New Years Eve Looks Include Jewels From My Orange County Jewelry Collection

With New Years Eve coming up it got me to thinking about what I was going to wear. Go figure! New Years Eve is always a fun holiday to celebrate. What's not to love? Champagne, glitter and a fresh new start, I can't think of anything I love more. I always tell myself that it isn't necessary to buy a new outfit every year but when the time comes I always do. Who doesn't? I want to look my best when bringing in 2013. Who else is with me!

I decided on a simple LBD (little black dress) because I can add glitzy accessories. I'm not sure if I will add textured tights or not but I think I decided high heeled boots, a leather moto jacket and I will top it off with diamond earrings that I am completely obsessed with. They are just one of many from my orange county jewelry collection. What is everyone else wearing? I can't wait!

Easy Bake Fish

My parent live on a lake in MN. We go fishing a lot and we all really enjoy eating fresh water fish, any kind. After being home for the holidays I was sent back home with lots of fish but instead of deep frying them, I wanted a healthier alternative. I found a recipe for baked fish but I added some of my own touches.

Things You Will Need:

Olive Oil
Bread Crumbs
Fresh Lemon
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Salt/Pepper

• Preheat your oven to 450 degrees
• Line a 9 by 13 inch glass pan with foil, make sure to have extra so you can cover fish
• Drizzle oil onto foil and roll fish in it
• Coat each peice of fish with bread crumbs. 
• Season the fish to your liking and squeeze fresh lemon on top (this will help reduce the fishy smell as well as make it taste great!) 
• Cook about 30 minutes, depending on how thick your fillets are

Check That Off the Christmas To Do List

I, like many of you, are working on buying all those gifts for loved ones. It seems every year I wait till the last minute to buy gifts, well not this year! I have all the ducks in a row and have already purchased all of my gifts (just need to get them wrapped). I can officially say this is the first time that has ever happened! I would like to thank Black Friday and Cyber Monday for giving me the opportunity for being done holiday shopping before December 1.

So you may be wondering what are all these wonderful gifts I bought?
1. Phillips Sonicare Electric toothbrush for my Mom

 2. Hunting "stuff" for my Dad (including tri-tronics upland training collar for his hunting dog) (my Mom and I went in on it together)

3. Armani Colonge for my boyfriend 

4. 2012 Baseball Cards for my nephew

5. Poinsettia for my Grandma (yes, a poinsettia she loves them)

Have you gotten all your holiday shopping done? Share in the comments your finds!

Super Easy Christmas Cookies

There is something about Christmas that puts a big smile on my face and I think it has something to do with sugar cookies. Who doesn't love them? I know I do but I don't always love how time consuming they can be. That is why I tried these cookies out over the weekend and to my surprise they actually worked! Who knew? 

See also Dr. Seuss Cookies here. 

This is how simple they are:

Ingredients: 

1 17.5 oz bag of Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix

liquid or gel food coloring 

Sprinkles

Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Decide what colors you want to make and how many you would like to make (this example is only two but you can make as many as you would like) Depending on the number of colors you are making split the dough evenly and add food coloring. Roll different colors together into a big ball. Then roll it out on the ocunter until you have a cylinder about 12 inches long. Cut out sections to make cookies and then roll into sprinkles. Bake 10-11 min. Makes about 3 dozen cookies. 

DIY Christmas Bulbs

While shopping in Hobby Lobby I couldn't help but keep walking past the clear Christmas bulbs. I was literally brainstorming ideas about what I could do with those and how I could make them unique. I was frantically pacing around for about two hours chicking out Pinterest and then it hit me...

I have these old (really old) Little Golden Books at home and I thought hmmm. I could rip pieces of those up add some Modge Podge and wallah handmade, unique Christmas ornaments. Right? Well to my luck my big idea actually worked out as planned in my head (which never usually turns out how I imagine)

Supplies:
Old Christmas books, or scrapbook paper of your choice
Bulbs/ornaments of your choice (I love the big bulbs best and they are easier to work with)
Modge Podge
ribbon
peanut butter cap (to set your bulb on while creating)
glitter (if desired)

Step 1: Rip up paper. Try to do this freely it looks better when you don't try to get specific images

Step 2: Paint Modge Podge on back of paper. I discovered it works better to get it very "doused" (is that a word) that way it sticks better

Step 3: Place/smooth into position. If your peices are too big they look wrinkly or can even rip. Make sure they aren't too big so this doesn't happen to you because man oh man it's frustrating

Step 4: Add another layer of Modge Podge over top to give extra coverage. I like to add more Modge Podge than necessary. I think it looks nice (gives a nice finish) and just meshes the pieces together better. 

