Favorite Things & Yellow Bird + Yellow Beard Blogiversary Giveaway!

{Silver Tips' passion berry loose tea, JAS and Bagels custom stickers, Target bag, 

Urban Outfitters macaron box,  Shop Rite tea strainer, ℅ House of Garland headband, 

NYX matte lipstick in Tea Rose, Sammydress necklace, Forever 21 detangling brush 

& Revlon parfumerie nail polish in Wintermint and Wild Violet}

Since it's been so cold in New York, I've been enjoying drinking fruity black tea, especially this wonderful passion berry one from a cute little tea place near me called Silver Tips. 

I haven't bought new nail polish in forever, but once I heard about these Revlon parfumerie nail polishes, I had to try them out and they're awesome! All the colors are so pretty and the scent is subtle but stays for a few days after applying. 

This video is hilarious!

UNfavorite: I heard great things about the Rimmel Show Offs (in England knows as the Apocalips), so I got one at Walgreens. The color is so pigmented and I really liked the applicator and how it felt, but I couldn't get over the strong chemical smell. Even after 20 minutes on my lips I could still smell it, so sadly it was returned. 

A few fun links:
♥ Cee Fardoe of Coco and Vera has published her first novel, After the Shots!

♥ A moment's reflection -- these pictures are beautiful!

♥ A big fan of Harry Potter made a Ministry of Magic website!

♥ These pictures by Japanese photographer Toyokazu Nagano of his 4-year-old daughter Kanna are so adorable!

♥ Hilarious thoughts for 2014!

♥ An A to Z of unusual words.

♥ Beautiful pictures of women reading.

♥ What does your blog's color scheme say about you and your blog?

♥ Is your online persona really you? Interesting to think about. I have to agree that my online persona shows only a part of the whole me, but I've been trying to include more of my thoughts and life on this here blog. 

♥ One Tweet Tony.

♥ Tweak your New Year's resolutions as questions to make you stick to them!

♥ I NEED this book, Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without A Date by Katie Heaney! She's 25 and has never been in a relationship or had a date, and now I don't feel like such a weirdo for being in the same boat!

♥ If you're looking for a personal stylist, I would 100% recommend Share Some Style! You create a style board of outfits you love, you're matched with a stylist, and then your stylist will go through your closet with you, either through video chat or in person. I think it's a great idea if you really have no idea what to get rid of and you need help creating new outfits from what you have! Share Some Style also has a helpful blog! (This is not sponsored by the way.)

♥ Sponsor love: How to wear layered neutrals and a 26th birthday bucket list by Style Honestly. No mess glitter jars and blueberry martini recipe by Becoming Fab. Simple but chic gold, silver, and rose gold jewelry by Omoroka. Wardrobe staples and books for breakfast by Bookworms in Dresses. Blogging 101: planning posts and the epic feminist playlist by Clear the Way. Beautiful and sparkly headbands by House of Garland. A memorial scrapbook by Letters From Tiffany is a great way to remember loved ones. 

Get 30% off with code BLOGLOVE30 at House of Garland and get 15% off with code OmorokaOnBlog at Omoroka!

♥ Swap friends: Books, Beauty & Bars, Life of a Sports Wife, Catching Cody K, A Mom's Point of View, Ruffled Paper, Little Lady Little City, Paper Umbrella, My Life as a Teacup, Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups, A Writer in Love, & Whimsy Darling.

♥ Fashion loves: striped dress, scarf organizer, sequin skirt, crystal holly necklace, albi boots, jeweled clutch, neutral eye palette, owl tea infuser, floral spoon ring, chunky sweater, & pink business card case.

