B Equipped: Kitchen gadget wish list

You know you're growing up when you make a wish list of kitchen appliances and accessories. As you have seen from some of my recent posts, I am getting more and more creative in the kitchen. I'd love to be able to be like Meryl Streep in It's Complicated just be able to whip up some chocolate croissants on a whim. My kitchen started with a pink George Foreman grill about 5 years ago and has grown since then but I'm still missing a few things to really start cooking more. You'd be surprised how much fashion is involved in the kitchen but we all buy gadgets and appliances based on aesthetic and color. Here's my wish list:

Le Cruseut enameled cast iron cookware is everything you need to be like Julia Child. Choosing your color might take some time but choosing a contrasting color to your kitchen scheme is half the fun.

I am a huge advocate of freshly grated cheese. It might not only be cheaper but tastes so much better than pre-packaged. These grate and store tins are brilliant and saves some time in clean-up.

Being from the Pacific Northwest I grew up on great seafood. Now stuck in the desert I thrive for some great steamed mussels or clams. The built in strainer makes it easy to drain the juice to dip bread.

I sadly just ran out of my last bottle of olive oil that I purchased on my last trip to Italy. These would be great to help oil last and use sparingly on salads. I'm a sucker for a good kitchen gadget.

Last listed but at the top of my list! What every baker needs. I can't wait till I can put away my pink hand mixer and move on to the Kitchen Aid stand mixer. Choosing a color really is the hardest part of this kitchen appliance because it will last you for years. Can you live with a kelly green mixer in your kitchen for 30 years? My parents have done so with a pistachio color (hey, it was the "it" color back when.)

B Mesmerized: Colorful statement necklaces

I can't wait till the Fall season is upon us. I am over sandals and sad for my boots collecting dust in my closet. But there are a few things I'm trying to hold onto before the Summer season is behind us. Once Fall hits muted tones will be back but no reason to not fight the camel hues a bit with these colorful necklaces!

Sabrina Dehoff

Anthropologie

Citrine by the Stones

Aldo

B Crafty: Denim DIY kit

Take a moment and remember your favorite pair of jeans. It may have rips and tears but there's something about them that makes the fit just right. Now you can do everything you can to make that new pair of denim resemble your favorite pair or create a new denim style. Introducing Bristol 6's Denim Kit.

Customize your denim with studs, bleaching, distressing or fading. My favorite part of the kit? The hem tape! This is denim magic, you can now wear your favorite jeans with heels AND flats. No more buying the same jean and hemming both for a different kind of heel. This is the best kit for any woman who just loves denim. Add it to your great gifts list! Pre-order now at Bristol 6.

B Street: Bohemian military

Style can be seen from the runway to the streets. Street style varies from each culture and can be interpreted differently by each individual. See the look that I created from this street style found in Milano.

The inspiration...

Image via The Satorialist

The reproduction...

Free People Dahlia Tunic -$138, Urban Renewal Vintage Cinch Waist Army Jacket -$48, Jeffrey Campbell 'Emma' Sandal -$124.95, Zambos & Siega Brigitte Bag -$130, Forever 21 Beaded Masterpiece Necklace -$8.80

B like Jackie: 1960s Mad Men fashion

When I was young my dad told me how much I resembled Jackie O with my hair pulled back. To be honest, I was young and had no idea who he was referring to at the time. Little did I know that she'd become one of my favorite fashion icons. As of recently I have become obssessed with Mad Men, the show portrays all my favorite 1960s fashion, just like Jackie.

B one year old: A celebration of Just B

A year ago today, I wrote a silly story about a shopping trip.  I posted it on the internet with no intention of anyone actually finding it interesting. Since then I have written  119 other posts and been visited by almost 5,700 people around the world.  I have bought a ridiculous amount of nail polish and probably topped that number with Rebecca Minkoff purchases.

Just B started as a hobby and a creative outlet for my writing and inspirations. I am excited that it has grown to what is and has plans for the future. Here is a just a quick look back at the last year according to me, B.

Where it all began... B Addictive: A silly story where a girl gets lost in Saks and comes out with her first Jimmy Choos all to the thanks of President Obama

Nail polish addiction starts. B's first 5 nail polish recommendations in B Experimental.