Step 5: Attach a pretty ribbon and hang to let dry!

Healthy Dog Treats

Its safe to say I am completely obsessed with my little cocker spaniel, Teddy. I rescued him back in April and my life has revolved around him ever since. He is nothing but sweet, smiley and such a lover! However, since he is so attached, to me specifically, he has some major separation issues. My carpet is full of pee stains (YUCK) and I come home occasionally to poop also. I am trying to train but I'm finding out he needs more than just a dog bone and a thunder-shirt  I think I may need to get him on anxiety pills, which is exactly what I didn't want to do. But, what's a girl to do? I would rather he be on no medications and go the natural way but I also want to help fulfill his anxiety. Have any of you been through this before? My vet suggests the pills and says they aren't terrible for him but that he will probably be on them forever.

Well theres my .02 what I'm really here to talk about is the home-ade dog treats I make for my little pooch. Like I said, I would rather he eat natural foods and only treats that I make. If you actually read the labels it's quite disgusting what is in dog treats. I discovered this recipe and have only given him these ever since.

Teddy is probably the pickiest dog I have ever met but he chows these down in an instant. And I love it because I know what is in them, they are easy to make and they are "good" for him.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1 finely chopped apple
1 beaten egg
1/3 cup veggie oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup cold water
a dash of cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease cookie sheets

First, blend flour, oatmeal in a large mixing bowl. Stir in apple, beaten egg, oil, sugar and water until well blended (sometimes I add a little more water if the mixture is too dry). Flour your workspace and spread dough out. Take a cookie cutter (I have a dog bone, heart, gingerbread man and snowflake) or you could roll dough into balls (just like cookies) put them on a cookie sheet and flatten them with the bottom of a cup.

Bake for 30-35 min or until crisp. Let cool and treat your pup!

Thoughtful, Cheap, Cute B-day Presents

So tomorrow is my Mom's b-day. She will be 30 (wink, wink ;) I like to keep my Mom feeling young so I'm getting her gifts to keep her "youthful". With the holidays so close to her birthday she usually doesn't get as much for her birthday as someone would with a birthday not close to the holidays.

I fully intend to embrace her 30'th birthday with cake, balloons, cards, presents and the whole shebang. My mom appreciates more homeade gifts than anything so I thought I could whip up a few of her favorite things.

She is really into baking lately, especially cupcakes, so I thought this would be the perfect gift. Instead of spending lots of money on gifts I plan on spending more money on the other things I mentioned, such as cake, balloons, dinner...) Along with this cute little cupcake gift box I am adding a mini muffin tin (which she has also been dying to have) It was honestly difficult to find! You wouldn't think finding a mini muffin tin would be hard to find but it was. Luckily I found one at one of my favorite stores, Hobby Lobby.

My mom loves taking baths. I thought instead of buying her bath soaps that have harsh toxins in them I would create some of my own bath fizzies. These are so cute for gift giving and they are actually useful! I saw them on MarthaStewart.com and just had to try them. To my surprise they actually worked! Find out how to make them yourself here. 

Loose Diamonds To Revamp Old Jewelery Into New

I bet you never thought about giving your loved one a loose diamond before? This trend is coming into style. For those of you that love revamping up oldies into goodies this is right up your alley. Giving the gift of a diamond is a unique and memorable gift.

Create a one of a kind look with the diamond of your choice! Meet up with a jeweler that has the tools to help you design the jewels of your dreams. Many think this concept is to difficult to do but in reality it isn't. Just need the skills of a jeweler and the artistic and creative side to come up with countless ideas. The hard part is deciding the design you like best!

This Just In...Tungsten Is The "It" When It Comes To Wedding Bands

As you all know Summer time means a couple things: longer days, sunshine, vacations and weddings. You may be in a wedding, know somebody getting married or the bride and groom yourselves if you are, this is news worth sharing.

Typically, when planning a wedding, we tend to overlook the Groom's wants, needs and desires. Well it is now the twenty first century and things are changing. No longer is the wedding planned around only the Bride's wants, it now incorporates the Groom's as well. A Men's Wedding Band is a key piece to the wedding foundation, like the Bride's ring. Tungsten rings provide quality, like non-other, scratch resistant coating all at an affordable rate. If you have never heard of Tungsten please consider it for its durability, reliability and design.

