Category Archives: friday friend 1-1

quick substitutes…your friday friend-1-1

27 Friday Jun 2014

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On a recent weekend, we did a quick lake house overnight with a third couple…yes, husbands were happily in tow for this getaway.

We had a fun evening with a cocktail cruise, delicious dinner, excellent wine and great conversation. We all turned in early, guiltily excited that no dogs or teens would be potentially interrupting our sleep!

The next morning, we awoke to the smell of bacon and coffee…heaven! We quickly made our way to the kitchen, only to find a shocking sight. Our friend was sipping coffee, happily watching her husband prepare our breakfast, seeming not to mind the raccoon eyes she was sporting!!

After some questioning, we learned that all of her toiletry products had been misplaced, so she had skipped washing her face the night before. Horrors! This got us thinking…had our friend – and others – not heard of some of the simplest substitutes for the products we need, but sometimes find ourselves without?

We decided it was practically an emergency to get this information out there. The thought of one of our sweet belles suffering through a night with yesterday’s makeup still intact was just too much to bear!

So, here you go…our list of the easiest household substitutes for a belle in a pinch…

FreeGreatPicture.com-7353-olive-oil

Olive oil – a superstar!
– removes makeup (eyes too) and moisturizes all in one step!
– great sub for shaving cream
– softens feet and hands for a quick faux mani/pedi
– mix with sugar or salt for a top-notch exfoliator

Vaseline – eye cream, lip balm, use on lashes instead of mascara!

Baking soda – a great whitening toothpaste (although not entirely pleasant)

Hair conditioner – great for shaving legs (the cheaper the better!)

Cinnamon – a handy blusher or bronzer!

Hand cream – moisturizes the ends of hair to de-frizz

Hairspray – puts an end to static when you spray it on your brush

Flat iron – use it to get out the creases from packing clothes in the overnight bag

Moisturizer + concealer = foundation

Foundation + moisturizer = tinted moisturizer

Toothpaste or Visine – great drying paste/ointment for bump/blemish

…and there are SO many more!  We will be sure to share any others we think you MUST know…

a&a

we know a secret about Victoria…a belle-worthy friday friend-1-1

13 Friday Jun 2014

Posted by in fashion forward, friday friend 1-1, what's ringin' our belle

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Well, y’all have probably figured out by now that one of our favorite things to do is shop…til we drop. Of course, we love all the high falutin’ brands and certainly appreciate good quality and high style. But there is no greater joy then when we find a real bargain…a great piece that knocks our socks off and doesn’t leave us dirt-poor in the process.

So let’s just say we aren’t shy, and when one of us was at the hairdresser before leaving town that day, our adorable stylist was wearing THE cutest tee ever. Well…a belle’ s got to do what a belle’s got to do…

“Wherever did you get that to-die-for tee??? That’s exactly what I need to take on my trip this afternoon! Do tell…pretty please..”

And the reply was a delightful yet maddening shocker. The price was delightful – only $29.50 . The maddening part was that it was from the Victoria’s Secret catalog! Can’t buy on the spot…or can we???

Yes, that’s exactly what this belle was willing to do for the sake of the perfect tee…slightly off the shoulder, fitted at the hip, long enough in the torso to be ruched and flattering.

“Please, oh greatest hair-stylist of all time. Won’t you let me buy yours and you just order a new one?? I must have it for this trip!! ”

And wouldn’t you know, because hair-stylists are belles too, she let this belle buy the shirt right off her back!!

Not to mention that as soon as humanly possible, we proceeded to order said tee in black and grey and an additional white!  They come in a slew of colors and are now on sale for 2 for $30.00 !!

So run, run like the wind, to your nearest internet connection and order our not-so-secret-anymore tee from Victoria.

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One more thing…we usually sport ours with a cami underneath. We are obsessed with this one. Have them in every color.

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You can get them at Amazon and RepeatPossessions.

Be forewarned…if you have daughters, they will steal them. Sneaky little things! Go ahead and get a few extra.

a&a

okey d’okra…a fresh from the garden friday friend-1-1

16 Friday May 2014

Posted by in belle-icious, friday friend 1-1, healthy belle

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As summer approaches, we can’t help but think of fresh veggies and interesting (yet easy…who wants to spend all day in the kitchen!) ways to prepare them. Okra is one of our favorites at the moment.

Now, southern tradition dictates that the okra either be chopped, battered and fried, or stewed into slimy, gooey, over-cooked spears. Both of these options fall short of the main goal in eating your veggies in the first place…a typical southern folly…by taking something quite good-for-you and creating a southern-fried treat or zapping every last nutrient out in the cooking, and cooking, and cooking. (granted…stewed okra, corn and tomatoes is worth every last bite!)

