OOTW: Monday

The weather has finally dropped here in Dallas and it's freezing cold (by my standards).  On one hand this is great because I can now wear my cardigans and sweaters, on the other hand I really hate to be cold.

I purchased these skinny jeans at a boutique in New Orleans called Bliss.  I cannot find them anywhere online, so I provided a similar pair from Gap in the link.

Cardigan: Banana Republic (similar) / Shirt: Banana Republic (similar) / Scarf: Happy Scarf / Jeans: Bliss (similar) / Wedges: Payless

Happy New Year's Eve.  My husband and I are going to a wedding tonight.  I'm really looking forward to it. The dress I'm wearing tonight is rented from Rent the Runway. So, look for a blog post soon about how that works and if it all turned out okay.

I hope you all have a fabulous evening.  Please be safe and thank you for reading my blog.

Also, I'm linking up today with Molly & Carly, because it's #YOLO Mondays.

Lola. Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays with your family and friends. I had a wonderful holiday vacation, even if I did get in trouble for eating an entire tootsie roll... And a pistachio shell. It's whatever. It was so nice and warm in Corpus Christi and so cold in Dallas when we returned. I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. The New Year is just around the corner. It is tradition to compile a list of resolutions with each New Year. This year will be no different, and I've already begun my list. I give you, my resolutions:

1. Lose weight. Now I know this is such a stereotypical resolution. The truth is that I have put on a little extra cushion around my mid section. Ideally I would like to lose at least 8 ounces. I mean, I know it seems extreme, but if I stay motivated I am confident that I can achieve this goal.

2. This leads me to my next resolution, which is exercise more. Sure, I hate the outdoors and the dirt and the leaves, but in order to achieve my ideal weight, I need to maintain a healthy diet and do more walking. The big ones love taking me on walks. They love walking around surrounding neighborhoods or taking me to the park. I'm the unmotivated one. Not this year. I am a new me.

3. Make new/more friends. I have friends. They just all happen to be human. I do have one really good dog friend. Her name is Libby, but I haven't seen her in ages. Years, even. I'm not the easiest to get along with. I need to work on my social skills. Maybe I will join a club or take a class. Yes, that will surely help me.

4. Read one entire book. I'm the worst at starting new books and never finishing them. I get too caught up in the news. I also watch entirely too much TV. Books are a great outlet from stress. They also happen to lull me to sleep. I'm confident that I will achieve this goal. I just need to do some research to find the perfect book.

What are some of your goals and resolutions?

I wish you all a fabulous New Year and I will catch up with you next Friday. In 2013.

Until Next time,
Lola

It's so cold!

Lola.Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

First things first, I get to announce the winners of the Giveaway.  Congratulations to:

thefordhouse: I would like to try the Stunner stick!
hollybeckerley: I would like to try Stunner!  Thanks, ;)

The woman will be reaching out to both of you to set up delivery arrangements.  Thank you for participating in our Giveaway.

Here's a list of my random thoughts:

1. So, the end of the world is... today.  In preparation I packed up some water and some dog food.  I threw in a rawhide bone for good measure.  I bought a helmet for Sheldon... then I started thinking.  If the world ends, then that probably means I just die, yes?  (Sheldon, too).  I'm going to have to re-think my preparation strategy.

2. Next week is Christmas!! I'm so excited.  I really love this time of the year.  Mainly, because I don't get left behind when the big ones go on road trips. I get to see my Nana.  And I get to eat food that I'm never allowed to eat.  I also get to spend entire days with the big ones.  That rarely happens.  They work, they run errands, etc.  The only other time I get the entire day with them is when one of them is sick.  That truly is not fun at all.

Merry Christmas Blog Readers.  I hope you all get to spend it surrounded by family and/or loved ones.

Until next time,
Lola

Yes, I'm still wearing that tattered green ribbon.

DIY Gift Idea

Have you entered to win the Blastflipstick Giveaway??  Enter here!

I wanted to make a small little something for our couple friends this year.  So, of course I perused Pinterest until I found a neat little gift.

Source: Pinterest via Happiness is... via Creative Gift & Party Ideas via Delightful Distraction

The above photo is the actual photo from Pinterest. My jars did not turn out quite so cute.

You will need 2 lemon wedges, 1 lime slice and 2 orange slices per jar.

