Holiday Baking

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday filled with family, friends & lots of laughs.  I spent the entire day with my brother & parents being lazy, watching movies & eating my favorite meal of the year!!

After eating entirely to much for lunch I was craving something sweet for dinner & decided to bake some cookies from an old English recipe.  They are the perfect combination of savory & sweet.

Again this week I only took pictures of food on instagram,whats up with that?  There has to be other more interesting things in my life? Oh well I am still linking up with A {little} dash of Ash to show off the pics!

Look at that golden goodness, don't they look delish?



 



Friday Fancies ~ Winter White

Although it's after labor day, an all white look seems to cozy and perfect for winter to me. 

I opted for a simple cardigan and a fun layered panel skirt. I love the distressed seams. Nude booties seemed like a must seen as I hate white shoes.  They belong in a bad 80s music video.

.........and lets talk about the ring, the perfect amount of color. I am insanely jealous of anyone who can rock this piece!

Are you for or against white this time of year?

Take a look at the other Friday Fancies over at {longdistanveloving}.

a little Turquiose

Just like every girl I am a huge fan of little Tiffany Blue Boxes & by the look of my Pinterest I can't get enough of the color in general.

Chanel / Suitcases / Pillows / Outfit 1, 2, 3

From gorgeous shoes to Chanel nail polish & Vintage suitcases there really isn't anything I don't love about the cool color.  I also love that it looks great with neutrals & bright colors like coral & orange. 

I am itching to try my hand at a DIY project for a ottoman similar to the one above or maybe an upholstered bench.  However knowing me I will get bored half way through and never complete it.  Do you have a color that you are always drawn to? 

Instagram link up.

Last month I finally bit the Apple & bought the iPhone.  I am so glad I made the switch it has made things so much simpler.  I can blog on the go, take payments through my Square for Stella Jewelry & I finally have Instagram!

So I am linking up with a {little} dash of ash to show off my pictures from the last week.  I only have two :-/ & both are food.  Oh well I will work on being more creative however these were by far by favorite meals this week.

The concept of Chicken & Waffles is still new to me, it seems like an odd combination.  Odd but AMAZING!  For a little holiday get together a friend made a Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls from Pinterest.  Although the recipe called for enough butter to make Paula Deen proud they were so yummy & very addictive.

Hope everyone had a great weekend filled with holiday cheer!!

Friday Fancies ~ Time to Sparkle

As a 80's baby & a child of the 90's I cannot ever get enough Sparkle. So todays Friday Fancies is perfect for me!

I thought about going crazy and creating my best 100% glitter outfit a la the Spice Girls. Then I remembered this adorable Lina Silk Skirt I found on Pinterest. It's so feminine & flirty.

A low key top & shoes were a must to ensure nothing was taken away from the skirt. Then to add a bit more glitter fun, Jimmy Choo purse.

I am already looking forward a couple of Fridays to create a fab New Years Eve outfit, there is bound to be lots more Sparkle there.

Hope everyone enjoys my Friday Fancies ~ be sure to stop by {longdistanceloving} to see more amazing looks.

Working on my Business!!

Another week & no time to blog again.  I also can’t seem to get in the Christmas Spirit.  I’m super tired from work & all I want to do it work on making Stella a real business so days in the office drag along so slowly.  It’s been awhile since I blogged about business plans so here are some updates.

Our website needs some loving but we are slowly getting there.  I need to magically become a fancy graphic designer.  Online sales are slow and we appreciate everyone we have.  With time restraints I’m having a hard time updating the new items we make, I’m hoping in the New Year to dedicate more time to this.

Last week we had a small booth on a local farmers market with other vendors, the first time we did this we did rather well.  This week not so much, I was a little disappointed however it was freezing and who wants to stand outside looking at jewelry when they can be inside with hot chocolate.  However the night was not a total bust.  After the event we went to the Tuned Out Christmas Party at a local bar.  We had the jewelry with us & sold 6 pieces while at the bar.  Guess I just need to take the jewelry to the bar from now on J Liquor can only help sales right?

Sunday my friend Kristin kindly included our pieces in a photo shoot, we are super excited to see all the shots.  Here’s a sneak peak;

Thank you Kristin & Krystal.

I'll be back with a fun fashion post tomorrow for Friday Fancies.  This week its all about the Sparkle!!  

Friday Fancies

 

I find myself overbooked often in life, so many obligations personally and professionally.  With the holidays fast approaching my calendar is always full.

For this weeks Friday Fancies I pulled together a look to carry me through the holiday parties.  What I would give for this gorgeous Victorica Beckham dress, its only $3200, bargin right? With the high neckline of the dress I wanted to concentrate on the earrings and ring being focal points & those Fendi Shoes, I NEED.   

