Fall Into Fashion Sweepstakes

This season, Stella & Dot is partnering with Tea Collection to create a unique Facebook promotion that will inspire the whole family to dial up their style!  We’ve created a coveted prize package that allows the winner to update her look as well as that of her favorite little fashionistas!

Click here to Enter Sweepstakes!

 Special offer from our friends at Tea Collection. Receive 15% off your first online order at teacollection.com. Enter promo code FALLSWEEPS15 at checkout.*

*offer valid at teacollection.com only for first time customers. Valid through 9/18/11. Limit one use per customer. 

Like the Jewelry??....Host a Trunk Show!

Love the Jewelry??...Become a Stylist!

Ask me how!!

Your Personal Stylist:

Ashley Bridges

ashleybridges@gmail.com

Visit my website >

Good Things!

I have to tell you....

This made my day!

Ben and Jerry's newest flavor! Inspired by one of my all time favorite SNL skits!

On a side note...

Sorry for the brief hiatus, work has been a bit...umm... demanding the last 5 months. Things are slowing down and I. AM. BACK. so stay tuned! 

DISCOVER....Boutique Brands You'll Love!

Do you have a passion for well-crafted products? And socially-responsible companies? Do you have the desire to support women in your community? 

If you answered YES to any of these question, take a peak at these amazing new brands and please take a moment to fill out the survey below! 

SUKI

suki(R) is the first and only synthetic-free solution that integrates advanced technology with botanical actives. suki was founded with the aim to develop a completely new way of formulating skin care - immersing high potency natural cosmeceuticals in synthetic-free bases - and demonstrating results through consumer clinical trials. In trials, 84% of test participants agreed that suki improved the overall appearance of their skin. Each product contains potent cosmeceutical actives that solve a multitude of needs from basic skin types like dry and oily to stubborn issues like cystic acne, rosacea, signs of aging and eczema. suki products are safe for everyone including pregnant women, babies, teens and men. 

WEEDECOR

weeDECOR creates a signature line of decorative wall decals inspired by color, great design and anything that makes children happy. Their mission is to help parents create a more personal, playful space for their child. Mix-and-match hundreds of designs to create a custom look. Choose from an inspiring selection of decorative letters, colors, and styles to help you create the perfect nursery, kid's room, or playroom. Also a perfect gift for new parents!

100% PURE

100% Pure formulates synthetic-, fragrance-, paraben- and toxin free beauty products. They use the most concentrated formulas possible without the use of water, thickeners, emulsifiers or any other fillers. Inspired by her garden, Susie Wang created 100% Pure's cosmetics line to complement her healthy lifestyle. Made with pigments from fruits and vegetables along with nature's best resources, 100% Pure marries all-natural ingredients with high-end cosmetic formulas to create beauty in a class of its own. 100% Pure is the first and only cosmetics colored from antioxidant rich fruit and vegetable pigments (patents pending).

100% Pure products are never tested on animals.
Skin Care, Fruit Pigmented Makeup, Bath & Body, Hair Care, & Kids Bath Products

VAPOUR BEAUTY

Vapour's innovative approach to cosmetics is to use a minimum of 70% certified organic and toxin-free ingredients in all of its products, while delivering a luxurious texture that surpasses anything currently in the prestige beauty market. Vapour products use light reflection to create skin that looks flawless and that glows with health. Their unique suspension of minerals and organic botanicals imparts a light-as-air texture and provides rich color while nourishing and protecting skin with powerful antioxidants and vitamins. Vapour products are easy to apply via stick applicators. 

Vapour products are made using sustainable, earth-friendly methods that include harnessing wind power, using biodegradable ingredients and recyclable packaging. Available in a full range of color cosmetic products including foundation, concealer, blush, lip gloss, lipstick and eye shadow.

