Women Idols

I grew up in a very female-strong family, and girl power, if you will, has been something I have been thriving upon as a human being ever since I can remember myself. My Mom, Grandma, and Aunt have been women I have looked up to my entire life. And besides my family, there are famous women who keep inspiring and reminding me that dreams can come true when you do things with deep love, patience, and kindness...

 Lauren Conrad.

Because she didn't take her sudden fame for granted. Because she didn't loose her mind in a fast wealth. Because instead of ruining her body with artificial procedures, she developed her inner talents becoming a successful designer and a best-selling author.

 Michelle Phan.

Because being basically unknown to the world with an intense passion for beauty did not discourage her from pursuing it. Because she was creative and brave to film herself doing beauty looks only to become an international youtube sensation. Because kindness in her voice mirrored her real beauty.

 Taylor Swift.

Because she actually plays an instrument and writes her own lyrics and music. Because she was determined to pursue her dream! Because she didn't get her success by wearing a skimpy outfit passed out in a questionable night club.

 Michelle Obama.

Because her classiness and style speak louder than words. Because she is incredibly beautiful and even more incredibly intelligent. Because besides every great man stands even greater woman.

Kate Middleton.

Because you don't have to be born as a princess to be one. Because her being is immersed in fascinating elegance. Because humble beauty is timeless.

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What are your idols who you admire?

Hope your day is filled with kindness and smiles, darlings!

Good luck!

Images for this post via 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Happy New Year!

While reflecting on the soon-to-be-last-year and making new year's resolutions, I found myself feeling grateful and blessed for everything this year has brought and for hopes and dreams next year may bring... One of those resolutions is to be able to create a beautiful space around me. I've always liked the look of vintage inspired, slightly rustic slash distressed wood slash simplistic minimalist with plenty of character... 

Here's what I'm imagining on my new year's creative to-do list...

Recycled shelves from wooden boxes via this creative web site

Storage space using stacked firewood

Recycled shoe planters (and more ideas alike from here)

Personal favorite- glass jar photo frames DIY found on this site

Lamps and home decor using recycled kitchen supplies

Bathroom vanity using recycled suitcases

 Recycled wood pallets made into a charming couch

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I hope this inspires you as much as it inspires me!

I hope new dreams and wonders come along with the new year, and I am looking forward to another great year with you, even if only through this glossy computer screen!

Happy New Year, darlings!

Good luck!

Inexpensive and Beautiful Holiday Decor from a local Thrift Store

Many great internet sources have been writing and posting about beautiful holiday decor ideas, DIY's, and how-to's, so today I decided to bring you a little different and green take on precious holiday decor ideas. In our home, Recycling, Repurposing and Reusing is an important part of our lives, and thrift shopping is just another way of fulfilling a holiday spirit...

Take a look at what I found at my local thrift shop...

This time of the year, most thrift stores will bring out their stash of various holiday decoration items and place them neatly or not so neatly on rows and rows of shelves...

...let me tell you, it nearly never disappoints in wide selection and low prices starting at as little as 0.25 cents per piece and up...

Now, one of my favorites are the holiday coffee and hot-chocolate cup selection! I always droll over the pretty cups at Target store or Pier 1 Import, but paying around $10.00 per a cup isn't just my thing... here, at a thrift store, festive little cute cups are waiting to be filled with holiday cheers for around a $1.00 each :)

Of course, Christmas tree ornaments! Around 90% of our tree is decorated with thrifted ornaments! There's so much to choose from, and it just warms my heart that I am able to give these ornaments a second chance...

 Let's talk about stockings! A pretty and a quality stocking like this one can cost about $10.00 and up at a regular store... I found ours (and brand new with tags on!) for a dollar each. Score!!!

Candles, candle holders, figurines, lights, and garlands- all may be found at a thrift store for a fraction of a cost. Stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army donate to those in need, and I just can't think of a better idea to shop for a good cause and have beautifully decorated home!

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I hope your week is bright and happy!

Good luck, darlings!

Seven Random Acts of Kindness

For years and generations, the holiday spirit in our home has been about the little things money can't buy. My family has always taught me to extend the kindness beyond our own home, and here's a glimpse of what I've been up to lately...

Saying "I Love You"... You can never say enough of "I Love You". In fact, I don't think we say it enough to those who truly matter, to those who we care for so much. Today and every day since now- I Love You, (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Husband, Wife, Brother, Sister, Son, Daughter, Aunt, Uncle, Friend, Cat, Dog...) you get the picture...

Smiling... I once read somewhere that when a person smiles, a window to his or her heart opens... I tend to smile at people, strangers, because you never know what that person might be going through, and a smile might be just what brightens someone's day...

Giving... giving a lot instead of receiving. Giving is what truly makes me happy...

Adopting a pet... Giving someone innocent a loving home is the highest form of kindness a human can do to another... My husband and I are set to bring home someone very sweet and loyal by the summer...

Helping the elderly... remember your grandparents and great-grandparents. Give them a call, send them a card, talk to them, tell them how much they mean to you, how important they are... Listen to their stories, learn from them, help them out in the store if you see them struggling with something... Be there for them because one day it will be you...

Giving out coupons... This may sound strange, but I do this a lot- I coupon for the purpose of saving money and always have extra to give out to people who don't have any... You won't believe the gratitude you'll receive when you'll give someone a coupon to save some money...

Finally, being grateful and appreciative... Be thankful for the gifts you receive, be grateful for what you have, and appreciate every moment of your life... 

Thank you, darlings, for reading, and I hope your December is filled with many smiles, love, and joy!

 Good luck!

*images via 1 2 3 4 5 6 7*