Colorful Gym Style

Need to jazz up your exercise routine in the new year? Try adding some bright workout clothes for fun. You'll feel a lot happier as you're getting healthier. More motivation! No excuses! 
(Source: Colorful Gym Style on Polyvore)

"Perfect Crew" (Source: Victoria's Secret)

V-neck Top (Source: Question-Air)

Yoga Top (Source: H&M)

Sneaker Socks (Source: Keds)

Sports Bra (Source: Target)

Nike Mesh Sneakers (Source: NET-A-PORTER)

"Sweat in Style" collage (Source with links: Bedazzles After Dark)

And while this pullover isn't very colorful, it sure is fun! 

Maybe for relaxing after a workout?

"My Yoga Pants" Pullover (Source: Zazzle) 

Finally, this inspiring quote adds a colorful thought 

about how to truly exercise your heart!

New Year's Closet

Looking for an inspiring and fun New Year's resolution? Closet organization ranks at the top of mine. An organized closet makes my life calmer and easier each day. It's much less of a hassle to pick out my own outfits - and keeps down the mess when my three daughters look for clothes in my walk-in.
Below are several closets, which aren't all realistic, but definitely add a kickstart to this resolution. And when you get back to reality, look further below for tips and examples of simple closet organizers!

(Source: Elegant Closet on Polyvore)

(Source: Ballard Designs)

(Source: decor pad)

(Source: Who What Wear)

(Source: decor pad)
Elegant closets like those above are a reality for only a few people.
But Ballard Designs offers a few tips to create your own version.
1. Design and visualize your dream closet.
2. Tuck special details into your closet.
3. Claim an unused corner for shoes, etc.
4. Corral your shoes in cabinets or cubbies.
5. Organize jewelry and accessories.
6. Combine storage needs for different items.
7. Add a vanity.
(Source: Ballard Designs)

Drawer Divider ($1.99 for three pack)

(Source: ikea )

Multi-use Hanger, $6.79

(Source: ikea)

Box Set, $11.98

(Source: ikea)

Wall Organizer, $136

(Source: ikea)

So instead of spring cleaning, start winter organizing.

And start with a fresh, peaceful look in your closet!

Street Style (for less)

Over the last few years, "Street Style" has grown in popularity around the world. This look is defined as "any offbeat or avant-garde fashion inspired by the contemporary culture of urban street people."

How great! While I'm doing one of my favorite pastimes "people watching", I can actually find ideas for new outfits. (Unless I'm looking at "the people of Walmart" -- Ha!) The outfit below would cost more than $8,000, but with a little searching, you can snag the look at a fraction of the cost.

(Source: Street Style - Leopard Coat by lgb321 on Polyvore)

MANGO black shirt
$39 - johnlewis.com

Oscar de la Renta coat
$5,050 - farfetch.com

Maison Martin Margiela jeans
$98 - vestiairecollective.com

Simone Rocha flat shoes
$260 - ssense.com

Salvatore Ferragamo black purse
$3,299 - luisaviaroma.com

Movado watch
$150 - macys.com


A substitute for the leather print faux fur coat is a more reasonable $178 at Nordstrom.

And a very similar black bag is available at  Pink Soda for $47.

Finally, you can buy a pair of similar flats for  $32 at Sole Society.

.

"Street Style" can reveal great trends, but with thoughtful shopping you can create your own new and less expensive look!

DIY Mercury Glass Ornaments

Mercury glass has always caught my eye, with its vintage, textured look. And during the holidays, mercury glass ornaments are a wonderful addition to our Christmas tree.
DIY Mercury Glass Ornaments

Making your own mercury glass ornaments requires few supplies and little time. Supplies include: clear glass ornaments, Krylon Looking Glass Mirror spray paint (available at many craft stores and on Amazon.com), metallic gold craft paint, a spray bottle of water and a hair dryer. Using these few supplies, you can create beautiful ornaments in a few minutes. First, spray the inside of the clear ornament with the Krylon spray paint. Then add the metallic gold craft paint, using a blowdryer to swirl the paint for about 20 seconds. Finally, spray a mist of water inside, and you're done! New or old, mercury glass ornaments will add a classic touch to your Christmas tree...

(Source: All's Fair in Love and Design)

(Source: Little Green Notebook)

(Source: Teal and Lime)

(Source: Every Day Home)

DIY Holiday Tree

Creating a beautiful Christmas tree - that also has personal touches - can be especially time-consuming. But I recently discovered a site, TomKat Studio, that shows how to create the lovely tree below in a short amount of time. 

The Polyvore board above DIY Holiday Tree shows most of the details.

The site's creator Kim Stoegbauer crafted a beautiful handmade garland, 
with instructions at TomKat Studio.

 I love my children's preschool ornaments decorated with 

glitter and macaroni. In fact, I have a small tree covered 

with these keepsakes. It will always be my favorite tree!! 

But on our family's larger tree, personalized frames 

with more current pictures would look wonderful! 

Kim personalized her tree with beautiful handmade photo frames.

Easy instructions for this project can also be found at TomKat Studio.

For a little more twinkle, you can add fairy lights available at Amazon for $14. 

They are available here at: Amazon. 

And by adding some glitter ornaments and a few mercury glass balls, 

you'll have a personalized tree that takes little time or money. 

Then you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends - 

without spending a lot of time and money on your Christmas tree!

Festive Hostess Gifts

Getting ready for an Open House? Holiday party? Or family celebration? Now's the time to start thinking of a creative gift for your host!

FESTIVE HOSTESS GIFTS 

All the gifts above can be found on Polyvore. 
(And there are links for each hostess present in the set above.)
Two of my favorites are the St. Nick Candy Bowl and the 
Snowman Goody Jar. Both are cheerful and fun --
the kind of gift that will bring smiles 
to your hostess and other guests!

St. Nick Candy Bowl
(Source: Dot & Bo)

Snowman Goody Jar 

(Source: Zeckos)

Throwing a party is a lot of work. But with a little planning you'll bring happiness to your host with a thoughtful and clever gift!

Let It Snow

Let It Snow

Snowy weather doesn't mean your outfits have to be drab and dull. Combining a fresh mint sweater with gray jeans is a fabulous look! You'll instantly feel happier knowing that you've added a touch of sunshine to a snowy day!

(Source: Chicwish boat neck top)
chicwish.com

(Source: Ravn white jacket)
$775 - net-a-porter.com

(Source: 7 For All Mankind mid-rise jeans)
$140 - theoutnet.com

(Source: Pointed toe pumps)
sheinside.com

(Source: Pinterest)