12 Days Of Christmas Segment- What is it?

I am so excited to announce that my 12 Days of Christmas segment starts tomorrow!

Are you as excited as I am for Xoxo, Rachelle's VERY FIRST 12 Days of Christmas segment?

If you haven't been following my other social media channels, let me explain:

For the past month, I have been working with several vendors. Starting tomorrow, I will write a post a day about each of the products I have reviewed c/o each vendor. I want to accommodate holiday shipping cut-offs, so starting on December 1st will hopefully allow you to receive your item(s) before Christmas Day.

I am so excited to share with all of you what I have been working on these past few weeks. I feel as though I have been quite the little holiday elf running around setting this all up just for you :)

Don't forget to check back tomorrow @ 7pm for Day #1 of my 12 Days of Christmas Segment!

Black Friday

I feel very fortunate that the things I am grateful for also happen to be some of my favorite things :)

(Photo Provide c/o Sami Stanton Photography)

Family

      Friends

            Laughter

                    Freedom

                           Opportunity

                                          Health

                                                   Cat

                                                       Home

                                                            Diversity

                                                                      Nature

   What are you grateful for this year? I would love to hear about it in the comment section below!

6 Step Pocket Cloth Napkin Tutorial

The rolls and casseroles are completed. The mashed potatoes are warming. The turkey is just about done. While you catch your breath before the big feast, you realize you haven't folded your cloth napkins! Here is a quick and easy tutorial for a pocket cloth napkin. 

I love the pocket cloth napkin. 

It is my go to fold for cloth napkins.

I love the idea of being able to slip a menu, a flower or utensils into the pocket to give your tablescape a unique touch that is truly your own. Found below is a 6 step tutorial on how to accomplish the easy pocket napkin.

Also, if you haven't already, be sure to check out my tablescape & chalkboard charger plate tutorials. They will help to ensure you entice your guests this holiday season.

One // 

Lay your cloth napkin flat on the table, seams down. 

Two // (Shown above):

Take both hands and make an "L" with your left hand using your thumb and index finger. On your right hand, make a reverse "L." You can also think of it as making your hands little guns. Trace the two bottom corners of your cloth napkin with your two "guns."

Three // (Shown above):

Use your "guns" as your guide. Where the tip of your index finger lies, make a fold on your napkin about an inch up. Tuck the remainder underneath the napkin.

Four // (Shown above):

Keeping your fold in place, carefully turn your napkin over. Your napkin should now be seams up. On the side of your napkin that has not been touched or folded (opposite of your fold) make a small fold and crease it. This fold should only be about 1/4 of an inch. The only purpose of this fold is to hide your seam so it doesn't need to be very large.

Five // (Shown above):

Begin to fold your napkin as you would a bath towel. Over and over onto itself. Do you best to have the folds line up so that there is no extra fabric left over at the end. If there is however, simply tuck it into the last fold so it doesn't show.

Six //

You are almost done! Now, simply tuck utensils, a flower or a card stock menu into the pocket and you are ready to dine in style.

I just want you to know that, this year, for Thanksgiving, one of the things I am grateful for is... YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and those you love.

Thanksgiving Decor featuring Target, Christmas Tree Shop & Crate and Barrel

Remember that holiday in between Halloween and Christmas?

Just because major stores choose to forego it, doesn't mean your home decor has to.

Here are some fun fall decor options that will suit any home this Thanksgiving.

Just because many major retailers choose to forego the special holiday that goes in between Halloween and Christmas, that doesn't mean you have to! I am happy to share with you some of my favorite fall decor options that will suit any home this Thanksgiving. 

Digital Prints have been an raging up and coming trend these past few years. I am sure to check jane.com regularly as they have a plethora of digital print designers who are always coming up with unique designs. I love how digital prints bring a certain uniqueness to your home. My favorite digital print designer featured on jane.com is edmondson by design. Courtney is a master of ordaining the perfect union of traditional and fun. Shown above are 2 fall prints I absolutely love that she designed for her Fall 2015 collection. Check out the link above as she has recently released designs for the upcoming holiday season. 

**My bracelet (shown above) is from Rockbox.com. Use coupon code: rachelleblogxoxo to receive your FIRST MONTH FREE!**

End Table I know most of the focus on Thanksgiving is the family dining table...but don't neglect your end or hallway tables; they need some loving too! I recently purchased this rustic wood end table at Target for under $70. The drawer is deep and spacious, the iron bars are modern yet sturdy and I love precise stitching on the leather strap handle. I adorned the table with one of my digital prints from edmondson by design. I also decorated it with these festive autumn leaves from the Christmas Tree Shop. The Christmas tree shop is comparable to  your everyday large retailer or department store however, the prices at Christmas Tree Shop cannot be beat. I purchased ALL THREE of these cozy solid wood leaves for under $6. Yup, you read that right, UNDER $6!!

