A Cure for Your Monday Blues!

Have you got the Monday blues? Well, you're in luck because girl, I've got the cure for you! Here is a sneak peek of what NBG has in store for you tomorrow for Cyber Monday!!

First up is this beautiful tunic dress! The colors are perfect for the holidays and trust me when I say that this is THE most comfortable piece of clothing that you will ever own! I have this dress in another pattern from NBG and the material is glorious!

Next is this stunning boho tunic dress! The patterns and colors of the peekaboo fabric underneath the sweater top will be sure to satisfy each of your needs to be mermaid chic!

   

Now...remember that Military Khaki trend that was all over the fall 2014 runways? NBG is right on track with this b e a u t i f u l  military khaki field jacket! 

This piece is sure to make a statement with its' cinch waist that will give you the perfect shape and the gorgeous lace shoulder details that give it that extra special feminine touch. This piece my friends, is a necessity!!

 

Last but certainly not least, is this fabulous plaid dress! Plaid can be acceptable in ANY situation and when pulled off correctly, it has the possibility to look fabulously chic! This new plaid dress from NBG not only satisfy your mad about plaid cravings, but will also keep you looking effortlessly chic during the holidays!

 

Here, Kaitlin has paired the two pieces beautifully! Grab all of these new arrivals by clicking HERE! These will go quick no doubt!!

 

 

Now for the best part!! NBG has been celebrating all weekend by offering some AMAZING discounts and flash sales for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, I hope you were able to take advantage!!! So of course,  Cyber Monday will be no different! 

Be sure you're following NBG on social media for a code to save BIG on your entire purchase that will be released tomorrow!!

 

Happy Shopping and hope this makes your Monday a little better!! :)

 

xoxo, karabears 

{{Black Friday Sneak Peek}}

Hi Beautiful NBG Mermaids! Do you know what the day after Thanksgiving is? That's right! Black Friday! Who's excited to shop Nobella Grace's HUGE sale? I hope you are ALL raising your hands, because I know I am! I heard there's going to be a HUGE discount along with GORGEOUS clothes to fill your closet for the rest of the holiday season! Hold on tight, because I am about to reveal some of the MUST HAVE pieces that will be available starting on Friday!

First up, this fabulous three-quarter sleeve tunic dress. I can't even tell you my reaction when I received it...I was in awe! This dress has my name written all over it! I love the black and taupe abstract pattern and the shoulders of delicate lace make this piece so beautiful and feminine. I added black leggings ((SHOP HERE)) and black buckle booties. Simple accessories are a must, because this dress is sure to steal the show!

I don't know about you all, but I will never get tired of a fun and colorful chevron print. This flirty oversized sweater cardigan is a piece you will put on and just smile. It has gorgeous fall and winter colors, but also can easily transition into the spring. This item is flexible in sizing and would even look darling with a belt to cinch the waistline. I added the ever popular destroyed denim jeans ((SHOP HERE)), a black tank underneath, and black motorcycle boots. This outfit will get you compliments over and over again.

Last, but certainly not least...this red, black, and emerald aztec print mini dress. WOW is all that I can say. When I first received it, I was nervous. I had never worn a dress this form fitting before, but once I put it on, I was so impressed! Kristi does not disappoint when she picks out items. She picks items she knows you will love and feel amazing in. This dress does just that! It hugs all the right curves! It is super soft and a stretchy knit fabric. I added black leggings ((SHOP HERE)) and booties for this look as well as my favorite Jewel Tones and Glam Punk Bracelet from Metal Marvels! I can DEFINITELY see this look in my date night outfit rotation! It is sure to impress!

Which {{Black Friday Preview}} item are YOU most excited about? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Until Next Time

Xoxo

Jenna

(Follow Me on Instagram: jvalpintor)

Put Your Thanksgiving Pants On!!

Well friends, it's about time to pull out those Thanksgiving pants because after reading this post, you're gonna need them!

 

 

If you have no Thanksgiving pants try the NBG Aztec Pants! Fashionable, yet comfortable! Use discount code 'HOLIDAY25' to save 25% off of these!

