Fashion Star

Official Fashion Star Logo

The recently launched NBC show Fashion Star has not only gained my fashion appeal approval but seems to be gaining popularity quickly. Fashion Star has been a fascinating way to display apparel, a talented designer, and lack drama of other reality type shows - BONUS!! The show is based on launching the careers of talented designers from all over the US.

Each week host model Elle Macpherson, celebrity designers Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and one of my favorite legendary menswear designers John Varvatos, critique each designers collection. The collections are then presented in a final fashion show reveling the product to buyers from H&M, Saks Fifth Ave, and Macy's. Each designer that is presented with an offer by one of the buyers, immediately debuts their collection and is available for purchase to the public the very next day after the show!! Talk about instant gratification for aspiring shoppers! You can go directly to the store locations or shop right online to purchase the winners of the night.

Here are some of my favorite collections and designers from the show. If you are ever interested in buying the designs you see, shop QUICKLY! All the designs seem to sell out by the time I get to the site! It would be fun to have a one of a kind piece!

Kara Laricks - She seems to show a diverse era of Women's wear with a masculine twist. During week one she designed these collar pieces some with ties attached and I loved it!! Her recent shift dress and tuxedo pants have also been major hits in my book! Check out her designs at Saks HERE!

Nzimiro Oputa -  Nzimiro's menswear shorts he designed last night were awesome! I would totally have bought them for my husband but like I said before, they sell out quickly! Check out this designs at H&M HERE!

Ross Bennett - Although Ross has struggled a bit through the competition, I adored the cuffed pleated satin shorts he designed last night! I really want these shorts in the Floral print. See his designs at Macy's HERE!

Orly Shani - This week she designed an fun and sophisticated scoop neck jersey dress. Her dress was presented in 3 fabulous colors with a color block belt. The orange is for sale at Saks HERE! This is a must have piece I think in every closet. Very versatile and fun!

Check out the show and let me know what you think! NBC - Tuesdays 10pm/9c.

Maple Glazed Doughnuts

 
When my sister and I were younger, my Dad would make us delicious simple doughnuts on the weekends which we LOVED. So, this past weekend, I introduced them to my husband for our Sunday morning breakfast.
These doughnuts are so simple but so tasty you will want to make them again and again!! They are romantic enough for two or fun for the kids and the whole family!

Ingredients:

• 1 can of biscuits. (I prefer the non-flaky ones as they will hold together better.)
• Canola Oil or other baking oil. Quantity: Enough to fill your pan with 1'' of oil.
• 4 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar
• 2-3 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup
• 1 teaspoon of milk 

To Make Doughnuts:

•  Add oil to a large sauce pan or deep skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Not too hot to create smoking or popping, just to get the oil hot. 
• Simply open the package of biscuits and separate out on a flat surface. Take a small circular object, I used the large end of a piping tip. Anything to create that hole in the middle of your doughnuts. 
•  Pierce a hole through each biscuit saving the round hole part as well. 

 

• Test the oil temp by dropping in a doughnut hole. If it starts to sizzle and bake, the oil is ready. If not, may need to turn up the heat a little.
• Next, drop a few doughnuts in at a time into the oil but allow space for them to move around. Fry on each side, flipping half way through for 2-3 minutes each side until a golden color is achieved.

•  Remove from oil and place doughnuts on paper towels to cool slightly.

•  Continue until all doughnuts and doughnut holes are cooked.
• For the glaze: In a bowl combine, Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup, and milk until creamy smooth glaze is achieved. If needed, add more maple syrup and milk for thinner texture OR more powdered sugar for a thicker texture.

 

• Lastly, glaze each doughnut and set on a wire rack to cool and for glaze to set up. Serve immediately. 

Alas! Enjoy a deliciously sweet simple doughnut! Mmmmmm

Essie Nails

Since it's now Spring time, I needed to revamp my nail polish collection!! What better way to do that than with Essie Nail Polish!
Essie is one of my all time favorite nail polish brands. I love OPI as well but Essie's formula, color-stay, color choice, and availability has always won me over!
Essie has actually been around since about 1981! So, for the past 31 years, you can bet they have developed an award winning formula. :-)

To update my nail polish selection I bought the newest trend released."Luxeffects" collection called Shine of the Times, one of the longest lasting colors in the company Baby's Breath, and the sweetly boxed Spring Time collection called, "Spring" which includes colors; Ole' Caliente, To Buy or Not to Buy, Tour de Finance, and Navigate Her.

To start of my springy nail look I painted a thick coat of Navigate Her and let dry thoroughly.

 

Next I topped the pale green with Shine of the Times to achieve this fresh, shimmery, sophisticated look!

I'm looking forward to seeing what else I can do with the Luxeffects Shine of the Times!



 

Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey's Irish Cream Frosting

 Happy St. Patty's Day today!!! I've always loved this holiday and I think I got that from my Grandma. She always loved this lucky green holiday and may she live on in spirit of me today! :)

I tried out this cupcake recipe that I borrowed from Food.com and let me tell you, these are awesome! I've never baked with my beloved beer beverage before but it made for one delicious treat! I followed the batter recipe exactly but I did switch up the frosting recipe a bit by using Bailey's Irish Cream Coffee Creamer instead of actual Bailey's! Since I'm expecting, I didn't want to add alcohol to my frosting but the frosting turned out luscious, creamy, and delightful!!


Check out the recipe HERE!!

For my non-alcoholic frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter - room temp

4 cups confectioners sugar

pinch of salt

3-4 (depending on texture preference) tablespoons of Bailey's Irish Cream Coffee Creamer.

Add a few drops of Green Food Coloring to seal the Irish deal!

 
-In a bowl using a hand mixer or an electric mixer, cream butter on medium speed until light and fluffy.
-Add salt and mix.
-Next, on low speed and slowly add confectioners sugar until all is absorbed in the butter. Will be a bit crumbly. 
-Lastly, add tablespoons one at a time of Coffee Creamer while mixing, until smooth frosting consistency is achieved.

These are sure to say, "Kiss me, I'm Irish!!" MUAH!

Raw never tasted so good!

I'm all about indulging into exquisite rich desserts and crunchy french fries from time to time but one of my favorite almost gilt-free desserts are these Mini Raw Brownies. I've had some experience with a Raw Diet and although time consuming, I loved it! Here is the brownie recipe I came up with. Its simple to make, no baking required, and delicious!! Enjoy!

Amy's Raw Brownie Bites

For Brownie Bites:
1.5 Cups of Pecans
1.5 Cups of Almonds
2 Tablespoons of Almond Butter
1/4 Cup of Agave
1/4 Cup of Cocoa Powder
Pinch of Salt

For Frosting:
2 Cups of Walnuts
2 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract
1/2 Cup of Water
1/4 Cup Agave

Instructions

1.) Begin with the frosting by combining all 4 ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth creamy mixture. Spoon into bowl and place in fridge while preparing brownies.
2.) Clean food processor to use for brownie mix.
3.) Combine all brownie ingredients into food processor and combine until all nuts are finely ground and a dough starts to form. If dough looks too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
4.) Scoop out about 1 Tablespoon of Brownie dough. Roll into small ball and place on serving dish. With thumb, gently push down the middle of the ball leaving a slight dip for the frosting. **Do this until all dough is gone.
5.) Remove frosting from fridge. Spoon or pipe frosting onto the tops of brownies and serve!

***Brownies store best in the refrigerator. Allow brownie to get to room temp for best flavor before indulging.

Sweet!

Spring has almost sprung!

Spring time is just around the corner as we say goodbye to February 2012!
I love when the seasons change because so does my wardrobe!! Here are some of my favorite picks for the upcoming Spring season!

JCPenny

Worthington Relaxed-Fit Ankle Pant - I love this style of pant and color for Spring. I think an ankle cut is cute and looks good on every one. Its a refreshing new twist on a pant for Spring and I love bold colors for this pant! $30

Anthropologie.com

Drawing Room Necklace in Green - I love the multi-colors and beading in this necklace. The neon green is sure to add pop to any outfit and the beads add a great texture and sophistication. $48. A splurge piece to have through Spring and Summer :)

Target.com

Jason Wu for Target Long-Sleeved Sheer Blouse - I love this blouse!!! It can be so versatile. It can be dressed up with heels and a skirt or paired nicely with the ankle trousers for a casual lunch out with the girls. And you can't go wrong with this fabulous deal by the talented Jason Wu!! Snag it before they are gone! $34.99

Target.com

License Juniors Geo Owl Graphic Tee - I'm loving neons this spring but to tame it down a bit since they can be over powering, I love a simple tee with decals of neon coloring. This simple tee can be paired with any bottom. Its fun and flirty! $12

 Zappos.com

Nine West Pitera Wedge - A color-blocked wedge is a must this Spring and Summer for me! You can find just about any color combination you like out there. I love a wedge because you get a little added lift but way more stability than with a regular heel. Keep it strappy to avoid color-block overload! ;) $89 **Another splurge piece but always check places like TJMaxx and any local boutiques. Lots of places are carrying this color-blocking style right now! Hot item!

Forever21.com

Wild Flower Earrings - I've really adored studs lately. I love the simplicity of adding a little jewel to your outfit without overtaking your face by a drop style. I love simple and chic for Spring 2012! These flowers just speak blooming Spring! $4.80 STEAL!

Zappos.com

ALDO Lotze Bone - I just came across this bag recently and I'm in love!! I was searching for a great mint colored bag for Spring as I love that as well but I think I love this one even more!!! Its poka dots add a spunky visual texture while the satchel style keeps it simple and classy. The color is neutral and can be paired with any outfit. $38.99 on sale right now!


Have fun springing into your new wardrobe!! ---<--@