Tis the Season

Christmas Eve is this friday and Christmas Day is Saturday! Wow how time flies by. Holiday plans consist of Christmas Eve dinner at my parents with my boss coming over as well. Christmas Day is Mass and then lunch at my parents. The Holidays are pretty low key in my house only because it is just my parents and I. We focus more on spending time together, being grateful for our health, jobs and so much more. Christmas is really all about being grateful and helping others in need.

Have a Blessed Holiday! I would love to hear about what your plans are :)

My picks for the perfect holiday gifts

Here is what I recommend you purchase for the ones you love:
Jewelry from my friend Tanya Burr at Talullahtu Jewelry

She has gorgeous pieces that are very reasonabnly priced. From gold to silver from diamonds t o pearls. You are definitely going to find the perfect piece for that special someone.



Personalized Stationary- Ashley Brooke Designs

Who doesn't love and need some beautiful stationary? Personally, I adore stationary. I have always been a advocate of sending notes, letters and cards to those you care for. Recoeving a note in the mail is one of the best feelings in the world. AB Designs is a great friend and her work is wonderfiul!


Michael Bonomo Photography- Michael Bonomo Photography
A true talent and good friend of mine is a fantastic photographer who lives and works in the LA area. If you look at his site, you can see that he is a true artist when it comes to photographing and film. I think some of the best presents are personalized ones. Why not give your family the gift of caprturing your holiday memories through the art of photography? It is true what they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words. If you live, work or travel to the LA area definitely contact my friend and have him take your holiday pictures.

Ashley Brooke Designs-- Holiday Sale!

My dear friends at Ashley Brooke Designs are the greatest when it comes to beautiful work on holiday cards and personal stationary. They are the ones who designed my blog header. Isn't  it gorgeous?!
This weekend Dec. 10-Dec. 13 she is offering a great sale:

Place your order with AB and tell them I sent you!
Happy Holidays!

Rest In Peace Dear Elizabeth

Source

Baby, It's cold outside…

As you can see the weather here in South Carolina is super cold. Which is way below average here in the Carolinas. Guess what? I love it!! A girl who was born and raised in Boston loves that it is actually a great cold winter. I like the summers and springs here, but if I had to choose it would be winter and fall. I love the crispness of the air, the cool air in the morning and bundling up each day :)

Support and spread the word

Good Morning my dear friends! :)

If you are facebook friends with me or even follow me on Twitter. You may have noticed that I am trying to get the word out for my friend, Michael's film that he is trying to get made. I would like to ask your help in getting involved. Please go to his link for the movie- The Muse Film  and check it out. Even if you are unable to donate, even $1.00 please if you would post this on your blog for me or even on FB to get the word out.

Thank you so much.. if we all can just pass it on who knows how far it can go.  :)

My Christmas Décor

Just wanted to share with you all my 2010 holiday décor. I hope that you all like it.

Home Decor -Holiday Edition

I'm not much of a decorator, but I love homes that are decorated for the holidays. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Photo Credits

Happy Winter!

It is officialy Decmber 1st. Which means tonight at sundown Hanukkah begins and winter weather has begun creeping in and I love it!!

Growing up in Boston I love the seasons. I find it odd for it to be 80 inm December. There is no holiday cheer in 80 degree weather.

Things I love about winter---
 

Midnight Mass  

The Family Wreath

Children enjoying the snow's magic



And most of all ... Peace in the world:

Happy Winter everyone :)

Photo Credits

Tuesday Ramblings and Thanksgiving

Here are a few things on my mind this morning:

1. Kim Zolziack is pregnant?!!! What?!! How in the world? And really is she 30? No way. Okay, yes, she is with child and if you watch RHOATL you will know that the father is Mr. Nice bottom.

2. Camille on RHOBH is a nutjob. There, I said it. And you all were thinking it. Yes, a huge nut job. Now, I understand why Kelsey had gotten a girlfriend. I don't blame him. Seriously.

3. Thanksgiving- This year will be a special one. One of my dear friends will be flying in and spending time with my parents and I this holiday week. I am so excited! I love having visitors during the holiday season. Even though, this holiday will be super small. Just my parents and I. I really wanted to make it special. If you are an avid reader of my blog you know why in my past posts. Therefore, this thanksgiving will be filled with many memories of a small event. A day of blessings and reflecting on the past years experiences.

