Christmas Dinner by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring knitted dresses
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Holiday Looks part Deux
Pink for Spring and Summer only? I think not!
Christmas Dinner by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring knitted dresses
Christmas Dinner by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring knitted dresses
Holiday's!
Well I hope everyone survived the holiday! We had a wonderful time with family this past week, playing cards, eating way to much pie...seriously, and cuddling up in a warm house as it has been freezing here in Eastern Washington.
Recipes...the yams and sweet potatoes that I made turned out great and I ended up making an apple pie instead of the apple tart. I made the pie with a standard white flour crust but substituted splenda for sugar for my family. Turned out GREAT! I need to practice my pie crusts as my whole wheat crust was DRY and so in a panic, I switched to all white flour. Last year, 1/2 and 1/2. I will try that again next time;) Ok...off to ready my house for the next band of guests! Hope you all have a happy week!
Recipes...the yams and sweet potatoes that I made turned out great and I ended up making an apple pie instead of the apple tart. I made the pie with a standard white flour crust but substituted splenda for sugar for my family. Turned out GREAT! I need to practice my pie crusts as my whole wheat crust was DRY and so in a panic, I switched to all white flour. Last year, 1/2 and 1/2. I will try that again next time;) Ok...off to ready my house for the next band of guests! Hope you all have a happy week!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Signing off for the Holiday!
I am signing off for a few days for the Thanksgiving Holiday! Gonna take this time to get the house ready for company. Thanks to all of you and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! See you Monday!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Health-Options for the holidays
I often over indulge at the holidays...I am sure I am the only one that does this! So in order to help all those who take after me, here are some options for healthier food options this holiday season. Green bean casserole...I love it. Love! So this year I am baking fresh green beans in the oven (see recipe for asparagus in recipes section). This will cut out the sugars and processed chemicals that come from the canned soups. Also a significant amount of fat as I am leaving out the fried onions and cream in the soup. Also, candied yams. Being borderline diabetic, these are out and I do so love candied yams. So this year, I am baking them. Yams, golden potatoes and Russets, Cubed and Baked in the oven with butter and nutmeg on top. Bake covered until tender. About 45 minutes. Turkey and gravy are always a part of the celebration but why not make your own cranberry sauce? I will try to make it this year with splenda instead of sugar as my family that is coming over is also diabetic. So there you have it...a few simple changes and a much healthier meal!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Home Style "Leg Work"
Ok so I mentioned style on a budget so...here are some examples of what is out there.
Here is an interior from Pottery Barn. Couch $2099-, Coffee Table $699-, Pillow Covers $39- to $49- Each, Lamp $259-, Side Table $399-. So if you shopped Pottery Barn, your room with out accents like rugs or knick nacks would be roughly $3500-. Not terrible but what if you don't want to spend $2099 on a couch? Or $259- on a lamp? Or can't?
Here are some options...
Instead of the mercury glass lamp at PB, you could try these options at Target Here or Here or Here . The floor lamp Here or slightly different Here or Here or Here or a more expensive option yet still half price from PB Here.
What about a couch? You don't want to skimp on quality there...
I found Bari Leather Furniture will ship for free and the leather sofa is less expensive than the fabric one from PB. See like style Here or Here.
At target they sell a set of two nesting tables that would serve as the side table and one of the twin coffee tables. You would need to buy two sets however, it would still save you money to do it this way. See Here and I have seen this one in the store and it looks expensive, yet isn't. Here and a coffee table to match Here
Pillows...well depending on your style or what you want you can check out ebay...or you can see similar Here or Here. The solids I am sure you can find anywhere...Fred Meyer usually has a nice stock on hand as does many other retailers in the area.
So what have we done? The room that would have cost you $3500- with out shipping remember...would now cost you at least half. And your room wouldn't look half the cost. Looks like you might have enough left over to do your bed room...:)
Here is an interior from Pottery Barn. Couch $2099-, Coffee Table $699-, Pillow Covers $39- to $49- Each, Lamp $259-, Side Table $399-. So if you shopped Pottery Barn, your room with out accents like rugs or knick nacks would be roughly $3500-. Not terrible but what if you don't want to spend $2099 on a couch? Or $259- on a lamp? Or can't?
Here are some options...
Instead of the mercury glass lamp at PB, you could try these options at Target Here or Here or Here . The floor lamp Here or slightly different Here or Here or Here or a more expensive option yet still half price from PB Here.
What about a couch? You don't want to skimp on quality there...
