Day 28, 30 For 30 Remix

I feel like I am running out of clothes….I do have a confession.  I cheated last night.  It was my birthday (more on that later), and I really wanted to wear my new dress from my Stitch Fix…I ended up keeping the blue and black dress. But other than that I have stuck to my 30 items.  I miss my other clothes…

What I wore: Pants, belt (NY & Co), Shirt (Madewell), Shoes (Aldo), Leather cuff (handmade)

I can’t wait to tell you about my wonderful birthday.  Here’s a hint…there may have been a gift of shoes…..

Leather Cuff, 3 Ways

I have been loving the leather cuff bracelets you see everywhere.

(Vivienne Westwood)

(Nordstrom)

(Zappos Couture)

I decided to make my own out of an old belt.  This was really simple.

First I cut my belt to fit the size I wanted my cuff.  (I just wrapped it around my wrist, made the cut).

I was able to get 4 cuffs out of the belt.

You can see the first one I made…i just used Velcro I had in my craft bag to secure this.

I was also able to use the buckle for one of the cuffs.  You know, like Michael Kors did in the pic above.

For the next one I just used Kevin’s H brand, you may remember it from this post where we branded anything we could.

And again, just secured it with Velcro dots.

I had enough left for one more cuff, but I really thought 3 was enough…but if I decide to make another one I will be sure to share.  Maybe I will make one and give it away to someone who lets me know they want one.  I’m thinking I will embellish it with these brass circle eyelet things I have….leave me a comment if you want it.

I want to try a skinny belt and make a wrap leather bracelet.  I love those too.  I may have to stop off at Goodwill and pick one up, as I don’t have a skinny belt I’m ready to sacrifice.

What do you think?  Is this a look you like, or are you more of a gold/silver/beads kind of girl?  (I’m that as well).

Stitch Fix

I have to tell you about my latest discovery, Stitch Fix.  You like clothes? You’re gonna like this.   Here is how it works.  First you fill out a pretty detailed profile including your sizes, style, and price points on items.  Then, you schedule when you want to receive your “fix” (I get mine every month).  You pay $20.00 for each fix, however this $20.00 goes towards anything you want to keep from your items.  If you don’t want to keep anything you send it back in a pre-paid envelope they send you.  That is basically it…..

I got my first Stitch Fix last week.

These are some cute shorts…

A skirt that can also be worn as a shirt…and it actually is really cute as a shirt.

See.  Each item comes with a little card with ways to style the item.

A hoodie.

I haven’t decided what I’m keeping yet.  It is between the halter shirt/skirt (I like it as a shirt) or the colorblock dress above.  I will let you know what I decide.

What I like about this is that you get to try everything on in the privacy of your home, and can use your own accessories and shoes to create a look. You also have a few days to think about it, and try it on a few times  before you have to send it all back.  (they always give you at least a weekend to decide).  You should all check it out.

And thanks to PinQue Blog for introducing me to this!

 

Day 23, 30 For 30 Remix

Let’s make this quick…I have some DVR to catch up on….

What I wore:  Pants, bracelets (NY & Co), Shirt (Marshalls), Shoes, (Off Broadway), Scarf (Handmade)

Creamed Corn With Bacon

This is quickly becoming my new favorite side dish.  It’s easy, but does take a while considering it is only a side, but this one is very impressive.

This recipe is from Michael Symon.  We searched food network for a good corn side.  Okay, actually we searched food network for a corn with bacon side.  We knew we were having steak, and a few weeks ago we had some delicious creamed corn with bacon at a steak restaurant, so we wanted to recreate it.  I love Kevin, and love that when he searches for a recipe he gravitates to the more difficult ones, the ones with a lot of ingredients and steps.  I go with it, cause they are always amazing and become part of the rotation.

Anyway, this recipe is in 2 parts.  You make the corn stock (not difficult at all, and smells much better than the shrimp stock we made once….). Here are the ingredients for that.

