July 30, 2013
There is a lot of media attention given to anti-aging products and treatments for women, from Olay and Garnier commercials to celebrity gossip rags with headlines screaming about which stars had work done and who looks fabulous "for their age." I don't really give any of it much thought because I still consider myself too young to even care (plus my mom looks amazing and I'm hoping it's genetic), but I will admit that ever since I entered my 30s I've added eye cream and a Vitamin C serum to my nighttime beauty routine--I consider them to be preventive since I don't actually have any wrinkles yet.
So tell me, how do you feel about the anti-aging industry--you into it or no? And if you are, what products or treatments have you used or plan to try? I'm dying to hear from you!
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July 29, 2013
Jumpsuits and rompers are warm weather staples that are versatile, stylish, and universally flattering, but there is definitely a right and a wrong way to wear this trend. Here, a few tips for rocking one like a pro.
1. Watch proportions! Unless your goal is to look like an '80s aerobics instructor you don't want a romper or jumpsuit that is extremely form-fitting. On the flip side, avoid anything that has an extremely baggy fit throughout lest you want to look like you work at a garage.
2. Always try on printed jumpsuits and rompers to ensure the pattern doesn't hit you in any unflattering places (e.g. giant flowers centered directly over your breasts or bum, or a sunburst right at your crotch--it happens!). As a general rule of thumb, small prints look good on everyone.
3. When in doubt, bet on black. A black jumpsuit is like the style equivalent of an LBD--it's nearly impossible to go wrong. Plus it's super easy to dress a black jumpsuit or romper up or down to suit the occasion.
4. Accessorizing a jumpsuit doesn't have to be tricky: heels are always a safe bet, even for a casual romper. A belt will help break up the look and is a must for anything with a baggier fit (again, you don't want to look like a garage attendant). A blazer also helps to break up the look, particularly if the jumpsuit is printed.
5. Until you're 100% sure just how to rock a jumpsuit or romper, steer clear of trendier styles with harem-style or tapered legs and go with a classic wide-leg--it's a super flattering style that you'll for sure be comfortable in.
Tell me, how do you wear this trend? Are you into dressed up jumpsuits or do you favor more casual rompers?
Clockwise from top left: Moschino Cheap and Chic Polka Dot Silk Jumpsuit; Ganni Jumpsuit in Wood Grain Print; Rachel Rachel Roy 24 Hour Romper; Zara Jumpsuit with Asymmetric Sleeves; Topshop Casual Playsuit
top images via 1|2|3|4|5
July 26, 2013
This picture is amazing! Since I'm due to give birth any day now and can't actually go anywhere this fabulous, I plan to sit and look at it this weekend, pretending I'm actually in Indonesia enjoying the cool, refreshing water. It's going to be pretty spectacular. I hope you have a wonderful weekend too! God bless!
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July 25, 2013
I'm a bonafide facial mist junkie. It all started years ago on a particularly hot and sticky afternoon in Las Vegas when I ducked into Neiman Marcus to enjoy the free air conditioning and discovered Shu Uemura's Depsea Face Mists. Since then I've tried a number of different beauty brands, and I keep at least two bottles in rotation at any given time. Here are my five favorites, and yes, I've tried and love them all.
July 22, 2013
The Rent the Runway Clearance Sale may just be the biggest thing to happen to dress shopping since, well, ever! It's a chance to own, not rent, gently used looks from some of the industry's hottest designers and labels, like Sonia Rykiel, Shoshanna, Milly, Halston Heritage and tons more, all at deep, deep discounts. Plus, you can shop the sale and earn credit towards your next Rent the Runway rental.
July 22, 2013
This Bundt cake is not only moist and delicious, it's extremely versatile and makes an excellent base for a number of different cake options. Experiment with a variety of chips, like cinnamon, or chocolate and peanut butter. You can also skip the chips and mix in dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon streusel, or whatever else you like instead; or even leave out the mix-ins altogether. With its simple yet elegant presentation, it makes a lovely centerpiece for your next brunch.
Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter (1 stick), room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
⅔ cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 11-ounce package chocolate chips
Confectioners' sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 375, then grease and flour a Bundt pan. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together and set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine butter, cream cheese, and suger until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then add dry ingredients and milk alternately. Stir in vanilla and chocolate chips.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Use a knife to loosen the cake from the pan. Cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a rack or plate to cool completely. Dust the top of cake with the confectioners' sugar.
photography by Angelica Golden
July 20, 2013
Have you ever seen a more adorable umbrella? At $65, this one is a lot more expensive than any other umbrella I've ever purchased, but it's just so freaking cute I almost can't bear the thought of not having it!
July 19, 2013
If you've never done it before, you may not know that polishing your leather shoes and handbags is actually super easy and doesn't require the purchase of some special leather cleaner. In fact, you probably have what you need in your pantry: vegetable oil! Simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth first, then rub a little bit of vegetable oil on them to polish and restore their natural luster. How easy is that?
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July 19, 2013
Even though I'm a firm believer that it's a blessing to be busy, I'm always happy when Friday finally arrives. This weekend, after a particularly busy week, I'm focusing on prepping for the arrival of our second little girl, who should be making her debut any day now. Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in some much needed me time in the form of a mani/pedi before she decides to show up.
