Tag: Pinterest

Loving Lately

Posted on by KSSBelle

Happy Wednesday, Friends! I wanted to drop in and say “hi!” during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. I’m really trying to slow down & truly enjoy the “moments of the season.” I hope that you & yours are doing the same as well!
Instead of giving you another “gift guide,” I thought I’d share with you a few things that I’m “loving lately” for a little bit of a lighter post. I don’t know about you, but sometimes reading all of these “gift guide” posts starts to stress me out about all of the things I have left to do on my list. Anyone else feel this way? Of course, we’re all looking for the perfect gifts for our loved ones (and having help is amazing), but sometimes it’s nice to stumble upon that “perfect gift” on our own, and get that really excited feeling knowing that “yes, this is it, they’ll love it.”

Here’s what I’m “loving lately!”

Leslie Odom Jr., Simply Christmas

His album is amazing, so classic & relaxing for Christmas! Download this album, you won’t regret it, trust me!

Mules

These mules are the most comfortable pair of flats that I’ve ever worn. So worth the $24.99! They come in a blush color as well!

 Leopard-print Cup

How happy is this cup? I LOVE coffee/tea, & pretty much always have a cup of coffee in my hand (or one that I’m re-heating multiple times a day), so what better way to make it more fun & girly, right?

Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo

My hair stylist introduced me to this dry shampoo, and oh my, it not only smells heavenly, it works beautifully too!

Hallmark Christmas Movies
I’ve been watching this channel non-stop in the evenings! My poor husband! I literally know what’s going to happen within the first 5 minutes, but I STILL end up watching the entire cheesy movie until the end and even cry, every time! I’ve been watching this movie channel for many, many years. I love feel good movies, especially centered around the magic of Christmas, and I know that I owe my husband a lot of his movie picks after the holidays are over! Poor guy!

Kate Spade 2018 Planner

These planners are great (tons of space available to actually write), and I still write everything down. Old school, I know. I think this is a fun one, even though I actually make a point not to be late. However, if I’m late, it IS probably because I’ve changed my outfit a few too many times. I’ve been guilty of this since the second grade! SO, this might be the planner for next year.

Paper Source Tea Towels

Our oldest is obsessed with puppy dogs, so these “happy howl-iday” tea towels make us pretty darn happy everyday in the kitchen! (I also happen to be pretty obsessed with dogs, too!)

Twilly d’Hermes

I think I have to ask Santa for this for Christmas. In one of my Nordstrom orders, I received a sample of this, and it smells amazing. Even my husband noticed how good it smells, which says something!

Faux Fur Stole

I love the warmth and how chic these faux fur stoles look this time of year!

H&M Turtleneck Sweater

Skinny jeans/pants & an oversized sweater = my winter uniform! So cozy!

Sonix Tortoise iPhone Case

My iPhone case broke a few months ago, so I’ve been on the hunt for a new case, and this one might just fit the bill.


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This pretty much sums “me” up. How about you?

Today’s a gift, enjoy it!
~Kelly

Friday Favorites

Posted on by KSSBelle

Happy Friday, Friends! We’re finally feeling the crisp, cooler temperatures here, and we’re loving every minute of it. I was so excited about it, that last Sunday, I made a huge pot of homemade chili. Thank you Mom for the best recipe! I’ll post the recipe soon on the blog.

Here’s another edition of “Friday Favorites” for you!

ONE
Velvet Bow Ponytail Holder

 If you have long hair, and are short on time, just dress up your ponytail with a bow this holiday season. It’s the perfect finishing touch, and oh so chic!

TWO
Accent Decor Boxwood Wreath

 

I love decorating with preserved boxwood. I have a little bit all over our house with wreaths & topiaries. You can top this gorgeous wreath off with a bow that matches your Christmas decor, then just hang it on a large mirror or on the back of your front door! I would recommend hanging it inside, since it will not hold up against the outside elements.  You can change the bow out from season to season, too.

THREE
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

I’m a big fan of this highlighter. I use it year round for the prettiest glow.

FOUR
J.Crew Lace Pants

These lace pants are great for the holiday parties/dinners on your calendar. The best part? They have an elastic waist (shhhh…I won’t tell, if you don’t tell!) I’m pretty sure I haven’t had a pair of pants with an elastic waistband since the 5th grade, except for leggings. Thank you J.Crew for combining style & comfort this holiday season! Ha!

FIVE

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Happy Weekending!
~Kelly

Friday Favorites!

Posted on by KSSBelle

Happy Friday, Friends! It has been a little bit of a shock this week to be back to our normal routine, especially after such a relaxing vacation in Wintergreen Resort last weekend! I hope y’all had a wonderful week, and that you’re ready for the weekend. Who isn’t? Ha!

Here’s another edition of “Friday Favorites!” A little shopping, and a great (inexpensive) wine you should pick up at Trader Joe’s!

ONE
Tory Burch Clara Bow Flats

TB Bow flats

These.bow.flats. Absolutely adorable.

TWO
CHANEL LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Colour
CHANEL LE VERNIS
The only nail polish you’ll need, year round! Love this color, “Espadrilles!”

THREE
Kate Spade New York Small Satchel
kate spade mini
The perfect “date night” bag. Less is more.

FOUR
Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc 
pictin bay wine
This wine is so light & refreshing! The best part? It’s under $8.00, and you’d never know it! Love Trader Joe’s.

FIVE
quote

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This quote! So incredibly true.

Happy Weekending!
~Kelly

Friday Favorites

Posted on by KSSBelle

Happy Friday! This weekend is supposed to be absolutely beautiful weather-wise, so we’ll be spending it outdoors playing with our little ones, and hopefully sneaking in a few dinners al fresco style!

Here’s another edition of “Friday Favorites” for you!

ONE
Vince Camuto Balloon Blouse

Vince Top

This top is so chic, and would be gorgeous dressed up, or perfect with distressed jeans & a cute pair of leopard flats. It comes in 3 colors.

TWO
 J.Crew Ruffle Houndstooth Skirt

j.crew houndstooth skirtFunny story, I wore a black & white houndstooth skirt on the first date with my husband (many moons ago & it fits & is still in my closet..haha!), and this one has caught my eye because of that sentimental reason! Love the ruffles! It would be so pretty with sweaters, blouses, etc in the Fall!

THREE
NEST Candle

nest pumpkin chai candle
We’ve started decorating our house for Fall, and this candle is perfect for in our kitchen! I love having a candle burning while I cook/bake!

FOUR
Tory Burch Love Relentlessly 

TB ParfumThis is my new favorite scent! This rollerball size is the perfect way to try a new scent & is great for carrying in your handbag!

FIVE
This quote.

quote
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Have a wonderful weekend!
~Kelly

Raspberry-Almond Shortbread Cookies

Posted on by KSSBelle

Ever since having our little one (19 months ago), I haven’t been baking as much as I used to in the past. I think the main reason is the fact that I spend my days chasing after a busy little bee all day, nor, do I want the temptation around my house. After all, I have worked really hard to lose all of the baby weight. The extra calories are just not worth it in my mind.  And, I love my clothes that much.

However,  I do think about baking during nap time, but then I end up folding laundry or vacuuming instead (I know, oh so glamorous, right?). No, really, I love taking care of my little family.

thumbprints
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Enough rambling for now, and back to the baking. I’ve never made thumbprint cookies. Have you? These look and sound delicious. So, I plan on making these this weekend.  Of course, much to my husband’s dismay, I will give most of them away, like I always do. I just love this time of year – the perfect excuse to bake for family and friends!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup seedless red raspberry jam
sugar for sprinkling
1 cup powdered sugar
3 to 4 teaspoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl beat butter medium speed for about 30 seconds. Add the the 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Beat until well combined. Beat in as much flour as you can with electric mixer and then using a wooden spoon stir in any remaining flour. Cover and chill for 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Using your thumb, press an indentation into the center of each ball. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the jam into each indentation and then sprinkle with sugar. Bake about 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute. Transfer cookies to wire racks to finish cooling.

3. For icing, in a medium bowl combine powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon water and 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract. Add enough of the remaining water to make a drizzling consistency. Drizzle cookies with icing.

Creamy Tomato, Basil, Parmesan Soup

Posted on by KSSBelle

With the cooler temperatures coming soon (yay!), I decided it was time to breakout my trusty crockpot and start making more Fall recipes. I found this easy, soup recipe on Pinterest yesterday, and just had to go ahead and make it for the week ahead. We really like the fact that this soup is loaded with vegetables as well. The recipe doesn’t call for an avocado when serving it, but I added an avocado to the top when I served it last night. I hope you like this soup as much as we do!

creamy tomato


Creamy Tomato, Basil, Parmesan Soup
Adapted from Tastes Better From Scratch

Serves 8

Ingredients:

  • 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with the juice
  • 1 cup finely diced carrots
  • 1 cup finely diced onions
  • 1 cup finely diced celery
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Tbsp fresh oregano
  • ¼ cup fresh basil (or 1 Tbsp dry basil)
  • ½ cup butter
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1½ cups half and half
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Add diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, celery, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and basil to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

About 30 minutes before the soup is ready, prepare a roux. Melt the butter over medium low heat in a skillet and add the flour. Whisk together constantly for about 10 minutes or until the roux is a nice golden brown color. Slowly add 1 cup of the soup from the slow cooker to the roux–it will start to form a thick paste.  Slowly add another 3 cups of warm soup to the roux. Whisk together until smooth. Add the roux mixture to the slow cooker.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, half and half, and salt and pepper. Add additional oregano and basil if needed, to tastes. Stir well. Cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes.