Shopping Haul + DIY idea

As many of you are well aware, I will try to find any excuse to shop. Well, an upcoming beach trip is absolutely a reason to go shopping therefore I went. Below are some of my fave finds:

FREE muscle tank-Old Navy (Similar)-

Muscle tanks are a must for beach trips. Whether you need a quick cover up over your bikini, want to tuck it in some cutoffs, or need something to run errands in, a muscle tank will become your go-to if you give them a chance and I particularly love this & any graphic tank!

Foil gold design shirt-Old Navy

More cool patterns from Old Navy

Pineapple tank- Old Navy-

I was on the hunt for something tropical inspired and I found it!

Free People+Belk-$33.The story behind this beauty is simple, I was browsing the mall the other day and happened to wander into the Free People section of Belk (DANGEROUS) and stumbled upon this PERFECT top on sale! Unfortunately so did many others which makes it sold out but you check out one like it here--->(Similar)

Muscle tanks are perfect for throwing on over a bathing suit or tucking into high-waisted shorts, which is what I plan to do with this lovely tank. Find one just like this tank at your local Forever 21 or a similar one here.

If you've been in Target lately, you've seen this tank. Some people might find it amusing, but this tank is my life. I won't wake up for many things however I WILL WAKE UP FOR BACON. Will you?

Shorts-Forever 21 $12.80

Funny story behind these ruffled shorts. I searched forever for these and only found them in red. However, I did order navy and black from online. If you want to check them out click here

The BEST part is each pair is only $9.80!

I just cannot turn away from Target and the cute sundresses, can you?

Find a similar dress here

And now for my latest obsession: Bike shorts from Forever 21

Polka Dot

Floral

Bike shorts are super comfortable and cute at the same time.

Next at Forever 21, I picked up these tan linen material shorts for $14.80

Find the exact shorts pictured here

Patterns are seriously everywhere this season; I love it, how about you? I found this romper at Marshalls for $16.99. It is from the brand ANGIE. Printed rompers are in pretty much any store, but you can find a similar one to the one pictured here.

This top looks so much like Free People, huh? Well guess again, Forever 21 designed this unique and boho-esque top and I cannot get enough of it, can you? Check out the detailing a bit more below

Unfortunately like many other items mentioned in this post, this top is sold out online, but totally check out your local Forever 21. It comes in white also, but black is definitely for me. Or if you'd rather skip the mall, check out a similar top I found here.

Oh and as I mentioned in the title, here is the promised DIY part to this post...

DIY:
I was browsing Pinterest the other day and came across a picture of shorts hung with shower curtain hooks and a light bulb struck me...DUH! I thought, I totally need to do this idea so I did and I absolutely love it. Before I had my shorts folded on shelves but this frees up some shelves and utilizes an otherwise "dead" part of the closet. I have never used the bottom bar anyway so this a win, win situation in my closet.

How about you, what do you use to organize shorts in the warmer months? What are your go-to items for a Summer vacay?! Comment below!

Also, don't miss out on new ideas and inspiration by following me on Pinterest--Sweet Southern Hippie

Tuesday Ten

#1: Trend--->Chambray is a fabric that is relevant all year long. You can always wear a chambray shirt to layer in the winter, but why not wear it with leopard print shorts, a black floppy hat, and Ray bans for summertime?

#2: Cosmetic--->Fresh Make-Up: Sure, smoky eye looks are prime for night life but try a dewy, fresh look to brighten things up for Summer. Highlight, highlight, highlight.

#3: Shoes---> If you keep up with fashion and trends, you know Birkenstocks are back full swing and every one is embracing it. The best part? You don't have to actually wear Birks to achieve the same look and/or style. How? Birkenstock Dupe Sandals. 

Birkenstock dupes:

- Sonoma life+style Suede Slide Footbed Sandals $32.99

- Mudd T-Strap Thong Footbed Sandals $24.99 (Beware) the colors are patent, not regular suede. It is good to be aware of that factor before purchasing.

