Outfit: Fancy that

Dress: Shoshanna from Rent the Runway, Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), 2 Set Bangle: T Plus J Designs, Bangle: J Good, Earrings: Express

In honor of the Oscars I decided to get real fancy for my B-day weekend. Isn't this Shoshanna dress amazing! I love that you can rent it and not break the bank. ;) Plus Rent the Runway sent me a $20 b-day credit so I had to cash in!

What do you think?

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Gluten Free Extra Crunchy Chicken Tenders

My mom got me this great cook book called "Recipes for Gluten-Free Kids" and I knew I had to try the crispy chicken strips first as they are my son's favorite food.

I am a firm believer that a recipe is more of a rough draft and you then improvise and make it work with what you have in your home. I did not have a few ingredients and didn't like some of the ones it says to use, so I made it up as I went along!

Here is what the recipe from the book say:

Ingredients:

2 cups gluten-free corn flakes

1 cup gluten-free pretzels

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon mustard powder

1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon gluten-free soy sauce

1 pound chicken tenders

nonstick cooking spray

bbq sauce or honey mustard (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Combine corn flakes and pretzels in food processor, pulse until coarse crumbs form.

2. Pour crumbs in shallow dish, stir in garlic powder, paprika and mustard powder. Combine flour blend, salt and black pepper in another shallow dish. Combine eggs and soy sauce in third shallow dish.

3. Coat chicken with seasoned flour blend: shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, drain. Transfer to crumb mixture; coat both sides with crumbs.

4. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Working in batches brown chicken on both sides; transfer to large cookie sheet.

5. Bake 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with bbq sauce or honey mustard for dipping.

I had chicken breasts so I used those instead of tenders or cutting the breasts up.

I used 2 kinds of cereal and pretzels instead of corn flakes.

My food processor was not working so I smashed the cereal and pretzels on my counter. ;)

I skipped the soy sauce and mustard powder.

I ended up baking for 20 minutes.

Here is what my version looked like:

I highly recommend this recipe (or my version at least) as it was BEYOND de-lish! I also used just regular honey to dip it in and doubled the recipe so we could all have yummy crunchy chicken breasts for 2 days!

Giveaway: Eucerin Skin Care products and $25 Visa Gift card

As a member of CBN I was teamed up Eucerin for a really great product review and giveaway! Here is some info:
"This month we’d like to send you a “Love Your Skin Kit” on behalf of Eucerin. This care package includes the amazing Eucerin products below that help improve skin’s moisture along with a $25 Visa Gift Card to give your skin care regimen a boost!

• Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Crème (8 oz.) Is a gentle, non-greasy formula that combines calming oatmeal and rich emollients to help relieve dry, itchy skin for softer, healthier-looking and more comfortable skin.
• Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash (8.4 oz.), is a unique body wash formulation that combines soap-free cleansing with omega oils and other natural lipids to nourish and soothe.
• Eucerin Skin Calming Itch-Relief (6.8 fl. oz.) is an external analgesic lotion for itchy skin flare-ups with cooling menthol and natural oatmeal for effective relief that lasts up to 8 hours."

I have been using all 3 products for over a week now and I love all 3!
-The daily moisturizing crème is wonderful. It doesn't leave a greasy feeling and keeps your hydrated and smooth. I have actually been using it on my kids as well. This time of year we all have super dry skin! Gotta love winter! ;)
-I was a little scared of the body wash because it is an oil. I was wrong to be scared! It's wonderful! I get out of the shower already feeling like my skin is not only clean, but also hydrated.
- I used the calming itch-relief on my elbows and ankles. They don't itch, but they are the driest parts of me! This stuff rocks! There is a cooling sensation that happens and it's pretty wonderful! ;)


"For your readers looking for more information about how to take care of your skin, Dr. Sarnoff and Dr. Ingleton, your 2012 Eucerin Skin First Council Members and experts when it comes to the health of your skin will be sharing their tips and answering your questions for healthy, lovely skin on the Eucerin Facebook page.

When your readers visit the Eucerin Facebook page, they can get a FREE sample of the Eucerin Skin Calming Crème to help keep their skin moisturized and looking healthy this winter! All they have to do to receive a sample is “like” the Eucerin Facebook Page and follow the instructions on how to take the Eucerin Skin First Pledge."

To enter to win all 3 Eucerin Skin care products and a $25 Visa gift card simply "like" Eucerin on Facbook.
-For an extra entry follow Eucerin on Twitter
(leave one comment for each you do)

*This giveaway is open to US readers of 18 years and older. Winner will be announced 3-8-12 at 7:00am. Good luck!

