Year Round Essentials

Well I've done it again...

Leaving you stranded for several months!  Blogging regularly is harder than I ever imagined!  Life gets busy, weather starts warming up, vacations come around and next thing you know - months have passed by. 

My bedroom update/redecorating is still going on and I now only lack a couple of pieces for everything to be completely finished.  My promise to myself is to have it done by the end of summer.  I have complete faith that I can do it!  : )

Now on to today's topic...

There are just some items that I absolutely can not live without, and as hard as it was trying to do a top 5 - I had to do a top 6 because I can't keep all these great products to myself! 

1. Gap Premium Denim - If you know me, then you know that I have always hated jeans - that was until I found these amazing jeans at Gap.  They have the perfect stretch, don't grow with you throughout the day and are SO comfortable and soft!  I lucked up and found some at the Gap Outlet for only $24.99.  I may or may not have also got the white pair!  : )    www.gap.com
2. Bourbon and Boweties - Holy Cow!  How could I keep such gorgeous bracelets a secret? I have over 10 of these bracelets and they are perfect with any outfit.  They transition from casual to fancy with no effort.  The fun part is you can create your own arm candy with unlimited bracelets.  I wear these daily - sometimes you may only find 2 on my wrist and other days you may find 5 or 6.  The owner is a complete sweetheart and I love her motto - 'made by proud southern hands'  They are currently in the process of starting a website but you can order them now from Facebook at www.facebook.com/bourbonandboweties   Be sure to follow her on Instagram as well - Carley always creates the perfect stone combinations! 
3.Soma Vanishing Back Bra - Your life will forever be changed if you ever buy one of these bras!  Comfort and Style - neither is compromised!  I always cringe when I see a women walking around with "back fat."  This bra is designed to create a seamless look and I can promise you - it passes the test.  I purchased these bras shortly after having a breast reduction and they have lasted over a year and half.  I just recently had to purchase a new nude one but who can complain - 18 months and being washed over twice a week.  That is pretty durable in my book.  The front closure is my favorite but go try them on and I promise you will be hooked!     www.soma.com
4. Clinique Moisturizing Gel - I live in a humid and usually hot environment and this Clinique Moisturizing Gel is perfect for my oily skin.  It absorbs easily and only takes one pump after a shower to feel refreshed.  It also stands the test with the humidity and will help your make up last longer.  If you tend to have dry skin, just use the Clinique Moisturizing Lotion and you will receive the same effects.       www.clinique.com
5. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Leave in Conditioner - I swear by this stuff daily!  My lovely hair girl, Noel, bought me this stuff at the beauty supply store because she knew that I can't use conditioner due to my fine, oily hair and this product works wonders.  My hair has always been tangled when I get out of the shower and with just a few sprays of this magic, a comb will go through my hair with such ease.  It also helps put the protein back in your hair that is lost with heat and color.  I get so many compliments on my hair looking so shiny and healthy and I always tell them about this product.        www.sexyhair.com
6. Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals - The great thing about living in South Carolina is that I can wear my Jacks about 10 out of 12 months a year.  I love that they are durable, comfortable and stylish.  You can dress them up or down!  You will catch me in these during the week at work and also on the weekends and the fabulous part is...they come in such a great variety of colors and textures.      www.jackrogersusa.com

I hope that you will try out my year round essentials if you don't already! 

Blessings,



Candice

Dress, Dress, Dresser it Up

History – I live in small town and have always supported a local Christian organization, Greer Community Ministries.  Each year on the first Thursday of November, they have a HUGE event, Big Thursday, where they raise the majority of their funds for the year.  I had the honor of volunteering this year and was completely taken back when I noticed how many people come out to support such a great cause.  I am truly blessed to live and work in a town where everyone cares about each other. 

 

While I was working the craft area, I spotted this dresser and knew it would be perfect with the design scheme  I had in mind for my new room. 

 

It only needed a paint job, new handles, a small piece taken off and a bidder during the live auction.  I had waited for what felt like eternity and finally…the dresser I had been eyeing for 10 hours was on the stage.  To my advantage, not a single bidder bid against me and I scored this dresser for $50.  Not to mention is was hand built from a local peach farmer and was dovetailed.  Talk about quality and the money going to support such a wonderful cause!    

 

I already knew which color I was going to paint my dresser so the work started pretty quickly.  I chose Annie Sloan’s Old White to match my headboard.  The paint can claims you don’t have to sand or prime the surface but I wanted to so I wouldn’t waste good paint.  I used Zinsser Cover Stain Primer and it works like a charm.  It has a built in stain blocker as well.  (I forgot to take a picture once I had primed the entire dresser and drawers!  I’m sorry!  : )  )  The primer covered extremely well and it only took one coat of Old White.  Here it is drying….

 

Once my paint had dried, roughly 30 minutes, I had 5 handles already picked out but couldn’t decide in the store.  Here is my process of elimination….

 

 

Drumroll…..

 

Here is the completed dresser in my room.  I absolutely love it and can’t wait to add in all my accessories and make my room everything I had envisioned. 

 

In case you forgot what the dresser looked like earlier, here is a before and after.

 

Stay tuned for my room reveal on the next post!

 

I hope you all enjoy to big game tonight and stay safe.

 

 

Candice