Winter Staples

Hi Everyone, I hope that you are all keeping warm - yikes! It's C-O-L-D here today!! I have my sister, Christine, back in the saddle today:) I hope that you are enjoying these monthly posts as much as I am! If you have any questions for Christine, feel free to leave a comment below or email me jessiestreetdesigns@gmail.com - I'll make sure to pass it along to her....over to you Christine....

In addition to Jenny's post on ways to simplify your life, I thought I would do a post on a some staple or key pieces every woman should have in her winter wardrobe. It is amazing how many outfits you can put together with only a few key pieces.

Once you have the basics it can make mornings and shopping much easier on you and your wallet. One thing to remember when you are shopping this year is to only buy things you absolutely love - and I mean LOVE! I just bought a pair of boots over Christmas that I LOVE. (I actually hugged them).

So take a close look at your closet and be sure you have the basics first before you go out buying other items. If you have the basics you will always have a great outfit to wear and look classy. Less can really equal more.

Below you will find a good capsule of some key pieces to wear - again, take note of these items and on your next shopping trip (or closet purge) keep these staples in mind. One rule of thumb, please don't be scared to mix prints with stripes or black with blue. And don't forget, leopard print is consider a neutral, so wear it with prints, stripes or colour. It can really take your look to a new level....or at least make you look more like a J Crew model - just remember when mixing prints - moderation is the key!

I'm looking forward to sharing more fashion trends and tips for 2013.....next month I'll show you how to mix some of these staples to make pulled together, fun outfits - I can't wait!

Wardrobe Basics by cekirkland featuring



gapMadewell / Madewell western blouse / STEFFEN SCHRAUT top / Madewell / GAP scoop neck top / Topshop , $105 / Banana Republic black denim legging / GAP / ALDO western cowgirl boots / Stella & Dot stella dot jewelry / FOSSIL watch / Stella & Dot swarovski crystal jewelry / Stella & Dot stella dot jewelry / GAP scarve / Ponte knit shift | Banana Republic / Chevron tights | Gap / RAMOTSWA - sale's sale boots women for sale at ALDO Shoes.

Simplify....

Hello friends! I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones. This is my first post of 2013 - it's hard to believe that I started this blog a year ago:) I've learned so much and met some terrific people along the way - I'm excited to see what 2013 has in store for my little blog. I have some great ideas that I hope that you will enjoy:)

Do you like to set resolutions in the New Year?? Do you have any this year?? I'm not one that usually sets resolutions...I haven't had much success with them in the past. However, this year, my goal is to try to "Simplify". To me, this means slowing down, taking time to enjoy the small things, "being" with the people your with, cooking how my grandmothers would cook, repurposing items and living a greener life. This won't be an easy task, but I feel that any change - no matter the size of that change - will be a success and I'm looking forward to sharing this journey with you.

I wish you all happiness, love and success for 2013. ox

Link Party for Newtown

Hello friends!!! Earier this week, I shared a quote about looking for the helpers in the face of a tragedy and today I am participating in a huge link party with other bloggers across Canada and the US to help raise money for the Newtown United Way. It's a small way each one of us can help and show our support for the families of that community.

Kelley at The Grant Life and Adrianne at Happy Hour Projects both host a weekend link party that opens on Thursday afternoon.  This week, they joined forces and also opened up the party to as many co-hosts who want to join to donate $0.05 for each link to the Newtown area's United Way.  The thing is - that's not all.  Some other bloggers heard about it, and also wanted to match 5 cents a link - so for this special party, for every link you add, $1.00 will be donated to the Western Connecticut United Way.  Even more fabulous bloggers offered to help us spread the word by co-hosting today's link party.  So no matter what blog you are visiting when you read this, we all thank you for supporting the party and the cause. Because of how widely hosted this weekend's party is the links you add here will be immediately visible on several blogs! The details are below including who is donating, and what you should link today.

I can't wait to see what all of you are linking up....have a great weekend:)

Blog Hop & Pick your Plum Giveaway....

Are you ready for this? Today's Creative Headquarters Blog Hop is sponsored by none other than Pick Your Plum!

We are so excited to be able to giveaway a $50 Pick Your Plum Grab Box to one of our lucky readers this week {just in time for a little holiday crafting}!

Just look at some of the fantastic products they've offered this past year...

Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below {and good luck}!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let’s get on to the hopping, shall we? Remember, follow all four hosts plus the honorary co-hosts {there are a few this week}, and pretty please share our button via your blog, Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter. The more exposure the party gets, the more exposure you get. Plus, you get to meet even more amazing new friends, and that’s truly what it’s all about!

**Note: This is a blog hop, not a link party. Link up your blog homepage using an image such as your blog button, and write your blog name in the “name” field. Links containing projects and individual pages will unfortunately be deleted.

