A RESOLUTION SUGGESTION for 2014

“I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little – if only out of politeness.  And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with destiny.  And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.”

–Coco Chanel

Lets think about this for a minute. You know that woman who always looks put together? Her hair perfectly done, pencil skirt fits perfectly, blouse void of any wrinkles and makeup just perfect? Fortunately, I know quite a few. Ok. So what if you don't know her... What would you assume her to be like? Yes, I know you should never judge a book by its cover - but its hard not to think that this well put together woman's life is frazzled when she looks ready to take on the world.

 

A woman who is put together can set the tone for every situation she goes into just by simply taking the time to present herself in the best way possible. And no, Its not only out of politeness for others. Its for her. She instantly feels good, becomes a bit more confident and stands a bit taller.

 

How many times have you run to the grocery store in sweats, made a trip to the bank in your college t-shirt ? I'm not saying you need to be carpet ready at all times, what I am saying is just to take a minute to throw on a pair of jeans that actually fit. Instead of your gym shoes throw on ballet flats and if you really only feel like wearing your college tee ....just throw a classic trench coat on over top and you will instantly look polished. I'm not asking for more time to get ready... it does take just as long to throw sweats on as it does jeans. Some women believe they jeans aren't as comfortable in sweats...bologna. They make jeans now that feel like leggings. A small change makes a huge difference. 

 

Here are a few of the benefits of changing out of your pj's/lounge wear as soon as you begin your day:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SET THE RIGHT TONE FOR THE DAY

Running out the door in a disheveled mess is not a good start to the day. I get it, your busy. Instead of grabbing your wrinkled t-shirt throw on something that fits and is already ironed. Doing so will set the tone for a more calm start to the day and make you feel ready for what the day may bring.

 

 

 

 

COMMAND RESPECT

How we dress communicates to others how we view ourselves. If you dress professionally and appropriately for the environment you are more likely to be treated the exact same way.

 

 

 

CREATE YOUR OWN LUCK

As you start to take care in your appearance it will prepare you to have a good day, and should an opportunity arise unexpectedly , you’ll be ready to take it on.

 

 

 

 

 

LOOKING GOOD HELPS YOU TO FEEL GOOD

There are days when getting out of bed requires the jaws of life and pms has made me feel like a bloated mess. It just feels impossible sometimes to put myself together. Yet, something happens when I finally do get up and get ready. It instantly projects a positive feeling within and puts out to the world that I'm not that moody grumpy person I might have felt like inside. After some time, my mood shifts.  I start to feel better and my day is better.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to finish this post off with something very important. Dressing well doesn’t require a big budget. You can easily buy a Chanel suit coat and look just as polished and put together as the woman who buys at consignment. Its not about the money you spend on your wardrobe its about your creativity and just taking a moment to switch into something that fits and is presentable.

Treat yourself with respect and take time to feel good.  You are totally worth it.

xo
Meems
 

PLAN A DINNER PARTY SERIES: Part 1

 

 

When I think of the Holidays I think of time spent with friends and family. A time to gather around, share a few laughs and create beautiful memories.

 

The perfect way to create an ambiance for just that is to host a dinner party. You don't need to have a sit down 5 course meal, I prefer appetizers and signature cocktails which allows for mingling and ease for both the host and the guests. Here are some tips to ensure you have a successful dinner party.

 

THE PERFECT GROUP

 

A memorable dinner party is one that allows your guests to be relaxed and involved in engaging conversation. Bring up a surprise topic or an event to get the conversation flowing.  I recommend 6 to 10 guests.  By remaining within this range, you keep the party intimate. Plus your guests get to know each other a bit more! Mix the crowd up. Invite singles you may want to introduce to one another, or a friend of yours that is musically talented for an impromptu jam session. Your group should be eclectic to make for some interesting topics and moments.

 

 

 

BAR PREPARATION

 

Be sure to have your bar prepared whether you are sticking to one specialty drink or are giving your guests an array of choices.  I also like to make a small note card for the "drink of the night" that includes the ingredients. TIP: Make sure that the moment they walk in the door you supply them with a drink.  This will help your guests  to relax a bit if they need to.

 

 

 

 

SET THE MOOD

No matter what song list you play make sure they set the tone you had envisioned for your party. Sometimes the background music should be just that – in the background, but sometimes it serves as a conversation starter. Be sure to keep the volume in check, and eliminate your stress by making sure you don’t have to keep checking your player whichever you may be using.

