Blogmas Day 13: Silver Bells Ring (DIY)

Silver Bells, are a magical symbol of the Holiday season. As the final scene of the famous book, "Northpole", silver bells represent the separation between those who can hear the bells verses those who cannot. 

As we all grow older we lose the ability to dream, or wish. Believing is harder as facts and figures infiltrate our lives.  This silver bell ring is meant to remind us to to take a moment and remember our inner child. It is quick and easy and would even make a wonderful gift. 

All you will need is a pair of scissors, silver string, two bells, and a ring. 

Step 1: Place the string behind the ring.

Step 2: Loop the string towards the front of the ring.

Step 3: Form a pretzel knot.

Step 4: Pull the knot tightly, securing the string.

Step 5:Take the two strings and form another knot

Step 6: Double knot it and pull the string tightly.

Step 7: Loop a silver bell through one string.

Step 8: Secure by creating another knot. Then add second silver bell to remaining string.

Secure by double knotting the two strings, and finish by trimming off the excess string.

Voila! Enjoy your silver bell ring, and hear it jingle all the way. 

xo,

Maya

Blogmas Day 12: Easy Holiday Nail

This Holiday Nail Idea is so quick and easy it doesn't even need directions.

All you will need is two nail colors of your choice. My personal favorite is, one gem tone offset by a sparkly silver. It is a nice contrast between fire and ice, and gives off a festive contradiction. 

Step 1: Paint entire nail with silver nail polish, and let dry.

Step 2: Paint (2nd Nail polish gem tone) over the silver one while leaving a silver border. Let dry. 

Step 3: Finish off with too coat. 

Blogmas Day 11: OOTD Visiting Santa

What's a girl to wear when visiting Santa? 

Firstly, comfort is always important. I had a rehearsal today, so I didn't bother with any jewelry. The dress is an ultra soft knit, and the whole look was easy and relaxed. 

My dress is actually a dress belonging to my mom. She wore it when she was a teenager and it was a gift from her younger brother. I find the whole story about the dress rather intriguing and mesmerized by amazing it still looks. The colors are not faded, and all the stitching is still perfect. 

The shoes were featured in a previous blogmas, and how I jazz up a pair of shoes. (FYI You cannot imagine how many people have stopped me to compliment the shoes. Definitely check out that post.)

The bag is from Nepal and was also featured in my Holiday Bag Collection. 

xo,

Maya

Blogmas Day 10: Holiday Coat

I don't know what it is about Christmas that makes me gravitate to the color red, but for some reason, I can't seem to get enough of it during the month of December. My coat is a bright orange red, and it is such a statement piece that I find myself wearing a lot of black to balance the eye from experiencing too much noise. There is an innate warmth to the color and it is in my opinion the perfect color for the ending of such a fiery season (Autumn). 

Blogmas Day 9: 3 Easy Tips to Achieve Holiday Glow

Holiday time is stressful, and the skin is the first place to react. From the mixture of sweets, late nights, and stress, the skin spends a rather "neglectful" holiday. 

This holiday I have decided to not fall down that path and have been rather successful at achieving a nice "glow". 

1. Drink a lot of water: 

When I say drink a lot, I mean drink a LOT. People do not realize how dry the air is during Winter. Staying Hydrated will be your friend in more ways than you know.

2.) Amp up the moisturizer:

Yes, the rumors are true. "Drink-up Intensive Moisturizer" by Origins is as good as they say. 

Depending on where you live and how cold it is, you will need to keep moisturized. When I use to live in colder climates, I would always use a heavier moisturizer during the Winter Months.

3.) Added Glow:

Ok, so this is cheating, but lets be honest, the fastest way to achieving a nice glow is with amazing skin brighteners. These three are currently my favorite. 

-Too Faced: Candlelight 

Is a warm glow with a light powder consistency. If you don't want to break out, stick with this one. 

-Benefit: Watt's Up

Gorgeous rosy highlighter that can double as an eyeshadow base. The texture is very creamy, and natural.

-IT Cosmetics: Highlighter

Also a rosier glow, with a creamy texture. 

Last but not least, don't stress the small stuff. Remember, what is important in life, and what is not, and eliminate the unnecessary stress. Happiness, and relaxation allows the body to produce natural chemicals that achieve the best glow of all.

Take care,

xo

Maya

Blogmas Day 8: My Top 6 Burgundy Accessories

In the month of December, I basically almost always wear either red or burgundy. I am not quite sure why I love burgundy as much as I do, but it is my comfort color during the holidays. 

I am constantly searching for accessories or shoes in this color, but surprisingly, it is rare for me to find anything that excites me. However, I have featured below my top 6 favorite burgundy pieces. 

Noa Noa, knit trio, accessory. Noa Noa is a brand from Denmark, and one of my favorite stores in Europe. I discovered them while living in Belgium, and they always had pieces that were quite special.

Valentino purse with handmade, velvet red scarf by Maya Horikawa Designs ( Aka Me)

These amazing flats were purchased in NYC many many years ago, but still remain a favorite. The ruby cross charms, are fun and whimsical. 

These shoes are by Miu Miu and my favorite shoe. I love the color variations, and contrasting spots of light and dark.

The bow belt is from Accessorize, London, and very affordable.

The hair clip is made of crystal, and bought from a specialty shop in Europe.

xo,

Maya

Blogmas Day 7: What's in My Holiday Bag?

Holiday time is always hectic and busy. Such chaos, calls for organization and the right tools. I almost always opt for a smaller bag and avoid carrying around too much. Most items are either hygienic, festive, business related, or fun ways to pass the time in long lines. 

The bag is by Sonia Rykiel and it is from France. I purchased it several years ago and it remains a Winter favorite. 

My make-up is minimal. I am currently loving Too Faced Candlelight, which adds a soft glow. Chanel Rouge Allure, Emotion 17 and Anna Sui Red Lip Liner. I also carry around a rose red Chanel blush. 

My wallet is by Valentino, and always carry around my I-pod, I-phone, and camera. The little beaded bird bag is from London Accessorize. 

This is a very cool little gadget. I constantly play with it when waiting in a cue. It speaks 16 languages, and helps you learn basic phrases, numbers, and pronunciation. 

Flu season is upon us, and no purse is complete without hand sanitizer. I also carry a lip balm, perfume by Abahna, tissues, and lavender oil for relaxation.

Lastly, My purse always has at least one pen, cough drops, a candy cane, business cards, and my keys. 

xo,

Maya