Fashion Meets Food

Friday Five

2012-02-17T07:30:00.000-05:00

{my new pandora charm}

This week I received the oh so cute purse Pandora charm shown above for Valentine's Day. Do you have a Pandora bracelet? If so what charms do you have? I also learned how to make some seriously adorable bows from Meeme (my grandma) - tutorial will be coming soon. I also discovered that I am simply obsessed with nude lipstick. What are your plans for the weekend?

{valentine's day gift basket from my mum}

{cinderella cookies}

{new nude lipsticks}

{beautiful ribbon from Meeme (my grandma)}

Fall 2012 Nail Trends

2012-02-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

While a variety of nails were shown during New York Fashion Week, it appears as though Fall 2012 has two dominate nail trends; Nude and almost black. Are you a fan of any of these nail looks?

Barely There

{BCBG}

Get the look: OPI Passion; a nearly nude

{Jason Wu}

Get the look: OPI San-Tan-tonio

{Richard Chai}

Get the look: two coats of Essie Glamour Purse

Barely There & Almost Black

{L.A.M.B}

L.A.M.B managed to take advantage of the season's biggest trends.

Almost Black

{Jenny Packham}

Get the look: A burgundy hue from Essie

{Rachel Roy}

Get the look: By layering Essie nail polishes; Licorice and Going Incognito

{Rebecca Taylor}

Get the look: Road House Blues by OPI

Other Nails on the Runway

{Christian Cota}

Get the look: A line of Chocolate Milk by CND is painted at the top of the nail and smeared downwards with a sponge. After drying, a line of Putty is applied at the base of the nail and smeared upwards with a sponge towards the Chocolate Milk color.

{Cynthia Rowley}

Get the look: Zoya Cynthia brown cream and Christina accent

{Kate Spade}

{black base with white polka dots}

{Nicole Miller}

Get the look: CND Nail polishes - base of Plumville and then go crazy swirling in Electric Orange, Bicycle Yellow and Anchor Blue. For best results use a toothpick to swirl.

Betsey Johnson for Sephora by OPI

2012-02-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

Monday night Betsey Johnson's Fall 2012 fashions hit the runway, but there was something I was more excited about then the fashions strutting down the runway. Betsey has partnered with Sephora by OPI to create seven nail polish shades. Just like all other collaborations with OPI the colors are not what I expected at all. When I think of Betsey I think of loud/bright colors and a range of pink this collection really doesn't scream Betsey to me. However I do love most of the colors. What do you think?

{It's My Pink! and Sparkling Personality}

It's My Pink! is a hot pink; SCENTED nail polish which smells like Betsey's Too Too perfume
Sparkling Personality is a silver glitter

{Alley Cat, Cartwheels on the Catwalk and XOX Betsey}

Alley Cat is a fuchsia/purple
Cartwheels on the Catwalk is a fabulous seafoam green
XOX Betsey is a gorgeous sandy nude

{Forever Wild and Pushing Your Luck}

Forever Wild is a deep purple kind of like Linkin Park After Dark by OPI
Pushing Your Luck is a must have red

I will be buying; It's My Pink!, Alley Cat, Cartwheels on the Catwalk, XOX Betsy and Forever Wild. Will you be buying any of these colors?

Two Ingredient Fudge

2012-02-14T07:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day Dolls! With the hustle and bustle of everyday life sometime we don't have time to make a Valentine's treat. Here is a simple recipe that will take you no time at all. You can even cut it out into hearts using a cookie cutter.

You Will Need

1 container (16 oz) Strawberry Frosting

1 package (12 oz) Premier White Chocolate

9x9 glass dish sprayed with cooking oil

I added 1 Tablespoon of canola oil to my white chocolate before defrosting it for two minutes and forty seconds in the microwave.

Mix around the white chocolate to make sure it is all melted

Mix your frosting in with your melted chocolate.

You will want to mix quickly so that it does not set in your bowl.

Spread onto your prepared dish and add sprinkles if you would like. Place in the refrigerator for 35 minutes - which will allow your fudge to set properly.

Quick and Easy.

DIY Valentine's Bouquet

2012-02-13T07:30:00.001-05:00

Ever since I was a little girl my Mum has taught me that presentation is everything. From gifts to centerpieces and everything in between I know whatever I create I need to give it a little something extra. For Valentine's Day I thought why have a plain vase of flowers when I could create a gorgeous statement piece.

You will Need:

Candy Hearts: I bought a bag and took out the pink, yellow and orange

Cylinder Vase : mine is 5.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches high

Skinny Cylinder Vase to go inside your large one : mine is 4 inches wide by 4.5 inches high

My vases are from Michaels

{and of course flowers}

I used nine pink tulips and three purple tulips.

{Place your skinny cylinder vase in the center of your large cylinder vase}

{fill the outside portion with your candy hearts}

{once filled; your vase should look like this}

{add water and arrange your flowers}

{Simple and Classy}

Friday Five

2012-02-10T07:30:00.002-05:00

{chocolate cupcake on my new cute cupcake stand from my Mum}

This week has been filled with getting things back in order from my trip, creating confections in the kitchen, shopping with my Mum and creating cutesy crafts. This weekend I will be putting together my Mum's Valentine's basket, and doing some more crafting. What are you up to this weekend?

{Macaroons from Sucre}

{reuse green onions to grow your own}

Next time you have green onions submerge the white ends in a glass of water and place by a sunny window. Onions grow almost immediately. I just started growing these.

{the making of Mardi Gras floats}

{white tulips were my flowers of choice this week}

Accessorize with Color

2012-02-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

{New Bond Street Florence}

I am adoring pops of color when it comes to accessorizing. It is the perfect way to spice up an otherwise neutral outfit. I am not one to wear brighter clothing so I always fall back on my accessories. With spring just around the corner bright colors are popping up all over. So tell me would you rather accessorize with bright colors or wear the bright and bold hues?

{Ben-Amun Gold Coral Colored Stone Cuff}

{Bow Bridge Straw Quinn}

{Gerbera Garden Statement Necklace}

{Sweet Zinnia Ring}

{Patent Skinny Cuff with Logo Studs}

Dark to Light

2012-02-08T08:35:00.003-05:00

{Zoya - True}

It's that time of year again - where I put away my dark polishes and break out my spring pastels and nudes. All the major nail polish companies have also released their spring collections, and I am loving the colors that are currently gracing the shelves. Will you be buying any of these polishes?

{China Glaze - ElectroPop}

{OPI- Holland}

{butterLONDON Spring/Summer 2012}

{Essie- Navigate Her}

What girl doesn't love flowers?

2012-02-07T07:30:00.002-05:00

I love to have fresh flowers in my house, and try to buy some each week. I always buy the flowers that are in season since those are the freshest and will last the longest. My top three favorite flowers are; peonies, tulips and hydrangeas. What is your favorite flower?

Skinny Lemon Bars

2012-02-06T07:30:00.004-05:00

I love my mum's lemon bars, but I hate the amount of calories and Weight Watchers Points that come along with them. So while I have been home my mum and I revamped her traditional lemon bars into ones you don't have to feel bad about eating. Of course I had to share the recipe with you!
Skinny Lemon Bars
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter; color - cut into small pieces
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice; I just used an organic bottle from Costco
3 teaspoons lemon zest

Directions
• Preheat over to 325 degrees.
• To make the crust: mix flour and brown sugar until fully incorporated. Add the cold pieces of butter into the flour mixture and use a pastry blender to mix together the dough should appear lumpy. Sprinkle crust into a 13x9 glass dish; press down with a spatula to create a packed surface. Bake until golden; about 20 minutes.

• Lemon topping: beat eggs in a medium bowl until well blended. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; mixing until the powdered sugar is completely dissolved. Then add the lemon zest. .
• As soon as the crust is finished, remove it from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees, and immediately pour lemon mixture over the hot crust.
• Bake for about 30 minutes allow to cool. You'll want to keep this in the refrigerator.

Yields: 24 bars at 3 weight watchers + pts.

Friday Five

2012-02-03T07:30:00.001-05:00

{Look both ways before you cross a train track}

Last Friday I skipped town and took the Amtrak to New Orleans. Saturday at 10 am we were in Yazoo, Mississippi when the train hit a truck. Honestly the only reason I knew we hit someone was the big puff of smoke and smell of gas (I was in the front car). Everyone on the train was fine- of course the driver of the truck was killed instantly. Aside from the train wreck my trip has been filled with plenty of po-boys, beignets and pralines.

