I Believe in Miracles

--Audrey Hepburn

Never, ever doubt your inner wisdome and femininity! xo

Bracelets & Bangles

DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet

DIY utilitarian-style bracelets!

The wrap and utilitarian, chunky-style bracelet is totally in right now.  I especially love the look of using metallic bolts (i.e. this DIY project!).  What a creative and inexpensive way to wear one of this season’s hottest jewelry trends!  

The same genius blogger who posted the pictured DIY Braided Hex Nut Bracelet has also posted instructions on how to create another DIY gem, the DIY Embellished WrapBracelet.  I think the wrap bracelet would be especially fun because you could find some real rustic-looking leather rope and pair it with some statement beads (glass, metallic… your options are essentially endless). 

Besides the feeling of accomplishment after completing a DIY project, these featured DIY bracelets would make fantastic holiday treasures or birthday gifts.  Seems like the perfect opportunity to spoil a loved one and be creative without breaking the bank. 

Best of all, these DIY bracelets look almost identical to what are being sold in specialty boutiques and high-end department stores; at fraction of the cost!

No-Bake Energy Bites

No-Bake Energy Bites

Cute blog, great recipe!

I am really into the "no bake" recipes and these energy balls look absolutely divine.  Check out Smashed Peas and Carrots for recipes of numerous other tasty, fun and most importantly, unique, treats.  

Cookies for breakfast?  Sign me up!

Newman's Own: Honey Mustard

Okay, I know I am a freak for posting this but everyone must know and understand how absolutely delicious this dressing is.  Like, I'm telling you, it is liquid gold.  Intended to be a salad dressing but you can be awfully creative with it.

You can use this dressing in the following ways: in a leafy green salad, as a dip for pretzel thins, on salmon steaks, crab cakes, quinoa, veggie stir fry, pizza ... okay now I'm just being obnoxious. 

But, truth be told, this dressing is your solution to a delicious, flavorful meal.  Also, did I mention it is considered to be "light" dressing?  Only 70 calories per serving!  So technically there should be absolutely NO guilt associated with drenching everything with this heaven-sent, delectable dressing... right?

Try out my favorite way to enjoy Newman's Own Light Honey Mustard dressing:

1. Obtain a couple of handfuls of spinach or like leafy-green salad
2. Dice up some raw sweet onion
3. Add about a half of a chopped green pepper
4. Add a couple of tablespoons of crushed mixed nuts
5. Whatever protein or deli meat you desire (I recommend turkey or chicken)
6. Give a nice, liberal pour of Newman's Own Light Honey Mustard dressing
7.  Toss the salad gently and you are ready for a quick, tasty meal!  

Yum, yum.  Is it lunch yet?

Kendi Everyday

Kendi Everyday

Another one of my top favorite fashion bloggers is Kendi, from Kendi Everyday.  This woman is drop dead gorgeous and full of sass and style.  Her sense of style is immaculate and polished and her blog post today is certainly no exception.  I am drooling over her chunky-knit infinity scarf.  And, what more, she made it!  Fantastic. 

Let's break this look down, shall we?

1.  I have long been a fan of anything mustard colored (even though it really isn't a complimentary color to my complexion, so I try to exhibit it sparsely) and the chunky, cable-knit texture is to die for (on almost any occasion).
2.  Again, the high-waisted pants are elegant and flattering on all body types.  Best of all, you don't have to worry about any cheek exposure; smashing! 
3.  The tank top is exquisite; geometrical shapes with a fun funky tribal vibe.  I love it.
4.  Camel colored cardigan; check.  Everyone should own one. 
5.  Statement gold bracelets and a big, slouchy bag keep the outfit on the causal side.
6.  and ... Nude-colored shoes balance out the whole act.

Along with her successful blog, Kendi has also managed to open her own clothing boutique, Bloom.  What a rock star!

What a picture-perfect gal.

Courage

Amen.

Blogger Spotlight: Corporette

Super-Fantastic-Blogger-Spotlight: Corporette.com

Okay, so technically the blog, Corporette, is written by a stylish lawyer.  But, the content of the blog is relevant for all young and aspiring professionals. Corporette covers topics related to career advancement, personal achievement and style.  The variety of subjects addressed within the blog makes for fun and interesting point of views.