Then add 3 cinnamon sticks, 2-3 tbsp. whole cloves and 3 bay leaves.

No matter what I'm making, I always make a mess.

Put all the above ingredients into a pint size jar and add water. 

I did not include a small strip of fabric under my lids, but I did tie some twine around the lid.  I also created labels with instructions.  Per the original post, the instructions should say the following:

Pour contents into saucepan on stove top and simmer

on low heat, add water as needed.

Refrigerate to keep fresh.

I, of course, made a jar for myself to test out.  I didn't want to gift some disgusting smelling concoction.  So, just empty the contents of one jar into a saucepan, simmer and enjoy.  It smells delightful.

OOTW: Christmas Party

Have you entered to win the Blastflipstick Giveaway??  Enter here!

This week's outfit is not what I wore to work today, but rather what I wore to a Christmas party on Saturday.  It was more of a casual type of party, so I didn't opt for a sequin or velvet outfit.  I just purchased this top, so I was excited to pair it and wear it out.

Top: Loft / Pants: Banana Republic / Shoes: Nine West (old) / Bracelets and necklace: Stella & Dot

These pants were on my Fall staples wishlist, so I was excited to snatch them up.  Although it is mid-December, we are still very much experiencing Fall weather.  This top is actually teal, which is now sold out.  Have you been to lots of Christmas parties this month?

Giveaway: Blastflipstick **CLOSED**

Welcome to my first Giveaway!  I’m a bzzagent, which is a type of WOM (word of mouth) campaign program.  You sign up for it, take some surveys and they email you inviting you to campaigns.  I’ve been participating for quite a few years now and I really enjoy it.  You get invited, they send you the product (or coupons), you try it, spread the word and report back.  I was recently invited to join the Cover Girl Blastflipstick campaign.  I’ve tried out many Cover Girl campaigns and I’m always excited to see their new products. 

They sent 3 full size products.  I decided I would try out one and give the other two away.  I tested "Vixen”.
Here’s what the colors look like on my skin.

The great thing about the blastflipstick is that it is dual ended.  One side has a creamy texture and the other side is more of a shimmer.  You can wear one end alone or you can layer the shimmer over the creamy.  There are several possibilities here.  I was actually a little wary of wearing these shades.  I’m not a huge lipstick fan, to be honest.  I have to say, though, I love the way they look on. 
Shimmer:

These colors go on very smooth and they are very moisturizing.  My lips never felt dry.  The color also lasted for quite a long time. 
Creamy:

I really love this look.  So, wear each end alone or pair them together.
Layered:

So, that’s my review.  I love the product and I will definitely be purchasing some more colors. 
Would you like to win a Cover Girl Blastflipstick?  I have two to Giveaway.  The colors are Stunner and Minx.  All you have to do to enter is visit the Cover Girl website and let me know what color you would love to try in the comments below.  Keep in mind though, that the two colors in the Giveaway are Stunner and Minx.  There will be two winners, each receiving one Blastflipstick.  The Giveaway ends Thursday, December 20th at 5 pm CST. The winners will be announced Friday.  Good luck!
*Disclaimer: I did receive free products in order to give this review, but the opinions expressed here are clearly my own. 

Lola. Dog

My Dearest Blog Readers,

Welcome to Friday.  I hope you have all had fabulous weeks and that you are ready for the crazy weekend.  Who's done with their Christmas shopping?  Yeah, I'm not either.  I have a few holiday parties to attend over the weekend, so I'm excited about that.  I have some random thoughts for today.

Fiscal cliff.  Yes, really.  I'm ready for some serious bipartisan converstations to take place.  If the Republicans and Democrats continue to battle head-to-head without compromise, nothing will ever be accomplished in this country.  Let's put our big girl/boy undies on and start making some compromises.  So, let's break this down as much as we can.  Big picture.  The Democrats want to raise taxes for the rich, meaning those that currently fall in the highest tax bracket.  Republicans instead want to make cuts to current deductions.  So, what happens if we go 'over the cliff'?  The Bush tax cuts expire, so all tax brackets will increase.  Maybe they should start with a friendly game of Red Rover and then share some juice and cake.  Maybe take a nap.  Seriously, get it together.  I've been upset over this for weeks now.

