Fringe-ly Benefits

Friday, October 29, 2010

It's definitely feeling like sweater weather here in Dallas (finally!).  I was at an outdoor sport's bar last night with friends watching the World Series and boy, was it chilly!  

I've noticed this fringe look on sweaters and I think it's kinda cute.  What's your take on the fringe?

Here are some stylin' selections from LuLu's.  

I'll take one of these (or all), some hot cocoa or apple cider, and some wonderful conversation (I'm more of a social bug, so I won't place "a good book" in this sentence ;) 

Tie Me Up

Thursday, October 28, 2010

For the guys - the creator behind this tie says, "Make a quality product with strong attention to detail and be friendly."  These ties, each handcrafted, come with hand-painted labels, and a hand-written business card with the notion that "character wasn't born with the assembly line."  

The vintage look of these ties and the care that goes into each one is what makes it fabulous in my book! Check his product out at Otis James.  

The lucky winner of the $35 gift card to CSN Stores goes to (drumroll, please...)  



Kiddos: Anthro Style

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Did you know that Anthropologie sells kid's clothes?!  It's mostly a holiday thing, but they do and they're absolutely adorable. If I had a kiddo, I'd certainly save up for any of these cuties, plus all of the ones on their website!  

By the way, I am super excited because today I start my first part-time retail experience at none other than Anthropologie!  I've worked in media production the past four years and decided to part from that, so before I start my next full-time adventure, I've decided to take a break and work for one of my favorite stores!  

Have you worked retail?  Have any tips or fun stories for me?  I'd love to hear 'em!
P.S. Today (at 12pCST) is the last day to sign up on the giveaway!

Pieces of Me

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

I found a store yesterday via Twitter and oohed & aahed over it all night.  Here are my picks from Pieces.
Yellow & Taupe Ikat Pillow
Gold Dot Vase
Custom Zebra Rug: Orange
Custom X-Bench: Platinum
Gold Leaf Wire Pendant

Tree Office

Monday, October 25, 2010

How cool is this office space?  I'd enjoy "working" here in any type of weather.  Throw in some classical music and I'm set.
[source: wanken]

CSN GIVEAWAY!

Friday, October 22, 2010

It's my first giveaway!  Do YOU wanna be that lucky winner?! 


Here we go...
CSN STORES is a network of over 200 online stores selling everything from dining room chairs to shoes, handbags, decor, you name it!  They have generously offered a $35 gift certificate to any of their stores for one of my readers.  


You can check 'em out at ...
click here


To enter, leave a comment below telling me what you or your little ones will be wearing as a costume on Halloween!  Be sure to drop your email address in there so I can inform you if you've won. 


Extra entry: tweet this giveaway and include my handle @candidlyred 


This giveaway will end on Wednesday, Oct 27th at 12p CST.  Stop on by later that week to see if you've won!   


*This contest is open to residents of the USA and Canada.  (Please note:  extra International shipping fees may apply on Canadian orders.)

Have a Magical Day!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

"You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."  
Walt Disney

...And in that sense, it took our family to make the dream of this special vacation, a reality.  

(Here's a quick look through my camera.  There were two other cameras going by my sisters so this doesn't cover the whole weekend...)

On Thursday evening, we arrived at the enchanting Saratoga Springs Resort.  We were immediately greeted with smiles and our accommodations in their Treehouse Villas.  This evening was short as we were super tired from the flight.  Dinner and minor sightseeing and we were off to bed for the long, eventful weekend.



Day One: Magic Kingdom
Here's the Martin clan all ready for their new Disney adventure!
Yes, a vintage red fire truck with a singing barbershop quartet
Space Mountain!  
My mom's group was part of the musical act that opened this ride back in 1975 on the show, "Welcome to the World" with Lucie Arnaz.



My sister Kelsey and I had been on the hunt for these lollipops.  Finally got them, well, in a picture.  We decided it was best to not purchase them :)

Other notes on Disney:
Even the construction signs are "magical."  Disney doesn't stop at the entertainment and rides, no, they even think of things like their construction signs.  Each one labeled "Dream Builders" with a inspirational quote from Walt Disney.
If you decide to take a trip out to Disney, be sure to wear comfy walking shoes.  (I was pretty excited when I purchased these cuties for the theme park walking!)

