Thursday, February 28, 2019

7 Tips For Styling Your Room For Better Sleep

Have you ever noticed that the slightest change can make all the difference? The older I get the harder it is for me to fall asleep. But in all fairness there are a lot of things in my bed time routine that are big ‘no-no;s’, like watching netflixs, using my phone right before bed, using my bed to check emails and such instead of just using it for sleep. Today Lisa is guest posting and is sharing a fabulous post on how to style your room for a better nights sleep.
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, a place to rest your head after a long day. It’s where you begin and end each day so you want to ensure it’s designed to support your total relaxation. If you feel like your bedroom is far from a sleep oasis, here are seven tips for creating a space that instills serenity and calm for a good night’s sleep.

1.     Consider Feng Shui
If you believe in the impact of energy flow based on the placement of furniture and objects in a room, then consider guidelines for bed structure and placement that promote deeper, more quality sleep. Maintain the feng shui energy of love and healing in your bedroom. Bed guidelines in feng shui mean a solid headboard, good mattress, good frame height, and no underneath storage. See details and further guidelineson feng shui bed placement.

     2.    Style Your Bedside Table
You want to avoid clutter and unnecessary items on your bedside table, while carefully choosing only what you truly need to sleep to place on your bedside table. Choose a book you can cozy up with, a diffuser using essential oils, an alarm clock, and perhaps a sleep mask.

3.   Add Plants
Did you know plants help you sleep? They help in two main ways. First, they are a scientifically proven stress reducer. Secondly, plants significantly curb indoor air pollution that can prohibit sleep, since toxins can cause irritation, swelling and congestion of airways. When picking out a plant or two for your bedroom, see top ten plants for removing toxins from your home.

4.   Pick a New Room Color
When picking out a color palette for your room, realize that there is a color psychology that will determine how this color impacts your mood and energy. Light shades of blue are ideal for establishing calming serenity, where yellow and green are a close second. Steer clear of warm tones like red, orange, brown, and purple, which stimulate and energize.

5.    Control Your Lighting
Make sure and avoid harsh overhead lighting involving fluorescent bulbs. Choose incandescent bulbs for a soft, warm glow. Red bulbs are great for stimulating melatonin production and hence sleep, so consider a string of them near your bed. Pick the right light bulbs for you. Since light is a natural suppressor of melatonin, limit how much light you are exposed to an hour before your sleep. Consider a dimmable switch in your bedroom as well.

6.   Make Your Bedroom Just for Sleep
As you are styling your ideal sleep haven, remember to make your bedroom just for sleep. Remove exercise equipment, work documents, and anything non-sleep related that can increase stress and the number of distractions. While you are at it, remove phones, tablets, and any other electronic device that can distract you. No scrolling through social media in bed! The light emitted from such devices delays your falling asleep.

7.  Minimize Noise
Eliminate sound by customizing your walls and windows. Consider a white noise machine, ear plugs, or headphones. Avoid running appliances near bedtime, and move your bed in your room so it is not adjacent to the laundry room, for example. You can’t control all distracting noises around you, but consider asking the people you live with to turn down the TV or otherwise keep noise to a minimum.

You can make these simple, affordable changes in order to transform your bedroom into a sleep haven. Have fun with your decor, making it your ideal place for building peace and serenity.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Every Last Word

I still haven’t gotten around to making a list of New Year’s Goals yet… I know, I know… February is almost over, and making a New Year’s Goal list has actually turned into a Goal! I feel like this year has been crazy in a good way. One goal that will definitely be on my list is to read more; it’s a goal of mine every year and even if I was able to read a book every single week I still would try to read more the following year. 

This year I haven’t really been able to sit down and read a book up until last week and I read two books all in one week, granted one is a young adult book, but hey, we all have our guilty pleasures. 
I haven’t read anything by Tamara Ireland Stone before, but oh my goodness, let me just say I am a huge fan of hers now. Her writing is addictive – she is able to pull the reader into the lives of the characters she creates in such a poetic way and the way her sentences flow will keep you reading for hours. The first night I read 90 pages of this book and the next night I read the rest, and I was honestly a little sad when this book was over. 

Every Last Word is the story of a high school sending the never-ending message that you can never judge a book by its cover and you never really know what is going on in someone else’s life. 

