DIY ~ RBG Dissent Collar ~ Banana Republic Inspired Crystal Bib Necklace

Hey lovelies!  Happy New Year's Eve! I've been meaning to post this for a while now, and it's probably not a great time to post (ie, everyone's busy and won't see it) but I really wanted to share it!  {More after the jump}

Birchbox vs. Glossybox ~ December Edition

Hey lovelies!  As many of you, I'm a huge lover of monthly beauty product boxes.  Since I know many of you love to see what's inside them (as I do too!) and also, you (and I too!) wonder how they stack up, different price points, different products, etc.  I thought I'd start showing you how the two I subscribe to stack up; I bring you Birchbox vs. Glossybox, December Edition.  {More after the jump}

December PopSugar Must Have Box Unwrapped

Hey lovelies!  I hope your holiday festivities have been fabulous, I know mine have!  I wanted to quickly share with you my newest PopSugar Must Have box, since I know you all love to see these!
From the adorable GoSwype smartphone cleansing cloth (that actually removes bacteria too!) to the absolutely delicious Peppermint Poles from Bogdon's, this was a box of sweet little treasures!  If you're a fan of Rent The Runway, there was even a code for $30 off a rental. {More after the jump}

Christmas DIYs From the Past

Hey lovelies!  We were welcomed with some much needed snow here in Denver today, so I thought I would share with you all some fun, easy, and beautiful Christmas DIYs for you to do!  These are all from last year, so they're oldies but goodies!  And if you didn't catch them last year, they're new to you!  These are great for some last minute decorations, or even better as gifts!  I love hanging an ornament on the ribbon of a gift, as an extra gift.  {More after the jump}

My Gift Guide

Hi lovelies!  Just a week left till Christmas, can you believe it?  Here's a few things on my list that I wouldn't mind Santa leaving under my tree.  I always try to keep things practical, everything is under $80 and nearly all the items are from Target!  {More after the jump}

Free Shipping on Smart n Snazzy's Etsy!

Hi lovelies and Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  Today is free shipping day, and I wanted to offer you all the same!  Did you know I have an etsy shop?  Well I highly suggest you hop over and check out these beautiful handmade pieces!  Most pieces are under $10 and all are well under $50!  Order now, get free shipping, using code FREESHIP2012, and I'll send it today so you can get it in time for Christmas!

Shop Smart n Snazzy on etsy!

xx

Lia

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 12 ~ DIY Decorated Gift Bags

Hey lovelies!  Can you believe this is it, Day 12 of 12 DIYs of Christmas?  It's been so fun and I hope I've inspired you to think outside the box and make some fabulous gifts (and save some of your hard earned $$ while you're at it!)  So for the last day, I thought I'd show you how to jazz up some plain gift bags!  It's a fun way to personalize your gift even more, and the supplies will cost next to nothing compared to expensive wrappings and trimmings.  {More after the jump}

Gift Guide for Men

Hey lovelies!  With the abundance of gift guides, I wanted to share with you exactly what I've bought/will be buying for the guy(s) in my life.  So here's my first, practical, gift guide for men!  {More after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 11 ~ DIY Chalkboard Piggy Bank

Hi lovelies!  Can you believe it's already Day 11 in my annual 12 DIYs of Christmas series?  Today we're tackling this adorable chalkboard piggy bank, seen in numerous gift guides, with the inspiration piece coming in at $25. (spittake! I also found a cheaper version, but still it's $10)  I don't know about you, but I'd rather make my own for $1.  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 10 ~ Glittered Reindeer Picture

Happy Monday lovelies!  Today's Day 10 of my annual 12 DIYs of Christmas, and we're making a glittered reindeer picture.  This would make a great hostess gift, or just some fun decor for yourself!  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 9 ~ DIY Sparkly Napkin Rings

Lovelies, I am now caught up! I'm proud of myself :)  Here's Day 9 of 12 DIYs of Christmas... Sparkly Napkin Rings!  These are a great hostess gift, purchase (or DIY!) some cute cloth napkins, and you've got a great gift!  And you'll never guess what the base of the napkin ring is made of.... {Steps, after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 8 ~ DIY Jeweled Mirror

