2015, It's Been Real.

2015 may be winding down, but your party better not. Here you will find family friendly ideas to liven up any party.

Yes, the countdown will begin. Yes, the ball drop. Yes, the party will rage and go down in history. But, how do you keep adults and kids entertained? Here are a few games to play as you welcome 2016 with the ones you love.

New Year's Eve Fill-In

In case you haven't thought much about your New Year's resolutions, it's never too late! Set out a stack of fill-in papers for your guests so they have something to do as the arrival of all your guests  stagger and you finish up the last few things.

Here are a handful of sample questions to include on your sheets:

-A bad habit I'm going to break...

-A new skill I would like to learn...

-A person I hope to be more like...

-A good deed I'm going to do...

-A place I'd like to visit...

-A book I'd like to read...

-A new food I'd like to try...

-I'm going to be better at...

Table Scape
Besides the guest list, what's the most important part of the party? Obviously, the food table! It's important to create an inviting table scape that will encourage guests to sample the food you have been slaving over all day. It's New Year's Eve so incorporating bling, metallics and shimmer into the table scape is key.

Table Scape Details:
Threshold Tablecloth: Target // Lace & Shimmer Placemats: Target; no longer in stock
 // Nate Berkus Gold Plates: Target (on sale) // Chalkboard: Hobby Lobby // Gold Sea Urchin Figurine: Target 
// Pine cones: Hobby Lobby (spray painted, also seen in my Thanksgiving Table Scape post)
 // Square Serving Tray: Tai Pan Trading (In Store Only) // Rectangle Serving Tray: Gift; So I'm not sure! 
// Gold Tree Place Holders: Crate & Barrel (sold out, but they still have snowflakes for $1.97 each)

New Year's Eve Game

Write or type up questions and cut them into squares. Have your guests sit in a circle and select a card one at a time and answer the question. You can have your questions refer back to the past year or about the year to come. 

Here are a few examples of questions you can include:

-Most embarrassing moment of the year.

-Best movie of the year.

-Favorite song of the year.

-Best moment of the year.

-Hardest you laughed this year.

-Best piece of advice you received this year.

-Biggest lesson you learned this year.

-Most memorable trip of the year.

-Day this past year you'd live over and over.

-Best thing you did for someone else this year.

-Most overrated celebrity story of the year.

I hope you enjoy these games as much as my family has in the past. It's a great way to reflect on the past year and make goals for the upcoming one. As for now, our family will continue practicing for the midnight chaos!

Happy New Year!

What do you guys do to pass the time on New Year's Eve? I would love to hear your family's traditions. Please leave a comment below!

New Year. New You. New Outfit.

New year. New you. Start the year off with a look that will have you feeling confident and ready to take on a new year and all those resolutions you've come up with!

I teamed up with an incredible Utah Blogger, Sierra from Sierra Elizabeth to present to you a few New Year’s Eve outfits that are perfect for ringing in 2016! If you are in the mood for astounding style ideas with a side of amazing wit, then her blog is where it's at! Sierra is great. Her blog is great. Follow her blog and IG @sierraelizabethblog so you can look great too!

;)

A well thought out and executed NYE outfit can make all the difference.

Keep in mind the activities you will be participating in. It's important to dress warmly, but you don't want to carry around a bulky coat the entire night or worse feel forced to leave your coat in the car and freeze your bum off!  My favorite part about this outfit is my suede and leather jacket from Kut from the Kloth. I love the versatility of it and also *bonus* it has pockets! It's perfect for holding my keys, phone, some cash and my ID.

After a whirlwind of peppermint and pine trees, I love taking a break and kicking it easy. The outfit I selected is warm, sparkly and comfortable

making it a great outfit for a casual evening with friends.

Outfit Details:

Sweater Dress: Express; sold out // Leggings: c/o RD Style // Jacket: c/o Kut from the Cloth // Boots: old, similar // Earrings: Kendra Scott c/o Rocksbox // Necklace: Gorjana c/o Rocksbox

Use coupon code: rachelleblogxoxo to receive a month of Rocksbox for FREE!!!

Sierra from Sierra Elizabeth

Outfit details:

Sequin jacket: ℅ Shein  |  Faux leather leggings: Forever 21 (similar here)  |  Black Tee: Target  |  Silver pumps: Target (similar here)  |  Necklace: Forever 21

What could be more perfect for any New Year’s event than a sequined jacket? I’m a lover of all things sparkly and I always take advantage of this holiday to bling. it. out. Whether it’s a huge crystal statement necklace or a metallic skirt- now is the time to wear it and not feel too overdressed! It’s a great time to experiment and wear things a little outside of your comfort zone.

