Tag Archives: amazon

a few more gift ideas for Santa’s big day…holiday belles

10 Thursday Dec 2015

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Give these gift ideas a shot…

  
A cozy and comfortable robe from Ugg and you can get it lickity-split from Amazon.  One of these belles may be ordering one for every belle in the family. They are that good. The only negative is that nobody wants to take it off. 

We are both Amazon Prime members by the by, and it has saved us countless times when needing to get something yesterday and not having to give your firstborn to get it in time.  We aren’t getting anything for telling you how much we love Amazon prime. Just sharing that we really think it’s worth it….just sayin’

  
Via Pinterest 

We like to keep our butter on the counter…can’t abide hard clumpy butter from the fridge… This Butter Keeper from Food52 is the chic answer to all a belle cook’s prayers!

  
Via Pinterest 

How about adding a little color…and flavor to someone’s life?  This Olive oil from Dean and Deluca is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  

  

Of course…there’s always a shoe. Vince at Shopbop 
  

And in other rainbow news…Tory Burch at Shopbop

  
For the one who fears a naked wrist…Watch box  from Shopbop

  
Wine bucket from Forgoodsake.org…because we like to chill

  
Somethin’ special for those furry babies…Leash from Forgoodsake.org

  
Just in case he needs to be reminded…Dopp kit from Nordstrom

  
Reversible tote from Nordstrom…brilliant!

   
Keep warm and toasty…slippers from Nordstrom

 
Talk about multi-tasking …The Instant Pot from Amazon

Click-n-buy, belles. It’s that easy!!

a&a

for him…gift-giving brainstorm for the beaux

26 Thursday Nov 2015

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We’ve shared our gift ideas for the belles in your life…now it’s time for the beaux…(click away while you wait for that turkey to roast)…

From Amazon…


This Daniel Wellington wristwatch is an instant classic


And keep him fit with the Fitbit Charge …available at Nordstrom and …Amazon


And fashionably hydrated with this S’well water bottle (Nordstrom) (love the onyx, too)


He will like these cold balls…Whiskey Balls, that is (get several…at Nordstrom)


For his on-the-go listening pleasure…this Harmon Kardon wireless Bluetooth speaker will do the trick (available at Amazon)


And for his on-the-go cocktailin’…how about the Yeti Hopper? (Amazon


To keep him warm…from Peter Millar


to spiff up the bar…from our belle-friend-owned Croghans Jewel Box


and for more bar-spiffing…a decanter from Mark & Graham

for a little gold-bug bling…these cuff links will keep him snazzy. From Croghans again

That’s it for now, belles. Make your list and start shoppin’!

a&a

for the hostess with the mostest…gift-giving brainstorm

25 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by in belle of the ball, just sayin', what's ringin' our belle

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A good belle always remembers to properly recognize her hosts and hostesses. Here are some ideas to make you the most prized guest…


Cocktails anyone????    From one of our favorite websites, Waiting on 

Hostesses are always looking for new ways to Set the table

And the perfect Flatware  to go with it…

We can’t think of a better  way to open that champagne cork! Every home should have one….

A beautiful book…

Let’s hope you ordered the champagne sabre, now all you need is some great glasses for the bubbly…

After the ball, our feet deserve a little pampering slipper…from Saks


for a little gold-bug touch…any hostess would love these cocktail napkins from our fave belle-owned treasure trove, Croghans Jewel Box

Cheers, y’all!  Focusing on the fellas tomorrow!

a&a

for the technically-inclined belle…gift-giving brainstorm

24 Tuesday Nov 2015

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Here’s the second installment of our gift-giving guide (hope you saw all of the gifts for her yesterday). This time, we thought we would focus on some belle-ringin’ gadgets…


From Amazon. A great stocking stuffer and lots of colors too…

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Sassy headphones for the fashion forward belle from Frnds and available at Nordstrom

 


Via Pinterest

Well hello there, this  Technical Dream will keep you company, be your wealth of information, and play your favorite tunes…basically take care of you …from Amazon

 


pearl-strung earbuds from Croghans…we’ve seen it all!

