Seven Summer Wardrobe Staples

An entire new summer wardrobe for $200 or less...impossible? No. If you're patient, TJ Maxx can become your new best friend. If your eyes are bigger than your wallet, Rulala can be your savior. I've narrowed it down for you: the seven staples you need to satisfy your wallet and your wardrobe...and more importantly, where to look for them.

Staple # 1
Loose-Fitted Tops

Lace, stripes, sheer fabrics and embroidered patterns are in- and they're here to stay for a while. I found these tops at TJ Maxx for under $20.

Staple # 2
Linen Shorts

These faux-denim shorts from Forever 21 are 100% linen and only $17.80!

Staple # 3
Big Turquoise Ring

Gold + Turquoise= No wrong shall be done. "Morning Bloom Ring" is available at Francesca's Collections for $18.

Staple # 4
Boyfriend Blazer

The "Boyfriend Blazer" is my favorite staple of the season. Dress up a casual loose-fitted top/distressed denim short get-up by day or mini dress by night. This blazer by Sparkle & Fade is available at Urban Outfitters for $78. It's an investment, but trust me, it will transform your wardrobe.

Staple # 5
Gladiator Sandals- Yes, again.

These babies aren't going anywhere. What is this, summer three of the gladiator sandal? In case you haven't gotten the memo yet: buy yourself a pair of gladiator sandals. These Mossimo "Laura" gladiators are only $10 at Target!

Staple # 6
Strappy Sandal Pumps

Looking for the perfect summer sandal/pump to make your legs look amazing? You're welcome. The best parts is these REPORT Signature "Elinor" sandals, usually $225, are available on Ruelala.com for $79. Ruelala is an exclusive invitation-only collection of boutiques with fabulous sales open for small windows of time. Comment for an invitation and I'll send you one!

Staple # 7
Long Necklace

This delicate initial pendant is $18 at Urban Outfitters. It's the perfect touch for any casual summer day-wear. Wear it with a lace or sheer loose-fitted top, distressed denim, boyfriend blazer, and strappy sandal pumps with a messy up-do and you're good to go!

May the (cornbread of the) South Rise Again

In the spirit of this week's fabulous fourth, I've decided to celebrate the birth our nation by joining you all around the American dinner table. Particularly the kind I'm most familiar with; the Southern kind. Born and raised in the south, I've picked up a few life changing, mouthwatering, and all-together sinful recipes that are too good not to share. This menu is sure to bring you and your friends together over your new found love of sweet tea, dog racing, and all things southern you've been fixin' to dive into. Plaid, cut-offs, and mullets are encouraged.

Appetizer: Paula Deen's Jalapeno Hushpuppies

• 1 1/2 Qt peanut oil
• 1 1/2 Cup self-rise cornmeal
• 1 Cup self-rise flour
• 1/2 Cup chopped onion
• 7 oz diced canned jalapenos or 3/4 cup fresh jalapenos
• 15 oz creamed corn
• 2 eggs (beaten lightly)
• salt and pepper to taste

*Heat oil to 350 in a large deep frying pan or dutch oven
*Mix cornmeal, flour, onion, jalapenos, corn, and eggs together. Let stand for 5 minutes
* Drop batter by the teaspoon-full into hot oil. Let cook until golden brown
* Sprinkle with Salt & Pepper to taste

(Makes 36 Hushpuppies)

Main Course:
Chicken & Dumplings

• 1 roasting chicken, cut up
• 6 cups water
• 6 peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• ½ cup sliced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• ¼ cup chopped onions
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 1 cup sifted all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons water
• chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

*Cover chicken with 6 cups of water in large pot. Add salt, peppercorns, cayenne pepper, dill, basil, parsley and carrots. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until tender.
* Remove chicken and carrots from broth with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add celery, onion, and frozen peas to broth and simmer for 15 minutes.
* Meanwhile, make dumplings. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, and butter, mixing with a fork. Make a well in center of flour. Add egg and 2 tablespoons water and beat with a fork until ingredients are combined. Place the dough on a lightly floured cutting board and roll out until ¼ inch thick. Cut into strips 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.Bring broth to a rolling boil and add dumplings, taking care to make sure dumplings don't stick together. Cover and return to boiling. Do not lift lid. When broth returns to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove lid and return chicken and carrots to broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Remove chicken and carrots from broth with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add celery, onion, and frozen peas to broth and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make dumplings. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, and butter, mixing with a fork. Make a well in center of flour. Add egg and 2 tablespoons water and beat with a fork until ingredients are combined. Place the dough on a lightly floured cutting board and roll out until ¼ inch thick. Cut into strips 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.

