Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Do You Love Shopping?

 
Check Out The New Items From My Favorite Stores!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$26.99

90s flashback gets a modern update. Loose fitting crop tee reminds us of old school 90s music videos. Faux leather material makes this top so of the moment, and a must have for this season! Crop length, short sleeves, crew neck. Loose boxy fit balances well with high waist pants or a pencil skirt. Add sporty wedge booties to complete your look!





$32.99
 
90s flashback gets a modern update. The harem pant reminds us of old school music videos, featuring a banded waist and leg, and a slouchy, draped hip. Faux leather material makes these pants so of the moment, and a must have for this season! Pockets at hip. Wear with a cropped top or jacket and sporty wedge booties.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
$38.99
 
 
This is the chic shift. Classic shift dress construction with fitted bodice. Sleeveless and falls to the knee. Colorblocking creates a figure flattering cut out illusion, and sheer mesh panels tuck in at the waist and continue to the back. White bodice at front with pop hues, and a black bodice at back. Smooth and high stretch jersey material. Darts at bust for added shape. Wear it during the day with heels, and layer with a blazer for night.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$26.99
 
A tribute to iconic beauty. A laid back french terry sweat shirt top with raw edge finishing at neckline. Bands at wrists and hem. Pop art inspired brush drawing at front in minimal black and red. Your weekender top, or the top to transition with in style!
 
 
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$24.80

A sweater featuring a "W" letter patch on the front. Round neckline. Long raglan sleeves. Ribbed trim. Knit. Medium weight.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
$22.80
 
 A knit top featuring a peplum waist and bow accent. Round neckline. 3/4 sleeves. Contrast trim. Light to medium weight.
 
 
 
 
 

 
$22.80
 
A raglan sweatshirt featuring tiger graphic with star-studded trim. Round neckline. Long sleeves. Ribbed trim. Knit. Lightweight
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$37.80
 
 A fit & flare dress featuring a rhinestoned yoke. Scoop neckline. Cap sleeves. Pleated skirt. Invisible back zipper with hook-eye closure. Unlined. Woven. Lightweight.
 
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 $14.00
 
The ultimate gift for any nail polish enthusiast! The Nail Cube features 14 nail polish colors in rich jewel tones, brights, neutrals and glitter top coats perfect to create trendy manicures this season. The bristle design glides color on flawlessly, while the quick dry formula gives perfect application every time. Infused with key nutrient Vitamin E for stronger, healthier nails.
 
 
 
 
 
 
$2.00
 
This lightly tinted lip balm gives the perfect flush of color for a beautiful, natural look. The Coconut, Grape, Shea Butter and Rice Wax infused formula conditions lips on contact for long-lasting, hydrating comfort.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
$3.00
 
 
Create a radiant glow with this illuminating powder that highlights the skin with a sheer wash of shimmering color. Infused with Vitamin E, Jojoba, Sunflower, Apricot and Grape to nourish and hydrate the skin. The long-lasting baked shimmering color can be applied wet for a vibrant effect or dry for sheer pigmentation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
$6.00
 
This high-definition, oil-free, lightweight foundation is perfect for normal to oily skin types. The cream-to-powder formula minimizes fine lines and leaves a natural, long-lasting, matte finish. Includes a compact sponge for easy application and portable beauty.

 
 
 
<3 RaneeB.

Recipe #15 - Gorgonzola and Sun-Drried Tomato Bison Burgers



Gorgonzola and Sun-Dried Tomato Bison Burgers





Ingredients:
 
4 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled          
3 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon sea salt     
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pound ground bison meat





Method:
Combine Gorgonzola, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add ground bison and use your hands or two forks to lightly combine all ingredients, taking care not to overwork. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to hold together. With dampened hands, form mixture into 6 patties of even thickness. Place patties on a baking sheet, cover loosely and refrigerate for at least an hour.
 
 
Preheat grill or broiler. Cook burgers about 4 minutes per side to desired doneness, turning carefully with a spatula halfway through.
 
 
<3 RaneeB.

