Inner Beauty Challenge

Sorry I have been MIA lately.  It's been crazy around the holidays and I'm looking forward to focusing more on my blog in 2014!

I came across the Inner Beauty Challenge presented by Benefit and Love Is Louder on YouTube today and thought it was an amazing movement to get involved in.  Please check the YouTube video out and sign up!

http://youtu.be/YB7dbI8bnCY

~Holsnicole

Holiday Party Issues....SOLVED!

Recently I came across a website that can help you with all your party planning blunders.  Revelry House is a company founded by none other than Lo Bosworth and Christianna Amodio.

This website offers curated boxes for a fabulous party!  I love their holiday collection box! Overall, these boxes are priced pretty reasonable.  If you think about it, once you drive to the party store, pick out and purchase everything, you have wasted so much time.  It's just a smart choice to purchase it online and have everything in one box shipped directly to you. Wrapped perfectly! 

The website also has how-to cooking videos, party attire advice, and pretty much anything to make your party the one that "everyone keeps talking about".


Don't forget to check out Lo Bosworth's website-The Lo Down for everyday advice.  Some of the best fashion and food ideas are on this site! Totally obsessed!


~Holsnicole

*Photo Taken from http://revelryhouse.com/

My Favorite Websites

I have a few favorite websites/blogs that I turn to all the time.  Some are new, some have been around for a  while.  While most of them offer fashion and beauty advice, there are some that focus on just lifestyle, cooking and careers.  Whatever you are looking for, check out the following sites!

1. The Everygirl
This is more a site about lifestyle.  Whether it's fashion, career, or home advice you can find it all here!  I can't say enough about this site!  They also just opened up an online store with super cute items (can't wait to get my print in the mail!)

 

 

2. Career Girl Network
This is your go-to site for career advice! Has great articles about searching for a job, tips for interviewing and how to grow your career.

 

 

3. Lindsey Hughes-BeautyBaby44

This is a brand new site that Lindsey launched last week.  It has all things fashion, beauty, chat forums and even an online store where you can purchase her favorite items. It's just amazing that a young (talented) lady has such an awesome site!  I can't wait to see her add more content to it!  Check her YouTube channel out, as well. That is where she got her start.

 

 

 

4. Style Context

I was just recently introduced to this site by meeting the creator, Diane on Twitter. Awesome person!  Gives great style and beauty ideas.  A wide variety of information on the site. A must have for beauty/fashion guru!



 

 

5. Chocolate Therapy

A great site for all things sweet!  Love seeing her recipes.  Normally very easy to follow along and make.  Why would you not go to a site about desserts!?!  (looking forward to making those peanut butter chip sugar cookies)   

 

 

 

 

There are a lot of other sites that I love going to, but I would be here for days listing them. :)  Thinking about doing a post each month of my top 5 favorite sites.  Let me know what you think.  Would you be interested in seeing new and up and coming sites?  If you would like your site featured on my blog-send me a message on Twitter (@Holsnicole)

 

Happy Turkey Day, Everyone!

 

~Holsnicole



Infinity Scarfs

I absolutely love scarfs!  I wear them year round (It's acceptable in the Midwest).  In the spring/summer months I'll pair them with t-shirts and light weight sweaters and in the fall/winter months my favorite tops to pair them with are light weight tops under a cardigan.  I try to find all types of fabrics when choosing a scarf, making them versatile for every season. Here are a few of my favorite ones.  Tell me where you guys find perfect infinity scarfs...

 

 

Check out some of my favorite stores to shop infinity scarfs....

Purple Goose

Loft

ShopBop

Target

 

 

Stay Warm!

 

~Holsnicole

My Christmas Wish List

This year I put together a list of more staple pieces and not just a bunch of little things.  I rather receive gifts that I can use for years to come than just something that will be out of style next season.  Here is the list that I created on Pinterest (makes it easier for the shopper's in your life).

