Halloween Inspired Candy Apples

When I think of candy apples, I immediately reflect on Autumn flair, amusement parks, hot cider and Halloween.  For the last two days, I've researched candy apple recipes and when I saw the beauty and details of these pumpkin inspired apples, I knew this recipe was for me.  I'm a huge fan of fine chocolate, colorful sprinkles and yummy hard candies - but I may tweak the recipe just a bit to add a hint of caramel and peanuts {since those two elements were a MUST when feasting on candy apples as a young princess}. 

What an amazing reason to connect with the family in the kitchen and I'll be sure to post photos of our finished product on next week's blog.  So in honor of the upcoming ghoulish holiday - here is our favorite mouth-watering candy apple recipe.

Ingredients:
Halloween sprinkles
Small candies for decoration
8 craft sticks, twigs or cinnamon sticks
8 crisp apples
1 1/3 cups candy melts in orange and green
1 1/3 cups chocolate candy melts

Preparation:
Line a large cookie sheet with waxed paper.
Pour sprinkles and candy into small bowls.
Insert stick into stem ends of each apple.
Make sure sticks are tightly secured.
Place each color of candy melts in a separate microwave-safe, 2-cup measuring cup or bowl.
To melt, work with one cup of candy at a time and microwave on medium for 1 minute. Stir and then microwave in 15-second intervals until totally melted.
Holding apple by stick, dip it into melted candy, swirling until apple is fully coated.
While coating is still wet, dip apple into sprinkles or sprinkle small candies all over apple.
Place finished apple on prepared cookie sheet to set for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day before serving.
Repeat with remaining apples and candy.

Enjoy and take a few photos with your family while making your favorite halloween inspired treats and feel free to share your recipe with us. We would love to try it! xoxo
  
(recipe compliments of Myrecipes.com}

Tempt Me Tuesday ● Shoes We Heart {Under $300}

As I continue to rotate 600 + bridal photos from New York Bridal Market, I took a quick pause and began to drool over these haute shoes my assistant forwarded to me for an upcoming holiday event.  Since unique shoes are my weakness and I'm tempted to purchase both {but I'm in retail therapy - sigh} I just had to share them with you girls so that you can see how gorgeous they are.  

Bourne 'Mena' Jeweled Fringe Sandal
The color/details make these my favorite {Love the blinged out fringy-tiered look}.
$265

Betsey Johnson 'Walford' Pump 
I love these jeweled encrusted open-toe pumps which are aorned with pleated chiffon and rich suede trim.
$199

 Both are extremely pratical and can be worn perfectly with a short skirt or pants.  Which are your favorite, how would you wear them, and where would you wear them? 

Ok, now back to editing photos . .

Components of a Feel Good Closet ● What's In Yours?



I just finished reading What To Wear For The Rest of Your Life - Ageless Secrets of Style by Kim Johnson Gross and it was a great "self-confidence" booster. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book in the evenings and was able to jot down a few key points that I plan to incorporate into my personal fashion chronicles.  For example, I admired how Ms. Johnson-Gross provided insight on how to navigate everyday fashion trials and tribulations by just staying true to yourself.  Further, she created a space within her closet where she could find solace for her special garments (i.e., comfy clothes, accessories and shoes) which enabled her to feel amazing at any given moment.  After reading this book, I've learned how to organize my closet more efficiently by having a mixture of comfort clothes, power clothes and clothes that make me feel pretty.   Getting dressed daily will become more inviting and easier as you begin to group your feel-good clothes together.  You will start wearing them more frequently - but in different ways. {Like remixing vintage with contemporary, or sporty with formal}.

You still may be wondering what's a "Feel Good Closet," - so we've outlined the key elements and discovered that you do not need a lot of stuff in your closet, just the right stuff.

Components Of A Feel Good Closet:

• Your feel good closet is within your budget because you already own what you choose to put in it.
• Your feel good closet is flexible and assists with recognizing the common fashion elements which are color, style and the texture of the clothes that you enjoy wearing.
• Redefines your self-image and teaches you how to dress from the inside out.
• Your feel good closet is a sanctuary where you can turn a deaf-ear to the fashion police, your mother, children, husband or anyone else with an opinion - even if you value it.
• Your feel good closet is a source of confidence!

"When you are clothes-confident, you will feel more body-confident, which will help you feel more life-confident" - Kim Johnson Gross

Tell us - what's in your feel good closet?