  
For the active belle (or the belle who needs a gentle nudge to get out there) get the FitBit Flex (available at Amazon) and then bling it up with one of many belle-ringing choices from Bezels and Bytes (the tracker comes out of the plastic band and pops right into something a bit more  spiffy)

  
For the techni-belle on the go. This Luggage has a gps,can charge your phone, has a built in scale, has a digital lock, and can even remember your travel stats. From Amazon.

  
The most comfortable and sought after earbuds…you can get them at ..Amazon. 

A toast to the hosts tomorrow…

a&a

feast faves…just in time for the big day

20 Friday Nov 2015

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We can’t believe it, but they’re baaack. Thanksgiving and the official kick-off to the holiday season are upon us (in record time, it seems). Time to make a plan, belles!  We’ve been working on our gift guides and will be sharing the goods next week. But first, let’s get our ducks…errr, turkeys…in a row for the big, fancy feast next week.

Here are a few of our feast faves…

Squash Casserole (lovingly shared by a dear belle sister-in-law…and this ain’t for low-fat sissies)

3 c summer squash, sliced
1 onion, chopped
5 T butter
1 c mayo
1 pkg Hidden Valley ranch dressing mix
3 eggs, beaten
12 crumbled Ritz crackers
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Steam squash and onion until tender.  Melt butter as the veggies steam. Once veggies are tender, mix all ingredients and pour into a greased casserole dish. Bake 45 minutes. Loosen belt.

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The casserole can be prepared a day in advance and can be popped in the oven with ease about an hour before serving time.

Sides are always an important part of a holiday menu, so this scalloped potatoes is a great addition….loved by all, elegant, beautiful and delish…


Via Pinterest and Food52

Scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions
Serves 6-8
2 cups whipping cream

4 crushed garlic cloves

3 peppercorns

3/4 tsp sea salt

1 T olive oil

1 large onion sliced thin, we used our mandoline on the same setting as for the potatoes

3 large Yukon potatoes, peeled (we have used Russett with success as well)

1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (we did about 3/4 c of the Gruyere and 1/4 cup…maybe a smidge more…of Comte cheese mixed together)

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1. In a sauce pan combine, the cream, garlic, peppercorns, salt and thyme. Bring to just under a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Set aside.

2. Set oven to 300

3. Sauté onions in olive oil on low heat until golden – about 45 minutes.  Slice potatoes very thinly (we recommend this Mandoline)…the thinner the better.

4. In a greased baking dish or casserole (we used an 8×10) layer a quarter of the potatoes, 1/3 of the onions, and 1/4 cup cheese. Repeat two more times, topping with potatoes. Strain cream over casserole.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

5. Place dish on cookie sheet in the oven (to prevent drips). Bake at 300 for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.  (you can make ahead up to two days. Refrigerate and then tent with foil and reheat for 30 minutes at 375 before serving.)

And now…time for zee main course!!

Via Pinterest
We will be using this seasoning paste for our Toms this year. We tried it in the store and it was scrumptious…available at Williams-Sonoma


Via The girl who ate everything

While we haven’t tried this yet , we couldn’t resist adding this fun way to remember it’s THANKSgiving… Thankful rolls from The girl who ate everything…..isn’t she brilliant?!?!


Finally, gravy is a must, but can be the most frustrating …slaving over a roasting pan, whisking in flour, simmering in the chicken broth while dressed in your finery is no fun in our belle book. So y’all can imagine the delight we displayed when we discovered this fabulous recipe for make ahead turkey gravy.  A big shout out to The Food Charlatan for creating this easy, foolproof and delicious time-saver!!  Winning!!

We are counting our blessings and giving thanks for all the belles out there. Happy turkey day, y’all!

a&a

what’s ringin’ our belle…round 31

17 Tuesday Nov 2015

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Ringin’ belles this week…

This sounds delish ….

We just helped host a birthday shindig..on the menu was grilled chicken satay with our peanut sauce .

For belles who love wine….we know you are out there!!!

For bookish belles who love to eat…can’t wait to get our hands on this one!!!

