Fall Friday: Centerpieces // Tablescapes

I'm back this week with some great options for dressing up your table whether it is for an everyday fall look or for a special event, like a Halloween Party or Thanksgiving. As always pinterest was the home of my inspiration.

I really like this one. You could easily throw together the wooden box out of a couple of pieces of wood if you couldn't find one to purchase. It's on my "to build" list already. ;) I love that it can be switched out for all holidays. I'm thinking ornament balls for Christmas?

 

 

Source: google.ca via Melissa on Pinterest

 

Another simple and classic one is to fill glass vases with objects. This one is shown with various types of nuts but you could also use corn, candy corn, etc. As well as changing it up for the different holidays.

 

 

Source: goodhousekeeping.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

I like this one, especially for a special event because you would have to cut into the pumpkin and fresh flowers don't last forever. If you wanted to use this idea in a more permanent way you could always look into buying one of those faux carving pumpkins (I've seen them at Hobby Lobby) and make a arrangement out of faux flowers. I think that would still look pretty great and you could keep it around a lot longer.

 

 

Source: rusticweddingchic.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

I love 'Our Vintage Home Love' they have such great style and it matches my taste to a tee, rustic elegance as I would call it. This was their most recent fall tablescape. It is so simple yet so gorgeous with the faux wheat and candles.

 

 

Source: ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

Lastly, if you wanted to go the more traditional Halloween route this is a spooky and creepy yet fun way to throw together a centerpiece. I'm more into something fall-ish that will take me from the end of September til the end of November but I know there are some of you that will love this.

 

 

Source: potterybarn.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

 

 

 

What is your fave fall centerpiece look?

 

 

September Faves

Yet again, no new makeup faves. I just haven't been thrilled enough by anything new that I just had to run out and purchase it. I'm still loving all my oldies but goodies, which is completely fine considering I have enough to last me years. ;)

A mentioned Slatkin candles in my last faves post and I finally got around to picking up some new fall ones at BBW. I LOVE the Farmstand Apple scent. I use to always purchase Macintosh by Yankee Candle and didn't realize how much I missed that scent until I smelled Farmstand Apple, it's almost to the tee the same. I also picked up Leaves, Spiced Cider, Autumn, and Marshmallow Fireside. I love fall candles!!

Another fave this month has been my new workout shoes. These are by Sketchers which is weird for me because I rarely buy sketchers but I loved how comfy they felt and how lightweight they are. They are slip on which was also different for me because I normally don't like slip on shoes. Even though these are considered athletic shoes I wouldn't recommend running in them. They don't have enough cushion in the soles for any hardcore beating. However, they work great for my cardio workouts and biking.

As if one shoe wasn't enough for this months fave I also picked up these cute ankle boots at Kohl's. I really really really didn't need a new pair of boots/booties because I have like 10 pair already but it's one of my fave things about fall. I love boots, plain and simple. I will probably buy another pair before fall/winter is over. haha!

I already mentioned in my review of Macadamia Natural Oil that I've really been enjoying it so it's no surprise that it ended up in my monthly faves. It really has done great for my ends, makes for a quicker dry time, and overall has just been making my hair look shiny and healthy.

Those are the only 4 things pictured above but there are a few other things I have been loving this month, like my new home decor purchases. I have been going a little owl crazy. I picked up this warmer as a free item (bbw coupon). I also got these little guys and a owl pillow from Earthbound Trading. The owls are taking over but I love them. :)

What have you been loving for the month of September?

Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop #27

 

This week's featured blogger is Tara over at My Southern Accents.

**Hop Rules**

• Grab the button below or add a link somewhere on your blog. This lets others know about the hop so they can hop as well. :) The more the merrier!
• Please visit some link ups and follow if you like them.
• Make some new bloggy friends!!! :)
• This is optional but I would love for you to follow TGL. :)

<center> <a href="http://t-g-life.blogspot.com/search/label/Wow%20Wow%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><img alt="Wow Wow Wednesday with This Girls Life" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/coleman/TGL/wwwbanner.gif"/></a></center>

Tip Tuesday: Stress Less Edition: Mood Boosters

Last week I gave tips on how to zap the tension you might be feeling instantly (like a quick scream session or taking deep breaths) but this week the tips require a little more time (still 10 minutes or less) for a quick mood booster.

