B's Guest: Katie of Being5

Can't believe how fast its gone but we're at our final guest post as well my trip is coming to an end. Back in Paris today to prepare for tomorrow's flight home back to Seattle. What a trip it was and can't wait to share more as I return. Though until then, meet Katie. We go way way back and when blogging finally brought us closer together I had to ask her to share with you! Her sarcasm and humor keeps you on edge because you never know what you're going to get. Here for example, she surprises me with a not so 'mommy blogger' post. Thanks Katie!

While B is off exploring Europe, I’m honored to spend some time here, contributing a guest post. Oh, how stressful guest posting is! It’s like hosting a party at someone else’s home or making another person’s recipe – you want it to be a perfect representation of who you are, but also want to be respectful of your hostess. Big pressure.

Since I am B’s favorite Mommy Blogger (oh, how that phrase makes me cringe), I suppose she was expecting something along those lines, so SURPRISE! No mommy talk here! Although, many of these pretty travel bags would also double as excellent diaper bags.

With travel on the mind, I scoured the shops for some great travel bags – perfect for any type of trip you have planned – from a business trip in Topeka, Kansas to a weekend getaway with your summer fling to a road trip in search of adventure, these bags will have you covered.

Personally, I have few trips on my summer agenda, including a week-long visit to see family with my kids and a long-weekend catching up with friends who will be in LA. Although I do happen to own a Halsea overnight bag, very similar to number one pictured above, I think that these trips are the perfect excuse to add to my luggage collection – don’t you agree?

Sending love from Seattle to Europe, B (and the entire B family!) – can’t wait to hear and read about your trip!

xxoo.
Katie of Being5.

bags pictured above – one. two. three. four. five. six. seven. eight. .

B Treated: When in Italy

I can't believe that my trip is almost coming to an end. I am taking it all in and enjoying the last bit of vacation I have. I miss blogging on a regular basis so this little hello is refreshing. Is it a good sign that you miss a regular routine or is it then impossible to relax? Undecided on that one but I am enjoying disregarding my regular nutrition. Pizza, wine and gelato are becoming part of this new routine that will be hard to kick when I return to the states.

B's Guest: Paris streety style

Don't know what I would do without Twitter which has so easily grown my blogging network! Another guest blogger stepped in to share some Paris street style inspired by my vacation. While I'm in Florence, Italy now I will be returning to Paris on Friday to prepare for the trip home and we can't deny that Paris has some of the strongest street style!

I am Danielle of Just Dandy. I am so excited to be teaming up with Brooke today for Just B and giving you all a glimpse of some of my style I spy! A little bit about me: I like to wear clothes and sometimes I take photos of myself in them. If you enjoy lusting, loving, buying, and obsessing over fashion and style, Just Dandy is just for you! I would love for you to join me over at my blog as well and check out what I am doing! ---- Now onto some fabulous Paris Street Style

Holy color striking batman. This gorgeous street style has been taking over the streets of Paris the past couple of weeks! Have you seen these? Man, I can't get over all of this fabulous color and pattern! I am obsessing over the bold, vibrant hues, they look so fresh and right on for summer. Her are some fabulous dresses, bracelets, and heels to add some color into your everyday closet. Be bold and be neon and show others your personality!

Inspiration Outfit Details:

Neon Poly Silk Dress

Neon Ruffle Mini Dress

Orange Cap Sleeve Dress

Neon Bracelets

Color Block Wedge

Neon Pump

 I love to meet new bloggers and readers! Please drop by my blog and say ‘hello’! 

I would just love to hear from you :) Be sure to tweet me too @shopdandy

B Giddy: Happy Birthday just B!

Don't remember how many times I have wished to celebrate a birthday in Europe and today it's happening! But a different kind of birthday... Just B's blog birthday! Everyone has been asking how long I have been blogging and as of today, it is exactly two years.

What I love about blogging is that  your blog can change with you. There have been a lot of changes in how I blog and what I decide to share which is a reproduction of my personal growth.