B Deadly first defined the word lust. My feeling for fall trends of 2009

Still my favorite nail polish color of the year-- B Jaded. and when it became B rewarded.

A school project gone B mad with the world's favorite trend.

 

Tragedy hit the fashion world. B Remembered.

B Emotional: Confessions of an emotional shopper.

B Chockful: Anthropologie chalk catalog

For a long period of time I have always wanted a chalkboard wall but never had the right space or wall to put it. I am envious of those who have found that perfect place and used their creativity to continually draw on their wall. Isn't that every child's dream? Well while searching for some inspiration online, I always find myself on Anthropologie's website searching through their catalog online. They created the ultimate storyboard room with wall to wall to floor chalkboard. I can't imagine the clean up but it does look good on paper!

B Love: Courtney, life after Birkin

The first thought of Cuurtney Love you have may be a lot of things and certainly rare that high fashion is one of them. I had a skewed view of the rehab junkie but yesterday's profile of the artist in Women's Wear Daily made me see something new.

Sick of seeing her worst fashion moments page after page on google image. Courtney took charge by posting her own outfits on WhatCourtneyWoreToday.com. She doesn't post herself personally but sends it to anonymous writers that will share for her.

A woman who once burned a whole Marc Jacob's collection given to her (I know, it's horrible) now categorizes her life as "before and after Birkin" as in Hermes. After reading the article I found myself on her site surprised of how different this woman was than the one I remember from that MTV video awards clip. But don't think she's totally reformed or tamed her ways, she still shows her edge and love for grunge even in four inch Louboutins.

B Ambitious: Man Shops Globe down under

Just 9 months ago I was raving about the new show Man Shops Globe with Anthropologie's buyer-at-large Keith Johnson. It was now a month ago that Keith Johnson returned for a second season. Everytime I watch an episode I find myself getting lost in the culture a few moments away from packing my bags and moving.

Anyone who is inspired would be challenged and influenced by Keith's travels. Rachel Jones at Black & Eiffel agrees since she too couldn't resist a blog about this traveling wonder. Last week's episode Keith traveled down under to Australia in search of unique designers to feature in the Anthropologie stores. He met with Australian stylist Sibella Court, a woman I could write a whole blog post on seperately. Her boutique The Society Inc., is located in the heart of Paddington. To stay refreshed Sibella renovates every 3 months. Each design has a different theme and is shown through every detail.

While Sibella and Keith traveled throughout Australia they learned that scallops are always served in its shell in Australia and artisans in Australia are creating new ideas that are different than any other culture.

In the episode, Sibella wore this romper and paired it with a fedora and aviators when roaming. She sweats style from every pore.

One of many shelves in Sibella's shop.

A gorgeous paper owl by one of the featured artists, Anna-wili Highfield in the episode. {This one is hanging in Sibella's bedroom}

Noelle Rigaudie a french artist moved to Australia to focus on her cardboard creations. Cardboard has a special place in my heart as being the family business, but any can appreciate the ornate French designs Noelle is capable of creating.

A new episode of Man Shops Globe premieres tonight on the Sundance channel. You can also download the episodes on iTunes, highlight of my Wednesday night when a new download begins.

B Serendipitous: Frrrozen Hot Chocolate

ser·en·dip·i·ty (srn-dp-t)

n. pl. ser·en·dip·i·ties

1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.

2. The fact or occurrence of such discoveries.

3. An instance of making such a discovery.

 You've either seen the movie or visited in New York, New York. I used my Saturday to bring the special treat to me {melting in the desert.}

 Chop 6.5 oz of your favorite chocolate. I mixed milk with dark for variety.

Using a double boiler {or my creative college student low on cooking utensils way: glass bowl over a boiling pot of water.}

Once melted. Add teaspoon of hot cocoa mix, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 cup of milk. {mix well then take off to cool}

In the blender. Mix chocolate, 1 cup of milk, and 3 cups of ice. {Grown ups: try a bit of Bailey's.}

Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. {Straw color open to preference.}

My biggest concern for this recipe was finding a goblet for presentation purposes. With no luck in my cupboards, I reached out to use a left over mason jar. Loved it more than the cookbook picture. {How serendipitous, don't you think?}