Support for Sandy Hook

Silence and Support for Sandy Hook

To all my Blogger friends and anyone else who wants to help:

Friday was a very sad day for so many.  Tragedy was brought into an elementary school.  Young children had their innocence stolen away from them.  Precious lives were lost.  Heroes emerged during these very troubling times.  As an indirect victim of a school shooting at my high school in 1999, these events hit too close to home.  

Neely, Michelle and Meg came up with this wonderful idea as a way to show support for the Sandy Hook community. 

On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that’s it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services.

Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

“Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic

and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their

highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support

groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING.”

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

We can’t imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let’s make a difference and use blogging in a positive way.

Thank you in advance for participating.

Love,

The Blog World

I appreciate these wonderful ladies taking the time to organize this.  I hope all of you will also participate.

p.s. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on.

xoxo,

Lyndsey

12/12/12: 12 Favorites for Random Wednesday

I just wanted to start this off by saying that this has been one of the longest weeks ever, and it's only Wednesday...I'm sorry for my lack of social media interaction for the last few days, as my little family was fighting the Battle of the 'Bug,' as Chandler called it.  We have all started feeling better, thank goodness.  

During my time being cooped up, I managed to find plenty of things that I've fallen in love with.  Here are 12 of my favorites to celebrate 12/12/12.  As usual, I'm linking up with Shanna for Random Wednesday!

1.  Did any of you catch Amanda Seyfried's red carpet look for the 'Les Miserables' premiere which was held at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City?  Well, I have to say, that she looked amazing!  She wore her gold embellished Alexander McQueen gown with a chic braided bun and dramatic cat-eye makeup.  The tortoise shell belt my favorite!  Her minimal jewelry let the dress stand out on it's own.  I'm totally obsessed with this entire look.

2.  I'm a television junkie.  I will be the first to admit that I have a problem.  What most don't understand, especially my husband, is that I love watching for the little details.  Annalynne McCord's character Naomi Miller-Clark on '90210,' never fails to bring it.  This week's episode 'The Things We Do For Love,' featured the usual drama.  The surprising touch that I noticed, was Naomi's stunning black wicker satchel with leather handles.  I guess when you're in Los Angeles in December, you can get away with what would normally be a summer staple.  This purse is to die for, but what is really killing me, is that I was unable to locate who actually made it!  Here are some shots from the episode.  See for yourself!

3.  My latest beauty purchase came from Sephora.  I got the awesome Blockbuster Palette and couldn't be more excited to try out some new make up looks!  For just $49 you get:

- 64 x waterproof eye shadow 

- 12 x longwear cream eyeliner 

- 6 x eye top coat 

- 6 x lip top coat 

- 48 x lip gloss 

- 3 x blush 

- 6 x multi-purpose cream for eye, cheek, and lip 

- 3 x multi-purpose luminizer 

- 3 x makeup brush 

- Mirror

4.  I'm also loving this awesome Lip/Cheek stain from theBalm cosmetics called 'Stainiac.'  I have been using it in 'Beauty Queen,' and will definitely be making some repeat purchases!

5. Everywhere you go these days, it seems you're hearing about BB Creams!  This one is great for this, that one for that...I've tried a few drug store versions and a few Department store versions, and I must say, my favorite pick has to be Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm.  It provided great coverage and wasn't as heavy as some of the others I tried.  My skin felt light and wasn't left with the greasiness that can sometimes come with BB creams.

6.  I hate having chapped lips.  I hate it worse than the weird dryness that seems to overtake my skin once the temperature drops.  I am so glad I discovered Mox Botanicals Lip Butter.  I love the Pomegranate and Fig flavor!  

7.  These white and gold polka dot Target Xhilaration Pajama's made my whole week!!!  They are so cute and comfortable!

8.  One trend I love for Winter is the Sequin Sweater.  I found this great version at Nordstrom.

9.  One of my favorite Etsy shops is Blue Bird Bride.  The selection is great, and I want one of everything!  My favorite necklace is the Crystal Drop.  It is absolutely gorgeous and very versatile.  You could go from the office to your holiday party without missing a beat.  It's definitely the right way to make a statement!

