Holiday Gift Giving with #MeijerBeauty

I received beauty products from Meijer to help promote the Meijer Beauty Department. All opinions expressed are my own.

brace-yourselves-the-holidays-are-coming

For those of you Game of Thrones fans, I thought I would interject a little holiday humor. I love the holiday and I dread the holidays at the same time. I love the season and everything it stands for, but sometimes I get overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done over the next few weeks. That’s where Meijer comes in.

meijer-night-704x550

Meijer has sent me their Bath Collection gift sets to help prepare for my upcoming holiday celebrations. These bath sets are perfect to:

  • Have on hand for last minute presents
  • Prepare for holiday house guests
  • Give for Secret Santa or gift exchanges
  • Bring for a holiday party hostess gift
  • Tuck in as a stocking stuffer
  • Pamper yourself when things start to get crazy

Meijer has sent me two of these awesome gift sets, one to keep and one to give away. I thought about who I would want to give my second set away to and I decided to give it away to one lucky reader to use for one of the reasons above. You will receive body wash, body lotion, body scrub and a bath puff all in the heavenly Winter White Vanilla scent.

I would love to hear what you plan to do with the gift set should you win!

meijer bath set

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more Meijer beauty posts, click here.



The Good Wife “Message Discipline” Recap

This week, we start off with Finn Polmar’s (Matthew Goode) perspective. He is under a lot of pressure to close the case with Cary (Matt Czuchry) and starts by bringing Geneva Pine (Renee Elise Goldsberry) back into the fold. You can tell that he has feelings for Alicia (Julianne Marguiles) because he warns her about Cary being in hot water.

Eli (Alan Cumming) is always good at his job and is able to sniff out that someone else is getting into the race for State Attorney. He stops by to share the good news with Alicia. She is wearing an Escada Contrast-Lapel Tuxedo Jacket ($465). This BCBGMAXAZRIA Women’s Marcelle Color Blocked Blazer ($235.99) is similar:

escada tuxedo

Things aren’t looking good for Cary, but Alicia still has to campaign, so her prep continues. Diane (Christine Baranski) has to subpoena Peter (Chris Noth), but his new lawyer, Ramona (Connie Nielsen) tries to quash it. Nobody is on Cary’s side it seems. Diane wore a Paul Smith tailored jacket ($1,127). This Alice + Olivia Geometric-Print One-Button Blazer ($139.50) is similar:

paul smith blazer

Alicia meets up with Finn for drinks and find out that he has quit the prosecutor’s office because Castro is being unethical. He is one of my favorite new characters…if only Alicia wasn’t married he would be a great match for her. She wore an Alexander McQueen Crepe Blazer (sold out). This JCrew Factory Crepe Blazer ($118) is similar:

alexander mcqueen

What did you think about this episode?

You can still watch it here if you missed it.

For more The Good Wife recaps, click here.



Friday Favorites: Advent Calendars

I stumbled across something awesome this week and upon further investigation decided it would be the perfect topic for my Friday Favorites post. I love counting down with advent calendars. I have a cute fabric one with a mouse that moves from day to day and we always get the little chocolate ones from the grocery stores, but this year I have hit the jackpot with advent calendars. Did you know that there are beauty advent calendars? Well I didn’t and now I want them all! Just wait until you see the goodies I have for you below…the holidays will never be more glamorous!

1. Benefit Cosmetics Advent Calendar ($99)

This is awesome! Benefit gives us a beauty treat everyday with 24 mini beauty essentials. There are some great minis in here, including They’re Real! Mascara, Fakeup concealer, Ooh la lift eye cream and so much more!

benefit-advent-calendar

2. The Body Shop Advent Calendar ($75)

This one has some great pampering treats. It includes fun stuff like Almond Hand and Nail Cream, Frosted Cranberry Shimmer Lotion, Vitamin E Moisture Cream, Shea Body Butter and many more!

body shop advent

3. Lush 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar ($99.95)

This one has some fun bath bombs, melts and shower gels. Super decadent!

lush-advent-calendar

4. Petite Treats 12 Days of Tarte Deluxe Collection ($37)

I’m not as familiar with Tarte products but this collection has some awesome stuff!

