Valentine's Day Inspiration

Happy Monday ladies! Valentine's Day is quickly approaching so I just wanted to put together a post with all kinds of V-Day inspiration. I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about Valentine's Day, and that's okay. Personally, I think Valentine's Day is fun! It's a day where you can express your love a little extra to all the people closest to you - not just your husband/boyfriend. 

If you're married, engaged, or in a serious relationship, of course you're going to spend the day with your man. BUT if you're single that doesn't mean you have to sit home, watch sappy romance movies, and eat a gallon of ice cream. Go out with your girlfriends or spend the day shopping with your mom. There's no need to sit home and feel sorry for yourself. 

First up on my list of inspiration: hand made valentines. If you know me personally, you know I love cards. There's something so valuable to me about a handwritten message to someone you love. In the past two years, I've written so many little love notes to Rob that I can't even count them all lol. As far as crafting cards, Valentine's are probably my favorite to make. They are adorable and the options are endless. All of my supplies used below are from Paper Source.

Second on my list: valentine inspired mani's. As you know - getting my nails done is one of my favorite things to do. These are my valentine's nails from last year and I was totally in love with them! The pink is so pretty and the heart detail is just enough without going overboard. I'm not sure what I'm going to get this year, but I still have two weeks to decide. Find me on Instagram to see what I choose @pinebarrenbeauty 

Third up on the list: Valentine's Day home decor. This was my mom's mantle display last year. The love sign is from Homegoods and I love the pretty silver/grey tone. I made the heart banner out of scrapbook paper and string; it was SUPER easy! This display had such a cozy vibe. Definitely got us in the spirit to celebrate love!

Fourth on my list: outfit ideas. Now, I'm not a huge fan of red so I don't have any outfit pics for you. BUT here's some items that I think are adorable and totally appropriate for celebrating V-Day! All items are by Wildfox because I love this brand and think they are so adorable! If your man is taking you out to a fancy dinner, I wouldn't wear anything linked below. However, A LBD should do the trick. 

Wildfox love, blah blah blah, drink top

Wildfox cupid hearts pj set 

Wildfox amore tee

Wildfox heart sweatshirt

Wildfox kiss forever sweatshirt

Wildfox young and in love pullover 

Last on my list: gift ideas! Whether you are looking for something to get for your man, your mom, or your girlfriends, I've linked something for everyone! 

For Him:

For lovers vouchers (so many fun ideas!)

Letters to my love (great if you're like me and love writing notes)

Beard Kit (perfect if your guy loves his facial hair)

Bose Bluetooth Speaker (he'll love it!)

For Her:

Heart of gold mug (have & love; to gift, pair with her favorite tea or coffee!)

Personalized stationary (so thoughtful!)

S'well Bottle (perfect for the girl always on the go)

fresh Rose Face Mask (encourages me time & relaxation)

The Lip Slip lip balm (perfect for this time of year)

Well ladies, that's all I got for ya! If there's anything V-Day related that you're loving this year, tell me in the comments below! 

I hope you're starting to feel the love ♡ 

One last thought: even though I think Valentine's Day is so fun, I still believe in showing my love to the special people in my life on a daily basis, not just once a year of course!

xo

Christmas Recap

Hi ladies! I'm so excited to share my photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas day with all of you! I spent my holiday smiling from ear to ear, surrounded by the people I love, filling my heart with all kinds of joy and Christmas magic! I hope you are able to say the same :)

First I want to talk about these holiday outfits. This year, the weather in NJ has been crazy. I really feel like I moved to another state! The past few days have been rainy, warm, and humid... yesterday it was 70 degrees! Obviously I am not used to this kind of weather on Christmas so I had to totally change my outfit! I was going to wear a sweater, but in true blogger fashion, I went to Sadee's on Christmas Eve morning to get a shirt that was more appropriate for the weather. I decided to wear black on black because it's always the perfect go to and I really wanted to wear my leather pants. Well.. my cousin's, Lauren and Aby, decided to wear all black too! So funny because it was totally unplanned but amazing at the same time. Obviously we had to have a photo shoot! #twinning

