Grateful For My 'Mingos


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Little Mingos, I am grateful for you. VERY grateful!  I love hearing from each and every one of you and I can't tell you how much joy this little corner of the web brings me. So...THANK YOU for all the smiles you bring!



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Yesterday, I requested a friend to give me White Christmas (I think that is a normal request, right?) and ever since, I can't stop obsessing over decorating with winter whites. And in true Pink Flamingo Style form, I love to mix in some brights as well.  ANYONE can get this look. Whether it is a hand-me-down piece of furniture or Goodwill find, it doesn't matter...just slap a couple coats of white paint on there and BOOM you are done!  I just can't say enough about how paint can rapidly transform the look of a room-all on a budget.

I sense a project in the making for Casa de PFS!!

Also, be sure to hop over to Aimee Broussard's blog to see her list of favorite things and find out what the next giveaway item is that will be added to the basket! Don't forget to register for the giveaway. The more you share the news, the more chances you have of winning one FABULOUS gift basket!


Christmas Gifts For Your Girlfriends

christmas gifts for your girlfriends

STRIPED COFFEE MUG * NECKLACE * GOLD INITIAL MUG * MONOGRAMMED STUDS * NAIL POLISH * WATCH * IPAD SLEEVE * MARKET LIST NOTEPAD * BANGLES * CANDLE * MAKEUP BRUSH SET * PERFUME

Every year it happens-the gift exchange at your favorite restaurant.  Sometimes its that friend you've had for years and years and other times its a new friend.  Regardless, it can be a challenge to find a fabulous gift in the appropriate price range. In my opinion, the girly gifts are perfect for girlfriends.  Boyfriends and Husbands never think to give these things, so they're always my go to. 

What girly items are you giving or hoping to receive this year?  

Monday Attire: Bright & Mixing Patterns

Monday Attire


I gladly welcome this Monday with welcome arms because I spent the weekend curled up on the sofa with a cold.  I can't complain, I watched Christmas movies in PJ's all day-who doesn't love that? After enough meds to knock out a grown man, I should be back to normal today (here's hoping).  

With chilly temps out, I can't help but want to stay bundled up but I know that if I do that too often this early on, I'll have the winter time blues within a month.  So today, I challenge you wear warm items that have pops of colors. AND if you are really feeling bold, go ahead and mix up the patterns. A little animal print with stripes never hurt anyone!

So tell me, how do you avoid the winter time outfit blues?


Casual Friday Attire: Simple Neutrals


Sometimes it just feels really good to take things back to the basics and wear all neutrals. It seems rather calming if you ask me, and by Friday, we all need that!! 

If you haven't entered the Bloggers Favorite Things Give Away, be sure to do so. The gift items keep coming and I can assure you, there is so much good stuff on the way!


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Budget Friendly Hostess Gifts

Hostess Gifts from World Market
It seems to happen overnight-the Christmas tree lots. You have no idea how excited it makes me to see the first glimpses of Christmas in stores but there is just something about seeing trees on the lot that just fires me up.  It happened last weekend and I suddenly realized-The Holidays are officially here!  Regardless of when you think is the right time to put up decorations, the reality that the busy season is here-its the reality for everyone.  Mall parking lots are slammed, Starbucks is jamming at all hours and you blink and your mailbox is full of Holiday cards and invitations.

I was raised to know the importance of etiquette. My mother stands firm in her belief that one should ALWAYS RSVP when requested. She displays invitations and cards in her kitchen for all to see. I love the idea of staying true to old fashioned traditions.  It is something handed down from many generations and I wouldn't trade that for the world because I will always have a piece of my Mom and Grandmother and Grandmomma and the MANY that passed these rules down through the years.

So today, I've shared a few items that make fabulous hostess gifts for your holiday parties you attend. Everyone brings wine, flowers, candy, fruit, etc...go ahead and step outside the box and give a memorable gift.

What is the best hostess gift you've received?

Bloggers' Favorite Things Giveaway Series



Bloggers Favorite Things


OPI "Bubble Bath" This has been my go to nail polish colors for years. It is such a classic that looks great on everyone!

Lancôme  Cils Booster XL Enhancing Mascara Base  Ignore the price because it is a miracle worker! After using it for several weeks, my lashes are thicker and longer than ever and this preps them daily to look their best!

Lancôme Hypnôse Drama' Instant Full Body Volume Mascara If you are going to invest in department store mascara, this is the one to buy. I've tried them all and I have to say this is hands down the absolute best! You won't need any falsies, because this will give you the long full lashes you want in 2 coats.

Prada "Candy" Eau de Parfum Spray I love the sweet playful smell of this. I wear it daily.