Bring broth to a rolling boil and add dumplings, taking care to make sure dumplings don't stick together. Cover and return to boiling. Do not lift lid. When broth returns to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove lid and return chicken and carrots to broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Read more at Suite101: Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: Flat or Dropped Dumplings: Grandma's Traditional Comfort Food http://southerncuisine.suite101.com/article.cfm/grandmas_chicken_and_dumplings#ixzz0tF8JaBVf

(Serves 6)

Recipe can be found here

Remove chicken and carrots from broth with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add celery, onion, and frozen peas to broth and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make dumplings. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, and butter, mixing with a fork. Make a well in center of flour. Add egg and 2 tablespoons water and beat with a fork until ingredients are combined. Place the dough on a lightly floured cutting board and roll out until ¼ inch thick. Cut into strips 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.

Bring broth to a rolling boil and add dumplings, taking care to make sure dumplings don't stick together. Cover and return to boiling. Do not lift lid. When broth returns to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove lid and return chicken and carrots to broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Read more at Suite101: Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: Flat or Dropped Dumplings: Grandma's Traditional Comfort Food http://southerncuisine.suite101.com/article.cfm/grandmas_chicken_and_dumplings#ixzz0tF8JaBVf

Remove chicken and carrots from broth with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add celery, onion, and frozen peas to broth and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make dumplings. In a large bowl combine flour, salt, and butter, mixing with a fork. Make a well in center of flour. Add egg and 2 tablespoons water and beat with a fork until ingredients are combined. Place the dough on a lightly floured cutting board and roll out until ¼ inch thick. Cut into strips 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.

Bring broth to a rolling boil and add dumplings, taking care to make sure dumplings don't stick together. Cover and return to boiling. Do not lift lid. When broth returns to boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove lid and return chicken and carrots to broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

Read more at Suite101: Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe: Flat or Dropped Dumplings: Grandma's Traditional Comfort Food http://southerncuisine.suite101.com/article.cfm/grandmas_chicken_and_dumplings#ixzz0tF8JaBVf

Grandmother's Spicy Cornbread

• 1/2 cup oil
• 1 cup Aunt Jemima Hot Rize Buttermilk Cornmeal
• 1 c buttermilk
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 T (more or less to taste- it's hot!!) Siracha Hot Chili Sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
• Honey (for dipping)

* Bake at 425 for 20 minutes or until golden brown in cast iron skillet
* Let cool and slice. Dip in honey and enjoy!

Green Beans with sauteed onions and toasted almonds

• 2 cans cut green beans
  
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 T olive oil
• 1/2 T butter
• 2/3 cup diced onion

* Heat green beans in pot over medium heat
* Heat olive oil and butter over medium high heat in pansouth, southern food, recipes, cornbread, buttermilk pie, mint julep, chicken dumplings, paula deen, hush
*Saute onion and almond in pan, add salt and pepper to taste
*Add sauteed onion and almond to green beans & let green beans continue to cook until tender

Dessert:
Paula Deen's Buttermilk Pie

• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup biscuit mix
• 3 eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 t vanilla
• 1/3 c melted butter

*Beat w/ mixer just until moist
*Pour into butter-greased pan
* Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until golden brown
* Top with powdered sugar or whip cream and berries

Cocktail:
Mint Julep

• 3 oz Bourbon whiskey
  
• 4-6 mint leaves
• sugar, to taste
  

*Place mint, sugar, and ice in glass
* Add Bourbon, stir, and let chill.

Enjoy!

2010 Cosmetic Trendspotting

Welcome to the year of Turquoise, Soft Pinks, and Slate Grays! Beauty buffs, expect a summer season full of indefinitely colorful cosmetic surprises! I've tried and tested the best cosmetics of 2010 and here they are! They're sure to keep your summer bright, no sweat!

Best Lash Primer: Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus

Looking for a primer that conditions and lifts your eyelashes without the hard white residue that is oh-so unflattering beneath your mascara? Search over. This primer slides on translucent while it separates, moisturizes, and lifts lashes so that mascara goes on clean. Unlike other primers, it makes eye-make removal easier so that you won't have to spare any lashes at the end of the day!

Best Mascara: Maybelline Lash Stiletto

Say goodbye to sticky mascara! Lash Stiletto contains a Pro-Vitamin B-5 formula that grips lashes like silk without clumping or drying out lashes. The elastic enriched formula also really stretches lashes while making them shine!

