Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Joe has always gone to his grandparents' house.  Since I've been with him, we have kept this tradition and it's one of my favorites!  I think I've mentioned this before, but I've always wanted to be a part of a big Italian family.  I love the energy of the kitchen; everyone is laughing, cooking, eating, talking and you can literally feel the love.   

I tried to get a good shot, but he got her some pretty flowers and gave her a big old kiss.

I took this photo and about cried.  In one moment it hit me like a ton of bricks that I have two kids.  No more baby in either one of them.  I adore this photo so so so much.

They opened some presents from their Great Aunts and Great Grandma.

He's so silly an Brooke with her reindeer headband.

Her face is priceless.  Christmas overload for this one!

The table was all set up so pretty and don't you just love the old school Italian decor? I do.

We were at the "kids" table.

Uncle Frank kills me.

Grandma's homemade hat and Bradley rocked a man bun.

Cousin Jennifer's cookies were delicious.

Joe's flowers fit beautifully in the centerpiece Milly made.

Goodness knows what she's telling Grandma!

Frangelico shots...an Italian thing?

Desserts!

I love the old-style red lights that hang out front.  I could feel the presence of all of the wonderful Christmas eves past that had been spent here.  I also looked to the sky and thought about when I was little and would be driving home from my grandma's house and we would always look in the sky for Santa's sleigh.  It's amazing how many memories come flooding back when you have a child of your own.

Fashion Friday

Happy Fri-yay!!!

We are getting a ton of snow already, so I am embracing it.  I've discovered that I love Winter, IF I buy cute hats. Haha. Seriously though--I can now go an extra day without having to "do my hair."  #winning


Beanie from Love Your Melon
Blanket Scarf from Jane

Do you have any holiday parties to attend?  Here's a festive and fabulous look!

We had one Tuesday night.  It was fun to dress up in this green sparkle number from Guess.

Celestial hoops
On the Mark necklace
WISHING I had the Trove Statement ring.  {It's on its way now!}

Thursday was a bit of a run-around day and so very cold!! I don't like wearing a coat because I get hot in the car, so I wore a Northface sweatshirt a blanket scarf (again from Jane.com)

Rose Gold wishing necklace
Rose Gold Engravable disc necklace

I LOVE layering these together.  It gives a little extra sparkle to any plain old outfit.

What's on my wishlist??

Diamonds!!

Covet is going to make many women smile this Christmas!!

I think this cross is so beautiful on.

The Astor Sparkle Necklace arrived today.  She.Is.A.Stunner.  I can't even begin to explain how shiny and pretty it is.  I'll be playing around with it and some sweaters for sure! If you're a diva, you need this. Stat.

Our top 10 picks are definitely some of my favorites!! I am doing a giveaway for the hematite earrings in an event today.  If you're around on FB, stop by and check it out!

There's that on the mark necklace--it's a must have! The Rebel is on its way to my house and should arrive any minute. Cannot wait to style that bad boy.  You know my love for that city slim clutch--gorgeous--and if you don't have a solid watch, it's time to get on that with one of ours!  As for the wishing bracelet, perfect secret Santa gift or teacher present at only $19!!!

Even Santa loves Stella.

May your day be full of light, love, and lots of fabulous style!!

Where are you Christmas?

Happy Monday!!


Not going to lie, the nice weather [hello 60 degrees in upstate NY in December!] but alas, I am still...



It's kind of weird and eery that it is this warm outside!! I am going to take the kiddos outside in a bit and maybe draw with chalk, because when else can I draw Christmas-like objects in our driveway appropriately?

At least I have Christmas sprinkled all throughout our house.




Friday night we had a sitter come over so we could get a little Christmas shopping done. We grabbed sushi, did a fair amount of shopping (still not 100% done, but almost!) and then got home to see that we were ELFED.  They left this and two cute hot chocolate mixes...now we are supposed to elf two more people. I need to get on that...




Saturday night was a wild one!! I munched on some tasty rice crisps \\ they totally taste like cheese doodles, but a little bit better for you?! haha \\ and I worked on my fun new little business.




Sunday morning I whipped up the usual, eggs & bacon.  This {Monday} morning I made breakfast so fast and got Joe out the door in time for work, he said I should open a breakfast joint serving fresh, but fast, food.  Could be fun! haha

Joe went hunting as it was the last day for that, and I took the kids to a little birthday party.

They both had a ball and everyone did great.

She was a little party animal and it got me really excited for her party in January!

I am lusting over this look!! If it ever does snow, I would love to be wearing this gorgeous North Star key & all the pavé to go with it!  Seriously stunning. 

In one week I have totally rocked this new business! I sat on the fence awhile, as I really wanted to be 100% sure I could give my all, be happy with my choice and have enough time for mom/wife duties. HOLY COW.  I cannot tell you how happy I am! I have so much fun helping others find meaningful pieces so that when they look down throughout the day, it gives them a quick little smile. 

I love that it's still a new company, I mean it will be ONE year old in January, so there is so much room for growth and development, it's crazy! I know that my Advo journey taught me a lot, like sooooo much about working with people and direct sales etc.  I enjoyed that for what it was, but this jewelry gig and spreading happy-that is just so me.  If I could give everyone just a little more "happy" in the world I would.  It's a dark and scary place out there and I know there is a lot of heavy stuff going on, but on the day to day to keep reminding us that it is our right to be happy, I enjoy that.  