Old Navy Scarf One can never have too many scarves.  This mint infinity scarf makes a fabulous gift and will look great on everyone. 

Russel + Hazel Acrylic Stapler Be still my heart ... Acrylic and gold office supplies! Any desk will look chic with this.

"Where'd You Go Bernadette?" Such a fun and fast paced book-you will not want to put it down!

Emi Jay Hair Ties Once I tried these hair ties, I haven't used a rubber band since. They are well worth the price. One pack of 3 or 4 will last years and they don't tear your hair...just what the hairdresser ordered! 

Capri Blue Volcano Candle My most favorite candle ever!! **See below for more on this.

Smith's Rosebud Salve Tube  The cult classic now comes in a tube. No worries about getting sticky fingers. The mint is a nice extra touch and I always keep this at arm's length for a quick grab. So good!

Giraffe Trinket Dish How precious is this to store your fine jewels? Playful and chic-exactly what I love!

Spanx Reversible Tights These tights are a total gamechanger! I've had the same pair for 8 years and they're still going strong. They are thick and opaque and since they are reversible, you have 2 pairs in one. And in standard Spanx style, they will suck you in and shape you better than you could hope.

J.Crew Downtown Field Jacket A total classic.  Every girl needs one of these. I have the olive color and wear it all the time!

Bobble Water Bottle Quit buying bottled water and just grab one of these. This has a built in filter that you can later buy replacements for.  It is so convenient and I love the simple design.

Frends 'Layla' Headphones If you listen to music as much as I do, these are totally justifiable! How precious are these?

Coach Boyfriend Bracelet Watch I gifted myself with this watch a few years ago and have worn it every day since. Such a fabulous watch, I must say!

Alex and Ani Glisten Expandable Wire Bangle A little sparkle for a simple arm party!

Alex and Ani Feather Expandable Wire Bangle Add this bangle to your wrist and start your colletcion. Alex and Ani are so good because you can wear so many and mix and match!

Alex and Ani Initial Adjustable Wire Bangle I can't help but love my bracelet like this. Friends can't "borrow" this...if you catch my drift!

West Elm Cozy Throw Regardless of the outside temps, I like to keep my apartment cool enough to cozy up with blankets. This is the perfect option to do just that.

Rifle Paper Co. Botanical Calendar I have a mild obsession with Rifle Paper Co. I love the nostalgic feel of their prints. This Calendar is absolutely gorgeous if you ask me! Santa, are you listening?

Target Navy Pajama Set I sleep in Pajama Sets every night night. I love Target's PJ sets because they are reasonably priced, comfy and stand the test of time. This pair is such a classic! If you're looking for a gift idea, buy a pair of these and have them monogrammed on the pocket.

Sam Edelman 'Lucille' Bootie Every time I pass these in Nordstrom (which is a lot), I always stop and dream. They are the most delicious leather and would look great with jeans and dresses too!

"The Southerner's Handbook"  Top of my list is this book!  This book is published by Garden & Gun, so you know if must be good!



Keep scrolling down for the EXCITING NEWS!!




Oh my goodness, I don't think you guys know how hard it has been to keep my lips sealed about this series. A few weeks ago, I was emailing back and forth with Natalie of Oysters and Pearls and we simultaneously came up with the idea of having a Bloggers' Favorite Things Series.  Ever since, we've been working hard to make sure this will be a HUGE hit!

Oprah recently released her annual list of Favorite Things and I have to say, I think this series will be even more fabulous! Five bloggers along with several sponsors have teamed together to share our favorite things with our wonderful readers.  With Christmas right around the corner, you will have so many gift ideas right at your finger tips!  Holiday shopping made easy...who doesn't love that?

AND to make things even better, one very lucky reader will win THE gift package of all gift packages with items from each of our lists and from our sponsors. A giveaway worth over $250!! Each week, we will share a new item that is included in the giveaway.  And the best part is that you have SO many chances at winning this. Simply use the giveaway tool listed at the bottom of this post and share this with your friends using your social media accounts.  Each tweet, instagram post, pin on Pinterest, etc. wins you another chance at winning!! Be sure to use #bloggersfavoritethings.

So without further adieu, have a look at the first item included in the Bloggers' Favorite Things Giveaway...
20 Oz Capri Blue Volcano
Let's kick things off with one of my absolute favorite things ever-The Capri Blue Volcano Candle! I always have this burning in my house and this is 100% my go to gift item for all of my girlfriends. The smell is pure heaven and it lasts forever (over 85 hours)!

And if that wasn't enough to kick this series off, how about a look at a few more FABULOUS items included in this giveaway?