Platter You have spent most of your day slaving over your delectable turkey, so be sure to serve it the way it deserves to be displayed. I received this gorgeous fall harvest ceramic platter c/o Crate & Barrel. Don't let the dainty pumpkins deceive you. This platter is a complete beast. It weighs at least 10 pounds and is quite huge. I took a picture of me holding it so you could see how well it would accommodate your yummy turkey this year. If you can believe it, this gorgeous platter was recently $70, however it was recently price-reduced to $17. Be sure to grab one while supplies last!!

I would like to take a moment to express my sheer gratitude for each and every one of you. Thank you for following, commenting and collaborating. I truly think of you each day as I attempt to find products and ideas that I think will delight and inspire you. Researching and writing for this blog is truly my passion. Thank you for being a continuous support and strength to me. 

I could not do this without you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chalkboard Charger Plates: Place Setting Tutorial

Remember those charger plates from my tablescape post?

Well, they're back! This time with a new makeover.

I am so excited to show you how to make easy and affordable charger place settings that you can use all year round. 

Preparation //

Like I said, in my tablescape post, I purchased these gold chargers from the Dollar tree for, duh, a dollar. I also went to hobby lobby and purchased a small container of chalkboard paint. I already had small brushes at home that I use for acrylic painting, if you don't have that you will either want to pick one up or if you have a sponge brush that will work also.

One // (Shown above):

Follow the instructions for your specific chalkboard paint. Mine says to first brush vertically and then, once dried, apply another coat horizontally. Allow paint to dry 24 hours.

Two // (Shown above):

Once chalkboard paint has dried completely, you will want to "cure" your chalkboard. This is done by dragging a piece of chalk horizontally across your charger until all of the chalkboard paint is covered. Once you have completely covered your chalkboard paint with chalk, erase the markings. 

Three // (Shown above):

Now for the fun part! Drawing your designs. I chose to use a permanent chalkboard pen to write my family's names.. Simply because whenever I host a dinner, they will most likely be there. The other 3 I left blank so I can write in my guest's name when they come to visit.

I love the idea of creating something incredibly charming and personable while being easy and affordable to do.

Tell me some of your Thanksgiving traditions. I would love to hear about them in the comments below!

Fall Fashion: Pave Triangle Jewelry Collab with Chloe + Isabel

There is a way for you to receive a super awesome, super secret coupon code at the end of this blog post, so make sure you read this the whole way through!!

I really try to listen to the feedback and requests I receive from you guys. One reoccurring question I was getting from you is that you want more jewelry blog posts. 

You want to know what types to wear, where to get it and how to wear them.

Well, I give the people what they want!

Recently I have been in correspondence with an amazing online jewelry boutique owner named Lauren from chloe + isabel. She has some truly amazing pieces in her Fall 2015 collection. I am so grateful she was willing to collaborate with me and give us all the insider's scoop on this season's biggest jewelry trends.


First off, can we just talk about how wonderfully dainty and beautiful this collection is?! Seriously, it was love at first sight for this girl! I love the idea of layering several of these pieces to really pull your look together. The chloe + isabel Pave Triangle collection is plated with 12k gold and beautifully embellished with crystal accents.

(Shown Above)

Pave Triangle Convertible Necklace: You will take an instant shine to this coveted 2-in-1 convertible that can be worn as individual necklaces, nested together or layered on with your other chloe + isabel favorites! Set in a versatile shiny 12k gold plating, delicate trendworthy triangles packed with sparkling crystal pave truly paves the way to a modern chic style. 

I am completely obsessed with my Pave Triangle Convertible Necklace!!  I love the idea of being able to decide how I want to wear it in order to best compliment my personal style. Purchasing any piece in this collection (or all three if you're like me and have no self discipline #noshame) would be a great addition to any existing wardrobe. 

(Shown Above)

Pave Triangle Bracelet: Both delicate + detailed with design, sparkling pave triangles point to a modern + cool vibe in this chic update best-of-basics style.

(Shown Above)

Pave Triangle Stud Earring: Featuring shiny 12k gold plating + packed with sparkling pave, this modern + geometric design points to an easy, everyday-cool vibe.

Be sure to visit Lauren's online shop to stay current with all upcoming jewelry fashion trends, click the links provided with each piece above or here to visit her site!

As always THANK YOU so much for following me! To show my gratitude I am offering one lucky winner a super special, super secret coupon code for chloe + isabel. In order to enter leave a comment below. Visit my instagram @xoxorachelleblog to get the details on how to enter this drawing more than once! 

Good luck!!!

Simple & Chic Thanksgiving Tablescapes

There is no need for any holiday anxiety this year.