Not a fan of being covered in sequins? Try shimmery or glittery eye shadows to add some subtle shine. I know I’ll be rocking a silvery smoky eye this New Year's Eve!

Don't forget the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence and a smile.

What are your plans this NYE? What do you plan to wear? Let us know by posting a comment below! We'd love to hear from you!!

My 2016 Beauty Resolutions: Enter the $100 SEPHORA Instagram Loop giveaway!

When it comes to planning out your New Year's Beauty Resolutions- $100 to Sephora isn't a bad start! Enter to win by participating in a loop giveaway on Instagram. Find me on Instagram @xoxorachelleblog! 

I hope you all had a Happy Christmas filled with love, laughter and fond memories.

As quickly as Christmas ends, New Years Eve will ascend upon us.

 It always seems to catch me off guard!

My 2016 Beauty Resolutions are to:

1 // Clear out my makeup. Chances are a lot of it has expired. I vow to take the time to go through my makeup bag and update as necessary.

2 // Clean my makeup brushes more often. Not cleaning your makeup brushes enough can lead to clogged pores and gunky brushes. It might be annoying to do but it's worth it.

3 // Try out new trends-even if they make me cringe at first. I consider myself a fairly brave person, but even I get nervous when I watch NY and Paris Fashion Week.. But I promise to try at least 6 new makeup trends before this time next year. Starting with... Coral lipstick!

I have teamed up with 9 amazing bloggers to co-host a

 Sephora Instagram Loop Giveaway worth $100! 

Think of how glamorous you will look this New Years Eve with

 $100 in Sephora products on your side! 

One lucky winner will win! How do you enter?

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1 // Follow me on Instagram @xoxorachelleblog

2 // Like this post (We'll make a list and we'll check it twice)!

3 // Follow the blogger tagged in my post and continue the steps through 

the loop until you arrive back to my Instagram page.

**Details: The giveaway will run for 48 hours and the winner will be announced within 48 hours after the giveaway has ended. Winner MUST have a PUBLIC account so we can verify that you are following everyone in the loop.**

Wishing you all the best of luck!

Festive Christmas Look: Mini & Me

Don't allow the most magical week pass you by so quickly that you forget all about your Christmas attire! If you are stressing out because you haven't found your holiday look yet, this blog post will be of assistance to you!

It is, seriously, mind blowing how fast Christmas will be upon us. I actually prefer Christmas Eve to Christmas Day. There is something so peaceful about the little ones tucked in their beds and watching the lights dance on your tree as you wait for Santa to arrive. It truly is the most magical night of the year.

Seriously, guys, 5 DAYS AWAY!

You can have so much fun getting your sidekicks decked out for the season. The best part is that they are young, so it's okay to be a tad hokey with colors. That's how I came about falling head over heels for this adorable outfit. The Emerald dress not only compliments my daughter's fair skin perfectly, but it also has gold tinsel interwoven into the fabric. I love gold tinsel a million times better than an outfit doused in glitter. 

#glitterfordays

Not as fun as it sounds...

We have plenty of "ham" over here in our household. If you need any, we have tons to spare.

(Outfit Details for "mini me"):

Emerald Dress: Target // Tights: Target // Shoes: Zappos 

Besides Christmas Eve, one of my favorite things about the season is selecting festive fashion pieces for all of the many holiday occasions. When the list of "to-do's" gets long and overwhelming, my solace is found in researching and shopping for clothes. I know, shocker right? Surprisingly, I was able to find my family's quite easily this year. It helps when you plan ahead!

This year I decided to go with a mid length, red Jacquard skirt paired with a delicate ivory satin blouse. In place of bare legs or nude tights, I decided to go with a more classic and timeless black.

When you are wearing such a timeless and classy outfit, you may feel tempted to just slide into a set of pearls and call it a day, but why settle when you can *POP* with a gorgeous statement piece?! That's why I chose these beautiful Slate Skyline Necklace that was sent to me from rocksbox.com.

I am literally obsessed with it. 

PS. If you are looking for a last minute gift this year, try giving someone you love a subscription to rocksbox.com. Use coupon code: rachelleblogxoxo for your first month FREE!

 (Shown Above):

TOP:  Express (similar) // SKIRT: White House Black Market (discontinued, similar) // Tights: Nordstrom // Shoes (not pictured): Calvin Klein // Necklace: Rocksbox

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed holiday! Stay tuned for more "help" this season. I will have a holiday makeup tutorial this upcoming Tuesday, designed with Christmas Eve parties in mind.

