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Saturday, February 11, 2012

A Few Kisses Makes...

If you know me, then you know I am by no means a cook or baker. You probably have noticed I rarely blog about food- it is just not my thing (well, except for here and here). But, I found this on... you guessed it, Pinterest the other day and thought I would work on my baking skills (or lack of). It looked super easy, and I loooove salt and chocolate together.

- All you need are waffle pretzels, Hershey kisses and M&Ms (I did pinks and reds for Valentine's Day)



- On a cookie sheet, just lay out pretzels and place a kiss on each square. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees (thanks Anna D for that tip!)



- Bake for 10-15 minutes. I think I should have kept mine in a few more minutes to really get them to melt... When you take them out of the oven, place a M&M on top, while the chocolate is still warm.



- I let them cool (and ate a few) for about two hours.




- Once they cool, they can be put in a bowl and enjoyed. Quickly after I did this, Matt promptly said that we should put them in baggies and give them to my family as treats...because otherwise they would all be gone, quickly ;)




- So I did just that...



So there you have it, a really quick, easy and cute way to celebrate Valentine's Day! Enjoy

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Patterns Patterns Patterns!

I am loving patterns right now. Adding a stencil or wallpaper pattern to a wall or room in your house can completely change the look and feel. There are tons of different ways to accomplish this look- no matter what the budget. If you are looking for wallpaper, I highly recommend Thibaut for beautiful patterns (many have matching fabrics). You can also do a stencil with just paint, cardboard and brush. You can see the tutorial I did here costing a whopping $13.00.

So for my first Pin It Challenge with Old Lucketts I decided to do my favorite pins from Pinterest with amazing patterns for the home! Enjoy.




























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Monday, February 6, 2012

Giveaway | Cape Madras Tunic!





Although our New England winter has not been bad (or really even happened) it is always nice to getaway during these long winter months. I am so excited and fortunate enough to be taking a vacation in a few weeks to one of my favorite places on earth- Boca Grande, Florida. My Nana and Papa always wintered there, so we would pack our bags every February break and make our way down for a visit.

Boca Grande is one of those places that will always remind me of my childhood. The long days at the pool, sand in my swimsuit and sun burns so bad my mom would spray
Solarcaine on my sister and I before bed. I have not been back as an 'adult' so I am sure I will get to know the island a little differently this time (wine on the deck, checking out a few cute restaurants with my husband!) Boca Grande is a 7 mile long island of pure bliss. It could be compared to a little version of Nantucket or Kennebunkport. The beaches are beautiful, the streets are cute and the island has amazing views. But, enough about why I love Boca Grande, and more on what to wear!

One item I looovveeee and will be packing is the Cape Madras tunic! It is the best, most versatile item you can pack in a suitcase. You can dress it up with white jeans and flips, or wear as a beach cover up. Not only is it am amazing piece to pack, it is a great Maine company based out of Cape Elizabeth with a retail location in Freeport, Maine. They also are in many many cute boutiques throughout the country, including Fugates and the Sun Porch in Boca Grande. They are now offering a new line of college game day tunics (which I know some of you will have to have!) Not only does Cape Madras offer these great tunics, they are known for their high quality, never out of fashion, madras. From skirts to pants to tops, they offer a variety of colors of a great classic. So, you have to stop by there shop in Freeport, purchase online via their website or stop by a boutique that carries their line. And, as you know, I am so excited that one lucky reader will win a tunic!





Here is how to enter!

- Please 'LIKE' my facebook page, and Cape Madras facebook page
- Please follow my twitter handle @sarahreaganauer and @capemadras
-
It is OK if you don't do Facebook or Twitter, but if you do, please like and follow us!
- Once you liked and followed us (if applicable) post a comment onto my blog letting me know, and of course where you are going to wear the Cape Madras tunic!
- If you are not familiar with posting a comment on a blog, you can post using the Name/URL and just fill in your first and last name (you do not need to fill in the URL field)
- Your blog comment will be your 'ticket' to enter to win the tunic!!
- I will draw the winner on Sunday, February 12 and announce the winners name on Facebook, Twitter and my blog (if you leave me your e mail, I will e mail you too!)

Please note, the color and pattern of the tunic are TBD based on availability


(For a second chance to win- you can post a comment on my Facebook page, and Cape Madras Facebook page and post a second comment on my blog letting me know, and you will have ANOTHER ticket into the drawing!!)

GOOD LUCK!




Saturday, February 4, 2012

You Can Thank Me Later | valentine's day hints

Trust me, Valentine's Day has never been one of my favorites...for all of the usual suspect reasons (no boyfriend, no flowers, depressing, cold, frustrating- the list goes on and on.) BUT, I have been converted into a 'fan' of the holiday. I have been spoiled as of late with love. Matt proposed to me on the day before Valentine's Day two years ago, and last year our family threw us a surprise engagement party on Valentine's Day. Proof things can change. Keep your thoughts positive and have fun, you never know when (or where!) love will find you. And, if your significant other needs a little nudge- check out the below finds (or you can totally treat yourself- promise). If you are loving the Stella & Dot items as much as I am, you can reach out to two friends of mine who carry it Rebecca (Boston) and Lisa (Kennebunkport). Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Wish List1






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Friday, February 3, 2012

Super Bowl! Go Pats

What will you be wearing and eating? If I had it my way, I would wear this. How great is that worn-in, old school shirt! I will be enjoying my glass of vino with chicken wings :) Go Pats!!

Go Pats








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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Closet Challenge!

Hello! I am excited for my first three outfits put together for the Closet Challenge at Well To Do, You. I hope you enjoy! (Funny side note: I actually wore this cardigan two days in a row, to WORK! I thought I could wing it since once was the 'Work' look, and the other was my 'Date' look...well, just like on the red carpet (although my desk is far from it) a co-worker and I had the same cardigan on! She assumed since I wore it the day before she was safe to wear it for our client meeting. Ha! Wasn't she surprised when I walked in with it on, again. Whoops! But I guess it goes to show you that you really can get several looks from one great piece from your closet.

For Work

- Peachish/Pink J Crew Jackie Cardigan (outlet)
- Gold lobster claw SeaBag
- 7's Jeans (consignment shop in Portland, OR this summer, only $45)
- Gray Old Navy ballet flats- tag sale $2...they were new
- Cream Talbots silk tank top- $39
- Turquoise and gold J Crew necklace $49
- Faux and real gold bangles (its OK to mix!)
- Faux pearl magnet clasp bracelet- hand-me-down from mom
- Turquoise clasp bracelet J Crew (outlet)








For Weekend

- Peachish/Pink J Crew Jackie Cardigan (outlet)
- (Really old) Monogrammed LL Bean tote
- Gray and white striped Calvin Klein top- TJ Maxx
- The Ropes bracelet (love) from Anna at Spaces and designed by friend Shana
- Steve Madden tall brown boots from Macy's- $69
- 7s jeans- had forever and love







For Date

- Peachish/Pink J Crew Jackie Cardigan (outlet)
- Gray/silver dress from Old Navy (winter) - $29
- Kate Spade brown nylon purse (Seattle days)
- Cream pashmina from my Nana
- J Crew earrings from my niece Lucy (aka sister) for Christmas :)
- Boots from consignment shop- $12 (score!)
- White and gold bracelet from Brookie- Nordstroms (I believe)
- Same faux and real gold bracelets from other looks!




So there you have it! Three great looks, all made with my closet and using the same cardigan! And don't forget, second hand/consignment shops are a MUST! You can get so many great deals and excellent finds (and hey, it is recycling isn't it?!)

Stay tuned for more looks over at

Creative Kristi Designs

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