Winter Wardrobe Staples & My Name Necklace Review

 

 Recently I was contacted by Sharon of My Name Necklace wondering if I would like to review one of their necklaces.  I selected the Celebrity Monogram Necklace and within a week a lovely little package arrived in the mail for me.

 

 

I opened up the box to discover a beautiful necklace.  I was pleasantly surprised at the quality - I don't know what I was expecting, but the necklace has a nice weight to it and feels substantial.  I'm very pleased with the quality.  I selected the 18K gold plated version of the necklace and I really like the look!

 

 

Look at that shine!

 

 

I've already worn the necklace several times - it works with almost anything!  And who doesn't like their own monogram?  I'm really happy with the necklace, and I wouldn't hesitate to give it as a gift to any of the women in my life.
 

 

 

 

My Name Necklace is offering readers of 33 Shades of Green a discount coupon.  Just enter code 33SHADES for a 10% discount off of your order.  Just in time for Holiday shopping!

 

I put together a list of my Winter Wardrobe Staples.

 

1.  Wool Coat.  A heavy wool coat is an absolute must here in Michigan during the Winter months.  My personal favorite wool coats are J Crew's Double Cloth Lady Day Coats.  The double cloth is made in Italy (bonus!) and the coats are warm & substantial.  One of my J Crew double cloth coats is 5 years old and still looks brand new!  The double cloth really holds up.  Also love how these coats are perfect when you are dressing up and just as great with jeans and boots.

 

2.  Cardigans.  I love a basic cardigan.  Great for a day at the office or running errands on the weekend.  J Crew Merino Tippi Cardigan.

 

3.  Jewelry.  Every outfit needs a pretty finishing piece.  Celebrity Monogram Necklace by My Name Necklace.

 

4.  Skinny Jeans.  In my opinion, an absolute must.  Perfect for tucking into tall boots yet versatile enough to wear with flats on warmer days.  I like the skinny jeans from gap & Banana Republic the best. 

5.  Leather Boots. I live in my boots all  Winter.  Perfect with skinny jeans or leggings.  I'd love this pair from Frye.

6.  Button Downs.  Casual and so easy to wear.  And of course, I love the green.  Shrunken Boyfriend Gingham Flannel Shirt by Gap.

7.  Leather Bag.  An essential piece to any wardrobe.  I think the Bettina Satchel from Banana Republic is gorgeous.

8.  Scarves.  I don't know about you, but it's rare from me to leave the house without a scarf in the Winter.  I love the Metallic Striped Scarf from Target.  What a bargain!

What's your favorite Winter Wardrobe Staple?

Weekend Kitchen: Pappardelle with Sweet Corn & Gorgonzola

 

Happy Monday, friends.  I miss blogging - It really feels good to sit down at my computer and write a post!  I keep thinking I'll have more time to blog, but there's been so much to do on our new house.  We are moving in less than 7 weeks(!!!) so I think I may finally have free time and would love to get back to this blog again.

 

I made this pasta a month or so ago, and I absolutely loved it.  I loved everything about this pasta - the combination of ingredients together is amazing.  This one is a keeper and definitely will be made again.  Maybe not until next summer though, when Michigan sweet corn is in season.

 

This recipe comes from a very lovely food blog, The Italian Dish.  See her post right here.

 

 

I am a huge fan of The Local Epicurean. pasta.  If you are in the Grand Rapids area, make sure to try their pasta for yourself.

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

- 4 ounces dried pancetta (or bacon as a substitute)

- 8 ounces pasta (I thought pappardelle was perfect for this dish)

- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 2 ears of sweet corn, cut off the cob

- salt & pepper

- 3 tablespoons mascarpone cheese

- 3 tablespoons gorgonzola cheese crumbles

- 6 scallions, sliced diagonally

- 2 ounces sun dried tomatoes, julienned

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

- 1/2 cup white wine

 

 

1.  Bring a large pot of well salted water to boil for the pasta.

 

2.  Meanwhile, fry the pancetta in a large sauté pan until just done and crispy.  Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Do not wipe out the fat from the pan.

 

3.  Boil the pasta and while it is cooking, make the sauce:

Add the olive oil to the pan and sauté the corn and scallions over medium high heat for about 5 minutes.  Season with a little salt (the pancetta will add salt later) and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.  Pour in the wine, cooking for a couple of minutes to let the wine reduce.  Add the cheeses and whisk gently until they are smooth and well incorporated.  Mix in pancetta, basil, parsley and tomatoes.  Taste for salt and add more if needed.  Place a lid on the pan, turn off the heat and let steep for a minute or so.  

 

Drain the pasta and add to the pan and toss well. 

 

Enjoy!