Petite-Treats-12-Days-of-Tarte-Deluxe-Collection-Advent-Calender

5. Starbucks® 2014 Advent Calendar ($29.95)

I had some other beauty calendars but they are already sold out. I was also eyeing this calendar from Starbucks. You get $25 sweet treats and a $5 gift card. YUM!

fy15_advent_calender_us_0

My only question is do you think it’s bad if I get them all?

I am excited that Five on Friday with A Liz AdventuresThe Good Life BlogHello Happiness and Carolina Charm is back. While it was gone I joined a few other link ups and I am loving meeting everyone!

5 on Friday Logo - Final

If you would like to join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Momfessionals

For more Friday Favorites posts, click here.


Scandal “An Innocent Man” Recap

This week’s Scandal starts out with a dream sequence where Olivia (Kerry Washington) is torn between her two lovers. Who will she choose? In her dream she sports this Golightly Swimsuit by Oye Swimwear ($350). I found this Block Party Front Zip One-Piece Swimsuit by Seafolly ($142) to recreate the look for less.

oye

Mellie (Bellamy Young) finally gets back in action as first lady when she has to plan a funeral for a former president. She looks great in a sold out Michael Kors dress. This Kasper Lace Panel Sheath Dress ($59.99) is similar:

michael kors

In the meantime, Olivia wore a fabulous Check Trench Coat from The Limited Scandal Collection (sold out) to meet a client in prison. I would keep my eye on eBay to see if this pops up. I did find this Line & Dot Plaid Keaton Trench Coat here and here for $107-120.

limited check trench coat

I love when Abby (Darby Stanchfield) finally stood up to Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) for Olivia. She might be mad at Olivia, but she is a good friend in the end.

Olivia and Quinn (Katie Lowes) meet their new client, Leonard Carnahan (Brian Benben), and it is interesting when he quotes Olivia back to her, saying “The truth is like the sun.” Olivia wore an Escada Draped Silk Tee (sold out). I liked this Halogen Sleeveless Drape Neck Top ($11.90) because it had a higher quality material to match the Escada look:

escada draped blouse

I loved the scene with Mellie and Bitsy Cooper, the former first lady. I think she gave Mellie some hope for the future.

Abby’s rant towards Fitz got him to show up at Olivia’s door. Olivia wore the Ilia Ribbed Cocoon Cardigan from The Row ($1990). This Leith Open Front Long Cardigan ($82) is similar:

the row

I also have to take a second and applaud Olivia’s statement for Fitz not to call Abby a bitch and not to use that word to describe women. Kudos to Shonda for adding that in there!

Olivia and team are able to get an autopsy on the late president and David Rosen (Joshua Malina) catches on to what they did. I have to say that they are good. Olivia wore a sold out Armani Collezioni Jacquard Asymmetric-Front Jacket and carried her Prada Saffiano Lux Double-Zip Tote ($2500). This Anne Klein Women’s Houndstooth Metal and Contrast Detail Jacket ($139) and Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Tote ($298) are similar:

armani collezioni houndstooth

Unfortunately, in the end Olivia gets played by Carnahan, but she does get a one up on her father by out manipulating him with Fitz. She ends up saving Jake’s life which is a start.

I loved Mellie with Bitsy at the funeral. That was the best we have seen her all season, I can’t wait to see more of her comeback!

Abby gets to call Cyrus (Jeff Perry) out on his secret tryst. That was a great moment on Abby’s part. She is starting to come into her own.

Olivia wore an Alexander Wang Mesh Combo Racer Back One-Piece Swimsuit (sold out). This La Blanca Sheer-Inset One-Piece Swimsuit ($109) is similar:

alexander wang

What do you think Papa Pope will do next week?

If you missed it, you can still watch it here.

For more Scandal recaps click here.

You’re Invited: Kate Spade The Sky’s the Limit

I was generously offered the opportunity to host a party at Kate Spade at the Somerset Collection this Sunday, November 16, 2014 to celebrate the launch of the new holiday collection. Kate Spade is also offering my readers 25% off any purchase they make at the event! If you are in the area on Sunday, I hope you can join us!

