My NFL Fan Style

Thank you NFL for sponsoring this post. Check out #MyNFLFanStyle and create your own look at NFLShop.com!

I live in a house divided. Ok, ok, that's a tad dramatic. But myself (and my entire family) are crazy 49ers fans, while Tony is a lifelong Raiders fan. It's not ideal, but we somehow make it work. Neither of our teams are very good this year, but there is still plenty of trash talking. I was recently given the opportunity to pick out some pieces from NFL Shop, and was so pumped about the huge women's selection. The website is great, super user friendly and (seriously!!) I found so many pieces that I wanted, that it was hard to narrow it down to the ones I couldn't live without. I ordered my pieces, and got notification that they were delivered when we were in New Orleans (shipping is incredibly quick!)  I couldn't wait to wear everything as soon as I got home.

A few days ago Tony and I were decorating the outside of the house for Christmas, and he was wearing a Raiders beanie. Obviously I had to represent my Niners, so  I opted for my cute 49ers vest. Tony (and my neighbor) said it should have been a Raiders vest. Crazies.

I also rocked my super cute 49ers Super Bowl bracelet. Judging by this season so far it's looking like it'll be a while before my Niners are back in the Super Bowl, so I will wear this bracelet with pride, and remember their glory days, knowing they're sure to come back ;)

After we were done decorating we headed out for a cup of coffee, and I was feeling a bit chillier so I threw on a jacket and hat.

A classic (p)leather jacket, jeans, animal print shoes and your team's hat is perfect for a casual day. I love my Niners, and #MyNFLFanStyle has a way of working itself into my wardrobe often!

My Super Bowl bracelet is a daily staple!

I don't always wear red, but when I do it's 49ers red.

You can find all of my women's 49ers gear (and your favorite team's gear if you aren't a diehard Niners fan like myself) at The NFL Shop. I love gifting my favorite girls with some cute NFL gear (unless they're Raiders fans. Or Seahawks fans. Or Cowboys fans...) and I can always rely on the NFL Shop to have a great selection. Who is your favorite team?? Do you wear their gear proudly?!

You can follow NFL Fan Style on instagram * facebook * twitter

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Fall 2014 Beauty Tips & Makeup Tutorial

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, InStyle, Vogue and Elle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #inspirefallfashion  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

The other day I was at Target (when am I not at Target, right?) and was super excited to see that the Fall fashion magazines are out!! Not only that but when you buy any two at Target (Elle, InStyle or Vogue) you get a $5 Target gift card through September 13. Anyways, I picked up my two favorites - Elle and InStyle and got busy reading! The September issues are *always* my favorites!! While I wouldn't consider myself a big time fashionista, I still love reading up on what the upcoming trends are in fashion, but especially in beauty. While I'm going to wear what I want to wear, regardless of the season, I still like to incorporate some of the big trends.

My husband snapped a pic of me (and Ramon) reading and taking notes. He makes fun of me for taking notes, but I always have!

 Dirty hair, no makeup, jammies and a dog on my lap. Weekend mornings are my favorites!

After going through both magazines, here's what I determined to be the biggest beauty trends:

I decided to do a makeup look using two of Fall's big beauty trends - a sheer wash of color on the lids, with big lashes! A lot of the washes of colors on the lids were pastels. I don't typically love a pastel eyeshadow, so I decided to make it a bit more wearable by taking a bright purple color and using a big, fluffy brush to sheer it out. I used "The Dream Sequence" quad from Bare Minerals, and went straight to the brightest color - Boudoir. I then grabbed my #9 brush by Stila (my favorite brush ever!! I've had it since I worked for Stila, ten years ago, and it's as fabulous and perfect now as it was then.) Anyways, grab a fluffy, tapered blush, instead of a flat, stiff brush that you'd typically grab for an all over eyeshadow application. This will sheer out the color, and make it much more wearable. (#1) Load your brush up with the color, and either tap it off, or gently blow on it to get rid of any excess color (#2) Using a windshield-wiper motion, sweep the color back and forth onto your lids (#3) Voila! (#4) 

With a bold color like this, even though you've sheered it out a bit, don't add any other shadow colors or eyeliners. Just a bunch of mascara, which brings us to another HUGE fall trend - HUGE eyelashes ;) I used the Younique 3-D Fiber lashes for mega lashes! Tip: when you're applying mascara, have a little piece of tissue nearby. Dab the excess mascara (that's on the end of the mascara wand) on the tissue. This will avoid clumpy mascara!