{fences littered with colorful beads}

{Beignets at Café Du Monde}

{Pralines at Aunt Sally's}

{the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral}

Garden District Celebrity Homes

2012-02-02T07:30:00.003-05:00

{previously owned by Ann Rice}

While in New Orleans I decided to go on a tour of the gorgeous Garden District. The houses are all absolutely stunning, surrounded by gates and tall shrubbery. The Garden District is the place celebrities love to live it is quiet and the paparazzi does not bother them. Here are some gorgeous homes owned by some well names including Ms. Sandra Bullock!

{previously owned by Nicolas Cage}

{the Manning household where Peyton, Cooper and Eli grew up}

Their parents still live there

{Sandra Bullocks current home}

{previously owned by Trent Reznor; currently owned by John Goodman}

February Friendship Gift

2012-02-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

For my February friendship gift I decided that I did not want to go with a predictable Valentine's theme idea. However I knew you really couldn't get through February without a little chocolate. So I searched through a recipe book my mum made when I was in elementary school and I came across these delicious "turtles". I placed between five and seven turtles in a clear bag and tied with with a pink ribbon.These are only three ingredients and so simple, you'll want to make some for yourself this weekend.

You will need
• a bag of pretzel rings
• whole pecan slices
• a bag of Rolo's (a bag of Rolo's will make 56 turtles)

{lay pretzels out on a piece of parchment paper}

{place a Rolo in the center}

Bake in a 325 degree preheated oven for two minutes.

{remove from the oven and immediately top with a pecan}

Place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to allow chocolate to firm up.

{wrap them up and enjoy!}

Cat Eye Sunglasses

2012-01-31T07:30:00.002-05:00

When I was in junior high my mum and I were shopping in Costco. One of the ladies giving out samples was probably in her late seventies and possibly the cutest thing ever. I adored her cat eye reading glasses with a serious pop of purple, round at the bottom, winged at the tips. Right before Christmas I was shopping at the Collection and found a gorgeous pair of Tory Burch cat eye shaped sunglasses. What do you think of cat eye glasses? Below you'll find some of my favorites.

{Tory Burch}

These are the Tory Burch ones I bought.

{Gucci}

{Tom Ford}

Lemon Breeland

2012-01-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

Dress: Vintage

Shoes and Accessories: Kate Spade

Lemon Breeland is the girl you want to hate in Hart of Dixie. She strives to be the ideal "southern belle" and has an attitude for perfection. I recently noticed that Ms. Lemon wears a lot of vintage items, but she also wears a lot of items from places we all commonly shop at and love. What do you think of Lemon Breeland?

Sweater: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Dress: Jill Stuart
Shoes: Valentino
Necklace: Flutter
Hair Clip: Forever 21
Bracelet: SoHo Hearts

Sweater: J. Crew

Dress: Vintage
Shoes: J. Crew
Earrings: Beck
Hair Clip: Forever 21
Bag: Ivanka Trump

Blouse: Brooks Brothers

Dress: Custom

Sweater: Vintage
Shoes: Pour la Victoire
Cuff: Miriam Salat
Earrings: Beck

Hat: Louise Green

Blouse: Robbi and Nikki
Necklace: Vintage

Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Sweater: Tory Burch

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Dress: McGinn

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Valentino

Dress: Vintage

Necklace: Vintage

Earrings: Forever 21

Friday Five

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

{fresh tulips}

Much of my weekend will be spent catching up on some reading and doing crocheting while I am on the train headed to New Orleans. What are your plans for the weekend?

{new eyelash curler by Tarte}

{mini chicken salad sandwiches, chips and cookies for an afternoon with my aunt}

{apothecary jars filled with Valentine's treats}

{roses drying to make the perfect sachets}

30 hour train ride...here I come

2012-01-26T07:30:00.004-05:00

{new handbag and sunglasses for the trip}
handbag: Fiorelli - sunglasses: Tory Burch cateye

Friday morning I will be boarding a train for a 30 hour ride(YIKES!) to New Orleans. I never like packing bags, but this trip I really did not like packing for. I had to omit clothing and shoes in order to pack food, a sleeping bag and a travel pillow. What are your travel essentials?

{colorful ribbons that help me identify which suitcase is mine}

{my great aunt taught me how to crochet a new stitch so I can mix things up on the train}

{face and makeup essentials}

{some snacks for the train ride}
no food cart on the train - it's hard to think of food to bring that is healthy and filling.

Puppy Love- a valentine's treat

2012-01-25T07:30:00.002-05:00

When it comes to cooking, baking, crafting and creativity my mum's imagination is endless. One of the many reasons I love coming home is being able to spend time in the kitchen with her. This weekend much of our time was spent doing just that - creating confections in the kitchen. One of my favorite confections is this adorable puppy for Valentine's Day.

Buy a loaf of pound cake. Cut into 1/4 inch think slices. Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out one to two hearts(per slice) depending on your cookie cutter size. Turn the heart upside down and insert a lollipop stick that has been dipped into melted chocolate. Place in the freezer and allow for the pound cake to become firm.
Once you remove the upside down heart shape from the freezer frost the top and sides with chocolate frosting.

To make the ears: Place Tootsie Rolls in the microwave for five seconds (this makes them pliable). Form each Tootsie Roll into a floppy ear shape. Frost the ear and attach it to the sides of the heart. Note: I did some ears just using the Tootsie Roll for some of the others I put caramel in the center to give the ear some dimension.

Attach a pink candy heart(conversation side not showing) where the mouth would be. Pipe on a pink nose, black eyes, black whisker dots and a black line to the mouth.

That's it! So simple and so cute!

How to: Fold a Fitted Sheet

2012-01-24T07:30:00.002-05:00

Do you know how to fold a fitted sheet? I always would bundle mine up into a ball and shove it into a college somewhere - until my senior year of college when one of my friends taught me how to properly fold a fitted sheet. Note: Since I am only 4'11 and my wing span is not very long I have to lay it on the bed to fold mine.

Step 1: With the sheet entirely inside out, place your left hand into any corner, and your right hand into the next closest corner.
Step 2: Placing your fingers into the seam corners match up the adjacent corners and place one corner into the other so the sheet is now folded in half.

Step 3: You now have two corners in each hand. Bring your hands together and flip the corners from your right hand onto your left hand, making sure all the seam corners are touching.

Step 4: Grab the right edge, and gently shake the sheet, allowing the elastic edges to fall toward you. Lay the sheet onto a flat surface. Note: make sure the left and bottom edges are straight and square.

Step 5: Fold in thirds length wise.

Step 6: and into thirds once again.

Step 7: Smooth out, and be proud of your awesome work!

Note: I always fold my flat sheet with the wide edge showing so I can tell them apart.

Neon and Neutrals

2012-01-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

If you asked me if I liked neon my first response would be no. However that isn't necessarily true. Last summer and spring I paired nude nail polish on my nails with neon polish on my toes. I also wore neutrals that were carefully paired with neon accessories. It seems like for spring and summer this year neon and neutrals are all the rage... what do you think about this unlikely pair?

{Zoya Shay & China Glaze Shocking Pink}

{Bobbi Brown Neons & Nudes}

{Jeunesse Claudine Blouse}

{AG Jeans 'Stilt' Skinny Ankle Jeans}

{Michael Kors Gia Satchel}

{CC SKYE Neon Multi Chain Necklace}

{Mason by Michelle Mason Dolman Sleeve Dress}

Friday Five

2012-01-20T07:30:00.003-05:00

{Rainbow fruit kabobs from a weekend get together}

This week seemed to go by so slow, but with how much I have to do this weekend I have a feeling it'll go by too quickly. My weekend is going to be filled with packing/shopping for my trip to New Orleans next weekend and testing some recipes in the kitchen with my mum. What are you up to this weekend?

