J.E.M. Apparel Giveaway winner and Roasted vegetables with orzo for dinner {recipe}

The winner of any item from J.E.M. Apparel is...




....Giovanna of Swoon Online! 

Congratulations my dear!  Please e-mail me within 3 days at cncliving {@}gmail.com with the item you'd like, size, and mailing address.

Now onto a staple dish in our house - roasted vegetables and orzo.  This lovely vegetarian meal is fresh, flavorful, and addictive.  I love to roast vegetables year round (it's easy and hands free so why not?!) and toss it into pasta or frittatas.  I especially like this dish because the lemon and pine nuts really add an extra dimension to the dish; feta can also add a nice richness though it's still a tasty vegan dish without it.  The mix of vegetables is also flexible and fun - use a mix that works for you.  
My husband loves the smaller shape and taste of orzo, so much so that every time we go back to the US, I buy a few boxes to bring back (I don't know why they don't sell this shape here.)

This is adapted from Barefoot Contessa (I personally find she can be too heavy handed with the oil and lemon sometimes!)

Orzo with roasted vegetables

Ingredients:

- 1 small zucchini, sliced or diced*

- 2 bell peppers (red or yellow), sliced or diced*

- 1 red onion, peeled and sliced or diced*
- 1-2 tomatoes (depending on size), diced

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1/4 cup good olive oil

- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

- 1/3 to 1/2 pound orzo or rice-shaped pasta (I usually go with less pasta)

* I personally prefer larger chunks of vegetables though diced vegetables will have more consistent size!

For the dressing:

- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)

- 1/4 cup good olive oil

- 1 teaspoon kosher salt

- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

To assemble:

- 1/4 cup pignolis (pine nuts), toasted

- 3/4 pound good feta, 1/2-inch diced (optional)

- 15 fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Toss the zucchini, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large sheet pan. Roast for 30 minutes, until browned, turning once with a spatula.  I like to leave it in the oven for an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it's cooked through.

3. Meanwhile, cook the orzo in boiling salted water for 7 to 9 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl. 

Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, scraping all the liquid and seasonings from the roasting pan into the pasta bowl.
4. Toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant (can be done in a dry pan over medium heat).

5. For the dressing, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper and pour on the pasta and vegetables. Let cool to room temperature, then add the pignolis (and basil and feta if you're using it). Check the seasonings, and serve at room temperature.

{Luxe Lust}/Travel Thoughts: Hermès, La Maison Furnishings in the Left Bank, Paris

*Last day to enter the spring wardrobe kick-off giveaway from J.E.M. Apparel - you can tweet every day!*

Jean-Michel Frank, French interior designer extraordinaire, has collaborated with Hermès to create their new La Maison home furnishings line.  This line is showcased at the new store on the Left Bank in Paris.  In addition, the store (as well as US stores) will feature wallpapers and fabrics reminiscent of iconic Hermès scarves.  A small carpet, pillow, or furniture with signature scarf craftsmanship would be a luxurious centerpiece in a room (and doesn't have to be as big a splurge as a piece of furniture!)  
The Left Bank store is a converted municipal swimming pool and the wood lattice huts are a site to see.  Why not peruse the furnishings and rest at the Le Plongoir cafe after a day of walking through the Parisian streets?  If anything, you can experience the store and see if anything is worth taking back with you! 


Ahh what else is a luxurious and relaxing place to visit in Paris?

 

{Source}

{Accessories/jewelry}: Hanging tough with Snakes, skulls, and wolves oh my!

*Remember to enter the spring wardrobe kick-off giveaway from J.E.M. Apparel - you can tweet every day!*

Can one be quintessentially feminine, dress in lace, and wear items emblazoned with skulls, snakes, wolves or daggers?
I am a lover of pink, chiffon, and floral prints but find myself increasingly drawn to these dangerous images in accessories, jewelry, and shoes.  Little by little, my love for all things tough, particularly the Alexander McQueen knuckle box clutch (the 3-D detail is divine and a worthy splurge!) has developed into some serious web stalking.  
These somewhat scary symbols are subtle and sensual when they are transformed into small statement pieces of jewelry or a belt buckle.  So why not pick up an unexpected, dangerous accessory? These items come in a wide range of prices from nOir jewelry with many pieces under $100 to vintage pieces like the 18k gold ruby ring (stunning detail!) - there is something for everyone!

