Celebrate

(Dress: Terani Couture (similar version here), Shoes: Target, Bracelets: Michael Kors, Lilly Pulitzer)

If there's one thing I love, it's a good celebration. This week was nothing short of that, as we enjoyed cake, spa time, good food, time with family and friends, sun-drenched days on the water, breakfast by the beach, and a generous dose of sparkle.

Here's to fun, celebrations, and birthdays that last all week long...

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Sparkle and Shine in the New Year

Here's a look at a sparkling NYE soiree I previously hosted! Click here to see more! What better occasion to bring gold, glitter, sequins and sweets to one party?! Oh and don't forget the sparkling cider to toast to a fabulous new year ahead!! Cheers to 2014, friends! Make it your best year yet!

Happy New Year! 

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She's A Gem

After mentioning my need to be consistent with journaling, I was inspired to go back and find a few of my old books filled with thoughts, prayers, quotes and lessons learned from different points in my life. As I turned page after page of memories from various years, I smiled seeing how many things had changed in my life since those words were penned. Oh how differently I thought things would have turned out, and looking back now, how glad I am that they didn't work out the way I so badly wanted them to. My thoughts and most pressing concerns from those times seem so trivial now, yet in those moments were all consuming...how amusing the past is when reviewed in the present. Anyway, I came across a passage in one of my devotion/prayer journals that I found worthy of sharing, as it is a great reminder to me in the season of life I'm in; I hope it will speak to you also. Enjoy!

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Proverbs 31:10 "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." 
The rich red ruby can be, because of it's rarity, worth more than diamonds of equal weight in value. Once a woman like this is found, she is of untold value. What does this mean for me? I am to bring life, light, joy and beauty as a sparkling jewel to those who face hardship, pain, weariness, drudgery and sorrow. I am to supply beauty in the lives of those around me..my family, friends, relationships..etc. Elizabeth George, mentions in a study on the Proverbs 31 woman that as gems increase in value as time passes, so should we. There are things to do that will help us enhance the sparkle & brighten up our lives as well as those around us. 

Become a woman of strength: 
-Nurture a peaceful heart (Prov 14:30)
-Know how to wait (Prov 19:2)
-Do not strive (Prov 19:11)
-Restrain your spirit (Prov 25:28)

Challenge yourself to watch your words. 
Ask if they speak like the piercings of a sword or do they promote life & health? (Prov 12:18)

To Bring Sparkle Into Your Life:
-Speak less often, listen more (Prov 10:19)
-Speak only after you think about what you're going to say. (Prov 15:28)
-Speak only what is sweet & pleasant (Prov 16:21, 24)
-Speak only what is wise and kind (Prov 31:26)

Gems are rough to begin with; all their flaws and imperfections must be removed, polished and roughed out, how true that is of us as well. Before we can truly become a vessel, a gem of rare and exquisite beauty, we must be refined. It is a process, a tough challenge and often uncomfortable, but that makes it all the more worthwhile. 

God, purify my heart and life, remove the flaws that dull my sparkle. Work your refinement and beautifying process in my heart & my life, keep me humble and always growing. Ignite the passion to do what is right and pleasing in your sight, guide my words so that they speak life and light into other's lives, and mold my life into the gem it was designed to be. 
Amen. 
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Celebrate: Sparkle & Shine New Year's Eve Party

A fabulous new year is just around the corner, and if you're like me, it's a perfect time to celebrate!  There's new beginnings, new dreams and goals, and a brand new month to start off right! Ready to plan your party? Here's a sparkly way to ring in the new year!!

 Dress up your drinks with fresh raspberries, and line up the stemware on a mirrored tray for an elegant touch! Printed gold foil coasters are a fun extra. 

 Feeling creative? Try a DIY decor project and create this glittering banner with some cardboard, glue and craft glitter. 

 After lots of holiday food, people are ready for something different. Give your guests an array of delicious, light appetizers and mini bites. You'll save on the prep time and cost. Here's some of my menu: Mediterranean Crostini, Pear Slices topped with goat cheese and cranberries, creamy Brie cheese with table crackers & honey, Macarons and other various desserts

 Table decor should reflect the whimsical and glamorous vibe of the holiday. There's no such thing as too much sparkle on New Year's Eve! To create the shimmering tablescape, I thrifted a bunch of mason jars and glass votives. Gold glitter gave the glass a glitzy update, and I added faux and real tea lights for extra shine. 

