Spring Manicure Colors

Spring Manicure Colors by carrollb99 featuring an essie nail polish

Butter London pink nail polish / /Essie nail polish / /Essie pink nail polish // Opi nail polish / /

Essie nail polish / /OPI matte nail polish// Deborah Lippmann nail polish / /Essie nail polish

For today's Glam Series, we are focusing on nails.  With Spring on the horizon, I was automatically drawn to think of some happy nail colors I would like to try.  The top row above houses four of my favorite spring/summer colors:  Essie's Fiji, Essie's Peach Daiquiri, OPI's My Chihuahua Bites, and OPI's Cajun Shrimp.  On the bottom row are some new colors that I'd like to add to the lineup!  What are your favorite colors?

I actually experienced the joy of a manicure on Saturday and tried out "My Chihuahua Bites" with an accent nail in gold (I can't remember the polish color).  It was a little out of my comfort zone, but has been a fun look to try.

What cracks me up the most about any time I try to paint my own nails is that when I am very deliberate and allow plenty of dry time between coats, they always seem to mess up, but when I'm in a rush, they seem to turn out better!  Ha!!  I still prefer a professional manicure any day of the week to my feeble attempts. :)  My favorite is the gel manicure because it is near impossible to mess up -- that's the kind of manicure I need!!

Thanks for hosting us, Jordan!

Spring Manicure Colors

Spring Manicure Colors by carrollb99 featuring an essie nail polish

Butter London pink nail polish / /Essie nail polish / /Essie pink nail polish // Opi nail polish / /

Essie nail polish / /OPI matte nail polish// Deborah Lippmann nail polish / /Essie nail polish

For today's Glam Series, we are focusing on nails.  With Spring on the horizon, I was automatically drawn to think of some happy nail colors I would like to try.  The top row above houses four of my favorite spring/summer colors:  Essie's Fiji, Essie's Peach Daiquiri, OPI's My Chihuahua Bites, and OPI's Cajun Shrimp.  On the bottom row are some new colors that I'd like to add to the lineup!  What are your favorite colors?

I actually experienced the joy of a manicure on Saturday and tried out "My Chihuahua Bites" with an accent nail in gold (I can't remember the polish color).  It was a little out of my comfort zone, but has been a fun look to try.

What cracks me up the most about any time I try to paint my own nails is that when I am very deliberate and allow plenty of dry time between coats, they always seem to mess up, but when I'm in a rush, they seem to turn out better!  Ha!!  I still prefer a professional manicure any day of the week to my feeble attempts. :)  My favorite is the gel manicure because it is near impossible to mess up -- that's the kind of manicure I need!!

Thanks for hosting us, Jordan!

Tuesday Tulle Twirls

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Is anyone loving this tulle skirt craze like me?  If I had my druthers, I would wear a skirt like this to work almost every day.  I just love their whimsy and airiness. And with these different ways of styling the skirts, it looks like you could wear them year round!

Tulle twirls by carrollb99 featuring a tulle skirt

Tulle skirt / Tulle skirt (original source here) / The Feminine Skirt All The Bloggers Are Wearing WhoWhatWear (original source here)

Today, I'm linking up with some sweet gals (Khala, Samantha, Renee, and Jenni) for their brand new Tuesday Tea get together where we are discussing whatever is on our mind today.  Thanks for hosting us!!

Tuesday Tulle Twirls

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Is anyone loving this tulle skirt craze like me?  If I had my druthers, I would wear a skirt like this to work almost every day.  I just love their whimsy and airiness. And with these different ways of styling the skirts, it looks like you could wear them year round!

Tulle twirls by carrollb99 featuring a tulle skirt

Tulle skirt / Tulle skirt (original source here) / The Feminine Skirt All The Bloggers Are Wearing WhoWhatWear (original source here)

Today, I'm linking up with some sweet gals (Khala, Samantha, Renee, and Jenni) for their brand new Tuesday Tea get together where we are discussing whatever is on our mind today.  Thanks for hosting us!!

