DIY Inspiration

I was browsing through Forever 21's website and came across these cool pieces.  Although they are inexpensive like everything else at Forever 21, I know I can DIY them and customize the colors to my liking.  Can't wait to find time to recreate some of them :)

Weekend Love List

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, life just got in the way.  Anywho here are some of the things I love from this past weekend. 

Gotta love Canadian winters :)  

PYT Curling Wand Review

My hair is naturally very straight and because I'm low maintenance with my hair I don't curl it very often [actually it's more like I only curl it for special occasions:)].  For Christmas my cousin, Jen, gave me a PYT clip free curling wand.  I was really excited to try it as I've heard curling wands are much easier to use and produce a better curl than a regular curling iron.  


Here are some of its features: 

• Tourmaline barrel fused with Ceramic
• 9 foot 360o swivel cord
• Reaches 400o F (however only one heat setting)
• Ready to use in 10 secs
• Lightweight
• Dual voltage 110-240 Volts, 50-60 Hz (great for those who travel)

Naturally straight hair.

In the tube you get the wand and a heat resistant glove (very important!).

Banana Muffins

When I have ripe bananas I tend to make muffins using THIS simple recipe.  These muffins are always moist and not sweet which is just how I like them!
Try adding some dark chocolate for a more indulgent muffin ;)

 Oh and I just love these silicon muffin cups that I got at IKEA, so cute!

(and afforable, less than a $1/cup)

Upside down muffin so you can see the flower pattern from the baking cup :)

These muffins make such a yummy breakfast/snack that they were gone in no time!

What do you make with ripe bananas? Share your recipes, I'd love to hear them!


Loving Banana Muffins Lately,
Amy

Looking For: Chambray Shirt

The hunt is on for an affordable chambray shirt!   And from my rain boot hunt you know that I am very picky.  Here is some of my criteria:

• Must have a good weight to it.
• Solid wash (not faded or distressed!), preferably medium wash
• No western style and no logos.
• Slightly fitted (not boxy!)
• Affordable = $30 or less
• Available in Canada

Below are some of the styles I'm loving. 

          

                                           J. Crew                                                           Old Navy

  

                             
                                  Old Navy                                                                Eddie Bauer                                            

                

                            Forever 21                                                                                Levi's

I haven't been able to pull the trigger on any of them as none meet all of my criteria and I'm still not sure which wash I like the best.  I'm open to double or single pocket depending on how it fits.  One place I haven't looked yet are thrift stores so I'll be checking them out soon! 


Leave a comment with your suggestions, I would LOVE to hear them! Have a great weekend :)


Loving Chambray Shirts Lately,
Amy

Style Crush: Lauren Conrad + Beauty Department

I admit it, I used to be a reality TV junkie in high school.  I don't know why but I somehow got sucked into all the drama and competition of those shows.  Two that I followed at the time were Laguna Beach and the Hills due to my love of Lauren Conrad.  The girl has great style!  While some might say her style is boring, it is simple, classic, and chic!  Which makes it easy to recreate her looks.

 

Above photos via People.com

Since the shows have ended Lauren has expanded her resume to include author, designer and beauty blogger.  While I'm not into the books (tried reading L.A. Candy...) I love Lauren's clothing lines, LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl's  (love this dress) and Paper Crown (various stores).

Lauren in her Paper Crown designs.
Photo via Lucky Magazine

 

Photos via Lucky Magazine (left) and Teen Vogue (right)

But what I love the most is her collaboration with hairstylist Kristin Ess, and makeup artist Amy Nadine, The Beauty Department.  This site has tons of tips and tutorials for hair, makeup, skin care and more!  I really love all their tutorials (like the ones for the above hairstyles).  As someone who lacks creativity with their hair this site is my go to when trying to style it!  If you haven't done so already go check it out and I'm sure you'll be just as hooked as me!


Who's your style crush at the moment?


Loving Lauren Conrad's Style Lately,
Amy

Last week in Food

Short post today as I've been busy preparing for the new semester.  Since it was my last week of Christmas vacation I thought it would be appropriate to make this a food recap of my week. Cus let's be honest, vacation time = eating! Enjoy!

Raspberry Mousse Cake from Swiss Pasteries.  I must recreate!

 

 First time making Beef Bourguignon, it was soooo good :)

(full post coming soon)

 

Yummy banana muffin for breakfast (full post coming soon).

Potato and cabbage pierogies with fried sage and brown butter.  

Still have some in my freezer!

+

The base of our strawberry cream cake (whip cream not shown).  

Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the finished cake, but it was delicious!

What's the best thing you've made lately? I love finding new recipes so please share! 


Loving Good Food Lately,
Amy

Still Loving...

Christmas is my favorite time of the year so I'm still a little sad it's over. However after Christmas is the start of winter clearance and you know I love a good sale! 

Here are a few of the things from last year that I still have my eye on...

Tuxedo Blazer, loving this AE Boyfriend Tuxedo Jacket

Kimono jacket, Zara.

This Zara sequin skirt was THE skirt of 2011.

       

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.  I love these fun colors :)

Parker drawstring sequin top, Saks Fifth Avenue.
  I love the color and romantic feel of this top even though I don't need it!


  
Again another item I don't need...I have way too many dresses already.  But I just LOVE the draping of this Storets dress.

Although most of the above items are on sale I can't justify adding any of them to my wardrobe at the moment.  So for now I will be loving them from afar.

Are you excited about winter clearance sales?  What item from last year are you hoping to snag on sale?


Loving Winter Clearance Sales Lately,
Amy

Party time

Here's what I would have worn on NYE if I had gone out.  Instead I opted to stay at home and plant myself on the couch.  My sister and I made some yummy appetizers (a few pics here) and we spent the night watching the US/CAN hockey game (CANADA WON btw!) but unfortunately we lost last night's semi final :(

This dress has a nice subtle sheen to it, see photos below.

DIY bracelet and glittery nails.  

I love this bright orchid nail polish, a new purchase with my gift voucher from here.

I love this school boy blazer especially the buttons!

My best find from 2011, read more about it here.

{Dress- Jack by BB Dakota}

{Blazer- Aritzia}

{Bracelets- DIY}

{Shoes- Vintage YSL}

{Nails- Deborah Lippmann Flash Dance}

I still have about a week before I go back to work (school's still out), but I'm looking forward to all the new and exciting things that will happen this year!  I also want to thank all of you for your thoughtful comments.  I read every single one and truly appreciate it!  Remember if you love my blog then please follow on Google Connect Friends or Bloglovin :)


How did you spend NYE? And what did you wear?

Loving Low Key New Year's Lately,

Amy

P.S. Slowly working on some changes to the blog so stay tuned!

Now on Bloglovin!

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Holiday Recap [update]

I hope all of you had a wonderful time during the holidays!  Although this year it was much quieter for us I still found that it went by too fast!  I can't believe it's already 2012.  Here's some bits and pieces of my holidays. 


[update: more pics now available on my facebook page]

Some ornaments

Good food :)

One of my favorite meals, mussels in white wine sauce and pasta!

Delicious home made apple cake (recipe found here)

Outfits

The boots (I've been wearing them non stop!)

Boxing day purchases

Didn't actually buy a lot but manage to score some needed dress pants for work!

More food

Yummy appetizers for our low key New Year's Eve at home :)

Loving the Holidays Lately,

Amy

PS. you may have noticed there's been an upgrade in photos, this is a result of a Christmas gift to myself!