Cookout Showdown: Brats vs. Burgers

One of my favorite things about summertime is cooking on the grill.  Well, if we are being honest, asking Andy to cook on the grill.  The few times I've tried it has been with disastrous results ... lots of smoke, sometimes a fire and blacken food (and I am not talking the yummy Cajun kind).  What is your favorite thing to make on the grill?  If given a choice between a brat and a burger, which would you choose?  I've always been partial to a classic hamburger but, when I asked Andy he said brats (in particular Johnsonville). 

Photo credits:  brat | burger

Juice

Last year Andy and I (after lots of careful research) decided to adopt an ex-racing greyhound.  We ended up finding a wonderful non-profit organization called Heartbound that takes great pains in fostering greyhounds in foster homes before placing them in their "forever homes" to ensure a compatible fit.  We officially adopted Juice (her racing name was Go-Go Juice) last August and we adopted our second greyhound (Gin) this past January.

Juice and Gin quickly became a part of our family and nothing beats seeing their happy tails after a long day of work.  Lately, I've found myself looking for ways to commemorate this awesome breed and, in particular, our hounds.  Naturally, I turned to Etsy where I met Donna, the creative genius behind the shop Leafpeople.  What originally caught my eye was her "sight hound" eyeglasses case but then I fell in love with her dog brooches so I contacted her to see if she might be able to make a greyhound brooch for me.  She replied back almost instantly and said she was game.  I sent her a picture of Gin and Juice and let her pick which ever dog might be easier to tackle.

She ended up creating a brooch version of Juice ... it turned out AMAZING.  The detail is incredible and the resemblance is uncanny.  I would highly recommend visiting Donna if you are looking for a unique one-of-a-kind way to capture your 4-legged best friend :)

A Vitamin a Day ...

A year or so ago, while Andy and I were out with friends celebrating a birthday we met another couple (a friend of a friend) who both happened to be doctors.  Somehow, the conversation turned towards vitamins.  I've always had an interest in improving my energy levels and health in a natural way so I was really curious with what they had to say.  They talked about taking vitamin D and the fact that they hadn't been sick in years which they accredited to vitamin D.  Intrigued, after dinner, Andy and I went home and immediately started researching vitamin D and other supplements online.  From almost that day on, Andy and I have taken an assortment of vitamins daily and we both almost immediately felt more balanced and energetic.

Recently, I was introduced to MultiVits, a company passionate about helping other improve their quality of life through high-end, medical grade supplements.  What I love about the MultiVits sight is the fact that they blend in education and medical research with each and every one of their vitamin supplements.  There is so much information out there about vitamins, one can quickly get overloaded and overwhelmed but MiltiVits really does a fantastic job breaking down each supplement (like magnesium which can natural treat anxiety or Pycnogenol® which is a potent antioxidant that has been scientifically linked to helping with circulation, joint health, and seasonal allergies) so that consumers can easily digest what supplements might be a good fit for their health concerns.  They even include information regarding the recommended daily dosage!

Not sure what kind of supplements might be a good fit for your lifestyle?  Simply visit Multivits, and type in your health concerns into the search box.  Chances are, there will be a supplement that you could try to naturally treat your aliments.  Here is to making ourselves happier and healthier!

The content and material is completely my own.  I am not in the medical profession and you should always consult a physician before adding supplements to your diet.

Design Files: Topaz Bridesmaids

The specialist of days call for a special, custom design and I was over-the-moon when a lovely bride-to-be, Jamie, contacted me regarding custom earrings for her and her maids for her wedding day.  I would describe the vibe of her wedding is vintage bohemian.  She was kind enough to send over a picture of her bridesmaid dresses and I about fell of my chair (I may or may not have volunteered on the spot to be a back-up bridesmaid :).  They are amazing!  I instantly fell in love with the earthly tones and the fact that each dress is distinctly a bit different from the next.

After a bit of corresponding we decided to blend vintage Swarovski rhinestones with topaz Swarovski crystals for the maids and vintage Swarovski rhinestones with a milky blue turquoise colored glass crystal for Jamie.  I love how the intensely sparkly rhinestones are off-set by the more organic, colored accent crystals.

Happy wedding day Jamie!!!  xxCat

Discovered: Stangers Cookshop

When Andy and I first moved in together, I had a completely "green-thumb" when it came to cooking and baking.  After trying out a few simple sounding recipes that received rav reviews from Andy, I quickly discovered that I enjoyed cooking and baking (and the eating the results of the two aforementioned activities).  Our kitchen slowly filled up with pots, pans and specialty items (like spring form pans and mini-muffin tins!) because as any craftsman knows, you are only as good as the tools you have on hand.

