MK Monday: Cyber Monday

It's Cyber Monday!!
I'm trying to control myself this year, and it helps that today is a very busy day at work and after work today. However, I do encourage you to shop my website for some great gifts, or maybe even for yourself!
I'm offering 20% off today until midnight tonight!


Click the image to go directly to my site

PINK FRIDAY

The countdown is on for PINK FRIDAY!! Shop for gifts of beauty in your pajamas and don't mess with the lines. Girls know, makeup is never discounted at the department stores and even your Ulta coupon doesn't cover the good makeup. This is the time to stock up or try Mary Kay, if you haven't already! Just click the image below to go directly to my website.

 

 

Need some gift giving ideas? Click on any of the images below to go directly to the product page.

 

 

Fall Decorating

Before I start decorating for Christmas on Friday, I thought I would share my fall decorations with you first.

 

My first project back in September was to create this Jute Wrapped Monogram "Wreath" which was long overdue on the DIY Pinterest list. I got the inspiration from Chelsea who writes the Two Twenty One Blog. My felt roses don't look quite as good as hers but after a while I just wanted to be done with. I may fix them in the future but for now, they work! 

 

 

my DIY pinterest board

Back in the summer I bought two old soda crates from a work acquaintance who is an antique dealer on the side, and I found some use for this one which has shelves. My mom gave me all of these gourds and pumpkins that she bought but couldn't use. So I put the two great finds together for this fall ensemble.

 



It's like fall literally threw up on my sideboard but I love it! I just wish I had more shelves in my house to spread this stuff out on so that it's not all crammed in one place.

I went a little crazy printing out beautiful phrases and bible verses I gathered on Pinterest. You can find these on my Pinterest Board called Printables & Downloads.

Here's another one I placed on the counter top for a nice reminder...

MK Monday: Week 3 Photo & Gift Giving Guide

I promised a Photo after Week 3 of using the Miracle Set. Here's a family photo taken on the front porch today so ignore the wind blown hair and the lack of beautiful Mary Kay color on my face.

Click on the picture to enlarge

While I can visibly tell a slight difference, I can certainly feel a dramatic difference! My skin feels firmer, softer and healthier :).

On another note, I am beginning to sell exclusive Holiday Gift Packages that you can order. If you would like more information, email me at simplechicandsouthern@gmail.com . I would love to make your holiday season less stressful!

Wedding Wednesday: Fall Wedding Pinspiration

Source: nowserveme.wordpress.com via Samuel on Pinterest

Source: bit.ly via domonique on Pinterest

Source: weddingchicks.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: wedding.theknot.com via Maria on Pinterest

Mary Kay Monday: The Miracle Set Challenge

If you checked in last Monday, you noticed I have started my own Mary Kay business.
I also mentioned this wonderful, age-fighting system known as the Miracle Set, which received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and is one of the most successful products in MK history.


3-In-1 Cleanser, 4.5 oz.
Age-Fighting Moisturizer, 3 fl. oz.
Day Solution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35*, 1 fl. oz.
Night Solution, 1 fl. oz.

This premium collection, designed to work together, is the main reason I became interested in Mary Kay. I was looking for a way to fight wrinkles and aging after viewing some photos of myself. This one in particular.



@ Chipper's last regular season home game in Atlanta (Sept 30)

Look at those crow's feet!! I wasn't happy with the amount of lines around my eyes. What happened?? Some of these expression lines have been there for a while but I noticed more than usual.

Maybe it's because I've been content with my budget-friendly face wash for the past couple of years, and lack of moisturizing at night? Maybe it's that I'm rapidly approaching 30? Maybe it's my makeup? These are all thoughts crossing my mind.

 

I do realize lines and wrinkles are bound to happen. Obviously a little sooner than I would have liked. So I realized, it was time to start using a technology-proven product that works! I just want to do my part to prevent whatever I can. And it's better to start early rather than later!

So I'm giving the Miracle Set a 12-week challenge which is the same amount of time allowed in the MK clinical study. You're probably asking why are you testing the product you're selling, what if it doesn't work?

Here's the thing I love most about Mary Kay, there is always something valuable to learn about every product. (That's probably the nerd in me.) Mary Kay puts a lot of technology and research into every product to be worth your money.

For me, I relate it to when I'm at the mall looking for makeup and I ask which one would be the better choice. I rarely have had someone tell me all of the benefits and what goes into the makeup that would help me achieve the look I'm going for. But a Mary Kay represetative could tell you all of the advantages of each and every product. I have never went to a Mary Kay event and not learned something new.

With that said, I'll give you these results from their clinical study. And together, let's see if the Miracle Set lives up to its name.