 

Lighting! The lighting of a room can easily make or break the party. Think about the coziest restaurant you know... how is the lighting set in the restaurant?  To achieve a soft glow, avoid harsh overhead lighting and use candles both on all your spaces tables and throughout your home. 

 

Introductions.... This is a very small detail to remember but one that is impactful. When introducing your friends or family to one another, you always want to introduce their name first before their relation to you. Its not just proper but allows the other to remember their name vs. just their relation to you. TIP: If there are new introductions being made, help to initiate conversation. The best way to help out is to mention something that is common ground between them.

 

VISUALIZE YOUR SPACE

 

Your home should always be clean however when you have guests over its all about the details. Tidy up your coat closets, pull out your nice table linens and iron them. Even out your draperies and fluff your pillows. Light candles and place them in special nooks. Use beautiful paper napkins in the bathrooms and pull out your special soaps. TIP: Avoid scented candles that overpower the smell of your cooking. Fresh flowers in each room also set the mood. Walk through your home and inspect the details. Imagine being in a beautiful hotel, what makes that place feel fresh and clean? Use those very thoughts and add or take away to create that space. Do a walk through 30 minutes before your guests arrive.

 

 

 

 

 

TIP: If you have limited space for coats, I suggest purchasing a collapsible coat wrack for when you have company over. Keep it tucked in a corner with beautiful wooden hangers, matching of course. It keeps your home tidy and their belongings organized. One of my pet peeves, is seeing coats and bags thrown on a beautifully made bed. Its a small detail but really makes a difference. 

 

 

THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

 

A few days before, or possibly a week,  sit down and plan out exactly what you would like to serve, how much prep time you will need to ensure that you aren’t rushed and frazzled, but instead be able to relax and enjoy the evening. I also enjoy writing down the food options on either note cards, chalk board or displayed on butcher paper (add the ingredients in small writing under each of the more complex dishes).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIP: Plan your look ahead. Treat yourself to a blowout before the party - you need to look fabulous.  After all, you are the host.

 

 

 

SIT BACK AND SIP

Ok, so now the house is ready, the music is playing, the food is prepared or almost ready to be served, and you look fabulous . . . one more thing must be done to help you relax – sit down and enjoy a half a glass of wine thirty minutes before your guests are expected to arrive. Not only will this help you relax, but it will serve as a quick reward and moment for reflection on a job well done.  Do yourself a favor and give it a try.

 

While now you should be well on your way to coming up with the type of party you want to create. What works for you when putting together a dinner party? Id love to hear!

XO

Meems

I wish you for you this holiday to savor each moment. Completely lose yourself in the moments. Turn off your phones and enjoy the now. Be present. Don’t worry about the place you need to be next or the items on your list to check off. Savor the moments that truly count, whether it be among the laughs and hugs of family and friends or the tranquility of you and yourself alone. May you feel the magic during the most beautiful time of the year. I wish you a very joyous holiday and may 2014 bring each and every one of you new moments, inspiration and peace.

 

 

Merry Christmas to you.

 

 

 

With love, peace and joy,  

 

xo Meems

 

ELF Duties....

 

 

 

There is nothing I love more than giving on Christmas time. Whether it is homemade goodies, a beautiful hand written card or gifts....I like to make each and extra item special. Gift wrapping gives you the outlet to be as creative as you want. It's all in the details, you don't have to go out and spend a lot of money on paper. Look around your house and use your noggin. Butcher Paper tied with  twine and a fresh cut branch of balsam make quite a chic presentation. Think outside the traditional gift wrapping box. Here are just a few ideas to try that I pulled together last minute. Oh....& Don't forget to blast your Bing Crosby and Harry Connick Jr while doing so. Get in the mood and do it with love.

 

 

1. His and her gift card wrapping idea. Big bow for the woman and a more structured dark knot for the man. (The candle glowing is Moss and Mint by NEST - keeping your surroundings festive helps with the holiday spirit) 

 

2. Fill potpourri in a clear bag and add your gift cards... Use festive scents to spice up your gift. Nothing like opening the bag and catching the magical scent of Christmas....