♥ ♥ ♥

Behind the Design | Blythe Ponytail Parades | Buckets & Spades | Chestnut Mocha | Clear the Way

Cloistered Away | Yeobo | Enjoying the Journey | Ex Vitae | Fashiony Fab

Horses of Ares | Jazz Lips & Tulips | Coco Mingo | Kneadle & Bread | Live Colorful

Lucky Number Seven | My Lifebox | Anna Delores | My Paradissi | Of Trees and Hues

Oh So Pretty | Pharr Away | Postcards from Rachel | Rolala Loves | Scavengenius

Sea, Field & Tribe | Sincerely Sara | Squirrelly Minds | Tara Victoria | Undecided Mamas

Yellow Bird + Yellow Beard | Cocorrina 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Friday!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram

Inspired By: January's Best Selling Books

This past month I read four novels, all of which I would highly recommend: The Ocean at the End of the Lane (a magical tale about the unimaginable things that make up the universe), Cinnamon and Gunpowder (a chef is kidnapped by a female pirate captain who forces him to cook a gourmet meal for her every week), Paper Valentine (Hannah, a teenager, is being haunted by her dead best friend, Lillian, while a serial killer murders young girls), and Templar (a cool graphic novel about when the Templars fell). 

Hollow City

{Click here for item info}

Written by Ransom Riggs, this is the second novel, after Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, in which Jacob continues his unusual journey with his new friends in 1940. I can't say too much about the plot without giving away the ending to the first novel, which is amazing and combines storytelling with vintage pictures. I'm so excited to read the second in the series!

For a look based on the cover, go with a black and white peter pan collar dress, a pocket watch necklace, knee high socks, and burgundy oxfords. Or if you're a modern kid, like Jacob, trying to blend into the past, wear a bomber jacket, graphic tee, jeans, floral backpack, and blue sneakers. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

The Goldfinch

Written by Donna Tartt, this story follows Theo Decker, who as a 13-year-old boy survives an accident that kills his mother and is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. He takes comfort in a painting that reminds him of his mother. As an adult, Theo works at an antique store and gets drawn into the underworld of art. I heard this novel is a masterpiece and everyone says it's worth the 800 pages!

For a cute casual look, wear a bird print shirt, green pants, gold locket, and burgundy flats. Or get inspired by art itself by donning a watercolor print dress, mint belt, sparkly jewelry, and gray booties. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Lost Lake

Written by Sarah Addison Allen, this novel is about Kate, a widow, and her daughter, who find heating at a quirky summer resort on Lost Lake in Southern Georgia run by her eccentric great-aunt Eby. While trying to heal, Kate interacts with all the oddball guests.

I couldn't resist floral outfits, so wear a floral dress, green jacket, gold bracelets, and taupe booties, or instead go for a purple blazer, black tank top, floral pants, blue necklace, and black heels. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Love Monster

Written by Rachel Bright, this adorable children's story is about the Love Monster, a hairy monster who just wants to fit in with the cuddly residents of Cutesville, but it's hard for him to fit in, so he decides to find someone who loves him for who he is. 

If you're in a warm climate, wear a coral heart-print tee, burgundy shorts, heart-print scarf, and brown moccasins. Or dress up a little by wearing a purple necklace, red and purple chiffon dress, and black bow wedges. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram

Sponsor Spotlight: Tiffany of Style Honestly

Today Tiffany of Style Honestly is taking over my blog!

Hello Lovely Readers of Sincerely Sara! I can honestly say that her blog title fits her. She is very sincere and sweet and also faithful blog reader. I am glad to be her sponsor and regular reader :)

Since Sara is all about inspiration, my desire is to inspire you! (I'm sorry. I could not write this guest post without at least one corny line!) If you read Style Honestly, you would know that I am all about deals. I love thrifting and believe that everyone could have great style as long as thrift stores exist. If you don't thrift, I am here to inspire you to get started!

Here are some things that I've thrifted:

I found this lovely Boston Proper sweater for only $4 at my local thrift. I was in love with it as soon as my gaze fell upon the beautiful detailing and feminine shape.

original post

I was wandering through a Volunteers of America when this beautiful vintage hat caught my eye. It was only $8!

original post

This is one of my favorite dresses...thrifted for $3. Oh and the belt was $0.99!

original post

This vest is probably my favorite find from last year. It was only $8 and was in perfect condition! The shirt underneath was only $1.

original post

I know that thrifting can be intimidating and overwhelming at times, but if you stick with it, and go regularly, your wardrobe will thank you. You will be able to fill it with unique pieces and vintage finds for a fraction of what you'd pay retail. The savings will be astronomical*

*just don't become a thriftoholic and go daily. Then you will still spend just as much. Haha.

