Warning: Has Amazing Health Benefits

It’s safe to say that I am a cinnamon fanatic. Why else would I name my blog Cinnamon & Style? I love adding a dash of cinnamon to just about everything I can. Coffee, tea, dessert – you name it, I’ve probably cinnamon’d it. I’m so committed to cinnamon that I even carry it around in my purse so I’m never without!

Not only does it taste delicious, but cinnamon has some awesome health benefits. Along with giving your metabolism a natural boost and helping with weight loss, cinnamon can reduce risk factors linked to heart disease, lower blood sugar and can help your body fight off infections. What’s not to love, right?

I had to share my latest way of getting my cinna-fix on: this delectable and refreshing apple cinnamon infused water. It’s so good for you and couldn’t be easier to make! All you need is a big pitcher and the following ingredients:

1 Granny Smith apple – thinly sliced

1 cinnamon stick

Ice

Cold water

Large pitcher

Place the apple slices at the bottom of the pitcher and top those off with the cinnamon stick. From there, fill the pitcher about halfway with ice and then add water. It’s that easy!

Pro-tip: make this before bed and let it sit overnight in the fridge. That’ll give all the flavors plenty of time to come alive and it’ll be perfect to have in the morning before breakfast. A pitcher of this should keep in the fridge for about three days, but it’s so delicious that it’ll probably be gone WAY before then!

I Own Over 100 Pairs Of Shoes But All I Wear Are…

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If you read my Tieks review from several months ago, you already know how much I adore my Metallic Pewter pair. What you may not know, however, is how I feel about my Tieks in comparison to all the other shoes in my (slightly extravagant) collection.

It’s probably been 5 years since I actually counted how many shoes I own, and my collection has definitely expanded since then. Before I sat down to write this post though, that’s exactly what I did. The final tally? 104.

I know what you’re thinking—104 pairs of shoes is too many for any human being, right? I’ll admit I have a bit of a shoe addiction, but in my defense I’ve accumulated my collection over many years, and I’ve always been good at rotating what shoes I wear so (almost) all of them get good use. That being said, after getting my first pair of Tieks, I feel like I’ve been neglecting all my other shoes. Really though, in the last three weeks or so, I think the only time I’ve worn something other than my Tieks was at the gym. Even on NYE I wore heels but stashed my Tieks in my purse for the inevitable shoe change once my feet started killing me. I’ve been going for my Tieks every single day because they’re just THAT comfortable and THAT versatile. Not to be dramatic, but Tieks are sort of…life changing.

Believe it or not, over half the shoes in my collection are ballet flats. You name the brand I probably own a pair currently or have tried them in the past. NONE have come close to the comfort of my Tieks. I’ve put my feet through the ringer with my love of flats. I’m talking countless blisters, cuts, and a whole lot of foot pain over the years. Before my Tieks I’d pretty much come to accept that ballets flats were inherently uncomfortable for long periods of time. You’d think that would stop me from buying more, but alas, my addiction is real.

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Fast forward to the first time I put on my Tieks. I could tell they were different from other flats I’ve tried. Softer, cushier, more flexible. For me, they felt perfect right out of the box, and they’ve only gotten more comfortable since. The best way I can describe them is a second skin—the leather has molded to the shape of my feet to the point that I sometimes forget I’m even wearing shoes.

The best thing about Tieks though, isn’t that they’re luxuriously comfortable or effortlessly chic, it’s that they’re both! I can’t even describe what a relief it is to have finally found a brand of flats that doesn’t require me to sacrifice comfort for style. Tieks always look sleek and sophisticated, so you can dress them up or down with ease. In the short time I’ve owned my Tieks I’ve worn them to work, happy hour, brunch, a wedding, to go shopping, run errands, and literally everywhere in between. They have quickly become my anywhere, anytime, everyday (and night) shoe. Not to mention, they are amazing for travel! When I took a trip to the East Coast to visit family over the holidays, my Tieks were a lifesaver. Their split-sole allowed them to fold up really compact so they took up almost no room in my carry-on, and easily slipped on and off so I could zip through security. Needless to say, I’ll never travel without my Tieks again.

Anyways, I fell so in love with my Metallic Pewter pair that I ended up treating myself to two more pairs before the end of 2016! Rose Gold Glam came first, in October. I’m a sucker for sparkle, and this pair was just calling my name! I love them every bit as much as my Pewter pair. Then, in December, I bought California Navy. I was on the Tieks website buying pairs as Christmas gifts and just couldn’t help myself!

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So you might be wondering, what’s next for my shoe collection now that I’ve found one brand that puts the rest to shame? Well…I can’t believe I’m saying this, let alone writing it down, but…I’m beginning a shoe purge. First to go will be all the flats I’ll never wear again, which means every pair except my Tieks!