Samantha looks and seems just like all the other popular girls in her class, but under the surface is a girl who struggles with OCD, a stream of dark thoughts, and never ending drama with her friend group. When she is struggling to find herself the most and a sense of confidence she can carry around with her all year long, she meets Caroline who introduces her to the Poet’s Corner, a hidden room and a tight-knit group of fellow students who more or less seem to fly under the popular groups radar. Sam is drawn to their sincerity, their sense of bravery when they read a poem that exposes a venerable part of them selves, and helps her to discover a whole new side of herself, what healthy relationships look like, and gives her a sense of confidence and normalcy. 

Every Last Word will have you reading all night long, I honestly cannot recommend this book enough.

Guest Post :: 5 Ways To Enjoy Singapore To The Fullest

With each passing decade traveling and cultural experiences seem to be moving closer to the top of everyone’s list, especially with the 20’s - 40’s age group. I love how over the years traveling has been made easier with the development of technology. Today Peter Minkoff has put together a fabulous guest post 5 easy ways to enjoy Singapore. The European countries have always held my interest because of the history and the art, but as much as I hate to admit the Asian countries have never spiked my interests too much… I think it’s because I was just never able to get into Asian history when I was in school, but this guest post even has dreaming of a trip to Asia!
If you’re preparing for your Singapore trip, you’re in for a world of surprises! This city-state is probably the most urban and developed country in whole Asia and it’s full of amazing tourist attractions, great food and beautiful sights you’ll remember forever. But, if you only have a few days to stay on the island, here are the five best ways to enjoy Singapore and have the time of your life! 

Grab A Singapore Tourist Pass 

If you’re a chaotic traveler who likes to see everything there is to see at a destination, make sure to grab a Singapore Tourist Pass. This ‘ticket’ will give you an unlimited number of rides for all kinds of public transportation in the city. One pass will give you 3 days of unlimited use, so see how many you need and get ready to see Singapore in all its glory! Your Singapore Tourist Pass will allow you to skip queues of ticket buyers and you’ll get to travel in cool and clean double-decker buses. 

Find Good Accommodation 


Singapore can be quite an expensive city, especially when it comes to accommodation. However, there’s also no better place and time to treat yourself with something lux and exclusive than during your stay in Singapore! When choosing your Singapore hotel rooms, your safest bet is to choose a known chain of hotels and you’re guaranteed luxury, comfort and cleanliness. With great accommodation comes great comfort and your entire Singapore adventure will be much more pleasant. Make sure to choose a good location for your stay. The central business district is always a great choice perfect for experienced travelers and eco-conscious people.  

Enjoy The Local Food 

Don’t be one of those tourists who immediately hit Starbucks or McDonalds when they want something to eat. These chains are not only unnecessarily pricey but also super bland and unhealthy when compared to local cuisine. No matter if you’re a picky eater or a well-known foodie, you’ll love what Singapore has to offer food-wise. Visit hawker food stalls and various food courts and you’ll be blown away by the variety of choices and different tastes and smells. If you’re a meat eater, don’t miss a chance to try some chicken rice and grilled meat. Singaporean soups will also blow your mind and offer a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing!  

Hit The Light And Water Shows 


There are so many things to do and see in Singapore and guess what? Almost all of the best attractions are free! So, make sure to check out the free Spectra Light and Water Show and prepare to stay in awe. The Marina Bay light show is an elaborate choreography of light and water with singing fountains and projection shows that create images on water. It’s a perfect evening activity if you want to do something entertaining yet relaxing. This spectacle happens every day, so you’ll surely not miss it! 

Get To Know Singapore’s Green Side 

No matter how long you’re staying, you simply must see Singapore’s green side and take a walk through its parks and botanical gardens. The best place to start is definitely Gardens by the Bay and walk amongst Marina Bay SuperTrees. They will blow you away with their size and their rhythmic light show. This attraction is a must-see because it’s the best indicator of what Singapore stands for—technology, progress and eco-friendliness! If you love the concept, you can also check out The Cloud Forest, Singapore Botanical Gardens and the National Orchid Garden. 
One visit will probably not be enough to see all the riches of Singapore. Luckily, you’ll have such a great time on your first visit, that you’ll await your next Singapore trip with great anticipation! 

