Belle’s Weekly Reading: January 3, 2014

Jan 3, 2014

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It’s a new year.  New possibilities, new opportunities, shiny like a new penny.  And thank heavens.  Because I don’t know about you, but–personally and professionally–2013 was one of the toughest years of my life.  Here’s hoping the archer shoots straight in 2014.

***

1) Looking to give your career a boost in 2014?  The Everygirl has 10 tips for dazzling in a meeting.  Stanford Business School professor Margaret A. Neale has great advice on how to ask for a raise the right way.  And LeanIn.org has a helpful video on managing your time by multiplying your efforts.

2) This dove grey ombre gown from Alice + Olivia is a showstopper.  Don’t miss the back.  It’s breathtaking.  *slow clap*

3) Jaclyn Day has a hair-curling tutorial, you can’t miss. It’s illustrated with what may be the worst Microsoft Paint drawings in history.  However, it will help even the most inept stylist achieve perfect curls with a flat-iron.  (I don’t flat-iron often, so I own this compact Sedu instead of a full-size iron.)

4) Since I upgraded to an iPhone 5, I’ve had to update all of my phone accessories.  This sweet Mod Dot backup battery is the next extra on my list, and what a pretty little tech accessory it is.

5) I love to cook, but I cannot make an omelette or scramble eggs to save.my.life.  Souffle? Bolognese? Beef Wellington? No problem.  Basic breakfast a five-year-old could make…I got nothin’.

This New Year, I resolve to learn to make a French omelette and scrambled eggs (video).  That shouldn’t be so hard, right?

6) I’m in the mood for shoes.  It strikes me about once-a-year.  This time, I found these utterly fantastic Dolce Vita ankle straps in snakeskin and cognac.  I had to have these insanely gorgeous criss-cross Zara sandals.  And I need to pull the trigger on these nude Sam Edelman flats with gold studs before the snow melts.

7) Keeping flowers in your home or on your desk can give your space a lovely boost.  This article from Apartment Therapy teaches you how to spice up a simple bouquet from the supermarket or the corner flower stand.

8) A friend bought me this Laura Mercier Smokey Violet Palette for Christmas.  It might be the greatest makeup all-in-one that I have ever seen.

9) Does your chilly walk to work have you shivering in your boots?  Don’t miss these precious little penguin hand warmers from Walgreen’s.  Want to make your own foot and hand warmers?  

Follow this tutorial to make them from fabric and rice.  You can heat them up in the microwave and stay warm(er) on your commute.

10) I spent hours searching through Nordstrom’s under-$50 jewelry section.  My favorite piece?  This Vince Camuto Basic Cuff.  I kind of love the chartreuse.

11) WhoWhatWear has the scoop on updating the little black dresses in your closet.  So if you own a LBD that could use a bit of fashion-CPR, check out their tips.  And if you’re in need of an awesome black dress, don’t miss this backless, short sleeve Zara dress with a hint of metallic sheen.

12) I’m always on the lookout for comfortable gold flats.  I find a pair and then, I wear them until they wear out.  They go with everything.  Right now, I’m looking at these Lucky Brand flats.

13) Despite my respect for Helen Gurley Brown, I will never buy an issue of Cosmo.  Why?  I hate the teasers on the cover.  This satire from Huffington Post perfectly sums up my feelings on the matter.

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  1. rar says:

    Chrissy Teigen (the hilarious supermodel) has an awesome, super basic scrambled eggs recipe on her blog. Definitely worth a try!

  2. Alex says:

    I always look forward to Belle’s weekly reading!

    One of my resolutions for 2014 was to learn how to accessorize. I want to learn how to use belts and scarfs to spice up my outfits. I’m afraid of doing the wrong color or shape combinations though. Do the old rules (never wear a brown belt with black shoes!) still apply? Also, are belts only used for decoration because I find them very uncomfortable and wear all my pants and jeans without them. It would be lovely if you can do an Accessorizing for Dummies post one day 🙂

    Thank you!

  3. Ashley says:

    I improved my scrambled eggs a few years ago by watching this same video.

  4. Addison says:

    If you whisk two eggs with a splash of milk, pour it into a coffee mug sprayed with vegetable or olive oil and microwave on high for approximately 30-45 seconds, they come out perfect every time. It’s the only way I cook eggs on week day mornings when I’m in a hurry.

  5. GoGoGo says:

    That gorgeous Alice + Olivia gown would be a cool alternative wedding dress. It might send a funny signal though. Maybe if you were in mourning and getting married at the same time? Maybe if your husband was a ghost or something.

  6. MM says:

    Wishing you a healthy and happy new year, Belle! Here’s hoping things look up! Xo

  7. Meredith says:

    Love the arrow comment on the top of this post. Here’s to a great 2014!!
    Another excellent round-up, thank you Belle! Great start to year 🙂

  8. Valerie says:

    Belle, did your Dolce Vita ankle strap shoes run true to size? I have a couple pairs of their other shoes and noticed that I always needed to order a half-size down…loving this pair so will probably get them once I figure out sizing!

  9. LaReesa says:

    Here’s to a smoother 2014 for you, Belle! I love, love, love your blog and thank you so much for everything you do here 🙂

  10. Jess says:

    First, check out Smitten Kitchen’s scrambled eggs – you know how good Deb is. https://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/05/scrambled-egg-toast/

    This is the backup battery I’m thinking about for my iPhone – https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Ultra-Compact-Lipstick-Sized-Smartphones-USB-charged/dp/B005NF5NTK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1388978917&sr=8-3&keywords=Anker+battery

    I like how small it is and that it will charge your phone at least twice! Great reviews too.

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