STELLA & DOT SPRING 2017

The 2017 Spring collection has launched and it is so cute! I think what I like most about this collection is that so many pieces can be everyday and staple pieces. Below are some of my personal favorites and if you want to see the whole collection you can browser and shop my personal Stella & Dot e-Boutique by clicking here

I am so in love with The Victoria Pendant. Its just so feminine and easy to wear everyday. I like that it and go with so much in my closet even a grey t-shirt. This can be work now and long into the summer. The tassel is removable make it a great versatile mixed metal piece.  

I seriously couldn't decide which of these to get! The new chevron leather wrap comes in a cool mushroom color with silver chevrons and the tan warp has gold chevrons. These are great for any arm party. 

The simple knot cuff is way too cute and can be mixed into just about any other combo of bracelets. Even stuff you currently have in your closet. These also come in silver and gold. Great gift idea too!

The Quinn Cuff now comes in silver! I like how this gives the look of a multiple bangles. Again, this mixed well with any combo. You can probably mix Alex and Ani bangles in with this one for a cute look. 

Pendants were a theme is the Spring collection and the Amala Pendant is a great staple piece for everyday wear. I like the mix metals on this one so you can wear it with gold or silver accessories. The Antonia Tassel Necklace has been a huge hit! I've seen this on many stylist and because of the neutral colors it can go with so much. The Carter Bracelet is a fun little piece to add a little texture into your arm party. It also looks great worn by itself. 

I hope you enjoy this new collection as much as I do! Feel free to reach out with any questions! 

XO

Lauren

CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALL

I've never cooked with ground chicken before but I wanted to change up some of our meals since it seems like we've been eating the same things week after week. Like many of us I don't like spending a lot of time in kitchen but I want something that is fresh and tastes good. I came across a recipe for chicken Parmesan meatballs and tweaked it slightly. I can't believe how good these turned out and how easy they were to make. I also tossed some frozen veggies in the microwave to round everything out. It made for a perfect Sunday night comfort meal on a chilly day. I hope you enjoy! 

INGREDIENTS 
1 lb.  Ground Chicken
1 Egg
1 Cup Marinara Sauce - or your favorite red sauce. 
1/2 Cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 Cup Panko break crumbs
1/4 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 oz. Mozzarella balls, mini fresh
1 tsp. Salt
1/2 tsp. Pepper
1 tsp. Oregano
1/2 tsp. Garlic powder 

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix panko bread crumbs and Italian bread crumbs in a small bowl. 
2. In a medium bowl, mix ground chicken with 1/2 cup of the bread and panko bread crumb mix, oregano, egg, salt and pepper
3. Roll meatballs into two tablespoon size balls. 
4. Roll meatballs in the other 1/2 cup of bread crumb mix. 
5. Heat skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add meatball, turning them as they cook. 
6. Cook meatballs until golden brown. 
7. Add marinara sauce to the pan along with grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. 

8. Turn temperature to low, cook until sauce is hot and cheese is melted. 

TIME TO GET ORGANIZED WITH CALENDARS!

It's a new year and time to get organized. I can spend hours on Pinterest searching for all sorts of free printables to help organize my life. So hopefully I can save you some time by posting some of my favorites. Best way to get organized is to start with a calendar. I like to keep a monthly calendar on our fridge at home so we know whats going on that month. I also keep a one page yearly calendar at work for quick reference. Of course any old calendar won't due. We need to have something fun and cute to stick on the fridge right ;)
This one is one of my personal favorites because it's so simple and cute and there is plenty of space to write in. Rebecaa from the Simple As That blog created this one. Click here to download. 

Megan of the Short Stops Design Blog creted a cute monthly calendar for 2017. You can download it for free by clicking here. Check out some of her other awesome printables.

The Charmed Shop made this simple and stylish year at a glance 2017 calendar. You can also print it in multiple sizes. Click here to download.

If you like to take one week at a time this weekly calendar by Alice & Lois of the Alice & Lois blog is simple and cute. Click here to download. 

I hope you find these downloads helpful and thank goodness for these creative bloggers that have such design talent and are willing to share it with everyone!

XO

Lauren

DIY CHRISTMAS PHOTO ORNAMENT

DIY CHRISTMAS PHOTO ORNAMENT

I wanted to make my own photo ornaments and when I looked on Pinterest I saw this great pin.  So I set out to recreate this but in my own way. I found these cute wooden frames at Michaels and picked up a few other supplies. Here's what you'll need.

1. Wooden frame

2. Ribbon of your choice

3. Acrylic craft paint

4. Modge Podge

5. Either chipboard letter or sticker letters. These were the stickers I picked up

6. Paper cutter or scissors7. Foam brush 

I started by painting the frame. Do 2-3 coats to make sure its completely covered. I also used the Modge Podge to seal the paint and this also give it a more finished look.

I wanted to jazz it up a bit so I cut off the burlap ribbon that came on the frame and added my own. I also wanted to add a bow to the frame. I played around with a few idea but you can really get creative and do what you like best.

To cut down the photo to the 3.5" frame I used a paper cutter. I highly recommend a paper cutter unless you have a really steady with scissors.

I liked the idea of using the first letter of the last name as a simple embellishment. I also did one with the word family.

Here is the finished product. It's a really easy DIY project and you can get creative with colors, ribbons, etc. Happy Crafting!

  

GROUND TURKEY AND ORZO SKILLET

GROUND TURKEY AND ORZO SKILLET

Ingredients:

1 pound groud turkey (you can also used ground beef)

1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped (if you're in a hurry you can also used dried minced onions)

2 cloves garlic, minced (if you don't have fresh garlic this stuff works great)

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice

1/2 cup beef broth

1/2 cup water

1 cup orzo

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

One bunch of baby spinach, chopped

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese  

                                                    Directions: 
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and onions to the pan and cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft. 
3. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the tomatoes, broth, water, orzo and seasoning.
5. Mix everything together, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook covered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is fully cooked.
6. Stir in the chopped kale/spinach until wilted.
7. Top with the Parmesan cheese and serve.