Fashion Fun - Sweater Dress

Is it Monday again?  Seriously.  Where do my weekends go?  I'm happy to see some of you have entered the giveaway! Don't forget it ends tomorrow.  Enter! Someone will win.  It could be you!

If you do enter, please make sure to become a "follower" on the right hand side of the blog.

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See it?  The little boxes with smiling faces? It just shows you support the blog and like what you're reading.  And if you are related to me or one of my oldest and dearest friends...you should definitely be on there.  Okay.  Guilt trip is officially over!  Thank you, thank you in advance!

Back to the post! My cousin recently got married in Virginia, and while we were there, I suddenly decided the dress I packed for the wedding was not weather appropriate.  So...I googled T.J.Maxx and found the closest one.  This is not the dress I wore to the wedding, because when I go shopping for dresses...I usually find more than one I have to have.

Here's what I did wear to the wedding (also Ralph Lauren).  These are my amazing parents. Hee hee!  I'm taller than my Daddy in those 6 inch heels!  They hurt like crazy after dancing, but girls, you know it's worth it.

This is a Ralph Lauren sweater dress and I simply love it.  I wasn't too sure I could pull it off, but with my favorite riding boots and simple hair, it's much more me.

The great thing about Atlanta is our mild descent into Winter.  I just played a tennis match last weekend and actually got hot!  The sleeveless sweater dress is a nod to the cooler temps, but keeps me from "melting like a snowcone in Phoenix" (Mrs. Doubtfire...anyone?).

I paired this cute little jacket from Target to give a little juge of color and pattern.

 As you can see, I still haven't mastered the art of fashion photos, but I get to spend Thanksgiving with my awesome sis so I will put her to work behind the lens!

Isn't she adorable?  Look at that mane!

This is my version of a face she makes all the time :)

 










Can't wait to see you Rox!
(Her name is Anna, but we never use each other's real names.  How would that be any fun?!)

Is everyone getting ready for the holiday?  Do you have your turkey yet?  Don't forget to thaw it out!!!

XO,
  Sara

Holiday Gifting Roundup & a GIVEAWAY!

That's right.  Today is my very first giveaway on Nest Your Best and I could not be more excited!  Does this mean I'm a real blogger now?!?

The holidays are fast approaching and we all have a lot to do, so I thought it would be fun to host a little "Holiday Gifting Roundup".  Over the next few days, I'll be spotlighting some amazing women and their amazing businesses.  We'll have skincare, gourmet foods, great bags, and more.  What's even better, every single one of the women I'm featuring is offering a giveaway to one of my readers!!  That's right!  Get some things checked off your gift list and win something awesome for you!

First up in our holiday idea bonanza is my awesome friend Lauren at Rodan + Fields.  Lauren and I have been friends for years and she is truly beautiful inside and out.  After years of playing soccer outside in the sun, she was ready to up her skincare routine.  And, boy, did it pay off!  She loved what she saw so much, she decided to become a R + F consultant!

Rodan + Fields offers all kinds of products for every skincare concern you may have.  Lauren was sweet enough to send me a mini facial kit and I have LOVED everything I have tried.  Here are just a few of the awesome products with some descriptions from the lovely Lauren herself:

*Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste*:

This stuff is like crack--you can't get enough of it! You use it 3 times a
week in place of your cleanser. It is an oil-free sugar and salt exfoliant
that renews your skin's surface and helps increase cell turnover. It
leaves your face feeling baby soft and reveals your natural complexion.

*Anti-Age Regimen*: 

This 3 step regimen has proven peptide technology that visibly firms skin
and reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. I've
been using this for a few months now and my skin is smoother, less lined
(yes, even 30 year olds can start to see those lines appear), and my
complexion is more even. This is one of our top selling skin care regimens.

*Reverse Regimen*: 

This 4 step regimen is what sold me on Rodan + Fields. I had a lot of sun damage, brown spots, freckling, from all those years playing soccer outside
(not to mention a tanning bed habit in high school--a little embarrassing
to admit now :). This regimen exfoliates, lightens, brightens, and
protects your skin for a more even tone and texture. After using it for
just a week, I could notice a huge difference in my skin. It was brighter
and smoother, younger looking, and even my husband (who doesn't usually notice
these kind of things) asked what I had been doing to my face. Anyone with
sun damage, dullness, or brown spots is a perfect candidate for this
treatment.