Recipe #14 - Fresh Veggie and Canadian Bacon Pizza with Homemade Crust




Fresh Veggie and Canadian Bacon Pizza with Homemade Crust





Ingredients
 
Crust4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 cup set aside
1 envelope instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups tepid water
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cornmeal for dusting the peel
 
 
Toppings2 cups part-skim mozzarella or other reduced-fat cheese
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
2 ounces Canadian bacon, diced
2 cups sliced or chopped fresh vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, or onions, or a combination
4 teaspoons thinly sliced or finely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, or a combination
 
 
 
 
Cooking Instructions
 
1.) If using a standing mixer, in the bowl whisk together the 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in the water. Attach the dough hook. With the mixer on low, beat until the dough forms a ball, stopping the mixer and pushing down the dough with your hands as needed so it combines well. If the dough is sticky, add some of the remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.
 
2.) If mixing by hand, in a large bowl stir together the 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar and salt using a large wooden spoon. With your hands, blend the dough into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add some of the remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, working it in for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and does not stick to the side of the bowl.
 
3.) For either method, set the dough aside to rest for 15 minutes.
 
4.) To knead the dough with the mixer, beat on medium-low until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Push the dough away from you with the heels of your hands. Fold the dough back over onto itself. Continue to knead the dough for about 30 seconds, or until the dough is smooth and elastic, then work the dough into a ball.
To knead by hand, turn the dough out as directed above and knead for 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Work the dough into a ball.
 
5.) Lightly coat a large, clean bowl with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Put the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set aside in a warm place (about 85ºF) until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.
 
6.) Fold down the dough, patting it into a disk, and place it back in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, remove the dough and cut into two equal portions. Shape each into a ball.
 
7.) If you plan to use the dough that day, leave it on the counter, covered with a clean kitchen towel, for 1 hour to let it relax so shaping is easier. If you plan to use the dough another day, wrap it well in plastic wrap or put in an airtight plastic bag, and refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the dough, then when you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
 
8.) To prepare the dough, put it on a large, lightly floured surface, such as a counter, and press each piece of the dough into a flat disk. Work one disk in your hands, rotating it around and around while pulling it out gently until it is 12 inches in diameter. Repeat with the second disk.
 
9.) If available, set 1 or 2 pizza stones on the oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven
to 500ºF.
 
10.) Dust the peel with cornmeal and place the dough on top. Brush each pizza with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle with the cheese. Top, in order, with the tomato slices, Canadian bacon, vegetables, and herbs. Slide the pizza off the peel and onto the pizza stone in the oven.
 
11.) If you do not have a pizza stone, turn 2 sheet pans (at least 12x18 inches) over and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal. Assemble as directed above. (If you have only 1 sheet pan, assemble only 1 pizza at this point.)
 
12.) Bake the pizzas for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crusts are golden brown. Let the pizzas rest for 3 minutes before cutting each into 8 slices. Serve 2 slices to each person.
 
 
<3 RaneeB.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

D.I.Y. Sea Salt Clarifying Shampoo

 
This shampoo is the perfect way to give your end of summer hair some love. It is extra clarifying and will remove all of that chlorine from swimming and product buildup!










Supplies:
  • 1 tablespoon clear shampoo (creamy shampoos are not clarifying)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons of course sea salt ( mine is pink cause I’m fancy…totally just use regular it’s all good!)




 
 
I tossed my sea salt in the baking soda to make sure all the lumps were out and then combined in with the shampoo. You want it to be thick and salt heavy.

 

 
 
Let me know if you give it a try! I don’t recommend this more than every few weeks when your hair is looking dull and needs a good clarifying shampoo, otherwise it may strip too much moisture from your hair as the salt is a bit drying. Make sure to use a great conditioner after.
 
<3 #RaneeB
 






Sunday, August 11, 2013

How To Dress Your Body Shape As A +PLUS+ Size Woman






The first thing you need to do before shopping for womens plus clothing is to take a close look at the contours and proportions of your body figure.
Plus size isn't a category by itself. There are both tall and short full figure women, and each and one of them has a different body shape that requires different set of styling and clothing strategies to look their best. For example, you might have wider shoulders compared to your hips, while your girlfriend who is also a plus size has wider hips than shoulders.


