Jewelry cleaner is magic

Before:

After:

A little bling-bling

My friend Stacey has recently become an independent stylist for Stella & Dot.  She hosted a trunk show earlier this week and I am in love.  The pieces are versatile and well-made and I am obsessed.  If you'd like to host a trunk show, her contact info can be found here.

I am challenged when it comes to wearing jewelry.  If anything, I'll put on a bracelet.  I am terrified to wear dangly earrings because the kids might pull on them.  Ouch!  The kids pull on necklaces too, so it's not often that I'll wear one.  But whatever I wear, I like it to make a statement.  And jewelry makes me feel a little more polished, regardless of the outfit.

Here are some of my favorites (click on any image to go to the item page):

La Coco Curb Chain Necklace

This piece can be worn as a long necklace, or you can remove a section to make it shorter.  That removable section becomes a bracelet.  Also, you can attach a brooch.

Carrie Bangles
I am loving the turquoise and coral combo.

Petra Braided Bracelet
This bracelet is pure bling. 

Pyramid Double Wrap Bracelet in Cognac
This would be cute all by itself or layered with other bracelets.

Cameron Pendant

La Coco Rope Necklace

This necklace can be worn in a single strand, or doubled or tripled.  And you can attach a brooch.

Bee Brooch
I purchased this item at Stacey's trunk show.  I love this piece paired with the La Coco Rope Necklace and I also think it would look awesome with the La Coco Curb Chain Necklace.

Essential Ball Studs

And finally, for the girl who is afraid of earrings.

FYI for anyone (Paul) who might be buying me a gift for my upcoming birthday (Paul), my wishlist is here (Paul.  And Mom too).  xoxo

'Naner Pudding

I have officially won an unofficial banana pudding cook-off.  I came in as the underdog against the fan favorite.  Sort of like Rocky.  Maybe.  I've never seen Rocky.

The beauty of this recipe is that it is so simple, but tastes like banana pudding that you might order at a restaurant. 

Banana Pudding

Ingredients

1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese
1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 - 5 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 - 8 ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed (you can definitely use more)
4 bananas, sliced
1/2 box vanilla wafers

Directions

1.  In a large bowl (I used my stand mixer), beat cream cheese until fluffy.  Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla until smooth.  Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.

2.  Line the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish with vanilla wafers.  Arrange sliced bananas evenly over the wafers.  Spread with pudding mixture.  Top with remaining whipped topping.  Chill (overnight if possible, otherwise at least several hours).

I would have liked to include a beautiful picture of my impressive banana pudding, but this is all I have:

The recipe can be found here.

First World Problem

You own the perfect pair of sunglasses.  Then they break. 

#firstworldproblems

It's a little depressing when...

you find a great pair of pants that are comfortable, fit well, and look good. Only the size is larger than you'd like it to be. Of course you could squeeze into a pair two sizes smaller, but dammit, the pants would be uncomfortable, ill-fitting, and look awful. Just suck it up and buy the ones that look good. You'll be the only one who knows.

You know you eat at Chick-fil-A too often when...

the employees greet your 4-year-old by name.

Paul's 15 Minutes

Note:  Paul was being facetious.  His daily commute is 8+ miles each way.