The Blogging Circle of Debt: A Serious Subject

Image created by me
We are all totally aware of how many times we visit another blogger's site and click on the item's information and price. But, how many times do you actually PURCHASE?Let's face it: it's a dangerous world out there. I mean hell, some of these blogging gals look really darn cute in that sequin skirt and I need it. I also really love that gorgeous piece of art I saw on Susie's blog, maybe I could give it as a present? That reminds me, I saved a few of my favorite items from Susie's blog the last time I was there- I should buy those before they sell out. BLAH BLAH BLAH. Your mind will run in circles. Are you one of these people? I have realized that I, unfortunately, am one of those people. I don't purchase as much- but certainly do save all of my wanted items to my **Have to Have account. I don't need these items, I only want them. I need things like heat, food, water- you get the picture.Anyways, I created this post so that you can all become more aware of your money and your credit card accounts. Every item that you see, is not something you need. We all need to be reminded of that (myself, more than others).Tell me: are you a victim of the blogging circle of debt?

American Living Holiday Campaign: 12 Days of Giving

'Tis the season! This holiday season I couldn't be more excited to be collaborating with JCPenney on their American Living Holiday Campaign. I was asked to chose the perfect gift for a loved one from their collection and immediately fell in love with this: Men's Collins Jacket. It will be wrapped with love and placed under the tree for a special someone this Christmas. Stay tuned for more....I also had my eyes fixed on these items for gifts as well:Men's Quilted Vest for my DadSatin Pajamas for my MomJacquard Bath Towels for the in-laws
For now, enjoy this adorable little video and then get shopping! :)





**All opinions are my own. I searched the site for my favorite items that I listed for you here.

Gift Guide: For the Beauty Queen

 Brought to you by: Amanda from Slow Like Honey

Shopping for that special lady in your life can be challenging. Finding the right gift for your mom, wife, girlfriend, sister, best friend, or coworker doesn’t have to be frustrating though, especially when it comes to beauty gifts. With countless styles of sweet fragrance, nourishing lip balms, and luscious hair products, you can find something for all the ladies in your life! I’ve picked out some of my favorites and hope that your loved enjoys them as much as I do!

Happy Holidays!

Glitter and Sparkle Four Piece Full Size Nail Colour Set, $28

Her nails will sparkle with Sephora’s Glitter and Sparkle set. From eye-popping gold to festive glitter, she will adore the way her nails look.

Bumble and bumble Surfing Spray, $ 23

Nothing can compare to the salty ocean breeze. Nothing, except Bumble and Bumble’s Surfing Spray. With just a little mist over your strands and roots, your hair will have that highly coveted beach hair look. Without the sand!

Bare Minerals, Eyeshadow 8.0 Cocktail Hour, $40

Her eyes will dazzle thanks to Bare Minerals Eyeshadow 8.0 Cocktail hour palette. Full of this season’s hottest shadows, it’s the only eye compact she will ever need.

Mini Sugar Kissing Trio, $28

Winter can wreak havoc on lips but with Fresh’s sugar lip balms, lips stay moist and luscious. This set comes with a trio of shades, great for work or night!

Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum, $95

I’m never one to play favorites however the Balenciaga Paris Eau de Parfum is simply my favorite scent. Fragrant yet not super sweet, it’s the perfect scent for the ladies who love a little romance and mystery.

Clarisonic, Mia2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System, $149

Give her the gift of clear, healthy skin this holiday with the Clarisonic. With a variety of brushes that will work on any type of skin, the Clarisonic buffs away dead skin, clearing complexions and boosting skin health.

Shimmering Gold

{Outfit Details} Kendall K Dress (c/o), Forever 21 Jacket, H&M Fur Stole, H&M Booties, Social Experiment Ring (c/o)
The fact that is gets dark around 4 pm makes it difficult to steal a few pictures. Managed a few before it was too dark to see. I fell in love with this Kendall K Dress the second I saw it. It's a perfect color combination with a splash of shimmering gold for the holidays!How was your holiday weekend?

Giving Thanks

Credits: 1//2//3-?//4//5//6
Dreaming up my Thanksgiving outfit while at work for the day. I am thankful for the job that I look forward to going to every day, friends, family and my wonderful fiance. Cheers!