Much Love!

Visit Style Honestly and say hello to Tiffany!

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram

Outfit: Winter Floral

I don't wear the combination of stripes and florals all that often (due to the fact that I only own two striped items and way too many floral pieces), but I love the combination. It's pretty and feminine and fun. This specific outfit works because the stripes and the background of my skirt are both navy. 

Jacket: Target | Sweater: Forever 21 Girls | Skirt: Sears | Tights: old

Booties: UrbanOg {similar} | Midi Ring: JC Penney 

I wanted to show you guys this adorable sticker that I bought from Jess' Etsy shop. She's the girl behind Bookworms in Dresses, but also draws people with copic markers. Isn't she so talented? For only $2.50, you can get a little mini you! She also gave me an extra drawing because she's a sweetheart!

I'm linking to Fizz & Frosting's Mix it Monday's link up!
See how I wore this sweater with jeans and how I wore this skirt in the summer!


Do you like mixing stripes with florals?

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram

Inspiration: All Black Outfits

I mentioned this recently, but I've really been loving all-black or mostly black outfits! Maybe it's because it's cold and dreary, or maybe it's because it's a nice contrast to the bright white snow, or maybe it's because it looks so chic, or maybe it's all of the above. I think I'll be forgoing my colorful clothing for a darker look. 

Are you into wearing all or mostly black?

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram

(via Oh So Glam, Gal Meets Glam, A Beautiful Mess, Pinterest, Shy Girl Loud Voice, TFDiaries, Kristine or Polly & Pinterest)

Sponsor Spotlight: Interview with Jessica of Dream Mo(o)re

Today I have an interview with Jessica of Dream Mo(o)re, a twenty-something 

Southwest Ohio gal who is about to get married!

Your lifestyle blog is called Dream Mo(o)re. Why did you start it and how did you choose the name?

I started my blog back in 2011, because I wanted to document my life. I knew that Zach and I’s relationship would be taking some serious steps eventually and I wanted to be able to look back at it. And here we are getting married in 5 months! With my blog name, I think I went through 4 different names before coming up with my current name. I have a canvas hanging on my wall that starts with the words “Dream more” and I think of it as my daily inspiration. After Zach and I got engaged, I changed the “More” to “Mo(o)re” because my last name will be Moore once we get married.

What’s the first step you’re taking to accomplish your dreams?

I really like working as an assistant manager. I would love to eventually move up to store manager, but I’ve only been working for my company for 6 months and I’m still learning a lot of stuff. I’m nowhere near ready to move up, but my manager is the best and is really working with me to get me to the next level when I’m ready.

You and Zach are so cute together! How did you guys meet?

Zach and I met almost 6 years ago while we both worked at T.J. Maxx. We were both working part time and going to school. One Sunday when we were working together, we talked the whole time. Since we only were working a few hours, we decided to meet up later after we both got off, and get some ice cream. We met at our local Cold Stone and the rest is history!

You’ve lived in Southwest Ohio you’re whole life, so what is your favorite and least favorite thing about living there?

My favorite thing about living here is that my family is here and has been here for generations. I think my least favorite thing about living here is that we’re all surrounded by a bunch of cornfields! Whenever I go to my grandma’s house, no matter which direction I’m coming from, her town is surrounded. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s just boring to look at.

What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit?

Europe. I would love to go to Italy, France, and England among others. I’m jealous that Zach was able to go to Europe back in 2006 and was able to kiss his then girlfriend at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Do you have a favorite book? A favorite author?

I can’t say I have a favorite book, but I have a few favorite authors. I love Emily Giffin, Elin Hilderbrand, and Nicholas Sparks. 

What did you read recently that you wish you’d gotten to sooner?

I haven’t been reading novels lately, but I’ve been looking at a lot of wedding books. I would like to read Divergent before I see it, and Safe Haven. I have both the book and movie, and I don’t want to open the movie until after I read the book.

How do you stay inspired? Any tips? 

Recently I’ve been looking at my life to stay inspired, and Pinterest. I hope my life will get more interesting once Zach and I move in together.

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram

Inspired By: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty + Sponsor: Omoroka

Last week, when I needed a pick-me-up, I went to see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by myself, and I'm so glad I did. It was a wonderful, feel-good movie about adventure, taking risks, seeing the world in new ways, and believing in yourself. I couldn't stop smiling while watching it!

This movie is about Walter Mitty, who daydreams about going on adventures and about winning the heart of his co-worker, Cheryl. He works at Life magazine, which is transitioning to an online magazine, so it's his job to handle the photograph that is going to be used as a cover for the final print issue, but the photograph isn't there, so he goes on an adventure to track down the photographer, Sean O'Connell. 

Walter Mitty

{Click for item info}

Walter Mitty (Ben Stiler, who also directed the film) turns the negatives into photographs for the cover of Life magazine. Negative 25 is supposed to be used as the last cover, but it's missing, so Walter has to go and find Sean, the photographer. Walter is a daydreamer and a hard-working guy, so he doesn't want the last issue to go to print without a cover. 

Dress like Walter in his office attire: white button up, black pencil skirt, red purse, colorful watch, and bow wedges. Or if you're skateboarding through Iceland, wear a burgundy sweater, cargo pants, brown wallet, and black flats. 

Cheryl Melhoff

Cheryl Melhoff (Kristen Wiig) is Walter's kind co-worker, who helps him figure out where Sean is currently taking pictures. She has a young son, Rich, who likes to skateboard. Walter daydreams about her while he's in the office and when he's on his adventures. 

A cute office look is to wear a blue chiffon blouse, blue printed pencil skirt, long necklace, and black heels. Or if you're singing in someone's daydream with a guitar, inspiring them to take the leap, wear a striped sweater, feather necklace, pink bracelet, distressed jeans, and boots. 

Sean O'Connell

Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn) is a photojournalist who travels the world taking pictures for Life magazine. He has a close relationship with Walter, despite the two never having met. Along with the last negatives, Sean sends Walter a leather wallet with Life's motto embossed in it. 

If you're out taking photographs out in the far reaches of the world, wear a hooded coat, black sweater, green pants, lace-up boots, and a camera mug. Or dress in a black coat, black chiffon blouse, black jeans, and gray booties. 

Adventure!

Walter Mitty has daydreamed all his life about traveling the world, so that he could have something exciting to put on his eHarmony profile and so that he could win over Cheryl. It's only when negative 25 is missing that Walter finally gets up the courage to get on a plane and have an adventure. 

During the film, Sean gives Walter a wallet that is embossed with Life's motto:

"To see the world,
things dangerous to come to,
to see behind walls, draw closer,
to find each other, and to feel.
That is the purpose of life."

I put together two sightseeing outfits: you could wear a denim dress, tribal print cardigan, map watch, bird earrings, and yellow flats. Or instead you could wear a photograph t-shirt, jeans, white Converse, bicycle print scarf, and travel journal. 

♥ ♥ ♥

Say hello to Omoroka, the jewelry store!

We are young European couple with a dream of starting family business. Our main products mainly are handcrafted jewelry for all kinds of occasions: gifts, religious or just everyday wear. We are not gifted writers but our products speak for themselves -- check them yourself!

Omoroka sells handmade jewelry with a simple, elegant style and that's what I like about the shop. I personally love jewelry that's understated because it stands the test of time. There are are silver, gold, and rose gold pieces with leaves, anchors, cats, angels, crosses, hamsas, Swarovski crystals, and more. At Omoroka's shop, you can also get monogramed jewelry. There's something there for everyone!

All month, get a 15% discount on all items with the code OmorokaOnBlog!

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram

Ipsy Glam Bag (December 2013 + January 2014)

Last month I forgot to show you what I got in my December Ipsy Glam Bag, so I figured I would show you December's and January's bags. It's a fun mix of goodies, beauty and skincare, that I'm excited to use. Seeing as December has Christmas and New Year's Eve, the theme was Celebration, and this bag was my absolute favorite so far -- it's black and quilted and looks so cool. 

For the month of December, I received:

♥ POP Beauty Eye Shadow Trio in Naturally Bare (full size $24, sample $7)

♥ Be A Bombshell the One Stick in Flustered (full size $16)

♥ Mirabella Eye Blender Brush (full size $27)

♥ Nika K New York Nail Polish in NY112 Classic Taupe (full size $5)

♥ NYX Extra Creamy Lipstick in Ceto (full size $4)

This bag's products was worth $59!

MINI REVIEWS:

POP Beauty Eye Shadow Trio in Naturally Bare 

I love natural eye shadow colors and in this trio there's a natural bronze, a chocolate brown, and a dark taupe color that are all metallic. These eye shadows are so soft and really pigmented and the colors compliment each other well. The size of this tiny palette is perfect for throwing in your bag, and the packaging is really cute.

Be A Bombshell the One Stick in Flustered 

I was a little scared of the coral red color of this One Stick, but once I got better at applying it (two dabs on my cheeks and using my fingers to blend), it makes my cheeks look naturally flushed. I'm not a huge glitter person, but the gold flecks are nice and you can kind of tap them off if you want them gone. 

Mirabella Eye Blender Brush 

This metallic brush looks really nice up close, and the brush itself is smooth and none of the hairs have fallen out (I always hate when that happens). It blends my eye shadow well and I'm going to continue using it. 

Nika K New York Nail Polish in NY112 Classic Taupe 

I was a little disappointed at first with the nail polish color, but once I tested it on one of my nails I realized that it's a lovely chocolate-y taupe color. A nice moody winter color that only needs one to two coats. I will definitely use this color in the future. 

NYX Extra Creamy Lipstick in Ceto 

NYX's lipsticks are really creamy, go on so smooth, there are so many colors and different finishes (matte, creamy, butter), and overall I love their lip products, but I was disappointed with the color I was given. Sadly it's just not something I would wear, but I do love NYX's other lipsticks. 

The theme for January is 19 Reasons, as in the companies that contributed to the bag this month, are the 19 reasons you'll be feeling amazing in 2014. Most of the companies make skincare products, so Ipsy wants us to start off the year with great skin. I'm all for it! I think this month's bag is really cute with the blue skincare bottles on the bottom. 

For the month of January, I received:

♥ Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask (full size $26, sample $5)

♥ Épicé Purifying Exfoliant (full size $32, sample $10)

♥ MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm in #5 Natural (full size $30, sample $15ish)

♥ Yaby Natural Finish Liquid Foundation in Buff (full size $14)

♥ Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads (included with the Proactiv kits)

This bag was worth over $44!

MINI REVIEWS:

Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

I have to start by saying that this deep conditioning mask smells amazing; fresh and light and natural. I also think the packaging is really cute. I've used it twice so far and it made my hair soft and less frizzy, which is always a good thing. This is now remaining in my shower. 

Épicé Purifying Exfoliant 

My skin goes back and forth between being really oily and really dry, so when its dry and patchy I love exfoliating. The tiny "sand" particles in this exfoliant felt nice against my skin. It felt like it was really getting to the layers beneath and getting rid of the dry skin on top. My skin was so smooth afterwards. 

MicaBeauty Tinted Lip Balm in #5 Natural 

I like the natural, dark pink color, but I really didn't like this product. It says its a lip balm, but it's very drying. It's more like lipstick in a pot. If I do wear this, I would put on lip balm first and then apply some of this color. 

Yaby Natural Finish Liquid Foundation in Buff 

This foundation perfectly matches my skin tone. I put it on and I was amazed that people I'd never met had given me the right foundation when I can't find it myself. I think this is a great foundation; it goes on smooth and looks natural and I like that it's oil-free. While I don't mind that it's not a thick consistency this means that it doesn't completely cover red spots or pimples. Still, I'll continue using this foundation. 

Proactiv+ Mark Fading Pads 

I have no idea if these fading pads really work because I only got four of them, but I hope they do because I have some spots that I want gone. The pads have a slight chemical smell, but don't smell bad. They also made my skin feel really clean. 

Bloglovin ♥ Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Pinterest ♥ Instagram