Apply the rest of your face (foundation, blush, lippie, etc.) after you've done your eyes. That way if any eye shadow falls onto your face you can easily clean it up without disturbing any other makeup. I used a super sheer, moisturizing lip gloss (Rain Maker by Emani), and minimal blush (Charisma by Tarte) and that's it! Thanks to my hooded eyes (womp womp) you can't really see that pretty color on my lids, but I got quite a few compliments on my makeup that day.

What are some Fall Beauty trends you're going to try out??! I also want to try the negative space mani. Let me know what you want to try in the comments section! And don't forget to head to Target before 9/13 to grab two of your favorite fashion mags (Elle, InStyle or Vogue) to snag that $5 Target gift card!

#14daystoslim

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Slimfast, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #14daystoslim  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

Who else cannot believe that it's practically summer?? (Raises hand.) I've been doing well with my overall health, but after realizing that summer is just about here, and that I can't go to the pool club in jeans I decided to take Slimfast's 14 Days to Slim Program.

What is the 14 Day Slim program, you ask? It's a delicious way to lose up to six pounds in two weeks. Just swap two meals a day with a Slimfast protein shake or meal bar, have a third meal around 500 calories - HERE are some great recipe suggestions, enjoy three snacks around 100-calories, do 30 minutes of light exercise a day and drink tons of water!

One thing that I love about Slimfast is that it's super portable (who hasn't seen a Slimfast bottle at the grocery store? It's literally the perfect size to take with you on the go!) That way I can just grab one out of the fridge, shake it up, and be on my way! They are also delicious, which totally helps! This new piña colada flavor is my absolute favorite!!

The other morning I had scheduled some gym time while both girls were at school. The morning was really crazy (when aren't they?) and all I'd had a chance to munch on was a handful of strawberries. I knew that if those were the only things I'd had that morning my workout would be short. I started thinking "Well, I'll just go home and make myself a quick breakfast after I drop off Coco, and before I head to the gym...." but I know myself too well, and knew that if I went back home there was a GOOD chance that I'd never make it to the gym. I just grabbed a Slimfast, and drank it on the way. It filled me up, and gave me the energy to have a great workout!

Having a second one for lunch, along with a bunch of water also fills me up, and also helps me avoid the midday lull that's usually filled with snack cravings!

My dogs are loving that I'm doing this 14 day slimdown too, because it means lots more walks! I'm only a few days into this challenge, but I'm feeling great! Summer will be here soon, and I know I'll be looking at least a little better when it gets here!


Want to hear something else exciting? Two winners will win a $5,000 shopping spree (enter HERE!) I've already entered, and have my fingers and toes crossed!

Some other places you can find Slimfast on the web: Website  * Facebook  *  Pinterest

Are you ready for swimsuit season?? What are some ways you're getting fit? I'd love to know!

Little changes for an overall healthier me

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with

 Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all 

my opinions are my own. #pmedia 

http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

I don't know if I mentioned it on my blog, but back in September I cut soda completely out of my diet. While it's delicious I didn't want to be drinking any extra calories. Along with cutting soda I've cut down on pasta (my favorite thing everrrrrr) and added lots more greens.

I have also joined a gym, and try to go as often as possible. I'm going out on long walks when I can't make it to the gym, and I'm finally seeing the scale move down, and my clothes are fitting better!

Even though I cut some of the things I love mostly out of my diet, I definitely still crave them and think it's important to allow myself to have some of my old favorites every once in a while! The other night for dinner we had some really delicious whole wheat pasta with veggies and salad, and I told Tony that I  was dying for a soda with our yummy dinner. So I had one.... What the what?! Yep, I let myself have a little treat that wouldn't kill all of my calories for the day. I had a new 10 calorie ginger ale by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. One word: YUM! You don't sacrifice any taste at all with these new sodas, as they taste every bit as delicious as their full calorie counterparts. They come in several flavors, and while my favorite is the ginger ale, Tony loves the root beer!