Kate Spade Holiday Collection

I was thrilled when I saw the new holiday campaign for Kate Spade. I LOVE Las Vegas and having the catalog inspired by old Vegas glamour is right up my alley. They also recruited Anna Kendrick to be the face of their campaign. These pictures are fabulous and I can’t wait to shop this collection. You can check out the entire lookbook here.

vegas 2

Here are my favorite pieces from the upcoming holiday collection:

Wine Totes ($28)

There are two different versions of this adorable wine tote. These would look awesome as hostess gifts.

wine tote

MADISON AVE. COLLECTION DESSA DRESS ($798)

I just love this! So beautiful!

madison

KATE SPADE EARRINGS SMALL SQUARE STUDS ($38)

I love my Kate Spade stud earrings, but they have blown them out of the water with this sparkly version. A definite holiday must have!

studs

Tippy Sweater ($268)

This is the perfect holiday sweater, this only problem is deciding what color to get.

tippy

PLACE YOUR BETS EMANUELLE ($328)

This would be the perfect clutch for a Vegas or casino trip!

card clutch

PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT TEE ($78)

I love the sparkly component on this shirt.

cards tee

EVENING BELLES FEATHER MIMI ($398)

This is just so feminine, I love it!

feather clutch

MADISON AVE. COLLECTION MARCI TOP ($798)

marci

PLACE YOUR BETS LULU ($228)

Another great Vegas piece.

lulu

SILVER CLUTCH ($78)

This comes in gold as well.

bow clutch

BEJEWELED 2014 ANNUAL ORNAMENT, ICE CAP ($60)

ornament

What are your favorite pieces from this collection?

Click here to see my picks from the Hello Tokyo party.



Revenge “Repercussions” Recap

I can’t believe Victoria’s (Madeline Stowe) nerve to take David (James Tupper) to “Amanda’s” grave. How does she think this will end well when he finds out that she knew Amanda (Emily VanCamp) is alive? Victoria wore a Graphic Color Block dress from Karen Millen (sold out). I found two great options to recreate this look, the first a Calvin Klein Color Block Ponte Sheath Dress ($82.99) and the second a Andrew Marc Women’s Sleeveless Color-Block Sheath Dress ($38.40):

karenmillen

Of course Margaux (Karine Vanasse) wants the inside story and is annoyed that after Victoria asked her for money that she isn’t getting the first interview. Margaux is ready for work in an Alexander McQueen Military Cowl Dress in White (sold out). This Bebe Rose Smoke Cowl Neck Dress ($129) is a little different, but I thought it was a similar look that would be appropriate for work.

alexander mcqueen

Daniel (Josh Bowman) asks Margaux to keep their relationship private – he has learned from the past and prefers not to be a public figure. It’s a sweet moment between them as he helps her with her earring. She wore these Sterling Silver and Pearl Linear Drop Earrings from Lord & Taylor ($30).

pearl earrings

Daniel’s top priority right now is to keep Louise (Elena Satine) happy and re-establish his credibility in the business world. Louise is unpredictable and has him meet her during a shopping excursion. This girl looks fabulous all the time and makes and entrance in this Michael Kors Gold Leather-piped Strapless Dress (sold out). I loved this dress and looked hard for something similar. I came up with two options, the first  –  Abstract Embroidered Bodycon Dress from Forever 21 ($27.90) and the second – Simply Liliana Cap-Sleeve Lace Sheath from JCP ($83.99):

michael kors strapless

She goes in for the kill with this Embellished Bandage Gown by Herve Leger (sold out). This Dramatic Bandage Pearl Prom Gown by Terani Couture ($482) is the perfect match:

herve leger

Emily tries to see David at his hotel, but someone makes an attempt on his life. Unfortunately, Victoria has seen to it that only family members can visit David so Emily tries to get in through Charlotte (Christa B. Allen). Charlotte is wearing the Lace Bird Jacquard Dress by Alexander McQueen ($897). This Jacquard Cap-Sleeve Dress from Line ($55.60) is the perfect look for less:

