i'm backkkkkk

So its been almost two months since my last blog entry....but i'm back!

I have had soo much going on over the last several weeks, and unfortunately blogging had to take a back seat. But that also means i have a lot to get everyone caught up on.

This week i will be doing some international traveling, so while on my long flights, i can write about the last two months.....so stay tuned! :-)

peace, love and life!

the hunger games

Alright everyone.....January has come to an end so it is time to discuss The Hunger Games.  

Friday, Feb. 3rd at 7pm EST

here on the main page of my blog, there is a chat box on the right hand side. you may have to scroll down a bit, but we will have a live chat to discuss the book!  The chat should only last about 30min. and at the conclusion, we will discuss our selection for February!! Hope to talk to everyone then. 

Happy Reading
peace, love & life

march for babies 2012

Every year I walk for the March of Dimes in Louisville in support of all premature babies that are born into this world each year.  More importantly I walk in support of one of my best friends and her family, and mainly their sweet baby boy, Hudson Bennett Caskey!

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. I'm walking in March for Babies because I want to do something about this. And I need your help.

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Please support my walk. Making a secure donation is easy: just click the 'donate now' button on this page. Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!

So are you going to help us out?  To make your donation today, please visit:

http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_dashboard.asp?w=5231125&si=BF6E5579-8898-4A5C-A206-7D1D05598098&walk=join&u=CandaceHall&ft=1

 

And remember, there is no donation too small!  Every penny counts! :-)

 

peace, love & life

 

are you up for the challenge?

PICTURE THIS: You and 11 pals running relay style through 200 miles of stunning scenery in Potomac River Valley. Starting near the town of Cumberland, Maryland, your team will head east through the thick forests of the Appalachian Mountains.  Around nightfall you'll run through the quiet streets of many charming historic Civil War-Era towns, ultimately passing within the shadows of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.  The race (and your stamina) will wrap up on the shores of the Potomac River at the National Harbor in Washington DC.  This is a running event you don’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and get ready to have some fun.

This isn’t your average 10K or half marathon, this is Ragnar!

Who wants to join me?!?!  I need 10 MORE PEOPLE!!!!!!! 

After running in the Florida Keys Ragnar earlier this month, I am hooked. This was the hardest thing I have ever done, but yet the most rewarding!  I think everyone should experience this at least once in their life....so how about it? 

Maybe this video of me and my team will help you decide! 

Click here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RZ7vPS_oTU

leave me your comments! :-) 

 

peace, love & life

kick-start your nine to five......

so I came across this article today on fabsugar and I looooove it! check it out!

Wardrobe Refresh: 5 Winter Looks to Kick-Start Your Nine to Five

Winter may wreak havoc on your commute, but to keep it from sabotaging another aspect of your work life, we're stepping in. To save you from the seasonal doldrums or the feeling of having nothing to wear when the snow and ice strike, we're getting creative with our nine to five wardrobe routine. Think faux fur layers and shearling-lined booties to winterize your office gear — just remember that doesn't mean there isn't still a place for your pretty printed dresses and statement brights. Click through to see and shop five perfect antidotes to the season's run-of-the-mill work ensembles.

Revamp your pencil skirt...
Give a pretty pencil skirt a wintry update in moody florals; then further the theme with a chunky knit and a pair of shearling-lined booties for that sophisticated-cum-cool effect.

Rag & Bone Benton Turtleneck ($325), Zara Printed Sheath Skirt ($80), By Malene Birger Gilsan Ankle Bootie ($674), Mango Touch Leather Bowling Handbag ($290), Gap Heavy Opaque Tights ($13), Madewell Golden Braid Bracelet ($25)

Cinch your sweater...
Bundle up stylishly by adding a sweater coat to a girlie dress; just cinch at the waist and add a pair of seasonal boots to complete your cozy-chic office apparel.

