This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks first "I want what she has!" goes to Michelle McSweeney. I am loving this color block top!

Top: ??

I just love the little button detail on the arms too!
Sadly for me(and anyone else who wants this top), Michelle does not know the price or place of purchase, as it was a gift. ;( That's OK, I will just want what she has for this one! Great top Michelle, you look amazing and I want to borrow this one!



This weeks second "I want what she has!" goes to Kelly Duffy. I am loving her hair bling!

Hair Pins: $12.50 (set of 6) Claire's

These are great Kelly. Every girl needs a little sparkle and these are amazing for this holiday season (and NYE for sure). Thanks for reminding me that my hair could use a bit of "jewelry" too! ;)



This weeks third (and final) "I want what she has!" goes to Kristen Javens. Ummm, head to toe LOVE!

Dress: $22 Charlotte Russe
Shoes: $10 (on sale) Charlotte Russe

These prices are amazing. I just love when you not only get a good price, but the outfit doesn't look like it was that affordable. Wonderful holiday look and with 5 inch heels at a x-mas party, it's safe to say we are related for sure! lol

Holiday Outfit

Dress: MNG by Mango, Jacket: The Desert Foxx's shop my closet, Shoes: Alloy, Tights: Modcloth, Necklace: Jewelmint, Ring: TplusJ Designs, Earrings: House of Harlow, Bag: Michael Kors

This was my Christmas Eve look. I love that this jacket was bought from a fellow blogger's shop my closet section and I think it was the perfect color for a holiday outfit!
I kept it simple yet classy in this black wrap dress with black and gold detail accessories. I know it's a bit matchy matchy with the gold and black ring, necklace, earrings, and bag, but it all looked so good together as I set the outfit out on my bed.
By hour 8 I was second guessing my choice of 5 inch heels, but all and all I loved this look. What do you think? (I felt a bit retro sturdiest, but in a good way;)

Product Review and Giveaway: Miracle Skin Transformer

As a member of IFabbo I am able to work with different brand members to do product reviews. I was beyond excited when I received my Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20, MST treat and conceal in light, and Miracle Skin Transformer body SPF 20 in Glow enhancer. Even though it was a risky move to start using these products over the holiday (what if they didn't work, all my holiday photos would be bad! Oh the horror! lol) I went for it and starting using them last Wednesday. I can say without a shadow of a doubt these products are AMAZING! Here's a little about them:
"Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20- An antioxidant-rich tinted skin enhancer that leaves your skin airbrushed, hydrated and protected in one easy step. Who knew that one product could transform skin instantly? Miracle Skin Transformer SPF20’s first-ever naturally derived silicone formulation is designed to improve skin texture, minimize fine lines and pores and reduce pigmentation spots over time.
MST treat and conceal- Erase imperfections with pigment rich coverage. Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal illuminates and visibly reduces imperfections. Blends seamlessly, immediately improving the complexion for flawless, fresher looking skin.
Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20- is a high performance tinted treatment body enhancer with a naturally derived silicone base plus antioxidants and natural actives that zeros in on your body’s skincare concerns to give skin a total transformation.
Transform the appearance of arms, legs and décolleté – you’ll see a difference instantly: Skin looks smoother, firmer, and totally flawless."
These products do what they promise to do! I used the MST treat and conceal under my eyes and the MST SPF 20 all over my face. I didn't need to use my photo finish because this product does the same thing, smoothes out your skin and makes you look perfect!
My skin looked flawless when I wore them and my husband kept telling me I look like a doll. (Well you don't see too many dolls with uneven skin, so I think that's what he meant.) My skin tone looks even, and in photos, it's down right amazing. I'd even explain it as porcelain esk. Yeah, that great! The MST body was also a pleasant surprise. I used it on my arms and the tinted lotion smoothed away any imperfections and made them look perfect and the glow picked up the right amount of light in photos. I can't wait to use this product on my legs on NYE. You need no hosiery because the MST body makes the skin tone even and smooth.

