Easy Cookie Recipe - Kelley from The Grant Life

I have been talking a little bit recently about a sense of community and friendships that are made in the blogging community.  This is my favorite part of blogging.  Today I have one of my dear blogging friends sharing a delicious cookie recipe.  And guess what.  It's easy!  Need to throw something yummy together for your Christmas dinner?  Here ya go.  You're welcome.

Hi Ma Nouvelle Mode readers!  My name is Kelley and I blog over at The Grant Life.  Over at my place you ll find all kinds of crafty, foodie, thrifty goodness!  Stop on by if you get a chance.  ;) I'm so excited to be here today.. I absolutely love Natalia's site!  I'm going to share one of my favorite Christmas recipes with y'all!  

I like food.. a lot.  Especially sugary, sweet, ooey gooey food.  I think if it were possible, I would live on nothing but sweets.  (so sad that I cant!)  In my sugary fantasy world I would make these magic cookie bars at least once a week.  That's how much I love them.  

These bars are simple to make and are great to take to a party or get together.  I made mine Sunday morning for our church fellowship gathering that afternoon.  I made them while I was making pancakes for the family.  And doing laundry.  And we made it to church.. on time.  That's how easy they are to make.  

Ingredients: 

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup butter

1 can sweetened condensed milk

chocolate chips

walnuts

coconut 

Preheat your oven to 350.

Melt your butter and add your graham cracker crumbs.  Mix until all the butter is absorbed. 

Firmly press the crumbs into the bottom of a 9x12 baking dish.  A spoon works really well for this.  

Cove the crust with the sweetened condensed milk.

Sigh. I love this part.. I think its were the magic starts to happen.  

Cover the sweetened condensed milk with your chocolate chips and walnuts.  Top that with your coconut.  You can add more or less of each according to your preference.

I add a ton of chocolate chips.  Some people add butterscotch chips too.  

Bake for 30 minutes (at 350) until the coconut is golden brown.

Yummm.. toasted coconut!  

Once cooled, cut into bars and serve.

Below is how your bars should look when done.  I didn't cut mine before we headed to church because they weren't completely cooled.  

Source

And that's it!  One easy, sugary, delicious Christmas treat.  

Thank you Natalia for letting me share my Christmas recipe with you and your awesome readers!  Make sure y'all stop by my place and check out my 10 Homemade Christmas gifts under $10 series.  I have some amazing guests and even better gifts.  Hope to see y'all there!  

There you have it!  I am turning comments off so you can go visit Kelley!  Make sure you spread some Christmas cheer and show her some love!!

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!

Casual and Comfy

I don't know about you all, but my holiday season has been super chill.  No rushing around to get last minute presents (probably because I still have to get them...), no stressing over what to get who.  We try to keep it simple for Christmas presents for our boys.  In fact, because we move a lot we have had to keep everything very minimal.  I am not about to start toting boxes of toys to all these different countries!  I have come to like this because each gift my boys receive they cherish.  They are very appreciative, even over the small stuff.  I hope we can keep it this way.  I don't want to get caught up in having to keep up with the Joneses.  Because honestly, the Joneses are broke. 

So this is what I have been living in lately.  Not this exact outfit over and over again, although I kinda wish.  No makeup and I haven't really done much to my hair.  Just something comfortable and casual and warm.  We had our first snow this last weekend and it is perfect.

I am hoping to dress up the boys and husband and take some cute Christmas pictures in the snow.  Since we are going to Nice on Saturday (haven't started laundry or packing) I wanted to take the pic before we leave.  It't not looking too good as of now.

Outfit: Jeans: Rock&Republic // Shoes: Nordstrom Rack // Shirt: Gift // Vest: Gap // Hat: Italian market

So is everyone having a merry Christmas?  I sure hope so!!  If not, sit down, take a breather, have a cup of coffee or tea whichever you fancy and relax!  Remember the reason for the season, Jesus' birth, and then get back at it!

Oh and I will most likely be laying low for the rest of the year, we will be in Nice and enjoying some family time.  Anyone interested in doing a guest post for me?  I would love to have you!  Shoot me an e-mail : natalia{at}manouvellemode{dot}com

Merry Christmas!

Guest Post - 10 ways to wear a braid!

Hi! I'm Annelise and I'm the quirky girl who blogs over at Bye Bye Beehive.