Diane von Furstenberg Maiko Dress ($619), Joseph Chunky Sweater Coat ($348, originally $695), Gorjana Carmel Three Drop Necklace ($70), Topshop Tan Skinny Cord Belt ($32), J.Jill Solid Micro Tights ($13), Madewell Lil Briefcase Bag ($118), Zara Retro Ankle Boot ($40, originally $90)

Check Out Jason Wu for Target

Mix your textures...
If your office allows for a little more outfit creativity, take advantage with cool textures and prints. Add a classic white button-down to a chunky-knit cardigan and a little leather skirt. Stay warm with a pair of opaque tights and add interest with a pop of leopard-print.

Organic by John Patrick Raw Hem Poplin Shirt ($242), Madewell Leather Belltoll Skirt ($298), 3.1 Phillip Lim Rope Stitch Cardigan ($475), Michael Kors Bradley Watch ($180), J.Crew Skinny Calf-Hair Belt ($60), Opening Ceremony Laetitia 2 Platform Boot ($255 to $318), J.Jill Solid Micro Tights ($13)

Add a touch of luxe...
For more glamorous — but still accessible — office attire, we love dressing up a flowy wrap dress with a '70s-inspired faux fur. Add in your luxest of leather totes and a pair of statement booties to liven up your corporate dress code.

Zara Flounced Crossover Dress ($60), W118 by Walter Baker Barry Faux Fur Vest ($148), J.Jill Solid Micro Tights ($13), B Brian Atwood Tempesta Suede Platform Booties ($315, originally $450), Marc by Marc Jacobs Grey Leather Tote ($530)

Bring out your brights...
We love making brights work for Winter; this look is all about tying together standout color in timeless silhouettes. To finish it off, we're a sucker for a sweet peep-toe-and-tights combo and a delicate piece of jewelry to dress it up.



Which look is your favorite?

peace, love & life

style 8: knot row

ok ladies...this is great with a v-neck top or scoop neck! Heck, really its good with anything!! so cute and I just love it! always get compliments when I wear scarves like this! :-)

Style: Knot Row

Step 1:

Put the scarf around the back of your neck so both sides hang down in front.

Step 2:

Tie the ends together, making multiple, parallel knots partway down the length of the scarf.

Step 3:

This will create a pattern. Tie as many knots as you'd like.

And there you go! :-)   ENJOY!

peace, love & life



Peachy pear yummy goodness...

I don't know if there are any other food network fanatics out there, but I am one!

One of my faves is Sandra Lee and her show Semi Homemade! A sign of a truly fabulous woman is when you end every show with a signature cocktail of some sort....and Sandra doesn't disappoint!

I haven't tried this one yet, but it looks super delicious! This will definitely be on the to do list of things to try this upcoming weekend! Let me know how you like it!

Here ya go:

PEACHY PEAR COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS:
* 1 can peach nectar
* 1 can pear nectar
* 2 cups seltzer water
* 1/4 cup vodka
* 1/4 cup peach schnapps
* Ice
* Peach or pear slices for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
In a large pitcher, stir together the two cans of nectar, seltzer, vodka and schnapps. Pour over ice-filled cocktail glasses and garnish with slices of peach or pear if desired!

Enjoy! :-)

Peace, love & life

style 7: french knot

So this goes well with just about any outfit!!  Hope you like!

Style: The French Knot

Step 1:

Start by putting the scarf around the front of your neck so the ends hang in back.

Step 2:

Wrap the ends around to the front and loosen the loop so that it's comfortable around your neck.

Step 3:

Wrap the ends around to the front and loosen the loop so that it's comfortable around your neck.

Adjust and there you go!! the french knot! :-)

enjoy and be fashionable! :-)

peace, love & life

pomegranate martini anyone....ummm yes I will have another!.

This is a fantastic pomegranate martini recipe, if you have never had one before, be sure to give it a try at least once! Even Oprah raves about the Pomegranate Martini - and after just one sip, you'll know why!

