Work Wear Inspired by The Duchess of Cambridge

Kate is always pressed to perfection on her official outings representing the Crown. She has had many business casual looks we can incorporate in to our own work wear.

Kate gives a nautical vibe wearing a cream sweater matched with cropped, navy wide leg trousers. The block heels and white blazer make this ensemble perfect for work!

Kate looks great in a classic shirt dress and black pumps. Choose knee length and an appropriate yet fun pattern for work!

Keep it casual with a sweater and a pair of cropped palazzo pants. Choose coordinating colors like Kate's purple and green!

A wrap dress is a classic work staple and flattering on all figures. Wear it with your favorite pair of heels like the Duchess!

Casual Fridays are the best! Kate's dark jeans, riding boots, and crew neck sweater over a button down shirt mixes the perfect amount of professional for a laid-back look. 

Manners 101 from My Southern Grandmother

Although I grew up in the North, my Southern raised grandmother made sure I understood manners and proper etiquette from a young age. I'm forever thankful for the lessons she taught me as simple manners have gone a long way in social and professional settings. And I'm one of the few people I know who still knows how to set a dinner table!

Always RSVP. Let your host know if you can make it as soon as possible so he or she can plan accordingly. RSVPs are often less formal now. Usually a call, text, or e-mail with suffice.

Push your chair in when you leave the table. Pushing in your chair after leaving the table will save the host(ess) from having to do it later. Also, it frees up space in it's path.

Never show up empty handed. Bring your host a small token of appreciation such as a bottle of wine, small trinket, or baked good - something that says thank you!

Greet everyone in the room. Even if you don't know every at the gathering it's the polite thing to say hello and introduce yourself.

Look at the person you are speaking to. Making eye contact with the person you are speaking with lets them know you're listening and interested. It's impolite to glance down at your phone or scan the room while someone is talking to you.

Learn people's names. Learning and remembering a person's name and using it to address them is a sign of respect and caring.

Ask before bringing a guest. Don't assume a plus one is a given. Also ask your host(ess) if you can bring a guest... or your kids!

Hold the door. Look to see if anyone is behind when entering through a door. Holding the door for someone is just a nice thing to do.

Bathroom Upgrade on a Budget

Bathroom renovation not in the budget? Simple upgrades and updates can make a bathroom look brand new, and you'll stay in budget too!

Hang a new mirror. Changing a mirror can completely change the look of a room. Change out an ornate, highly designed mirror with a scaled back, minimal design or vise versa.

Switch out the hardware. New hardware for cabinets or drawers can show off your personality or tie the room together.

Paint the walls or the cabinets. A fresh coat of paint can really revitalize a room. It's also a cost effective option that can completely change the theme and feel of a room.

Install a new shower head. Update your bathroom with a new shower head. Switch the old one out for something brand new such as a high pressure shower head,  a dual shower head, or a rain shower head.

Replace the decor. Replacing the towels, rugs, trash cans, and/or bath mats is the easiest way to transform a bathroom. Use new colors, patterns, and textures to change up the space.

Change out the faucet. There are so many options to upgrade the vanity and sink. Choose from different finishes and handles to match your design style.

Add something living.  If space allows, add a vase of flowers, bamboo plant, or leafy, green plant. This adds relaxation and the spa feel!

2020 Oscar Fashion

Hollywood's elite took over the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night for the 92nd Academy Awards. For the second year in a row the Oscars had no host, but as always had the most talked about fashion of the year. Here are my hits and misses from twenty twenty!

Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta

Scarlett looked the epitome of Hollywood glamour in an Oscar de la Renta floor length gown that featured an exposed corset and liquidy, metallic skirt with train. The corset style and sexy sparkle was perfect for Scarlett's bombshell body. The dress also allowed her to show off her tattoos!

Mindy Kaling in Dolce and Gabbana

I always get excited about a yellow dress and this shade is perfect for Mindy. The draping and ruching is so beautiful, and paired with a diamond statement necklace and dangle earrings this look shouts classic old Hollywood. Mindy was styled by Meghan Markle BFF Jessica Mulroney!

Janelle Monae in Ralph Lauren

More metallic and sparkle! This custom Ralph Lauren creation featuring a glitzy hood was reportedly made with 168,000 Swarovski crystals! This dress may have make Janelle looked covered up and modest, but the tight fitting bust and surprise open back oozed sensuality. I loved how she paired it with a diamond necklace and diamond rings!

Lily Aldridge in Ralph Lauren

This entire look shows that simple and elegant can really make an impact. From the classic silhouette to the breezy ruffles, to pop of red with the flower and lip color, it's perfect!

Cynthia Erivo in Versace

Yes, I'm obsessed with white gowns and glitter (#sorrynotsorry). This Versace dress really elevates the classic ballgown and traditional sweetheart neckline. It's glitz, it's glam, and it was the most eye catching dress on the red carpet. I'm not a huge fan of the nails, all the rings, and the shoes, but she looks hot! I love the full skirt.

Major misses for me this year included Kristen Wiig (really? wtf! she looked like a lasagna.), America Ferrera (gave me total Princess Bride vibes), Maya Rudolph (sparkly mumu), and Billie Eilish (what's with the radio active skunk hair and baggy pajama look?).

Honorable mentions go to Renee Zellweger, Regina King, Florence Pugh, Tom Hanks, and Christine Lahti. Kudos to Elizabeth Banks and Jane Fonda who actually re-wore dresses they had worn at previous red carpets. Ladies in red!

I was annoyed by Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig's stand up, but highlights of the night for me included Steven Martin and Chris Rock and Eminem! 

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Truffles

My husband and I don't do much for Valentine's Day, but I always try to make him a special treat, and  my favorite part of Valentine's Day is chocolate!

What You'll Need: 

2 10 ounce packages of dark chocolate chips

3/4 cup of heavy cream 

1 1 ounce package of freeze dried strawberries, pounded or blended into a fine powder

What You'll Need to Do:

Heat heavy cream over medium heat small sauce pan.

Heat to a simmer. Do not boil. Remove from heat.

Pour one package of chocolate chips in to a heat safe bowl.

Pour the heated cream over the chocolate chips.

Let rest for 5 minutes.

Stir chocolate chip and cream mixture until well combined.

Add all but one tablespoon of powdered strawberries.

Stir to combine.

Place the mixture in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. 

Heat the remaining package of chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until melted.

Remove chocolate/cream/strawberry mixture from the fridge.

Scoop out mixture using a spoon or cookie scoop and form in to balls.

Dip balls in to melted chocolate.

Sprinkle with crushed strawberry.

Allow the chocolate to cool before serving. 

ENJOY with your Valentine or Galentine! 

Maple Chai Tea Latte

There is plenty of winter left and plenty of fun ways to warm up including with a Maple Chai Tea Latte!

What You'll Need:

1/2 cups of milk (your choice)

1-2 chai teabags

1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or all spice (optional)

What You'll Need to Do:

Heat milk until steaming in the microwave or in a sauce pan on the stove. Do not boil.
Pour milk over chai tea bags in a mug.
Steep for 3-5 minutes.
Stir in vanilla and maple syrup.
Lightly dust with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or all spice (optional).
Serve hot and ENJOY!