 KIWI INDUSTRIES

Kiwi Industries was founded seven years ago on the idea of creating clothing for children that was both well made and adorable. We wanted to create classic designs with a graphic, modern, and colorful twist. We also felt that it was important to be able to pass clothing down from child to child - therefore reducing our waste and allowing us to get more use out of our clothes. We use only high quality fabric, reminiscent of an earlier time before “throw-away” clothing. Our clothing truly gets softer and softer with time. Wear it, wash it, pass it down from child to child.

Since its founding, Kiwi Industries has been passionate about social and environmental awareness. We only use socially responsible labor (living wage, fair trade, sweatshop free).

At the heart of Kiwi is our 100% organic mix and match collection. Made from our own custom designed organic interlock, these adorable onesies, tees, rompers, and jumpers are all made in the USA. We feel strongly about offering the highest quality organic products for your little ones.

MAPLE LANDMARK

Made By Me, Truck

Maple Landmark is a family-owned business that prides itself on creating American made time-tested wooden toys that inspire children to learn and explore, and that help form basic manipulation and building skills. Maple Landmark toys have received over 30 awards from children and parenting organizations. Located in Middlebury, Vermont, Maple Landmark uses local materials and employs the local community to craft a wide range of wooden toys for children to adults. 

Teach+Play Tiles, Animal/Vegetable

LITTLE PASSPORTS

Little Passports is your child's ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a country's geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way. Each month your child follows characters Sofia and Sam as they travel to a different country and send your child an exciting package.

Little Passports souvenirs are fun, memorable and educational. Examples items include: music CDs, traditional country toys, arts and crafts projects, puzzles, pencils/erasers, photos, stickers, and postcards

LOLABEAN

    

Ernestine Heirloom Necklace

Shredded Handbag

Lolabean, based in New York, was created in 2005 by graphic designer, Tiffany Bean. While studying at Parsons School of Design, she found herself sketching pages of necklaces rather than the project at hand. She soon shifted her focus to jewelry design and launched her first complete collection in 2007. Lolabean is influenced by the coexistence of urban life and nature. Walking the city streets, people watching in cafes and relaxing in Central Park are constant sources of inspiration. The jewelry line is handmade by the designer in New York City.

Products: Jewelry, Handbags

 Click here for your chance to win a $50 Shopping Spree for One or More of these Amazing Brands!

Currently Craving: Maxi Style Dresses

 

1. In the Abstract Dress  

2. Botanical Crossway Dress

3. Nautical Dreaming Chemise

4. Ardisia Maxi Dress

A Recipe Sure to Clear your Sinus'

A and I don't really experiment very often with "meat alternatives"...don't get me wrong, I love a good veggie burger or some Boca crumbles but other than that we don't really venture out. Well, I decided this week to break out of that box, one can not live off beans and salad alone! A is a spicy food fanatic and when I saw the recipe for Buffalo Tempeh in Appetite for Reduction, I knew we had a winner. What could satisfy a hungry-mans craving for Buffalo Chicken Wings better?
The tempeh filled me up for hours without weighing me down. It was full of flavor and A even asked if there was going to be leftovers for his lunch the next day. I love when that happens!

If anyone has had any reservations about tempeh or any other meat alternatives, I highly recommend you try this recipe. Its simple, quick and delicious! 

Buffalo Tempeh

8 ounces tempeh, cut into wedges

Marinade: 

1/2 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup Cayenne hot sauce

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons dried oregano

To create tempeh wedges: Slice the tmpheh in half across the waist. Slice the rectangles in half. You'll have four rectangles. Slice each rectangle corner to corner. The resulting triangular wedges are great for baking, grilling or sauteing. 

Steam the tempeh for 5 minutes, this will loosen the tempeh up and get it ready to absorb the marinade flavors.

Mix together the marinade ingredients in a medium-size mixing bowl. When the tempeh is done steaming, immediately transfer it to the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, up to an hour. 

Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray the pan with a bit of nonstick cooking spray. Add the tempeh slices and reserve the marinade. Cook the tempeh for 10 minutes, flipping it often, until it has browned a bit. Add the remaining sauce and turn up the heat to high. Let the liquid boil and cook down for about 5 minutes. That's all!! 

While the tempeh was marinading I also whipped up a batch of Cool Slaw. The creamy cashews made this dish the perfect companion to Buffalo Tempeh.

Being from the Georgia-Carolina area I love a nice vinegar-mustard flavor with my BBQ...the Cool Slaw had just the right amount of each and a touch of agave nectar really enhanced the flavor. 

The best part of this meal are the nutritional facts:

Cool Slaw Buffalo Tempeh Calories 60 130 Calories from Fat 25 20 Total Fat 2.5 g 2.5 g Total Carb 7 g 18 g Fiber 2 g 5 g Sugars 3 g 1 g Protein 2 g 9 g

Veganomicon Review

Layout

• Is the layout clear? I found the layout in Veganomicon to be very clear. Each recipe was introduced with an authors note that included serving suggestions or a special tip.
• Are you able to easily tell the ingredients apart for the instructions and the notes? The ingredients are in a bold print, which makes them stand out from the actual recipe and notes. 
• Are the instructions easy to follow? The instructions are easy to follow for the most part. Many recipes had the "tip" box with with special instructions.
• Are the recipes numbered or is the section labeled? The recipes are divided up by category. There is even a section at the end of the book called Menus for the Masses. Easy menu planning for dinner categories like, Mediterranean Comfort Menu or a Smash Your TV Dinner Menu. 

Aesthetics

• Does the cookbook feature photos? There is a section that features photos for about 23 of the recipes.
• If yes, is there a photo for every recipe? Nope
• Do the photos of the recipes look like the actual results? I made two of the recipes that were photographed, Pineapple Cashew Quinoa and Portobello Salad with Spicy Mustard Dressing, both turned out looking very similar to the pictures. 
• What kind of paper is the book printed on? The book is printed on standard book paper...not really sure what you would call it. It is a good quality paper and really takes in a splashes and splatters without seeping through and ruining page. 
• How is the quality of the photos? I thought the photos were of good quality. The lighting was just right and the background colors and dishes complimented each dish. 

Recipes

• How many recipes are in the cookbook? A lot, to many count! There are about 263 pages of recipes. 
• What kinds of recipes will you find in this cookbook? Veganomicon has a very nice variety of recipes. From soups, to sides, main dishes and desserts. There is even a section for Brunch recipes!! You will find Indian inspired, Jamaican inspired and Good old home cooking inspired recipes in Veganomicon. 
• Is there a theme to the recipes? No real theme, just Vegan! and Delicious! A wide variety of recipes sure to cure any craving. 
• Are the recipes complex or simple? Would they be good for seasoned cooks and/or beginners? I think Veganonmicon has a diverse selection of recipes suitable for seasoned cooks and beginners. I know that I will reference this cookbook for years to come! 

Ingredients and supplies

• Are the recipe ingredients easy to find?A For the most part all of the ingredients are very easy to find. I think I even bought the majority what I used in each recipe at Trader Joes. (Gotta love that TJ!)
• Are there any items that stand out as being expensive or specialty? Nope, maybe just some specialty spices in a few of the Indian dishes. But you can find most of these at markets these days and they store well. 
• Are there particular appliances that will be required such as blenders, juicers, dehydrators, ect? The only "major" applicance I notices was an Immersion blender for some soup and perhaps a KitchenAid for baking, but you get by without them! 
• Does this cookbook provide additional useful information? Yes, this book provides a lot of additional information. Each recipe is labeled with Icons to let you know if the recipe is Soy Free, Low/Reduced Fat, Gluten Free, or can be ready in less than 45 minutes. Pretty good info, if you ask me! Also you will find additional tips among the recipes, like how to roast garlic and how long it will keep. Time saving tips and tips on what you can use in place of some items you might not have on hand. 
• What additional information beyond recipes does this cookbook include? Is it easy to follow? Veganomicon also has a great introductory sections like: Stocking the Veganomicon Pantry, Kitchen Equipment, & Cooking and Prepping Terminology. You will also find tons of helpful and important tips in the How to Cook a Vegetable and How to Cook a Grain section. I love reading my cookbooks, as if they are a novel, so I truly appreciate when authors go to the extra trouble of including these special notes in Cookbooks. You are bound to learn something and it always leaves me itching to get in the kitchen. 