So what’s a belle to do with her okra to get the most out of the nutrients and summer-fresh flavor?? Our quick and easy answer…roast it!

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Starting with fresh, tender pods, rinse thoroughly and dry.

Next, make length-wise cuts…either right down the middle or, if you want them a bit more “crispy”, slice each spear into 3 or more thin “chips”. Place in a bowl (or ziploc bag) and drizzle with your favorite (best quality you have available) olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Turn them all out onto a cookie sheet, spreading them out, cut-side-down, making sure to get them in a single layer

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Place in a 400 degree oven, and watch the masterpiece come to life! 15-20 minutes should do it, but you can be the judge. A nice, browned, slightly crisped edge is what we like to see…

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Be sure to get your share early…these babies will disappear in a snap!
a&a

for the graduates…belles give the best gifts…your friday friend-1-1

09 Friday May 2014

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You may be asking yourself…as are we…how on earth did graduation time get here already?! Didn’t we just stress over the perfect gifts for Christmas?? Now we are faced with yet another dilemma…the perfect gift for the graduate.

Well, belles to the rescue! We have some impressive ideas (and they won’t break the bank…a belle bonus!)

First…with total disclosure…we happen to have an industrious friend who has some of the cutest organizational products! Visit her on Etsy – The store is called Paper Petals (paperpetalsshop). Imagine one of these cute desk pads in a dorm room…

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These come in 50-page pads, sell for $38, and come in so many patterns and colors your head will spin! You can create just the right one for that special girl…and while you’re at it, maybe you need one too (just sayin’).
Check out Paper Petals for more ideas than you can shake a stick at!

Next up…how about luggage/bag tags? As those graduates strike out on their own, they need all the help they can get keeping up with their stuff. Backpacks, totes, and suitcases can all look alike, so why not give them something that makes a stylish, yet identifiable, statement?

For a somewhat “grown-up” look…try this from Orvis

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There is plenty of space for name, address and phone…but for the sake of privacy (and the fact that those kids will change addresses who knows how many times) maybe just a name and phone number will suffice. Totally your call, belles…we are just here to make the suggestions.

Now, for a more stylish, playful option, your female graduates will love this bag tag (which comes with a bonus…can also double as a large key ring so the sweet little belle doesn’t lose her dorm key)…

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These come as a set of two for $29…not too bad, huh? And there are almost more patterns, colors and other options than a belle can imagine! Might take a while to choose, but the junior belles will be swooning when they see your creation! Find them at Rouge and Co.

And speaking of keeping up with stuff…monograms are a big help in that department. Sarah Belle Smith (SBS) just can’t wear her roommate, Mary Anne Miller’s, (MAM) monogrammed shoes, hat, belt, necklace, etc. why, that would just be w.r.o.n.g! So consider the options at a friend’s shop here in Greenville…The Pink Monogram. A favorite of ours is the sun hat…we need to make these belles start early to protect that perfect, collagen-filled, skin of their youth!

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Click here for the full selection of colors and such

Taking us in a different direction…think more nose-candy as opposed to eye-candy…check out these collegiate fragrances from Masik!

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What a great way to boost school spirit! Check them out here to see if they have the school you need…and the site has a handy store-finder so that you can find a location near you to take a whiff. We happen to own the Alabama for men (Roll Tide) and it is quite nice…smells like a winner! Just sayin’…and again, Roll Tide 😉

Now, you know we could go on forever…but we will just suggest two more items…

For the preppy, slightly modest belle…

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A monogrammed towel-wrap from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts. Perfect for those who might have to shuffle down the hall for a shower…just sayin’.

And last, but not least, a true classic from LL Bean…

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The open-top boat and tote bag…in all the old classic colors as well as a creat-your-own option that makes the possibilities practically endless!

So…you have some decisions to make! Good luck to you…and to all of those excited graduates out there!

a&a

Word to your mother…gifts that keep on giving…your friday friend-1-1

02 Friday May 2014

Posted by in Beauty belle, belle-icious, fashion forward, friday friend 1-1, healthy belle, what's ringin' our belle

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and finding an appropriate and worthy-enough gift can be quite a trial. To make this undertaking infinitely less taxing we came up with the ultimate gift idea……

Monthly Gift Boxes!!!!!

They come in all price points, a limitless variety to suit any mother’s taste, and best of all, your momma will remember how thoughtful you are each time she gets a special delivery!

So without further ado ….

