Lara

easy chocolate fudge

by Lara on November 29, 2010

in crafty

Fudge at a candy store sells for at least $8 a pound. This is a super easy & inexpensive recipe that just requires just a bit of stirring and makes 3 pounds!

I like making this around Christmas. I can fill a few small tins from the dollar store and those random gifts for your neighbors, coworkers, etc are covered!

Here’s what you need:

13″ x 9″ glass baking dish (glass since you will cut the fudge in the pan)

medium sized pot

wooden spoon or heat safe spatula

  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 sticks of butter or margarine (margarine has a longer shelf life, if you’re making this a week or so in advance)
  • 5oz can evaporated milk
  • 12oz bag of semisweet chocolate chips
  • 7oz jar of marshmallow creme
  • 1+ cup of nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, black walnuts, hazelnuts… it’s up to you – if you want to sprinkle some on top of your finished fudge, get a bit more.) Or, leave the nuts out! You can get creative with toppings after it’s in the pan, like butterscotch chips, mini marshmallows, coconut flake, etc.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Grease your glass pan with butter. Set aside.

Add the sugar, milk and butter into a pot and bring to a boil. STIR FOR 5 MINUTES while boiling. Set your timer and just stir like a zombie. (This set time eliminates candy thermometers and all that mess.)

Take off the heat and add marshmallow creme, morsels, nuts and vanilla. Stir some more, until it’s a consistent rich brown with no marshmallow swirls.

Dump and spread out into your glass pan. You can add some more nuts to the top if you like, while it’s still hot.

Yup, I just made this!

Let cool completely. Get a sharp knife, a bowl of hot water and a towel. Slice in 1 to 2″ squares, cleaning your knife off after each slice for clean cuts.

Line tins with plastic wrap or wax paper, and add wrap between layers.

You’re done!

Also check out my pound cake and apple pie recipes!

{ 6 comments }

2 years down!

by Lara on September 19, 2010

in geek

Today, this blog is 2 years old and this is my 464th post!

In starting this online journal of sorts, I thought I would just throw up a bunch of pics of things I liked, rattle on a bit and that would be that. Well, it still kinda is just that but; I never imagined blogging was going to be so complicated and technical. I also realized that it’s not just about me. You end up becoming part of a community and you want your readers to enjoy what you have to say without compromising your own voice.

There’s so much behind-the-scenes geekery to figure out. SEO is still kicking my ass. There’s no way to teach yourself everything in one sit-down. I’ve been slowly learning, making mistakes, correcting them, and trying to make this the best representation of things that are important/interesting to me. It’s time-consuming but also a lot of fun.

The biggest thing this year was moving my blog over to a paid host. It was infuriating, frustrating and I learned a whole lot of stuff in the process. Having to figure out concepts that I had never heard of before just about brought me to tears a few times. It was very humbling and with that loss of hubris comes a sincere attempt at trying to open myself up more and not judge people on stupid little things, as much as I’m wont to do. It’s kinda ego-maniacal to assume I’m any type of authority on something so personal as taste. I just know what makes me happy.

The best thing about the past two years is all the wonderful people I have met! I had no idea there were so many awesome people out there. It’s kind of comforting to know that no matter what happens to be on your mind at the time, there’s somewhere you can talk about it, be it your own blog or that of someone else. Even if you don’t particularly love someone’s style or you can’t relate to their life at all,  you can always find the common denominator like taste, humor, wit… or you can simply appreciate someone baring their soul to the world.

I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of great local ladies too. In fact, I had my second meet-up yesterday and it was a lot of fun seeing people you follow online, in the flesh. Everyone got along great and we all enjoyed each others’ company, sharing our lives for a few hours over drinks and snacks. I can’t wait to do it again!

So, thank you for being awesome and sharing your spot on the interwebs with me too! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my silliness as much as I have enjoyed reading yours!  Thank you!!!!


xoxoxo

Lara

{ 4 comments }

taking a chance on used shoes + Fall boots

by Lara on September 3, 2010

in fashion

This post has been over a month in the making. First, the eBay sellers were on vacation so I didn’t get the boots for weeks after I paid for them then, my cobbler went on vacation and I had to wait weeks to get them fixed.

