The Bella Life

The Chocolate Dessert Cafe!

Jamie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:32 +0000

ONLY TWO DAYS LEFT TO ORDER!!!

Listen up Arizona! The Chocolate Dessert Cafe is coming to the Valley of the Sun for a LIMITED TIME ONLY!

The Chocolate Dessert Cafe is based out of Orem, Utah and was developed by a fantastically talented woman ~ Ange. Ange happens to be one of my best friends. So, without further ado, I give you Ange!

Through extensive training in New York, Ange has perfected the art of making delicious desserts. In addition to this, she has traveled all over the country searching for decadent dessert recipes.

Right now, Ange is taking delivery orders for Arizonans. You can order her scrumptious indulgences now, thru the 11th of March. Then, on Friday (March 12th) she will deliver fresh desserts to your door. If you want to order something (and you do {I’m saying this is my best hypnotic voice}) you may call the store directly at (801)224-7334 and specify that it’s for Ange’s “Arizona delivery.” Or email your order to eatcake@thechocolatedc.com.

Don’t know what to order? Check out the menu at www.thechocolatedc.com

I will be ordering a dozen baby cakes for $12.

Or maybe I’ll order the German Chocolate Cake…. Mmmmmm, now that I’m thinking about it, I may also order some mint brownies….. There’s always the “Veronika” {Ange knows that is truly my favorite}. Go. Check it out. Let me know what you are ordering. Maybe I’ll order that too.

If you are in the Orem area you could stop by and check out the cafe at 212 S. State St.
Orem, UT, 84058
I hope to get there very soon to visit. Here are some pictures of her cafe. Enjoy!

-Jamie

Q&C (Quick and Cheap) Decorating With Pillows

debbie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:10:55 +0000

Want a quick and cheap way to give your house a facelift this spring? It’s as simple as adding or changing the decorative pillows on your sofa, bed or chairs. There are several ways that you can do it ”on a dime”.

Q&C Idea #1

Buy a few pillows at your favorite online store. I love finding a great bargain online-especially those online stores that offer low cost or free shipping and returns. The convenience is a plus too. Here are a few for you to check out…

One of my favorite stores to check out online is Overstock. Here are a few “fabulous” finds from this store that would look great on this sofa:

Zandra Pillow $19.00

Nisha Bohemian Pillow $18.99

Another great website to check for pillows is Designer Linens Outlet. How about adding the following pillows on a Shabby Chic bed to give it a little color?

Modena Pillow $39.00

Valencia Pillow $39.99

Ravenna Pillow $39.99

And finally-online shopping would not be complete without checking out Target. Look at what I found to add to this sofa…

Peony Pillow $24.99

Yellow Tree Pillow $19.99

Pillows are a great way to change the entire look of your room without spending a lot of money. In my next Q&C post I will show you how to make your own slipcovered pillows with things that you may already have around your house.

Until then…

Happy Decorating!

Debs

Trash or Art?

Jamie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:46:54 +0000

Trey, my preschooler, caught me. He opened up the trash can to throw something away and saw his precious piece of artwork. Slimy, sticky, crinkled and in the trash. He took it out, dripping with goo and handed it to me. Saying, “Why did you throw my art away”? I was crushed (so was Trey). I took that gooey piece of “art” and told him I didn’t mean to throw it away and that it was so great. It is still sitting on my kitchen table, starring at me. So… I decided I needed to start displaying his art some way. Some of his art is really great so I “file” it away. This one may not be “file” worthy but to Trey it is not worthy of the trash. I need to come up with some fun way of displaying his “art”.

Here is the beloved art from today. I don’t even know what it is but I’m sure Trey knows.

These are some ideas I came across.

The “art of the week” display.

Simple clothes pins would be cute.

This could look great in our playroom.

This may be cute in Trey’s room. He’d love it.

Or you can take pictures of all the art and hang that up too. I love this idea.

Have fun and good luck!

Green Cleaning – Baking Soda

Shopping With The Girls: Latest ETSY Love

camberley — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:30:57 +0000

Keighley and I were flipping through this month’s issue of Better Homes and Garden’s Do It Yourself Magazine, when Ky spotted a pincushion cupcake {page. 21 – for those of you who have the magazine}.