I would love to hear all about your holiday traditions. What do you all eat on Christmas morning? Leave a comment below!

Advent Calendar!

The "official" 12 Days of Christmas begins today. Can you believe Christmas is only 12 days away?
Here is our version of an advent calendar that focuses more on memories made than full tummies.
Enjoy!

This year I purchased 12 Christmas plaid drawstring bags from Target's dollar spot and filled each with a goodie, activity or gift card to help us countdown to Christmas. I don't number my bags, but you totally can if you want. The reason I don't is so that I can be just as surprised as everyone else when we pick out what we will do that day.

My daughter was a little nervous so Hubby took one for the team and sat on Santa's lap.

Here are the 12 ideas I came up with this year:

(Items with a green "$" next to it mean it was found in the dollar spot section of Target)

1. A can of instant snow ($), snowman kit and frosty movie.

2. Frozen's Elsa figurine.

3. Reindeer hand puppet ($) to represent watching Rudolph.

4. Santa hand puppet ($) to represent watching a Santa movie.

5. Christmas M&M minis ($).

6. Go Fish! Playing cards ($).

7. Rudolph claymation finger puppets.

8. Starbucks gift card for hot chocolate.

9. Sprinkles ($) and cookie cutter ($) for sugar cookie baking.

10. A mini terra cotta pot filled with seedlings for a pine tree ($).

11. Christmas Jelly Belly's ($).

12. Christmas Kit Kat minis.

I purchased everything from Target. Mostly from their dollar spot section. 

I hope this list of ideas helped, but make it your own. 

Personalize it with activities you think your family would love.

Most importantly have fun & document Document DOCUMENT! Christmas memories are the best to capture on film :)

Our 12 Days of Christmas segment is officially over. Check in with us regularly as I will be posting Younique tutorials and much more!

On the 12th Day of Christmas: Fizzy Pops!

On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me...
Fizzy Pops!



Can you believe our 12 days of Christmas segment has come to a close?

I have had such an amazing time treasure hunting and collaborating with some of the most amazing companies. I'm sure I can speak for all of us when we wish you a very happy holiday filled with happiness and love. 

So, what are we waiting for?

Fizzy Pops is an amazing company that sells craft and jewelry supplies. The options of things you can make with their products is practically unlimited! Fizzy Pops craft and jewelry supplies are incredibly versatile. They make great neighbor, teacher, dance instructor, or family gifts. Fizzy Pops has something for pretty much anyone on your list.

One of my favorite things about their products is that is truly fun for all ages. I mean, how fun would it be to have a girl's night with the entire family (grandmas, moms, sisters, daughters, nieces and cousins) all crafting and having a phenomenal time making memories together.

This photo was taken about a year and a half ago. I can't believe how much she has grown in such a short time. 
Isn't her tiny bracelet just darling?!


When my daughter was born, I was lucky enough to receive matching "mommy & me" pearl bracelets as a gift from my younger niece. The fact that she had taken the time to do such a heartfelt thing to celebrate the birth of our baby girl was a beautiful sentiment I will never forget. Imagine the joy your little one will have when they deliver a gift they have made themselves for their favorite teacher or instructor. Isn't that what the holidays is really all about?!?

(Shown Above)
DIY Classic Pearl Necklace & Bracelet Kits
If you thought Fizzy Pops couldn't get any better- you would be wrong! Every DIY kit has a video tutorial on their site that shows a step-by-step how to. *sigh* Seriously, so much easier than having to read vague directions on paper!

I am so grateful to Erika, the head blogger for Fizzy Pops, for collaborating with me. She was nice enough to do a giveaway of the items I featured today for the last day of our 12 Days of Christmas segment! So head on over to my IG account @xoxorachelleblog to learn more details on how to enter the giveaway that will end on Thursday December 17th.

Be sure to check out Fizzy Pops on all of their social media channels!
IG: @fizzypopscrafts
BLOG & Pinterest





It's so sad that our 12 Days of Christmas segment has come to a close.
Promise me you won't be a stranger?! Don't forget to follow me on my IG so you won't miss out on a single post or giveaway! I have so many fun plans in the making so visit the site often!

On the 11th Day of Christmas: Kora Rae

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A stunning & unique pencil skirt from Kora Rae.

Kora Rae sent me this beautiful skirt at the end of the Summer and I can't believe I haven't posted about it yet. I guess, I wasn't too good with my system back then. Luckily, I have learned from my mistakes and I am much more on top of things now.