- MUK LUKS Terra Duo Strap Turf Footbed Sandals $34.99

- MUK LUKS Cara Thong Wedge Footbed Sandals -I had to include these because they are basically Birkenstocks, but come in many fabulous PRINTS. Black and white is my favorite; the print reminds me of ikat $32.99

Notice a common theme? Footbed sandals. Birkenstocks are footbed sandals, who knew?

#4: Inspiration--->The PERFECT work outfit consists of simple khakis, a monochrome color t-shirt, and a black blazer. These items will definitely do the trick of accomplishing business casual in a trendy and fashionable way.

Source

#5: Food--->Skinny Bang bang shrimp- YES, like from Bonefish but without the calories; could it get any better?! Recipe here

#6: Product---> Pearl Sunglasses Strap: This is absolutely on my wish list this summer. I always need something to hold my sunglasses, but hate the look of those rope material croakies. Purchasing this would allow me to keep up with my sunglasses and look chic at the same time. Buy one here

#7: Aha moment!----> Craving a grilled cheese? No problem, flip your toaster on the side and cook normally. When I came across this idea on Pinterest the first thing I thought was Aha! Genius. Need a visual? Check it out below

#8: Accessory---> I never had the need for a watch until I started working full-time. In school I would just see the time on my cell phone, which was always nearby.  I tend to like statement watches with a classic band. Busy face, classic band. 

Check out these three below:

-Stripes Watch: If you follow this blog regularly, you know I love black and white stripes so naturally I gravitate towards this one. Want to know the best part? It can be yours for under $30.

-Sony Smartwatch: You guessed it, this watch can access social media, send emails, and play music. I think it would be pretty dangerous for school or work, but if you are one of those people who cannot live without social media, this might come in handy. The only downfall is the $100 price tag.

-Absolutely loving this Caravelle New York by Bulova Watch from  Kohl's. Tortise colored watches and sunglasses are my favorite. It's originally $59 but on sale for $45.

Which was your favorite? Comment below?

#9: Hairstyle: My lion's mane aka hair needs a new cut and style so bad and I really like this one, what do you think?

Source

#10: Drink--->Bob Marley Daiquiri Recipe

Ingredients:

• light rum
• blue curacao
• orange curacao
• strawberry daiquiri mix
• fresh mango
• sweet and sour mix
• lime juice
• ice

First, start by making the red portion of the drink by combining 1 oz light rum, 4 oz strawberry daiquiri mix and 1 cup of ice in a blender. Mix ingredients and pour into the bottom of the glass.

Next you will need to combine 1 oz of rum, 3 oz of chopped mango, 1 ½ oz of sweet and sour mix and one cup of ice in a blender. Mix ingredients together to create the yellow portion of the drink. Pour only half of the mixture into the glass.

Take the remaining drink mixture and blend with ½ oz of blue curacao to create the green portion of the drink. Pour into the glass.

Recipe source Smart Brander

Did you enjoy this Tuesday Ten? Comment below. Your feedback is the only thing I have to base what to write on next. 

Have a wonderful Tuesday, lovelies! 

Tuesday Ten

One of my favorite blogs on the internet and truly the reason I began blogging was because how fun and exciting Lauren Conrad's blog is. She has always been such an inspiration through the way she dresses to the way she has made a name for herself in one of the toughest and coldest places, Hollywood. I could literally spend all day describing reasons she is the perfect role model for women of all ages to look up to, but lets get to the point. She always posts a 'Tuesday Ten' describing ten things she is loving that Tuesday. By the title, you can totally guess that today's post consists of ten things that I am loving on this beautiful Tuesday morning. And I'd say you are totally right except mine are many categories in one post instead of ten items from the same category!

#1: Trend-Panama Hats are typically white or ivory straw in color with a thick black band (maybe a bow) and a thin to medium thin brim. The hats are usually light straw or canvas material.

