March 2013
2 posts
5 tags
How To: Sweet and Sour Tofu
The other night I was craving a sweet and sour dish and searched for the perfect recipe that didn’t involve ridiculous amounts of brown sugar. I pieced this one together and now have a new favorite dinner!
I realize tofu isn’t for everyone and get that the taste and consistency can be pretty off putting. But, this recipe is a great example of the amazing things you can do with tofu to...
5 tags
How To: Transforming Vases
Sometimes I have a habit of rescuing things from being thrown in the trash. Like these vases. My mom was ready to pitch them until I swooped in, seeing great potential, and saved these three. I also conveniently asked my mom to store them for me at her house until I had a plan. She was kind enough to save her trash for me for a year, when I took them home with me a few weekends ago.
I decided to...
February 2013
2 posts
10 tags
How to Make: Pumpkin Muffins
l have to thank my mom for this recipe. A few weeks ago she sent us home with homemade pumpkin muffins that we gobbled up. We made it a week without pumpkin muffins in our lives. As of Sunday, 2/25 at 1:30 pm we had 34 mini pumpkin muffins. As of Monday, 2/25 at 9:30 pm we have zero pumpkin muffins. And, Trader Joe’s told me they won’t have pumpkin puree until Thanksgiving....
4 tags
How to Make: Fabric Plastic Bag Holder
You know too much time has gone by between posts when you log into Tumblr and everything looks different! Really, I won’t even mention the date of my last post.
Over Christmas vacation (that’s right, these pics have been sitting in my camera since December) I went on a major organizing spree. After pulling everything out of one of our closets, I decided I needed a better solution for...
December 2012
2 posts
8 tags
How to Make: Turkey & Quinoa Meatloaf
After feasting (ok, gourging) on holiday treats for the past few weeks, a healthy meal was a must. Something without eggnog, chocolate, butter, cookies, cheese, cream, pie, gravy, or cupcakes. My excessive holiday eating (yes, I’ll have a third glass of eggnog) left me too lazy to walk to the grocery store, so I set out to whip up a meal with ingredients in the apartment….ground turkey...
6 tags
How to Make: Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Crust
These pictures have been hanging out on my computer since Thanksgiving. After sorting through them, I’m craving pumpkin pie right now! Some of you know my feelings on pie. Not a fan. However, in my book, pumpkin pie is amazing because the crust situation is totally different. Pumpkin pie is more about the pumpkin filling than the crust, making it the perfect pie.
I cobbled this recipe...
November 2012
2 posts
5 tags
Holidays: Time to Enjoy!
Last year, the holidays snuck up on me. It was a sneak attack, and I found myself running around at the last minute trying to get ready. I couldn’t find gift tags or ribbon anywhere and witnessed arguments at the grocery store over items like the last bag of walnuts. I never really enjoyed any holiday cheer.
A few weeks ago, while running errands, I decided to embrace the early November...
4 tags
How to Make: Lemon Roasted Chicken w/ Green Beans...
The weather is getting chillier, which means it’s time for cozy meals! This recipe is similar to a crock pot meal, meaning all the ingredients are thrown together and cooked at once. Best part? This doesn’t take six to eight hours like a crockpot does, so you’re not tortured by delicious smells to realize you have five hours to wait.
What You Need:
3-4 chicken breasts
3/4...
October 2012
2 posts
5 tags
How to Make: Apple Pie in an Apple
The other day I did some baking while trapped in our apartment by hurricane Sandy. We were fortunate to not loose power…good thing because we never did any hurricane prep like digging out all our candles and matches or buying gallons of milk. Really, why do stores sell out of milk when there’s a weather disaster?
Have I ever told you how I feel about pie? I realize this is going to...
4 tags
How To: Open an Etsy Shop
Who doesn’t love Etsy? I spend hours getting lost on Etsy. In fact, between Etsy and Pinterst it’s amazing I get anything done. This past weekend I tore myself away from both to do something I’ve been talking about for years….I opened my own Etsy shop, Court Collects! Really, this is just an excuse for me to spend more time on Etsy.
I’ve been making my own jewelry...
