March Favorites

Happy April everyone!

Here are some of the things that I have been loving this past month.

•Favorite Snack: Chocolate Cupcake Luna Bar•

I have always been a fan of Luna bars & this new Chocolate Cupcake flavor does not disappoint. 

It taste just like a chocolate cupcake but has 9 grams of protein & is gluten free!

•Favorite Shoes: Steve Madden Boots•

I have been looking for a shorter pair of boots for a while now, but wasn't having much luck. 

I wanted a pair that were comfortable but would also hold up to the wear, considering the past couple of pairs I've owned have literally fallen apart.

I found these beautiful Steve Madden ones in the clearance section at TJ Maxx for $40 & knew I couldn't pass them up. 

They are super comfortable, can be paired with jeans or leggings & can also be carried into the spring season with dresses & skirts. 

•Favorite Book: Wild•

I am only 1/4 of the way through this book & can already place it on my favorites list because that's how truly fantastic it is. 

An incredible woman & her inspiring & powerful journey of personal tragedy, hardships, & her unconventional plan of rediscovering herself in the wilderness of the PCT.

I promise you that you will not be able to put this book down & will be longing for your own journey of self discovery.

•Favorite Lip Product: Milani Lipstick - 63 Matte Diva•

I have been OBSESSED with this matte hot pink lip color. 

It's the perfect statement lip for the spring, stays on all day long, & makes your lips feel super smooth even though it has matte finish. 

Plus, I purchased it for only $5.99 at CVS!

•Favorite Accessory: Liz Palacios Earrings•

I received these beautiful earrings as a gift from my Aunt for my birthday last year & they have recently become one of my favorite pairs of earrings. 

They're the perfect pop of sparkle to any simple outfit. 

You can find similar styles at http://lizpalacios.com

 •Favorite Quote•

•Image source: Pinterest•

Marley Lilly Review & Giveaway

About a little over a month ago I had the opportunity to pick out a few things from one of my favorite places EVER Marley Lilly. 

After having the chance to try out each of them out multiple times over the past month, I thought I would share my thoughts with you! 

Plus, there's a super awesome giveaway going on right now that you are going to want the details to! 

{ Blanket Scarf }

•Find the Ivory & Navy version here•

If you did not know, Marley Lilly has a fabulous sister site called Monday Dress. 

They have a huge assortment of beautiful non-monogrammed clothing & accessories. 

The colors on this Blanket Scarf add the perfect pop to any neutral outfit. 

When unfolded this scarf is literally the size of a blanket, but provides a ridiculous amount of warmth without feeling like you're wearing a neck brace. 

Pair it with a coat & some boots, or wrap it around your shoulders & belt it over a long sleeve for a casual chic look. 

• Check out Monday Dress here! •

{ Monogrammed Scalloped Luxe Cross Body Clutch }

This cross body clutch may just be one of my favorite things that I have ever owned. 

I hate switching out purses, but multiple times a week I find myself often throwing my stuff into this one.

Not only is it the perfect size to carry around during the day, but also makes a great addition to any outfit for a night out.

The monogram & scalloped edging on this purse truly make it a beautiful statement piece. 

Plus, this purse is featured in many different colors & the gold chain strap is removable if you would prefer to carry it as a clutch!

{ Monogrammed Golden Name Plate Necklace }

I had been looking for a necklace like this for quite some time & was overjoyed when I found exactly what I was looking for on the Marley Lilly website & for such a reasonable price too!

This gold name plate necklace is exactly the addition you need to any simple outfit.

Dress it up or dress it down, it's perfect for any occasion.

Not only does it look fabulous on its own as a stand out piece, but style it with another necklace or two for a beautiful layered look. 

{ Monogrammed Pullover Printed Pocket Sweatshirt }

This pullover may just be the comfiest sweatshirt I have ever owned.

Incredibly soft & so warm, it's perfect for a cool day.

I even ended up ordering mine in a size larger than I usually do so it's loose & comfy for the days that I want to just throw it over a pair of jeans & some boots.