Monday, February 25, 2019

The Importance of Divers Models

Research revealed that SS18 fashion shows were the most diverse yet. There was a record of 93 plus-size/curve model appearances and 45 transgender castings. There was also diversity in age too, as 27 models over the age of 50 walked the runway — making movements towards a fully inclusive catwalk. 
Of course, we still have a long way to go. With many of us taking an interest in what we wear and what’s on-trend, fashion has an obligatory duty to represent all of us on the big stage.
{Via}

How Are Brands Making Changes?

It’s understood that fashion brands have been thrown into the spotlight recently. They’re feeling the pressure from customers and other companies to move away from focusing on one type of model and add some variety to their advertising campaigns and the faces of their brand. Some names are more open to the changes than others — so, who’s leading the way when it comes to diversity in fashion? 
Women’s magazine, ELLE, made a point when they said that designers such as Marc Jacobs, Ashish, Zac Posen, Demna Gvasalia and Prabal Gurung have consistently invited women of colour to walk in their shows. But, supermodel Naomi Campbell warns that she doesn’t want women of colour and the appropriation of their cultures in fashion to be a fad that designers are using to gain attention: “We don't want to be a trend. It's the skin we're born with and will spend the rest of our lives with until we leave [the Earth]. You've got to really think ahead now. Think differently and think what readers want — that's the only way to keep their interest. People want to see multi-cultural women of all colours, shapes and sizes.” 
Talking about diversity on the runway might encourage people to think about skin colour. We mustn’t focus solely on skin type, though — transgender and non-binary people are making themselves seen and heard in the fashion industry, too. During SS18’s 266 major fashion shows, 45 transgender models and four non-binary models walked major and semi-major catwalks. AW17 saw only ten transgender models taking to the runway, and in SS17 only eight. So, it’s clear that we are seeing change and transgender models, such as Teddy Quinlivan, are leading the way. 
Another issue that’s widely discussed is the size of models who walk the runway. With the widespread introduction of plus-size influencers and models that are in the spotlight for marketing campaigns for non-luxury brands, you would think that designers of the catwalk would make changes, too. Although we’ve come a long way from curvy women being banned from walking in catwalk shows, it’s still a reality that a lot of high-fashion designers produce samples at a size six or below and some don’t sell garments that are larger than a size ten. 
Throughout SS18 shows, there were a record of 93 appearances of plus-size/curve models, which was up from last season’s 30 castings. Out of these 93, 90 plus-size appearances were made in New York and one report revealed that Milan was the only city to not feature a single plus-size model. 
We must also think about the age of the models who are chosen to walk. It’s mostly dominated by models under 50, despite the fact that people of all ages buy clothes. We did see a few brands such as Eckhaus Latta, Creatures of Comfort and The Row cast older models for their shows but in reality, only 0.2% of those on the runway for Fall 2018 shows were 50 or above. It’s clear to see that there is a long way to go when it comes to progression in this area. 

What Is Encouraging Fashion Brands To Make A Change?

It’s issues such as mental health and body confidence issues that should be pushing brands to make a change. Especially when it comes to something that everyone can be a part of, such as fashion. 
Following the increase of social media usage and the ability for customers to engage with companies quickly, brands must remember that people can easily get their voice heard if they don’t think that they’re being fairly represented. 
And, when we think about size and diversity, it’s clear to see we’ve seen change. But will all brands follow and will it extend to include people of all ages? 
Research for this article was carried out by Trilogy Stores, retailers of premium straight cut jeans.

Sources 


Friday, February 22, 2019

Happy Hour Time

Ahhhh… the weekend has finally arrived! Mornings spent relaxing in bed, late nights, brunches, and mimosas – yes, please! Here’s to fun weekend of enjoying some fun Oscar festivities, relaxing, enjoying the beautiful weather, and making memories with friends and family. Cheers!

“Be the girl who just went for it.”

