SATURDAY SAYINGS: LIFE, HAPPINESS, MISTAKES, MUSIC AND NEW YORK

Empire State Building picture taken by Liesl Ehardt out front of the NoMad Hotel.

ALL Quote Images and Layouts Designed by Liesl Ehardt.

LIFE: SOME OF MY FAVORITE AFFORDABLE HEALTHY SNACK OPTIONS

Happy Friday, Bogland!
The New Year seems to bring a feeling of hope, fresh starts and that desire to get fit and stay healthy.
I often get asked to share what I eat or join in on the "What I Ate Today" posts that are common among bloggers and YouTubers.
So, today, I'm sharing some of my favorite Healthy Snack options, which are also affordable. Healthy and affordable don't always go hand in hand, but these snacks will give you the energy and protein you need in just a handful to keep you charged throughout the day.
It was while working in pre-opening for The Knickerbocker hotel in Times Square, that I was first introduced to Nuts.com products. I'll admit it was the too adorable for words and fun colored packaging that caught my attention.  Yet, what was inside was delicious and available in perfectly packaged to-go or sample sized portions. Enjoying an individual sized bag of the Nuts.com Oriental Mix, delish!

Below are my favorite healthy snacks, with wasabi peas and oriental mixes making my top picks, which you will see me snacking on whenever possible.  Add in a couple slices of good cheese and a glass of red wine and the almonds and dried apricots make my top picks.  
Oh and if I'm being completely honest, goldfish crackers and multi-grain cheerios would be in the mix of my snacking habits as well because I'm like a big kid! :)  
If you sign-up for the Nuts.com Newsletter HERE, you will have access to future discount codes that you can't find anywhere else.  You know I love opportunities to save and share ways to do just that with you! Yay!
What are some of your favorite healthy snack options?  Share them in the comments below! 1. Dried Apricots / 2. Pitted Dates / 3. Roasted Almonds / 4. Wasabi Peas / 5. Dried Cherries / 6. Oriental Mix

RED CARPET LOOKS: MY GOLDEN GLOBES 2016 TOP PICKS FEATURING CHIC SKETCH

Happy Monday, Everyone!
Firstly, I want to wish my sister a very Happy 40th Birthday, I just know it is going to be an incredible decade for her!
I hope you all enjoyed your weekend.  Mine was productive and ended beautifully watching the 2016 Golden Globe Awards sitting by a cozy file with a great glass of red wine.
Having been a professional TV and Film actor for over 15 years, I've always enjoyed award shows, even when I was little, and seeing fellow actors, witnessing their accomplishments and getting to view their red carpet looks.  Plus, who doesn't love a fancy dress and feeling glamorous! :)
Below are some of my top picks from last night's star studded event along with a special treat for FF4SS readers.  Emily Brickel Adelson from the popular Fashion App known as Chic Sketch and her team have shared some sketches of my top looks with me to share with all of you. 
Share your top picks in the comments below, I'd love to see the looks you loved and share them with other fashionistas in bogland! Some beautiful sketches by Emily Brickel Adelson of some of my favorite looks shared with FF4SS by the creative team from Chic Sketch.
Follow Chic Sketch On: Instagram  /  Facebook  /  Twitter To Download Chic Sketch please visit their Website at: www.ChicSketch.com  (The app is also available at the App Store and Google Play.)

Helen Mirren wearing Badly Mischka ...I hope I look as great as she does at 70, just gorgeous! Photo by: David Fisher

Jaimie Alexander wearing Genny

Photo by: Jason Merritt

Miss Golden Globe Corinne Foxx wearing Paolo Sebastian

Photo by: Valerie Macon

Joanne Froggatt wearing Reem Acra
...a favorite designer of mine for personal reasons, so classic.
Photo by: Steve Granitz

Alicia Vikander wearing Louis Vuitton ...love, love, loving the back! Photo by: Steve Granitz Jenna Dewan Tatum wearing Zuhair Murad Couture
Photo by: Jason Merritt Jennifer Lopez wearing Giambattista Valli
...and heels that I fell in love with at first sight! ❤
Photo by: Jason Merritt

Viola Davis wearing Marchesa
...this translated better on screen than in a picture.
Photo by: Jason Merritt

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LOVE, LIFE AND LOOKING FORWARD INSPIRATION

ALL Quote Images and Layouts Designed by Liesl Ehardt.

LOOK 4 LESS: DOWNTOWN ABBEY'S MICHELLE DOCKERY - CASUAL CHIC

Happy Monday, Everyone!
How many of you watched the premiere of the final season of "Downton Abbey" last night?  I did and have enjoyed the many layers of the show, it's relationships, costumes, elegance and history since the start.
In the spirit of it all, I thought I would bring you this classic, casual, yet chic, look sported effortlessly by Michelle Dockery, which I have recreated for under $140 from head to toe.  
This look would be perfect for work, a business casual event or even happy hour cocktails and could be a great go-to classic black look to have on hand in your closet.
I'll admit, this is a little more than most of the affordable looks I put together, but many elements are timeless pieces that you could interchange with so many things and enjoy for years.
Let me know what looks you'd like to see in the comments below!

Look 4 Less Layout: Created by Liesl Ehardt
Michelle Dockery Image: Photo by Anthony Harvey via Getty Images

1. Satin Trim Tuxedo Blazer

Forever 21 = $37.90

2. Light Grey 100% Silk Tank Top

YOOK = $49.00

3. Black Slim Tuxedo Ankle Pant

Macy's = $24.50

4. Black Pointed Pumps

Forever 21 = $27.90

________________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $139.90

SATURDAY SAYINGS: LIFE, OPPORTUNITY AND STARTING FRESH

Happy Saturday, Bogland!