In my world, one can never have too many throw pillows. They are the best way to instantly change the look of a room without breaking the bank!  When I saw this pillow, I knew I had to have it! 

Cushion Cut Decor will be gifting the lucky winner of this Giveaway series with this gorgeous "Hello" pillow! Be sure to check out all of their pillows..they make FABULOUS Christmas gift ideas. 

To help you cross of items from your Christmas list, Cushion Cut Decor is offering a 15% discount to readers using the code, INSTA15.






If you're like me, you love sending and receiving hand written notes. I have a mild obsession with stationary, so when I saw this precious set, I knew I had to have them for myself! From The Heart Graphics has the cutest invitations and stationary that they put so much love into! They specialize in invitations, place cards, hospitality bags, favors, wedding programs, menus and much more. 

This precious stationary set is included in The Bloggers' Favorite Things Giveaway Package! 

From The Heart Graphics is offering a 15% discount to readers using the code, HAPPYHOLIDAYS.













Laura Dro Designs' website just launched today and thank goodness because you will find the most adorable gift, just in time for Christmas! Everyone show her some love and start your gift shopping today!

If I could, I would have a tray on every surface in my house, so when I saw these fabulous Luxe Lucite Trays, I just about died and went to Heaven! I'm dreaming of a tray with flamingos!  

The Luxe Lucite Trays can be personalized and the inserts are removable to change up the look whenever you want.  They have designer patterns with monograms that you can customize or upload a photo and add your last name or fun saying! They come in 3 sizes 8.5x11 ($65), 12x12 ($80) and 11x17 ($95). Pick your color, pattern, and size and they will be the hit of every gift exchange!

The winner of this giveaway package will receive an 8.5x11 tray with 2 inserts of your choice. Your coffee table or bar cart will be so happy for this addition! 

Starting today, you can get a 15% discount off of your order of any Luxe Lucite Tray through 11/27/13 using the code LuxeLucite15.





I can't say enough about how much I absolutely adore Michelle Baron's illustrations. The very girly part of me dreams of having these gorgeous prints scattered throughout my house. I will absolutely be adding one immediately! Michelle's prints are very reasonably priced, but have such a luxurious look! Your girlfriends will be in love with these!

The winner of this giveaway package will receive this lovely illustration entitled " Trip to Laduree."
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Good huh? 

This is just the beginning. We will announce a new item added to the giveaway weekly on Wednesday, so stay tuned!




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Easy Gold & Sparkly Projects

Last Saturday, I must have REALLY been in a mood because going through my iPhone camera roll, I realized that I was really feeling some sparkles!  Perhaps it was the dreary weather or the ridiculously long To Do List staring at me, but I knew I would need something to seriously reduce the stress. So I did it up big and took a note from my eccentric Grandmother (who had a passion for bright lipstick and anything sparkly) and put on this sweatshirt and paired it with my FAVORITE jeans and ballet flats. I had lots of work to do on a project that releases tomorrow (OMG I'm so excited, I can barely contain it!) and this outfit was so comfy...just what the Doctor ordered.


Earlier that day, I decided to get the creative juices flowing, so I did a few quick sparkly projects and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results.



These are obviously quick and easy to make, so get your gold paint pen and go to town! All items are ridiculously inexpensive and can be found at World Market (who is KILLING it right now, by the way). And by the way, you can buy each of these items individually so if you don't want to purchase the whole set, no worries.

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**Please be sure to stop by tomorrow. I can't give away any of the details quite yet, but I can ASSURE you that you'll be glad you did!!

Budget Friendly Gold Home Accents

CB2 Finds



Recently, a friend sent me a text with a photo of that lovely folding table from CB2 and said, "This looks like you. Have you seen this?" I couldn't believe I hadn't because it has my name written all over it! 

Confession: I have a mild obsession with all items gold.  They just grab my attention like no other. I tend to really gravitate towards gold paired with white accents as well as acrylic, glass or lucite. You really can't beat that combination. However, I do like to push myself out of my comfort zone and I couldn't help but notice how well gold pairs with a natural wood look .  

I found several pieces in this color scheme at CB2 that work well with every 'Mingo's budget.  So tell me, how do you like to style Gold pieces?

Weekend Randoms

Logo Designed by Natalie of Oysters and Pearls

You may have noticed that this sweet little blog of mine started as a simple little hobby and grown into something I truly love. You read these blog stories a lot that all say the same thing, "I started this blog because I needed a creative outlet." EVERY SINGLE TIME I read those words, I can't help but shake my head in agreement.  Let's be realistic here, we all hit the pavement hard day after day, so if you have a hobby that helps keep you in a happy place, I say go for it.