Siri say whaaaaat ?????….

Our new favorite candle….and just received this one as gift from a houseguest who stayed in our nest…love the idea !!!

A perfect fall cocktail….

cheers…

a&a

fifty shades of grey, belle-style…and fashion loves

12 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by in fashion forward

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We are creatures of habit and both of us prefer a neutral palette in our wardrobe.    Grey in all of its many hues and tones is a key player in our closets. It holds its own monochromatically, embraces other neutrals beautifully, and handles any pop of color with ease.

Here are fifty or so of our favorite pieces in no order of preference….we adore it all! 

1.

  Fuuuurrrgettt….it……!!!

2.

Time to get felt up!!!
3.
  

Gloves off belles!!!
4.

 
Because belles can relate……  
5.

  For rainy day puddling…

6.

 
Real shades of grey….
7.

   
Show off your shoes with these pants…

8.

  
Show off that pedi…. 
9.

 
And that’s a wrap….except it’s not!!!
10.

 
Stay hydrated!!!!  
11.

 

 Grey can be so chic…… 
12.

 Dress this little number up or down….
13. 

 
It’s time to pump you up!!!
14.

  
Pearls before swine , belles…..
15.
   
Belles are boss….just sayin’
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Nothing dreary about these leathers…
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But you might need to stay fit in order to fit in them!!!
18. 

 
Step worthy belles…..
19.

    
These will fit your frame perfectly.
20.

  Layering grey is always a great idea….
21.

 
Wrap yourself up ….you deserve it. 
22. 

  Subtle shades of sexy…

23.

 
A clean polished Jean….

24. 

 Belles need to bag this!
25.

Let this jacket wrap itself around you  

26.

 
Sweater weather…
27. 

 
Hats off to all the belles!!!
28. 

 
Sometimes it’s okay to get screwed….
29.  

  Go ahead and cuff us…just sayin’
30.

  
Belles love sweater weather!
31. 

 
These boots were made for walking…
32.
 

Stylish grey Jean …check  
33. 

 We do like to make a statement…

34.
  
 Time to bundle up.

35. 

  

Belles are swell….
36.

 
Cardigans are cool….just sayin’
37.

   
Bootie-licious
38.

 
We’re so fancy…but you already know
39. 
 Totes for real…  

40.

All bundled up! 

41. 

 
Invest…
42.

   

Feel free to pull one over on us!
43.

 
We’ll keep our ears crossed…
44.

   
A ring around the collar we can live with!
45.

  
Belles dig tees.
46. 

 
Fashionably fit….duh
47. 

 
Slipper love….
48.

 
Sometimes it’s ok to skirt the issue….  
49.

 

We want to frock you up….
50.

  
Time to tuck in….

That’s all belles

a&a

10 essential shoes for every belle…a shoe fetish friend-1-1

06 Friday Nov 2015

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We’ve been helping a dear belle-friend get her closet in order after three moves and three years of being “unsettled” (poor dear). In the process, we realized that every belle could be reminded of what we deem to be the shoe collection top ten. In other words…the ten pairs of shoes that we couldn’t live without.

If you have ’em all, you’re a savvy belle (or a shoe hoarder…takes one to know one…just sayin’). If you don’t have ’em, we’ve given you some options so that you can fill those holes, pronto!

We started at our favorite local shoe haunt, Muse Shoe Studio, with some picks to fill every belle’s needs…and we’ve added some online options for our far-flung friends…


1. A simple black pump 

Above is an Ivanka Trump design…classic and affordable…available at Muse and Amazon.


And this Christian Louboutin “simple pump” is a high-end no-brainier (its price-per-wear will make it a bargain!)  Find it HERE.

 2. A nude heel

A nude shoe goes with virtually everything…this Corso Como (above) from Muse fits the bill. Also available here.

And the Louboutin “simple pump” also comes in nude…just sayin’ ( at Nordstrom)

 3. An evening heel

Above…this metallic, strappy Pelle Moda from Muse adds a bit of bling to your festivities.

