True Beauty Files: Ignoring the Groundhog

February 6, 2012

Who cares what the groundhog says?

I am not waiting another 6 weeks to bust out the brights:)

{Dress/belt: F21 (in stores), Jacket: Necklaces: c/o Padgett Hoke, LYLIF, F21, Jacket: Francescas}

Style Word: I am one that doesn’t feel comfortable revealing my entire back to the general public, no matter how beautiful that backless dress may seem. But as I came across this dress that I couldn’t resist, I was determined to find an alternative. A way to address a backless dress: Wear a tank or cami in the same hue as the dress, and it will blend a little more naturally. Of course, this won’t work for every backless dress, but in this particular case, it did the trick!

If you plan on participating in the Spread the Love link up, the post is up for you to share your posts!

(Will resume The True Beauty Files link up next week. So get your outfit posts ready!)

P.S. You all are going to FLIP over tomorrow’s giveaway!! See you then!

The True Beauty Files:

A lookbook for the modern modeste.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”

~ Audrey Hepburn

Style File: February Weekend

February 3, 2012

<<<<<<<<<<< all images via Ban.do >>>>>>>>

When February rolls around, this is the shop I find myself visiting more than any;)

And since Monday, we will be sharing how we spread the love over at Megan’s blog, I am sharing here just a few ways I did so this week…

1. Got my lazy bones out of bed early to make Gabe some coffee and breakfast, and to have some time with him before he went off to work. So glad I did. He is extra cute in a tie.

2. Called a few good friends who I haven’t spoken with in too long.

3. Sent a surprise package to a sister.

4. We did Gabe’s favorite act of kindness….pay for the people behind us at the toll booth:)

5. The babes and I made some bread for the neighbors. (Little G loooves to help bake.)

I can’t wait to see what you all come up with! If you plan to link up Monday to this movement of kindness in the blogosphere, grab a button and link to Mackey Madness on Monday!

P.S. Notice some new changes around here? 🙂 Thanks to Ana of Blog Milk, I have a new link bar and post footer:) She was SO wonderful to work with! If you need any blog touch ups or design work, have a look at her new site!

P.S.S. I am guest posting today on A Newfound Treasure (awesome blog!) sharing a style and home trend I love:) Come visit!

DIY: "You are a Gem" Valentines

February 2, 2012

I like to call my good friends and family “gems” because they are hard to come by, and they are of much value:) I thought this was a fun way to let them know…

Materials:

Cream and Red cardstock (linen is a nice touch)

Super Glue

Flatpost Earring Findings

Rhinestones (8-10 mm)

Mini Envelopes (find some here.)

Ribbon (I used a canvas ribbon)

Letter stamps and pad (optional)

Instructions:

1. Attach rhinestones to flat base earring using super glue or jewelry glue. Let dry for at least a few minutes.

2. Stamp or write your words on the cardstock. “You are a gem.” or “Gem of a friend.” Cut the phrase out.

3. Cut flag bunting shapes out of your red cardstock.

4. Glue the phrase to the flag shape and insert a pair rhinestone earrings on the ends.

5. Insert into mini envelope packages and tie with ribbon!

*You can purchase sterling silver earring bases and real rhinestones to upgrade the quality and for friends with metal sensitivities!*

Hope this helps with Valentine’s Day ideas for you. Who said Valentine’s are just for lovers? 😉

Happy day!

UPDATE: Another option is to buy a pack of rhinestone earring sets to use instead of making your own.(I found a good size pack at H&M for 6$)

Take 3: Hair and Beauty to Try

February 1, 2012

1. Braided Up-do via The Beauty Department

2. DIY Vanilla Sugar Scrub via Freutcake

3. Side pony via Late night Fashion (Originally pinned here.)

A little motivation for me to take care of my skin and do my hair more often than once a week;) I really love all the do it yourself scrubs I have been seeing around the web. They are a natural and healthy way to take care of yourself without spending to much money! Double score.

Also, my friends, I promised myself I wouldn’t enter any contests for a while but much to my own dismay I spasticly entered Refinery29’s “Next Style Blogger” contest! Biting my nails over this. So, again, I am asking for your vote. Luckily this is really easy to do so. Just click the heart next to my photo in the contestants section (its easier to find me under the “popular contestants” tab for now)! You can vote for more than one blogger if you have a few faves like me! Thank you ever so much!