Whatever your plans, I wish you a fabulous weekend! God bless!
image via Pinterest
July 18, 2013
Coconut oil is having a major moment in the beauty spotlight; it's an all-purpose beauty product that does everything from heal dry, cracked heels to deep condition hair. But if you've ever tried it, you know that it can be difficult to scoop out of the jar. A simple solution: whip it. Simply put the coconut oil in a bowl and use an electric mixer to fluff it up to a soft, creamy, light-as-a-feather consistency. The silky, mousse-like oil is then perfect for slathering on your skin post-shower, mixing with baking soda to make a facial scrub, or blending with a little olive oil for a super-hydrating hair mask. Plus, you can add a few drops of essential oil for a moisturizing aromatherapy experience.
photo by Angelica Golden
Shop PacificaPerfume.com.
July 17, 2013
Don't you dare!
And by the way, this print is available here for only $16!
July 16, 2013
A quick, easy salad is perfect for those hot summer evenings when the mere thought of cooking is enough to make you cry. This one combines shrimp and avocado with fresh veggies and a zippy lime dressing, plus crunchy tortilla chips to soak up all the yummy flavors. The original recipe calls for blanching the shrimp, but of course the shrimp can also be grilled.
Shrimp and Avocado Salad
1 lb shelled and deveined medium shrimp
2 heads of romaine lettuce, coarsely shredded
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, sliced
½ cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1 avocado, diced
4 oz tortilla chips (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon finely grated lime zest
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil and fill a bowl with ice water. Add shrimp to the boiling water and cook until white throughout, about 3 minutes. Drain and cool shrimp in the ice bath, then drain again and pat dry. Place shrimp in a large bowl and add romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips.
In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients to make the dressing. Pour over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Note: My fish monger didn't have medium shrimp so I bought jumbo and cut into bite-sized pieces. Instead of blanching, I cooked them on my grill pan with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lime.
photo by Angelica Golden
July 12, 2013
Here's to a fabulous weekend with plenty of reasons to smile! Have a great one, and God bless!
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July 11, 2013
I have a massive sweet tooth, and it seems to have gotten intensely worse with my pregnancy. I can just look at a cookbook with an ice cream sundae or some sort of cupcake on the cover and my mouth will water. Here are five recipe books that I'm planning to 'add to cart' immediately. And by the way, how gorgeous are these book covers?!
July 10, 2013
We're in a new home and I've got decorating on the brain. Lately I've been favoring just about anything with gold, from side tables to servingware--they add a dose of luxury and glamour to any space. I've found a ton of pieces I'd love to get my hands on, many of them surprisingly affordable.
Just a touch of gold turns a simple bowl into a glamorous statement piece.
A gold-trimmed box for holding treasures or just looking pretty on a book case.
An insanely chic vase with an appealing honeycomb pattern and gorgeous golden hue.
Even an entryway can be dazzling when there's a gold umbrella stand in it.
A golden serving set makes dishing up pasta or salad a classy affair.
An accent pillow that's like a party on your sofa or bed.
Mixing cocktails at a bar cart with a gold leaf finish makes for ultra swanky at-home entertaining.
White and gold wallpaper instantly makes a room sexier.
The gilded branches of this votive holder bring a bit of outdoors in, but in the most posh way.
July 8, 2013
S'mores are the ultimate summertime treat (although I have been known to make them yearround using my stove as the fire). These mini pies have the same graham cracker and gooey marshmallows as traditional campfire s'mores, but a peanut butter-laced crust add a depth of flavor and the rich chocolate ganache filling make them a little more grown-up.
Mini S'more Pies
3 tablespoons butter, plus more for greasing
1 tablspoon chunky peanut butter
¾ cup crushed graham crackers
3½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons heavy cream
¾ cup miniature marshmallows
Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 12-section mini muffin pan. Gently melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then take the saucepan off the heat and stir in peanut butter, then the graham cracker crumbs. Divide the graham cracker mixture among the greased muffin cups and press firmly over the bottom and sides of the pan with the back of a teaspoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes, or until slightly darker in color. If necessary, reshape the center with the back of a teaspoon. Let stand to cool and harden for at least 15 minutes.
Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water. Heat until chocolate is melted, then add sugar and gradually stir in the cream until smooth. Preheat broiler to medium.
Spoon the chocolate filling into the graham cracker shells, then sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the top and gently press them down so they don't roll off. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until marshmallows have softened and are just turning golden. Leave the pies in the pan to cool for about 30 minutes, then loosen with a butter knife and carefully lift out of pan.
photo by Angelica Golden
July 5, 2013
Y
ippee! Is anyone else extremely excited that it's the end of the week? Yesterday was a blast--we bbq'd, watched a fireworks show, then came home to make root beer floats and do sparklers. Such a fun-filled day, but I could sure use a rest.
I hope your 4th of July holiday was wonderful and that the good times roll on into the weekend! God bless!
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July 3, 2013
Remember mixed tapes? That's immediately what I thought of when I spotted this cookie cutter--scrambling to hit record on the stereo when a favorite song was coming on the radio, or sifting through cassettes for the perfect tunes to make a mixed tape. How perfect would it be to serve cassette tape cookies at an '80s party? Total rad, right?
July 2, 2013
I hope you're having a wonderful Tuesday! Make the most of opportunities that are presented today; take a chance; do something kind for someone else; smile!
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