I'm on a 365-day journey where I'm hoping to grow long, beautiful hair. You know, that hair. That ultra-long, spiral curled, perfectly highlighted stuff that the movie stars wear around town. I'm going to have it. Someday. But until that day comes, I'll just be blogging along, wandering around, and trying out some fun new hairstyles.

My catch with my blogging adventure is that I can't use ANY products or styling tools. That means absolutely NO hairspray, NO hair dye or highlights, NO teasing, and absolutely NO blow dryers or straightening irons. Gasp!

It sounds ridiculous, right? It is. In fact, I'm a little over 2 months into my journey and I've already come up with some pretty cool hairstyles. I have a whole section of my blog, called The Hair Style Guide, which showcases everything from Bantu knots, to twists, to cool updo's.

Today I'm going to show you 10 ways to wear a braid. Are you ready for it? Count 'em. It's 10.

1. Three by three
2. Halo braid
3. Braided side topsy tail
4. Headband braid
5. Braided chignon
6. Double plait to a messy bun
7. French braid a la bun
8. Fishtail
9. Boho braid
10. Twist Braid

Some are easy, and some are a bit complicated. Luckily for you, if you click each link above, it will take you to my page so you can learn how to do those braided hairstyles.

Which braid are you just dying to try?? Some are cool... some are just not my style... but rock it, sister, if it's your thing!

Don't forget to check out all my fun hair happenings over at Bye Bye Beehive. I'd love to get to know you if you have a moment (or a couple hours) to wander around!!

(Psst... I also blog at Simply Aunie... go check me out!)

Let's Celebrate more Birthdays!

I know this might be personal.  I know this could be touchy.  I know many of you have experienced the pain and heartache that comes with losing someone to cancer.  I know I have.  My husband has.  I have also seen people attacked but survive.  My 87 year old Grandma is a survivor.

But today, this post is dedicated to those who have lost someone to cancer.  Let's work towards a world where we celebrate more birthdays and less cancer.




This post is sponsored by American Cancer Society.

What you had to say this week...

So lately, I have been LOVING the comments on the blog, Facebook page, and Twitter.  You guys really have a lot of awesome things to say and I love hearing other opinions.  My husband is thankful too, since I ask for your opinions instead of his now.  


So I thought it would be fun to do a post to highlight some of your awesome comments!  Kind of like a reader appreciation type of thing.  Let's give it a go, shall we?


Last Thursday, I wrote Goodbye Google Friend Connect about how for bloggers on another platform than Blogger will be losing their Google Friend Connect.


I loved what Esther from Lovingly Thrown Together had to say: "I love my blog and I love that I have a place to share my thoughts and ideas. I love the community around blogs. It's been a blessing. I'll probably remove GFC in the coming weeks... but I have to admit I'll miss the excitement that comes when I see that number rise even by just one."

• I totally agree with you, Esther! It is exciting to watch your numbers grow! But as you said, the community is so worth it!

Then on Friday, since I was on a GFC kick/rant I wrote My Thoughts on GFC and Other Things.  I loved the responses.  Here are a couple:


Gina from {Acute Designs} said: "Great post. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the numbers and lose sight of why I started blogging in the first place. I didn't start to "win" with the most followers or get rich. I started because I love blogs, love to write, and had some stuff to share."

• Love it, Gina.  I totally agree!  We all have something to share, and each is unique! I think that is what makes it interesting!

LP from A Crafty Southern Chick  said: "I want and like that sense of community. I would hate to feel the necessity to grow so large I could no longer 'get to know' my readers. I would rather have 20 loyal followers than 2,000 just hoping to be 'found' through one of my linky's or something."

• I really loved this comment because it is so true.  What's the point to have a ton of followers that you don't know or never comment or don't care about what you write? I know we all put in a lot of work blogging.  It is nice to hear from people!

Mrs. MacKenzie from Just Another Girl said:  "I blog because I need a creative outlet, and because I want to have something to remember this period in my life by."

• Me too, Mrs. MacKenziee, me too. I love the creative outlet for me as well as the amount of inspiration I get from other bloggers!

Over on the Ma Nouvelle Mode Facebook page there was some talk going on about a few pictures posted.  I love reading people's opinions because a lot of them are different and they all have very good points.  

Zara of Eat, Shop, and Be Married said this about the 'This or These' pictures posted on Facebook:"I would have to say the bag.  I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather have fewer things but high quality items.  I am willing to spend a good chunk of money on a classic piece like the bag.  I would also be willing to spend a good chunk for nice boots, and real pearl earrings. :-)"

And these beauties were a bit controversial!  Personally, I love them.  I think they could be rocked all sorts of ways.  However, the overwhelming majority of Facebook comments were that they looked like jammies!  In fact, Leslie from Fabulously Flawed said: "Hmm, they remind me of pajama bottoms that shrunk in the wash." 

