Sip and Stroke...

This past weekend my girlfriends and I used our Living Social voucher for a Sip and Stroke paint class. Sip on some wine and Stroke on a piece of canvas. It was a lot of fun. Between sipping on Moscato and Lime-A-Ritas, snacking on chicken salad, seafood salad, and pepper jack cheese, we all painted a lovely floral piece. Our instructor, Dawn, was very patient will all the laughter, silliness, and questions. Below are some pictures from Sip and Stroke. I hope you all have a Happy Wednesday!

Before paint

After paint.

My girlfriends and I with our masterpieces.

Me with my artwork which now hangs on the wall in our home.

It's Fall Y'all...

Look at the above picture. Now close your eyes. Can you smell the wood burning> Can you hear the crackle? Ah. The sounds and sights of Fall. My favorite season for many reasons. I got married in the Fall, my birthday is in the Fall, my favorite colors are red, orange, and yellow. There are lots of things you can do in the Fall. Below is a list of suggestions.

1. Go to a Bonfire. They are a big deal at the local high schools here in Greensboro. I love the smell of wood burning.

2. Get a Cinderella pumpkin. I saw some great Cinderella pumpkins at Whole Foods yesterday. My friend, Q, has a recipe for Cinderella pumpkin dumplings. Sounds amazing!

3. Go to a football game. I love football! But if you aren't a fan, go for the stadium food or the tailgating!

4. Make something where the main ingredient is butternut squash. Get your Top Chef on!

5. Write a handwritten letter to a friend, relative, soldier just to say Thank you or I'm Thankful for you.

6. Try a Candy Corn Oreo. I haven't found them, but I'm still looking.

7. Run or Walk a 5k for something you are passionate about. I'm running power walking a 5K for Breast Cancer Research on October 6th with my daughter and sister in law.

8. Volunteer.  Your local schools, shelters, clinics, and campaign headquarters need your assistance.

9. Host a Girls Night In. Try starting a movie club, less pressure than a book club. Sick of your wardrobe, have a swap party. Or just invite the girls over for drinks, munchies, lots of laughter, and girl talk.

10. Take a evening stroll with your partner, spouse, main squeeze, snuggle bunny. Wear a chunky sweater, comfy but cute shoes and take a evening walk. Talk about something besides politics and your kids. Stop and grab some hot chocolate.

What are some of the things you want to do this Fall?  I would love to hear from you.

Sweaters and Layers...

Tomorrow is the first day of Autumn/Fall. This makes me happy. Autumn is my favorite season.  Cozy sweater and layer weather.

Love everything about this! Distressed jeans, tartan scarf, and classic navy sweater.

Classic trench and riding boots.

Cozy boyfriend sweater.

Awesome layering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All pictures via Pinterest.

September Birchbox Review...

This month's Birchbox came a little later than last month. However, good things come to those who wait. I must say this month's box did not disappoint. My box was filled with goodies that I will use. The theme was this month's Birchbox is "Jumpstart Your Autumn Beauty Collection." Birchbox also teamed up with Madewell to offer a $25 gift card to be used on any Madewell purchase of $75 or more. Below are pics of my September Birchbox.

Always a nice presentation.

1. Nail polish by Color Club in Status Update: It's a dark grey color. From someone who loves black nail polish, I can't wait to try this!
2. Nexxus Split End Treatment System: I've been battling split ends so I will try this.
3. Pink Twistband Hair Tie: I'm happy about this. I have a couple in black.
4. Vasanti Brighten Up Face Rejuvenator: Exfoliating cleanser with microderm crystals to brighten dull skin. 99% Natural. I'm happy about this too.
5. Youngblood Mineral Primer: I do not currently use a primer, but the ladies at Sephora recommend it for helping makeup stay put.
6. Mighty Leaf Tea Company sample pack of teas: Another yea for me. I love drinking hot tea. This sample pack makes me happy.

Birchbox Fall Lookbook with beauty trend tips and Madewell gift card to be used at any Madewell retail store or online.

Autumn Date Night...

