Scarf Basics and More

The fashionable crowd wears a scarf with almost every outfit. A versatile collection of scarves includes a variety of colors, shapes and fabrics. There are inside wear and outside wear scarves.

Scarves With Benefits: 
While scarves are considered an accessory, not a wardrobe necessity, they add a great deal to an outfit. They have many purposes, some of which are:

• Scarves enhance an outfit by adding color, texture and dimension.
• They update an otherwise dated outfit with color. Popular and trendy scarf designs include overall florals, very popular animal prints and chic metallics.
• The texture that a scarf adds to an outfit is unparalleled, whether it is a warm and bulky knit or a thin and silky adornment.
• A fashionable scarf keeps any neck warm and cozy, regardless of the fabric.

Tying it Up

There are an unlimited number of ways to wear a scarf. Again, it depends upon the desired look. A scarf can be knotted, around neck or just at the scarf ends, looped, loosely draped, tied in a bow and more. There are innumerable websites offering illustrated instructions for different scarf tying techniques. Check the web for details for the perfect site that fits your needs.
The basics of how to wear a scarf begin with the shape of the scarf. There are squares of varying sizes and long, thin scarves of varying lengths. The shape and size of the scarf will dictate how it will be worn.

Fabric Choices

The popular fabric choices in scarves include fine silk, luxurious satin, cotton and warm, wool weaves and knits. Making the fabric choice for a scarf is personal but there are a few basic guidelines to help make the decision:
Silk: This fabric dresses up a day wear or evening outfit on the inside. The soft, flowing fabric also can enhance a solid color wool dress coat on the outside.
Satin: This thick, soft and luscious fabric is a dressy addition, a step up in weight from the thin silk option, to a suit for day or evening wear. Satin scarves are often dual tone with one color presenting on each side.
Cotton: This fabric especially works for summer wear. Yes, a scarf is a fashionable summer outfit accessory. Jersey is a popular form of stretchy cotton that allows a stable palette for sequin or studded embellishments on a scarf.
Linen: A linen scarf made of flax a fiber is another summer wear choice, but dressier than simple cotton, option.
Knits: Knit scarves can be a fine gauge thin knit, worn inside or out, or a bulky, warm outside knit. Knit scarves include such fibers as mohair, cashmere, wool and more. A knit scarf can be fabricated from these fine wools fibers:

• Alpaca, which is warm, soft wool.
• Cashmere, which is ultra soft and warm.

Pashmina

Pashmina is fine cashmere wool originating under the outer hair of Himalayan goats. The fibers are woven into a fine wool fabric, which is popularly used to make oversized pashmina scarves and shawls.
The term, pashmina, has quickly become a generic term that incorporates any woven, oversized scarf worn draped over the shoulders, around the waist or otherwise.

A Basic Scarf Statement

Not only does a scarf make a fashion statement, it also adds warmth, texture and dimension to any outfit. Long, short, tied, draped, floral, solid, lightweight or bulky, a scarf can do so much to finish an ensemble.
James Scaggs is the Director of Marketing for ecommerce retail sites Ties.com and Scarves.com, based in Orange County California. Check out Scarves.com for a huge selection of winter scarves, pashminas, knit scarves, loop scarves, and more!

Let's Talk: Textbooks

I'm all about saving money and looking to get the best deal and let's face it, as a college student, textbooks are expensive. There's no way you can save money and get a great deal. I avoid the college bookstore like the plague, because it's too expensive. So, I resort to either buying them online or renting them online. My school allows you to rent them, but it's still expensive.

For the past 2 years, I've used Chegg, a textbook rental site. Compared to my school, it's a lot cheaper. But, I found an even cheaper textbook rental site called Campus Book Rentals and they are a lot cheaper than Chegg.

I rented my history textbook, Making America, on Chegg this year.

As you can see above, Chegg's price is $59 (plus tax and shipping). Campus Book Rentals' price is $45.51, plus FREE SHIPPING. I'm all about saving money, getting the best deals, and free shipping. So, you know where I'm renting next semester.

