Blogger Must-Haves: Travel Tips

Happy Friday, ladies!  This week feel like it dragged on forever, and I'm excited to spend some time with my husband and enjoy some Mexican food and movies that won awards.   I went to see W.E. last night with my friend, since I've always been fascinated by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, but I must say that Madonna is not my favorite director.  Has anyone else seen it? 

Anyway, back to business.  This week's blogger must-haves topic is travel tips, and I got some great ideas to share with you all!  First, I'll share that my must-have item is my new Linea Pelle pop-up tote that I got at the Gilt warehouse sale.  It zips up very small so you can carry it in a purse, then use it when you buy things on your trip without needing to tote around shopping bags.

Mandy from Daily Dose of Ramblings recommends a high quality Ole Henriksen chapstick to keep from getting chapped lips on the road/plane. 

Audrey from Putting Me Together is a frequent business traveler, and she recommends packing cubes from eBags to keep your suitcase organized and fit more in it.  I'd not heard of these, but they have 1400 positive reviews so I'm curious to check them out!

Koko from Koko Likes recommends a great pair of black leggings like these made by LNA and available through Shopbop.com.

Becky from Mommy's Guilty Pleasures recommends Vera Bradley makeup bags to keep everything organized.

And finally, Danielle from Elleinad Spir recommends a Green Planet reusable water bottle that you can full up after you go through airport security and use throughout your trip.

I love seeing how everyone else travels, since I always feel like I could be a little more organized!  What about you, any great tips to share?

I hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Blogger Must-Haves: Books

It's no secret that I love to read.  I can't think of anything I enjoy more than a good novel and a glass of wine.  I think my nightstand speaks for itelf:

photo by my friend Cassie at Chandler Imaging

This week I hoped to solicit some book recommendations from other bloggers, and share one of my own.  I just finished Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and LOVED it.  I found myself reading as fast I could so I could find out what happened next.  I highly recommend it - it was a combination of history, mystery and romance. 

Becky from Mommy's Guilty Pleasures recommends Something Blue by Emily Griffin

Chelle of Spangled Paraphernalia, my Texas Style Council roommate, recommends a Jane Austen classic, Pride & Prejudice.  I love the Penguin Classics version!

And finally, Rads from Rads Blogazine recommends the The Secret, a book I must say I'm curious about.

Hopefully everyone has a nice weekend!  I'm excited to get things done around my house and catch up on my shows.  See you next week!

Blogger Must-Haves: Makeup, Part 2

Hello everyone!  I just got back from a lovely long weekend in San Francisco, and am here to share the second installment of last week's Blogger Must-Haves series on makeup.  So many of my blogging friends were sweet enough to submit their picks for the best makeup item in their bag, and here's the second half of the collection.  I'll be back tomorrow once I've recovered from my jet lag and done some laundry! xxHD

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

First up is Alex from Things That Sparkle, and Emily from Capital Style, two entrepreneurs with great personal style and inspiring blogs.

Chanel Stylo Yeux  |   Maybelline Great Lash

Next is Leslie from Fresh Out of Lemons, and Kelli and Lisa from Bud & Leo.  All of these ladies have been so friendly and support of me since I started blogging, and I've followed both blogs since we were all new to the game in 2010.  

Infusium 23  |  Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

Next is Julie from The Semi-Reformed Nerd, and Jillian from Cornflake Dreams.  Julie is a new friend who I met at my first Dallas blogger meet-up, and Jillian's blog is one that I've read since we were both new to the game.  I admire her style as much now as in 2010!

Cover Girl Eyeliner  |  Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion

Next is Katie from Modern Eve, and Audrey from Putting Me Together.  Both are new e-friends, with amazing taste!

Eye Bright  |  Sally Hansen Eyeshadow

And finally, Jaime from South on Broadway is new to blogging but shows so much more promise than I did when I was starting out.  I'm excited to see where it takes her!

Chanel Perfection Lumiere

Blogger Must-Haves: Makeup, Part 1

Hello ladies!  I'm off to San Francisco today, but am excited to share a lot of blogger must-haves with you while I'm gone!  I called on my e-friends to supply the one cosmetic that they can't live without, so this is the first in a series of posts on great makeup that's worth checking out.

First, I'll share that my favorite item in my makeup bag right is my CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain.   I hate having lipstick or gloss on my lips, so this stain in a marker is perfect for me.  I use the Flirty Nude shade, and it's very natural looking and long-wearing.  Plus, it's only $8.50!