{current nail polish: Zoya Megan & Zoya Kennedy accent}

{first snowfall of the year}

{spring flowers are starting to show up}

{spa water at the moment; pineapple and oranges}

Let's Talk About Bangs

2012-01-19T07:56:00.000-05:00

I was recently talking to one of my friends (who is a hairstylist) about getting bangs. I told her I was going to go to Sally's Beauty Supply and pick up faux bangs to see if I liked them before taking the plunge. She informed me that in 2011 so many celebrities got bangs. I did a search and she was right it seemed like in 2011 everyone was rocking bangs whether they were actually cut or faux. So my question to you is what do you think of bangs? Do you currently have bangs?

Southern Lemon Straws

2012-01-18T08:21:00.001-05:00

In the south straws such as cheese straws tend to be very popular - while here in the north no one would probably even touch them at a party. For Easter I am planning on having a "lemon luncheon", and since the food will be lemon themed I took time this weekend to try out a couple of recipes. So I took a spin on my traditional lemon cookie and combined it with the same concepts used to create cheese straws and the southern lemon straw was born. They are absolutely addicting!

Southern Lemon Straws
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg; beaten
• 2-5 tablespoons lemon juice (I used organic); depending on taste
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1-2 tablespoon lemon zest; depending on taste
• 2.5 cups cake flour
• 3 ounces cream cheese; at room temperature
• a couple drops of yellow food color

Directions
• Blend together butter and cream cheese. Add sugar and cream until fluffy. Combine egg, lemon juice, lemon zest and yellow food coloring with the butter mixture and mix until well combined. Sift flour and baking powder together; add to creamed mixture. Mix until well blended. Cover dough and place in your refrigerator and allow to chill for at least 15 minutes.
• Using your cookie press force 2 inch ribbon strips onto a baking sheet.
• Bake at 375 for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Place on a cooling rack and dust with powdered sugar. When cooled roll in powdered sugar.

Soft Pink for Spring!

2012-01-17T07:30:00.004-05:00

{Charlize Theron wore Rouge Dior Lipcolor in Tulip Pink}

I fell in love with this color instantly and went out and bought it yesterday!

After watching the Golden Globes red carpet event I noticed a trend.... pretty pink lips are a definite must for spring. What do you think about soft pink lips?

{Debra Messing wore Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Lip Luster in Buff}

{Emma Stone wore Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Lollipop}

{Jessica Biel wore Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Colour in Paradis}

{Natalie Portman wore a blend of two Dior Addict Lipsticks--Blush and Createur}

{Stacy Kiebler wore NYX Cosmetics Pump It Up Lip Plumper in Kim}

You can buy this at Target or Walmart

We all obsess about our looks, and lately I have been obsessing a bit too much- so last night my friend Brian sent me this picture and said "remember makeup and Photoshop goes along way".

Hospitable Scents

2012-01-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hospitality is key, and a welcoming scent is all apart of the ambiance, when walking into a home. At my house, we always have at least one candle burning. While, I do love my Slatkin & Co candles from Bath & Body Works I also love Sonoma Life & Style Pillar candles from Kohl's. In the living room I usually burn pillar candles, and in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom I will burn candles in jars such as Slatkin & Co. Right now I am thinking spring so here is what I am burning....

{SONOMA life + style® Kiwi Melon Pillar Candle}

{SONOMA life + style® Tropical Oasis Pillar Candle}

{WoodWick Bakery Cupcake}

{Slatkin & Co Bahama Fizz}

What kind of candles are your favorite/what are you currently burning?

Friday Five

2012-01-13T08:38:00.002-05:00

{confetti sprinkles for a weekend confections}

It has felt like spring all week long here in Michigan. Up until yesterday that is - when the cold weather crept back in, and snow is being predicted for the weekend. I am attempting to savor the feeling of spring as I whip up pastel confections, admire pink flowers and polish my nails in the seasons prettiest hues.

{my favorite winter treat; Cuties}

{a bouquet of flowers to bring sunshine to a gloomy day}

{testing out Hot Toddy recipes}

{current nails my favorite winter pink: Nicole by OPI All Kendall-ed Up}

With a Cherry on Top

2012-01-11T07:30:00.002-05:00

These cookies are beyond addicting. I made them at Christmas and they were the first cookies to go. The cookies would make a great just because or hostess gift. This week I made them to go on a plate I borrowed from someone. What is your go to cookie?

With a Cherry on Top Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 sticks butter
• 1 3 oz. cream cheese; softened
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 ¾ cups flour

• Maraschino cherries

Directions
• Preheat oven to 325.

• Cream butter and cream cheese together by hand. Add sugar and egg yolk and combine together. Add flour and vanilla.

• Drain maraschino cherries; dry them on a paper towel and cut them in half.

• Roll dough into small balls and place on a nonstick cookie sheet.

• Press cherry into the center of the cookie.

• Bake for 15 minutes.

note: these do not brown. They are done after 15 minutes or sooner. Allow them to stay on the cookie sheet until they are completely cooled.

Happy Baking!

Right on the Dot

2012-01-10T07:30:00.001-05:00

Do you love or hate polka dots? They're not just on dalmatians anymore. Spots are showing up on scarves, shoes, handbags, tees and tights. Some rooms in homes are even seeing spots.

{Polka Dot Neck Scarf}

{Polka Dot T-Shirt}

{Red Valentino Polka Dot Pumps}

{MARC BY MARC JACOBS ' Dotty Snake Fran'}

{Collection XIIX' Brushstroke Polka Dot' Scarf}

{8" LARABEE Dot Rose Bowl}

Monogrammed Bedroom

2012-01-09T08:03:00.001-05:00

Over the weekend I was walking around Pottery Barn for some home decorating ideas with a focus on the bedroom. I soon forgot that I was looking for decorating ideas when I fell in love with all the bedroom essentials that you could have monogrammed. What do you think about monogrammed items in the bedroom?

{Organic 400-thread count Sheet Set}

{Essential Cozy Throw}

{Monogram Applique Pillow Cover}

{Monogrammable Cube Candle}

Friday Five

2012-01-06T08:48:00.002-05:00

{who wouldn't want to look at shoes everyday?}

Since I am staying in Michigan at my parents house until February I spent the week working on our friendship gifts. (one of my goals for 2012 is already complete - learning to crochet!) I had to make sure that I had enough for our guest that will be over next weekend for our Pampered Chef party! If you'd like to order anything from Pampered Chef, please let me know! I'll have a post up about it next week! This weekend I am going to be trying out a couple new recipes. What are you up to this weekend?

{January friendship gifts ready to be packaged}

{I don't stick to resolutions so I make goals for the year}

{Out with the winter scents in with the spring scents}

{mitten cookies I made for weekend guest}

Downtown Chic

2012-01-05T07:30:00.001-05:00

{Ramy Brook Palazzo Pants paired with Alice +Olivia Julia Drawstring printed top}

Ramy Brook has been seen on celebrities such as Kelly Rutherford, Jenna Ushkowitz, Giulianna Rancic and Rosie Huntington. After seeing Kelly Rutherford(Lily Van Der Woodsen in Gossip Girl) in Ramy Brook numerous times I kind of began to fall in love. Here are some perfectly chic weekend tops and pants. You can find all these outfits at Singer22. What do you think of Ramy Brook?

{Ramy Brook Harriet Top}

{Ramy Brook Piper Top paired with Blu Moon long fitter skirt}

{Ramy Brook Robi Top paired with Current/Elliott Boa Ankle Skinny & Dolce Vita Sana}

{Ramy Brook VR2 top with Rachel Zoe Audry Ankle Bootie}

January Friendship Gift

2012-01-04T07:30:00.001-05:00

{I crocheted washcloths in a variety of colors and bought mini hand sanitizers from BBW}

My mum always taught me that you never show up at someone's house empty handed, and you never let someone leave your house empty handed. Whenever anyone stops by my home I always make sure they go home with a friendship gift. The gift is something inexpensive, but thoughtful. Each month I have a new friendship gift for my guest to go home with.

{get creative with how you present your friendship gifts}

2012 Color of the Year.... Tangerine Tango

2012-01-03T07:30:00.002-05:00

Knock knock. Who's there? Orange! Orange who? Orange'ya glad tangerine tango is the official color of 2012, according to the Pantone Color Institute. Not only does this reddish-orange shade look great as an accessory accent, but it looks fabulous paired with neutrals or as an outfit. You can't forget how gorgeous it looks on your lips and nails too! With a tan or a dark complexion this color will look gorgeous on you. What do you think of Tangerine Tango?

