Yearly Archives: 2011

Soaking It In

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Hello POSHees. I’m writing you from beneath a cozy blanket wearing lulu leggings, an oversize T and giant scarf on what is perhaps the most comfy couch on the planet. My mom’s Christmas tree is gleaming with white lights and gold brushed leaves and berries. Life is good.

We arrived to my mom’s just yesterday after spending a few days with the Mr.’s family. While there, we exchanged secret Santa gifts, indulged in a turkey dinner but most importantly, spent time snuggling my sweet baby nephew. Ian Michael was born December 23rd at 3:19 pm (a mere hour after KP and I pulled into the hospital). He was 9 lbs and 20 1/2 inches long. He is perfection and it was so hard to say goodbye knowing it will be months before we get to see him again.

Now we’re with my fam. Last night we celebrated a second and just as terrific family Christmas. Lots of gifts and laughs. What’s left on the agenda? Lots of yummy food, mimosas, Apples to Apples, hazing my sister’s new BF, a NYE bash at the grandparents and good ol’ fashioned family fun.

I’d love to stay longer and chat but these moments are precious and some things are just meant to be kept locked away safe in your heart. I know you know exactly what I mean. Here’s hoping that your Christmas was nothing short of magical and your New Year promises to be just as bright.

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Merci Beaucoup

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Short and sweet today lovies. By the time you read this, the Mr. and I will be in Colorful Colorado. Did you know when you drive across the state line, that’s what the sign says? Welcome to Colorful Colorado? This week I’m grateful for the open road and all it symbolizes. The long conversations where even after being together ten years, you learn something new about each other, salty snacks and ice cold Cokes, books on C.D. about topics you’re too embarrassed to admit you’re fascinated with, reuniting with family and laughing at jokes and stories that are years old, and if we’re lucky enough…witnessing brand new life coming into this world. Wishing you all a most beautiful and blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. XX

The open road

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Life is a Highway

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Weeeeeeeeeeeee’re off to see the wizard! The wonderful wizard of Oz! Because because because because becauuuuuuuuuuse…because of the wonderful things he does! Okay, maybe we aren’t going to Oz but we ARE going to see fam in Colorado for Christmas and New Year’s and that’s pretty exciting too. We’re leaving this afternoon and in case any of you are off to see the wizard or taking a road trip of your own, I thought a few must-haves were in order!

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s Inspired Eye Mask and Tassle Earplugs-A girl has to get her beauty sleep. Amen?

2. December Issues of Vogue and Bazaar- In all this holiday madness, I haven’t had time to read them yet!

3. iPad-Did you know if search Google Images for “iPad playing movie” you don’t get much? On here it appears as though I’ll be watching ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ but I’ve actually loaded ‘Water for Elephants’ and ‘One Day’ onto ours. Let the chick flicks begin!

4. MK Fingerless Gloves (and Knit Cap)-One of my favoritest people in the world got me fingerless gloves for Christmas. My version of the driving glove because KP is always hot and I’m always freezing. It was literally that scenario where somehow she knew exactly what I wanted and I hadn’t even told anyone I was eyeing them. Soul sisters? I think so.

5. Books on C.D.-The Mr. and I are freaks. We admit it. We are fascinated by topics like Columbine and 9-11 so we found a book on C.D. that fits the bill. But don’t worry, we got Bossypants by Tina Fey too so it’s not all death and destruction.

6. Coca Cola Classic- Need I say more?

7.Twizzlers-See above.

8. Shearling High-Heeled Booties-Granted they aren’t he most practical thing you can be wearing if you’re caught in a snowstorm but us girls keep the practical things stashed in the trunk now don’t we?

9. GPS-Obvi. When Ken falls asleep and I’m left at the helm, without this baby, this could easily happen to us.

10. iPhone Charger- Gotta keep the phone juiced up should said #9 situation happen to us wearing said #8 situation.

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styled: the sparkliest favors this side of texas

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A special dose of my ‘styled’ series comin’ your way! I normally post these Monday but if I wait much longer it won’t make sense because these were Christmas goodies. A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of hosting some of my favorite ladies for our monthly ‘Working Wives Roundtable’ meeting. But this was no normal meeting–we were celebrating Christmas! These gals make-up some of the most compassionate, hard-working and Godly women I know and what better way to celebrate those that sparkle in your life than with SPARKLES!

I had seen something similar to these cocoa cones at World Market and thought, simple enough–I’m makin’ my own! And make my own I did. We were doing a mug swap so it was a perf addition to the night’s festivities. I picked up some clear bags (no cone shapes unfortunately which was what I wanted) sparkly jingle bells, bridal place cards, a glitter pen and glitter ribbon at Michaels. Then I made a stop at Fred Meyer for cocoa, mini-chocolate chips, mallows, and peppermint candies. 3 parts cocoa, 1 part mallows and one part chocolate chips or peppermint candy went into the plastic bags. I added a special note to each of the girls, lined it in sparkle pen and tied to the cocoa bags. Last stop was Bath and Body Works to pick up a couple more aCUTEterments. Stuff all goodies in mugs brought to swap and voila! I was covered in glitter by the end of the project but if you can’t walk around in December covered head to toe in glitter, when CAN you?!

 

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styled: nutcracker ballet

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Boy is my Mr. top notch. On Saturday he surprised me with a double date with some of our besties. We had dinner at Toulouse Petit then were whisked away to the Nutcracker Ballet. We had such an amazing time and you know me…I love any excuse to get dressed up.