Now I need to get it together and buy some gifts, reading about all the bloggers who are done & have everything wrapped is making me feel a little insecure.  Are you done yet?

Im Pinning again

This week I haven't had much time to spend on Pinterest, which is probably a good thing.  I have beeen crazy busy at both jobs & have been on the hunt for gifts in between.  All while missing England like crazy, as I always do during the holidays.  However I did manage to find some NYE dress & make up inspirations, a cute nail idea & a fab idea for all those vacation memories.

I can't wait to Get Crafty & empty the some of my boxes full of travel memories.  I think the frames would look great mixed in with photographs on a gallery wall.  I also am dying over the dress, I doubt I will find anything like this in Roanoke but I might find time to glam up a LBD I have at home with some rhinestones.   

What fab things have you found on Pinterest lately?

O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D

I am beginning to have an obsession with all social sites & I almost can't keep up.

I covert every girls hair & nails on Pinterest, why do they always have perfect nails?

I pretend im a stylist on Polyvore!

I celeb stalk on Twitter!  dont judge you know you do too!!

I live vicariously through peoples travel on Intsagram.

Facebook is still the staple Social site.

Now i've discovered Beso!  A shopping site that lets you shop all your favorite brands from one site,  lets you know the best deal & where you can create collections (kind of like a board on Pinterest).  All my favorite stores in one location ~ AMAZING!!

Does anyone else use Beso?  What other social sites should I become addicted to?

Bangles

I have a million bracelets & rarely go a day without one, recently I have been looking for a few statement pieces for the winter to pair with some thinner pieces I have. 

When browsing Beso I found this adorable City Lights Bracelet & fell in Love again with the London calling bracelet.

I am always missing home at this time of year.  There is nothing like getting in the holiday spirit shopping in Manchester & London with the cool air, markets & Christmas lights everywhere.  These bracelets embody those memories & would be a perfect pop of color for layering.

A present for myself??

Victoria Beckham

My love of the Spice Girls & Victoria Beckham's style is no secret.  From the day I heard Wannabe the 90's child in me has been complete.  Thankfully my style has grown & so has theirs.  They have certainly come a long way from the glitter knee boots (which I would have died for in 1997).

Anyway, the who's who of British Fashion gathered in London Last night for the British Fashion Awards & Victoria won Designer Brand of the Year.  In my opinion a well deserved honor years in the making.  Posh & her gorgeous husband have been building their immensely successful brand "Beckham" for years.

In the fashion world her designs have been a huge success & she is rarely seen in other designers gowns. 

Beckham understands the importance of believing in your pieces. Consumers today see through sales pitches & need to know the celebrity/designer would wear their pieces not just plaster their name on them.

Above left is my favorite piece from her 2009 collection.  The silhouette is perfection & the subtle sequin waist adds some glam without being over baring.  I also am loving the halter gown Posh wore to the awards ceremony, the slim pleats are on trend for this winter.

What do you think of Victoria's designs?

A big contgrats to Sarah Burton for winning Designer of the Year.  Another well deserved honor after becoming the head of McQueen & the gorgeous Royal Wedding pieces how could she not win.

Happy Thanksgiving

When we first moved to America I was so excited for Thanksgiving. I get to enjoy my Mums holiday cooking & the time off school was a exciting too.  Tomorrows no different, except school is traded for a day off work, kind of.

I work part time at a retail store so I will up early the next day to enjoy another crazy Black Friday :)

I picked out a fun outfit that I would love to be rocking tomorrow.  Dressy but not as festive as a Christmas outfit. Those Louboutin booties are so lovely and with the warm weather around here this week the perfect fall shoe.

In reality ill probably wake up & put on my Va Tech Hoodie & jeans then watch movies all day or NCIS...i hope theres a marathon!!

Do you dress up for thanksgiving or go for comfort?

Fleur de Sel Caramels

I researched a few of the recipes found all over Pinterest & the adapted them to work for me & what I had on hand.   

2 Cups of Granulated Sugar

1 Cup of Light Corn Syrup

2 Cups of Heavy Cream (I used Ultra Pasteurized some recommend not to use this)

5 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract

½ Teaspoon of Salt

1 tablespoon of Sea Salt

Make sure you have a candy thermometer on hand and parchment paper.

One: Have Patience this takes about an hour but sooooo worth it J

Two: Combine One cup of Heavy Cream, the Sugar, Corn Syrup & Salt in a sauce pan (make sure it’s rather deep as the caramel will bubble) at medium heat.