Best Eye Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil

My new favorite eyeliner! As a glitter-wary metalli-phobe, I tend to cling to smooth, matte colors when it comes to cosmetics, but Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On Pencil has turned me into a loyal fan. This pencil glides on like gel (no, really it does) and is easly smudged into a shaddow with a good brush (I suggest the Smashbox Creme Eyeliner Brush #9). Even better, the metallic/glitter composition is just light enough to make the yellow & green highlights in my brown eyes pop.

Speaking of Brushes...

If you've fallen prey to our current decade of "green marketing" like most of us, allow me to say... natural isn't always better. Brushes made of natural (animal) hair absorb dirt, oil, and cosmetic build up just like our natural hair. Unless you want to commit to cleaning these brushes at least once a day, count on breakouts and red, itchy, irritated skin. Bare Minerals brushes are particularly harsh on the skin as the hairs are cut with sharp edges for better application of the mineral makeup. These sharp hairs can jab the pores with dirt and oil making the skin look and feel less than nice. Synthetic brushes on the other hand, are antibacterial, last longer, are less harsh on the skin, and only need to be cleaned about once a week with soap and water.

Best Brush: Smashbox Creme Eyeliner Brush #9

This brush is the mother of all professional eyeliner brushes! Turn liner into shaddow, create smoky eyes with a few strokes, and smudge liner to create softer lines without sticking yourself in the eye with too-sharp bristles.

Best Foundation:
Urban Decay Surreal Skin Universal Mineral Powder

Surreal Skin by Urban Decay gives you the same lightweight coverage as other leading mineral powder makeup Bare Minerals without poky brushes, bismuth, and mess. Not to mention, it's lighter on the wallet!

$30.00 at Ulta

Best Highlighter:
Benefit High Beam Satin Pink Highlighter

Hands down, the best highlighter of 2010. The small brush applicator makes for easy application in delicate places. The best way to apply is to create three small dots along the cheek line and a couple dots beneath the brow. Then smudge this lightweight creamy highlighter in. This formula is not heavy or sticky and creates a healthy natural looking glow.

Best Under Eye Concealer:
Smashbox High Definition Concealer

Smashbox's High Definition concealer may not only be the best concealer of 2010. It may be the best...ever. If you have been on a mission to find an under-eye concealer that will cover dark circles without sinking into creases or fine lines, or giving you that albino raccoon look, this is it! Smashbox's weightless color-matching actually works. Not to mention, this line, originally created for photo shoots, is boss at catching light just right. Not only will you not feel like you're wearing anything under your eyes, you won't look like you are either. Just naturally rested, without the freakish yellow/orange tint that other concealers so fabulously provided in the past.

Best Lip gloss: Smashbox Limitless Longwear Lip gloss

It does exist! Cocktail-proof lip gloss-and you thought it was just a myth! Limitless Long Wear lip gloss by Smashbox stays on for (up to 6) hours; even happy hour. My favorite shade is "Infinite," a light pinky-nude gloss that goes with everything. Unlike other popular long-wear glosses (like Estee Lauder's High Gloss) that use glitter to create a metal-slick shine, Limitless Long Wear is infused with vitamins A, C, & E for a healthy conditioned shine that won't leave your lips dry and glitter stained after a a drink with the girls.

Best Polish/Color Trends:

These shades are sure to be this year's hottest trends! The 2010 color pallet is all about girly, earthy, and bold. Expect to see less of the classic apple red/hot pink and more Indigo, Teal, Yellow, Robins' Egg, Soft Pink, and Slate on lady fingers.

Pop Nail Glam in "Turquoise"

O.P.I "Soft Pink" Collection

Rescue Beauty Lounge in "Concrete Jungle"

Misa in "Sorry"

O.P.I in "No Room For The Blues"

O.P.I in "Banana Bandanna"

6 Reasons Why Etsy is the Answer

My recent lack of work has had me glued to my computer screen in search of all the things I shouldn't buy with a damaged cash flow. Fortunately, the trail led to Etsy.com. So I thought I'd share with you six reasons why Etsy.com is my favorite site of the week. If it isn't already, it will soon be every girl's best friend.


Reason #1 Vintage Finds in Mint Condition























Reason #2 Unique Accessories












Reason # 3 Patterns & Texture
































Reason #4 Leathers, Pleathers, and Feathers






Reason #5 Handmade Treasures





Reason #6 Save a Buck!

-Everything posted is available on Etsy-most items for under $100!