If you have been following me for a while, you already know that I am obsessed with Vintage Jewelry. I love all types but I am always on the hunt for unique costume pieces. I have found some of my favorite items in flea markets from Miami, to random shops in Paris to stalls on Portobello Rd and everywhere in between. Current prices really do not have the quality and longevity that their counterparts from the past do. And, most of the vintage pieces have so much style and are really timeless looking. One of my other go-tos to find some of the best earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets is Etsy. I keep a running list of favorites and go back to it when I need gifts or am looking for something to match a particular outfit. Designer pieces are really the “Unicorn” find but most not marked items are really the special pieces because you can grab something really beautiful for a fraction of the price. Here are some of my most recent finds on Etsy…click the image for more information.
I love these waterfall pearl statement earrings, they can be worn casually or dressed up for a special occasion!
These circle drop earrings are very mid-century modern..This is one of my favorite looks…
For years I have been searching for a set of jade bangles…they are really hard to find..I love the colors in these
These drop flowers are gorgeous!!!!!
I think these are so interesting too..love the disco ball look..
Charm bracelets are my favorite and a dangling clover is sooo perfect…Its hard to find one of a good size
Here is the same circle design with lucite loops…gorgeous!!!
This Asian character cuff is perfection
I have this charm bracelet in the gold tone. I wear it all the time.. Everyone stops and asks me about it. Its soo beautiful in person.
This acorn style bracelet was so popular in the 60’s and 70’s. I love the brown hue.
These Asian character earrings are one of my favorite pieces that I have found on Etsy in a while.
I love that you can wear this pendant doubled or long and the tassel gives it a little something extra!!!
Another cool Asian design..
This jade charm bracelet is another of my favorite pieces…
I also have this in Gold..I love the hanging discs. Its such a statement piece..
I am head over heels for this ring. I love the braided gold design and beautiful color of the stone..
Another fabulous pair of statement earrings..the design is so timeless…
I love the bamboo style and white enamel combo of this band ring…
This statement necklace is outstanding…I can see this worn with so many outfits…from dresses to a t-shirt or cashmere sweater and jeans.
A recommendation for this week’s book, What Kind Of Woman by Kate Baer came across my email. This book is so unique because it is a collection of poems that are uplifting for all the roles that women’s play in today’s world. It is the type of book that my readers say that they keep on their nightstand and reread constantly….Here is the summary:
An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
“If you want your breath to catch and your heart to stop, turn to Kate Baer.”–Joanna Goddard, Cup of Jo
A stunning and honest debut poetry collection about the beauty and hardships of being a woman in the world today, and the many roles we play – mother, partner, and friend.
“When life throws you a bag of sorrow, hold out your hands/Little by little, mountains are climbed.” So ends Kate Baer’s remarkable poem “Things My Girlfriends Teach Me.” In “Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels” she challenges her reader to consider their grandmother’s cake, the taste of the sea, the cool swill of freedom. In her poem “Deliverance” about her son’s birth she writes “What is the word for when the light leaves the body?/What is the word for when it/at last, returns?”
Through poems that are as unforgettably beautiful as they are accessible, Kate Bear proves herself to truly be an exemplary voice in modern poetry. Her words make women feel seen in their own bodies, in their own marriages, and in their own lives. Her poems are those you share with your mother, your daughter, your sister, and your friends. – Amazon.com
For More Information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
I was first introduced to Cutco by a friend’s son years ago. I ordered a few things to support his business but I never expected to become a fan. I try to buy something from Cutco a couple of times a year. My husband swears they are the best knives we have in our kitchen. In fact he particularly loves the “trimmer”. In case you did not know about Cutco, they are all American made knives that come in 3 colors, classic black, pearl white and red. They are 100% GUARANTEED FOREVER: Forever Performance Guarantee, Forever Sharpness Guarantee. Every purchase comes with a 15 Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee so you can try it out for 3 weeks risk free. All products are dishwasher safe and are made with an exclusive Double D Edge, which will stay shart for a minimum of 7 to 10 years.
Cutco also sells gift sets, like steak knives and awesome gadgets too
A friend’s daughter Caroline Neave is selling Cutco and has recently launched her business. She has great sales calls via Zoom and I loved hearing about all the new and most popular products from last year. You can contact here at cneave@stanford.edu.
Here are some of her best selling picks…..And don’t forget to scroll to the end for an awesome recipe from Cutco…..
The Petite Chef
The Santoku-Style Trimmer (this is next on my list).
The Handy Knife
The Petite Slicer
The Vegetable Knife
The Trimmer
The Spreader
The Cheese Knife
I asked Caroline for one of Cutco’s best recipes and she shared this with us. I love Stuffed Peppers and never thought of making them with Orzo. I also love that Carolin shared what Cutco tools she used.
STUFFED PEPPERS WITH ORZO
Ingredients
Recipe:
- 3 bell peppers, (one each of red, green and yellow) halved, seeded and stem removed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 (16-ounce) can chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Topping:
- 12 grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Place the pepper halves on a baking sheet and using one tablespoon of olive oil, drizzle it on the inside of the pepper halves.
- Bake peppers for approximately 10 minutes, until tender.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, adding the onion and garlic. Cook until tender – approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, black pepper and cumin and cook until the chicken is warm.
- Add the orzo and chicken broth to the pan, simmering until the orzo is cooked and the broth is absorbed – approximately 12 minutes.
- Spoon the chicken and orzo mixture into your bell pepper halves and sprinkle with your grated cheese.
- Bake in the oven at 375 F for approximately 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Mix together the grape tomatoes, olive oil, basil and salt and pepper.
- Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the top of your peppers and serve.
Recommended Tools
- Santoku-Style Cheese Knife (I have this and it is amazing)
- 7-5/8” Petite Chef
- Stainless Dinner Fork
Cutco Piece Descriptions
1. Paring Knife (2-3/4”):
Cutco’s “Air Knife”
Long handle — comfortable & safe
2. Trimmer:
“Small Utility Knife” Small fruits/veggies Bar knife
Trims fats off of meats Versatile!!!
3. Spatula Spreader:
60-second sandwich maker (cut, spread & serve)!
Great baking tool (e.g. icing cakes)
4. Petite Carver (6-3/4”):
“Large Utility Knife”
Everyday meat knife
Great for large summer fruits (e.g. pineapple)
5. Petite Chef (7-5/8”):
“Hand held food processor” Dicing, mincing, chopping High knuckle clearance
6. Butcher Knife:
“Heavy Duty”
Cut ribs, disjoint chickens Large fruits & vegetables
7. Carver (9”):
Great for larger roasts like turkey, chicken, pork
BBQ season & family occasions
8. Slicer (9-3/4”):
Best bread knife!!!
Long DD edge: great for cutting cakes, shredding lettuce for salad, slicing boneless meats
9. Turning Fork:
Important part of master carving set — picks the food up
10. Carving Fork:
Important part of master carving set — holds food down (so it does not escape
cutting board)
11. Table Knives:
Most important tool! Use for breakfast, lunch & dinner
Wide blade and rounded tip make it safer than traditional steak knife & great for spreading
DD edge — cuts just like a steak knife
I have loved partnering with J Mclaughlin for the past year. I literally get a message every week from a reader who purchased something that they love or telling me about the things on their wish list and how they plan on wearing them. I think that all of their designs are total closet staples with a trendy flare. I am always excited for their next collection. The current Winter sale is AWESOME and most items even went an additional 20% off, which makes them 60% off the original price. Happy Shopping…
This cardigan was my favorite piece from the fall collection..so far it is also one of the best sellers…
I am in love with this jacket. It looks great with a pair of dark jeans and a crisp white blouse or even a blouse with a bow…
I really could not love these shoes more…what a fab combination…..hair calf AND Camo…these are so much fun with dark jeans and also white jeans for the spring/summer….
I am not sure how I missed this the first time I shopped this sale but OMG>>>>>>here is the most incredible cashmere cardigan.. And I never can pass up a one-button style!!
I recently saw someone wearing this Ombre vest and it was perfection….
The all black vest is also Gorgeous!!!
I could not love this top more…the sleeves are fabulous!! This with black leather pants is the most perfect outfit ever!!!
Another beautiful blouse….
This clutch is going to be the #1 must-have for all summer outfits…grab it now….while it’s still in stock and on sale!!
I have had my eye on this blouse for a while..the material is so beautiful and the leopard print is really subtle..another winner with black pants!!
Everyone around me is talking Detox. Detoxing from Sugar, Baked Goods, Alcohol, and really Big Meals. And, I could not agree more. It’s time to get back on track. All of the Holiday fun is GONE!!!! January is also the time I do a detox for my skin. There are some really simple items that you can use right in your kitchen to help smooth, relieve dryness from and lightly exfoliate your skin. I really love this Oatmeal, Cinnamon and Honey mask. After just the first use, you will see a reduction in your fine lines and wrinkles and a plumper look for your skin overall!!! The best part is you can probably go and make it right now and start seeing the results!!!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup oats
– Half cup warm milk or water
– 1 Tsp honey
– 1/2 Tsp cinnamon
– Half Tsp lemon juice
Mix all the ingredients together to form a paste. Add milk or water to adjust the texture. Apply to clean skin with your hands or an old paintbrush or foundation brush. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Enjoy your supple and soft skin!
Note: Cinnamon can cause a slight tingly/burning sensation, so it’s useful to do a patch test before applying.
I saw so many great festive drink recipes over the holidays. My husband started drinking Old Fashions a few months ago. It is always served with a huge block of ice and 4 ruby red cherries. I started thinking that there is so much creativity that goes into creating the perfect cocktail. I found this week’s book, Let’s Get Fizzical: More than 50 Bubbly Cocktail Recipes with Prosecco, Champagne, and Other Sparkling Wines by Pippa Guy.
Add some sparkle to your life with this irresistible cocktail recipe book, featuring over 50 drinks made from Prosecco, Sekt, Cava, Champagne, and other sparkling wines.
An inspiring mix of classic cocktail recipes such as bellinis and mimosas, alongside exciting variations and twists, Let’s Get Fizzical offers tips, tricks, presentation ideas, and technical know-how to make your cocktails as sensational for the eye as they are for the palate.
The introductory chapter, A Beginner’s Guide to Bubbles, explains the differences between sparkling wines to help you tell your spumante from your frizzante, or your extra-brut from your demi-sec. Everything you need to know about fizz is here, including insider secrets such as how to make sure your drink keeps its bubbles.
The Know Your Fizz section gives you the low-down on your bubbles of choice, whether that’s a budget Cava or a fancy Champagne. Get The Party Started gives you the drink mixing skills to impress your guests, from essential cocktail shaking techniques to the perfect glass shape.
Drink your way through the recipe-packed remainder of the book – master delicious classics, such as Aperol Spritz and French 75, and discover how to make your drink a little bit special with creative reinventions and original cocktail recipes.
Impress your guests and make every drink a celebration with Let’s Get Fizzical: cheers! – Amazon.com
For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.
