By Liz Bey.

Manicures are one of the best things about being a woman – almost every girl loves seeing some color on her nails! And I am no different, and lately I’ve been becoming more obsessed with different colors. If you are up on your nail news then you know about OPI’s new gel polish. It is like the hight of nail couture at the moment because it lasts longer, goes on shinier and smoother and dries in just 30 seconds!

This also means that gel manicures cost more – but I’m looking into trying it out. And with that I just had to share some of the awesome OPI gel nail colors available, they would totally put a little pep in your step on date night.

Personally, I’m way more into darker shades on my nails since I have such fair skin so these are my personal favorites:

And these are some softer, romantic shades that I had to share with you :

By Liz Bey.

Whether you are in a long-term relationship or single (like me), coming up with date ideas can be very tedious and take all the fun and romance out of a relationship. Not good. I’m normally the one trying to plan something interesting and different than just ‘dinner and a movie’ or ‘coffee’ (and these have added pressure of being first dates – yuck!) But I’ve recently thought up and discovered fun ideas and a fun way to plan a date.

Featuring the Timepiece Chic Necklace from Chloechic.com.

I wanted to show you an idea of what I think would be perfect for a date – day or night. The Timepiece Necklace from ChloeChic was my inspiration, it is so different and I love the vintage feel. Pairing it with a simple cream dress and a pair of color popping shoes really made me fall in love.

Now, the list of my newest five date ideas that you should wear this outfit to, haha:

1. A Wine & Cheese Picnic – think the French countryside, a vintage bottle of red wine and a plate of different cheeses.

2. The Batting Cages – you probably think I’m crazy, but you have to give one up to your man sometimes! Your date will think you are so cute hitting some balls in this cute dress – all I suggest is bringing a pair of tennis to change into!

3. A Carriage Ride – whether this is the main focus of your date or just the perfect surprise after dinner, who doesn’t love a carriage ride??? I’m a huge horse lover so I’d probably be hugging the horse longer than I’m riding in the carriage.

4. The Theatre – splurge a bit and go check out the newest show that’s visiting your city, or check out the local high school’s drama department’s production of “Romeo & Juliet.”

5. Go Vintage Shopping – check out some antique stores, yard sales and flee markets. Maybe you’ll end up scoring a piece for your apartment – or maybe you’ll help him find that really old baseball card he’s wanted since childhood!

Photo courtesy Life In The Green House.com.

Now, onto a really cool idea I discovered on how to plan a date! I found this on “Life In The Green House” blog and thought it was so cool I wanted to create it even though I’m single. This blogger created a jar of color coded date ideas that range from: expensive, at home, and least expensive.

By Liz Bey.

With Spring coming and Mother’s Day fast approaching I was trying to think of how the perfect date starts. And I think I finally did: flowers!

Flowers can symbolize many feelings and are given out for many occassions: Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Weddings, Christmas and Mother’s Day! So I thought I’d show you my top 5 favorite flowers and what they stood for (maybe you can pick some up for your mother then!)

1. Roses

Obviously this is the number 1 most people think about when they think “most romantic flower.” And it’s the most given out on say … Valentine’s Day and first dates.

Red roses describe deep emotions: love, longing or desire.

2. Lilies

My mother’s favorite flower was a day lilly and I have one tattooed to my shoulder in honor of her. Lillies are so gorgeous and classy.

Lilies stand for friendship and devotion.

3. Sunflowers

These big guys are fun, bright and remind everyone of the sun (duh!) You don’t hear of many people giving out sunflower bouquets but I think they should start!

Sunflowers mean adoration, loyalty and longevity.

4. Orchid

This flower is very dainty and beautiful – I picture these in most bridal bouquets as they walk down the isle.

Orchid's stand for love, beauty, luxury and strength.

5. Foxgloves

Now this one might be the curveball in the mix – but I’ve always had a fascination for foxgloves. They are like a deadly beauty in the flower world because they contain a poison that can cause death if ingested. So consider them the “bad boy” of the flower world – everyone wants them, but handled wrong they can be dangerous.

Foxgloves mean beauty.

By Liz Bey.

Every woman knows that a fashion staple for their closet is the little black dress a.k.a. LBD. That perfect black dress that hugs your hips, shows off your figure and makes you feel AMAZING. And with this LBD you can dress it up, down, casual, fancy or even professional. Well – why not make it go vintage as well?

