Tis BEST to give than to receive

With Christmas just 5 days away, the excitement is at an ultimate high. While we anxiously count down the hours to presents, parties, feasts and family, its important to remember those who do not have the same privilege and those who facing adversity this holiday season. They actually say that if you really want to help, volunteer any time besides Christmas since everyone has the same idea and organizations are often flooded with help. That said, there are many small ways to give back RIGHT now. They are simple, take only a few moments of your time but make a HUGE impact. Below are my three favorite ways to help out. I hope you will join me this holiday season to assist those who are less fortunate or those who simply need some Christmas cheer. Please feel free to email me should you need any additional details! Minksundaylove.com

Besos- Elle

Three favorite ways to give back this holiday season:

1). Adopt a child. No, I don't mean physically adopt them (I mean...if you can, then you win the ultimate give back award) but at your local mall, department stores, churches, and I think maybe even target? you can choose a child off a "wishing tree" where they have written their wishes to Santa. You simply select a child, boy or girl, and try to check off their list. Most of the time the kids will ask for clothing items because they desperately need them so if that's the case, I always throw in some toys in their age range and a few little extra surprises. This is really a special way to give back. When you are sitting in your family room on Christmas morning, you can think about the smile that is likely beaming across that child's face when he sees that Santa came and brought him the new ______. Once you buy the gifts, there should be a customer service desk where you turn them in along with the ticket you selected and that's it. It's really that simple, many places don't even require wrapping. I love this.

2). Provide a meal. They actually couldn't make this one any easier. Take a look in your local grocery store and usually when you first walk in or somewhere near the register, there are pre-packaged bags of essential items and ingredients to make a warm home cooked holiday meal. I always thought that this happened just around Thanksgiving, but discovered in my local Safeway store in D.C. that they are still promoting this opportunity which is FANTASTIC. Every bag is the same and it should have the receipt printed out and stapled to the outside of the bag listing the contents and price which is usually around $10...aka CHEAP. If you want to get extra creative put a bag of your own together and drop it off at a local food bank or corresponding venue. I'm planning to grab a few of these bags next time I'm at the register. You should too.

3) Write a letter. Who doesn't appreciate a good old fashioned, hand written letter especially around the holidays? Well, my good friend Morgan, who works for CBS sent me an email listing off the addresses for the first responders of the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting. These people not only put their lives on the line, they also had to endure the most horrific side of this tragedy. They are truly bravest of the brave and for that, they deserve at the very least a BIG thank you! I have included the addresses below - take a moment and send a note it means more than you know.

Monroe Police Department
7 Fan Hill Road
Monroe, CT 06468

Newtown Police Department
3 Main Street
Newtown, CT 06470

Connecticut State Police
Public Information Office
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, Connecticut 06457

Have Your Self A Glittery Little Christmas

The Glitter Guide (a blog at the top of my list) has been getting some other amazing bloggers to answer a few questions about their holiday favorites. Though they did not ask me personally (ehh hem, rude)  I took it upon myself to share my answers with you. You're welcome!

SONG: “Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas" by Judy Garland
COOKIE: Sugar cookies with vanilla icing and sprinkles.
DRINK: Champs all the way
PARTY DRESS: Loving tartan plaid and tulle this year!
PARTY SHOES: My RED Kate Spade Kamille Shoes
FAVORITE GIFT TO GIVE: I love giving candles, coffee table books and other home decor accents. Right now I am coveting this gold wishbone and this gold fortune cookie box!
LIPSTICK COLOR: Nars Lip gloss in color Orgasm
HOSTESS TRICK: If you can afford to hire some assistance, do so. Have someone taking coats and pouring drinks. Enlist the help of a friend even! It keeps you hands free and able to mingle with guests.
DECOR: Gold! Silver! Glitter!...Go all out, it's the only time of year you can get away with it!
MOVIE: Home Alone—No contest.
WAY TO SPARKLE: Dazzling pearly whites! This is the time of year to whiten your teeth people. With all of the pictures and parties not to mention the gallons of wine you will consume, lighten up a few shades. You wont regret it!


Happy Holidays!!

Bisous  - Elle

Reflection

It's hard to be inspired to blog when such tragedy has taken place in the world. Suddenly everything stops, and all of the trivial things that usually hold such importance in our every day lives fade to grey. We are left holding tight to the things that really matter, friends, family and loved ones. I have been reading and watching so much coverage on this terrible event, ranging from facts to opinions and obviously including some very strong feelings and political beliefs. Yet I find myself completely at a loss for words. I suppose I still haven't been able to wrap my mind around what has happened and I'm not sure if one ever really can. I am so thankful for all of the wonderful people I have in my life and I am thankful for each day I am granted.

A few people to keep in your prayers:

The innocent children and adult victims at Sandy Hook Elementary school.

The families who lost loved ones.

The families whose children and loved ones survived this horrific event but will forever be changed by it.

The first responders - Police and officials who had to witness the aftermath of what happened and tell parents that their children and loved ones were never coming home.

The teachers who risked their lives protecting their classrooms full of young innocent 6 year olds.

The town of Newtown, CT.


Bisous - Elle

Not Just A Hat Rack

Alright so, I will just put it out there. I love hats. I'm a toootal hat person. I never knew it until a few years back, but thank you Jesus for allowing me to make this discovery! You may think you could never be a hat person, but YES.YOU.CAN.

Giant sunnies are a great accessory but a hat makes a whole other statement AND they are so fun! So without further ado, a few of my favorite hats that every girl should have in her closet. You're welcome.

Lets work in seasons...

WINTER:

The Beanie. You all need to go out and purchase a good beanie. Slouch it off the back of your head and pull your hair forward (cashmere is a dream but any knit will do). Adds a tiny touch of hipster but can be worn by anyone with any style. Black is so chic and its a great transition piece from fall into winter. LOVE.

The Fur Hat. So this one is obviously not for everyone but I think its major. It definitely has to be the right place and time but you can't tell me you wouldn't want to wear this on a snowy day with some great boots and a cozy coat....Well I want to.



SPRING:

The Floppy Hat. When spring rolls around its time for garden parties, horse races and spring break. Enter the floppy hat. I personally would skip the monogram and would aim for more neutral tones, but this hat is crucial for shielding the skin from the sun and making a grand entrance. For bold hat lovers only.

The Baseball Hat. Guys look amazing in baseball hats, I'm sorry but they do. Something about a guy in a baseball hat really gets me...BUT this one's for the girls too. Try throwing on a baseball hat next time your heading out on a Saturday or Satur-night! You'd be surprised what a baseball hat can go with. Last weekend I did an over sized cashmere sweater, ripped jeans and the above LA Dodgers hat and got so many compliments! Ok mostly people were asking why I was a dodgers fan but that's the best part. I'm not. I know nothing about the dodgers but I like the colors...Sorry? I also think a baseball hat with a leather jacket combo can be Bad.Ass. But again that's for the risk takers and edgy mamas.

SUMMER:

The Straw Fedora. Don't be thrown off by the word "fedora". I detest it frankly, but if you can get past the word you can find happiness in this item. I had this exact hat pictured above from Urban Outfitters but unfortunately it met an untimely death this past summer and is now swimming with the fishes...Quite literally actually. A few posts back I talked about our trip to Cape Cod. What started out as a boozy ferry ride ended in ultimate sadness when the wind took my beloved straw fedora hat from me. Go ahead Kelly, text me now and tell me how hard you are laughing.... Anyways, with a cute little bow detail like that, this one's a DO.

The Panama Hat. The straw fedora's prettier, cooler step sister, is a major addition to your closet. I'm seeing this one working for a day at the winery or a weekend getaway/road trip with friends. I've kind of been sweating this hat for a while but never bit the bullet. Oh well, next summer it will be something new and just as cute. 

FALL: (my favorite!!)

The Outback Hat: So trying to explain this to my friend Kelly tonight over a mani/pedi turned into a total debacle but hopefully now she will see that the outback hat is COOL...I mean if princess perfect approves of it then I tell you, it's cool. Anyways I own the above hat as well and every year  I look forward to pulling it out, dusting it off and packing it up for my annual mountain weekend trip away with friends. The rugged leather and braid/feather detail completes the look. May not be your taste but I LOVE.

The Felt Panama/Outback Hybrid. Sorry, I'm exhausted and I have no flippin idea what to call this one, but I just added it to my cart (currently on sale at Urban). I don't really need another hat and I suppose I could ask Santa for it so I'm going to sleep on it...Who am I kidding this will be on it's way to my apartment by tomorrow morning. Thanks for the read!

Bisous - Elle

  

All About Lashes

Makeup - Yes, it does wonders. But if you had to choose only ONE makeup item to use for the rest of your life, what would it be? For me it's mascara all the way...Yes a good bronzer is a close second, and concealer can be a girls best friend. But mascara and lashes make the eyes sparkle and that is EVERYTHING.

I have been on a life long search for the perfect mascara and after extensive research, I have found the diamond in the rough...

First lets start with the disappointments. I follow 203 blogs. Religiously. I'm talking devoted reader, every single day. If I didn't have my google reader app I wouldn't make it throughout the work day. Blogs are an amazing source to find new trends, tips and most importantly products. Every now and then however, I find myself led astray...

Enter Benefit's They're Real Mascara... DON'T

I was so excited to try this after reading rave reviews. But this is quite possibly the worst ever...It goes on chunky, is a NIGHTMARE to remove...I'm talking makeup remover, face wash and a second round of makeup remover and I still have dark circles left over. It didn't seem to lengthen much, didn't make them fuller...Not sure why everyone sweats this product.


On the flip side I am over the moon about Mac's False Lashes... DO

Yes I know Mac. One glance into the store makes me want to run and hide. They are nuts with color which is fun, but definitely not practical for every day life. False lashes though is a winner. Give it a try, you wont regret.

Bisous - Elle