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8.31.2011

snapshots

a rectangular plate from World Market. {got it for free with a birthday email certificate i received from them}.  it's current home is the bathroom counter.  doesn't hold all my jewelry, but just the pieces that i'm into for the moment.

I feel as though I need to make more of an effort in contributing more "personal" posts on my blog.  So in fulfilling this effort, I decided to snap some photos of my most current gems.  I used my iphone to take these snapshots, since my regular camera is not working properly. {as noted in yesterday's post}.  Enjoy the pics and I promise to post some more "personal" posts. 

Deborah Lippmann nail polish in a stormy weather.  I love it!
a new scarf i ordered from Nordstrom's... can't wait to wear it when the weather starts to change.

going to Tampa for labor day weekend, love to have drinks and snacks for the hotel room.  picked up Bethenny Frankel's infamous skinnygirl margarita to sip on.
the chair i ordered from joss & main. i love it! and ordered another one {from another website} because the room was not complete. having a pair is a needed must.   
my doggies rhasta and mike... couldn't resist showing them too.

8.30.2011

delicioso

{photo courtesy of T.P.W. - my camera is not working right and I haven't gotten a new one yet... I'm a procrastinator!}
Not sure if you remember my post about The Pioneer Woman?  Well... I made one of her recipes for dinner last night and it was awesome.  "My Brother's Chicken Tacos" were super simple and very tasteful.  Go here and make them for dinner tonight, you'll love them... I promise.
{just a note - I cook for two so used 2 chicken breasts and 1 can of the diced green chilies and it still made 13 tacos}.

8.29.2011

piperlime

Oh... Piperlime... I just l.o.v.e. this shopping site. They have so many perks which include: free shipping, free returns, picks from Rachel Zoe, a collaboration with Project Runway {one of the best shows ever}, and most importantly Piperlime always has the must-have items.  They even accommodate girls who are on a budget.
They just updated their site with the Top 11 Fall Trends, click on the link to check it out.  Whether you do a little shopping or just browse for inspiration, it's a must see.  
I did a little browsing myself, and instantly saw some items I'd like to have.

{marc jacobs tie neck blouse}

{hudson bellbottom flares}


{bb dakota cape}

{kate spade ladylike bag}


8.27.2011

DIY wrap bracelets


I was on roaming around this blog and came across a super fun DIY project.  You must check it out!  The ladies over at Honestly WTF have posted complete step by step instructions and photos to guide you through.  There's also links on where to purchase the materials.  Will you attempt to make your own wrap bracelet?  I'm very tempted!



{all photos courtesy of Honestly WTF}

8.26.2011

what i'm lovin'

necklaces

what i'm lovin' this week are Fall Necklaces.  The newest necklace out is the collar necklace {numbers three and seven}.  I love them, what about you?  Accessorizing with necklaces makes an outfit complete.  Lean more towards vintage-inspired lovelies to be placed around your neck, as well as a necklace that makes a statement.  Here are my top picks for Fall.  The best part, is that these beauties can also be transitioned into your wardrobe for the upcoming holidays.

1. Layered Plate Necklace, $24 ~ Need Supply Co.
2. Kate Spade NY Cascade Necklace {in clear}, $51.90 {on sale} ~ Nordstrom
3. Gemma Lister Gold Sequin Necklace, $79 ~ FarFetch
4. Kate Spade NY Cut To The Chase Bib Statement Necklace, $148 ~ Nordstrom
5. Kate Spade NY Cascade Necklace {in jet}, $78 ~ Zappos Couture
6. Anne Klein Gold Plated Turquoise Drama Collar Necklace, $95 ~ Endless
7. Sinatra Necklace, $318 ~ Dannijo
8. Beaulieu Chunky Ball Necklace, $59 ~ Opaleen

8.25.2011

mirror mirror...

I've been on the hunt for a gold mirror, but have had no luck yet.  I did come across one when I purchased this bar cart at a local consignment shop, but passed it up.  I now realize I should've purchased it and am kicking myself in the butt for not getting it.  My goal is to find this desired gem for less than $100... I got my eyes wide open and am confident I will find one soon.  Once I do, I'll let ya know; but in the meantime, here are some inspiration images of these beauties.





8.24.2011

toffee & bittersweet chocolate cookies


I love to bake, but don't do it as much since I'm only baking for two {me and the hubby}.  When I was younger, {like jr. high / high school younger}, I would bake often; especially during the holidays.  All recipes from scratch, it was awesome!  I guess I consider myself pretty lucky for learning techniques that involved around in the kitchen, thanks to my mom.
I whipped up these cookies the other day since the hubby has been real busy at work.  Thought these would make him feel a little better, in hopes to de-stress him out.  I've used this recipe numerous of times, and found it on the bag of the andes mint baking chips.  Overtime, I've switched out the andes mint chips and have used Reese's peanut butter cups that I've chopped, Heath toffee bits, and the classic chocolate chip.  I prefer to use Ghirardelli baking chips, they are my go to chocolate chip.

Here's the recipe. {just so you know, this is my "tweaked" recipe that I use, it is not the same recipe found on the bag of the andes mint chips, but pretty close}.