This skirt is incredible. The quality of the fabric and craftsmanship is superb. The Valentina pencil skirt design was inspired after, the owner, Rachel Turzor's last visted her hometown in India. She was inspired by the swirling colors of late Winter and early Spring: bursts of bold colors peeking through from a field of fresh snow. Turzor is infatuated with all wildlife. Proceeds from each and every purchase go to the National Tiger Santuary in Missouri. In fact, Rachel Turzor designs for women who embody the psyche of a tiger,

"She is fearless, powerful and independent in every aspect of her life, including what she wears."

Honestly, the only concern I had about this skirt is if I would still fit in it after Thanksgiving. Fortunately, I am doing better in the "self-discipline regarding sweets" department than I previously thought. So... I guess this means I should go eat two pieces of strawberry cheesecake for breakfast, yeah? Okay, maybe not for breakfast... but, definitely as a mid-day snack!

If you would like to learn more about Kora Rae or place an order with them click here for more information. I hope you fall in love with your piece as much as I have fallen in love with mine. Also don't forget to check out their kittenish collection. It has a few items in the $25-50 range that are similarly great in quality and style.

Ahhh! I can't believe we only have 1 more day left in the segment. I am starting to get sad... but then I remember how awesome the next product is. That picks up my spirit 110%! 

Check back tomorrow at 7pm for my last great find!

On the 10th Day of Christmas: Younique Makeup!

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A full face look from Younique Makeup!

I have been fortunate enough these past few weeks to work with an amazing representative of Younique Makeup, Miss. Kathryn Bird. If you don't know much about Younique products (first, you should!), they are the ones who carry the highly coveted 3D mascara that everyone and I mean EVERYONE is raving about!

If you think your hubby or boyfriend needs some help picking out your gifts (bless their hearts)...

I encourage you to copy this blog post's URL and send it to them.

You know, subtlety.

^seriously? My eye makeup has NEVER looked better. Love the 3D mascara!

Frigid and unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on your makeup. Don't get caught bare faced this year! Hey, I love cake as much as the next girl, but I don't want my face to feel caked. These incredible products leave your face feeling refreshed and they last.

(Products shown above) 

Glorious Primer // Brow gel in light // BB Cream in the shade Cream Touch Mineral Pressed Powder in Scarlet // Eye Shadow palette #3 (Cool with pinks and purples) // Fortunate lip color // Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes + Mascara

I will be honest with you... I can't decide which product I love most!
The 3D mascara is all it is hyped up to be and more. I was skeptical about the mini fibers but they really do work.  Another favorite of mine is the Glorious Primer. This primer is how my makeup was able to stay flawless all night. I left my skin feeling velvety smooth and refreshed. It was almost like I was using liquid silk on my skin. I had never tried brow gel before and it really helps to keep my brows uniform and in place. I love the ease of the shadow palette. I am so much faster at putting on my eye makeup when I know the colors are perfectly cohesive. I have really loved Matte foundation lately. The BB Cream and Mineral pressed powder really allowed me to translate that onto my face leaving my face looking refreshed (never oily) all night long!

Last night my hubby and I took the babe to view the millions of Christmas lights set up downtown. We were out and about walking in the square for around 2 hours and when I returned home, my makeup was as pristine as when I first put it on! I couldn't believe it either...
Maybe, they're magic?
;)

In conclusion, Younique Makeup Products rock my world! If you have any questions or if you would like to purchase any of the products shown here today, please contact my friend Kathryn by clicking here. 

Stay tuned for even more looks using Younique products in upcoming posts!
Also, visit us tomorrow at 7pm for our second to last (oh my gosh can you believe it?!) Day of Christmas! 

On the 9th Day of Christmas: Birthstone Rings from chloe + isabel

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Birthstone rings from chloe + isabel recently featured in Oprah's favorite things: Christmas 2015!
For a limited time use coupon code: Oprah and get 20% off!!

I am so excited to be working with my favorite chloe + isabel merchandise rep, Lauren. She has been busy this holiday season granting wishes to women and girls nationwide with chloe + isabel's amazing holiday product line. I love how I am able to collaborate with someone who has such a great eye for style and upcoming trends that are sure to impress and get you compliments.

So, what does our jewelry expert recommend as a gift this holiday season?

Birthstone rings.

What a fabulous idea! 

Not only are they incredibly beautiful in craftsmanship and design, they are personal. And honestly, who wouldn't love receiving a beautiful piece of jewelry they know came straight from the heart.

Personally, I am obsessed with the ruby one as many of you know, my daughter is a July baby.

Another awesome thing about purchasing birthstone rings as a gift is how versatile the concept is.

Sure, you can give a friend or sister a birthstone ring in their own birthstone. But don't limit yourself to only that idea.

How about a special woman in your life who also happens to be a mom or a grandma? 

These are great stacking pieces.

Any mother or grandmother would love a set of these stunning pieces, one to represent each one of their children or grandchildren. Knowing my own mother, I know she would truly appreciate the sentiment of having her little grandchildren near to her at all times even though we are spread out far and wide. 

So you should definitely pick several birthstone rings for all the women in your life who are near and dear to your heart. While you're at it, be sure to pick up one for yourself. You're special too, ya know! Don't forget for a limited time, use coupon code: Oprah to get 20% off your purchase!

If you would like to learn more about chloe + isabel, browse their products or make a purchase click here to be directed to Lauren's page. 

Ps. Be sure to check out Lauren's interactive gift guide on her page. This will help you find even more pieces that are guaranteed to make anyone on your holiday list rejoice! See you tomorrow! 

On the 8th Day of Christmas: Custom Engraved Silverware c/o Pumpernickel and Wry

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Custom engraved silverware!

Can you believe it is already the 8th day of Christmas?! My Christmas segment is 3/4 over. I have loved sharing these special treasures with you. I hope you have been enjoying it as much as I have!

Pumpernickel and Wry is an amazing company that specializes in creating lovely hand stamped vintage silver flatware. Every item in their shop is handmade by them throughout the entire process: found, cleaned, produced and packaged. Their craft is in a sense, recycling. Bone of the flatware pieces they use are brand new. They all, in actuality, are true vintage pieces. These stunning and one of kind pieces can be found in stores all over the world including Switzerland.

This product is incredibly sweet especially if you have a coffee, tea or "lover of all things vintage" in your life. I recently acquired a set of spoons as a gift (so I won't say for who) and I can't wait to give it to them. I have an inside joke with them about their undying love for ice cream. My hope is that they laugh at first and then cherish them for years to come.

Not only are these a great gift for Christmas, but they would make an incredible wedding gift as well. They are so many fun and tender wording options that are sure to make the honeymooners swoon with delight. :)

If you would like to find more information or place an order, click here to be sent directly to their site. It's amazing how many treasures you will find on their site. 

Have fun!

Come back tomorrow for yet another Christmas gift idea!

On the 7th Day of Christmas: Peg People Nativity featuring TurtlesTiaras

On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

A Peg People Nativity!

At a young age, my mother instilled within my heart a love for nativities. 

Sometimes with all of the sweets, santas and gifts we may neglect to think of the greatest gift of all.

My mom and I have had such fun surprising each other through the years with sweet reminders of the reason for the season. While I don't really want my daughter to touch my fragile nativity collections, I  do want to share my love for nativities with her. That's why I just love the idea of having my own peg people nativity that she can play with. 

Pegs stand 3 1/2 inches tall (height does not include any buns on head). Pegs are easy to throw in a purse for the grocery store, doctor's office or at church. Anytime you need your little to entertain themselves quietly. Some people have even used these as customized cake toppers!

Each doll is made to order. Wood grains and texture may vary. Your set may vary slightly in color from the ones shown in the photographs. While I do allow my daughter to play with them, they do contain pieces which could possibly be a choking hazard. Please use your discretion when allowing very young children to play with these. Recommended for children 3+.

TurtlesTiaras is a local company in Lehi, Utah. They also carry peg doll sets in a variety of styles: princesses and superheroes to name a few. If you would like to order your very own set of hand painted peg dolls from TurtlesTiaras, click here.

Don't forget to check back with me tomorrow at 7pm for the 8th Day of Christmas product. It's a great one you won't want to miss.

On the 6th Day of Christmas: A Rocksbox Subscription

On the 6th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Rocksbox Subscription that rocked my world!

If you couldn't tell by the prologue... I'll reiterate, 

" I LOVE ROCKSBOX!"

Brian and I were invited to attend the symphony. It was so nice to be able to throw on my LBD (little black dress) and put on my entire Rocksbox collection. I didn't even have to think about it, I just knew everything went together. I received several compliments and inquiries from ladies in the powder room. Going to the symphony is so much fun. I love to dress up and feel like a celebrity, even if only for the night!

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

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

It's like a mini holiday in your mailbox!**

Here are my favorite pieces from my 2nd Rocksbox Delivery:

(Shown Above):

Jenny Bird/Sunray Cuff

(Shown Above):

House of Harlow 1960/ Modern Revival Bar Necklace in Hematite

(Shown Above):
Kendra Scott/Elle Earrings in Slate

This was by far my favorite collection of the two they have sent me.

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!!!!**

Don't forget to check back with me tomorrow around 7pm to see what I have in store for you on the 7th Day of Christmas!