*Anti-Age Night Renewing Serum*:

This stuff is like liquid gold. It comes in small capsules that contain a potent blend of peptides and retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
and visibly increase skin firmness. It has a patented time-release
technology that increases your skin's receptivity throughout the night. It
was the Editors' Choice in Harper's Bazaar Magazine. Also, we are running
a holiday special with this product now through December 31st. Any
purchase of $185 or more will receive a free 30 day supply of the Night
Renewing Serum (a value of $44). 

*Anti-Age Multi-Function Eye Cream: *

I love this product and use it everyday, day and night. We call it the
"triple threat" because it tackles crow's feet, puffiness, and dark circles under your eyes. It has optical diffusers that instantly brighten the eye
area (you can also store it in your fridge and put it on after a late night
and it helps with puffiness and swelling). It is water-based and is an
ideal formula for treating the delicate skin around your eyes.

*Enhancements Body Micro-Dermabrasion: *

This product is loved not only by me, but by my hubby too. It comes in a
bar and you can put it on in the shower, or before you shave (my husband uses it
before he shaves and doesn't get the bumps or in-grown hairs that he used
to). It is a powerful micro-dermabrasion that exfoliates, cleanses, and conditions skin in one step. I have noticed when I use it before shaving,
my leg hairs take 3 days longer to grow back. It is also great to use
before applying a sun-less tanner (we sell an amazing foaming sun-less
tanner, too :). 



Wow!  Does anyone feel like washing their face right now and slathering it with awesomeness??  I sure do.  Those are just a few of the terrific things Rodan + Fields has available.  Please check out Lauren's site for more gift ideas, or for a little something for yourself!

Speaking of something for you...how about a FREE bar of Enhancements Body Micro-Dermabrasion??  Lauren is offering one Nest Your Best reader this wonderful product to kick-start your new skincare regimen.

Just use the form below to enter the contest.  There are 2 ways to enter...become a follower of Nest Your Best (over in the right hand column) and/or visit Lauren's site and leave a comment on this post saying which R+F product you would love to have.  The giveaway ends next Tuesday and a winner will be announced on Wednesday.

Ready?  Go!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Kitchen Swap-a-Roo Reveal!

On Friday I showed you a new accessory I picked up from the Nate Berkus line at Target.  It is like a little cherry on top of a kitchen change-up I'm loving!

Here is what stood behind our kitchen table and chairs for 6 years...It's a great piece, but with the changes I've made in the living room, it was feeling very black and dark in this kitchen corner.

So...the black hutch went up to my master bathroom...and I stole this gorgeous antique out of our nursery.  It was just what the kitchen needed to tie together with the living room!

The living room, although things have changed since this photo

Isn't it just divine?  I love the little scalloped edge, the rich color and the fact that it stores away my out of control collection of white serving pieces.  The black hutch gave us much needed storage in the bathroom and this piece is finally out on display, where it should be.

There's my cute little frame sitting next to a pair of mercury glass jugs I picked up at Kohl's for a major steal.

I watched this mirror at Target for several weeks and when it got down to $8.93 I pounced! Can't beat that and I love the mixture of metal happening up there.

I used to have black iron sconces on either side of the black hutch, but all of a sudden they were looking very dated to me.  Does that ever happen to you?  I wanted something tailored and streamline, but something that also represents who we are as a family...

Enter Little Man's original artwork.  I'm a sucker for his drawings and this is such a fun way to display them. He could not be prouder!

The bottom one is me holding a balloon.  I LOVE it!

The toddler art really adds an element of color to my neutral scheme.  And, it just makes me happy!

I'll try and get a straight-on photo for you, but there is a table and chairs and light fixture in front of this wall.  You don't want to see my first attempts at photographing it!

Coming up next week I will take you on a full kitchen tour.  I know, contain your excitement!  Just kidding!  The kitchen is always my favorite room to snoop in.  I love seeing how other people make the heart of the home reflect their style.

Now, I don't have my curtains finished and things are still taking shape since the re-decorating began, but I owe you all at least a few shots of our eatery.  And I know you will all reserve judgement!

XO,
  Sara

Birthday Dreamin'

Hi there lovelies!  No, it's not my birthday, but it will be in one month.  So, I thought it fitting to share with my Mister some things I have my eye on...;)

But in all actuality, these are just some items I think are fab and I thought I'd share so you can start making your Christmas lists!  Hopefully you don't also have a birthday around Christmas....*sigh*



I know, I will be the last on the Ray Ban Wayfarer train, but I don't care!  I am a sunglasses kind of girl and these speak to me...
                                     

...as do these Ray Ban Aviators.