Picture Source

 



• Search online for funny videos/pictures. Laughter is great for boosting your mood.

• Count your blessings! Focus on things going well in your life, it will make you feel better overall.

• Call a friend who will listen w/o judgement. Their calmer mood will rub off on you.

• Eat carbs! Carbs help produce serotonin, the feel good brain chemical.

• Clean! Productivity combats stress and what better way to be productive than cleaning your house. It will feel good while doing it and having a clean house will feel great too.

• Ask your s/o for a quick back rub or take a spa day.

• Exercise! Go for a quick walk. It burns nervous energy and pumps you full of endorphins that will make you feel great.

Lastly... Celebrate Yourself! I plan to do this today, which so happens to be my 30th birthday. :) Turning 30 for some might be something of a stressful time in their life, especially if you obsess over your age or the growing list of things you haven't accomplished. I will not do that today. I feel just as good today as I did yesterday, when I was still 20 something. haha!

What did you do this past weekend to boost your mood?

We took our daughter to see The Lion King (the Broadway musical). It was fantastic, highly recommend checking it out if you can.

Fall Friday: Wreath Ideas

Fall is upon us! For those who don't know, it officially starts tomorrow. Who has drug out their fall decor already? *Raises Hand* It's time for the decorating to start in this house and we have been getting plenty of fall like weather to get me in the mood. One of the first things I do for getting ready for fall (besides new clothes shopping) is to put out a new wreath on the front door. Where should one go for great wreath ideas? Well pinterest, of course! ;)

For today's Fall Friday I'm sharing 6 of my favorite wreath ideas courtesy of pinterest and all the great bloggers who cooked them up.

 

I love initial wreaths and this one is just too cute. The polka dots just add something whimsy to the mix. :)

 

Source: brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest
 

 

 

I don't know if I would have enough patience to make one like this gorgeous tulle pumpkin but it's great. Definitely something different than your average wreath. Fun!
 

Source: cassiesclosetinc.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

 

This wreath is so simple but I love it. Easy project for anyone to have a gorgeous front door for fall.

Source: lh5.ggpht.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

 

Another initial wreath, love them! This one is a little more traditional and fabulous in it's own right.

 

 

Source: swanky-chic-fete.blogspot.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

 

This Candy Corn wreath is ADORABLE!

 

Source: thehouseofsmiths.com via Melissa on Pinterest

 

 

Lastly, but definitely not least is this beautiful burlap berry wreath. Again, pretty simple with wrapped burlap and berry garland but oh so fantastic looking on your door.

 

Source: aglimpseinsideblog.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I hope this week's Fall Friday has inspired you to get your fall on and start decorating.

"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days." ~John Burroughs

Do you decorate your front door?

Weekly Wednesday Blog Hop #26

 

This week's featured blog is The Wilderness Wife.

**Hop Rules**

• Grab the button below or add a link somewhere on your blog. This lets others know about the hop so they can hop as well. :) The more the merrier!
• Please visit some link ups and follow if you like them.
• Make some new bloggy friends!!! :)
• This is optional but I would love for you to follow TGL. :)

<center> <a href="http://t-g-life.blogspot.com/search/label/Wow%20Wow%20Wednesday" target="_blank"><img alt="Wow Wow Wednesday with This Girls Life" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v83/coleman/TGL/wwwbanner.gif"/></a></center>

Tip Tuesday: Stress Less Edition: Tension Zappers

So in the past few weeks Tip Tuesday has been full of ways to make your body, face, hands, legs, etc look and feel more beautiful, now it's time for ways to help you feel collected on the inside. When you are stressing and feeling frustrated it shows on the outside, in the upcoming weeks I'm going to post great ways to beat that stress. Summer is ending officially and so many things about the fall and winter bring new stressful situations. Whether it be just the cloudy days or having to deal with kids going back to school, it's always something. The holidays are also right around the corner and although they should be times of joy they are often times of stress for many. How are we going to spend it this year or what gift to buy, right? I won't even get started on political stress for this year. Now that I've mentioned loads of things that probably cause us all some grief at some point, here are some great ways to stay calm and stress less.

Picture Source

• Take deep breaths. This slows your heart rate and slows the pace of your stress hormones.