 

 

 

Add ornaments to help make your presents shine and pop. I personally love silver paper with a blush ribbon and sparkly snowflakes or icicles hanging for the extra pop factor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whatever you do, do it with love and pass that feeling on. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

 

XO

Meems

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Vitamin C. (2nd Bottle and quite obsessed with this product) I've written about this product a few months ago and I'm hear to push this onto you once again.  This product is an anti oxidant brightening serum formulated to help produce collagen and minimize fine lines. It defends from environmental aggressors and free radial damage. Basically this product is the *ish. I put mine on before my moisturizer and eye cream, in the am and the pm. A bit pricey so I would suggest buying the travel size first to see if you agree with me. But a little goes a long way. My 1 oz bottle lasted me a few months.

 

2. VichyCellu DeStock . I really don't have a cellulite problem per say, just a spot here and there that annoy the dickens out of me. Diet and exercise do make a small difference ladies, but it will not drastically change your cellulite. I've done my research. After reading many reviews, books and tests on this product I decided to try it myself. I will take a before pic and after pic to see if there truly is a difference. I don't believe this will cure nor get rid of people with major cellulite but it cant hurt to help it added along with a healthy lifestyle. If this helps even just a bit than I will be one happy camper. Hey, its worth a shot. I would rather prevent today than have to treat it with an extreme measures in the future. My daily routine my take a few minutes longer but if it makes me feel good it is worth every second. More details to follow.....


3.Klorane Eye Makeup Remover (A staple of mine) This is the only eye makeup remover I have found that works like a dream. I tried this after hearing reviews by famed makeup and skincare specialist, Lisa Eldridge. You don't have to scrub your eyes to remove and a little geos a long way - plus++ no residue is left behind on your skin. It's quite affordable unlike other French product obsessions of mine. At $9 a bottle this can last up to 2 months. Try it and see for yourself.

 

4. Dr Dennis Gross Acne Pads. Ive been having some trouble spots the past few weeks, partly due to the fact that I have been baking religiously for 14 days straight and I have to taste test everything. (insert guilty smile). Sugar does not do me any good whatsoever.... both physically and mentally. It takes such a toll on me. I could kick myself for overloading. Any who, I did my research and purchased these bad boys  last night I tried them. Im going to be honest - These suckers stung like a mo fo!!!! After the sting went away my skin itched for a few minutes. I was fanning my face to get the sting and itch out. After my panic state - it completely stopped.... Would you believe the next morning my skin was glowing? The ugly marks that were on my face were 90% gone. My pores looked cleaner and skin had a glow. Is it worth the sting and itch for a few minutes? Absolutely. While you sting you can run in a circle to get air flow and loose calories while doing so. lol. But in all seriousness,  I'm a drama queen and have highly sensitive skin so the my reaction was probably worst than most. If you have trouble spots or trouble weeks during the month, I 1000% suggest you try these out. Bye sugar... hello glowing skin!

 

 

& There you have it. I have a product obsession. I hope you treat yourself to something special this holiday season. Every woman needs to have confidence and should some of your confidence come via bottle form don't hesitate. YOU ARE WORTH IT.

 

*Most of my products are bought through Sephora & drugstore online, as a Sephora VIB member I sometimes get 20 % - 30% off promotions or a $20 dollars of purchases here and there. Always purchase an item with a discount, a happy wallet is a happy you! Trust me. You may look good but if you are broke that aint cute.

 

XO

Meems

 

 

 

 

A Treat for you!

 

Meem's 3 Layer Bars

 

 

Preheat oven to 325

 

Melt 2/3 cup of  Butter and Mix in 2 Cups of Graham Cracker and load it into an 8 x8 pan (flatten out the crust and make sure the crust is spread out evenly) You do not need to spray the pan.

 

 

 

In a separate bowl add a 3/4 of a bag of sweetened coconut flakes, a cup of salted peanuts, one can of condensed milk and a 3/4 of a bag of semi milk chocolate morsels. Add to the mixture one tablespoon of vanilla and stir. Pour over graham crust and evenly distribute.

 

 

Bake at 325 degrees for about 35 minutes.

While the bars are baking,  melt one about 3/4 bag of Nestlé's milk chocolate morsels and 3 heaping tablespoons of Reese's Peanut Butter. Stir frequently.

 

Take the bars out of the oven and pour on topping. Spread the mixture evenly. Let sit for 30 mins than wrap up with foil and refrigerate over night.

 

 

The next day, let the bars thaw for 30 mins before cutting. Cut into small pieces as this bar is super super sweet. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy!

 

 

 

 xo
Meems