Here are a few simple and chic tricks to elevate your Thanksgiving tablescape without breaking the bank or losing your mind!

You decide this year is the year you will tackle the turkey. 

Thanksgiving is a couple of weeks away and now the pressure is really setting in.

"What did I get myself into?!?

It's okay. *breathe* We've all been there. *breathe* You can do this!

Below you will find a few simple and chic tricks to elevate your Thanksgiving tablescape without breaking the bank or losing your freaking mind!

1. Choose a Color Scheme.

I typically use anywhere between 3-5 colors. I usually find it is best to use an odd number of colors as to not make the finished look hokey. If you know me personally, you know I am a complete sucker for metallics, especially gold. I knew I would have to incorporate gold in my color scheme somehow. Upon browsing pinterest I found a reoccurring trend of gold paired with hunter green. That became my second color. Lastly, it recently snowed here in Utah. As I walked to the car, I saw the beautiful juxtaposition of brown pinecones dusted with white flakes of snow. Lightbulb! White became my final color. While you initially want to select a few colors, do not be restrained to only those colors. If your mind is running blank, use Pinterest as your personal guide. TGFP (Thank goodness for Pinterest) am I right?!

2. What do you Already Have?

While the idea of splurging on a completely new holiday tablescape is enticing. It's not very practical or affordable. Look through your holiday bins and pantries. You will be amazed at how much holiday items you already have that can fit in with your event. I scoured my pantry and found my wooden cheese board. I decided to use that as the base of my centerpiece. See? Really try to think outside of the box. Try to repurpose things for your desired look. It can actually be quite fun! 

3. What do you Need?

This takes some major self discipline and some keen editing skills. Typically, I make a Pinterest board and create my "Perfect Dream Tablescape" I include everything I would want to do. Then, I look at my 567 pins (no exaggeration) and I begin to edit. I try to be realistic and practical. I select 1 or 2 things I really can't imagine not having and the rest I either improvise or I cut it out all together. Less really is more. If I did put all 567 pins together on one table... it would just look ridiculous!

4. Dress Rehearsal.

I know it may seem a bit silly but a "dress rehearsal" really is vital. I have put my tablescape together last minute before an event and wished it looked a bit more complete. It really helps to lay things out on the table. You may find you need a little more "oomph!" here or a little less "pizazz" there. Better to figure that out a day or two before, then minutes before your guests arrive. 

Do you like mine?

Find the details for my tablescape below!

I purchased my tablecloth from TJ Maxx for under $15. I love how Fall friendly it is without correlating with any specific holiday. That way, I get more use out of it throughout the season.

Unfortunately, while browsing their website I found it is no longer in stock, click here for a similar one that costs a bit more.

I found these awesome glasses at Dollar Tree last year for a New Year's Eve Party. It's hard to see by the photograph but each rim of the glass has been dipped in metallic gold which correlated really well with my theme. Plus, they're gold and I wanted them- BAD!

My favorite "find" was actually found in my pantry at home. I remember purchasing this wooden cheese board from Bed Bath & Beyond a few years ago. When I purchased mine it was $19.99. However, now you can get them by clicking here for less than $10. Lucky you!

Most of the decor I purchased for my centerpiece came from Hobby Lobby.

There I was able to find a bag of styrofoam acorns and real pinecones. The acorns were originally green, red and SUPER ugly. But, I swung by their paint section and grabbed two mini short cut cans of spray paint. The pumpkin is an actual pumpkin from halloween (It's still good, I'm super impressed). I painted it a deep hunter green color with acrylic paint. After it had dried for a day or two. I punctured a grocery bag, slipped the stem in (so the rest of the pumpkin was covered with the bag) and spray painted the stem gold. I know, I'm a geek... but it was really fun!

The gold cloth napkins are from Bed Bath & Beyond. I got them in 2012. However, I was recently there picking up these awesome iron napkin rings and they still have them in a variety of colors.

I purchased my gold charger plates for $1 each at the Dollar Tree (duh). I have some BIG plans for those gold chargers so stay tuned!

I hope you feel the creative freedom to make your tablescape your very own. While these tips and tricks have helped me in my own experience, don't be afraid to break free of my mold. The greatest thing about tablescaping is that it gives you another creative outlet to express your own personal style. What do you want your table to express? Go with your gut and most importantly- have fun with it!

P.S Did you happen to see my new & updated November Favorites in the upper right hand corner of the site?! Let me know what you think!!!

" I have enough jewelry." -Said no one ever. Blogger Review: Rocksbox.com

Use coupon code: rachelleblogxoxo to receive your first month FREE!
What better way to experience multiple facets of jewelry bliss than getting a subscription to Rocksbox.com?

Well if you couldn't tell by my elated filled prologe, well then I'll say it again,

" I LOVE ROCKSBOX!"