Hey lovelies!  Here's another quick and easy DIY, this would make a perfect gift for a niece, cousin, friend's daughter, etc.  It's a DIY Jeweled Mirror!  Isn't it adorable?  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 7 ~ DIY Tile Coasters

Hi lovelies!  So, I've been slacking... well, it all started by my excitement on Friday of seeing NOFX that night.  I was like a kid on Christmas Eve all day long, so of course nothing was accomplished all day.  And then Bella's indoor soccer games yesterday... this mama just had a whirlwind last couple days.  That said, I owe you all Days 7 - 9 today of my 12 DIYs of Christmas.  First up, these tile coasters I made using materials from my WhimseyBox!  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 6 ~ DIY Tablet Case

Hey lovelies!  Happy Friday Eve, and happy Day 6 of 12 DIYs of Christmas!  Today we're making an insanely easy tablet case, which also is a great way of dressing up large envelopes when sending someone a little something special :)  {Steps after the break}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 5 ~ DIY Chalkboard Votive Holders

Hey lovelies!  Day 5 here of 12 DIYs of Christmas, and today we're making some fun chalkboard votive holders!  These are great to use year round and cost almost nothing to make!  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 4 ~ DIY Mirrored Cube Container

Hey lovelies!  We're already at Day 4; 1/3 of the way done with 12 DIYs of Christmas!  Today's is a versatile mirrored cube container that I made from candle trivets from the dollar store.  That's right, it cost only $5 to make!  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 3 ~ DIY Kate Spade Inspired Gem Coasters

Happy Monday, lovelies!  Today's DIY is something that's on everyone's gift guide.  And although they come in at only $20, I'm still not about to drop $20 on paper coasters.  So without further ado, I give you my DIY Kate Spade Inspired Gem Coasters.  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 2 ~ DIY Chan Luu Inspired Sequin Bracelets

Hey lovelies!  Today's Day 2 of my 12 DIYs of Christmas, and we are crafting up a fun bracelet for your friends, sister, or even just for yourself!  Inspired by these Chan Luu Sequin Bracelets, these couldn't be easier to make.  {Steps after the jump}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 1 ~ DIY Initial Coasters

Hi lovelies!  You may remember last year's 12 DIYs of Christmas series I did, in which I primarily focused on decor.  Well this year I decided to focus on affordable, easy to make gifts!  First up are these adorable initial coasters; I made a pair and gave them to my boyfriend for Thanksgiving, but these are such an easy gift to make and would be great as a last minute hostess gift or as a little special something for anyone!  {Steps after the break}

5 Minute DIY ~ Chunky Chain Necklace

Hiya lovelies!  I wanted to share with you such an easy and inexpensive DIY.... a large link chunky chain necklace!  You'll never guess where the chain came from... {Steps after the break}

November PopSugar Must Have Box!

Hi lovelies!  I wanted to share what was in my November PopSugar Must Have Box with you!  This one was much better than last month's, if for anything because of the $55 gorjana bracelet it contained, along with a credit to StyleMint (which I redeemed for a mystery box).  It also came with a doughnut mix, a $30 credit towards a photo canvas, a yoga DVD, amazing spices, adorable thank you cards, and a macaron themed lip balm.

If I didn't convince you last month, I highly recommend you try it out; there's a little bit of everything!  For $35 a month + free shipping, you get well over $100 worth of goodies!  Click here to join, and enter code REFERFRIENDS to receive $5 off your first box!


{ps ~ did you enter my giveaway?}
xx
Lia

PopSugar Must Have Box Obsession

Hi lovelies! I have a new obsession... PopSugar 's Must Have box!  For $35 a month, they promise full-size products and premium items worth over $100.  Each box contains hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness and food.  This is the first month I have received the box and I am hooked.