Ask SavvyBrydeGuru ● Monday's Bridal Styling Question

Dear SavvyBrydeGuru,

I am getting married on January 8, 2011, and I am currently experiencing Bacne {"Back Acne"} which really bothers me considering my wedding dress is strapless and my reception dinner dress plunges very low in the back.  I still have a few months to resolve this issue, but what do you think I should do to ensure that I feel comfortable on my wedding day?  I've tried so many over-the-counter products and nothing has worked yet.  Any information that you can provide, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jamilah - Queens, New York

Hi Jamilah,

Congratulations on your impending nuptials and I'm sure both dresses are amazing!   Bacne or acne on the back is common for many and it is caused by producing excess oil or an underlying allergy condition (i.e., genetics, laundry detergent, body wash/soaps, irritation from clothing and etc). 

Pimples will compromise the integrity of any strapless or plunging number - so it is imperative to keep the pimply area thoroughly clean by changing your towels and bed linens twice a week.  Exfoliation is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells that tend to build up on the back, buttocks and back of the arms.  Use a sugar scrub (milder than salt scrubs) in the shower on a weekly basis.  We would recommend Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub Stress Relief - Tranquil Mint.  

Since your back is a difficult area to reach yourself, you may need to invest in a salon treatment such as Guinot Back Cathiodermie which improves skin texture or a benzoyl peroxide treatment which will revitalize and hopefully provide healthier skin in anticipation of your special day and going forward.

In the colder months, we typically use tea tree oil which is an amazing antibacterial agent.   In the case of bacne, you could add a few drops to a warm bath while relaxing and allow the water to cascade your back.  Or, you could apply the tea tree oil directly to the acne prone area when occasional flare-ups occur and let it dry completely.  We would advise to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, continue to eat well and please do NOT pick the pimples as it will leave dark marks and/or scarring. 

We hope that we have provided insight and please note that our commentary should not be considered medical advice, but our expressed opinion.  Please keep us posted and send photos of you rocking both dresses on your special day! 

P.S.  Invest in a quality loofah or pouf!

Photo compliments of Delphine Manivet

"Think Pink" ● Breast Cancer Inspired Nail Lacquer

I received a bottle of OPI's Pink Of Hearts Nail Lacquer today while attending a luncheon with friends and this soft pink polish was included in our swag bags.  I've always been a huge fan of OPI and their colors never disappoint - whether "vamp" or "bridal," the sky is the limit with their fashion-forward nail lacquers.

 Annually, OPI has honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month by raising money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, as well as making a donation in the amount of $25,000.  Another fabulous organization located in Canada, Rethink Breast Cancer, will receive $5,000. {A.mazing!}

We love OPI and appreciate their efforts as we all strive and dedicate countless hours of volunteerism and good faith to find a Cure for Breast Cancer.

 So this weekend, call up the girls and host a pamper party with the signature color being Pink of Hearts.  Support the Cause, because real women do wear PINK!

"Think Pink" ● Yummie Tummie Survivor Tank

The Survivor Tank is a new design for breast cancer patients and survivors that gently hugs the body for a secure fit, featuring a built-in bra with pockets for cup insertion. The tank is a Yummie Tummie undercover body design, made from a super-soft, lightweight cotton, regular in length with tricot/neck armhole binding and padded adjustable sports straps for comfort.

Mastectomy shirts/tanks have a reputation for being very heavy and uncomfortable, so Yummie Tummie set out to create a product for women that was lightweight and something they’d feel comfortable in day and night.

Retails for $96 and 100% of the proceeds in connection with the Survivour tank benefit The City of Hope.

"Think Pink" ● MOCKTAIL FOR A CURE

• 3/4 c. Chilled sparkling apple cider
• 3/4 c. Chilled sparkling cherry-flavored mineral water
• 1/2 c. Chilled sugar-free cranberry juice cocktail
• Combine apple cider, mineral water, and cranberry juice cocktail
• Stir lightly and pour into {2} chilled champagne glasses
• Garnish with a raspberry and serve immediately

  

 Containing only 60 calories per glass, this cute non-alcoholic drink will start any occasion off with sparkle, style and fizz !

Ideal for a Survivor Brunch, fundraising event or celebrating the life of a friend or family member who has lost their battle to Breast Cancer.

In memory of my  Aunt Janice Marie Lee-Griffith

Cheers!

"Think Pink" Inspired Pumps by: Charlotte Olympia

We are in love with Charlotte Olympia's pretty pink canvas pumps with the amazing gold leather island platform.  These 5.5″ beauties can be worn to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and transform any "drab" outfit to "fab." 

What do you think?

Charlotte Olympia Dolly Pink Canvas Pumps