Now for the really exciting part. One lucky winner will win all 3 MST products I tried!
To enter to win (Miracle Skin Transformer SPF 20, MST treat and conceal, and Miracle Skin Transformer Body SPF 20) worth $118, leave me a comment in the comments section below telling me which Miracle Skin Transformer product you’d most like to try. Visit miracleskintransformer.com to see all the fabulous products they have. Make sure you leave me your email below too!

Get additional entries by doing each of the following (leave one comment below for each you do!):
- Like Sarah McNamara Beauty on Facebook (let me know you did so in your comment)
- Follow Sarah McNamara Beauty Miracle Skin Transformer on Twitter (let me know you did so in your comment)
- Tweet the following: @MiracleSkin and @sadbblog are giving away Miracle Skin Transformer products!(let me know you did so in a comment below)
- Follow Sarah McNamara Beauty on Tumblr (let me know you did so in a comment below)
- Follow Stilettos and Diaper Bags by email (left side of my home page). (let me know you did so in a comment below)

I must receive all entries by 1-11-12 and the odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received. No purchase necessary to enter. Winner will be announce 1-12-12 at 7:00 am.

Top 12 outfit posts of 2011

Here are my favorite 12 outfits of the year! Why 12? Well, when I looked over the 118 outfit posts from 2011, these 12 just stood out to me. ;) Enjoy!







What do you think? I think all in all it was a great outfit year! ;)

Date Night

Top: Victoria's Secret, Jeans: Express, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklace: Jewelmint, Bracelet: c/o Kristin Hassan, Bag: Michael Kors

These shoes are my new LOVE! Okay, I realize that 6 inch heels are not for everyone, but I could run laps in these. Plus I love how they are silver and gold so they go with everything. (Did I mention I also own these in blush color as well? see LOVE!)
I wore them out to dinner and a movie with the hubby and 6 hours later, my feet still felt good. That doesn't happen in some on my 3 inch heels people! Nothing better then cozy shoes that are gorgeous too.
Since my feet had so much bling, I went with an over sized turtleneck, some jean leggings, and a red lip. Perfect for a date night with my other love, Ryan.

BEST PRESENT EVER

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!! Umm, I die!!!!
Okay, breathing, got it. So, this was the gift my hubby got me this year. Yeah, I know CRAZY! I never in a million years thought I was getting the large Hamilton tote from Michael Kors.
I actually cried when I opened it. I know my hubby saw it on my holiday wish list, and I know I showed him inside the Michael Kors store, but it's a dream item, not a reality item!!
This is by far the nicest bag I've ever owned. It's not too flashy and there are plenty of more expensive bags out there, but in my mind this bag has always been a lust item. (I've had my eye on it for as long as I can remember!)
I have a little guilt knowing how many diapers and gluten free items I could buy with this money, but then I look at it and fall in love all over again! (Plus my hubby keeps telling me I deserve it so that makes me feel better too!;)
You will be seeing TONS of this bag people! I keep carrying it from room to room with me but realize that it's less of an everyday bag and more of a going out bag. Thank you so much Ryan for such a wonderful present. I love you so much and you have made me one happy girl! xo

I Am A Closet Hat Junkie

With the exception of the black and brown fedora, I have gotten all of these hats in the past 12 months! Can we talk about how often I do posts of me in hats? Umm, maybe 4 times this year! lol I wear them more then I post in them, but for the amount of hats I have, I should be posting 1 a week. Enter the realization that I have a closet hat addiction.
Realizing I have a problem is the first step. The second? No, not buying less hats, post me wearing them more! ;)
Now can we talk about how cute my 2 newest hats are. The green one is from Shop Frankies and the navy blue from Forever 21. See, hat junkie!! ;)


Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you all have a safe and wonderful holiday! xo

