Monday, December 9, 2013

A Little Stuffing for your Stockings?

Yes, please! 
Christmas is right around the corner, literally. I believe we only have {16} more days left to go before the big day! If you are one of those people who happily checked off their Christmas gift & to-do list before December, then I proudly pat you on the back and give you an approving smile. For the rest of us that wait until the last minute(uh, me), we have to face the crazy crowds and the insane traffic. I have learned when heading into known chaos, it is best to have a plan of action. Christmas tip for today: Know exactly what you are looking for before walking into the masses. Usually the focus is on the gifts that surround the base of your beautiful tree but the stockings need a little love as well, don't you think? It's easy to forget about stuffing those cute little stockings. As a kid, opening our stocking was the first thing we got to do and I got to say it was my favorite! Sometimes it can be hard to even come up with ideas of what to fill these bad boys up with. Lucky for you, I have compiled a list of stocking gifts for you. I have divided them into three categories  to make it even easier: kids(I put both boy & girl ideas in there), women, and men. 

{Kids}
-favorite gum
-favorite candy
-earrings or necklace
-socks
-movie
-chapstick or lipgloss
-gift cards
-action figures
-toothbrush
-hair brush and hair accessories 
-art supplies
-nerf darts
-nail polish
-cars or trucks
-sunglasses
-coupons for
  a "chore free day"
-underwear
-lotion
-bath toys
If you have a baby at home like me, then here is what we stuffed her stocking with:
-pacifiers
-baby pearl necklace
  and bracelet set
-hair bows 
-headbands
-socks
-teething ring
-rattle toy

{Women}
-makeup
-socks
-gift cards
-jewelry
-nail polish
-hair accessories
-perfume
-anything beauty related
  (facial masks, foot scrubs, etc)
-tweezers
-facial wipes
-measuring cups
-ipod
-personalized notepad
-pens(pretty ones, of course)
-headphones
-travel size devotional
-favorite gum 
-lots of chocolate
-rolled up scarf 

{Men}
-cologne
-socks
-beef jerky
-pocket knife
-mini flashlight
-gloves
-beanie 
-razor
-deodarent 
-movie tickets
-gift cards
-tickets to something he loves
-deck of cards(personalized ones are cool)
-favorite gum or candy
-bookmark
-video game
-ipod
-mini tablet
-nice watch
-Fitbit 
-phone case
-zip ties
-guitar pics(if your man is into that)
-personalized coupons for things he likes

I hope these lists have helped those who have "stocking-stuffers block" which is seriously real and no fun! Alright everyone, get to stuffing those stockings and have a blessed day! 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Capture December

Recently, I have started to take an interest in photography. I have only had a little bit of practice. My children have been a great way for me to test my skills. I can snap while messing with different settings and sometimes I end up with some great shots. I feel like I have learned a lot but I still feel that I have so much more to learn. I love Instagram because it is a fun way to remember to always be looking for inspiration and to be snapping photos. Every month there are photo challenges that you can partake in on Instagram. I have never done one before but when I saw a holiday one for December, I hopped right on board. I don't know if it is my Christmas spirit pushing me to do it or my desire to actually finish a challenge, but I'm doing it and encouraging you to do it too! This is a great way to let your creative side take the wheel and go wild! It is also a great way to get some lighting and angle practice. It is only day 3 so it is not too late to begin!! Are you ready??         {{1, 2, 3... GO, Capture December!}}
{My first 3 days}