Drink Special! 
Ginger Rogers Cocktail
½ounce gin
½ounce apricot brandy
½ounce French vermouth
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes
1 Maraschino cherry
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with maraschino cherry

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Travis Tritt at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Sunday, February 24, 8:00pm
Chapel Hill, NC: UNC v. Florida State at Chapel Hill. Saturday, February 23
Lexington, KY: Garden Brothers Circus at Rupp Arena, Sunday, February 24, 4:00pm
Charleston, SC: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert at North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, Sunday, February 24, 1:30pm
Seaside. FL: Seaside Farmer’s Market at Seaside Amphitheatre, Sunday, February 24, 8:00am

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Quick Cooks

Recently I have gotten into cooking, and not to sound like I am putting myself down or underestimating myself, but I am actually shocked that I am decent at cooking. I have to admit I was kind of intimidated a little by it…I’ve always been more into baking than cooking, after all, how badly can you mess up something who’s main ingredients are sugar and butter? 
In all honesty I thought cooking would be a lot harder than it is; I definitely built it up way too much. I will say that I have come to the conclusion that all recipes lie about how long it takes to prepare something; I’ve learned you need to add at least 15 minutes onto the prep time. At the risk of sounding lazy, I always go for recipes that seem doable and take 30 minutes or less to prepare and cook. For today’s post I thought it would be fun to share my top five favorite recipes that take 45 minutes or less, from start to finish.

I honestly had no idea that an entire meal could be prepared in one pot. This dish is the per cold night dinner. Comfort food at it’s best and easiest. 

This is probably the recipe I make the most. I have tweaked this recipe a little bit…. Instead of chicken breasts I use two packs of chicken tenders, and I also add a little bit of honey to my bbq sauce before I  spread the mixture over the chicken
Confession, I am a chicken enthusiast, I just feel like its healthy and there is almost an endless amount of things you can do with it. This dish is simply delicious, and in all honestly it taste more like a summer dish but in my book it’s always the right time for chicken! I cook the chicken about five minutes longer than the directions suggest, I do one less teaspoon of lemon juice and instead I slice up a fresh  and place it in the baking to cook.

When the word ‘easy is used in a title I am instantly drawing to it. This was super easy to make, and is there anything else out there that screams winter comfort foods like pork chops and green beans?

I know…I know, not a dinner at all, but I love baking and Ina Garten seriously has the best Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe!

What are some of your favorite  quick cooks?

Monday, February 18, 2019

Guest Post :: How To Nail Couples' Matching Outfits

It seems like the more time you spend with someone the better you become at predicting their thoughts, how they will react to something, and even subconsciously wearing something similar to what they have on every now and then. When you think of couples’ matching the first thing that probably comes to mind is identical outfits {yikes!} but in reality it is more of a well-coordinated appearance that plays off each other. And when it comes to some occasions, it is good to be on the same page dress wise. Today Peter Minkoff has put together a few tips on how to flawlessly nail couples’ matching outfits.
The more time you spend with your significant other, the more you’re likely to start to look alike. The most prominent part of the similarity will probably be the way you dress, and whether you subconsciously or consciously decide to start coordinating your outfits, it’s essential that you know exactly how to do it, to make it the next fashion statement. Check out the next few rules that'll help you nail couples’ matching outfits because the couple who dresses together stays together. 

Break The Monotony

If the first thought that comes to mind when we say “matching couples’ outfit” is Britney and Justin’s denim ensemble, you need to think the other way, immediately. Just because it’s matching, it doesn't mean you need to look like twins. As long as you have a statement piece that will break the monotony between an all-black or white-on-white ensemble, you're doing it right. Whether it's a belt in a zesty vibrant hue or a statement print on his top, as long as it creates a focal point, you won’t look like each other’s mirror face.

Match The Formality


One of the main rules to looking like a well-dressed power couple is to make sure both of you adhere to the same dress code. If you decide to go with business casual wear, and put on a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and a classic blazer to match your ballerina flats, it's important that your significant other doesn't go the other way with full-on casual sweats and sneakers. If you need to dress for a formal event, it would be a great idea to wear a matching gown and suit. You can find amazing tailors all over the world, and if you happen to be from the Land Down Under, you should look for the best tailor in Melbourne who can make you a tailor-made suit to match your partner’s gown. However, if one of you goes with a black suit, the other one should go with white or some other contrasting bold colour to really make a statement.

Coordinate Colors

In order to project a stylish, matching aesthetic, pick a consistent colour palette for both you and your partner’s outfits. Earthy tones are particularly chic for fall and winter season, and they can provide a range of choices that can work great together. Pick a colour palette instead of just sticking to one shade, and choose outfits that complement one another. A monochromatic look is always a safe choice, making sure your colours will never clash. It will also look great in photos if you’re going to wear it to a wedding or some other formal event. It’ll add a certain dose of class and poise to an entire ensemble, making you look like you’ve just stepped on the red carpet. To achieve a consistent and unified appearance, pick corduroy for both of your outfits, and instead of focusing just on color, coordinate the fabrics as well. 