alexander mcqueen city bird

Charlotte’s loyalties are sketchy at best and just when you think she is going to side with Emily, she switches back to Victoria instead. Emily wears Stella McCartney Straight Leg Pants ($297.98) and Arte Designs Blue Topaz Link Earrings ($82). To recreate the look, I found this Pleione Mixed Media Tunic ($58) and the Perfect Form Mini Bootcut Pant from White House Black Market ($88):

stella mccartney

On the other side of town, Daniel finally gives in to Louise’s seduction. It wasn’t that difficult  – he was an easy mark. Too bad for Margaux who was way out of his league. Louise wore a Herve Leger Bateau Neck Dress (sold out). This Rachel Pally Sylvia Dress ($84.99) is a great match:

herve leger batau

I don’t understand why no one tells David that Amanda is still alive or that Amanda is Emily! I guess that would ruin the fun – but seriously it is driving me nuts! Emily looks for a way to connect with David away from Victoria, so she strikes a deal with Margaux. Emily wore a Fluted Hem Dress by Armani (sold out). I found a few options to recreate this look. The first, a Short Sleeve Fluted Bodycon Dress from Charlotte Russe ($26.99) and the second, a Susana Monaco Edina Scoop Back Dress ($74.99):

armani

Margaux is a businesswoman at heart, she doesn’t get too involved in these power plays but her loyalty always lies with the business. She struck a deal in a chartreuse sheath. I found this Calvin Klein Cutout Sheath Dress ($98) and this Ellen Tracy Short-Sleeve Pleat-Waist Sheath ($98) to match:

chartreuse

Margaux uses this is a way to help Daniel reinstate his good standing in the community. Victoria is none too happy when Daniel presents David with the deed to his old beach house. Victoria wore a Crocheted and stretch-knit peplum dress from Oscar de la Renta ($864). Modcloth has a few options to match this look, the first a Damask Masquerade Dress ($89.99), the second, a Captivate the Crowd Dress ($169.99), the third, a Penchant for Posh Dress ($109.99).

oscar de la renta

Emily discovers that Margaux is in bed with Daniel, which means she isn’t a true ally. Margaux wore an Embellished Woven and Cotton-Tweed Dress by Jason Wu (sold out). I chose this Ellen Tracy Sleeveless Floral-Sequin Sheath ($101.99) as a look for less. It comes in black or white.

jason wu

Louise discovers that Daniel is really involved with Margaux and confronts him about it. They agree to remain friends and business partners, that is until Louise calls Page Six with an anonymous tip. She wore a sexy graphic print strapless dress. I found this WOW Couture Dress ($49.72) as a look for less:

strapless

So once David finally gets in the house, he is reminded of Amanda and plays a song they used to dance to. Was anyone else yelling at the TV that this was her moment to tell him? He was alone and thinking of her! The writers tried to play it off like she needed more time, but I think this was really dumb. They were just trying to keep the secret/plot going and I think that they might have jumped the shark a little bit here.

In other news, Charlotte is getting back to her partying ways. I really don’t understand this girl. She wore a sequin sheath to the club. The style is a little different, but I think this Adrianna Papell Illusion Yoke Beaded Sheath Dress ($258) had s similar silhouette:

sequin sheath

What did you think of the this week’s episode? Are you ready for Emily to reveal herself?

If you missed it, you can purchase it on iTunes.

For more Revenge recaps, click here.



Friday Favorites: Hostess Gifts

Since the party season is quickly approaching I figured I would make today’s Friday Favorites about hostess gifts. I wanted to make these all fairly inexpensive in case you have a lot of parties on the horizon.

1.Voluspa Maison Holiday – Visions of Sugar Plum Petite Decorative Tin Candle ($9)

voluspa

2. Wine Cork Candle Set ($9.95)

After everyone leaves the party, you can use these babies to make candles out of your empty wine bottles.

wine candle

3. Hands of Hope Ornament ($10)

hands of hope

 

4. Ivory Pashmina Shawl ($9.99)

pashmina

5. Kate Spade Take Note Mini Notebook ($14)

kate spade notebook

What are your favorite hostess gifts?

I am excited that Five on Friday with A Liz AdventuresThe Good Life BlogHello Happiness and Carolina Charm is back. While it was gone I joined a few other link ups and I am loving meeting everyone!

