{Favorite Things of 2012}

Today, I am loving...

Favorite Things of 2012

Last year at this time, I began a tradition of writing down my favorite things and happiest memories from the previous 11 months. I consider it a great way to reflect and appreciate all that has happened, and serves as a reminder that life is what you make it. This year was especially adventurous, and I cannot wait to share my 2012 recap with all of you! But until then, I'd like to channel my inner Oprah and reveal a few of my favorite things:



Hair & Skin

1. Ojon rare blend oil

2. Blue Copper 5 firming elasticity repair

Nails & Makeup

1. Essie nail polish

2. MAC colored eyeliner

Adventure

My passport. I was able to visit 6 countries this year!

Fashion

1. LC Lauren Conrad Collection

2. 7 For All Mankind

  

Media

1. BBC World News

2. Bravo TV

Jewelry & Accessories

1. Kate Spade

2. Francesca's Collections

Spirituality

Bridgeway Community Church

Lifestyle

1. Earth Treks Climbing

2. Merriweather Post Pavilion

Drinks & Eats

Cappuccino & gourmet pizza!

Images via Pinterest 

{Wishful Thinking}

Today, I am loving...

Creating a...

Holiday Wish List 2012 by Chateau de Victoria

1. // 2. // 3. // 4. // 5. // 6. // 7. // 8. // 9. // 10.

Celebration mode is in full swing! After sharing a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and indulging in a delicious display of food, the holidays are officially underway. According to my calendar, Thanksgiving Eve marks the beginning of an amazingly long period of festive shenanigans, social gatherings and a LOT of cooking/baking/eating. I love this time of year, especially since I am about to turn 25 at the end of the week! The past several months have been marked by many exciting travels, personal accomplishments and an abundance of grace. I'm looking forward to celebrating all that has been and is to come with the people I love most.

BUT! I also love celebrating the most important people in my life. While I enjoy doing activities with my family, I have such a blast giving them gifts as well. I got a little excited about all the recent deals going on that I'm pretty much done my Christmas shopping! I may or may not have harassed urged each of my family members into creating their wish lists ridiculously early, but I think they'll thank me for it later. And though there isn't anything I could possibly need, I also had a little fun picking up some items I've had my eye on for awhile...and created my own birthday/Christmas wish list. I have some really big wishes for 2013, but right now I'm incredibly thankful for all that I've already been given! Life is good :)

Images via Polyvore and Pinterest

{Cobalt & Teal}

What I'm wearing today...

Cobalt & Teal by Chateau de Victoria

J.Crew Jackie Cardigan // Express Colored Jeans // TOMS Wedge Boots // Michael Kors Watch // Aqua Blockstripe Loop Scarf // Nars Blush/Bronzer Duo // MAC Eyeliner // Sugar Rose Lip Balm // LC Lauren Conrad Bow Earrings 

You know those days when you just feel good? And to make it even better, you're outfit is a direct reflection of your attitude? Well, today is that kind of day. I feel awesome, funky, colorful, lively and comfortable. My body is the definition of c o l o r b l o c k i n g. Because today is simply a rockin' kind of day...

Images via Polyvore and Pinterest

{Brightening Up The Office}

What I'm wearing today...

Brightening Up The Office by Chateau de Victoria

Live a colorful life.
Be a colorful person.

Images via Polyvore

{Be Bright. Be Bold.}

What I'm wearing today...

Be Bright. Be Bold. by Chateau de Victoria

"If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere."

-Marilyn Monroe

{Easter Baskets Gone Wild}

Today, I am loving...

Easter Baskets

I love Easter. I enjoy going to church on Easter Sunday, basking in the warmer temperatures and spending time with family. Now I don't know about you, but I really miss partaking in easter egg hunts. Just this past weekend, our neighbors held one for their grandkids and it was adorable to watch all of the kiddos running around hunting for eggs. Why don't we get that excited over candy anymore? Well, maybe egg hunts aren't as popular for us adults...but what about giving and receiving Easter baskets? I decided to have some fun and put together a few "themed" baskets for those of you who enjoy this aspect of the spring holiday. Perhaps you have a parent, friend or significant other you want to create one for...enjoy!

