An Easy Bedroom Transformation...

Paint a headboard! I've always wanted to try this little trick but never knew where to start. Here are some tips from Real Simple...

"The tools you'll need are one-inch-wide blue masking tape (about $5 at hardware stores), a level, and a three-inch roller. For a standard queen-size bed, use the tape and the level to mark out a rectangle that’s 50 to 52 inches from the floor and 62 to 64 inches across (or two to four inches wider than the mattress). Then fill in the whole area with two coats of high-gloss paint. Finally, a dream come true."

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Target has the best stuff.

And they have low prices! I found this gem at Target.com and I am in love! You could use it for pretty much anything...sugar, cotton balls, office supplies, you name it! It is so pretty!

Rialto Covered Jar (12") - $34.99

Sorry!

Sorry all about my lack of posts this week! It's been suuuuper crazy but I have a ton of ideas coming at you next week! Look forward! Peace and love.

Keep your jewelry handy...

...with a decorative bowl or box! After receiving 3 different jewelry boxes for graduation (in '08) I boxed them away, thinking I had no use for them. But when decorating my apartment last year, I unearthed them and decided to put them to good use. Find a decorative box or plate to put on your nightstand. It's a quick and easy way to store your everyday jewelry each night! And if you don't have something to use...a $2.99 glass sugar bowl (with or without a top) from Target will work too!

Discovered...

One of my heros, Giuliana Rancic, has a website! It's called 'fun fit fab'! Check it out! http://fabfitfun.com/low-cal-winter-cocktails?cookiesdisabled=1

Silly Bandz for Grown Ups

Here's a new use for your kids' most recent obsession...Silly Bandz as Drink Labels! I discovered this little tip on realsimple.com and could barely keep from laughing out loud. This is genius! So, at your next cocktail party or casual get-together (after the kids are in bed), break out those silly bandz and throw them on your wine glass. It will be useful and a great conversation starter.

The Lifesaver that Fits in Your Purse

We've all been there. You wake up late, your boss's boss shows up at your "casual" lunch, or you run into your grandmother getting coffee and bagels after a very late night. Basically, you need to look a lot more put together and FAST. Mark. hookups to the rescue. I've put together your perfect emergency kit and the best part is, it all fits in your purse. The hookups are customizable and compact so you can go online and create your own at http://jsimonini.mymarkstore.com/.

Mark. Emergency Kit:

-Mark. Light Bright Lighten and Depuff Eye Gel Hook Up

-Mark. Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss in Pink Crush

-Mark. Scanda-Lash Hook-Up Mascara in Blacklash

-Mark. Get Bright Hook Up Highlighter

-Mark. It Kit Trend Color Compact

-Mark. Hook Up Angle Eyeshadow Brush

-Mark. A Spray We Go Hook Up Fragrance in Sophistique

-Mark. Petite Cosmetic Bag

-Optional: Mark. Make it Go Away Makeup Removing Wipes

…And don’t forget breath mints!

I die...for Tomato Soup.

I love love love tomato soup and grilled cheese. I found this awesome recipe for a modern twist on this delicious classic. I am going to make it soon but it just looked so good!

Tomato Soup with Parmesan Toast

We kept the soup slightly chunky, though it can also be pureed until smooth. Use an immersion blender, if desired. Hanukkah celebrants eat dairy during the holiday to commemorate the Jewish heroine Judith, who saved her village from Syrian attackers by distracting their general with wine and cheese.

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 1 1/3 cups soup and 1 toast)

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 2 cups chopped fennel bulb
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson Certified Organic)
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 thyme sprig
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 (1-ounce) slices diagonally cut French bread (about 1 inch thick)
• 6 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes. Add fennel; sauté 3 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Add broth, tomatoes, and thyme to pan; bring to a boil. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 35 minutes. Remove pan from heat; cool 5 minutes. Discard thyme sprig. Place half of tomato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Blend until almost smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with remaining tomato mixture. Stir in salt and pepper; keep warm.

Preheat broiler.

Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon cheese on each. Broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

198 (16% from fat)

Fat:

3.6g (sat 1.3g,mono 1.7g,poly 0.5g)

Protein:

7.9g

Carbohydrate:

34.8g

Fiber:

5g

Cholesterol:

3.6mg

Iron:

2mg

Sodium:

962mg

Calcium:

131mg

The Perfect Travel Outfit

Sienna Miller masters traveling in style and comfort.

Here are a few of my tips:

1. Wear jeans or pants. You'll stay warm on the plane and avoid touching the gross sticky seats.

2. LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS. A cardigan or blazer and a scarf are great because they will keep you warm but won't be heavy if you want to take them off and put them in your carry-on.