Right now you can download a coupon for a FREE two liter of one of the new 10 calorie sodas, from the Just For U coupon website and use it at any of the Safeway brand stores.

I printed out that coupon, got my free two liter and even picked up a few minis. Just the other day I sat down to a a nice salad with my 10-calorie ginger ale, and had a proper lunch. Working from home, I often find myself eating lunch in front of my computer screen. When I do that, I tend to eat more calories, since it's pretty much mindless eating. Taking a break, eating at the table, or outside forces me to sit and enjoy my meal (and drink!) and think about what I'm eating.

These sodas are great for baking too! I used the ten calorie 7-Up for a quick dump cake that I needed to bring to Coco's preschool. Delicious, and again every bit as flavorful as when it's made with the full calorie soda.

Yummy, bubbly deliciousness!

Make sure to check out the Dr. Pepper Snapple group on Facebook and on Twitter, and don't forget about that awesome coupon for a free 2-liter (while supplies last) What's YOUR favorite soda?

Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with 

Pollinate Media Group™ and Barilla, but all my opinions are my own. 

#pmedia #joytothetable  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

This time of year is so filled with various meetings, outings, and holiday parties that we haven't been having family meals as much as usual. (Though, it seems like there is never really a dull or non-busy time of the year, am I right?) I figured it was time for us to sit down to a good family dinner, but I knew it had to be quick and something I didn't have to think too much about (Leila's Daisy troop had an outing to sing carols at a local Senior Center) so I headed to Safeway with the perfect recipe in mind - creamy tortellini soup, made in a slow cooker! With the help of Barilla Tortellini and Barilla Pasta Sauce this was the best batch yet! (And thanks to the additional $.75 off when you buy 1 package of Barilla®  tortellini at Safeway stores it was inexpensive as well!)

You will need:

-1 jar Barilla Tomato Basil pasta sauce

-1 package family sized Barilla Three Cheese tortellini
-3 cups water

-2 large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale, washed

-2 large carrots, washed and diced

-1/4 of a yellow onion 

-1 box (12 oz.) sliced white mushrooms
-1 32 oz box broth of choice (I usually use vegetable broth, but beef or chicken broth work just fine!)

-6 garlic cloves, minced

-2 tablespoons Italian seasoning

-1/2 brick of cream cheese, cubed 

-1 pound Italian sausage, browned and crumbled

(Make sure to use Barilla tortellini - they have the best taste by far, and they're the only ones that will not get soggy in this soup!)

Combine all ingredients except for tortellini and cook on high for two hours, or low for four. Add in the tortellini and cook on high another 45 minutes to an hour, or on low another hour and a half to two hours.

This is one of the few meals that's filled with veggies (carrots, mushrooms, onions and kale!) that my girls don't complain about.

Every bowl is practically licked clean!

Right now you get an additional $.75 off when you buy one package of Barilla tortellini at Safeway stores, so I hope you make this soup as well. It's hearty, and perfect for these chilly winter nights. It warms your tummy and your heart and is guaranteed to bring Joy to the Table!

Adorable Christmas Cards!

This post is sponsored by minted, however

all opinions, as always, are my own.

Cheers!

So, here I am listening to Christmas music, drinking hot apple cider and browsing the net when I stumble upon the cutest Christmas cards ever!! Minted - where have you been all my life??

So, I know I've been living under a rock (this is my busiest time of year by far, so don't judge me!) and I'm sure you guys are already up to speed on the greatness that is Minted, but if not, they are a website filled with gorgeous cards (greeting cards, birthday invitations, holiday cards and everything in between), art, party decor and so much more!

Their stationery comes on various different types of papers, and all sorts of beautiful cuts. I love that their designs are sleek, clean and modern and that they are constantly working with new artists.

You can create cards that will be cherished by your loved ones for years to come, and honestly - how precious is that snowflake Christmas card, that can also be used as an ornament?? I'm in love!!

ALSO - have you seen their blog, Julep? I just bookmarked it as one of my favorites. It's filled with great ideas, and I used THIS post as inspiration for how I addressed my own Christmas cards!

Have you made your Christmas cards with Minted? Or are there some you've been eye balling?? Link them up in the comments section, so I can check them out too!

I hope you're all having a great weekend and staying cozy and warm! xo!

