Friday, March 8, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Thrift Store Shopping (BCBG Maxazria find! and youtube video link)
Hey everyone! Today I wanted to blog with you about the awesomeness of thrift shopping! When I was younger I used to be embarrassed to go into the thrift store for fear that my peers would see me and think "poor thing". Well, I started to grow up, developed a new taste for clothing, and realized I didn't really care what people thought of me! When I moved to Florida for a bit I started to work for my aunt and every time we would leave work she would shop at the thrift store for treasures! Then...turn around and sell them on amazon if she didn't want to keep them. Could you believe she makes $30,000 a year on just that alone? Yeah I couldn't either until I seen it with my own eyes! Anyway, I started to fall in love with thrift stores and accumulated lots of things along the way. I want to share with you some tips on shopping at a thrift store and how to score some unbelievable deals! Check out my YouTube video and see a bunch of my thrift store finds too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DemEvXixocg
Tips:
1. Stay away from undergarments (bras, underwear, etc.) unless it still has its original price tag on it. This rule can be modified but you really never know what can be lurking on undergarments so I tend to leave these at the shop and opt for new ones at the mall.
2. As soon as you bring your beautiful items home throw them in the wash. I have never had any problems with bringing clothing home from the thrift store but you can never be too careful. Throwing them in the wash can ensure that you can wear the clothing with confidence!
3. Don't put an item back down because of something petty that can be easily fixed. I usually find amazing blazers but they have HUGE shoulder pads on them. No prob! Once I take them home I cut the padding out (free!) and sometimes even add buttons (cheap!).
4. If you find a dress or skirt too long don't worry! Love that gorgeous pink silk skirt but think the length makes you look like a grandma?! No problem! For the price you're getting it for you can afford to take it to the tailor and get it re-hemmed! It will STILL be cheaper than buying it at its retail value.
5. Ask the cashier what kind of deals they have going on that day. Usually clothing will have colored tags on them and each color goes on sale at different times of the week. Try shopping based only on tags and see how much you save! Its amazing. I guarantee you will find clothing for $1. I did! :-)
6. Score some brand name deals! Some thrift stores may even separate high end picks from the average. Ask them where they placed them! You'll be amazed at what people bring there! I once found a pink and grey, silk, BCBG Maxazria dress from their runway collection...Ahem (I spent $20) can someone say SCORE? ;-)
7. Don't just stick to the clothing aisles! Look at different vases, picture frames, curtains, paintings, and even chandeliers they carry! I once heard this story of a man buying a beautiful art piece from the thrift store only to find that it was worth thousands! I've bought rugs, old doors and made them into headboards or dining room tables, and even electronics!
8. Speaking of electronics, don't be afraid to look in that section! I cannot tell you how many new keurigs my aunt has found that she later turned around and sold them on amazon for close to full price. Before buying an appliance ask if there is any way you could plug it in and test it out. They will most likely say yes. If it works then get it! Electronics are expensive why not pay a third (or less!) of the price if they work?
9. Be careful when buying shoes. Not to sound gross but you don't know whose toes (or fungus) has been in them! Always wipe the inside of the shoes down with an antibacterial wipe or spray! It never hurts to be safe first :-) I've found some great shoes at the thrift store so give it a try!
10. Have fun with it!!! Don't be afraid to try something new! AND, never be afraid of what others may think of you just because of where you bought your clothes. The most compliments I have received was on garments that I bought there! How come you may ask? Because they are always so different, so new, and so personal! I buy clothes from there and add touches to make them my own! You should too!
Below are some of my favorites I've acquired!
Red, My Michele brand office dress
Bright pink, 100% silk dress, tan belt
Vintage earrings and baby pink top
White blouse with navy detail, Skirt from a shop in europe
.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DemEvXixocg
Tips:
1. Stay away from undergarments (bras, underwear, etc.) unless it still has its original price tag on it. This rule can be modified but you really never know what can be lurking on undergarments so I tend to leave these at the shop and opt for new ones at the mall.
2. As soon as you bring your beautiful items home throw them in the wash. I have never had any problems with bringing clothing home from the thrift store but you can never be too careful. Throwing them in the wash can ensure that you can wear the clothing with confidence!
3. Don't put an item back down because of something petty that can be easily fixed. I usually find amazing blazers but they have HUGE shoulder pads on them. No prob! Once I take them home I cut the padding out (free!) and sometimes even add buttons (cheap!).
4. If you find a dress or skirt too long don't worry! Love that gorgeous pink silk skirt but think the length makes you look like a grandma?! No problem! For the price you're getting it for you can afford to take it to the tailor and get it re-hemmed! It will STILL be cheaper than buying it at its retail value.