Campus Book Rentals saves you 40-90% off of bookstore prices, offers FREE shipping both ways, flexible renting periods, they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented, and you can highlight in the book. I love the fact that they have a flexible renting period, unlike Chegg, and that they donate to a great cause.

If you don't know what Operation Smile is, it's a charity for children who are born with a cleft. They heal children's smiles. These children are unable to speak, eat, socialize, and smile. In some places, these children are shunned and rejected and in many cases, their parents can't afford surgeries. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been giving smiles back to these children. They give free surgeries to children and young adults born with cleft lips, palates, and other facial deformities.

So, how does it work? Check out the video below.
CampusBookRentals.com RentBack

The views expressed in this article were my own. I would like to thank Campus Book Rentals for asking me to write this article and commissioning me for it.

Have a lovey day!
xoxo

Sponsor In January

If you'd like to sponsor my little blog, please email me at mscdyson@ymail.com or visit the PR/Advertise page. We can swap ads or if you feel like paying, you can purchase an ad for $1. Whatever you choose, I'd love to sponsor you in the new year. Or if you'd like to renew, please let me know. 

Have lovely holiday! 

xoxo 

Let's Talk: Doomsday

If you've been living under a rock (and I assume you haven't been), doomsday's tomorrow (or whenever you read this today). According to everyone, that means we die. Yay! 

FALSE! Newsflash! Nothing going to happen tomorrow (or today)! We aren't dying and the world isn't going anywhere. You'll still have those lovely bills to pay the next day. You'll still have that doctor's appointment that you've probably been avoiding (or trying to get out of because you thought the world was ending). You'll still have those tests to study for and papers to write. Life will continue. 

So, what's happening then? What's all the hoopla all about? Let me explain. 

Warning: Explanation will be a little lengthy and I will be going into astrology. 

The Mayans didn't have a leap year, so their calendar is shorter than ours. Their year of 2012 ended last July. So, according to the Mayans, 2012 has come and gone. If the world was going to end, it would habe ended last July. They weren't predicting the end of the world. They based their calculations on a five thousand year cycle and predicted that one event calendar was ending on December 21, 2012 and another one beginning on December 22, 2012. They were simply predicting the end of the five thousand year solar or planetary calendar. We’re entering into another era, that’s all. Right now we’re in the age of Pisces and on December 22nd we’ll be entering the age of Aquarius.

What does this exactly mean? These ages that we go through, isn't part of astronomy. It's part of astrology. The Sun goes through all 12 signs of the zodiac annually and the zodiac also changes signs approximately every two thousand years and is called the precession of the equinox. Each zodiac lasts on average for about 2,150 years actually. The sun’s position at the time of the March, or vernal, equinox moves in front of a new Zodiac constellation. The Age of Aquarius begins when the March equinox point moves out of the constellation Pisces and into the constellation Aquarius. So as we're move into a new era on December 22nd, we are going through a transitional change. 

So, what's going to happen in this new era? Well, the symbol for Aquarius is the Water Bearer, but in reality it is not water, but knowledge that is being poured. This era will bring forth a drastic change and humans will be affected. The Age of Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet of shocking and revolutionary change and is associated with freedom, social justice and new technology. Basing on the Zodiac characteristics of Aquarius, this new age will be more about computers, modernization, revolution, humanitarianism, autonomy and democracy. It is believed that this new era will inspire a massive shift of global consciousness. People will be more aware and concerned about the whereabouts of the world. 

The is era will last until the year 4000 (approximately). The next era the future will see is Capricorn. So, we'll be in Aquarius for sometime. 

Have a lovely day/night! 

xoxo

Sponsor Chase All Your Dreams In December

It's that time of year again! If you'd like to sponsor my little blog, please email me at mscdyson@ymail.com or visit the PR/Advertise page. We can swap ads or if you feel like paying, you can purchase an ad for $1. Whatever you choose, I'd love to sponsor you in December. 