Whether it be money management, to-die-for shopping splurges, budget friendly fashion, fantastic products, organizational tips or career advice--Corporette has you covered.

Check it out!

Holiday Madness: Living Beyond Our Means

Okay, no.  I haven't been abducted by aliens or fallen off the face of the planet; I am alive and well and have been somewhat preoccupied by life.  I have been thoughtful and creative over the last few weeks but haven't quite made the effort to post anything, my bad!

I hope you all have settled into December just fabulously.  I have officially recognized the season's arrival by the six inches of snow we received this weekend, the erection of my beautiful, fake (mini) Christmas tree and continuous preparation of my company's largest Holiday gala of the year.  I have baked trays of baked goods and have listened to a healthy amount of Christmas toons, too.  Life seems content and I am excited for some travel, skiing and relaxation in the month to come.

Published: November 2011

Not to be a Debby Downer or anything, but I am going to post some valuable information regarding how American's spending/saving/borrowing behavior effects global financial markets and how our behavior compares to other nations.  I feel propelled to post finance tid-bits because I'm interested and you should be interested, too!  I think the holiday season has the potential to spin out of control in terms of personal finances and it is my wish to keep you on track!

Please read this interview on NPR.com regarding our nations tendency to overspend, our lack of saving habits and our propensity to draw excessive credit lines.

"In Western Europe and East Asia, governments aggressively encourage people to save through special savings institutions and savings campaigns."

-- Author, Sheldon Garon of new book Beyond Our Means: Why America Spends While the World Saves.

I.e. What used to be a popular gift given to new-born children; U.S. savings bonds have completely "gone out of style" over the last couple decades.

Santa, baby ... I'll take a saving's bond for the holiday! 

Too far?

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

So it is the day after Thanksgiving and all I can think about is left-over turkey, pumpkin pie, Christmas music, and of course, CLOTHING FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

I don't sound too excited, do I?

I have made a concept board of my ideal holiday party or work-wear outfit (I tend to get a little festive with my holiday dress at work, too!).  I used a few trendy pieces to pull the whole outfit together.  I especially like the sequin and beaded jacket--way too fun!  What do you think?

All of these pieces shown above can be found at Piperlime.com.  

Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving!

Poster

"People who love to eat are always the best people"- Julia Child

Well if Julia Child said it, it must be true!

All my love to you and yours for a relaxing, happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend.

Five things I am truly thankful for:

1. A supportive, loving family
2. Creative, fun-loving friends
3. A cozy, loyal puppy dog
4. Chocolate and other delicious treats
5. Magazine subscriptions, access to blogs, salmon, gold-hued things, sunny sunshine, an education, PBS documentaries, floral print, leather, flashy jewelry, the great outdoors, cozy coffee drinks, music, high heels, a great job, and really stinkin' sweet boyfriend....

Strictly Budgetary: The Big Day

The True Cost of a Wedding

In light of a handful of friends and family tying the knot in 2012, I found this diagram to be a interesting representation of how to budget for The Big Day.   I can appreciate the money saving tips at the bottom of the diagram; especially the suggestion of booking off-season and involving creative friends/family to help with wedding preparations. 

Do you think the average cost of a wedding, $27,000, is out of park or accurate?  What elements of the wedding (photographer, venue, dress, etc.) are you most willing to splurge or penny-pinch on?

Sited sources: theknotinc.com, www.smartmoney.com, and money.cnn.com.

Scarf Season

Scarf fashions

It's officially scarf season.  Here's a fantastic visual of how versatile a scarf can be!  Keep your neck warm using one of these fancy styles.  

I wore Number 9 today, how about you?

Yogi Tea

Egyptian Licorice Tea, $3-$5 at your local market

Really, Wednesday... why'd you have to chew me up and spit me out!  Geesh!  

Yogi Tea, has been my saving grace today!  As I am trying to fend off what may be the third sinus infection over the course of two months, I am doing everything in my power to beef up my immune system.  In the mean time, I just trying to take a breather and hope that tomorrow will bring a new, healthy day.  Here's to feeling healthy in the mind and body in days to come!

Bonus: the Yogi tea bags come with a cute quote similar to below...

