Hello 2015

Happy New Year Mermaids!

As 2014 comes to a close I want to thank all of you for supporting our small business. So many of you became friends and helped carry me through the hard times of my husband's traumatic brain injury and rehabilitation last year, and for that I am forever grateful. 

I am so lucky that the dream of having NBG become a community of women supporting women has come true. Not to say we haven't had our trials or ups and downs but we have all overcome them with grace and that is what life is all about. There will always be peaks in our valleys and it is how we deal with them that truly matters.

Our hope for you in 2015 is that you have courage and faith to chase your dreams and make them become a reality. Even if it just crossing something off your list one by one. Small steps quickly become the same distance as huge leaps.

Wishing you Peace, Love and Happiness,

Kristi 

{{My Favorite Denim}}

Hi Nobella Grace Dolls!

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and are gearing up for a fun new year!

I'm excited to be back with you all and sharing my FAVORITE denim of 2014!

These jeans are so OUT OF THIS WORLD awesome that they will be accompanying me into 2015 as well!

Since we all know I'm a shopaholic, it goes without saying that I am also ADDICTED to fabulous denim.

I have tried EVERY premium denim out there and NONE compare to the amazing Destroyed Denim Jeans offered by Nobella Grace.

I always thought that the more expensive jeans were, the better the quality.

I would spend $100-$200 on jeans. It was insane!

These jeans are actually BETTER quality than what I was wearing and at ONLY $42, they are a STEAL!

Not only do they have a GREAT price, but they fit wonderfully.

Great stretch, perfect length, tasteful destroyed look, and versatile in terms of how to style them!

Check out my FAVORITE ways to wear these beauties (PS I may wear them multiple times a week...don't judge ;))

Casual + Cute

This look is PERFECT for a day out and about when you want to look pulled together, but laid back at the same time! Grab the amazing destroyed denim jeans, add a screen tee, a comfy hoodie, and some boots. Very easy, but a fun twist on a classic look! You will look super cute and comfy while tackling all your errands on that to-do list!

Dinner Date

These jeans can honestly transition from day to night without a problem. Need a fun dinner date outfit? Here you go! Take your destroyed denim jeans, add a military inspired jacket ((SIMILAR HERE)) + ((HERE)) with a plain tee underneath ((SIMILAR HERE)). Throw on your favorite booties to add some height and sassiness to your look. You will be ready to jet and enjoy your evening!

Party Hardy

So you are invited to a fun party and don't want to show up too under or over dressed. Need a solution? Grab the destroyed denim and add a vest to create a super chic look. I'm ALL about vests this season! Here's a great option for you to try ((SHOP HERE)). Pair it with a striped tunic to add a pattern and more dimension to your look ((OPTION HERE)). I added my favorite peep toe mules to stylize this outfit, but any pair of awesome heels will do! 

You will be the princess of the party while looking super hot too!

Which way do YOU wear your {{Detroyed Denim}}? Leave me a comment to fill me in!

Until Next Time

Xoxo,

Jenna

(Follow Me on Instagram: jvalpintor)

Cocktails Anyone?

New Years Eve is THE biggest party night of the year and what better way to celebrate the upcoming new year than with some fun (and stylish) NYE cocktails! You will be sure to impress your guests BIG TIME with these impressive recipes!

 

The Clean Slate

 

What better way to start off the New Year than with a clean slate! This cocktail was created by Las Vegas bartender Cody Fredrickson and was chosen as the winning cocktail in the December 2013 New Years Eve Cocktail Contest! So trust me, it's a good one!  

 

Ingredients:

 

1 1/2 ounces Ciroc Amaretto Vodka

1 ounce St. Germain

1 ounce Cherry Heering

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

1 ounce apple-cinnamon simple syrup *(recipe below)

Top with Champagne

Garnish: Sugar and edible gold flake rim

 

Preparation:

 

 

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except Champagne,

Shake vigorously.

Double strain into chilled white wine glass rimmed with gold flake and sugar.

Top with Champagne.

 

*Apple-Cinnamon Syrup

 

Cut four (4) apples and remove the core.

Boil them in 2 1/2 cups of water until they are soft and stewed.

Add 2 cinnamon sticks and stir for 10 minutes.

Add 2 1/2 cups of sugar and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes.

Drain and double strain the syrup.

 

You can also blend the apples and cinnamon sticks for a sweetened apple cinnamon puree to use in other cocktails.

