"Good Friday" Everyone...

   
   This was the view on my way home today.  And I couldn't help but smile and think about what a good Friday this actually is. Then, His name began to roll off my lips: JESUS.  My eyes filled with tears, a smile spread across my face, and my heart filled with emotions too numerous to list.  JESUS... the One who was, and is, and is yet to come!  JESUS... Savior, Redeemer, Son of the utmost High God!  JESUS... the man who lived and died for you and for me... who suffered the cross and paid my debt to raise this life up from the dead!  JESUS... who has risen!
    So today, on this Good Friday-- give thanks to the One who is coming again-- for you and for me, and to make all things new.  For it is only by Him that we are saved.  "Jesus paid it all, all to Him i owe;...my sin had left a crimson stain... He washed it white as snow."       

~Good Friday, everyone.

Oh The Things You Can Find... If You Know Where To Go

    If you live close to Nashville, you are in luck.  There's so many great, little unique places to visit-- and shop!  If you know where to look, you can find practically anything you're searching for-- at a great price.  So let's start with one of my favorite little Nash-zones... Hillsboro Village in the west end.  If you've been there before, you know how just fun and laid-back the area is.  It gives off a retro-cool vibe, that's undeniably hip-chic.  Each time I venture down to the Village.. I feel like I'm back on the streets of London.  Or even in New York City's, Greenwich Village.  So artsy, so classy, so free.  There's clothing boutiques, 'coolest-of-cool' coffee shops and eateries-- (Fido anyone?), the famous "Pancake Pantry" (gives the Country Music Hall of Fame a run for its money in tourist's eyes), and what I consider to be one of the most perfect little book stores man ever established --(more on that in a later post).
     Just this past week, a friend (hi Jess) and I journeyed down to the Village for a day of browsing.  Our first stop, of course, was the great little boutique called "Pangaea".

   This place has all sorts of amazing items.  Clothing, jewelry, vintage-flare pillows, China-print wallpaper, cutesy notebooks/tablets, hats, headbands, fierce/shabby-chic nic-knacks-- you name it!  And all of it, reasonably priced.  For example, I was there to browse-- not to spend oodles of money.  So, I scammed the racks to see what I could find.  I had already decided I wanted to stay around $30... (seemed like a safe price range-- I figured I'd leave empty-handed).  And if there's one thing I love when it comes to shopping, it's buying something new-- but the one thing I love even more is finding a great deal!  So to my delight, you can imagine how excited I was to find the perfect little spring/summer dress-- that had my name written all over it!  And best of all-- this little beauty fell right near my price range-- $31.  Now I do have to confess I spent a tad extra on accessories, but once you see how they "make" the outfit-- you'll understand why.  After all, it's the finishing touches that make an outfit "your own".  Take a look at mine....

   I love the 'vintage-vibe' the dress gives off, with its neutral colors and lace trim.  But there's something classically girly about it too.  I paired it with a silver/gray beaded belt complete with wooden buckle.  The gray belt brings out the gray design, while the brown buckle keeps the overall neutral shade of the dress balanced.  Here's a closer look...

   And to add a personal touch, I chose to pair it with a fun stone cuff.  I was so happy when I found this one-- because it matched perfectly!

   I felt pretty accomplished-- a fashion-savvy 3-piece outfit for around $60-- I call that a bargain!  In fact, I felt so content with my purchase at Pangaea... I could have called it a day----- BUT, since I was in Hillsboro Village, I knew I had to make a pit-stop in one more adorable boutique---"Fire Finch".

    If you love fashion-forward pieces, perfect for a dinner-date-- better yet.. that could be rocked on any runway, this place is for you.  It's impossible for a female-- of any age-- to walk by this store without taking a second-glance before racing through the door.  Inside you'll find all kinds of delicate pieces.. including clothing/jewelry/ and handbags.  And it's nearly impossible to not find something that will catch your eye.  Case in point-- one glance at these beautiful earrings, and I knew I could not go on without them.  You'll see why-------

    Believe it or not, this picture doesn't really do them justice.  These little balls glisten most beautifully when light hits the crystallized features.  And the bold color is extraordinary!  Pair them with a simple black dress, and they're all the color your outfit will need.  Most gorgeous, don't you think?