"Those who live in the past have nothing to look forward to in the future"-- Yogi Tea Bag

26 and Counting

Liz, from Twenty Six and Counting Blog

One of my favorite fashion blogs is 26 and Counting and today Liz (the creator) is looking exceptionally cute.  I love Liz's daily fashion blog because of her sense of creativity and her dedication to "remixing" outfits which already exist in her closet. 

Liz makes a conscious effort to construct both budget-friendly and stylish work wear outfits.   Most of all, I enjoy her sense of honesty, humility and her commitment to posting daily entries.  I always look forward to seeing what she pulls together!

Don't be fooled.  Liz is a hard working and ambitious young professional.  It is astonishing that she manages to maintain a full-time job, a successful blog and pursue a masters degree--all at the same time!  Keep inspiring and keep up your great work, Liz!

A Flash Sale!

Ideeli Boutique: Designer Faves

I was first introduced to the world of online discount boutiques when a sorority emailed me an invitation to join Ruelala.  I was a die-hard Ruelala fan for about a year and a half until another friend referred me to Ideeli.  Ideeli's boutiques boast incredible designer products at discounted prices.  Each day a multitude of product offerings are featured.  Ruelala also offers daily product offerings but their daily offerings are limited to just a few designers in comparison to Ideeli's.  

How to join?  It is simple.  All you have to do is provide Ideeli with your email address and you can either opt in or out of receiving daily notifications that provide information on the newest sales and discounts. 

Ideeli's return policy is very transparent.  However, you must be aware of the return policy for each product because policies do change in variation from one item to the next.  Ideeli allows you to keep tabs on your favorite designers and seasonal trends.  

My two cents about the whole thing... Don't get too caught up in the urgency of the sale.  The online discount designer boutique phenomenon remains a successful business tactic by creating a sense of urgency for online shoppers to make a purchase immediately. I say this with all honesty: it is okay to just look and still be satisfied by the sale.  If you are not ready to buy now, surely they will have a similar item to purchase when you are comfortable spending the money.   

A taste of Ideeli brands: BCBGeneration, Paige Denim, Betsey Johnson, Steve Madden, Burberry, Sienna Rose, London Times... and a million more to mention!

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Paula Dean's Sweet Potato Biscuits

I don't know if it is just the change of season but I am feeling the impulse to bake... a lot!  I'm feeling inspired by all of the amazing holiday recipes and I recently ran across a sweet potato biscuit recipe that sparked my interest.  Needless to say, I ended up making the sweet potato biscuits and they tasted phenomenal and were no chore to make. It is helpful if you have mashed sweet potatoes prepared prior to baking this recipe-- great for using left-overs! Just a few ingredients and a few dirtied dishes later make for a worthwhile baking experience!

Paula Dean's Sweet Potato Biscuits 

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 heaping tablespoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter
• 2 to 4 tablespoons milk (depending on the moisture of the potatoes)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a separate, large bowl, mix the sweet potatoes and butter. Add the flour mixture to the potato mixture and mix to make a soft dough. Then add milk a tablespoon at a time to mixture and continue to cut in. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and toss lightly until the outside of the dough looks smooth. Roll the dough out to 1/2-inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits on a greased pan and coat tops with melted butter. Bake for about 15 minutes. (Watch your oven: If the biscuits are browning too fast, lower the temperature.)

Subsitutions & changes to the recipe:  I did not use a biscuit cutter to form my biscuits.  I just rolled my hands in flour, formed a ball of dough in between my hands, placed the biscuit on a non-greased pan and flattened the top out a little.  I also didn't cook my biscuits for the full suggested cooking time of 15 mins.  Cooking in high altitude sometimes can be tricky but my biscuits came out SUPER moist.  Make sure you don't forget the drizzle of butter on top before you bake, it adds sweet texture and yummy flavor to the end product!  Forget about adding extra butter for serving--the biscuits are super rich on their own.  Dollop a bit of honey on top--presto!

Yummo.

Lucky Magazine: A Holiday Party-Going Guide

Outfit: Meeting friends at the bar

Happy Saturday!

So I was casually reading my December 2011 issue of Lucky Magazine this morning and I must say that this issue was really fun to read.  

Highlights from the publication: the "How to Dress for a Party" article.  The article is exactly as it sounds, how you dress *appropriately* for specific holiday occasions (i.e. cocktail hour, dinner party, drinks with friends at the bar).  

Not only does the article suggest valuable information on how to construct the perfect holiday outfit, but it suggests tips which prepare you to be on your best game for your big night out.  

Some valuable highlights being: how to transition from day to night in a flash, pros and cons to carrying clutches vs. shoulder bags, quick fixes in case you show up to an event either under or over dressed, easy hair up-dos, holiday event going emergency kits and how to rock the seasons most trendsetting fashions without going overboard.  Again, all relevant and highly useful information.  

What to do if you are...

Overdressed

Pull a few strands out of your updo and mess up the hair around your hairline

Wipe off your lipstick and any heavy eyeshadow

Take off anything flashy like earrings

Push up or roll up your sleeves to the elbow

Underdressed

Go into the bathroom, dampen your hands and slick you hair straight back

Dab red wine on your bottom lip for a quick lip stain

Show more skin by undoing the top few buttons of your blouse

Keep your overcoat on

Bring on the festivities!  It's time to party!

LORAC Cosmetics

Oh hello, LORAC. 

LORAC cosmetics wear like gold and have a way of making you look polished, day in and day out.  The products are packed with rich pigments and the color blends and lays flawless.  The shimmer ends up appearing more like a sheen glow; not a glob of glitter mess.  The LORAC cosmetics line is probably best compared to the MAC cosmetics line.  So, if you are a fan of MAC cosmetics, LORAC could be a great alternative for you!

I would highly recommend buying the "Little Black Palette" as a starter piece from the LORAC line.  This product is a great value.  The palette comes with four stunning, bronze-hued eye shadows along with a tube of their fantastic eye primer.  

If you are looking to try out a few other products I'm also a huge fan of the oil-free luminizing powder, $32 (similar to a bronzer but not is more or less an illuminator) and the fabulous 3D lashes volumizing & thickening mascara, $22.   

Top-Secret Beauty Secret: Mix the TANtilizer instant bronzer with your daily body lotion and poof--instant bronzed goddess!

Little Back Pallete, $33 Sephora

TANtalizer Instant Body Bronzer, $32 Sephora

the Mukluk

The Original Mukluk Boot $159 on Ideeli

Okay, again with my ever-multiplying obsession with fur and the MUKS Original Mukluk Boot.  I have always enjoyed my UGGS for their sheer comfort and reliability in the winter months; but, living in Flagstaff, Arizona for almost 6 years, I have found that the UGG boot is not always the most conventional boot to wear when mother nature strikes with sheets of snow and ice.  

Recently, the Original Mukluk Boot has tempted me with its rare beauty.  Not only is the Mukluk fun and funky fresh--but it appears to have a good sturdy sole (which is highly essential in any kind of winter wonderland climate).  I'm always looking to jazz up my snow apparel for cold and wintry months.  Functional, check.  Cute, check check!  

Dreamer

Relax.  All will fall into place.  Have patience in yourself and those around you.  

Enjoy the day.  Have confidence in yourself and your incredible abilities!

Airborne

Tis the season... for traveling!

It is ritual that I always over pack.  Use the diagram above to thoughfully plan what to pack for your next holiday expedition.  What an abundance of possibilities!  Minimalism, please be my friend this holiday season!

Trendsetting: Fur

Fur Vest // $19.95    Sweater // $9.95

Okay, I am freaking out over the new "Winter Collection" by H&M, that has been introduced today.  Common theme: fur, fur and more delectable.. fur!  Faux fur, that is.  Fur vests and scarves, polished leather jackets, cozy and roomy sweaters are definitely putting me in the mood for a change of season!  Too much fun.

Warm

Oh hey there, Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha, you naughty little devil!  I had the pleasure of sipping a cup of this goodness while commuting on a business a few weeks ago and it quickly turned around my attitude.  What a tasty, delightful treat!

Consider yourself warned, this beverage has the potential to put a huge smile on your face for no reason at all.

So, if you are looking for a seasonal and indulgent treat--look no further than the Starbucks Salted Carmel Mocha.  Plus, everyone knows after the 20th cup of Pumpkin Spice Latte of the season, you are looking for alternatives.  Try something new!