 

 

The Midnight Martini

 

 

Calling all you coffee lovers!! This one's for you! But be warned. It's got quite the caffeine kick! ;)

 

Ingredients:

 

1 1/2 ounces vodka or coffee vodka

1/2 ounce coffee liqueur

1/4 ounce cinnamon syrup (optional)

Lemon twist for garnish

 

Preparation:

 

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Stir with a bar spoon.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a lemon twist.

 

 

Millennium Cocktails

 

 

There are a ton of different ways to make a Millennium Cocktail but this one is light and easy! This recipe is also perfect for many other occasions as well!

 

Ingredients:

 

1 ounce gin

1/2 ounce cherry brandy

1 1/2 ounces orange juice

Splash of Ginger ale

 

Preparation:

 

Pour the gin, cherry brandy and orange juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Shake well.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Add a splash of ginger ale.

 

 

Hope you all enjoy and may the new year bring you all good luck, fortune, success and lots and lots of love! Happy New Year mermaids!

 

 

XOXO, karabears

Your Best Self - Every Year!

"New Year, new me.”

“This year is going to be my best year.”

I’ve noticed these statements getting made fun of all over social media and at first I agreed but upon further thought I realized…aren’t these things we actually should be saying every year?

After all, life is about growth and change and progress…evolving as a person. What I know for sure about life is that we never “arrive” and just when we think we’ve found ourselves and hit our sweet spot everything can change…in an instant. I’ve also learned that this change, while it can be excruciatingly painful, is designed to grow us and bring us to “the next level.”

We’re not supposed to get comfortable and complacent. Growth does not occur in the comfort zone…we all know that!

As I set my own goals for the coming year (notice I did not refer to them as “New Year’s Resolutions”) and consider this the year that I will be “my best self”, I know that I should be saying this every year. While each year aiming to achieve your best self may not be pretty and it may be painful, it can still be bringing you to a higher level of self. Last year was the most painful and ugly year of my life but the growth I experienced and how I changed as a person was like no other time in my life.

In order to progress and experience growth doesn’t mean we need to set unrealistic and unattainable goals that are only going to set us up for failure. Sometimes the best goal we can set for ourselves is being committed to growth, doing things we’re afraid to do, experiencing things outside our comfort zones. We often set the bar so high for ourselves that we quickly get discouraged and accept defeat. But change doesn’t come in the big, giant steps. It comes in the small, daily changes.

This year I’m choosing to do many things in my life differently…not big things, just small things that I know I can manage. Mostly the things that go on inside my head. I’ve set some goals – they’re realistic and they energize me. My goals feel manageable and attainable. I didn’t set the bar too high, I set it just right. A year from now, I want to be able to say, again…”I grew this year. I grew a lot. I stepped out of my comfort zone again and again. I didn’t let fear stop me from being better today than yesterday.

This year was my best year yet and next year is going to be the year that I am my best self.” I want to be able to say this to myself every year.

Are you going to choose to be your best self THIS year and every year?

{{All I Want For Christmas}}

Hi Nobella Grace Dolls!

I'm sure we have all heard that song "All I Want For Christmas is You". I can't help, but hum that tune as I write this post! In all reality though, all I want for Christmas is a long list of Nobella Grace items! I wanted to share with you all my Christmas list that I have created of my favorite items from the Nobella Grace website! I'm hoping these beauties are wrapped up under my Christmas tree!

Jacket:

Hooded Cargo Jacket in Mocha: ((SHOP HERE))

Also available in Navy: ((SHOP HERE))

This jacket is gorgeous! I love the mocha color, coral embrodiery, and pull tab sleeves. I imagine myself wearing it with the new Distressed Denim Boyfriend Jeans and boots for a day out with friends! How versatile is this jacket? It will pair with everything! It's a must have for sure!

Sweater:

Boho Beauty Top: ((SHOP HERE))

This pretty top has been on my wish list for a while! I love that it is sweater material and similar to a sweatshirt. Casual items are always what I am reaching for in my closet, so this would be perfect for me! The detail on the pocket and back of this sweater is AMAZING. It really makes the item stand out among the rest! Very unique!

Tops:

Blythe Top: ((SHOP HERE))

The Blythe Top has such gorgeous fall colors. I love rust and evergreen paired together. It would look absolutely precious with the Lively Cardi in green and the Denim Skinnies! Add some cognac boots, a faux leather bomber jacket, and you are ready for a family day out!

Jeans:

Distressed Denim Boyfriend Jeans ((SHOP HERE))

I live in jeans. Especially the Destroyed Denim Jeans and Denim Skinnies from Nobella Grace. They are some of the ONLY jeans that fit me properly. I'm super excited Kristi debuted these beauties! Boyfriend jeans are casual, but can also be dressed up!

Scarf:

Blanket Scarf: ((SHOP HERE))

Blanket scarves are my newest obsession. They are so warm, cozy, and go with so much! This blanket scarf is like 2-in-1! Houndstooth on one side and plaid on the other! I love it paired with a faux leather jacket and patterned leggings! So cute and fun!

Dress:

Poppy Plaid Shirt Dress: ((SHOP HERE))

Midi dresses are my favorite dresses for two reasons: 1. They are classy. 2. They don't make me nervous. As a mom of 1 and caretaker of 5 children, I'm always worried about the length of the items I wear. Whenever I wear dresses, I always pair them with leggings for fear they are too short (and I am too tall!). I could wear this dress with no leggings at all or add tights or leggings on a chilly day! This dress needs to be wrapped up pretty with a bow for me!

Which Items are on YOUR {{Nobella Grace Christmas List}}? Leave me a comment below to let me know!

Until Next Time

Xoxo,

Jenna

(Follow Me on Instagram: jvalpintor)

Holiday Style On A Budget!

Style is style darlings, no matter what your budget is and looking fabulous does not have to break the bank!

 

With that being said, I have put together a few different ensembles for all of you lovelies that will be perfection for the holidays! And as an added bonus, you wont have to hide any of these purchases from your husband ;)

 

 

Holiday Look Under $35!

 

Isn't this look just the most festive looking ensemble that you've ever seen? I own this Jillian Tunic Dress from Nobella Grace and let me just tell you..IT IS THE MOST COMFORTABLE PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU WILL EVER OWN!! (yes, I'm yelling at you!!) Take this dress, pair it with the Emerald Square Dangle Earrings from Metal Marvels and boop! You're holiday ready my friend and you've still got plenty of coins left in your stylish little pocket!

 

Jillian Tunic Dress - $26  

 

Square Dangle Earrings in Emerald - $8

 

 

 

Holiday Look Under $50

 

The Ashley Dress from Nobella Grace is the modern day version of the dress that Cinderella wore to the royal ball! When you wear this dress all of your dreams will come true...well maybe not, but it sure will make you look and feel like a princess!! The gorgeous lace and sequin top, its' whimsical light blues and golds and the flowy bottom is absolutely perfect for dancing the night away at the party! Add the Gray Crystal Stone Bracelet from Metal Marvels for an even dreamier look :)  

 

Ashley Dress - $30

 

Crystal Stone Bracelet in Gray - $12

 

 

 

Holiday Look Under $65!

 

WARNING: This look is a show stopper!!

When you wear this gorgeous ensemble, you will be SURE to make one heck of a statement and all eyes WILL be on you! Just imagine it....you casually stroll into the party, you look like one big ball of Holiday cheer wearing your striking Wilma Necklace from Metal Marvels that just so happens to bring out the bright shades of blue in your Poppy Plaid Shirt Dress from Nobella Grace. Everyone immediately stops and stares as you walk by, wishing they could put an amazing outfit together like this...they love you, they want to be you, etc., etc.  WINNING!  

 

Poppy Plaid Shirt Dress - $44

 

Wilma Necklace - $18

 

 

There you go my sweets; three different looks that will work for every budget! Which one is your favorite?

 

 

xoxo, karabears

 

Out of The Box

As a fitness coach, I work with many women who are not at their desired weight. Many of these women don’t

dress themselves as they would if they were “happy” with their figure. It’s sad because it’s very typical of us as women. It’s almost as if we think our body is not deserving of the nice stuff or the cute stuff until it’s exactly where we want it to be. We couldn’t be more wrong!

When my clients are in “transition” - not where they want to be yet - I always recommend that they buy a few pieces that make them feel pretty, feminine and mostly, confident. You don’t need to spend a lot, in fact, I recommend that you don’t as this way you won’t feel bad when the clothes are too big for you and you need to buy smaller. But you do need to invest in some pieces that make you feel good about being YOU!

Leggings are great because they are inexpensive, they are stretchy and don’t remind us of where they don’t fit so well. Who likes to wear jeans or slacks that cuts in at the waistline or too tight in the butt? None of us! There are some great leggings that can easily be dressed up or dressed down. 

