Delicate Stacking Jewelry

One trend I am sooo loving right now is dainty and delicate stacking jewelry. I've always been partial to thin and delicate jewelry, so much so, that I may have hinted I wanted my engagement ring to have that same feel (good job D!). What's cool is there are so many designers at all price points that make gorgeous additions to any jewelry box. And because many pieces are not super expensive, it's a nice way to freshen up an old outfit ad to truly reflect your mood that day. Here are some of my current favorite pieces.

// details //

Gorjana 18k necklace / Heart shaped ring / Gorjana ring / Stella Dot pave ring / BCBGeneration band ring / Yellow gold ring / Ileana Makri ring / J Crew j crew jewelry / Gorjana earrings / Gorjana yellow gold bangle / Gorjana gold necklace / Gorjana necklace

Have you gotten on board with delicate stacking jewelry yet?

Where are your favorite places to find your jewelry?

xo Steph

Forum Friday: Is Granny Hair Fierce or Faux Pas?

Yup you heard me, it's called granny hair. What is it? It's women who are choosing to either go fully gray early, putting in gray highlights, or even doing a funky gray ombre look. Currently, I do go to the salon every few months to color my hair. I've noticed since turning 30, my grays have been coming in full force. Not so much so that I have the skunk line running down the center of my head, but more like they are sprouting up like unwanted silver highlights. I do color my grays right now because 1.) I feel like I'm way too young to have gray hairs showing and 2.) I'm getting married this March, so I do want to keep that youth appearance right now. Understanding that graying hair is all hereditary, I know I will most likely start graying early like my mom did.

But more about this granny hair. When I first heard about it, I thought it was nuts. Like why would anyone do this?! Until I started seeing some totally gorgeous, confident women rocking their gray locks. And then I started to change my mind.

Like seriously how gorgeous is she? 

All original sources for granny hair an be found on my pinterest page.

 So you could go a lot on the ombre….

 or just a little…..

recognize anyone from Orange is the New Black? Or should I say Gray is the new black. I do have to admit she looks fierce with that gray/lavender combo.

Or go mostly gray with some dark roots showing.

So what are your thoughts? I have to admit I think it looks ahhhhhmazing on all these ladies! Will I ever have the guts to do it myself? That's to be determined. I do know that because I have such dark, almost black hair, it would require a lot of bleach, which in turn can result in come severely damaged hair that breaks off. However, if you're up for that risk, I am kind of totally on board with this trend. But what do you think? Leave a comment and let me know what you think on the new silver fox trend!

xo Steph

Healthy Eats: Shrimp Scampi over Spaghetti Squash

I loooove me some shrimp scampi!! Not only because it's high in protein and full of flavor, but it's also a relatively light dish, and also light on calories if you prepare it right. I used to make this dish all the time and serve it over whole wheat pasta, but then I thought using spaghetti squash would really elevate this meal on the healthy spectrum and take it up a whole new level. Because you're practically eating a plate of veggies and seafood -- you can feel 100% guilt free for over indulging or getting that second glass of white wine :)

// Ingredients // serves 4

2 spaghetti squashes
4 tsp olive oil
1 1⁄4 lb medium shrimp , peeled (tails left on)
6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced
1⁄2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1⁄2 cup dry white wine
1⁄4 cup fresh lemon juice
1⁄4 cup plus 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
lemons for garnish

// Directions //

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil. Sauté the shrimp until just pink, 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook stirring constantly, about 30 seconds. With a slotted spoon transfer the shrimp to a platter, keep hot. In the skillet, combine the broth, wine, lemon juice, 1/4 cup of the parsley, the salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, until the sauce is reduced by half; spoon over the shrimp. Serve over already prepared spaghetti squash (more how to prepare the spaghetti squash here) garnished with the lemon slices and sprinkled with the remaining tablespoon of parsley. A little sprinkling of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese if desired. And boom! There you have it, one of my favorite go-to weeknight meals :)

I hope you definitely give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!

 xo Steph

Our Engagement Party

Well how about it….I am FINALLY getting around to sharing some pics from our engagement party that our wonderful families threw for us. This was waaayyyy back in October and we had such a lovely time. We only invited close local family and our friends who were in our wedding party. We wanted to keep the night intimate where we could just focus on food, family and fun. 

the future Mr. & Mrs. D. Complete with crystal stemware, so fancy.

