NOVEMBER FAVORITES

Wednesday, November 30, 2016
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5 things I loved in November:

1.) Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life - So here's the deal. I had extremely high expectations. I'm practically the third Gilmore Girl, so I expected this revival to be flawless. However spring and summer really let me down. But winter and fall were so worth the mediocre middle sect. Those four final words still have my head spinning and I basically want to marry Luke Danes.


2.) Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham - This book came out yesterday and I'm already halfway through it. Lauren Graham, aka Lorelei Gilmore, shares personal essays about her life in Hollywood and on the set of Gilmore Girls. I got it on audiobook and talking as fast as she can is certainly what Lauren Graham does. (Does this woman ever breath!?) (I love you Lauren.)

3.) Blush Online Life Coaching - Blush provides affordable online life coaching for women all over. It eliminates all the awkward barriers of going to physically see a therapist and cuts the BS and dives on in. Speaking with a life coach has opened my eyes to so much potential I have and has given me the extra push to dive into specific aspects of my career and relationship. My life coach feels like my blunt big sister who will tell me how it is with zero fear of getting in the middle. While this may make her sound like a total jerk, I promise she's not. She's awesome. I want to be her real life friend.

4.) Get Lost Tea - This tea is not only delicious, but helps with weight loss. It tastes like Christmas (aka cinnamon and carob) and provides craving control, fights the sweet tooth, and is caffeine free. 

5.) Miranda Lambert's new album - This new dual album is already topping the charts. It brings back the twangy country I love as opposed to the pop garbage we have been seeing a lot of lately. My favorite songs include "Pink Sunglasses" and "For the Birds."

What did you love this month?


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HAILEY BALDWIN LOOK FOR LESS

Tuesday, November 29, 2016
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Hailey Baldwin has been popping up all over my social media feeds lately. I really did not know who she was besides being a Baldwin, but apparently she is a model. I do always love her style though, especially this one featured below that is perfect for this transition from fall to winter weather. With the links provided below, this look can be recreated for $102!
Leggings
Chambray
Top
Beanie
Boots
Wallet

                                       

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CARDLY REVIEW

Monday, November 28, 2016
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I have a love for snail mail. In a time of social media and text messages, there is something beautiful in still receiving a handwritten card or letter. However, getting to the store, finding a perfect card, trying to remember where I put my book of stamps, and then mailing it is something that takes me weeks. However, with the help of Cardly I can choose, write, and send a card within moments. 

Cardly allows individuals to choose a card, created by independent artists (I love supporting small business!) and send to a friend or family member. There are a wide array of cards on their site, for birthday, seasonal, and everyday. Some are serious, some are hilarious, and many feature great pop culture references, like this one.


I knew when I saw this one, I had to get it for my brother, the ultimate Home Alone fan, who ironically is also named Kevin.


Whether you want to say hello to a friend or wish your Great Aunt Betty a Happy Birthday, Cardly is the best way to go! You choose the card, write a message, and they mail it for you.
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Thursday, November 24, 2016
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Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!


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BLACK FRIDAY TIPS

Wednesday, November 23, 2016
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Black Friday has a reputation of being purely chaotic. Two years ago was the first (and probably last) year I have ever tackled it and ironically, there were ZERO crowds. I did not wait for parking for hours, I did not even wait in line when buying at the stores. That being said, I did not think there were any overly satisfying deals. I think it is a great day if you are making a big purchase or buying electronics, but for cosmetics, clothing, and smaller items, Black Friday makes no big difference.

If you are going to trek out shopping this weekend, here are a few tips:

  1. Have a plan. Know what you are shopping for so that you do not overspend on unnecessary items or spend more time than needed at the mall.
  2. Compare prices ahead of time. Many websites, such as Price Grabber and Shop Advisor, will tell you which store will have the best price for what you are looking for. This will cut out any pain of purchasing immediately at Nordstrom's, then finding the jeans $20 cheaper at Macy's.
  3. Get a good night's rest. When you are sleep deprived you are likely to overeat and overspend. Being sure you got 6-8 hours of sleep (the tryptophan in the turkey should help!) could prevent you from binge eating Wetzel's Pretzels at the food court and buying the same sweater in eight different colors.
  4. Read the fine print. A lot of stores will mark up the "original" price, to make the discount look greater than it really is. Be sure you know that you are really getting a discount before you purchase.
  5. Do not limit yourself to Black Friday. Many stores seem to be doing "Black November" and bargains are already out. Cyber Monday is another great way to get fabulous deals without even having to leave your bed.
Are you Black Friday shopping this year? What are your tips for surviving the crazy people?
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BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING WISH LIST

Tuesday, November 22, 2016
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Black Friday is upon us! While I will be binging Gilmore Girls instead of shopping, these links are things on my wish list that I will be creeping Cyber Monday for.


