Painter Tape Nail Art

As a nail stencil, try using a hole punch with some painter's tape!  I used a heart shaped punch:

 You will need two different colors of polish.  Place tape over fully dried nail in base color and secure in place before applying second nail polish color:

Peel away the tape once nail polish is completely dry:

Finish off with clear topcoat.

Slow Cooker Risotto

When I received my first slow cooker as a wedding gift four years ago, I was constantly trying to find good vegetarian recipes.  It seems that most slow cooker recipes are geared toward meat (and rightly so, since a slow cooker can make the toughest piece of meat tender and delicious).  Since I love being able to toss all my ingredients into one pot, flip a switch and have a delicious meal appear hours later, I am always trying to find more ways to use this appliance in a way that fits in with how I like to eat on a regular basis.

As I was leaving the office yesterday, my co-worker asked me if I ever use a slow-cooker to make dinner.  Suddenly a light bulb went off in my head:  I had been planning on giving risotto in the oven a shot, but why not try to see if I could make it in a slow cooker instead... Yes! This was possible! WHY did risotto never come up in my slow-cooker recipe searches??? This is now years gone by of lost risotto opportunities!!!  Better late than never I suppose...  If you don't own a slow cooker, I encourage you to try making it in the oven a la Joy the Baker.  Either method is far less intensive than babysitting your rice the entire time you are cooking (as described in my last risotto post here).

I adapted this Williams-Sonoma recipe for the slow cooker.  The recipe calls for leeks (which I LOVE), but alas, there were none at Trader Joes, so I substituted the leeks for 1 red onion and 1 shallot. 

First, saute the onions and shallots (or leeks) in olive oil for about 8 minutes, then add garlic, thyme and salt for one min before adding the rice for a few minutes until toasted.  Next, add the wine and cook for one minute before adding to slow cooker.

Toss the asparagus in olive oil, salt and pepper before sauteing for about 8 minutes before adding to the slow cooker along with the broth:

Cook mixture on high for 2 hours - once broth has been fully absorbed, add cheese and butter:

Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve!

The really nice thing about this slow cooker recipe is that it only requires about 2 hours (when it comes to slow cookers, this is super speedy).  Of course, of the three ways to prepare risotto, this is the slowest.

Flower Power

I am so enamored with the recent floral print trend that's everywhere, especially with spring approaching.  I really want a pair of floral printed pants/denim, but I also worry this may be another trend that would remain hanging in my closet... what do you think? Would you wear these? 

White Floral Print - ASOS

Mandy Floral Roll Up Jeans - Citizens of Humanity

Deb Printed Skinny Jeans - Kaleidoscope: Elizabeth & James

Skinny Jeans - DVF

River Island Jeans - Asos

Moto Floral Printed Hot Pants - Topshop

Floral Printed Skinny Belt - Forever 21

ALDO Rinks Floral Wedge Sandals

FEELINGOOD - Nine West

D Ring Bracelet

You may have noticed I tend to want to glue rhinestones onto pretty much anything I get my hands on... I initially set out to embellish a headband with some rhinestones, then ended up cropping it and using some D rings to turn it into a bracelet instead!

You will need an elastic stretchy headband (or some ribbon), rhinestones, strong glue, and some D rings:

Arrange and glue rhinestones on the headband:

Cut the headband into length that will wrap around wrist with some extra length to feed through the D ring closure.  Loop D rings on one end and secure by gluing edge of headband over the rings:

Finish the other end by folding over the edge 1/4 - 1/2 inch and gluing in place:

Wardrobe Checklist

Spring is inching closer, and I always like to take the time to do at least some spring cleaning, even if I don't have time for a huge overhaul.  Unfortunately, I tend to have a hard time actually getting rid of things, and my closet can end up being overrun by items I haven't worn in years (and in all likelihood, never will).

When I saw this Ultimate Spring Cleaning Wardrobe Checklist from InStyle, I knew it would help me clarify my closet this spring.  Time to get rid of the old, bring in some new & organize accordingly!

Are you an Ice Hova?

	Ice Hova
	A bold yet easy breezy type of woman. She approaches all aspects of life warmly and with a genuine smile, but when messed with in personal matters, she is relentlessly cool and apathetic. She is independent, proud, and respected. She is queen or Hova/God-like, without needing anyone telling her that she is one. She is elegant and good-hearted but also lives by the phrase "don't play games with someone who can play it better" One of my dearest friends in this world publishes the most amazing tumblr page: Ice Hova - The Anthology and I just had to share it; you need not look further for regular doses of inspiration.  The great thing is that she and her sister have been cultivating this for a few years now, so there is a wealth of material to brighten any day or moment.  Just click "random" for instant gratification.  It's an eclectic mix of material, from Emily Dickinson and Emerson to Lil Wayne and JayZ; you will be surprised, humored and motivated. Here are just a few of the MANY inspired (and often playful) quotes you will find on their site:

Geometric Animals

How awesome are these geometric animals made out of metal?  I love them all!

Now it's just a matter of figuring out what color and where it (they?) will go...

Savory Oatmeal

I have been wanting to try a savory oatmeal recipe for some time now.  After a long day of work and studying, it seemed like the perfect dinner to throw together in less than 10 minutes.  I found this recipe on Martha Stewart's website and it was amazingly delicious! Cheese really is good on anything and everything.  Including oatmeal.  This is comfort food without all the guilt.

This meal took no time at all - start boiling your oats and simmer for 5 minutes.  In the meantime, chop up your scallions and set out your cheese, heat the pan for the eggs and begin cooking them until the whites are firm and the yolks are still runny (about 3 minutes) - that is, if you're willing to run the risk of salmonella that comes with having soft-cooked eggs; some risks are just worth taking! (Until you get sick, I'm sure...)

Layer the cooked oatmeal in a bowl with cheese, an egg (seasoned with salt and pepper), then scallions.  This meal is incredibly filling and relatively healthy too.  I had planned on making this on a night where I was left to my own devices since I didn't think my husband would be excited to have oatmeal for dinner (and he wasn't exactly...), but I just couldn't wait any longer.  Fortunately, he loved it!  This will be one of those meals I turn to when I'm short on time.

You will seriously be amazed at how good this is.  It doesn't even taste like "oatmeal"!

Carrot-Pineapple Smoothie

I don't own a juicer, so this smoothie recipe seemed like a great way to get close to making a version of fresh juice at home without one.  It also resolves the issue I have with juicers, since they end up extracting the fiber from your fruits/veggies.  This way, it all stays together!  I love the concept (and taste) of mixing vegetables and fruit in one healthy and delicious mix.  You could choose to add protein powder to this to make it a bit more filling, but I kept it light and simple as an intra-day snack.

The ingredients are simple, and while you can follow the recipe, feel free to add more/less of your favorite ingredients.  You will need carrots, pineapple, orange juice, bananas & ice.

Blend, and enjoy!

Studded Friendship Bracelet

Sometimes the best weekends are those spent doing a lot of nothing.  I spent a large chunk of my time this past weekend catching up on season 2 of Downton Abbey & I can't think of a better way to spend an entire day. 

While watching the show, I started making a knotted chevron friendship bracelet (some detailed instructions here if you need a refresher).

To jazz up my end product, I studded it!  Now I can't wait to make a bunch more of these in different colors and sizes to wear together.

Just press the studs onto the bracelet wherever you'd like and bend in the prongs to secure in place:

Now, just finish the ends of the bracelet.  You can do this in a number of ways - I used gold end caps and clasps to match the gold studs.

Improved Brie & Pear Pizza

A few months ago, I made this brie and pear pizza...

UPDATE: I made this again recently with some serious improvements!!!

First, layer the dough with creme fraiche (Trader Joe's also carries this pre-made).

Then top with caramelized red onions (thinly slice about 3 onions and saute for about 10 minutes in olive oil & butter).  Add some fresh cloves of garlic (I threw on some freshly chopped shallots too).

I found brie with Chanterelle mushrooms and it was a fantastic addition. 

If you can't find that, use regular brie and add the mushrooms separately to the pizza.

Finally, top with sliced pears.
 

Bake in preheated 450 degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Top with spinach and serve!