3 tags
How To: Glitter Pumpkin
I like glitter and sparkle, but try to keep myself from over glitter-izing things. A little sparkle goes a long way and my glitter adorned pumps, belt, purse, wallet, headband, and nail polish should never leave the house together. One sparkle accessory at a time….I may have to say this out loud to myself sometimes.
When we came home with this pumpkin, I found myself madly looking around...
September 2012
8 posts
4 tags
Bargain: Color Blocking
Shirt: Banana Republic, $9 | Skirt: Express, $15 | Shoes: Seychelles via 344, $10 | Necklace, Kohl’s, $5
Something exciting happened today. I earned the 9th stamp on my frequent coffee card, which means free coffee for me tomorrow! A free coffee after spending about $27 on coffee really shouldn’t be exciting. But, it just is. And, the madness begins again the day after tomorrow...
4 tags
How to Make: Quinoa with Spinach & Tomatoes
Before this, my experience with quinoa was limited. I’d had it as a side dish at restaurants, but the quinoa flavor was always dominated by strong marinades or dressings. Really not very tasty.
So, I wanted to try making it on my own in a way that would bring out the actual quinoa flavor. I cobbled a few recipes together and came up with this!
What You Need:
1 cup uncooked quinoa
...
5 tags
Bargain: A Case of the Monday's
Blazer: Gift | Top: Gap, $5 | Pants: Filene’s Basement, $10 | Necklace: Self made | Shoes: Enzo Angiolini via Macy’s, $20
Confession: I didn’t wear this outfit today, I wore it last Monday. Sometimes taking pictures, editing pictures, posting pictures, and writing a post is a little difficult for me to accomplish in one day. So, I’m trying out this baby step...
4 tags
How to Make: Veggie Burgers
I’ve said this before, I love meat AND I also love eating vegetarian (sorry to admit this meat loving friends). It may all be in my head, but after a few meatless days I feel great and like I have more energy. I’m happy eating vegetarian for about 3 days, then the meat cravings set in. It’s all about balance!
I saw a few recipes for sweet potato homemade veggie burgers and tired...
5 tags
Bargain: It's Still Summer
Tank: Gap, $5 | Skirt: Old Navy, $11 | Flip Flops: J.Crew, $6
So, I wrote this post on Saturday when it was 87 degrees. Today is Monday, 64 degrees.
I welcomed Fall too soon as this past weekend brought heat and humidty levels of 87%. My tweed purses, scarves, and ankle boots will have to stay tucked away a little longer. In New England, transitions between seasons result in awkward...
4 tags
How to Make: Brownie Peanut Butter Cups
I saw something like this on Pinterest and had to test a healthified version. I’m actually not big on desserts. I’d rather feast on candy such as hot tamales, swedish fish, sour watermelons, or peanut M&Ms. But, I can’t resist anything involving chocolate and peanut butter. I also can’t resist mini versions of desserts, probably because it makes them seem more like...
6 tags
Hello Fall
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, there are more than 2 weeks of summer left to soak up. Yet, the cooler mornings and evenings and earlier setting sun have me thinking fall. Sorry summer, we had some great beach days, lobster, and sun. But, I’m pretty much over you.
What am I looking forward to?
1) Goodbye flip flops, hello animal print pumps, chunky heels, and ankle boots.
All...
August 2012
3 posts
7 tags
Bargain: Perfect Leopard Print Shoes
Dress: Ann Taylor Loft, $11 | Cardigan: Urban Outfitters, $10 | Belt: Gap, $5 | Shoes: Seychelles via 344, $17
Finally, I’ve found the perfect pair of leopard print shoes! Really, I’ve been searching for these for years, trying on pair after pair without success. Other than leopard print, I wasn’t even sure what I was looking for… until I came across these: perfect...
3 tags
DIY: Beaded Diamond Bracelet
I call this the sophisticated version of a project I made when I was 11. At 11, I used gimp and plastic beads. Today’s, sophisticated me uses glass beads, sterling silver chain, and linen cording. I’m really moving up in the world, although, gimp and plastic beads still sound fun!
What You Need:
9 of your favorite round beads
Sturdy string (that will fit through bead holes)
...
5 tags
How to Make: Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
I wish I could tell you I haven’t blogged since April because I’ve been busy doing really cool things. Really, it’s because I got overwhelmed with blogging. Turns out taking GOOD pictures of everything you do and writing about it is a lot of work.
My break was worth it though. I found myself missing my blog, which inspired me to rethink my approach. What was I doing wrong and...
April 2012
1 post
3 tags
How to Make: Spicy Garlic Tofu
Wow, it’s been a while again! The only excuse I have is that life has been busy. Not so busy that I’ve abandoned bargain shopping, cooking, and jewelry making. Just busy enough that fitting in the extra time to snap photos has been a bit overwhelming. But, today I did it….I attemoted a new recipe and captured everything!
I originally saw this recipe on Pinterest by...
March 2012
1 post
5 tags
How to Make: Beaded Bar Necklace
Long time no blog! I let something happen that I’m not so proud of…I let work take over my life for the past few weeks. There were even a few good bargains and outfits I didn’t get a chance to capture. Or, I THINK they were good outfits. Maybe it’s better I didn’t share because perhaps the “cute outfits” I selected while feeling delirious from work were...
February 2012
9 posts
7 tags
Bargain: President Day Sales
Shirt: Calvin Klein Outlet, $12 | Pants: Urban Outfitters, $20 | Shoes: Franco Sarto via Macy’s, $15
Temperatures hit about 54 degrees today, which called for bright corduroy ankle pants! Other Bostonians broke out shorts and flip flops, I drew the line at a little exposed ankle and left my scarf at home.
This past weekend I braved the Kittery Outlet crowds to check out the...
8 tags
Bargain: What I Wore to the Dentist
Shirt: Gap, $10 | Sweater: Macy’s, $11 | Belt: Kensie via Marshall’s, $3 | Pants: Gap, $13 | Shoes: Calvin Klein via Macy’s, $30
Today, my dentist told me I’m one of her best patients…and this totally made my day. Many fear trips to the dentist, but, not me. I LOVE going and look forward to the super clean teeth feeling so much that I’d go every month if...
5 tags
How to Make: Hershey Kiss Rice Krispy Treats
Happy belated Valentine’s Day! I saw this Valentine’s treat floating around on Pinterest and had to try it out yesterday. Who can resist a rice krispy treat shaped like a hershey kiss??
So, here’s the recipe/how to:
What You Need:
3 T Smart Balance
6 cups puff rice cereal
1 10 oz bag of marshmallows
Aluminum foil
Funnel
What You Do:
1) Melt the butter in a...
9 tags
Bargain: Neon is Back!
Sweater: Story below! | Long Sleeve T: Banana Republic, $6 | Scarf: Gift | Jeans: Levis via Macy’s, $20 | Boots: Steve Madden via Amazon, $33 | Purse: Cynthia Rowley via Marshall’s, $49
Neon is back and I’m totally embracing it! I wore this sweater over the weekend and laughed about how it came to live in my closet the entire time I was wearing it…..
A few weeks...
4 tags
How to Make: Roasted Chicken with Grapes
There’s a lot of cooking going on in our home, and by a lot, I mean practically everyday. Even though we’re in the city surrounded by loads of fantastic restaurants and take-out options we prefer to eat at home. Why?
Eating in saves a TON of money.
We actually enjoy what we cook more than the fancy restaurant meals out there.
By cooking our meals we have control over what...
5 tags
How to Make: Asymmetrical Necklace
Recently, I’ve noticed a lot of what I’m going to call “asymmetrical necklaces” in stores. After closely examining one in Banana Republic I came to two conclusions:
At first glance, I thought the asymmetry was a result of different lengths of chain. But, actually, the asymmetry is somewhat of an illusion and is created from using different types/sizes/textures of beads....
9 tags
Bargain: First Knitting Project Completed!
Cowl: Self made! | Long Sleeve T: Ann Taylor Loft, $10 | Jeans: Gap, $10 | Flats: Franco Sarto via Filene’s Basement, $25
I almost never post weekend outfits, which makes it appear that I wear skirts and dresses everyday. Weekend outfits are pretty much the opposite of weekday outfits. I’ve been known to wear pajamas all weekend. SOMETIMES, I might even run to the grocery store...
