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A Two Drink Minimum

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What I am Thankful For

What I am thankful for. Giving thanks for my grandchildren and spending time with family

I’m thankful for my grandchildren’s smiles. Sunday’s spent cooking with family. For pets, long weekends, and a good nights sleep.

I’m thankful for music, art, and my toes in the sand, seeing rainbows after a storm, mountains, and the sun on my face.

I’m thankful my husband can still make me laugh, for happy hours, dancing, and my time alone.

I’m thankful for my age because it’s given me wisdom through experience, and something to blame my mishaps on. I’m thankful for family, and friends, and ice cream for dinner.

But mostly I’m thankful for my conversations with God which give me a peaceful heart.

I know that the true blessings I have are ones I cannot see with my eyes.

I’m grateful for being able to love and being loved. I’m grateful for joy and laughter, and peaceful feelings. I’m grateful for patience that He has taught me, and unexpected kindness I have received. For the goodness of friendship, and my freedom of faith.

I’m thankful for the gentleness of a newborns breath, I’m grateful for self-control and the ability to let things go.

These are the gifts I will not take for granted. They are the reason I look forward to waking up every day and the best gifts I’ll ever receive.

What’s important to note here is these gifts cannot be enjoyed alone, we need the presence of others to truly appreciate their value. Appreciate the relationships that enhance your life and never stop the efforts to form new friendships. I’m thankful that you are a part of my life and because of our connection I will be happily celebrating today.

Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

/ Style

My Picks from the Nordstrom Cyber Sale

Nordstrom Cyber Sale
Snakeprint boot// Black Studded Boot//Barefoot Dream Wrap Cardi// Black Denim// Gold Tote
Ivory Sweater// Brown Sweater//Kendra Scott Necklace// Tory Burch Flats// Natori Bra
Live in Leggings//Barefoot Dreams Cardi// Quilted Puffer Jacket// Hunter Green Parka
Pink Ugg Slipper// Leopard Bootie //Printed Legging// Hunter Boot// Spanx Leggings

The Nordstrom Cyber Sale started today. If you know me, you know I love shopping at Nordstrom. My daughter and I have many fond memories shopping at Oakbrook throughout the years. I was excited to learn that they are participating in Black Friday Sales this season. The best part is, you can shop right online. Shipping is always free. Returns are simple- they send you the return slip right in the box.

This year, whether or not you have the Nordstrom Card- they are offering a promotion where you can get up to $100 back to spend at their stores. Spend $120 get $25, spend $250 get $50 and Spend $400 get $100. It’s a little incentive to get some of your holiday shopping done early.

It’s a nice time to stock up on a few closet staples like boots, jackets, sweaters, jeans & leggings.

My favorite Spanx Leggings are on sale. They are a must have this winter season.

I purchased mine this past October (full price, darn!) and have definitely gotten my use with them. I enjoy wearing them with long sweaters, blazers and tunics.

>Read: // How to Style Leather Leggings

Brittany has been raving about the results from using Neulash. It’s an eyelash serum that helps your condition and lengthen your lashes. I’ve seen the results she has had and I will definitely be trying this out for myself. You can’t beat the 2 for 1 price they are offering right now!

Happy Shopping! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and are able to enjoy spending time with your family.

/ Style

What to Wear to a Christmas Party this year? Bold Red!

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what to wear to a Christmas Party this year? Bold Red Winter Fashion Ideas for Women over 50

Red is such a statement color. It is known to impress an illusion of attractiveness on those wearing it. I remember once being told to wear red when giving a presentation at work because red is a color that eludes power and draws attention. First Lady, Nancy Regan was notorious for her red suits and ball gowns. Red is also the highly acclaimed color of the holiday season and has been all over the runways and fashion blogs. We’ve seen every shade from vibrant crimsons to luxurious ruby to bright tomato. If you’re struggling with what to wear to a Christmas party, wearing red during the holidays is flattering, festive and fashionable.

What to Wear to a Christmas Party // Introducing Red Into Your Wardrobe

I recently had a conversation with a friend where she told me she would never wear red. She felt it wasn’t her color. I agree that some colors flatter skin tones better than others. However, there are many other ways to introduce red into your holiday wardrobe.

  • Boots, like this red pair or this pair, are a fun way to add color to your holiday attire. You can wear them with jeans and dressy blouses, army green military jackets, black dresses, or dark-colored leggings.
  • Red Scarfs and hats look great with black or ivory coats.
  • Purses in cherry shades make great a great holiday accessory.
  • Red Nail polish or lipsticks add just a pop of color.

Colors That Compliment Red

Some reds have blue undertones while others have yellowish or orange undertones. The bluish-red shades look best when paired with burgundy, green, blue, browns, and black. The orange-reds with yellow undertones look good when paired with taupe, ivory, grey, cayenne, cinnamon, and olive green. Metallic shades of silver, gold, and copper, are great accents to either shade of red.

If you’re wondering what to wear to a Christmas party, below are a few ways to wear red and look and feel jubilant at all your holiday parties this year.

Dresses Paired With Leopard or Nude-Colored Heels

Gal Meets Glam Sizes 00-20 $198

Vince Camuto Long Sleeve Sweater Dress, sizes xs-xl, $148

OPT Aura Dress, sizes xs-m, $150

Eliza J Asymmetrical Lace Dress, sizes 0-18, $178

Red Sweaters Paired With Denim

Rachel Parcell Exaggerated Bell Sleeve Sweater, sizes xxs-xxl, $89

J. Crew Supersoft Turtleneck Sweater in XXS-XXXL $98

>Read: Finding the Right Pair of Denim

Skirts Paired With Feminine Pink Tops

Madewell Satin Midi Slip Skirt, sizes 0-24, $98

x Atlantic Pacific Full Organza Midi Skirt sizes XS-XXL $139

White House Black Market Full Midi Skirt, sizes 00-16 and petite, $160

Red Pants With Ivory Tops and Boots

Anthropologie Essential Velvet Slim Trousers, sizes 0-14 and petite, $120

Alice + Olivia Dylan High-Waist Wide-Leg Pintucked Pants, sizes 0-12, $295

J.Crew Cameron Seasonless Stretch Pants, sizes 00-24, petite and tall, $89.50

Ann Taylor Ankle Pant Sizes 00-18 $98 (50% off for Black Friday)

Finally, my personal advice about wearing red is to be careful not to overdo it. If you are wearing a red dress I may skip the matching red lipstick and opt for nude shades of lipstick. However, if you choose to accessorize with red, then it’s fine to go with a bold red lipstick at the same time. Enjoy all the Christmas Cheer and may your party style this season be Merry and Bright.

>READ: WHAT TO WEAR FOR THANKSGIVING – FROM HOSTING TO DINING OUT

/ Beauty

Holiday Makeup Tips For Glowing Skin

holiday makeup glowing skin
Shimmer Stick Highlighter//Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer//Flawless Filter
Wonder Glow//Bobbi Brown Shimmer Powder

The holiday parties are upon us and it’s time to add a little sparkle and shine to your makeup palette. I don’t know about you, but my days of having a natural glow are long gone. I need a little help with makeup to help my skin look radiant.  When your skin glows you look vibrant, healthy, and possibly, a few years younger. There are many cosmetics available to help you achieve luminous looking skin for that special evening out. Let me first say that you should prep your skin applying makeup to dull, flaky skin will not be beneficial. An at home facial just takes a few minutes and helps make your skin look fresh.

My Secret Beauty Weapons

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer -This comes in several tints. I have been using this for several years you can add it to your foundation or on top of your foundation as a highlighter.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow -This is something that’s gives you a subtle glow. It’s very sheer and can be used alone or applied on top of your moisturizer. I recommend this if your hesitant about using too much shine.

Charlotte Tilbury flawless filter -I would use this a little more sparingly as a highlighter around your temples or on parts of your skin that you want to highlight but a little goes a long way.

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder -Comes in three shades and is infused with pearls . This is great if you prefer to work with powders and lot liquid highlighters

Yves Saint Laurent Shimmer Stick Highlighter -You can swipe lightweight this anywhere on your face for a nice subtle glow and it’s extremely easy to use

How To Apply Your Highlighter

Whether you use a sponge, brush, or your fingers, the most important thing is to blend thoroughly, or you’ll end up looking like the queen of glow. Start at the top of your cheek bones and blend up and around your temples. You can add a dab on your brow bones and a little on the center of your nose. Highlighter is usually applied after foundation and blush; however, you can also apply highlighter on top of moisturizer for a little daytime glow when you aren’t wearing foundation. This is something I do often as I prefer not to wear foundation every day.

Which Shade Should You Choose

You’ll want to choose a highlighter that compliments your skin tone. Most highlighters come in golden, bronze, and champagne shimmers. Fair complexions look good with lighter champagne shades. I have olive skin and prefer to wear golden shades. Darker skin tones look best with shimmery bronze shades.

Other Places to Apply Highlighter

Since it should be used sparingly, your purchase will probably last awhile. Make the most of it and start using it all over your body. I’ll apply highlighter down the center of my shins when I’m wearing dresses without hose. I’ve also put it on my décolletage, cupids bow, and on my chin. If you’re wearing something that bares your shoulders, add a dab on each of your shoulders. It may take a little time to find what you’re comfortable with and feel looks best on you, but a little shimmer is always flattering.

/ Let's Have a Drink

Holiday Cocktail Recipes

holiday drinks alcohol christmas cocktail recipes
holiday drinks alcohol christmas cocktail recipes

Craft Cocktails are creative drinks that have recently become very popular. There are many unique variations appealing to individual taste and themes. A bartender friend of mine told me that she attended school for two weeks learning twenty-four new cocktail recipes for the grand reopening of a restaurant in Naples. The ingredients are tempting and tantalizing.  I’ll be honest in saying that some of the ingredients are unfamiliar to me. They are intriguing formulas often presented to you in an entertaining fashion. It makes ordering a drink like watching art being created before your eyes. 