5 on Friday Logo - Final

If you would like to join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Momfessionals

For more Friday Favorites posts, click here.


The Good Wife “Old Spice” Recap

This episode had everything! More interactions between Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) and Josh Perotti (Kyle MacLachlan), Diane (Christine Baranski) taking on Lockhart, Gardner, Canning and Cary (Matt Czuchry) ending up right back where he started. Elsbeth and Alicia (Julianna Marguiles) are on the same side this week against Perotti. In court, Alicia wore an Alexander McQueen Pinstriped Blazer ($1785) and Pucci V-Neck Blouse. To recreate the look, I found this Topstitched Pinstripe One Button Jacket ($54) and Vince Camuto Faux Wrap Shirttail Blouse ($47.40):

The Good Wife McQueen

I love how Elsbeth tried to use her feminine wiles to distract Perotti, but then it ended up backfiring on her. I usually am not a huge fan of her outfits, but I loved her Ted Baker Blare Wispy Meadow Jacket ($375). I found this Paperwhite Floral One-Button Blazer ($111) to recreate the look:

Ted baker floral blazer

Diane is in charge of taking on David Lee (Zach Grenier) and Louis Canning (Michael J Fox) to fight over the Lockhart Gardner office. They trade technicalities until they back her into a corner. In a hilarious move, they are forced to “hire” Howard in order for Diane to keep the property. She wore a stunning blue Broken Elbow Dress by No. 35 ($845.50) and the Winter’s Dream Necklace by Daniel Lawson for Pono. This Ellen Tracy Three-Quarter-Sleeve Seamed-Panel Sheath ($108) is a great match:

number 35

In the meantime Cary was drowning his sorrows at a Harvard mixer over state lines, which means that he broke the terms of his parole…on a technicality. His parole officer was not having any of his excuses.

I was dying laughing during Elsbeth and Josh’s sex on the desk, the music combined with the shirt ripping was just hilarious. It was the perfect light-hearted scene to combat all of the serious scenes with Cary.

Alicia and Cary have a nice moment where she gives her full support to him in spite of their professional differences with the firm. She is wearing one of her favorite sold-out Armani Collezioni Blazers. This Calvin Klein Cross-Dyed Blazer ($99.99) is similar:

armani blazer

What a shocker that the judge approving the restriction that Cary can’t see Kalinda anymore – this will make for an interesting development going forward.

Josh and Elsbeth ended up screwing each other over in court, but they seemed to enjoy it. It’s too bad they won’t be regulars, they are hilarious together.

In the end, Alicia and Diane came full circle – back at Lockhart Gardner. Nothing was more heart-wrenching than Alicia sitting in Will’s chair. Alicia wore an Akris Belted Stretch Flannel Dress ($2990). I liked this Pendleton Worsted Wool Flannel Town Dress ($103.99) to recreate the look:

akris dress

I also thought it was funny that all of the keyboards had the A,F, and L keys removed. I think they did that to George W. Bush and removed all of the W’s…ha! Diane looked great in a Number 35 Lilly Blazer ($1368.91) and marcasite bird pin. I had a hard time finding a similar fur lined jacket, so that might be a DIY project, but I did find this Linea by Louis Dell’Olio Lace Print Jacket with Seaming Detail ($61) which I think could give you a similar look. I also like this Marcasite Feather Brooch ($45):

number 35 lilly

What did you think about this episode?

You can still watch it here if you missed it.

For more The Good Wife recaps, click here.



November 2014 Pinspired

For this month’s Pinspired, I wanted to put together some over the knee boot looks. I’ve mentioned in the past how I’ve had trouble finding boots that fit my calves. Well, The Avenue has solved that problem and I found this amazing Eiffel Over the Knee Boots ($49.99). Now I’m just not sure how to style them, so when in doubt look to Pinterest for inspiration!

eiffel boots

I found this photo on Pinterest and I knew it was something I could pull off:

pinterest

To kick off the look, you’ll need leggings. I love the Hue Ultra Wide Waistband Leggings ($36). They are so comfy! I already have these in black, so the look is halfway there.

hue

I thought this Alfani Poncho Turtleneck Sweater ($46.99) was perfect for this look!

alfani

I also thought if I wanted to dress it up for the holidays, I could swap for this DKNY Sequin High/Low Pullover ($99.50):

dkny

I had a hard time find a bag to match the original look until I found this Maelle Satchel from Guess ($69.50):

guess

How would you style over the knee boots?