Thank you so much to all you readers who take time out to read my blog and say hello. If you are new, or have been been reading since the beginning leave a comment and let me know! I love to see who's listening and what you're enjoying. I just think this is the beginning of a very beautiful friendship.

photos 1//2//3

B's Guest: Ramblings with Rin

Buona matina! (That's good morning in Italian according to google, are you enjoying these language lessons?) We arrived in Rome yesterday and getting it all in before we're off to Florence tomorrow. So while I'm still away you get to meet Rin. I met Rin in a class last year and learned that she was a new blogger. Right away I wanted to take her under my wing because you can never have too many talented blogger friends that will write posts while you run around Europe! Seeing her grow as a blogger has been such an experience so I hope you catch on to how talented and thrifty she is because we could all (mainly me) could learn a thing or two about shopping on a budget! Thank you Rin! xo B

Hello dear readers of Just B! I am so excited to be guest blogging for B because she is the reason I am a blogger, and her blog is a place for me to find my daily dose of DIY and fashion inspiration. When B asked me to write a guest post, I was tickled with excitement and couldn't wait to write my first entry. Well, I guess it's time for introductions. My name is Rin Longo, and I am the creator of Ramblings with Rin, which is a fashion blog geared towards thrifty shoppers. I am in the final year of my fashion marketing degree at the Art Institute of Phoenix, and I have always loved to experiment and play around with fashion.

Today, I will be doing an style post for you guys. Most my outfits cost under $30 (this varies) because what would a money conscious blog be without affordable clothing!

 What I am wearing:

Shirt: Goodwill: $5
Shorts: Urban Outfitters $6
Shoes: Charlotte Russe $10
Jewelry: Assorted thrifted finds

 

B's Guest: Brownie and raspberry trifle

Earlier in the week you met Lauren who I had met during Fall Fashion week in New York in September and today you get to meet my other blog bff Erika! I've been drooling over this post since she sent it to me and almost couldn't resist waiting to share it while I was away but thankfully I held back so you could experience this goody while I'm still in Turkey. We will be finishing up the weekend in Izmir then on Sunday it is off to Rome so the next time we chat I will be saying Buongiorno!

Hey everyone, Erika from Shoes, Shirts & Other Sh!t here guest blogging for B will she's enjoying a fabulous vacation in Europe!

Most people think that the time to indulge is around the holidays, but my favorite time to indulge is during the summer--I'm more active and burning more calories, so I feel less guilty eating little treats every day! (Seriously, I think I've had ice cream 6 out of 7 days a week since the weather started to get nice.) My favorite new recipe for summer is a recipe that my mom made for the first time for a BBQ on the 4th of July that she got from a friend, who got it from a friend...and so on... so we have no idea where the original recipe is from, but it is totally delicious!

Chocolate pudding mousse, clouds of cool whip, gooey brownies and summer's ripest raspberries make up this delicious trifle that (if you don't include the brownie baking time) only takes about 15 minutes to whip up! You have the option of making the trifle in one large trifle bowl, or like I did, in small bar glasses for individual servings. Should you decide to make them in glasses, you'll need about 10-12, 6 oz bar glasses or parfait glasses, depending on how many times you want to layer the trifle.

Here's your ingredient list:
3 cups of cold milk (skim, whole, 2%, soy...whatever your preference)
2, 3.9 oz packages of Jell-o Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding and Pie Filling (sugar free is an option)
1, 8 oz tub of Cool Whip, thawed, divided (I used Cool Whip Lite to cut the calories and fat)
1 pt (2 cups) of rinsed raspberries

Directions:
-Prepare brownies according to box directions, or your favorite recipe. When cooled, cut into 1/2 inch cubes or smaller.
-Pour milk into a large bowl and stir in pudding mixes. Beat with a wire wisk for 2 minutes or until well-blended (pudding will begin to thicken).
-Stir 1 cup of Cool Whip into the pudding.

Assembly:
-In glasses, place 2-3 brownies at the bottom. I flattened the brownies with a spoon, to make the appearance from the outside look nicer. In a trifle bowl, use half the brownies.
-In glasses, top with about 2 teaspoons each of chocolate pudding/Cool Whip mixture, followed by a layer of the remaining Cool Whip. In a trifle bowl, use 1/2 of each mixture.
-Top with raspberries.
-Repeat layers until glasses are full.

Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve, if you're anything like me, you'll eat it immediately!

This recipe would also work really well with strawberries or bananas, even though I haven't tried it yet, I may try both very soon!

I hope you enjoy this tasty, refreshing summer treat!

xoxo, Erika

 

B Packed: Accessory basics

Accessories are easily one of the most over packed things in your suitcase. You have so many options and their small size is deceiving. For this trip I tried to pack basics then added a few extra flares for night. This is my round up of 5 classics you can't forget when going on a long trip (especially when tourist/walking is involved).

