Just a Thought...

A woman would be much better off if she could distinquish the difference between a man that flatters her and a man that compliments her. A man that spends money on her and a man who invests in her. A man that views her as property and a man that views her properly. A man that lusts after her and a man that loves her. A man that believes he is God's gift to women and a man that REMEMBERS a woman was God's gift to man! - Author Unknown

H&M is now open in Buffalo, NY

FINALLY! I was getting so tired of driving to Greece, NY just to get to the closest H&M store. The grand opening was Thursday July 7th, unfortunately I couldn't make it, but I did go check it out the following Saturday and I must say I had a ball. Located on the first floor of the Galleria Mall near Victoria's Secret, you couldn't help but be drawn to the store with the sounds of the live DJ! The only thing missing was snacks, lol, just kidding. But the live DJ was a great touch, it really made me want to stay longer and inspect every inch of the sales racks from the back to the front (shopaholic language). I bought a dress, really cute orange wrap around belt, a floral shirt and some cute shorts.

Here's my cute floral top and wrap belt, I can't wait to wear my purchases :) I guess H&M will be added to the list of stores when I hit the Galleria Mall!

Live, Laugh and Just Be Happy

Are you living or just simply existing?

I was watching one of my favorite movies last night "The Family that Preys" and that question was made towards the end. For some reason last night, it really stuck out in my head. Everyday we tend to get caught up in routines and schedules that most of us are not even aware of. Get up, shut the alarm off, drop the kids off at school/camp, go to work....get off work, pick up the kids, cook dinner, go to bed. I mean I'm sure there are things done in between that, but this seems to be the basic consensus of when asked, "what's your day like on a daily basis", myself included. I feel like I've wasted so many years being afraid to put my feet in the water instead of jumping right in and experiencing life. Always planning and researching, I tend to talk myself out of things before I even do them because of fear by asking who, what, when, why and how, too many times. I'm tired of that now, tired of watching others do exactly what I want to do, Live, Laugh and Just Be Happy. A while back I decided I don't want to simply exist, I want to live life to the fullest. I want to experience all that life has to offer, the good and the bad. I want to accomplish all my goals and cross off the many items I have on my bucket list. One day at a time, I'm doing just that; what I want and living by my own rules, doing what makes me happy. Maybe I'm selfish but so what, I'm finally happy and finally living.

Chan Luu Bracelets - 15% off!

I am reposting this from an email I received, so I am passing the savings on to all my fellow bracelet lovers!! Enjoy and happy shopping!

What better way to accessorize all those cute Summer fashions than with Chan Luu bracelets from TheHipChick.com! Now until June 30th get 15% Off as many Chan Luu bracelets as you want. Use coupon code: Chanluu.

Chan Luu, a designer of fine fashion jewelry and accessories, has had her pieces featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Harper Bazaar and InStyle. Celebrities love Chan Luu designs and they have been spotted on Jennifer Aniston, Mischa Barton, Sandra Bullock, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Drew Barrymore and Janet Jackson-just to name a few. Chan uses hand cut semi-precious stones, beads, and colored fresh water pearls. Chan Luu's trademark is her artistic skill in combining unusual forms with beautiful colors to create truly striking pieces which set the trend in fashion jewelry.

And the Winner Is....

Thank you to all of you that participated in my contest "What's Your Theme Song?" It's nice to know I'm not the only one that walks around with a theme song in their head, lol. Since I liked all of your answers it would only be fair to go to random.org to generate a winner fairly. Each of you that did all 3 required tasks were assigned a number in order with whoever posted first and I put those number's in the generator:


1) Miss Missick
2) A.Chanel H.Craig
3) Jamie
4) pbkup
5) Lauren Luna LTD
6) yvesbrownmcclain
7) mcjunkie
8) pat



True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:3Powered by R

THE LUCKY WINNER IS JAMIE!!! Congrats Jamie!!! 


Again thanks everyone for posting, tweeting and signing up to my email!! Stay tuned for more giveaways and also, my Candy Coated Bag boutique re-design is almost finished!!

Louis Vuitton Galuchat Collection

Photo and pricing courtesy of www.decktout.com/blog

In case you can get past staring at the colors & want to know the actual names & cost, here goes:

From top to bottom:

Louis Vuitton Galuchat Stripes Capsule Clutch: $4,580 

Louis Vuitton Maestria Clutch: $4,580

Louis Vuitton Art Nouveau Clutch: $11,000

The colors in these beautiful clutches are AMAZING!! So, who wants to volunteer to buy me one? I'm not picky, I'll take any one of the three. If not I guess, I'll have to satisfy my taste for vibrant colors and go browse the handbags on shopstyle.com. I may not find the above beauties there, but I'm sure I'll find something good. Oh, how I just love a cute handbag! Click the link below to check'em out!

Designer Bags & Purses - Free S&H on Marc Jacobs, Botkier, Juicy Couture, and more.

Tell me your favorites!

Contest: What's your "theme" song and why?

Hey Everyone!

Do you ever listen to the lyrics in a song and think man, that is me 100%. Well, I have a theme song just about every week, lol. Right now mine is "Pieces of Me" by Ledisi, simply because I know I'm complicated, I have good days and bad, you have to roll with me to understand the pieces of me.


I haven't had a contest in a while so I thought why not have one now, just because. So what I need you to do is tell me what is your current "theme" song and why. You can be funny, philosophical, spirit filled, whatever, just be creative in picking your theme song and the reason why you chose it. I think this will be fun so make sure you follow me on twitter @candycoatedbags and check in with me on facebook at CCBags to check out who's got the best theme song! The contest will run from Sunday June 12th through Saturday June 18th. Winner will be chosen on Sunday June 19th. 


The prize: The winner will receive a Candy Coated Bag and a $10 gift card to Target!!! 

 

To be eligible to win, you must:

1. Tell me your Theme Song and why, make it good and creative!
2. Follow me on Twitter @candycoatedbags and Retweet this blog post!
3. Sign up to have "Be Candy Coated" delivered to your inbox!

     Optional additional entries:

1. Become a Fan on Facebook and give me a shout out on my wall!

*You must do the required entries in order to be entered to win

Contest will run starting Sunday June 12 and ends on Saturday June 18th, winner will be chosen on June 19th, so go ahead and tell me WHAT'S YOUR THEME SONG?

Sitting in the Time Out Chair

Sitting on my sun porch, relaxing and listening to the various music in the background, for the first time in a long time I have no where to go and not expecting to be anywhere. It's a great feeling and the peace of mind that I feel is indescribable. I've been taking a much needed break from CC Bags and focusing more on me, my family and my finances. I was battling a job that I absolutely hated but had to pay the bills so I had to do what I had to do. I'm sure you've all been in a job where you literally had to pray in the parking lot before you went in the door, asking the Lord to hold your tongue so that you don't go off on anyone. Oh, that's just me, oh okay, lol.

That was one part of my decision to fall back, that job took up 90% of my time, which was mentally and physically draining. The second reason I took a break was, Candy Coated Bags was going in a direction that I wasn't really happy with. I was getting bits of advice and information from all over but instead of making my business grow, I was steady seeing my savings decrease and profit was barely breaking even. Not cool...at all. My hobby and love of purses turned into a road map going in all different directions and I was lost. Not to mention, my family was suffering from the stress from the the job and the chaos from the biz. Something had to be done, I needed to get the essence of me back and a bit of happiness back into my life.

Well, I've since got a new job that I absolutely love, I am once again treated like an adult and not micro managed, aahh, peace at last! *doing the dougie*   I'm working on a new plan for Candy Coated Bags, back to a hobby and expression of me being the Candy Coated woman that I am :). The website is currently being re-worked and re-designed. Unfortunately I don't have a date for the re-launch but trust me you will hear about it when its ready!!! And my kids, where would I be without my babies. I will never sacrifice the precious time I have with them again. The past few months have been filled with awesome moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

As you can see, I've gave the blog a new look and feel. You'll start seeing more expressions of me in the tag Candy Coated Reflections, my personal side, in my journey to becoming the best that I can be and forever being Candy Coated. Hope you like this post and what's more to come, would love to read your comments!

5 Ways to Pamper Yourself and Relax

I don't know about you but this week has been a long and tiring week. Whew, I'm so glad its over and it's now the weekend!! Here's 5 ways to pamper yourself and relax in less than 10 minutes, enjoy!

• Light your favorite scented candle, shut your bedroom door and enjoy the fragrant peace and quiet
• Give your tired feet a homemade foot scrub consisting of sugar, honey and your favorite body oil (I haven't tried this yet, but interested to see how it works)
• Keep a daily journal that focuses on the positive things in your life
• Take a nice hot and soothing bubble bath, scented with lavender or mint oil
• Make a nice cup of your favorite tea, turn off the phone and computer, then relax with a good book

And there you have it, I'm sure there's a million more quick relaxing remedies to a long week. I would love to hear what your's are!