Two Thousand Eleven

2012-01-02T07:30:00.025-05:00

Thank you so much for your continued support and have a stylish new year! xo

Friday Five

2011-12-30T07:30:00.001-05:00

{nail polish I packed and brought to my parent's house}

This week has been crazy.... I am staying in Michigan at my parents until the end of February - living out of my suitcase. Decided to start up Weight Watchers again... feel free to share any good healthy recipes you have!!!! xo

{mini trip to Frankenmuth}

{the quickest way to ruin a manicure}

{new stationary}

{new cute valentine's plate}

thank-you card etiquette

2011-12-29T07:30:00.003-05:00

It seems as though the art of writing thank-you notes is being forgotten by many. Two years ago I went to a good friend's wedding, bought an expensive gift - yet I never received a thank-you. Thank-you notes are a courteous gesture to let the gift giver know you appreciate what was given to you. My mum taught me to always write a thank-you note anytime I received a gift. The holidays have come and gone so buy some fabulous stationary, and get your thank-yous out! Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

The Basics:
• Put the full date in the top right corner
• Include a salutation depending on your relationship with the recipient. "Dear Aunt Lori" for a closer relationship, or "Dear Mrs. Lori Smith" for one that is more formal.
• Indent your first paragraph just like you would for a paper.
• Use a closing such as "Sincerely," "Love," or "Warmest Regards" followed by your signature.

Some other help:

• Always hand write your thank-you note (emails are tacky).
• Get your note in the mail as soon as possible!
• Treat money and gift cards like any other gift. If you know what you will be purchasing with the money include that in your note. Never indicate the specific amount you received.
• Not just when you receive money but with any gift explain how you plan to use it.
"This candle will look great on my end table"
• Don't just say, "Thank you for the gift." Be personal say, "I can't believe you were able to find a jewelry box I had been looking all over for one."
• Reiterate your gratitude again at the end of your note.
• Never put fewer than three sentences.
• Remember it's the thought that counts! Even if you do not like the gift write a note!
• Buy stationary. Cards with complementary envelopes look much better than folded notebook paper stuffed in a plain envelope.
• Don't exaggerate. It may be obvious if you say, “The monogrammed soap is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!” Most likely you’ve seen better, so simply say, “The monogrammed soap was very thoughtful and will be perfect for the powder room.”

Do you write thank-you notes? Do you have any tips to share?

Dress to imPRESS

2011-12-28T08:57:00.001-05:00

I am not talking about clothes I am talking about the new must have accessory...... imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway. I love to change my nail polish to accent my outfit the downside of this was having to go to multiple Christmas parties. I knew that I would not have the time to wait for my manicure to dry each time I needed to change it. That is where imPRESS came in.

Why I am loving this press-on manicure
• No drying time
• No nail glue needed
• Looks like a real manicure as opposed to fake nails
• Easy removal
• Does not destroy your nails
• Last up to a week!
• Everyone thought they were my real nails and I received so many compliments.
• Oh and how cute is it that the nails come in a polish bottle!

imPRESS press-on manicure is the new must have accessory and manicure for 2012! I'll be wearing these for New Years... will you?

The nails can be found at Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walmart

Middleton Sisters in December

2011-12-27T07:30:00.001-05:00

I love Kate Middleton and think she wears some fabulous outfits. Her sister Pippa on the other hand I don't really care for, but I do love her stylist fashion sense. Check out some of the outfits the girls have been wearing, and let me know what you think!

Gingerbread and Peppermint Christmas

2011-12-26T08:20:00.000-05:00

{my parents Christmas tree}

Hope you had a Merry Christmas. Here are some pictures from my Michigan Christmas. We had a peppermint and gingerbread themed Christmas party. So still the beans... what did you get for Christmas!

{stockings}

{peppermint snowflake}

{gingerbread and peppermint candy cookie bouquet}

{gingerbread cookies}

{dessert table}

{more treats}

{hot cocoa for the cocoa bar}

{the cocoa bar}

Friday Five

2011-12-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

{church mouse on top of a white chocolate covered Oreo}

Home sweet home! Wednesday night I made it back to Michigan to spend the holidays with my family. Right away I started on cooking and baking projects with my mum as well as a shopping trip to my favorite mall ever... Somerset Collection! Have a Merry Christmas this weekend dolls! I can't wait to hear about all the fabulous things you received!

{Current Nails: OPI Black Onyx with Nicole by OPI Follow Me On The Glitter accent}

Follow Me On The Glitter is from the Kardashian Kolors Kollection available at Walmart

{Go Blue!}

{homemade spiced apple cider!}

{made a couple Tory Burch purchases}

Holiday Hair Inspiration

2011-12-22T07:30:00.001-05:00

Even with the hustle and bustle of the holidays I still continue to try new hair styles. This Christmas I wanted to try something completely different with my hair. Here are my favorite hair styles for the holidays. Which style do you like best? Which celebrities hair do you love to copy?

All I want for Christmas is Shoes!

2011-12-21T07:30:00.001-05:00

{Christian Louboutin Bianca Hot Pink}

Every time someone asked me what I wanted for Christmas the first word out of my mouth is always "shoes". Here is a peak at my dream Christmas revolving around shoes. What do you want for Christmas this year? Do you have expensive taste?

{Steve Madden Arrena Bootie}

{Jimmy Choo Cosmic}

{Christian Louboutin Belle Zeppa}

{Bourne Elle Bootie}

{Christian Louboutin Vicky Booty}

{Jimmy Choo Porto}

{Christian Loubutin Pigalle Plato}

How to Make a Cookie Bouquet

2011-12-20T08:24:00.002-05:00

Impress your friends and family this Christmas with a cookie bouquet. They look super cute as a centerpiece or just sitting out for your guest to snack on. Not to mention they're so simple to make! You'll want a container to put the cookies in as well as foam for the sticks to go into. Don't forget to add rice to the bottom of the container so it doesn't fall over. Add tissue paper to fill in the bouquet. Above is a quick one I made for this post - my cookie bouquet for Christmas this year is a secret.

{roll your dough out between two dowel rods}

{this insures that all of your dough will be the same thickness}

mine were about a 1/2 inch thick

{don't forget to flour your cookie cutter before each cut!}

To insert the stick: Using a spatula transfer the cookie to the cookie sheet. Insert the cookie stick into the bottom of the cookie. Rotating it gently to get it in. Do not handle the cookies by the stick until they are completely cooled.

Shortbread Sugar Cookies
after much trial and error this is the best cookie recipe for cookie bouquets.
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 cups flour

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Beat in egg, vanilla and almond. Sift baking powder with flour and add flour mixture to the creamed mixture one cup at a time. The dough will be very stiff. Blend the last cup of flour in by hand. Do not chill the dough. Roll and cut out your shapes. Insert the sticks and bake 8-10 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Place cookies on a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Be sure not to touch the sticks! Decorate the cookies to your liking.

Enjoy and happy baking!

Sixth Day of Giveaways..... Things That Make You Glow

2011-12-19T17:00:00.001-05:00

What you can win

bareMinerals Things That Make You Glow Collection

Featuring:

Utopia Eyecolor (midnight teal shimmer) (size: petite)
Pashmina Glimmer Eyecolor (charcoal smoke shimmer) (size: petite)
Praise Eyecolor (dark metallic navy sheen) (size: petite)
Overjoyed Eyecolor (light copper apricot) (size: petite)
Vivid Eyecolor (vibrant purple violet sheen) (size: petite)
Shangri-La Eyecolor (pearl taupe sheen) (size: petite)
Happiness Eyecolor (earthy plum sheen) (size: petite)
Aglow Eyecolor (soft pink luster) (size: petite)
Pamper Eyecolor (copper canyon shimmer) (size: petite)
Black Gold Liner Shadow (black gold) (size: petite)
Well-Rested SPF 20 Eye Brightener (size: small)
Glee Radiance All-Over Face Color (size: small)
Chuckle Blush (cheeky peach) (size: small)
Mini Pretty Amazing® Lipcolor in Courage (warm strawberry)
Mini 100% Natural Lipgloss in Fruit Punch (pink nectar shimmer)
Contour Shadow Brush
Tapered Blush Brush

How to enter
You must follow Fashion meets Food
No blog? No problem! Just leave your email so I can contact you if you win.
• What is your favorite beauty product?
• What is your favorite lip color? (2 extra entries)
• Add Fashion meets Food to your blogroll (5 extra entries)
• Blog, Tweet, Facebook this giveaway (5 extra entries)

Good Luck! Giveaway ends Wednesday, December 21st!

xo

Last Minute Gift Ideas

2011-12-19T07:30:00.002-05:00

You only have a couple of shopping days left before Santa arrives.... are you ready? Here are some of my current favorite items that would make great stocking stuffers, and a gift idea for out of town family.

stocking stuffers

{imPRESS press on manicure}

Hate cracked polish? Hate false nails that you glue on? imPRESS press on manicure is the greatest fake nail on the market. No glue needed and they stay on for at least a week. Not to mention you can get a fabulous manicure for under $10! These will be my manicure for all events I go to from now on. I'll give you a full review after the holidays!