Recently, I discovered Stangers Cookshop, a UK based company that specializes in cookware, glass and kitchen goods.  Their lines include the top brands of the industry ... Staub Cookware,  Robert Welch knives, Cuisinart, KitchenAid,, Le Creuset and many, many more!  One quick peak around this specialty site and my kitchen lust-list definitely gained a few items ...

1.  This fork, spoon and knife trivet would be a delightful way to keep your counter-tops and table safe when serving a hot-from-the-oven (or stove-top) dish  2. La Rochere glassware (a company that boost the oldest working art glassworks in France) covered with darling bees is so perfectly poised for serving up sangria or freshly squeeze lemonade 3. I currently cook almost exclusively with stainless steel cookware but would upgrade to the beauty of copper cookware in a heartbeat if I could  4. As a kid a real treat would be toast with fresh honeycomb spread on top, this honey pot by Le Creuset would be so nostalgic 5.  While traditionally used for serving hot or cold beverages, I would totally re-purpose this jug for displaying fresh wild flower arrangements 6. Can one ever have too much pretty dinnerware?  The answer is no, of course!  That being said, I would love to add some Prague toile plates to my current collection

Happy weekend, my beauties!  Not going to lie ... after doing all of this (virtual) kitchen shopping I am looking forward to getting my bake on this weekend!

Vintage Lace Earrings - DIY

Lace earrings are the perfect romantic accessory and super easy to make!  Found the perfect lacey shape but not in your fav color ... lace is also amazingly easy to dye.  In fact, for the pair I made, I dyed the originally white lace (to stark for me :) to a lovely antiqued ivory using tea!

STEP 1 (cut):  Carefully cut lace either side of the lace collar to the desired shape of your earrings.  Don't be afraid to go big ... lace is so lightweight and airy, you can get away with bolder earrings without looking over the top.

STEP 2 (dye):  I didn't particularly care for the bright white lace look and was looking for more of an antiqued looked so I dyed the lace using tea.  Heat 1 - 1/2 cups water per tea bag.  Bring to a boil for 10 minuets or until desired intensity is achieved (the longer you boil and steep the tea, the stronger the color).  Remove tea bags.  Wet lace with warm water so that it is saturated.  Place lace in hot tea, stirring frequently until desired color is achieved.  Remove lace and rinse in cold water.

STEP 3 (dry):  Remove as much moisture as you can from the lace with a paper towel.  Then fold-up in a piece of paper towel and place under a heavy book to dry completely (this will prevent the edges of your lace from curling up).

STEP 4 (assemble):  Using a round nose jewelry pliers, open the loop of your earwire and string lace onto the wire.  Repeat for other side.

STEP 4 (enjoy):  Slip your new earrings on and enjoy looking fabulous!

Lacey

One of my favorite things about thrift shopping is that you never know what you are going to find.  This past weekend, Andy and I did a bit of thrifting.  I was mainly looking for an old pot to experiment with dying but I always like to hit up the jewelry counters as well as the arts & crafts areas because you never know what you might find.  On this particular visit, I found a vintage lace collar that was begging to be re-purposed into bold lace earrings.

While a bit on the large side (they measure close to three and half inches long), they are extremely light-weight and airy making them the perfect accompaniment to a hot summer day outfit where less is more like a simple tank top or a summer dress.  The best part, you can totally make these yourself ... in fact, I have a little diy scheduled for you guys later this week!

In the Navy - Shop Update

Since launching BrideBlu's line of nautical inspired bracelets earlier this year, I've been getting a number of requests to offer the braided version in navy blue.  Unfortunately, try as I might I was unable to source the materials to accommodate this awesome request.  So, this past weekend, I took matters into my own hands (quite literally) and hand-dyed some of my white cotton rope a richly hued, sailor-approved navy blue.

Never having dyed anything since an experiment with Tye-dying many, many years ago, I wasn't sure how the endeavor would go.  While a little messy (I am currently sporting a couple of blue finger tips), the processes was painless and I am quite pleased with the results.  A limited quantity of these bracelets are available now in the shop.  Available with gold or silver accents.

Starlight Woods - a GIVEAWAY!

There are times when you just need a pop of color in your accessories and thankfully, Starlight Woods has lots of crazy cool options for you!  This whimsical floral patterned cocktail ring and these slightly edgier but equally as lovely chevron stud earrings have shot straight up to the top of my wishlist.