I still look forward to reading the new posts of the day each morning while I have coffee, so I've been pushing myself to take PFS to the next level. Because I would love to be a part of other people's daily routine.  

So a few things to note. PFS is coming at you from all angles (if you want it).  You can get updates on all social media platforms by simply clicking those links to the top right of this site. AND you can follow PFS on facebook (www.facebook.com/pinkflamingostyleblog). 

Moving forward...


I've mentioned her playlists before, but I can 100% assure you that her playlist for this month will knock you off your feet. SO good. I'm beyond obsessed with "Dark Matter" by Andrew Belle

I saw this photo this morning (not sure where-sorry, I don't have a source) and fell in love with the striped rug. Now I know that a striped rug is nothing revolutionary, but this one really grabbed my attention.  I will eventually replace my living room rug and am now considering painting stripes on the one I have now and moving it to the kitchen. Anyone have any tips/suggestions for painting a rug and which color I should choose?



And in case you don't know, Christmas is right around the corner. I am beyond thrilled to type that. So if you are in the market for new ornaments, might I suggest you go ahead and swoop these West Elm Double Glass Ornaments up before everyone else does?



Casual Friday Attire

Casual Friday Attire


I've stayed ridiculously busy this week so I'm beyond happy to wrap up the crazy and relax this weekend.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a big ole WAR EAGLE to all of you!

 Skinny Jeans * Boatneck Pullover * Plaid Button Down * Metallic Suede Zipped Booties
Camel Tassel Tote * Bracelet *Chevron Cuff * Infinity Scarf

Nail Polishes:
"Rock the Boat" (light blue)
"Butler Please" (bright blue)



Flawless Face On A Budget

Flawless Face On a Budget

I have a friend who forced me to go with her so that she could purchase her foundation that is around $100. I was in a state of shock to hear that she uses that on a daily basis. And I am here to tell you that I cannot see any difference that $100 foundation makes in comparison to my $8 foundation.  I'm a no fuss makeup girl. I like a look that is natural and easy & quick to apply.  Five minutes is all I am willing to commit to my daily makeup routine.  And since I'm a girl on a budget, today I'm going to show you my daily routine with a few of my tried and true favorites.

SKIN PREP

The secret for an easy makeup routine is well prepped moisturized skin. As soon as I get out of the shower, I wipe my face down with some astringent and then immediately apply moisturizer. I have a few favorite moisturizers, but that is a post for another day.  After a few minutes, my skin is a sponge and takes makeup so easily!  

LAYING THE FOUNDATION
The first thing I do is swipe concealer under my eyes and nose and any problem areas. The key to seamless concealer is to use your fingers to blend everything in.  I use Covergirl's Smoothers Concealer in Light and swear by it. It works magic!  Next, I use the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 120 as an all over color. Again, using my fingers, just a little bit goes a long way to cover my face and have an even skin tone.  To be sure that everything is evenly distributed and there isn't that terrible line on the chin/neck area, I wet the Beauty Blender Sponge with HOT water and ring it out and blend my face lightly, focusing mostly on my chin.  This also helps give you that dewy skin look that I love so much!  If you tend to be a bit on the oily side, you can swipe a tiny bit of translucent powder on with the Bare Escentuals Full Coverage Kabuki Brush and it will help keep everything in place. I swear by Revlon's Color Stay Translucent Powder.

CONTOURING
Now that my overall color is in place, I like to do a bit of contouring-nothing fancy, just a little bit goes a long way.  Using the Bare Escentuals Precision Face Brush, I use the bronzer in the ELF bronzer/blush combo kit. $3 at Target well spent, I assure you. This is lightly swiped on my jaw line, temples, hairline and sides of my nose while I apply a bit more heavily under my cheekbones. Next, I like to use the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in "Radiant" under my eyes, top of my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose and the ridge right above my lips. I avoid the forehead area like most contouring instructions suggest because it tends to have a greasy look on me. Again, this is all blended, sometimes with The Beauty Blender and now my face is contoured naturally.

ADD IN SOME COLOR
Next up is the blush combination that I have fallen in love with. I first apply Benefit's Coralista Blush directly on my cheekbones. It smells so good and has just enough sparkle to give a slight glow. I have to give my sister, the ultimate makeup go-to, credit on this find (thanks Sassy!!). Then I take a stiff blush brush like Bare Escentual's Heavenly Face Brush and apply NYX Blush in "Pinched" starting lightly at the top of my cheekbone and moving in circles down that bone and really focusing on the apples. This will blend the coral color with a more saturated coral for that healthy glow. I've mentioned this blush before, but it is almost identical to NARS' Orgasm. In my opinion it is even better. AND it is only $6 and stays on all day.

