Gold Dipped Chaos

Hello everyone! In case you've found my blog by chance or perhaps from Pinterest, I'd like you to know I've left blogspot and started a brand new (BETTER) blog called Gold Dipped Chaos.  Come check me out there!

Loved It: Bundled Up

Last weekend husband and I joined my parents in Sisters Oregon to visit family.  It's such an adorable little town.  It's so adorable it inspired a visitor's guide post.  (coming up!)  In the meantime I hope you like the outfit I threw together to walk around.  

 Sorry for the poor quality on this pic.  See my camera sitting next to me?  This one was taken with a phone. 

Leggings: Target; Sweater: Calson (found at Nordstrom); Mittens: Forever 21; Hat: Found at Nordstrom (no tag! what?? I must have cut it off years ago because it was buggin) Earrings: Target; Boots: Sorel

Loved It: Sweet and Tangy Bourbon Meatballs

This recipe is by no means original.  It is not healthy.  It is not quick.  But man, on man, is it delicious!  A friend made these for a clothes-swap party she threw and I swear I hovered over them like a... well a... hungry girl wanting more meatballs.  I ate and ate and then I got home and thought about them some more.  Until finally I searched Pinterest (that's where she got the recipe) and made them for myself.  It's super easy- just takes a while to heat up.  You could serve these alone as an appetizer (like she did) or as the main course (like I did).  I made goat-cheese mashed potatoes and a green salad as an accompaniment.  These are good.   Really, really, really good!

1 bag of Frozen Meatballs. (I used the Trader Joes Turkey Meatballs)

1/2 heaping cup ketchup

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup whiskey

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Whisk all the ingredients together until well blended. (if you like your meatballs a little more tangy and a little less sweet I would cut the sugar to 1/3 c. and double the lemon juice and Worcestershire.  Put the frozen meatballs in a crockpot, pour sauce over meatballs and turn on high.  Stir occationally.  After 1 hour turn down to low and let sit another hour.  Enjoy! 

original recipe found here

Loved It: Neon

Shirt: Free People; Jacket: Free Hug; Leggings: Mossimo (Target); Shoes: Zara; Ring: Target; Nail Color: Teddy Girl by Butter London

p.s. these leggings are on sale at Target now. I'm a bit obsessed- you'll be seeing a lot more of them! 

Loved It: Polka dots and Shoulder Pads

A few days ago a friend threw a clothes swap party.  It was a lot of fun and I scored some pretty great pieces.  My favorite was this polka dot number.  I couldn't quite tell if it was a throwback to  Dorothy Zvornak from Golden Girls or if it was actually modernly-vintage (is that a thing?) like I was inclined to believe.  Well, I took it home and I wore it out and I even took a few pictures in it.  I guess it's not exactly in vogue but at the very least I'm channeling Blanch Devereaux, and that's chic enough for me. 

Loved It: Glam Plaid

I may or may not have bought my tartan jacket a few years ago when I was really into Gwen Stefani's LAMB line.  Of course, I can't afford a LAMB jacket so I went to my fave knock-off store of all time- Forever 21. 

 Jacket, shirt and necklace: Forever 21. Skirt: Stem (found at Nordstrom) Boots: MeToo

Loved It! DIY Ombre Cupcakes

I don't know about you, but for me when the weather is cold and rainy all I want to do is stay inside and bake.  But if I bake for myself it gets to be an issue.  An issue between my pants and my thighs.  So I love to bake for others.  Few things say "I love you" better than a baked good.  And, when baking for a loved one, presentation is key.  (ok, lets be real... presentation is key when baking for other women...weddings, bridal showers, baby showers or even just a gift for a bff. my husband is digesting the baked good before he realizes it was ever pretty.) I think these ombre cupcakes are adorable.  They take a little more time but I think the cuteness makes it worth the effort.  

You'll need:

1. White cake mix (plus whatever ingredients the mix calls for)

2. Frosting of your choice

3. Food coloring

4. cupcake liners

5. Sprinkles of your choice (optional)

First prepare the cake mix according to directions.  Then separate the mix into 4 equal amounts in different bowls. (i just eyeballed it)  Start with the lightest color. I wanted to do coral so I put 2 drops of red and 1 yellow in the first bowl.  Keep adding more food coloring drops to each bowl until you get the desired shade. Pour the mixes into the cupcake liners and bake according to directions. Your cupcakes may look something like this before they go into the oven...

Allow your cupcakes to cool completely.  (also I found that the cupcakes were easier to work with if the frosting was cold)  Using a serrated edged knife cut the cupcakes into about 3 layers each.  Then, starting with the lightest color build your cupcake by piping frosting on top of each layer as a sort of mortar between layers. It also helps to build your cupcake in a new liner sheet to hold it together. Top with whatever sprinkles you like. (or cut a shape out of the cupcake scraps and use that as a topper) 

enjoy! 