I found Bari Leather Furniture will ship for free and the leather sofa is less expensive than the fabric one from PB. See like style Here or Here.
At target they sell a set of two nesting tables that would serve as the side table and one of the twin coffee tables. You would need to buy two sets however, it would still save you money to do it this way. See Here and I have seen this one in the store and it looks expensive, yet isn't. Here and a coffee table to match Here
Pillows...well depending on your style or what you want you can check out ebay...or you can see similar Here or Here. The solids I am sure you can find anywhere...Fred Meyer usually has a nice stock on hand as does many other retailers in the area.
So what have we done? The room that would have cost you $3500- with out shipping remember...would now cost you at least half. And your room wouldn't look half the cost. Looks like you might have enough left over to do your bed room...:)
Coupon Codes!
http://www.retailmenot.com/
http://www.couponcabin.com/coupons/coupons.htm
http://www.couponchief.com/
http://www.couponcodes4u.com/
Just a few of the coupon code websites out there that will help you with your shopping. The first two, I seem to have the best luck, but that doesn't mean that some obscure coupon website might be hiding the deal of the century. Typically you can use more than one code as well. Good luck with your holiday shopping and remember to check the web for deals!
http://www.couponcabin.com/coupons/coupons.htm
http://www.couponchief.com/
http://www.couponcodes4u.com/
Just a few of the coupon code websites out there that will help you with your shopping. The first two, I seem to have the best luck, but that doesn't mean that some obscure coupon website might be hiding the deal of the century. Typically you can use more than one code as well. Good luck with your holiday shopping and remember to check the web for deals!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The thrifty home designer
When I was in school for design, obviously I was pretty poor, only working in pubs and cafes to support myself part time to make my way. After college, when I started designing homes for a living my frugal lifestyle enabled me to see that great design doesn't have to cost you a great sum of money. So my philosophy became to spend money on the things you wanted to last, couches, tables, chairs...and look for the more trendy aspects like art, rugs, curtains in places where you may be able to spend a bit less. So for today I thought I would talk about lighting. Our distributors used to refer to lighting as the jewelery of your home. And I suppose it is in some ways...it is the sparkle. Now unlike jewelery, it doesn't have to come from a fancy store or designer to be great. Finding a great lamp base somewhere like a garage sale, thrift store or at a chain retailer like Target can give you just as much "pop" as finding one at a more expensive store. Also, to freshen up your home, it's as easy as buying a different lamp shade for your existing bases. Where something was off-white, you could add a darker shade for some elegance, or a colored shade for a pop. What ever your style is, there is something out there for you...sometimes it just takes some leg work to find it.
As you can see above the client matched the style of his ceiling fixture to the table lamps in the room adding to the flow of the space...to unify and anchor the room.
In th interior above, the client used a neutral, black to add to the elegance of the space while keeping the focus on the most important aspects, his settee and the art on the walls. Also note that the space is perfectly symmetrical with the exception of the art, adding whimsy and personality to the space.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Holiday Looks
For those on a budget this holiday season, you don't need to break the bank to look great! I paired this outfit with 2 different types of bags...a thought...re-use an old prom handbag to give you a little added sparkle with out spending a dime! Nordstrom's is also having their half yearly sale so a great time to get some beautiful holiday ensemble's with out breaking your budget!
Holiday Looks by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring low rise jeans
Holiday Looks by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring low rise jeans
Recipes
Another Favorite for Veggies...Apsaragus!
Ok I love asparagus and I have had many a family member hate it until I cooked it this particular way...so here it is!
Preheat oven to 475
Take fresh asparagus and put on to a sided baking sheet.
Top with Olive Oil, powdered garlic, sea salt and 2 pats of butter.
Bake for 45 Minutes...until tips are slightly browned.
Enjoy!
Ok I love asparagus and I have had many a family member hate it until I cooked it this particular way...so here it is!
Preheat oven to 475
Take fresh asparagus and put on to a sided baking sheet.
Top with Olive Oil, powdered garlic, sea salt and 2 pats of butter.