I was so stoked to get the new JK Rowling book, it's one I've been wanting, and it alone costs more than the box! I'm also excited to try to new Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy shampoo and conditioner. The OPI Pink of Hearts nail polish duo in awareness for breast cancer is so cute, the sheer pink and the gorgeous pink glitter polishes will definitely get much use.  And Dylan's Candy Bar gummy bears?!  Yes please!  The Pirate's Booty is a favorite of my kids, and I love it too.  Although I'm not into yoga, the Crescent Moon Socks can be used around the house as grippy slipper socks.  Finally, the Red Flower petal topped candle is almost too cute to use, but I can't wait to toss the petals into a warm bath and light the candle and relax!

Are you a fan of PopSugar 's Must Have box?  If not yet, what are you waiting for??

xx
Lia

Influenster Beauty Bloggers VoxBox 2012

Hey lovelies!  I recently received my Beauty Bloggers VoxBox from Influenster and thought I would show you what I received.

• NYC New York Color IndividualEyes Custom Compact
• Kiss Ever Pro Lashes Starter Kit
• Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Cupcake Mini Candle
• EBOOST
• Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin
• Not Your Mother's Smooth Moves Frizz Control Hair Cream

I'm super excited to test all these products and share my thoughts with you all, but the best thing about these products is they all retail for under $8!  And can we talk about this Pumpkin Cupcake candle?  I am ready to buy like 5 of the full sized ones.  It smells ahhhmazing!!

Have you tried any of these products?  What are your thoughts?

xx

Lia

DIY Statement Necklace

Hi lovelies!  I made this fun statement necklace a little bit ago and thought I'd share the easy steps with you!  I love the interesting mix of textures and colors/metals which make it go with anything!  {More after the break}

Artful Halloween: 31 Frightfully Elegant Projects

Hi lovelies! As you all know, I'm pretty obsessed with all things Halloween.  So when Lark Crafts sent me a copy of Artful Halloween: 31 Frightfully Elegant Projects to review, I was ecstatic!  The projects are spooky, yet have a Victorian elegance to them.  {More after the break}

DIY Glittered Pumpkins

Hello lovelies!  I hope you're all getting in the Halloween spirit!  I was recently sent some goodies from Aleene's Glue and Adhesives and was most excited to try the new Tacky Dotter (post to come soon, stay tuned!) as well as the Tacky Spray!  I've been a long time fan of the original Tacky Glue and Fabric Fusion and have used those in several projects before.  Here's what I got:  {More after the break}

DIY Phrase Tee

Hi lovelies!  Today's DIY came about from a convo with my bloggy BFF, Megan.  We were both talking about how easy it was to recreate those popular phrase tees that were being spotted on the street worn with fancy skirts.  So we decided to both do one!  Check out Megan's on tfDiaries!  {Steps after the break}

DIY Spooky Skull Frames

Hey lovelies!  As promised in yesterday's post, here's what to do with the leftover brims from the witches' hats!  {More after the break}

DIY Spooky Skeleton Halloween Centerpiece

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  I've been busy crafting up more Halloween decorations to add to the obscene amount I already have up!  I realized I needed something for my table, and a short trip to the dollar store later, I had everything I needed to create a spooky centerpiece!  {More after the break}

DIY Glow In The Dark Decorative Pumpkins

Ahhhh it's Fall, my fave!  I'm obsessed with Halloween and admittedly began putting my insane amounts of decorations up this weekend.  But I realized I had nothing for outside my front door and wanted to do some snazzy faux pumpkins.  What perfect timing, when iLoveToCreate sent me some fabulous glow in the dark puffy paint!  I knew it was time to get my DIY on.  {More after the break}

DIY Guess Inspired Chain Accent Metallic Belt

Hi lovelies!  Hope you had a great weekend!  I'm back at it, with a bunch more DIYs for you this week, maybe I'll even do a week's worth again?  The above inspiration I tore out of a Guess ad in a magazine, knowing I could easily do the belt (how fabulous are those bracelets? F21 has some similar ones!) {Steps after the jump!}

DIY ~ Faux Apothecary Jars

Hi lovelies!  As promised, a new DIY each day this week!  Today's came to me when I was trying to figure out what to do with the shells we collected at Huntington Beach.  A short trip to the dollar store and $4 later, I had what I needed!  This is a great way to store jewelry, cottonballs and q-tips, anything! {Steps, after the jump}