And the Jimmy Choo “Lang” (find it HERE) is another great (albeit more pricey) choice

4. A fun print

From Muse, this Sam Edelman combines two trends that are on-point now…and won’t be “out” anytime soon…animal print and the pointy-toe flat. You can also order it from Amazon.

and we have been long-time fans of the calf-hair, animal-print “Elsie” pump from J Crew. Pretty indispensable in our book!
 5. A ballet flat 

The quintessential staple for any stylish belle, this Vanelli (above) from Muse combines a bit of brown with the basic black for extra versatility .
 We are quite partial to this little  beauty as well….may even have to get it in all three colors!! Order here now for 20%off!!


6. A sneaker/espadrille.

This fashionable flat  from Sam Edelman will keep you chic and comfortable. Stop in for a pair at Muse… Or you can order here.


7. Booties/boots

Muse has an incredible selection in this category!  Wish we could include them all!  This basic bootie combines that of-the-moment shape with a comfortable heel-height and classic black. You can also find it here.

And we’ve touted the comfort and style of Rag and Bone booties before…but we are always willing to get preachy…the “Margot” at Nordstrom won’t let you down.

8. A sleek, all-weather street boot

We’ve sung the praises of Aquatalia boots before, belles…and we will do it again and again!  This “Gael” all-weather riding boot will be a staple till the cows come home! (We’ve been known to wear ours every…single…day while on trips to NYC, Paris, Chicago…). Absolute perfection!


9. A pair of Wellies/rain boots 

For walking the pups in style…or just surviving in this rain-soaked home we used to call the “sunny (hot, muggy) South”, this Sam Edelman bootie from Muse will keep you dry and happy.  You can also order it here.

And the “Original Tall” Hunter boot ( find it here) is a classic…and perfect for entertaining yourself by jumping in puddles (we have experience 😉

10. A neutral sandal

Tory Burch offers great options each year. The Kieran is a favorite of the belles.


And this Gucci “Marmont” stunner…of a sandal will ring belles for years to come

Inventory time, belles!!  Let us know if you have any additions. Wouldn’t want to miss out!

a&a

a tailgate-worthy recipe…for the football frenzied belle

02 Friday Oct 2015

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We are ever on the hunt for easy, delicious recipes that tickle the tastebuds.

Sometimes we discover new and wonderful ingredients…and boy did we find a winner in Captain Rodney’s Boucan Glaze!!


Via Pinterest

The classic, ringin’-belles-all-over-the-place recipe:


Via Pinterest

While this belle-icious Cheese Bake is not exactly “lite-n-lean”, it’s a taste thrill that’s worth the calories!  And just for giggles, we thought we’d like to make a cheese ball version. It turned out to be quite scrumptious…check out the results:
So here’s what we did…

Captain Rodney’s Cheese-“belle”

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup Hellman’s mayo

1 bunch green onions, chopped, green parts included

1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar

2 cups shredded Colby and Monterey Jack blend cheese (1/4 cup reserved)

1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped (if you have the extra time sautée the nuts with a pat of butter and a teaspoon of brown sugar until caramelized…allow to cool.)

1/3 cup Captain Rodney’s Boucan Glaze

Combine all the ingredients except for 1/4 cup of the cheese blend and the Captain Rodney’s Boucan Glaze.  Form into a ball and refrigerate for three hours or overnight.  (At this point, the cheeseball can be wrapped in Saran twice and frozen.  Bring to room temperature before proceeding.)

Roll ball in remaining cheese and drizzle with glaze. Serve with crackers and celery.


We’ll take a cheese-belle over a cheeseball any ole day.

a&a

what’s ringing our belle….round 22

22 Tuesday Sep 2015

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Ringin’ belles this week…

We thought y’all might appreciate a cocktail lesson…never too late to learn!

The belles are feeling saucy….

We can’t speak for y’all, but buttons seem to be falling ofF our clothing at break-neck speed lately…we need a refresher course.

Something to read before the movie comes out!

A great addition to Taco Tuesday…

We admit it, sometimes we like to give the cold shoulder….just sayin’

Back soon!
a&a