About Face

About Face by carrollb99

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics blush / Bare Escentuals face makeup / Bare Escentuals foundation / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics cheek bronzer / Bare Escentuals makeup brush / Mary Kay face makeup

Today, I'm linking up with Jordan for her Glam Series and today's theme is all about the face, so I'm highlighting current products that I'm loving.  

1.  Mary Kay foundation primer
The kind that I have doesn't have spf, but I'm loving that they added this feature.  This primer is so soft and it prepares your face to be the perfect canvas for your makeup.  I love the way it helps my makeup go on so evenly and it seems to help it stay on throughout the day, too! 

2. bareMinerals READY Foundation
My skin is very fair and has a lot of reddish undertones.  When I look for foundation, I need to find something that is light enough to blend in with my skin tone (I wear Fairly Light) and also will even out my skintone.  I started using bareMinerals years ago and have yet to find another mineral foundation that works as well for me.  For a long time I used the loose powder version, but now that they have the product in a compact, I love it even more.  Another feature I love is that it comes packed with spf 20, which is so nice to have already included in my foundation.

3.  Bare Escentuals makeup brush
I use the precision makeup brush to apply this foundation and it works really well.  It's amazing to me how great the coverage is!

4.  bareMinerals Mineral Veil 
After applying the foundation, I add the Mineral Veil to set the look.  I love how it provides a soft finish to the look.  I use the transluscent shade.

5.  Bobbi Brown Sand Pink Blush
After the mineral veil I add blush.  My mom gave me this shade recently and I have really been enjoying it.  It adds just the right amount of color for my skin tone and seems to last well throughout the day.

6.  Bronzer
Sometimes I'll add a little bronzer to my  forehead, nose and chin for a little additional color.  Especially in the winter, I enjoy adding a little bronzer to punch up my look.

I love trying all different kinds of makeup, but these are my current faves.  What products are you currently enjoying?

About Face

About Face by carrollb99

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics blush / Bare Escentuals face makeup / Bare Escentuals foundation / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics cheek bronzer / Bare Escentuals makeup brush / Mary Kay face makeup

Today, I'm linking up with Jordan for her Glam Series and today's theme is all about the face, so I'm highlighting current products that I'm loving.  

1.  Mary Kay foundation primer
The kind that I have doesn't have spf, but I'm loving that they added this feature.  This primer is so soft and it prepares your face to be the perfect canvas for your makeup.  I love the way it helps my makeup go on so evenly and it seems to help it stay on throughout the day, too! 

2. bareMinerals READY Foundation
My skin is very fair and has a lot of reddish undertones.  When I look for foundation, I need to find something that is light enough to blend in with my skin tone (I wear Fairly Light) and also will even out my skintone.  I started using bareMinerals years ago and have yet to find another mineral foundation that works as well for me.  For a long time I used the loose powder version, but now that they have the product in a compact, I love it even more.  Another feature I love is that it comes packed with spf 20, which is so nice to have already included in my foundation.

3.  Bare Escentuals makeup brush
I use the precision makeup brush to apply this foundation and it works really well.  It's amazing to me how great the coverage is!

4.  bareMinerals Mineral Veil 
After applying the foundation, I add the Mineral Veil to set the look.  I love how it provides a soft finish to the look.  I use the transluscent shade.

5.  Bobbi Brown Sand Pink Blush
After the mineral veil I add blush.  My mom gave me this shade recently and I have really been enjoying it.  It adds just the right amount of color for my skin tone and seems to last well throughout the day.

6.  Bronzer
Sometimes I'll add a little bronzer to my  forehead, nose and chin for a little additional color.  Especially in the winter, I enjoy adding a little bronzer to punch up my look.

I love trying all different kinds of makeup, but these are my current faves.  What products are you currently enjoying?

A Winter Wedding

A Winter Wedding by carrollb99 featuring a glass vase

Temperley London bridal gown / Carolina Herrera blouse / Carolina Herrera skirt / Kate spade shoes / Kate spade shoes / Pearl cluster necklace / Marchesa belt / Lux Art Silks white home decor / Scented candle / Mercury glass candle holder, $41 / Glass vase / Couture bridal or wedding veil - Sophia / A Georgian diamond floral tiara as worn in Downton Abbey, $205,470

Happy Wednesday!  I'm linking up with Jordan at Love Always, Nancy J and Meredith at Belle in Boots for Wedding Wednesday with my idea for an elegant winter wedding.  For as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of a winter wedding, but when I met the man of my dreams and we started thinking about our schedules and the best time for a wedding, May fit perfectly.  I absolutely loved our spring wedding, but it has been fun to think of what I might have chosen for a winter wedding. :)

For the bride:

I loved this long sleeved lace Temperley London wedding gown and thought I might change the belt shown with the crystal belt above.  I think I would pair a soft sheer cathedral length veil, so the beautiful lace on the dress would show through.  The Kate Spade elegant heels would add the perfect touch and be gorgeous as the pointed toe peeped out from under the hem as the bride walked down the aisle.  For jewelry, my affinity for Downton Abbey shines through with the tiara similar to the one I've seen Lady Mary wear. I think these vintage looking chandelier earrings would complete the ensemble.

For the bridesmaids:

I'm loving this classic combination of the Carolina Herrera skirt and taffeta blouse.  I would love if the taffeta blouse were in a deep pewtery gray to offer some contrast with the gorgeous black skirt.  Again, Kate Spade comes through with these perfect black heels and a pearl cluster necklace provides the finish for this look.

Flowers:

The bride's bouquet is a cluster of creamy white roses and the bridesmaids' bouquets of deep red roses add a pop against their black taffeta ensemble.  For the ceremony and reception, I would scatter mercury glass votives all around to provide a romantic glow.  Tall arrangements of white flowering branches would further contribute to the winter wonderland feel.  I think white rose arrangements would also be gorgeous.

Thanks for stopping by for my winter wedding ideas!  What would you like to see at a winter wedding?

A Winter Wedding

A Winter Wedding by carrollb99 featuring a glass vase

Temperley London bridal gown / Carolina Herrera blouse / Carolina Herrera skirt / Kate spade shoes / Kate spade shoes / Pearl cluster necklace / Marchesa belt / Lux Art Silks white home decor / Scented candle / Mercury glass candle holder, $41 / Glass vase / Couture bridal or wedding veil - Sophia / A Georgian diamond floral tiara as worn in Downton Abbey, $205,470

Happy Wednesday!  I'm linking up with Jordan at Love Always, Nancy J and Meredith at Belle in Boots for Wedding Wednesday with my idea for an elegant winter wedding.  For as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of a winter wedding, but when I met the man of my dreams and we started thinking about our schedules and the best time for a wedding, May fit perfectly.  I absolutely loved our spring wedding, but it has been fun to think of what I might have chosen for a winter wedding. :)

For the bride:

I loved this long sleeved lace Temperley London wedding gown and thought I might change the belt shown with the crystal belt above.  I think I would pair a soft sheer cathedral length veil, so the beautiful lace on the dress would show through.  The Kate Spade elegant heels would add the perfect touch and be gorgeous as the pointed toe peeped out from under the hem as the bride walked down the aisle.  For jewelry, my affinity for Downton Abbey shines through with the tiara similar to the one I've seen Lady Mary wear. I think these vintage looking chandelier earrings would complete the ensemble.

For the bridesmaids:

I'm loving this classic combination of the Carolina Herrera skirt and taffeta blouse.  I would love if the taffeta blouse were in a deep pewtery gray to offer some contrast with the gorgeous black skirt.  Again, Kate Spade comes through with these perfect black heels and a pearl cluster necklace provides the finish for this look.

Flowers:

The bride's bouquet is a cluster of creamy white roses and the bridesmaids' bouquets of deep red roses add a pop against their black taffeta ensemble.  For the ceremony and reception, I would scatter mercury glass votives all around to provide a romantic glow.  Tall arrangements of white flowering branches would further contribute to the winter wonderland feel.  I think white rose arrangements would also be gorgeous.

Thanks for stopping by for my winter wedding ideas!  What would you like to see at a winter wedding?

New Year's Eve Entertaining

I am so excited to linkup with Sam and Khala to describe our New Year's Eve party ideas.  My favorite New Year's Eve celebration is a relaxing party at home with delicious food, fun games and wonderful time with family and friends.  We are looking forward to celebrating with some dear friends this year!  Here are some ingredients for a festive party I would host.

New Year's Eve Entertaining 

Kate Spade porcelain dinnerware / /Karen Walker table linens placemat / /Drinkware / /J Crew red shirt / American Eagle Outfitters open front vest // Topshop skinny jeans // Steven by Steve Madden riding boots,  // CARAT carat jewelry / /Trivial Pursuit Family Edition Game

I loved all the festive dinnerware I found including these adorable and festive Kate Spade dishes and sparkly glasses!  The gold polka dot napkins seemed to add the perfect celebratory touch. :)

As for food, I love sweet and savory treats and homemade snack mix is one of my favorites.  I think I'm going to make some this year along with finding a recipe for some delicious white chocolate Oreo popcorn.  Once I saw the delicious Oreo brownie dessert recipe above, I couldn't resist adding it to the list and that warm artichoke dip sounds absolutely divine!!

Playing fun board games is another favorite way I love to spend time with friends while counting down the hours.  The fun and laughs during these games are what I remember most about these celebrations!

As far as my ensemble, I would love to wear something comfortable and cozy like the grouping above.  I'm just loving the skinny jean and tall boot trend and think those fun faux fur vests are such a cute accent.

I hope you all had a special Christmas celebration yesterday and are looking forward to celebrating the exciting new year ahead!

New Year's Eve Entertaining

I am so excited to linkup with Sam and Khala to describe our New Year's Eve party ideas.  My favorite New Year's Eve celebration is a relaxing party at home with delicious food, fun games and wonderful time with family and friends.  We are looking forward to celebrating with some dear friends this year!  Here are some ingredients for a festive party I would host.

New Year's Eve Entertaining 

Kate Spade porcelain dinnerware / /Karen Walker table linens placemat / /Drinkware / /J Crew red shirt / American Eagle Outfitters open front vest // Topshop skinny jeans // Steven by Steve Madden riding boots,  // CARAT carat jewelry / /Trivial Pursuit Family Edition Game

I loved all the festive dinnerware I found including these adorable and festive Kate Spade dishes and sparkly glasses!  The gold polka dot napkins seemed to add the perfect celebratory touch. :)

As for food, I love sweet and savory treats and homemade snack mix is one of my favorites.  I think I'm going to make some this year along with finding a recipe for some delicious white chocolate Oreo popcorn.  Once I saw the delicious Oreo brownie dessert recipe above, I couldn't resist adding it to the list and that warm artichoke dip sounds absolutely divine!!

Playing fun board games is another favorite way I love to spend time with friends while counting down the hours.  The fun and laughs during these games are what I remember most about these celebrations!

As far as my ensemble, I would love to wear something comfortable and cozy like the grouping above.  I'm just loving the skinny jean and tall boot trend and think those fun faux fur vests are such a cute accent.

I hope you all had a special Christmas celebration yesterday and are looking forward to celebrating the exciting new year ahead!

Fancy New Year's Eve

Fancy New Year's Eve
featuring a Black Purse//Warehouse high neckline dress// Kate spade shoes // La Regale black purse
Forever New pearl necklace / /Tiffany & Co. pearl earrings / /Crown jewelry,

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of a New Year's Eve gala filled with glorious music from a wonderful big band, a delicious multicourse meal, and lots of dancing!  I think it stems from my love of the classic movie White Christmas and those amazing show scenes.

I don't anticipate my New Year's Eve plans requiring any of the fancy dress showcased above, but if I were to have a night on the town, this might be something I would love to wear.

I'm linking up today with Sam and Khala as we share our New Year's Eve outfits!

Fancy New Year's Eve

Fancy New Year's Eve
featuring a Black Purse//Warehouse high neckline dress// Kate spade shoes // La Regale black purse
Forever New pearl necklace / /Tiffany & Co. pearl earrings / /Crown jewelry,

Ever since I was a little girl I have dreamed of a New Year's Eve gala filled with glorious music from a wonderful big band, a delicious multicourse meal, and lots of dancing!  I think it stems from my love of the classic movie White Christmas and those amazing show scenes.