Recipe ~
1/2 cup unsalted butter - softened
3/4 cup organic light brown sugar
1/2 cup organic white granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking soda and baking poweder
2 tsp. vanilla extract {I use Nielsen-Massey Vanilla from Williams-Sonoma}
2 eggs
2 2/3 cups sifted organic all-purpose flour
Your chips of choice - the cookie in the photo has Heath toffee bits and Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

Blend butter, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla, and eggs until mixed.  Then add sifted flour. {I first add 1 1/3 cups of the flour, let it mix, then add the remaining 1 1/3 cups of the flour}.  Once all the flour is mixed in, turn off the mixer, then add your chips of choice.  Mix these in using a spatula or spoon.  Wrap the cookie dough in saran wrap and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.  Measure out about 1 ounce of dough, form into a ball and slightly flatten.  Raise oven rack one level above middle and bake on non-stick baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 8 - 10 minutes.  Cool on pans for two minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
** These cookies are delicious, more cake like than the normal cookie.  Very soft, delicate in a sense.  I really believe that the use of organic and high quality products makes these cookies as delicious as they are.  I also use a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, that blends all the ingredients beautifully.

8.23.2011

the pioneer woman

{Ree in her kitchen via the Food Network}
Have you guys been on Ree Drummond's site before, The Pioneer Woman?  If not, go here to check it out.  I go to her site for recipes and inspiration on what new dishes to cook for me and the hubby.  You can check out her Food Blog here, she's so detailed with photos and great instructions.  The reason I bring it up is because I was watching the Food Network yesterday and saw a promo commercial for Ree's own show.  Pretty amazing... I'll be checking it out for sure!
Here are the details from Ree's site:
"My cooking show will premiere on Food Network on Saturday, August 27th at 11:30 Eastern Time/10:30 Central time. It’s part of their fall lineup of Saturday morning cooking shows, and will feature lots of good grub. In addition to the food, though, there’ll also be glimpses into our life on the ranch: the cattle, the horses, the kids, the cowboys…and the occasional Basset Hound for comic relief."
Do you like to cook?  If so, check out The Pioneer Woman and the show! Here are some shots of what Ree's been cooking lately.



{all photo's via The Pioneer Woman}

8.22.2011

zara - save the date


For those of us who don't have a ZARA close by, we don't have to wait much longer until we can start to purchase their goodies via the internet.  On Wednesday, September 7th, ZARA will open their online shopping site.  So..... save your money for this day. I can't wait!!
Here are some more looks from their site.

8.21.2011

Leopard Loafer... on a budget


For those of you who are on a budget, I found a leopard loafer today from Nordstrom's.  It's called the Mansion flat, and looks pretty similar to the other loafers out there made by Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, and Steve Madden.  The only difference is this loafer is not made with calf hair like how the others are, plus it's only $59.95.  Go here to check them out and order a pair!

8.19.2011

what i'm lovin' - loafers

I'm lovin' the loafer, especially the leopard loafer!  I found a few different pairs at different price points, so here they are.  And to make it more fun, here are some girls that have been wearing them.  It's what i'm lovin' and what i wanna buy! {p.s. Happy Friday to ya!}






8.18.2011

what joanna hillman wears {on her wrist}

{photo via Refinery 29}
For those of you who don't know who Joanna Hillman is {but I'm sure most of us do}, she is the Senior Fashion Market Editor at Harper's Bazaar.  The stacking of bracelets, mixed in with the watch, is so HOT right now.  Refinery 29 composed a great feature called 200+ Bracelets: Who Has The Best-Dressed Wrists In NYC?  You can go here to check out all the pics and tips.  But first, check out what Joanna had to say:

Where is each bracelet from? (from the hand upward)
"Vintage ID bracelet
Mary Kate Steinmiller bracelet
Tory Burch Orange
Two studded bracelets by Eddie Borgo
Noir pink and black
My mom's vintage Rolex"

Any great stories behind the arm candy?
"Like at summer camp back in the day, I layer and add to my wrist as the summer goes on."

Have any tricks or tips for layering bracelets?
"Colors and textures! Don't overthink the combo."

8.17.2011

fall

fall trends

Since Fall will be here sooner that we expect {September 23rd is the first day}.  I thought I'd showcase some of the trends for this year.  Chunky sweaters were popular last fall, and polka dots were rocked through the year, so hopefully you already have some fall trends in your closet.  Do you have any favorites for fall yet?

1. Long Maxi's {all from Topshop} 

2. Dots

3. Chunky Sweaters
4. Mustard

8.16.2011

milk glass


I was on Etsy {one of my faves!} and came across the cutest vintage milk glass sugar and creamer set.  I just had to have it!  I love the hobnail, the scalloped rim, and the pure whiteness of the two pieces.  At the moment, the sugar holder stores some tropical candy from Hawaii, while it waits to be used.


8.15.2011

simple diy


Our welcome mat at the front door needed a little tlc.  When I originally bought it, there was a greeting of "welcome" on the mat, but over time it faded away.  So I opted to use black spray paint to create stripes and make it more fun.  Moral of the story --- don't go out and buy something you already have, just give it a new life with some spray paint.

one. i used blue painters tape to create the stripes and to protect the edges from the overspray

two. spray paint the mat, then remove the tape    
  
three. enjoy the "new" mat

8.12.2011

what i'm lovin'

schoolboy blazer

Yes, there are severe heat warnings here in FL, and I can't imagine wearing anything that involves the covering of the skin, layering, socks, closed toe shoes...  just thinking about it makes me HOT {not the good kind of hot, the sweaty hot!}. But I can't help myself in looking to see what's out there on the shelves right now.  I jumped on over to J.Crew's new arrivals and fell in l.o.v.e. with many beautiful items that I WANT for fall!  Here's what i'm lovin' this week... J.Crew style.  Would you rock any of these pieces when the weather is suitable?

outlaw blouse
velvet schoolboy blazer

silk blythe blouse

classic flare jean

cece studded leather ballet flats

watercolor floral scarf