North Face
Nail Polish
MAC Sweet Nude Lip Kit
New Wedges
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara
NARS Dual Intensity Blush

What are you wanting this holiday season?

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GRATITUDE LIST & GIVEAWAY

Sunday, November 20, 2016
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Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for. While this is something I do frequently daily, weekly, monthly, always throughout the year, this time of year just escalates the feelings of gratitude. I recently stumbled upon a mandala of gratitude while scrolling through Pinterest and decided I wanted to create one for myself to keep in times I need a reminder of all I have.


I am extremely grateful for this blog, which turns 3 on the 25th, and for all who read and support my passion. In honor of Thanksgiving and my BlogBirthday, I am giving away a $25 Starbucks gift card! To enter:

CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. GIVEAWAY IS NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON 11/26 AT 12AM PST.
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PLAN WITH ME - THANKSGIVING SPREAD

Sunday, November 20, 2016
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This is this week's spread! I have been saving it for Thanksgiving. It is from Glam Planner on Etsy and is considered one of her "glitch" kits. This means she did not feel it was PERFECT so she did not sell it at her regular price. I scored it for close to nothing and when I received it, the only "glitch" I found was a tiny knick on one of the stickers that I would have only noticed because I was looking for it. A couple of the stickers included are from other stores, but for the most part it is all Glam Planner!

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PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS

Thursday, November 17, 2016
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Each month I receive a box of love and encouragement on my front porch. This month's Loved and Blessed theme was prayer, something I am sure none of us do enough, even if we are doing it daily! The insert featured in each box explaining it's purpose reminds subscribers to PUSH! Pray Until Something Happens! I love this reminder. So often we can lose hope when we pray for something, but need to keep it up and remember that God has everything perfect in His time.

This awesome box from Loved and Blessed included a mini poster, reminder sticker, scripture card, set of prayer request cards (with one included), a PUSH case to hold prayer requests, and an encouragement kit to share with someone to encourage them to keep PUSHing. 

Loved and Blessed is a Christian subscription box service with a goal to help women share their testimony. For only $19.99/month (even cheaper if you buy in bulk!), each box includes a mini poster, reminder sticker, scripture card, and small gift. 

I enjoy receiving the Loved and Blessed Box because it provides me with encouraging reminders to remain strong in my faith. It is different than any other box I have received. It is full of meaning, heart, and joy. Place your order quickly to receive your own box of encouragement next month!
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FALL SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Wednesday, November 16, 2016
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Fall Skincare Routine

Trader Joe’s Spa Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil
Lush Mask
Dermacare Moisturizer
Dermacare Spot Treatment


I like using tea tree oil in my skincare regimen because it is antibacterial and fights against blemishes naturally. I picked up this face wash at Trader Joe’s with no knowledge of it simply because I wanted to avoid a trip to another store. The ingredients are natural and are not harsh on the skin. This product leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean without feeling dried out.

I use various Lush face masks 2-3 times per week depending on what is available when I go into the store and what my skincare needs are at that time. It changes by season and with other life events going on. Recently I have been using the Lush Cosmetic Warrior mask. It has great results for fixing redness and blemishes, but I have to warn you it smells putrid. This product uses garlic, egg, and tea tree oil. The smell is well worth the results the come from using the product. 