I don't anticipate my New Year's Eve plans requiring any of the fancy dress showcased above, but if I were to have a night on the town, this might be something I would love to wear.

I'm linking up today with Sam and Khala as we share our New Year's Eve outfits!

Girly Gifts Under $100

Nick Nora pajamas / Vera Bradley coin pouch / Stella Dot stella dot bracelet / Stella Dot stella dot jewelry / Stella & Dot aqua earrings / Waterford wine glass / 2013-2014 life planner -party pops
  

 

I'm linking up again with Elise and Jen for their Favorite Things Series.  Today's theme is gifts under $100 and my list is definitely a group of gifties that I wouldn't mind finding under my tree.  Maybe you'll like some of these ideas, too! :)

{1}  I just love these serenity stone drop earrings.  They have such a classic look and would work with tons of outfit options.

{2}  I think these pjs are so cute and would be so cozy for the cooler winter temps.  

{3}  An Erin Condren planner would be a great way to help me stay organized in the new year.  She has so many adorable designs and I love that you can customize them with family photos!
 
{4}  Lately, I have been carrying a smaller cross body bag and absolutely love the ease and lightness of it, but have struggled finding a good organizational system because my regular wallet is too big.  I've always loved this Vera Bradley pattern and think it might just be the perfect solution for me.

{5}  Not everyone would be as over the moon as I am for this item on my list, but I love all things china and crystal and would be thrilled to find another stem of my pattern under the tree.  If you have any recent or soon-to-be brides on your list, their registries may hold the keys to some fabulous gift ideas! :)

{6}  I think this pearl Stella and Dot bracelet is gorgeous and would make a beautiful statement with any outfit.

{7}  There is just something about laurel wreaths I love and this ring with its stackable bands is so beautiful  I have always loved stacking rings, so I think this one would be a real treat.

What's on your Christmas list this year?
 

Girly Gifts Under $100

Nick Nora pajamas / Vera Bradley coin pouch / Stella Dot stella dot bracelet / Stella Dot stella dot jewelry / Stella & Dot aqua earrings / Waterford wine glass / 2013-2014 life planner -party pops
  

 

I'm linking up again with Elise and Jen for their Favorite Things Series.  Today's theme is gifts under $100 and my list is definitely a group of gifties that I wouldn't mind finding under my tree.  Maybe you'll like some of these ideas, too! :)

{1}  I just love these serenity stone drop earrings.  They have such a classic look and would work with tons of outfit options.

{2}  I think these pjs are so cute and would be so cozy for the cooler winter temps.  

{3}  An Erin Condren planner would be a great way to help me stay organized in the new year.  She has so many adorable designs and I love that you can customize them with family photos!
 
{4}  Lately, I have been carrying a smaller cross body bag and absolutely love the ease and lightness of it, but have struggled finding a good organizational system because my regular wallet is too big.  I've always loved this Vera Bradley pattern and think it might just be the perfect solution for me.

{5}  Not everyone would be as over the moon as I am for this item on my list, but I love all things china and crystal and would be thrilled to find another stem of my pattern under the tree.  If you have any recent or soon-to-be brides on your list, their registries may hold the keys to some fabulous gift ideas! :)

{6}  I think this pearl Stella and Dot bracelet is gorgeous and would make a beautiful statement with any outfit.

{7}  There is just something about laurel wreaths I love and this ring with its stackable bands is so beautiful  I have always loved stacking rings, so I think this one would be a real treat.

What's on your Christmas list this year?
 

Favorite Things: Stocking Stuffers Edition

 

When I saw this linkup with Cheers Y'all and Down with the Dearmores, I couldn't wait to put together some fun girly stocking stuffer ideas!  Here are few treats that I would not be sad to find in my stocking on Christmas morning. ;)

 

{1} Kate spade gold earrings
I love these sparkly baubles!  Understated stud earrings are my favorite and I think these earrings would work perfectly with any outfit.