Speaking of c(K)liffs.... Wreck Em Tech.  Kliff Kingsbury has officially signed on as the head coach of my beloved Red Raiders.  This news follows the most classless exit I've ever seen... by Tommy what's-his-name.  Yes, I'm still bitter.  But, all things happen for a reason, yes?  And if I had to tolerate Tommy to get to Kingsbury, then I'm one happy canine.  So, what's the big deal about Kingsbury?  Well, he is one of the best quarterbacks in Texas Tech history.  Plus, the fans love him.  Oh, he also was the offensive coordinator for the team from which this year's Heisman Trophy winner comes from.  That SEC team.  You know.  I'm currently scouring the internets for TTU season tickets. 

I just want to point out that there isn't a single gift under the tree with my name on it.  I just want to take a moment here to point out to the big ones that time is of the essence.  Get it together.  I've already wrapped both your gifts and you are going to love them.

Until next time,
Lola

Looks for Less: Kate Beckinsale

I've always thought that Kate Beckinsale is just gorgeous.  Her hair always looks so beautiful and flawless.  It looks like she was out shopping when this photo was taken.  I'm loving her laid back style.  So, how do we regular people get this look without all the dollar signs?  See below.

 

Source
Sweater: Sol Angeles / Bag: Givenchy / Scarf: Givenchy / Boots: Isabel Marant / Shades: Ray Ban / Jeans: Unknown

 

 



Bow shirt / Love shirt / sunglasses / Boots / jeans / bag / scarf

 

 

OOTW

Top: Banana Republic (similar) / Cardigan: Banana Republic / Pants: Banana Republic (similar) / Shoes: Antonio Melani (old) / Jewelry: Fossil watch, Stella & Dot bracelets and earrings, Tiffany & Co necklace and ring

I don't mean to be a walking Banana Republic ad, but that acutally happens more often than not.  It's very cold this week, so I'm enjoying my sweaters and long sleeved cardigans. 

Weekend Wrap-up

 

Saturday was date night, so my husband and I headed to the Bishop Arts District to have dinner at Tillman's.  It was quite the evening.  There was some kind of event going on, as well so most of the main road was shut down.  We lucked out and found an awesome parking spot.  So, we parked, walked around and looked at all the goods, bought a candle, and then went and enjoyed a delicious dinner.  The weather was just perfect for such an evening.

Booths were set up all throughout the street.  There were all kind of fun goodies to browse through.

I don't normally take food photos, but I thought this was very interesting.  Instead of bringing out rolls or chips and salsa, they bring out seasoned popcorn.  It was so good.

The other food picture that is definitely worth sharing?  Table side S'mores.  I definitely recommend feasting on these.  It was truly a new and fun experience.

Top: Loft (still on sale!!) / Skirt: Banana Republic (similar) / Tights: Macy's / Booties: Steve Madden (similar) / Jewelry: Target, Stella & Dot

Date night is always fun, because I get to dress up (in non-work clothes).  I just purchased this top on sale at Loft and it was the perfect evening for a bit of sparkle.

Have a great week!

Lola. Dog

 

My Dearest Blog Readers,

I hope you are all having a fabulous Friday.  December is truly one of the busiest months for me.  Not only do I still need to keep up with current events and world happenings, I also have a pretty full social calendar.  Sometimes I need a break from reading the Wall Street Journal and flipping through my latest Vogue magazine. Sometimes I happen across celebrity gossip.  I know, I know.  I just need some mindless reading at times.  Of course the major news this week is that the Duchess of Cambridge is with child.  I find the royals to be very interesting.  I think it's because we don't have a royal family in America.  Sure we have Presidents and what not, but once their term is over there's always someone new.  A new first family.  American politics are similar to the fashion industry.  One day you're in and the next day you're out.  I decided to compile a list of why, exactly I'm so fascinated with the British Royalty.

1. Umm... they're royalty.  Crowns and all.

Source

Source

2. Hats!

Source

Source

3. Definitely because of who they know!

Source

Source

Source

4. Finally, the love story.

Source

Until next time,
Lola

November Birchbox

I was very happy to receive my November Birchbox.  Birchbox is headquartered in New York and I was sent an email about possible delays due to Hurricane Sandy.  Any type of delay due to the hurricane would not have bothered me at all.  I guess I took the no delay at all to mean all was well for the Birchbox staff.  I hope so at least.