Classic white tennis shoes were a must for me on this trip because I can't get away with flat sandals (since my injury, yes it still hurts). I even bought superfeet inserts to up the support in this classic tennis shoe so that while they look classic they have a lot more walking power hidden.

Visiting some sights in Europe there are sometimes requirements of covering of your head and if you're in the hot sun then a light hat just might be what you need. My lucky hat (you'll see in photos long enough) has been a big companion for these purposes or when I don't want to brush my hair. Win win!

On my list trip to Europe I purchased a few pashminas that are the eseential of my wardrobe. Bringing my most neutral color with me so that it goes with everything and still remains to reflect Summer with a nude color tone.

This is a no brainer right? You can't forget sunglasses and my ray bans are necessary to fit under my fedora since those huge bug eye glasses set weird. I brought 3 sunglass options on the trip: Ray-bans, Marc by Marc Jacobs and a pair under $10 depending on our activities.

Lastly, the large crossbody bag. This bag has been my best friend since I hurt my foot in January. Carrying my laptop and everything I need while on crutches and now being the perfect travel accessory. The soft leather is easy to pack and push into small crevices!

B's Guest: Brookelyn of BestofBklyn

Merhaba! That is hello in Turkey according to google if you didn't know. (If you are Turkish and I butchered that, I apologize.) We arrived in Izmir, Turkey yesterday to begin our tour of the seven churches! So while I am sweating the heat another guest blogger has stepped in. With the initial commonality of our first names, Brookelyn and I have created a friendship over Twitter without meeting despite us both being Arizona residents at one time! Hope you enjoy her post and creativity with wearing the same dress 3 ways, thank you Brookelyn!

Hi everyone! I'm Brookelyn, and I blog over at Best of Bklyn but today, I'm filling in for Brooke while she's on her European adventure (lucky duck). This summer, my fashion remixing skills have been put to the test. I'm spending the summer in southern California (not rough duty) with just two suitcases of clothes (Check out what I packed here.) Since I have a limited wardrobe, I've been getting a lot more creative with my outfits than I usually am at home, which has been fun! Today, I'm going to show you how I wore one dress three different ways!

First up, I wore this brightly colored floral dress from Basement boutique in Flagstaff, AZ as a dress. Nothing groundbreaking style-wise, but I loved that it made me feel girly and I adore the vibrant floral print. I paired the dress with Steve Madden shoes, a Gap belt, a thrifted necklace, and my favorite Michael Kors watch. It was the perfect ensemble for lunch with some old friends when I was at home in Scottsdale earlier this summer.

For the second (and my favorite) way I wore this dress, I tucked it in to a skirt I picked up at Gap, and paired it with some comfy black wedges by the brand R2, and Kendra Scott earrings my sweet husband bought for me as a gift. If there is one thing I've learned about packing for long trips, it is that cute jewelry takes up very little room in a suitcase, but has major outfit-changing potential! I wore this little outfit to Woody's Wharf in Newport Beach for a little lunch by the water with my family.

Finally, I made this dress a lot more casual by pairing it with one of my favorite pairs of jeans from Uniqlo, the same wedges as outfit #2, and the same necklace as outfit #1 (worn as a bracelet). This was the perfect outfit for cooler California evenings when I met some new friends for drinks and dessert.

A big thank you to Brooke for letting me fill in here today for her, and I'd love to see some of you over at Best of Bklyn!

B Copied: Kate Middleton's style

I have tried to hold off as long as I can on writing a post dedicated to the highly google rated Kate Middleton but I have finally been defeated. For the last few weeks we have tracked the Duchess' style throughout Canada and California where each time she gives us the most perfect put together looks for us to marvel. Her ensembles contain classic pieces that are tailored perfectly to keep them modern. To obtain Kate's style you just have to fill your closet with the clean basics with punches of color.

1. J Brand straight jeans
2. Santi Pailette clutch
3. J Crew twill trench coat
4. Tucker printed chiffon blouse
5. Vera Wang lavender label wedges

Kate image via weheartit

B's Guest: DIY Tie dye nails

Bonjour! While I have begun my European vacation in Paris this last weekend I have enlisted some of my blogger friends to share some great inspirations and ideas while I am away. I feel incredibly blessed to have such creative friends in the blogging community that are willing to fill in and I am happy to introduce to some of my favorite blogs. Thank you so much ladies and especially to Lauren who starts off the guest blogging with a fabulous DIY for you all! xo B

Hey everyone! My name is Lauren, from everyday to runway  and I'm so happy to be guest blogging for my blogger bff Brooke. After meeting Brooke at a fashion week event last fall, over a mutual admiration of Jeffrey Campbell (namely her Mary Rocks which I later purchased), I knew we'd be great friends. Despite living on opposite coasts our obsession with coffee, design, and of course, nail polish kept our friendship close! So when B asked me to share a post with you all while she's out having the time of her life in Europe, of course my first thought was nail polish!

