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?