See what I mean:

Links: [Image 1], [Image 2], [Image 3], [Image 4]

Get the look for under $100:

Adria Panama Hat from Nasty Gal- $30

Biltmore & Madewell Panama Hat- $58

Iconic Straw Panama Hat- $14.80

Women's Classic Panama Fedora Hat- $60

Sheer-Edged Panama Hat (BCBG)- $58

#2: DIY/Recipe- Copy Cat McDonalds Sweet Tea recipe
Who can pass up a large sweet tea from McDonalds? I know I cannot, but at $1 per cup, the price starts adding up and before you know it, you've spent $20 on sweet tea. Well, only if you are an addict like me, but above is the exact recipe or about as close as possible (approved by me).

#3: Fashion- Floral pants are a huge hit this Spring, but what is the best way to style them? I have seen both white and black accessories, and I think I like black better, like this outfit found via Pinterest. What do you think? Black or white? Or a bold pattern like black and white stripes 

Get the look:

Floral pants, Loose Black Top, Designer sandals

#4: Product- If you are looking for the perfect bluetooth wireless speaker, check out the Bose Mini Soundlink. I blogged about it last Summer and this year it is still going strong and is superb for the beach and pool, just do not get it wet (duh) and keep it charged for the ultimate experience. Speaking of charge, usually bluetooth speakers do not stay charged for long but this one is a completely different story. I charge it once per week (maybe) and use it quite often, like when I clean, get ready, shower, etc. 

#5: Clothes- LC Lauren Conrad Soft Pants- Kohls- I purchased these beauties this weekend with a $10 off $25 coupon and only ended up paying $16 something for them after taxes. I have been searching high and low for a pair of pants that met a criteria of three things : nice enough to wear to work, fit me well enough so I can style them accordingly, and are actually comfortable to wear and move around in. These pants absolutely met all three things and look amazing styled with a sleeveless chiffon or silk top tucked in to the high waisted pants; perfect! Not only does she have such a sophisticated and feminine sense of style, but her clothes embody it as well. These pants are the perfect example of the flawless execution that goes into the LC Lauren Conrad brand for Kohl's and I know this because I am a frequent shopper and self proclaimed Kohl's cash and coupon addict. 

#6: Drink- As I mentioned many times before, I just started working full time and I leave really early every morning (around 8) and am usually in a hurry when I leave. I am also one of those people that absolutely needs breakfast and coffee to be able to properly function. I discovered this Special K COFFEE HOUSE Protein Breakfast Shake in the flavor Chocolate Mocha, and it is simply delicious and could potentially take place of breakfast and coffee. It actually makes me feel full if I drink it on an empty stomach and gives me fuel to tackle the day. Granted around 11 o'clock I am starving and my stomach is probably growling, but it is a great alternative for busy mornings.  Check it out here.

#7: Music- This one is a little different but I found a hidden gem of a music artist. If you don't like hip/hop +pop music then you won't like this guy but his name is Cam Meekins and you may have seen him on Dancing with the Stars a while back, but he has such a different rap style and his lyrics actually make sense. Check out his Youtube and he just released his new album so be sure to listen to it on iTunes. Personally I like his older album titled Lamp City, but his new stuff is pretty good too.

#8: Etsy-I always need somewhere to take off my earrings before bed and this Monogram Ring Dish by OhMyWordDesigns on Etsy is the perfect size to slip off the jewelry from the day.

#9: Beauty- One of the most frustrating things about being a woman and wearing makeup is having to take it off to prevent pimples, blackheads, etc. However Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths from Philosophy brand at Sephora, makes removing makeup and dirt super easy.

#10: Home decor-Baja blankets are extremely popular right now and make an extremely handy beach companion. Or you can decorate by placing one in every room of your house like me. See this post on Apartment Sense, my home decorating blog, to find out which room my favorite baja blanket went in and why.

What's a baja blanket? Get the look: 

[Blanket 1]

[Blanket 2]

Do you like Tuesday Ten posts? Comment below if you want to see another next Tuesday!

Natural Beauty

A recent trip to Barnes & Noble inspired the inner frugal fanatic inside me when I stumbled upon the book 1001 Natural Remedies by Laurel Vukovic and the editors of Natural Health Magazine. 