A causal look with an adorable pop from the monogrammed printed pocket. 

{ Marley Lilly Stickers }

Show your Marley Lilly pride with these colorful stickers just like the ones I have shown above!

They feature a special coating that protects them from rain, wind, & sunlight. 

So stick them on your water bottles like I have done, or add them onto your car, & laptops! 

The best part of all, they're free! 

Just add them to your cart! 

There is a limit to them though, so check them out here to order & read more about it! 

{ Giveaway }

• Follow Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle. on Instagram here • 

During the whole month of February you receive a FREE Marley Lilly Selfie T-shirt with any $30.00 Marley Lilly order! 

No coupon code required. 

The T-shirt will atomically appear in your cart once qualified, all you have to do is choose your size! 

Not only is this shirt super adorable & perfect for the gym or paired with a sweater & some jeans & boots for a causal look. 

But...

If you share your creative selfie after receiving your shirt with #MarleyLillySelfie you're entered to have a chance to win a monogrammed gift every weekday in the month of March! 

Just post your photo on Twitter or Instagram for a chance to be featured on their page! 

•Follow Marley Lilly on Instagram here  & on Twitter here •

 Now that I've shown you some of my favorites, go find some of yours! 

Head on over to https://marleylilly.com to take advantage of this fabulous Giveaway before February is over! 

I know you won't be disappointed! 

January Favorites

Can you believe that January is already over? 

I'm still managing to write '14 on everything & will probably continue to do so until 2016 comes around.

But with the ending of the month, it is time for my January Favorites!  

As you may notice, many of these products featured this month are from Target.

But hey, with the constant amount of snowfall thanks to #Blizzard2015 & the countless other snow storms, you can only venture out so far & Target is always the ideal destination. 

{Favorite Accessory: Jeweled Necklace}

I've been looking at the J.Crew crystal necklaces for over a year now, but I just can't justify spending at least $50 for one. 

Instead, I finally found a look-a-like for $4.87 at Target. 

That's right friends, $4.87

As in I could've bought 10 more of these for the price of one necklace.

Reason #6,576 why I love Target. 

The colors are absolutely beautiful & it adds just the right sparkle to any outfit.

{Favorite Lip Product: NYX Butter Gloss - Vanilla Cream Pie} 

I have been loving the NYX lip products lately & this one definitely has not let me down.

Searching for a nude/pinkish lips gloss that lasts a long period of time, & isn't too sticky has been quite a task. 

But this one is perfect.

I love wearing it alone as an everyday lip color, but it also layers fantastic on top of a nude lipstick. 

{Favorite Product: Glass Water Bottle}

Every day in high school I had a plastic water bottle with me, but was constantly buying new ones due to the funky taste they all seemed to have.

After giving up the search for a glass bottle, that I didn't feel like would shatter at any moment,

I happened to spot this one at Target. 

It fits tons of water in it, keeps it cold, doesn't taste funky at all, & the rope strap is super sturdy & makes it easy to carry without feeling like its going to break off. 

Plus, it's cute.

Which is always a plus.

{Favorite Art Supply: Watercolor Palette}

The only positive thing about these never ending snowstorms, is the fact that I get to stay inside, listen to countless hours of Spotify, & paint all day long with no contact to the outside world, 

& it be completely acceptable. 

I have wanted a watercolor palette with multiple different colors for a while now & while browsing the paintbrush section at Joanne's the other day I happened to see this one. 

This beauty has 36 colors & was only $5.99!

As you can see, I've only had it for a few days & it has definitely gotten its use. 

Now if only I hadn't run out of watercolor paper during a blizzard... 

{Favorite Food: Danielle Roasted Coconut Chips} 

My sister got me hooked on these coconut chips at her house a couple weeks ago & as a result, I obviously had to pick some up on my weekly Target trip.  

If you love coconut as much as I do, I guarantee you will be addicted. 

No preservatives, all natural, no trans fat, & the only three ingredients are young coconuts, sugar, & salt. 

Let's just say, maybe the bag was gone in a day...