If you want to join this month’s Pinspired with Shay at MixandMatchMama, Sheaffer at Pinterest Told Me To and Mel at The Larson Lingo click the button below:

pinspired2 copy

For more Pinspired posts, click here.


Scandal “The Key” Recap

Things start to heat up in this week’s episode of Scandal, when Olivia (Kerry Washington) and Quinn (Katie Lowes) witness a murder in their ongoing investigation of Catherine Winslow’s (Sonya Walger) case. It is odd for Olivia to be present at a stakeout, but she thinks Jake (Scott Foley) is ignoring her and is trying to stay busy. I really liked the blazer that she wore, it is hard to see, but it is a black and blue colorblock style. Olivia also wears her trademark Monique Pean Infinity Ring and Movado Women’s ‘Concerto’ Gold Plated Stainless Steel Watch ($1979.99). To recreate her look, I found this BCBGMAXAZRIA Women’s Oscar Color Blocked Jacket ($145.92), Rhinestoned Infinity Ring ($2.03) and Kate Spade Gramercy Pave Grand ($149.98):

monica pean

Olivia is at home, drinking her signature wine and relaxing hoping Jake will call, when Papa Pope (Joe Morton) comes by with a bottle of wine. Olivia wears La Perla pajamas ($258) and a Heathered Bruleee Cashmere Long Robe ($495). To get the look for less, try these Women’s Silk Pajamas ($109) and Restoration Hardware Cashmere Robe ($299):

cashmere

Olivia takes the next step in her investigation by confronting Jeremy Winslow in public and then has Quinn follow him to see what his next steps are. She looks stunning in the restaurant wearing a MaxMara Ella Short Sleeve Coat ($722.39), Sermoneta Sophia Gloves ($280) and Prada Glace Calf Twin Pocket Tote Bag, Natural ($2,350). To recreate her look, I found this G.E.T. Day Coat ($164.99), Ralph Lauren Color Block Opera Glove ($98) and this Michael Kors Jet Set East West Leather Tote Bag ($248):

maxmara

Olivia and Quinn figure out that they need to find the key to a locker to uncover the rest of the murder mystery. Olivia recycles her Armani Collezioni Single Button Jacket (sold out) and her marble Prada Saffiano Cuir Tote (sold out).To recreate the look, I found a Classic One-Button Blazer ($34.90) and  the Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Saffiano Leather Tote ($268):

armani collezioni2

Olivia finally figures out that something has happened to Jake and then everyone shuts her out. Her only option is to try to get Abby (Darby Stanchfield) to help her. They must have filmed these scenes at the same time as last week’s scenes because Abby is wearing the Dries Van Noten Geometric-Print Silk Blouse ($449) again. This Polka Dot Chiffon Secretary Blouse ($48)  is similar:

polka dot blouse2

Cyrus (Jeff Perry) pays a courtesy visit to Olivia to let her know Jake’s fate. Since he killed Cyrus’ husband he doesn’t seem to care that Jake is being wrongly accused. It is so clear in Jake’s interrogation that Fitz (Tony Goldwyn) is only letting this play out because he is jealous of Jake’s relationship with Olivia. Olivia confronts her father, who confirms her suspicions that Jake is innocent.

Quinn does a little surgery and is able to locate the missing key, who knows where the next clue will lead…

Because of Jake’s interrogation, Fitz misses his daily cemetery trip with Mellie (Bellamy Young) and she freaks out. He finally tells her the truth about their son and she understands why Fitz has been married to his job. She finally pulls herself together and hopefully will make her time in the White House count.

What did you think about this week’s episode of Scandal? Will Jake’s name ever be cleared? What will Mellie get up to next?

If you missed it, you can still watch it here.

For more Scandal recaps click here.



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