Introducing B. Michelle Bake Shop! // Talented Friends

There are few things in life that that make me happier than seeing my friends succeed. Succeed in love, in careers, in starting a family etc. I am lucky enough to have watched one particular friend finish school, marry her other half, land a decent job right off the bat and now start her own business. Not just any business, one that lets her pursue her passion!

Introducing B. Michelle Bake Shop! (webpage link & exciting tip-off below!!) 

I wanted to share with you guys some information about my friend Brittany's new KC area, delivery only, bakery! Be prepared to have a serious cake craving here in just a minute! :)

I can say from personal experience that her cakes are completely delicious. Super moist, extremely flavorful and made with all natural, local ingredients, flavors and colorings. You can't ask for more! She made our wedding cake, ALL of HER wedding cakes and brought cupcakes to our 'Friendsmas' party! 

And both the cakes and cupcakes come in so many delicious flavors! I have personally tried chocolate, peanut butter chocolate and Ginger Bread with Peppermint frosting (during the holidays). I am ordering some lovely hydrangea frosted vanilla and chocolate cupcakes for my sister's upcoming engagement party too! But she also has SO many more flavors that sound amazing, I can't wait to try them! From classics like carrot cake, lemon cake and red velvet to newer, more gourmet combinations like caramel mocha and mint chocolate... there is something to please everyone! 

How beautiful are these cakes you guys?!?!

If you live in the Kansas City, Topeka or Lawrence Areas, consider ordering your next cake, set of cupcakes or cookies from B. Michelle Bake Shop! 

To visit her website, drool over pictures of scrumptious cakes or make an order click here.

If you like what you are seeing, stay tuned.... because I'm working on an upcoming giveaway with her!!!

How exciting!! :) 

What flavor looks the best to you??

Thank You For Reading!

Alexandra 

All cake photos courtesy of B. Michelle Bake Shop.

Bonus if you made it to the bottom!

This is our wedding cake! 

Gorgeous Right??!

Thanks for making our day so special Brittany! :) 

Happy Birthday Kansas! // 2014

There are times when I might make jokes about living in your state... but it really is a nice place to live. You get all four seasons, some gorgeous scenery, great cities and so many wonderful memories. 

12 (random) Things You Should Know About Kansas:

1) Kansas is not in the South.

2) We do not (typically) have Southern accents. - See Above.

3) Kansas is not all flat. 

4) We've got some of the greatest sunsets in the world. Proof.

5) It's not all tornadoes and The Wizard of Oz.

6) There is an amazing cultural scene, in the North Eastern corner especially.

7) The people are so friendly.

8) Kansas is the birthplace of basketball.

9) Driving lengthwise across the state on a road trip is a great way to see alternative energy at it's finest, wind turbines for days!

10) We've got tons of trees and beautiful stormy skies.

11) The woman who played Ethel Mertz on I Love Lucy was born in Kansas.

12) There actually are a lot of sunflowers here. 

Happy Kansas Day!

What do people need to know about your state?

Thanks for Reading,

Alexandra 

Like Loungewear But Cuter (II) // Remixing Challenge

Remember my 'Like Loungewear But Cuter (I)' post from earlier in the month? Well the remix made a very similar outfit work, but it has a totally different feel with a cream colored sweatshirt! What do you think? 

I love them both, and they both make another outfit with dark denim skinnies! :)  To vary them even more I like to switch the pink necklace for a vintage mint ombre one!

These combos are so wonderful because they keep me warm and cozy, but I still feel pulled together. Minimal effort, warm and comfy are all preschool pre-requisites! 

Sweatshirt: Aerie, $40 -old

Pink Jeans: JCP, $15 -sale price

Necklace: Francesca's $26 -old

Flats: Target, $22 -old

Cocktail Ring: Salvation Army, $3 -Vintage

Total: $106

Duchess is getting better at her photobombs... :) 

I really needed new flats, these are super comfy, and I love how the studs divide the toe of the shoe! Such a simple detail but it makes it feel so much more special! :) Plus, the price was right!!

