• RECIPES,  Side Dishes

    Instant Pot Risotto (Mushroom and Pea)

    During these cold winter months, isn’t it pleasant to sit down with a nice warm, hearty bowl of risotto? The only problem is that it usually takes hours of backbreaking work to prepare the dish. You have to stand over the pot stirring away and you’re often too exhausted to eat your lovingly prepared dish by the time you’re done! Well, I have the answer to your prayers: a quick and easy risotto that tastes just as creamy and rich as its time-consuming counterpart! The trick is to cook it in the ubiquitous “Instant Pot” electric pressure cooker. No one will know that you weren’t slaving away all day preparing it. I adapted this recipe from one that a friend told me about from the blog by Chungah called “Damn Delicious.” You can click the link here to see her original recipe. I’ve adapted it slightly because I’m not too fond of spinach in risotto. But, please feel free to add it if you wish; there’s a note at the end of the recipe that tells you how. I also doubled the recipe (and increased the Instant Pot cooking time slightly) because, you know, more is more! Hope you enjoy it (and all the extra time that it affords you)!!

    Please scroll down to the end of this post for the printable recipe.

  • FASHION,  WEEKLY SALES

    Weekly Sales & Deals // Post Holiday Edition

    Dear friends, so now that Christmas is over, it’s time to go shopping again! Some of my favorite stores are hosting the best sales of the season. Aren’t these iced fashion cookies adorable? They were designed by the creative team at Loft, and feature some of their latest styles! Check out the list of stores and sales below. You can click on the store links to shop. Happy (bargain) shopping!



    OLD NAVY // Up to 75% off sale items- no code needed.


    LOFT // 50% off full-price styles and extra 50% off sale styles- with CODE: LOVEIT. In store & online (until 12/30)


    ANN TAYLOR // 48% off your full-price purchase with CODE: GREAT48 (until 12/30) and extra 60% off all sale styles. No code needed (until 1/1/20) In store & online

  • Desserts,  RECIPES

    Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks’ Copycat Recipe)

    Dear friends, I am a huge fan of the “Starbucks'” Cranberry Bliss Bars. However, they are pricey! So, after testing out several copycat recipes for these delicious treats, I’ve come up with my own budget conscious version. I’ve added chopped crystalized ginger (which is not found in the Starbucks’ bars) which adds depth of flavor and a satisfying chewy bite. They would be the perfect addition at a ladies’ brunch or at your next holiday dessert party. Enjoy!

    Scroll down to the end of this post for the printable recipe.

  • FASHION

    Pearly Whites // Star shaped Holiday Bag

    Shop My Look Here:

    Dress: Halogen x Atlantic Pacific red bow dress. From last season. Similar here // Bag: Halogen x Atlantic Pacific star shaped pearl bag // Shoes: Ivory pumps // Headband: Ivory pearl velvet headband

    Dear friends, I am a big fan of Blair Eadie, the creator of the fashion blog, “Atlantic-Pacific.” I absolutely adore her feminine, vibrant and quirky fashion sense and the way she pairs the most unusual colors is masterful. So, I was ecstatic when she did a collaboration with Nordstrom, to create the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific collection. The dress and striking star pearl handbag that I am wearing here are from her line. I have purchased several items from her three (so far) collections in the past year and I receive numerous compliments anytime I don any of her designs. Check out her latest holiday collection from Nordstrom here!

  • FASHION,  WEEKLY SALES

    Weekly Sales & Deals // Dec 16-22

    Shop My Look Here:

    Top: Cozy sherpa pullover top // Pants: Flannel patterned pajama pants // Earrings: (old) similar here

    Dear friends, here’s my updated list of sales and deals for this week. As the holidays are quickly approaching, many stores are offering some great deals, so this is a great time to pick up those holiday gifts and to stock up on some items for yourself! Happy (bargain) shopping!



    OLD NAVY // Up to 60% off everything- no code needed.


    LOFT // 60% your purchase- with CODE: JINGLE. In store & online (until 12/18)


    ANN TAYLOR // 50%- 60% off your purchase. In store & online. With CODE: GOBIG No code needed (until 12/18)


    BANANA REPUBLIC // 50% off everything. In store and online. No code necessary // Extra 10% off for cardmembers- use CODE: BRCARD (until 12/24)


    J CREW // 40% off almost everything. Online only – use CODE: GIFTED (until 12/17)

  • FASHION,  WEEKLY SALES

    Weekly Sales & Deals // Dec 9-Dec 15

    Shop My Look Here:

    Coat: brushed leopard coat (on sale for $55 right now) // Hat: (old). Similar here // Boots: Rain boots with bows.

    Dear friends, here’s my updated list of sales and deals for this week. Many stores are still continuing their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, so this is a great time to pick up those holiday gifts and to stock up on some items for yourself! Happy (bargain) shopping!



    OLD NAVY // Up to 50% off everything- no code needed. Plus an additional 20% off in store and online with CODE: SWEET (until 12/15)


    LOFT // 40%-50% your purchase- no code needed. Plus an additional 10% off in store & online – use CODE: MERRY


    ANN TAYLOR // 50% off 3+ full-price items / 40% off 2+ full-price items/ 30% off 1 full price item. In store & online. No code needed (until 12/11)


    BANANA REPUBLIC // 30%- 50% off everything. In store and online. No code necessary (until 12/14)


    J CREW // 50% off cozy styles, plus 40% off (almost) everything else. Online only – use CODE: TUESDAY (until 12/10)

  • FASHION,  UNDER $100

    Rainbow Brite // The Best Holiday Shoes!

    Shop My Look Here:

    Shoes: Rainbow Glitter Heels

    Vibrant hues abound this holiday season. From hot pinks to sunshine yellows, the stores are stocked with a dizzying rainbow of clothing options! Of course you’re going to need shoes to go with all of those colorful outfits that you’re going to be wearing to your holiday parties and events. Here is a stunning pair that will go with virtually anything! They’re very comfortable and will allow you to dance the night away. Right now, they’re 30% off (with the code “FRIENDS“) until December 16th.