Ladder of Pearls 2013 Makeover

What began in September 2012 as an outlet from my day job in politics has turned into a mother daughter lifestyle blog that has grown immensely. So, we wanted to take a break until the New Year to give ladder of pearls a little makeover. Check back with us in 2013 for some inspiration in fashion, decor, and everything in between. In the meantime, you can follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Merry Merry and Happy New Year!

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

-Genesis 1:1

Give Thanks Friday

It's the week before Christmas and this couldn't be a better topic we could close on. The past couple of weeks have been a sad time for America and our hearts and prayers go out to everyone who is grieving. For some reason, this holiday season has felt different for me. Our economy has left millions unemployed, Washington couldn't be any less hopeful, and we've seen a lot of evil lately. The one thing we can count on is Jesus, the greatest gift this world has ever seen. With him, nothing is forgotten and he has and always will have the whole world in his hands. I hope you rest in knowing that during the Holiday. Merry Christmas everyone!

My favorite Christmas decoration from my future sister-in-law and the Diptyque candle I turned into a vase for my holly.

The chandelier draped in pearls at Henri Bendel in NYC.

My treasured fiance who came over at 10 p.m. to help me clean and get ready to host small group. I have to brag on him because he never will ;)

My new art I found at a street vendor. It's framed in a window from a house on Capitol Hill.

The acrostic poem I received from my future niece. Literally brought me to tears. She's so sweet and always touches my heart when I see her.

 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

-John 16:33

 

You Look French Today

A couple of weeks ago, the parking attendant in my building asked me if I was French. I literally laughed out loud. We struck up a conversation and he told me how he came to America from France and that I had a "french look." While the compliment was appreciated, I would never consider myself chic enough to look Parisian. Our little conversation inspired me to throw on my French Connection dress, pair it with my new Chanel shoes, and stuff my credit cards in a little Louis Vuitton change purse. For me, this is about as French as I'll ever get. se délecter.

Blazer: H&M, similar here. Dress: French Connection. Shoes: Chanel. Change Purse: Louis Vuitton. Sunnies: Ray Ban, different color here.  Bracelet: J. Crew. Ring: Yurman, similar style here. Tights: Kate Spade, similar here.

Photography courtesy of my friend Kalyn Casanova, who has amazing style.

Check out My Style Vita for an in depth look at how and where to find the best tights as well as all of her great style advice!

Anything lined with stripes, I am a fan of.

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

-1 Thessalonians 1:3

 

Weekly Pearl of Wisdom: Feel Christmas Like a Child by KimberlyClaire

My pearl of wisdom this week is inspired by the sights and sounds of Christmas. The magic feeling I get when I see the multi-colored lights, the sparkly decorations, and the sounds of Christmas carols being played all around make me feel like a kid again.  The excitement for me during the Holidays is always there and never fades from year to year. So this year..listen to the music and look at the twinkly lights as a child does for the very first time. Feel that Christmas magic once again. Feel Christmas like a child. -KimberlyClaire

"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

-Mark 10:13-15

Christmas Time In the City

KimberlyClaire and I had a wonderful time in New York City this weekend. There is truly nothing like NYC during Christmas. Some of our favorite moments were seeing the 85th anniversary of The Rockettes, checking out all of the fantastic retail wall displays, and sipping on champagne during our shopping breaks. Today, we wanted to share some highlights from our trip as well as some purchases you will see in our blogs throughout the winter season.

KimberlyClaire's Cinderella Shoes, LV.

Larger than life Christmas lights.

Hibiscus Flower Champagne cocktail, recipe to follow.

My new "classy & fabulous" pumps.

Dinner and Dessert at Marea.

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

-Matthew 1:20-21

Give Thanks Friday

This week has been so busy with Christmas right around the corner. It's been extra hard to keep up with the things I am thankful for this week, but every week can't be free and easy. I am happy that I took the time to reflect on the things I am thankful for, even if it's something simple. This weekend, I am heading to New York City with my parents and fiance. Be sure to check back next week for some NYC inspired blogging. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

The tree that reminds me of Cinderella's pumpkin carriage. So glad it's in walking distance.

My Big Apple inspired manicure inspired by cupcakes and cashmere.

My mother and fellow blogger, KimberlyClaire's card. She always lets me know how much she loves me.