Pick One Central Piece To Work Around


Choosing one piece of clothing and working your way around it to make two separate, yet perfectly coherent ensembles is another way to nail matching outfits. Both of you can, for example, pick a leather jacket as your must-have item, and dress it up uniquely. Where one can wear a blush nude blouse and a pair of skinny jeans, the other one can easily style the jeans up with a t-shirt in a vibrant hue to add an exciting edge to your ensembles. Feel free to wear matching shades and belts, and let your accessories speak for the both of you. 

Final Thoughts

All you need to nail couples’ matching outfits is a bit of creativity and edge. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your wardrobe and look for the next best thing that will separate you from all the other couples and make you the next big thing around town.

Kate Spade Surprise Sale

President’s Day + a long weekend + a Kate Spade Surprise Sale = the perfect Monday afternoon! Kate Spade sales are always a perfect opertunity to stock up on a few gifts for upcoming occasions, treat yourself, or just replenish a few basics. Pssst… if you are on the search for a new handbag, then this is the sale for you!

Friday, February 15, 2019

Happy Hour Time

Ahhhh… the weekend has finally arrived! Mornings spent relaxing in bed, late nights, brunches, and mimosas – yes, please! Here’s to fun weekend of enjoying some fun Oscar festivities, relaxing, enjoying the beautiful weather, and making memories with friends and family. Cheers!

“Be the girl who just went for it.”

Drink Special! 
Ginger Rogers Cocktail
½ounce gin
½ounce apricot brandy
½ounce French vermouth
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Ice cubes
1 Maraschino cherry
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with maraschino cherry

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Travis Tritt at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Sunday, February 24, 8:00pm
Chapel Hill, NC: UNC v. Florida State at Chapel Hill. Saturday, February 23
Lexington, KY: Garden Brothers Circus at Rupp Arena, Sunday, February 24, 4:00pm
Charleston, SC: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert at North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, Sunday, February 24, 1:30pm
Seaside. FL: Seaside Farmer’s Market at Seaside Amphitheatre, Sunday, February 24, 8:00am

President's Day Sales

I am so ready for a long weekend! One extra perk about any holiday is that a good sale is easy to find! I have put together a list of presidents day sale special and will be adding to the list as more pop up!
Abercrombie// 50% off select styles 
Anthropologie// Extra 40% off sale items
Banana Republic// 40% off almost everything
Gap// 50% off sitewide with code STAYWARM
J. Crew// 40% off with code YESPLEASE
J. Crew Factory// 50% off everything
Kate Spade// Extra 30% off all sale styles
Lilly Pulitzer// gift with purchase spend $75 and get a set of 3 golf balls, spend $200 and get a seaspray wrap, spend $500 and get a set of two towels
Madewell// Extra 30% off all sale things with code BRAVO
One Kings Lane// 20% off sitewide
Pottery Barn// Up to 70% off thousands of items
Vineyard Vines// Extra 30% off with code WINTER19
West Elm// 20% off your entire purchase plus free shipping with code WINTER
Williams Sonoma// 20% off your order plus free shipping with code winter

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

I cannot believe that tomorrow is Valentine’s Day I am kind of excited but kind of sad, because that means there isn’t going to be another holiday to celebrate till Easter… One of my favorite things about any holiday season are the festive decoration and cute gift options, which ends up being kind of dangerous, because lets face facts, what girl out there isn’t going to gift themselves a few Valentines Day treats here and there. 

Weather you are looking to treat yourself, a friend, or need to give your significant other a few gift ideas I have put together a gift guide for Valentine’s!
Here’s where to shop for my above top 10 gifts for her. Click on the name of the item to be directed to the website. 
1.              Mariella Belted Dress
3.            Slip Beauty Sleep To Go
4.            Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner
5.            Knotted Hair Tie In Liberty
6.            Bead Bracelet
7.             Fleming Zip Continental Wallet
8.            Sugar Lips
9.            Trouser Socks
10.          Heart Shorts Set