Onion, garlic, coriander seed, bay leaf, salt, and the ears of corn (shucked) and water.

Just dump everything in a pot and boil.  Simmer for 20 minutes or until you have about 2 cups of liquid.

Next you make the corn.   Cook the bacon, then add onion and garlic. Add the corn and the stock.

Reduce the liquid again. It will begin to thicken.  Add the crème fraiche, (the first time we used Greek yogurt, it was good but the crème fraiche is better) cilantro, and lime.  (The first time we made this we used the lime. For us the lime was overpowering.  This time we left out the lime, and prefer it this way.)

We want to try this with canned corn and chicken broth, just to see if it is as good.

What is your take on cilantro?  I LOVE it, want it on everything.  You have to like cilantro to like this dish….or leave it out I guess…..

Ingredients

Corncob stock:

• 5 shucked ears corn (kernels removed and reserved*)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 onion peeled and quartered
• 1 tablespoon whole coriander seed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 quarts water

Corn saute:

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 pound thick-cut bacon cut into lardons
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 clove garlic minced
• *Reserved corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups reserved corncob stock
• 1/2 cup creme fraiche
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves
• 1 lime, zested

Directions

For the stock:

Place all ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a lively simmer and cook to reduce liquid to 2 cups, approximately 30 minutes. Strain and reserve, keeping stock warm.

To finish the corn:

Begin heating a large saucepan, and glaze bottom with the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the lardons and cook over medium heat, rendering the fat and browning the pieces, stirring as needed. Add the onion and sweat, about 45 seconds. Add the garlic and continue to cook, stirring, another 30 seconds. Add the corn and salt, continuing to cook for another 2 minutes. Add the reserved corncob stock and bring to a simmer, cooking until the liquid reduces to approximately 2/3 cup. Add the creme fraiche and simmer 3 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken. Add the butter and stir. Remove pan from heat; stir in cilantro and lime zest. Check for seasoning and serve.

 

Day 22, 30 For 30 Remix

I skipped another day yesterday.  Not that you all expect an excuse from me, but here it is.  After work I had an appointment.  Then after getting through Charlotte traffic, a stop at the grocery store, and getting home, we started getting dinner ready.  (When I say we I mean Kevin).  My mother in law came for dinner and the pic just never got taken.  There, that is my excuse.  I do however have a picture for today…

 

What I wore:  Pants, sweater, belt (NY & Co), Shoes (Aldo)

DIY Mercury Glass

I have been loving the look of mercury glass lately.

These images are from Pottery Barn.  They have quite the variety of mercury glass.  You may remember I made an ornament that resembles mercury glass.

I decided to make a few glass vases to put in the guest bedroom.  This is so easy, and you only need 2 items to create a mercury glass look.

Metallic spray paint and water in a spray bottle.  You can also see my glass vases in the back.  This will work on anything glass.  I would like to do some glass lamps at some point.

All you do is spray the glass all over with water.  Immediately paint a coat right over the water, covering the entire vase.  (I couldn’t get a picture of this step).  I did one at a time.  This took all of 2 minutes to complete.

Let dry and repeat the process depending on how it looks.  I didn’t need to repeat the steps.

And here they are in the guest bedroom.

You can see how the water gives it the antiqued look.  It obviously isn’t an exact replica of the mercury glass above, but I love the look and love how a small addition such as the glass vases can add to the decor of a room.  Again, this project took all of 2 minutes to complete (not counting the drying time…).

So, are you a fan of the mercury glass look?