10.  I mentioned earlier that I love my shows.  Gossip Girl's series finale next week is going to be bittersweet.  I've watched and read the series since the beginning and hate to watch all of the UES shenanigans come to an end.  What will happen to Blair and Chuck?  Does anyone still care about Serena and Dan?  We'll see how it all works out next week!

11.  These shoes just speak for themselves!  The Salena Platform is black and jade faux suede and needs to be mine!

12.  Who can't get through the cold without a great fancy sweatshirt?

There are so many versions that also come with a fancy pricetag, but this cute pick from Forever 21 isn't too hard on your closet or your wallet!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you found a few things to love!

xoxo,

Lyndsey

Holiday Gift Guide for Her

It's Wednesday again, and that means I get to link up with one of my favorite ladies, Shanna at Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesday. She is wonderful and I would love for you to check her blog out!  





This is the time of year when you get to have fun shopping for everyone that you love!  My husband keeps asking me what I would like for Christmas.  I decided to help him out a little bit!  This gift guide can also double as a Holiday Party look.  It all sort of runs together by the middle of December anyway!  

I hope you all have a wonderful time with your shopping, running around, wrapping and most importantly, celebrating this year!  I can't wait to see all the pretties that you all give and get to and from your favorite people!

xoxo,
Lyndsey

Holiday Gift Guide for Her by theeyelinermanifesto featuring a studded bag

Metallic dress
kohls.com

Zara shiny shoes
zara.com

White House Black Market studded bag
whitehouseblackmarket.com

Tory Burch dangle earrings
shopbop.com

Stella Dot pyramid jewelry
stelladot.com

Diptyque Oliban Oriental Christmas Candle
$73 - liberty.co.uk

Mani Monday 12/3/12

This is my first Link Up to Mani Monday with Heather at Glitter and Gloss.  I can't believe I've been waiting so long to join the party!  I love doing my manicures myself.  I've found that it's hard to get away for a nail appointment, so improvising and trying out new techniques has become something that I really enjoy!  
I used Revlon Colorstay in 'Bare Bones,' Nicole by O.P.I. in 'Razzle Dazzler,' and Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in 'Golden I' on my embellished ring finger.  I love how awesome the golden color is after it's second coat!  The rhinestones were topped off with my favorite top coat 'Rhinestones Only' by It's So Easy.  
If you haven't already, I hope you'll check out Heather and her awesome blog!  She's a daily read for me, and I know you all would love her!
xoxo, Lyndsey

Dare to DIY Handmade: Yarn and Felt Flower Wreath

I love making gifts for the people that I care about!  This Monday link-up is all about sharing some of our best Handmade gifts!  Being inspired to try new things is such a great feeling.  There is nothing stopping you from trying something new other than yourself.  I've been successful with projects and I've failed miserably at projects, but I at least I can say that I tried!  

This wreath was made with yarn wrapped around a foam wreath form.  I made the mums and rosettes out of felt.  They are very addictive once you figure out what you're doing.  The best part, is that no two flowers turn out the same.  You can play around with sizes, colors, etc.  I will definitely be making more of these for some special people!

Please excuse the placement of this wreath!  I haven't decided where she is going to end up yet!

I’m sharing this at the Dare to DIY party hosted by Decor and the Dog, Maybe Matilda, Newly Woodwards, and Two Twenty One!

This was such a fun way to connect with other wonderful bloggers and see what everyone is working on!  I encourage you all to check out some of the awesome projects!  I definitely have some good inspirations to work with now!

xoxo,

Lyndsey

Sunday Social 12/2/12

This week's questions are all about our favorite parts of the Holiday Season!
1.  What is your favorite Holiday Season Tradition?
I love getting together with our family!  We always go to the Hanging of the Green that takes place the first Sunday in December and has a precious Christmas Program filled with adorable children dressed as lambs, cows, shepherds, wise men, angels and of course Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.  It always promises cute moments, whether the little lambs wander away or they sing at the top of their lungs, it is a great way to remember the excitement of children learning about our Savior's birth!
Here's a picture from last year's service.  