{2} Monogram necklace 
Since changing my name this year, I would love to see that new monogram in a beautiful silver or gold dangling from a perfect chain!  These sweet necklaces have been a favorite of mine ever since I started seeing them pop up.  Although this gift may be a little pricey for a traditional stocking stuffer, it might just make for the perfect surprise!

{3} Bath Bombs
These bath bombs are a great gift for the girl who enjoys a bubble bath at the end of a long day.  What a fun treat!

{4} Kate Spade 'Cold Hands Warm Heart' Thermal Mug
I use my coffee travel mug filled with freshly brewed coffee from my Keurig every day and when I saw this adorable one from Kate Spade, I knew adding another mug would be fun to have in my rotation!    

{5} Pigma Micron Archival Drawing Pens Pack of 6 
For the girl who likes to journal and create her own special hand lettering style, these pens are supposed to be great.  I could spend hours upon hours just writing words and letters and these pens would be a special treat!

{6} GODIVA Milk Chocolate Foil Santa
A little chocolate treat in the stocking is something fun to find and how cute is this Godiva Santa?!

{7} Tocca eau de perfume 
Seriously, this perfume in the Cleopatra scent is my absolute favorite new fragrance.  I love its spiciness and think it would be the perfect perfume for the chilly winter temps. 

{8} Kate Spade "Be Dazzling" iPhone case 
A new happy phone case would be a fun stocking find and even better if it sparkles!

{9} InStyle
Another sweet stocking treat is the gift that keeps on giving -- a favorite year-long magazine subscription.  Each month you receive your favorite magazine in the mail is like Christmas all over again!

{10}  Dark Chocolate Truffles

Okay, I had to add one more piece of chocolate to round out my 10.  These dark chocolate truffles are my absolute favorite and I first discovered them in my stocking almost 10 years ago!

What are some of your favorite stocking stuffers?

Favorite Things: Stocking Stuffers Edition

 

When I saw this linkup with Cheers Y'all and Down with the Dearmores, I couldn't wait to put together some fun girly stocking stuffer ideas!  Here are few treats that I would not be sad to find in my stocking on Christmas morning. ;)

 

{1} Kate spade gold earrings
I love these sparkly baubles!  Understated stud earrings are my favorite and I think these earrings would work perfectly with any outfit.

{2} Monogram necklace 
Since changing my name this year, I would love to see that new monogram in a beautiful silver or gold dangling from a perfect chain!  These sweet necklaces have been a favorite of mine ever since I started seeing them pop up.  Although this gift may be a little pricey for a traditional stocking stuffer, it might just make for the perfect surprise!

{3} Bath Bombs
These bath bombs are a great gift for the girl who enjoys a bubble bath at the end of a long day.  What a fun treat!

{4} Kate Spade 'Cold Hands Warm Heart' Thermal Mug
I use my coffee travel mug filled with freshly brewed coffee from my Keurig every day and when I saw this adorable one from Kate Spade, I knew adding another mug would be fun to have in my rotation!    

{5} Pigma Micron Archival Drawing Pens Pack of 6 
For the girl who likes to journal and create her own special hand lettering style, these pens are supposed to be great.  I could spend hours upon hours just writing words and letters and these pens would be a special treat!

{6} GODIVA Milk Chocolate Foil Santa
A little chocolate treat in the stocking is something fun to find and how cute is this Godiva Santa?!

{7} Tocca eau de perfume 
Seriously, this perfume in the Cleopatra scent is my absolute favorite new fragrance.  I love its spiciness and think it would be the perfect perfume for the chilly winter temps. 

{8} Kate Spade "Be Dazzling" iPhone case 
A new happy phone case would be a fun stocking find and even better if it sparkles!

{9} InStyle
Another sweet stocking treat is the gift that keeps on giving -- a favorite year-long magazine subscription.  Each month you receive your favorite magazine in the mail is like Christmas all over again!

{10}  Dark Chocolate Truffles

Okay, I had to add one more piece of chocolate to round out my 10.  These dark chocolate truffles are my absolute favorite and I first discovered them in my stocking almost 10 years ago!

What are some of your favorite stocking stuffers?