We also wanted to let you know this is also our last CHQ Blog Hop for 2012. We will be taking a short break to enjoy the next few weeks with family and friends this holiday season. Make sure to check back with your co-hosts often as we've got some exciting announcements coming your way in January!

Remember, if you are a new follower, please leave me a comment so I can thank you!

Remembrance.....

My heart goes out to each and every family affected by the senseless event in Newtown, CT.  I am saddened by this event and at a loss for words.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all. 

My friend Sarah shared this quote on her facebook page and I think that it is an important reminder that even when evil strikes....there are good people in this world.   Thank you Sarah for sharing this.

 "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world." -Mister Rogers

Virtual Cookie Exchange

For some reason, as I site here and think of what to write to introduce this post, the only thing that comes to mind is the cookie monster singing "C is for Cookie".....too much Sesame Street these days?  Perhaps....Too many cookies these days???  NEVER!!  Every Christmas my girlfriends and I take turns hosting a cookie exchange - it's one of my favourite traditions and the fact that every single one of them is an excellent baker is just icing on the cake (or cookie in this case - sorry couldn't resist!) 

This year, one of my BBF's (aka Best Blogger Friends) Meredith from Wait till your Father gets Home asked if I'd like to participate in a Virtual Cookie Exchange!  Ummm, heck ya!!  What a great idea....and a fun way to share one of my favourite Christmas Traditions with all of you!

So without further delay, here are my melt in your mouth, easy peasy, I've already eaten six of these as I type this post, MARSHMELLOW CHOCOLATE SQUARES!! 

These are some of my favourite cookies and I make these every year!   If you are participating in a cookie exchange this year, I highly recommend these since they not only taste great but they freeze really well too:)

Marshmellow Chocolate Squares
1 package chocolate chipits
1 package butterscotch chipis
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 butter or margarine
2 cups mini marshmellows
shredded coconut

-Put all ingredients (except coconut and marshmellows) in a double boiler and melt - make sure you stir often.  Once everything has melted, remove from stove and let it cool.  Once it is cool, add marshmellows (you can also add chopped nuts, but I opted not too!)

-Spread batter into a buttered 9x9 pan.  Sprinkle with shreaded coconut.  Cool in refridgerator.

-ENJOY and prepare yourself to be showered with compliments from all who try one of these squares! 

Want to see some more baking goodness?  Well, click on the links below to visit my BBF's, once again my mouth is watering at all the goodies these ladies have shared:)  I hope you'll check out some other fabulous cookie recipes to try this holiday season from some very talented bloggers!

Andes Mint Cookies from Artsy Fartsy Mama

Snowman Oreo Truffles from Repeat Crafter Me

Cereal Wreaths from Bear Rabbit Bear

Mocha Cookies from One Artsy Mama

Christmas Mice from Happy Hour Projects

Mars Bars Squares from Becoming Martha

Thin Mint Cookies from Create.Craft.Love

Soft Gingersnaps w/Pumpkin Dipping Sauce from Ladybird Ln

Marshmallow Chocolate Squares from Jessie Street Designs

Peppermint Bark from Wait 'Til Your Father Gets Home

Spiced Chocolate Bark from Chase the Star

Dressing for the Holiday Season!

I'm thrilled once again to have my sister here today with another post on fashion trends.  Today, she's sharing with us ideas on how to dress for a small variety of Christmas functions.....off to you Christine!

forever 21 skirtsDress / Chunky knit cardigan / High neck blouse / GUESS low rise jeans / Forever 21 skirt / SPANX , $51 / Indigo by Clarks genuine leather boots / American Eagle Outfitters / J.Crew j crew / Kenneth Jay Lane red ring / Stella & Dot / House of Harlow 1960 bangle bracelet / Girls' Fair Isle Sequin Sweater

Hello Jessie Street readers!

It's that time of year- eggnog, hot chocolate, christmas music and most importantly holiday get togethers! So to help you get into the spirit and shop a little for yourself I have put together a collage of outfits that may come in handy for any holiday gathering you have this season

First up is a casual Christmas with the family. These fair isle sweaters are everywhere this season and would be perfect for the casual christmas with the family, opening gifts under the tree and chasing the little ones. Add a fun silver cuff bracelet to finish off the look and make it a little bit more polished.

Second would be for a Christmas lunch with your girlfriends. Take your summer dress, add some tights and a chunky boyfriend sweater with ankle booties and you are good to go. To add a little festivity add a funky cocktail ring

And the final ensemble would be ideal for an office Christmas party. Here is an amazing skirt that I am loving from Forever 21 (plus the price point is not to shabby either). For those that don't like to dress in sparkly sweaters or dresses, I think lace is a nice way to add texture but stay elegant and festive at the same time. If you want add some sparkly, add it with your earrings or clutch.

Whatever your plans are this holiday season, have fun, enjoy yourself and drink responsibly - wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas!
Christine