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!

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!