Dermacare is an online prescription acne care company. They custom make acne and anti-aging treatments for costumers that are looking to fight acne and wrinkles, improve their skin tone, and better their skincare routine. It is great because consumers are able to get prescription strength care from their own home. For me seeing a dermatologist is not always an option financially or because of the hours in my day. Being able to answer questions and upload photos to the dermatologist at Dermacare has helped me to fight back against the acne that has plagued me for most of my life. When I first started the treatment sent to me by Dermacare, my skin was looking red. However, Dermacare was incredibly about answering my questions and providing me with suggestions to fix this. Ever since speaking with my Dermacare doctor, I have been able to come up with a perfect skincare routine for this season of life. 
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BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: MODERN DAY GF

Tuesday, November 15, 2016
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When I saw The Modern Day Girlfriend jumping for joy under the ALUMNI sign at my alma mater when scrolling through Instagram one day, I knew I wanted to feature her in November's blogger spotlight. When I asked her "Coffee or tea?" and she replied "COFFEE, COFFEE, and ooo more coffee!" I knew I wanted to be her friend. And her blog allows just that.

In a world of Instagram, Tinder, and YouTube, The Modern Day Girlfriend tackles "living & loving in the digital age one swipe at a time." Arianna speaks her mind about relationships, beauty, health, and more on her empowering lifestyle blog.



Prior to becoming a blogger, Arianna worked in the entertainment industry. While being an agent ended up not being her calling, her public relations background opened her up to exploring other opportunities. She began helping bloggers build up their social media presence which ultimately led to The Modern Day Girlfriend. Arianna was always the girl her friends and family turned to for advice in their lives, so she decided that she needed to make this her job.

Arianna recently said goodbye to her day job and began working her dream job. This doesn't mean she spends her days eating donuts and scrolling through Twitter though. "Blogging is not a 9-5 job," says Arianna, "but a 24/7 kind of lifestyle." When not devoting her time to working on her posts, as well as contributing to The Huffington Post, Arianna also enjoys spending time with her family, loving on fur babies, and giving back to the community.

Arianna really is your modern day girlfriend. She is humble, kind, and determined. "Life is an interesting ride and with all the ups and downs comes many many invaluable learning lessons. They might not make sense at the time, but when you look back, you will understand why you had to walk that path. It's not about the destination but the journey. Stay true to yourself. Let the fear of the unknown fuel you."

For more of Arianna, visit her at The Modern Day Girlfriend or on social media @moderndaygf.
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FIGHT THE FUNK

Monday, November 14, 2016
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Occasionally I go through phases of feeling down. Sometimes it's situational and sometimes it's just because. And the more I talk to people about it, the more I realize I am not alone in it. The beauty of it? I always get through it. Here are some tips for when you're feeling blue.

1.) Pray. The snake knows your weaknesses. Pray them out of your heart. 
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalms 34:17

2.) Get some sunshine. Vitamin D can do wonders for your soul. Go for a 30 minute walk in the sun. Sit out back with a glass of lemonade in a rocking chair with a book or your Bible. Let your skin absorb the sunshines.

3.) Take your vitamins. Vitamin B12, Fish Oil, St. John’s Wort, and Zinc are all known cures for anxiety and depression. Pick some up at your local drugstore and be sure to take them daily. (My favorite vitamins are THESE!

4.) Journal. When you write out how you feel, it can help you make sense of it all. Sometimes getting out your emotions and thoughts makes you feel better. 

5.) Set three goals. If you want to just lay in bed, make yourself take care of three things that day.Those three accomplishments can help motivate you to keep going in your day. Think about long term goals as well. If you want a new career, don’t spend the day sleeping. Spend the day applying to jobs.  

6.) Workout. A little cardio or lifting weights can give you adrenaline and endorphins to lift your mood, as well as helping to create a happier, healthier you.

7.) Do something for ten seconds. Force yourself to smile for ten seconds. Jump up and down for ten seconds. That burst of energy can really help.

8.) Just relax. If none of these things help, just accept the funk. Allow yourself an off day. Cuddle up with a good book or a movie and start fresh tomorrow.
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VETERAN'S DAY

Friday, November 11, 2016
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Today we salute those who have served our nation. Thank you to those who have put their lives on the line for the rest of us. I admire your bravery, hard work, and honor. Today I encourage you to sit down with a veteran, thank them, and get to know them and their story more. God bless.
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TOP 5 FAVORITE YOUTUBE CHANNELS

Wednesday, November 09, 2016
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I am obsessed with YouTube. Ever since early 2012 when my soul sister, Kiersten, introduced me to Kandee Johnson I have filled my subscription box with vloggers, gurus, and everything in between. Here are my 5 favorite YouTube channels:

Mel: Mel is a vlogger and the sister of Charles Trippy, who is one of the original vloggers on YouTube. She is positive, honest, and really enjoyable to watch. Mel is someone I would want to be my best friend, which is part of why I love to watch her channel.

