Storage & Such

So, let's talk! Am I the only one who has TONS of jewelry/accessories?!?! I'm having a hard time figuring out where and how to store all of my precious gems...LOL! I have a big jewelry chest where I store earrings, necklaces, watches, and more. I also have vintage ashtrays, goblets and other storage items displayed on my bookshelf's but it's just not enough!

(a few pics of my current jewelry storage)

As you all know, I am getting married soon and I am cringing at the idea of finding out where to put my jewelry once I move in with my soon to be hubby. Here is a current picture of how I store my jewelry at his place. I thrifted the items to store my jewelry and my babe liked it so much, I ended up getting him an ashtray for his watches, LOL! Anywho, I turned to Pinterest to ease my storage woes. I found a bunch of inspiration photos that I'd like to share. 

The 1st picture is ideal, if I decided to designate a a few drawers for jewelry only. I love the fact that most of the necklaces and earrings are protected by the lining. I also like the watch tray; very cute! 

The 2nd, 3rd & 4th pics are great as well. The fact that the jewelry is exposed and at arms reach is GREAT! The set ups are both very functional and remind me of a store display. I especially have a ton of necklaces so being able to see them all without untangling them is ideal. 

This last photo is my favorite. I LOVE the different bowls, the easy access to the jewelry and the way that everything looks very organized. I'd LOVE to do this on my bookshelf in my (current) room, or even the dresser in my fiance's room. I'm not sure how he would like my jewels all over the dresser but...LOL. We shall see. This is why I feel I need my own dressing room/office. I'm trying to convince him that the extra bedroom in his place should be used for that purpose. He hasn't given in yet but I've got a few more months to work on him so we shall see ;-) I hope to incorporate one or some of these ideas soon but I definitely plan to once I move. 

Which picture do you like the best? What are you currently using to store your percious jewls? Let me know; I'd LOVE to get some feedback! Take care and ttys!!

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Coming up next is my 50,000 blog view giveaway! Be sure to check back and see what YOU could win!!

Insta Monday

Happy Monday friends!!!

I had a very LONG weekend, but it was full of fun, good times and friends. I attended my good friend Bre's bridal shower/bachelorette party and had a great time. I mentioned HERE that her theme was Sex and the City and I was debating on what to wear. I finally decided on a completely different outfit than I'd planned. Isn't that how it always goes?? LOL! I decided to go for an orange, tribal dress and nude pumps. It was SO Miranda. And guess what??? I won best dressed!!! How fun :-) I will show the full outfit this week but here is a sneak peak of what's to come, as well as some fun pics from that night.

This is what I wore for the shower; we wore all black to the party :-)

Some of the girls at the party!

BRE, the bride-to-be, and her adorable baby Makalya :-)

*DIY T-Shirt I Bligned out for the Bride-to-Be* 

(front)

(back)

*DIY charm bracelet*

*A few goodies I put in her gift basket*

I also wanted to share my recent Love, Cortnie puchase with you, as well as one of my fave looks from last week. I LOVE my colorful jeans and the fit is so perfect! I have a green pair as well and I can't wait to wear those!

Enjoy the pics and ttys. Be blessed!

Denim: Style & Co.

Top: Tommy Hilfiger

Bag: Thrifted (NY)

Necklace: Thrifted

Aztec Clutch: Love, Cortnie

Get yours, HERE.

Sunday Recipe: Quesadillas & Salsa

Happy Sunday to everyone!!!! I hope you've had a great weekend. Mine was WONDERFUL! Yesterday, I celebrated my 26th Birthday with my family and my babe. It was great! Side note: HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT WISHED ME A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!---I TRULY APPRECIATE IT!!! Now back to yesterday....I spent the day shopping, eating, relaxing and I did it all over again today, LOL! I will do a special post on my bday later in the week. But I can say I am so blessed to see another year and I plan to make this year one of the BEST years yet!

Today, I want to share another recipe with you. I am not a big cooker, but I plan to do better, especially when I get married. So today's DELICIOUS goodies come from L.V. over at Food Fashion Flow. Not only is she FLY, but her food posts always leave my mouth watering! This recipe below looks super tasty and very easy. I LOVE quesadillas so this is right up my ally. 

I hope you all enjoy, and thanks to L.V. for sharing this. Be blessed and talk with you soon!! 

Brie Quesadillas with Mango Salsa

Quesadilla Ingredients:

1. 4 flour tortillas about 8 inches across
2. ½ pound Brie Cheese cut into thin slices
3. 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
4. Dash of hot pepper sauce

Directions:

1. Add a small amount of canola oil or nonstick cooking spray to griddle or a skillet
2. Place two (2) flour tortillas on your skillet set over low heat
3. Arrange half of the Brie slices on top of each tortilla
4. Sprinkle the green onion over each tortilla half
5. Let cook for 2 minutes, using a spatula to loosen the tortilla from the bottom of the skillet to make sure it’s not sticking
6. Place another tortilla on top of each of the tortillas and very carefully, using a wide spatula, flip the quesadilla over and cook another 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is just melted
7. Remove from the skillet and cut each quesadilla into quarters
8. Top with mango salsa

Mango Salsa Ingredients:

1. 1 mango peeled seeded and chopped
2. ¼ cup chopped red bell pepper
3. 1 green onion chopped
4. 1/3 cup chopped red onion
5. 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
6. 1 fresh Jalapeno finely chopped
7. 2 tablespoons lime juice
8. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
9. I teaspoon light brown sugar (optional, but adds amazing depth of flavor)

 Directions: 

1. In a medium bowl, mix mango, red bell pepper, green onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, and lemon juice
2. Cover, and allow to sit at least 30 minutes before serving

Florida Recap, In Pictures

Food & Family

*inside Emeril's Restaurant*

*the food was just....divine!!!*

*we met Uncle Charlie & fam in FL; we had a BALL!!*

Awards & Pics

*after the red carpet* 

*Taylor, her MD sister queen Maddie, and the BEST state director (winner of director of the year) Vanessa*

Family & Such 

Taylor & Friends

*some of the DMV princesses*

* Taylor & friends, after her win*

IJM Sisters & Family

*the girls and the photographer & make-up/hairstylist...a GREAT husband wife team* 

*lovely, diverse, and intelligent young ladies!*

*Taylor receiving all her gifts/goodies form her international director*

Extras

*i wore my grandma's necklace and my love, cortnie clutch one day*

*Taylor's hair accessories and earrings...all from where??? the FL flea market!! thanks to my ;-)*

*i re-bedazzled her tap gloves after a few stones fell off during the packing & unpacking*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY & DIY!!

Before I start this post, I MUST wish my 10 year-old sister a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I cannot believe that she is 10. I remember the day she was born; I cut the umbilical cord, held her in my arms and knew from that moment on she'd change my life...for the better. She and I have a very special bond and I am so thankful for that. She has taught me so much about life and about myself and I am so proud of the little lady she's becoming. So help me wish my favorite little person a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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Now, onto today's my post....

I guess you can say that I've been bitten by the DIY bug! LOL Last weekend, I spent about and hour in the craft store looking at the different items and I was determined to walk out of the store with a glue gun, and at least ONE DIY project. Well, I walked out with the glue gun and about 5 or 6 DIY projects!! 

I follow a few bloggers (Love Maegan, Rush our Fashion, Consider Me Lovely) just to name a few, who are really into DIY and I've become to inspired. I've even made a DIY album on my Facebook Page, here. To be honest, I've never been an arts & crafts person. I love to write poems, short stories, create photo albums and different collages. But get my hands dirty and sticky from glue and and paint, I'll pass!! However the older I get and the more immersed I become in the blogging culture, I find myself fascinated with the things you can do/make/create yourself. And it makes perfect sense; as picky as I can be, why not make something the way I want it to look???

Well, I've done just that! I decided to start small and work my way to the bigger projects. I made 2 headbands, one for my little sister and one for a friend, a cuff with a lace flower (for my mom), and a starfish necklace for my mom (not pictured). I have a few more projects to go but hey, this is a start. Now that I am in the groove of things, I am excited to see what else I can make. My little sis, mom and friend LOVED the creations. And I know if anyone is going to be honest with me, they will be! So thumbs up for me ;-) I hope to create some more things this weekend. I'll be sure to keep you posted on my progress.

Enjoy the photos below and let me know which DIY creation is YOUR favorite. Also, what would YOU like to see me tackle next??? Be easy on me tho ;-)

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Home Edition

Well, let me just start off by saying, thank goodness for a short week!!! :-) I hope all is well with you all. Are you ready for some turkey and stuffing?? LOL.

For the past few days I have been working HARD to pack, move and unpack my fiance into his new apartment. I am so happy that we are finally done with the hard stuff. Now, we can enjoy the place and concentrate on decorating. As I probably stated in previous posts, he and I will not be living together until we get married (next Dec.). BUT, I plan to be over there all the time. And, this will be the place we live together once we say, "I do". So, I have taken on the task of decorating the new place. Needless to say, I will be in HomeGoods, Marshall's, Ikea and online now looking for new things to buy. LOL. I am so thankful that he is just as excited about decorating and whatnot as I am. He likes to hang pictures, pick out stuff and do DIY projects. We make a great team!

With all that being said, here are a few pics of the place, as well as some inspirations for upcoming decorating projects. All of the rooms are works in progress of course, so feel free to suggest some ideas. I would love to read your comments. You can also follow me on FACEBOOK to see my "Home Edition" photo album. I am always posting ideas there as well.  Enjoy and have a blessed evening!!

~Nic

{Living Room}

{We are thinking about hanging his mask collection over the fireplace}

{Dining Room/Eating Area}

{Opening between the Dining Room & Kitchen}

{Looking Outside on the Deck}

{Guest Room/Office}

*my little sister has claimed this room, LOL*

{My babe chillin' after a LONG day}

{Decorating Inspirations}