I tend to get emotionally attached to my clothing, so no doubt my shoe purge will be a process. In the end though it will all be worth it, because it means I can start building up my Tieks collection! Did I mention Tieks has over 50 styles to choose from?!! Literally my idea of heaven. If you haven’t checked out their Boutiek yet, I highly recommend doing that now. You and your feet can thank me later 😉

Red Wine Facial? Wine Not!

Oh red wine. Is there anything it can’t do? Delicious, good for the heart AND good for your skin? It sounds too good to be true, but my glowing complexion is proof!

Maybe you’re saying, “red wine on my face? Shouldn’t it be going IN my face?” We’ve all heard that a glass a day of red wine is good for your heart, but thanks to being rich with an antioxidant called Resveratrol, it also has loads of anti-aging benefits for your skin.

This is perfect for those situations when you’ve got a close-to-empty bottle of red that you aren’t sure what to do with. This DIY mask is great if you’re looking for a skin care treatment that does triple duty: red wine with it’s anti-aging properties, honey (a natural anti-inflammatory) to handle any blemishes and redness and yogurt to leave your skin soft and moisturized.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup of plain yogurt

2 tablespoons of honey

4 to 5 tablespoons of red wine

In a medium sized bowl, combine the yogurt, honey, and red wine one at a time and in that order. Stir until the mixture is blended and apply a generous layer to your face. Let it work its magic on your skin for about 20 minutes and wipe off with a warm washcloth.

My skin looked great afterwards, and since the ingredients are gentle I didn’t break out or experience any kind of irritation. I definitely look forward to incorporating this facial into my skincare routine and enjoying a glass of wine while I pamper myself!

Gucci Disco Bag

I’ve been in the market for a smaller, cross-body purse for a while and this one really caught my eye. Since I didn’t have time to check it out in person, I ordered it online and decided to do a little review for my blog!

The first thing I loved about this bag was the bright pink patent leather. Isn’t it just delicious? When it comes to small bags, I think it’s more fun to go with a bright punch of color instead of playing it safe with a neutral. It really makes the bag stand out more and with a purse this pretty, attention is a good thing.

Normally I carry a bigger purse that I tend to (over)pack my whole life into, so I was a little nervous about going with something smaller. I mean, would I survive being out in the world without toting around 14 different lip balms and 5 varieties of hand sanitizer? While this bag appears to be small, looks can be deceiving. With some room to spare, it holds all the essentials I would actually need for running errands or going out for the evening, but the compact size keeps me from tossing in stuff that would just end up being purse clutter.

Here’s what I was able to fit inside without the purse looking like it was going to burst at the seams:

Chloe Marcie wallet
iPhone 6
sunglasses w/case
keys
lip balm and lipstick (a girl needs options)
hand sanitizer
Kindle Paperwhite

This works great as a cross-body bag, but the strap is adjustable so it can accommodate a variety of lengths in case you wanted to carry it as more of a traditional shoulder bag. I really love how the classic shape will look great for years to come, but the bright pink patent leather and matching tassel attached to the zipper add a fun, modern touch. The inside is roomy enough that I don’t struggle with getting things in and out of it and the two interior pockets are helpful for keeping things extra organized.

All in all, this purse is definitely a keeper and I’ve been really loving not lugging around a clunky larger bag. It also compliments any outfit – whether you’re rocking a classic jeans and t-shirt look or sporting a cute dress for a night on the town.

Oh, and it turns out I CAN get by with just one lip balm when I’m out and about! 😉

Are Tieks Worth The Price?

UPDATE: AUGUST 2024

It’s been over seven years since I first tried Tieks, and they remain my go-to choice for a comfortable flat. Despite the many options I’ve explored over the years, nothing compares to the blend of style and comfort that Tieks consistently delivers. Their full-grain Italian leather and unique foldable design continue to make them a standout choice. If you’re curious about other people’s experiences with Tieks or are considering trying them, I highly recommend checking out the reviews at www.tieks.com/reviews. You’ll see why these flats have earned such a devoted following!

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I’m constantly on a hunt for comfortable flats, and have tried countless brands. The latest to catch my eye is Tieks by Gavrieli. For those of you who don’t know, Tieks are an update on the classic ballet flat. According to their website, Tieks are made from full grain Italian leather, and feature a compact foldable design that lets the shoe fold to fit in a purse. I’ve been seeing Tieks everywhere lately, and from what I can tell, women love them. I was recently out shopping and noticed several women wearing them. I even asked one of them what she thought and she said they’re one of her best discoveries and she doesn’t know how she lived without them. I’ve also talked to friends and co-workers who have Tieks and they all rave about them. Despite all the positive reviews, one question lingered for me: At $175, are Tieks worth the price? I knew the only way to find out was to purchase a pair to try for myself.

Tieks are sold exclusively online, so I headed for their website to check out the boutiek (that’s what they call their online store – cute, right?). The first thing that stood out was how many colors they have!! And not just colors, but patterns, textures, and leathers. They even have a vegan line! I knew I wanted a neutral color, but I had no idea I’d have so many choices. Tieks truly has every shade of shoe you could ever want- black, white, cream, grey, brown, you name it! I wanted something that would be suitable for the office, but could transition easily to the weekend as well. My first thought was to purchase the Matte Black. After all, black goes with everything. However, after browsing for a bit, I settled on Metallic Pewter. It’s such a beautiful neutral, and I’d remembered seeing it on a coworker of mine and thinking how much I loved the metallic sheen! I placed my order and my shoes were shipped out that same day. Not too shabby, Tieks!

I’m sure I’m not the only one who anxiously checks the tracking every day to see when my online purchases will arrive and my Tieks were no different! I couldn’t wait to try them on and see what all the fuss was about. Two days after they shipped, my Tieks arrived at my front door. The first thing I noticed after opening the box was how adorable the packaging is. Tieks are packaged in a bright blue box (I think they call it Tiek Blue) and wrapped with an embellished flower box. Every pair comes with a pouch to store the shoes, a tote to store your heels after you take them off, a little card showing you how to care for your Tieks, and a handwritten note (which was my favorite part.)

Now for the shoes themselves: as soon as you take them out of the box, you know you have a quality product. They are just stunning! From the hand-stitched insoles to the buttery leather upper, Tieks are truly a work of art. I was so glad I decided to go with the Pewter pair. The color is absolutely beautiful, and I know it will go with almost everything in my closet. Finally, I loved the smell of the Italian leather! You know the one…it’s the same smell that accompanies luxurious handbags and high end leather boots. Even though I was smitten with the look of my new ballet flats, I knew the final test would be comfort. After all, you can’t wear a shoe all day if it hurts, no matter how beautiful it is!

I decided to take my Tieks for the ultimate trial run – a weekend conference. I was a little skeptical they would hold up the entire weekend, so I packed a pair of already broken in backup flats, just in case. As it turns out, I could have left my backup pair at home. My Tieks were so comfortable from the moment I put them on, I just couldn’t believe it. The way the luxuriously soft leather molds to the shape of your foot is simply magical. I’ve tried so many brands of ballet flats, and I’ve never had a pair fit me as well as my Tieks. They were a little snug at first, but by the end of the first day at the conference, I could tell they were forming to the shape of my foot. I kept waiting for that signature, back-of-the-heel, blister that comes with a new pair of shoes, but it never came! I think this is because the back of Tieks are cushioned, rather than elasticized. I was astonished by how many women at my conference recognized Tieks and came up to me to share their own stories about how much they love their Tieks. One woman told me that Tieks were the only shoes she could wear during her pregnancies while still feeling stylish!

I’ve had my Tieks for a full month now, and I have to say, I’m impressed. Unlike other flats I’ve tried, Tieks offer extra cushioning and support that keep my feet happy after a full day of wear. I receive compliments every time I wear them, and find myself reaching for my Tieks multiple times a week – so much so that my other flats are making their way to the back of my closet! A shoe at this price point needs to be a quality investment, and Tieks are just that. The company really stands behind their product, which I love, and their customer service is outstanding. I’ll be sure to report back in a few months on how my Tieks are doing, but for now I can say YES YES YES! Tieks are absolutely worth the price. I’d recommend them to any woman, and can definitively say there will be additional pairs of Tieks in my (near) future. I’d love to add a few more neutrals to my collection (basically any of the styles on this page) but I have my eye on the fuchsia as well!

If you own a pair of Tieks, I’d love to know what you think of them! Do you find yourself always wanting another pair? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to check back for updates to my post!

This post is not sponsored. I bought my Tieks with my own money. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Girls Night In

Life can get pretty crazy sometimes, don’t you agree? Have you ever gone through a spell in your life when it feels like you’re bouncing from one thing to the next and none of it is fun or relaxing? I definitely do and my girlfriends agreed.

Something absolutely needed to be done, so we instituted a monthly wine night! We all take turns hosting the little get-together in our homes and adding our own personal flare to make each event a bit different from the last. I can’t even tell you how amazing it has been to look at my calendar and know a wine night with my girls is coming up!

It’s also been super fun to plan! I’m hosting the next one and I would be lying if I said I hadn’t been scrolling through Pinterest since May looking for cute ideas. From planning a menu with scrumptious little bites to choosing a variety of wines, it’s been the best distraction from being a real grownup who has to go to work and pay bills. I’ve had so much fun crafting this perfect party atmosphere, and can’t wait for everyone to come over and unwind with a little wine.

There was one discovery I made that I HAD to share with my readers – this too-cute-for-words Jewel Box Napkin Set from Kim Seybert. Take a moment to appreciate them, then take another moment. Are these not the most perfect napkins to go along with an evening with your best girls and a couple of bottles of wine? They’re definitely not your typical, stuffy embroidered napkin. The prints are SO fun and definitely capture the spirit of our parties.