I recently stumbled upon this gorgeous vintage number at Red Light. The trick with vintage pieces is to mix them with updated accessories and make-up to keep from looking like you walked out of an episode of Leave it to Beaver or The Brady Bunch. I paired my find with black suede Steve Madden platforms, a green leather Coach clutch and bright Cherrywood lipstick by Laura Mercier.

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it list

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Morning and HAPPY FRIDAY to you all. Welcome to the last installment (for awhile) of IT List. Can you believe in one week it will be Christmas?! AY! This POSH Santa better get her booty movin’. Remember, this is the season above all others for GRACE. Towards yourself and towards others. Love you guys and hope you have a terrific weekend.

 

theitlist
The IT list is signing off for 2011… But we’ll be back in 2012!
Enjoy these links in the meantime!

  • good clean fun whips up a batch of apple banana pancakes – these have Christmas Break breakfast written all over them! Yum! (find good clean fun on twitter!)
  • the posh blog whips up what looks to be the easiest and tastiest cocktail ever – perfect for Christmas brunch or New Years Eve.  (find the posh blog on twitter!)
  • the capital barbie has a round up of Christmas gifts that you can give that give back.  I love this idea, check out her picks! (find the capital barbie on twitter!)
  • life told by leslie is sporting an adorable leopard print cardigan. I’ve got to get one of these – see how she styled it!
  • free to be stacia lee is looking adorable in this casual chic outfit – check out her cute boots! (find free to be stacia lee on twitter!)
  • suze wears clothes has fallen in love… with her scarf. I don’t blame her!  Check it out. (find suze wears clothes on twitter!)
  • gs lillian is looking rainy-day-chic, which isn’t easy to do!  Check out her adorable outfit and red (!!!) shoes. (find gs lillian on twitter!)
  • a spot of whimsy is our resident ballet-enthusiast (love it!)… she’s headed to the Nutcracker performance but left some eye candy for us. Swoon!  (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
  • second street east has a really easy and fun Christmas ornament diy. I love this idea and that you can personalize it to suit your decor and taste! (find second street east on twitter!)
  • the daily be is going “western” in this adorable outfit… check it out and you’ve got to see her sweet boots! (find the daily be on twitter!)
  • the tiemann girls have a really fun way to give the gift of cash this holiday season.  See how they do it!
  • so much to smile about is your go-to source for holiday beauty.  Check out her tips and tricks! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
  • sweetie pie style rounds up her favorite Christmas decor inspiration and includes this really fun idea for a tasty appetizer that I totally want to try! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
  • rachael, really is looking absolutely gorgeous in winter white and red for the holidays. Go check out her outfit and steal it for Christmas – I might! (find rachael, really on twitter!)
the IT list is produced weekly by Jill of good life, for information on how you can be involved, click here!

 

 

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christmas tabletop

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Good morning sugarplums. How are you on this fine winter day? I can tell you the Powells are bustling about preparing for their 20-hour, 1200 mile, 5-state road trip. But more about that next week. For now, I’m dreaming of how I’d style our tabletop for Christmas dinner if we were spending the holiday at home. It’s pretty dreamy but spending time with family is pretty fab too.

I’d start with a rich and luxurious white tablecloth over a long rectangular table and line the middle with these gorgeous branch candelabras and the white winterberry bushes in clear or silver vases. Next I’d pile loads of faux snow down the middle of the table at the bases of my candles and vases. We’d eat off clear icy looking plates and silver placemats. I’d add this branch-bottom flatware and darling silver-leaf accented napkin rings. The birds would hold placecards around their neck or be placed whimsically about. It’ll be chilly so we can’t forget the faux fur stoles for the wine bottles. Bon appetit!

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christmas qwinky

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Ha. You thought I said Christmas Quickie huh? You’re presh but no. Whatever gets you by I guess…no judgement, I swear.

This is a fabulous cocktail that I just invented. And if you think you invented it well, just let me have my moment, ok? Remember that episode of Friends where Ross thinks he invented the slogan “Got Milk?”?

Sorry, I digress. This is delish. 3 parts Prosecco and 1 part Dixie Peach juice from Trader Joe’s (or if you’re driving, 0 parts Prosecco and 4 parts Dixie Peach juice) Toss in some fresh fruit as a garnish and presto…a yummy cocktail to serve at your holiday party.

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live! diy smokey eye!

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Hey friends! Today I’m showing you how to take your party look to the next level with a hot hot hot smokey eye.

{I apologize for the continued issue with the delay. I have the finest Apple minds on it. In the meantime, let me know if you have any idea what the french is going on.}

Tools:

White tissue to protect undereye when shadowing

Q-tip with Baby Oil or Water

Cover Girl Eyeshadow in Charcoal Frost

Revlon Perle Eyeshadow in Black Galaxy

Blending/Smudging Brush

Cover Girl Perfect Blend Eyeliner in Basic Black

Eyelash Curler

Loreal Voluminous Mascara in Very Black

Powder Brush

{Concealer brush and concealer to apply to undereye before applying shadow and eyeliner on the bottom}

 

Steps:

1. Apply lighter grey shadow all over eyelid.

2. Apply, in layers, the darker grey or black shadow along the lash line and work your way up getting lighter as you go towards the crease.

3. Blend upward and outward to create a gradient.

4. Apply concealer under eyes.

5. Apply darker grey or black shadow along the bottom lash line less intensely than you did for the eyelid.

6. Apply your black eyeliner in a thick line on the upper and lower lash lines. Smudge with the spongey tip, again, upward.

7. Curl eyelashes and apply mascara.

8. Brush any excess shadow off undereyes with powder brush and reapply concealer if necessary.

9. Beautimous!

 

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