Image Source

This 192 page book is packed with tons of helpful remedies including but not limited to remedies for every skin and hair type, blemishes, arthritis, insomnia, high blood pressure, eye puffiness, natural cleaning, and even some DIY pet care ideas. The entire book is interesting and left me wanting to read more from Natural Health Magazine, but today I am highlighting skin and hair remedies + a few lifestyle remedies like anxiety (because sometimes everyone has it) and insomnia. Keep in mind that some of these ingredients are a little strange and can only be found at health food stores like Whole Foods.
First, I want to talk about skin; not one particular skin type but some remedies everyone can benefit from. The book mentions 4 nutrients essential for healthy skin, which are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Omega-3 fatty acids. And did you know milk, yogurt, and vegetable glycerin make excellent natural face cleaners? Don’t waste your money on harsh astringents and toners anymore- you can use witch hazel or peppermint as a natural astringent and for toning, rose water, chamomile, aloe, and lavender work (#293). Cocoa butter is a natural moisturizer you might be familiar with; it is especially good for dry skin. Here are a few recipes to try:

Honey Mask ( Good for blemished skin) #368: “Raw, unprocessed honey is excellent for oily, blemished skin because of its antibacterial properties and its ability to moisturize the skin without making it oily. Cosmetic clay absorbs excess oil from the skin and draws toxins out of the skin. Lavender essential oil calms and soothes skin inflammation and helps heal blemishes.”

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons raw unprocessed honey, 1 teaspoon cosmetic clay, and 2 drops lavender essential oil.

Directions:

Combine; mix into a thin paste. Spread over clean, damp skin. Remove after 15 minutes with warm water

#331: Simple Yogurt Cleanser

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon plain low-fat yogurt, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 drop rosemary essential oil

Directions:

Mix ingredients. Dampen face with warm water and apply with fingertips. Massage onto skin for 60 seconds. Rinse with warm water to remove.

Eye Puffiness:

Create a tea compress by applying cold, wet, black tea bags on closed eyelids for 10 minutes. According to the book, black tea contains tannins, which shrink swollen tissues.

Sometimes we need a manicure without going to the nail salon. I can’t help with nail painting, however, I do have a remedy for super dry hands #422: Add five drops of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon almond oil to warm water and soak hands for 10 minutes. That’s it, easy huh?

Next, we are moving onto hair. I must confess lately my hair has been falling out a good bit and it is starting to make me worry, but I looked it up and it’s fairly common in women my age and older. It’s all part of getting old I guess. During my research, I also learned that stress makes it worse. (Ah, it all makes sense now) So, I blame stress. Anyways back to the remedies, onto hair; who knew diet had something to do with the condition of your locks? Well, it totally does. In fact, according to this book, eating carrots, whole grains, seafood, nuts, dried fruits, dark leafy greens, and other yellow and orange vegetables, all benefit from the scalp to the root. Another thing I have learned, courtesy of this book, is that there is an important step between shampooing and conditioning most people do not know about. It’s like an evil hair secret that your hairstylist neglects to mention…HAIR RINSE, which brings me to #465: “An herbal hair rinse removes shampoo residue, helps restore health pH balance to the scalp, and brings out the natural highlights in your hair.” Sounds important to me, what about you?

A herbal shampoo is essential when making your own natural beauty products, which brings me to #s 470 and 471:

#470: Herbal shampoo for dark hair

Ingredients:

½ cup water, 1 teaspoon dried lavender, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves, and 2 tablespoons unscented natural shampoo.

Directions:

Bring the water and herbs to a boil in a small covered pot. Remove from heat and let mixture step for 30 minutes. Strain and pour into a clean bottle. Add unscented shampoo and shake well. Use within one week or refrigerate for use up to a month.

#471:Herbal shampoo for blonde hair

Ingredients:

½ cup water

1 teaspoon dried calendula

1 teaspoon chamomile

1 teaspoon chopped lemon peel

Directions:

Bring the water and herbs to a boil in a small covered pot. Remove from heat and let mixture step for 30 minutes. Strain and pour into a clean bottle. Add unscented shampoo and shake well. Use within one week or refrigerate for use up to a month.