What guys really think

Sequins

Sequins is the new black by lili1600 featuring platform heels

Christopher Kane sequin evening dress

$6,720 - net-a-porter.com

Marchesa silk evening dress

£3,465 - net-a-porter.com

Sequin evening dress

£65 - topshop.com

Dorothy Perkins sequin top

$25 - dorothyperkins.com

Megan Park fitted jacket

$795 - lespommettes.com

Black jacket

oqvestir.com.br

TopShop sequin shorts

$90 - topshop.com

Christian Louboutin platform heels

$1,695 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Prada shoes

$302 - bluefly.com

Santi beaded handbag

£165 - liberty.co.uk

Friis Company clutch handbag

€31 - shopfriiscompany.com

Lisa: I love sequins for this season! Holiday parties, date nights, and New years eve pretty much call for them. ;) It's a great way to sparkle when you are out and feel dressed up with out doing much. I think all girls should have something (or a few somethings) in sequin in their wardrobe.

Ryan: I sincerely like this look on girls. But I think the inherent risk in sequins is somewhat like a flashy "club shirt" on a dude - if the occasion is wrong or if you don't wear it right, it can make you look insecure, or like you're trying too hard. I think Lisa's call on "events" - holiday parties etc is pretty dead-on - you'll look like a sexy xmas present if you do it right. Just make sure your dude leaves his faded Kohl's polo in the closet & makes an effort too!

Gluten free Layered Chocolate-Peanut butter Fudge: Cookie #6

Again, not a cookie, but these are too good not to add to my holiday treats! I shared this Kraft recipe with you in a post last month, and I'm still blowing peoples minds everywhere I bring them! They are beyond easy to make!


Recipe:

What you'll need:
1 pkg. (8 squares) Baker's semi-sweet chocolate
3/4 cup canned sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup cocktail peanuts, chopped
1 pkg. (6 squares) Baker's white chocolate
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Make it:
Microwave semi-sweet chocolate and milk in microwaveable bowl on high for 2 mins. stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Sir in nuts. Spread onto bottom of foil-lined 8-inch square pan.

Microwave white chocolate in separate microwaveable bowl on high 1 to 1 and 1/2 mins. stirring after 1 min. Stir until melted. Add peanut butter, stir until melted. Spread over semi-sweet chocolate layer.

Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Cut into squares.

So here they are! I ended up with 6 kinds of yummy gluten free cookies and treats this year. I am very happy with the results and can't wait to pass more out and the 4 Christmas parties we will be attending on Saturday and Sunday!


*back to 1 post per day starting tomorrow! phheewwww ;)

Glueten Free Chocolate Covered Pretzels: Cookie #5

I know, I know, technically these are not a cookie. I can not leave these out though because they are so darn good! I made them last year too, but tweaked the recipe to make it gluten free and used different candy.

Recipe:

Small circle pretzels (I used gluten free pretzel twists)
peppermint kisses (I used regular kisses and rolos)
red and green m&m's. (the holiday kind were out, so I had to get red and green the old fashion way, separate colors! ;)

Line a baking tray with parchment paper or use a nonstick pan. Put down the pretzel and then the kiss in the middle - throw in the oven (325 degrees) for a few minutes. Once you see the top of the kiss start to melt take them out, I have learned the hard way that if you leave them in too long they will never melt and instead get really weird. Once they are out very quickly place the m&m on the top in the middle using it to squish the kiss to fit the pretzel. When they are all done out them in the fridge for about 5 minutes to cool and viola! These are so cutesy holiday and you can freeze them which makes them even better :)

**I put mine outside instead of the fridge and it worked just fine!




**Check back today at 5:00pm to see the last holiday treat I made this season!

Gluten Free Snickerdoodles: Cookie #4

This is my first year making snickerdoodles and this recipe did not disappoint! I found it on Celiac.com .

Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups granulated cane sugar
1 cup shortening, butter or other non-dairy alternative (e.g Earth Balance® Buttery Sticks/Shortening Sticks)
2 large eggs
2 ¾ cup Jules Gluten Free all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tartar
¼ tsp. salt

Topping:
2 Tbs. granulated cane sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients together: Jules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour; baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Add to wet ingredient bowl and mix until thoroughly incorporated.
Cover tightly and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 400 F (static) or 375 F (convection).
Shape dough into 1-inch balls by rolling in the palms of your hands. Roll each ball in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-9 minutes, or until lightly browning and puffed. Remove to cool on a wire rack; the cookies will sink slightly in the middle when cooled – this is normal.
Yield: approximately 3 dozen cookies.

These are delish and the kids (and hubby) love them!

** Last 2 cookies tomorrow at 7:00am and 5:00pm

Gluten Free Almond Spritz Press Cookies: Cookie #3

When I was little my mom made these cookies every year. She would make trees and wreaths and we each got our initial cookie to boot! ;)
This year I wanted to try to do these traditional cookies but alter them to be gluten free. The day I was making these, my mom was not home to give me the recipe. I searched around online and found this version on food.com.



Recipe:

1 cup shortening (I used organic butter)
3/4 cup sugar (I used raw sugar)
1 egg (I used omega-3 eggs)
2 1/4 cups sifted flour (I used gluten free flour)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon almond extract
food coloring (I used natural coloring)
Directions:

1
Cream shortening, adding sugar in gradually.
2
Add unbeaten egg, sifted dry ingredients, flavoring and a few drops of food coloring. Mix well.
3
Fill cookie press. Form cookies on ungreased cookie sheets using the tree plate. Decorate with tiny multi-colored sprinkles.
4
Bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Cool just slightly and remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. (If you wait too long, they will break when you try to move them.).

Sadly these are my least favorite of this years line up. They were brittle and I lost many getting them off the pan. Maybe I should have searched for a gluten free version and not subbed so many items out?. My son likes them so that's all that matters, but I would recommend you not make the same mistake that I did and find a different recipe.

* Check back today at 5:00pm for the next cookie recipe!

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies: Cookie #2

These are the BEST EVER!!! I made these last year (but not gluten free) so I counted them out of this years line up. Thankfully Dana Vasey was nice enough to share Paula Dean's gluten free recipe with me!




Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 large egg (I used omega-3)
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter (I used organic salted)
• 1 cup sugar (I used raw sugar)
• 30 chocolate Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped 

Directions

Heat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a mixer bowl, beat together the egg, peanut butter, and sugar until a dough forms.

Shape the dough into small balls and place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes. Remove baking sheet from oven and immediately press a chocolate kiss in the middle of each cookie.

Transfer to a rack and cool.

* 2 more cookies again tomorrow at 7:00am and 5:00pm!

It's holiday cookie time! Cookie #1

This year we are having a gluten free holiday. I shopped for gluten free flour, natural food coloring, soy free (and some dairy free) chocolate, raw sugar, almond milk, organic butter and eggs, and natural organic peanut butter, gluten free pretzels, and yes some regular chocolate like M&M's and Hershey. I am attempting 6 kinds this year, so here we go!


First up, Chocolate Chip cookies (I made these last year too). I simply used the classic Nestle Tollhouse recipe and subbed items to be gluten free flour, raw sugar, enjoy life chips, and organic butter and eggs.

They turned out delish! They were thinner then the regular tollhouse cookies usually are, but I think they taste better! (yeah, I said it!)
You can find the nestle recipe here.