Happy President's Day!

Hope everyone has had a fabulous President's Day! I am a little late on this post...kind of like how I was a little late checking my mail this week. Because if I had checked my mail on Friday I would have known this was waiting on me....

 A package from Semilla Snack Bags!! 

I won my first blogger/twitter contest a few weeks ago, from PureMamas. And I was the lucky recipent of 2 Snack Bags and a Snack Circle. Semilla Snack Bags are a healthy, fun, interactive way to pack snacks and ultimately help make our planet a little greener.

 I am off to pack my lunch...so, if you have not already, go check out Semilla Snack Bags and PureMamas! 

Cookbook Club: Tomato-Rice Soup with Roasted Garlic and Navy Beans

Garlic is good for more than just keeping the Vampires away...

 In the middle ages Monks used Garlic as protection against the plague, Hippocrates used garlic vapors to treat cervical cancer, and during WWII (when antibiotics were scarce) Garlic poultices were placed on wounds.
I have been using Garlic, along with groves of Oranges, to fight away a nasty cold! Now I don't know if the whole "Garlic helps prevent..."line is just an old wives' tale but at this point I am willing to try anything!

 Last week I lived off Veganomicon's Tomato-Rice Soup with Roasted Garlic and Navy Beans. And it was Dee-lish! Another recipe A had no problem helping with, which always means a success.

2 bulbs roasted garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium-size yellow onion, dices as small as possible
1 cup long-grain brown rice*
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
2 teaspoons salt
Several pinches of freshly ground black pepper
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can navy beans, drained and rinsed
56 ounces of water (Use the tomato can and fill twice!) 




Preheat soup pot over medium heat. Saute the onions in the olive oil for 5-7 minutes, until translucent.
Add the rice, bay leaves, thyme, marjoram, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring for about 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, then add the water.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes. 
Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and into a small bowl. Use a fork to mash the garlic into a relatively smooth consistency, then add to the soup once the rice is nearly tender.  
When the rice is completely cooked, add the beans and heat through. 
Serve and enjoy (oh and don't forget to remove the bay leaves!)

*A note from the author said to make sure you use long-grain rice because short-grain rice does not cook in tomato broth. 
I still had a problem with the long-grain rice not cooking completely. I ended up adding another can of water and letting the soup simmer for an extra 20-30 minutes.

                                  

Style for a Steal

SPLURGE

Lanvin Chain Link Bracelet $690

 STEAL

Stella Vintage Link Bracelet $89

Finish the Look

Stella Vintage Link Necklace

Pearl Bouquet Earrings

www.stelladot.com/ashleymegan

Tomorrow...Behold....

I. CAN. NOT. WAIT.

I have been on the edge of my seat after all the Sneak Peaks here, here and here this week!

Style for a Steal

SPLURGE:

Monica Vinader Aqua Chalcedony Round Cocktail Ring $303

STEAL: 

Camilla Ring $49

Wear it Now... Wear it Later! 

Finish the look with these fabulous pieces that easily 

transition with your closet as we burst into Spring and 

Breeze into Summer!

Wear it now with a faux fur vest and denim; then wear it later to add a little sparkle to tailored shorts with tank, or neutral stripped top with wedge sandals.

The Camilla Necklace $178

Delicate Drop Earrings $24

Stackable Band Rings $49

Pave Clover Earring $49

SHOP NOW WWW.STELLADOT.COM/ASHLEYMEGAN