#26: Sip Passionflower tea: “Passionflower and chamomile make a gentle tea for restful sleep.”

Ingredients:

1 cup boiling water

1 teaspoon dried passionflower

1 teaspoon dried chamomile

Directions:

Pour the water over the herbs, cover, and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink 30 minutes before bed.

The last remedy that I am going to mention is one for anxiety because I know how unfair it is to want to do things but to be to anxious or have way too much anxiety to actually do them. If you’ve never experienced anxiety, consider yourself lucky, and concentrate more on the beauty remedies above. This is for people who suffer from anxiety.

#13: Lavender Inhaler: “To relieve stress and anxiety place a drop of lavender essential oil on to a handkerchief or tissue, and inhale as often as desired.”

Which is your favorite remedy? Would you like more posts on natural remedies? Let me know in the comments!

Love Letters

How romantic would it be to receive a love letter that looks like it was typed using an old school typewriter for Valentine’s Day? Because not all of us are poets like F. Scott Fitzgerald, farmflea on Etsy has so many great quotes to order.Your sweetie is sure to love this simple and thoughtful gift. You could even mod podge one on his gift box.                                                          Etsy                                                                     Etsy

Sometimes we just need a nice reminder from the Bible, but this quote pertains to love for a significant other as well:

Etsy

All the single ladies should appreciate these typewriter quotes:

 

                   Etsy                                                 Etsy                                               Etsy

Disclaimer: All images and quotes are products of Farmn Flea on Etsy and are linked under each image.

Would you be happy to receive one of these beautiful poetic quotes? I know I sure would.

OH YEAH SOMETHING REALLY EXCITING HAPPENED, I OWN A DOMAIN NOW!! If you follow me on bloglovin’ make sure to add www.bowsandmoccasins.com to your reading list and to remove sweetsouthernpea,blogspot.com.

I’ll be back tomorrow for DIYs and recipes for a snow day.

In the meantime check out my Valentine’s Day outfit ideas post from last year here and another old post of mine that might be helpful is Frugal Date Night Ideas. Lets just say I am so thankful my blogging and photography abilities have improved since then, but it is nice to look back and see how far I’ve come.

Treats: Valentines Day

Remember in elementary school when you exchanged valentine’s cards with everyone and you were an asshole if you left out someone? Well, why should adult life be any different? Surprise your friends or coworkers with these tasty treats for Valentine’s Day. WARNING: The food below is delicious and fattening.
#1: RED VELVET WHOOPIE PIE. Annie had me at “Red Velvet” (my favorite dessert in all the land), mixed with whoopie pie? OH MY! To check out exactly how to make these bundles of cream cheese click here.
#2: BROWNIE HEART CUPCAKES- For a step by step recipe click here

What You’ll need:

· Vegetable oil, cooking spray

· 3 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

· 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

· 3 sticks unsalted butter, cut into pieces

· 12 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped

· 3 cups sugar

· 6 large eggs, room temperature

· 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

· Basic Buttercream

#3: Surprise Inside Cupcakes- The fabulous Lauren Conrad has a Valentine’s cupcake recipe that is too darling for words. Any woman would love if her valentine surprised her with some of these cupcakes-too freaking cute. To find out what is inside this surprise cupcake and to check out the full recipe click here.
#4: Imagine a romantic Valentine’s Day at home with your man (or your crush/ Valentine), you have a full four-course dinner planned but what about cocktails? No worries, Elle has your back with this how-to guide on mixing his and hers cocktails like a pro for Valentine’s Day. This article is a must read and a must do.
#5: Before the romantic dinner comes breakfast. Surprise your Valentine with breakfast in bed, or bring them a pick me up at work. These Jelly donut muffins are sure to make him smile. To make them you’ll need:

· 2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 tablespoon baking powder

· ⅛ teaspoon salt

· ½ cup sugar

· 2 eggs

· 1 cup milk

· ⅓ cup +1 tablespoon canola oil

· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

· Approx ⅓ cup jelly (I used raspberry, but you can use your favorite!)