And now, the rest of my blogging friends are here to weigh in with their favorite items:

First up is Regan from Cardigans and Couture, Emily from Ever So Emily - both of whom post amazing content all week long and inspire me to dress and eat better!

Blinc KissMe Mascara  |  Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation

Next are Danielle from Elleinad Spir and Julie from Julip Made. I love getting a peek into Danielle's life and seeing her style, and Julie's culinary skills inspire me to get in the kitchen and be brave with food (she has amazing taste in non-food items, too!)

Laura Mercier Concealer  |  Tarte Clean Slate Primer

And finally, Cara from Lilac and Grey and Emily of Simply Southern shared some great products.  I love seeing Cara's picks for entertaining and fashion, and Emily has amazing style and an enviable globe-trotting lifestyle - plus, she's a Texas girl like me!

Bobbi Brown Corrector  |  Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

I have another batch of blogger picks on tap for Tuesday, since I got so many great submissions.  Please check back on Monday for a great guest post, and then the rest of the makeup picks.  I hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S.  If you would like to participate in next week's Blogger Must-Haves series, the theme is is BOOKS!  Just send me an email with a link and I'll take care of the rest!

Blogger Must- Haves: Clutches

Happy Friday!  I'm excited to introduce the second post in my new series, and show some of the great clutches that my fellow bloggers are loving right now. 

I will admit that I mostly like the idea of a clutch, but when it comes down to it, I like some kind of a strap so I don't have to actually hold on to the bag.  However, some bags are worth making an exception, like the Optical Weave Izzie Clutch by Cole Haan.  There are several colors, but I love the bright orange one!

Er

And now here are some other options brought to you by the fine ladies of the internet!

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Danielle at Elleinad Spir recommends the Michael Kors iPhone wristlet for times when you need your phone and cards, but also require the use of both hands.

Erin at Fleur de Lis & Football carries a super cute Hobo chain strap clutch with room for everything she needs (and it's on sale right now at Nordstrom!)

Rads of Rads Blogazine favors classic, girly clutches (in red, for Valentine's day)

And finally, Mallory at The Chic Geek is loving her gorgeous gray raffia Lauren Merkin clutch... and so do I.  How versatile would this one be?!

Thanks to everyone for their submissions this week!  If you want to be a part of next Friday's post, it's the easiest guest gig out there.  All you have to do is:

1. Email me at cardiganjunkie at gmail dot com with a picture of your item (no more than 530 pixels wide, please)
2. Include a link to the item, or something similar.  You may use affiliate links, I don't mind at all.
3. Include a link to your blog
4. Get me your submission by 7pm Central on Thursday night

Next week's theme is MAKEUP!  Share the one product that you consider to be indispensible.  Bonus points for including a cute makeup bag, too!

Have a great weekend!  Keep me in your thoughts as I'll be camping.  In a tent.  In the wilderness.  ::gulp::

Blogger Must-Haves: Earrings

Today I'm excited to kick off the first post in my new series - blogger must-haves!  I've gotten submissions from several amazing ladies, and I hope this series will grow to be a way to showcase some great blogs (and great taste).  This week's theme is earrings!

My pick for must-have earrings is this pair of Kendra Scott Darby earrings in Apple.  I love the color, and they are the only thing I want for Valentine's Day.  (Hint hint, husband.)

 

And now, here are some other great options submitted by the lovely ladies of the internet.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Rads from Rads Blogazine is loving simple, classic hoop earrings like this pair

Erin of Fleur de Lis & Football has her eye on this bold handmade pair

Danielle from Elleinad Spir loves giving this simple, but unique pair of handmade hoops as gifts

Natasha Fatah loves bold, chandelier earrings like her favorites from H&M.  You can get similar ones like these from Stella & Dot.

Emily of Ever So Emily is a fan of understated geometric studs like this handmade pair

And finally, Charmie of Eye Ponder can't wait to get her hands on mismatched stud earrings like these

 Doesn't this make you want to go jewelry shopping!?  I loved seeing how different everyone's choices are!  I'd happily wear every single pair.

If you want to participate in this series next week, the theme will be CLUTCHES!!

Here's what to do:
1. Pick a clutch that you consider a must-have
2. Send me an email (cardiganjunkie at gmail dot com) with the link to the clutch, your blog url, and an image no more than 530 pixels wide
3. Submit your pick by 7:00 Central on Thursday and then watch for it here next Friday!

It's easier than a guest post, and a great way to incorporate affiliate links like rewardStyle if you'd like.   I hope everyone has a great weekend!