I love hot pink with this light cream. But this sweatshirt goes with everything from dark denim to teal skinnies! So versatile. 

currrrllls. 

This ring has got to be one of my favorites that I got during my Salvation Army hauls! So pretty!

With dark jeans... pardon my power cord... ;) 

Days are so much happier when you are comfy!

What do you think of these outfits? Which do you like best?

How do you wear dressy sweatshirts?

Have you ever hit the vintage costume jewelry jackpot?

All for Now,

Alexandra

My second remix outfit can be found here.

Top 5 Places I Want to Visit in Canada // 2014

You may have seen my earlier post about my current top 5 U.S. destinations I would like to visit! So fun to daydream about travel!

Since then... I have started thinking about what places would make my international 'Top 5's' ... And my brain took off on a crazy wanderlust-fueled frenzy around the globe... and before I knew it, I had five places in Canada alone that I wanted to write about and learn about. So here you have it. My current Canadian top five, in no particular order.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Swooooon... back to the Maritimes, what a dream! PEI is smallest Canadian province, and the last piece of the Maritimes that we haven't been to. It is filled with beautiful coastlines, country fields and a friendly island state of mind. 

The scenery varies dramatically from sandy beach, to farmland to rocky shores. The province is also home to impressive architecture and history, and is the 'home' of Anne of Green Gables. 

Plus PEI mussels are known around the world for being the very best! I can't think of a good reason NOT to put this on my list!

Vancouver, British Columbia

In my mind, Vancouver is like Seattle's cooler older sibling. The mountains meet the Pacific ocean and tucked right in between is a bustling diverse city... 

Vancouver contains beautiful green space and is so close to escaping the city all together for outdoor recreation. The city is full of incredible history and culture not to mention the rumored best Chinese food in North America! -something I plan to investigate..  

Victoria, British Columbia -Check! October 2014

So I suppose if Vancouver is Seattle's older cooler sibling, Victoria is the super cultured, full of adventure young aunt. This city boasts some of the most beautiful gardens in the world and authentic high teas reminiscent of those in Europe.

The gardens range from Victorian to Japanese and everywhere in between. Beyond these cultural draws is a city that possesses a much smaller, more European feel than Vancouver, though not lacking the incredible water front views.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Called 'Canada's Diamond of the Wilderness' this gorgeous lake is part of Banff National Park in Southern part of the province. This area is a hot bed for winter sports of all kinds, and is wonderful for hiking at all times of year. This is certainly one of those laid back, enjoy the nature kind of places. There is definitely a time for that! I think if we went someday, we would be going in the summer. But you never know. The Canadian Rockies and glacial lakes are definitely on my must-see list! 

Newfoundland & Labrador

The newest Canadian province ranges from the Maritime like beauty of PEI to the breathtaking wild mountains in the North. It contains a unique culture that ranges from Scottish immigrants to indigenous Mi'kmaq people, and then of course the French and English.

I have heard from Toronto residents that Newfoundland is full of the friendliest people you'll meet in Canada. I'm not sure if it's true but I am oh, so willing to find out. Preferably in June, when it's prime whale watching season!

What Canadian destinations are on your must-see list?

Have you ever been to any of these places? I would love to hear your tips and recommendations in the comments! :)

Read about my Canadian travels in the links below! :) 

Snapshots of Quebec City (honeymoon!)
Snapshots of Saint John, New Brunswick
Snapshots of Halifax & Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia

Thank You for Reading!

Alexandra 

All Canada photos in this post are pulled from my Pinterest Travel Board and are the work of talented photographers and travellers, they are not my own. :) 

A Bright New World // Remixing Challenge

You may have seen my first remix challenge post here. Well, here is another outfit. This one contains shirt that I have had for a long time.. and used to wear all the time. Recently not at all, but this remix has me wearing it in completely new ways, which is so terrific!

Have to say, I'm still doing well on that whole color goal for the year.

Cardigan: TJMaxx, $16. -Clearance

Floral Top: TJMaxx, $20 (or less, I have no idea) - Old

Skinnies: TJMaxx, $16.

Flats: Target, $21.

Bangle Bracelet: Local Artist, gift.