5 Ways to Switch Up Your Look

I was catching up on my April edition of People Style Watch magazine and found these fashion tips by Nicole Richie on pg 122 to be very helpful to creating your own style. I happen to love her jewelry line under House of Harlow, its so eclectic and definitely makes a statement. Anyway, check out what she says about how to put together a signature mix:

http://pnkelephant.com

- Play with different moods: She says try pairing lingerie-inspired clothes which are soft and feminine with rugged, masculine pieces. It balances out the look.

- Experiment with jewelry: "Layering necklaces or stacking rings gives a very personal look." YES! I so agree with this! Sometimes you can have a HOT piece of jewelry that will make the simplest white tee and jeans POP.

- Dress up casual clothes: Throw on a cute pair of pumps to dress up your jeans. Shoes, shoes, yes shoes, they can make or break ANY outfit.

- Look to the past: Nicole references the energy and music of the 70's, pairing bold prints and colors. "The idea of clashing didn't exist!" Yeah Nicole, I agree.

- Make a statement: "My key pieces are fun sunglasses, great scarves, a bright bag and a dramatic dress..." These are Nicole's statement pieces, mine are definitely my handbags and funky bracelets.

So, I hope these 5 style tips helped you to look in your closet and play up what you already have or may need to to switch your look up!! And if you haven't already check out People Style Watch for great tips, style and fashion trends.

Its All in The Wrist

Its All in The Wrist by CCBags featuring gold diamond bracelets

Color Therapy: Violet

Did you know that the color Violet "governs the central nervous system (CNS), pineal gland, cerebral cortex, the right eye and upper brain function". 

"Violet is a combination of blue and red and helps to balance spiritual growth, universal love, encourages the flow of imagination and the integration of ideas and allows openness to divine wisdom, selflessness and speeds up natural healing". 



It also enhances artistic abilities and suppresses the appetite. So add some violet to your wardrobe and let your creative juices flow!

Resources: www.peacefulmind.com, www.therapycolor.com

Quotes that have inspired me...

We all get a little down and discouraged every now and then, it's okay just don't give up on whatever your doing. Keep praying, keep your dreams at the forefront and work harder. Be confident in yourself and what you can bring to the table. Here's a few quotes that I hope will inspire you as they have me.

Whatever the masses are doing, go left of that. Stay aware of what’s hot, but put YOUR spin on it. –Melanie Fiona

You have everything you need to achieve greatness already inside you. –Journee Smollett

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. –Harriet Stowe

Your persistence is your measure of faith in yourself. -Source Unknown

What makes you shine?

Passing on the Savings

Save Big On Chinese Laundry Sale! Hurry Order Now!



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Wednesday, 3/30 offer! Final Clearance Sale! 75% off or more!

Handbags...Oh My!

Handbags..Oh My!

My handbag collection can never be too big. There's just so many to choose from!

Satchels by Hype
Hobos by Michael Kors

They've made a comeback...

...Wide Leg Jeans. Seventies-style denim makes a comeback for spring. Wide-leg jeans are a sure bet with buttoned-up blouses or even just a tee. Read more: Wide Leg Jeans Trend - How to Wear Wide Leg Jeans - Harper's BAZAAR 

Wide leg jeans look awesome with wedges,

flats and heels, and are perfect for work if 

you're in a relaxed office. Add button down 

blouse to dress them up a bit, or pair them 

with a simple tee to dress them down. It's 

your style, you decide.

I just had to feature the bag( Hype Satchels), OMG

Loving the salmon colored twills :)

I'll be pulling my wide leg jeans out of the closet and adding them to my line up this season, how about you?

Dress Up!

Dress Up! by CCBags featuring cotton dresses

Cute, colorful and playful dresses.

Pop your Spring Wardrobe with some Color, Baby!

I am not afraid of color, bold, bright and eye catching color to be exact. This spring season if full of bright, head turning colors. And don't be afraid to mix the colors either, be bold and daring! Here's a few of my favorites that I'll be mixing into my spring step:

Indigo Blue - Accent with metallic accessories.

instyle.com

Tangerine Orange - keep your accessories and shoes to a minimum. The color alone is all you need.

peoplestylewatch.com

Yellow - pair with metallics, it will blend easily. Better yet try some yellow pumps to spice up a pair of everyday jeans.

lulus.com

Florals - Pretty and feminine and the colors just pull you in.