· ½ cup butter, melted

· ¾ cup sugar

For directions and a step by step guide to make these delicious and adorable treats, click here.

#6: Strawberry Gumdrop Hearts- My favorite kind of candy is gummy anything, add strawberry and it’s beyond delicious. To be Valentine’s day appropriate of course a heart is involved. Check the full recipe here.


#7:  Handwritten ‘Valentine’ Cupcakes- I know you’re like…just another cupcake but this is special because it’s your handwriting. How awesome would it be to receive a cupcake with a handwritten note on the top? Step by step instructions here
All of these treats are to enhance your Valentine’s Day gift giving. What was your favorite? Tell me below

New Years Eve Part 2

For Part Two of my New Years Eve post, here are a few items from Etsy to kick start your event and some fashion and make up ideas for the big night! Even the Host needs to look put together to make for a perfect night. P.S. Don't forget the mouthwash or tic-tacs to freshen up before the big moment at midnight!

Etsy Items

New Years Eve Crown Pdf

Cheers Banner

Pop Fizz Clink Balloons

Wine Bottle Sweater

2014 Printable Poster

Tassel Garland

Drink tags/charms- Cheers

Fashion Inspiration

Image credit to Sarah from Classy Girls Wear Pearls

I also like Annabelle Fleur from Viva Luxury’s take on the leather dress and statement necklace

Image Credit to Viva Luxury

Or how about Atlantic Pacific’s take on the elegant black and white striped dress paired with perfect pearls? A bright pink shoe adds the perfect touch to any New Years Eve outfit!

Image Credit to Atlantic Pacific

Make Up Ideas

Too Faced is having an End of the year sale and their Glamour to Go Spun Sugar Edition palette *Originally $22* is on sale for only $9.90. If you’re interested, click here. The palette contains 8 highly pigmented shadows, A bronzer, Lipgloss, and a blush. The best part is the variety is endless, one can create a smoky eye or a basic natural eye with a hint of sparkle. Like I mentioned in Part One, New Years Eve is all about the glitter! What are some of your favorite New Years Eve projects, outfits, and make up inspirations? Comment below!

Cheers to a classy and cheerful night filled with champagne, photo props, and hopefully wonderful memories. It is hard to believe the next time we chat, it will be the year 2014! Well, bring on the new year and my new blog will be announced soon, GET EXCITED!

Happy Early New Year Blog Family!

New Years Eve Part 1

Spice up your New Year’s Eve party with these ideas for invitations, DIY projects to prepare, and outfit inspirations!

Invitations can be the deciding factor when a shindig occasion rolls around, New Years Eve shouldn’t be any different. I think people enjoy the feeling of receiving an invitation and being formally invited to something. Yes, I mean include R.S.V.P. and all, but also keep in mind that the word formal is used lightly. Your invitations do not have to be super special because just sending one is enough. They can be fancy shmancy or basic but perfect; the choice is yours. 

Some invitations I find eye catching yet simple and informative are from Etsy *Shocker, right?!*

If you're making your own, use this one as a guide because it is perfect.

Etsy Shop click here

Some interesting DIY projects to add the extra bang, fizz, clank to your evening.

1. Print out a catchy phrase relating to New Years Eve with special font and frame it. If you’re extra crafty, make your own artwork and frame it. Just be sure to add something glittery and eye-catching for all to see.

2. New Years Eve is one of those occasions where using oversized clocks and photo props is encouraged and highly recommended. The overall message of New Years Eve is out with the old, and in with the new. Though 2013 has been a good year with some ups and downs, 2014 is all about new beginnings and seeing what opportunities, milestones, and adventures the new year has to offer. Make your guests excited about the new year!

3. Extra DIY projects add a special touch that your guests will appreciate.

• One idea is making DIY drink stirrers using Tinsel and a bamboo skewer. Note this is the perfect opportunity to put the leftover tinsel from your Christmas decorations to good use.