11 Random Things

I was mentioned for another fun post called 11 Random Things.  Deanna over at Little Green Bow passed this along to me, and I loved reading the random things about her.  Go over to her blog and read a bit about her.  (I also learned that we have the same go to red wine….no wonder we are friends)

So here are the rules:

1. Post these rules
2. Post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.

11 random things about me:

1. I hate pumping gas, hate it.
2. I have a small bought of amnesia from when I was in the 6^th grade.  I passed out, and hit my head hard enough to cause this.  I remember that morning, and then remember being in a hospital. Still have no memory of it.
3. I had meningitis in college.
4. I would love to have really short hair but I know I will never do it.
5. I cannot watch those sad animal commercials; you know the one with Sarah Mclachlan.  I change the channel.
6. I am a little OCD about setting my alarm clock.
7. I am not that organized, however my closet is.  It is separated into categories, and color coded.
8. I have a close and unhealthy relationship with the sun.  I am a bit obsessed about getting to the pool or beach in the summer.
9. I want to write a book with my sister.
10. I love naps.
11. I would move to Savannah Georgia tomorrow.

With my sis…don’t you think we could write a great book?  Pictured in Tybee Island, off the coast of Savannah.

11 questions from Deanna

1.  What is your favorite movie?  Lost In Translation.  I watch it every time it’s on, and it has so much meaning.  It’s one of those movies that leaves you wondering.  If you haven’t watched the movie this clip may be spoiler alert, but this last scene says it all.

2. What is your dream vacation? A private island with staff, but with a yacht to take us back and forth into a great coastal town to eat and shop as we wish.

3. If money were no object, what would you do for work?  I would start a business with bounty hunters to track down people who are cruel to animals.  Or something in fashion…

4. Do you watch documentaries? Yes, but mostly entertainment docs.  I actually love a good documentary.  The last one I watched was probably something on the Mob.  I kinda like the Mob.

5. What is your Favorite restaurant? The Olde Pink House in Savannah Georgia.

6. What is your ideal Saturday? Sleep in with Kevin, enjoy coffee and breakfast, go do some outdoor window shopping (we have great outdoor shopping near us), come home, cook, drink wine and listen to music.

7. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?  Chocolate Chip

8. Who has influenced your life the most? Why?   Kevin.  He is the most supportive person, and he makes me want to be a better person.

9. Who is your favorite musician or band?  Ray Lamontagne

10. What is your favorite project or thing you’ve made?  My monogram H.  I just love it.

11. What is your favorite meal to make at home?   This is a hard one to answer…I love when we make Paella.  Country fried steak is a close 2^nd…I am a southern gal.

My 11 questions:

1. Have you ever been in a fight?  A fight being that punches were thrown.
2. What was the last thing you ate?
3. What are 3 of your most loved possessions? (not including anything living)
4. What song always makes you happy when you hear it?
5. What is your biggest pet peeve?
6.  If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
7. Do you have a tattoo?  If yes, what/where, if no what would you get/where?
8. What is your favorite time of day?
9. When did you first see your significant other?
10. What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
11. What is your favorite TV show?

Now to pass this along…Please don’t feel pressured to participate, I thought it was fun, and would love to read your answers!

1. Vanessa @ My Life, My Blog, and Everything I Love
2. Melissa @ MLoueez
3. Kara @ Nest Candy
4. Adi @ The Garden of Edlen
5. Kearney @ A Detailed House
6. Maggie @ The Little Design Stall
7. Niki @ Picky Niki
8. Ashley @ Twentyonehouse
9. Meg @ Breaking Bread With Meg
10. My Life According to Shoes  
11. Charlotte @ It’s Me Charlotte

Also, if anyone else finds any of the questions interesting and wants to share please do!!

Day 20, 30 For 30 Remix

10 days left…

Here is what I wore today!

What I wore: Leggings (Target), Sweater, shirt (NY & Co), Belt (Kevin’s) Frye Boots (Nordstrom)

Humanité Giveaway Winner | Style

I hope you all found a new place to shop through this giveaway!  A huge thank you to Erin and Humanité for sponsoring this giveaway! And now for the fun part….

Congrats to Sarah!

Btw, Sarah has a great blog Renewed Upon a Dream, you should go check it out…

Sarah, I will contact you with all the deets!  To everyone else, don’t give up, there will be more giveaways!