Holiday Prep

J.Crew Brompton Satchel, Alexon Wool Funnel Coat, Kate Spade Latrice Colorblock Satin Pump, Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans, Equipment boyfriend fit shirt, Monogram Necklace, Club Monaco Renee Wool Fedora, Madewell Timeless Frames
The perfect look to prep for the holidays. 

A Chill in the Air

{Outfit Details} Sweater Coat by Milly (via Lucky Shops), Pixiedusk Heartloom Dallas Blouse, Forever 21 Suede Skirt, H&M Booties, Forever 21 Necklace
I must have walked around Lucky Shops three times before falling head over heels for this gorgeous sweater coat. The second I put it on, I knew it had to be mine. It was the last one on the shelf and I felt like it was meant to be. You can find me snuggling with my Milly sweater on the couch, if you need me...

Looking for...

I am looking for bloggers who want to contribute to the Sparkling Footsteps Holiday Gift Guide. There will be different categories for the gift guide and there will be 2-3 posts per week starting Dec. 1st. If you are interested in contributing in any of categories below, please email/DM me ASAP! :)
1.) Gift Guide for the Foodie2.) Gift guide for the Workout Fiend3.) Gift Guide for the Fashionista4.) Gift Guide for your Furry Friends5.) Gift Guide for the Men in your life 6.) Gift Guide for your Best Girlfriend7.) Gift Guide for the Techie8.) Gift Guide for the Business Worker9.) Gift Guide for the Woman who works from home10.) Gift Guide for the Wise Elders in your life

A Night In..

{Outfit Details} gifted zipper cowl from Knotted Neckwear on Etsy, BCBG Sweater, Forever 21 leggings, gifted MIA Boots, Essie "Very Cranberry" Polish
One of my favorite past-times is curling up on the couch and indulging in my favorite magazines and new books. What's your favorite way to unwind?

Weddington Way

Hands down one of the best websites I have discovered since my wedding planning began is: Weddington Way. This is a site where you can browse thousands of bridesmaids dresses and share them with everyone. You can search by length, color, theme, and price. Once you pick out your favorites (mine are above) you can invite your bridesmaids to "rank" them. You can compare which dress is the most popular between your bridesmaids and chose that dress OR you can have them all wear the dress that ranked as #1. I am letting my bridesmaids chose whichever dress they want, I don't like "matchy-matchy". The staff at Weddington Way is extremely helpful and personable. For brides in the San Francisco bay area, Weddington Way has an appointment only showroom where you can check out many of the styles they feature on the site!I highly recommend using this site if your planning a wedding!

WIN a $50 Sephora GC or Kodak Mini Camcorder!

I teamed up with Sui Numeris Bride to bring to you an awesome giveaway! If you win, you can chose a $50 Sephora gift card OR a Kodak Mini Camcorder (As well as 10% off the site). Here is how you may enter:
1.) Here is your task:"Imagine that Sparkling Footsteps has been given a last minute assignmentto dress Reese Witherspoon, who has to make a red carpet appearance for a newindie comedy. Reese just wants something simple and fun. Pick a dress fromSui Numeris Bride and tell Sparkling Footsteps why that dress would beperfect for Reese."
2.) Follow Sui Numeris Bride on Facebook
For an extra entry:Share on twitter including my twitter name @sparklingsteps and linking back to this giveaway!That's it! Contest ends November 25th!

A Cute Shoe (at a great price)!

Meet the Mojo Moxy Loren. Super affordable and perfect for the holiday season. Welcome to my closet!

Layer it Up

{Outfit Details} H&M Coat, BB Dakota Fur vest (c/o), Madewell Striped Sweater, J.Crew Pants, Forever 21 Moto Boots, Karen Walker Sunglasses (Borrowed from Sonia)
Some pictures from my recent to trip to NYC, missing it already. It was a brisk, windy day and I opted for a few layers to keep me warm! There is nothing like having those yellow cabbies in the background of your pictures to make you feel like a city gal. 

Engagement Session Sneak Peek by Rodeo and Co.

