Wish List for Ted Baker

The other thing about my trip to London, Ted Baker... We had a stop in the store and I wanted too many things. Here is the visual Wish List. 

The Ted Baker straw bow clutch is such an essential for Spring and Summer. It's so perfect for lunches with the girls, early evening dates or just some "light" shopping. The price was pretty reasonable too!

Ted Baker Bow Wellies. They are black & white, waterproof, and have a bow. What more does a girl really need from rainboots? I think they would look terrific next to my red kate Spades (here). 

The Ted Baker iPad case. Yes, i do already have a stunning Ted Baker iPad case that my sister got me for Christmas , but now I want this one... Ridiculous, I know. But this one is bright & has a bow! 

A little more Zara, please?

Zara is easily one of my favorite stores, and the fact that we don't have one in Scottsdale makes me a little bit nutty. I would die if we had one here & I would be there ALL the time! Okay, so maybe it's actually a good thing we don't have one??? When I was in London, I had been shopping on the website & almost bought a few things, but decided to wait just in case we went to the store. We did go to the store & I loved the whole outfit (not together)! 

*I purchased the Blazer (which I wore on my birthday last Sunday), I love it!*

*...the plaid shirt, I was a little iffy on. I knew it was one of those pieces that I would never wear or that would rarely stay in the closet. Well, I've maybe worn 4x in the last week. haha*

*I didn't buy the shorts, I wasn't totally sold. I wish I had so I am thinking it's time to make it happen.*

Bless'ed Am I to Have Bless'ed Are the Meek

Have I talked to you about Bless'ed are the Meek??? Maybe I should. Aside from the fact that I picked up the line for my store, I have definitely grown quite attached to it. Mainly because of one piece, and then I suppose a second. The first piece is called the Devine Top, and boy is it devine. I'm literally obsessed with it, & need to have a girls night soon so that I can wear it (Perhaps this weekend). The second item is the Turn to Gold Maxi Skirt which I'm a little more hesitant about because my name isn't necessarily written all over it, but I think it could do wonders for my styling life & my wardrobe. See pictures below. 

Bless'ed Are the Meek Devine Top
This shirt is AMAZING! It's 100% sheer, and along the front and back  neck lines are "slits".  The front slits are finished off with small spikes for a little something extra! It's truly spectacular.
**and PS, I almost fell over right before taking this picture, hence the awkward trying not to laugh smile. 

Bless'ed Are the Meek Turn to Gold Maxi Skirt
This skirt is so stunning, in my opinion.  **My mom decided she wasn't fond of it. haha
Anyways, It is also completely sheer white polyester, as you can see & has a series of geometric lines & shapes  composed of black lace throughout. In this picture I have it on side ways. THe slit is technically supposed to be in the front, but it can really either way because of it's symmetrical nature.
I want to see this paired with a black bodysuit & some heavy black pumps (much like my Steve Maddens that I have on) I think it would be a little sultry & completely on trend! Through in some beach wavy hair and some gold accessories and PERFECTION! 

Necessary.

That's All.

Jessica Hart for Easter!

So this is defintiely a new addition to my personal wardrobe. The Baby Doll Dress by Jessica Hart for Pencey Standard!! It is so darling. It has this stunning bright floral print, which also includes tiny snails and gnomes. Yes, I did just say gnomes. I'm not going to lie, I never saw the dress in person prior to ordering it and a month or so ago - I was a little iffy about my decision, but I can say now that I am so glad I got it! I'm sure that I will be wearing it to some upcoming social event, or maybe on Easter! 

SJP never fails me!

Sarah Jessica Parker is easily one of my favorite actresses. She definitely inspires me to try so many different things. Did I mention we have the same birthday, soooo that may be why. : ) Anyways, recently I came across a photo log of her past outfits on AOL, and I thought I would share some of the photos. (none of these photos or mine, nor do I take credit for them)

Here she is in Alexander McQueen. If  saw this dress in person I would probably think it's ridiculous, but as usual she can pull it off. 

