weekend musings: New Changes and Discoveries

bonjour, dear readers!

how was your week? delightful, i hope!

can you believe it's already february??

it's been a very exploratory, creative time for me lately (been doing lots of journal writing, home decorating, drawing, learning french, cooking, not to mention, i finally got back on my yoga mat after about a year). i'm trying to balance spending more time with my daughter and son individually, nurture my offline friendships and everything in between.

BGM is now a little more than 3 years old, and i feel, like me, now 31 (eeek!), the blog is ready for a change.

while i have a bit of an idea where i want my little online baby to go, i really want to let everything happen organically. afterall, it developed into what it is today the same way. that being said, i feel that i need to get away from so much celebrity and pop culture coverage so i can really focus on sharing more of the things i love, in addition to all the fun, beauty-related stuff.

please know i completely appreciate that you take the time to visit each day (or subscribe via email, reader or blogger), and i j'adore sharing my love of all things beauty and style with you! thank you!!

as a little heads-up, as the weeks progress things may be a bit different. i can't really be specific, since i'm not really sure myself, but i hope you'll continue along with me!

now that my rambling is over, i wanted to share some fab new-to-me blogs (along with some websites and random stuff) that i've recently discovered, am loving, and/or am being so inspired by. take a little time and be sure to visit them soon...

blogs:

Dead Fleurette is an inspiration scrapbook where Fluerette shares fabulous articles or photographs as well as her musings on style-related topics.

Accidental Chic is a blog written by Tiffani Rogers and offers readers a daily dose of topics ranging, but not limited to, being fashion, beauty and financially savvy.

The Simply Luxurious Life is just about that-- living simply. Shannon Ables says about her blog, "the simply abundant life is something i believe every one of us can attain if indeed we are seeking quality rather than quantity, decadence rather than frivolity, personal style instead of trendy fashions, and a truly fulfilling life instead of being led around by the nose."

Into the Gloss is written by Emily Weiss (if you were an avid viewer of The Hills, you may remember who she is) and is an insider look into the world of fashion and beauty. her topics range from product reviews to featuring fabulous people and their own style, makeup artists, hairstylists, etc. all sharing their tips and musings.

websites:

Shelter Pop -- lots of fun home decorating trends and style tips
ModCloth -- fab vintage clothing and accessories
Pure Wow -- fashion, food, beauty, health, art, tech-- wow!
This Week In (they also have audio and video podcasts featuring everything from books to fashion!) -- catch up on all the fun happenings of the week.

random stuff:

Good Earth Teas (their original Sweet and Spicy blend is amazing)
American Eagle Outfitters (they have great basics and awesome accessories to jazz up your casual wear)
Pandora Radio (my fave stations? Pomplamoose, Ke$ha (this one surprised me, lol), Maxwell, Eric Hutchinson and Instrumental Hip Hop)
my new journal, yoga mat, gym bag and gloves :)

stay tuned for more...

Rainy, Book-Reading Kind of Day

happy monday beauties! in my neck of the country, the day began very rainy and gloomy (as you can see from the picture above, taken from my patio).

i stayed home from the gym due to the fact that my back was bothering me (a little nuisance that, like my sometimes achy knees, has been passed down by my mother), so it worked out to be a good thing. i spent my morning hanging out with my kids, then browsing the web.



in my perusing, i came across a fab website called goodreads.com, a social-networking site for people who love to read. users can rate and keep track of books read, write and read reviews, join book clubs, and even create a list of want-to-read books-- it's so fun! i think i was on there for over an hour.



i love reading. it's such an escape for me. i'm currently reading two books, My Sister's Keeper and Shopaholic Ties the Knot. i'll be keeping track of my progress and will hopefully adding them to my "read shelf" soon so i can reading books on my "to-read shelf". on the list? The Lovely Bones, Twenties Girl and Something Borrowed, just to name a few.

rainy days aren't so bad, especially when the sun comes out later. :)



how was your monday?

xo

A New Look For Bobbi Brown's Website

the Bobbi Brown website has had a little makeover-- check out the new color swatches, how-to videos, "chat with an artist," and brush up your makeup skills with brand new tips from Bobbi. the site is also easier for you to share your favorite products, tips or articles via Facebook, Digg and del.icio.us.

to celebrate the launch of the new ratings and reviews feature, for each review you write through august 28th, you'll be entered to win $450 worth of Bobbi makeup! the site is also currently offering two free samples with any order and free shipping on purchases above $65-- so why are you still here? head over to BobbiBrown.com right now and look around.

xo

Have a Girls Night Out with Shecky's!

i've just been introduced to an amazing company called Shecky's, and if you've never heard of them, you are about to...

Shecky's is an amazing online and event destination that keeps you in the know for what's cool and undiscovered in fashion, beauty and fun with the girls. there you'll discover emerging designers, great beauty products and fabulous free giveaways!

not only is their website full of fabulous info and tips, but it's their Girls Night Out that i know will peak your interest. it's all about getting away from the stress of life, without any boys, and enjoying the ultimate night out: delicious cocktails, tons of emerging designer fashions at amazing prices, fabulous beauty services and- the icing on the cake!- their famous goodie bags filled with products you're sure to love.

sound like fun? yeah, i know!

you'll also want to sign up to become a Shecky's Insider to receive exclusive info about upcoming events in your area, fashion, beauty and of course fun, so you'll always be in the know.

so head on over to Sheckys.com to see the excitement for yourself, click here to watch a video that will give you a little taste of the Girl's Night Out festivities, and stay tuned for a fabulous announcement!

xo

new website: The Cutting Chair

The Cutting Chair is a fabulous new website that features everything from an amazing gallery of hairstyles, interviews with industry experts, articles, tips, how-to's and more.

this is a relatively new site, so expect to see so many new features and updates often. the Style Gallery is a cool feature to check out; see a plethora of different styles, and even customize your search for a funky new style based on your face shape, length and texture. most of the photos even include the styling products, styling tools, and how to achieve the look for each hairstyle!

so go ahead, check it out, and do it often! like i said, this is a new website, so show it some love! sign up to have that ability to rate hairstyles and share your insight in the forums.


xo


photo: thecuttingchair.com

amazing website dicovery: Know.Label.

Know.Label. is a fabulous online store that i discovered thanks to an amazing blogger named Pascalle over at Hot Mama Daily.














so check this out- Know.Label is a company that believes style should not be a luxury.they carry an eclectic mix of pieces that range from limited edition items created by designers all over the world to clothes that are just as beautiful as they are affordable.












they carry fabulous bags, adorable tops, dresses, accessories and more. i am so thrilled to be able to share this with you (thank you Pascelle!). and a word of caution: the prices are so amazing, you just might not believe it! so go there, and check it out! then come back and tell me what you think. i really want to hear from you...

xo