{Favorite Moment} 

On January•10•2015 my oldest sister brought my handsome little nephew Eli Richard into the world. 

Already being an Aunt to his two beautiful big sisters & having the opportunity to see them grow into such extraordinary little human beings each day is truly a gift. 

I never thought that 3 people could fill my heart with as much love as they do. 

{Favorite Quote}

•Image source: Pinterest•

Day 1 of 365

{ A year ago today I would have never pictured my life to be what it is right now }

That's one of the things that I find most exciting about life.

No matter how much you plan, it's crazy, unpredictable, & magical all at once. 

•2014 was a year that will always hold a special place in my heart•

It held many momentous occasions including everything from winning my first drawing contest for a festival in my town, to my Senior Prom. 

    I had the opportunity to stand on a stage with the best Drama Club in the entire world celebrating our Regional One Act win. 

• A moment that I hold close to my heart & will remember for my entire life•

I even turned 18 & graduated high school this year. 

Which by the way, when I received my diploma I forgot to stop to take the picture & tried to walk away.

Embarrassing myself obviously seemed to be a common trend in 2014.

Lesson learned. Stop for the picture kids. 

Though this year held many positive & unforgettable events it also came with some very trying ones. 

I was faced with many decisions that I was unsure about & lead me to be pushed very far out of my comfort zone. 

I went through the challenging process of eliminating unhealthy relationships of my life. 

& started new.

 { Someone once said }

•Whatever happened over this past year. Be thankful for where it brought you. 

Where you are is where you're meant to be•

& I couldn't agree with this more.

Through all the tears & uncertainty, the decisions I have made this past year have resulted in me finally feeling like I am headed on the right path for myself.

We often go into things having a goal in mind, but when we only focus on the end game, when often miss the detour that can lead us to even better things. 

•Life is defined in moments & I am so blessed to carry each one of these moments & so many more of 2014 in my heart forever•

I'm a firm believer in not setting New Year's Resolutions.

I believe that if you want to make changes in your life, why wait until a day at the end of the year to do that?
Start now.
Don't wait around.
If you want something, go out & get it for yourself.

I set goals for myself that are worked on long before a day at the end of the year where I feel like I need to make changes. 

I'm not saying I hold anything against people that choose to make resolutions, that is their decision & not mine. 

However, I choose to make my resolutions day to day instead of year to year. 

The second half of 2014 was focused completely on my journey & where I wanted to go from there. 

{ For more information check out this }

 I am very excited to say, that after a long couple of months, there are many things that are in the process of happening in 2015. 

I'm not going to share exactly what they are just yet, because like I said, they are in the process 

& there is still a long way to go. 

But achieving little goals along the way to the bigger picture, is a sense of accomplishment like you would never believe. 

•Each year has been magical in it's own way, but I am ecstatic to see where 2015 takes me•

{ With that being said... Here's my 10 pieces of advice for 2015 }

 • Image source: Pinterest•

1.  You know all those things you've always wanted to do? Go do them. What better time than now?

2.  Stop relying on other people to provide you with happiness. You are perfectly capable of providing it for yourself.

3. Don't let the mistakes you make define you. Making mistakes means you're trying new things, whether they turn out to be a success or failure. You're pushing yourself & changing your life. If I hadn't made the mistakes that I did last year, I would never be on the path that I am today. Learn from them.

4. Be proud of yourself. At the end of the day, this is your life & your life only. Make the steps to create the life that you can be proud of & proud to be.

5. Put down your phones, computers, tablets, anything & everything, every once in a while. Open your eyes to the world that is sitting right there in front of you.

6. Define your own success. Whether it be big or small, make it completely up to you. Don't feel like you have to obtain goals that don't relate to your choice of life.

7. Don't waste your precious time on people that don't care about you. I have spent way too much of my time trying to keep relationships that only hurt me. Take that time & energy & focus it towards relationships with people that truly care.

8. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are perfectly extraordinary just the way you are.

9. Laugh often & love many. It's good for your soul.

10. Pursue your passions & dreams. If they're important enough for you to make them dreams in the first place, stop making excuses for yourself & make them a reality. 