{Fresh Mini Sugar Kissing Trio}

Everyone's lips need some loving!

{SINFULCOLORS Winter 2011}

SINFULCOLORS is available at all Walgreens locations retailing for $1.99, but you can usually find them on sale for a $1. They make great stocking stuffers or gifts for yourself. I actually find that they stay on my nails longer than expensive polishes do!

{Travel Sized Lotions}

Everyone girl loves lotion why not share something nice!

out of town family

{Hickory Farms}

A lot of my family is out of state, and I always try to think of something to send them that everyone will love. You can never go wrong with meat, cheese and crackers. I even keep Hickory Farms on hand for random Christmas guests that might stop by.

What are your favorite gifts to give?

Don't forget you can still enter to win a Coach Wristlet Enter Here!

On the fifth day of giveaway.... a COACH wristlet!- CLOSED

2011-12-16T17:08:00.001-05:00

This summer while I was shopping in Coach I found the cutest wristlet, and knew I had to buy it to giveaway at Christmas!

What you will win

a super cute Coach wristlet! It's brown, pink and purple and would be great addition to any holiday outfit!

How to enter
You must follow Fashion meets Food
No blog? No problem! Just leave your email so I can contact you if you win!
• What is your favorite accessory?
• Who is your favorite designer? (2 extra entries)
• Add Fashion meets Food to your blogroll (3 extra entries)
• Blog, Tweet or Facebook this giveaway (5 extra entries)

Other giveaways
• Marley Lilly Scarf
• lotion, lipgloss and lip butter

Don't forget giveaways will continue through the weekend!

Friday Five

2011-12-16T07:30:00.003-05:00

{reindeer cupcakes I made for my neighbors}

This week was filled with baking and cleaning. I have a ton of Christmas cookies to decorate this weekend! Next week i'll have some last minute Christmas ideas and something to impress your friends and family with! What are you up to this weekend?

{tacky lawn ornaments}

You have no idea how much I hate lawn ornaments.... these people had at least 100

{wine basket I made for a friend featuring some of my favorite Woozie items}

For the wino in your life be sure to check out the Woozie website. I bought coasters as well as glass and bottle woozie's for gifts this year!

{stuck in a snowglobe}

no snow yet.....but wednesday morning it took over 20 minutes for my vehicle to thaw out

{First Love: A Novel}

I recently noticed that there are a ton of cheap reads on Amazon. I found this one for 99 cents. So far it's a really cute story to curl up on the couch and read!

{Rachel Bilson in Hart of Dixie Wearing Of Two Minds Kay Crew Neck Mohair Sweater}

{Of Two Minds Kay Crew Neck Mohair Sweater}

I couldn't find the sweater in purple, but I did find it on sale in orange.

{Of Two Minds Koty Mohair Cardigan Sweater}

I did find the cardigan in purple and it is on sale!

On the fourth day of giveaways..... lotion, lipgloss and lip butter

2011-12-15T17:00:00.001-05:00

You know how much I love Bath and Body Works. So I thought I would giveaway a few of my favorite things! Lotion, Lipgloss and Lip Balm!

What you can win

{one lip butter of your choice}

Coconut Butter, Mango Butter, Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter

{3 Cheers Mini Jingle Bell Gift Set}

Vanillatini, Strawberry Sparkler, Jingle Bellini and Strawberry Cosmo Liplicious Lip Gloss

How to enter

You must follow Fashion meets Food

No Blog? No Problem! Just leave your email address

• Which lip butter would you like?

Coconut Butter, Mango Butter, Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter

• What is your favorite lotion scent? (3 extra entries)

• Add Fashion meets Food to your blogroll (3 extra entries)

• Blog, tweet, facebook this giveaway (3extra entries)

Good luck! Giveaway ends Saturday, December 17th!

you will be contacted via email or blog!

Winter Pink

2011-12-15T07:30:00.004-05:00

I recently saw Alexa Chung wearing an unseasonable nail polish, however I instantly became obsessed. It is a very saturated light pink which usually is associated with spring, but after seeing the pink paired with her glitzy dress and clutch I knew that winter pink was my new favorite trend. Below are a few of my favorite pink polishes for winter and pink inspiration. What do you think of pink for the winter?

{OPI Mod About You}

{China Glaze Something Sweet}

{Zoya Jolene}

{Dior Nail Vernis Pink Icing}

{Essie Pink Parka}

{Zoya Tobey}

{ Dior Nail Vernis Diorlisse}

Christmas Giveaway Day Three.......A Marley Lilly Scarf!

2011-12-14T17:00:00.000-05:00

The giveaways continue! I absoutely love my Marley Lilly Pashmina and now I want to give one to YOU!

What you can win

A Monogrammed Marley Lilly Pashmina in the color of your choice

How To Enter

You must follow Fashion meets Food

No blog? No problem! Just leave your email address!

• Visit the Marley Lilly website and tell me what color pashmina you would want

• Add Fashion meets Food to your blog roll (3 extra entries)

• Tweet, Blog, Facebook this giveaway (3 extra entries)

Best of Luck! The Giveaway ends Friday, December 16th! You will be contact via your blog or email if you win!

Dr.'s REMEDY Holiday Hues Winter 2011

2011-12-14T07:30:00.002-05:00

I am usually a Zoya, OPI and China Glaze kind of girl, but when Dr.'s REMEDY came into my life I immediately fell in love. Dr.'s REMEDY is a line of doctor-inspired polishes that actually enrich your nails! My nails have never been so strong before, and the polish usually last seven plus days! The polish is available exclusively at the Dr.'s REMEDY website. For the holidays Dr.'s REMEDY released five fabulous and festive polishes that are must haves and would make perfect Christmas gifts.

{Passion}

Passion is a gorgeous purple boysenberry shade. I really love this hue and have been wearing it nonstop!

{Revive}

Revive is a ruby red hue. This shade reminds me of the Wizard of Oz.... three coats of polish and there is no place like home.

{Essential}

Essential is a emerald gem green. The shade is gorgeous, and a must have for the holidays. I am thinking this will be the shade I wear for Christmas.

{Resolution}

Resolution is a pink high shine glitter polish. You know that I am not a fan of glitter polish at all, however I love this polish. I just might ring in the new year with it on.

{Serene}

Serene is a stunning metallic glitter blue hue with flecks of every color you can imagine. A great shade to add for an accent!

Overall: I love this collection and think the color variety is fabulous!
What do you think of the collection?

Be sure to follow Dr.'s REMEDY on Facebook or Twitter!

Fritz & Frannie Preppy Earring Giveaway-CLOSED

2011-12-13T17:00:00.004-05:00

Fritz & Frannie preppy earrings are my favorite. They come in a variety of colors and look adorable on. You can see a post I did on them here. Now here is your chance to win a pair!

What you can win

One of two pairs of Fritz and Frannie preppy earrings!

{pink & green}

{navy & pink}

How to enter

You must follow Fashion meets Food

No blog? No problem! Just leave your email address

• Which color earrings would you like to win pink & green or pink & navy?

• Add Fashion meets Food to your blog roll (3 extra entries)

• Tweet, Blog, Facebook this giveaway (3 extra entries)

You have until Thursday, December 17th to enter!

Applesauce Ornaments

2011-12-13T07:30:00.002-05:00

My applesauce ornament recipe comes from my Great Grandma C. She is no longer with us, but the tradition of her applesauce ornaments lives on. They're so much fun to make and your house will smell absolutely fabulous! A couple years ago I did not paint my ornaments and I used them as gift tags for Christmas presents. This year I cut out gingerbread men and will be using them as my friendship gift for friends and family that visit during the holidays.

