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