The snow white puppy sitting next to us while enjoying some Guinness

A relaxing evening with my fiance while trying out our wine decanter.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

-Colossians 4:2

Georgia Red by KimberlyClaire

There's something so classic about black and red together. Red is my favorite color and it's definitely all over my closet. My girls went to the University of Georgia, so of course I have to wear it frequently. Red is also a popular color during Christmas time and this is how I made it look festive yet edgy. -KimberlyClaire

Red Sweater: Nordstrom, similar here. Blouse: Vince Camuto, similar here. Pants: Dress Up Boutique.

Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Similar here.

Jewelry: Dress Up Boutique. Necklace: old, similar here.

"And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!"

-Luke 1:28

I Think a Marshmallow Might Cheer Me Up by KimberlyClaire

I must say, one of my favorite sweets is a fluffy marshmallow. It's quite the versatile treat as you can enjoy it on many different types of food. I love to see how many I can squeeze on top of my steaming hot cup of hot cocoa. I also like them crispy brown on top of sweet potatoes. That brings me to my favorite way to indulge in white fluffy heaven. That would be on the end of a branch which happens to be dangling over a nice, hot, roaring fire!

I didn't think a marshmallow could be any better until my husband came home from the grocery store and proudly pulled out a bag of the new JUMBO-sized marshmallows. I could not hide my excitement. Coincidentally, the little girl my daughter Jenny babysits for couldn't hide hers either. Her name is Hadley and she is 4 years old. She came over to our house and hurt her finger while digging through our freezer (where the jumbo marshmallows reside). She looked at Jenny and said, "I think a marshmallow might cheer me up." So the next time you need a "pick me up," follow the words of my special 4-year-old friend named Hadley: "I think a marshmallow might cheer me up." Make sure to try these new Jumbo marshmallows and incorporate them into your Christmas treats! Sometimes it's the little things in life, or in this case, the jumbo-sized things. -KimberlyClaire

The new jumbo-sized marshmallows from Kraft

Mug: Anthropologie.

Hadley

A mallow mustache, naturally.

  

"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes."

-Ecclesiastes 11:9

Weekend Wear

Weekend wear can be tricky at times. You want to be comfortable since it's the weekend, but you still want to look put together. My sister, Jenny, nails it every time. No matter what the occasion, she always finds a way to pull an outfit together that is fashion forward - even on the weekends. Check out her latest.

Sweater: Nordstrom, similar here. Cords: Urban Outfitters, similar here. Shirt: Forever 21, similar here. Tank: Forever 21.

Purse: Henri Bendel. Jewelry: Kate Spade, Forever 21.

Boots: Nine West, similar here.

 

"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him."

-Deuteronomy 18:15

Make Your Tree Your Treasure by KimberlyClaire

One of my favorite things to do when putting up the Christmas tree every year is hanging all the ornaments that my 4 girls made when they were small. There are glittered stars, angels, bells, reindeer, and many more. Some with pics of their sweet faces glued to them and even some stamped with their small childlike hands. All of these make me smile and fill my heart with lots of sweet memories that I want to hold onto forever. We have a large tree in the foyer that has it's own theme (blog to come), so this year I decided to buy a little tree to put my "very special" treasures on. Buying a separate small tree is a great way to showcase special ornaments that don't necessarily have a theme. Hold onto those moments with your little ones, for soon they will be sweet memories hanging on your Christmas tree and most importantly, in your heart. -KimberlyClaire

I had to buy this, it reminded me of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

A wreath made of macaroni. So cute.

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."

-Matthew 2:11

Red Cords and Camel

This weekend was filled with laughter, Christmas joy, and tears. We kicked off the Christmas season early Saturday morning with our dear friends at a local Christmas parade. It was a great reminder of why it's important to take time out of the busy season to actually enjoy it. The laughter came from my fall at the parade after I busted my knee, the Christmas joy came from being with friends, and the tears came from a devastating Georgia Bulldog loss (notice my hopeful coffee thermos). All in all, it was a great weekend. I hope you all had the same. Here's what I wore to the parade.

Sweater: J. Crew. Cords: Pilcro. Jacket: NY&CO, similar here. Scarf: old, similar here. Sunnies: Ray Ban.

Boots: Aldo, similar here.

Bag: Francescas, different color here. Mittens: J. Crew.

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

-Proverbs 17:22