I've been painting my nails rainbow, mix and match, stripes since middle school and now that the trend of nail art has exploded I've been experimenting even more. From having 'accent nails' of neons in neutral bases, or adding shatter polish or glitter to nail's edges, or my newest obsession: tie dye nails! Coming from San Francisco it's no surprise I love tie dye but when I heard about tie dye nails I knew I had to try it! Here's my way along with some tips & tricks I learned along the way...

What you'll need:

• A disposable bowl or cup (the more shallow the better) 
• Vaseline (or scotch tape)
• Nail Polish remover
• An orange stick or toothpick
• Cotton pads
• White polish, or a light colored base
• Any polish you want for your look, I used three colors but you can use 2-5 polishes 

Instructions:

1. Paint your nails one coat of white, or a very light shade, to serve as a base. This creates richer color at the end.
2. Prep your polishes (remove brushes for easy access).

3. Smear a lot of vaseline around your cuticles and the base of your nails. The more you put on the easier it is to take the remaining polish off later. (No need to go too overboard though).

4. Put an inch of water in your bowl or cup (I cut off the top of a red cup to make it only 2" high) and then add a few drops (I used a good amount, but also chose cheap polish as to not waste my expensive polishes) of each color.
5. Take a toothpick and swirl the colors around a bit. (tip: move quickly as the polish starts drying the second it hits the water.)
6. Dip your nails into the colored water I put more than one nail in at a time in order to use less polish water. (tip: again, move quickly or else the polish will start drying around the cup and not stick to your nails).
7. Polish will be stick to your fingers, use nail polish remover to remove around the nail. Add top coat and voila, tie dye nails!

Hope you enjoyed my little dye DIY and you head over and check out the rest of my site at Everyday to Runway.

Love, Lauren
 

B Parisian: Sipping on a cappuccino

Blogging with a cappuccino in a Parisian cafe is a vast improvement from the the day to day Starbucks venture. While the weather has been overcast and a bit too familiar with home the sites have been what was expected. My favorite experiences like most have been around the dinner table soaking in the atmosphere and French cuisine. As you can see the truffle ravioli were indeed amazing along with the mass amounts of pomme frites I have consumed. Here is just a peek at the beginning of our trip!

B Travels: Bon voyage!

It's been two years since this trip began in the planning stages and today I will be boarding a plane off to Europe. I have packed my bags with everything I think I may need and probably more. Traveling with my family I am hoping to blog while on the other side but have prepared for you posts so you won't miss out in my absence.

Our trip begins in Paris, France where I have traveled before which is fortunate considering our short time there. I know where I want to shop and which sites are great to see all with a croissant and cafe au lait in hand.

Following Paris, begins the reason for our trip with a tour of the seven churches in Turkey with our church. For the last few months my family has worked on a devotional preparing us and creating anticipation to see the ruins that still lie from centuries ago.

And what is a trip to Europe without some Italian stops along the way. Completing with a few days in Roma and Florence are just what we need to put our calorie counter over the scale. Prepare for insane amounts of pizza, pizza and pizza!

Be sure to subscribe to my tumblr feed and facebook page as I will hope to keep an iphone photo diary all along the way. Au revoir readers!

images via weheartit

B Grilled: Pesto and ricotta pizza

At the beginning of the week my family got together to try our new grilling pizza stones. Thin crust pizza is a family favorite so replicating the culinary treat at home is both dangerous and convenient. Placing a pizza stone on the gas barbecue we created a hot oven perfect for giving our pizza that crispy crust. Trying a bunch of different pizza toppings our unanimous favorite was with mozzarella, ricotta cheese and basil. With the pre-made pizza dough from Trader Joes this summer meal is easy cooking! I'm sure we'll be even more inspired to try again when we return from Italy. Here is a smiliar recipe I found if you'd like to try your own:

INGREDIENTS
12 ounces pizza dough
Flour, for rolling surface
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup basil pesto
2 cups ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
4 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Prepare a medium-hot fire in your grill, or heat a grill pizza stone over medium heat.

Roll the pizza dough into 8 small pizzas, each about 1/8-inch thick and 3 inches round.

Lightly brush both sides of the pizzas with oil. Grill the pizzas over medium heat until the first side is nicely browned and firm to the touch, 3 to 5 minutes. Turn the pizzas over on the grill. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of pesto on each pizza, spreading it to the edges. On top of each pizza, spoon 4 teaspoons of ricotta cheese, in little balls. Cook the pizzas until the ricotta just begins to melt, 3 to 5 minutes from the moment you turned the pizzas. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top of each pizza. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve warm.

Recipe//Foodtography

B Tied: Just like Audrey

My love of silk scarves is continuosly growing and on the top of my list for Europe shopping. Whether they're off the street or in a small boutique I am hoping to bring home some great silk scarves so I can begin to wear them just like Audrey. Roman Holiday is one of my favorite movies and I haven't been able to help but watch it a few times before my European trip. Her joy and innocence running around Rome embed all the excitement I hope to feel next week! Just one of the many things we can learn from Audrey Hepburn.

1. Emilio Pucci
2. Christian Lacroix
3. Alexander McQueen
4. Emilio Pucci
5. Topshop

Audrey image via weheartit

B Faced: 3 Current beauty favorites

I have some beauty regimens that I haven't messed with for years but there is also a need to find new products that work best for you. These are a few faves I have began to add to my daily routine:

After moving back to the pacific northwest from the desert I realized just how dry my skin was. I began using a sample of Ahava essential moisturizer and quickly went out to buy a full size. I use it every night before I go to sleep and re apply under my make up each morning.

Mascara is one that I seem to try new all the time. I recently have started to use CoverGirl's LashBlast Fusion and have had great experience with how it wears. Unlike other mascaras I have tried my eyelashes stay moisturized and get a long lash look all day.

Bite Beauty recently set me a sample of their new collection and I have become addicted to their lip rouge in Geranium. The color is a light pink that gives me just the right amount of color for summer (giving my bright reds a break until winter.) The company also focuses on antioxidants in their products nourishing your lips with every application.

B Picky: How to pack jewelry

Since I've began packing for my upcoming trip I have had to get creative to when it comes to packing. As much as I would like to bring all options, it is just not possible. I have learned some efficient ways to pack my jewelry and what is the best options to pack on a long distance trip.

 

If I had my own plane I would definitely bring my whole jewelry collection with me on a trip but unfortunately bag prices are raising and it seems I'll be carrying my own bag. When packing for a trip you don't want to over pack your jewelry because it will raise of the risk of losing and adding weight to your bag. My best tips are to bring your essentials. 

Stud earrings are the best for day because they won't get in your way and will work for all activities your trip has in store. Keep the same thoughts in mind when choosing your army candy for every day. The less that snag or are fragile the better. While choosing your night jewelry is all about making statements. Planning your outfits for a long trip packing essentials are key to keep your bag small so bringing in personality and trends through small pieces are key. Cocktail rings and bright necklaces are perfect to switch your day tourist dress into your date night.

After you've chosen your jewelry it is time to decide what is the best way to pack it. Small plastic bags you can buy at any container or craft store are great to keep your pieces from tangling with also staying within sight. If you're pieces are small, then a leather jewelry roll up might fit your pieces best. With a jewelry roll up try stowing it away within a shoe to save room!

One last way to pack your jewelry is in a craft box. Perfect custom compartments created to fit jewelry findings are great to keep your rings away from your necklaces. With the clear open box it is also easiest to see all your options before a night out!

B Packing: Travel ready

This next week is going to be all about my upcoming trip to Europe. I am beginning to write my checklist and start to get organized so I pack the perfect suitcase. My biggest concern is packing all my hair products that are in huge bottles and save my hair every day. I found a great site named 3 Fl Oz that sells tons of products that are travel ready for you. Along with designer hair products in travel size they also have their own products such as Help Remedies. Small packages of pills you may need on your trip, I'm in love with the packaging and clever phrases "Help, I have a blister". Do you have any travel tips?

B Tart: An apple a day...

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs apple earrings

2. Smythson "Dance like no one is watching" notebook

3. Nixon watch

4. J brand colored denim

5. J Crew button down

6. Mulberry wallet