This dress is darling, Im a little jealous because this is not a dress than any woman can wear. 

Dreamy. Her hair is long and luscious and she looks effortlessly stunning.

I remember watching this award show, and although I wasn't fully keen on the dress, she was glowing. 

I am OBSESSED with this dress. I want this in my closet pronto. ....and I would like her Barbie doll legs to go with, please!

This is just another example of how she is capable of being stunning and it looks effortless. 

one word: WOW! Love her with the bright blonde hair and the neon gown.  It's so fantastic. 

Broccoli Cheddar Mac LOVE

I didn't follow a recipe for this & I don't have an exact recipe with measurements to give. But this dish is killer & I am so glad I attempted it because I loved it, and so did everyone else that tried it!

So first you pick your pasta, I'd say roughly a cup and a half...  I prefer Spirals because they hold the cheese sauce the best. 

1) So cook your noodles till they are perfectly soft, simultaneously steam your broccoli until it is soft too

2) Combine the noodles and broccoli into your boiling pan  (while you are at it, pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees) 

--you will want the stove on a low heat to maintain foods warmth & help with the sauce mixing

3) Toss in 1/4 block of Philly cream cheese, and add some milk (not a lot, approx. 1/4 cup), and start mixing till the cream cheese has been melted 

4) Start slowly adding grated cheddar cheese and begin mixing into the rest. 

5) Mix until you your cheeses are not clumpy and have started to blend nicely and create a smooth sauce

-- Your sauce should not have cheese clumps nor be too thin that it moves around easily on it's own. It should be kind of thick and have a nice creamy consistency. 

6) Once you think you have it just right (make sure you taste test), move your noodles to baking pan. Spread them out evenly, remember your sauce shouldn't be to milky. 

7) Spread an even layer of grated cheddar cheese over the top, and pop it in the oven. It's done when the top is slighlty crispy and bubbly golden brown. 

8) Eat it! Buon Appetito! 

Remember that these recipes can be adjusted to your preferences. One of the best things about cooking, is that it isn't chemistry like baking is... you can mix and match and definitely experiment. 

A Trip to Remember

Two Thursdays ago, I made my way to the Airport. I was headed to Dublin, not just for St. Patricks Day but for my sisters birthday as well. There were a few speed bumps getting there, such as having to switch flights last minute, and in the process losing my bag for 24 hrs. However, once I was there I knew it could only get better. Any attempt to recover from the 2 hrs of sleep I had gotten in almost 30 hrs was a lost cause, but I knew I just had to push through. I was meeting up with my cousins and little sister on her birthday - and it was immediately a "GO GO GO!!!" situation. It was cold and rainy, but it was enjoyable to wander the crowded streets in hopes of staying warm and finding some cool tees for the following day's (St. Patrick's Day) events. I think it is safe to say that St. Patricks Day in Dublin is one of the coolest events I have experienced! The bars are so packed at times you literally I pressed between 2 people so tightly that you can't move a single limb. Everyone is singing and drinking and no one has a care in the world! 

After Dublin, I wandered onto London and stayed with my cousin's family for a few days. It was nowhere near a tourist's vacation. It was a very domesticated few days. I felt like a live in babysitter while I watched and played with my cousin's 3 yr. old daughter, and occasionally held her 9 month old son.  Anyways, check out some of our fun pictures. 

There were are... TWINSIES! Unfortunately, I had my sweatshirt on since it was freezing... and since my bag was MIA.. I had no long sleeve tees to match the rest.   If you like my jeans you can buy them at my store... They are my favorite!

I wish I had another picture to better show the characters and their costumes that were roaming the streets that day. 

We celebrated St Patty's day by all getting matching Toms that morning. 

Those are my 2 cousins and my sister in the middle

I had to laugh when I saw this sign. I thought it was noteworthy. 

The sun was literally bright red when it was setting in London, it was one of the coolest things I've seen.