What I recommend to a lot of my clients is that they sign up for the Nobella Grace Bella Box. When they do this, they get to fill out a client profile and all items in their monthly Bella Box are personally shopped for their current figure and personal preferences. The feedback that my clients have given me on the Bella Boxes is so positive - they are constantly getting compliments and feel so good about themselves. They may not be exactly where they want to be but they are looking and feeling great about where they are RIGHT NOW. And that’s the whole idea.

Don’t wait for circumstances to be perfect to love on yourself. Do it now!

{{Perfectly Plaid}}

Hi Nobella Grace Loves! 

The holiday season is in full swing and so is the best pattern of the season: plaid! I swear everywhere I look I see plaid. Plaid cardigans, plaid dresses, plaid leggings, plaid tunics...the list goes on and on! I can't get enough! Now almost half of my winter wardrobe is plaid and I love it!! Here are some of my favorite Nobella Grace items that also happen to be plaid! If any of the items below are sold out, don't fret! Nobella Grace has some great plaid items headed to the shop soon!

Harlow Cardi paired with Red Skinnies

This cardigan is super soft and comfy. It also has pockets! The plaid has black, white, and red in it, so it can pair with any color bottoms! I chose red for a pop of color! Black flats can be worn for a day around town or add black booties to dress up this look. I think the snowman behind me totally approves of this festive look ;)

Black/White Plaid Dress from previous NBG Flash Sale

((SHOP SIMILAR HERE))

This dress is from my all time favorite brand: Everly! Everly definitely knows how to make a dress that makes you feel like a million bucks...this one is no different! With a bold print of black and white plaid, just add black leggings and flats to complete this gorgeous shift dress.  Although this dress is from a previous flash sale and sold out, the Elise Dress is still available and just as beautiful! I can imagine myself wearing this on a date night with a black peacoat!

Black Tunic paired with Plaid Leggings and Geo Statement Necklace

If you have never worn a pair of leggings from Nobella Grace, you need to try them out! Kristi only orders the best! Super soft and ultra comfortable! I could wear these all day long, even to bed! Shop all of Nobella Grace's leggings ((HERE))! These festive plaid leggings pair great with a simple black tunic! They would also look amazing with the Merry and Bright Tunic! Add a statement necklace, like the Geo Necklace, and you are ready for a holiday party!

Hunter Green Plaid Tunic

Hunter green is one of my favorite colors to wear and this tunic is divine! With long sleeves that can also be worn three-quarter, a great length that works with leggings or skinnies, and a soft flannel like material, you will find yourself reaching for this one over and over again. I added a braided belt and knee high cognac boots to complete the look. This is the perfect outfit for the holidays and can be worn for multiple occasions!

Which {{Perfectly Plaid}} look is YOUR favorite? Comment below and let me know!

Until Next Time

Xoxo,

Jenna

(Follow Me on Instagram: jvalpintor)

4 Ways to Wear a Cargo Jacket

These olive green jackets are everywhere these days so when Nobella Grace debuted the GORGEOUS Lacey Embroidered Cargo Jacket ($46) I naturally had to scoop it up! The Lacey Cargo Jacket is a great staple piece for fall; it's versatile, warm and just has that certain something that can pull together any outfit! It has a tie in the back, which is perfect for giving you a more tailored look and unlike the more common cargo jackets, this one has beautiful lace crochet detail on the shoulders that gives it a much more feminine look than most.

 

I can tell you that it was a blast coming up with different ways to style this gorgeous piece! There are literally hundreds of  ways that it can be styled but I picked four of my favorites to share with you!

This first look is my Hollywood glam look! I felt like such a movie star pairing this beautiful cargo jacket with my vintage NBG Golden Goddess Skirt and matching graphic tee. This would be such a great look for a night out on the town!
 

 

I actually wore this second look out for date night Saturday! I simply paired this romper I got over the summer with a pair of Black Leggings ($12) and booties and presto! Perfect date night outfit!  

 

 

This look was so incredibly comfy I can't even describe it! Just see for yourself! I paired some Destroyed Denim Jeans ($42), a plum colored sweatshirt (NBG has a similar one Kiki Sweatshirt $32), and a leopard neutral to bring it all in for this gem of a look!  

