Pure escape.........

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This could do the trick........some days I just need a moment of tranquility and peace to re-balance.

How about you? 

xx, 

Heather

                                   Take care at the  Stylemindchic Boutique!

Stylemindchic and Upgraded Living Magazine Makeovers!

In December I had the extreme pleasure of  teaming up with Upgraded Living Magazine on style makeovers for a few of their most worthy readers in Chico.  Upgraded Living is a local magazine that has become a top notch publication offering a wealth of  intriguing features, local events and hot tips for life in the northern California.  I was honored to share in making these special people look and feel fabulous. Pardon the quality of the photos most of these were snapped on my iPhone.

Our first makeover day started with a little bubbly and interviews of the lucky ones chosen for the makeovers. Then we were off to Mecca Salon for fabulous make-up, spray tan, hair and fashion redo for Dana. Who doesn't love a day of pampering?

Claudia, the owner at Mecca, weaving her magic on Dana's tresses. She used balayage, a French coloring technique to create depth, dimension and shine.

Danielle working her makeup artistry on Dana

Monique styled Dana and gave her tips on wrapping and layering bracelets

Dana (middle) all glammed up and feeling fab!

Britni is another winning reader who scored a makeover.  At Poison Apple Salon, Rocio worked her makeup magic, and Kim, owner, gave her a sassy new style. Kim explained that she was 'unlocking' the curl to make it a little undone and sexy.

A sneak peek at Britni's look

For more beauty/style secrets, and to see the final photo shoots, click the link to the full article~

                                         Upgraded Living Magazine - January 2013

Big thanks to Briana and Aveed at Upgraded Living for asking me to be part of this experience. I loved every minute of it. Thanks to the Chico salons and boutiques for generously sharing your time and talents to make these makeovers so fabulous! There is nothing more rewarding than making someone else's day. Happy Monday lovelies!

Cheers,

                                                   Shop the Stylemindchic Boutique!

Stylemindchic Turns One!!

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It's a little, bitty milestone, but since we believe in the right to celebrate absolutely everything (you'll always find a chilled bottle of champagne in the fridge), it's time to break out the bubbly! As I sit here, at my white parson's desk, with my Diptyque candle burning, listening to French Carla Bruni free Radio on Pandora, with a Caudalie (french skincare) masque on my face, perusing Pinterest, I have to smile. I've learned so much from my year as a blogger. Thank you for the tips,  my blogging friends, and truly, that's the least of this blogging journey for me.

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January 21st was the first birthday of my Stylemindchic blog. I couldn't help but remember back to my feelings of timid excitement when I published my first post, January 21st, 2012. Blogger friends, can you relate?  There is something so powerful about putting ourselves out there....hey world, I'm here (hope you like me).  I am by no means a writer, and have never had any illusions along those lines (commas, continue to baffle me sometimes).....and I'm sure I use dots........waaaaaay too often. My goal was to find my voice.  January 2012, I didn't have much to say yet, but I was willing to take a leap, to hope that maybe someday someone out there would find me, read, connect, be encouraged, find inspiration, or have a little laugh..... (again with the dots).

My first timid post here. 

When I was dreaming up a name for my blog, I originally came up with Stylemind, as a nod to my School Psychologist/Style Lover split personality.  That name was already taken on the blogspot blogging platform so I ended up adding the 'chic' (as you know it's pronounced like shiek not chick ;). I was a little mixed on the chic at first but when I launched my online Stylemindchic Boutique, in May, I realized chic and boutique suit each other quite nicely. I'd love to hear how you named your blog if you have one.

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Reaching this milestone, 165 blog posts and nearly 31,500 hits from readers around the world, I can no longer say I am a newbie blogger. It makes me wonder~Why am I on this path? Where am I going with it? Where do I want to end up? I thought about how I would feel if I stopped (all this computer time has done nothing fab for my tush) and found a new adventure for 2013. That reflection alone made me realize how much this creative outlet means to me and how enriching it is to be a part of this lovely blogging community. I am simply in awe of the deep honesty, raw talent, technical wizardry (photoshop collages-I'm impressed!), literary skill, fashion knowledge, taste makers, hot tip givers, inspirations, and generous support/encouragement I've seen in the blogging community. Some of my favorite blogger friends are listed in my blog faves in the right column. I would love it if you would take a peek. You will be inspired.

A few photo memories from posts this year:

To the inspired bloggers who have included Stylemindchic in their blog favorites (xx), and to each and everyone of you who have clicked on, followed or left a much appreciated comment on Stylemindchic, I am deeply grateful. Let's celebrate!!

You keep me coming back for more!!!

How did you feel when you took that first step {first blog post, new project, artistic endeavor}? 

And cheers to you for making the leap,

Heather 

P.S. And to my sweet husband who has had to make many more runs to the market and loads of laundry this year.....you are, simply the best. Thanks for attempting to wrangle the commas for me...xx

Luxe clutches new at the Stylemindchic Boutique!

Dive into Emerald......... {Color Story}

 Art of Fashion featuring Tom Ford. Photographed by Erik Madigan Heck.

 We've been hearing it everywhere, Emerald Green is the Pantone color of the year for 2013.
I was happy to hear the news.  After several years of the 'color of the year' being the warmer tones, like tangerine and mimosa, the pops of color that have been so energizing, I was ready for a change. It feels like coming home to my favorite green and blue shades, the color of the sea, the sky, a field of spring grass, jewels. Though emerald is a classic jewel tone, it infuses a natural, rejuvenating and fresh feel this year. I'm finding rich shades of it almost everywhere and I'm inspired by the color. Dive into emerald....just like a dip into the sea on the Italian Riviera.....

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In my Stylemindchic Boutique I've also added some fresh hues of green for thinking spring.

Stylemindchic here

                                             Emerald pieces on Shopstyle (click images for links)

Cocktail Dresses

Shoulder Bags

July 2011

{Speaking of Portofino.....luscious shades of green and blue}

As I've said, I am a greens/blues kind of girl~ refreshed and renewed by sky, sea, spring grasses~ what are your favorite shades of color this year?

Cheers to emerald, 

                                                       Shop the Stylemindchic Boutique!

Welcome to the weekend...{reflections}

   Christmas Flowers in Paris 2012

Finally.....it's the weekend! My "cat's" away {aka Scott} for an annual trip to the beach with his buddies, so that leaves me with a nearly free weekend.  Some years, on this same weekend, I have rounded up girlfriends or made loads of plans, all "cat's away, mice will play:)" kind of fun. This year, I am simply seeking some quiet time, some 'me time' as they say, to reboot a bit. Following a stressful work week I started with a well-deserved massage last night, followed by a long soak in the tub with my favorite new bath salts brought back from London here~love the scent.  I am finding my skin to be desert dry this time of year, so I broke out my new must have from Paris~ Nuxe multi-purpose dry oil (for face, body, hair) for after the bath here.  I added some chill music in the background like this from Bliss:

My Diptyque Tubereuse (tuberose) candle here set the perfect relaxing mood......ahhhhhhhh....

this is a pretty good recipe for relaxation in my book. 

Some of my favorite finds from Paris

I find that if I don't take adequate time to be quiet, be grateful, listen to the silence and be reflective, I can end up feeling out of balance.......

so here's to some quiet moments of re-balance and reflection this weekend.

Just one more thought.....have you ever felt that little internal nudge to do something and just did it?  

A couple of weeks ago I happened across the stylish blog, Apartment 34, that I have followed for years.  Erin Heimstra is an extremely well known blogger with over 10,000 twitter followers and even more blog followers. After reading her post, about trying to beat burnout, I felt a nudge, and sent her a tweet. See her post here on how a little tweet here sent her inspiration while traveling in Mexico. I was touched to read about it in her blog. Thank you Erin!

Just a nudge, just a tweet.....we just never know how a little encouragement, a kind compliment, or a bright smile can impact someone else. I'm thinking when you feel the nudge...just do it!!

Do you have any plans to relax and unwind this weekend?

Cheers, 

                                                         New treasures at the Stylemindchic Boutique!

Things I learned from my first 'How I Wore Mine' post ....help needed!

I finally tried it...one of those 'what I wore' kind of fashion photo shoots.  Adrienne, at The Rich Life on a Budget, is involved in a fun series of posts called 'How I Wore Mine'. As you can see on her blog, Adrienne definitely knows how to work it for the camera. An upcoming theme will be 'How I Wore Mine' for date night.  Scott and I had our first night on the town, since returning from Paris, planned last Saturday, so on a whim, we pulled out the camera. With this beautiful sunset it looks like the lighting should be nice.....

Things I learned:

Lighting can be your best friend, or your worst enemy (not my friend here).

Sometimes the back of your hair looks better than the front...

Girl needs some sun STAT!

                     My pointy toed heels are back in style--think elongating that leg--and I love it!
                                                         (Feet look good but head looks fuzzy)

Feeling awkward in this pose.......

 Sometimes a flash can brighten up the look

(sometimes I don't know what to do with my hands

 and a cape doesn't necessarily help)

                                          Posing with someone else is definitely more fun......

(unless they just asked "did you brush your teeth?")

Laughing is good~even if your eyes go wonky!

This was by no means a success, but our hooky experiment is making me laugh this morning. The good news is date night at Monk's, our local tapas and wine bar, was a  great smashing success.

Back to the subject~ what I wore on date night

and I have an idea....

I was just sure my new 'best friend' would come in handy for a photo shoot.

See pics below for links to shop

Calvin Klein cape, Mossimo burnout top black, Mossimo premium skinny waxed jeans, mixed metals necklace from my Stylemindchic Boutique (similar here),

Nine West animal print heels (glad I held on to them!), Michael Kors Watch,

mixed metals leather bracelet (similar here) and Michael Kors bag. 

Loreal Nail polish Caught red handed,

 Laura Mercier lipstick (dulce de leche), Tom Ford  Portofino body oil.

To set the mood: Diptyque Tubereuse candle, from Paris.

Click photos below for links to shop

Longsleeve Tops
Pumps

We all have those moments....a holiday card, a family wedding, a.....gulp....class reunion....where suddenly the photo thing becomes important. To keep it real, I have included cheesy snapshots of my self on Stylemindchic, but never a more posed photo.....and ladies, it's not easy. 

Please help me!!! What are your best tips for taking a great photo of yourself or a 'How I Wore Mine' shot (and don't tell me being 23-I already know that one)?

Oh.......maybe a little splash of champagne??

Seriously, I need ideas!

Cheers,

                           Shop the Stylemindchic Boutique for new goodies from London!!