Guest Post: Pay it Forward in Gold

Hi again, everyone! This is Kelsey’s sister, Sara. I recently came into a situation that we all know too well—I lost my favorite “everyday” necklace. Now I know some of us (unlike Kelsey) usually wear the same accessories every day. Maybe it’s because I don’t like accessorizing or maybe it’s just because I love a quality piece of delicate jewelry. Either way, the time has finally come to invest in a new “everyday” necklace. Instead of feeling sad about the loss of an old necklace, I decided I would use this as an opportunity to be happy and buy a necklace that also gives back to a good cause—it puts a positive spin on an unfortunate situation! Below, you will find some of my favorite picks of delicate necklaces that are also for a good cause. Enjoy!

The Giving Keys, The Never Ending Necklace, $55

The Giving Keys was started by an actress/singer/songwriter who realized that we are all like keys—unique, flawed, scarred, and at risk of being discarded. You can order the keys with unique sayings of encouragement and every key is different. Here’s the catch—you have to give the key away at some point to a person you feel needs the same message that you did and then you can post the message on their website…how cool is that!? 

Half United, The Classic, $34

Half United was started by a brother and sister to positively impact the lives of people in desperate need of nutrition. Founded only 4 years ago, the duo makes all products in-house and donates HALF of the profits of every item sold directly towards fighting the global hunger epidemic. All necklaces come in a variety of colors. 

Satya Jewelry, Acholi Necklace, $88

This necklace, co-designed by Satya Jewelry and Kristen Bell, helps to promote peace and education in Northern Uganda. 100% of the proceeds of this necklace go toward Invisible Children’s life-changing program. I just love how delicate the necklace is while still being able to make such a huge impact. The tree of life symbols grounding and faith and reminds us that we are all connected. 

Thanks for reading my post! I hope that you are able to purchase one of these necklaces for yourself or for a friend. It feels good to spend money when you know it’s going to a good cause.

Do good and take care of each other,

Sara

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are my favorite recipes for the week!

Blackberry Irish Whiskey Sour
℅ Fogged in Lounge

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey (Paddy)
• 3/4 oz blackberry brandy
• 1/2 oz lemon juice

Directions

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Orange twist.

French Onion Dip

℅ Will Cook for Smiles

Ingredients

• 8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of Kraft® Mayo with Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of Kraft® Mozzarella shredded cheese
• 1 medium Vidalia onion
• 1 tbs butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, fresh ground pepper to taste.

Directions

1. Slice the onions thin.
2. Preheat the oven to 350.
3. Preheat a coking pan on medium-high heat, add the butter and sliced onions. Saute the onions until nicely browned and caramelized. (Don't walk away too far and stir often so you don't burn the onions.)
4. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients except for caramelized onions until smooth.
5. Fold in the onions and transfer the mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with a little extra shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Puppy Chow Cookies

℅ The Barbee Housewife

Ingredients

For the Cookie:1/2 cup of Butter, room temperature for 30 minutes
1 cup of Peanut Butter, creamy
1/2 cup of Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup of Light Brown Sugar
1 Egg, large
1 tablespoon of Vanilla
1 teaspoon of Salt
1 1/4 cup of Flour

For the Coating:1 1/2 cups of Semisweet Chocolate Chips
2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil
1/3 cup of Peanut Butter, creamy
1/4 cup of Butter
2 cups of Powdered Sugar

Directions

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with a silpat mat or parchment paper.

Now, in your mixing bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter together until until smooth. Add the sugar and light brown sugar and beat for 2 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt and mix well. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour in until combined.

Next, using a tablespoon measurement, scoop out the cookie dough and roll into your palms to form a ball, fit 12 cookies on a baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass cup and barely press on the cookie to flatten it to 1/2 inch thick.

Bake for 9-10 minutes until golden at the edge. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

After the cookies have cooled completely, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, vegetable oil, peanut butter, and butter. Place in the microwave for one minute and stir, remove and repeat in 30 second intervals until the chocolate has melted. Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish.

Place one cookie in the chocolate and flip using a spoon and coating each side well; remove from the chocolate to the powdered sugar dish, coat in the sugar and place on wire rack to harden. Repeat until all cookies are finished.

Store in an airtight container. I stored mine in a large gallon ziplock bag laying down with wax paper in between each layer.

Red Riding Hood

I cannot believe we've gotten this far into winter without talking about capes. A huge mistake on my part. Please forgive me. Now then, I give you the cape. The easiest outer layer there ever was and ever will be. I prefer a darker color with this item because you will get a lot of use out of it so it needs to be versatile with your outfits.

Nordstrom, Trouve Faux Leather Trim Cape Coat, $76

A lovely mix of brown and black. It will go with pretty much anything in your closet.

Forever 21, Femme Boucle Cape, $47

You know Forever 21 is serious when an item costs more then $30. So hold everything kids, this is good stuff.

Macy's, Big Buddha Wrap, $72

A lighter option in a beautiful carmel that is zip and go.

Asos, Bonded Check Cape, $49

I love the plaid peeking out of this cape. The toggles are also a great detail.

It's difficult to find a cape for under $100, and now that it is mid-winter the sales on these items are starting to show. Pick the color and style you are looking for and make sure you don't settle. This style isn't going away, you can find just what you're looking for eventually.

Be fabulous today!

Hole in One

Yesterday we did mesh. Today kind of staying along the same lines with the open knit sweater. This cheeky option is great for a more casual look.

Dorothy Perkins, Blue Stitchy Fluffy Sweater, $31

I'm in love with this sweater and the reasoning is perfectly explained in the name of the item.

Mango, Interwoven Wool Blend Sweater, $34

What does Miss Mackenzie always say? Navy or nothing? Amen sister.

Lord and Taylor, Vintage Havana High Lo Sweater, $68

Classy and edgy at the same time. I'd layer on a neon necklace to pop.

Shopbob, d. Ra Stockholm Pullover, $63

A cozy drop shoulder sweater that is perfect for skinny jeans, boots, and an oversized scarf.

These chunky open knit sweaters are a comfortable yet chic option for weekends. Effortless but put together.

Be fabulous today!