MIA

Yup, I am missing in action. (I'm actually at work through the rest of the week, but don't tell anybody.)

I had every intention to get my blogs done for this week... buuuut it just didn't happen. And still isn't happening. So I'll be back next week with regularly-scheduled content ;)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

xoxo
Chels

P.S. - Santa was extra nice this year and brought me my first ever iPhone... So you can now follow me on instagram! @misschelseaelyse

Making Spirits Bright

Every hostess with the mostess knows the importance of a well-stocked bar. Especially around the holidays, you never know when you might receive an unexpected visitor! 

Stocking a bar is slow process, as my roommate and I are discovering. Sure, you could go out and buy everything you need all at once, but I can't even image how expensive that would be. Plus, it's fun to find little objects every now and then to add to your collection! I love scouring antique and flea markets for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Below are some of my favorite choices for a home bar... 

1. Cocktail shaker and ice bucket. Self-explanatory. Another glam option here.
2. Cocktail napkins. Your furniture will thank you.
3. Barware. Other options here, here and here.
4. Shot glasses. Because you know how to keep the party going. Party hardy here and here.
5. Stemware. Other favorites here and here.
6. Bottle opener. The more unique, the better. I particularly love this one.
7. Coasters. I also love these, these and these. 
8. Wine stopper. Other impressive pieces here and here.
9. Drink tray. More here, here and here.
10. Wine bottle holder. To impress your guests. I have 2 of these in my own home!
11. Decanters. Read about the difference between a carafe and decanter here. Who knew? Not me.
12. Snack bowls. Because a hungry guest is an grumpy guest. More here and here.
13. Straws. More fun here and here.

And a delicious winter drink that will warm your tootsies up.. 

Happy holidays! How do you celebrate the season? What's your favorite holiday libation? I'd love to hear! 

xoxo

Chels

Favorite Spaces :: 12.7

It's December! Time to bust out the holiday decorations and lust about a white Christmas (something we can only dream about in the South).

When it comes to holiday decorating, I LOVE a neutral color scheme. (Think golds, silvers, whites. Shocking, I know). I just find it so peaceful and calming. These spaces are right up my alley!

Images from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Traditional Home. 

xoxo

Chels

15 Under $25 :: Holiday Gifts

Can you believe Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK?! I somehow didn't realize that until, hmm, about noon today, and just about fell out of my chair when someone pointed out we only work 3 days next week. The holidays didn't just sneak up on me this year, they pretty much punched me in the face. Even Halloween was like "surprise playa, you have to go to a party tomorrow and you don't have a costume!" Ugh. 

We all know what comes after Thanksgiving... shopping! And yes, it's stressful, but it can be fun if you do it right. 

Below I've put together a list of 15 gifts under $25 for the stylish people in your life. I already know who I'd gift these to! 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15

P.S. - Thoughts on the new layout? It's still under construction-ish. I'll be tweaking it until I'm happy with it, but expect some more changes! Your feedback is uber important to me, so don't be afraid to leave comments. Even you, anonymous! 

xoxo

Chels

A Very Glamorous Halloween

  

Proof that it is possible to decorate for Halloween on a budget without looking like you bought all your decorations from WalMart or the Dollar Tree! 

It's as easy as printing out a spooky skeleton or bat and popping it into an antique frame, or wrapping some black lace around white candles.

Even just painting pumpkins white and adding some fall leaves makes such a statement without spending a lot. And my favorite.. that skull pillow cover is only $35 from Zara Home! 

Some of my favorite glamorous Halloween decorations... 

Skull Candle / Zara Home
Gold Gourd / Crate & Barrel
Clock / Z Gallerie
Skeleton Taper Candles / Z Gallerie (on sale!)
Pheromone Wall Art / West Elm
Lanterns / Target
Tea Pot / Zara Holmes
Orange Paper Straws / Amazon.com

Images from Pinterest, JL Designs, Country Living, Traditional Home and Zara Home

xoxo
Chels

4th of July Fun :: Recipes

Summer Macaroni Salad with Tomatoes and Zucchini

This recipe from Skinnytaste looks SO yummy!



Ingredients:
16 oz uncooked elbows
4 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
2 cups (1 small) zucchini, sliced and quartered
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
7 tbsp light mayonnaise (Hellman's)
2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp fat free Greek yogurt
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste










Jello Shots!

Blue Layer
2 boxes berry blue gelatin dessert mix (3.1 oz)
1 1/2 cups water
2 envelope plain gelatin
1 cup flavored rum or vodka
Red Layer
2 boxes raspberry, strawberry or cherry gelatin dessert mix (3.1 oz)
1 1/2 cups water
2 envelope plain gelatin
1 cup flavored rum or vodka
White Layer
2 ¾ cups water
6 envelopes plain gelatin
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup flavored rum or vodka
1/2 cup white crème de cacao (or white chocolate liqueur)

Click here for more recipes on my Pinterest page!

4th of July Fun :: What to Wear, cont.

Some more patriotic eye candy for my lovelies.. I'm having entirely too much fun with this :)

1. Blue Abundance necklace / Anthropologie / $58

2. She's Got Peplum top / ModCloth / $33

3. Gold & Silver Eagle necklace / Mathias Chaize / $125

4. AE Denim shorts / American Eagle / $30 (currently on sale!)

5. Crystal Collar necklace / Calypso St.Barth / $295

6. Lace Overlay tank / Forever 21 / $18

7. 3" Chino shorts / J.Crew / $45 (my favorite shorts ever!)
8. Whistlestop sandals / Madewell / $138
9. Cowboy booties / Forever 21 / $28
10. Watermelon martini - yum! Recipe here.
11. June mini-dress / Indah / $124

4th of July Fun :: What to Wear

You should expect lots of posts coming up to be about the 4th.. because I'm just SO EXCITED! I will be running the Peachtree Road Race for the second consecutive year, and this time my entire family (yes, all six of us) will be running together. Then it'll be back to my apartment in the city for BBQ and pool times! And to top it all off.. I get two whole days off of work. Whee!!

So, without further ado, here are some fantastic outfit ideas for the 4th.

1. Silk jumpsuit / Catharine Malandrino / $395
2. Wayger sandal / Steve Madden / $99
3. Dree dress / J.Crew / $148
4. Lace top / Zara / $80
5. Tartan slingbacks / Christian Louboutin / $945
6. Linen trousers / Zara / $60
7. Tylar dress / Lilly Pulitzer / $298
8. Wayfarers / Ray-Ban / $159
9. Dizzy Anchors dress / J.Crew / $168
10. Straw fedora / Forever 21 / $7

Get Your Holiday On

Nordstrom may be combating the "christmas creep", but that doesn't mean we can't start to get a little excited for the holidays! (BTdubs, Nordstrom gets major props for taking this stand!)

I won't be sending out holiday cards this year, but these are just too fun not to share. The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what to send! 

I particularly love these cards from Wild Ink Press because they stay true to what Christmas is about - faith, joy, and above all - God. The classic gold + silver color scheme doesn't hurt either. 

The Smock cards have a slight vintagey vibe to them, which is great. I love love love all of their products, and actually used some of their cards as my graduation thank-you's. And as if the cards weren't great by themselves, they come with the cutest coordinating envelopes. Seriously, check them out.



And, of course, the always fabulous Inslee has some of the chicest cards EVER! Perfect for the glamourista that we know we all are.

Are you sending out holiday cards? I want to hear about them!

xoxo