Classic Farmhouse Style

Decorating in the Farmhouse Style is based on the three "C"s:  casual, comfortable and classic. And this style can be used in any home, regardless of location. Farmhouse decorating can be as expensive as you choose. On one hand, you can invest in a farmhouse sink, beadboard paneling and aged furniture. But you don't have to blow your budget. Just mix your own items that are simple, old, vintage, or rustic.

Classic Farmhouse Style on Polyvore

Overall, Farmhouse Style is characterized by five main elements:
1. Lots of wooden accents on paneling, floors - and even counter tops
2. A neutral color scheme using lots of white walls and accessories
3. Simple kitchen and dining areas
4. Open shelving and cabinets
5. An eclectic mix of furniture and fabrics 
Plus, a brick fireplace and rustic mantle would be a special bonus!

Lamps Plus

Crisp Architects

Lamps Plus

Country Living

Crisp Architects

Crisp Architects

The best part of Farmhouse Style is that you can mix rustic, vintage and more modern furnishings. Nothing has to be "perfect"! Aged furniture and unmatched fabrics add to the charm. So remember the three "C"s to create Farmhouse Style: comfortable, casual and classic!

Happy Mardi Gras!

One of the longest parties in the world, Mardi Gras has already started along the Gulf Coast. Originally founded in Mobile, Ala., thousands of locals and tourists have the largest celebrations in Mobile and New Orleans. From parties to parades, there's something for everyone during Mardi Gras!

How to make a Mardi Gras Wreath - Mardi Gras Outlet

Vintage-look fleur de lis from A Gilded Life

Recipe for Mini King Cakes from Eclectic Recipes

How to make Mardi Gras costumes from Love To Know

Recipe for Mardi Gras cookies from Nola Mommy

Creatively decorated Moon Pies on flickr

Knights of Revelry Parade on Mardi Gras Day in Mobile

Masked Kitty on flickr

Blogger Style

The world of fashion bloggers has spawned "Blogger Style" - new and creative online fashion looks. Popular blogs, such as Atlantic Pacific, have spotlighted a variety of styles from casual to dressy.
Usually, I can find many similar pieces in my own closet. So go online and look for fashion blogs to inspire your own style. Below are a some fashion sets featured on Polyvore.

(Source: lgb321 on Polyvore)

(Source: helenevlacho on Polyvore)

(Source: kusja on Polyvore)

(Source: hamaly on Polyvore)

(Source: helenevlacho on Polyvore)

From casual day looks to classic evening fashion, "Blogger Style" offers something for everyone. So hit on the links below to see some popular sites featuring "Blogger Style"!
Atlantic-Pacific
Sincerely Jules
The Blonde Salad
Song of Style
Lauren Conrad (Chic of the Week)
Trop Rouge
Brooklyn Blonde
Eat Sleep Wear
The Spicy Stiletto

And for more inspiration...

Perfectly Clear Acrylic

Acrylic can add a sleek and modern edge to any room in your home. Acrylic desks inspire tidiness. Acrylic coffee tables appear to take up less space. And while many pieces of plexiglass furniture are costly, other less expensive accessories include soap dispensers, trays, frames, and vases. The list goes on and on. For inspiration, I found some great examples of clear and clean acrylics...

(Source: Perfectly Clear on Polyvore)

(Source: Brabourne Farm)

(Source: Elements of Style)

(Source: Fabulous Home)

(Source: My Style My Home)

(Source: My Style My House)

(Source: decoist)

(Source: My Style My House))

(Source: Overstock)

(Source: Shop Dandy)

(Source: Just A Girl)

Happy & Healthy

On most days, being "happy and healthy" is really easy, but on other days it takes so much work. In my own life, I've struggled with stress and anxiety many times. Who hasn't? Many triggers can affect my mood... work, children, lack of sleep, the weather, etc.  So how can I shake off the stress?

Happy Mood Board on Polyvore

Here are a few tips from Helpguide.org:

* Aim for 8 hours of sleep per night. Turn off the television, put down the computer, close the book.

* Get sunlight every day. Aim for at least 15 minutes.

* Exercise. Your mood can lighten whether you get an hour-long workout or a walk around the block.

* Keep stress in check. Figure out what your stressors are. They can include work overload, poor relationships, long "to do" lists, health problems, etc. Then create a plan to minimize or avoid them altogether.

* Practice relaxation techniques. In my own case, I try to start the day with some quiet prayer and meditation, reading a page from the daily devotional "Jesus Calling" and doing some yoga. Some mornings, I don't have time for any of these things. Those are the days when I can feel a negative change in my mood.

* Care for a pet. In addition to strong relationships with friends and family, the love from a pet can instantly boost my mood. Our Jack Russell, Lizzie, and Yorkie, Ella, always put me in a good mood. 

Another great idea is to develop a "wellness toolbox"! Possible mood boosters include:

* Spend time in nature

* Read a good book

* Watch a funny television show or movie

* Soak in a long, warm bath

* Start your day with a short "to do" list

* Talk to friends or family "face to face"

* Listen to music

* Do something spontaneous! -- Visit a museum! Go to the zoo! Get a drink at Starbucks!

So remember Voltaire's famous quote, "The most important decision you make is to be in a good mood." And, of course, PRAY! :)

Glamorous Gold

What could be more glamorous than gold? Shiny, metallic gold has made a huge resurgence in home decor. Gold is everywhere - from decorative objects to wall treatments. Below are a few shimmering ways to use gold in your home...

(Source: Organize with Style on Polyvore)

(Source: sugar paper)

(Source: Centsational Girl)

(Source: Classy Clutter)

(Source: houzz)

(Source: houzz)

(Source: mod-home.info)

(Source: Classy Clutter)

(Source: etsy)

(Source: The Southern Thing)

(Source: sugar paper)

(Source: etsy)

Drugstore Makeup - Top 10 Awards

One of my happiest shopping "finds" is discovering new makeup at a great price! While Sephora and Ulta are fun to wander through, Walgreens and Walmart offer really wonderful deals.


Top 10 Best Drugstore Makeup Awards on Polyvore

And besides a great price, drugstore makeup has gained popularity with better ingredients, packaging and promotion.
Recently, the site PageDaily chose their top selections from the makeup aisle. (You can find the complete article at PageDaily.)

So be sure to take this list on your next trip to the drugstore! So...drumroll...the Best Drugstore Makeup Awards go to:

Best Drugstore Lipstick: L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge, $9.95

Best Drugstore Foundation: Maybelline New York Fit Me! Foundation, $7.99

Best Drugstore Mascara: Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara, $9.99

Best Drugstore Bronzer: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Bronzer, $14.95

Best Drugstore Blush: Covergirl and Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush, $10.99

Best Drugstore Eyeliner: Milani Liquif’Eye Liquid-Like Eyeliner & Eye Liner Pencil, $6.99 and $3.99

Best Drugstore Eyeshadow: Revlon Colorstay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad & Revlon Luxurious Color Satin, Perle, & Matte Eyeshadows, $6.99 and $4.99

Best Drugstore Concealer: Almay Smart Shade Concealer, $8.99

Best Drugstore Makeup Remover: Andrea Eye Q’s Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $5.29

Best Drugstore Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, $9.99

Using makeup is fun for nearly every woman. But the words below remind me not to focus so much on the external...and more on the eternal!