A Better (back to school) Lunch

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with 

Pollinate Media Group®, Rubbermaid, Jif, and Smucker’s, but all 

my opinions are my own. #aBetterLunch #pmedia 

http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO

I can hardly believe that summer is over, and Leila is back in school (Coco starts tomorrow!) Gone are the days of lazy wake ups, leisurely mornings, and random family outings. Back are the days of alarm clocks, packed lunches and homework. I'm happy, though. My girls thrive on a routine and it's always great to get back to learning!

One thing that I struggled with last year was making Leila's lunches. I wanted to give her healthy options, but had a hard time getting her to eat anything besides her snacky foods, when I wasn't there to make sure she did. This year before school started we talked about her having a better (healthier) lunch at school. We even went to Target to let her pick out a Rubbermaid Lunch Blox Kids Kit  and talked about what she'd like to see in her lunch.

For the first day of school she requested individual PB & J cracker sandwiches. I made those with whole wheat crackers, Jif Natural peanut butter (always crunchy for my girls!) and Smucker's reduced sugar strawberry jelly. She also requested a peeled cutie. I gave her those, along with some grapes, strawberries, a few cubes of cheese, some sliced turkey, and for a treat, a chocolate chip cookie.

I know it looks like a lot, but Leila shares her lunch more often than not! (One day last year, she even asked me to make her friends sandwiches, because she liked the ones I made better than her mom, lol!)

When she got home from school that first day most of her lunch was gone, and she let me know that she shared with her buddies. :)

For her next day of school, her lunch was similar, but this time she got her own Jif Natural To Go packet so she could dip her crackers.

The Rubbermaid LunchBlox Kids Kit is even Leila's preferred thing to snack with - she would much rather have her snacks in cute, little compartments than a boring, old plate - and seriously, what is it about individually compartmentalized foods that are so appealing (for kids and adults?) Bento-style lunches are awesome, and the Rubbermaid kits make it so easy! Coco has already let me know that she wants her school lunches like her sisters, so you'd better believe I will be printing up my coupon, and heading back out to Target this afternoon to buy another! (These awesome coupons don't expire until December 31, 2013 so feel free to print a few so you can buy extras - they're so awesome you will want more than one!)

What do you pack your kiddos for lunch?? I would love some new ideas!

sponsor welcome: shop fishie

Happy Thursday, friends! Today I have a great new online shop to share with you - Shop Fishie!

Shop Fishie is run by the mother-daughter team of Anne and Katie. They are brand new, and their mission is to: "strive to find new and different designers to carry in our online boutique, which in turn helps women find unique pieces to add to their wardrobes. Here at Shop Fishie we hope to provide women with trendy, fun but most importantly affordable clothing."

Their shop is filled with great finds, awesome accessories, and their prices are fantastic! Recently I asked Anne, of Shop Fishie a few questions...

Glitter and Gloss: How did you two decide to start this business?

Shop Fishie: Katie, my daughter, has always had a love for fashion. She has been trying to convince me for years that we could successfully run an online boutique. In her free time, she would research her favorite brands/designers, whose clothing she would purchase in boutiques. Often times, she found it rather frustrating to find new and unique clothing. After we sat down and really thought about all of the aspects of the boutique, we decided the time was finally right to open Shop Fishie! 

Glitter and Gloss: What is one of the most exciting aspects of your business?

Shop Fishie: One of the most exciting aspects of our business is the buying. Katie is primarily responsible for the fashion aspect of the boutique. She sees it as an opportunity to explore different concepts and an adventure to find something unique. It's especially exciting when the UPS man drops off our latest orders at our business, mostly because the clothes tend look cuter in person. 

Glitter and Gloss: And one of the most challenging?

Shop Fishie: One of the most challenging parts for us is getting the word out about our boutique. Since we are a new business, most people haven't heard of us! So, we're really trying to help people become more aware of our boutique and our mission. We have something to offer all women and we vary in price points, depending on the item. 

You can find Shop Fishie here:

SHOP  *  FACEBOOK 

PS - Shop Fishie offers an automatic 30% off to all first orders, with the code "firstorder" as well as free shipping within the continental US! How awesome is that?! Now what are you waiting for? Go and shop!