3. Wear flats, but make sure they have support so your arches aren't aching when you arrive. They will be easy to slip off at security and will protect your toes from rogue suitcases.

If you absolutely MUST wear heels, make sure to apply BANDAID Blister Block where your shoes rub most.

4. Bring a tote with comfortable straps and a zipper so no one is snatching your NOOK out from under you. Keep your zip-locked liquids in an outside pocket and easily accessible to keep security quick and painless.

5. Wear minimal jewelry that won't set off the scanner going through security.

Happy traveling!

Thank you Valentine!

DIY Open Necklace Frame

Here's a fun, easy decorating project. Quit hiding your favorite costume jewelry in a drawer and show it off. And it's cheap too!

1. Buy a shadowbox frame. I used a white 10" x 10" frame from Target.

2. Remove the back, spacer, and glass from the frame.

3. Next, replace the spacer in frame (without the glass) and cover the backing with a fabric or material. I used a sheet of needleprint fabric from Michael's.

4. Make sure to pull the fabric tight and then put the glass piece behind the back and secure it.

5. Next take 2 small nails and hammer them CAREFULLY into the front of the frame at the appropriate height for your necklace. Make sure to do it softly so you don't break the glass at the back.

6. Because the back is covered with glass you cannot access the hook, but problem solved, use command velcro hanging strips for easy hanging and removal!

Now hang up the frame! It looks cute and guests will love that you are showing off your jewelry on your wall!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

PIcture compliments of realsimple.com

Another Classic Favorite

I will forever love OPI Bubble Bath nail color. Since I stopped the nasty habit of biting my nails (YUCK!) my nails are rarely without color. My favorite is this almost sheer color that gives your nails a little boost but if you're busy like me, the chipping doesn't show! Of course, it's OPI so it rarely chips but if you are typing a lot or chasing after kids this color is perfect. And if you are not so great at painting yourself, this is so bare that mistakes are invisible. I LOVE this! Oh and I am also loving OPI's new line "Texas"...great bright colors!

My Favorite Things...

Julia's Favorite Things:

Ok, so my "Favorite Things" list is not quite in the high demand that Oprah's is but I want to share my new love with you. Yesterday I received my first birthday present...a Barnes & Noble NOOK Color! It's fantastic and GORGEOUS. I already have Elle and Glamour on it (I got an Elle subscription for $.99/month!) and the color is amazing. The case is just as great. An adorable pink and orange Kate Spade case. It's simple with a pop. Soooo check it out. A great gift for your favorite guy, girl, sister, mother, father, or yourself! Above is a picture from the website but I'll upload my own soon! Love love love this! (Thanks Mom and Dad!)

One easy step to a more organized purse.

I was given this green mesh pouch as part of a set years ago and never wanted to use it until recently. It's perfect for helping organize my purse, especially for taming all the medicine bottles floating around inside it. You could also use it to rein in loose receipts, extra keys, lipsticks, or change. Luckily, I found a similar product at the container store (image to the right.) Another idea? Use a $.79 travel soap container to hold your, ahem, "feminine products." Andddd *poof* you can navigate your purse!

The MOST Delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep: 30 min., Bake: 14 min. per batch, Cool: 15 min. Bake 10 minutes for a soft and chewy cookie or up to 14 minutes for a crisp cookie.

Yield: Makes about 5 dozen

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 (12-oz.) packages semisweet chocolate morsels
• Parchment paper

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Beat butter and sugars at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Add eggs and 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, beating until blended.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating just until blended. Beat in morsels just until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.

3. Bake at 350° for 10 to 14 minutes or until desired degree of doneness. Remove to wire racks, and cool completely (about 15 minutes).

http://www.myrecipes.com/

ENJOY!

That's write.

My new favorite thing ever? This adorable personalized stationary by Leen Machine. I was recently given a set and it gave me a few ideas. These are great gifts for:

-Housewarming gift

-Birthday

-Christmas

-Valentine's Day

-Mother's Day

-Labor Day?

...Or replace the not-so-original bottle of wine for some stationary as your next party thank you.

So check it out http://www.leenmachine.com/

And the first subject of the new blog is...T.P.!

Yes, that's right, I'm starting the new topic of my blog with storing toilet paper. How do you solve the problem of not having your TP on hand when you need it (and in less than 5 minutes)? The solution: that basket you bought after spending a weekend in your sister's "shabby chic" cabin. So go find it and put it next to your toilet. Then fill it up with all the toilet paper it will fit. So next time you run out in a pinch...its not too far away. Image courtesy of realsimple.com