Warm Up With Wild Prints

Lately I've been a little obsessed with scarves. It may have to do with the below average temperatures we are experiencing and the fact that I absolutely hate being cold. If you don't have a variety of jackets for the season (like me-I tend to stick with the traditional black coat), a scarf is a perfect way to change up one's winter wardrobe. I've noticed that solid colors take up the majority of my scarf collection. Recently I've started browsing the web for some nontraditional designs. I'm loving the animal print styles that some of the celebs are sporting.

Banana Republic and Ann Taylor have some excellent options to get this similar look-






Knit Animal Print Scarf (Banana Republic, $59.50)

   



Snow Leopard Metallic Luxe Scarf (Ann Taylor, $58)

  

~Jeanne

Summer Greens

I've never been a huge fan of vegetables, but lately I've been trying my very best to introduce more of them into my diet. Recently my mom came to visit and made me a wonderful summer salad that offers a variety of greens in one delish bite. It is very simple to make which is a huge bonus for someone like me that doesn't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen...although I must admit I'm begining to work on this too!

~Jeanne

Broccoli Salad

1 pkg. broccoli slaw

I c. celery, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1 c. sunflower seeds

2 pkg. ramen noodles beef flavor (broken into pieces)

2 pkg. ramen seasoning

3/4 c. oil

1/2 c. sugar

1/3 c. apple cider vinegar

Make the dressing in a bowl by mixing together the beef flavor seasoning, oil, sugar and vinegar. In a seperate bowl, combine the slaw, celery, onions and seeds. Place the ramen noodles in the bowl of dressing. Stir together. Then, pour this dressing with ramen noodles over the vegetables and seeds. Toss to blend in the dressing.

    

A Comfy Style

TOMS shoes have been around for some time now. I've wanted to participate in this shoe movement because they look oh so comfy, but I just couldn't see myself sporting the classic style seen on so many women and men on the street.  That is until I recently came across the newest member of the TOMS family-the wedge. I'm eyeing the Black Calypso Canvas, but how cute would these be in navy for the 4th of July weekend?!

~Jeanne

Black Calypso Canvas Women's Wedges (TOMS, $69)

We're Back!

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been nearly six months since Ann and I have updated this blog, but now I’m ready to pick up where we left off. So here we go!



All eyes have been on Kate Middleton’s fashion as of late and I must admit that I’m a huge fan of her (or her stylist’s) choices. Take for example her first two ensembles on her North American trip. Not only are they tasteful but they are also very youthful. Definitely items a young professional like me would love to add to their wardrobe. Now if only the price was a little more practical!

Credit: Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty

Credit: Gillis/Macpherson-SplashNewsOnline

By the way, I'm digging the Mulberry handbag; it would be the perfect accessory for a very important business meeting…so chic! Maybe Ann should consider it for her next court hearing. :)  For all the deets on Kate's style, check out this website http://katemiddletonstyle.org/.

~Jeanne

Mulberry Polly Push Lock Tote (Mulberry, $1,400)

 

Christmas Memories

Growing up, my family decorated two trees at Christmas time-a kid's tree and a formal tree (usually placed in the living room so we couldn't go near it and break one of the ornaments).  The ornament pictured below hung on the kid's tree each and every year for as long as I can remember.

During a dinner conversation recently, we started discussing our favorite ornaments.  I pointed out this one as a childhood favorite and my sister said that was one that she liked too.  This caught my mom by surprise becuase it was so simple in contrast to the quite extravagent and charming collection of ornaments she has.  Looking back, it must have been the colors that drew me to this ornament each and every year.  But it's a good reminder as nieces and nephews and children of our own come into this world...never take anything you present in front of them for granted as it could possibly be one of their most treasured items and the simple things can often times be the most memorable.

~Jeanne

Surprise Email

After filling out numerous online surveys for Banana Republic, they've finally listened...well kind of. I opened up my email this morning to find this message from them:

One of the best things about Piperlime is the free shipping and free returns. I was hoping Banana Republic would eventually take note. The main reason I would fill out the online surveys was to let them know how they should offer free shipping.  Well, now when your order is over $50, the items ship for free. Maybe eventually they will come around and offer the same perks as their sister company.  I must say though, this is an improvement!

~Jeanne

Giving Thanks

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I've decided to highlight some of things that I'm thankful for.

In February of 2004, I adopted a 14 month old German Shepherd.  As a child, my family always had pets around the house, but this was my first dog that I would be taking care of by myself.  Over the past six years, she has brought true happiness to my life.  She gives me unconditional love, always brings a smile to my face and her mere presence in a room brings me comfort.  Even as the grey begins to fill out around her snout, she is still a puppy at heart and I continue to love her more and more each day (if that is even possible because I love her so much already). I am truly thankful for her being a part of my life.

~Jeanne

“A dog naps so much because it loves so hard.”