Bake for 45 Minutes...until tips are slightly browned.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Faith
"The key to life isn't looking for a safe sameness with every passing season. It's learning to enjoy the ride, whatever the next turn in the road might bring. Believing that God's driving, and He'll get us home safely--however bumpy the trip." Take Two by Karen Kingsbury
Knowing that God is guiding us and here for us during this bumpy trip we call life is such a comfort to me. Knowing that He is the commander of my life, the savior of my soul. I don't know how one gets through life with out the comfort and the love that God gives us so freely. Thank you Lord for what you have given and the things that maybe I prayed for and you didn't give me. As Garth Brooks once sang "thank God for unanswered prayers". I don't necessarily think they are unanswered just that we don't want to hear the answer he is giving. No is an answer and at times in my life I was devastated at the no, but looking back now, it was the best thing he could have done for me. Thank you Lord for your guidance and not letting me drive!
Knowing that God is guiding us and here for us during this bumpy trip we call life is such a comfort to me. Knowing that He is the commander of my life, the savior of my soul. I don't know how one gets through life with out the comfort and the love that God gives us so freely. Thank you Lord for what you have given and the things that maybe I prayed for and you didn't give me. As Garth Brooks once sang "thank God for unanswered prayers". I don't necessarily think they are unanswered just that we don't want to hear the answer he is giving. No is an answer and at times in my life I was devastated at the no, but looking back now, it was the best thing he could have done for me. Thank you Lord for your guidance and not letting me drive!
Monday, November 15, 2010
New inspiration on the old oxford
It seems women's shoes are taking a few pointers from the mens. The men's oxford inspiration is seen quite a bit this year and I have to say I love it! Anything that reminds me of a time where craftsmenship and attention to detail once were revered rather than mass production, I am a huge fan. The original oxford's were hand made and a staple in any mans wardrobe. Now we are taking a lesson from the men and bringing some of that feel into the womens shoe. I love a new take on something old.
A different twist on Veggies
Ok so one of my favorite ways to have veggies is steamed, then pan fried. Odd I know but bear with me. So a different way to have broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots is to cook them twice. I buy the bag at Costco of mixed veggies. Then I steam them. This is my kids favorite so I serve them and then I move on to me. After they have been steamed, I drain the water and add approximately 1 Tbs. of butter to a fry pan. I add the veggies, season with any seasoning that sounds good, I like lemon pepper, and cook until the tips have browned. So good! The browning adds a different flavor and it just kicks your tired veggies up a notch. Eventually I am pretty sure I can get my kids to try this...but for now...they have steamed!
Exercise
I usually take the weekends off from exercise, meaning Friday and Saturday night are usually my off days and Sunday - Thursday I am back to work. I know everyone has a different work out routine and schedule but sometimes I get bored. So some ways I spice things up is trying something new. My Danskin Ultimate Abs ball was awesome! I say was because my kids held it tight to my treadmill while it was on and popped it...and ran it through the tread on the treadmill. The treadmill is fine...my kids are very sorry and profess that they will save their money to buy me another ball. So Sweet:) So I found it again on Amazon.com for $25- with free shipping. It is awesome. I have issues with regular crunches as it hurts my back...these don't and really work my core. Try it...I swear you will love it...and if not...your kids will love to play with it. Dual Purpose!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Fall Trends
Ok maybe I am in a mocking mood but I was looking up "fox's 5 fall trends" and number one was neutrals. Uhm... oh good now I can wear white, tan, black, navy, and cream again! Thank heavens;) Sorry...it was funny. I don't know if I put stock in to all these designers and their trends. Yes, the 80's revival has seemed to stick around a bit longer than I thought...and giving me some major flash backs...but some of the trends I go...really? do normal people wear that?
So...opinions....
Neutrals...I thought they were already in? Because I still wear them.
Plaids...ok...well I live in North Central Washington and plaid is just a hair shy of flannel...and well...that has always been "in" over here.
Floral...Kill me now. I can see it in moderation but if it comes back like it did in the 80's which, it wasn't good then either, then I will boycot.
Milatary...We will see how one pans out...I think it will be fine as long as you don't over do it. Buckles, nice milatary details might be cool. I am ok with this one.
Kitten heals....well I am an all or nothing girl. I don't like kitten heals but for all of those who do...you will be in heaven because they are apparently going to be big...or little...kitten-y... this year.
My personal opinion on trends is to not over do it...they change so fast anyway. Buy small accent pieces to go with your base pieces (neutrals;)) and you should be fine and not break the bank on these trends!
So...opinions....
Neutrals...I thought they were already in? Because I still wear them.
Plaids...ok...well I live in North Central Washington and plaid is just a hair shy of flannel...and well...that has always been "in" over here.
Floral...Kill me now. I can see it in moderation but if it comes back like it did in the 80's which, it wasn't good then either, then I will boycot.