2.  Do you have a certain Holiday Movie you watch more than others?  If so, what is it?
We always watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation any time it's on television.  I own the DVD, but it's not the same.  The best part is Cousin Eddie and his Dickie drinking eggnog out of the moose mugs!  

3.  Show us your favorite decoration or Pinterest decoration you wish you could have.  

I decided that this year, I wanted to make a garland.  I had so much fun picking out all of my embellishments at Hobby Lobby...even with 50% off all the Holiday items, I did some damage!  It was so much fun to do, and I loved how it turned out!  

Here's how our tree turned out this year!  As you can see, Chandler was very excited with the results!

4.  What is your favorite Holiday song?

This is a hard one!  I love Eartha Kitt's version of 'Santa Baby' and anything by the Rat Pack is wonderful!

5.  What is your favorite Holiday dessert?

I love to bake and I've almost mastered the Chipped Walnut and Chocolate Chip Cheesecake...I've made them the last few holidays and have so much fun baking them while watching Christmas movies!  

6.  What's on your wishlist this year?

I can dream, right?  I am obsessed with these Deborah Studded tall boots from Frye!  Ahhh, they are amazing!

xoxo,

Lyndsey

Next Weeks Questions:

1. Favorite Holiday Movies/TV Specials?

2. Do you do any volunteering during the holidays if so what? If not what would you do?

3. Favorite toy received as a Child for the Holidays?

4. What was your must have item in high school for the Holidays?

5. Item you begged for the most and never got?

6. What do you do on Christmas Eve? If you are Jewish what does your family do for Hanukkah?

Sunday Social 11/18/12

This week the Sunday Social is really special.  We are supposed to share what we are most thankful for.  There are so many times that I get caught up in my day to day routine, that I forget to take a step back and look at how blessed I am.  I find that I stress myself out about things that don't even matter.  I also have found that spending time with the ones you love will make all the difference.  

I'm so glad that I have someone who supports me and is there for me no matter what.  Skip and I have been together practically forever, and he always makes me feel so special...

My rock

I'm also so thankful for my sweet babies, Chandler and Jake.  They keep me so busy but I wouldn't have it any other way.  It's amazing how your life can change in 2 1/2 years.  I don't even remember what I used to do with all my free time before they came along!  I'm also so glad that they are so close in age.  They have so much fun together and are already best friends!

Chandler (2 years)

Jake (9 months)

My brother and I have always been close.  I'm so glad to have him in my life.  He is always there with a sarcastic comment that can put any situation into perspective.  Being the big sister, I don't feel bad about putting him in his place from time to time. :)

Kenny and me

I have the best girl friends that anyone could ask for.  No matter what, they are there.  It's so awesome to have these wonderful women in my corner.  I cherish all the great times we've spent together over the years. 

Mary 

Andrea

Jamie

Kelly, Me and Erica

(DBJ)

Thanks to all you guys for letting me share some of my favorite people and pictures with you!  I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with all of the people that you love!  

xoxo,

Lyndsey

Next Weeks Questions: 

The theme is 4′s:

1. Name 4 jobs you’ve had in your life.

2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over.

3. Name 4 places you have lived.

4. Name 4 of your favorite foods.

5. Name 4 things you always carry with you.

6. Name 4 places you have been on vacation.

Gilded Home

If you're like me, you get antsy when things in the house have been the same for a little too long.  I'm looking to start redecorating my living room, and am so excited about a lot of the pretty things I've seen so far to decorate with.  I'm loving all of the gold accents that are everywhere!  Here are some of my favorite finds!

xoxo,
Lyndsey

I am absolutely in love with this gold console table!  It is perfect in every way!

Source: worlds-away.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: highstreetmarket.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: crateandbarrel.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: target.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: zgallerie.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: keep.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Lyndsey on Pinterest