6.05.2013

Happy June everyone! I apologize that this post is a little late, but as the saying goes...better late then never. This month's question comes from Kristen: What's your go-to recipe? Drink, dinner, dessert, whatever!

My go-to recipes are extremely boring. Yawn-inducing, really. We eat a lot of grilled chicken around here, coupled with asparagus, mushrooms, green beans, and other grilled or sauteed vegetables. We usually just put a little garlic salt on the chicken and then throw it on our outdoor grill that my mom gave us as a housewarming present. Other go-to's include salmon (also grilled with some olive oil and lemon) and whole wheat Spaghetti. Nothing ground breaking.



The one recipe I do want to share with you guys is something that my fiance's mom taught me. The recipe is actually from Pepperidge Farms so I cant take any credit. It's a delicious appetizer to serve for a dinner party. She usually makes it during the holidays, but I love it year round because it contains my ultimate guilty pleasure - cheese :)

Baked Brie

Ingredients:
1/2 of a 17.3-ounce package Pepperidge Farm® Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet), thawed according to package directions
1 (8-ounce) Brie cheese round
1 egg
1 tbsp. water

Directions: 
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Unfold the pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Place the cheese in the center. Fold the pastry up over the cheese to cover. Trim the excess pastry and press to seal. Reserve the pastry scraps for decoration (you can also skip this if you like). 

Beat the egg and water in a small bowl with a fork or whisk. Brush the seam of the pastry with egg mixture. Place seam side down on a baking sheet. Decorate with pastry scraps if desired. Brush with the egg mixture. 

Bake for 25 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Let stand for 20 minutes before serving. I like to enjoy a slice with a glass of wine. Super easy to make, even for a beginner like me! You can drizzle honey for a sweet taste.














♥ Noelle

6.03.2013





Shorts - Loft
Blouse - Express  (comes in so many colors and prints! I snagged one in polka dot too)
Pumps - J Crew
Bag - Juicy (old)
Necklace - Lisa Taubes via The Current Custom
Ring - Family heirloom from my great grandmother :)
Nails - Essie Lights, Lips - See Sheer by MAC


I think this is my new Summer uniform you guys. An easy breezy button down adds polish to otherwise basic shorts. Except, these are anything but basic! The floral print is such a standout, and paired with my favorite raspberry pumps, the look goes from beach to dinner with hardly any effort at all. I've noticed that this season, I'm either wearing black and white or tons of vibrant colors! What can I say? It's all a balancing act.

What's you Summer 2013 uniform?
More on my upcoming Summer next week!

♥ Noelle

5.30.2013


 I've always said that there's no better pick-me-up than treating yourself to some pretty beauty products. They must be completely unnecessary too, and the more spontaneous the purchase, the better :)


Stila Countless Color Pigments in Lyric - At first I wasn't sure what to do with this until I realized what a gorgeous shade of hot pink it would produce on the cheeks. I take a big fluffy brush, swirl it in the pan and apply it generously to my face. The warmth it brings is beautiful, and it really lights up my complexion. Other pigments in the line I think would be great as eye shadow, but lyric in particular caught my eye as a blush. 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in # 6 (Pink in Devotion) - This is my first YSL lipstick in this famously luxurious tube. The color is so vibrant in person, but the glossy stain-like formula makes it a bit more wearable. It literally glides on the lips and the outcome? Well, just beautiful, especially for Summertime. Last worn here.

Fekkai Glossing Cream - I swore by this when I was in my late teens and early twenties, and I have no clue why I ever stopped! One little drop and my frizzy hair is transformed into brilliant shine. I found mine at Target, but I've seen it at Ulta, Sephora, and online. 

What little luxuries do you treat yourself to?
♥ Noelle

5.28.2013



Maxi  - BR (old) (similar)
Cardigan - LOFT
Necklace - Target (check stores) (pretty option)
Bracelets - Stella & Dot and Oia Jules
Flip Flops - Reef (old) (similar)



I love mixing pieces that are inexpensive with something that's a bit higher end. This black maxi tank dress was on mega sale last year from Banana Republic. It's such an easy piece to throw on, and the slinky fabric is incredibly light weight. It's so comfortable that I feel like I've escaped my bed wearing pajamas! I mixed it with my new MK satchel and it was a great way to kick off Memorial day weekend. More inexpensive maxi dresses are in my future. I think one in coral would be gorgeous :)

♥ Noelle

5.22.2013



Blazer - H&M (check stores)
Jeans - LOFT
Bag - J Crew Factory (similar)
Necklaces - Oia Jules & Stella & Dot




Tis the season to display your pretty pedi and slip on some open toe shoes. Truth be told, I haven't worn a pair of wedges in what feels like years! I remember back in college, wedges were the step up from flats. Instead of teetering on one heel, I wobbled through many events wearing high platform wedges. They served as good practice and they were much easier to walk in then stilettos. However, since my early twenties, I think I actually prefer a heel. A mid heel. But when I spotted these at Target, I had to try them on. Memories of college parties got the best of me, and I took them home. They stand out in my sea of flats and pumps. They are perfect for Summer.  

It's also the season for high winds in our area, and this little photo shoot lasted all of two minutes before I high-tailed it inside :)

♥ Noelle

5.20.2013



Blouse - Express
Shorts - LOFT
Flats - Ivanka Trump (similar)
Bag - Juicy (old)
Necklace - Kate Spade




How adorable are these shorts?! The pretty lilac color and of course, the lace. Sold! Like a moth to a flame, I was drawn to these immediately while browsing through Loft. I also ordered two more pairs - one in mint and one in a coral/floral print. They are really comfortable and the 4" rise is great.


I hope you all had a beautiful weekend

♥ Noelle