Here are just a few things I love about them:

1. They have a thorough survey that helps your stylist get a grasp of your personal style.

2. Each box contains 3 amazing pieces that you are sure to LOVE.

3. There isn't a set "return" date like other subscription sites. So you can wear the pieces as many times as you want. This allows you to be able to determine whether you really like them without the added pressure of a deadline.

4. Become a Shine Insider and your subscription will only cost $19/month! What a steal!!

5. Fall in love? You can buy ANY piece from your Rocksbox set. Each month you will have $10 in Shine Spend to put towards a purchase! Free money? Yes please!

6. Free, prepaid shipping both ways!

7. Let's face it, you are WAY too pretty to have to look for a parking spot. Let your jewelry come to you!

8. Click here to subscribe for your first FREE month using promo code: rachelleblogxoxo

BONUS: It comes in a super cute box, wrapped up all nicely. 

It's like a mini holiday in your mailbox!

Here are my favorites from my 1st Rocksbox delivery!

Shown Above:

Perry Street, Flora Crystal Necklace 

I seriously received so many compliments on this necklace. It was definitely my most worn piece from my first Rocksbox collection. I found myself not only wearing it on date nights when I wanted to dress up but with casual outfits also to elevate the look. 

Who said you can't look glam going to the grocery store?

Not this girl!

Shown Above:

Bella Boutique, Ruth Double Chain Station Bracelet in Green Onyx 

My stylist, Cassie, was amazing and knew exactly what she was doing when she sent me this lovely bracelet! This Green Onyx bracelet is even more stunning in person. It has been my "go to" bracelet with all of my fall outfits this season. It really complimented my complexion and hair color. 

I am so excited to receive my next shipment. I seriously just can't wait!

** Use COUPON CODE: RACHELLEBLOGXOXO to receive a first month FREE! That's right, you read right, FREEEEE!!!!**

DIY Nail Polish Ornaments

I mean, you know what they say, "One woman's junk is another woman's treasure."

Homemade ornaments using old nail polish you have sitting in your junk drawer!

The holidays are coming up and I have been looking into sprucing up my Christmas Decorations. 

I have had the same set of Christmas ornaments since I got married. They're still nice but- I'm bored with them. I have been noticing a lot of posts about painted glass ornaments and looked through acrylic paints I already had, but they didn't really fit the color scheme I was in search of. Completely by coincidence, the other day I decided to reorganize my linen closet and came across my nail polish bin. 

There were so many great colors.. however when I opened the cap, the nail polish was old, expired and too sticky for normal application. 

Light bulb moment!

Why couldn't I use these old nail polishes-- I had paid good money for (seriously essie, $8 a bottle! Get real... but I love you and I'll still buy you..) go to waste? 

Answer: I wouldn't.

Below find detailed instructions and pictures on how to make your very own nail polish ornaments!


You will need:
-a set of glass ornaments (any size) I want to try smaller ones next time.
- nail polish of your choice
-a jar or cup stuffed with paper towel

First Step:

Remove the top of the ornament and set aside. You won't be needing it for a while, but you will need it again.

Step Two:

Pour your desired amount of nail polish into the glass ornament. More is best, as you can always dump out excess polish, but adding more will leave your glass ornament with different shades of color.

Step Three:

Dump out as much excess polish that you can back into the nail polish's original container. This way you can make more glass ornaments in the same color. You won't be able to get everything back into the bottle, but drain out as much as you can.

Last Step:

Set up your glass ornament upside down in the glass jar that has been lined with paper towel. I let my ornaments sit like that overnight just to be sure it was drained and dried. Then put that topper back on and place that beautiful baby on the tree!

*Editor's Note* I used about 1/5-1/4 of nail polish for each glass ornament.

Pretty much any polish will work but polishes with glitter, heavy shimmer or holographic features produce the most dramatic and aesthetically pleasing effects. 

Here I have, from left to right:

Row 1: KBShimmer Don't Pink Twice, Teal Another Tail, Will Yule Marry Me?

Row 2: OPI DS Pewter, OPI Silent Stars Go By, Zoya Chita
Row 3: China Glaze Santa Red My List  

I made about 30 of these in 2-3 hours (obviously not including 'drying time'). They were super fun to make and honestly, I think I'm obsessed...

Bonus: If you use old polish you can just tell your husband, boyfriend, mom, dad, friends, dog, whatevs that you are being thrifty 

so... they can't judge you!

A GIANT 'Thank You' to my friend Melanie Fisher for taking these stunning photographs. Much better than my camera phone I will tell you that!

Let me know if you would like to see more of these types of posts. I am thinking about doing a 12 Days of Christmas Series starting December 1st and would love any and all input. 

Have a fabulous day!