You know I’ve been dying for some brown leather boots. Well I got outbid about 5 times on a pair on eBay and ultimately reached my limit for a pair of used boots. I also had my eye on this horribly beat up pair of buy-it-now Kenneth Coles for about a week. No one was biting because they looked like crap. I decided to take a chance for $20 because they have a great worn-in vintage feel and the repairs they needed weren’t above what I was willing to pay my awesome shoe repair man. He’s re-heeled and re-soled a bunch of shoes for me already so I knew this was doable. The leather needed to be cleaned and conditioned plus new heel caps and treads were put on. Here are the scary before pics:

My bf thinks it’s gross to buy used shoes but women buy vintage and used stuff all the time. Of course, you can launder clothing so I understand shoes being a little weird for some. A lot of funk goes on in shoes. I used to buy vintage mary janes during my Courtney Love grunge phase all the time. (God, I wish I still had them!) I thoroughly de-germed the insides with Lysol and aired them out in the sun for a day, with salt inside. I also added new insoles. $55 total later, here are my lovely new-ish boots!

And here are the rest of my Fall boot steals:

Thanks to Poochie, I was alerted to these steals at Charlotte Russe. They’re not leather (all the better for bad weather) and were discounted to $20!! The laces are a bit too thick and too long so, I’m getting some different ones.

I also scored these Blowfish Hichi ankle boots at DSW for $10 after finding them on the clearance rack and using an almost expired coupon. They are the most comfortable things in the world!

I’m not getting these grey over-the-knee wedge boots until x-mas, as they will be a gift from my mom. I had to order them ASAP since I knew they would sell out fast. 2 days after they went online, mine were already on back-order. Other than not being real suede, at $46 they’re a dream. GREY! Considering my wardrobe has a ton of black in it, grey is a softer addition and goes with everything. They have a comfortable rubbery wedge heel and lug sole for really getting around. I also picked up some camel skinny pants so those, these and cozy sweaters will be my uniform this winter. I don’t know if I can stand waiting until Christmas!

There! Fall/Winter boot search is done! (I still want some riding boots without laces… but they will have to be a serious deal as well or a serious investment that may just have to wait until next year. I’m just about shopped out!

{ 2 comments }

Review: the jewelry of NOVICA

by Lara on August 25, 2010

in fashion

NOVICA is associated with National Geographic and for ten years, they have helped artisans from all over the world get exposure. The asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of their products. What impressed me the most was their new microfinance program. These small loans help promote entrepreneurship among poverty-stricken people who have the skills to create beautiful things but little collateral to get their business up and running. They can also help people take their business to the next level, being able to purchase supplies in bulk. A few US dollars go a long way in these regions.

Lately, small zero-interest loans have been getting more press. In fact, 2005 was declared it the International Year of Microcredit by the UN.

A press release from the UN states:

A small loan, a savings account, an affordable way to send a pay cheque home can make all the difference to a poor or low-income family. With access to microfinance, they can earn more, build up assets, and better protect themselves against unexpected setbacks and losses. They can move beyond day-to-day survival towards planning for the future. They can invest in better nutrition, housing, health, and education for their children. In short, they can break the vicious circle of poverty.

So, back to products NOVICA offers… they have clothing, home decor items, paintings, fun gifts… but I was asked to check out their handmade jewelry. There are thousands of things for both women and men. My mom and I sat for an hour perusing and didn’t even see half of it. It’s all neatly organized and the site is easy to maneuver. Rather than clicking on all the sub-categories though, I would’ve liked a “view all” feature to see all of the rings, or all of the bracelets, etc. There are also many different price points. The regional focus was bit narrow but each country had many different artists with various tribal and cultural techniques represented. You can pick from rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings…

Most of the items are sterling silver with a few gold vermeil pieces. There are also plenty of beaded items and some leather, wood, bone, horn, shell and ceramic. There are tons of gemstones and intricately carved pieces, both casual and formal. Each item has the artist’s profile where you can learn more about their story, their passion, and the meaning behind their pieces. You also get a card with the artist’s story along with each piece. This definitely gives a more personal touch to each item, something I really like.

I was allowed to pick out a few pieces. I wish I could have grabbed up each one of these:

Citrine Cocktail Ring – $42.49 – Bali

Amazonian palm bracelet – $32.95 – Brasil

Sterling cuff bracelet – $77.99 – Thailand

Bull horn long necklace – $84.95 – Peru

Sterling silver drop earrings – $28.99 – Thailand

Sterling silver and enhanced obsidian ring – $99.95 – Indonesia (also in green)

Carved gourd earrings – $29.99 – Peru

Sterling ring – $57.95 – Peru

Turquoise and peridot necklace – $124.95 – Thailand

Sterling cuff links (a great wedding or groomsman gift!) – $49.99 – Mexico

Pair of mango wood cuff bracelets – $21.49 – Thailand

Silver cuff bracelet – $101.66 – India

Huichol beaded necklace – $76.46 – Mexico

Sterling and water buffalo horn ring – $77.95 – Indonesia

Resin preserved and gold plated rose petal earrings – $37.95 – Thailand

Gold vermeil citrine ring – $53.96 – India

Leather bracelet – $19.95 – Indonesia

Pearl cuff bracelet – $319.95 – Indonesia

So, what did I get? Well, I put my order in and on August 19th, I was notified that they would be shipping directly from Bali/Java. I was really surprised when the package showed up so quickly, just 5 days later via Fed Ex!