Tone It Up: Tone It Up is two women who create work out and healthy lifestyle content. They offer a ton of free workouts, a nutrition plan (which is at cost, but well worth it) and much more. They are down to earth and motivating.

Philip DeFranco: The Philip DeFranco show is a weekday show that discusses news and pop culture. DeFranco tells it like it is and has no fear of pissing anyone off when sharing what's going on in our world, which is what I appreciate most about DeFranco.

Kalyn Nicholson: Kalyn Nicholson posts lifestyle videos and vlogs. She creates all sorts of videos that I always love. Some of my favorite videos she does are DIYs, routines, and how to keep inspired and motivated.

 Glam Planner: Anyone who has glanced at my blog for more than a minute knows that I am obsessed with planners and giving off the illusional that I have my life slightly organized. Glam Planner is one of my favorite shops on Etsy to purchase planner stickers, but is also a great channel to watch how she puts her sticker kits together, see her spreads, and preview new kits.
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PLANNING A THANKSGIVING PARTY WITH LABELEY

Tuesday, November 08, 2016
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Everyone loves holidays and partying with family or friends. That’s probably one of the reasons why people are looking forward to Thanksgiving Day. It is one of the most family-oriented holidays when families get together, share a meal and give thanks for each other and everything they have in their lives.

However, planning and organizing a Thanksgiving party can sometimes be exhausting and daunting. You have to prepare the dinner, decorate the house and table, prepare fun games and activities, etc. Although it sounds like a lot of work it is actually very easy if you try some of these tips and tricks.

Preparing some of the food in advance is always a good idea. Also, decorating the house prior to Thanksgiving day will help you have a stress-free holiday. With Labeley, a free online label maker, you can create gorgeous table settings and festive house decorations that will surprise your guests. The tool offers so many elements for custom label designs for creating unique place cards and thank you notes, cheery banners for decorating the mantel or entrance, fun games for the kids, festive centerpieces, colorful gift tags and more.

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Here is a quick guide and some ideas to get you started with this totally free and fun to use tool:

Go to Labeley’s holidays and start designing by selecting one of the shapes. The tool offers wide range of shapes, variety of free borders, ribbons, graphics and fonts and an option to fully personalize the label by uploading any photo from your computer. Explore the various sections and choose the options that suite you the best.

For example, you can use Labeley to create a fun game for the youngsters. Choose any shape and background. Then use some of the free graphics and place them on the left side of the page while on the right side you can write a name for each object. Then print out a few samples of this design and hand them over to the kids. They would need to draw a line from each picture on the left side to the matching word on the right. It will definitely keep little hands busy.

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Labeley can also come in handy when creating place cards for the guests. Just create stickers with a thankful note for each person and place them around the table so guests will know where to seat. Everyone will surely be impressed when they read their names and how special they are to you.

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Another idea is to prepare a few types of festive cards, so everyone can write down what they’re thankful for, share their thoughts after the dinner and then tie the notes to branches of fall foliage.  It would definitely be a fun centerpiece for the party.

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Hope these ideas will inspire you to create festive decorations and fun games throwing the best Thanksgiving party ever! Happy Thanksgiving day!
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OUTSIDE THE HUDDLE : PRAYING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE SEASON

Monday, November 07, 2016
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Many people close to me think that football is the center of my life. It's not. Jesus is. Football is just a close second. Football season can be a very trying time for me, but reading the Scriptures brings me peace and faith in my role as a coach's girlfriend. While sometimes it can be hard to figure out why we couldn't have a "normal" life (what does normal even mean?) it is so simple to remember we are doing what Jesus has called us to do. We are here on Earth to serve him and lead as an example through the Gospel and the Scriptures. We are to glorify him always, whether it be as a coach or as a fan. Here are my ten favorite Scriptures to get through football season:

Psalms 108:13
“With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”

Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 9:24
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

1 Timothy 4:8
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Hebrews 12:11-13
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” 

Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

1 Samuel 16:17
“Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

1 Corinthians 12:26
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, everyone rejoices with it.”

Proverbs 16:33

“The lot is cast into the lap, but it’s every decision is from the Lord.”

How does your faith build you stronger in your football related role?
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