Buying a New Car Without The Drama: Show Cars.com Your #NewCarFace and Win Up to $25,000!

Today's discussion about shopping for a new car
& the possibility of winning up to $25,000 to pay off the car loan is sponsored by Cars.com.

Buying a new car is a little bit like getting engaged, having a baby, adopting a dog, or any other huge commitment that requires some maturity and responsibility. Car shopping is a super exciting time in anyone's life, you are making a serious commitment to a loan and your car, you are required to provide maintenance and upkeep, drive responsibly, etc.  You are embarking on a relationship of sorts when you buy a car. Your car relies on you and you on it, so choosing the right car is important.

While buying a new car tends to be a well-thought out process for most, our recent vehicle purchase included my husband signing the papers and driving it off the lot before I even saw the car. I guess you could say we like to do things on a whim, but buying our Kia Soul was the best thing we have ever done and it was completely drama free... Well, hubby dealt with the drama while I was working, so it was drama-free for me at least (next time we'll use Cars.com to avoid the drama entirely)!

It may sound silly but since this was our first "big purchase" as adults, we both were feeling a bit giddy. He practically jumped out of the car as he pulled up, stumbled over his words as he showed me all the awesome new features, and after I looked the new little cutie over for a while we hopped in and took our first short little trip to the beach. Our car blends into our lives perfectly.

Well, any car would suffice I suppose... but I love our car! Our Kia Soul is cute and it fits who we are and what we like to do. It's a car that we can take with us from beach to beach without worrying about gas mileage, it holds our 13 foot kayak on the rooftop with ease, and this little baby can even go off-roading when we want to spend time doing yoga at our favorite secluded beach spot. What more could this beach bunny ask for?

Whether you are playing "soccer mom" to a house full of kids or roadtripping around the country and exploring what this great nation has to offer, your car is what you rely on to get you where you need to be. When choosing a new car you want something reliable, that's a great deal, that also fits your lifestyle, and Cars.com can help you find that!

Cars.com takes the drama out of the new car shopping experience, helping you breathe a little easier... But I bet you didn't know they are taking the drama out of your car loan as well, by giving away up to $25,000 towards your new car in the #NewCarFace Contest!

You can enter to win The NewCarFace Contest via twitter, instagram, or facebook. You'll simply need to upload a photo of you, your totally awesome new car face, and your new car! I've shared a few examples today and here's one of the hubby practicing yoga with his Soul... haha. Get it?

Be sure to use the hashtag #newcarface and don't forget to tag Cars.com (@CarsDotCom) directly in your post as well! If you are entering via facebook, make a post directly on their facebook wall with the hashtag for your entry to be valid!

What's your New Car Face look like
and will it win you $25,000 to help pay off your new car loan?

And here's some legal stuff: You can only submit one entry during the promotional period. Need to know more about the rules? You can click here to find some inspiration and check out all the details. Open to legal US residents (excluding MD, NJ, & TN), must be 18+ and hold a qualifying vehicle loan or lease. Contest ends 4/17/2015 at 12pm CST. Prize will be valued up to $25k. Subject to the Official Rules, including eligibility criteria, and qualifiying vehicle restrictions. Sponsored by Cars.com, a division of Classified Venture, LLC. Just FYI, a new car is considered a new (or used) car bought or leased on or after 1/1/2012.

Holiday Gift Guide: Spread Joy & Delicious Smells with Old Factory Candles {and a Giveaway}

Can you even believe Christmas is almost here? I'm finishing up my holiday gift guide with some of my absolute favorite products and these candles are on that list!

These candle sets come in packs of 3 and each candle burns cleanly for around 20 hours. The little beauties are hand-poured in the US with natural soy wax and scented with premium fragrance oils... which means they are basically like little pots of gold.


Each gift set is themed around a group of related fragrances - my Fall Harvest bundle contained a pumpkin spice candle, a cranberry candle, and an autumn leaves candle and each one smells delicious! The scents are strong without being overpowering, providing the perfect balance for any occasion.