 

 

With Thanksgiving being just a couple days away, I wanted this post to be about my favorite thing, FOOD! With some help from my friends, we shall share with you some of our favorite recipes to whip up for the holidays!

 

Kameil's Chocolate Pie

 

 

This is my favorite recipe to whip up for holiday gatherings! I got this from an ex's mother (hence Kameil's chocolate pie) years ago and have been using it ever since! This recipe was actually better than my grandmothers believe it or not and even she uses it! So check it!

 

2 cups of sugar

2 cups of milk (1 whole milk, 1 evaporated milk)

4 eggs, separated

1/2 t vanilla

pinch of salt

1 stick of butter

2 1/2 T Hershey's coco powder

1/3 cup of flour

1 ready-made piecrust (bake per package directions, prior to filling pie) Let cool before filling

 

Separate eggs into 2 bowls (whites in one, yolk in another). Slightly beat the egg yolks. Melt butter in a large pan, add milk and egg yolks. Mix together dry ingredients and set aside. Once cream mixture has almost come to a boil, add the dry ingredients. Continue stirring until mixture has thickened slightly. Past the custard stage (it will thicken more once cooled) Cool slightly then pour into cooled pie crust.

 

Beat egg whites into peaks. Once peaks begin, add 1 T of sugar per eggs used (4) slowly and add the vanilla. Spread over top of pie, making sure to cover to edge of filling, otherwise the meringue will shrink.

 

Bake 350 in the oven until browned. Let cool before slicing. May be served warm or cold.

 

Teri's Cranberry Bliss Bars

 

 

  This recipe comes from my gorgeous friend Teri! You might know her as @mucutiepie124 on Instagram. This dessert is actually a lighter version of the Starbuck's recipe! Delish and great for the mid-section?! Yes, please!

 

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar, unpacked

1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

2 large egg whites

1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

2 tsp vanilla extract

2/3 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate

1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped

 

For the Frosting:

 

8 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 ounces white baking chocolate, melted 

1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon and stir to blend. In another bowl, whisk the sugars with the butter, egg whites, applesauce and vanilla until light and fluffy. Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two additions until the batter is very well blended. If the batter looks more "crumbly" than smooth, add just a drop of water at a time (ONLY if needed) until it smooths out. Fold in white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup cranberries. Spread batter onto the baking pan using the back of a measuring cup to smooth evenly.

 

Bake 10-14 minutes on 350 until the edges are light brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool.  

 

Meanwhile, prepare frosting in a large bowl. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until well blended. Frost bars and sprinkle with remaining cranberries. Store in the fridge until ready to serve!

 

Cassandra's Creamy Jalapeno Cranberry Dip

 

 

This recipe comes from another lovely friend of mine, Cassandra! You might know her as @casshoffert on Instagram. This is another tasty, light dish that you can whip up in less than 10 minutes! Enjoy!

 

8 ounces light cream cheese

6 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced

juice of 1 lime

handful of cilantro, chopped

3 green onions, cut into thirds

1/4 cup sugar

 

Throw all ingredients into a food processor. Pulse until combined. Serve with crackers, as a sandwich spread or with celery sticks.

 

 

 

XOXO, karabears

Sweater Season

It's the most wonderful time of the year...Sweater Season is upon us!

Here in the Seattle area it is cold, wet and dark and pretty much every day is a sweater day. As I get more adventurous in my fashion, I am really coming to love the versatility of sweaters. They are so easy to dress up or dress down. Perfect for a lazy day around the house too. Easy to throw on a pretty, comfy tunic sweater and some leggings for weekend errands. I don't know about you, but I always feel more confident when I'm not leaving the house looking sloppy.

A few of my favorite sweaters this season...
I love Fall For You sweater dress. It's perfect with boots and leggings on chilly days and I'm sure it will be fun to wear without leggings in the spring as the weather warms up. It's a fitted style which shows off any amount of curves you may be sporting!

The All About The Lace sweater is my current favorite item in my closet. It is super soft, very comfy, the lace on the back gives it a nice feminine touch and I can dress it up or as seen here, wear it with jeans and boots for a casual look.