Forever21.com

House of Harlow...Bracelets, Oooh La La!

I am a bracelet fanatic, I love them, love them, love them!  I came across this awesome website via Stylish Giggles blog (stylishgiggles.blogspot.com) called The Hip Chick (thehipchick.com) and found these beautiful bracelets. They are from Nicole Richie's line, House of Harlow and they are absolutely beautiful. I think I will be owning one in my near future! Check out the photos and then check out the site while your at it!

Lace: Its come a long way...

Look what happens when lace leaves the Victorian era behind. Applied to a tank vest instead of a high-collar blouse, or a shirtwaist instead of a boned-bodice gown, the ultimate girlie fabric takes on a modern twist. Suddenly lace doesn’t just feel cool. It is cool....

Read the rest of the article and see more beautiful lace clothing and accessories to add to your spring wardrobe at Instyle.com

Candy Coated Feature: "Shades of Ebony Events/Sole of a Woman”

Hey Everyone!

I need you shoe lovers to check out this online business, its called Sole of a Woman, and the shoes and boots are gorgeous!  Not only do they offer some of the most unique and hottest shoes but it's ran by two very determined woman. Latika Larry is a busy 33 year old mother of two and a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority. Always striving for excellence she has returned to school to complete her B.S. in Criminal Justice in hopes of helping the troubled youth in her community. Co-owner of Shades of Ebony Events & its shoe entity Sole of a Woman, she is also Sole Owner of Prototype Promos, a haven for Greeks of all organizations to purchase paraphernalia to represent themselves properly, creatively, and most importantly economically; personalized gift items and promotional items for your small business are available as well.

Shaundretta Boykins is an equally busy 31 year old Christian wife who is passionate about seeing others (especially minority women) be successful and a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority. She has a B.S. in Criminology, Sociology, and African American Studies from Ohio State University, and is a Co-Owner of Shades of Ebony Events & its shoe entity Sole of a Woman, as well as a Branch Manager at Chase Bank.



Latika and Shaundretta




Read our interview below and you'll see why these two women are Candy Coated women!



When did you begin your business?

Our business officially began October 31, 2009


What inspired you to go into business for yourself?

Latika: After I lost a job that I had for 6 years it inspired me to venture off and start my own business-I didn’t want to be solely reliant on a company that let me go over something foolish. Later I had an experience with a shoe company that did home parties and I felt that I could improve and capitalize on it, and with shoes being a passion of mine, it seemed only fit that I sell them, so that’s how Shades of Ebony Events/Sole of a Woman came about!

Shaundretta: I always wanted to spend a lot of time in sales, so I figured why not sale something I am passionate about.

What is one positive and one negative of owning your own business?

Latika: One positive is just the fact that I am a small business owner-I take a lot of pride in that. I also love planning events that bring people together, whatever the reason may be. On a negative note, it has its ups and downs, as far as sales go, but fortunately we plan events also so there are other avenues to gain revenue.

Shaundretta: Positive is that I get a chance to make it be whatever it's going to be. It gives me creative freedom. The negative is that there are seasons in retail where business is booming and then business slows down.

What inspires you to keep going when the road ahead is unclear?

Latika: I know that even though it seems bumpy at the moment there is a greater outcome down the line, so it keeps me going.

Shaundretta: Fresh ideas, keep me inspired, my business partners, family friends and it's my dream so I push for it to come into fruition.


If you could give a piece of advice to a young aspiring female entrepreneur, what would that be?

Latika: Keep it movin-anything worth having is worth working for, and hardly nothing is an overnight success, so persistence and consistency is the key.

Shaundretta: Stay the course, it will not be easy but it will be worth it.


Where do you see your business in the next year?

Latika: I believe we will be more well-known for the events that we plan and still be recognized for our shoe parties and the hot shoes that we sell.

Shaundretta: Very profitable

Where can shoe lovers find your fabulous shoes and how can they purchase?

Latika: Currently our selection is on facebook, our name is “Sole Sistahs” and we also have a fan page under “Shades of Ebony Events.” We also have a blog at http://sole-of-a-woman.blogspot.com/ where you can stay up-to-date on our events and specials as we have them. Lastly, you can follow us on twitter under @soleofawoman as well!