• Stretch!!

• Sit up Straight. It allows for your chest to be open and for you to breath more freely and fully. This increased oxygen will do your body good.

• Take a break! Focus on something good going on in your life or a picture of something(one) you love.

• Hold the hand of someone you love, skin to skin contact is calming.

• Force yourself to move, it relieves tension.

• When it's sunny out, sit in the sun for awhile and bask in the warmth.

• Scream Therapy.... shout (in an appropriate area).

• (& for those who believe)... Pray... It helps you gain strength and clear your mind.

What are some instant tension zappers you use?

Beauty Army: September Box

What is Beauty Army?

"Beauty Army is a luxury beauty sample subscription service that allows you to select up to six luxury beauty samples each month from a selection of 9 for $12/month. We offer the luxury of choice and the best of beauty delivered to your door every month." ~ Beauty Army

The 6 samples I choose for the month of September  where...

• NuMe: Hydrating Shampoo: Hydro Punch
• Fiafini: Divine Hydration Moisturizer
• Ruddy Water: Blushed Fragrance
• Bath & Body Works: Shower Gel in Paris Amour
• Emani Minerals: Foundation Primer & Serum
• Skyn Iceland: Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels

 

I will be reviewing all of this month's box in full reviews within the coming weeks. If there is a specific product from this month or previous months that I have not yet reviewed that you really want to see a review on feel free to shoot me an email. I will try to get to those first. The full reviews of the items that I have reviewed from Beauty Army in the past are linked in the reviews link on the sidebar.


More Beauty Army comments:

Sample picks SUCKED this month. I really loved last months but this month's picks where horrible. I don't want Bath & Body Works from a beauty box. Those sample sizes you can get free w/ a purchase or just sometimes free with a special coupon so it's not a good deal to me. I should have just skipped this month which is great that Beauty Army gives that option. I probably should have done that, owell. Hopefully this isn't what next months choices will look like because it was slim pickings.

If you have been thinking about trying a sample box subscription and don't know which one to go for I would definitely suggest Beauty Army. Their sample choices sometimes don't impress me (IE, Sept's box) but they do offer the ability to choose what you want and have the option to skip the month if you don't like your choices. Go here to check out Beauty Army. If you are thinking of joining I would love to recruit you. :)

Have you tried any of these products before?

Fall Friday: Fall 2012 Fashion Trends

Like seasons past there are a variety of fashion trends you will be seeing out this fall. Some you will have seen from past fall seasons but a few that are a little more new (and a lot more crazy). Fall 2012 collections are chalk full of rich color, styles from another century, and the return of leather.

 

What is your fave fall trend for 2012? least fave?

 

I would have to say that I'm really loving the oxblood (burgundy) color for this fall. I always love leather handbags/jackets/shoes so that is a given as well. My least fave 2012 fall trend is the baroque. I don't often wear pieces that scream "hey, look at me" so this trend that features lots of ornate and attention getting pieces just isn't my style. I also don't love turtlenecks but with the right piece it could work.

 

 

 

NOTE: During the upcoming Friday's you will notice I'm having a feature called Fall Friday. These Friday posts will feature something fall related. Starting tomorrow we are officially 1 week out before the beginning of fall. Anyone else excited? I know I am. These fall posts will have a little bit of beauty, fashion, home decor, etc.



COMING SOON: Fall 2012 Giveaway!!

 

The featured company for The Beauty Blogger Bunch Fall 2012 Grand Prize Giveaway is The Balm.

I just joined the Beauty Blogger Bunch and signed up as a sponsor for the Fall 2012 Grand Prize Giveaway. The #bbloggerBunch was created to host huge quarterly beauty giveaways. It is free and open to all beauty or fashion bloggers since the motto is about promoting and encouraging each other, while meeting lots of new friends along the way.

This giveaway will accept entries from the general public but anyone who joins the #bbloggerBunch will be invited to be a part of all the giveaways in one of two ways, either as a beauty host (free) or as a sponsor ($30 +). There were over 4000 entries in the first Grand Prize Giveaway in just 2 weeks!! Beauty Hosts spots just opened up for the upcoming giveaway...but once again spots are limited.

If you are interested in hosting a giveaway on your blog this fall or becoming a future sponsor go here for all the information and requirement details.