“Ugh,” she cried. “I hate that cupcakes are popular because I love them.” {Remember her Cupcake Christmas Tree?}

This comment is what prompted me to hunt out cupcake pincushions on ETSY. All I can say is “I am now a lover of cupcake trinkets.” Kill me now.

~Camberley

Quote of the Day

camberley — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:41 +0000

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.

~Charles Dickens

The Bella Bookies…

debbie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:30:15 +0000

The Bella Girls are starting their very own book group.

Not only will it be a literary adventure but it will be a a great opportunity to share everything from our love of books to our life’s experiences. I began by thinking of the “purpose” of our group, the “girls” I would bring together and the “rules”.

My first prerequisite is that the Bella Bookies will be “age” diverse.

I thought that one easy way to make the group more varied was to bring together women from different age groups- i.e. young marrieds, married with children, middle age with children and middle age without children. What a great way to share our different perspectives about life and to learn from each other. Another prerequisite is that our members will be committed and lots of FUN!

The Bella Bookies will officially start after their first planning meeting where the following will be decided:

What books will we read for the upcoming year?

Each member will be asked to bring 3 book ideas to share at the first meeting where the group will discuss these ideas and then decide which books to read for the upcoming year. When we choose our books we will consider using the idea of “themes”-which can keep the book club fresh and exciting. When planning our reading schedule we will consider the time of year as well as such ideas as: reading books only from the best sellers list, classics, mysteries, romance, etc. We might even consider in the future reading classics one year, a series the next year, etc.

How often and where will we meet?

Because our lives are busy I’m going to suggest that we start out by meeting 6 times a year. This gives us the flexibility to add our yearly planning meeting or going out to see a movie together based on a book we’ve read. Having fewer meetings per year allows us the opportunity to take time off during the summer months and to avoid doing a meeting during the busy holidays.

Deciding where to meet is going to be a group decision. A couple of ideas we will consider is rotating the meeting between each of our houses or having it at Bella Fine’s new studio. The day of the week and the time will be another collective decision along with what to eat. After all, what’s a get together unless it has fabulous food!

How to stay informed and connected?

After we’ve determined all the above, I thought that it would be a good idea to stay connected by posting our own Bella Bookies meeting schedule, reading guides, members birthdays, snack/food assignments and other pertinent information by using email, a blog or an “invitation-only” group online.

Now that I have the business out of the way I’m happy to introduce some of the Bella Bookies…

KY the ”Desperate Housewife”

Mrs. “OCD” (Outta Control Deb)

Our “Corporate Climbing” CAM

”Auntie” JEN

“Wild n’ Crazy” CARLA

The Super SIL “JAMES”

The Awesome “ASHNIC”

The “JENSTER” (without the T.J.)

We will be adding more to our group so if you’re interested in being a part of this wonderful adventure we are excepting applications now. (Just kidding about the applications part…)

Happy Reading

Debs

Colored Bubbles?

Jamie — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:01:39 +0000

So, as I was starting to write this post I thought I would do an experiment. I started making bubbles from the ingredients (see below) and thought it would be fun to add some food coloring and give the bubbles some COLOR. Uh-oh! Has anyone ever tried this before? Messy, yucky and duh, food coloring stains. So I thought I’d look up a recipe for colored bubbles. Chemistry.com was the only website I found with ingredients for colored bubbles. Ya, no thanks! Then… I hit the mother load! The first ever non-staining disappearing bubbles. Coming soon! Can’t wait. http://www.zubbles.com/
The green bubble.

The blue bubble.

The red bubble.

Until then. Need bubbles? Here’s a recipe to make your own. Enjoy this time of year, go outside, blow some bubbles. Did you know bubbles even help clean the air? It’s true.

Tear Free Bubbles ( This is great for small children! )

Need:
1/4 cup no-tears baby shampoo, 3/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons light corn syrup

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and let bubbles settle. Have fun.

Taking “Timeout” Through Music with Iron & Wine

camberley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:41:33 +0000

“Samuel Beam (born July 26 1974), better known by his stage and recording name Iron & Wine, is an American singer-songwriter.”

“Beam was raised in South Carolina before moving to Florida to attend school and now resides outside of Austin, Texas. The name Iron & Wine is taken from a dietary supplement named “Beef Iron & Wine” that he found in a general store while shooting a film.”