                                     

I drool over this bag as well.  Not going to show up under my tree or on my birthday morning at over $400, but a girl can dream!  Love me some Tory Burch.






And I think I definitely need these for puddle jumping with my Little Man!


                                              

I've been dying to go buy a pair of these for my master sitting room as well.  I have the whole room planned out around these two little Ikea chairs...

            

While a few nice things are fun on your birthday, what I most want is a sunny day with my Mister and my Little Man.  And maybe some ice cream and cake.  Okay.  Definitely some ice cream and cake.

What's on your Santa list this year?  Anyone else have a December birthday?

XO!
  Sara

Christmas Decor - Getting in the Spirit

Welcome back!  It's raining again, so I thought we'd cheer it up with a few Christmasy things that I've been collecting.  Now, I have always been a hard and fast "decorate after Thanksgiving" kind of girl, however, with the blog, I'm thinking I might be decking the halls a little sooner.  I'm almost ready to tuck my pumpkins away...almost.

I haven't been too sure what direction I'm going for my decor this year.  I've been using red, black, and silver for the past 5 years.  With the changes in decor around the abode, it's time to freshen up.  I searched some shops for inspiration to get my Christmas blood flowing!

This was the first little guy I purchased.  He's from Hobby Lobby and I just love his sparkly swagger!

Well, then his wife jumped into my cart at T.J.Maxx!  I guess I'll be heading the reindeer direction!

While at T.J., I also spied these cute trees.  Don't let their cuteness fool you though.  They leave a trail of glitter that would give Tinker Bell a run for her money.  I'll be choosing a location for these far away from 3 year old hands!

And...my little mercury glass tree.  It matches my Pottery Barn candlesticks oh so well.  LOVE it.  Also from T.J.Maxx.

So, it looks like reindeer, trees, and silver and gold.  I'd like to keep a rustic element by possibly throwing in some wood items.  I love the juxtaposition of super luxe and woodsy together.

Have any of you started thinking Christmas?  It'll be here before you know it!

XO,

  Sara

An Award?...For Me?

Welcome back from the weekend!  I had a very pleasant surprise this weekend from one of my followers, Liz.  She runs a blog called Seeing the Trees for the Forest and she graciously presented me with my very first blog accolade, The Versatile Blogger Award!  Thank you so much, Liz!


                                                         

This award is so great because it's all about reaching out to fellow bloggers and sharing the love.  Blogging is a very personal labor of love and although some of us are just beginning (me!) and others have grown their blogs into businesses, we all started for the same reason.  To share what we love and inspire others.

Here are the rules for the Versatile Blogger Award: 

1. Add the award to your blog. 

2. Thank the person who presented it to you.  

3. List seven random facts about yourself.  

4. List the rules.  

5. Pass the award onto seven other bloggers.  

6. Inform each blogger they have won by posting a comment on their blog.

My 7 Random Facts:

1.  I met M.C. Hammer when I was about 10.  He was at the top of his game and it was very cool...at the time.
2. I electively swam in a tank of sharks in high school.
3. I cannot do a cartwheel.
4. I have an extreme fear of clowns.  I once hyperventilated when I saw one driving a car next to me.
5. I was escorted out of Tiffany in New York City by armed guards for taking photographs...Ha!
6. I made a snow angel on the top of a glacier in Alaska.
7. I'm 6'0 tall, but have absolutely no basketball skills.  Believe me, I've tried.  Why is that everyone's first question?

I have presented this award to the following awesome bloggers, go give them a visit!

The Sunny Side Up

Tiptoe Through (this is my fantastically creative friend Abigail)

Honey We're Home

A Thoughtful Place

Hi Sugarplum!

The Farmer's Nest

The High-heeled Hostess

Kitchen Swap-a-roo: Sneak-Peek

This past week, I made a couple of changes to my kitchen.  I'd been dying to switch up a few of things and I finally had some help to get it done.  I won't show you the whole thing now.  I know you're eager!  Me too!

Here is a little taste of my new little corner.  I snatched up this Nate Berkus frame at Target last week and I just love it.  I've always been drawn to black and white, but kind of overdid it in my house, hence the color changes.  BUT, this frame is more of a dark gray, so I think I can still get away with it.  Hee hee!

Oooo.  There's a little corner of something else I added...

I love this frame because it really reflects me.  Or, at least what I like to think of as me!  Polished, tasteful, but with a little bit of uniqueness thrown in there.  It really makes my other changes pop too.

(This photo was taken when Little Man was 18 months.  Such a doll!)

Come back next week to see more!

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies!

XO,
 Sara