5. Ask the cashier what kind of deals they have going on that day. Usually clothing will have colored tags on them and each color goes on sale at different times of the week. Try shopping based only on tags and see how much you save! Its amazing. I guarantee you will find clothing for $1. I did! :-)
6. Score some brand name deals! Some thrift stores may even separate high end picks from the average. Ask them where they placed them! You'll be amazed at what people bring there! I once found a pink and grey, silk, BCBG Maxazria dress from their runway collection...Ahem (I spent $20) can someone say SCORE? ;-)
7. Don't just stick to the clothing aisles! Look at different vases, picture frames, curtains, paintings, and even chandeliers they carry! I once heard this story of a man buying a beautiful art piece from the thrift store only to find that it was worth thousands! I've bought rugs, old doors and made them into headboards or dining room tables, and even electronics!
8. Speaking of electronics, don't be afraid to look in that section! I cannot tell you how many new keurigs my aunt has found that she later turned around and sold them on amazon for close to full price. Before buying an appliance ask if there is any way you could plug it in and test it out. They will most likely say yes. If it works then get it! Electronics are expensive why not pay a third (or less!) of the price if they work?
9. Be careful when buying shoes. Not to sound gross but you don't know whose toes (or fungus) has been in them! Always wipe the inside of the shoes down with an antibacterial wipe or spray! It never hurts to be safe first :-) I've found some great shoes at the thrift store so give it a try!
10. Have fun with it!!! Don't be afraid to try something new! AND, never be afraid of what others may think of you just because of where you bought your clothes. The most compliments I have received was on garments that I bought there! How come you may ask? Because they are always so different, so new, and so personal! I buy clothes from there and add touches to make them my own! You should too!
Below are some of my favorites I've acquired!
Red, My Michele brand office dress
Bright pink, 100% silk dress, tan belt
Vintage earrings and baby pink top
White blouse with navy detail, Skirt from a shop in europe
.jpg)
The dress above is a BCBG Maxazria runway collection dress, I got it for $20!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Tomato Soup!
One of my absolute favorite soups is definitely the tomato soup! Tomatoes are so nutritious. They pack tons of vitamins, lycopene and so much more... its no wonder they taste so delicious! But not all soups are created equal! On a trip to the supermarket one day I decided to grab a can of tomato soup only to find that once I made it, it tasted more like hot ketchup than a solid meal. Naturally I came up with my own delicious and quick version of the homemade tomato soup!
Ingredients:
2 tsp olive oil
1 chopped onion
1 chopped celery
1 chopped carrot
3 small-med tomatoes (roasted in oven and peeled)
1 can of hunts diced tomatoes (oregano,basil,garlic flavor)
2 cups vegetable/chicken broth
1/2 cup of heavy cream
fresh basil (dried can be a substitute)
salt
pepper
croutons for garnish
shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
First and foremost cut the fresh tomatoes in half and place in a toaster oven (or convectional) at 450 for 20 minutes. In a medium pot add the onion, celery, carrot, and olive oil over medium to high heat. Saute for about a minute or until the onion starts to look transparent. Next, add in the can of tomatoes as well as your freshly roasted tomatoes. Stir ingredients together and wait until the mixture simmers. Once it is nice and bubbly add in 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth plus 1/2 cup of heavy cream, salt, pepper, and basil. Bring to a rolling boil (this should be about 10 minutes). Once it is boiling place the soup into a blender and blend until you have reached a smooth consistency. Garnish with croutons, cheddar cheese, and basil. Enjoy!
P.S I also made a video of this I will be uploading it soon! Just follow along and cook with me! <3
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Start the year off with a makeover!
Face Mask Mania!
Greetings from Canada! Sorry I haven't been able to post much after my last post. I've been spending my holiday with the family in Toronto! While I was here visiting my younger cousin we decided to have a girls night that involved face masks, doing our nails, and so much more so it got me thinking. There are so many products for pampering on the market but wouldn't it be so much better knowing exactly where those ingredients came from? I know I would! Your skin is an organ itself and anything you put on it gets absorbed into your system (That's how topical creams work!) so I decided to come up with an amazing face mask that will soften and make you look amazing after! Did I mention I'm a licensed aesthetician? So.....
If your skin feels like this
Its time for some of this!
Avocado Honey Face Mask
Ingredients:
1 Avocado
1 1/2 Tbsp Honey
1 drop of your favorite essential oil (citrus for awakening, lavender for relaxation!) -optional
1Tbsp yogurt -optional
Mix ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. Brush onto your face and leave for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse and moisturize!
One of my absolute favorite and easiest face masks of all time is the egg white face mask. It tightens my skin and makes it glow! I think you guys will love it too!
Egg White Face Mask
Ingredients:
Just 1 egg!
Separate the egg yolk and the egg white. Beat the egg white to a frothy consistency and apply to face and neck. Leave on until completely dry (about 10 minutes). Once it has dried try and peel it off and much as you can and then rinse! Make sure to moisturize right after and I promise you will see a difference!
Warning! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients please avoid these masks!
P.S I would absolutely love to hear back from you guys. Let me know how the masks worked and what you thought. I love feedback! Hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday!
If your skin feels like this
Its time for some of this!
