I Found Them

I mentioned before how hard it was for me to find a well fitted faux leather skinnies. Well, I finally found them! While on my trip to visit my family, I dropped on by the local Forever 21 (LOVE that store) and found these. The skinnies aren't all leather, only the front side, but the fit, style, and cut is just right. I found a wonderful woven cream and black blouse with faux leather collar and sleeve cuff to complement the skinnies.

I also got this cute oxblood lace dress and two pairs of tights, one in off white with polka dots and the second black with hearts. When I saw the polka dotted tights, I instantly thought of blogger Keiko Lynn and her outfit. Now I'm all set for autumn and can't wait to wear the new pieces!

More Forever 21...

FM Newsletter

Flawless Magazine has published their latest online newletter and I'm featured in it! If you don't remember, I wrote here about my exciting involvement with the fabulous internatinal fashion magazine. You can read the latest newsletter and my article, "Autumn 2012 Fashion Dos and Don'ts" and other wonderful related articles. I hope you check it out! 

Mini Break

I'll be taking a week long break from the blog. I'll be up in CT visiting with family and I just know I won't be able to get to the computer.

Thanks for understanding and I hope you have a fabulous week!

MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection

MAC has honored and paid tribute to the late beauty icon, Marilyn Monroe, through its latest collection. The limited edition 30 piece line includes four alluring eye shadows, black mascara, eyeliners, five glamorous nail lacquers, bombshell eyeliner, two lipgloss, brow finishers, two blush, three lip pencils, and five luscious lipsticks. The collection is sprinkled with enduring names like Preferred Blonde, Charmed I’m Sure, and Deeply Adored. The collection will be up on MAC website starting September 27 and available for purchase on October 4. What I really love about the products is the packaging, each item has a lovely black and white photograph of Marilyn Monroe. The prices are very affordable, ranging from $15-27. I think it's wonderful that Marilyn is still getting the respect and recognition she deserves as a beauty icon. Younger generations will be reintroduced to the late luminary, and I'm so glad!

In Deeply Adored, Charmed I'm Sure, Scarlet Ibis, Love Goddess, and Pure Zen ($16.50)

In Beet, Redd, and Cherry ($17)

In Orange Kid, Vintage Vamp, Stage Vamp, Flaming Rose and Rich, Rich, Rich ($16.50)

In How to Marry, Preferred Blonde, Showgirl, and Silver Screen ($21)

Extreme black mascara, Eye khol in Smolder and Fascinating ($15), Lash strips ($16), Penultimate eyeliner ($19)

Brow maker ($19) and Brow Finisher ($15)

Powder blush In Legendary and The Perfect Cheek ($22) and Beauty powder in Forever Marilyn ($28)

Dazzlegloss in Phiff! and Little Rock ($21.50)

 What are your thoughts?

The Hunt Is On

I've always admired and slightly envied women who could pull off leather skinny pants. They're edgy, fierce, and are the personification of cool. I've been on a quiet half-ass mission to find one good pair of leather skinnys but search hasn't been successful. I admit, I have a tricky body to dress: 5'1'', 130-134lbs and it's all in the hips and thighs (thanks Ma). It's been difficult finding a good quality pair that fits right and doesn't cost an arm and leg (pun so intended!). Now it's personal, the hunt is on full fledged and I'm ready to find that perfect pair!

If you know of any stores or brands that might be the ones, PLEASE let me know! Until I find them, lets look with wishful longing and slight envy at the beautiful women and their leather skinnys below.

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        Have you ever had an obsession with finding a certain piece?

Did you ever find it?

Healthier Mac And Cheese Balls

The first time I tried mac and cheese balls was at the Sugar Factory in Las Vegas. They were so unbelievably good, I still have dreams about that special meal. I wanted to try to recreate them at home but I don't have a fancy deep fryer appliance. What I do have is a healthier recipe that doesn't require a deep fryer and it's easier on the heart without sacrificing the taste. I saw this recipe, again on Pinterest, and I waited only one day to test it out. The only issue I had was a difficult time scooping them out without ruining the shape. My suggestion: wait 5-10 minutes to cool and then scoop them out of the muffin pan, the shape will stay. I didn't have all the vegetables available so I substituted the carrots, winter squash, and peas with frozen corn. I need to go grocery shopping!