Pomegranate Martini Ingredients
1 oz vodka (or citrus vodka, if you have it)
1/2 oz Cointreau orange liqueur
3 oz pomegranate juice*
chopped ice
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice, for garnish
lemon slice, for garnish
sugar, for garnish

Pomegranate Martini Directions

Wet the rim of the cocktail glass with the lemon juice.
Place sugar in a saucer and dip the rim of the cocktail glass into the saucer, to produce a ring of sugar stuck to the lemon juice as a decorative rim around the glass.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
Add ice so that the shaker is about a third full (ice plus ingredients).
Shake for 20 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Squeeze a couple of drops from the lemon slice into the glass, then garnish the side of the cocktail glass with the slice of lemon.
* You could use cranberry juice in place of the pomegranate juice for a new twist on a 'Cosmopolitan' cocktail - truly scrumptious!

hope you enjoy! :-)

peace, love & life!

style 6: half bow

so this style is super fab with a nice button up blouse!! Super chic!

Style 6: the half bow

Step 1:

Pull the scarf around the back of your neck.

Adjust the ends so that one is longer than the other.

Step 2:

Cross the longer end over the shorter one.

Step 3:

Pull the longer end up through the bottom, creating a loop.

As you pull, keep the top end taunt so it tightens securely around your neck.

Step 4:

Spread the bow and wear it either on the side or in the front.

And Voila!!! You have the half bow! :-)

hope you enjoy and wear it in the most fashion forward way! :-)

peace, love & life





racist, not racist.....funny, not funny......you tell me!

so the viral videos on youtube have been popping up like crazy.  A few of the most talked about videos are below:

Video 1: Shit White Girls Say....To Black Girls (Pt. 1) click on link below to watch

Shit White Girls Say To Black Girls 1







Video 2: Shit White Girls Say.....To Black Girls (Pt. 2) click on link below to watch

Shit White Girls Say .....To Black Girls 2









Video 3: Shit Black Girls Say (Pt.1)  click on link below to watch

Shit Black Girls Say  








So what are your thoughts. Do you think they are true/not true, ridiculous, hilarious, racist?!?!  lets talk about it!!...leave you "Happy thoughts below!"

peace, love & life

my hair care ammo.....

So when it comes to my hair, there are a few products I cannot live without. if you have chemically treated hair, these are sure to get you over the hump to extend your wear time in between treatments:

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner - it is 100% vegan and their hydrating formula is fab. it great for dry color/chemically treated hair!

Here is the link to the website:  Pureology Hydrate System






Moroccanoil Treatment - Moroccanoil Treatment’s versatile, nourishing and residue-free formula can be used as a conditioning, styling and finishing tool. It blends perfectly with other products and even speeds up drying time.

Here is the link to the website:  Moroccanoil Treatment










The products from both Pureology and Moroccanoil are Fab, but you have to figure out what works best for your own hair.  Sometime you have to mix and match in order to find the right regimen for you! 

WHAT ARE YOUR MUST HAVE HAIR CARE PRODUCTS?

peace, love & life

style 5: neck wrap

this style is great with any top, but particularly fab with a low-cut top...

neck wrap

Step 1:

Put the scarf around the back of your neck.

Step 2:

Wrap the scarf around your neck until it creates a turtle neck-like covering.

Step 3:

Tuck in the ends of the scarf so they don't show.

 And there you have it! the neck wrap! :-) now go be fabulous!

peace, love & life



Saturday game day ritual

Hanging out with family and friends at the local Rooster's watching basketball!!

GO BIG BLUE!!

Peace, love & life

style 4: Ascot Wrap

this style is very simple and looks amazing with a nice blazer or jacket! :-)

Ascot Wrap

Step 1:

Place the scarf around the back of your neck with the ends hanging in front.

Step 2:

Fold one end over the other two times. 





Step 3:

On the last fold, bring the end up through the loop at your neck.

Step 4:

Spread the top of the knot and front layer of the scarf so it covers the layer beneath

Now you are office chic!!! :-)  Enjoy!

peace, love & life

real housewives say......

if you are a true housewives reality tv junkie like myself, you can appreciate this and find that it is absolutely HILARIOUS!!! enjoy!

http://youtu.be/r9Y59uVpFWQ

peace, love & life

post holiday budget blues....

so i came across this fabulous list of online sale sites that you are sure to score some great deals on.  now that the holidays are over, i'm sure we are all still feeling the pains of our pockets being a little lighter and almost on empty. so if you must do a little shopping, here are a few sites that will help you get the biggest bang for your buck! happy shopping!


