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NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION w/ A NEW FLAIR!

HOW TO MAKE AN ACHIEVABLE & CHICified KIND OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION!

Well it’s that time of year again!!

It’s the time when many ponder, evaluate and make “that list” of all the things to be done differently for the year ahead. Here are some quick tips on how to make an achievable and CHICified kind of New Year’s Resolution.

The good ole… NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION! ‘)

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~ KEEP YOUR LIST REALISTIC, SHORT & SWEET

~ MAKE YOUR GOALS SHORT TERM GOALS! Ex. 3mth INCREMENTS.

~ REWARD YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY

~ TREAT YOUR MIND INSTEAD OF PUNISH YOUR MIND

~ DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP!

~ CALL IT A TREAT DAY, NOT A CHEAT DAY 

~ WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS & KEEP IT ACCESSIBLE

~ CHOOSE A POSITIVE MINDED CONFIDANT TO SHARE THEM WITH

~ EVERYDAY IS A CLEAN SLATE.

~ IF YOU SLIPPED TODAY, JUST START FRESH TOMORROW

~ REMEMBER, YOU’RE AN AMAZING AND CHICified PERSON WITH OR WITHOUT A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION LIST! 😉

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Note from the Editor:

Typically the things added to a list are things that everyone is hoping will become a habit. Be mindful and remember, new goals should be realistic and practical to your schedules, physical & financial capabilities and most importantly, your lifestyle.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE CHICified FAMILY!!

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CHRISTMAS DINNER ~ DECOR IDEAS

2 DAY COUNTDOWN!!

It’s that special time of year again, to entertain and dine with family and friends!

While you finish up your shopping and finalize your menu, here are a few CHICified decor ideas that may come in handy while you fine tune your dinner party decor. 😉

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Shayzon $$ Tip: Decorating doesn’t always have to include the traditional or expected elements. Repurpose and utilize things from around your home, yard or your refrigerator!

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Reminders: (1) Leave yourself enough time to get dolled before your guests begin to arrive. 😉

(2) Be sure to do the Mind Shift from being the Amazing CHEF to being the CHICified HOST!

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Note from the Editor:

Does this sounds familiar?  Many times there’s hustle and bustle until the minute the door bell begins to ring. Exhaustion is the feeling by the time your guests arrive and you’re purely functioning on autopilot. You’re honestly not even hungry anymore when dinner begins. At the last minute, you have to excuse yourself because you realize you haven’t yet changed out of your “cooking clothes”. Well, this has happened to most, if not all and is certainly not the way to enjoy this greatly anticipated evening with family and friends.

Shayzon Hosting Tips: First, create a Day Of Schedule allowing at least an hour prior to guests arriving to unwind and get dressed. Secondly, be mindful of the snacking and tasting as you’re preparing dinner, so you can enjoy the meal with everyone. Last but not least, enjoy the moments, don’t be a busy body throughout the entire evening and miss out on the most important point to the evening, time together.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE CHICified FAMILY!

*photo inspirations from the web*

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THE WEEKEND EDITION!!

THE CHICified 5!

LOVES FROM THE WEEKEND!

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What is inspiration?

A: The action or power of moving the intellect or emotions. Something that gives someone an idea about what to do or create. A force or influence that inspires someone.

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Be Inspired!

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With the spirit of the holidays permeating through the air, you can’t help but want to dress things up a bit (both yourself and your surroundings).  Accommodating the exhilarating feeling of celebration, romance and precious moments with love ones, are all just a part of the festivities. 😉

 

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 Create Your Happy Space!

Simple changes to your wardrobe choices and the accessories in your home, can spice things up a great deal!

Shayzon $$ Tip: Switching accessories, including accent pillows and pictures from one room to the other and rearranging the placement, is a CHICified and savvy way to recreate your space without spending a dime! 

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Note from the Editor:

Our Fashion, Beauty, Food or Decor are all different things that we personally have control of.  During this time of year, color, scents, sequin, glitter, sparkles, lights, candles, fur, frills and flowers (whew that’s a lot! lol..) are all amazing details and accessories. We can subtly or boldly incorporate these things into our ensembles and decor to create a holiday lifestyle that is CHICified.

Leave a little glitter as you go! 😉

SHAYZON

*photo inspirations from the web*

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PRETTY IN PARIS * DAY 1

The Travelers Diary

PARIS

DAY 1:

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Ahhh Paris, the flight is long but the great anticipation blurs it all.  As the plane descends and the morning light creeps through the windows, the excitement escalates and an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness sets in.

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Well, here we go…yet again, I’m reassured that dreams DO come true!! ☺️

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The 9yr old little girl in me that created this dream is elated, knowing that I’ve held on to her dream and have never let it go.

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The streets, the architecture, the buildings and the people are all so captivating. Everything that I’ve imagined and so much more, right here before my very eyes. This feeling is electric!!

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Flying through the night was a brilliant move. Being able to arrive in the morning and have the entire day ahead, turns out to be a wonderful start to this trip.

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I must take a moment to acknowledge my first CHICified encounter in Paris. I present to you… The Airport Ladies Room! I must confess, I’m so taken by the sleek decor and the fabulous color combination, that I completely forget why I’m even in here. At this very moment, I know that this is going to be one heck of a city to explore.

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While walking through these streets and flower shops and passing by all the eclectic boutiques and cafes, I’m realizing more and more that I feel right at home.

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This day has been filled with colorful moments and memories.  Well, when in Paris, do as the Parisians do! 😉 Off to the cafe for supper, socializing and a recap of this amazing day.

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_DSC0437The “highlight” of the evening, discovering that this is what 10pm looks like in Paris!

Perfection! 😉
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***All images were taken by and belong to SHAYZON, our very own Editor-in-Chief.***

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AMAZING DIY/DIM DINNER PARTY CENTER PIECES

ARE CENTER PIECES AT A DINNER PARTY A MUST HAVE??

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Party planning can be quite a task sometimes. Ok, let’s keep it honest, it’s quite a task every time! lol… 😉

What we’ve discovered at CHICified through trial and error, is the importance of simplifying the planning process into specific steps.

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1. Order Of Operation List

2. To Do List

TIP: TO DO LIST apps are awesome! You don’t have to worry about losing a piece of paper. Just don’t lose your phone! lol… 😉

DIM – Do It Myself (Found in the CHICified Dictionary)

 

 

 

Today we’re focusing on an area of the To Do List that has people a bit uncertain.  THE CENTER PIECE.

The importance of a center piece on a dinner party table (buffet or sit down) is a very important decision to your event and most certainly a personal choice.

It all comes down to the ambiance you are creating and your personal taste and style.

TIP: Shayzon loves having a center piece on her table when entertaining,  but she doesn’t believe that it always has to be with flowers.

There is no right or wrong decision about having a center piece. If you choose to have one, it can definitely be visually appealing and also a great conversation piece.

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Going to a florist or ordering custom made arrangements is an awesome option if time allows and you’re financially able to.  A DIY/DIM approach is also fantastic and a very CHICified way to go. Not only does it become your signature creation like the ones created by Shayzon in these pictures, but it’s fun, personalized and very cost effective.

Shayzon (CHICified‘s Editor-in-Chief) shared these pictures of the center pieces from her Premier Party for her new show Mother Funder on Bravo.  She worked with flowers from the local supermarket and a vase shaped like a purse made from moss that she found at a flower wholesale warehouse.

These beautiful center pieces most certainly became a conversation piece at this dinner party. 😉

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For directions on how to create your own CHICified DIY/DIM flower arrangement, check out: http://www.chicified.com/a-gorgeous-floral-arrangement-for-less-than-7/

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CAPTURED INSPIRATION

OUR CHICified 5!

LOVES FROM THE WEEKEND!

CHICified believes in taking time for visual inspiration.

Here are a few gorgeous pics that we fell inlove with over the weekend.

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Note from the Editor:

In this world that we occupy, there is beauty to be admired and inspiration to gain. Be present in your moments and have your eyes be your camera.

SHAYZON

*photos from around the web.*

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WHAT IS A SHAYZON FAB FIND?

A SHAYZON FAB FIND…

SOMETHING FABULOUS & WORTH FINDING!

 

FAB FIND is most certainly found in the CHICified Dictionary. ‘)

Here’s the short & sweet definition, along with important points for

SHAYZON to give the FAB FIND stamp of approval.

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Fashion, shoes, accessories, bags and decor that are graciously accompanied with great quality, a fit that’s remarkable and appeal to the eyes that’s purely irresistible. Top that all with a pretty little price tag adorned with a mind-blowing price, and you’ve got yourself the definition of a FAB FIND!!

 “Feeling GRAND and wearing a FABULOUS ensemble that looks like a million bucks, all while smiling inside knowing that it didn’t cost more than a minuscule dent in my purse, is just FABtastic!”

With a few pointers and tips, anyone can master the hunt.

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SHAYZON’s Truth Serum:
It takes a minute to save a buck!

* Don’t only settle with the first thing you see that stands out on the rack. Look around.

** Don’t grab just anything with an inexpensive price tag. Check the quality, style & fit.

***TRY IT ON, TRY IT ON and did I remember to say TRY IT ON!?!? Getting things altered is smart.

Not so fast!

Remember the factors in the definition above when identifying and selecting your FAB FIND and you’ll be well on your way!! 😉

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Tip: As you browse through magazines, stores or online, keep those things that excite you in mind when out on the hunt for a FAB FIND.

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These ‘Hangisi’ Manolo Blahnik pumps were my inspiration ($650). For a dramatic fraction of the cost, I knew when I came across these consignment pumps, they were FAB and definitely going home with me. 😉

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*my pumps were found brand new in a consignment store on clearance for less than $20!

FAB FIND STAMP OF APPROVAL! 😉

 

 

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A GORGEOUS FLORAL ARRANGEMENT FOR LESS THAN $7???

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Have you ever admired floral arrangements and found yourself feeling a bit intimidated or wishing you were able to recreate them for your own home? 

WE DEFINITELY HAVE! ‘)

Flowers have the power to brighten any space, improve any mood and transform any environment.

Flowers also have a reputation for being expensive.

We see them in magazines, as a major focal point on the sets of many TV programs, hotel lobbies, weddings, spas, restaurants, cafes and so many more captivating spaces. Clear indication that flowers are a great and important part of creating an influential and positive space.

ps. There’s actual research that shows how flowers affect the way we feel.

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SO how can you enjoy the benefits of beautiful flowers on a regular basis without breaking the bank?

No worries, CHICified will most certainly show you how!

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Her are the steps on how to create a beautiful and expensive “looking” flower arrangement for less than $7.

Lets get started!! 🙂

Today we went with miniature pink roses.

1st. What you’ll need are gardening shears, a vase, a funnel and water.

( You can find unique containers and/or great inexpensive vase at a dollar store, the supermarket or even better, in your own home.)

2nd. Lay out all of your flowers so you can see exactly what your working with.

3rd. Remove all the leaves and put them aside.

4th. Create a cutting guide by measuring one stem with the exterior of your vase leaving a 1/2 inch of the stem above the rim of the vase and then cut the stem at an angle.

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5th. Cut all stems using your guide.

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6th. Begin adding and arranging your stems one by one.

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7th. When you have created the final look you like or love…. add your water through the funnel to avoid disturbing your arrangement.

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** We prefer adding water at the very end of the process, so we can freely rearrange the flowers to our desired placement.**

 TAH DAH!!

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* Never underestimate the potential of a supermarket bouquet. ‘)

(BOGO sales get us excited!)

* When selecting your bouquet, be sure the petals and leaves have no brown spots and aren’t wilting.

 *Choose your flowers by the color scheme you love, your favorite type of flower or go with the bouquet/s that makes you feel happy and excited when you see it.

Treat yourself!

Create an environment on a Savvy Budget at home and/or at work that makes you feel special, happy, worthy and CHICified.

You deserve it! ‘)