November Beauty Box 5

Hi lovelies!  I was recently introduced to a new monthly beauty box subscription to share, and I'm kind of loving it! Beauty Box 5 is a monthly subscription service that delivers 5 cosmetic samples to your door for $12 a month.  This was November's box, my first one, and I was super impressed!  {Click to keep reading!}

SnS Loves ~ Studio Gear Holiday Makeup Palette

Hi lovelies!  I'm really excited to share with you this amazing holiday makeup palette by a new-to-me makeup brand, Studio Gear.  I was lucky enough to be sent it to check it out and review, and I loooove it and I think you will too!  {Click to keep reading!}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 6 ~ DIY Coffee Sleeve

Hi lovelies!  Today's DIY is another easy one, and it is so fun to make, I want to keep making more!  What gal can't live without her coffee?  Why not make an easy, reusable coffee sleeve for all your friends so they can do away with the cardboard ones!  {Click for the how-to!}

Last-Minute Gift for Him ~ Dockers® Game Day Khakis!

Hi lovelies! With less than a week left to shop for Christmas, many of us (myself included!) are looking to do some last minute shopping for people.  Buying for your guy can be tricky but I've got a great idea for him!  Dockers® recently released its Game Day Khaki collection, featuring 10 popular collegiate sports teams.  Now my guy is a HUGE Texas A&M fan, so of course I could not resist getting these in maroon for him!  They feature a subtle logo on the back, and on the inside waistband it has "Gig 'Em Aggies".  So rad!

Each school's pants are available in classic khaki or the school's color for a bolder choice!  They also are available in classic fit as well as a modern, slimmer fit.  You can buy them at Dockers.Com, Macys.com and at select Macy stores. Hurry up – order them in time for Christmas!

xo
Lia

Disclosure: I received a pair of pants and compensation in exchange for a review from Dockers®.  All opinions are always my own and I never endorse anything I personally don't love!  Thanks for supporting the brands that make SnS possible!

Target Gift Guide for Kids ~ #MyKindOfHoliday + GIVEAWAY!

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

Hi lovelies!  With Christmas nearly here, it's time to finish up that shopping!  I'm sharing some of the items on my kiddos lists with you, in the event you're still searching for what to get that kid on your list!

My 12 year old daughter loves Lego Friends sets, and my 8 year old son is currently obsessed with Lego City.  Together, they love playing games on our Xbox + Kinect.  If they're really good, perhaps Santa will leave a few of these items under the tree!

Luckily, I do most of my shopping at Target.com, so it's super easy for me to get all their gifts at one spot.  In store, I take advantage of the savings offered using their Cartwheel app, as well as my RedCard.

Now for you, my lovely loyal readers.  Target would LOVE to give one of you a $25 gift card!  To enter, use the rafflecopter form below.  As a mandatory entry, visit Target.com and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite gift for kids is and who you would give it to!  That's it!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo
Lia

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 5 ~ Glitter Reindeer Shirt

You'll need:

• Shirt
• Iron on glitter transfer sheets (these are by Tulip and I found them at Joann's)
• Scissors
• Template (peruse google images for a shape like I did!)
• Iron

Instructions:

• Trace your image onto the glitter sheet (I opted to cut them out together, securing the sheets together with some washi tape)
• Put the shape on the shirt
• Iron it on according to the package directions

And that's it!  It's so easy, and you can really do so much with these!  I'm thinking of glitter polka dots next :)

And here's my beautiful baby Bella, modeling her new shirt.  She is in love with it and can't wait to wear it to school.

I hope you enjoyed this DIY, keep checking back for more!

Catch up on 2013's 12 DIYs of Christmas:
Day 1 ~ DIY Bow Hair Pins
Day 2 ~ DIY Lavender Sachets
Day 3 ~ DIY Vintage Brooch Napkin Rings

Day 4 ~ DIY Metallic 3D Diamonds

xo ~ Lia

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 4 ~ DIY Metallic 3D Diamonds

Hi lovelies!  I was recently trying to figure out how to make some pretty 3D diamond shapes to use for decorating.  When I realized how simple it was once I found the right material, I couldn't stop making them!  You won't believe how easy these are to make, seriously!  {Click for the how-to!}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 3 ~ DIY Vintage Brooch Napkin Rings

Hi lovelies!  This DIY is another super easy one for you!  Recently my mom sent me a box of 'goodies' - a bunch of stuff she figured I could use for DIY projects.  Well there were a bunch of these vintage Christmas brooches in there and I realized they'd make perfect napkin rings coupled with this gorgeous dupioni silk ribbon!  {How-to after the jump!}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 2 ~ DIY Lavender Sachets

Hi lovelies! I may be a bit behind on posting, but I'll catch up so be prepared for some days with at least 2 posts coming your way! Yay!  Today's DIY is super simple, smells lovely, and who wouldn't love one?  You won't believe how easy these adorable lavender sachets are to make; the hard part is deciding to give them away and not keep them for yourself!  {How-to after the break}

12 DIYs of Christmas ~ Day 1 ~ DIY Bow Hair Pins

Hi lovelies!  It's the best time of year and amid all the chaos, I've decided to bring back my favorite blog series!  That's right, it's the 3rd annual 12 DIYs of Christmas!  Today's DIY is super simple and it adds an adorable, playful touch to any holiday updo.  They also make great stocking stuffers!  {Click for the how-to!}

Just Dance Kids 2014

Hi lovelies!  With the holidays approaching/upon us, it's time to start thinking what the heck to get the kiddos in your life.  I try to maintain a healthy balance between electronic toys and actual activities that get the heart rate going for my little ones.  I'm thrilled to be partnering with Ubisoft to review their newest video game, Just Dance Kids 2014.