I looooooove People Magazine + a giveaway

There are few things I love in life as much as PEOPLE Magazine! It's one of those that I've yet to subscribe to, but "treat" myself to it just about every week. What can I say? If I buy it at the grocery store, it's part of the grocery budget, right?

I'm especially excited about the upcoming PEOPLE Magazine Oscars Double Issue with all fabulous pictures of all the best (and worst!) Oscar night fashions! I like to live-tweet during red carpets and award shows, and am always excited to check out PEOPLE to see which of my picks they agreed or disagreed with. Some of the starlets I'm always excited to see on the red carpet:

....I know Giuliana Rancic may not technically be considered a "starlet" but I sure love her, and she is one of the best dressed ladies at EVERY award show, in my humble opinion. In addition to all of the Oscar fashion, I can't wait to read about the celebrity gossip - who showed up with who, who DIDN'T show up with who, and maybe even an extremely gorgeous man or two in an impeccably tailored tux (I'm talking to YOU, Bradley Cooper!)

Who are you excited to see and read about?? Anyone you think will end up on the worst-dressed list?

To help you buy your special PEOPLE Magazine Oscars Double Issue how's about a little giveaway? $20 to Target sound good to you? You got it! Just use the rafflecopter below, and don't forget to pick up your special PEOPLE Magazine Oscars Double Issue - it will be on sale from March 1 to March 18. Good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway Now that you've entered my giveaway, you can also enter to win all sorts of great things from PEOPLE here  (Sweepstakes Info: Test your PEOPLE Trivia skills for a chance to win! Enter each week for a chance to win one of hundreds of rewards cards! Click the link to play now! I just entered myself, because, hey - somebody has to win, right? Good luck, and happy reading!

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and PEOPLE Magazine  but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #PEOPLEforOscars  http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

Awesome Bag Giveaway (sponsored)

Hey friends! Just wanted to take a quick minute to let you all know of an amazing bag giveaway happening on Facebook - Massi is giving away 10 of their gorgeous Casella de Serpente Makeup Bags (Retail Value: $95) on their Facebook page in the color of each winner’s choice! The contest will end on 1/13 and winners will be announced the following day.

So, if you have a couple seconds (literally the time it takes to enter) and want to win a gorgeous, luxe new bag make sure to enter HERE!! 

Which color would you get if you won? I can't decide which I love more - the Capri or the Cordovan!

Good luck!

(edited to add: just to clarify the bag is being given away on Giando Massi's Facebook page, HERE - not on this particular blog!)

Sponsor Love: Monogram Weddings Giveaway and Review

Lately I've been getting TONS of compliments on the crazy cute "Arm Candy INSIDE" stickers that come on the outside packaging of bracelet orders. People can't get enough of them (and I'm almost out!) and I'm getting tons of emails asking where they're from.....well, folks, they are from Monogram Weddings! What what?? Who knew a site, mostly dedicated to weddings also offered such cuteness for small business owners, like myself?!

Abby, the fabulous girl behind the site is also a talented designer who came up with the design, purely based off of my love of glitter. I'm obsessed with them!!

Let's learn a little bit more about Abby, in her own words:

"I have always been "crafty" and have loved creating stationery. I got started pretty young when I was introduced to rubber stamps. I believe my first paying job was when I was about 10 I made baby shower invites for one of my parents co-workers. I got paid with a Michaels Craft Store gift card! :) 

In college, graphic design was the obvious choice for me to study - & i love it! When I graduated and was doing the typical job search, I came across a local ad for wedding stationery designer - of course I applied! I got an interview right away and was hired on the spot. The idea for MonogramWedding was there, but the business owner needed a designer, I was the gal! MonogramWedding.com was born. I am now in a partnership with a local printer. It's just me and the printer so I have a hand in each order that comes in."

"I love being creative and designing pieces that make people happy - whether it's a wedding invitation, personal stationery, birth announcement.., seeing the words and design printed is an exciting thing. I love sharing that with people. There is nothing greater than hearing that the work you've done made someone happy - that makes me happy!"

50 wine {waterproof} labels - could be used on wine, water bottles, soda or beer bottles.. They can customized right on the website (doesn't have to be for a wedding!) - or email me directly for a custom design! (Abby@MonogramWedding.com)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SHOP  *  BLOG  *  FACEBOOK  *  PERSONAL SITE