And since I have the wonderful closet of clothes over at ChloeChic.com for my personal blogging use – I found the cutest vintage inspired cardigan to vintage-ify my LBD!

The Dainty Lady Cardigan is a perfect accessory to an LBD because it will give you the coverage without sacrificing style. The one button closure will keep the cardigan closed but still show off that sexy little number you have on underneath. Pair the outfit with a matching teal pump and you have yourself a night on the town outfit.

By Liz Bey.

While I may think of romance being very 19th century England, a lot of other fashions (and history) were taking place right in our own backyard. The Gold Rush started in 1842 when James W. Marshall first found gold – after that, EVERYONE wanted a piece of that action.

Now you have to imagine that what the miners looked like wasn’t really their concern – but they do have some great vintage looks you can pull from and update for today. And while most miners were male — I discovered through the California Historical Society that a few females stepped in too!

Photo courtesy of the California Historical Society.

My inspiration for this post were the “Struck Earrings” by ChloeChic – they have a very cool gold bar feel and instantly reminded me of the Gold Rush. Hence, an outfit was created and a post born …

Blouse & Earrings from www.ChloeChic.com

I drew inspiration for this look from the Historical Society’s photo where the woman is wearing a very baggy blouse and trousers – but I updated the concept with some slim skinny trousers and with one of ChloeChic’s own blouses. Lace up boots are popular this season so making them modern only took finding a great heeled pair. Top it off with those “Struck Earrings” that started this whole ensemble and viola! Gold Rush Chic.

By Liz Bey

Food is at the heart of all things; romance, love, family, survival. Food has always been the center of my life; growing up with a strong knowledge that I was Italian made that easy. But we all do it; we go out on dates to restaurants, meet up with friends over lunch, have Sunday dinners with the family. And there is that famous quote, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!”

Can’t argue there.

As well as being Italian – I take pride in my Irish roots as well, and the Irish love some good, wholesome cooking (and beer). And personally I love me some cheese – so when I discovered that there was VINTAGE Irish Cheddar Cheese out in this world … well I had to share it with you!

Vintage Irish Cheddar Cheese has a very bold, rich flavor that pairs great with Guinness Stout (Irish classic). It is aged for at least 12 months where the cheese is constantly checked on to make sure only the best gets classified “Vintage.”

So to tie in the cheese, romance and vintage – I suggest making up a pot of this delicious Irish Vintage Cheddar and Beer Fondue, recipe from Fresh365, for your next date, get-together or family night.

Irish Vintage Cheddar and Beer Fondue
adapted from Bon Appétit . serves 4

1 large bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
4 small red-skinned potatoes, quartered
2 apples, cored, cut into wedges
1 loaf ciabatta bread, cubed
1 lb Vintage Irish cheddar cheese, grated
2 1/2 T all purpose flour
1 c Sam Adams Light, or your favorite brew
6 T frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 T Dijon mustard
black pepper, to taste

Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Steam potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes, adding in asparagus last last two minutes of cooking time. Arrange vegetables, apples and bread on a large serving platter.

Toss cheese with flour in large bowl. Bring beer, juice concentrate, and mustard to simmer in large saucepan over medium heat. Gradually add cheese mixture, whisking constantly, until cheese is melted and smooth. Season to taste with pepper. Transfer fondue to bowl or a fondue pot, if available. Serve with the platter of vegis, fruit and bread. Use forks or fondue sticks to dip.

By Liz Bey.

In high school prom is a strategic part of the process; when you are a senior especially prom marks that the year is almost over. Prom is also one of the biggest fashion events of the season – so why not add a little vintage this year?

Vintage inspired gowns have been hot this season on the red carpets and finding one that fits for prom is so much fun. When I saw this particularly ruffled and beaded piece it screamed 19th Century ball. Balls could be local ones in the town hall or private balls held by the upper class – both were events where every lady pulled out their best gowns and accessories.

Accessories were always picked carefully and simplicity was key – you wanted to wear the jewelry, not let the jewelry wear you. So I found this amazing vintage inspired necklace from ChloeChic that I thought did just that.

The Stargazer Necklace is simple yet elegant and will accent your lovely neck when paired with a strapless gown. And the neck was a very sensual place back then … Best part is, the Stargazer Necklace comes in four colors!

Hope I’ve inspired your to wear some vintage this prom season!