Hand-lettered placecards always add a personal touch, and one can never go wrong with gold flatware and chargers. Sequins and rhinestones sprinkled among the candles is a fun addition to the table. 

Writing down my goals for the new year is always something I enjoy..it's more than just a resolution; it's got a date and a plan of action behind it, which helps to motivate me in the achievement process. I encouraged my guests to also write down some things they'd like to accomplish, and we pinned them onto the sparkly gold wall! :)   

Cheers to the new year, everyone! 

Let's make this year the best one ever! 

See more of the party here

-Candice

Thanks to:

Photography: Jessica Overholt Photography

Models: Katie, Amy, Lauren, oh and me ;) haha

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What To Wear: New Year's Eve

With the beginnings of a New Year just around the corner, it's time to be thinking of what to wear to celebrate! Sequins, glitter, feathers and bright colors..nothing is out of the question; be bold and daring, this is the time to sparkle and shine. Here's a few fun ideas for however you're spending the evening.

Soiree Sparkle

 Black satin and feathers are party perfect when accented with sparkling gold accessories. Add a gilded touch to your makeup with shades of honey, glittering gold and a pair of fluttery lashes.

 Nothing says celebrate quite like glitter, and sequins are always appropriate at a NYE fete. A sparkling little black dress is a fun twist on a classic. Pair with some nude heels and statement earrings for a pop of color.

Feeling bold? A punchy hue, like this bright pink, is a great way to make an entrance. Faux fur, patterned tights and charcoal suede heels are the perfect compliments! Add a stack of bangles for extra flair.

Cozy Evening In

Planning a relaxing and understated evening celebration? Cozy up in an oversized sweater and silky scarf in rich, warm shades of goldenrod, caramel, cranberry and wine.  A pair of shimmering earrings keeps things festive. 

Dinner & A Show

Catching a quick bite before the performance? This turquoise and gold combination is pretty and dressed up enough to take you from dinner to front row seats. Dazzle with glitzy shoes, accessories and a wow-factor necklace.  

Have a favorite?

What will you be doing on New Year's Eve? 

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Coming Up...

Yay for a sneak peek of exciting things to come!! With a season of celebrations upon us, entertaining is at the forefront of everyone's mind, and I've put together a simple yet chic New Year's Eve fete that's easy for every girl to host and enjoy! You're invited, so be on the lookout for more very, very soon!  This is a party you won't want to miss. 

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

-Candice

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She Likes..

(Cardigan: c/o SHELIKES, Top: F21, Jeans: F21, Shoes: Bamboo, Necklace: vintage)

If there's one rule I like to follow most, it's got to be 'wear classic pieces with a twist'. It's easy and fun to do, and can take you from a holiday party to a day of running errands. This soft knit cardigan gets a splashy update with sequins and gold chain link detail. Thrown over a simple striped tee and paired with glittering loafers, it's a cozy and well-loved classic with a cheeky twist. You could also swap out jeans for a cranberry colored skirt and some gold heels and voila!, cocktail party ready. This sparkling sweater will be my go-to choice for my last minute shopping days, and an upcoming event this week. Treat yourself to one, and be sure to use the code Blog20 to get 20% off, happy shopping! :) 

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Merry & Bright

(Top: F21, Vest: Lilly Pulitzer, Jeans: F21, Shoes: Target, Jewelry: F21, Lilly Pulitzer)

I don't know what it is but I can't help but to be cheerful when I'm wearing this brightly colored punch pink hue! Fun colors seem to make the cold weather not seem as dreary. Also, what is more cheerful and merry than glitter?? To say that I'm in love with these shoes is a mere understatement, they are pretty much my daily go-to for everything..work, errands, meetings, parties...you name it, they had me at first sparkle...

Pretty sure I've convinced everyone I know to get a pair. Yes, that includes you. 

And can we talk about how I have come to like turtlenecks again? After many semi-scary memories of cutesy grade school photos, they have somehow come back again and cozy as ever...new winter wardrobe staple? I think so..well that and a healthy dose of glitter. Bingo, you're ready for the season, folks. 

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