I could not be more excited to introduce you to Meg from Rodeo and Co. I have to say that the hardest part of my wedding planning thus far has been choosing a photographer. I think that the memories from your wedding are the MOST important part and I wanted to make sure I chose someone whose style and personality would work well with us. Meg not only produces beautiful photography but she's fun to work with as well. If your in the New England area, I highly suggest you look into her work. I have only seen a few photos from our session last week and cannot wait to see the rest!
{Outfit Details} Forever 21 Jacket (last year), Ralph Lauren Shirt, Blaque Label Skirt, Mia Boots "Nanette" (on sale), Vintage pearl necklace

Raquelle Bianco Giveaway

As promised, here is the giveaway I told you all about yesterday! I wouldn't let you down ;)I am in love with Raquelle Bianco's gorgeous jewelry line and now you have the opportunity to win the bracelet above (you chose the color). 
To Enter: Tell me what you favorite piece is from Raquelle's line
That's it! Giveaway ends Nov. 18th!PS. The winner of the Jewelmint giveaway is Morgan from Cape Cod Bride! Congrats! 

Blue Cheetah

{Outfit Details} Soia and Kyo Leather Jacket, Banana Republic Sweater, Zara leggings, Forever 21 Moto Boots, Vintage Ring, Raquelle Bianco Bracelet (c/o)
This week is a heavy work load week for me. Organizing and balance is key. It between all the madness I am working on my official "bucket list"- a list of all the things I want to do/compete in my lifetime. Will definitely update you all when it's finished.
P.S. Giveaway tomorrow--today's post is a hint ;)

Prepster

{Outfit Details} Forever 21 Blouse, ASOS Bowtie (similar), H&M Trench Coat, J. Crew Trousers, Nine West Black Pumps, SAS Handbag (c/o)*Pictures taken by Lauren
A brief outfit outtake from the Lucky Magazine event (Lucky Shops) last weekend. I scored the most AUH-mazing Milly sweater coat- I cannot wait for you all to see it. 
p.s. - check out another preppy ensemble over on audrey's lovely blog.

ING NYC Marathon Recap

{Photo 1} Carbo- loading for the marathon during brunch with Sonia- love her{Photo 2} Preparing everything the night before. My fiance also ran the marathon but didn't have an "official" number. {Photo 3} Photo from lululemon. A gorgeous picture of runners during the race{Photo 4} My friend and I after the race with our medals
My Marathon Recap The NYC Marathon was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have to be straight up when I say that I didn't train as much as I wanted to, BUT the race was EASIER than I expected. Now, this doesn't mean it was easy by any means...it was extremely difficult. I hit a wall twice (at mile 14 and mile 20) and my friend was able to get me through them to keep going. We ran the entire time and never stopped once. We didn't stop at the water stations, we grabbed them while running. We also ate all of our energy bloks, powerbars and jelly belly energy beans while running. I believe that the worst thing you can do is stop and walk during a marathon. Walking is more difficult and I lose focus if I stop (even once). I am beyond sore today and can barely stand up, but I wouldn't change a thing. Tips for encouraged runners who want to run a marathon1.) You do not need a personal trainer to tackle this feat. I used this book to train and it worked wonders for me. My longest run was only 18 miles and you taper at the end. Book: The Non-Runner's Marathon TrainerI don't consider myself a born runner. Meaning, I don't think my body/legs were meant to run like some other people who are born to do it. Running does not come easy to me and I had to work very hard during the 4 months of training. 2.) You need to set time away on the weekends for your long runs. You will forever be able to tell your family/friends that you ran a marathon. IT IS WORTH IT.3.) When you are running more than 30 minutes/3 miles, you need to eat. You should be eating every 30 minutes. I recommend Clif Shot Bloks in Black Cherry, Powerbar Performance Energy Bars in Peanut Butter, Jelly Belly Sport Beans in assorted flavors4.) Invest in a running belt. You need to constantly keep hydrated.5.) When you start to think that you don't have the energy to train anymore. THINK AGAIN.
If anyone has any questions or wants tips on training, email me! :)

Neon Lights

{Outfit Details} Vintage neon sweater::::Zara Vest (girls section)::::J. Crew riding pants::::Mia Nanette Boots (c/o)::::Forever 21 Necklace::::Banana Republic Handbag
This is what is left over from crazy storm Alfred. It reached 55 degrees and I was actually sweating. I guess I got used to being freezing cold!I went shopping 2 weeks ago via the girl's section on Zara. I was skeptical at first, not being able to try anything on but everything fits perfectly! I highly suggest it.