Milatary...We will see how one pans out...I think it will be fine as long as you don't over do it. Buckles, nice milatary details might be cool. I am ok with this one.
Kitten heals....well I am an all or nothing girl. I don't like kitten heals but for all of those who do...you will be in heaven because they are apparently going to be big...or little...kitten-y... this year.
My personal opinion on trends is to not over do it...they change so fast anyway. Buy small accent pieces to go with your base pieces (neutrals;)) and you should be fine and not break the bank on these trends!
Weekend
Check out the Recipe's tab...I have added a few recipes in there for fall and will be adding some more next week! Have a great rest of the weekend!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Family Blessing
I am one of those girls who get's migraine's. And yes, they last more than one day. Today, I am on day three and my children are the most amazing children in the world! Today was the worst. My migraine hit a new level of pain...to the point it was making me physically ill. My kids played quietly, shared wonderfully...and now are voluntarily picking up their messes...just to make sure mom is ok. I think my migraine has ended finally but man...those kids are such a wonderful blessing in my life! It's ok to feel like that when you get to see this side of your beautiful family.
That is also my praise for the day:) 1) My wonderful family and 2) the migraine is GONE:) Amen!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Hey Baby It's Cold Outside!
Hey Baby It's Cold Outside! by JENNIFER HILDERBRAND featuring a double breasted coat
This is because it is cold...it snowed the other day in Wenatchee and I RAN for my winter coat!
Most of these jackets are under $100-! The trend this year, fur and military accents, which is appropriate today since it is Veteran's Day!
Veteran's Day
Veteran's,
We want to thank you for all you do to insure our freedom, protect our rights, and whom have died in our place to do so. We love and respect the job that you have chosen to do. We honor you today as our countries protectors! God Bless you!
We want to thank you for all you do to insure our freedom, protect our rights, and whom have died in our place to do so. We love and respect the job that you have chosen to do. We honor you today as our countries protectors! God Bless you!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Beautiful Bows
One major fashion trend this season is the use of bows. Whether dressing up a simple back dress with some jewlery or completing the whole look, bows are just sweet and I can't help but love this new trend!
Faith-Remember our Praises
I think sometimes we get caught up in prayer, or in the bad circumstances in our lives and we forget to thank God when our prayers are answered. Weekly I want us to post our praises. Even if they are little. For example, my son has a cold...one of those deep chested coughs, however it happens to be a 4 day weekend this week. So my praise is that he can stay home and rest with out feeling like we are missing a ton of school. The cold could have come next week and put him way behind. I thank God that he has given us this time together with out the stress of added work when he gets back to school. I think we forget that he is the master of our lives, that even in the simple things, He is there. What is happening with you? Any praises you want to share?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Shop Local
With the economy being what it is, try to support local businesses. I know some of our local shops have not made it through this storm, so if we shop local, maybe we can save some of those mom and pop shops we have grown to love over the years.
One example is my VERY talented friend Brenda McGowan. She makes her own jewelry and I am blown away by her talent. You can shop her stuff on Etsy, http://www.etsy.com/shop/brendamcgowan, or if you are in the Wenatchee area, you can view her the Wenatchee Jewelry Show November 22nd. The show will be held at the North Central Washington ESD building on the top floor, just like last year, and will be from 4-8:00pm.
Part of each purchase will benefit the ESD's student Christmas fund.
One example is my VERY talented friend Brenda McGowan. She makes her own jewelry and I am blown away by her talent. You can shop her stuff on Etsy, http://www.etsy.com/shop/brendamcgowan, or if you are in the Wenatchee area, you can view her the Wenatchee Jewelry Show November 22nd. The show will be held at the North Central Washington ESD building on the top floor, just like last year, and will be from 4-8:00pm.
Part of each purchase will benefit the ESD's student Christmas fund.
Shopping Tip...
Christmas is coming and I know that I personally hate the rush and crowds of shopping near the holidays. So, here are some money, time and sanity saving tips for the shopping season.
1) Try shopping on line. There are MANY coupon codes out there that can save you at the bare minimum shipping fees.
2) If you can't find a coupon code on line for your favorite store, email them. Typically they will knock off at least the shipping price if not give you a code for a discount.
3) Know your stores. My favorite place to shop on line is Anthropologie. They have sales EVERY Tuesday...so if you are looking for something online and don't want to pay retail, ask the store when their next sale will be...you might just get a bargain.
4) Shop early for presents. Especially on line, toys will be the same price as the in store black Friday prices. You get more sleep and save the same amount of money with out the crowds.
5) Some stores have frequent shopper cards (Anthropologie does) and it saves you shipping almost every time you use it.
It pays to email your store or check on line...You can save money and also get your shopping done with out the headache!
1) Try shopping on line. There are MANY coupon codes out there that can save you at the bare minimum shipping fees.
2) If you can't find a coupon code on line for your favorite store, email them. Typically they will knock off at least the shipping price if not give you a code for a discount.
3) Know your stores. My favorite place to shop on line is Anthropologie. They have sales EVERY Tuesday...so if you are looking for something online and don't want to pay retail, ask the store when their next sale will be...you might just get a bargain.
4) Shop early for presents. Especially on line, toys will be the same price as the in store black Friday prices. You get more sleep and save the same amount of money with out the crowds.
5) Some stores have frequent shopper cards (Anthropologie does) and it saves you shipping almost every time you use it.
It pays to email your store or check on line...You can save money and also get your shopping done with out the headache!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dressing up Jeans
Polyvore lets you take items you own and mix them with new items to create new looks...I love the comfort of frye boots...I think footwear is one area that one should splurge a bit. Granted...I love a sale and coupon codes. 6pm is an excellent place to find last years shoes for 50% or more off retail. Hence...I never pay retail. Also search for coupon codes in your search area...something generic like Frye boot coupon code or Garnet Hill coupon code will just sometimes save you a bunch of money!
Home and the Benefits of Leather
Furniture is expensive so why buy something that you will have to replace after a few years? My husband and I were married for 5 years before the birth of our first child. I was working for an interior design company in Lake Chelan not making much and my husband worked out of town...not making much more. My husband and I both grew up with pets and after being in our home for about a month after the wedding, we decided we wanted a dog. Of course I picked the biggest, most pathetic of the lummoxes at the pound. He was a grossly under weight lab/great dane mix. When we got him home he weighed 45 lbs. We nursed him back to health and now weighs 105 and maintains a very slender body type. Why I mention this under the home title you ask? Well pets and children have caused most of the damage done to my home and furniture. I love them all but my furniture and baseboards may not feel the same way. So leather...if I can give you one advise on furniture, especially the couch...it would be to buy leather. Spend the most on the largest piece of furniture in your room and accessorize with the fabric pieces. Your children and pets will probably be on the couch once or twice in their lives, whether you know about it or not. My lab mix, Sampson, used to get up on our couch while we were at work and then look very innocent when we got home like he was never up there. If you would move toward the couch...his demeanor would quickly change. Through pet nails scratching the surfaces, children and spilled food, our leather couch has been simply wiped clean. And is no worse for wear. We have had the same couches for over a decade and you wouldn't know it by looking at them. To maintain their appearance, I buy a leather conditioner and condition the couches twice a year. Their are many choices in leather but one test I would suggest is using your own nails and gently run them across the surface. Not hard to create damage mind you but gently to see if your nails effect the surface, leaving superficial marks. If so, REAL damage from kids and pets will be highly visable and you will not be satisfied with your purchase. Even if you don't have kids, keys in your pockets, rivets on your jeans can do just as much damage. Just something to think about when you make an investment of this kind. Superficial scratches can come out, most of the time with your leather conditioner. They will just buff away. But don't rely on this...a few precautions can save you a lot of money and labor in the end.
Fitness & Health
Recently diagnosed with border line type two diabetes I have changed how I live, how I eat and how I exercise. Not an avid lover of working out like one of my closest friends, I need to find inspiration to keep going. On asking Jillian Michaels how she keeps going she asked me what were my reasons for wanting to exercise and that should be my motivation. Now... I love Jillian but come on...we all know what we want from an end result but keeping going, even when you are tired, maybe you have reached your goal or your goal is so far away that it seems unattainable is why I asked my question. Sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel is so far off you feel you will never reach it. I want to help you all, and my self to stay motivated. It is for our health, for our family's and God gave us this body. It is a temple for the holy spirit and we need to take care of it. All being said...keeping going is a struggle...I don't believe that the normal person who goes to work, or has outside influences rather than working out for a living can stay upbeat and motivated all the time. Lets motivate each other...lets give tips for healthier eating and living and lets grow together!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Playing up Neutral's...again....
Many of you have asked how to dress up a simple dress in different ways. I have taken the Anthropologie Rushing Ruffles dress and done just that. From casual to fancy...take a look and see what you can do!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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