Source's Photo

Ingredients 
1 Cup or 1 box of whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 1/2 Tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Medium onion (if non available, a few of onion powder) 
2 Finely chopped carrots,
1 Package (16 oz) frozen peas 
1 Box (12 oz) frozen cooked winter squash

1 1/4 Cup  2% milk 

1 3/4 Cup shredded cheddar and monterey jack blend 

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard (or any flavor of mustard)

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce 

1/4 Cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs 

2 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 375°F and lightly coat 12 muffin cups (1/2-cup capacity) or 2 1/2 to 3 qt baking dish with olive oil spray. 
2. Prepare macaroni al dente according to package directions. 
3. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat while macaroni cooks. Add onion and carrots and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). 
4. Stir in peas, squash, and milk and bring just to a simmer. 
5. Add shredded cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and stir until cheese is melted.
6. Remove cheese mixture from heat. 
7. Drain macaroni and immediately add to cheese mixture. Toss until well combined.
8. Mound in prepared muffin cups and toss bread crumbs then parmesan cheese evenly over top of macaroni. 
9. Bake pan in middle of oven until tops are golden brown and cheese sauce is bubbling for about 20-22 minutes. 
10. Let stand 10 minutes before serving (this will help maintain shape)
    
    
    

Looks gross I know but it'll taste amazing!

Ready for the oven

All done and ready to go!

What I learned about the healthier mac and cheese balls is that it's basically baked mac and cheese but in little adorable ball shape, still worth trying!!!

Polka Dot Admiration

One of my favorite patterns is polka dots. Why? Maybe it's because of my obsession and admiration of Lucille Ball and her character, Lucy Ricardo's iconic navy and white polka dot dress. Maybe because it just screams vintage fun and makes me smile. Either way, it's even more popular this season and I feel like a smart trend setter for loving it my whole life *wink* My favorite color combinations are the classic white and black and navy and black. I created a few outfit ideas to showcase how you can tastefully add polka dots to your closet. Which is your favorite look?

Black and Gold

Longsleeve Tops
Pumps

White and Mint

Cardigans
Platforms

Navy and Gray

Pumps
Clutches

What's your take on polka dots? 

Do you own a piece with polka dot print? 

Homemade Honey Butter

The one thing I think of when someone mentions home made butter is the classic episode of "I Love Lucy" when Ethel's hands become stuck onto her churner because she spent hours trying to churn milk into butter (wasn't that a wonderful show?). To be honest I knew making butter couldn't be that hard but I didn't know how to make it. I came across this wonderful cooking website, 15 Spatulas, written by the talented Joanne Ozug, and she writes for those who aren't professional chefs but are interested in cooking and creating fresh home made recipes. She has an easy recipe for homemade orange honey butter. I didn't have orange honey or orange zest on hand so I substituted with regular honey.


Ingredients
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp honey
1 pinch of salt
(Optional: herbs e.g. cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, orange zest, paprika, garlic)


Instructions

1. Pour heavy cream, honey, and any optional herbs into large bowl. 
2. Using a hand or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, mix on highest speed you can go without splattering cream everywhere (medium high for me) for 10 minutes.
3. It will take about 10 minutes to take your whipping cream to the butter stage. Let’s break it down.
4. In the first few minutes, the mixture will turn into honey whipped cream (good to know if I want to make fresh whipped cream).
5. After a couple more minutes, the mixture will start to clump up, and by the 7 or 8 minutes mark, the butter will really separate from a liquid that collects at the bottom of the bowl. This is true buttermilk!
6. Once the butter has clumped up, scoop it out from the bowl and form it into whatever shape you like. I usually use a disher to portion it out into little balls. Spread it on pancakes, muffins, toast, whatever your heart desires. Enjoy!!!

1-4 minutes

4-7 minutes

7-10 minutes

Creamy honey butter

 What's your favorite flavor of butter?