Apple Sauce Ornaments

not edible

Ingredients

• 1 cup (plus more for rolling) ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon ground clove

• 1 tablespoon all spice

• 3/4 cup applesauce

• 2 tablespoons Aleens tacky glue

Directions

• In a medium bowl mix spices, stir in applesauce and glue. Work mixture 2-3 minutes with your hands to form a ball.

•Too dry? Add more applesauce

• Too moist? Add more cinnamon

• Divide into four equal parts. Roll to 1/4 inch thick on a cinnamon covered surface; cut into desired shapes with a cookie cutter. Use a pencil to place a hole at the top.

• Place on a cookie sheet and allow to dry 4-5 days - your home will smell fabulous.

• Don't forget to add a ribbon and paint them if desired!

• These ornaments will last for years. My mum has a couple from when she was little and I have one that is 20 years old!

What to do with your ornaments

• hang on your Christmas

• use as gift tags

• give to your girlfriends

Announcing Seven Days of Giveaways....Day One CLOSED

2011-12-12T17:01:00.001-05:00

I have a really fun giveaway announcement for you! Starting today, I will be giving away a different item(s) everyday (weekend included) for the next seven days! I'll still be posting "regular" post (fashion, food, beauty and everything in between) during that time, so there will be two new posts a day except for the weekend. Be sure to check back so you don't miss anything!

Remember last week I said my friends and I were having a Chex Party Mix-Change instead of a Cookie Exchange. Well it was such a hit I decided to have a giveaway!

What you can win

• a box of Corn Chex

• a box of Rice Chex

• $20 gift card (to buy other supplies for your chex mix)

How to enter

You must follow Fashion meets Food

No blog? No problem! Just leave your email address!

• What Chex recipe would you make?

• Share your favorite cookie recipe. (5 extra entries)

• Add Fashion meets Food to your blogroll (3 extra entries)

• Tweet, Facebook, Blog about this giveaway (3 extra entries)

Good Luck! Giveaway ends Wednesday, December 14th.

All goodies provided by general mills through myblogspark

My Top Five Party Secrets!

2011-12-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

• Give your party a theme! Parties can be stressful to plan. A theme allows you to stay focused on a specific idea. For example a pink and green theme party would have a pink drink, pink and green napkins, pink and green candies etc.

• Look good in the kitchen! Incorporate a cute apron into your look. I almost always have one on when guests arrive no matter what the season is. All my aprons are from The Hip Hostess

• Set the mood! Candles create a warm and inviting ambiance.

• Back to basics! I love incorporating my favorite parts of childhood parties with my grown-up events; cupcakes, pretty candy and balloons are great additions.

• Give a gift to all guest! Everyone loves to get a gift so why not have a little something to give to your guests as they leave. Gifts can be homemade such as sugar cookies individually wrapped or something you buy. Check the dollar spot at Michaels and Target for some wonderful seasonal ideas.

Do you have any party secrets/tips you'd like to share?

Friday Five

2011-12-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

{Chocolate I made for Christmas}

After having a panic attack/ melt down at the beginning of this week I actually managed to accomplish more than I thought I would. My chocolates are all done for Christmas, I made a wreath and hung it up and all of my Christmas gifts are wrapped. This weekend I will be focusing on making some Christmas cookies. What are you up to this weekend? P.S. Christmas Giveaways begin Monday!!!

{new pj's from Victoria's Secret}

{new snowman for my collection}

What's your favorite Christmas character?

{the mess of wrapping Christmas gifts... but I am done wrapping!}

{the wreath I made for my front door}

Forget the Cookie Exchange, I am having a Chex Party Mix-Change!

2011-12-08T07:30:00.002-05:00

In college a group of girlfriends and I started to do a Cookie Exchange at Christmas. Once we graduated and were scattered across the United States we decided to still do a Cookie Exchange. Instead of physically being there we mail each other cookies and then have a Skype party. As I am sure you have seen in commercials and advertisements Chex has been promoting Chex Party Mix-Change. Since money is tight for everyone this year we decided we would skip the cookies and send each other some Chex Mix. I made Traditional Chex Mix (my way any way) and Lemon Puppy Chow.
What's your favorite kind of Chex Mix?

{Lemon Puppy Chow}

Lemon Puppy Chow
Ingredients
• 9 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
• 1 1/4 cups white chocolate or white vanilla baking chips
• 1/4 cup butter
• The zest of two lemons
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Directions
1. Measure the cereal into a large bowl and set aside.
2. In a pot over low heat melt the butter and white chocolate (or vanilla baking chips). Once it has melted stir in the lemon juice and zest. Pour mixture over cereal, stir until evenly coated.
3. Pour mixture into a 2 gallon ziplock food-storage plastic bag. Add powdered sugar, seal bag and gently shake until coated. Spread on waxed paper and allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.

{Chex Mix my way}

Chex Mix
Ingredients
2 cups Rice Chex cereal
2.5 cups Wheat Chex cereal
2.5 cups Honey Nut Chex
1 cup Corn Chex cereal
1 cup Honey Nut Cheerios
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup rye chips
1.5 cups Cheez-Its
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1.5 teaspoons seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoons onion powder

Directions
• In a large bowl, mix the cereals, nuts, Cheez-Its and rye chips.
• Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.
• While oven is pre-heating cut the butter into pieces and place it in an oven safe glass dish. Place in the oven until the butter has fully melted. Remove and stir in seasonings. Add cereal mixture, stir until evenly coated.
• Place in the oven and bake for one hour at 250 degrees. Stirring every 15 minutes.
• When finished remove from oven and pour onto paper towel and enjoy!

{I put my Chex Mix in chinese food containers!}
all items were supplied by general mills and sams club through myblogspark

Style to Style: Rachel Bilson as Zoe Hart

2011-12-07T07:30:00.004-05:00

Sweater: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Belt: Anthropologie
Shorts: 7 for All Mankind
Shoes: Rag & Bone
Necklace: Helen Ficalora

Hart of Dixie has become my new favorite show for so many reasons. For one I love Rachel Bilson and two the fashion is phenomenal. Rachel Bilson plays Zoe Hart who is definitely very high fashion which I love. Here are some of the outfits from amazing designers that Bilson has worn in the show. Do you watch Hart of Dixie?

Jacket: Veda

Blouse: James Perse

Jeans: J. Brand
Shoes: Michael Kors

Dress: Saloni

Bag: Chanel

Top: Diane von Furtsenberg

Skirt: Jill Sander
Jacket: Max Azria
Shoes: Dries Van Noten
Purse: Valentino

Top: Club Monaco
Jeans: J. Brand
Jacket: Elizabeth and James
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Purse: Valentino
Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner

Top: Helmut Lang

Skirt: Helmut Lang
Shoes: Tory Burch
Necklace: Helen Ficalora

Blouse: Equipment

Shorts: Chloe

Shoes: Alexander Wang

Sweater: Raquel Allegra

Sweats: Gilligan & O'Malley

Blouse: Ulla Johnson

Necklace: Giles & Brother

Jacket: Chanel

Shoes: Valentino
Shirt: Anagram by Gary Graham

Shorts: Marc Jacobs

Jacket and Pants: Veronique Leroy

Shirt: Theory
Shoes: Alexander Wang

Dress: L'Agence

Necklace: Lowluv by Erin Wasson
Earrings: Lowluv by Erin Wasson
Shoes: Barneys New York

Dress: Hervé Léger by Max Azria

Holiday Cheer Cookies

2011-12-06T08:36:00.003-05:00

Christmas baking has officially kicked off in my home. I started off by making up a batch of holiday cheer cookies which were always a college favorite. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Holiday Cheer Cookies
Ingredients
2 sticks butter; at room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup toffee pieces
1 cup red and green M&M's, smashed into pieces; i used a rolling pin and rolled it over the M&M's
2/3 cup pecans; chopped I bought mine from Oh Nuts!
2/3 cup honey wheat pretzels; finely broken up

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. With an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla for three minutes. Add the egg and beat until just combined.
3. In a separate bowl add salt, baking soda and sift in flour. Reduce the speed of the mixer and slowly add the flour mixture to the egg mixture until combined.
4. Stir in toffee, M&M's, pecans and pretzels.
5. Scoop and place on your baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned on the edges. I made bigger cookies so they took 12-14 minutes. If you are making smaller cookies start at 7 minutes and gradually add time as needed. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least five minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Happy Baking! xo

25 Stocking Stuffers Under $25

2011-12-05T07:30:00.004-05:00

{Jessica Cosmetics Shine On Ornament Nail Polish}

Christmas is just around the corner... can you believe it? I know when money is tight finding gifts that fit into your budget can be difficult. To make your holiday shopping a little easier this year here are 25 gifts all under $25! What is your favorite gift/stocking stuffer to receive?