10 tags
Bargain: Pumpkin Purse
Blouse: H & M, $10 | Pants: Banana Republic, $17 | Belt: Gift | Flats: Ann Taylor Loft, $10 | Purse: Etienne Aigner via Filene’s Basement, $30
The power went out at work today and never came back. I had a few morning meetings in dark conference rooms lit by our laptops (I’m not kidding). When laptop batteries started dying we really found ourselves in the dark and unable...
10 tags
Bargain: Wide Leg Pant Transformation
Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, Gift | T-Shirt: Banana Republic, $4 | Pants: J.Crew, $20 | Necklace, Gift | Shoes: Etienne Aigner via Macy’s, $20
This outfit is actually from a few weeks ago and I never got around to creating a post. Cardigans over a cute t-shirt is a look I’ve always loved and gravitate towards. I like to think I was way ahead of times in high school when I rocked...
January 2012
12 posts
5 tags
How to Make: Potato & Kale Side Dish
My mom emailed me this recipe a while back (by a while I mean over a year…amazing I found the email) and I’m just getting around to trying it out now. This was our first time eating kale, which is a form of cabbage. What’s so great about it?
Contains sulforaphane, a chemical with potent anti-cancer properties
It’s been associated with lowering cholesterol
Packed with...
7 tags
Bargain: Tie-Dye or Animal Print?
Dress: Ann Taylor, $20 | Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, $10 | Belt: Kensie via Marshall’s, $3 | Boots: Steve Madden via Amazon, $33
Ever pull on a new pair of tights for the first time and have your foot go right through the end? No, I didn’t tear through these tights, but apparently bought footless tights. I should have known from the obvious footless picture on the package. Sort...
4 tags
How To Make: Braided Bead Necklace
I was inspired to make this necklace by More Design Please and this past snowy Saturday finally motivated me to give it a try. This is a really simple project that produces a rather “wow” and impressive product.
What You Need:
Heavy weight thread or string (I’m using quilting thread here)
Chain, 2, 7 1/2” pieces (use more or less depending on how long your want...
9 tags
Bargain: Happy Friday!
Sweater: BCBG via Filene’s Basement, $8 | Top: H&M, $5 | Necklace: Filene’s Basement, $5 | Jeans: Gap: $12 | Shoes: Calvin Klein via Macy’s, $30
Happy Friday, finally! This felt like the longest short week and I’m so looking forward to a relaxing weekend with few plans.
Last time I cleaned out my closet I almost threw this retro patterned top in the...
8 tags
Bargain: $5 Belt & Expensive Leggings
Sweater: Ann Taylor, $15 | Long Sleeve T: ?? | Belt: Macy’s, $5 | Leggings: CAbi, $89 (yikes) | Boots: Steve Madden via Amazon, $33
I wore this outfit to work today. I’m never sure if leggings at work are appropriate. I figure pairing them with a longer top and tall boots makes it A-OK (I hope). Can you believe how much I spent on these leggings? I can’t. I do have to...
4 tags
How to Make: Lentil Tacos
Another lentil creation! As I’ve mentioned before, I love lentils. It’s a young love because it wasn’t long ago that I had no idea what to do with lentils, and they were never on my shopping list. Now, I see them as a really versatile staple and always have a supply on hand.
I originally got this recipe from the Skinny Bitch Ultimate Cookbook, and have modified a bit because you...
8 tags
Bargain: Black & White
Shirt: Old Navy, $8 | Scarf: ?? | Belt: Came w/ a dress | Pants: Express, $15 | Shoes: Calvin Klein via Macy’s, $20
January’s Everybody Everywear challenge is wearing all black and white. I thought I’d give it a shot and put together this ensemble for work today. AND, this outfit also conquers something that scares me, pattern mixing! This is a pretty simple outfit, but there...
7 tags
Bargain: A Little Leopard Print Goes a Long Way
Sweater: Ann Taylor, $17 | Leopard Shirt: Old Navy, $8 | Skirt: Banana Republic, $11 | Shoes: Etienne Aigner via Macy’s, $20
Yes, a little leopard print goes a long way! I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of leopard shoes for years, and have yet to find them. Problem is they can’t be ANY leopard shoes. I have an image of a pair of leopard wedges in my head that I...