 

For the mom on the go:

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“Delivering boxes of fun to the travel-obsessed…and busy people on-the-go”…this might just be the perfect choice for the mom who always has a bag packed, passport in hand!  Examples of items she can expect:  foreign language tools, portable phone chargers, sleep masks, portable sunscreen, and snacks from around the world.  From GoTravelBox.com

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For the mom who loves to “escape” even when she is forced to unpack that bag and stay home for a while, try escapemonthly.  They will send destination-inspired luxury products to help mom relax, renew, and escape.  So order, and leave her alone already!

 

For the gourmet mom:

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From Gourmet Spotting, mom can expect to receive 4-6 full-size gourmet products each month.  Bonus…for each box they ship, they donate one meal to charity.  Showing love to mom and those in need…beautiful!

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Help mom discover brands she will love with personalized boxes from the folks at tastetrunk.com.  You will be sure to find the perfect match for mom with their smart categories…gourmet, sweet, BBQ, and health.

 

For the gourmande mom:

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The “World Chocolate Club” from mysubscriptionaddiction.com…um, need we say more?!  We hope the junior belles are paying attention to this one, hint, hint!

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Starting at just $10 per month, the boxes from lovewithfood.com are packed with natural or organic snacks.  And the dears at Love with Food donate a meal to feed a hungry child in the U.S. for every box they ship.  Now that’s love!

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Choose a box from a variety of categories (New England, Cocktails, Sweets…) or subscribe to the “Small Batch by Season” plan to help mom maintain her “tastemaker” status among her friends.  Go to shop.eatboutique.com.

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For cocktail recipes, curated by world-class mixologists, and all of the required spirits and mixers delivered right to mom’s door, check out julibox.com.  Maybe mom will invite you over for a taste…cocktails anyone?

 

For the fit mom:

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The “KLUTCHclub Women” boxes are filled with items sure to delight the fitness-and-health-type mom.  Products range from fitness DVD’s to healthy snacks and beauty products.  Find it at mysubscriptionaddiction

 

For the mom who loves her non-human babies:

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Help mom spoil her sweetest, most obedient, and adoring “child” with spoiledrottenbox.com.  They have 3, 6, and 12-month plans as well as a pay-as-you-go option with boxes filled with toys, treats and more…and no worries, all treats are manufactured here in the U.S.

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BarkBox is another excellent choice for mom’s sweet, furry baby.  Every month she will receive four or more products, carefully selected by dog-size…from toys and bones to hygiene products and gadgets…that will be sure to please Fido (and the cardboard box is a bonus!) Oh, and mom will love this…10% of the proceeds are donated to dogs in need.  From barkbox.com.

 

For the fashionista mom:

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The Style Box from socialbliss.com is perfect for the on-trend mom!  Each box contains a selection of one-size-fits-all fashion accessories, hand-picked by stylists who are “in the know”.

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The stylists at wantable.com navigate the world of fashion and beauty to bring mom the latest trends.  Select a category (makeup, accessories, or intimates), and wait for the adoration to begin!

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For fashion-oriented items, another excellent choice is the Coco Rocha Fancy Box from mysubscriptionaddiction. Past boxes have included magazines, jewelry, sunglasses…wow!!

 

For the beauty-pro mom:

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The “Must Have Box” from popsugar.com will treat mom to hand-selected items in beauty, fashion, home, fitness, and food…and they are all full-size products from premium brands.  Go for it!

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And last, but far from least, mom will practically tackle the delivery-man each month (don’t tell dad) to tear into her latest shipment from BirchBox.  Boxes contain high-end beauty, grooming, and lifestyle samples, customized just for her.  Make her ever-so-happy…click birch box.com.

Whew!!! As y’all can see, the options are endless, but we think this is a great variety to get you inspired. So treat mom and be her favorite…every month.

a&a

brownie batter for two…a sweet friday friend-1-1

25 Friday Apr 2014

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Even the rarest of belles can get a little hormonal once in a while…shocking, but true. Once the madness hits, there’s no stopping her determination to consume any chocolate (even sneaking into the kids’ Easter candy) within the confines of her maison belle. Well, my dears, time to step away from that Reese’s egg! It’s just not worth it!

We have a warm, sweet, chocolaty delight that is (somewhat) portion-controlled…and, sweet belles, it will not disappoint! This is an adaptation from our favorite brownie recipe…discovered essentially by accident while “testing” the brownies in progress. (And, as a bonus, we will share the full brownie recipe for those who want to take it to the next level)

Here’s what you’ll need:

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– 2 squares semi-sweet chocolate
– 1/2 stick butter
– 1/2 c sugar
– 1/4 c flour
– 1 t vanilla extract
– pinch salt

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Place the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted…just a minute or 2.  Stir until smooth, then stir in remaining ingredients.  Enjoy!!!