Winter Must Haves

Leaves have all fallen and so has the temperature. Thanksgiving is gone and Christmas decorations are popping up everywhere. Winter is here! If you are like me, each season brings much excitement because it means different outfit options and pairings. Personally, winter is my favorite season to dress. I love boots, scarves, sweaters, and hats! I was organizing my closet this morning and I got to thinking about the things I tend to repeat a lot during these winter months.
Top 10 Winter Must Haves In My Wardrobe
  1. {Skinny Jeans} Or cords or how about a pair of both! For me, these are a must! Skinny jeans go with anything. You can dress them up or keep it casual. They are wonderful for sliding perfectly into your favorite boot. Corduroy pants have been around forever and they have always been a winter wardrobe piece. Now they have made them "skinny" which is even better. Skinny cords bring texture and warmth to an outfit. Color makes them even better! 
  2. {Boots} I seriously wear boots with almost every outfit in the winter. These also can be dressed up or worn as casual. I know knee-high boots are a must for winter 2013 but I am just under 6ft so they never work right for me. It helps to have a black pair and a brown pair just so you match them to anything in your closet. I have recently found boot socks and I am so glad I did. Not only do they add extra warmth but they make an outfit look even cuter. 
  3. {Chambray Shirt} Who knew that a jean button up shirt would be so popular!? They are kind of pricey anywhere you go but they are definitely a must have. All you have to do is find one perfect chambray and you are set for many cool options. Chambray shirts look great by themselves, paired with a colored cardigan or blazer, under a sweater, or under a dress. This shirt might be expensive but because it is so versatile you get your money's worth!! I think Audrey from Putting Me Together does a great job showing you the different ways to wear chambray. You can check it out here: http://www.puttingmetogether.com/2013/10/how-to-wear-chambray-for-fall-7-style.html
  4. {Scarves} These are wonderful additions to an outfit in the winter. There is nothing better than some neck "bling!" Layering statement necklaces is the way to go but when it is cold out necklaces won't keep you warm. Scarves not only add some "bling" to your neck but they also keep you nice and cozy. There are so many different ways to wear a scarf and so many different patterns out there. I highly recommend collecting a few for your wardrobe, especially some chunky ones. You won't regret it!
  5. {Statement Sweaters} This is one of the biggest trends for this winter season. You might be seeing them everywhere! I have a few from Old Navy. Statement sweaters have short phrases, one word, or an animal on them. They are kind of funky but super cute. They also can be worn as casual or dressy. What statement will you wear??
  6. {Over-sized Sweaters} In the winter, I just can't get enough sweaters! All different sizes, textures, and colors. One of my personal favorites is the over-sized sweater. They are so comfy and chill looking. They look great paired with skinny jeans or leggings with a pair of boots. Whenever I am in a hurry, these are my go to pieces because they look great in a flash.
  7. {Colorful Coat} I love bright colored coats and apparently so does everyone else in the fashion world. Adding color to your coat collection is considered a must have for winter this year. I love my bright red coat! It adds a little something extra to my outfits. I would love a pretty green coat but my wallet won't allow me to take one home :) If you are out looking for a winter coat, I suggest that you push the envelope a little and go for color!
  8. {Sequins, Sparkles, & Stripes} Ah the three "S's" for your winter must haves. You can never go wrong with any of these three. Sequined skirts or tanks are great for a night out or any of the many holiday parties this season. Sparkly flats, belts, or jewelry are perfect for accessorizing any outfit! Stripes, stripes, stripes!! I can't get enough stripes. Shirts, sweaters, pants are all beautiful in stripes. They bring a cool, classy look to any outfit. 
  9. {Vests} I just purchased a pink one from Old Navy and I am so in love. I have my eyes on a particular striped vest from JCrew now. Vests are great because they just slip right on but can make a huge difference in any outfit. Not only do they help your outfit but these too help keep you warm. They look great over sweaters, dresses, and shirts! Vests are new to my wardrobe but I am so happy that I invited them in!! I have a feeling you will love them in your closet as well!
  10. {Leopard} Anything you can get your hands on that is leopard is great! Right now, my leopard flats are worn on the repeat. I love them so much and they bring something extra to my outfits. Leopard belts, scarves, or cardigans are all great additions to your wardrobe. If you are brave, maybe even a leopard coat!
So now you know some of my personal favorites and must haves this winter. What are some of you favorites and must haves? Get to styling and have a blessed, beautiful day!
With Love, 
Brianna

Hey Y'all!


Welcome to my blog! My name is Brianna and I am new to the blog world. Here is a little bio about myself. I am 22 and married with two children. I got married to the love of my life in 2011. Right away, I was pregnant with my son, Caleb. When Caleb was about 9 months old, we found out that we were pregnant with our second baby. This summer I gave birth to my beautiful daughter Cate. I am still in school slowly trying to finish my degree. I love my family, photography, fashion, and most of all coffee. After spending about two years in maternity clothes, I have a burning desire in me to get back some style. I have been following some style bloggers and they inspired me that anyone can dress to impress. Sometimes when you have young children, it is hard to put yourself together. I know for me it is easier to just throw on some yoga pants and t-shirt and throw my hair up in a messy bun before I head out. There is just something fun about putting together an outfit and it makes me feel much more confident when I go out. I also love to dabble a little into photography. My husband got me a very nice camera last Christmas and I have been practicing on my kids. I am constantly learning and maybe I can help someone else that is beginning as well. This blog is just a place for me to share my interests, thoughts, and everyday life. Hopefully, you will enjoy!