{Reed Diffuser}

{bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lipcolor}

{Headbands}

{Marley Lilly Scarf}

{Gathered Gloves}

{Lilly Pulitzer Eco Cup}

{bareMinerals Key Chain Kisses Lipgloss}

{Betsey Johnson Peek A Bow Lowrise Tights}

{Bath and Body Works Shea-Infused Socks}

{Zoya Nail Polish}

I love the Feel collection!

{Lilly Pulitzer Photo Ornaments}

{Bath and Body Works Candles}

{bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow}

{Festive Holiday Lotion}

{Fancy Hot Chocolate}

{Flavored Coffee such as Dunkin Donuts}

{The Art and Soul of Baking}

This is my favorite book for baking!

{Wilton Standard Doughnut Pan}

{Snowman Measuring Spoons}

{Sur La Table All Season Cookie Cutters}

{Ateco Fluted Square Cutters, Set of Five}

{Holiday Stamp & Style Cookie Cutters}

{Martha Stewart Collection Baking Silpat}

{Simple Comforts: 50 Heart Warming Recipes}

Friday Five

2011-12-02T07:58:00.002-05:00

{pink shoe Christmas tree}

Can you believe it's already December - Christmas is just around the corner. This week I managed to decorate my little pink Christmas tree, put lights around the balcony and fill my apartment with snowmen as well as all my favorite holiday scents. My weekend is going to be filled with holiday baking and crafts. What are you up to this weekend?

{the chicest snowman around}

{new storage for my bike....the spare bathroom shower}

{new hand soap...ribbon candy!}

{can you guess my Christmas party theme this year?}

{need a craft for the weekend? Make my ribbon wreath ornament!}

Ribbon Wreath Ornament

2011-12-01T07:30:00.005-05:00

Wreaths can make a home look stunning, and they are a quick change for seasons and holidays. For the past few years I have been making ribbon wreaths. Last year I made some ribbon wreath ornaments to tie on presents. Since they were such a huge hit with family and friends I decided to make them again this year.

Supplies
• 3" Wreath Form
I bought a 3 inch styrofoam cylinder and cut it into three equal pieces. I then took a small circle cookie cutter and cut a circle in the middle of each "wreath".
• 105 (2.5" long pieces of 3/8" wide ribbon of your choice)
• 7" length ribbon for hanging your wreath with
• Aleen's Original Tacky Glue
• Hot Glue Gun & Sticks

I bought a 3 inch styrofoam cylinder and cut it into three equal pieces. I then took a small circle cookie cutter and cut a circle in the middle of each "wreath".

Cut 105 pieces of ribbon 2.5 inches long (three colors of ribbon is 35 pieces each)
Use Aleen's Original Tacky Glue and put a dot on each piece of your ribbon.

After each ribbon has a dot of glue begin to fold them into a circle like the picture seen above.
If you dot one ribbon and fold right away it won't stay together.

Glue the ribbon to the styrofoam (I used hot glue)
* Note: You can wrap your wreath form with ribbon if the glue gun is melting your styrofoam.

Happy Crafting Dolls!!!

Cranberry Orange Bread

2011-11-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again where fresh cranberries can be found everywhere. Nanny (my great grandma on my dad's side of the family) use to make Cranberry Orange bread every year during the holidays. The bread is completely addicting and too good not to share! It also makes a wonderful gift for neighbors and friends.

Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter

• 1 egg

• The zest of one orange
• 3/4 cup orange juice

• 1 cup cranberries

• 1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

• Beat the egg, butter, sugar and juice together. Mix all dry ingredients and add to mixture; beat until well combined. Stir in cranberries by hand (add nuts if desired).
• Pour into loaf pan and bake 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool on a cooling rack before removing from the pan.

I bought the above ceramic mini loaf pan at Michaels for $1 with the recipe above you can make three mini loafs and they make super cute gifts!

How to Tie a Scarf: The Bow

2011-11-29T07:30:00.001-05:00

The bow is my absolute favorite way to wear a scarf. It is a very feminine look, and definitely is a cheap and chic alternative to the bow tie blouse that is very popular right now. Check out my other scarf tutorials; the boa, the hidden knot, twisted european loop and fancy european loop

My Favorite Holiday Scents

2011-11-28T07:30:00.001-05:00

{Root Candle Candy Cane}

I am a firm believer in celebrating one holiday at a time. Every year after Thanksgiving dinner I put up my Christmas tree. Once the tree is up I light some of my favorite holiday scents. Usually I stick to the classics; peppermint and vanilla. However this year I have added some other scents such as gingerbread and winter. What is your favorite scent for the holidays?

{Bath and Body Works Marshmallow Peppermint}

{Root Candle Peppermint Bark}

{Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel}

{Bath and Body Works Winter}

{Root Candle French Vanilla}

Gift Idea

{Bath and Body Works Gingerbread}

Pair the Gingerbread Candle from Bath and Body Works with the Gingerbread Man Metal Candle Sleeve also from Bath and Body Works for a great gift idea! I am actually giving this as a hostess gift when I attend holiday parties.

{Gingerbread Man Metal Sleeve}

Friday Five

2011-11-25T07:30:00.005-05:00

{Thanksgiving pies; pumpkin & lemon meringue}

TGIF! Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now the pressure is on to get everything ready for Christmas! This weekend after I do a little black friday shopping I am starting on some holiday decorating and baking! What are you up to this weekend? In case you didn't know Rachel Bilson partnered with her stylist to create a shoe line called ShoeMint. Get access here!

{The prettiest collection of eyeshadow}

bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow The Playlist

{let the holiday baking begin}

{silver and gold glitter polish for the holidays}

{Christmas Cookies scented potpourri}

Happy Thanksgiving From My House To Yours!

2011-11-24T07:30:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for my healthy family and the love and support from the readers of my blog.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you have a fabulous day.
Don't forget ShoeMint opens on Black Friday! If you haven't heard of ShoeMint before it is a shoe line created by Rachel Bilson and her stylist!!! Need an invitation click here!

If you are looking for some fabulous deals check out 2 for $20 candles at Bath and Body Works tomorrow. Root Candles (my favorite candle company) is offering free shipping on any order of $50 or more with code NOV11ASHIP good until the 29th!

Honey Molasses Pecans

2011-11-23T07:30:00.002-05:00

For Thanksgiving and Christmas I always love to have dishes of nuts setting out for people to snack on. This year for Thanksgiving I decided to spice things up a little bit and use my grandma's recipe for honey molasses pecans. They add a bit of sweet to salads, your palette and even on top of broccoli. I always buy my nuts from Oh Nuts as they offer the freshest varieties.

Honey Molasses Pecans
Ingredients
• 8 ounces pecan halves
pecans from Oh Nuts!
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter; melted

Directions
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray or use a Sil Pat.
• In a large bowl, place the pecans and add honey, syrup, molasses, vanilla and salt. Toss to combine. Spread on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes turning after 5.
• Lay a piece of parchment paper on the counter and spray with cooking spray.
• Remove pecans from oven and transfer to a bowl; stir in melted butter. Lay out on prepared parchment on the counter and allow to cool.

Enjoy!

How to Tie a Scarf: The Boa

2011-11-22T07:30:00.001-05:00

I love tying my scarf like this it kind of makes it look like a necklace which I love.