Our weather here in NC has been perfect! Crisp mornings and chilly evenings. I am looking forward to Autumn. It's my favorite season. Sweaters, booties, the smell of a fireplace burning, hot cocoa, and pumpkins! My wedding anniversary is quickly approaching and below is the perfect outfit for a date night. My ideal date night is simply dinner and a movie. Really. I'm not hard to please. Throw in some people watching and we have an awesome night.

On my Autumn date night wardrobe wish list is:
1. A peplum top, perferably leather. Peplum is very flattering.
2. Sleek black booties with a slight edge. The booties below by Jean-Michel Cazabat are all that and a bag of Jalapeno Cheetos!
3. Classic hoops. About 3 inches diameter. Gold or sterling. Made by me.
4. Chunky triangle cocktail ring. Roman Luxe has a great one.
5. Jeans by J. Brand. These cargos with more zippers than MJ's jacket are awesome.
6. A suede clutch.

What is on your Autumn wardrobe wish list?






 

Autumn Date Night by sydneyaustindesigns featuring a leather ring

J Brand vintage jeans, $285 / Club L peplum shirt, $29 / Jean-Michel Cazabat leather high heels / Suede handbag / Leather ring / Fantasy Jewelry Box yellow gold jewelry

Monaco Blue...

Happy Wednesday beautiful! I made several pieces of jewelry this week using the color blue. So, I was very excited to hear that Pantone named Monaco Blue as the color for Spring 2013.  Take a look at some of the new blue jewels. All jewelry is available for immediate purchase here. Etsy now offers direct checkout with credit cards. No need to pay with Paypal if you do not want.

Blue agate gemstones and swarovski crystals on copper hoops.

Recycled blue suede leather with copper chain bracelet

Silver shark tooth and blue kyanite gemstone on gunmetal chain necklace.

SAD Gram...

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Spent a lot of time this weekend making new jewels. Will try to have them listed in my etsy boutique by this evening.  Below are a few Instagram pics from last week. Follow me on Instagram @sydneyaustindesigns.

Side Note: Update on the Circle of Moms Top 25 Mompreneur contest. Out of 89 blogs that entered the contest, my blog ranked #29.  Thanks to those who voted for Sydney Austin Designs!

Berries, greek yogurt, peanut butter smoothie in my favorite glass.

Arm party. All by Sydney Austin Designs

Jeans I picked up at thrift store so I could distress them. Fun DIY.

My new favorite bracelet. Made this with recycled leather and chain. Added cowrie shell.

New Jewels...

Happy Wednesday! I'm starting to work on new Autumn and Winter jewelry in hopes of getting a jump start on Holiday sales. Yup, holiday sales. Soon it will be time to start holiday shopping for yourself or someone special. There are also Homecoming events that everyone wants to look fly for. Pick up some new jewels!

You know I love hoops, so of course I'm always making new ones. Bracelets are all the rage this year.  Add some new ones to your arm party. All jewels are available for immediate purchase in my etsy shop.

On a final note, please vote for me in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Mompreneur contest. You can vote once a day. Click on the Circle of Moms badge located on the right side of my blog. Scroll until to find Sydney Austin Designs then click vote. Thanks!

Turquoise stars attached to copper hoops

Crystal lips pendant attached to chain. Red coral chunk is attached. If you don't like the coral, I can remove it.

Red Coral nuggets attached to copper hoops. It's like a party on your ears. The red is so vibrant!

Guacamole Dip...

I hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend.  It's been awhile since I did a recipe post. One of my favorite snacks is tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole. My 15 year old daughter, Blake, makes delicious guacamole. Never will I buy guacamole from the grocery store.  She has agreed to share her recipe. She uses all fresh ingredients.

***Please remember to vote for me for Circle of Moms Top 25 Mompreneur Blogs. To vote just click on Circle of Moms button located on right side of blog.***

Ingredients:

• Cilantro (1/4 cup chopped)
• Red Onion ( 1-2 tablespoons diced)
• Avocados (3-4 ripe and firm)
• Jalapeno pepper (2 teaspoons)
• Course Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• Lime (2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed juice)

Cut open 3-4 avocados, discard pit. Scoop out inside of avocado and put in mixing bowl. Combine remaining ingredients and mash avocados. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.

All fresh ingredients

If you don't want it as spicy, remove the seeds from the jalapeno.

Jalapeno chopped without seeds.

Enjoy!