A lot.   

When I hit my first bonus, I was really SO proud of myself.  It's been awhile since I felt that sense of accomplishment!  Thank you for everyone who is encouraging me on my new venture!

I have my Social Launch party tomorrow night and I'm excited and hope that we have fun 'wining and designing.'   Joe may take Brooke out to dinner again and that will be nice for them!  It's funny because sometimes things just fit right into your life, without much effort.  Sure you have to play around a little bit, but for the most part, I am pretty good at reading if it's meant to be, it seriously works out just fine! 

I made a business instagram Keep_Designer_Jenn if you're interested in following some fashion/jewelry looks, feel free to follow! I'll share some on my personal page too, but I made that account private, as I share so much of our babies there, it made me feel better.  

If you've been eyeing KEEP and are interested in hosting an online social to earn freebies, or even interested in being your own boss, let me know! I would love to build a team and keep sharing happiness!  It's such a great group of women empowering other women.  That. I. LOVE.  I only wished I had joined sooner!

Have a lovely day & stay beautiful xox

Blog & Bling {Review and a Giveaway!!}

It's no secret on this here old blog that I love fashion.  I strongly feel that it helps us feel good, special and let's be honest, pretty!! From fun clothes to even more fun jewels, a little bit can go a long way.

A few weeks ago Shelby contacted me about doing a review of her Stella & Dot products and host a Blog & Bling Party, with a giveaway for my readers! First and foremost, I already knew the quality would be amazing, so of course I said yes!! I have purchased a few pieces throughout the years and I can tell you honestly that these are the pieces I always reach for on special occasions or when I want some extra sparkle.   The material is always top notch and I have never had any issues with anything breaking.  It's super high quality and it lasts!

I love that they have so many different styles of jewelry to choose.  You've got something with lots of bling and many different options--You could totally style this at work or layer it all for a special night out on the town with your love.  This Starlet Pearl Necklace is so versatile!  I think my favorite thing about a statement necklace is that you can take any color plain or graphic tee, sweater, blouse, and jazz it up!



Someone who may not love all the bling, but appreciates sophisticated with a touch of rock?  This is a true gem! This chic pearl & Spike Cuff Bracelet is to die for!



They also have a little girls' line, how adorable are these!?  Santa will be stuffing that upper right hand corner set {Izzie Necklace & Bracelet Set} into a little girl named Brooke's stocking!

Meet Shelby!



She is a super busy gal!! She started her business in September and has had some amazing accomplishments already, hello $800 in free jewels!! ::drool:: She just made Associate Stylist! Congrats girl! She works full time, coaches a swim team, and is an excellent stylist.  I asked her what her favorite part about being a stylist is, and she said, "Definitely the interaction with women.  Everyone's styles are so different and that's what makes it really fun."

Stay up to date with Shelby's styling tips by following her Facebook page: Stella & Dot With Shelby

If you're interested in becoming a stylist, she is the girl to go to! We have had so much fun talking and getting to know each other, I feel like I've made a new friend.  She's got me half tempted to embark on a Stella Stylist journey!

She let me choose my wishing bracelet, and I went with The Elephant Wishing Cord Bracelet.  I love when things have meaning, and here the elephant represents making your own luck.  It's my lucky charm!!

First of all, I was incredibly pleased and impressed by the simple, yet girly packaging.  This bracelet, ringing in at only $19, is the PERFECT gift to have on hand for friends, teachers, hairdressers, sisters, moms, whomever!! It'd make a great Santa Grab Bag gift or Secret Santa Exchange.

The packaging itself is so adorable, there's no need to even wrap!

I don't know about you, but this time of year, no matter how organized I try to be, it's awesome to have a little help in the gifting/wrapping department.  Stella & Dot has made this a breeze!

It can be worn alone and a little loose.



Or you can tighten it up:



I love that it can be worn either way! Plus, it's super easy to loosen/tighten, which can't be said for every bracelet I own!



And the back? So cute and still stylish! I think that because it's pink I love it that much more! For me,  I love this wishing bracelet because on a day to day, I can't wear tons of bangles and fun arm candy: read, I have a 10 month old who is teething and pulls everything: but this is not an issue!



The other item Shelby asked me to review were the lightening studs--LOVE!

Right away I knew I would be smitten because again, I have a baby who loves to pull and yank, so the fact that these little studs are on my lobes are not appealing to little man!



I also have my hair up often, so it's nice to have something lightweight and a little different to show off in the ears!


Right now you can earn dot dollars too! Spend $50 and get $25 to spend later!! So you can stock up on your Christmas gifts now, and then treat yourself to some jewels come the new year.  You know, when the Christmas cheer has come and gone and you need a little sparkly pick me up!

Onto the Giveaway!

Rules: 

1.) Simply order through this link {here} from now until December 7, and you will automatically be entered into the drawing!! 

2.) Shelby will be giving away a wishing bracelet--and you get to choose!

There are quite a few to choose from!  

Who is one lady that maybe tricky to buy for?  We can help find a style suitable for your budget and style!