Old Factory offers a variety of sets ranging from a "50 shades" themed set to a "Winter Wonderland" themed set... There's an option for everyone on your shopping list this year and for every room in the house.

Now I understand if you want to go ahead and buy a set for yourself, but I'm excited to announce one lucky reader will win a scrumptious set of Old Factory candles! Use the giveaway tools form below to enter to win:

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

One Dress, Styled 4 Ways {on a budget} - #CableandGauge Animal Print Dress Review

Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned below for free.
Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

I was recently given the opportunity to review the twist top animal print dress from Cable & Gauge,

I fell in love with the dress from the moment I saw it - the fun leopard print, the twist top detail, 

the super soft and comfortable fabric, the affordable sale price - this baby is a win!

I've heard it said before and I'll say it again,

animal print is a basic & can be worn with anything!

Domenico Dolce, from the well-known brand Dolce & Gabbana, said it best -
"[Animal Print] is a timeless classic...It has always fascinated us for its sensuality and femininity,
and for this reason it has become a color rather than a print." 

With that said, I decided to style my gorgeous Cable & Gauge Twist Top Dress four ways so that you can see how diverse animal print really is, with different accessories one little animal print dress can be so versatile!




 

 Which style is your favorite?

 

                 

Business Casual, as most of us know, simply means a more relaxed professional look. Pairing the leopard dress with this black blazer adds a fun, sophisticated element. My blazer is a thrift store find so it isn't exactly tailored but it works... and it makes looking professional budget-friendly! I styled this outfit with a fun multi-charm necklace {a gift from a friend but I've seen similar necklaces at Charolette Russe and Forever21}, and giant black, gold, and cork wedges {e-bay}. This sassy leopard look isn't for the most uptight offices but if you work in a fun environment this look is the perfect way to spice up your wardrobe!

Trendy fashion is tricky at times, trends change and something that was "so in" last week can easily be kicked to the curb the following week. Trends can also turn into classics - it's hard to say what's going to stick and what won't... Statement necklaces have gone from being trendy to being a staple piece in several wardrobes; until recently I ignored the statement necklace trend but since they seem to be around for good, I think I'm actually starting to like them. I paired the dress with a cyan colored statement necklace and some bangle bracelets! I was given the necklace from Kisspat and reviewed it here, they have the whole statement necklace thing down - so much cuteness and most of their items are fairly inexpensive as well! The wedges I'm wearing for this look are indeed trendy - nude in color, with two bands of gold on each strap. They are fun, funky, and even better, from Payless' clearance section so they are inexpensive as well! I really like this look and feel like it would be a good option for a girl's night out or maybe a fancy lunch date with some clients.

 

Flirty and feminine is probably my favorite style when I'm heading out on the town with the hubs. I love wearing items that make me feel girly - think lace & pearls. I decided to pair the leopard dress with a pink wrap {ebay}, the trendy {Payless} wedges mentioned above, and a pearl, gold, and pink beaded necklace{Rue21}. It all made the edgy leopard dress feel so much more feminine. I think I'll be wearing this the next time we visit the symphony! It's classy yet playful - the perfect date night outfit!

Boho - chic is such a fun style, featuring items that are truly bohemian and vintage and pairing them with modern pieces - a little bohemian, a little chic, a lot of cute. To create this look I wore a fun bohemian piece from my August Mialisia collection, The Savannah {which you will be able to win in just a few short days here on the blog} and matched it with my everyday purse - a cobalt blue Nine West Bowler bag. I'm also rocking my favorite pair of flats, Black Gladiators from Olivia Miller. The Boho - Chic look is convenient and easy-to-achieve; perfect for running errands or a busy student on-the-go. 








 

As you can see this Cable & Gauge dress is truly versatile;
    The little animal print dress  

                     is the new little black dress.