In Jamaica they say, "when it's nice, do it twice." I really likes the Gray and Lace sweater so much I ordered it twice. Thankfully, Nobella Grace only sent me one. Oops. This one is very warm and I wore it on a below freezing day and it was perfect! Pair it with a beanie...so cute!

{{Nobella Grace Gems}}

Hi Nobella Grace Mermaids! I love items that make you stand out and be the GEM of the show! You thought that I was going to say "star" right? Nope, this holiday season, it's ALL about being a gem! A gem is something prized especially for great beauty or perfection. These Nobella Grace items are just that...beautiful AND perfect! Whether it be crystals, jewels, or studs these items are sure to impress and have YOU standing out in a crowd!

Ice Petal Necklace ((SHOP HERE))

Worn with Julia Tunic Dress and Charcoal Skinnies

If you didn't already know, my favorite color is mint. When I saw this necklace, I HAD to have it! Not only is it a gorgeous statement necklace, but it goes with so much! I chose to pair the Ice Petal Necklace with grey! The Julia Tunic Dress in grey, Charcoal Skinnies, and grey riding boots were the perfect way to compliment this necklace! This is a more casual look, but this necklace would also look divine with a Little Black Dress at a holiday party. Casual or dressy, this necklace is sure to sparkle and shine!

Geo Necklace ((SHOP HERE))

Worn with the Mocha and Lace Top and Denim Skinnies ((SHOP HERE))

This statement necklace is absolutely stunning! With crystals that are white and blush, it's sure to match anything and everything! I love it paired with the Mocha and Lace Top, Denim Skinnies, and blush colored flats. Need a fancier look? Pair this necklace with a colorful evening gown and nude heels! Simply chic!

 

Stella Jeweled Dress ((SHOP HERE))

Are you a lady who forgets to accessorize? Not to worry, this dress comes with a jeweled neckline, therefore you don't need a necklace!! How awesome is that? I love the royal blue hue of the beautiful Stella Jeweled Dress! It would look great at a New Year's party! I added black closed toe wedges, but for a chillier evening I would suggest black tights as well. 

Now for our last look, I couldn't leave out my girl, Ashley! After seeing her in the Talia dress, I added it to my wish list! She looks gorgeous!!

 

Talia Dress ((SHOP HERE))

Hi Mermaids! Ashley here! So glad Jenna asked me to show you one of my favorite Nobella Grace dresses. This gem really makes you shine! The detail on the Talia Dress is incredible. This dress can literally be styled up or down. I chose to style this piece with charcoal tights, black wedge booties, and a fun black leather jacket. It gives this look a little edge! The gold sequin clutch matches fabulously with the gold studs. I love that Nobella Grace helps me sparkle in a crowd!

So Mermaids, which {{GEM}} are you adding to your closet for some holiday sparkle and shine? Leave us a comment below and let us know!

Until Next Time

Xoxo,

Jenna + Ashley

(Follow Us on Instagram: jvalpintor & milwifeash)

Holiday Makeup Tutorial

In last week's post I showed you some fabulous holiday looks and how to style them with those lovely NBG holiday pieces! This week I'm going to show you, step by step, how to achieve my favorite holiday look! It's super easy, I promise!

 

Ok, the first step is starting with a clean face (duh) then first things first!!!!!!!! If you want to get the best wear out of your makeup, ALWAYS start with a primer! Makeup primer helps to prime and soothe your complexion for a flawless finish and helps your makeup last longer! My favorite makeup primer is the Napoleon Perdis 'Auto Pilot'. For good measure, I also have been using the Caffeinator stick from Posh. This helps to wake up tired skin and gets rid of those Prada bags under your eyes. ;)

 

Next, start applying your foundation. Foundation brushes are a MUST, it makes applying foundation much quicker than using your fingers or a sponge and it also leaves your foundation streak free! Your foundation will also last longer as the brush literally buffs it into your skin. I'm using the Napoleon Perdis Sheer Genius Liquid Foundation.