Come back later today at 5:00pm to see cookie #2

A "made for you" dress

I was recently contacted by eShakti and given a product sample to review. eShakti.com is an online store that allows custom changes in the style of your garment (ie. sleeve, neckline, length). "Shakti means power in Sanskrit. eShakti therefore means the power of the Net. We believe the Internet empowers customers and helps companies be customer-centered."
After searching around the site I decided on the Banded waist cotton poplin dress. Then I was able to alter the dress to my taste! I took the length up a bit and sent in my measurements. Here is the finished product:





Dress: c/o eShakti, Blazer: Urban Outfitters, Earrings: Jewelmint, Bangle: c/oKristin Hassan, Shoes: Jessica Simpson, Tights: Target, Broach: Express, Ring: Judith Jack

eShakti ships to US and Canada and all custom orders go out within 3 business days! I've got to say, I'm a fan. I also love the prices as most products range from $49 to $90.
I wore my new red dress to my first of 5 Christmas parties. It was perfect! Just the right length for toting the kids around and bending to do presents. Truth be told I felt a little like I belonged on the Mad Men set this day ;)

**Starting tomorrow there will be 2 posts a day leading up to Christmas (1st at 7:00am and 2nd at 5:00pm). I am having a bit of a cookie week again this year and have lots of yummy treats to post.

Thank you winter, I am offically white. Like really white

Dress: Express, Jacket: Forever 21, Shoes: shoemint, Necklace: shop jules, Ball necklace: Jewelmint, Ring: Banana Republic

I need a tan. Badly. Problem is, I don't fake n bake and if I use lotions or spray tan on this base (or lack there of) I'll just turn orange. Any suggestions? Otherwise, I'll need to start wearing tight or hosiery at all times! ;)
Now lets talk hair. When I got my hair cut, my color from 5 months ago showed up more. I got lots of highlights under so I'd have some peeking through. Well now I've got a case of 2 toned hair. Love, hate? I'm torn...
Sick of the shoes and my necklaces yet? Too bad, I'm in love! ;)

Making new traditions

How many of you guys made and decorated gingerbread houses growing up? I was not one of them. I'm not sure why, but my mom made a crap ton (I'm talking over 5 kinds) of cookies every year and worked a full time job so my guess is there wasn't really time.
I decided this year we would start a new tradition and give it a try! My son LOVED it! He actually sat for 70 minutes and put each piece of candy on. He eats gluten free so we can't eat our house, but next year I think I'll make the pieces from scratch. I think I'll also go for more organic chocolate and other "better for you" candy next year as he ate so much of it in the process! ;)
Here is what we did:

Blue Suede Shoes

Blazer: Express, Top: Stylemint, Jeans: Guess, Shoes: Lulus, Bracelet: Kristin Hassan, Ring: Tiffany & CO, Earrings: C/O Shopjules

I want to start out by saying shame on me! I was given these amazing blue suede shoes for Christmas last year, and this is the first time I have worn them (I'm so sorry Kaitlyn!).
I love them! I was going through my shoe boxes and came across these at the bottom of my pile. SCORE!
This is what I wore to meet up with some friends for pizza night. I can't believe how well behaved our kids were this night so myself and the hubs had a great time catching up with our friends from out of town. What more can what out of life? Great friends, well behaved children, and great shoes! ;)

This weeks "I want what she has!"

This weeks "I want what she has!" goes to Rebecca Ahasic. She is adorable head to toe, but I am loving those shoes!

Heels: $80 (on sale) Rachel Roy

I just love me a great deal but even more so I love it when you meet a super sweet person who (as an added bonus) has great taste too! These shoes are beautiful Rebecca and it was so nice meeting you at the CBN Rent the Runway party last week.

Everyone needs a house coat/sweater

Sweater: Simply Vera Wang, Tank: Forever 21, Jeans: Gap, Heart ring and Necklace: Jewelmint, Shoes: Shoemint, Sunnies: MNG by Mango

Sweaters are a big part of my winter wear, and I have been searching for a great house sweater for some time now. Well, Cyber Monday hit and I found this one highly discounted at Kohls. I am in love! It's super cozy and just the right amount of warm.
Now can we discuss these shoes? OBSESSED!!!! You are going to get so sick of them because I will never take them off. Seriously. ;)
Loving the "mints" as of late. Well played Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth!