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!

Shop The Post:

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!

Shop The Post:

Early Christmas Decorating - CHECK!

Call me crazy but yes I start decorating for Christmas the day after Halloween.  Typically I don't do "fall themed" décor.  I like to celebrate holidays 2 months at a time anyway so I usually start Halloween decorating in September and Christmas in November.....that way you get to enjoy each holiday a bit longer.

Right now I have about 90% of my Christmas décor up.  The only thing left really is my larger Christmas Tree and a few small things.  I love putting my Christmas décor up early because theres nothing like having Thanksgiving dinner and getting that warm fuzzy feeling from all your Holiday goodies surrounding you and seeing your little ones light up because they know what's coming!

Fill an old vase with fake snow, pinecones and ornaments for a lovely festive centerpiece.  For a little added sparkle you can even throw in some battery operated LED lights!

The faux fur throw pillows I found in the target dollar section this year for only $5 each and the Christmas truck pillow is from Hobby Lobby.

This is the coffee table and Sofa in our sunroom.  This was an easy décor I just threw together by throwing some ornaments and LED lights into an apothecary jar.  The little wood tray was from the target dollar section this year and was only $3.  I put a few ornaments in the tray along with some pinecones.  Underneath was an old burlap runner that I cut the ruffled edge off and I laid out a red & black plaid kitchen towel (also from the target dollar section) on top!

Hope you enjoyed some of my holiday décor and I plan to bring you a few more pieces as the month goes on!

Shop This Post:

1. Merry & Bright Sign ($3) - Target Dollar Section - Not listed online

2. Gem Bow Candle Pedestal - Bath and Body Works

3. Ceramic Fragrance Warmer - Bath and Body Works

4. Resin Candle Holders w/ Glass Balls - Hobby Lobby

5.  Christmas Truck Pillow - Hobby Lobby - Not listed online

6.  Brown Faux Fur Pillows ($5)- Target Dollar Section - Not listed online

7. Wood Mirrored Tray ($3)- Target Dollar Section - Not listed online
8. Himmene Sleeper Sofa - Ikea

I VOTE - for FASHION!

Call me insensitive but I won't bring you a post today about how I'm disappointed or stressed because quite frankly.......I don't care to share my political opinions or choices.  I've seen too many friendships and family relationships destroyed recently so I'm keeping quiet on this one.  Let me also remind you that God is in control and knew the outcomes of this election way before it was decided so we need to just trust in that!

I will however bring you a cute outfit post! I VOTE fashion all day every day!

Felt Floppy Hat - (Similar Here) // Gray Jeans (Similar Here) // Over the Knee Boots // Blanket Scarf - (Similar Here) // Gray Tote Bag // Versace Glasses

It finally finally finally feels like fall here in Georgia .....like mid to upper 60's fall which is heavenly.  This shoot was a couple of weeks ago and it was still in the 80's hence the sleeveless top! But now that we finally have some cooler weather I've been able to wear my sweaters and scarves without dying!

My floppy hat is the same one I was wearing in my previous post and is from ZAFUL and is similar to the Leith Felt Floppy Hat from Nordstrom! The Boots are one of my favorite pairs of OTK'S and they are from Loft.  You can purchase them HERE.  I also have the same ones in a camel color as well!

Shop The Post

Linking Up With:
Sincerely JennaMarie // Fizz and Frosting // Pink Sole // ClaireJustine // Style Nudge // Elegantly Fashionable // Style Elixir // Walking in Memphis in High Heels // I Do DeClaire // The Pleated Poppy // The Mummy Chronicles // Cappuccino & Fashion // Shopping My Closet // Living in Color Blog // MixMatch Fashion // The Fashionista Momma


Photo Credit:  J Nelly Photography