Also, for those who I'm sponsoring this month, you'll hear from this weekend. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

Let's Talk: Project Unbreakable & No More

I'd like to bring to your attention two organizations/projects that are very important to me. Project Unbreakable and No More. Both organizations deal with sexual assault; No More also focuses on domestic violence, while Project Unbreakable just focuses on sexual assault. 

Project Unbreakable is a project founded in 2011 by a photographer named Grace Brown. She tours the country and photographs victims holding a poster with a quote from their attacker. No More, on the other hand, is more of an organization that wants to bring awareness to domestic violence and sexual assault. Personally, I think both organizations are great and I'm working towards bringing awareness to sexual assault and domestic violence (mainly sexual assault). 

Why am I talking about this and bringing this to your attention? Well, it's not just because it's an important subject and it's wrong, it's also due to the fact that I was sexually assaulted. 

Here's my story. 

Except for my parents, I never really told anyone this story. I tried telling my friends, but they could care less. All they said was “Was he good looking?”

I knew this guy from my psychology class and ever since the first day of class, I sensed this bad vibe from him. I never liked him since day one. Later in the semester he asked me to study with him and I told him no. The following semester we meet again, in the hallway this time. I said hi to him just to be nice. Later that day, he found me in the cafeteria having lunch and then outside on the bench waiting for math class. He asked me if I wanted to go the park, which was a few blocks away from campus. I tried getting out of it, I tried to lie my out of it; but I felt forced to go with him, so I did. That’s when he sexually assaulted me. He touched me inappropriately, he forced me to kiss him, said things to me that I don’t even remember, and he did a few other things. I was shaken to the core. Somehow I went to math class that afternoon. I was broken inside, I cried most of the day. The memory of the incident plagued me for a whole year, I would get flashbacks of him forcing me to kiss.

After the incident, I would see him everywhere I went on campus. I would have to be on guard, put my guard up, run from him, change my direction/go in a different direction. I was extremely uncomfortable on campus that whole year.

To this day I have trust issues with guys especially. I feel uncomfortable whenever I get close to a guy. It’s been 2 years now since the incident and I still have trust issues, but I am stronger than ever. I’m not afraid to talk to guys and I plan on going on a date soon. Even though I have trust issues and I feel uncomfortable when I get close, I’m not afraid to be in a relationship or to be loved by someone anymore. I got through it and with time everything started getting better. I’m stronger than ever. 

So, that's my story. Like I said above, I haven't really told anyone and I feel like my story should be told and heard by everyone. I don't speak about it a lot and unfortunately, when meeting a guy, I have to tell them within the first few conversations. That way, they understand why I'm acting a certain way. 

If you've been sexually assaulted or domestically abused, stay strong and don't ever give up! Don't let your attacker get the best of you, because I know I didn't. Yes, it'll take awhile to move on and you might never completely forget it/get over it, but in time things will get better, trust me. 

Remember, time is cure for everything. 

Stay strong and have a lovely day!
xoxo

October Sponsor Spotlight

This month I had the pleasure of sponsoring some wonderful and fabulous ladies. Here they are!

Desirae from Going With The Flow

Facebook ~ Twitter

I tend to blog about mommyhood, playing wife, cooking, baking, weight loss, and everything between.

Ashley from Wannabe Green

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Instagram

Day in the life of a stay at home mom that loves to make things, living with three little girls, a husband, and a spoiled puppy. I have a passion of crafting, reading, exercise, organizing, and recycling

Niki from Young And Immortal

Bloglovin ~ Chictopia 

hi, i'm niki! i'm a lover of clothes, music, photography, and twirling around in pretty dresses. my blog is where i post my personal style as well as inspiration and lots of pretty things.

Sarah by Designed by Sarah

Facebook ~ Shop ~ Instagram

A slice of life through the eyes of a vintage heart.

Ruzu from Princess Corner

Twitter ~ Instagram (@princess_corner) ~ Bloglovin ~ Facebook

My blog is my little corner, a piece of me. I love to share daily life, my photography, art, inspiration, vintage finds and my personal style.