 

 

When applying, make sure you are brushing in an upwards motion. starting from the center of your face and working outward. Also, be sure to apply some foundation to your lips! This will come into play when applying your lipstick at the end ;)

 

Next, you'll want to apply your bronzer and concealer.
 

 

First, apply your bronzer to the base of your cheekbones. I'm using the Napoleon Perdis Mosaic Bronzing Powder. Take your brush and swipe your bronzer right below your actual cheekbones and swipe up at a slight angle.

 

 

Then, you'll want to apply some under eye concealer. I'm using the Heylee B. Mineral Photo Touch Concealer. Applying it over your foundation and bronzer allows the concealer to not only conceal but to brighten up your face!

 

Now its time for the blush! I'm using the Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol as it gives off a slight shimmer. Which is the look you'll want to be sporting this holiday season.

 

To apply your blush, use a smaller angled brush and apply to just the apples of your cheeks (which should be directly over where you applied your bronzer earlier). This technique will make those gorgeous cheek bones pop!

 

Now, it's time for the eyes, my favorite part! Don't be afraid, I will show you how to apply your eye makeup with ease ;)

 

 

You'll need a light eye color to apply to your brow line and also a darker shade to apply to your crease. I'm using the caramel and sandstone eye shadow from Heylee B. Applying eye shadow with a brush that's made to apply both brow and crease shadow is easiest, but you can use a regular brush if you don't have one.
 

Apply the lighter shadow underneath your brow line, lash line, and in the corner crease of your eye. This will really brighten up those eyes!

 

Now apply the darker shadow to your lid crease ONLY! Then you can add a light eye dust to blend both colors. This will give your lids that shimmer look! I used the Napoleon Loose Eye Dust in 'Starlight'.

 

After you have applied your shadow, you'll want to apply a light cake liner to your lash line. Cake liner gives the illusion of bigger eyes and also gives your eyes definition.

 

 

Take a small, angled brush and barely...& I mean BARELY get it wet. Then, gently rub it onto your cake liner to get a small amount on your brush. I'm using the Black Diamond Dimensional Cake Liner from Heylee B.

After getting some liner on your brush, slowly and gently begin pressing it into your crease. Slowly move along pressing with the brush until your entire lash line has been lined. If you make a mistake, don't fret! This is cake liner! It can easily be blended in to your shadow with a q-tip. I personally love cat eyes and have been doing them since high school, so I took my liner brush and gently pressed at an angle where I wanted it. EASY!

 

Then apply a light or heavy coat of mascara, whatever you like! I love using the Urban Decay 'Perversion'. It gives the effect that you're wearing falsies.

 

 

Now for the finishing touch! Applying those beautiful red lips! I personally love using the Napoleon Devine Goddess Lipstick in 'Eros'! I don't care for matte lipstick, as my lips tend to stay on the dryer side, but you can use a matte lipstick if you like!

 

 

Just apply over the foundationed lips and presto! The foundation will set your lipstick and help it to last longer!

 

 

That's a wrap on how to get one heck of a holiday look! This look only took about 10-15 minutes total to complete too, so not bad, not bad! :) Hope you enjoyed my tutorial and if you have any questions, feel free to comment!

 

 

XOXO, karabears

Brooklyn Cardigan

Hi Mermaids,

We were so excited to partner up with Kelly Moran of the Fashion Minute this month along with other amazing bloggers.  She discusses Favorite Fall Sweaters and we have a New Arrival that we know you will love.

Jenna one of our blog contributors had the opportunity to discuss our Brooklyn Cardigan and we want to share her thoughts on this new arrival.

 

This cardigan is absolutely stunning! Super soft and great quality that you can feel in the fabric! It has vibrant colors of red, charcoal, black, and white. The print pops against the black and is perfect for the upcoming holidays to help keep you warm. The print is a mix between damask and Aztec, two of my favorite patterns, that make it very unique. Styling this cardigan was SO easy. It goes with red, charcoal, black, or denim jeans. I chose red to create an outfit that's sure to stand out. Black motorcycle boots, a black basic tank, and a pendant necklace in gold were the perfect additions to complete the look. I definitely wanted the cardigan to be the star of the show!