Each item came in it’s own adorable gift box with tiny booklets for each. The invoice was in a little envelope with a hand-signed card from Bali. Everything was presented in such a special personal way, it truly felt like you were receiving a gift from a far-away land.

I got the the sterling/citrine/bone ring and it’s gorgeous. I haven’t worn it out yet but I know people will ask about it since it’s so unusual. There’s so much personality and every detail of it is perfect.

I also picked out this pale leather adjustable bracelet. My wrists are teeny and this fits just right at the tightest of three settings. I may have to cut off the excess on the strap. It will take a bit for it to soften and conform to my wrist since it’s really thick but, I’m going to wear this constantly.

Well, this was a ton of fun! Love love love the pieces I received! Hope you’ve enjoyed checking out all these unusual items from around the globe. Find more at NOVICA.

{ 4 comments }

nude pumps

by Lara on August 19, 2010

in fashion

Almost 2 years ago, I did a post on nude pumps that’s still consistently getting views. Nude heels will always be in. They make your legs look amazingly long and pretty much go with everything. So, here’s a new installment of  nude pumps that are readily available in the stores. I’ve tried to include different price points and skin tones like last time.
Since they offer free return shipping and colors vary so much online, all are from Zappos. You can still shop around of course.

Oh, and how cute is Zappos?

Now to the shoes:

$295

$275

$130

$83

$88.95

$78.95

$89

$285

$78.95

$298

$78.95

$275

$65.95

$101.95

$298

$108.95

$295

$91

$399

{ 7 comments }

I refuse to look like a Hobbit

by Lara on August 16, 2010

in fashion

In February, I did my big Fall/Winter 2010 fashion post after all of the runway shows, sharing what tickled my fancy. Now that Fall items are starting to fill the stores and the September issues were starting to line the magazine racks the first week of August, you can begin to see what the buyers picked out and what trends will be prominent in stores. Nothing seems so out of the realm of what you might already have hiding in your closet, or you could pick up that missing piece easily and inexpensively to feel current.

All photos via Style.com.

  • If I see the word “classic” one more time, I’m going to scream. Classic styles are never not in style. Do we need to be told that they’re really really in style this season? White button ups, pencil skirts, blazers, trench coats, ladylike bags… got it.
  • Lace. I don’t do lace. Never have. It washes terribly. I wasn’t expecting to see so much of it (and really piled on) but I guess the pendulum always swings back after all the hard edgy stuff saturating the fashion world the past few years. The metal bracelets that look like lace are kinda neat though.
  • Leopard print! I really think it’s going to be the biggest trend for A/W 2010. I wore leopard so much during my punk rock years and even slept on leopard print sheets for about 10 years so I’m still taking a breather. It would be easy to add some leopard bangles, a little cardi, a belt, some flats… The only leopard things I have kept are heels. They may make an appearance, paired with a bright dress.
  • Fur. Everywhere. The vintage stuff doesn’t bother me so much. I mean, that game is over. (I do worry that it encourages new production though, since the vintage market can’t fill the demand.) I have a black fox fur muff that belonged to my grandmother. I’ve never used it but part of me is willing to hop on this furry bandwagon for at least one outing when it gets cold out. It’s a vintage muff for crying out loud! How glamorous is that? I also just like saying muff.
  • Capes. Get outta here. I’m not wearing a cape. Maybe if I were taller but, I feel like I would look like a Hobbit at 5’1″.
  • Proper trousers. Cropped, wide legged, straight leg… whatever. I may just pull out some of my old wider legged pants for the hell of it and feel chic.
  • Statement jewelry. The bigger the better.
  • Another thing that my height will be nixing – long body-con skirts. That was also part of my grunge days, with Doc Martens. My poor mom had to hem them. All of my velvet and long skirts are gone and I don’t miss it. Yeah, velvet is back in a big way too.
  • Ruffles! My god the ruffles! The only way a ruffle is getting on my body is if it’s part of a structured jacket or interesting cardigan. This is my kind of way to do ruffles:

  • I already have enough belts, blazers, coats, and I’m covered in the boot department now. (You’ll be seeing more of my boot shopping soon!)
  • Longer strapped bags – messenger or just your average bag with a longer strap. I’m going to admit, after using shoulder satchels for sooo long, I finally got one with a shoulder strap and long strap as well. That long strap across my body drove me insane! I got a neck cramp and It’s difficult to maneuver over boobs. I am glad to have it though because there are times when you simply need to have your shoulder free. So, I will use the cross-body strap for those times only. Maybe I just need to quit carrying 20 pounds of crap with me.
  • I’m dying to mix neutrals when it gets cooler. Greys and camels and creams and black all together. So soft and cozy!

  • I’ve only seen one editorial include the white tights. Dun dun dun dun! I am totally making that look happen this winter. I can’t get white tights out of my head! They were paired with graphic b&w looks, bright minis and with neutrals. We’ll see how this works out in real life, solid or textured. Maybe just some cream leggings worked into a layered look (which are impossible to find for dirt cheap and not at AA).

  • Sweaters, sweater knit skirts, sweater dresses (I have two chunky knit dresses I haven’t worn in 2 years and forgot all about! They’re coming out!)

What is your perfect Fall outfit that you have worked out in your mind?

{ 4 comments }

good choice

by Lara on August 12, 2010

in fashion

My bf’s friend from way back (military school in S. Korea) has the cutest pair of baby pink rhinestone flats I’ve ever seen and I don’t even like pink. She has a relative who owns a shoe store in S. Korea and her mom had sent them to her. They had rich details but she said they were super cheap. I had never heard of Good Choice (or GC Shoes) until this past weekend. These have some of the most fun embellishments I’ve seen on lesser priced flats. They remind me a lof of those great pink ones!

Most of these are available in multiple colors. They’re not exclusive to any one store so the prices vary wildly, but only a few online stores are carrying them. Different places offer different colors and sizes.

$49.99 & $29.99

$49.99 & $29.99

$49.99 & $34.99

 $39.99

 $39.99

{ 2 comments }

geeking out: economics and fashion

by Lara on August 11, 2010

in fashion,geek

I’m gonna tell y’all again to read this book, now in its second edition.

The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy takes the reader on a fascinating, around-the-world journey to reveal the economic and political lessons from the life story of a simple t-shirt. Over five years, business professor Pietra Rivoli traveled from a Texas cotton field to a Chinese factory to a used clothing market in Africa, to investigate compelling questions about the politics, economics, ethics, and history of modern business and globalization. Using the story of the t-shirt to illustrate the major issues of the globalization debate, this uniquely entertaining business book offers a surprising, enlightening, and balanced look at one of the major topics of our time.

via

 

It’s not about the fashion industry directly but, you see the entire process (from cotton plant to Goodwill plus all the legislation and people involved) as a whole. Each piece of the puzzle is tightly connected and inflenced by the others. It’s really quite fascinating.

Also, for more fascinating insider information… last week, Wendy B. tweeted about the blog of Fashion Incubator. It’s a helpful and informative site for the fashion/manufacturing indstry! SO many things to learn and become aware of! Check it out!

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Barbara Bui

by Lara on August 10, 2010

in fashion

Looking around on YOOX, I discovered some beautiful shoes by a designer I’d never heard of, Barbara Bui. After a little digging around, I find that she’s been designing for her own line in France since 1987 and started her handbag/shoe line in 2000. How have I not heard of her before? 

 Here are some images from her Fall 2010 collection. Love the mixing of browns greys and black. (photos by Matteo Volta via)

Here are those shoes.

I’ll definitely be getting my runway coverage and pics off ELLE.com from now on. Sooo much more than Style.com.

{ 0 comments }

strong shoulders

by Lara on August 10, 2010

in fashion

What do you guys think about these strong shouldered casual tops? Last Fall/Winter there were a ton of blazers and jackets with stiff pointed shoulders. I thought they were a bit much. With this softer jersey fabric, I feel like the style is a bit more approachable for a wider range of women. If anything, I’d grab  the top center one for cheap at Charlotte Russe and give it a shot. Hair down? Hair up? Hmmm….

 

 

Clockwise from top:

CR puffed sleeve top

Maison Martin Margiela’s exposed shoulder pad jersey top

Bird by Juicy Couture – Puff-shoulder striped wool top

ArdenB puff shoulder tunic

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