 

 

Last but certainly not least, this look would be perfection for any upcoming holiday party! Grab you some tall boots, some fur, and the NBG Emerson Plaid Dress ($32) for this elegant look! 

 

Hopefully you are as inspired to style this wonderful cargo jacket as I am and if you haven't purchased it yet, you will want to get right on it since these beauties are sure to go quick!

 

xoxo, karabears 

5 Tips for Healthy Holidays

Oh, the holidays!

That lovely time of year when our natural inclination is to curl up, rest more, do less, eat rich foods, drink and be merry. It's colder, it's darker and it's the season to be jolly which usually includes food. As a nutrition coach, one of the things I deal with a lot with clients during this season is balancing the social eating and not completely derailing their progress. Even still, it's not abnormal for those who are quite careful to put on a little extra.

Often, the extra isn't necessarily body fat. We often experience weight gain due to the high sodium foods, abundance of carbohydrates and more alcohol. We retain more fluids, have digestive issues and just feel "fluffy" in general.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to sail through the holiday season with minimal impact to your waistline and still enjoy yourself and the festivities!

1. Hydrate!!!
I don't know about you! but I really have to make a concerted effort to get all my water in during the cooler months. In the summer, it's no problem but when the weather is cold I would be happy to drink coffee all day. When you coffee and alcohol consumption go up, your water needs to go up too. I recommend a half gallon of water a day, minimum. Better if you can get closer to a full gallon. It seems like a lot at first, but trust me, your body will thank you!

2. Resist the urge to hibernate!
Get active, stay active. There are many days I just don't "feel it"...napping sounds like a much better idea. But I always feel better after I've gotten a workout in or gone outside for a brisk walk. Energy begets energy....move more to feel more energized!

3. Get plenty of sleep!
Not to contradict myself but you do need to make sure you're getting adequate rest. It's a matter of balancing activity, obligations and rest. The holidays are stressful and stress does NOT do a body good. The more rest you get, the better your metabolism, your digestive system, your brain and...your spirit...will function.

4. Moderation
Glorious foods abound during the holidays. Treats and goodies are everywhere right now and if you're not careful, and mindful, they will catch up with you leaving you with extra pounds come January. You don't need to diet your way through the holidays, but you do need a strategy. I recommend deciding beforehand when and where you will choose to indulge. Put some boundaries on it, especially if alcohol is involved as when our inhibitions are lowered we tend to eat more. It's ok to set limits on your food/alcohol intake. It's the healthy thing to do.

5. Dress Cute!
Obviously, you are in the right place for dressing cute! I must say, the tunics that are the style right now are perfect for almost any body type. And when you may be feeling a little bloated from holiday "fun" it's still important to dress cute. I know that the way I dress has a huge impact on how I feel about myself. If I'm feeling icky and puffy, it helps to put on a cute tunic with some leggings and boots that makes me look cute even if I may not feel it. It doesn't matter if your body is where you want it to be right now, you still deserve to look adorable!

If you can implement these basic tips this holiday season I think you will find you have more balance, more fun, more peace of mind and can roll right into 2015 without worry of "working off" holiday weight gain!

{{Blanket Scarf Tutorial}}

Hi Nobella Grace Girls! Now that Thanksgiving has passed, the winter chill is starting to set in. There's no better way to keep yourself warm and cozy than a beautiful blanket scarf! These scarves are top quality, gorgeous rich colors that will match with pretty much anything in your closet, and super soft. They are also the lowest price I've seen anywhere! Only $25 with free shipping! Grab this MUST HAVE item and wear it all winter long!

So now that we know how amazingly AWESOME it is, how do you wear it? Well, any way you want! I wanted to share my favorite way to wear this fabulous blanket scarf with a quick tutorial for you all! Enjoy!

First, hold the scarf completely open in front of you.

Second, fold the scarf in half to make a triangle.

 

Next, with the middle point of the triangle against your chest, start to put the two ends behind you.

After that, cross the two ends in the back.

Last, lay the ends of scarf against your chest on either side and adjust the neckline as needed.

Here's a recap of the tutorial that I created for you all!

It's as easy as 1-5 ;)

If you aren't aren't into wearing your scarf around your neck, you can also drape it across your shoulders! Add a belt and it creates the cutest poncho! 

These are just a few of my favorite ways to wear this very versatile scarf. There are MANY more! Check Pinterest ((HERE)) for more ideas!

Until Next Time

Xoxo,

Jenna

(Follow Me on Instagram: jvalpintor)