Kate Spade - Cherry Lane Stacy Wall

Juliet & Company Forget Me Knots Stud Earrings from ShopBop

(These were on clearance-so very low stock)

 

 

 

Tory Burch Enamel Large T Loco Stud Earrings from ShopBop

(These have since sold out at ShopBop - Hope Santa got them for me :) )

 

 

 

 

Sigma Make Me Cool Travel Kit Makeup Brushes

 

 

 

 

Wildflower "Rose Buddies" Silver Studded iPhone Case

 

 

Last but not least......what I hope to be my new coffee table book....

 

Chicago Blackhawks - One Goal II Book

(hopefully next year there will be One Goal III ;) )

 

Like I said staples pieces...nothing too crazy..

 

Happy Holidays & Happy Shopping!

 

~Holsnicole

DIY-Holiday Wall Art

Christmas is my favorite time of year!  I love decorating my apartment and getting into the spirit of things.  After receiving the yearly Tiffany's holiday catalog (My favorite) in the mail last week, I had the perfect idea to reuse part of the catalog.  When I opened the envelope and saw the cover of the book, I fell in love with it and it was just too pretty to toss aside.  So, I decided to frame it and make it into an art piece.

So, let's get started.....

Tools Needed:

 

 

After you collect the tools, the next step is to take the cover off of the catalog. This will take a steady hand and patience.  I bent the cover back starting with the back cover and then started tearing- leaving a little bit of the bind, that way I could just fold that part over and tape it down, so I could have a smooth straight line. You could also use a scissors or a knife for this part.

 

and the cover is off!

 

Use tape to tape the side down, so you have a straight line

 

Place tape or rubber cement on the corners to secure down on matte.

 

Ta-da!

 

 

Finished décor!

 

This was such a simple project.  The most difficult part was getting the cover off, since it was secured down with strong glue.  The frame is a 8X10 from Target for $3.99!  I just used the sheet of paper that came in the frame as the matte and of course the picture is from a Tiffany's mailer.

 

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

 

~Holsnicole

 

Delicate Gold Jewelry

I had never really been a fan of gold jewelry, until just recently.  I have a few go-to pieces that I like to style with neutral and bright colors, but I never over-do it with the gold.

I have also been a fan of mixing metals this season.  One of my favorite combos is to style a thin gold bracelet with a colored one or having several different colors/metals on one arm.



Bow bracelet-Local Store-The Purple Goose
Gold heart bracelet-Urban Outfitters

Delicate jewelry is perfect for the work place and also leaves a classic look when going out.  This necklace was a great find at TopShop in Chicago for only $10!



Necklace-TopShop

 

 

Besides having a fabulous handbag, I think jewelry is the best thing you can wear to spruce up a basic outfit when trying to vamp your style. Experiment with different options, I don't think I have never put together a combination that didn't look good-you can almost make anything work.

Happy Styling!

~Holsnicole

Cranberry Pinwheel Recipe

My co-worker made these pinwheels for a potluck we were having and they were absolutely delicious! The cranberries in it make it great for a holiday app!  Very simple to make and very little ingredients.

1 Carton (8 ounces) whipped cream cheese, softened

1 Cup (8 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

1/4 Cup chopped green onions

1 Package (5 ounces) dried cranberries

4 flour tortillas (10 inches)

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, feta cheese and green onions.  Stir in cranberries.  Spread about 1/2 cup mixture over each tortilla and roll up tightly.  Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Cut each roll-up into 10 slices.

Yield: 40 appetizers

Enjoy!

~Holsnicole

*image taken from Pinterest

Empties!!!

Over the past month I have used up a lot of products-from hair, face to fragrances.  I have narrowed it down to the top 6 products that it was my 1st or 2nd time around purchasing or will purchase again.  