My kids love the Just Dance games for our Xbox 360 Kinect.  It's such a great idea, a way to make them move while still 'playing a video game'.  It makes me happy to see them being active and not just couch potatoes, and heck I love to play along too!

While my kiddos are a bit older (8 and 12) than the intended audience, this game is perfect for them regardless.  My daughter was so giddy to find some of her favorite songs by Selena Gomez and One Direction among many others.  My son just loves to be silly and goofy so he likes to throw on The Wiggles or Yo Gabba Gabba and laugh the whole way through it.  The dance moves are much easier with Just Dance Kids 2014, so even my no rhythm having self could follow along and get a bit of cardio in.  Seriously, I'd much rather dance to a fun upbeat song on the Kinect than go to the gym.

So I think my favorite part is the Parent's Corner, where you can create custom playlists or even check how many calories were burned! (Genius, right?)  That way I can justifiably skip the gym knowing I burned more calories than I would have had!  But it's for kids, right.  There's some really fun modes you can play in, too, like the Freeze n Shake (stop dancing when you see the stop sign and start at the shake sign) or my favorite, Balloon Pop (dance to fill up and pop the balloon, shake to grab stars and points).

Since we have the Xbox 360 Kinect, there's an exclusive Just Create Mode, which allows kids to make their own music video using their own choreography and routines.  So cool!

In all, we LOVE this game!  It's a must-play on constant rotation, and for me it's also a great workout!  If you're at a loss for what to get those kiddos on your list, head on over to Amazon and get them a copy of Just Dance Kids 2014!

xo
Lia

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

My November Glossybox ~ Unwrapped

Hi lovelies!  I've been meaning to share my November 'Holiday Romance' Glossybox with you, and now that I've *finally* overcome the cold I've been struggling with, I can!  If you're still not familiar, Sign up for GlossyBox here, and get some amazing goodies delivered to your door for only $21 every month too! They promise 5-6 luxury deluxe sized samples, with a total box value of at least twice of its cost!  {Click to see what I got!}

Shopping at Target on Black Friday #MKOH #MyKindOfHoliday

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

Hi lovelies!  Shopping on Black Friday is a kind of tradition for me.  I mean, I always do it but I'm not one of those crazies that camps out or tramples people and grabs random crap I don't need.  I usually only go to Target because they have great deals on things for my kids.  I can easily save about 50% by shopping the deals.  Best part about it?  I can sleep in on Friday and head out late morning/early afternoon and still not miss out!

A few of my tips n tricks are:

• Study the sales circular to find the best Black Friday deals and research to make sure that it's *truly* a great deal.  That awesome Lego set may have a tempting price tag, but a quick search can yield a better price elsewhere.
• Download the store map to find where the deals are located in your local Target store.  Remember there are usually cardboard bins and shelves throughout the store, so those movies you're eyeing may not be in their normal section but instead in women's clothing.
• Use your redcard to save 5% automatically (seriously, if you don't do this you're crazy).  It's so easy to get a Target debit card so the money still comes out of your checking account but you save $$!  
• Match the deals you're shopping for to the available coupons and Cartwheel offers to save even more money on the things you already buy.

Now, here's what I went for:

Best part?  I spent well under $100 and got a 20% off coupon to use next week!  So hurry up and head to your local Target to get some Black Friday shopping in, without all the craziness!

xo
Lia

DIY ~ Rustic Glam Burlap Placemats

Hi lovelies!  This year I decided to do a rustic glam themed Thanksgiving table, and I've got a bunch of quick, easy DIYs to help achieve it!  First up are these adorable placemats.  You wouldn't believe how easy they are to make.  {Click for the how-to!}

DIY ~ Rhinestone Ear Cuffs

Hi lovelies!  I know it's Sunday, but I've got a fun DIY for you!  It seems sparkly ear clips are all the rage and they truly are the perfect piece to dress up, well anything!  Wear one, wear two, you won't believe how easy they are to make.  The best part?  You don't have to order any special supplies; I bought everything to make these at Joann's.  {Click for the how-to!}

My November Ipsy Glam Bag ~ Unwrapped

Hi lovelies!  So today I'm sharing my November Ipsy Glam Bag with you.  If you haven't heard of Ipsy, it's similar to the other beauty subscription boxes, it costs only $10 a month, and you get a makeup bag too!  {Click to see what was inside!}