Loved It: Red Lips

On my nails I have Butter London Knees Up. Lips are Laura Mercier Lip Stain Scarlet and Mac Lip Pencil Cherry.  Eye colors by Laura Mercier in Stellar and Cafe Au Lait.  Eye Liner is also by Laura Mercier in Black Ebony. 

Loved It: Primped

As I'm sure you can tell (if you've ever visited my blog before) I've given my blog a much needed primping.  I've been unhappy with how it looked for a while now, but due to an unfortunate tech-challenged gene passed on to me from my mother, I haven't really known how to change things. The blog still needs a few tweaks which I'm planning on doing through the week- but for now I hope you like what you see!  Maybe this makeover will inspire fresh starts all around!

 

Loved It: Lavender Eyes

You know, for a makeup artist I really don't do enough posts about makeup.  I mean- it's basically my forte and yet here I am, week after week, not posting any makeup pics.  Well today I am turning over a new leaf. I hope you like it. 

I used (unless otherwise specified) Laura Mercier: radiance foundation primer; silk creme foundation in beige ivory; mineral loose setting powder #1; Bobbi Brown eye brightener in peach; secret brightening powder #1;  eye basic in peach; creme eye color in mauve pastel (limited edition. sorry!); eye colors in primrose, stellar and lavender silk (also limited edition. please don't be mad); eye liner in blue marine; faux lash mascara in black; blond eyebrow pencil; cheek color in rose petal; peach mosaic; lip hydratint in rose; lip pencil in clover. 

Loved It: Baby, It's Cold Outside.

Jacket: H&M; Scarf, Hat, Belt,  Leggings, Sweater and Dress: Forever 21; Boots: Mia; Gloves: Vintage

Loved It: 25 Ways to Tie a Scarf in 4.5 min

I don't know about you but this time of year I cannot leave my apartment without a scarf on.  And I always feel like I wear it the same old way every time.  Not anymore.  Here's a quick how-to video you'll love. I'm feeling inspired!  Hope you enjoy it as well.  

Loved It: Winter Coats

Baby, it's cold outside.  And I hate being cold.  So, I bundle up when I go outside. I mean bundle.  I'm sad to say there have been one too many days I've ended up looking like a homeless lady with way too nice of shoes on.  But not this winter!  The key is a beautiful coat.  One that is heavy and warm and stylish.  Nipped at the waist.  Perhaps belted.  Maybe in a bright hue.  Here are a few of my favorite looks for winter and a link to where you can find a similar look.  It's time to start looking stylish no matter the temperature.  

for when you're feeling fancy...

jacquard coat with gathered waist here

For when you're feeling Scottish...

red plaid wool coat here

For when you're feeling preppy... 

red military pea coat here

For when you're feeling lady-like...

belted wrap coat here

For when you're feeling extra-extra lady like...

this exact coat here

For when you're feeling romantic...

ruffled trench here

For when you're feeling sporty...

olive green anorak here

For when you're feeling edgy...

this exact coat here

For when you're feeling happy...

lime green wool coat here

Loved it! cocktail rings

You know I love a pretty cocktail ring!  Do the kids still call it bling?  I do, so probably not.
 Here is a round up of my favorite six bling-bling for your fing...er.  (ooooh that was cheesy. ...cheese...now I'm hungry...) Oh, and did I mention these beauts wont break the bank? All under $50.     

1. $48 - chloeandisabel.com

2. $35 - stelladot.com

3.  $35 - juicycouture.com

4. $50 - amritasingh.com

5. $42 - baublebar.com

6. $22 - maxandchloe.com

Fall Favorites

1.  Cardigan $40 - hm.com
2. Boyfriend Jeans $55 - buckle.com
3. Tom's suede wedges $89 - toms.com
4.  Belt $40 - etsy.com
5. Lulu Barrel Bag$42 - nordstrom.com
6. Stella and Dot Hope bracelet $32 - stelladot.com
7. Dogeared Three Wishes necklace$82 - bloomingdales.com
8. Stella and Dot earings $17 - stelladot.com

Loved It: A Going Away Party, Kentucky Derby Style

First off let me say, I apologize for my absence.  Hopefully we can pick up like no time has passed.  

Last weekend was a whole lot of fun (and a little sad)!  Friends and I said so-long to a dear friend.  She is leaving us for greener pastures. (by greener pastures I mean beaches and sunshine- she's moving to Hawaii- so I don't feel too sad for her) We had to send her off with a proper goodbye, Kentucky Derby style. 

The goodbye girl:

What?! A real live pony?! Yes, that's right. 

Husband looking dapper, me looking real excited to pose with a pony:

Hats, Hats, Hats!

The hostess with the mostess:

It's all in the details:

Thank you to Jenny and Laura. (and anyone else involved in the planning.) I wish Erin the best on her new chapter. I do declare! We will miss you.