1. Redken Hairspray  Fashion Work 12
      I really don't know what bottle I am on.  This is a product that I keep going back to.  I typically purchase this in a travel size, since I have been going on a lot of weekend trips lately, however I feel like I should really purchase the full size.  It just leaves a great feel to your hair.  Does not weigh it down or make it feel "crunchy".  It also has a scent that reminds me of a light men's cologne smell, which I love!

2. Regis Brand DesignLine  Root Boost 
    I have been using this product for a long time. The smell reminds me of fruity pebbles, but doesn't leave the sweet smell in your hair.  This foamy spray lifts your roots and gives your flat hair some body.  I have very fine hair, although it doesn't do wonders for my hair, without it, it would be worse. I don't think you can purchase this online, but most malls have a Regis Salon (at least in the Midwest).

3. Philosophy Purity
   I purchased this 8 fl oz bottle back in April and I only use it to clean my Beauty Blender once a week.  I know you are thinking why spend a great deal on a cleanser, just to clean a sponge.  I am convinced this has prolonged the life of the blender and will continue to purchase this cleanser for just that use. It is very gentle on the skin and delicate materials.

4. Urban Decay  All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
    You saw that I recently just purchased a few one of these. I haven't gotten through that one yet, that was a replacement.  I typically have long days at work/school, so having a product that will keep my face intact for the day is a plus. This light mist cools my face in the summer, but yet still moisturizes in the colder months.

5. Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation
   My holy grail product!  I am currently on my 2nd bottle.  I cannot say enough about this product (just like BeautyBaby44 and MsMeghanmakeup) This foundation does not leave a cakey look on your face at all.  Just a light, airy foundation. The only downfall of the product was the 1st bottle that I had, the product stuck to the side and I couldn't really tell that it was empty until one morning I used it and I ran out.  My 2nd bottle is going a lot better and I can actually see the product moving down.  I will be buying this product over and over I feel.

6. Gucci Guilty Perfume
   I believe this is my 3rd or 4th bottle. Love the scent! Not a sweet smell at all, which I prefer.  I am currently switching it up and I just purchased the new Tory Burch fragrance, but I think after I'm done with that, I will be repurchasing.

I cannot say enough about the above products!  I use all of them almost everyday and wouldn't change them for the world.  Does anyone have any products that you rave about??  If so, hit me up on Twitter @Holsnicole    I would love to hear from you!

~Holsnicole
 

Friday Night Mall Haul

After a long week of work one might just go home on a Friday at 5pm and relax, go out for drinks and a movie.  Me?  I hit the mall for a little retail therapy!
 
I had a few things in mind before going, but I picked up a few extra things (thank you Friday payday!)


 
Planned stop-Sephora
I was all excited to hit 500-point perk on my VIB card, however I was not interested in what they had to offer for gifts, so I decided to hold my points until next time.

I had to pick up my favorite makeup setting spray-Urban Decay "All Nighter".  I also had heard great things about Sephora's Express Cleansing Wipes. They were a little pricey, but I'll have to see if they are worth the money.  Then my splurge of the purchase-Marc Jacobs Lip Lock in Makeout.  This is a great moisture balm for the winter and it also has SPF 18.  I love the way it feels and it will be great for the cold winters of Wisconsin.

Next stop-Bath & Body Works
I wanted to pick up a few candles.  Chose the mason jar ones, since they were on sale. 2 for $15  They currently have great winter scents and even though I didn't like most of them (too sweet) I found two that I absolutely loved!  Tis the Season and Sparking Icicles (my fav) are the best. They have such cute packaging and lids-love the skates!  While close to the checkout I also came across another perfect scent.-Mahogany Teakwood.  I love the manly scent of this.  It makes my bedroom smell soooo good. :)

 

Last/Final stop-JCPenney
I always hear about people getting major deals here, so I had to check it out for myself.  I have never really looked too hard at this store, but they have really picked up their image and the store at my local mall was very clean-minus the dressing rooms :(  I saw the Joe Fresh "shop" right away.  After picking up and putting back many sweater, due to poorly made materials, I found a pretty cool t-shirt that I could wear under sweaters (bummed though when I got home and notice that the Sales Associate put a hole in it when she took the security tag off-oh well it was only $10-not going to fuss with taking it back.)
I also found a couple of sweaters by A.NA. Love the gray one-just a cozy sweater for winter-reminds me of the sweaters at Brandy Melville that all the beauty gurus love!

