DIY: Glitter Notecards

In this age of text messages, emails, and Facebook messages, there are few things sweeter than receiving a handwritten note in the mail. For a Southern belle, handwritten thank you notes are a must. But it's those unexpected "I was just thinking of you" notes that can instantly make someone's day. There are so many cute options for notecards available, but making them yourself can be a lot of fun and adds an extra element of thoughtfulness to your note. Supplies can be easily found at craft stores. I purchased everything below at Michaels (and used their weekly coupons so this was a really inexpensive project).

You can make beautiful cards with an array of glitters and a glue pen, like these from Martha Stewart. Plain notecards make the perfect canvas for your creations.

I decided to do an ombre glitter effect for a sweet message.

Today's glue pens are amazing and allow you to easily write any message of your chosing. Certainly a lot prettier than the old school Elmer's glue and glitter creations we used to make in elementary school!

You can have even more fun with a rubber stamp and glue stamp pad. I chose a fleur de lis and dusted the image with purple and gold glitter.

The possibilities are endless!

Have fun :)

Sequin Obsession

My obsession with sequins, glitter, and all things sparkly goes back as far as I can remember. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if someone told me I came into the world wearing sequins! Nice sequined pieces can often be rather pricey, so when I stumble across an inexpensive find I get super excited. Express has become one of my favorite places to find fabulous sequined skirts and tops that are very reminiscent of the much pricer line All Saints. I added these new finds to my collection the other day and can't wait to wear them when I need a little sparkle in my life (and lets face it...isn't that all the time?!)

{Express blouse and skirt. I love the snake print detailing on the collar and cuffs}

{A close up of the alternating rows of gorgeous sequins}

{A fun sequined tank from Express with a mint BCBG bandage skirt}

July Favorites

Thought I would share my favorite beauty, hair, and random favorites from the month of July! I'd also love to hear what your favorites were for this month. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don't miss out on any of the fun videos and tutorials I have planned for the coming weeks :)

What's in my bag?

When it comes to what's in my handbag, I'm rarely a "less is more" kinda gal. I typically bring just the essentials for a night out, but during the day I'm more likely to be toting a Mary Poppins bag full of things I might need "just in case." I've been carrying this super bright pink Just Fab bag for the past couple of weeks, which is the perfect pop of summertime color and just makes me happy! I just cleaned out a pile of receipts after my morning trip to the grocery store and thought it would be fun to show you what's in my bag.

I have a bit of a sunglasses obsession and I'm currently loving this fun tortoiseshell pair from Just Fab. You'll also never catch me without my planner and iPhone, as I am constantly jotting down lists and reminders. I'm rather prone to migraines, so I always keep a bottle of migraine relief on hand. I adore this Chanel Poudre Douce in Peche Tendre for touch-ups throughout the day. And whenever I need a little pick me up, I break out my Tokyo Milk Bon Bon Shea Butter Lotion in French Kiss. It has such a lovely and soothing fragrance and instantly makes me feel a little less stressed.

I love my bright Michael Kors wallet so much that it often doubles as a clutch when I'm running quick errands. Since I work in a hospital, I never like to be without hand sanitizer, and I love these little pocket ones from Bath and Body Works. Altoids and Kissing Elixers Natural Fresh Breath Mist keep my breath feeling and smelling fresh. I try to keep a go-with-everything lipgloss in my bag and this Chanel Glossimer #161 is the perfect peachy pink. My must-have lip balm is this Burt's Bees Replenishing Balm. It's amazingly moisturizing and leaves my lips with a soft pink tint.

What are your handbag essentials?

Shoe Love

There's just something about finding a fabulous pair of shoes that can make your whole day a little brighter, no? I've been looking for a pair of fuchsia pumps and these suede platforms from Just Fab totally fit the bill. They were waiting outside my door when I woke up this morning, and I love how they create the *illusion* of long slender legs! I can't wait to wear these babies out.

My next find was somewhat of a miracle. Does anyone remember the Dior Extreme sandals that Carrie wore in the first Sex & the City movie? I was obsessed with those shoes when I saw them in the movie, but sadly I could not afford the Dior's and the Bakers dupes sold out at lightning speed. Then lo and behold I was walking past Bakers the other day and what did I see peeping out the window at me?! It was a true summertime miracle! The shoe was back, and in true miracle fashion, was ON SALE! Eek!! So four years and $40 later, these gorgeous little hotties are finally MINE!

Have you had any shoe miracles lately? Or maybe you just scored the pair of your dreams? I want to hear all about it!

Hello Kitty Mini Haul

So I have a confession...I'm a 20-something-young-professional with a fond affection for Hello Kitty. I'm sure if I were to psychoanalyze myself I could interpret it as a desperate attempt to hold on to my childhood. But the truth is, I think she's just so gosh darn cute! Which is why I just couldn't pass up these Hello Kitty goodies I spotted at Target today.

{Cleansing hand wipes, mosquito repellant stickers, first aid kit, shower cap}

Is that shower cap not one of the most adorable things you've ever seen?! J'adore!!

Unwinding

Indulging in one of my favorite ways to unwind after a long day at work. (This book is amazing, by the way...has anyone else read it??)

What do you do to relax after work?

DIY: Geode Rings

 I've always been a fan of big chunky jewelry, especially fabulous cocktail rings. For the past several seasons, I've noticed a lot of gorgeous geode rings, but they usually have a price tag I'm not willing to pay. So I decided to make my own! This is a super simple DIY and very inexpensive.

First, find some pretty stones. Look for ones that have a flat side that will be easy to adhere to the flat surface of the ring. I found mine at flea markets and gift shops in the mountains.

You will also need ring bases, which can be found at craft stores. Look for something sturdy enough to hold the weight of the rock. You'll also need a strong adhesive, which can also be found at craft stores.

Now for the super easy part! Just glue the flat side of your stone to the ring base. I let mine dry overnight.

And voila! Now you have a fabulous ring! And the best part is getting to say "I made it!" when someone asks where it's from :)

Let me know if you attempt this DIY and how it turned out!