I hope you are all having a great new year and relaxing start to the weekend.  Along with my new layout for the new year, I've decided to make a slight change to my popular Saturday Sayings posts.  

Since I love creating and designing, each of the inspirational quotes I post as part of Saturday Sayings will be created and designed my me moving forward.  Instead of pulling and posting those I find on Pinterest and beyond, as I did previously.  

That said, I will continue pinning, sharing and spreading other creative inspiration I find and enjoy on my Pinterest page.  In doing so, if I find designs I love, I will post them here, from time to time, and credit it with a direct link to the source right under the image, per usual.

Enjoy, and please feel free to share some of your favorite quotes and/or words of inspiration, whether from others (just please credit them) or in your own words, in the comment below these posts on my blog, on my Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter pages.  

You never know, I may turn one of yours into a Saturday Saying quote design and share it here and on all my social media with a special credit to you. Yay!

ALL quote images and layouts created and designed by Liesl Ehardt.

LIFE: HELLO, 2016 - LET'S SPREAD AS MUCH INSPIRATION & KINDNESS AS POSSIBLE

Happy New Year, Bogland!

Above image designed and created by Liesl Ehardt.

Each new year seems to bring a magical burst of hope and inspiration with the chance to start fresh attached to it. There is something about this notion and feeling that brings a true, natural beauty.   Plus, there is something special about this year, and the number it adds up to, which makes me think in my heart that there just might be a little extra guidance in the right direction this year, but we'll have to wait 364 more days and see.  Stay tuned! :)
What are you most hoping to accomplish in 2016?  Leave it in the comments below, and let's help keep each other moving forward towards an adventure filled and successful year! ❤
Here's to my hopes and goals for the year ahead and beyond . . .

Above created and designed by Liesl Ehardt.

LIFE: 2015 IN REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS, FAREWELL TO A TOUGH YEAR

Happy Last Day of 2015!

Truth be told, this year began on a low note, which seemed to ring throughout the year.  I hit some of the lowest points I've hit in my life thus far and am, therefore, not too sad to say farewell to 2015.

That said, I did my best to sport a smile daily, stay positive and stay aware of just how fortunate I am despite a very tough year personally.  After all, it is times like this which make you stronger and allow you to better appreciate the good times...they are necessary. 

I want to send a heartfelt thank you to my incredible family and friends who got me get through this year, as always.  Their love and support alone makes my life quite full and for that I am forever thankful!

Also, thank you to each of you in blogland for your continued support and patience over this past year, it means far more than you may every know, and I am looking forward to the year ahead with each of you right here.  

Wishing each of you a safe and very Happy and Healthy New Year 2016 filled with adventure, love and a few pleasant surprises.  Here's to a magical 365 days ahead!

Until next year, I'll leave you with a look back on some of the highlights from the past year that come with the hope of a brighter 2016! ★ 

Featured Song: "Waiting For Love" by Avicii
Video: Created and edited using Filpagram, posted on my Instagram and uploaded  to share here on my blog via Vimeo.

LOOK OF THE DAY: FORMAL CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER ATTIRE UNDER $85

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope each of you had a magical holiday season and were able to celebrate around friends, family and/or loved ones.  

I was fortunate to be surrounded by my entire family this year, including my niece and 3 nephews, which made it extra special for me.  There truly is nothing like being with those whom you care about most and having little ones running around...it's really all I ever need for Christmas.

Our family tradition is getting dressed up on Christmas Eve and having a big, formal dinner following cocktails and a plethora of hors d'oeuvres.  This year, was the first in many where I hadn't chosen to wear a strapless or sleeveless dress, as to not freeze, and it was 75 degrees in VA, naturally! ;)

I paired a fitted black turtleneck, that I’ve had for years and is a favorite of mine, with a full, flirty and bouncy black skirt, which I refer to as my "big girl tutu," a new pair of red faux suede heels and a variety of gold and sparkle affordable accessories.  

My entire look cost under $85, and it could easily double as a NYE look by simply adding a bit more sparkle and switching out the heels.  

Below, I break it all down for you along with some pictures from our celebration.  Enjoy! :)

Black Turtleneck

H&M = $7.99 (on sale)

(similar fitted style found here)

Black “Big Girl Tutu” Skirt

Love Culture = $24.95 

(similar styles found here and here)

Red Faux Suede Heels

Forever 21 = $27.80

(same heels, but in different colors, found here)

Gold Hammered Bars Statement Necklace

Forever 21 = $12.80

(similar style and look found here)

Gold & Crystal Sparkle Ring

Forever 21 = $6.80

(similar look created pairing these found here)

Gold Open Bangle

Forever 21 = $1.80

(similar styles in the bangle set found here)

__________________________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $82.12

Black “Big Girl Tutu” Skirt: Love Couture = $$24.95  / Red Faux Suede Heels Forever 21 = $27.80

Gold Hammered Bars Statement Necklace: Forever 21 = $12.80

Gold & Crystal Sparkle Ring: Forever 21 = $6.80  /  Gold Open Bangle: Forever 21 = $1.80

One of my brothers-in-law with my dad, two of the most incredible men I know, and my extraordinary dad with my super sisters.

Good Eats.

Niece Nugget!

My incredible nephews and extraordinary parents.

Marvelous Mother and Super Sisters

My silly and super fun family, minus the 2 littlest ones who had gone to bed. :)

"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."