I reached out to Fever Tree Mixers for a little guidance in helping me create a few holiday cocktail recipes for the upcoming season. Fever Tree mixers, which you can easily find in grocery stores, Target and Walmart, has created many notable craft drink recipes that will impress your guests with very little effort.

I’m excited to share these cocktail recipes because I feel that it will take your entertaining to the next level, and the best part is, they aren’t that complicated. My favorite of the three is the Daytime Old Fashioned. It’s a lighter version of the classic drink. If you are looking to make your entertaining this holiday distinctive and memorable, I would offer your guests a specially made craft cocktail. Their flavored mixers allow you the opportunity to do so with ease.  I’m hoping to share more recipes from Fever Tree next month for Christmas.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! And let me know in the comments below if you try one of these holiday cocktail recipes out! Cheers!

Spiced Sangria

Featuring Fever-Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale paired with Rum, Aperol, Orange and Cinnamon

  • 2 parts Rum
  • 1 part Aperol
  • Topped with Fever-Tree Spiced Orange Ginger Ale
  • Build in highball glass
  • Garnish with cinnamon stick and orange wedge

“The Spiced Sangria is spicy, hot and delicious. It’s my quick version of a traditional sangria without any sacrifices to quality and flavor because of the natural ingredients found in Fever-Tree. Fever-Tree’s Spiced Orange Ginger Ale uses three types of ginger that bring fresh green, chocolatey and earthy flavor to this sangria. Steeped with fresh fruit and spice garnishes, this is crave-worthy.”

Daytime Old Fashioned

  • Featuring Fever-Tree Ginger Ale paired with Maker’s Mark Whisky, Cherry, and Lemon
  • 2 parts Maker’s Mark Whisky
  • Top with Fever-Tree Ginger Ale
  • Build in highball glass
  • Garnish with cherry and lemon wedge

“The idea behind the Daytime Old Fashioned was to have a sessionable take on a classic Old Fashioned. It may be lighter than a classic Old Fashioned but it really packs flavor utilizing Fever-Tree’s Ginger Ale and is easy to drink from day to night. I’ve taken this cocktail on the road and it’s always a crowd favorite.”

Hot Penicillin

Featuring Fever-Tree Ginger Beer paired with hot apple cider, Whisky, Honey and Lemon

  • 2 parts Whisky
  • 2 parts hot apple cider
  • 1 part fresh lemon juice
  • ½ part honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)
  • Build in mug
  • Top with Fever-Tree Ginger Beer
  • Garnish with lemon wedge
holiday drinks alcohol christmas cocktail recipes

/ Shop | Gift Guide

Family Christmas Pajamas

Family Christmas Pajamas. Christmas Gift Ideas for Grandkids.
Gray Green Christmas Tree// Green Buffalo Plaid // Red & Gray Pant// Red Nightgown //Men’s PJ // Red & White Polka Dot
Baby Reindeer Onesie // Red Plaid Girls Set // Red Onesie// Red Plaid Top & Pant // Red & White Santa
Family Stripe Coordinating Sets
Ladies Red & White Set // Buffalo Plaid & White Top//Family Holiday Light PJ’s //Family Red/White Stripe Sets

With the holiday’s around the corner, I decided to check in to Christmas pajamas. I was surprised to find so many different options and styles for the entire family. Not having children living at home or taking the traditional family photo for a Christmas card, I was a little new to the popular pajama fad going on right now. Quite frankly it’s everywhere you look.

Last month, since I was not going to be with my grandchildren for Halloween, I wanted to send them something to let them know I was thinking about them. Obviously, candy was not a unique Halloween gift. I went online and found them all matching glow in the dark skeleton pajamas. The glow in the dark pajamas were a huge hit. I also managed to keep their parents happy because growing children can always use new PJ’s.

In the past I have purchased pajamas as Christmas gifts for my adult children, but never matching ones. In my opinion, pajamas are a gift that is nice to receive. Christmas morning seems to be the one day of the year it’s perfectly acceptable to stay in your pajamas all day long.   

Family Christmas Pajamas

Hanna Anderson, Target, Nordstrom and Amazon all have fun family pajama sets. My daughter Brittany is a fan of the brand, Primary– which offer simple and great quality children’s clothing. A lot of their pieces you can mix and match. This is great, because the kids can then wear them beyond the holiday season.

You can choose to shop just for your grandkids or have some fun and coordinate with matching sets.

Thankfully, when I was growing up there weren’t that many ways to share early morning Christmas photos. My father’s first camera was a brownie box before he upgraded to an instamatic with flashcubes. We often burned our fingers on the bulbs. One year, he bought a polaroid camera. Polaroids were a fun way to capture candid shots. However, the pictures were often ruined because we didn’t allow them to dry completely before touching them. Fast forward to today, and we are all a little more savvy with newer technology and editing options. This makes sharing photos with friends and family fun. Which is also why you want to be photo ready on Christmas Morning. One last nice thing about holiday photos in Christmas pajamas is that they are loose fitting. This means that we can sneak a few more Christmas cookies with our morning coffee.