Glit Groupe. Get the coolest luxury designer fashions for a fraction of the original cost. To put it lightly, i am thoroughly obsessed with Gilt!

BeachMint. While it’s not your run-of-the-mill flash sale site, BeachMint’s JewelMint, StyleMint, BeautyMint and ShoeMint offer a slew of incredibly priced goodies for only $29.99!

HauteLook. This members-only shopping site has insane sales, seven days a week. This is a mailing list you won’t regret signing up for.

Shop It To Me. Pick your favorite designers and brand names and get email updates when their merch is on sale. i look forward to this email every week.

The Outnet. I remember the day The Outnet’s mother-site, Net-a-Porter, gave birth to this miraculous online shopping destination… And let’s just say, my closets remember it fondly too! It’s the place to snag designer duds at a major discount 24/7.

if you know of other online sale sites out there that are not mentioned above, please be sure to leave a comment so that we can all check it out too! :-)

peace, love & life

Monday DIY Beauty Tip.....

I love DIY projects because they are so cost effective, and anything to save a buck or two is always great! Here is an exciting recipe from Karly Goins’ for a seriously sweet fall facial, an Oh Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Facial that is… 

Below are Karly’s directions. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

This facial is mildly exfoliating (can be made more abrasive with more sugar), anti-bacterial and moisturizing! It is smooth and creamy, and can be warmed up in the microwave for cold dry skin in the winter (This does however melt the sugar so it becomes an even creamier mix.) All you need are a couple basic kitchen staples and it's as easy as that!

What you will need…

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 tbsp. of milk (the higher the fat percentage, the better)

How to make it…

1. Pour sugar into a bowl, slowly stirring in the honey, and add quantity of milk desired (the more milk the looser the consistency).
2. Pat mixture onto skin (avoiding eye area, it makes eyelashes sticky and the sugar is harsh on delicate skin). Leave on for 10-20 minutes (whatever you like best and have time for) this mask will not dry on your skin or become tight or hard, it will stay moist and sticky, I suggest wearing an old t-shirt while wearing this in case of any "sticky situations."
3. Rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water; you may use a wash cloth or facial cleansing brush to assist you if you like, but make sure to clean extra well around your hairline or some of the honey might dry in hard sticky clumps. Eew no thank you!
4. I also like to soak cotton pads/rounds in some of the same type of milk I added into the mixture, I put on some relaxing music, and lay on m bed for 5 minutes with the pads/rounds layer on my face! The lactic acid from the milk will help to slough away dead skin, while the fats & proteins in the milk help to strengthen and plump the skin.
5. Then rinse, apply moisturizer (don't forget to put one on that has SPF if you're going out in the sun after this facial!), Look at yourself in the mirror and SMILE! You are beautiful, and now you're soft, glowy, clean skin is a little bit more beautiful too!

Thanks for sharing this great DIY with us Karly!

Are you going to give Karly’s fall facial a try?

peace, love & life

RagnarFLK 2012

Wow! Can't believe I did it and it's over. To date the most challenging thing I have ever done!

Myself along with eleven of the best coworkers anyone could ask for, 31 hours of straight running, and 198.5 miles from Miami to Key West.....RAGNAR FLORIDA KEYS WAS CONQUERED!

From not being able to shower during the 31 hrs, to running through the swamp lands at night, across 7 mile bridges with no water, sun beaming down on you and about 500 other teams running and cheering along, it was so hard to miss the beautiful Florida scenery surrounding us, which I think helped us along the way!

I've never been pushed so hard in my life! This is the first thing I have ever really trained for since my cheerleading events back in the day. The feeling of accomplishment is so overwhelming and to say I'm so proud of myself and my teammates is an understatement

I highly encourage everyone to look for the inner athlete in themselves and check out that the Ragnar Relays are all about. visit www.ragnarrelay.com

Will we are you and your friends next year?!?

Peace, love & life