My November Birchbox ~ Unwrapped

Hi lovelies!  Today I'm sharing my November Birchbox with you.  If you're not familiar, subscribe to Birchbox for only $10 a month and get handpicked beauty and lifestyle samples delivered to your door free!  {Click to see what I got!}

My First (& Last) BeautyBar Sample Society Box ~ Unwrapped + Horrible Customer Service

Hi lovelies!  I recently received a promo code to try out BeautyBar.com's Sample Society, in which $15 gets you 5 deluxe sized samples + a mini-mag from Allure.  I really like that your $15 box cost also can be redeemed toward a $50 purchase from that month's full sized products.  So I figured I'd try it out!  {Click to see what I got!}

Holiday Gift Guide ~ For the Older Kiddos #MyKindOfHoliday

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

Hi lovelies!  Today I'm partnering with Target to give you some great gift ideas for older kids.  I picked out a few items from Target's Kid's Catalog that my 8 year old son and 12 year old daughter would love!!

I can't make a trip to Target without them running to the toy department and asking 'Can I get this?' over a dozen times... especially my son with Legos!  This Ninja Turtle set and the Lego City set would be perfect surprises under the tree for him!

My daughter, on the other hand, is getting older.  She's more into clothes now (btw - how adorable is this sequin striped & fur trimmed zip up hoodie?), but still has some fun with toys.  These Crayola sets are things she's already asked me for and if she's good, maybe Santa will leave them under the tree for her.

I always get them movies, and Disney's Planes is perfect for them (okay, and me!) to watch while cuddled up in our pajamas with a big bowl of popcorn.

If you have to buy gifts for kids of any age, head to Target! (and don't forget to use your RedCard to save 5%!)

xo
Lia

DIY ~ Glitter Coasters

Hi lovelies!  I haven't posted a DIY in a little bit, but you're in luck because I have a ton coming your way, including some amazing pieces to make sure your holiday table is picture perfect!  Today's DIY is loosely inspired by these Kate Spade Glitter Coasters.  But my version will cost you only a dollar... and you can make four sets!  Intrigued?  {Click for the how-to!}

Birchbox vs. Glossybox vs. Ipsy Glam Bag ~ October Edition

Hi lovelies!  Sorry for the delay, but it's finally here!  My monthly head to head to head!  Curious how the 3 most popular beauty subscription boxes (and bag!) stack up?  Not sure which one (or two or three!) you want to subscribe to?  Have no fear, my dear, as I bring you October's edition of Birchbox vs. Glossybox vs. Ipsy Glam Bag!  {Click to see how they stack up!}

My November Julep Maven It Girl Box ~ Unwrapped

I'm pretty excited about this month's Julep Maven Box.  If you're not familiar with the Julep Maven box, you take a quiz to determine your profile, and for $19.99 a month, you get nail polish (and beauty products!) from the higher end Julep brand (sold at Sephora), with a retail value of at least double (usually more than that!) {the polishes alone retail for $14 each}. If you haven't, click on one of my links and sign up! And right now, sign up and enter promo code FREEBOX to get your first box for free, just pay $3.99 shipping. The best part is that they show you what you'll be getting each month, so you have a 5 day window to either switch to a different profile (there's 5!) or skip the month altogether and not be charged. Genius!   {Click to see what was inside!}

Have a Fun, Casual Reception with #TargetWedding + a Giveaway!

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

Hi lovelies!  So when it came to my wedding, I really wanted something super casual, laid back, where our guests would feel relaxed, at home, and would just be able to have a great time!  So we encouraged everyone to change into comfy clothes before coming to my mom's house (YUP!) for the reception.  We set up tables and chairs around the pool, in which there were beautiful flower petals strewn about.  We grilled burgers, noshed on homemade Greek hors d'oevres, and drank from a keg.  It was so low key, it was so fun!  No expensive rentals, deejay, caterers, etc.  It was so us.

If I have to do it all over again (keep in mind I am no longer married), I think I would do the same thing.  Okay, maybe not at my mom's house, but certainly something equally simple, casual, and fun!

A few months ago, when I first partnered up with Target, I mentioned its Be Yourself, Together theme.  It represents the union of two different, unique people into one amazing couple while still maintaining their unique taste and individuality.  What better way to embody that spirit than to make your reception your own!  This way, you both get a say in the decor, menu, setup, activities, etc.  Make sure to check out the Target Wedding Registry for its specially curated collection of traditional and non-traditional gifts sure to complement the tastes of each of you!

Upon perusing the Target Wedding Catalog, I found the perfect items to really make sure your reception is perfect.  First, what is a party without cocktails?



Head to the liquor store for an assortment of spirits and mixers, and allow your guests to play bartender as they mix and make some tasty drinks!

For those younger or choosing the non-alcoholic route, the SodaStream Source Soda Maker would be soooo fun, don't you think?

Lastly, wind down the event with coffee for everyone.



A Keurig station with assorted K-cups, mugs, and all the fixins would be so ideal, don't you think?

Now, Target has generously offered one Smart n Snazzy reader the chance at a $25 gift card!  To enter, check out the Target Wedding Catalog and let me know your favorite item for my reception, along with why you've chosen it.  Enter all info using the rafflecopter, below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway