{Thrifty Thursday} Can You be Preppy AND Thrifty?

So if you know me, the last thing that defines my style is preppy.  I've never owned a pair of khakis, and argyle is not my thing.  I own ONE v-neck sweater and I don't do well in collared shirts.  Even though our parents have given us gorgeous strings of pearls as gifts on dozens of occasions, mine have just sat nicely tucked away in the secret compartments of my jewelry chest. 

The thing is, I've always admired the look on so many.  Last week, I dared myself to venture into 'prep' and lo and behold, I LOVED it.  Prep is a safe classic and in this uber trendy season where I'm finding that some fashion finds seem too risky to stand the test of time, I'm adding a new element to my wardrobe and for the first time, find it flattering. 

Last week's outfit: slim fitting navy pants, ballet flats (so ballet flats aren't exclusively prep, but I couldn't just go cold turkey on this one), a navy fitted button down shirt, and a beautiful equestrian inspired silk scarf in kelly green accented with hues of gold and brown, and large pearl earrings.  All I needed was a pair of penny loafers to complete the outfit (just kidding).  I'm testing the waters with this new look and in putting my own 'twist' on the ever popular and timeless prep, I've managed to find some great deals.  It feels refreshing to try a new look without breaking the bank!   These are my thrifty picks this week, with a preppy spin. 

 Canary yellow Argyle cardigan by MNG for JCPenney.  $47.99

Old Navy blouse, $30
Old Navy Gold Sandals, $20 



 Lauren Ralph Lauren silk scarf in emerald, $38

Gap cropped trousers in carbon blue, $49.50

Cheers!

Ana

Wine Wednesday!

What is it with my Wednesdays lately?  It was such a stressful day for both Zach and me that we finished a bottle of wine before we knew it.  Before dinner was served, in fact.  This week we uncorked a new Cabernet from Leaf Street. My mother in law picked it up at Wegman's last month and it was delicious.  Full bodied with subtle hints of fruit and oak, I immediately Googled the vineyard to learn more about it.  Wegmans.com says this: 'This Napa Valley vineyard is not famous (yet) and still under the radar, but their wines are delicious!'  I agree!

Jackie and Cristi enjoyed (surprise!) a new Malbec this week.  Rave reviews for Terrazas 2008 vintage!   Seems that the Ramons can't get away from Malbecs.  But for red wine lovers living in warmer climates, this lighter bodied red with fruit aromas is the perfect pick. 

Thank goodness for good grapes!  How else would we manage to get through the week?

Cheers!
Ana



Yummy Empanadas!

We are so lucky to have grown up on Cuban and Mexican cuisine!  What taste buds we've developed!  One of our favorite family dishes is the empanada, or beef turnover.  Our mother makes the best and in craving her cooking, I found this trusty recipe, courtesy of Goya.  There isn't a Cuban household in America that doesn't have a ready stock of Goya products on hand, so I knew this recipe would hit the spot when Zach and I wanted to make a dinner of empanadas and yuca frita for friends that we hosted the other night.  We enjoyed left overs for days and didn't tire of them!  In fact, we were pretty sad when we ran out.  Enjoy!

Goya Beef Empanadas:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Goya Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Goya Tomato Sauce
• 6 Goya Spanish Olives Stuffed with Minced Pimientos, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Goya Sofrito
• 1 packet Sazon Goya with Coriander and Annatto
• 1 teaspoon Goya Minced Garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Goya Dried Oregano
• Goya Ground Black Pepper, to taste
• 1 (14 ounce) package Goya Discos (yellow or white), thawed
• Goya Corn Oil, for frying

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, about 10 minutes. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes more. Stir in tomato sauce, olives, Sofrito, Sazon, garlic, oregano and black pepper. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
2. On a lightly floured work surface, using a rolling pin, roll out discos until 1/2-inch larger in diameter. Spoon about 1 tbsp. meat mixture into middle, fold in half to form a half moon; moisten edges with water and pinch to seal closed, or seal with a fork.
3. Fill a deep saucepan with oil to a depth of 2 1/2-inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (350 degrees F on deep-fry thermometer). Cook Empanadas in batches until crisp and golden brown, flipping once, 4 - 6 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Cheers!

Ana

Flawless Makeover, Pronto!

As a spokesperson for a large corporation, I’ve found myself in front of the TV camera more than once and with HD TVs in almost every household today, I find myself being a little self conscious in front of the camera. I can deliver my key messages right on point and stay calm, cool and collected while being badgered by any reporter—but I’m constantly worrying—how does my skin look? All three of us have suffered with early-adult acne, each being on Accutane at least once and seeing a dermatologist since we were children. While my skin is leagues beyond where it used to be, I am still so careful with every product I put on my skin and very particular in my selection of makeup. So I wanted to share a few of my favorite make-up products with y’all.   Have fun!

Clockwise, from top, center:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
This Primer is essential! It keeps the shine down and keeps my makeup on for hours! It also prevents any creasing.  http://www.ulta.com/

Chanel Matte Luminere Makeup
This foundation provides phenomenal coverage and even conceals my large pores and redness.  I haven’t ever strayed far from the Chanel make-up counter.  http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/chanel-shop

Laura Mercier Bronzing Duo
I love love love this bronzer/blush duo set from Laura Mercier. It allows me to blend and get the perfect hue for my cheeks and when I need some extra color on my face.  http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

Chanel Giggle Lip Gloss (Glossimer)
I love almost every color in the Chanel Glossimer Lip Gloss collection, but I especially love Giggle-which gives a subtle nude lip with some shine. Perfect for my “au naturale” look. http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/chanel-shop

YSL Macara
I am completely obsessed with the YSL Singulier mascara. One quick swipe gives me dramatic, full, luscious lashes that don’t clump and look super fab. Love! www.sephora.com/ysl

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
This Urban Decay eyeshadow primer in a shimmery champagne color is a perfect eye primer and highlighter. I like to do a quick swipe under my eyes and along my cheek bones to give extra definition and omit any darkness under the eyes.  http://www.sephora.com/

La Mer
To finish off my au naturale easy look—I do a full sweep of La Mer’s translucent powder. It keeps everything in place, prevents shine and is so light you can’t even feel it. Nothing is worse than overdoing the make-up and looking cakey on TV, so this light powder is the perfect finish!  http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

On the weekends I may add these to my makeup routine:

YSL Eyeliner
This eyeliner goes on smooth and lasts forever! I always keep one in my purse, just in case I end up going out after a day at the office. www.sephora.com/ysl

Chanel Eye Shadow, "Les 4 Ombres de Chanel" in Smokey Eyes
This smoky eyes pallet from Chanel is perfect for creating a dramatic and sexy smokey eye. Just don’t forget the Urban Decay Eye Shadow primer underneath. Your eyes will be seductive and flawless for your night on the town. http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/chanel-shop

Cheers!
Cristi

{We're Obsessed!} Cut out shoes

Oooh!  We're loving the laser cut look on pumps, flats and sandals that are flooding shoe boutiques everywhere of late.  Perfect for summer, as those strategically cut shoes add not only decor but breathability.  Function AND fashion?  Yes, please!



1.Laser cutout Elona sandal, $119, http://www.ninewest.com/; 2. miu miu perfprated patent leather pumps, $650, http://www.net-a-porter.com/; 3. Banana Republic Segovia diamond cutout flats, $89.99; 4.  miu miu white lattieced bowtie flats, $345.60, http://www.bluefly.com/; 5. Merona Makana white cutout flats, $22.99, http://www.target.com/; 6. Valentino Lace Effect pumps, $675, http://www.net-a-porter.com/; 7. Prada Laser cut patent pumps, $695, http://www.saks.com/;  8. Giuseppe Zanotti ankle boot, $1,095, http://www.endless.com/

Cheers!

Ana

{Good Grapes Destination} Atlanta!

TGIF! 

I am so excited the weekend is here! I'll be traveling to Atlanta, GA and I'm so excited to explore the sights, sounds and tastes of Atlanta! Any recommendations of things to try and places to see?

Cheers!

Cristi

{DIY} The Bulletin Board Grows Up

I've purposely left the wall space over my desk in my home office blank for the last two years because I always envisioned some sort of "inspiration board" on that wall.  A space that could serve as a collector of jewelry, magazine pages, destinations, invitations... you know, things that inspire my creativity, particularly my jewelry making. 

I have seen many bulletin boards and padded cloth boards, but none seemed right.  They were too small, too large, too cheap looking, too juvenile, too much of what I didn't envision for that wall. 

I finally got excited when I came across these totally grown up bulletin boards at Ballard Designs.  Gorge and JUST what I need on that wall.  But, $200!!!  I can't afford THAT kind of inspiration, so I got creative and went shopping.  One stop at Tuesday Morning to find one hideous but cheap frame and another to the local A.C. Moore for spray paint, a roll of cork, multi-surface spray adhesive and push-pin decor (aka wedding scrapbook bow stickers).  The only supply needed was an exacto knife, which I already had at home. 

Shopping List:
Frame - $19.99
Paint - $5.19
Cork - $8.99
Spray Glue - $3.50
Bow Stickers - $0.99
Total - $38.66

 1. the frame as-purchased 2. the original frame, pre-paint 3. first layer of cork was glued in pieces (what remained after the clean cut was made)onto the back of the frame.  I then glued the clean cut of cork roll over the first layer.  4. the bow stickers next to the push pins 5. the 'posh' push pins 6. the painted frame and the cork board 7. the bow pins on the framed cork 8. my birthstone chart now has a new home!

Left, my desk, 'before.'  Right, my desk 'after.'



Cheers!

Ana