Hayley from Hayley's World

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ My Shaklee ~ Instagram

All about my world! Everything from recipes, to crafts, to fun links up and photography!

Ashley from Beauty Flawed

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Youtube

My name is Ashley and I started Beauty Flawed over a year ago because I wanted a place where I could share my opinions on products I was trying out. My friends and family have always come to me when they have questions about beauty products so I decided blogging would be a great way to share with not only them but with others who are interested in beauty products. I primarily review beauty products but I also include bits of fashion, design, and everyday life in my blog too!

Beth from Arrow In The Eye

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Hello there! I’m Beth, the girl behind the blog Arrow in the Eye. I’m a 20 something Southern raised very opinionated dog Momma and Apple product loving wife to a nerdy guy named Josh. We currently call the DC Metro area home because it was always my dream to live in the second worst city for traffic in United States.. Ok so maybe it wasn't my life long dream... After moving away from my family in south eastern Virginia, I decided to jump on the blog wagon and start one up to help keep in touch with friends and family I left behind. My blog mostly documents my adventures in junktiquing ( junking + antiquing = junktiquing), thrifting, my travels across the country, my attempts at trying to cook something edible and trying not to burn myself with the glue gun. So hop on over and feel free to lurk!

Katlyn from The Dreamy Meadow

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Hello Cotton

The Dreamy Meadow is a life and inspirational blog based around my family. My name is Katlyn and I am an 18 year old mother and wife. I work as a Virtual Assistant and do some design aspects on the side. I love getting to know new people! So come say hi! :) 

Jennifer from Jennifer Leigh's Blog

Bloglovin ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Simple musings from a Texan stuck in NYC. 

Lucy from The Icing On My Cupcake

Twitter ~ Tumblr

I've always maintained I was born to be a 1950's housewife. I find enjoyment in cleaning my house, cooking and baking, general crafty loveliness and my bunny rabbit, Major Tom. I like anything pink, sparkley, adorned with a pin up girl or a bunny, horror films and dinosaurs.

Vicki from Live In My Heart

Scentsy ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter

I'm a 27 year old mommy to Hailey and wife to Eric. I work full time dealing with the lovely world of cable. Naturally I LOVE TV shows. I spend my free time spending time with my little family, crafting, cleaning (ugh!), and enjoying life. My blog is about anything and everything that happens in my life, so don't expect something designated specifically towards one thing. I like variety!

Melissa from While It Rains

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

while it rains is a seattle based mommy blog in which i am the coordinator of chaos. it's a little bit about raising four kids (a man child, a dog, a cat, and three fish too!) and a little bit about mommy – going back to school and navigating life as a new wife and homeowner. it really is, more simply put, a running monologue of the misadventures that are our life...

Linda from My Passion Is

Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram (@linda_anne) 

I am a 26 year old law student living in NYC with my boyfriend. My blog is about my life, exploring NYC, scrapbooking, photography, cooking, crafting, and pretty much anything else that I am passionate about!

Kelly from Leafy Not Beefy

Shop ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Bloglovin

My blog started out as a way for me to share what I'm liking/eating on my journey to health. While that is still one of my goals for my blog, I've also discovered I like to share more about fashion, my faith, and whatever else pops into my head. I'm not as organized as I wish I was, I'm not as structured as I probably should be, but I'm learning to be okay with it. Life isn't about perfection, it's about enjoying and making the journey meaningful -- learning, laughing, crying, ...living. 

Stephanie from Our Marriage Adventure

Facebook ~ Twitter (@MrsOurMA) ~ Pinterest 

Hey Y'all! Our Marriage Adventure is a real look at what happens after the fairytale wedding and "I - Do." In other words, I keep it real by sharing the love, laughter, tears, and trials so you can look at your marriage and know you aren't alone. We're all crazy! So come on over and visit for a few.

Jess from Love On The Loop

My name is just Jess and I blog over at Love on the Loop. I'm still pretty new to this world and still trying to fit blogging into my life that is one big adventure! You'll read all about my newlywed adventures, filling up a brand new house with prettiness, and DIY projects. Life is one big adventure and I hope I'll inspire you just a little to live each day like there won't be a tomorrow!

Kayla from Close Encounters

Design ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

Hi, I'm Kayla! I blog over at Close Encounters. I'm a twenty-something girl living in Kansas with my husband, Zach, and our wiener dog, Pixie. I'm a Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator during the day, and a avid TV-watcher/blogger/blog designer at night. I love peppermint ice cream, tacos, and anything purple. I get embarrassingly attached to fictional characters. And, in my head, I'm best friends with Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone. Come on over to my blog and say "Hey!"

Cassie from Momity

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

I'm a young married stay at home mom of two little boys, ages 1 and 3! I recently became a part time student as well. We are just laughing, loving and figuring it all out as we go. If the kids are alive and dinner isn't burnt, I consider the day a success!

Alyson from Vintage Sunshine

Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter ~ Shop

Hi! I'm Alyson. Mama to 2, wife to 1. My blog is all about our family life, diy projects, decorating our home, crafts, my favorite things and so much more!

Have a lovely day!
xoxo

Sponsor Chase All Your Dreams In November

It's that time of year again! If you'd like to sponsor my little blog, please email me at mscdyson@ymail.com or visit the PR/Advertise page. We can swap ads or if you feel like paying, you can purchase an ad for $1. Whatever you choose, I'd love to sponsor you in November. 

Also, for those who I'm sponsoring this month, you'll hear from this weekend. 

Have a lovely day!

xoxo

Sponsored Spotlight & September Sponsor Giveaway

This month I had the pleasure of sponsoring some wonderful and fabulous ladies. Here they are!

Jessie from My Mod Style

Instagram ~ Pinterest

I use my blog to showcase my love for design, life, and nature. I love inspiring people to live better everyday lives. Enjoy the simple things and make the best out of every moment. I take lots of pictures and share many of them on my blog. I eat plants, not animals. I am passionate about the environment and enjoy spreading awareness through my blog!

Stephanie from Our Marriage Adventures

Twitter ~ Facebook

Hey Y'all - I'm a late 20's (ugh!) Georgia Peach living the married life. In fact that's just what my blog is about, I get real, honest, and sometimes down and dirty on this blog because fairy-tales shouldn't end after "I-do".  

Sara from You And Me Are We

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

You.And.Me.Are.We is a lifestyle blog chronicling the life of two newlyweds {Sara & Trevor}. You'll find DIY crafts, how they're making a rented duplex into a {temporary} home, travel stories, {mostly successful} recipes, and everything in between! Stop on over, take a look around, and stay for awhile. You never know what you're gonna find!

Stephanie from Scarves & Style

I have been running Scarves and Styles for about a year now. It's my personal journey to finding my personal style.

Chelsea from Diamonds, Dog Tags & Diapers

Facebook ~ Twitter

Chelsea Hickey is a Social Media & Email Marketing Strategist. At Diamonds, Dog Tags & Diapers you can expect to read about life as a Marine Corps Wife, Mom of a toddler and everything from San Diego to Virginia Beach. Chelsea blogs about everything you're thinking, but afraid to say.

Jennifer from Jennifer Leigh Blog

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Bloglovin'

I'm a Texan stuck in NYC. :-) 20-something blogger who loves fashion, accessories & beauty. Also blog about life in NYC with my doggie & husband. 

Linda from My Passion Is

Twitter: @MyPassionIsBlog ~ Instagram: @linda_anne ~ Pinterest

I am a 25-year-old law student living in NYC with my boyfriend. I blog @ My Passion Is... about my life, the city I live in, scrapbooking, photography, cooking, crafts and anything else that comes up in my life!

Marissa from The Modern Austen

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Polyvore

I'm a twenty-something English teacher who just moved out on my own for the first time. I write about my new adventures, DIY projects, fashion, beauty, and education. 