I also knew I wanted to use this party as a time to ask my girls, well rather pop the question if they would be my bridesmaids. Not all my bridesmaids could come, since they are scattered all over the place, but I did infact, pop the big question to my ladies who were there.

Each got a little box with their name on it, a card from me, a mini bottle of wine, some yummy chocolates, a fun Essie nail polish, and cake batter flavored (yes, you heard that right!) chapstick. Just some little goodies to make the night more special.

I also saw this adorable idea of Etsy with diamond ring shaped toothpicks, that when popped on the top of a doughnut, make them look like little diamond rings. So cute right? I had a platter set out of apple cider donuts (because it was October) a we snapped the cute pic above!

I got to spend time with my girlfriends, some who I don't get to see very often so it was really a nice night.

D serenaded me with songs as D does on more than one occasion ;)

 And overall it was such a lovely night. Our families have already gotten to know each other over the years since we've been together for a while, and because they get along so well, everyone had a blast. Some may have even had a little too much to drink! ;) When people have to spend the night at your place unexpectedly because they may have indulged in a few too many libations, you know it's been a great night! 

xo Steph

Have a Fiesta at Home

Happy Cinco de Mayo people! A holiday devoted to eating Mexican food and drinking Corona -- I can get down with that! So of course, I need to share some party inspirations because, we all know I love to plan a festive and fabulous party. I swear, I live for holidays and theme parties -- why can't they be every day? Anyway here are some inspiration photos I pulled together from {Pinterest}. If you want to recreate a Cinco de Mayo party like this yourself, all original sources can be found {here}.

1. Festive chalkboard -- "Fiesta like there's no Manana"

2. Colorful plates

3. Fresh pico de gallo

4. Pink Grapefruit margaritas

5. Homemade guacamole served in a (mortar and pestle here)

8. Mexican corn with a squeeze of lime

7. Taco Bar chalkboard art

8. Ombre garlands for decor

9. mmmmm Taaaacos

10. Pinata cookies -- amazing.

11. Fuchsia peonies for pops of color

12. Stocked bar, including San Pellegrino (one of my new favs)

13. Margarita Lime cupcakes

I'm be sure to enjoy a Corona Light with lime and some fresh guac today to make my Monday afternoon a little more special.

What are your fun Cinco De Drinko plans for today?

xo Steph

Fiesta Wear

In honor of Cinco de Mayo tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to share a very appropriate outfit for any type of fiesta you may be having! Whether you are hitting up a local Mexican restaurant, a happy hour after work, or hosting a small little dinner at your place, dress up in bright colors and soak in all the festivities. Just remember to have a Corona or margarita in hand…..of course!

// details //

John Lewis maxi (similar)  // Sandals // Straw clutch  // Chloé round sunglasses // Essie nail polish // Bobby Flay Hammered Margarita Glasses // Margarita shampoo & shower gel // Chip & Dip for your guac (similar)

 D and I are actually going to see Slash in concert with our cousins and some friends. It's one of his rock idols (if you happen to remember our Halloween costume last year!) and I just love going to any type of concert. We are planning to hit up a local Mexican restaurant near the venue beforehand for dinner and drinks (Coronas of course) before we head to the show. 

So what are your plans for tomorrow?

xo Steph 

Forum Friday: Are Skinny Jeans on Their Way Out?

Back in the day (and when I say that, I mean circa early 2000's when I was in college) we were all about the flared and boot cut jeans. That was what you wore. Pair that with a tight fitted camisole/embellished top, some pointy toe pumps and your Coach wristlet and you were ready for a night out my friends! Can anyone feel me on that one? Clearly styles change and cycle in and out.  For a long time now, skinnies were and are all the rage. They are everywhere! I remember first hating the trend because I have less than stellar legs. More like muscular thick legs, but we works with what's given to us right? Anyway, I eventually hopped on board the skinny jean train because, duh - fashion!! 

But now I'm hearing skinny jeans are on their way our for……gasp, flared and boot cut jeans! If this is the case, sign me up because they have always been more flattering on me anyway. But what do you think? Are they on their way out? What are you seeing as the fashion trends in your social circles?

xo Steph