This is your year to shine. Go out & make it extra sparkly.

December Favorites

With all the craziness of the holidays, it seems like the December days have flown by. 

Here are some of my favorites this month. 

Enjoy! 

{Favorite Accessory: Bracelets} 

 | Bracelets: Eastcraeft | Scarf: Marley Lily |

I have been loving bracelets this month & these are two of my absolute favorites. 

I purchased both of these beauties at Eastcraeft & just may be slightly obsessed with their accessories. 

{Favorite Nail Polish: Sinful Colors - Aubergine}

| Sweater: Old Navy |

I picked up this color at Target a couple weeks ago & have been wearing it non-stop since then.

The perfect red for the holiday season. 

{Favorite Snack: Cliff Bar - Pecan Pie}

Remember those weird Little Debbie Oatmeal Pie things that you ate as a child? 

I never really liked them because the strange greasiness of them weirded me out. 

However, these Pecan Pie Cliff Bars taste very similar to them.

I'm a huge "bar" fan & these happen to be the perfect texture & just delicious in general.

{Favorite Lip Product: Nyx Soft Matte - San Paulo}

| Shirt: Forever 21 |

I'm a huge lip product fan & happened to purchase this one the other day on a whim.

I can honestly say I'm officially obsessed with it. 

The soft matte leaves the perfect finish & I'm not joking when I say it lasts all day long. 

I purchased mine at Ulta for $5.99, however you can also find some of the Nyx products at Target. 

{Favorite Bag: Vintage* Dooney & Bourke}

I purchased this Dooney & Bourke bag off one of those Facebook Yard Sale pages for only $15.00. 

I repeat $15.00 freaking dollars. 

I really like Dooney & Bourke, but I like it even better when I can find a super awesome deal.

It happens to be the perfect size, fitting everything I need in it without feeling like it's weighing my shoulder down. 

It just may hold the title of my Favorite Bag Ever. 

{Favorite Shoes: Hunter Boots - Bright Coral}

I have been lusting over Hunter Rain Boots for years now & I am so blessed to have received a pair for Christmas. 

The Bright Coral color is BEAUTIFUL.

& I would be lying if I said I haven't worn them every day since then....

{Favorite Quote}

• Image source Pinterest •

May Your Days Be Merry & Bright

No matter what you may celebrate, where you may be, or who you're with, take joy in every moment of it.

{ It will be over in a blink of an eye } 

Well wishes to everyone during the most magical time of the year.

{P.S. Keep checking in to see a December Favorites & New Year's post in the next week!}

Marley Lilly

•She believes a monogram says more than a name & will use it any place she can•

 - Winnie Jean

I have been a monogram lover ever since I discovered them a few years ago.

Last year I even monogrammed my binders. Sure, I got a few strange looks from people & the usual "What even is a monogram?" 
But let me tell you, they were fabulous & I carried them around with pride. 

My parents also gave me a beautiful monogrammed necklace for my birthday last year {Featured in my Friday Favorites a couple weeks ago} that I wear regularly. 

I thought my addiction was real, but when I found the Holy Grail of monogram sites, Marley Lilly {https://marleylilly.com} a couple of months ago, it took it to a whole other level.

I would be lying if I said that I didn't stalk Marley Lilly on a regular basis. 

How can you not though? It's every monogram lovers dream.

 Featuring everything from water bottles & scarfs, to jewelry & shoes. 
{ Plus, super adorable stickers }

They also have a free app that you can use to shop or make fabulous monogrammed phone backgrounds!

Last week I received this beautiful Monogrammed Tassel Bracelet from no other than the wonderful, Marley Lilly. 

{Get yours here! https://marleylilly.com/product/monogrammed-tassel-bracelet/?sku=EN-LDB5968-NAVY33B} 

This bracelet is something that I would never think to order for myself.

 However, when I received it in the mail, I instantly fell in love. 

The classy script writing of the monogram against the unique tassel make for a fascinating & gorgeous mix. 