As seen by a dermatologist on panelists in a 12-week clinical study:  83% had a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles  Up to 25% improvement in skin elasticity  100% had softer, more supple skin  46% improvement in more even skin tone

I've been using it for 2 full weeks now, and while I don't see a dramatic difference, I have been able to feel the difference. My skin definitely feels better. I will take a picture next week, after week 3, for you to compare for yourself. And another during Weeks 6, 9 and of course, 12.

I'm also going to incorporate the Time Wise Firming Eye Cream (a must have for my dark circles)  soon which is proven to help in the following areas:

96% saw an improvement in the overall appearance of the skin around the eyes*

100% saw a visible reduction in roughness/dryness around the eyes*

up to 25% firmer skin around the eyes*

up to 40% reduction of dark circles under the eyes*

up to 75% improved silkiness of skin around the eyes*

Hypoallergenic

$40.00

I'm excited to see the difference over time! How 'bout you? Anyone else want to give it a try? MK offers a trial-set for $44.00. As a bonus, I will also send you a free sample of the eye firming cream with your purchase! Just mention "Miracle Set Challenge." Who's in??

Fave Find Friday: Thanksgiving Table Setting

Just a warning, all Fave Fridays in the month of November might be fall or Thanksgiving related. It's one of my favorite times of the year! My husband and I share some wonderful Turkey Day memories together and we both enjoy cooking our annual feast.

I also love decorating for Thanksgiving!! I will share my own personal fall décor with you in a future post. But for now, here's some great table inspiration from one of my favorite sites, Joss & Main where one of their events today is called A Festive Feast. By the way, you will have to sign in to view the event but you can easily connect using your facebook page.

What a great color combination, don't you think?

I'm a little partial to Carolina Blue so pairing it with an orange place mat can make these beautiful plates a practical set for the entire year.

Paula Deen 16 Piece Whitaker Dinnerware Set in Aqua $62.95

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Wedding Wednesday: Untraditional Bridal Gowns

My best friend is getting married but hasn't really started the planning process yet. One thing she has figured out is that she doesn't want to wear white or ivory. She doesn't like it against her skin tone. I know the feeling as I experienced the same thing. That's usually why it helps to have a tan on your wedding day, at least for a fair skinned girl like myself. As you might know, I went with ivory and months of tanning.
However, I'm always in favor of not going the traditional route. Why not be different and give your guests something to remember your wedding by?
So I found a few ideas for her on pinterest. What do you think?

Source: google.co.nz via Courtney on Pinterest

weddingchicks.com

Source: bhldn.com via Beth on Pinterest

Mary Kay Monday

I'm starting a new weekly post on Mondays to discuss my new side business in Mary Kay. I never, ever thought I would become a "Mary Kay Lady." It was never on my radar even though I had heard of Mary Kay since I was a little girl. I recently hosted a party at my house for a friend, and fell in love with the product in the process. Needless to say I purchased the starter kit. When it arrived, I couldn't help feel the challenge of maybe I should do more with this than just use the product out of the kit.

I've learned a lot about Mary Kay in the past few weeks. MK is a wonderful, thriving (debt free), faith-based, global business made up of beautiful women of all ages. And, yes, they still have pink cadillacs but this is what they look like now...

I would drive that around, wouldn't you?

Well I don't think I will be driving a Cadillac around any time soon since it takes a lot of devotion. For now, I'm just dipping my feet in the water while continuing to work full-time. For now I'm hoping to service my friends, family and any blog readers out there, of course. :)

I'm super excited to start introducing women to Mark Kay's wonderful products. I'm already enjoying the TimeWise Miracle Set that came in my Starter Kit.



3-In-1 Cleanser, 4.5 oz.
Age-Fighting Moisturizer, 3 fl. oz.
Day Solution Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35*, 1 fl. oz.
Night Solution, 1 fl. oz.

I'm going to write more about this wonderful set next Monday and hope you'll check in each week for a new post. More importantly, I would love if you asked me questions or wanted to sample a product.

Anyone local ready to set up a party?

Fave Find Friday: College Football Gear

Source: ae.com via Courtney on Pinterest

I've added this Vintage University of Georgia Sweater from American Eagle to my Christmas Wishlist on pinterest. I love the entire collection so I emailed my husband all of them from their website. I'm just going to hope he picks and chooses the right ones, or buys all of them (wishful thinking?). :) By the way, Go DAWGS!

Hello, November

from TheLaurenCollection on Etsy
So cute, click here if you want to buy.
 

...and Hello, Holiday Season! Also, hello again readers. It's been a long time but I assure you this is the last of my long breaks on the blog for a while.

I got a new lap top on Monday night and I'm ready to get back to blogging! Although the new Windows 8 might drive me crazy first.


How was everyone's Halloween? I had a ridiculous amount of Halloween Candy for Trick or Treaters. Unfortunately because the neighbors on my street didn't participate, some of the kids decided to skip our street altogether. Anyone want some candy??