Avocado Honey Face Mask
Ingredients:
1 Avocado
1 1/2 Tbsp Honey
1 drop of your favorite essential oil (citrus for awakening, lavender for relaxation!) -optional
1Tbsp yogurt -optional
Mix ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency. Brush onto your face and leave for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse and moisturize!
One of my absolute favorite and easiest face masks of all time is the egg white face mask. It tightens my skin and makes it glow! I think you guys will love it too!
Egg White Face Mask
Ingredients:
Just 1 egg!
Separate the egg yolk and the egg white. Beat the egg white to a frothy consistency and apply to face and neck. Leave on until completely dry (about 10 minutes). Once it has dried try and peel it off and much as you can and then rinse! Make sure to moisturize right after and I promise you will see a difference!
Warning! If you are allergic to any of the ingredients please avoid these masks!
P.S I would absolutely love to hear back from you guys. Let me know how the masks worked and what you thought. I love feedback! Hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Bruschetta Lasagna (My own recipe!) ;-)
I'm sure everyone agrees with me when I say I am completely exhausted from all of the holiday shopping! The lines are longer than at Disney, the cat fights are worse than Regina George's attitude on Mean Girls, and its so close to the holiday season that you usually always end up getting your uncle that ugly sweater he obviously didn't want. Procrastination at its finest. Or maybe that's just me! Point is the LAST thing I want to do right now is come home and spend hours making a meal when I just want to stuff my face with the first edible thing I see. Oh yeah and....my wallet is emptier than my stomach -_- So I decided I would make a quick, cheap, and easy lasagna for dinner tonight! It took me all of 20 minutes to prep and 30-40 to bake. Voila!
P.S I made double of this recipe since I have a big family but this serves 4-6 people
Ingredients:
3 eggs
15oz of Ricotta cheese
1tsp oregano (or italian seasoning)
1tsp basil
1 head of garlic diced
olive oil
1 box lasagna pasta
1 can of crushed tomatoes seasoned or a jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 bag of mozzarella shredded cheese
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1 large tomato
salt
pepper
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and lay a piece of foil on the middle oven rack
Boil water in a large pan and add the pasta making sure to cook them only until al dente. This should take about 8 minutes depending on the brand (Check the back of the box!) While this is cooking place the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 3 eggs, basil, oregano or Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl and start beating it with a mixer/whisk until completely blended (about 30 seconds) In a small pan saute the diced garlic and transfer to the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly. Your pasta should now be done and is ready to be taken off the stove and drained! In a slightly greased oven pan spread out a light layer of tomato sauce. Layer the pasta evenly, on top of that the cheese mixture, add some sliced tomatoes, top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and repeat. On your last layer you will want to omit the cheese mixture. Add only the rich tomato sauce and load it with mozzarella cheese! Cover with tin foil, place on oven rack and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let it cook for another 10 minutes or so (you may also throw the broiler on if you want the cheese a little more melted!) I ran out of mozzarella on mine tonight kind of made it short notice but when you melt all of the cheese over the top...and I mean loads and loads of cheese it looks amazing! Enjoy!
This recipe gives a budget flexibility, allows for creativity (Like adding vegetables!), and doesn't have much of a clean up! It was absolutely delicious and my family certainly enjoyed it.
From our family to yours...Buen Provecho!
P.S I made double of this recipe since I have a big family but this serves 4-6 people
Ingredients:
3 eggs
15oz of Ricotta cheese
1tsp oregano (or italian seasoning)
1tsp basil
1 head of garlic diced
olive oil
1 box lasagna pasta
1 can of crushed tomatoes seasoned or a jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 bag of mozzarella shredded cheese
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1 large tomato
salt
pepper
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and lay a piece of foil on the middle oven rack
Boil water in a large pan and add the pasta making sure to cook them only until al dente. This should take about 8 minutes depending on the brand (Check the back of the box!) While this is cooking place the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, 3 eggs, basil, oregano or Italian seasoning, salt and pepper in a bowl and start beating it with a mixer/whisk until completely blended (about 30 seconds) In a small pan saute the diced garlic and transfer to the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly. Your pasta should now be done and is ready to be taken off the stove and drained! In a slightly greased oven pan spread out a light layer of tomato sauce. Layer the pasta evenly, on top of that the cheese mixture, add some sliced tomatoes, top with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and repeat. On your last layer you will want to omit the cheese mixture. Add only the rich tomato sauce and load it with mozzarella cheese! Cover with tin foil, place on oven rack and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let it cook for another 10 minutes or so (you may also throw the broiler on if you want the cheese a little more melted!) I ran out of mozzarella on mine tonight kind of made it short notice but when you melt all of the cheese over the top...and I mean loads and loads of cheese it looks amazing! Enjoy!
This recipe gives a budget flexibility, allows for creativity (Like adding vegetables!), and doesn't have much of a clean up! It was absolutely delicious and my family certainly enjoyed it.
From our family to yours...Buen Provecho!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)