Ann from Wanderlust

Website ~ Shop ~ Tumblr

My name is Hanifah Husein but you can call me Ann for short. I craft, I knit, I paint, I make things! and currently run my independent store at craftings.storenvy.com . I blog over at wanderlustbyann.blogspot.com a blog that contains photography, tutorials, crafty adventure and some creative writing. I named it wanderlust because I love traveling and see new things out there. Take a look at my blog and have a good time!  

Shelby from Chasing Birdies

Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Twitter

Chasing Birdies is a lifestyle blog about my life and the things I love. I'm a student, golfer, day dreamer, perfectionist, music lover, and blogger. I hope you stop by and say hello!

Shelley from Hand In Hand

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Scentsy

I'm a stay at home mom, wife, Independent Scentsy consultant, blogger,shopper, and all around girly girl!

Brittney from The Sweet Life

Facebook ~ Twitter

Hi everyone, I’m Brittney and I blog over at The Sweet Life. My life is random, and those are the moments I choose to blog about. I’m goofy, outspoken and even warm hearted. I’m interested in the fashion world and will always share a good find. I do my best at DIY projects, but I am in no way a Martha Stewart. I love traveling, photography, FOOD and The Florida Gators. But most of all, my husband – my best friend, who helps guide all these crazy adventures. I would love for you to stop by and visit!

Ali from Allena Mistral

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

Hi! My name is Alli and I blog at Allena Mistral. In my real life, I'm a chemistry TA for freshman chemistry, a girlfriend to a wonderful man, a soon-to-be Zumba instructor and a whole mishmash of random. In my bloggy life, I'm a crafter, DIY-er, Jewerly designer, motivator and wannabe fashionista! My blog is filled with completely random stuff, so stop on by!

Laura from Lauryn Green

Etsy

Hey! I'm Laura and I'm behind Lauryn Green blog. In my blog you'll find my illustrations, finds, adventures, and especially photography.

Niki from Young And Immortal

I have a fashion blog where I also post inspiration, music, and lots of pretty things.

Chaotic Goddess Swaps

Facebook ~ Twitter

We're a swapping blog, where people can match up with swapping.

Hayley from Hayley's World

Shop ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

Army wife and mom of 2! Loves God, my family and friends, photography, sewing and cooking! And of course blogging!

Amanda from Raspberry Beige

I'm a Christian//wife//mama//teacher and now blogger who loves to laugh, mostly at myself. I am mostly sarcastic and occasionally, sentimental. 

Charity from Isle of View

Shop

23 years old, Christian, Musician, Photographer, Entrepreneur-at-heart, passionate about people, DIY's, leadership and style. You never know what you might find over at Isle of View!

Kayla from Close Encounters

Instagram: @closekayla ~ Shop ~ Pinterest ~ Twitter

Hi, I'm Kayla! I blog over at Close Encounters. I'm a twenty-something girl living in Kansas with my husband, Zach, and our wiener dog, Pixie. I'm a Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator during the day, and a avid TV-watcher/blogger at night. I love peppermint ice cream, tacos, and anything purple. I get embarrassingly attached to fictional characters. And, in my head, I'm best friends with Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone. Come on over to my blog and say "Hey!"

Those are all my lovely sponsors! Please go check them out and say hi! 

Now it's giveaway time! Head below to enter the September Sponsor Giveaway. 8 of my readers will win something, one of those prizes includes something from me! Ends Oct 14th. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a lovely night!

xoxo

Halloween Swap

Are you ready for this year's Halloween Swap? I love Halloween, it's my favorite holiday. So it's natural that I thought about creating a Halloween Swap. If you're interested in participating this year, please sign up here.

Sign Up by: October 8th
Partners Assigned On: October 9th

-Please make sure you send your package out on time, so you're partner gets it in time for Halloween.
-There's a $20 minimum.

Any questions please let me know at mscdyson@ymail.com.

Have a lovely night!
xoxo

P.S. Keep an eye out for the sponsor highlight and giveaway tomorrow!