At this point, I want to be sure everything is well blended so I do a few circles with the Bare Escentuals Kabuki Brush. I have used this for probably 10 years and it is hands down the best blending brush I've used.

Now you have the perfect glow that will combat any undereye circles and you have the perfect palette to have any eye makeup look you want.  I typically keep my eye makeup routine rather light during the day, but I will share that with you on another day. My makeup routine is simplified, affordable and easy to maintain-exactly what I need!

What are your daily makeup essentials?

RESOURCES FROM THIS POST



4 Adorable Winter Scarves For Every Budget

Bundle Up

Earlier this week, I traveled to Wisconsin for work and I have to say I was not prepared for the 20 degree weather I encountered.  I live in Atlanta, where we start getting cranky when the temperature drops below 55 degrees.  So clearly, I don't own a huge plethora of winter gear, but I do love a good winter scarf. I brought the The Cozy Animal Scarf with me and I can assure you that it stayed tied around my neck at all times because it is so thick and soft.  

With Christmas right around the corner, these adorable Gap Scarves make great gifts that your friends will use year after year. They're cute & warm and most importantly, affordable for any budget!

A Sale On One Kings Lane You Don't Want To Miss

We now interrupt this week's posts to inform you of something seriously amazing. Last night, I was doing a little online window shopping and stumbled upon the new lines that One Kings Lane is featuring. Pay attention, little 'mingos, because this is a limited time thing.

Taken from OKL's site itself:

"Exclusively ours and crafted in collaboration with a few boutique mills and printers, this colorful, curated line of global-chic bed and bath accents was inspired by treasures from our travels. Think of it as dress-up for your home—an eclectic mix of modern twists on exoticmotifs: crisp sheets with artisanal details, rustic soft-washed quilts, tile-print throws, and towels with whipstitched edging, all sure tospice up any space."



The Aegean Trellis Towel Set would look perfect in any bathroom. I would love two sets of these to hang on the towel bar. I love this teal color...I think it would look amazing with brass or gold hardware if you're willing to be a bit more daring.
Shop for Delfinia Items Here
Taken from OKL's site itself:

Exclusively from One Kings Lane, our debut line of bed and bath essentials brings together everything we love to create your sophisticated home oasis—deliciously crisp sheeting, ultrasoft matelassé and cable-knit coverlets, luxurious towels and plush spa robes that coordinate effortlessly. Elegant, understated, and always at ease, Delfinia epitomizes modern heirloom style.

I'm in love with the Scalloped Duvet Set. The little touch of Navy is beyond precious. You all know I love white linens!!

So tell me, which items do you love?






6 Home Decor Books Everyone Needs

It probably comes as NO surprise that I love everything that goes into decorating a home. In my opinion, the tiny details are what transforms any house into a home. Everything has a story. Whether you debated for months on a paint color for a table and harassed kept asking your friends for opinions only to end up with something you LOVE or your grandmother gave you a painting that her mother made-THESE are the little details that tell a story. I very much subscribe to the notion that home is where the heart is. You'll see a lot of people play down these details and say "they're just things." But, dear 'mingos, I completely disagree. It is these details that make my heart do a little pitter patter. Because they come with so many memories that I hold dear. These details happen organically for me but I always love getting inspiration from home decor books. I'm no expert on this subject by any stretch, but I know what I like. Have a look at a few books that pull on my heartstrings.

Might I Suggest...

Whewww! We are FINALLY done with all the photos of Casa de Pink Flamingo Style. I sure do hope you liked it. In a few weeks, I'll update you once I photograph it with high quality equipment.

As for today, it is Friday. As far as I'm concerned, its time for some R&R, so I have a few of my favorite things here that you may want to stock up on for the weekend.
Weekend Luxuries


"Where'd You Go Bernadette" is a fabulous weekend read. You'll find yourself reading it for hours. Highly suggest that.  In fact, just go ahead and make it a R&R weekend if you can. Wrap up in comfy clothes like the items seen above (Shirt, leggings, Similar Scarf), light a yummy candle like the Spiced Milk Candle from Anthropologie, give yourself a lovely bright manicure and have a relaxing two days. You'll be glad you did!

What else do you suggest for a weekend full of R&R?

Apartment Tour: Living Room

Have I been overloading you guys with pictures from my apartment? I know-I'm the worst. But for now, today will be the last of these photos.  Today let's have a look at the living room.










**Excuse the iPhone photos. Better quality photos coming your way soon- I promise.
 
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