TOP (40% off) || PANTS || BOOTIES (similar) || Wine glass charms courtesy of the Fab Fit Fun winter box

I have to give a special thanks to my amazing mom. She has been super supportive of my blog. She takes most of my photos for me and puts up with my occasional moods when I'm feeling like a shoot isn't going how I would like. This has been a learning process for us both, but I feel like we're doing pretty good for beginners! For Christmas, she got me the Nikon D3300! I was so excited for this because now I can finally have great quality images for you guys! It's also going to be a game changer for all of our holidays and events because I will be able to capture all of the memories I want. 

We wanted a photo of all of the ladies, and I'm so happy with how it turned out! We had some outfit changes so everyone would be in black, and it was totally worth it :)

Evan and Kellen had the cutest matching shirts for Christmas Eve! It was adorable!

Evan was so so happy when he opened his Buzz Light Year on Christmas Eve. His reaction was adorable and I'm glad I was able to capture it on camera!

This was my third Christmas spent with Rob. Each year keeps getting better and better! I love picking out his gifts, even if he manages to find out what they are. I am so excited for our future Christmas's, especially when we have littles running around! For now, we have our baby Nala and we are perfectly content with that lol. She is the sweetest pup ever and for her, every day is Christmas. 

Now... For the past three years, Rob and I have known exactly what our gifts were going to be. We're both pretty hard to surprise because we are particular and know what we want. Rob is also very good at getting info out of me, even when I'm trying to keep things a secret (annoying, I know)! But, yesterday we decided that from now on, we are going to make a list, no matter how long, and pick whatever for each other, that way it's a surprise. Because really.. what fun is it opening gifts when you already know what they are?! 

For Christmas this year Rob got me a Tory Burch cross body (obsessed!), mirrored Ray-Bans (color: gold/pink), and the prettiest Kendra Scott earrings (color: rose gold/opal). He also told me he will take me shopping which I couldn't deny hehe. 

Christmas Day outfit details: TOP (40% off) || JEANS || BOOTIES (Nordstrom Rack, Dolce Vita)

My precious nephew, Cooper, is obsessed with John Deere tractors. So obviously he got his own for Christmas! He is totally in love with it and it just melts my heart. I have a feeling he will be riding around like a pro in no time. Rob and I got him a smaller, play size version of a John Deere tractor with a front loader that lights up and makes noise and he was so excited! The feeling I got when watching him open it reminded me what Christmas is all about. There's no better feeling than giving a gift, knowing that it is much appreciated. 

These two cuddle bugs couldn't be more adorable. This picture just makes my heart so happy. Maci turned 6 months on Christmas Eve and I can't believe how big she is getting! I am in love with her Christmas bow! I found it at a local boutique and it ended up matching her outfit perfectly!

As you can see, I had an amazing Christmas with everyone I love. My heart is happy and full of joy. I feel like I am ready to start off a new year and I couldn't ask for anything more.

Leave comments to let me know how your holiday was! What goodies did Santa leave for you?!

xo

Holiday DIY: Snow Globes

Hi ladies! Today I'm going to walk you through how to create these adorable little snow globes! Different than my usual posts, I know, but these were too cute not to share! I found my inspiration on Pinterest, of course. They are so simple to make and take such little time. They are the perfect gift for everyone on your list. (They're also a great gift to yourself to use as home decor in spaces that need a little something extra!) *Spoiler alert to my cousins who are reading right now - I plan to give them out on Christmas Eve as a little gift to everyone in my family. 

