Top 11 of 2011

{I know, I know you have been anticipating my Top 11 for 2011 list.  Somethings were new to me this year, somethings are just still fab, and some are events that kept our conversations flowing at the water cooler.  Drum roll please:

11.  Glowing Green Smoothies.  I blogged about my version of this natural smoothie... it truly does fill you up, helps you get your greens, and helps make your skin glow. (Plus, these helped me give up Diet Coke, and I feel SO much better.)

10.  Gwyneth Paltrow's comeback - she sang her heart out on Glee and looked so fab on the Oscar red carpet.  Plus, she even came out with a cookbook, which shows she actually does eat.  So jeal. 

9.  Dunkin' Donuts Coffee.  Always the best.

8.  Anne Hathaway's all sequined gown at the Globes.  I still have a hard time breathing when I look at her in that dress.

7.  The Help.  Only one of my favorite books made its debut on the silver screen.  As I posted, it was simply amazing.  I can't wait to buy the DVD for my collection.  Crossing my fingers that they win some awards in the upcoming season.

6.  Modern Family.  Season Three.  If you have not started watching this show, get on the bandwagon.  NOW.

5.  Cupcake Wine.  Great taste at a great price.  Who doesn't love wine?

4.  You have got to try these beauty products:  tinted moisturizer, mascara, eye cream, and sunless tanner.  These four things will change your life, I promise.

3.  Pinterest.  This website simultaneously changed my life and helped me waste away hours pinning.  I love looking at all the home decor ideas, fashion choices, and delectable recipes.  I have even tried some ideas that I found on this website.  So, if you love pictures and want some awesome ideas - check this site out.

2.  The end of an era.  The last film in the Harry Potter series came out this year.  Alan Rickman, who played Snape, said it best, “When I’m 80 years old and sitting in my rocking chair, I’ll be reading Harry Potter. And my family will say to me, “After all this time?” And I will say, “Always.”

1. Kate Middleton and the Royal Wedding.  The anticipation of the gown, the way William looked at his bride, and the fact that Kate walked out as a Royal: that sums up why this event made it on the top of my list.  I will always remember seeing the dress for this first time... Ahhh... Dress Bliss.

What were your favorites from 2011?}

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012

{Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012 to all of you from me.  Thanks for supporting and reading my blog - I am thankful for you!}

Try it: Birchbox & New Hair!

{I just joined Birchbox, an amazing site where you can join as a member for only $10 a month and receive deluxe beauty samples.  UH... HELLO??  Why have I just jumped on this bandwagon?  

I heard about this site through twitter and blogs, and once I did a little research, I just knew I had to try it out.  Whether you're obsessed with beauty products (guilty) or you want to try something new, Birchbox really is for everyone.  Once you join, you fill out a survey about all things beauty.  Then each month, you receive 4-5 deluxe samples in the mail.  GENIUS!  Also, they were just featured on the Today Show... I mean, everyone knows that once you are on the Today Show you are legit and fab.  So, drop what you are doing and join now!  This also makes a FAB Christmas gift!

And finally... my new hair!  Well, I just couldn't decide if I wanted to do an all over color or highlights... so my colorist decided to put some low lights (dark blondish) and red tints in my hair.  Now... this picture was taken with my iPhone, so it doesn't show the clear picture.  But, I do love my new locks.  It's definitely warmer and darker in color, but pops of blonde are still woven throughout my hair.}

{photo via birchbox}

New things I am rocking....

{Some new things that I have been rocking lately:

1. My Peach Pearl bracelet.  LOVE this new piece of jewelry, and what is even cooler?  I met the designers.  Vincent and Michelle came to Bennett Galleries and put on an excellent trunk show.  Their work includes pearls, leather, pave diamonds, silver, and more.  Be sure to check them out: http://peachpearl.com.  I hope that I will get to do a longer post on these two amazing people and the jewelry line!

2.  White beret - a la the styles of Rachel Zoe, Taylor Swift, and Madeline.  Madeline??  Remember, the star of the children's books?  She was always my favorite, getting into mannered mischief while still being delightful.

  Before I digress... I truly love this hat.  It is great for covering up bad hair days... and covering up my need to be colored roots...

BUT I am actually heading to the salon tonight to get some color on those roots.  I will reveal what color I choose in my next blog... really excited to tell you.  Until then... please enjoy this video.  Yes, I know it is so 90's, but the song is a classic in my book.}

Gaga + Sugarland

{Three of my favorite musicians, one amazing performance.  Happy Friday.}

Thanksgiving is in the Air!

{I am still working on my hair color, and really want to try something different.  I have been toying with a reddish tint, but then I freak out and love a dark blonde/light brown color.  Anyways... just an update there.

On to important things - how is it almost Thanksgiving?  I really can't believe that the holiday season is amongst us.  I am trying to keep many things in perspective this Thanksgiving season.  So many times throughout the day, my human wants come out.  I think about how much I would love

this bag...

this cape...

this yurman...

or even this car... (ok, ok a little much, but still)

BUT - I am constantly praying for and keeping my eyes fixed on the blessings in my life.  This has been a great year and I have so much to be thankful for.  Each day I try to focus on what matters and to bring joy to others around me. 

Now... a girl can always dream about glitter and sequins, and I plan to post a wonderful gift guide soon.}

{pictures via tory burch, saks, bmw, typographic verses}

It's Here!!!

{Isn't the cape FABULOUS?!?!  Longer post to come, with spin class pics and all.  Have a great Thursday!}

Halloween + Celeb Questions

{It's Halloween, and I did not even come up with a fun costume idea this year.  Work has been crazy lately, and this weekend my life partner and I attended the NigthinGala, an event to support the College of Nursing at UT.  And since I helped put on this event, I did not think it would be appropriate for me to show up in my sequined T. Swift ensemble.  Anywho... pictures to come because even though I was not in costume, I still was looking FAB.

I am looking forward to tonight, because we should have a plethora of trick or treaters in our neighborhood.  And I have a plethora of candy, so I hope that take it all, because goodness knows that my sweet tooth does not need to indulge (too much).  

One thing that I always look forward to on Halloween is to see what the Today Show Anchors will wear.  This year they portrayed the Royal Wedding, Dying!!!!  As you know, I was a tad obsessed with those nuptials, and I loved the reenactment by the Today Show.  

Now, onto the top two celeb questions I am dying to know the answer to:

1. How mad is Jessica Simpson since Kim K. announced her divorce the same day she announced she was preggers (duh J. Simps, we have known for awhile)?  Glad you were not just getting fat.

2.  More importantly, what is Kim going to do with that rock of a ring?  Kim, tweet me, I'll gladly take it.}

{photos via today & hollywood life}

Vote on My New Hair Color...and win a Guest Blog Spot

{Cold weather is here, and I finally have a free nigh to relax and catch up on my DVR. I know, I know, the Tennessee Vols are playing, but seriously, I am about to see who wins Project Runway.  I guess I am being a fair weathered fan, but let's get one thing straight, even while I was in school, tailgating was my fave part of football season. What can I say? I am a social person.

By catching up on my fave TV shows (PR, Rachel Zoe, Real Housewives, Modern Family, etc.) a little thought has been put into my head.

Should I try a new hair color?

Confession: I don't even know my true hair color. I guess it is a light brown. Here I am circa 1988 (diva in training). 

The reason I don't know is because when I was 14 I thought it would be totally rad to buy Sun-In. I mean, what young teenage girl has not tried Sun-In? It lightened my hair and I was rocking the look. UNTIL fall came and so did my roots. My mother immediately took me to the salon to get them done. I was 14 and I remember hearing a women ask "How old is that young girl that is getting highlights??" Obvi I did not mind because I did feel like a celeb. And seriously, hasn't everyone seen Toddlers and Tiaras? Those girls are getting highlights at age 2.

Back on point, I was so thankful my Mom helped me get rid of the roots. I loved my locks, brown with a golden glint. BUT, I got bored over time. I would get highlights, and then grab a box from Walgreen's and go all over black. And this did not just happen one time... it has happened a lot. The moral of this story: I like to change up my hair color.

I have been blonde for awhile, and I really do like it. But I am itching for something new. I enjoyed being ombre, but then I lightened up again. I have been thinking about doing a dramatic change... dark brown, red, or low lights... I just can't make up my mind.

Should I go brunette?

Red?

Ombre with Peach????

OR stay blonde (I always love blonde locks, and don't blondes have more fun??? I see all the new shades, and my heart says "go", but my head says "stay the same".)

What do you think? Which one should I try out? 

Here I am now:

Remember, it needs to go with my new leopard cape. So, write your comments on what I should do or tweet me @molliemorgan. If you choose the winning color, you will DEF be mentioned/receive a guest spot in the blog.} 

{photos via pinterest}

This Leopard Cape...

{...is ALL MINE!!!!  I was ecstatic to see the following email in my inbox this morning:

I was lucky enough to win this gorgeous piece of clothing from Wren in a giveaway done by the AMAHHzing fashion site Style Etoile + one of my fave bloggers, Leandra of The Man Repeller.  In my comment entry I told her that if I won, I would wear that cape all the time, even to spin class.

So no fear faithful readers, I will post that picture once I get my cape.  And no yes, I don't look this amazing when I spin.  

And I totes agree with Leandra, leopard is a NEUTRAL.  I have known this since 8th grade when I used to rock hot pink leopard print pants.  I can't wait to pair the cape with sequins.} 

{photos via style etoile's twitter, thisnext, pinterest}

Am I Old Fashioned?

{I like to think of myself as a hip chica, but this weekend a bit of grandmother like tendencies begin to sneak in my thoughts.  The thought being, "Why are women still wearing skirts or dresses without tights or hose?  It is the middle of October!"  I know, I know, it has not been the coolest month yet and I do live in the south.

BUT, a little bit of me cringes when I see girls walking around in short dresses with no tights/hose.  Maybe it's because Kate has been seen wearing pantyhose on multiple occasions, maybe it's because I have Cullen-esque white skin, or maybe, just maybe it is the simple fact that I love tights/hose/leggings because I grew up dancing and wearing them all the time.  So, if you are like me, and love tights - be sure to check out Hue, an amazing brand.  I also love the leggings made by LOFT.  

 And if by chance you are ever have a Marilyn Monroe moment like Kate, you will be glad that you had on a pair of tights.  However, if I had her body I would move to the Windy City and wear tights and that dress everyday.

Life really is not fair - she becomes a Royal and has not a trace of cellulite?!?!

*Please note that no way does cringing mean judging, I merely am just aging and like to talk about products I can't live without.*}

{photos via pinterest}

Sophia Grace and Rosie

{I am sure some of you have seen the precious duo comprised of Sophia Grace and Rosie, two young Brits that have become YouTube sensations over night.  The two girls are cousins who put on a rousing edition of Nicki Minaj's Super Bass.  So rousing, in fact, they were featured on Ellen.  You must watch all of the videos below.  My life partner and I were literally rolling on the floor with laughter last night while watching them.  

Once you start to watch, you will see that Sophia Grace is all attitude and diva, while Rosie is the sweet sidekick.  I am was def a Sophia Grace when I was little.  And the thing that scares me the most?  I will probably have a child just like her one day.  Hopefully, I will be able to turn her into a YouTube sensation as well.  That way, she can take me to the Academy Awards one day and say "I brought my beautiful mother as my date", we can sip champagne, laugh with other famous people...

Whoa... way to much in the future, I guess I should not reveal all my thoughts to you.  Congratulations, you got a little sneak peek into my brain.  AH Hahahaha!  Anyways, before I start rambling on about how much I would give for a pair of all sequined pants and a full length leopard print faux fur coat, just watch the videos.  I promise, you will not be disappointed.}

All About Scarves

{I have always loved scarves, so I just had to share this video below.  I wear them all the time now that the weather is cooler.  Of course, this is to keep warm, but also for fashion purposes.  

I also have a collection of vintage scarves from my late Grandmother.  Wearing those pieces not only add an accent to my outfit, but always help me remember her.  She was a fashionable southern belle.  What accessory do you love to sport during fall and winter?}

Also, celebs are all the time wearing scarves.  Here are some of my fave looks below:}

Kourtney Kardashian

Rachel Bilson

 Jessica Alba

Sofia Vergara

{photos via the vogue diaries and pinterest}