6 tags
Bargain: Neon Tights!
Dress: Banana Republic, $15 | Long Sleeve T: Banana Republic , $6 | Tights: Target, $3 | Boots: Payless, $20 | Necklace: Selfmade
These tights have been begging me to wear them for months. Why did I wait to long to show them off? Because I had to work up the courage to wear something so bright to work! The gray and black color palette helped me justify the neon glow, as did having to...
8 tags
Bargain: Not Great Photos, but Great Outfit
Long Sleeve T: Banana Republic, $6 | Wrap Sweater: Macy’s, $11 | Belt: Marshall’s, $5 | Skirt: Express, $15 | Shoes: Calvin Klein via Macy’s, $20
Sometimes this outfit photo taking thing just doesn’t work out, and today was one of those days! Can you tell? It’s amazing how many shots I may have to take to get a decent one. Today was exceptionally difficult...
5 tags
Bargain: $13 Dress & Worth the Hour of Altering
Dress: Banana Republic, $13 | Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft, $10 | Necklace: Gift | Shoes: Steve Madden via Filene’s Basement, $15
I did it, after being on vacation for over a week, I got myself dressed and out the door on time! Difficult to believe, but I even found myself sitting at my desk about 10 minutes early.
I planned on saving this dress I altered for the Spring, but knew it...
3 tags
How to Make: Spaghetti Squash
Happy New Year! So, I haven’t created any recent bargain outfit posts. In fact, my last bargain outfit post was on November 30, which is rather sad because my blog started with bargain outfits.
It’s not that I’ve been lacking in bargains to share. The holidays just got in the way and I’ve been consumed with baking, crafting, sewing, and running around preparing for...
December 2011
5 posts
4 tags
How To: Take in a Dress
I admit, while doing some last minute Christmas shopping I bought a few gifts for myself. My holiday shopping may have turned into a “one for you and one for me” situation. There were so many great sales, how could I say no?
I scooped up a dress at Banana Republic for an amazing price. Originally $188, marked down to $21.97 and an extra 40% off…..for a final price of $13! So...
5 tags
How To Make: Cheesecake Bites
Well, I took a little holiday blogging break because I got so busy prepping for the holidays and visiting with friends and family. We had a great Christmas and I’m back now! I’m planning on sharing some holiday baking, outfit, and bargain recaps over the next few days.
I made these mini cheesecake bites to bring to a pre-Christmas celebration. I love this recipe because it’s...
6 tags
How to Make: Brownie Thin Pistachio Cookies
This weekend I went to my first holiday cookie swap. The swap was a replacement for the gingerbread house making party my friend and I hosted for years. After countless collapsed houses and spending months post party scraping rock solid frosting from every surface of the apartment, we decided to change things up a bit!
The cookie swap was tons of fun. I came home with all sorts of delicious...
4 tags
How To Make: Holiday Cards
Last year I started the tradition of making homemade Christmas cards and wanted to keep it up this year! I love projects like this, I find them really soothing.
I guess soothing is sort of a strange description, because such projects actually take over our living room for a few days creating complete chaos. In this case, glitter chaos! There’s glitter everywhere, I found some in the bathtub...
6 tags
Wish List & Holiday Cheer
This week I’m getting in the Christmas spirit….I love the weeks leading up to the holidays! I’m looking forward to getting our Christmas tree this week, creating some hand made Christmas cards and presents, a few upcoming holiday parties, and a cookie exchange.
The holidays aren’t all about gifts, but I admit, gifts are fun. For the first time in years I put together a...
7 tags
Bargain: Sweatshirts at Work
Shirt: J.Crew, $15 | Skirt: Old Navy, $6 | Boots: Steve Madden, $20
Guess what? This shirt is actually a sweatshirt. Wearing fitted sweatshirts to work = awesome and comfortable. Thank you J.Crew for creating such things.
I threw on the necklace I made earlier this week and I’m really enjoying the contrast of the fancy tahitian pearls with the casual sweatshirt material. Same goes...