I must say, I most definitely wouldn't have worn them with those shoes.

I love the convo ladies!! Keep it up! It is so much fun and always encouraging to hear everyone's opinions.  Make sure you like our Facebook page for more fun updates and steals&deals throughout your week!

Happy Weekend!

The Holidays

Happy Friday all.  Can I hear a big sigh of relief?   aaaahhhhh.... Oh that was just me.  Well phew, Tae is out of school for Christmas break.  In France the students take a 2 week break every 6 weeks and I have come to know and love those breaks.  It is just enough for some hang out time with Tae and no waking up early, and yet also enough time that I am ready to send him back to school after those two weeks are up.  

For those of you who aren't following me on Twitter, my parents are here!!  I am so excited they will be here for a little less than a month.  I am so very blessed to have a great relationship with both my parents and I love that they are visiting.  My sons also love them to death, which might be an understatement, they are like rock stars in this house.  We are also heading to Nice, France for Christmas and I couldn't be more stoked about that!  I have never been to the south and I cannot wait to experience it.

And to top it off, husband is DONE with basketball after his game tonight.  Well, for the holiday break, anyway.  I love it when he has time off because the rest of the season he is so stinkin' busy it is like he works more than a 9 to 5.  (Naps are included in this busyness. Athletes and athlete wives understand)  It will be nice to take a lovely family vacation next week to another part of the world we haven't seen!  I hope to get some awesome pictures!

This outfit: Shirt: Zara // Jeans: Old Navy // Earrings: Target // Necklace: Gift // Headband: made myself // Pictures: c/o my 4 year old.

What are your plans for the holidays?  Any awesome traditions you have coming up?  I would love to hear them!

Oh and if you have any extra time, you can check out my post over at the SITS Girls about Holiday Hairstyles!  

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!

5 Tips on Building a Jewelry Wardrobe

After having my little guys I was kinda in a slump fashion wise.  You know the stage, after you have had kids:  even if you can fit into your pre-kids wardrobe you don't really want to.  Before kids I didn't mind if my stomach showed a bit.  Now, not so much.  Not to mention, after kids money isn't exactly growing on trees!  So when I got any bit of a budget, it went to an effort to update my wardrobe.  What I was neglecting, however, was my jewelry wardrobe!  And in my opinion, this is almost just as important! (I say almost because naked just wouldn't be appropriate, you know?)

So today I would like to share with you 5 simple tips to keep in mind when you are building your jewelry wardrobe.

1.) Gold Earrings.  They really should be a staple in your JW (jewelry wardrobe).  They go with nearly everything.  When you are in a rush, you can have them as your go-to beauties.  Try starting with hoops, chandelier or button styles.

2.) Statement Necklace.  I actually got my one statement necklace as a gift from my very fashionable sister-in-law.  I wasn't sure at first, but it is definitely a must have.  You can use it to jazz up a simple outfit.  The effect is lots of impact for very little effort!  Now I am looking to add some more vibrant statement necklaces. They just add so much!

3.) Bracelets & Bangles.  I am loving this.  I think stacking a bunch of bracelets, even if you didn't buy them together, can add so much to a look.  Try thick and thin, even different colors or textures would work too.

4.) Try a trend.  I am most definitely not the first girl to run out and try the newest thing.  My momma taught me that timeless is beautiful.  And cheaper.  But when coming to your JW, you may want to add a few pieces that are in style now.  I wouldn't spend too much money on them as you might not be wearing them next year!   But you could always refashion them into something beautiful!

Owls are very popular! (and free!)

5.) Collect personal pieces.  I have two favorite pieces of jewelry.  One is my Tiffany's bracelet hubs got me when we were still dating.  He bought it in Paris too, which I love. The other is my beautiful pendant necklace by Lisa Leonard Designs because it has my boys' names on it.  These pieces are timeless and could literally go with anything.  If you are looking for something personal like that, you should check out Lisa Leonard, she does amazing work!

Well I hope you enjoyed my tips!  I am just now starting to feel like I am getting my JW together.  Do you feel like you have yours all together or is it constantly a work in progess?  Any more tips you would add?  I would love to hear them!

I will be linking this up to my linky parites here.



 
* This post was adapted from PeopleStyle magazine.*