    I could go on and on about Hillsboro Village, but to truly understand just how great it is, you must experience it for yourself.  So if you're searching for the perfect place to spend a Saturday with your girlfriends-- or just to have some laid-back time by yourself, this is the place for you.  Because if you know where to look.. not only are your wardrobe possibilities going to be endless.. but so is the huge smile that's going to be on your face once you go.

"Dress for Success" .... Rock the Office With Stellar Confidence and an Unforgettable Look

    Got an interview for a potential internship or job coming up??  Don't stress.  Just remember to let your personality shine through and be yourself.  And when it comes to what to wear-- after reading this, you're going to have no worries on that either.
   Times they are a changin'... and the professional "office-appropriate" look has too!  What once used to be considered "go-to" pieces-- such as the black blazer and slacks with closed-toe pumps,.. has ever-so subtly evolved.  Although it's ideal to stick with classic, conservative basics... like a tailor black pant, or a super-fun blazer,.. don't be afraid to add a bit of fun with your jewelry.  Remember though, keep it simple with one statement piece!
   For more great tips on how to look your best, check out the link below.  This article, written by Murfreesboro's Daily News Journal --(I'm included in the interview- yay!)...will have you looking your best!
  
Click here to check out the fabulous article in the Daily News Journal...."Dress for Success-- Put Together a Job-Winning Outfit"

   So walk tall and let you confidence shine. And use the tips above to "dress for success".... because once you walk in to that interview-- you're going to be positively unforgettable-- which is exactly what you want, right?

"Coat Your Kisser" With This Gorgeous Gloss/ Balm/Color/Sun Protector

   I am a chap-stick addict.  I'm one of those people who just can't seem to apply enough of the stuff.  It goes on my lips each morning before I head out the door, at least twice while I'm in the car, and a dozen times during the work day... I seriously love chap-stick--that much.  Of course, it could be the fact that it keeps my lips moisturized and wind-burn free!
   So no matter if I'm wearing traditional lip stick or lip stain.. even lip gloss-- it doesn't go on my lips without a serious base coat of chap-stick underneath.  You may or may not be like me when it comes to this.  For years, I've searched for a lip balm that possessed the qualities of chap-stick... along with a hint of color. But every balm, gloss, or stain I tried seemed to leave my lips feeling dried out... forcing me to turn to my old friend "the chappy stick" to rescue me from lip peril. So I continued my quest-- until NOW.  Because ladies, I am happy to say that I have finally found a lip balm that meets my high-criteria!

     <Insert excited face here>... Introducing "CoverGirl NatureLuxe" gloss balm.  Not only does it give your lips a glossy feel,.. there's a variety of colors for you to choose from-- and listen up:  it will matter which one you choose-- because it's color that you can actually see.  I'm sure you've all thought you were buying a balm for the beautiful color.. just to find out that when you applied it to your lips-- you couldn't actually see the color at all!  Well friends, I'm here to tell you, with this stuff you can see it!
   And if that wasn't great enough-- this gloss balm also has SPF 15.. which means you'll be protecting your lips from the harmful sun rays while you're looking fabulous.
   And for a reasonable price of around $7 bucks.. you can afford to stock up on a few colors, so you'll look great no matter what look you're going for!  Two of my favorites are "coral"-- for the more natural, beachy look.... and "muscat"-- which has a deeper mauve tint that suits a more dramatic look and pairs perfectly with a neutral smokey eye.
   I'm telling you-- you're absolutely going to love this stuff.  But I'll warn you-- your chap-stick may not, considering it'll probably find itself in hibernation-mode for the rest of the summer.

Fashionable Finds That'll Have You Looking Oh-So "Trendy" This Spring....

   I love spring.  The flowers start to bloom, the sun stays up longer, and it warms up just enough outside, that you can bring out the flip-flops from their winter hibernation.  Then comes Easter.. and spring cleaning.. then spring shopping!!  And don't you agree-- finding that perfect little spring dress happens to always brighten your day? 
   If so, you're going to love this!  Because I've found some "trendy" spring fashion finds that's sure to have you smiling from ear to ear.  This year, it's all about color!  Bright pinks, purples, and turquoises are filling close racks like spring flowers filling flower beds.  And when it comes to dresses... there's several great options for ladies of every shape and size.  You'll find ones that are long and flowy, short yet classy, and strapless/chic. 
   One of my favorite little boutiques where you'll find this season's most gorgeous looks is Trendy Pieces in Murfreesboro, TN.  They have all sorts of fun jewelry, hats and shoes.. as well as unique tops, dresses and ever-popular "Miss Me" brand jeans.  And I can tell you first-hand, every time I journey into the store.. I never leave empty handed.
    In fact, just this week I was watching the Today Show's style segment, and to my delight they featured a fabulous pair of silver "leaf" earrings, perfect for any spring outfit!  I'm sure you're thinking.. "OK, so what Casey...." Well, it turns out I had just found those very same earrings at where else-- Trendy Pieces!  See for yourself...

   They're a tad bigger than I'm used to, but they actually look beautiful when you're wearing them.  And they're very lightweight-- on your ears-- and on your wallet!  Because ladies.. you can get this gorgeous pair of "Today Show-approved" earrings for only $10 bucks!  Talk about a great fashion-find!

    Now, moving on to some of my favorite spring pieces.  As I was saying, this season it's all about color.  Well Trendy has some fantastic colorful options, that are perfect for women of all ages.  Let's take a look into their spring wardrobe, shall we....

   This lightweight green jacket is perfect for those breezy spring days.  And the creme colored top coincides perfectly with the dark jeans.  No matter if you wear this outfit to the office or to a luncheon with the girls... you're going to be looking fiercely chic!

    Searching for the ultimate spring top.... look no further!  Take a look at this beautiful vintage-lace vest.  It's definitely on my list of favorites for the season. Perfect worn over a simple camisole or tank.. it's a look that's whispers utter simplicity and screams Victorian beauty.

    Bring out the peace signs and headbands because the classic-hippie vibe is making its way back into the hearts of fashion-lovers everywhere.  I felt this off-white top was a little too short to wear as a dress, so I decided to throw some jeggings (gotta love em') underneath.  Add some chunky beads, long gold earrings, and a braided headband and you'll be the perfect Earth-loving nature queen.

    As you know, Easter is just a few weeks away.. so I've also got a look at some gorgeous dresses that Trendy Pieces has to offer....

    Talk about a fun option-- this dress (yes, it's all one piece!) is one of the cutest I've seen in a while. Throw on some flip-flops and you're ready for class or a day in Panama City.  You also have the option of adding a brown leather belt to the waist which would dress it up just enough to make it wearable with a pair of strappy heels.

    OK, so you might be under the impression that I have a love for the so-called "boho" look--- well you would be 100% correct in your assumptions!  Talk about the perfect bohemian dress-- this is it.  Kate Hudson would be proud.

  
  
    Easter dress anyone??  If  you don't already know.. lavender is the go-to Easter color.  And I absolutely l-o-v-e lavender!  Something about it radiates beauty-----> see what I mean (above).

    And last but certainly not least--- the "please wear me to an outside wedding" dress!  So girly and so cute.. this is THE dress to wear to all those spring weddings you'll be attending this year.  And don't you just adore the pink and brown--- so classy...

   So I think you could say, I've made my point.  All of the gorgeous options you've seen above can be found at Trendy Pieces in Murfreesboro.  To check out some of their other spring-time looks, and to receive (awesome) coupons-- be sure to "Like" them on Facebook.  And I promise-- when you go, you're going to be so glad you did. Because once you do, I guarantee you're going to be looking fashionably "trendy" this spring!

   ~Happy shopping everyone!