Three:  Stir the mixture constantly at medium heat bringing it to boil.

Four: As the mixture boils add the second cup of cream.  Do this very slow, as the addition of the cream may cool the caramel too quickly.

Five: Lower the temperature to low/medium & allow the mixture to boil for approximately 6 minutes.  No stirring.

~ During this time I lined a pan with the parchment paper lightly butter ~

Six: Add the butter one tablespoon at a time stirring after each spoonful melts.

Seven: Add the candy thermometer; allow the mixture to boil until its hits 250 degrees* while stirring occasionally.  This takes about 35 minutes, the mixture will begin to become more golden & a little thicker. 

Eight: Once you reach 250 degrees remove quickly & add your vanilla extract.

Nine: Pour your caramel into the pan.  Do not scrape as you pour as this will cause the caramel to crystallize before it settles.

Ten: Allow the caramel to cool at room temperature.  Once cooled sprinkle with Sea Salt & cut.  To wrap individually use pieces of wax paper.

*(If your temperature is not climbing steadily you may need to adjust the heat, it will vary on each stove

Pinterest & Caramels

Lets talk about Pinterest! Seriously I am obsessed & now want to become

A DIY Blogger with an amazing home

A Style Blogger with amazing outfits each day

An amazing cook

A perfect hostess with impeccable taste

A more thoughtful gift giver

A wedding planner (seriously the gorgeous wedding ideas are everywhere)

I really could go on; basically I now want to be amazing at everything & to be able to able to pin the pictures as proof lol

To make my pinning time turn productive I am planning on post my favorite finds of the week on my blog & the outcomes of projects and recipes I complete.  Maybe a few of you will join me J

First Up Fleur de Sel Caramels inspired by this picture.

 I mean how yummy does that look?

Caramel is by far one of my favorite treats.  In England I was in love with Thortons Toffee which was perfectly chewy yet soft.  It was oh so creamy with the perfect hint of vanilla.  My goal was to make my caramels have a smooth texture & that creamy flavor.  Adding the salt provided a little change making them perfectly salty & sweet.

I researched a few of the recipes found all over Pinterest & the adapted them to work for me & what I had on hand.   For my first try I am beyond impressed at how easy they were to make & that I was able to recreate one of my favorite candies.  They were a huge hit for my parents & co-workers.  My only regret is I didn’t take enough pictures, they were gone too quick.

   

Perfect homemade gift for the holidays.

Mix it up ~ Friday Fancies

I am linking up with the adorable {av} again for Friday Fancies.  This week was all about mixing patterns, something that I do not do & frankly I never wear bright colors either. However, I want to be more creative with my wardrobe so this posed as a perfect opportunity to look outside my box.

I love the overall look with the polka dots & the statement necklace, which is so not normally me. Against my normal style rules I went with the lace flats (normally I would opt for boring black leather), what do you think?

Be honest a do or a don't? :)

Anyway I am off to see some vampire's and werewolve's tonight! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

P.S. looking for some Thanksgiving Table decor ideas pop over here? My Mum gave her two cents, im loving the clean whites and greens!

All I want...

No this isn't a post about what I want for Christmas, however it is about what I want in life. 

Right now the world seems so depressing to me, there is so much, hate, anger and resentment and it makes me sad.  People always want more money, more things .  Don't get me wrong more money would make life way easier and of course I crave gorgeous things however, if you aren't happy with your life in general things don't mean anything.

I want to purge all the unnecessary items from my life and truly only participate in things that make me happy and that can bring happiness to other people I love.

Being 30

So i've been 30 for a little over two weeks and honestly don't feel any different.   However, I have spent a lot of time thinking wow my life isn't anywhere near what I thought it would be, but that's ok!  I am the only one who can change that and I learnt from 20's to stop waiting for life to happen.  

I also could not have asked for a better birthday my friends spoilt me!

   The motto I am planning to live my life by now is:

"We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets." — Marilyn Monroe

Post Halloween

So the peacock costume was kind of a bust!  It took so long to feather one part of the dress I gave up and went as Snooki!!!! Kind of ridiculous but made for a fun night. 

I kind of wish I a little more orange oh and I did add a leopard print belt later on to look a little more jersey!!

How was everyones Halloween weekend??

P.S. I'm not gonna lie, i have a love for the Kardashians and am sad for them! I'm not sad shes getting divorced, I saw that coming but at all the hate spread all over the internet.  I can't believe how mean people are being.  I really don't think she would go as far as fake a wedding for TV.  I think she wanted a wedding and be happy ever after she didnt see he wasn't the right person until it was to late!!