By Liz Bey

When you think about what “romance” is I think of 19th century England and my parents. There are many great romances out there but literary EVERYONE knows the names Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett (did you think I was going to say Romeo & Juliet? They’re way too tragic for me, haha.)

“Pride & Prejudice” written by my all-time favorite author, Jane Austen, brought to life true romance to me from a young age. I can’t tell you how many times I used to check out this book when I was in middle school. The dynamic that Elizabeth is this strong female character who is smart and caring, outspoken and lovable is kind of far off from what history sometimes teaches us about 19th Century women. Normally we hear that women from that century were mostly docile, quiet creatures. That personality doesn’t ring with me – but Elizabeth’s independent personality did. That and we share the same name …

Now when I think of great loves from my life, I think of my parents number one. My parents, though not overly lovey-dovey, is what “true love” is to me. They met each other and bent over backwards for each other and somehow ended up married with two kids working amazing jobs and STILL loving each other. This really hit home for me when my mother passed away a few years ago and seeing how devastated my father was. He shows me that love lasts through the tough times, the good times and the heartache.

I always love pulling in a fashion perspective for my posts too. Pulling from 19th Century romance and my parents’ romance I found the perfect ChloeChic earrings. The Twinkle Earrings have a 19th Century design with the sparkle of the modern era. Everyone loves some sparkle (and I could see my mother wearing these) but with such a classic design you could dress these earrings up or down.

By Liz Bey

I am a huge foodie; I love food, love cooking & baking, love surprising people with food — so surprise my shock when I thought of a really awesome idea: vintage recipes. I didn’t think a recipe could be vintage but I did some research, and guess what? It can! 

So I found something that is as “American as apple pie”… vintage apple strudel! Strudel is a popular Austrian dessert that has been around since the 18th Century! It became popular through the Austro-Hungarian empire, where apple strudel is the most favorite.

Guess how old the first recipe for apple strudel is? 316 years old! The      first recipe was written down in 1696! Yup, I’d considered that “vintage!”

I know a lot of people are scared to bake (especially if it’s from scratch) but it’s pretty simple! Just follow the directions and you’ll be fine – I’ve only ever met one person who could screw up a boxed dessert! Haha!

What I love about this recipe is that it is so simple! Apples, butter, flour, raisins, sugar … simple ingredients, nothing too hard to find or difficult to do. And apples ALWAYS taste good – hello, hence why we have APPLE SAUCE. And the fact that this recipe is from 1978 … I never thought about when recipes I’ve used were created, but this was really interesting knowing how old a recipe is.

CLASSIC APPLE STRUDEL (1978)

INGREDIENTS

8 oz (225g) Plain Flour
1 Egg
1 dessertspoon Oil
1 1/2 lb (675g) Apples
2 oz (50g) Raisins or Sultanas
1 oz (25g) Butter
4 oz (100g) Sugar
1 teaspoon Mixed Spice
Icing Sugar
Pinch of Salt

METHOD

Beat the Egg and add it to about 1/4 pint (150ml) luke-warm water with the Oil. Sift the Flour into a bowl with a pinch of Salt. Mix quickly into a soft dough. Knead thoroughly until smooth and stretchy, then let the dough relax for 15 minutes. Peel, core and slice the Apples and mix in the Fruit, Sugar and Spice. Roll out the dough on a floured board until very thin and rectangular-shaped. Lay the Apple mixture in the centre and brush the edges with melted Butter. Fold the dough over the Apple to make a parcel and place on a buttered tin. Brush the top with the rest of the Butter and cook in a hot oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve coated in Icing Sugar. Serves 6.

Based on the Apple Strudel recipe in:
Classic Recipes
by Joanna Percival (Albany Books / Debenhams Books 1978).

Someone bake me one of these and send it to me please …

“Vintage fashion” isn’t always just clothes, it’s beauty too. I became pretty excited at this because that means I can deck myself in vintage style: head to toe. And when I discovered that there was a vintage manicure – I almost died. I love painting my nails!

I came across this video tutorial of how to create a vintage manicure – which is where you leave the moons of your nails paint free. A big celebrity that follows this is the one and only, Dita Von Teese.

Corals, pinks and reds were the classiest colors back in the 1930s, and they are still pretty popular today – coral is certainly making a comeback this season. So I paired the Letters to Ana Dress with this awesome coral polish, Bright Lights Big Color by OPI Nails.

I can’t wait to get my next manicure now!