Here are a few favorites.

Alexander McQueen knuckle box clutch, Alexander McQueen, $1,995

Chocolate snake buckle leather belt, Topshop, £35

Alexander McQueen Brass Bird skull ring, Net-a-Porter, £153.19

Slithering snake cuff, Rachel Roy, $42
Alexander McQueen Swarovski crystal and butterfly ring, Zappos, $280

Isabella Wolf Fang Earrings, Wendy Brandes Jewelry, $665

Oxidized silver spine ring, Shaun Leane, £155

Vintage 18k Gold Ruby Enamel Snake Serpent Ring, Portero Luxury, $695
Daggers Hoop earrings by nOir Jewelry

Do you have any dangerous accessories/jewelry?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Keep Moving

A moving body whose motion was not retarded by any resisting force would continue to move to all eternity.
Hermann von Helmholtz

"Body Motion" by Dirk Rees

Sometimes everything gets really tiring - the daily grind, houses/apartments to maintain, and errands that need to be completed.  A break is definitely needed.  Take the break but also know when to move forward and make a positive adjustment to your routine.  It is easy to become complacent and not want to take a step ahead.  But if you go with a forward momentum, you may discover new things that could change everything (hopefully for the better!)  It may not be easy, but the results could be worth it.

Keep moving, don't let anything stop you, and find something wonderful!
To the #shredcrew girls, I'm with you on the fitness routine (in my own small way, I'm still sick!)

Have a lovely week!

Worthy reads roundup - Giveaway - Spring Wardrobe kick-off via J.E.M. Apparel, For Japan with Love, and a new algae based beauty line

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Photo Love - Unexpectedly sowing hope
- Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Kick off your spring wardrobe and enter to win anything from J.E.M. Apparel!
- Are chairs just chairs or is there one that really shows off your personality?
- Bookworms and fashionistas unite with Kate Spade's book of the month clutches!
- Sale time at the Outnet!
- Links à la Mode - March 24th

Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Actors as artists?  Yes when it comes to raising money for the Winnicott Foundation Ball - Jude Law's work below raised £1000 for premature/sick baby units

- Algenist, a new beauty line meant to protect aging skin comes to life in another round of sea matter becomes a cosmetic item - would you try it?

- Tangerine is one of this season's hottest colors - would you wear it?

- Couture Carrie always selects such fun outfits - now she selects her favorite picks if she had a million dollars (ooh imagine if you had a $1 million shopping spree - would you buy this Dolce & Gabbana dress like me?)

Links à la Mode: March 24th

Hi darlings and hope you're having a great weekend!

I am honored once again to be part of Links à la Mode for March 24th.  I am especially happy because my short and simple post highlighted a few areas where we can all contribute in some way to Japanese relief, including how we can shop and give at the same time!
This week, I also enjoyed reading about the making of Hermes scarves and how to make your own fishtail braid (intrigued and want to experiment with this myself).

As the World Turns, Edited by Fajr of StylishThought.com

With so much going on in the world, the Japan earthquake, the upheaval in Libya, the aftermath of John Galliano’s actions and the social phenomenon that is Charlie Sheen, it’s great to see the fashion blogging community talking about the issues and bringing a little light with the fancy of fashion! Included in this week’s amazing links: Shopping to Aid Japan Relief, an outfit post for Charlie Sheen, exploring the new neon trend and behind the scenes of how Hermes scarves are made!