We rode several rides and my favorites were Space Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

That night, my dad surprised us with a dinner at Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show at Disney's Polynesian Resort. 


The food, in Hawaiian spirit, was absolutely delicious and I was a bit obsessed with the bread.  

We also celebrated my sister Tiffany's birthday that night!

It was a great show and all in all, a fun night.  Thanks, dad!

Day Two: Hollywood Studios

This day began with the most thrilling ride ever - Rock 'n' Roller Coaster!

We watched two shows on this stop including Indiana Jones: Epic Stunt Spectacular (OK) and Lights, Motors, Action (cool).  

This was the girls, pre-show :-P


A cute, family-friendly ride that we waited for, literally an hour and a half, was Toy Story Mania!  The line was ridiculously long, but the ride itself was fun and interactive.  

Later that night we headed over to Downtown Disney for dinner & dessert with friends and to watch the amazing show, Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba.  My favorite?  The diabolos act.  The little girls were amazing and had smiles on their faces throughout the entire act!!

Day Three: Animal Kingdom and Epcot

At the Animal Kingdom, I finally got to go on my favorite ride, Expedition Everest with the Yeti (aka Abominable Snowman).

This park was very cool - literally.  As you walked along the pathways, trees were covering each step allowing you to walk in the shade most the time and allowing you to imagine you were actually in the Animal Kingdom!



Epcot was completely different with rides that focused on the environment and technology.  Pavilions of various countries (France, Italy, Japan, etc) are spread throughout the park allowing you to take part in many different types of food and visits in other countries while remaining in the US.  Very entertaining, yummy, and quite educational.  

If you ever make it to Epcot, be sure to check out the show, Soarin'.  That's all I'm gonna say ;)

The night ended with the spectacular show, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  The most amazing fireworks show I've seen! 

Day Four: Magic Kingdom

Back to the Magic Kingdom for a last look at the castle, ice cream & shopping on Main Street, and final rides on our favorite coasters!  



It. was. truly. magical.




Tron-Wear

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

And I'm back... from Disney World!  It was SO much fun!  Once I get my camera to connect (I have a new hard drive so it's being goofy), I will post images and share stories.  

In the meantime, check out this new Tron-inspired fashion line from Disney in anticipation of the film's December release.  The studio has come together with major designers to produce a line of high-end accessories and shoes for women.  The new line "blends fashion with technology."

Disney Bound!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Hi Friends!  I am off the blog for a few days as the Martin family is headed to Florida!  (Pictures to come.)  Have a fabulous weekend!!

A Page Out of The Book Of My Life

Author: 
Kristen Martin (aka KMart)  
Writer and founder of Candidly, Red, Kristen resides in the great state of Texas, in the bustling city of Dallas.  A passionate soul, Kristen loves to connect with her readers through various interests including design, fashion, and fun.  
The Setting:
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
A top ski resort, and the largest in North America and host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.  Also featured is the charming Whistler Village where shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues can be found on every corner.  


The Characters:
The Martin Clan
Andy, Patty, Tiffany, Kristen, Kelsey, and Andrew

The Plot:
Being the adventurous types, with a love for traveling, the Martin family will embark on their 5th Christmas vacation to the Canadian ski resort.  Upon each return to the village, the Martin's experience new adventures including the best skiing on mountains with the biggest vertical drop, dog sledding, zip-lining across mountain tops, chilly sleigh rides at night, and amazing food selections!  There's no stopping this crew on their winter vacation.

The Twist:
Andy (dad) is at the helm of the trip's itinerary.  The family will only find out the "big plans" as the trip goes on.  Stay tuned to find out what they experience!

{Thanks to Beth Dotolo of Hello, Splendor for starting this Blog Crawl.  Please be sure to check out The Bright Life and Katie Michelle blogs today for more life stories and Hilary Inspired tomorrow!}

Note: It's my older sister's birthday today - the big 2-9!!