Happy NYE!

2012, lets reflect shall we? I'm not usually one to want to look back on the "past" but rather than just wish it away just yet, I thought I would utilize this post to reflect back on the amazing things that happened in 2012, only to preempt myself to what wonderful things could become of 2013!

Reflections~
1.) I got to vacation!
2.) I got to spend time with my family this year who traveled from far and wide.
3.) I realize what friendship means to me. Finally!
4.) I gave birth to the most beautiful baby boy in the world!!!! -sure I'm bias! ;-)
5.) I maintained my health, happiness, and most importantly I gained more love in my heart and my home for my Darling Husband, Sweet Baby Boy, and gifted Border Collie.

This short but sweet list only makes me so grateful to have all that I do and makes me so thankful for all that is to come in our bright future of 2013!
Toasting to all my valuable readers and supporters out there, thank you for being apart of my blog. So much love to you all. May 2013 bring all that warms your heart and soul, and all the glamours your world!
Cheers! <3 Amy

Holiday Nails

I wanted to add some fun flair to my nails for this holiday season but, I wasn't so tickled with Grinch Green and Peppermint Candy Red. So I went for a more glamorous effect! I chose OPI - Samoan Sand as my base and Essie - Set in Stone to add some sparkle to my tips!

Here are some tips to getting the most perfect nails:
Trim them short and smooth.
Make sure your nails are clean of any lotions before painting.
Paint 2 Coats of nude polish to get good coverage.
Allow ample dry time between coats.
Lastly, make sure when your nails are finished to keep those hands supple with a good hand lotion!

Upload photos to my Facebook page of your holiday nails! I want to see them!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! <3

The Day Look

Keeping your daily make up look simple and clean is always a good idea. Especially when you are busy with work, being a stay at home Mommy like myself, or just being busy during the holidays!

Here is my simple day look for a fresh face with some of my favorite products and brands!

What you need:
-Tinted moisturizer
-Under Eye Concealer
-Loose Powder
-Bronzer (optional) adds a little glow
-Peach Blush
-Cream Colored Eyeshadow
-Brown eyeliner
-Mascara
-Clear Mascara to tame brows
-Lip Balm

The list may seem long but it's really the basics for a fresh face. It also will set the canvas to switch to an evening look!

Lash Love

My love for luscious long lashes will never fade as I'm always searching for the best and favorite mascara. When I went shopping recently for my favorite Benefit go to's they were out! "Minor panic!" So I tried a new kind! I welcomed Tarte Cosmetics Gifted Amazonian Clay Mascara into my love for lashes. Much to my surprise, I'm in love with this!!!!!! I heart Tarte for their natural eco products, no animal testing, and adorable packaging. This mascara is a perfectly balanced formula with a more matte finish. The wand is ideal for creating length and a double coat adds thickness. I like to curl lashes first to separate the hairs, then apply mascara.
I'm in lash heaven!! Yes the photo I took is of my own lashes after 2 coats of Gifted! I'd say this would be a great gift this holiday season! ;-)

<3 from my lashes to yours!

Autumn Munch

Sweet and Salty are my favorite when it comes to a dessert, or....sometimes a snack! Oops!
I ran across this yummy treat idea and had to make it for my husband and family! So simple, festive, and did I mention incredibly addictive?!?! Its unbelievably delicious!

Here is what ya do!

Grab a large bag of White Chocolate Morsels (24oz)
1 Bag of candy corn (about 2 cups)
2 cups of pretzel sticks (break the up a bit)

Line a baking sheet with wax paper

Melt White Chocolate over a double boiler or by directions on back in the Microwave.
Pour into large bowl and combine with candy corn and pretzels. Reserve some to top for decoration.
Once combined gently, pour over wax paper and even into a thick layer.
Decorate with reserved candy corn and pretzels.
Place baking sheet in fridge or freezer for about 1 hour until chocolate is firm.
Remove and break into desired sized pieces

I placed mine in treat bags and tied with colored string for gifts! So simple and absolutely delicious! 

My Caramel Apple Spice

Fall is one of my favorite times of year if I haven't told you already! I love going to Starbucks for the famous Caramel Apple Spice as they call it and I seem to slurp it down in minutes flat! One day while pinning on Pinterest (OBSESSED!) I found a photo similar to mine above for the recipe for the Caramel Apple Spice! However, much to my disappointment the link had been removed so I was left to experiment myself...

My darling husband took the wheel on this one and combined Apple Juice, with a pinch of cinnamon and cloves in a pot and heated over the stove. Once it was heated through, we poured it into mugs and drizzled caramel syrup into the mug. Delicious!!! My afterthought was we should have topped it off with a bit of whipped cream and THEN drizzled caramel syrup on top...Next time!!
Until then, enjoy making your very own Caramel Apple Spice!

T-Shirt Bag

So, my husband was cleaning out the closet and had a few old T's he didn't want anymore so I quickly snagged them up and attempted the T-shirt Bag! I think it turned out pretty cool! Its super easy, no sewing required and fun to toss anything into and go! Wish I would have done this sooner to use as a pool or beach bag but for now, baby essentials will get stowed in it! Here is what I did:

1.) Trim off with scissors the sleeves, neckline, and bottom of the T at the seams. I like to make the neckline into a V-cut, it looks better once the bag is done.

2.) Next, cut 5'' strips up the bottom of the T all the way across the bottom about a rulers width apart. Be sure to snip the side seam to get open strips.

3.) Now, hold the T with one hand on the table and pull down on each strip to stretch them out so they coil up.

4.) Lastly, tie double square knots all along the bottom of the T with the strips you made. I start on one side and go half way, then switch to the opposite side to finish it out.

5.) And, waa-laa!!! You have your T-Shirt Bag!! I'm sure there are endless possibilities with this patten and any shirt. Have fun!