DIY ~ Barbed Wire Bracelet

Hi lovelies!  Keeping in the spirit of staying inspired, this next creation also came from my inspiration scrapbook!  The above images served as my muse for... a (faux) barbed wire bracelet!  This was so simple and I love how it looks stacked with other bracelets.  {Steps after the jump}

Smart n Snazzy Loves New Dove Body Wash

Hi lovelies!  I want to tell you all about my newest magical drug store product that has made life so much easier for me.  Would you believe me if I told you it was Dove Body Wash?

Growing up on the East Coast (and most of my adult life!), the humidity definitely affected my skin and it was always oily and never dry.  Fast forward to today.  I've been in Colorado 7 years now and it's wreaked havoc on my skin.  It is soooo dry.  I've got rough patches, and my joints are always ashy.  I rarely even use lotion; I have to use a butter or cream.  Most body washes dry my skin even more, so I have to be careful and exfoliate tons.

I had no idea Dove even made body washes, so I was extremely excited to try out this new line of premium body washes with the highest concentration of nutrium moisture of all Dove products.  It is available in three variants, Toning, Renewing, and Softening.  I luckily received the softening one.  After the first use, I could notice a difference in my skin - it wasn't as dry as usual.  After a week or so, my skin was much more soft and I didn't need to continually reapply body cream throughout the day!

I'm completely sold on this body wash and will never use another, I swear.  I encourage you all to check out Dove's website and read about the different formulations available.  For only a couple dollars, your skin will definitely thank you!  And, visit Dove^® VisibleCare^® to get a coupon for $1 off!  Try it and let me know what you think!

Now for the fun stuff!  

Enter to win one of two $500 Spafinder gift certificates!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
COMMENTS TO THIS POST ARE NOT SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR ENTRY METHODS FOR THIS SWEEPSTAKES.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Follow this link, and provide your email address and your response to the Promotion prompt
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: "#SweepstakesEntry"; and then visit this link to provide your email address and the URL to that Tweet.
c) Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and then visit this link to provide your email address and the URL to that post.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. Winners will have 72 hours to claim the prize, or an alternative winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/18/2012 - 8/22/2012
Be sure to visit the Dove^® VisibleCare™ Crème Body Wash brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

DIY ~ The Limited Inspired Acrylic Necklace

Hey lovelies!  As promised on Monday, I'll be giving you a new DIY each day this week!  So here's today's!  I found this necklace in my Inspiration Scrapbook as well (sorry, I couldn't find a link to it online), and by sheer coincidence, I had just the beads to make it!  Granted, it's only a $30 necklace, but my version cost me about $8!  {Steps after the jump}

DIY ~ Givenchy Inspired Shark Tooth Necklace

Hi lovelies!  I know we've all been gushing over the oversized metal shark tooth necklaces Givenchy sent down the runway last fall, but not it's $950 price tag.  I've been on the hunt for something so that I could DIY this... and while at Legoland, I found this large resin shark tooth necklace in the gift shop for only $6!  {More after the jump}

Vacation Chic

Hi lovelies!  Thought I'd switch things up and share (gasp!) an outfit post for you!  It's been a while...  Anyway, I wore this look while on vacation a few weeks ago and loved it, so I modified it just a tad and wore it to work today (keep in mind, we have a casual dress code!) {Steps after the jump}

DIY Luis Morais Inspired Ribbon Bracelet

Hi lovelies!  It's been awhile, between vacation and work I have been BUSY!  But I'm back, and I've got a ton of fresh new features for you all!  Of course I know you all love some DIYs so I'm going to treat you all to a week (!) of fun and easy DIYs!
First up is this $420 Luis Morais inspired ribbon bracelet.  I recently was sifting through my inspiration scrapbook and when I saw this bracelet, I needed to make it!  With supplies on hand and literally 2 minutes, I was done!  So I made a few :)  {Steps after the jump}

Mom VoxBox ~ What I Got and What I Thought

Hi lovelies!  I received my Mom VoxBox a few weeks ago from Influenster and wanted to share with you what I got and what I thought!  For any of you not quite familiar with Influenster, it's a community of trendetters invited to share their lifestyles and show off their influence to qualify for personalized product shipments, special rewards and exclusive deals from the brands they love.  Members love testing the latest products, giving insightful feedback, and spreading the word on their favorite finds!  I have always loved it and love receiving a new VoxBox!  
Here's what was in my Mom VoxBox: {More after the break!}

My Favorite Manicure Product ~ Nailtiques!

