Amazon Holiday Dress Guide

Black Friday is less than a week away and I’m so excited about all of the goodies going on sale this year! I’ve been pulling together a few looks to share with you guys for holiday outfits including this gorgeous velvet dress from Asvivid. I just received a few new pieces from them and love the softness of the fabric. This dress would be perfect for Thanksgiving when you need to let your belt loop out. I paired it with one of my favorite pairs of shoes from Amazon the Drop and a velvet braided headband for a touch of glam. I also really love this black jumpsuit if you are looking for a great party option and this cobalt blue dress for a work event! You can shop a ton of options below!

The Velvet Edit

Is there anything more luxurious than the soft thick texture of velvet? I think not! As soon as cooler temperatures hit, I bust out velvet time and time again. I love how classic it feels and immediately dress up almost any outfit! I shared a round-up of my favorite holiday dresses yesterday but thought velvet needed its own post so it could sit front and center. I recently ordered this beautiful skater-style fit and flare dress from Amazon. It is super affordable and comes in so many colors! I opted for a soft champagne shade that could transition from the holidays over to NYE. I paired it with a velvet blazer I’ve had for years and simple black patent heels. A tiny beaded handbag is just the right touch to store your cell phone and lipstick.

beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle, Photography, Style, TravelCrystal LowyNovember 17, 2021The Georgeholiday style, Holiday, Holiday Beauty, Party, Velvet, Blazer, Hotel Recommendation, Travel 11Comment

Gifting Books to Grow

Over the years my family who are avid readers have given the gifts of books time and time again. I have to tell you, books are some of my favorite gifts to give and receive. Last year I shared a few favorites in this post and then also I did a book review on Facebook live here. Books are incredible for the brain. Did you know it’s the best way to exercise your mind? It’s like giving your brain a high intensity workout. This year most of the books I’ve read revolved around the topic of personal development: spiritual, business, mental health and healing. I set out early in the year to make my life “explode” and knew from day 1 it would require an immense amount of focus. Some of these books were ones I listened to while others I read in paper form. Because I spend so much time in my life working on screens my book time stays off screen. Today’s post includes my favorite finds on Amazon so you still have time to grab for those loved ones or gift yourself as you begin a new year.

Creamy Skies on an Autumn Evening

One of the best views in the city is Mt. Bonnell. You can climb up in about a five minute walk to get a breathtaking view of the entire city. I’ve share about this location before during sunrise and sunset is just as beautiful. Because the view sits on the 360 loop it’s a beautiful sunset drive up there! Highly recommend to do if you are looking to visit Austin. We dressed up for dinner and then made the walk up for a brief glimpse of sunset. It was amazing and she told me she wanted to just sit and enjoy this because we don’t get to see it every day.

Resurfacing in Life

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

At the beginning of 2020 I chose the word explode for my year. When I selected that word I thought it would be my business that would explode. Little did I know God had bigger plans than that. Every single area of my life ended up changing - mentally, physically, emotionally, my home, my work, my parenting. All the energy from the past few years I put forth came together to form this new life I have now. I am obsessively grateful for where I am today, but I’ll never forget where I came from. I believe that are moments of struggle are tests of faith. As we move through those dark valleys with faith and hope we are able to make it to the other side where the blessing lie. My life is a living testimony of that. It didn’t explode until I pushed through the pain. It didn’t reap the blessings without the sacrifice.

How to Handle a Major Break Up

Earlier this year I experienced the ending of a very very long relationship. I’m here to tell you that no matter how bad the relationship gets, the break up is not an easy path. Especially if you’ve intertwined your lives by moving in together, getting married or having a child together. I believe there is a mourning period for the end of anything in life no matter how joyful the ultimate outcome is. You can know in your mind and soul that ending the relationship is the best thing for yourself, but actually going through the breakup itself takes time to heal. The thing is, you had a life with this person and dreams and hopes. When a major relationship ends, those dreams end. The life you thought you had will never be that way and the hope for the relationship to improve ends, too. As I’ve watched many friends and famous relationships break up during COVID-19 I realized this is a topic that many could benefit from reading.

Easy Heirloom Tomato Tart On the Patio For dinner

Staying at home means everyday meals are an opportunity to create a little magic. Having extra time on my hands has done some amazing things to the soul! How about you? Are you feeling inspired these days? Lately, I take time to do things with a little more effort instead of my normal rushing through life a million miles a minute. It’s been refreshing for my creative side! Dinner became an heirloom tomato tart on puff pastry al fresco. I’ve even started getting dolled up for dinner at home like they used to in the 1800’s. Taking major cues from southern France’s culture!

When is it Enough?

Today’s topic is heavy, but necessary after I realized that even the biggest and most successful people struggle with this issue: The Issue of Not Being Good Enough. I was watching the gorgeous Taylor Swift yesterday as she narrates her documentary on fame, success and her own journey through life’s toughest moments in front of millions of people. Heck - Taylor reaches billions at this point. Throughout the course of the film she shares issues with having an eating disorder, mental challenges, loneliness and the struggles of reaching the top. Needless to say I was pretty moved at three pm sitting on my sofa and tearing up like a gigantic baby. She’s right. All of those are real issues and they share a single common denominator: self-worth.