“Beam earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.He specialized in painting. He graduated from the Florida State University Film School with an MFA degree. Before the release of the first Iron & Wine album, Beam’s main source of income was as a professor of film and cinematography at the University of Miami and Miami International University of Art & Design. He had been writing songs for over seven years before a friend loaned him a four-track recorder. He made demos which his friends distributed and eventually the owner of Sub Pop Records contacted him to propose a deal.” (Info from here)

For more information about Iron & Wine, visit Beam’s website at www.ironandwine.com

Something Funny….

camberley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:28:28 +0000

My Male “Fashionistas” know I’m pretty bummed about Cricket, so they sent over something funny to cheer me up.

Thanks Ice Queen!

MISSING

camberley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:18:37 +0000

Our lovebird, Cricket, flew away yesterday (just before the big rain storm). If you are in East Mesa and you see a peachfaced lovebird sitting in your backyard making human-like whistles let me know.

His colors are more brilliant now {he’s young in these pics}

Thanks,

Camberley

Quote of the Day

camberley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:40:45 +0000

Spring is nature’s way of saying, “Let’s party!”

~Robin Williams

When Life Gives You Lemons

camberley — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:30:39 +0000

CLEAN YOUR MICROWAVE

In a microwave safe bowl, mix 4 Tablespoons Lemon Juice with 2 Cups of Water. Place bowl in the microwave and microwave on high for 5-10 minutes, allowing the steam to condense on the inside of microwave. Next, open the microwave and wipe away residue with a cloth.

BRIGHTEN DULL ALUMINUM

Rub cut side of a lemon all over aluminum pots and pans; then, buff with a soft cloth.

CLEAN YOUR FAUCETS

Do your faucets look dirty because of water deposits? Well, soak some paper towels in lemon juice and wrap it around the faucet. Allow the paper towels to sit for about an hour so the lemon loosens the alkaline. Then, scrub the faucet with a stiff toothbrush.

Happy Cleaning,

Camberley

Quote of the Day

camberley — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:00:29 +0000

“Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today is all about HOMEMADE JAM. I’ll take pictures of our sweet nectar and post the recipe next week.

TGIFF: Thank Goodness it’s FASHION FRIDAY

kiersten — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:00:34 +0000

I think the title says it all. Mmmm hmmm…

First and foremost, I want to spotlight the fabulous ELIZA magazine. It is a new found love of mine. Yes, yes, yes. What is this ELIZA all about? Well, it is “created for women who want to be stylish, sexy, and engaged in the world while retaining high standards in dress, entertainment, and lifestyle…ELIZA magazine brings you ‘Fashion without Fiction.’” BRILLIANT. I think people often associate modesty with this look:

Lookin

This magazine has the power to convert jersey shore’s Snookie into being fashionably modest. Many thanks ELIZA, and why can’t there be more stuff out there like you? You can read more at the magazine’s website www.Elizamagazine.com

ELIZA

MOVING ON– I just started working in a diamond store (it’s a lot cooler than it sounds. Believe me. I can’t go into much detail. It’s a rule. Now you are sooo dying to know). Anyways, I find myself just staring at them all too much, and my co-worker will have to nudge me if my boss starts noticing that I have stopped working. What? I can’t help it. It’s kind of like those first few days of having an engagement ring on your finger. My love for diamonds has been renewed and I really wish girls would start wearing more of them. Even cubic zirconia. Even on a weekday. Even with a plain T. They say “hi I am classy and I am a woman and I am wearing my best friend”… unless they are from Claire’s. Throw those away right now… we’ll wait…..

Cheers to DIAMONDS. Oh I love you.

CALLING ALL LADIES (yes, that means you): Go put on some of your ice. I want you to wear some diamonds within these next few days and I want you to leave a comment about it. Even if you have never commented before NOW IS THE TIME. I don’t want to look dumb. There just might be a little give away to the best one.

Until Next Time,

Kiersten

More Bye Bye Birdie!

debbie — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:08:18 +0000

Birds are everywhere! Just look at where they are showing up. And like I said in my last post-I’m not sure that I’m crazy about this trend just yet. But it’s starting to grow on me. Here’s some bird decor that I could see using in a nature themed room or a mountain home.

