A Delightful Discovery...

I have to let you all in on one of most recent discoveries in the Etsy world... 

My Belle Boutique!

When I first met Kayla from My Belle Boutique, I went to her shop to check out the goods, thinking it would be similar to a lot of other handmade jewelry shops, but I was wrong...

I received one of her sterling silver necklaces in the mail and instantly fell in love! It has a cute little engraved heart and pearl charm attached, see?

So adorbs. And yet so simple! I feel a little bit more connected to my style when I'm wearing it, because it matches not only my clothes but my personality as well. 

What's funny is I'm usually a fan of big, chunky, almost costume jewelry looking accessories, and Kayla's got me heading in the other direction. 

Her creations are simple and elegant with just enough boldness to still get noticed. In addition to necklaces she also makes earrings, bracelets, and keychains in lots of different style options.

What sets My Belle Boutique apart from other jewelry makers is that most of her items can be personalized! You can add your own style to an existing design with engraved sayings, a variety of darling charms, and even Swarovski birthstone crystals! 

Or, if you want something completely original you can request a custom order and she will help you design your own! #genius

These truly are the perfect gift... handmade, pretty, and personal. It's not just another store bought present; you actually get to have a hand in deciding what it will look like! 

Mother's Day is coming up and I know my Mom and Mom-In-Law would absolutely love one of these... even my cute little niece would feel so special getting one of these for her 5th birthday next month! (I'm pretty sure I spotted a Hello Kitty charm with her name on it... literally!)

I can tell Kayla is passionate about what she does. It's really inspiring to me to see a stay at home mommy doing what she loves and doing it well! 

She has a 100% positive feedback rating and a super quick turnaround. Plus she won't break the bank because her prices are extremely affordable and shipping costs are minimal, even when you ship international.  

And just because she rocks, Kayla wanted to offer you guys a little something special... 

use CONFESSIONS20 when you checkout,

 and receive 20% off your ENTIRE order! 

(Thank you Kayla!)

If you can't afford anything right now, do not worry. Instead, become a fan of her Facebook page. This generous lady does loads of giveaways, sales, and contests... it's no wonder she has over 7,000 fans!

I'm so glad I discovered Kayla's shop in the midst of this giant blog world! One day I hope to be at her level of success running my own design business and doing what I love. 

I really think that's the secret to life... discovering what it is that you truly love to do, then doing it. Don't you?

Check out My Belle Boutique here:

SHOP | BLOG | FACEBOOK

P.S. You must go check out these charms... my favorites are the keys! 

Which ones do you like?


*I was gifted the necklace as compensation for this review, but the thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are completely my own!*


*GIVEAWAY WINNER*
Congratulations to Rachel Marie who won the Aunie Sauce Large Ad Space Giveaway!
Thanks to everyone who participated! Check out other advertising options with Aunie here!

I Heart Weiners

(I was talking about the dogs... what were you thinking? ;)

I can see myself hoarding dachshunds and one day being featured on TV because of it. I just can't get enough of them... here's why:

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I love my little weenies!!

Music Mondays: One Hit Wonders!

Happy Monday and WELCOME to my new readers! How was everyone's weekend?

This is the FIFTH round of Music Mondays and I hope you're all having as much fun as I am! I personally listen to every playlist that's added and everyone is picking out some great songs... love it!

This week I thought it would be fun to pick out our favorite 

ONE HIT WONDERS!

Honestly, I think it might be nice to  be a one hit wonder... make some big bucks, mark my name in history, and still be able to live life like a normal person without paparazzi up in my grill all the time. Sounds like a good deal to me!

I narrowed mine down to five this week, even though I could have gone on and on... enjoy!

"What's Up" by Four Non-Blondes
Me and this song go wayyy back! Me and my old bff would belt this out every time it came on. I still think of her every time I hear it!

"How Bizarre" by OMC
This song is just the best. I remember my dad singing to this song in the car trying to mimic the way they say "Bizzah" ...haha good times.

"Mouth" by Merril Bainbridge
This song reminds me of my sisters and I... I'm not sure what our fascination with it is, but I have to share it every time I'm reminded of its existence.

"Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats
Y-E-S. It's not possible to listen without wanting to bust a move!

"Come on Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners
Such a classic and one of my all time favs... I couldn't believe I found them on the one hit wonder list!

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If you'd like to participate be sure to grab this button, display it on your post, then link up and listen to everyone's playlists!





<br><center><a href="http://graphicdesignconfessions.blogspot.com/search/label/music"><img src="http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp292/kroberts617/musicmondays.jpg"/></a></center><br>

Next week's theme...

I thought it would be interesting to hear 5 picks from your favorite genre! Whether you love rock, country, hip hop or techno, show us what your taste in music is all about! I would also love to hear any suggestions for future topics; please leave yours in the comments! :) 

And please note the theme is a guideline only and is not necessary to link up. Feel free to dance to the beat of your own drum! 

After you start listening, be sure to go check out these TWO amazing giveaways:

Enter to win a Large Ad Space from Aunie Sauce!

Enter to win $100+ in prizes from my February Sponsor Group Giveaway!

Hope you all have a fabulous start to your week!

February Group Giveaway!! :)

IT'S TIME FOR A GROUP GIVEAWAY!

Get ready to be so excited you pee on people like my dog Sam...

I have six of my amazing February sponsors giving away over $100 worth of prizes! Scroll down, check out their links, and eye out the goods... 

one winner takes all!

(Enter through RAFFLECOPTER after the jump!)

BLOG | SHOP | TWITTER

BLOG | SHOP | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

BLOG | SHOP | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

...is it wrong of me to want to participate too? :)

GOOD LUCK!!! :D

FF: A Vintage Inspired Night at The Oscars!

Happy Friday beautiful people! I cannot believe I made it in one piece after the week we've been through... ay, caramba! You think you want to know more, but I promise, you don't..

I had one of those blogger moments this week where I wasn't sure if I should hit publish. I usually always do despite any nervous feeling beforehand. I had sat down and written a really deep, kinda depressing, super personal poem ready to go for Wednesday's post. It explained exactly how I felt at the time and I wanted to share it, but I decided to save it in draft.

I later shared it with Josh and I'm glad I kept it between us. It served its purpose as a special communication between the two of us. Sometimes you just got to keep things in the personal files, know what I'm sayin'?

Totally off topic, but hey, that's me. Scatter brained and unorganized as usual!

You know what got me out of my funk this week? When AV at {long distance loving} invited me to dress up for Friday's Fancies Oscars night! I got excited when I thought about all the fancy evening gowns I could choose from my imaginary closet, but then I felt totally out of my element since I'm pretty sure the last time I wore a "gown" was senior prom...

I know whenever I decide to dress up I always like to add a classic touch in the hair and makeup department. This time I went looking for a dress with a vintage vibe and flattering silhouette. I ended up finding the most perfect combination designed by the brilliant mind Oscar de la Renta... that genius man!

I'm going to toot my own horn on this one. I likey. A lot. 

And I want that freaking gown in my closet even if all I ever do is stare at it! 

...think I could catch a few glances from Ryan Gosling wearing this? eh?? ;)

Now I'm curious.. 

What's your favorite vintage style element?

When's the last time you wore a gown?

And will you be watching the Oscars?

Before you go be sure to enter Aunie's giveaway here.

And while you're at it, why not consider linking up with me for Music Mondays?

Whatever you're up to this weekend, have fun and make it last as long as possible! xo

Get to know AUNIE!

HERRO friends of Kristen.

I am Annelise. Annelise THE GREAT, that is.

I am the mastermind behind Aunie Sauce.

If you read Confessions of a GDS often,

you will know that Kristen is basically obsessed with me

and my awesomeness.

Um... did I just say that?

YOU BETCHA.

I'm saucy, I'm quirky, and sometimes I'm just downright weird.

I blog about style (or my lack thereof), beauty, my own poems

and all of life's little details.

If you come visit me at Aunie Sauce, you get 2 thumbs up.

If you like Aunie Sauce, I may give you a cookie.

If you want to be my friend, I'll love you to the moon and back.

So see you soon my swanky ladies (and possibly gents).

Kristen asks... 
If you could change one thing about this world, what would it be? 

Easy question. I would get rid of the fighting and war. I don't mean that the world needs to be all about lemondrops and gumdrops, but I'm just so tired of countries being at each other's necks.

What's your favorite song right now? 

At this very moment? Lights by Ellie Goulding.

If there were no consequences for your actions, what is one thing you would do, even if it's illegal? 

Well, this definitely isn't illegal. I would choose to eat EVERYTHING I wanted. I'm basically a food addict. Sushi, ice cream, french fries, pizza... GET IN MY BELLY.

You get to trade shoes with anyone for a week; who do you choose? 

Hermione Granger. Yep. A fictional character. I would fly on broomsticks, cast spells, and drink plenty of butterbeer.

If there was an "Aunie Sauce" award, how would one earn it? 

Well, I always think of awards like competitions. You would have to do one of my super-hard workouts with my personal trainer and I, singing the whole time like I do (yes, I'm a nerd), and then out-do me on a plank. Yep... it's a physical challenge.

If you could have a conversation with the you from 5 years ago, what would you tell her?

Annelise, listen, this may sound crazy, but do not settle. If you want that storybook romance, find it. Make it happen. Believe in yourself, in your values, in what you want, and just do it. In a few years, your life will change. It will be crazy and there will be moments when you don't even realize the person you've become. Walk away from that change. Walk away, keep your shoulders held high. You will rise above it.

I hear you are one of the up and coming style blogs! Where do you get your style inspiration?

Kristen, where are you hearing these silly rumors? But... pretending it's true, I actually get my inspiration from The Rack. No, not Nordstroms. The real-deal clothing rack. Go shopping. Find a statement piece. And then rock it. I try not to base my sense of style on that of others. If I am comfortable in it, I will wear it.

Your eyelashes are pretty amazing... what's your go-to mascara? 

Wow, that's an incredible compliment considering they're my biggest insecurity, so thank you. I love Maybelline's The Falsies. If it didn't flake, it would be THE HOLY GRAIL of mascaras.

I see your nails are never naked... what advice do you have for a serial nail biter like myself? 

Paint paint paint!!! I am a nail biter too, believe it or not. I started my nail blog about a year and a half ago and I've come so far since then. If my nails are painted and all dolled up, I won't touch them. The second they start chipping, I'm a biting fanatic. So paint them bad boys and keep them looking good, no matter how short!

What's one piece of advice you would give to new bloggers? 

I still feel like I'm a new blogger (really, I am), and I think my biggest struggle is trying not to compare myself to big, amazing bloggers. Just be you and write what you want to. Readers will find you in time... but if you're not blogging for you, it's not worth it.

* * * * *

Now that you know all about the lovely Aunie (whom I am most definitely obsessed with) wouldn't you absolutely LOVE to make an appearance on her sidebar? Well, you're in luck, because she was kind enough to give away a Large 200x200 Ad Space for March! YAY!

Ad space includes participation in group giveway, social media shout outs, and a monthly sponsor shout out group feature. 

What are you waiting for? Enter using Rafflecopter below (may be after the jump)! Good luck! :)