz your face. Can be stored in your fridge for several days. This toner is happy hour friendly as well so go ahead and pour yourself a drink! (Vodka is a natural astringent which will help slough off dead skin cells, oils, and makeup; Grapefruit juice is high in vitamin c which replenishes cell turnover and gives radiance; Honey & ginger rid skin of impurities!)