Starlight Woods is run by the sweet and talented Lisa who was inspired to launch Starlight Woods after a summer full of crazy storms left fallen branches and trees scatter about her neighborhood.  Always one to see the beauty even in the face of destruction, Lisa started sanding down fallen branches and re-purposing them into handmade jewelry, key chains, pendant necklaces, chunky rings, stud earrings and hand painted ornaments. So not only are you getting a really rad piece of jewelry but you are also supporting an amazingly eco-friendly shop!

Today, Starlight Woods is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a $25 shop credit to anything in the store!  Giveaway is open to anyone on earth.  Good luck!

UPDATE // Kristy F. is the lucky winner!  

Congrats and thanks for playing :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Moody

Do you guys remember mood rings?  There was a period in high-school where I was obsessed with rings ... I wore one on every finger and one of them was a mood ring (and a ring watch ... do you remember those?).  Unfortunately, I am one of those people whose hands are just perpetually on the cool side so my mood ring rarely changed colors.

When I found some mood beads, I instantly thought ... necklaces!  They are made with thermo-sensitive material which means as your body temperature changes through out the day, so will the color of the bead.   I haven't taken mine off since I made it.  It is so fun to see the colors change through out the day (since my chest isn't as cold-blooded as my hands, it actually does change colors quite a bit!).

Vintage Rhinestones

If you are a regular visitor, it will come as no surprise to you that I am sorta obsessed with vintage jewelry and, more particularly, vintage rhinestone jewelry.  For those of you newbies (welcome!), you are now "in the know" of my major weakness.  But why vintage rhinestones?  Let me count the ways ....

1.  Sparkle.  Sure, you can purchase *new* rhinestone pieces and yes they are sparkly but these gems simply cannot hold a candle to the deep, rich, silvery light catching, glamorous sparkle of vintage rhinestones.

2.  History.  The most fascinating, chill-giving part of collecting vintage jewelry is that each piece has a past.  I love to imagine vintage jewelry as the "fly on the wall" ... just think of what some of these pieces may have seen:  a first date, a walk down the aisle, a toast to a new year (like 1961!).  It is amazing to think of the history each piece holds.

3.  Uniqueness.  It almost goes without saying ... vintage jewelry is often a one-of-a-kind investment and, when it comes to vintage costume jewelry, an affordable one.  Each piece is a thrilling piece of art that you most likely will not see again ever. 

4.  Versatility.  At first glace, vintage rhinestones may seem a bit over the top and best to reserve for only the fanciest of occasions but actually, they are surprisingly wearable in everyday sitations.  Remember Carrie's awesome vintage rhinestone necklace from Sex and the City?  She rocked vintage rhinestone with a t-shirt, a fancy frock and everything inbetween.

EcoShag - a Giveaway!

EcoShag is a line of handmade scarfs ... and do they ever do scarfs.  Infinity scarves, head scarves, scarf necklaces, neck bows, hair wraps, and women's bow ties.  Phew!  Oh, and I should mention that they are all equally amazing featuring stylish patterns and cuts sure to make them a closet staple.  The mastermind behind this gem of a shop is the one and only Tania ... mother of 4 (!!) and scarf affection-ado.  Each scarf is made 100% by Tania's own two hands and is eco-friendly (yea!).

Picture this: it is hot, humid summer day and, while you feel like your melting, you still want to look cool and chic.  That may seem like a tall order but, surprisingly, its not thanks to the amazingly awesomeness that is EcoShag!  Eco Shag's head scarves are easy and effortless ... casually wrap around your head and you are out the door, prepared to face the heat in chic style.

Are you as excited about EcoShag as I am?!?!?  Well, you are in luck because today, one of you can win your choice of scarf from EcoShag (up to a $30 value!!!).  Enter via Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway is open worldwide.  Good luck beauties :)

UPDATE:  The winner is Paula!  Congrats :)  Thanks for playing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BrideBlu Design Files: Sangria

When a lovely soon-to-be Mrs. contacted me recently inquiring about Anabelle necklaces to match her sangria bridesmaids dresses, I admittedly got a little thirsty.  Especially with the sweltering heat of summer fulling upon us, sipping ice cold sangria on the patio sounds perfectly heavenly.  Turns out, sangria (officially named by David's Bridal) is also a stunning shade of pink ... think a blend between fuchsia and magenta.

Believe it or not, it turns out these necklaces (they are actually a color I call fuchsia) matched her maid's dresses perfectly. 

Congrats, Anna!  I hope your wedding day is perfectly spectacular!

sangria inspiration image credits:  1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7