Outfit: Colored Denim

Top: Loft, Jeans: Express, Necklace: Jewelmint, Bracelet: Kristin Hassan (style sold out), Shoes: Rocket Dog

This is a perfect example of everyday wear for me. Hair day 3 so top knot it is, colored denim, cozy knit, and minimal jewelry (yes, this is minimal! lol). Is anyone else super pumped for color denim shorts for spring/summer?! I am. Getting them in green and blue for sure. And maybe yellow....okay, and maybe orange. We'll see ;)

*Today is the last day to get 20% off on all Kristin Hassan Jewelry by using code LISA20 at checkout. 

My New Bags

The hubby treated me to bags for my b-day this year. Let me explain, he said here is X number of dollars and buy yourself bags. Okay, I can work with this! In fact, I love this idea of buying what I want!
I knew I wanted to shop at Piperlime because they sent me a $30 b-day gift card. My first find was this new Kate Spade case for my IPad:

It is $50 so after my gift card I had only used $20 of my b-day bag money. Up next I wanted to find a wallet/small clutch. I have way too many items I carry in my wallet so I was due for a new one. I got this beautiful floral Fossil one:

Beautiful right?! I love it! Since I was on a bit of a Fossil kick I found this amazing crossbody bag in mint and knew right away it had to be mine!

I just adore all the gold hardware. I also love how the inside of the strap is canvas. SWOON. I am so happy with my new bags! My hubby knows me well enough to know I always love being told what to shop for. Plus I've been lusting over bags lately so I kinda got my fix. It was a win win!

Outfit: Casual Chic

Cardigan: Piperlime, Blouse: Forever 21 (similar), Jeans: Gap, Shoes: Victoria's Secret,Swan Bangle: C/O Kristin Hassan, Chain Ring: Tiffany & CO

For a blouse I spent less then $20 on, I sure have been getting a lot of use out of it! (LOVE great finds like that, don't you?!)

I decided to pair it with a flowy cardigan, jeans, boots, and simple accessories to meet up with the family for a dinner. Causal can be chic after all. ;)

In other news, time for a bang trim! I hate when they are too long to wear down but too short to side sweep properly. I think next month I am FINALLY going to get my color done again (last done in August 2011). Obviously staying dark on top (who has time to do touch ups often?), but I think I'll be putting the highlights underneath back in. Thoughts?

*Don't forget all Stiletto and Diaper Bags readers can get 20% off all Kristin Hassan jewelry now through Sunday night by using code LISA20 at checkout

Outfit: Vita Wrap Dress

Coat: Victoria's Secret, Dress: Kristin Hassan, Tights: Target, Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), Hinged Arm Bangle: C/O Kristin Hassan, Necklace: Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar (style from 2007), Earrings: Jewelmint, Sunnies: MNG by Mango

Every season Kristin Hassan puts out her signature wrap dress in different prints and colors. This style is so flattering on all body types I just had to pick up one in this beautiful print! I just love the colors and feather design, just the right amount of color for the winter months (let's be honest, this dress would also work in the spring/summer months as well so get ready to see it year round). Kristin has a few dresses still in stock so email her if you'd like to snag one of the last ones! ($155, kristinhassan@yahoo.com)
And don't forget all Stiletto and Diaper Bags readers can get 20% off all Kristin Hassan jewelry now through sunday night by using code LISA20 at checkout.

Outfit: Saturday Afternoon

Coat: Nordstrom, Knit: Piperlime, Tank: Forever 21, Jeans: Gap, Triple wrap Watch: C/O Kristin Hassan, Necklace: Gift, Sunnies: MNG by Mango

This is what I wore to run errands and have lunch out with my beautiful family over the weekend. The sun was out, I was with my 3 most favorite people in the world, and this was my go to cozy knit with jeans look.

Now, can we talk about my new triple wrap wrist watch?! LOVE! This is one of Kristin Hassan's new spring styles and they come in metallics (like mine), red, tan, and pink or limited time colors of purple, watermelon, and teal. Who doesn't love pretty arm candy?! They retail for $58 but by using the code LISA20 at checkout you can get 20% off now through Sunday night! Happy shopping ;)

*In other news, today is my 33rd B-day. I love birthdays! I am not one of those people who thinks that my age is old, I'm happy that I have been given another year on this planet and time with my family. We celebrated over the weekend with everyone (both sides of the family) and now today I am having lunch with my mother-in-law and doing a little shopping. ;) 

Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar Design Contest

Erin of Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar has come up with an amazing idea for the readers of Stilettos and Diaper Bags! I told you in yesterday's post how amazing the customizable feature is on their website, so here's your chance to show us what you've got!

Head over to Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar and design a piece of jewelry. It can be any style/type you want (necklace, earrings, bracelets, etc)! When you are finished save the photo to your computer and email the image to me at sadbblog@yahoo.com.

I took all of 5 minutes and threw together 2 designs to give you guys some examples. The first is my family charm bracelet:

It has my kids initials and birth stones and mine/my hubbys (we have the same birth month) birth stone as well! 

The second I just play around with one of my favorite necklace designs and came up with this colorful number:

I will put all the photos that are emailed to me up on my Facebook page. 

Next week Erin and I will pick our favorite 3 designs and feature them in a post.  At that point you the readers will pick which design is the favorite. 

The winner of this contest will get a $100 gift card to Erin Gallagher's Gem bar! Good luck everyone, and have fun!!! One entry per person please and don't forget to send your name along with the photo. I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!

Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar

For those of you who don't know, I used to design and assemble jewelry for Erin Gallagher Jewelry now known as Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar. When I recently looked at her website I was BLOWN AWAY!! The selection of jewelry has always been amazing, but the customizable feature has come such a long way and can now be done with pretty much every piece they create! If you want to change up an item that is not customizable online, simply go into their store and design your dream piece with a member of the EG team! I LOVE THAT! Here are some of my favorite pieces for sale (not only online but also at their store in Chicago).

They specialize not only in custom jewelry, but also in bridal jewelry (I had my jewelry as well as my bridesmaids jewelry done by the EG team). I have to say I kinda want to get married again (to my hubby of course!) so I can wear some of these STUNNING pieces! Here are some of my bridal favorites:

The best thing about the website is the custom feature. You can choose gem color, chain type and length, charms, and pretty much create whatever you want to fit your taste and price.
Check back tomorrow for a VERY EXCITING Erin Gallagher's Gem Bar announcement just for Stilettos and Diaper Bag readers! I have to say it's a really awesome opportunity for you guys.... 

Recipe: Gluten Free Taco Salad

Now I'm just making stuff up. Seriously, I always cook from recipes, but this day I decided to combine some of my favorite salad secrets from my mom and add whatever else we had. This is my version of (ground) Turkey taco salad.

Ingredients:

-1 lb. organic ground turkey

-1 can black beans

-jar medium salsa

-romaine lettuce

-corn tortilla chips

-shredded cheese

-avocado

dressing:

-salsa

-reduced fat ranch dressing

Directions:

Brown ground turkey and add black beans and 1/2 jar of the salsa. Set aside.

Wash lettuce and chop.

In bowl, layer lettuce, turkey/bean/salsa mix, avocado, and top with salsa/ranch dressing. Crumble corn chips on top and serve.

I got all 3 other of my family members to eat this! My hubby doesn't eat veggies, so I was happy he fell for it! ;)

Outfit: Stay-cation Night 2

Dress: Tinley Road, Blazer: Urban Outfitters (similar), Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar), Bracelet: C/O Shop Frankie's, Ring: C/O Sole Society

For the second night of our stay-cation we headed to the Harrington Inn and Spa in Geneva. This place is so romantic. Our room had a balcony that over looked water and a gazebo. Everything was so beautiful and antique looking. (*please note the lace drapes ;) It was pretty cool to stay in the same place that Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson had stayed as well! 

The plan was to get massages and then go to dinner in the hotel. As I said a couple of days ago we were on a bit of a "roll with the punches" weekend. My massage was not great (I ended up with not any upper back/neck relief that I so desperately  needed and got pretty badly bruised on my upper leg. Not ideal!) and the restaurant we wanted to go to was booked 3 hours out. (Yes, I realize that I just complained about a massage. I require them now that's I've had 2 spinal fusions so please keep that in mind. Okay, and yes I am spoiled ;)
We ended up drinking a bottle of champagne in our room and then gave in and ate at the bar to not wait. The night ended up being so fun! I guess when you are out with your best friend it really doesn't matter what you do!
We really enjoyed (and needed) the 2 nights away from the kids to relax and unwind. The timing was perfect too as it was our Valentine's Day, my hubby's B-day, and my B-day all rolled into one weekend of fun! (my b-day is next week).
What do you think of this Tinley Road silk dress? I love it, but wish I would have brought static guard and perhaps a steamer! Ahh, what can you do?!

Bag Mania

Has anyone else been turning heads at the amount of amazing bags that are around right now?! I am usually a jewelry girl, but lately I want every bag I see (so unlike me). Here are a few of my current favorites. I want them all. Yes, that's right, not just one or two, but all of them. ;) Lust with me if you will....

TIGNANELLO DOUBLE ZIP ITEM CROSSBODY, BOTKIER EDEN SATCHEL, Cambridge Satchel Company Orange Fluro Cracked Leather Satchel

Rebecca Minkoff MAC (canvas bag), Kate Spade New York Mott Street Fisher, LUCKY BRAND TOPANGA CANYON FRINGE MEDIUM CROSSBODY

BIG BUDDHA CASANDRA, Elliott Lucca Cordoba Clutch , YVES SAINT LAURENT

Banana Republic Linda Color Block Tote, Zatchels Exclusive To ASOS 14.5" Leather Satchel, Free People Studded Madame C Bag

Is anyone else drooling?! ;) Which is your favorite?

Outfit: Stay-Cation Night 1

Top: American Eagle, Cardigan Shrug: Gigi Bottega, Jean Leggings: Express (similar), Boots: Colin Stuart (similar)(similar), Clutch: Shoedazzle, Ring: C/O Sole Society, Necklace: Self Made

My in-laws were nice enough to take the kids for the weekend so myself and the hubs decided to call the weekend stay-cation 2012. It ended up being the type of weekend where everything goes wrong, but everything still falls into place. Here is the story of our first night.

We dropped off the kids and headed to go see a movie. It had sold out. We headed toward a second theater and called only to find, again sold out. Okay, back up plan. We wanted to grab dinner at PF Chang since we had a $50 gift card there only to find the wait was 2 hours long. So we went to a different restaurant where 2 of our friends work. We had so much fun! The plan was to see a movie and eat free, what we did was eat great food, get a little buzzed, and see some friends we haven't seen in what seems like a lifetime. I'd say this night turned around quite nicely.

After dinner we headed to a childless home and watched In Time with the volume up and the subwoofer on. ;) We are such rebels! lol All and all, stay-cation night 1=success!
**I'd like to wish my amazng hubby a very happy birthday today! I love you babe, you are my world! xo

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Shoe Organization

Some may say I have too many pairs of shoes. I disagree. I feel I just don't have enough room for my shoe collection. Tomato tomato.

My solution, get storage bins for under my bed to store spring/summer shoes in during the winter (and vice-versa). I think these are genius. I now have tons of room in the hall closet for my boots and current shoes that are in rotation. Plus hubby is happy when there is less clutter so it is win win.

*please note hubby's shoes in there as well. He too has a few pair of shoes in his collection! ;)

**Happy Valentine's Day to all my lovely followers! Hope you all have an amazing day! xo

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GiGi Bottega in Evanston

Dress: Threadsence, Necklace: Pree Brulee, Shoes: Shoemint (similar), Ring: Jewelmint, Bangles: T plus J Designs, Clutch: Shoedazzle

Myself and Kaitlyn went to a boutique party at GiGi Bottega last week and had such a wonderful time. The store is right in downtown Evanston (612 Davis Street Evanston, IL 60201) and carries a wide range of designers including BB Dakota and Blu Pepper. The boutique has just recently opened and I think the set up is beautiful (she even found gorgeous hardwood floors under what was once carpeted! Score!!). Here are some photos I took while walking around the store. We got there first so we were able to get some great shots! ;) The first photo is of me and the store owner Gina (how adorable is she!?).

Yes, fellow CBN blogger Mariposa of the Clever Clipper was there too! 

I tried on about 8 items and ended up leaving with the 2 I loved the most. Darn you budget (shakes fist in air)!! I am kicking myself for not snagging that amazing neon BB Dakota dress, but I can always go back. ;)

If you are in the Evanston area, Gigi Bottega is for sure a place to check out. Besides having great inventory (clothes, jewelry, bags, scarfs, etc) the boutique is beautiful and the owner is beyond sweet! You can check out her website here or email questions to shop@gigibottega.com. (Open Mon-Sat. 10-7 and Sun. 12-5)

There was also a pop-up trunk show for Stella & Dot at the boutique that night. Here are some photos of their classic designs and a bit of their amazing spring line. The necklace in the first photo is called the Zahara Bib Necklace....SWOON!

You can check out their full jewelry line here. If you are wanting to throw a Stella & Dot party or order any items you can contact Suzette Lipker at suzettelipker@gmail.com (or www.stelladot.com/suzettelipker). She is so sweet and said she would drive to many different towns to have parties. (I live 50 mins from Evanston and my house was not too far for her to travel!)

Happy Shopping ladies (and gents)!