Unique, Ornate Engagement Rings

Tis the season for weddings! By now I'm sure all of your refrigerators are full of save the date and wedding invitations. I know most guys, well the guys I know, think going to a wedding is a waste of a weekend but I can't wait to go! I love seeing the bridal party and the dress the bride chooses.

Of course, all the girls are dying to see the brides engagement and wedding band. I know that is one of the first things I like to see. I recently went to a Spring wedding and noticed the bride was wearing a unique ring with a pearl in it. I had never seen that type of ring before and loved it! I want one unique and different like her. I found out that her and her fiance, at the time, customized their engagement rings together. What a neat idea! I suggest this and talk about it to all of my friends that are soon to be married. I think it is a fun, unique and memorable idea.

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

PB2 is like a peanut butter you have never experienced. PB2 does not contain chemicals in the product itself or during the production process. 85% of fat, found in peanuts, is removed by Bell Plantation, producer of PB2. Essentially, the oil is squeezed out of roasted peanuts and what remains is what PB2 is made of. A sweet, healthy peanut butter that contains no sweeteners, chemicals or preservatives.

PB2 has 85% less calories than the leading peanut butter and has the same great taste. Also, enjoy products similar to PB2 which include Chocolate PB2, Roasted Peanut Oil and Peanut Butter Thins. PB2 is the healthy alternative to the start of a new lifestyle. Its hard to find wholesome, nutritious, natural foods and this is just that!

Men's Ring Trend: Dark Cobalt

I just recently got engaged and I couldn't be more happy or excited about it. However, I did not realize the amount of stress it takes to make a wedding possible. I always heard couples talk about how stressful but I always thought I would have so much fun planning my wedding. There are so many little details you don't think of that can really take a toll on your stress level and it tests your relationship!

The funnest part about our wedding planning has been choosing the rings, of course. My fiance knew that I was , lets just say a little picky, so he thought it would be a fun idea to go in together and choose them as a couple. I loved this idea it was so fun and we both got to choose the ring we loved. I didn't realize all the options men have for wedding rings! We decided on a black cobalt ring for my fiance and a ornate engagement ring for me! I just love the dark color for my man. It is so sexy and different. Titanium-Jewlery.com really offers a broad affordable wedding rings for both men and women.

Spice Up Your Lunch

I get sick of the same old salad: carrots, celery, dressing. I wanted to try out some new interesting ingredients to my salad so its not so boring. I tried an avocado in my salad for lunch today and it was so tasty! The texture, taste and thickness really added a lot of unique tastes that I originally wouldn't think would taste good together.

Since my experience with the avocado I searched for some new salad recipe ideas and I found this one. Included in the salad is: avocados, cantaloupe, prosciutto, and walnuts. Such an interesting mix but incorporates crunch and textures, which makes for an extra delicious taste. All needed is dressing of your choice, my favorites is always vinaigrette of some sort and presto! Finito!

Just Bitten

Wearing lipstick is so fun! I especially like wearing it when I'm out on the town, out with the girls, or shopping. The thing I don't like about lipstick is that I have to always reapply it to make look decent, without it flaking off.I love to wear lipstick for certain occasions but some are not fully comfortable with the idea. I remember when I first would wear it I would feel like a clown. But once I got accustomed to the look I will loved it! Its such a fun way to change up your makeup routine or add a little pop of color. I even accessorize my outfits around it: instead of big earrings I wear red lips.

For occasions such as work or for those of you who aren't fully comfortable with the idea of bright lips I found an alternative: lip stain. Revlon Just Bitten. Just Bitten is a lip stain that tints the lips and acts more like a "lip gloss". It gives just the right amount of color so its not as overbearing as lipstick. Its a very pretty, subtle look.

Homeade Popsicle Recipe

There is nothing better than a glass of wine after a long day of work. There is something about wine that takes the stress out of life, maybe its the relaxation part, the taste or the effect of wine;) Whatever it is, it works!I love my white wines and am not a huge fan of dry, bitter, dark wines. I like the occasional sweet red glass every once in a blue moon but the sweet wine is like sweet dessert after dinner...mmmm.