A Legendary Woman

"I was a rebellious kid. I wanted to encompass the whole world. I wanted to know what everything was like. So, that really set my whole course. " -- Ruth Gruber

Ruth Gruber, who turned 100 in September 2011 has accomplished more "firsts" in her life than many of her era.  One of her most outstanding accomplishments was becoming the youngest Ph.D. ever at University of Cologne in Germany, at age 20.

Gruber's contributions to women's studies, international and governmental affairs and the arts deserves a round of applause.  Her life is awfully inspiring. 

This article highlights a few of her contributions to society as well as her extraordinary documentation of  some of the worlds most provocative social and political issues in the last century.  Please read this article and take some time for reflection.  Girl power!

Brand Junkie

I'm a brand junkie, guilty as charged.  

I admit it, I can be a serious sucker for brand name or designer clothing. Thankfully, 6pm.com can help me sustain my brand-name buying addiction.  

From outerwear brands such as Patagonia and Merrell to designer shoe brands such as Vince Camuto and Miss Sixty, you simply can't go wrong.  With savings up to 80% MSRP, you'll be in discount designer-wear heaven!

Vince Camuto, Kira $67.99

Vince Camuto, Kolby $32.90

Vince Camuto, Cassandra $59.10

BONUS:  My favorite and admired feature of this website is the "video description" tab on nearly each product sold.  So, you get the see the product featured on film and worn on a model/sales person before you make the purchase.  You are even delivered a pretty convincing sales pitch!  A cool and innovative way to sell online product if you ask me.

Browse the site.  I promise you will not be disappointed. 

Friends

Okay--Bella needed to make a debut on the blog.  So here she is.

"Thorns may hurt you, men desert you, sunlight turn to fog;

but you're never friendless ever, if you have a dog. "-- Douglas Mallock

Give your favorite friend a hug today, four-legged or not!

Keeping up with the Times

One of my mild and ongoing obsessions this year has been the statement watch.  Whether it be Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Timex or Fossil; each piece is just as stunning as the next.  

What to look for?  A piece that is feminine but still maintains the classic menswear look.  I love bling--but best to not go overboard if buying as an investment piece to wear for years to come.  Another striking feature? A mother of pearl inlay. 

As the holidays approach, my mind wonders to hues of gold timepieces and I think I know what to put on my Christmas list...

Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem

The exact motto that propelled me through college and
the same motto that inspires me today.

Brandwashing

  

A fascinating article in Fast Company was released earlier this month examines the length some well-known companies go to "prime" their patrons for purchase. 

The article specifically highlights Whole Foods' promotional strategy.  What may seem like originally crafted chalk boards next to produce section are actually mass-produced and designed by their corporate office, located in Texas.  How about the watermelons that haven't been unpacked from original boxes they arrived in?  Well, they could have easily directed an employee to unpack the fruit, but what's the point?  They're trying to create perception that the customer is getting their produce "straight from the farm" fresh; adding value to their purchase.  

Perception is an elementary and fundamental marketing concept that many successful companies are emphasizing in their marketing efforts.  The primary goal?  To create a unique experience for the customer and set themselves apart from the competition.

Whole Foods is definitely not the first company to adopt the concept of perception vs. reality --but they are a great example of a company with vision and excellent brand strategy.  They give customers what they want (or think they want): an unforgettable and rewarding shopping experience.

Interested in this marketing concept? Read.

Brandwashed by Martin Lindstrom (2009)

Seasonal Cupcake: Sweet Tooth

Pictured: Pumpkin Cupcakes with Pumpkin Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

A round of applause to my favorite food blog at the moment; Gina's Skinny Recipes.  This site is perfect place to look for nutritious and low-calorie/fat/sugar recipes.  The recipes featured are health-conscious yet naughty at the same time!

I especially love the "Under $10" recipes.  Each dish is well-photographed and the recipe description is always thorough.  If you are a Weight Watchers follower, all recipes give a PointsPlus value (and old points system value), added bonus!

You do NOT need to be Julia Child to enjoy this blog.  New recipes post nearly every day.  Check it out!

Bon Appetite.

Wisdom

Word. Cheers to getting what you want! Let's take today by storm.

Threadcase

Baby Doll Top $23

Saturday Night Fever Dress $38

Emerald City Clutch $28

I stumbled upon a fun website, Threadcase.  Feminine with a flare of contemporary style--affordable, too!

Bonus: $5 flat rate shipping and free shipping on orders over $50.