I Gave Myself A Makeover

So I got bored again with my color and decided to try something fun and exciting. Something I've never done before.

PINK!

I love it!!!!

Hubby hasn't seen it yet, and I can only imagine what he's going to say.

I have approval from my 2 year old though. After I washed my hair she said:

"Mama, you have lipstick in your hair??"

"Haha, no Bella. Do you like my pink hair?"

"Oh yes, sooo pretty!!"

What do you think? It's kind of crazy and totally different than my usual look. 

I think that's why I like it!

I love being a girl!

Full of Goodness

It's the weekend, and we got hit with snow again. Wouldn't this be a great time to gather your kids, or invite some friends over and bake these amazing cookies together??

These were quite possibly the best cookies I have ever made. I was sitting in the kitchen trying to figure out what to bake. I wanted cookies, but something a little different. And Voila! Here's what I came up with. 

They were chewy, gooey, peanut buttery, and full of chocolate chunks! As with all of my "recipes" I really don't measure, so the following measurements are approximate. 

Give it a whirl - you won't be sorry!

 *Full of Goodness Cookies*

3/4 c butter

1 c peanut butter

1 c brown sugar

1/2 c sugar

1/2 t salt

1 t baking soda

1 1/3 c flour

1 cup oats

2 eggs

1 t pure vanilla

12 chocolate chunks

In a mixer blend together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar and sugar until fluffy. In a separate bowl mix salt, baking soda, flour and add gradually to batter. Add vanilla and eggs. Stir in chocolate chunks.

(These cookies have oats but they are not full of oats. If you like a lot of oats in your cookies just add more!)

Drop onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 7-9 minutes. (I love my cookies slightly under baked so they are a bit gooey in the center. I usually only bake mine for 6 - 7 min.)

Let cool on racks and enjoy!

Knock it Off

I came across this Knock it Off  Contest over at seven thirty three and really wanted  to participate! I normally don't join in on these contests, but I couldn't pass this up!

You see, a client came to me with a picture of this beautiful Honora bracelet.

Gorgeous, right??

And she wanted ME to duplicate it for her!

I happily accepted the challenge.

(Sidebar: I do NOT condone ripping off other peoples designs and claiming them as your own - that's stealing. This, however, I openly claim is a replica of a Honora bracelet that a client requested I duplicate for her. Besides, this is a knock off contest...)

I did some shopping and gathered my materials: 

* Lots of gorgeous freshwater pearls

*Swarovski crystals in a plethora of colors and sizes

*A pretty silver toggle

*Lots of sliver pins to create links  

I went to work, and voila!

Here it is!

I was really pleased with how it turned out, and my client was thrilled! She said it looked identical to the Honora version!! Yay! Mission accomplished!

What do you think? Can't tell the difference right?  ;)

They're Finally Here!

Thanks so much for all the great feedback! What would I do without your help?? :)

The overwhelming response was #3

with #2 coming in a close second

I have decided to use them both! 

I would be honored if you would like to display one on your blog! 

Take your pick :)

If you enjoy reading my blog, (even if you are a silent lurker who never comments) please take a button - you'll make my day! ;)

Thanks, sweet friends!

PS: Be sure to check out Pearls and Petals - I am giving away $5 to anyone who wants it! See here for the scoop! Just a little treat from me to you :)

I Need Your Help....Again!

You didn't know I was this indecisive, huh?

I can't make a decision to save my life. So I am calling upon my blog friends for some help!

I decided it's high time my blog had a button, so I finally sat down and made one. I mean two...errr five. Now I can't decide which one is best for my blog.

So here they are:

1

2

3

4

5

Cast your votes now!

 Let me know which one is your favorite.

 I sure hope you're all more decisive than me! :)

Things I've Been Enjoying

*You all know by now that I am not a fan of the cold. However, snow sure is fun to play in when you have a 2 year old! 

I would play in the snow with you any day, my little snow angel!

**I came up with the idea for these cupcakes at Christmastime and I couldn't wait to make them! My taste testers gave them big thumbs up and said they tasted just like Fanny May Mint Meltaways! (One of my favorites!)

These Fudge Mint Truffle Cupcakes are a definite "make again"!

***I am loving bold, chunky jewelry right now, and this Vintage Golden Garden Necklace is at the top of my list of faves! 

I ran a special on Facebook this weekend and it was so fun, I want to do another one for all my blog friends! Here's how to play:

The first 10 people to place an order either on etsy @

It's a 10

or

Bella Regali

or on Facebook via 

Pearls and Petals

will win a FREE PIECE OF JEWELRY!!!! 

Plus if you shop on facebook at Pearls and Petals you will also receive FREE SHIPPING and and additional 15% off!! 

Hurry, the first 10 to checkout are the only ones who will win the FREE JEWELRY. 

Consider this an early Valentine from me to you!

****Another thing I am loving (and can never get enough of) is time with my little lady. She is talking up a storm and is so stinkin funny!

We like to tell each other secrets and giggle ;)

*****I am loving this new blog:

 It is written by two women who are wives and mothers, documenting a year in their marriages. It's very honest and real (and funny) and relatable. I love when people are open and willing to tell the truth about their lives instead of trying to convince everyone they are perfect. I wish more people were like these ladies! Go check them out!

*Pure Deliciousness*

Pure deliciousness is the best way to describe these homemade treats.

I got this idea in my head, and even though I still had tons of treats left from Christmas, I had to make them!

No matter how many you make, you'll wish you made more. Trust me. So make a lot. :)

Here's how: 

Steph's Pure Deliciousness Cups

Step 1: Make some gooey caramel from scratch (you know, lots of butter and brown sugar...) or I suppose you can cheat and just melt down some caramels from the store (it just won't be as good, you've been warned). 

Step 2: Pour some of your favorite melted chocolate into a cupcake liner. I used silicone cups. You can just paint the chocolate on the bottom and up the sides a bit, but I like lots of chocolate, so I just poured it in! :)

 Step 3: Add a warm gooey (generous) spoonful of caramel over the chocolate layer.

 Step 4: Add a pretzel.  

 Step 5: Smother that unsuspecting pretzel with more delicious chocolate.

Step 6: Top with a garnish. I chose m&m's, but you could add just about anything!

Step 7: This is the hardest part of the whole thing. 

Wait.

Stick them in the fridge and let them set. I know it's hard, but you can do it! It will be well worth the wait!

 Step 8: Peel them out of their restricting shells and devour. 

 You can thank me later. :)

**If you have not become a fan of my facebook page Pearls and Petals, do it today (you won't be sorry)!  I am offer BIG discounts for all fans!!**