Overall, this was a pretty successful shopping trip.  I got my "therapy" for the week ;)
 
~Holsnicole

New Fav Look~Stacking Bracelets

I know this has been in style for a while, but I just started rocking it..I have found some awesome bracelets over the past couple of months.  Great places to look for them are New York and Co, Topshop, H&M, Charming Charlie, LOFT, ShopBop, Kohls, The Purple Goose (local store-great deals).

I love mixing colors and metals too. It brightens up plain everyday outfits.  You can style with as little as one or up to as many as you want.  I normally stick with 3 or 4.

Here are a few of my older and recent purchases.  Some where great steals and others were investment pieces...These are just a few combinations that I've worn.

White Bow: The Purple Goose

Teal Gold/Silver: Michael Kors-Bloomingdales

Silver Tabs: TopShop

 Teal Wrap: Coach

Teal Gold/Silver: Michael Kors-Bloomingdales

 



Teal Gold/Silver: Michael Kors-Bloomingdales

Orange/Purple: Pure Vita (Store in Laguna Beach)

Black/Silver Bow: Lauren Conrad Collection Kohls

Orange/Gold: The Purple Goose

Orange/Purple: Pure Vita (Store in Laguna Beach)

 

 Gunmetal: Charming Charlie

Black/Silver Bow: Lauren Conrad Collection Kohls

 



Blue/Gold: The Purple Goose

White Bow: The Purple Goose

 

Silver: Bass Store

Red/Teal: H&M

 

 

~HolsNicole

Fall Fav's

Fall is hands down my favorite time of year.  Not only does it start to get cooler...at least here in Wisconsin, but there are a few other things that I love about the season.....
Here is a few of my favorite fall things.....(queue the song)

 

 

G

 

 

 

 What are some of your favorite fall things??  Comment below...

~Holsnicole

 

 

 

 

 





...Another Ulta Haul

I know I haven't blogged in a while.  I have been super busy with work and just got back from a short trip to Chicago!  (Chicago Haul to come)...

After a stressful week of work I decided to treat myself to some goodies at Ulta!  (some I needed...some I didn't :) )

As usual I had to pick up my essentials-Simple Brand Cleansing Facial Wipes and Not Your Mother's-She's A Tease Volumizing Hairspray.  I couldn't get through my day without these.

Now onto my splurges....

Essie Brand Nail Polish in Cashmere Bathrobe, which is in their newest fall collection-it's a very pretty purply-gray color with just a little bit of sparkly in it.  Love it!  Such a great color for fall/winter.

Benefit Brand Newest Box Powder in Rockateur-a rosey pink cheek color with a hint of sparkle. Just an all around great box powder.  Benefit needs to keep coming out with these.  Great products, worth the money and the packaging is so cute!

 

 

 

and...onto my favorite purchase of them all...

This is exclusive to Ulta and what a great price!

Tarte High - Performance Naturals Fresh Outlook Set $34 at Ulta ($89 Value)

This set is well worth the money!  All full sizes, which is amazing! I cannot wait to test all these products out.  I have used a few tarte products before and was pretty impressed by them.  If you are interested, I will do a review on this kit.   This is what's included in the kit

Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in achiote

Gifted Amazonian clay smart mascara in black

 

SmolderEYES Amazonian clay waterproof liner in brown

 

Beauty & the box Amazonian clay eyeshadow quad in "in the buff"

 

Overall this was a successful trip to Ulta and can't wait to use all my new quality products!

 

 

~Holsnicole

 

*this is not a sponsored post.