P.S. I do have a few amazing giveaways coming up for you readers in on of the month of love! 😉

Recipe: Lasagna Soup

January 31, 2012

A few years ago, some dear family friends had Gabe and I over for dinner, and Lasgna Soup was on the menu. It immediately became a favorite, and I have made it faithfully ever since. It actually doesn’t taste like lasagna, but it is mouthwateringly delicious. I usually cook this for friends who have just had a baby because it makes a good amount and is almost even better as leftovers.

This dish is great for every age too…my son usually asks for “more please mama” when I make this:) I have since lost the printed recipe so this is an adapted version. I am more of a see and taste cook. I don’t go by specific amounts so forgive me for the loose recipe…

I am basing the amounts off of a larger pot. I grew up with 10 brothers and sisters so I always cook for more:) You can minimize the amount of pasta, broth, and basil as needed.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground sausage

1-2 onions (based on preference)

1-2 Cloves minced garlic

6 cups chicken broth

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (15 oz) Italian style tomatoes

4 Tbls. fresh basil

1/4-1/2 c. parmesan (fresh grated is a plus)

1 cup fresh mozzarella – grated or cubed

1/2 lb – 1 lb pasta

2 c. fresh chopped spinach (optional)

(I actually completely forgot to add this to this batch as you can see in the picture, but usually do because it is a great way to sneak in those vegetables to the little ones;)

(I used about a pound of Cavatappi. Malfalda is another great one. For some reason, pasta shapes can add so much life to the meal…)

Cooking steps:

Have everything chopped so its ready to add as needed.

-Brown the sausage on the bottom of a stew pot.

-Add in Garlic and Onion and saute till onions are soft.

-Add in the fresh basil and salt and pepper if desired. (Depends on what meat you have.)

-Add the Chicken broth, tomatoes, and tomato sauce, and bring to a boil. (Medium heat should do.)

-Add in your pasta and watch closely.

(Its key to not overcook the noodles. I take it off the burner right before thoroughly cooked as it continues to soak the soup a few minutes after. I learned this after a couple batches of giant over cooked noodles in my soup.)

–Add in parmesan and chopped spinach

-Serve in bowls and top with fresh mozarella and additional fresh basil if desired.

-Enjoy with a glass of wine and Italian Bread.

This is what I call comfort food. Its best in the cold winter months:)

I hope you enjoy!

If you have any questions, let me know!

True Beauty Files: Spread the Love.

January 30, 2012

Throwing a little twist into the month of love…..

Last year, two ladies with big hearts made a big effort to promote genuine acts of kindness in the blogosphere. It had really cool results. This year, they have asked me to join in on the mission, and I was pretty excited to take part in such a fine task;) So Megan of Mackey Madness, Michaela of Michaela Noelle Designs, and I are joining forces to continue the love spreading and kindness making….

{Shirt: Simply Vera Wang, Necklace: c/o LYLIF, Earrings: c/o Poshlocket, Pants: Gap (similar), Shoes: Francesca’s, Coat: Thrifted, Lip color: Flame-Just Bitten}

The DEETS:

Think of a way (or several ways) that you can give a friend, neighbor, spouse, stranger, mother, brother, etc. an act of kindness with no explanation or expectation of praise. This my friends is a little way to pay it forward to the world around us, and continue to encourage what we all could use a little more of. Put up a post about how you spread the love, and NEXT MONDAY, Feb. 6th Megan will be hosting a link up party where we all celebrate and bloghop to see how everyone is paying it forward!

Some ideas to get you going:

-Write a handwritten letter to an old friend or new.

-By flowers for a co-worker.

-Call a family member to tell them you love them just because.

-Pay for the person’s starbucks’ behind you. (Everyone’s dream)

-Pay for the person’s car behind you at the toll booth (my husband loves to do this one).

-Start a conversation with that person you never talk to.

-Smile and make eye contact with people you walk by. (Its strangely rare these days)

-Check in your local hospice or elderly home and offer help or visit. (You would be surprised how many of them have no family visiting them!)

– Offer to do your husbands usual chores. (ie, if he always takes out the trash or irons his shirts, do it for him!)

-On the road, let those mergers in. (Cuz we all know it takes every act of the will to do so)

We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Thanks in advance for taking part:)
P.S. Save your outfit posts, link up will be back soon!