 What better way to incorporate wine and fruit into a Popsicle? I have been monitoring the foods I eat and my health so I have been trying to cut back on high fructose corn syrup and processed foods. I have been making everything home-Ade with ingredients I trust and that are organic. While on my health search I found these Popsicles. So here is the recipe I hope you enjoy!

 Fig and Clementine Port Wine Pop tail
Makes eight 2-and-1/4-oz. Popsicles
 2 cups of port wine (or any dry fruity variety will work)
2 lbs clementine tangerines
1 1/2 lb figs ¼ cup honey
 1. Place wine, clementine tangerines, figs and honey in a food processor or blender and process or blend until pureed, about 1-2 minutes. Pour mixture through a medium strainer.
 2. Pour strained mixture into Popsicle forms and freeze for about 2 hours or until mixture starts to solidify enough to hold a Popsicle stick upright. Insert Popsicle sticks and finish freezing Popsicles overnight. To release Popsicles run hot water on the outside of Popsicle molds for a 2-3 seconds.

Hola Sangria

White wine sangria screams one thing: Summer! Time to dig out the lawn chairs, fire up the grill and mix up some alcoholic beverages. This sangria can either be mixed up for a gathering or for a quiet, relaxing evening.

I found this recipe on Better Homes and Gardens and I know I can't resist sparkling white wine and juicy strawberries. Even if you have had a run in with sangria before and "refuse to ever drink it again' I recommend you try this version!

Here's the recipe...enjoy!
1 750-milliliter bottle dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
1/2 cup strawberry schnapps
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
Ice cubes
Whole strawberries (optional)

What you do:
In a 2-quart pitcher stir together wine, strawberry schnapps, and sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add sliced strawberries. Cover and chill for 1 to 4 hours. Serve in glasses over ice. If desired, garnish with whole strawberries. Makes 5 servings.

Fashionista Clock

I am always looking for unique items to decorate my home in. My personal favorite shopping is through Etsy, antique and thrift shopping, that is where I find one-of-a-kind items. The detail on this clock is just stunning, and full of ornate detail. The white contrasts with the wood behind it to give an organic feel that will look great in my kitchen.

The Kirie 01 Bamboo clock is made of bamboo and inspired by Japanese design. I could not have dreamed for a more special clock! The minute I laid eyes on it I clicked purchase on Etsy.com. I can't wait to receive it in the mail!

ghd Flat Iron AKA Necessity

Currently I have a Chi Flatiron, which I have no complaints about, except that it is now five years old. I have course thick hair and I recently cut it into an angled, bob. I love the haircut but am finding I need a new flat iron because I want a sleek, straight look.

Whenever I get my hair done my hairdresser uses a ghd flatiron and it is shocking the results. With one swipe, and my hair is wavy/frizzy, it completely straightens and lays nice. The best part is is that it stays flat the whole day, no frizz or mess to deal with. With my current Chi iron I have to swipe over multiple times and still don't get the look I am striving for. I think its time to go for the flatiron! Seriously love, love, love the results!

Crazy CrockPot Lady

I know this is going to be hard to believe but....this lady really used her crock pot 365 days and never repeated a recipe! Crazy and impressive. I am no chef myself so I think this is so awesome! In 2008 she made a New Years Resolution to make every meal in a slow cooker for the whole year...and she did it. I don't think I have ever made a New Years Resolution and actually stuck it out for the whole year....also impressive.

I am always struggling for dinner ideas. I feel like I always have the same things night to night so after reading about "crock pot lady" it inspired me to think outside of the box. Here are a few of her delicious recipes: sweet & spicy chicken wings, lazy chicken, baked spinach and and cheese noodles...the list goes on and on. So no more complaining that you can't come up with recipe ideas. If this lady can make a new dish every day of the year, cooking is possible for the rest of us!

Blueprint Storage

Ever find yourself scrounging for tax papers or receipts and find them damaged or ripped? I know I have! That was until I discovered a Blueprint Storage unit from Cutting-mats.net. These portable organizational units keep track of all my receipts, important papers and documents. I never lose anything and it is all kept in tack.

My personal favorite is the upright mobile roll files because I can move it to wherever I need at ease. It fits perfectly under my desk in the office and when I need access to it, it is readily available. I also enjoy the upright mobile roll file because I am building a new home. My blueprints are on giant pieces of paper and are so inconvenient to store. Without the blueprint storage unit my blueprints would be tattered and worn. I just roll them up and place them in the upright storage compartments for ease of access without them getting ruined or in the way!