It's an effortless statement piece that adds just the right amount. 

{ Styled with a simple white dress, black tights, tan booties & a red plaid shirt

it makes a perfect accessory for any casual outfit }

While stunning on its own, the Monogrammed Tassel Bracelet is such a versatile piece that also looks great with some layered arm candy.

{ Styled with a black dress, fake-fur vest, & layered pearl bracelets, 

it adds the perfect amount of drama to the look } 

There is so much to love about this company, but one of the attributions I love most about Marley Lilly is the quality of their pieces. 

The prices are fantastic & the products will hold up to the wear time & time again. 

It is impossible to go on https://marleylilly.com without finding something that you love. 

Marley Lilly also features many "Flash Sales" on a regular basis 

that are impossible to resist. 

Plus, with the holiday season coming up what makes a gift more personal than a monogram! 

{ Here's some of my personal https://marleylilly.com favorites }

1. Monogrammed Long Sleeve Crewneck Printed Pocket T-Shirt: Perfect to throw on with a pair of jeans & some tall boots for a cool fall day. https://marleylilly.com/product/monogrammed-long-sleeve-crewneck-printed-pocket-t-shirt/?sku=DY-PP-PC61LS-BLAK-4XL

2. Monogrammed Golden Name Plate Necklace: The perfect layering necklace & my personal favorite. This needs to make its way into my life very soon! https://marleylilly.com/product/monogrammed-golden-name-plate-necklace/

3. Monogrammed Tassel Bracelet: Even though I already have the tan version, I'm slightly obsessed. I wouldn't mind owning them in every color. https://marleylilly.com/product/monogrammed-tassel-bracelet/?sku=EN-LDB5968-NAVY33B {Bonus, they're on sale right now!}

4. Monogrammed Luxe Cross Body Clutch: The size of this bag is fantastic & it's stunning. Perfect for a night out or a day of shopping. https://marleylilly.com/product/monogrammed-luxe-cross-body-clutch/?sku=EM-LUXE-BROW

5. Monogrammed Ballet Flats: Flats are my favorite shoes to wear & these beautiful monogrammed ones would make any outfit pop! https://marleylilly.com/product/monogrammed-ballet-flats/?sku=V-STANDOUTS35A-BLKCRP-7

•All of these products are offered in multiple different color options•  

Go show https://marleylilly.com some love! I know you will enjoy it as much as I do!

In the waves of change we find our true direction

Welcome back everyone!

I just wanted to give you a quick update on a few changes that are happening here on the 

 Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle. 

blog.

As you may have noticed, we got a complete blog makeover! 

But don't you worry, this will be the last one for a very long time. 

I received some very exciting news last week that I am ecstatic to share with you all! 

However... 

You will have to keep checking in this week to see exactly what that news is!

Due to these new changes, last week's Friday Favorites will be the last one.

 Friday Favorites aren't going away completely, just changing over to Monthly Favorites starting in December! 

This is going to allow me to post more exciting content & a larger variety of posts for you to enjoy! 

Whether it be, Fashion, Cooking, or more Claudia's Life, you're in for a treat!

Since the holiday season is also upon us, be looking out for some holiday themed blogs in the very near future!

Like in life, progress is impossible without change. 

I hope you are just as excited for these new changes as I am!

Keep checking in to see more!

Image source: Pinterest

Friday Favorites: November 7th

I hope everyone had a wonderful week!

Here's this weeks favorites. 

Favorite Food: Lara Bar

This Chocolate Chip Brownie Lara Bar is heaven. 

So delicious & so filling.

Favorite Accessory: Monogramed Necklace

My parents gave me this beautiful monogrammed necklace for my birthday last year. 

I use to wear it non-stop, but it has recently become one of my "go to" accessories again. 

Favorite Music: 1989

My girl T. Swift is at it again. 

1989 has been on constant repeat & I can honestly say there is not one song on this album that I dislike. 

Favorite Book: Looking for Alaska

The only John Green book I have read before this was The Fault in Our Stars, which I was not a huge fan of. 

However, I am currently really enjoying this one. 

Favorite Quote: 

Image source: Pinterest

Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday Favorites: October 24th + Feminism

This week's Friday Favorites is going to be a little different here on the 

Live Bright. Be Bold. & Sparkle. blog. 

Instead of my multiple favorites like usual, I only have one this week & this happens to be it.

Potty-Mouthed Princesses Drop F-Bombs for Feminism 

http://youtu.be/2ZfltpUhP30

You may have seen this video being shared around, receiving a lot of attention & controversy do to the fact that it features multiple young girls swearing. 

Many people have very strong opinions on the language these young girls are using, however what really should disturb them, is the facts that are the sole purpose of this video. 

Women face gender inequality every single day of their lives in many different instances.

For example, as this video shared, women are paid 23% less than men for the same work, please tell me how much sense that makes. 
& if that doesn't say anything, in many cases, women that graduate with straight A's get paid the same as men that got straight C's. 

We're teaching girls that bad grades = more bank, based solely on the fact that they're male. 

Instead of waistlines defining women, why don't we focus on something else. Like hmm, I don't know, maybe their brain? 

Image source: Pinterest

After watching this video, I decided to scroll down the YouTube page to read some of the comments. 
To say I was disgusted would be an understatement. 
It featured many things like, "These girls will be whores in no time" or "Teach the women how to act like ladies and not dress like a hooker on the streets that would help too."
Why is it that when women finally stand up for themselves they're automatically labeled as "whores" or "sluts"?
Last time I checked, that didn't seem very "equal" to me.

Image source: Pinterest

As a senior in high school, I spent half of the year completing a project on women's self confidence & the impact the media has on it. 

We teach women of all ages that they have to perfect, that you have to be skinny, you have to be sexually appealing to men, & it's a must to act the way men want you too, or else you'll be called degrading names for it. 

I'm not saying that I completely blame men for the way they treat women, because our society has trained them to view & treat women as an objectified object. However, there has to be a time when everyone needs to realize that this is NOT okay 
& what better time than now?

Image source: Pinterest

Feminism. 
It's a word that holds many negative connotations that seem to be continuously growing. Referring to women that are Feminist as "Men Haters" is one of the most common. 
However, I find this very hard to believe, when the literal definition is....
fem·i·nism : the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities 
{http://www.merriam-webster.com}

Emma Watson did a truly magnificent job in her speech addressing gender equality. 
If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend you do. 

http://youtu.be/c9SUAcNlVQ4

When girls are young we teach them that being "bossy" is bad.

 We teach young boys to not "run like a girl" because being a girl is a bad thing & not to express their feelings because it means their weak. 

We instill in teens that their bodies should be nothing less than perfect. 

We teach women not to dress certain ways because we're

 "asking for it" when it comes to sexual assault & rape. 

Which by the way, happens to 1 in every 5 women. 

Image source: Pinterest

Why should women have to live their life in fear? 

Why should I have to be afraid when I go for a walk alone fearing that something may happen to me?

Why should I be told I can't wear something because it's 

"too distracting for males"?

 Why should I feel 10x happier when someone tells me that I look like 

I've "lost weight"?

Why is my level of intelligence worthless when compared to a male? 

Why is it that when I stand up for myself, I am automatically called a bitch, no matter what the impact of the words coming out of my mouth are? 

When is this nonsense finally going to change?

I am a Feminist & I am damn proud of it. 

Image source: Pinterest

For more information check out some of my favorite places:

Miss Representation: Watch the movie. Join the movement. http://therepresentationproject.org/films/miss-representation/

Laci Green's YouTube Video's on Feminism are wonderful, I highly recommend checking them out.  

http://youtu.be/UwJRFClybmk?list=UUJm5yR1KFcysl_0I3x-iReg http://youtu.be/EJPT_U97lNs?list=UUJm5yR1KFcysl_0I3x-iReg

Upworthy often features some great articles on women & just great articles in general! Check it out!!

http://www.upworthy.com

Image source: Pinterest