Lulu Organics Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder: I'm going to be completely honest and say that I have yet to try this.  The thing is that it came in this little pouch type thing, so I can only apply it by sprinkling it in my hair.  I've only ever used a spray in dry shampoo, so it's really just a lack of effort on my part.  It's organic and since organic is this great wonderful thing, I can only assume people will be buying a lot of it.  (read: sarcasm).

Mox Botanicals Lip Butter: I have used this every single day since my birchbox arrived.  I love it.  It goes on smooth and makes my lips feel wonderful and soft.  One downside, which is my personal preference is that you apply it with your finger.  This is just messy, in my opinion.  

ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Lengthening Mascara: This mascara has little fibers that are supposed to cling to your eyelash and make them appear longer (like false eyelashes).  Let me just say that I love mascara.  I usually apply a coat or two and I love that you can tell that I have mascara on.  Mascara makes my eyes really stand out.  This mascara does not.  It goes on in very light coats.  Even when I applied three coats you could hardly tell I had mascara on.  The fibers do indeed stick to your lashes.  For about an hour or two.  Then they fall onto your cheeks.  I will just stick to my mascara.

One Love Organics Aromatic Body Serum:   Organic does not equal safe for sensitive skin.  I didn't even try this.  It was heavily scented and that's just a no go with my skin.  So, I gave it to my mom when I saw her at Thanksgiving.  I have no idea if she's used it yet.

John Varvatos Artisan: This is men's cologne.  Yeah.  Tangent time.  Do you know what really irritates me about women's magazines?  They advertise things for men.  They include men's cologne samples, etc.  It annoys me to no end.  Do you want to know what I have never, ever found in a man's magazine?  Women's perfume samples.  I get it, really I do.  It all has to do with marketing.  Women are very likely to either buy the man in their life cologne or they are very likely to sway his decision, etc.  My husband even liked this sample.  He has used it every day since my box came in.  So, yeah mission accomplished for Birchbox.  Let's just hope my husband can remember the name of the cologne without any help from me if he decides to buy it.

Did you get something different in your birchbox?  Let me know in the comments below.  Not signed up for birchbox?  Sign up here.  

Also, I realize that I never did an October Birchbox post.  I signed up for the GOOP box in October and to be honest, I don't even want to talk about it.

OOTW

Cardigan: Loft (the only short sleeved cardigan on their website is here/ Tank: The Limited (not similar, but fun here / Pants: Banana Republic (similar) / Shoes: old / Belt: Old / Necklace: Tiffany & Co.

Watch: Target / Bracelets: Stella & Dot 1/2

I'm actually making an effort to blog more.  In doing so, I'm going to attempt to have one outfit post a week.  I don't have a ton of clothes and I don't buy a ton of clothes, so maybe this will allow me to not post the same outfits over and over.  Also, I would like to point out that it's December and I'm still wearing short sleeved cardigans. 

Pinterest Party

I went to a Pinterest Party on Saturday.   It's the first Pinterest Party I have ever been to.  We all brought snacks and drinks and really just had a great time.  What did we make?  An ornament wreath.  Just in time for the holidays.  Here is the blog that the pin came from.  Since you can visit the original tutorial about it, I'm not going to do a very detailed step by step.  I'm just going to tell you about my experience. 

I believe the tutorial says you need between 72-80 ornaments.  I bought exactly 72 at Hobby Lobby right before Thanksgiving (I know, I know - but they were on super sale!)  Our loft and decor are pretty modern, so I chose black, silver and purple for my wreath.  I would like to also note that you should not get a manicure right before doing this project.  Luckily my manicure was way old, so it was no big deal.

 

It's important that you check and see how well the ornament toppers are attached to the ornaments.  If you pull on them and they come out, then they need to be hot glued to the ornament.  You don't want to string it all together just to find out you have loose toppers when all your ornaments start falling off.  That would be sad.

This is an ornament topper (and a week old manicure).  Put glue in the top and around the little wire things.  You want those glued in as well.

Be prepared to burn your fingers and/or be covered in glue.  Unless you are awesome at glue guns.  Then disregard.

Completely demolish a wire hanger.  Use pliers to unwind it and then shape it into a circle.  There are two shown here.  You only need one.

Then string all your ornaments onto the hanger.  The key to finishing this project is to use the pliers to make two hooks.  Then hook the ends of the wire together and mash them closed.  You can hide this part with a ribbon.

Tada!