Idea and Image credit to Heart and Craft

• Get the mod podge, tinsel, and glittery ready for this next idea making DIY 2014 *Pretend the 3 is a 4* candles.

Idea and image credit to Celebrations

• This next idea is borrowed from Indiana Poluxe and involves hot beverages to warm up people because “Baby Its Cold Outside.” Guests will love the fact that hot chocolate is available and IF you want, add some Bailey’s and marshmallows to really spice up the night.

Idea and image credit to Make It Luxe Blogspot

Finally, lets talk about photo props. Linked below is the perfect little prop set to make sure your guests remember your night and it ends with a bang. Oh, and bang reminds me- fireworks are also a nice touch.

Photo Props

Part Two’s post goes live in a few hours and it features many different Etsy shops to help prepare for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party, so stay tuned.

Put A Bow On It

I know I have been silent lately, but this is the first time I have picked up a computer since I finished my finals on December 12th. It is completely unbelievable, but so much has happened in my personal life that a computer has been the very last thing on my mind. I know this also means neglecting blogging, which was never intentional, but my family has undergone a dramatic death and we have been in hardcore mourning. I did not share this with my readers because it has been so incredibly difficult to deal with and I couldn't find myself writing about fashion, beauty products, or anything for that matter because so much has been spinning around my head. So, please please please forgive and bare with me as I transition back into the normal blogging routine. I am still back home with my family and will be until January, but I will start blogging again starting right now. Unfortunately, I have also been away from Pinterest so I am a little behind on the latest and greatest fads but my post today is all about clever and chic ways to wrap a Christmas present.

I know you're thinking..wow, this is totally last minute since it is Christmas Eve, but it's more or less to help me get back into the blogging routine a little at the time. If you don't celebrate Christmas or have already wrapped presents, no big deal, use these ideas to spice up your gift wrapping for any occasion or event.

#1: 

Gift tags are awesome but who doesn't love something more personal? Replace the standard gift tag with a picture of the person or of you and the person you are giving the gift. They will feel the love before even opening the gift!

Photo Creds: City Farmhouse

#2: 

How about some creative and extra festive printable gift tags? These are absolutely perfect for Christmas spirited people who are looking to add a little something different to their gifts. The best part is there is no need to run to Wal-Mart or the Dollar store to pick up the basic TO: and FROM: gift tags, all you need is a printer and some label paper *or just scissors, screw the label paper*

Photo Creds: Dreamsicle Sisters

#3: 

This last idea is to purely inspire and show that gift wrapping offers endless possibilities. You can wrap presents the normal/boring way or you can open up your mind and use your inner creativity to come up with something as cute as these Santa inspired bags and gifts, check them out.

Photo Creds: Pinterest- 

(If this is your design, contact me via email so I can credit your image.)

#4:

I think Thank You notes are a huge part of giving gifts that people often forget. People should be appreciated for all they do so What's better than thanking the gift givers for all they gave?

Though this idea is typically used for Bridal showers and wedding oriented events, what says Thank You in a classy way like a doily envelope? Not much and you can attach a Christmas tree or something festive on the front or where the "envelope" opens to add the Christmas theme, versus a wedding one. Imagine people's faces when they receive this in the mail.

Photo Creds: Pinterest *Contact me for credit*

Another idea before I hit the hay...

Nothing says thank you quite like a photograph...of you or your child holding a personalized chalk written sign thanking the gift giver. I promise it will be a thank you card they want to keep, instead of tossing it in the garbage with all the others. 

 

Photo Creds: House of Hendrix

After all the gift giving, do not forget to show the people who went out of their way appreciation on such an occasion like Christmas. Tis the season for giving...and saying thank you in return!

Merry Christmas Blogging Family! 

I will blog again soon and more regularly, promise. 

Also, I have a big announcement for the new year. 

Hint: New year, new blog, isn't that what they say? 

Office Decor Update

 

Which item is your favorite? Comment below!

Items Pictured:

IKEA ALEX Storage System

Kate Spade Print

Starbucks Tutu Mug

Christmas Lights

DIY Christmas Vase filler

File Organizer

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