Hi lovelies!  I thought I'd share with you my secret weapon when it comes to doing my nails - and no it's not Seche Vite (although that's a close second!)  It's nailtiques!  I've been using this product for YEARS.  When I was 18/19/20 I used to have gel overlays on my nails.  When I decided to go au naturale, my manicurist turned me on to this brilliant product (there's a special formulation for after artificial nails) and I haven't turned back since.  There's several different formulations, I'm currently using Formula 2, which is a treatment for peeling, brittle nails.  Once my nails are no longer brittle/peeling, I'll step down to Formula 1, Maintenance. {More after the break!}

My Mani ~ A Different Take on Neon & Neutral

Hi lovelies!  I stopped by Ulta the other day and was instantly drawn to these Orly polishes.  I knew I wanted to do a neon/neutral with them!

{More after the break}

DIY Vintage T-Shirt

Hi lovelies!  When I was asked to test this new fabric paint, DecoArt Ink Effects, I was so excited to try it out!  Instead of applying the paint directly on to the fabric, which always ends up feeling crunchy after, you paint onto paper and then you iron it on to the fabric!  The best thing is the image can be reused, obviously the color will fade with subsequent uses, which is what I wanted for the tshirt!  Stay tuned for what I used my initial transfer for! {More after the break}

DIY ~ Nautical Shell Anchor Necklace

Hi lovelies!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend!  I did a bit of crafting, so be prepared for some awesome new projects!  This one is a great take on the nautical trend, and this can be a great way to do something with your souvenir shell you found on the beach! {More after the break}

My June Birchbox

Hey lovelies!  It's a little late, but better late than never to share my June Birchbox goodies with you!  My only complaint with this month's box is that the little perfume (which smells HEAVENLY!) leaked entirely out in transit. {More after the break}

My Favorite Things ~ Beauty & Neon

Hi lovelies! It's been awhile, and I've been super stressed, so I thought I'd share a few of my fave things as of recently!

This is the Zoya Nailpolish Pinterest Trio, it consists of the top three pinned colors from their summer collection!  L-R: Myrta, Zuza, and Kimber.  I have Kimber on my toes and LOVE it!  This was free during a promotion, just had to pay shipping! {More after the break}

My Mani ~ Julep Polka Dotted

Hi lovelies!  It's been quite a while since I've done a mani post, and to be honest, I've just been lazy.  So I'm sharing with you last week's mani, created using the polish from my May Julep Maven box! {More after the break}

My Outfit ~ Ivory n Ikat

Hi lovelies!  Today I'm featured over on my great friend, Megan's blog, The Frugalista Diaries as part of her 5 Ways to Wear Hi-Low Hemlines!  {More after the break}

My Outfit ~ Red, White and Denim

Hey lovelies!  It's been a while since I've done an outfit post, and although it's friggen hot as hell out, I managed to snap a few quick pics on my patio!  {More after the break}

DIY ~ Upcycled Birchbox Makeup Box

Hiya lovelies!  I recently de-stashed some of my hoarded empty Birchboxes and made this upcycled Birchbox makeup box!  It was so easy and it's so cute!  Here's the how to: {More after the break}

DIY Vignette ~ Beach Terrarium, Storage Tray, and Jewelry Bowl

Hi lovelies!  Today I'm sharing with you what I made using some amazing products I received from Plaid Crafts!  They've recently added a huge Plaid Crafts section at Walmart, and I was challenged to see what I could make! {More after the break}