How to Tie a Scarf: The Hidden Knot

How to Tie a Scarf: Twisted European Loop

How to Tie a Scarf: Fancy European Loop

Zoya Feel Winter 2011 (the most gorgeous collection EVER)

2011-11-21T07:30:00.001-05:00

Feel is Zoya's new winter 2011 collection and it is filled with six brand new cream neautrals and let me tell you I am LOVING every single color. This year Zoya has killed the competition when it comes to polish collections. Earlier in the year Zoya released Intimate which was packed with stunning shades for the spring. Then came Touch a collection containing three nude polishes for any skin tone. I have been beyond impressed with Zoya this year and after this collection they are officially my favorite nail polish company. If you are looking for wintery feminine gorgeous collection Feel is for you!

{ this shows you what the colors truly look like}

Note: it has been really dark and gloomy out so some of my actual swatch pictures do not look exactly like the color. Use the above swatched wheel to get a more exact idea.

{Kristen}

Kristen is a stunning snowy gray with a touch of blue. This is definitely a beautiful hue and will make you think of winter immediately. Two coats.

{Carey}

Carey is a gorgeous gray cream polish with the ever so slight periwinkle addition. The above picture is making it look more purple/blue when really it is more gray. Two coats.

{Megan}

Megan is a beautiful purple cream with a touch of gray. Megan is the perfect hue for a winters day. Two coats.

{Kendal}

Kendal is a lavender cream polish with a touch of beige. This color is beyond beautiful and is actually on my nails right now. I have receive so many compliments on it too! Two coats.

{Kennedy}

Kennedy is a pinky beige cream polish that is simply amazing. It kind of reminds me of a ballerina shade. Two coats.

{Avery}

Avery is a stunning nude cream polish. This is one nude polish that will look gorgeous against any skin tone! A must have in every collection. Two coats.

Overall thoughts
This is the most gorgeous collection that I have seen! I love every single color in the collection which does not happen that often. Honestly you will want to own each of these colors. It is perfect for winter and moving into spring. So visit Zoya.com or your local Ulta store to get this stunning collection! Seriously go right now!

Friday Five

2011-11-18T08:12:00.002-05:00

{a package from home filled with snowmen}

It's the final weekend before the chaos of the holidays begins... are you ready? I will be spending the weekend picking up things for Thanksgiving dinner and cleaning and organizing my apartment so that Thanksgiving night I can switch my place from fall to winter/Christmas - I like to celebrate one holiday at a time. On a side note will you be going out for Black Friday? If so where are you going to be shopping at?

{the perfect wish on the perfect day}

{it has been one rainy week, but at least it's not snowing...yet}

{bright and bold flowers to get me through the gloomy days}

{new polishes in the prettiest colors}

Martha Stewart Thanksgiving Tablescapes

2011-11-17T08:43:00.003-05:00

With Thanksgiving next week I thought we could all use a little festive tablescape inspiration. I figured I would share with you some of my favorite place cards and tablescapes courtesy of Martha Stewart! What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year?

Skinny Brownies

2011-11-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

My Skinny Funfetti Cupcakes were such a hit I just had to share with you my recipe for Skinny Brownies. The recipe is super simple - mix one can (12 ounces) of Diet Pepsi with one box of brownies and bake at 325 for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. *note: I do not drink pop - I only use it in recipes. Therefore instead of buying a case and having cans I just buy a 20 oz. bottle at the grocery store and measure out 12 ounces. *

{I used a 9x9 inch glass pan for thicker brownies, but a 13x9 would work too.}

The brownies turn out moist and delicious!

{add a dollop of Cool Whip if desired}

Pine Cone Place Card

2011-11-15T07:30:00.001-05:00

One thing I love about the holidays is creating a gorgeous tablescape. When I am deciding on my tablescape first I think of how I want my place cards to look. This Thanksgiving I decided on pine cone place holders. I gathered up large pine cones, made tags with my Sizzix Big Shot and secured the tags with a piece of raffia.

{Thanksgiving 2010 I used a pomegranate as the place card.}

Just another Mani Monday: Zoya gems & jewels Holiday 2011

2011-11-14T08:13:00.002-05:00

For the holiday season Zoya released "Gems & Jewels" as their 2011 holiday collection. The collection features six new shades. Three of the polishes are jewel toned metallic shimmers and the remaining three are glitter glazes which feature bar glitter. Zoya is always a step above everyone else... as their collection features jewel tones which no one else seems to have in a fall or winter collection despite their popularity.

{left to right: Rina, Holly, Kssy, Izzy, Twila and Noel}

{Holly}

Holly is an evergreen shimmer. This color is gorgeous and a definite must for those holiday parties.

{Izzy}

Izzy is a gorgeous raspberry pink shimmer. Come the holidays usually you always see red and green together. I love to pair pink and green together since I am not a red fan. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Izzy in the collection.

{Noel}

Noel is a icy blue shimmer that will immediately have you thinking of winter. Pair this color with a little black or white dress and you have a perfect holiday look.

{left to right: Holly with Rina over it, Izzy with Rina over it, Holly with Kssy over it, Izzy with Kssy over it and Noel with Twila over it.}

Let's talk a touch of tinsel
The glitter glazes; Rina, Kssy and Twila feature tinsel like pieces in them.

Rina is a clear base that is packed with pieces of green tinsel with the slightest touch of blue.

Kssy is a clear base that is packed with raspberry pink pieces of tinsel as well as gold tinsel. This polish would be perfect paired with a dark polish

Twila is a clear base that is packed with bright icy blue tinsel with a touch of iridescent tinsel.

Try these glazes out over, black polish for a chic look this holiday season.

Overall thoughts
I love this entire collection. While the three colors have the tendency to be beyond cliche this collection has stepped up it's game. From the gorgeous shimmers to the fun tinsel polishes I would highly recommend hitting up the Zoya website and getting yourself a set! PS anytime I wear a glitter glaze (tinsel polish) on top of a black polish I get so many compliments!

What do you think of this collection?

11-11-11

2011-11-11T08:06:00.000-05:00

I am a firm believer in making a wish at 11:11 so today is the ultimate day to make a wish at 11:11... remember you have two chances! Do you believe in the 11:11 wish?

Lady in Red

2011-11-10T07:30:00.003-05:00

{Carrie Underwood}

This is the time of year when I start to dig out all things red. It's the only time of year you'll find me wearing my Hourglass Femme Rouge Lipstick in Raven, and various shades of red polishes. I am even thinking about wearing a red dress or red tights for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Do you wear red year round or only around the holiday?

{Jessica Simpson}

{Christina Aguilera}

{Anne Hathaway}

{Jessica Alba}

{Kristin Chenoweth}

{Kim Kardashian}

{Reese Witherspoon}

Style to Steal: Carrie Underwood

2011-11-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

I am not a country music fan at all. However I am a huge Carrie Underwood fan.... including her music. Every time Carrie steps out she looks amazing from her outfits to her hair and makeup the girl is flawless... we can't forget her killer legs! Are you a Carrie Underwood fan?

How to Tie a Scarf: The Hidden Knot

2011-11-08T07:30:00.001-05:00

The hidden knot is one of my favorite ways to tie a scarf. I think the look is so chic and creating this look is so simple! For other ways to tie a scarf check out my post here.

Scarf: Marley Lilly Pashmina

Nails: OPI Black Onyx

Take a Bow

2011-11-07T07:30:00.003-05:00

{Milly Bow Sweater}

Three of my favorite things are shoes, handbags and bows. Usually bows on things are hard to come by. However this year bows are everywhere and I am loving it. I have even been wearing my hair in a hair bow. What do you think of bows?

{Bath and Body Works Bow Compact Mirror}

{Valentino 'New Dome' Satchel}

{ALDO 'Dannis' Boot}

{Kate Spade 'all wrapped up pavé bow ring}

{Bourne 'Elle' Bootie}

{Red Valentino Ruffle Hem Wool Coat}

{Bow Ear Warmer}

{Valentino Bow Tee}

Friday Five

2011-11-04T09:10:00.001-04:00

{Ugg season has arrived}

TGIF! This week has been the week of change for me. One of the biggest changes to come about is in my diet - I have officially jumped back on the Weight Watchers bandwagon *fingers crossed*. I also booked my trip to New Orleans at the end of January! If any of you live in the area and would want to meet up or have suggestions of places I should go or eat at let me know! xo

{current favorite candle - bath and body works salted caramel}

{new bow spreaders just in time for the holidays}

{night time addiction- diet swiss miss with peppermint syrup and snowman marshmallows}

{scarves scattered about my bed}