Easter Basket Ideas: The Fashionista by Chateau de Victoria

Easter Basket Ideas: The Studmuffin by Chateau de Victoria

Easter Basket Ideas: The Beauty Guru by Chateau de Victoria

Easter Basket Ideas: The Solar-Powered Kid by Chateau de Victoria

Easter Basket Ideas: The Foodie by Chateau de Victoria

"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life."  
~S.D. Gordon

{Casual Fridayyy}

What I'm Wearing Today...

Casual Fridayyy by Chateau de Victoria

Tonight,

We are young,

So let's set the world on fire,

We can burn brighter,

Than the sun...

{Spring Tease}

What I'm wearing today...

Spring Tease by Chateau de Victoria

Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

{Flighty and Fabulous}

I love color. I love that which is vibrant. And I really love having fun with my makeup once in awhile. So when I was at the mall the other day picking up this adorable handbag I've been eyeing at a sale price I couldn't refuse, I happened to wander over to the MAC counter with my spare change. Hello color mascara!

MAC Zoom Lash Mascara in Blue Charge, Green is Green, High Esteem and Plum Reserve

I was a bit skeptical at first, but couldn't take my eyes off of the green; commence makeover by wonderful MAC rep. A little bit of orangey/brown eyeshadow and green mascara later, I was sold...but not enough to walk away with the product in hand. I was told this was a limited time offer, but didn't have that "you better buy it now or else" feeling.

Until the next day...

I made my girl's night start a smidgen earlier by stopping back to make the purchase and was told that all of the stores were now sold out of the mascara's. DISSmissed. However, I'm a determined lady...and all options were going to be tried. Now commence the wonders of online shopping on my iPhone + coupon gouging = two colored mascara's with free overnight shipping at the same total as if I was in the store (all under 10 minutes time). Bring 'em on!

MAC Flighty Collection

I'm all about the pop factor, and I think this collection offers several fun colors for your summer palette without making you look like a drag queen. I have yet to try on the blue, but I'm hoping it turns out as nicely as the green! I'm not quite sure what "overnight shipping" means to MAC because it has now been two days since my purchase and I haven't even received my shipping confirmation, but I'm not fretting too much because it was free. If I've been scammed, you'll be the first to know (along with the unfortunate soul who receives my phone call). No worries though, because Sephora also has a selection of color mascara's as well!

BADgal Plum Mascara

Buxom Lash Mascara Special Effects Blue Noir

It's always good to have something to look forward to on a Monday!

{A Bright(er) Sight}

Is it just me, or is the wardrobe color range in the cold months a collage of white, grey & black? When the warmth of summer leaves us, I often find that we tend to stick to the grayscale. Well, I don't mind being a part of this trend as long as I bring a little something more to the table. For example: a bright eyeliner or scarf. Now, I am a lover of all things natural when it comes to makeup (I am still apologizing to my skin for my teenage abuse). I stick to a light powder, mostly shades of brown for my eyes and pink glosses for my lips. However, why not spice up a grey pantsuit or little black dress with a bright eyeliner? A gold, teal or baby purple can add a subtle hint of color that is delicate yet bold. As for the scarf, there is nothing I love more than adding a bright addition to my office attire; today, my American Apparel turquoise wrap is just what I needed on such a cold, rainy day.

Image via Google

MAC Glitter Eyeliner Set (2009)

American Apparel Unisex Sheer Jersey Scarf in Kelly Green

American Apparel Unisex Sheer Jersey Scarf in Red

Get Creative!

American Apparel Unisex Sheer Jersey Scarf in Teal

{cliMACtic}

When I think of Christmas, a lot of things come to mind: white lights, gingerbread houses, caroling, the smell of fresh pine...and MAC cosmetics. Before you judge, let me explain. It is this time of year that my mother raids the MAC counter for their holiday collection...and I am one happy lady on Christmas day. Every winter season the company comes out with a newly inspired collection...and just when you thought plaid was only fit for private school uniforms, think again. This year's theme is "A Tartan Tale" (or in my opinion, Hogwarts meets Viva La Glam) where colors and patterns collide for a seductive but still dignified look. If you're having trouble with your holiday wish list (highly doubtful) then check out these great gift sets...let your feminine prissy side run wild picking out quality products that will last until next Christmas (or beyond).

A Lady & Her Tricks Buff & Line Brush Collection

Vain And Glorious Lip Bag

5 Naughty Little Vices Nail Lacquer