I hope you enjoy my tutorial for these snow globes. If you have any simple holiday DIY's leave them in the comments below! And if you make these festive winter snow globes, let me know how you make out! Everyone will love them, I promise! 

xo

You will need:

Hot Glue Gun

Mason Jars (I purchased mine from Wal Mart, they are the Ball 8 oz. Jelly Jars)

Miniature Trees (Mine are from Joann Fabrics but you can find them at your local craft store)

Fake Snow (Mine is from Target, it is the Threshold vase filler but you can also find it at your local craft store)

Once you have your materials, follow these simple steps and you will have adorable snow globes in no time! You can also be creative and switch up what you put inside! I so badly wanted to add deer or houses but I couldn't find any that were miniature :( I suppose I could have bought the bigger ones and put them in a bigger mason jar.. ah-ha, now that's an idea lol! 

Holiday Party Guide, Featuring: Get Real Nutrition

Guys, I am so excited for this post! With holiday parties and dinners right around the corner, I teamed up with a good friend of mine to bring you holiday outfit ideas and recipes that are perfect for any holiday occasion! I don't know about you, but when I think of holiday parties and Christmas dinners, I think of being with family, eating good food, and showing off my best outfits! Whether you are attending a party or putting the whole thing together as the hostess, we have some great options for holiday outfits and delicious bites! 

For the outfits, I put together two dressy, casual options, and one sequin, party option. The dressy, casual options would be great for family parties or Christmas dinner where you want to be comfortable, but still make a statement. Faux fur, pretty sweaters, and major statement necklaces are all easy ways to be comfy while looking fabulous. The sequin, party option would be great for a holiday party with friends or a holiday work party. Let's be real- who doesn't love sequins and glitter, especially during the holidays? Wearing a full sequin dress or a dress with sequin details will be a sure way to stand out. You can find all of my outfit details here (some items linked are similar, not exact): 

Sequin Dress || Black Jeans || Black Sweater || Faux Fur Vest || Grey Sweater || Necklace (20% off site wide with code meganxo) || Black & Nude Pumps (similar to mine, closed toe)  Black & Nude Pumps (similar to mine but peep toe) *Both pump options are available in both colors and most sizes, also priced reasonably! || Black Booties

For the food, Corie Adamucci, creator of Get Real Nutrition, LLC., whipped up some easy recipes that will be sure to impress all the guests! Corie is a registered dietician so all of her recipes are healthy AND delicious. You can view her holiday party guide here. On the menu: 

Chopped Veggies with Homemade White Bean Dip

Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon Fried Sage (my personal favorite!)

Salad Skewers with Homemade Blue Cheese (recipe coming tomorrow!)

Toast Topped with Avocado & Eggs

Kale and Quinoa Cakes (so yummy!)

Your holiday party is sure to be a success if you dress to impress and cook up these amazing dishes. Leave comments below to let us know what your go to holiday looks and recipes are! 

xo

Thanksgiving Recap

I hope everyone had as wonderful of a Thanksgiving as I did! It is my favorite holiday so I'm glad it went well :) There's so much to be thankful for in this wonderful life. I am especially thankful for Rob and my amazing family. I couldn't do life without them! I'm also thankful for all of you- my readers who are following along with my journey!

Now that Thanksgiving is over it's time to officially get ready for Christmas yay!! I already have most of my decor and next weekend Rob & I are going to get a tree! Our project right now is making a mantle so we will see how it turns out! I'll be sure to share it step by step!

Now I just want to share some pics and outfit details from yesterday. My sweater is by RD Style and I purchased it at Sadee's. I am wearing a medium for an oversized fit. The fringe detail is amazing and the cowl neck is so cozy! My Joe's Jeans are from Sadee's as well, but they are available online here. As you may know, Joe's is my favorite brand so I highly recommend these! I know there are great deals online this weekend, but I also want to remind everyone to shop small on Saturday and support your local boutiques and businesses! Shopping small is something I believe in because it helps your community prosper and become all it can be! Happy shopping!

xo

This tablescape set up by my aunt was amazing! She's a retired art teacher so she's super creative. I wish she had her own home decor blog!! The pumpkins in the center piece are real and the seeded eucalyptus sprigs smell so good!