4. This Thanksgiving videa made my day. It is so silly, but it sure did make me laugh.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone and remember, it is not about who comes to dinner, who has the best food or whats on tv… it is about how blessed we truly are this holiday season. Count your blessings every day.

Starbucks has BOGO!

Courtesy of my blog friend at Belle in Bows---

"Starting today Starbucks has BOGO!


I am serious.

November 18-21 from 2-5pm BOGO on all holiday drinks.

Caramel Brulee comes out today, i'll take 2! :)

I am thinking pretty selfishly but how am I going to drink two at once?

Bring my biggest travel mug and pour both into it?

They say to bring a friend, hmph.

I have an unhealthy obsession with Starbucks, I try to limit myself to 3x a week, but with this deal going on I will be going every single day. I will just look at the money I am saving, isn't that what it is all about?

Also,

Starbucks has the 12 days of Christmas coming up.

It starts December 1st.

All you have to do is text 12DAYS to 29943

I am not sure what the deals are going to be, but I think it will be worth it to find out. If it includes a free drink, I will take it!

Go get you a Caramel Brulee, Eggnog Latte, or Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha."

So go now and get your Starbucks BOGO and Enjoy!

 

 

Am I A Scrooge?

I'm just not feeling the whole holiday season this year. Anyone else not feeling it?


It may the turn on our economy, world suffering no clue. I just don't feel that spirit in the air at all.

I know many of my friends are not celebrating Christmas as much as they would this year. I know many will be having a small dinner and a present or so. It's kind of sad. I mean, its just not in the air. The sales on shopping have gone down. Many are focusing on buying for the children only this year etc…

My Mom is even contemplating not even decoratingthis year. I mean what in the world?

For Christmas, I think I will take my parents to Savannah, GA for Christmas Day afternoon until that Monday. Just to get away, enjoy a small vacation etc… Last year, we went to Asheville on Christmas day and spent the weekend there at Biltmore they loved it.

I kind of feel bad that I am not feeling this year's holiday spirit at all. I mean, Thanksgiving is 8 days away and it just feels like a normal day to day. Any one else or am I being a Scrooge this year?

Photo Credit

A Royal Wedding

It's Official... Prince William and Kate Middleton will finally say "I Do".

I was thrilled to read the news this morning that they are finally engaged. Yay! I love Royal Weddings! This one is extra special with The Late Princess Diana is definately looking down on them and beaming.  I could not be happier about this couple and I wish them a lifetime of blessings :)



Vote For a Sorority Sister!

One of my sorority sisters chapter sister, Mallory Schwartz, is in the running for Paradise Hunter's new host search! I can't begin to tell y'all how much of a motivated girl she is and I know she'd love your vote. 40 people will be narrowed down to move onto Round II so vote each day!




http://www.paradiseh...e/Mallorys.html


Thank you! :)

Delta Zeta Travel Mug!

For a limited time, Surfing Sisters of Delta Zeta is offering fun and bright travel mugs for all of our DZ sisters! What a great gift for that special sister. Don’t forget one for yourself too! These mugs will keep your beverages nice and hot for your drive to work, chilly afternoons on the bleachers or studying long into the night. All while promoting that you are a member of Delta Zeta Sorority!


Pre-orders will be taken through November 20th which will allow plenty of time for Christmas delivery. We won’t receive extras, so act now!

Each mug is $15.00, including shipping. What a bargain!
You may contact me by leaving a comment on my blog if you would like to order one. Orders are due by November 20th- Next Satruday!
 
 

 

LC Best Selling Author

I have a confession to make, I have begun reading Lauren Conrad's books- LA Candy at the moment. I must say.. It rocks! ha-ha. I mean, it is a really teenage targeted books but I really enjoy them. They are a great break from the adult novels I read most of the time.

Plus, I cannot wait for her new reality show on MTV. Anyone else looking forward to this or enjoy LC as much as I do?

Image Credit

The Holidays

I guess I will get a tad emotional in writiung this post but I must do it. The holidays have become more sad for me as I get older. It is just my parents and i this year. I have a younger brother, however, we do not have a relationship at all. That is something that is in the past and I care not to bring it up. I guess you may say, I have always felt like an only child. All my cousins are younger about the age of 13 and below. They live 1,000 miles away and with the Christmas being a 3 day weekend this year. Time to fly to see them would not be worth it.

I'm just sad over this holiday. Just mom, dad and I, sitting at home opening presents but ourselves. It's pretty depressing and I wish I had a huge family of my own to enjoy this time with. One day, I hope and pray that happens for me. There you have it. Me dreading Christmas all because it will be pretty lonely.

I am reminded of the scene from Bridget Jones Diary- where its's her and her father at home alone on Christmas eve in their pajamas watching the tele in the dark or this scene will be me:

I know, I sound selfish and ungrateful but I am believe me I am. My parents and I are happy, healthy, safe and we have good jobs thank goodness. I guess its the feeling that we won't be surrounded by family etc.. I am having one of my dear friends from work who will be alone on Christmas over on Christmas Day for lunch etc..

Anyways, enough sappy emotional posts for today. I hope that everyone is havinga fabulous friday and the weekend is here! :)

 Image Credit

Happy Birthday MOM!

My Mom's Birthday! Happy Birthday Mrs. P :)




Wishing my mom the best day ever! Xo- Love you!

The Beginning …

I've been at a crossroads recently in life at age 29 and with 30 creeping up I feel that my life is the same cycle every day. I get up, head to work, leave the office head home and then sleep. All of this is on repeat. On Saturday, I was at lunch with my mom and I was telling her how I want to do so much with my life. To help people, put some of my talents to use and make this world a better place. I at least want to try and make some type of difference. My mom made a very valid point to me that day, she said that she knows I am that person who always does something, I was born with that passion to help in any way I can. I am the person that puts it all back together. She reminded me of when I was in college I would put on a yearly charity concert event with musicians, comedians, artisits,storytellers and so much more. So what happened to that girl who would plan a yearly event at a university for 7,000 students? What happened to me? Simply put, life took over. The real world they call it. It totally engulfs you into "its" world of making a career and living. Sadly, I don't like that too much. I mean, let's face it yes we all have to have a career, make a living and we are so blessed with it. However, do I really want to have my life be on repeat? No. I don't. I want to do something to make it a better one. I get up like always, work at a place that I adore but also do something to help others. All weekend I was realying with what can I do ? How can I go about this? Who would be in this with me?


I thought a charity some type of non profit org. would be perfect. Now who would be in this with me?

I thought of only one person- Sara. A 21 year old, college student who wants to save the world one step at a time. She's as passionate as an enrique ingleases music video and would be a perfect partner.



Last night, I BBM'd her and tossed out the idea to her and she accepted with such thrill and excitement than a 5 year old who saw Yo Gaba Gaba. There you have it guys, I am co creating a charity for women and children who are in need of getting back on their feet. Women who need empowerment and their children who need guidance. Above all they need someone who stands by them, beleieves in them and send lots of love to them. We have come up with the idea for a logo design being 2 hearts linked together. And something to the effect of Linked Hearts Project. By the way, if you have a better idea for a name in regards to hearts let me know! Ha ha. This is just in its infant stages and I mean infant. If anyone has any advice or input please let me know. This is all new to me and Sara.



Much love to you all!

My Bucket List

I've been thinking a lot lately, especially since I am approaching the age of 30 in January. Thinking about life, what I want to accomplish before time passes you by and you are 80 living in a retirement community and knitting for the grandkids. Or hopefully, 80 hanging out at the local Catholic Church playing it up in Bingo with Father Callahan. Aw, a girl can dream can't she. ;)
My bucket list is at 49 items and I created this list when I was 15. Either I was really bored or I must have thought this was a really cool idea. I'm going with the really cool idea. So, Im turning 30 and I thought I've gotta put this list into action. Here I am on my blog putting it into action. Some of these items I may need my blogger friends help with and I will let you guys know which ones.

Whats on my list you may ask? Well, here are some:



Go to Italy with a bunch of fun friends- not lame ones.

Do ballroom dancing

MC a Charity Event

Go to the Today Show and get on tv

Try every hidden restaurant in each city in America - best places to eat :)

Travel to India,Asia, all of Europe and Canada

Have a dinner party of people I like from different backgrounds.

Buy my parents a house in Europe

Tour the White House when a president I like is in office

Watch a concert from backstage

Tour with someone who I really admire for 1 week only

Go to Disneyworld

Own a second home that I love

Visit St. Jude's Cancer Research Hospital and make kids laugh.

Start a children's fairytale time program at childrens hospitals in my area.



There's just a sneak peak into my list. Some items have been revamped as I grew up. So, here's my invite to you all will you join me on my journey?

Olivia Palmero

I love her style and taste in fashion. From her make up to her handbags. I just love and love even more each day!

Here are some examples of her fabulous style:
 

Do you have a celebrity that you admire their fashion and style?

Images

Where's Fall?

I think the Fall season took a wrong turn after Labor Day here in the Carolinas. It is curretnly 89 degrees outside and feels like a summer day. Full of sunshine and flowers. However, it is October and Fall is yet to appear around here. I really want to wake up one morning and see these fabulous Fall decor:

Oh where oh where are you Fall? Miss you!

Image Credits

MIA- Missing In Action:

Hey Ya'll! I am so sorry that I haven't been blogging. Life has taken me by the feet lately. With it being the end of the year in most of my life areas, I have been sad to say it MIA. However, I am back and better than ever :)


Update on Me:
Professional life I have been beyond blessed. I am a huge believer in working hard and when it fails, work even harder! The pay off is beyond your wildest dreams! I have a great family, some members I don't care for. I guess I am like Jeff Lewis on Bravo's Show Flipping Out. Even though some family members are can we say pretty cold hearted and uncompassionate people. Doesn't obligate me to value and have a relationship with them. I value a few and that is plenty for me :)

I have lost weight. With getting back into dance class. I used to dance so much when I was younger that being an adult took it over. Sad, I know. But I have taken it back up and I could not be happier. Plus my figuere looks fab!

So, tell me what have I missed? I want to hear from you.

I will be blogging daily from now on and I cannot wait to read your comments! Have a wonderful and sunshinny Wednesday!

I'm Sick

Sorry for being M.I.A everyone. I have actually been really sick. To the point of getting on allergy meds/shots and Zpaks and eye drops. Ugh... So I will be back to blogging later in the week.

The List

The list ? What is this list you speak of? Well, the list is actually my "bucket list" that I began when I was 15. I don't know if it was created out of shear boredom or there was no 21 jump street on TV. Who Knows? What I do know is that it has reached 45 items and only 2 have been completed. This is lame and I am pretty pathetic for not even tacking this thing like I should have/be. So reaching the mere oage of gasp 30, God my heart sinks when I think of turning 30. Anyways, I want to tackle this list with more agression and completion.

So, I have decided that after much suggestion, shoving and encopuragement from my parents and friends. I will begin to tackel the list.


Here are some items I want to get done:

Sing kareoke while sober

Race up to to the Seattle Space needle

Take a year of my life and travel the world.

Engulf myself in another culture.

Take a painting class

Have self portraits made of myself by age 30

Go to a DC protest ( I think this was more of during the Bush era) lol

Go to the NYC Met Opera

Stay at the Plaza Hotel in NYC for one night

Hit a baseball at Fenway Park

Work at Chic Fil A for one day

Volunteer at a retirement home

Go to Bali and take a vow of silence for one day

Become a cool person's personal assistant for 1 week



So, I am telling my parents about my list and their response: " Go for it and just do it" Me: Uh?! I can't do these I am now 30 and no time. I have a great career and all. Too much time has passed.


So, here you go folks.. After a weekend of praying, thinking and drinking long and hard I have decided to just do it. I hope you will join me on this journey. Should be interesting and mainly entertaining to say the least. But definitely a ride worth riding.



Oh, and the "Cool Person" I want to be their 1 week PA is Aziz Ansari. It's really the only person I can relate to. Lover of Chic Fil A, Foodie, humorous, grew up in South Carolina ( as I have) etc… Plus, I admire him, he is a wonderful person. Starting a new blog for this grassroots campaign to get me to be his PA for 1 week. - Will Work For Aziz.



Who's with me?

Mary Kay Weekend Promo- 13% OFF!

Good FABULOUS FRIDAY Ladies!!



READY.....SET......ORDER EARLY!!! That's right! I am taking orders for this weekend only special that I am running! :)


As some of you may or may not know, Monday -- Sept. 13th -- Mary Kay's 47th Birthday!!! So, I thought to myself why not celebrate these great skincare products and my wonderful customers by having a 13% off weekend promotion?!!



Drum roll please.... It's official--



Mary Kay Birthday Bash Weekend!!


Place any an order on any of the Mary Kay products and you will get 13% off your total order!


How great is that?! I think it is fabulous!

Also, the more your order the more you SAVE! We are all always looking for ways to save. So, come on stock up on your MK favs! Perhaps the tinted moisturizer, oil free eye make up remover or the MK Lash Lengthing mascara?

Fun fact: Many of the MK products are honored with seals from Skin Care Foundation., Allure Magazine and Good Housekeeping. There have been so many accolades that I could go on and on listing them all.

On a personal note, majority of my funds go to my parents to help with their medical insurance bills etc... I do this part time for many reasons, not only do I love educating my family and friends on the importance of skin care and cancer, but I do it for my parents. It's important for me to help them in any way that I can. A heartfelt thank you to all my family and friends who have supported and encouraged me and my MK job. I'm truly blessed and you are more important to me than you know. xoxo

Make it a PHENOMENAL FRIDAY, girls ---

You can email me at my personal email- Silviarpaulo@aol.com or leave me a comment on this blog post. Can't wait to hear from each and every one of you!

Love,

Silvia

RHONJ- Part 2 Recap -- " Wigged Out and Awkward Hugs"

Yep, you read that right.. Wigged out and awkward hugs is what part 2 was about. I must say that these ladies get odder and odder every season. Which is awesome!!! Ha ha. I'll admit it, I will miss Danielle and the crew. It added a spice to the show that I had to just watch to see what would happen next.


My only comment is what was Kim G.'s Dynasty ooutfit. What in the world?! Bright silvery teal with off shoulder roses and blinged out everything?! Yea, I have no words for this one.

Overall, RHONJ has ended, until next year. Now, onto ATL, BH and DC :)

Happy Friday :)

Photo Credit: RHONJ Kim G photo

Secret Confession:

Okay ya'll I have a confession to make and I havent told anyone on my blog or on twitter this. Only bacause it hasn't come up ha ha. But I have a part time job that I do to raise funds for my parents health insurance costs. I am a Mary Kay Skin Care Consultant. People ask me how come you have such gorgeous skin? What do I use? What is my skin regime? Well, I have been using MK since I was 15 and I am now 29. The reason I use it is because not only do I adore the products, but I love sharing my skin care info with others.

I began this in college just part time to help my parents medical costs etc.. I just do it part time and I love helping my family out. I read all about cancer in my "day" job and apply that to my friends who purchase MK from me.

I asked a friend of mine from college, why do you buy from me? She said, because you don't push anyone. You teach people about the dangers of not taking care of your skin and how important it is. It's funny, I never had it click with me, but I am not pushy. If they ask, I am all about teaching them and helping.

So, there you all have it. I am a MK Skin Care consultant. :) Very proud of teaching all women and men about taking care of their skin, getting skin cancer screenings etc…

If you have any questions, concerns or would like to try out some products. I am all yours! :)
 
photo credit: marykay.com

Talbots- The New "Jcrew-esque" Store

When I think of Talbots, I think of old stuffy cardigans, penny loafers and shawls. No lie. That's what I think of and the fact that they are way overpriced. But I have changed my tune girls.

Talbots is targeting younger, sleeker and preppier look. I must admit, I am in love! These are my must have's from Talbots:

 

 
 
So, move over JCrew and get ready because Talbot's has taken over :)
 Happy Friday Everyone!

"The Miracle Mascara"

Happy First day of September!
Can you believe it? It is already September. Phew… the summer just flew by this year. I love fall, it is actually one of my favorite seasons. From a girl who grew up in Boston, I definitely miss the snow and cold temps, while living here in the Carolinas. So, I welcome fall and its gorgeous colors, coffee drinks and cardigans :)

If you have not been on twitter or you don't follow me on twitter, by the way, shame on you. ;)

You will have noticed that many of my tweet friends are trying to find t he best mascara while on a budget. I basically preached and raved about the Cover Girl Lash Blast Masacara. It is a miravle tube for your eye lashes. At $6.39 a tube that does wonders for your lashes, you really can't beat it. It lengthens, volumizes and stays on! Its fantastic!

This is what my eye lashes looked like with the mascara on: Note- no curler was neede just 2 swipes of this bad boy and it was on :)
 

See the volume and length?! Its amazing!

This tube has it and I give it an A+.