Style & Life – Page 13 – the elegant edit on fashion, beauty, and home

Elegant Solutions for Embarrassing Problems

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Elegant Solutions for Embarrassing Problems

Let’s be honest. It happens to all of us…the stained shirt, that not-so-fresh feeling, the less-than-minty breath…fear not, friends, today we are sharing a few convenient solutions you can carry in your handbag to help you in those embarrassing situations.

for that “not-so-fresh-feeling”

I can relate to this and OFTEN. Since I live in Miami where it is over 80 degrees most days, and I wear natural deodorant, breaking into an occasional sweat is inevitable. I keep a few of these deodorant swipes in my bag so that I can freshen up at anytime. They have a pleasant scent and do not leave residue so your clothes are safe. Available at www.anthropologie.com.

for post-bathroom concerns

For those times when you are concerned about leaving unpleasant odors in the bathroom, try these Aesop Poo-Poo Drops. They work like a charm and leave a pleasant scent of tangerine, ylang ylang and mandarin. This bottle is too large to carry in your handbag or clutch so I put them in one of these 1 oz dropper bottles. Drops available at www.nordstrom.com, bottles available at www.amazon.com.

for the time you missed a spot

Have you ever gotten in the car and noticed you missed a spot shaving? This efficient little device will save the day. This 3-in-1 travel razor has a refillable water spray, razor and shave bar made from shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter to moisturize. Available at www.anthropologie.com.

for fresh breath

I usually carry a travel toothbrush, mini toothpaste and dental floss in my bag but if I do not have enough room, I always like to have some mints handy to ensure fresh breath. I buy them in bulk so they are always handy. Available at www.amazon.com.

for unfortunate spills

I have a toddler so I try to never leave home without one of these. In most situations, they will prevent a stain from setting and can often remove instantly. Available at www.amazon.com.

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Hope these elegant solutions help you out of some embarrassing moments!

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ssBisous,

Rebecca

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f. 25.2018
Spring Stripes

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Spring Stripes

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If you are looking for a spring trend that you can wear now, then spring stripes are just right for you. Not only are stripes timeless and classic, they are fresher than ever this season in updated silhouettes with beautiful details. These pieces are versatile…you will reach for them time and time again. They are easy to wear…no complicated styling or accessorizing…just throw them on and you will look pretty and polished.

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This black striped dress is a chic little number….the raglan sleeve gives it a casual vibe, the tie waist creates a great shape and the tulip skirt is flirty and feminine. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

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This navy silk skirt is a weekend essential. The stripe pattern and drapey hem create a breezy feel that is perfect for grabbing lunch with the girls. Throw on a white tank or tee and you are ready to go. Skirt available at www.nordstrom.com. Top available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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I know have mentioned my love for Equipment blouses in other posts and this stripe blouse is no exception. This beautiful shirt is made from a crisp poplin, has a striped back and lovely little buttons on the French cuffs. This shirt also looks great with dark denim. Blouse available at www.nordstrom.com. White or dark denim available at www.shopbop.com .

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Stay stylish!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 21.2018
Blood Orange Cocktail Recipe

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Blood Orange Cocktail Recipe

Planning a lazy weekend or at least a relaxing Saturday or Sunday morning? Sometimes my husband and I like to linger over a nice brunch (for ideas check out our quiche recipe, brunch menu or healthy options) and will make a mimosa or fruity cocktail. This Blood Orange Cocktail is super simple to whip up and is a fresh take on the classic screwdriver. The rosemary and blood orange garnish make it look as good as it taste. Sit back, relax and get ready to enjoy!

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Ingredients

4 oz chilled vodka, my favorites are Tito’s Handmade, Ketel 1 or Grey Goose

12 oz blood orange juice, I always find it at my local Fresh Market

ice

springs of fresh rosemary

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Instructions

Fill two glasses with ice, I used these stemless wine glasses

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the vodka, blood orange juice and one sprig of rosemary. Shake the cocktail vigorously and strain into the ice filled glasses. Garnish with an orange wedge ands prig of fresh rosemary. Toast and enjoy!

source: www.heatherchristo.com

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Hope you enjoy this cocktail over a lazy weekend morning!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 18.2018
Flavored Water Recipes

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Flavored Water Recipes

As discussed in one of last weeks posts, taking care of myself and creating a healthy lifestyle is one of my key intentions for 2018. When I had my daughter, I found myself reaching for sugar free Red Bulls or Diet Coke when I needed an energy boots. Two years later, I have not kicked the habit…but it is time! Since these are not healthy beverages, I have vowed to replace these caffeine cravings with better choices and so I was looking for ways to spice up water and discovered this pretty gold Drop Bottle. It makes water or tea look as good as it tastes. Here are four of my favorite flavored water recipes!

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Lemon, Cucumber and Mint

This is my go-to recipe as I almost always have the ingredients on hand. It makes me feel like I am at a spa. Take a few slices of lemon, cucumber and add mint leaves. It is very refreshing!

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Grapefruit and Rosemary

This delicious blend has a tangy and herbal flavor that will not disappoint. Simply add a few springs of rosemary and slices of grapefruit!

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Apple Orange Lemon

Not only do I like how this tastes but I like seeing the red, orange and yellow colored fruits in this pretty bottle.

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Strawberry Basil

Just add strawberries and basil and you have a unique and refreshing beverage.

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Hope you enjoy trying these combinations. What are your favorite water recipes? I would love more ideas!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 11.2018
Classic and Chic Wardrobe Updates

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Classic and Chic Wardrobe Updates

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Hello friends! Hope you enjoyed the weekend. This week, our fashion focus is on pieces we consider to be wardrobe staples…which means they last for many seasons. These styles are versatile, and easy so you will wear for a variety of occasions.

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The Knit Blazer

Jackets are one of the quickest and easiest ways to create a polished appearance. You can dress them up if you want to be dressier or wear them with denim for a more casual vibe. This soft knit blazer in the almost-navy color is perfect for Spring. You can wear this jacket with a number of colors…black, white and a variety of bright and pastel colors. It would also would look great over a dress. With jackets, I expect a bit more from them and want them to last so I tend to spend a bit more than I do on tops or dresses. I take good care of my jackets and have had some for over 5 years and wear as often as once a week! Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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A New Party Top

For those impromptu moments when your husband wants to grab a cocktail or your girlfriend wants to have dinner, it is nice to have a pretty top to throw on. This beautiful silk top from Joie is an excellent choice that will transition between the winter and spring seasons. I styled it with white denim for this shot but another fun look would be to wear with distressed denim…the contrast between the dressy and casual fabrics will create a fashion forward appearance. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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A Red Dress

Red is a classic color that you can wear any time of year but is especially important this season with desert hues being a key trend. This figure flattering dress features adjustable straps, a drape neck and lattice work detail around the waist and hem. Available at www.nordstrom.com. Shoes available at www.stuartweitzman.com.

Hope these ideas give you fresh ways to update your wardrobe!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 10.2018
Fresh Spring Updates

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Fresh Spring Updates

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Even in Miami, the weather has been cold, which makes it the perfect time to stay home and shop! Spring styles are hitting websites and stores and I am loving all of the pretty colors, prints and patterns. I have selected a few fresh spring updates that will be stylish for seasons to come.

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This cute and comfortable sweater is perfect for any climate because it will keep you warm and the color gets you in a Spring state of mind. Available in 5 colors at www.nordstrom.com.

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A lovely statement piece, this floral print kimono is a fun wardrobe update. I wore with all white with it for this look but you could wear with distressed denim for a fashion forward vibe. Kimono available at www.intermixonline.com, cami available at www.nordstrom.com and white denim available at www.shopbop.com.

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Wearing this floral printed dress makes me feel incredibly feminine..between the pretty print and cutout detail, this is truly a special piece. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

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Happy Shopping!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 7.2018
Brow Basics

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Brow Basics

I am really fortunate to have one of those mothers who did not say “I told you so” very often. My mom is more about giving advice and guiding than nagging. However, there were a few things she told me and one of them was “do not pluck your eyebrows too much”. I fully intended on listening to her. Growing up, I had a nice full brows and waxed consistently with no issues. However, the past few years, I have noticed my brows thinning considerably. Fortunately, there are excellent products on the market and I have filled in when necessary.

Recently, I had my brows waxed to clean them up a bit…trying to heed Mom’s advice, I carefully instructed the aesthetician to please only clean up the strays under and not wax any of my actual brow. Unfortunately, all of a sudden my brows are now way too thin. The ends are almost non existent. While she will never say “I told you so”…I should have listened to my Mom!

Using these products used to be something that was optional and that I did when I was making a special effort to dress up or go out…now, it is essential. Fortunately, they work like a dream and so I can fill in easily.

This Benefit Brow Zings is a wax and powder kit that allows you to tame and shape your brows. It includes a dual ended brush…use the hard edge to apply the wax and outline the shape of the brows and then fill in with the powder. Available in 5 colors at www.sephora.com. If I am in a major rush and do not want to take the time to outline my brow, I will use this Givenchy Mister Brow Filler. Just apply to your brows like mascara and you are good to go. Available at www.netaporter.com. Other tools I like are the Tweezerman Brow Shaping Scissors and Brush. These scissors have a contoured body and work well for trimming your brows and the brush helps maintain your shape. Available at www.sephora.com. These tweezers were a quick and economical pickup from CVS…I keep an extra pair in my car.

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If your brows are in need of some TLC, try these products out…I have found them to be highly effective!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 5.2018
Veggie Pesto Pizza Recipe

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Veggie Pesto Pizza Recipe

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While we are all focused on those New Year Intentions, there ARE still weekends…often, our weekends involve pizza. If you want a tasty, and relatively healthy, pizza option, try this Veggie Pesto Pizza recipe. I usually purchase a pre-made whole wheat crust and I want to try making it with a cauliflower crust for an even lighter option. This recipe gives instructions for grilling, but I bake in the oven on 425° for 10-15 minutes. Pair with the Arugula Salad featured in this post and you have a tasty meal.

Veggie Pesto Pizza

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoons olive oil

1 small yellow squash, thinly sliced

½ cup sliced red onion

Super Simple Pizza Dough (recipe below)

¼ cup prepared pesto sauce

2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

1 14oz can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

thinly sliced fresh basil

In large skillet, cook garlic in olive oil over medium high heat for 1 minute. Add squash and onion, cook until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Prepare pizza crush dough. Shape into rough 12 inch circle and place on floured pizza pan. Slide crust onto oiled grid over medium high heat, grill until lightly browned on bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn crust over onto wooden board. Spread pesto sauce evenly over crust. Top with squash mixture. Arrange tomatoes and squash mixture over top. Slide onto grill, cover and grill until crust is lightly browned on bottom, about 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle parmesan and basil over top.

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Super Simple Dough

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 envelope (2.25 teaspoons) fast rising dry yeast

½ teaspoon salt

2/3 cup warm water (115° to 125° Farenheit)

1 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey or sugar

Place flours, yeast and salt in work bowl of food processor fitted with steel knife blade. In 1 cup glass measure and stir together warm water, olive oil and honey. With machine running, pour liquid mixture through feed tube in slow steady stream, process until dough forms a ball and cleans sides of bowl, process for 30 seconds. Let dough rest in processor bowl for 10 minutes while preparing toppings. Shape dough as directed above. Makes one 12 inch pizza crust.

Source: Everybody Cooks, Dierbergs

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I really enjoy the burst of flavor the pesto adds to this recipe. You can also add other veggies or toppings this recipe. I always top with red pepper and grated parmesan.

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Serve and enjoy!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 3.2018
Back to Basics: The White Shirt Edit

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Back to Basics: The White Shirt Edit

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After a fun and festive holiday season, I am in the mood to get back to basics…which means lots of salads, new goals and intentions and also fresh wardrobe updates. While glitz and glamour is perfect for the holidays…clean, crisp styles are appealing to me right now. White shirts are a staple of mine and I have quite a few in my wardrobe. Classic and versatile, you can wear them with a number of different pieces…they can be dressy or casual. These pieces are fresh updates to the styles already in my closet.

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This lovely lace turtleneck is a pretty piece for grabbing lunch with friends. I paired with my favorite slim bootcut jeans from Paige and comfortable suede boots. Top available at www.revolve.com, jeans at www.shopbop.com and boots at www.rag-bone.com.

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If you are in need of a basic blouse that will last for years to come, Equipment silk blouses are a staple. They drape beautifully and since they are a high quality, they will last for years. I have blouses that are 5 years old that still look perfect. This version has a pintucks down the front placket and French cuffs. Available at www.nordstrom.com. Leopard pumps available at www.shopbop.com.

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This pretty white top with soft stripe detail is a stylish addition to your wardrobe with its pullover styling and pretty sleeve detail. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

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New white shirts are an excellent way to keep your wardrobe current and stay stylish!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 2.2018
Join our #wellcampaign

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Join our #wellcampaign

My birthday is around the corner…that is normally not noteworthy as birthdays are not usually a large event for me. A quiet dinner with my husband or family usually suffices. I always feel a bit uncomfortable when I am the center of attention as everyone is singing “Happy Birthday.” However, as I get older, I think more about contribution, legacy and so, this year, I want to GIVE a gift and I have teamed up with Crisis Aid International and am launching our Style & Life #wellcampaign and I am inviting you to join me.

My husband and I went to Africa a few years back (see post: Africa Trip Anniversary) and I think about some aspect of that trip every day. One of the many disturbing sights was witnessing a group of adults and children collecting bowls of water from a dirt road. It had just finished raining and the dirt road was splattered with puddles. Mud filled puddles. And people were drinking the water. No filter, just filthy mud water. I actually already knew this but seeing it in person made it resonate to my core.

I simply turn the faucet and clean water magically appears and I never even think about it. It is there, such a blessing, and I take it for granted. Every day. So, I have decided what I want for my birthday is to build a well. As soon as I did, the quote “If your dreams don’t scare you, then they aren’t big enough” came to mind… and so I invite you, your family, group of friends or colleagues to join me in bringing wells to Africa. Our goal is to build 10 wells!

One well costs $12,000 and provides clean water for up to 5,000 people. There is a plaque on each well that can be customized with a message of your choice.

Clean water improves health and prevents disease, allows people to spend their time on education instead of physically collecting water and reduces medical costs.

Any donation can help make a difference in the lives of those who do not have clean water.

Crisis Aid is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by my parents, Pat and Sue Bradley. They are committed to “helping the helpless” through relief efforts in the US and internationally. Crisis Aid International is a 4 star rated charity on Charity Navigator, the highest possible rating. For additional information, please email info@styleandlife.com.

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THANK YOU.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 2.2018