Well-Balanced Proportions Can Make You Look Trimmer
By knowing what body shape you have, you'll be able to decide where and how to correctly place clothes and accessories, to create curves on the right places so that you'll make any prominent body part less obvious, but still keep your waist defined to help you look trim. These balanced proportions equal a proportional hourglass body shape.


Basically, downplaying any prominent areas of your body to achieve well-balanced body proportions, can help you look leaner and taller. Balanced outfit proportions de-emphasize and conceal any prominent body part you may have. Ever thought about why many pear shapes look shorter and "thicker" than they are? That's because their hips take the center-stage and make the eye go horizontally. 



Do You Have Short or Long Legs?


Also, another key factor to dressing your full-figure size is your body frame's vertical line; meaning, how long your upper half is compared to your bottom half (torso versus hips and legs).You might have longer or shorter legs than your upper body or vice versa, which also requires a couple of outfit adjustments. 


Despite that image consultants are preaching about balanced body proportions, having long legs is considered attractive - simply because it elongates your frame and can trick people into thinking you're taller and thinner. Short legs can make you look stumpy. However, super-long legs and a super-short torso may throw off your proportions.


Plus Size Fashion Advice: Petite Plus Size Clothing

If you're a plus size at 5'4" (163 cm) or shorter then you need to look for petite plus size clothing, as well as work strategically with prints, shapes and other details - helping you look taller. 


Petite plus size clothes can be found at online stores such as: 


Jessica London


Avenue


Lane Bryant


Fashion Bug

Land's End

Talbots

Torrid


ASOS (size 12 to 16)


Here are 3 tips on how to look trimmer with clothes and accessories: 
Wear heels. If you're not a high-heel gal, then an inch or two is enough to slim your legs and body figure
Go for knee-length (or shorter) skirts and shorts. If you have muscular legs avoid garments that extend right on the thickest part of your legs - your calves. It brings attention to this area and can visually make you look stubby!
Show more skin. Deep necklines and short (knee-length or shorter) skirts and dresses instantly slim down your full-figure stature. They might come off as tacky for conservative 
tastes, but as long as you keep the other part modestly clothed then you're safe!

For example, wear a sweater with plunging neckline and go for a bit more conservative looking pants or skirt



Strategies to Looking Slimmer & Flattering Your Full-Figure Body


So Why Do You Want to Appear Leaner?


Curves are hot, but you need to make sure you look good with them. You want to look curvalicious, not frumpy :-) That means avoiding anything that makes you look bulky and rather focus on smoothing out your lumps and bumps.

You don't have to hide them but if you want to look your best, you need to make sure your proportions are balanced and that you've got the curves on all the right places. 


Your main focus when buying womens plus size clothing is to create a trimmer silhouette that makes the eye go up and down, instead of side to side.

For this you need to pay attention to what details you put on your body frame and how you combine the colors of your outfit.

Compared to petites you have more space to work with and you can handle bigger details, however, it's extremely important that you select details that are scaled to your body size. Because if you for example put on a dainty necklace, you'll emphasize your large proportions.

But on the other hand, you can strategically put on a couple of extra necklace layers to create a fuller look that complements your body scale.


Basically, I recommend you to base your "plus size fashion mantra" on 3 basic golden strategies:

Ensure proper fit.
 I know how tempting it is to hide your body in layers and oversized
clothes, but they’ll only make you look bigger! Great fit makes sure nothing looks lumpy. Lumpy is frumpy.

Your bra is especially important - it has to fit to keep your bust up and eliminate unevenness in your silhouette that will only distract the eye.


Get the body scale right.
 Scaling prints and accessories with your size makes sure you won't look bigger in comparison.


Strategically work with prints, shapes and details to make the eye go up and down. Vertical details are your best friends.

Friday, August 9, 2013

e.l.f. Haul with RaneeB.










e.l.f. Studio - 144 piece Bright Eyeshadow Palette - $15
e.l.f. Studio - Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 (Almond) - $6
e.l.f Studio - Maximum Coverage Concealer - Oil Free (Nude) - $3
e.l.f. Studio - Blush (Blushing Rose) - $3
e.l.f. Studio - Makeup Mist & Set with Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber, and Vitamins A, C & E - $3



I Got It ALL for $30 and "FREE SHIPPING"!