Wait for it

I apologize that this weeks post were a little lackluster. I promise it will be better from here on after the changes that were made in my life this week. With that being said I previously mentioned that I would be attempting to make a King Cake this weekend well that unfortunately will not be happening because I have a bigger surprise planned for y'all that will be a ton of fun! See you Monday to show you and I will also be doing a weekend favorites then too! Thank y'all for being so loyal and patient with me as my life goes through changes this semester! Have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Oh My Bacchus

Beads, Doubloons, and Bacchus oh my! That simple sentence completely sums up Mardi Gras. At this time of year you can go down almost any street in the city and find strings of beads hanging from the trees and a few Doubloons on the ground. With that being said if you haven't heard of Bacchus then you don't know Mardi Gras. The Bacchus parade is one of the most influential parades of the whole celebration. The Krewe of Bacchus Parade is always the best one simply because it is so elaborate. Each year there is a theme and King. Will Ferrell was the King of the 2012 Parade and he threw out mini cowbells which makes a MSU fan like me proud! This year it will be held on March 2nd at 5:15pm. Below are some of their signature floats that I found on their website Krewe of Bacchus.  

 

Lots of Love, Natalie

Mardi Gras Love

Having grown up going to Mardi Gras every year as a child because my father's side of the family is from New Orleans means that we always acknowledge and decorate for this holiday! Well since it officially ends a week from today on Fat Tuesday I decided I would do a post with some of my favorite pictures for the city. I am also planning on attempting to make a King Cake from scratch this weekend so if you have any suggestions on that please feel free to comment.

 

P.S. Be expecting this week to be filled with Mardi Gras goodness!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Birchbox

This month's Birchbox is all about red carpet beauty. They have partnered with the editors of US Weekly who obviously know a thing or two about red carpet beauty. Throughout the month they will be sharing star beauty tips and intel what more is there to love. Expect maybe the products that I received this month!

First up we have Harney & Sons Fine Teas. These fine teas come in beautiful little wrapped sachets and are full of rich flavor. I cannot wait to try the Cleansing White Vanilla Grapefruit tea. Next is from OPI and it is their Sheer Tint in Don't Violet Me Down. This small little number is amazing because it is a tinted top coat that provides nails with a touch of high shine, translucent color. Onto Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner, it is a celeb favorite which minimizes pores and absorbs oil to make anyone ready to face paparazzi on any red carpet. Who doesn't love to smell wonderful well Joan Vass L'eau de Cristal will do just that. This scent is filled with a chic blend of bergamot and musky patchouli. To finish up this award winning group is the Beauty Protector Protect & Oil, a new hair oil that helps to defend against UV rays, heat, and breakage. If you subscribe to Birchbox I would love to see your red carpet must haves! See you tomorrow!

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

Valentines Day 2014

(Mozart and his new toy named Ellie)

I would say this was the best Valentines Day I have had so far! I always like this holiday because it is a great excuse to bake and show how much you love everyone. I have to admit Jay spoiled me this year and I was not expecting everything he did. Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentines Day! See you tomorrow!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

Week/Weekend Favorites

Let me start out by apologizing for the lack of posts last week. It was filled with tests and assignments due but don't worry this week things will be back to normal! I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

 

- Well this past week started off nice with two snow/ice days off from school and work. Which meant I got to enjoy my coffee and watch The Today show with Katie Lee and Hoda. The only downfall to those days was that we didn't get any snow and I had to study -

 

- Getting to enjoy a little study break and the beautiful warmer weather with this guy! -

 

- Receiving these Valentine goodies from my best friend! -

 

- Having the most amazing Valentine's Day with Jay and being completely surprised when he gave me this gorgeous emerald ring that I saw last weekend when we were back home! -

 - Spending Saturday doing a little shopping in Aspen Bay, one of my favorite stores in Starkville. The picture below is just a few of the things I picked up! -  

 

Honorable Mention:

 

- Getting a Valentines' Day card in the mail from my parents! -

 

- Watching this adorable video that expresses how pretty much everyone is feeling right about now, click here to watch -

 

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Frosted Animal Sugar Cookies

This past weekend I decided I would do a little Valentine's inspired baking while I had a little free time before this crazy test filled week started. I had seen this recipe for these Frosted Animal Sugar Cookies on Wishes and Dishes. I know these are not really a Valentine's Day cookies or one you would think of for this holiday. Well the reason that I went with these is because they have that slight hint of pink and plus they are different. These cookies are very sweet thanks to the sugar cookie base and the addition of the frosted animal cookies. I highly recommend that you give them a try. The recipe can be found here!

 

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

Weekly Favorites

- Over the moon about these Long Life Tulips that I cannot wait to bloom - 

 

- Starting to do a little Valentine's Day decorating but more on that next week! One week from today is Valentine's Day! -

 

- The best part of my week was finding out on Tuesday that my baby Mozart is cancer free -  

 

Honorable Mention:

 

- Successfully getting to work out 5 days in a row this week -

 

- Finally starting to get my plans for Spring Break worked out -

 

  - Going home today to spend some time with my family! -

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Geometric Tissue Backdrop DIY

As you know I recently threw a Mimosas and Brunch Party for my closest friends. The color scheme was gold, silver, white, and pink to help combat the gloomy winter weather outside. While I made this for brunch it would also be perfect for a Valentine's Day Party, hey you still have time to make it! While it may look very complex it was actually fairly simple to make just takes a little time and patience, but having your best friend help doesn't hurt either! Now lets get to it.

 

Supplies:

Tissue Paper of any color

Plain White Gift Wrap (found at Dollar Tree)

Scissors

Tape

 

Directions:

1. Fold your tissue paper hot dog style (lengthwise).

2. Cut the corners to create a hexagonal shape.

3. Start cutting at the corner at different lengths to create a fringe like pattern.

5. Open up and cut in half lengthwise in order to create two pieces.

6. Repeat until you have enough to cover the space that you will be using it in.

7. Be patient!

8. Cover your wall with the plain white gift wrap (this to make it easy to remove).

(My dear best friend Anabel helping me piece it all together)

9. Starting at the bottom begin taping your pieces on in the pattern of your liking.

10. Continue until you have covered the whole wall.

11. Enjoy the pop of color it brings and the shock on your guests faces!

 

P.S. Thank you Anabel! Also, if you do make this I would LOVE to see yours so post a link to it in a comment below!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

Valentine's Day Home

Love is in the air! With only 9 days left until Valentine's Day I hope you have started planning or decorating. Well if not here are some lovely pieces to help you out. I mean come on how perfect would some heart shaped muffins look on that cake stand while you enjoy coffee out of this chic mug on Valentine's Day.  

1. Wilton Silicone Baking Cups 12-Pack, Heart - Walmart

2. Porcelain Color Block Mug - C. Wonder 

3. Do What You Love Linen Cushion Cover - H&M Home

4. Love Candle - H&M Home

5. Apron - H&M Home

6. Cake Stand - H&M Home

 

P.S. These are all very reasonably priced so why not celebrate!

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

Links to Check Out

This weekend I came across a few different links that I really liked and I have decided that I would share them with you! I hope you enjoy!

1. 25 Products That Will Seriously Change Your Life - Marie Claire Magazine

2. 16 Best Valentine's Day Cookie and Cupcake Recipes - Country Living

3. How To Make Your Home Look Expensive - Progression By Design

4. The Ultimate IKEA Shopping List - Apartment Therapy

5. The 7 Habits of Highly Stylish People - StyleCaster

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie