Holiday Style ft. Target & Kate Spade

Green Dress // OTK Boots // Versace Sunglasses // Kate Spade Evening Belles Initial Clutch (Sold Out) - SIMILAR HERE // Oversized Cardigan // Rhinestone Necklace (Old) - SIMILAR HERE

The good thing about living in the South is that you are free to rock a cute holiday dress without freezing your butt off!  When we lived up near NYC I dreaded the holidays because I am always cold anyway so I really hated freezing in dresses. Now I love the fact that I can wear just about anything on holidays.  Although, this year has been exceptionally warm ...even for Georgia.  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are supposed to have temps near 70! INSANE! 

I was planning to wear this dress with a cute leather jacket on top but Im sure I wont need a jacket if the forecast is correct.  I snagged this adorable lace dress from Target and it was the perfect find.  I'm super short ....5'1" to be exact so it's really hard to find short dresses that hit above the knee.  This one is a size XS and leaves a good few inches above the knee which I love!  I paired it with my Steve Madden OTKs....which are a dupe of these designer Stuart Weitzman ones and just as cute! 

My clutch is from Kate Spade and was originally around $400 but I got it during one of the 70% sales so you do the math! Because it's so sparkly it's the perfect little bag to take to holiday parties or even on a date night! One of my favorite parts about this outfit is my necklace.....super sparkly and it can dress up any outfit but also works for casual looks too.  The only thing is the stones have a tendency to flip around easily/  I actually found an almost identical one at J.Crew in store not online and I tried it on and it actually lays flat without moving around so I may have to head back to J.Crew to snag that one!

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Put Some Thought Into it.....with THOUGHTFULLY.COM

If you're anything like me you love the holiday season as it's a wonderful feeling to give something to friends and family, but usually by this time of year no one needs another salami and cheese gift set! Gift sets are a fantastic gift idea and THOUGHTFULLY.COM has tons of lovely gift sets catered to specific interests your loved ones might have so you are bound to find something for everyone in a variety of price ranges! 

PARTY PROPS & POPS

 For the Champagne lover...

Who doesn't love a nice bubbly glass of champagne???  With New Years right around the corner you will most likely either be hosting a bash or invited to one! Bring the host one of these lovely sets as a thank you and they are sure to love the gorgeous gold-trimmed stemless champagne glasses!  Guests will also love the photo props...perfect for those tipsy Instagram photos!  This set includes 4 stemless champagne glasses, photo props, rock candy stirrers, Gold dot coasters & confetti poppers perfect for ringing in the New Year.

COFFEE CAMP
For the camper/coffee lover....

Get cozy with your significant other on  your next camping trip with a warm fleece and a nice hot cup of coffee!  This set is would be perfect for the nature-loving couple that loves to be outdoors.  Perfect for a camping trip or a fall picnic, this set comes with a brewing block, filters, coffee, 2 adorable mugs and a cozy fleece!  It would even be perfect for those lazy weekends where you just want to cuddle up on the sofa!

THE STEAKHOUSE

For the meat-lover......

Ladies if your man is anything like mine he could probably live on meat alone! But hey.....I love a good steak too! This is set makes a great gift for any manly-man! What's really cool about this set is that you get a genuine lava stone to cook your steak on as well as the wood serving block! You also get 4 bottle of steak sauce in two flavors, two dipping bowls and a steak knife and fork.  I might even want this set for myself!

We were lucky enough to receive one of their Moscow Mule Sets.....the quality and packaging is simply lovely.  Everything you see above is included and you just supply the Vodka!  We plan on serving up these yummy cocktails for New Year's but we may do a trial-run on Christmas first!

So if you are still in need of gift.....check out THOUGHTFULLY.COM because no matter who you are shopping for.....wine lovers, coffee lovers, selfie-queens, aspiring chefs, hot-sauce fanatics.....you are sure to find the perfect set to everyone this Christmas season! You can also still get Christmas Delivery for only $5.99 and take 20% off your order using coupon code GIFT20! Don't forget to share your memories on social media using hashtag #GIFTTHOUGHTFULLY!

**Thank you to Thoughtfully.com for sponsoring this post**

YouTube Tuesdays - 12/20/16

Hey guys welcome back to another edition of YouTube Tuesdays! I had to take a twi-week break because I just had some craziness going on and it was somewhat of a total blog break but I'm back again and can't wait to see your channels and vids so link away!!!! Also make sure to check out the featured channel this week below.....

Life Meets Family



This family is also from Georgia and live super close to us and we just met via the wonder of social media!  Their kids are the same age as ours too so hopefully we can meet up IRL soon! Check their channel out and be sure to subscribe .....they have lots of fun challenge videos with their kids too!

An InLinkz Link-up

Rules for Participation (Optional)

1. Subscribe to your hosts channels HERE & HERE

2. Subscribe to this weeks featured channel HERE

3. Add your videos old or new & your channels to the link up

4. Try to subscribe to a few new channels

5. Share participants videos on your social media channels

6. Please only link up your YOUTUBE content or channel...not blog posts!

7. Please refrain from political, religious or sexually explicit content

Remember the rules are NOT required but more so guidelines.  We are all here to help eachother grow so try not to leave your links and leave....take the time to support others in the linkup as well.

Also if you are interested in being a featured channel for next week let me know in the comments! Happy linking!

Lace Up Sweaters & GearBest

Lace Up Sweater (Similar Here)// Leather Bag - (Similar Here) // Ripped Jeans // Versace Sunnies
H&M Fringe Boots - (Similar Here) // Beanie Hat - (Similar Here)

Have ya'll ever heard of GearBest?  So a few weeks ago they reached out to me to collaborate.......and I had never heard of them but so far I love what I see.  Their platform is very similar to that of Amazon where you can buy home goods, electronics.....and now apparel!

Their apparel section has tons of cute stylish pieces for both Men and Women!  I just received this gorgeous chunky knit Lace Up Sweater and it's a perfect fall/winter piece! They also have a similar one HERE and HERE.  It's super warm and the oatmeal color pairs perfect with just about everything!

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**Thank you to GearBest for sponsoring this post!**

Ruffles & Fur - ROMWE

Ruffle Top - Similar HERE // OTK Boots // Faux Fur Vest // Versace Sunglasses
High Waisted Jeans // BCBG Clutch

How is Christmas next Sunday guys??? WTH?  I'm scrambling to shop, cook, do ETSY orders and still keep my blog up......my head is spinning!

But on a fashion-related note....how cute is this Ruffle Top from ROMWE??? I've seen a ton of these victorian-style ruffle neck blouses and I just had to try one.  I'm wearing a size small here however I must warn you it is a bit of a crop.......which is why I paired it with higher waisted jeans.  Right now it is sold out but there are several similar options HERE and HERE as well!

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Linking Up With:

Style Elixir // A Little Bit of Everything // Mix Match Fashion //  Living in Color // Curly Crafty Mom // Sincerely JennaMarie //

**Thank you to ROMWE for sponsoring this post**

A New Way to Shop with LUV.IT

With the Christmas Shopping Season in full swing and only a few weeks left until Santa arrives.....I know most of you (like me) are trying to finish off all of their Christmas shopping STAT!  However, malls and other shopping centers are B-A-N-A-N-A-S...so I try to get a lot of my shopping done online and especially from ease of my iPhone! With that being said let me introduce one of my new favorite apps: LUV.IT

Think Instagram meets Pinterest meets Shopping! You can "favorite/luv" items, create collections, then click-to-shop!  What even better is the app also gives you 2.5% CASH BACK  (that you can see immediately) on each item you purchase ALL.THE.TIME, and let's be honest.....everyone could use a little cash back during the month of December!

Reason's why I "LUV IT" (pun totally intended!):

• Sleek clean design ....similar to many other social media apps so that makes it really easy to navigate!
• I can fully control everything in my product feed by following my favorite brands and other luv.it app users.
• The checkout is super easy and in a few steps you can slide to pay!. 
• When I Luv a product, the product is sent to my profile and I receive notifications when it goes on sale or the inventory running low.

LUV.IT also brings you a ton of new and innovative brands that are up and coming as well as already-established ones.  There are a variety of price points from extremely affordable to higher-end luxury items so no matter what your budget is you are sure to find something you love! The app features mostly clothing for Men, Women & Children with a few toys and home goods as well and new brands are constantly being added to their lineup!  Now it's one of my go-to apps to check in the morning for new items, and they even send you notifications when items you luv go on sale!

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of my purchases with you right here on the blog and over on Instagram but in the mean time go download the LUV.IT app for yourself right from the app store, add me @MRSERICAVALENTIN and I promise you are going to LUV IT!

**Thank you to LUV.IT for sponsoring this post...all views and opinions are 100% my own**

All That Glitters - Holiday Gift Guide

How is it even December....That is insane to me!  I was trying so hard not to do a gift guide until the very last minute but my holiday lovin' self officially got the best of me and like any typical girly girl I love shiny sparkly things!

If it has glitter or sequins.....even better! This time of year is one of my favorites times because of all the holiday parties and festivities and it's just natural to want to throw on something glittery & shiny and what better way to dress up your LBD!

These are a few of my current faves.....

1.  Wedding Belles Charla Clutch - Kate Spade

2.  Wedding Belles I Kissed a Frog Emanuelle Clutch - Kate Spade

3.  Gold Glitter Keds for Kate Spade

4.  Kendra Scott Brooke Stud Earrings

5. Gala Glitter Slipper - Kate Spade
6. Monogrammed Gold Necklace - Love Always

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YouTube Tuesdays - 11/29/16

Welcome to the second edition of our YouTube Tuesdays Linkup! Last weeks linkup very successful for the first week trying it out and had a ton of entries which was more than I could've hoped for so I'm definitely going to be hosting this linkup weekly!

Anyone is welcome to link up and share your channels and content....whether you are a gamer, vlogger, fashion addict, or if you do tutorials.......whatever your niche is ....all content creators are welcome but PLEASE also read the rules at the bottom of the page.

Each week I will also choose a channel to feature for the week.  This channel may be a participant in the linkup or it may be just a channel that I love and would like to share with you and one that I think you will love too!  If your channel is featured I will help promote your channel on social media all week long!  This weeks featured channel is:

Alex Gladwin



Alex is a YouTube Mummy Vlogger with 2 of the cutest little boys ever and I just adore her channel.  She is super sweet and I chose to feature her as the first weekly feature since her video above we what really gave me the little push I needed to keep vlogging.  She also has a fantastic blog called BUMP-TO-BABY....so be sure to check out her blog and of course her channel.....subscribe and show her lots of youtube LOVE!!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Rules for Participation (Optional)

1. Subscribe to your hosts channels HERE & HERE
2. Subscribe to this weeks featured channel HERE
3. Add your videos old or new & your channels to the link up

4. Try to subscribe to a few new channels

5. Share participants videos on your social media channels

6. Please only link up your YOUTUBE content or channel...not blog posts!
7. Please refrain from political, religious or sexually explicit content

Remember the rules are NOT required but more so guidelines.  We are all here to help eachother grow so try not to leave your links and leave....take the time to support others in the linkup as well.

Also if you are interested in being a featured channel for next week let me know in the comments! Happy linking!

The Truth About Your $40 Blanket Scarf.....

Today I am going to tell you a little bit about blanket scarves and why you may be spending way too much! I was wrestling with myself about posting this for awhile mostly because I don't want to offend any companies out there...mainly companies we all know and love but I also love good deals. I even made a video about this and I will try to post it on my YouTube Channel later today. Because of this some of you may hate me after this post......some may love me....but hey...

DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER

I love a good blanket scarf as much as the rest of you fall obsessed fashionistas out there and I must admit I probably own about 10 of them so I need to let you all in on a little secret.  Every blanket scarf I own was under $10!  Let me explain why.  Unless you are purchasing something that is exclusively "designer" you are most likely paying way too much.  Take this blanket scarf in the above photo for example......

I recently bought one of the blanket scarves above in the DOLLAR SECTION at Target for only $7....coincidentally Stitch Fix sent me the exact same scarf that month for $48. The photo above shows the two side by side for comparison.  The size look and feel was identical so no difference in quality whatsoever and the pattern identical to the millimeter. Obviously I did not keep the one from Stitch Fix......I still adore Stitch Fix, however I will keep my $7 scarf! Nordstrom sold the same one last year, ModCloth does HERE, Goodnight Macaroon sells it HERE and you can even find ETSY shops peddling them as handmade scarves HERE and HERE and again that is because they all buy them in bulk for pennies on the dollar from overseas usually from wholesalers in China.

Why such a huge difference in price?

Here's why? Let's take Target vs. Nordstrom for example.  There are wayyyyyyyy more Target stores across the nation than there are Nordstrom stores so most likely they are buying a larger bulk quantity from the supplier overseas, getting a lower price.....then in turn they can afford to sell  each piece for $7 and still turn a profit where as Nordstrom has less stores.....they buy smaller quantities so they must sell at a higher price.  The same situation applies to Stitch Fix and other retailers.

One of the most popular wholesalers is AliBaba.com and anyone can shop there even if you are not a business.......just look at the pic above.  You don't even need to buy in bulk.  The minimum quantity is 1 Piece! SERIOUSLY? The same situation applies to clothes but with clothing you take a bit more of a risk.....but that's a whole other post.  When it comes to something like a scarf that you see in every store chances are they are bought wholesale and you can find it cheaper somewhere else!

Check out some of the links below.....lighting varies in photos but in person these are all exactly the same.

Linking Up With:

Fizz and Frosting // Sincerely JennaMarie // Not Dead Yet Style // Still Being Molly // Claire Justine
StyleNudge // Elegantly Fahsionable //

Calling All YouTubers! - New YouTube Tuesdays

I know it's Saturday...But I have a new weekly feature coming up each and every Tuesday! Recently I was thinking of ways to help new and established YouTubers increase their engagement and exposure.  

We all know how difficult it can be trying to grow your social media and IMO YouTube can be one of the hardest places to grow your audience especially when you are just starting out.  I have used link ups and group boards to meet and mingle with tons of fabulous bloggers but why not create a link up for vloggers & other content creators and their YT Channels?!?  My hopes are to help new channels grow their subscribers and help bring exposure to their channels as well as to mine.....we are all in this amazing journey together! 

Below is the first link up....and if all goes well and I think it's something you may enjoy I will officially launch it as a weekly feature on my blog! Like a "YouTube Tuesday" and I may even do a weekly spotlight of a new channel each week!

There are NO RULES!

Anyone is welcome to link up and share your channels and content....whether you are a gamer, vlogger, fashion addict, or if you do tutorials.......whatever your niche is ....all content creators are welcome!  As the host of this link up please subscribe to one or both of my channels (if you like them) by hitting the subscribe buttons below! This is totally NOT required but much appreciated!

ValentinFamCam Family Vlog

Erica Valentin on YouTube

- Link your channels & vids new or old

- Try to subscribe to a few channels

- Leave Thumbs Ups or comment videos you like

- Share participants videos on your social media channels

- In general just show love to your fellow YouTubers

- Please only link up your YOUTUBE content or channel...not blog posts!

An InLinkz Link-up

Please also remember to be nice on each others channels.  If this leads to any malicious or mean comments they will just be deleted!

Cold Shoulder Top & OTKs

Happy Monday ladies...I'm back in my office after 4 days off....and feeling a little blah! After all who wants to go back to work after having nearly a week off right?  At least I have 5 days off for Thanksgiving! Hooray!

Aren't these wooden earrings fantastic?!?!?  I got them at the Kioskos de Luquillo in Puerto Rico (so I couldn't link them)....which is a little strip of shops and small food vendors near Luquillo Beach.  There is no website for them but if you ever travel to the island it's definitely a must visit for yummy fried foods and handmade gifts!

Over The Knee Boots // Cold-Shoulder Top // White Jeans // Sunglasses // Michael Kors Tote Bag

I posted this look on IG a few weeks ago and yesterday! My cold-should top is available HERE and is from Target and they have several other colors too! The jeans are KanCan from Buckle which is one of my favorite brands because they don't lose their shape as you wear them and you can't beat the price! They are very stretchy but not quite a jegging so I usually size down!  My bag is from Michael Kors and was a gift from the hubby a few years ago but you can still get the same bag online HERE!

Hope you ladies are all enjoying the start of your week...........and hopefully Thanksgiving gets here fast because I need some more time off!

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Linking Up With:
Sincerely JennaMarie // Fizz & Frosting // Elegantly Fashionable // Not Dead Yet Style // Style Nudge // Claire Justine // Pink Sole // Still Being Molly // Style Elixir // Myriad Musings // Walking in Memphis in High Heels // I Do DeClaire //
Sincerely Paula //

Photo Credit:  J Nelly Photography

Embellished Boots & Designer Dupes

You know I have a sick obsession with boots, booties, etc.....and now I'm crazy for all the metallic accented and embellished boots that I'm seeing everywhere.  Whether metallic heels or toes....or sparkly embellishments......I love them all!!!!!

Target recently came out with their Raine Western Boot which is a Dupe of the popular Catherine Malandrino Driscoll Boot.  The Target version is a fraction of the cost and nearly identical!  If you prefer the Catherine Malandrino ones they were originally $240 and now on sale for $119.99 at Nordstrom Rack and they are available in several colors!  Jeffrey Campbell even has a version of this popular boot found HERE.

If you like a little sparkle you can find several options ranging in price from super affordable to luxury designer prices.  If money is no option check out the Fauna Bootie by Aquazzura, however if you are looking for a less expensive option check out the Diamond by FarylRobin Fawcett version at Target!

For those of you ladies that are really bold check out one these lovely options.  The Roger Vivier Sequin-Embellished Bootie available on My Theresa is a super sparkly luxurious bootie but at $2350 may not be budget friendly.  Target has another gorgous option in a floral Velvet print found HERE! For a mid-grade price point check out THIS PAIR by River Island!

I hope you enjoyed my favorite picks for sparkly embellished booties .....I've also added a few more options to the widget below :) Have a lovely weekend!

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