wordless wednesdays (on thursday)

one | two | three | four

love me do

I am thrilled to report that the latest Marissa B. jewelry collection, Love Letters, is being very well received by customers! The Little Sparrow necklace (now available in 14k gold) is swiftly becoming popular as a mommy necklace and the Secret Admirer necklace (also available in 14k gold) is a concept that's catching on fast. One even sold as a best friend necklace. Personally, I wear mine with my initial facing out and Hero Hubby's initial closest to my heart... awwwww. Seriously, though - the best part is I get to know the story behind every order - each initial represents someone special in my customers' lives and I'm thrilled that my product is being chosen to reflect their happiness. I'm grateful that I can provide something that brings joy to its wearers!

chocolate for breakfast

Nutella is magic. I haven't made anything that tasted bad when Nutella has been involved. This recipe for a french toast bake did not disappoint. Instead of baking a large "caserole," I made individual 8 oz ramekins and prepared it all the night before so the egg mixture could really soak into the bread. I changed a few things from the original recipe: 1. I used Scala bread rather then the called for mulitgrain bread (I've found that denser breads like multigrain make for a tougher outcome). 2. I adjusted the recipe by half and only used two sliced bananas. I'm definitely keeping this recipe in my breakfast repertoire - I might even try it with day old croissants in place of bread.

I highly recommend making a little Nutella sauce as described in the recipe to drizzle over the top before serving. Our guests loved this take on french toast! Ok, I'm getting hungry just typing this post... and also inspired to write a post about all the "make ahead" breakfast/brunch recipes I've tried over the past few years. It's much more fun to just make the coffee and pour the mimosas in the morning rather than have to whip up a full meal, don't you think? Keep an eye out for that upcoming post!

recipe via needful things

snowy day

Happy Friday, Dear Readers. Another two inches of snow out here today - this is the kind of winter I like. Being New England, however, I'm sure there's some whopper of a snowstorm headed our way before the winter is over. For now, we're enjoying this gentle re-acquaintance with the snow.
 

Sale on at marissab.com

Don't stress about what to give your special someone this Valentines Day. Shop early and enjoy 20% off just for being so on-the-ball. We've curated an array of baubles and trinkets that celebrate love (even if it's simply the love of jewelry). From tiny heart necklaces to red hot earrings, you'll find a fun assortment for all your valentines!

handmade jewelry at marissab.com

wordless wednesdays

 

one | two

and the winner is...

Joanne! A pair of sky blue bonbon Earrings is headed your way. Thanks for participating in the give-away!

Today I was awakened by the gleeful cries of a toddler who wakes up to see the first winter snowfall. "We need a sled... make a snowman... MAMA... DADA... QUICK!" It was the nicest sounding alarm clock, but then I realized I couldn't hit "snooze" and sleep for ten more minutes. So, I sit here typing a post while Violet is picking out which pair of snow boots to wear and Laela is happily chewing on something soft (a blanket? a stuffed animal? I can't tell... don't have my glasses on - a pair of little hands snapped them last week). If you are gearing up to tumble through the snow today, I wish you good luck, warmth and lots of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever warms you (bourbon? I won't judge) at the end of a winter adventure.


image via gabbysworld

currently coveting: mixed metal diamond band

First off, don't forget to enter the give-away - one winner will be chosen at random tomorrow!

Ok, now about that pretty ring up there. Friend and fellow jeweler, Sonya Renee, has this little sparkler on her website. I think I will shamelessly drop hints to Hero Hubby that this is the perfect anniversary gift (considering he's behind by two). I really like the mixed metals and the texture going on here! And, what gal wouldn't want a double row of diamonds around that vacant finger on her right hand?

p.s. I'm a size 7

oh, wear! winter neutrals

The snow forecast for this weekend has me thinking about the put-together elegance of neutrals. I particularly like these boots - they look like they will hold up well in all sorts of weather and they are stylish to boot (pun intended). Do you like the newest pearl earring design? It just would not feel right to be all bundled up without some kind of trinket hiding beneath those fuzzy ear-muffs.

sweater | pants | coat | boots | mittens | ear muffs | pearl earrings

pressed for cookie ideas?

I absolutely adore anything font, letterpress, type and paper related. When I saw these cookie cutters, my inner type-nerd sang out in harmonious joy along with my sweet tooth. Letterpress cookies - genius. I have to have these... plus, they'll be a fun way to teach Violet all about spelling (she's got her alphabet down pat and now she's interested in spelling words). Can you spell, SWOON?!

p.s. Don't forget to enter the give-away!


image via perpetualkid.com

mousse my way

I know yesterday's post was about food, but I couldn't help posting this recipe. After a stressful start to the week (oh, how I wish it were the weekend already) making a simple lemon mousse was the best way to get my mind into a positive state. I've been itching to make pots de creme for months now, but my ego can't handle a dessert disaster (they can be very finicky to make). This mousse was easy-peesey-lemon-squeezey. I went light on the sugar for more of a refreshing, rather than super sweet, taste. Hero Hubby indulged and gave it a thumbs up. This key lime mousse intrigues me... I'll have to try this when I'm in more of an experimenting mood. 

Lemon Mousse
1 cup heavy cream
2 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1 lemon, juiced
Lemon zest (for garnish)

1. Whip the cream and sugar until it starts to thicken (don't over-whip)!
2. Add lemon juice and whip just to thicken a bit more.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they start to form soft peaks.
4. Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon cream mixture.
5. Spoon into individual serving bowls or glasses and chill.
6. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Yeah, yeah, I know some of you are worried about the uncooked egg white - sheesh. If you must, you can use pasteurized eggs which are available in most supermarkets, typically located right next to the regular 'ole eggs.

how to win these earrings!

What better way to start the new year than with a pair of Marissa B. earrings? Bonbon Earrings in sky blue quartz, to be exact. These are *spanking* new from the spring collection and I know you'll look just lovely in them. Here's how to win:

• Visit our Facebok page, like Marissa B. and share this post (url: http://sideofsparkle.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-win-these-earrings.html )
• Tweet about our Rue La La promotion, word for word: Love gorgeous jewelry? @MarissaBjewelry is offering a $25 for $50 deal on @RueLaLa: http://www.ruelala.com/product/detail/eventId/43577/styleNum/4112791740/viewAll/0

Then, just post a comment on this post letting me know about your tweet/FB share. One winer will be chosen this Saturday, 1/14. Feel free to enter more than once. Thanks for participating!

creamy mushroom soup

One of my favorite soup recipes is this Hungarian mushroom soup recipe. It appeared in Eating Well magazine a few years ago and I make a big batch of this several times when the temperature dips below 40 degrees. Chopping through dense crimini mushrooms is such a satisfying feeling and savoring this delicious soup is even more satisfying. I hope you give it a try this winter. Enjoy with you favorite hunk of bread and an nice brown ale.

spring preview

Happy Friday, Dear Readers! My fingernails have been worked down to nothing after a week of prepping the spring line. Enjoy this little preview. I'm off to catch some sunshine outside and take the girls for a walk (hello 49 degrees in January)!

spring dreamin'

Even though the temperature outside is reading 9 degrees, I am keeping up a warmer climes state of mind as I finalize the spring 2012 collection for marissab.com. I'm loving the colors seen spilling down the runways (hello pistachio!) and can't wait to see some of those same colors spilling out of my closet in the next several months. Who can resist a powdery blue called "ballgown?" Here's a look at what's in store for spring color 2012.