Links à la Mode: March 24th

• Arash Mazinai- Bling Bang: Exploring the Blood Diamond Trade
• Chic 'n Cheap Living- For Japan with Love
• Dress with Courage- Do you dress older or younger than you really are?
• Fashion Evolution- Ups and Downs in my Fashion History
• Fumiko Kawa- Two Patterns of Minimalism
• FOTW- When did Fashion become porn?
• Juliette Maxwell- How to Take Runway Pictures
• La Rouge- How to Live in Two Places at Once
• Missemmamm- An Ode to Charlie Sheen
• Miss Viki- Chat with Russian Art Illustrator Lena Ker
• My Heart Blogged- Blogs from the Heart: Citizen Rosebud
• Obsessive Coolness- Should Talent be Boycotted in Favor of Morality?
• Snappy and Snazzy- Rules of Flattery
• Style Bizarre- Beware of what you Wear
• Sugar Coated Style- Cherry Blossoms in the Breeze
• Tres Awesome- Hermes Festival of Craft
• Try It On Me- The Bright Stuff~ A neon color palette brings back memories of 1990's fashion and fun!
• The Button Owl- DIY Fishtail Braid Tutorial
• The View from 5 ft 2- Aldo x Julian Louie x Spring/Summer
• Stylish Thought- 5 Fanciful Frocks for a Swinging Spring

SPONSOR:
Shopbop Sale: Jen Kao, Maison Scotch, Free People, Tibi, Jil Sander, Herve Leger, Tory Burch, & Alexander Wang

FFF - Outnet annual sale, Zoya BOGO Summer colors, and eating for charity

*Remember to enter the spring wardrobe kick-off giveaway from J.E.M. Apparel - you can tweet every day!*

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

This has been a long week and I am so happy to recuperate at home with the husband and my best friend, Robitussin.

Online promotion (International)

It's Outnet sale time again!  While the items (ahem, Christian Loubotin, Valentino, Pucci) aren't $2 like last year, it's still worth checking out!  International sale starts 9 am GST and US sale starts 11 am EST.

Here are a few items on the clearance rack.

 

(clockwise from top left - Thakoon, Burberry Prorsum, Missoni, Emilio Pucci)

Online promotion (US)
Did you try Zoya last time when they gave away 3 free bottles?  Well if you already have a Zoya account, they have another great promo to buy one/get one free from their summer collections.  Sign into your account, click on "My Account and Promotions", and apply the Zoya Summer BOGO code.  This expires today so act quickly!
I'm in love with all of the matte shades (bright blue, pink, and yellow) - what do you think?
Here are the full details:

The ZOYA Summer BOGO(Buy One, Get One Free) Offer* is good on any 0.5oz open stock bottle of the Zoya Summer Collections (Sunshine, Summertime and Mod Mattes). You can buy up to 7 bottles and get 7 free. As an ADDED BONUS *standard shipping is only $2! (Order more than $55 and shipping will be free!)

Otherwise, I am...

...going to a local French bistro this weekend where all proceeds are going to raise funds for one of the employee's son's heart surgery. French food and a little boy's health are priceless!

{Source}

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fun Finds: Great Expectations Clutch

Literary love + fashion forward fun = Kate Spade's Book of the Month Club clutch

Great Expectations Book clutch, Kate Spade, $325

Why not make a literary statement as a fashion statement?  This could totally fit my Kindle too - nice!

Do you have any unexpectedly fun possessions?

Decor Thoughts: A chair for every personality and a guest post

What can a piece of furniture/decor like a chair say about your personality?

I've come across the following fun chairs and it's interesting what they represent...

Sleek and modern

Baroque and funky

Fun and whimsical

Comic book lover (I read my brother's "Punisher" as a kid)

Always part of a pair

Both modern and traditional

Romantic Francophile with an edgy side

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

I think I flip flop between one of the last two while my husband would live in the first Eames chair (except when I kick him out of it).

What is your chair like and what does it say about you?

There is more decor fun at Design Addict Mom's blog today here where I've guest posted about a classic designer Bill Blass' home - love the neutrals!  Go over and check it out!

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Spring wardrobe kick-off - Win anything of your choice from J.E.M. Apparel (US)

What are you wearing for spring?

Something light and bright?

Mini tux tank, $18

Cuffed Shorts, $46

Stasha Carryall Tote, $60

A vibrant addition to the office?

Ruffled Shoulder Sleeveless top, $25

Prep School Tulip Skirt, $35

Belted trench coat, $78

Are patterns making an appearance?

2-way Striped Dress, $48

Filigree Flower Earrings, $12

Floral Print Trench Coat, $54

Deal alert

Get 15% off now with code "CHICNCHEAP15"

Well you're in luck my dears because I've teamed up with J.E.M. Apparel to give away your choice of any item from the website (apparel, jewelry, accessories) when you comment below!  Use the discount code on their already reasonable prices to shop now!

{Le Rules}

1. This is for the Chic 'n Cheap Living family (aka blog followers - Blogger, BlogLovin, Google or other Reader) only because you rock!  New followers are always welcome!

2. Please include your e-mail address if you do not have a blog or Twitter ID.

3. Check the blog to see if you win.  If you win, please e-mail me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner but everyone deserves a fair chance.

First entry:

Comment below - what is your favorite item from the shop AND become a Facebook fan here (if you don't have an account, just say so!)

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win anything from J.E.M. Apparel for your spring wardrobe via @cncliving #fashion #style #giveaways #contests http://su.pr/1UEMKF " (or use the Tweet button below!) - This can be done daily

2. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (I changed Facebook fan pages, please come here!)

3. (+1) Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

4. (+2) (or remind me if you are already) Become a Bloglovin follower here.

I'll leave this contest up until March  30th, 11:59 pm PST .  This is open to readers with readers with US addresses (don't worry international friends, there are more contests that you can join!)

Good luck!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Unexpectedly sowing hope

Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.

Thich Nhat Hanh

{Source}

We've all gone through tough times.  Our initial reactions may be ones of shock and despair paired with an inability to see any positivity in the future.  It reminds me of a desert landscape - a vista of unending monotony that doesn't seem to change.  

But unexpectedly, there may be vitality and hope in the distance.  I am fascinated that fertility in the form of an oasis can exist in such a barren landscape.  But it certainly does and will reward those who are patient enough to find it.

I am starting to feel hopeful for the first time in a long time.  It was certainly a process and I had to create hope.  But with perseverance, a little work, and the right contacts, I am seeing a brighter future.  

Keep on going,  keep on believing, and keep on trying, and hope will get you through today to a brighter tomorrow as well.

Have a great week lovelies!

Worthy reads roundup - Paris/Milan/New York/London Runway inspiration, IFB's Links à la Mode, and Lip art

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Photo Love from Carnevale and a reminder to live life fully!
- In My Closet/{Shop Review}: J.E.M. Apparel - ruffled sweetness!
- {High Street Highlight} - fabulous, crazy Fenton & Fallon for J. Crew necklace
- My favorite inspiration from Autumn/Winter 2011 runways that I want to wear now!
- Early FFF: A few links to show your love for Japan and shop for charity
- IFB's Links à la Mode: March 17th

Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Felt and Wire reported that Kate Spade will has collaborated with 12 artists to create a series of limited edition prints - just lovely!

- I love Hermione/Emma Watson and cosmetics companies do too since she is the newest face for Lancome.

{Source}

- Cheryl introduced me to lips by Paige Thompson - I couldn't go to work like that but how insanely adorable is it?!

- Scientists are still understanding the relationship between exercise, metabolism, and weight (I thought this was already established) and it's interesting to know that women are predisposed to eat more as they exercise more

Links à la Mode: March 17th

Happy weekend darlings!
I am surprised and honored to be included in IFB's (Independent Fashion Blogger's) Links à  la Mode for this past week.  This week's links include an eclectic mix of posts ranging from how to take your fashion blog to the next level to how to shop for an Hermès scarf on eBay (so funny because I plan on writing a post about how to shop on eBay).  Enjoy the post and discover a few new blogs like I did!

It's a bloggy-blog world....


Edited by Jessie Thorpe of Denimology

Hi all! I'm Jessie from Denimology and I am happy to be one of IFB's new Links à la Mode editors! In the last couple of years, bloggers are being heard far and wide and across the globe. I am happy to be sharing the locations around the interwebs that interest little ol' me with all of you. Included in this weeks links: how to fake that you've gotten enough sleep to Gilt's Disaster Relief Fund and a first hand account of Target's Go International dress collection launch. Get to clicking and show your fellow blogger's some lovin'.

Links à la Mode: March 17th

• Aesthetic Alterations: Tips on how to acquire authentic Hermès scarves safely on ebay
• Blah Blah Becky: The fashion world's pattern du jour
• Chic 'n Cheap Living: 70s minimalist chic via Zara's Spring/summer 2011 collection
• ChiTown Fashionista: A quick chat with Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon
• Cross That: intersection of fashion and photography: the dreamy mind of Rodney Smith
• Denimology: Denim Outfit of the week - Denim Outfit of the Week
• Fashables: Target's Go International Designer Collective Dresses Party
• Fashion is Evolution: Why sleep masks rock, how they can be stylish, and my quest to make a masculine one for my boyfriend
• illustrator Claire: Shorts, suspenders and sluttiness
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: The Role of Blogs in the Community
• Joanne Faith: Killer Fashion Blogging: 50 Tips, Tools and Other Tactics to Take Your Fashion Blog to the Next Level
• Make The World A Prettier Place: The Adorable Style of Emma Pillsbury
• Piewacket: Cherry blossoms and a Digital Mag
• Sample Sale Sites: Gilt City Disaster Relief
• Starting From Scratch: How to fake you've gotten plenty of sleep
• Street Stalker: A review of Dior's A/W2011 Collection from Paris Fashion Week and John Galliano's farewell show
• Styling You: How to style a jacket with a maxi skirt
• Superstylin: Style Showdown: Beverly Hills 90210 vs. My So-Called Life
• The Column of Samantha Tyler: When occultism comes to fashion:  too much or brilliant?
• The Fashion Turd: Skull-tastic! Mexican folk mask from House of Guadalupe
• The Style Circuit: Neutrals: Why They're Essential to Any Spring Wardrobe

SPONSOR:
Shopbop Wedding Boutique: Jen Kao, Rodarte, Marcus Lupfer, Bridal Jewelry, Honeymoon Lingerie, Bridal  Shoes, Bags, & Bridesmaid Dresses

Early FFF - For Japan with Love and Shopping to give via Gap Give & Get, Alexis Bittar, and Corter

I'm pushing up this early Fun, Free, Friday so that it ends up posting on Thursday (at least in some places) and word of several charitable outlets and retailers can be spread.

I wanted to take a moment to remember our friends in Japan.  A few bloggers have banned together for a blogging day of silence on Friday and I will take part as well.

If you can, please give to those that have lost so much so suddenly.   Red Cross and Shelterbox are great ways to start.

Donate and shop

1. Alexis Bittar is giving away 100% of his proceeds from this  weekend and next weekend (remember he is a CFDA Accessories Designer of the year winner).

2. In addition, Corter has made these simple leather bracelets "For Japan" here and 100% of proceeds will be donated to Japan relief.

3. Anna Sui has come up with a few t-shirts here for Japan and 100% of proceeds will go to disaster relief.  I like this men's shirt.

4. Tory Burch also has a t-shirt here which is very much in the for Japan with love theme.  All net proceeds go to the American Red Cross.

5. Rebecca Minkoff is giving $100 of every red handbag purchase to the Red Cross.  Start exploring options here. 

6. Nanette Lepore is giving away 10% of all proceeds from internet and boutique sales to the Japanese Red Cross Society (March 31 - April 3)

In other charitable shopping news, you were going to shop anyway, also consider shopping at Gap, Banana Republic or Old Navy this weekend.  Click here, pick a charity, receive 30% off your purchase and 5% goes to a charity of your choice.  Gap has done a great job of making their Give & Get a frequent shopping/charity event.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend lovelies!