FASHION: 5 Comfy Holiday Sweaters

Many of us will be attending Holiday parties or just family gatherings this Season.  For me, I'll be heading to a family gathering where we will (for the first time ever) do a Christmas sweater theme. This is NOT a common thing for my family, but my brother suggested it 2 weeks ago along with some hot chocolate - & I said, "Um, YEA!!"

With that said, I spent the last week looking for the right sweater that wasn't going to have me sweating up a storm while indoors!  I finally decided on this one.

If you're thinking of the same, I pulled together 5 sweatshirts that I thought would work nicely for a family gathering or office party. In the meanwhile Happy Shopping! I will shoot a few pics for my instagram + show it on my SnapChat: CocoaAndHearts around Christmas time. Stay tuned!

1. Noel Red sweater

2. Meet Me Under the mistletoe sweater

3. Only a Morning Person on Dec 25 sweatshirt

4. Snow man sweatshirt  (on sale)

5. Fleece Navidad sweater  (on sale)

TOP 5 Picks from SJP Shoe Collection

Hey guys, I have been contemplating if I am going to continue blogging. Each day that goes by I think I get more 'unmotivated'.  Wonder if anyone else feels this way? - Call me crazy but today out of nowhere, I saw Sarah Jessica Parker & felt inspired to write a NEW Year's Fashion post. As many of you know...the uncertainty our country faces can seem a little daunting & often times we need to put our minds on other things to get through the day.  Normally, when I feel inspired... it allows me to create & get away for a bit.  In this case, to start planning an outfit for the New Year.

If I know I am going out on New Year's eve, I tend to put together an outfit a few days after Thanksgiving. Since shoes are a BIG deal,  SJP has a great line & although it's not SUPER affordable, it's just one option. However, there are other budget friendly options at some of my faves like Mango & Zara you might like!  Here are my top 5 picks from the SJP collection.

P.S. I will try my best to blog, if not......then feel free to join me on instagram.

1. satin pump

2. carrie metallic leather pump

3. windsor satin pump

4. fugue glittered sandal

5. windsor satin pump

-post by jen ramos

Have a Happy New Year!

Dear Readers, 

Hoping you all had a lovely Christmas! Have a Happy New year 2016!! Best wishes & thank you for all your support throughout the years.

-by jen ramos

Gift Guide: Kids Must-Have Books

Christmas is around the corner.  

Have you shopped for your grand kids or your own children yet? On the off-chance that you haven't yet, have you considered gifting them books? I LOVE books & my son loves them too!

Book are one of my fave gifts to give.  They are just TIMELESS & so special.  I remember when I was a little girl...my dad would always buy me all  kinds of books, even if I wasn't old enough to read them. I would be amazed just staring at the pictures on the pages.

Here are some must-have titles for kids books right now.  These are sure to be a hit in any child's life! Happy Holidays!

Celestino Piatti's Animal ABC 

Mr. Tiger Goes Wild

LEO A Ghost Story 

Tough Guys (have feelings too)

Max The Bravo

The Mighty Lalouche

Leonardo The Terrible Monster

Stripes & Spots

Potty 

The Color Monster 

Night Animals 

Wolfie The Bunny

Where The Wild Things Are

The Story Of Ferdinand

The Day The Crayons Quit

Penguin In Peril 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar 

Olivia (saves the circus) 

-post by jen ramos

Holiday: Gift Guide for Her

Working moms, girlfriends, soon-to-be wives and so one, this gift guide is for you. Well, actually it's for the men In their lives who are looking for gifts to give ya. So go ahead, and point them in this direction. I gathered 8 must-have gifts this Holiday Season!

 

1. Lancome pro secrets brush set  - because trust me, a gal can always use new brushes. (limited edition & on sale!) $57.60
2. The cutest scarf, with a similar look to the iconic Burberry but for A LOT less! $20. via Nordstrom 
3.  Dagne Dover 15" Work Tote -  a beautiful large canvas tote with the same feel as a LV bag. The  inside is brilliantly designed. The zipper & the pockets for your laptop & many other work items gorgeous & high end, it's ideal for the working woman.
4. Lancome Parisian Holiday Juicy tubes - this is by far my favorite lip gloss. It's gorgeous and is super shiny. Smells good too!  On sale $27.
5. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Perfume - An addictive gourmand floral with notes of: Black Coffee � for a shot of adrenaline; White Florals � to instantly seduce; and Vanilla � for sweetness and sensuality. One of my current favorites. I DEF want!
6. Loreal - Brow Stylist Plumper (love this plumper, it really accentuates my brows. I'm addicted to this stuff. It's too bad my local store doesn't carry it!).  Infallible Smokissime - for a perfectly balanced, smokey eye-look.  Extraordinaire By Colour Riche lip gloss 
- a smooth, shiny ip gloss that I recommend as well!
7. The Paris Style Guide Book - Ideal for your upcoming trip to Paris. Lots of cool places and things to see, the perfect guide!  $25.00 
8. Mom Life Is The Best life Tee - What a great reminder for stay-at-home moms.  $62.00



-post by jen ramos

Holiday gift ideas for Moms

I am not posting many GIFT guides this year, but I will do a few. 

For starters, I wanted to put together one for moms. You see, this year, I became a first-time mother....so, I know just how challenging motherhood can be.   Every so often it's nice to receive a little something new ....ya know.........like a gift!   What better place to-go for gifting to mom than Sur La Table ? Below are some of my favorite items over at Sur La Table for moms. 

Heck, or for anyone that loves to entertain or enjoy a nice hot chocolate at home.  Which gift would you buy your mama friend or your own mother?

 

Have a great weekend!!! 

P.S. on another note, I am currently working on a blog re-design, stay tuned! 

-post by jen ramos

Beauty: Holiday Gift Guide

Hope everyone is enjoying this Holiday Season! Monica here from Beauty Parler. If you're like me I tend to wait last minute to buy gifts. But, I seriously need to change that habit as most beauty gifts sell out quick. For any beauty aficionado this is the season to do some serious shopping and I mean for yourself too. Stock up on your favourite makeup products because it's the best time to find deals and kits that aren't normally offered throughout the year.

For example, the Charlotte Tilbury 'The Bombshell' Set is almost a complete full-face set minus a foundation at an exceptional value versus buying the items separately. Items like makeup brushes are another great add to your wish-list. Sigma Brushes (as pictured) are a great gift for a teen or young adult who is looking to start a makeup kit without breaking the bank.

Can't forget those work parties and Secret Santa exchange. Co-workers love hand creams and lipbalms. Kiehl's is my go-to source in that department. Love the Kiehl's #1 Lip Balm, perfect for dry cracked Winter lips. For the lipstick lovers at the office or a great hostess gift, the Clinique 'Days of the Week' Matte lipstick set if a fabulous gift.

Am I the only one that likes to stock up on beauty products this time of year? Do tell. Happy Shopping!

-post by Monica