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How easy was that??!!  It is pure warm, sugary, chocolatey perfection!!

…and now for the full recipe…

SugSug’s Brownies

1 stick butter
4 squares semi- or un-sweetened chocolate
2 c sugar
1 c flour
4 eggs, beaten
2 t vanilla
1/2 t salt
1/2 c chopped pecans (optional)
1 c chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into 9×13 pan (spray pan with cooking spray first). Bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when cool.

Now THAT’S a chocolate fix for you, belle!
a&a

belle de soleil

24 Thursday Apr 2014

Posted by in friday friend 1-1, healthy belle, what's ringin' our belle

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With spring around the corner…supposedly…and bathing suit season just a hop, skip and a bunny jump away, it’s time to get our figures ready for exposure . A healthy glow is one of the solutions to a multitude of sins (anyone else have their way with a few chocolate bunny ears?).  Of course, we are all smart enough to know that tanning beds and too much of the real sun will only cause more issues so…

Oooooh belles, y’all are going to be so happy!! We have finally found it…THE self-tanner to beat all self-tanners.

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St Tropez Everyday Gradual Tan which you can get at Sephora.

Now, we get the medium/dark, and unless you are Casper the Friendly Ghost or transparent, we recommend that you do as well.

This is the creme de la creme for a variety of reasons:

1. It does not turn you orange.
2. It is not offensive to our dainty olfactory senses.
3. It reminds us of the commercial: “Bain de Soleil for that St. Tropez tan.” And who doesn’t want that??? (If you don’t remember that commercial then please don’t say a thing…we are at a sensitive age…)
4. IT DOESNT STREAK!!!! That’s right, no streaking, looking dirty and/or bruised. You can’t overdo, so as long as you don’t miss a spot, it won’t streak.

So soon-to-be-bronzed belles, get yourself some St Tropez and be evermore grateful to us for showing you the way to a sun-kissed glow even a frazzled belle can manage successfully!

We know, we know, y’all are most welcome. That’s how we belles roll.

a&a

iPhone facts you may not know….your friday friend-1-1

11 Friday Apr 2014

Posted by in friday friend 1-1, Uncategorized

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We are both iPhone users and love them. It is the phone for dummies and very belle-friendly…we love anything that makes our lives simpler.

While scrolling through the internet the other day we stumbled upon a delightful article about ALL the things (well actually 15 but but we only exaggerated a little) y’all may not know your phone could do. We only knew a couple already and were thrilled to find these fun and useful features.
So click here and learn a thing or two!

Happy iPhoning y’all!

a&a

dazzle, shine, sparkle, belle…your friday friend-1-1

04 Friday Apr 2014

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Dear belles, do we have a dazzler for you!!  With all of the cooking, gardening, and general living we do, it’s hard to keep our jewels sparkling. And a belle always needs to sparkle!!

Enter the Connoisseurs Diamond Dazzle Stik.  This amazing little product is super easy, totally portable (about the size of your typical lip gloss) and makes that diamond ring shine like it did on the day that sweet man proposed!

Available on Amazon.com for less than $10, you might as well get one for home, travel, and on-the-go!!

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dazzle, shine, sparkle, belle!
a&a

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dog shaming…or not…your friday friend-1-1

21 Friday Mar 2014

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We both absolutely adore our furry family members! In fact, we hesitate to refer to them as dogs (gasp) because they don’t realize that they are not human! They pretty much have the run of the place, and no matter how naughty they might be at times, we can’t help but think that they are perfect! (we have been accused of loving them more than our human babies…and come to think of it, they don’t talk back or procrastinate on homework 😉 …

Lily and her sister, Belle

Lily and her sister, Belle

But…every now and then, one of them might push us a bit over the edge. Take for instance, Lily, a precious 8-month-old golden retriever baby. Lily is a counter surfer, waste basket scavenger, and treasure hunter inside and out. Leave her alone for 10 minutes, and you might have a very messy surprise on your hands!

One such surprise happened just last night. We had picked up a couple of copies of the hilarious “Dog Shaming” book…one to be given as a gift to friends.

dog shaming

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385349343/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=27178302483&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14732069711107625481&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3o4bryrvkz_b

All wrapped and ready, the book sat on the kitchen counter, waiting to be delivered today. Well, guess again!!

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I ate the Dog Shaming book. Love, Lily

We see not an ounce of guilt on that face! She actually looks quite proud! Oh, well…thank goodness we can order another copy.
Amazon, take me away!
a&a