Furniture

I would suggest that if you want to go with a bird theme on your furniture that you carefully choose an accent piece to compliment the room. Look at how this furniture from Anthropologie comes alive when put into a well decorated room.

Rugs

Rugs are a great way to incoporate the trend. My only problem with a bird on my rug is that I’m afraid to step on them!

Wall Decor

There are many different ways to use birds on the walls. Here a few “outside the box” approaches.

How about taking individual pages of bird art and pinning them to the wall?

Bronze metalwork makes the birds more dimensional which adds interest.

A bird mobile makes you feel like the birds are actually flying around your room. (And I love it with the Anthropologie bedding and the drapery panels that use the bird theme again.)

Lighting

Lighting is another way to inexpensively use a decor trend. There several ways to use birds in your lighting decor.

Hanging lighting-the bird’s nest approach is clever.

How about a lamp that has branches for the birdies to sit on?

Or a funky lampshade with a bit of a retro feel?

My final idea…

And if you just can’t commit to buying any large pieces of bird decor than I suggest that you might consider starting a bird “collection”.

How about this one of a kind bird from Anthropologie made from antique parts? It can be yours for only $648.00! On second thought, I’d go with the Polly chair if I were you!

Happy Decorating!

Debs

Dear Debs – - -

camberley — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:08:13 +0000

I know you’ve already started your quest for the perfect summer swimsuit. Well …….. LOOK NO FURTHER!

Isn’t it amazing! (Seriously, I would pay someone a $100 to wear this)

~Camberley

To purchase this swimsuit, visit Victoria Secret.

Do you want to stay “Up to Date” with The Bella Girls?

camberley — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:34:58 +0000

Sign up for our RSS Feed and you may receive Bella Life updates through Google, My Yahoo, NetVibes, et cetera! To sign up, click the image below:

Happy Stalking!

Quote of the Day

camberley — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:51:31 +0000

“Every time you see a beautiful woman, just remember, somebody got tired of her”

The above photos were from “The Best of Paris Fashion Week – Spring 2010” at Harpers Bazaar

Bye Bye Birdie!

debbie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:38:18 +0000

In my last post I mentioned that nature serves as a source of inspiration for decor themes and today’s “bird” trend proves it once again. Everywhere you look in the world of design you see these little creatures. I have to come clean and tell you that I’m not a big fan of birds. Maybe it’s because I grew up with thousands of birds on our kitchen wallpaper in the 60’s and 70’s. Or that I watched the movie “The Birds” one too many times. Or that I equate these little “chirp chirps” with diseases like the “bird” flu.

But I’m obviously in the minority when it comes to liking bird decor.Just look at how birds are being used for home decor by stores like Pottery Barn and Anthropologie. Even websites like Etsy are on board with the bird trend.

Whether you agree or not-here are my thoughts on decorating with birds.

Bird wallpaper should be used with careful discretion.

You cannot convince me that “love” birds on wall paper is cute…even if it’s considered vintage…

And the colors are fabulous…

Also-adding birdcages won’t convince me to put bird wallpaper up in my house either.

But I might consider using wallpaper like this in a baby’s nursery-with the understanding that a little bit will go a long way. (Like I said use with discretion.)

Bird pillows are easier to use in your decor because they aren’t such a long-term committment as wallpaper. I would consider using these in a beach house living room or a guest bedroom.

And to soften the bird look I’d add this…

…a “Nest” pillow!

These eclectic bird pillows are a possibility. I like the variety and texture of these pillows which downplay the birds.

If you are a bird “purist” (which I am not) Pottery Barn has the perfect pillows for you.

And if you like something a little more whimsical these bird pillows on Etsy are a fun choice.

The popularity of birds is growing. It’s being incorporated more and more into upholestry, decorative accessories and unique wall decor. Tomorrow I will share more ideas and thoughts. Until then…

Happy Decorating!

Debs

Under Construction

camberley — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:27:01 +0000

Hello Bella Fans-

We are in the process of giving the blog a face lift. The blog may look a little different over the next couple of days; however, we will still be bringing you the same Bella-fied content.

Thanks for your patience,

Camberley