Earrings: Renaissance Festival $32

Total: $105

I am so so pleased with this cardigan. The color is really nice, almost a coral-y pink... and the fit is great. It goes with a surprising number of things! This remixing challenge has really helped me blend the old with the new! How cool is this bracelet?!? It's made out of recycled cardboard tubes and then given a texture and pattern! I just love the yellow color!

And it coordinates well with the yellow tones in the flowers on the shirt!

These rosebud earrings are a souvenir from the first year that KC and I went to the Renaissance festival. They are real rosebuds that have been preserved and turned into jewelry! I love the color and have found that they look so nice with dressy and casual outfits. Such a pretty investment!

Do you have any old favorite pieces that you want to find a new way to wear? 

Have you ever bought anything that you didn't expect to wear so much?

Have you ever had a successful remix challenge?

Thanks for Reading! 

Alexandra 

It's National Pie Day! Do you have a recipe yet? I've posted some of my recipes here!

I am linking up with Greater Than Rubies for her Colored Cardigan Link Up! See that post and other link ups, here.

National Pie Day 2014! // Ideas & Recipes

National Pie Day is a big deal for us.... yet it ALWAYS sneaks up on me... : / but... tomorrow January 23rd is the day! 

In honor of the day, and really in honor of pie, I make a pie on the 23rd every year. This will be my 4th year!

So far, since I am still a fairly new cook.. I have been trying to test out new recipes every year. This year is no different, but I won't be giving away my recipe just yet! :)

Instead, I thought I would leave you a mouth-watering pie post, with links to recipes that I have tried in the past! I hope that you will feel inspired to make your own pie tomorrow, or really anytime this week, because pie makes people happy. Make a pie and share it with those you love!

Mini Chocolate Meringue Pies (2013)

Individual sized chocolate pies with meringues. The meringues turned out perfectly, and win/lose we weren't stuck with 3/4 a pie to eat all by ourselves... :) 

Old Fashioned Banana Cream Pie {2012}

 This recipe also made my top 12 of 2012 recipes! So it is very good in my opinion! :) Kyle had never had a cream pie before, but he loved it! This recipe really wasn't too hard but was definitely worth any and all effort put into it! Crust recipe and directions also included in the post!

Heart's Desire Cherry Pie {2011}

A nice cherry pie. It uses both frozen and dried cherries so it has a mix of sweet and tart, which is nice for those of us who aren't always the biggest fan of tartness. This is Kyle's favorite. Crust recipe and directions also included in the post!

Apple Cranberry Pie

This pie is so delicious. I always make it for either Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it doesn't have to be seasonal. It uses dried cranberries so it can really be made whenever you want it! Because the cranberries are dried they are much sweeter than fresh ones. So if made with mild or sweet apples it is actually quite sweet! If you like tart go for a green apple, like Granny Smith and you will have a sweet/tart combo! It is also great with a crumble crust, recipe also at the above link. Crust recipe and directions also included in the post!

Blueberry Peach Pie

This pie was not my favorite, but Kyle and his parents loved it! If you like blueberry pie, you will probably like this pie. It was very easy! What I love most about it are the colors! :)

Pumpkin Pie

While for some this pie is seasonal, there really isn't any reason it needs to be. It is yummy all year round. I just used the recipe on the can of pumpkin. 

Need a basic crust recipe? This one never fails me and can be cut in half for single-crust pies! :) Double Crust Pie Pastry

Whatever your plans for the 23rd, the rest of the week or the weekend; i hope you are able to fit in a nice homemade pie and time with your loved ones! :) 

What are you planning to bake?

What is your favorite type of pie?

Thank You for Reading!

Alexandra 

Starting My Hair Education // Better Late Than Never

Last year one of my goals was to learn more ways to do my hair. I think that I did accomplish a few small things, but overall didn't get that far. I think hair has just always been difficult for me. 

I grew up with my curls in a slicked back ponytail or bun because it would typically get frizzy during the day at school. And if it was ever down, it turned into a triangle... not flattering. 

It wasn't until high school that my friends told me that my hair looked nice down and naturally curly. I believed them, and since then I have at least tried to let my curls be noticeable.

Beyond curls there is straightening.... and I have so much hair it takes forever and a day to straighten it, which makes me crazy... so I think I've been putting the rest of my hair edu off a bit. 

But over the weekend I purchased this fantastic book (that I wanted for Christmas) and have begun to play around with it. And I'm finding it surprisingly fun!

So far this is SO helpful and I have accomplished several average attempts at different buns and braids. But the instructions, tips and photos are really helpful, and make me hopeful that I can learn to do my hair in all of these gorgeous styles! :) To buy on Amazon, click here.

I also purchased a medium and extra large hair donut. It's much too soon to share any pictures of my actual hair... but I thought I would recommend these products to anyone on a similar journey, or anyone who loves doing their hair! :) 

Even if this is an old goal, it's better late than never right?

Do you use a hair donut? Which size do you like best? Do you prefer to roll it, or just use it to wrap your hair around? 

-so far, wrapping it around works best for me. But one of mine snaps as well.. so that will be interesting to try!

Have you read this book? Which styles have you tried? Which do you hope to accomplish after lots of practice?

-I've learned the French braid (yes, this is new to me..) the fish tail braid.. to no avail, the basic bun, the triple braid and braided crown. I want to accomplish beautiful ones like the Grecian braid, Dutch Braid and Mermaid Braid! 

Thanks for Reading,

Alexandra

Like Loungewear But Cuter (I) // Remixing Challenge

I came across this fantastic blog called Greater Than Rubies, where she (Caitlin) challenged herself to quit shopping for a year (!). In the process she learned to be an expert remixer. Now she hosts link ups for remixing wardrobes. She is currently doing a winter 20 X 30 (twenty items (not accessories) to make 30 outfits). I didn't get any posts up in time, to link up from the beginning, but I am trying it out at home all the same, and so far it's going pretty well! I have picked my 30 items, stuck to them and come up with at least 15 outfits, if not more so far! It's kind of a select as you go thing. But for me even 15 outfits is good with so few items! :)

I found this challenge so helpful in revealing the hidden potential in my closet. A lot of times I think I over-wear things, or wear them the same way so many times that I just need a new idea. This challenge forces you to be creative and try combinations  that you wouldn't have before. Not all of them are going to be great... but some might be amazing. :) 

So I am going to start sharing some of those outfits on here!

Like Lounge Wear, but Cuter (I)

Necklace: Francesca's, $26

'Dressed up' Sweatshirt: Aerie, $40*

Pink Jeans: JCP, $15(!) - bought with Xmas money!

Navy Flats: Payless, $15 (BOGO Price)

Vintage Cocktail Ring: Salvation Army, $3(!)

Total: $99

This outfit also works well for this idea that The Girls With Glasses posted about on Babble recently (here). They are calling it 'Dress For Happiness' and it's basically just wearing fun things that make your day a little bit better. It might sound kind of silly... but it really can work. When your shoes are sparkly or you have a colorful pattern on, it actually can make you a little more excited to run errands. :)

*This sweatshirt was a bit more pricey than I usually go for.. but I wear it ALL the time! Working in a preschool means I want to be comfy and warm, so I wear it weekly! I even bought it in a cream/tan with a gold fleck too! Great investment! Plus dressy sweatshirts are one of the fall trends I was wanting to try... and I'm in love!

My love for colored denim goes on and on. This pink is shockingly easy to wear. I love love love love bright pink with navy! My first pair of $10 clearance hot pink jeans wore out, and luckily I found this pair at a day-after-Christmas sale at JCP. They were such a good deal I got the same pair in black and red! (so excited to try the red!) 

And the statement necklace lives on! I can't tell you how many times I've worn them! More about my love for these statement necklaces here. 

I love how pairing dressed up basics makes for a comfy but polished look!

So easy. So cozy. But cute.

Have you ever done a remixing challenge?

What are your favorite/most versatile pieces?

Do you have any dressed up basics that you swear by?

Leave me comments and I would love to know!

Thanks for Reading!

Alexandra