made in USA gift ideas

Recently on ABC, there was a feature story on how if each American vowed to spend at least $64 of their holiday shopping on American-made products, it would create over 200,000 new jobs (read the whole story here). Below are some gift ideas that would make any girl smile...

... True Religion jeans. I LOVE them in this festive color (here)...

... Hanky Panky bras and panties (here)... 

... Frye boots, including the Campus boot (here)... 

... Dogeared LOVED charm necklace (here)... 

... Laura Mercier hand creme (here)... 

**Please note, many companies (including some of those listed above) manufacture some of their products in the US, while others are manufactured over seas or only assembled in the US. When purchasing, be certain that your product is truly manufactured AND assembled in the US.

six sparkly favorites

Christmas and New Years are just weeks away! Here are six things that make me feel *sparkly* inside this holiday season...

... glitter iPhone case from JCrew (here)... 

... sequin scarf (here)...

... red glitter nail polish (here)...

... black sequin mini skirt (here)...

... sparkly Tory Burch moccasin slipper (here)...

... crystal cluster bracelet (here)... 

happy thanksgiving!

Wishing all my family and friends a safe and happy holiday! I love you all and am so grateful to have you in my life. 

splish splash!

Rain, rain, DON'T go away... The best part about a rainy day is the fabulous footwear that comes with it! On a recent trip to NYC, I was secretly hoping that it would rain cats and dogs for a day so that I would be forced to venture to Bergdorf Goodman and pick up a pair of these shiny delights! Though a bit impractical for someone that lives in the desert, I can guarantee if I lived in a rainy city, my collection of boots would include many different styles and colors of rainboots. Some of my personal favorites are the ever stylish and classic 'Original Tall' Hunter boot (here) and the Hunter 'Regent Savoy' boot (here).

crock pot favorites

Nothing screams FALL like walking into a house with the tasty aroma of homemade soup sizzling in the crockpot! Growing up, many of our family dinners were created by putting all sorts of ingredients into this heated pot and letting them fizzle all day. Some of my childhood favorites include split pea soup, chicken noodle and of course my mom's "bomb-ass chili" (yes, it is really called that... and for those of you that know my mom, it will come as no surprise).

One of the first kitchen appliances Davey and I bought when we moved in together was a crockpot, and since have tried many more delicious recipes! Today we made Chunky Butternut Squash Soup... a recipe I created myself! Follow the directions below for a tasty twist on traditional butternut squash soup!

...place frozen chicken tenderloins (I used the frozen organic tenderloins at trader joe's) in bottom of crockpot
...chop one large white onion and place on top of frozen chicken
...season with sea salt, garlic, pepper, italian seasoning, oregano, etc.
...pour in enough water to cover the chicken and onion
...cook on low for eight to ten hours (I added ingredients before bed and woke up to a delicious smelling house!)
...completely drain chicken, onion and seasoning
...pour in two cartons of butternut squash soup (I used the organic low-sodium one from trader joe's)
...cook on low for four to six hours
...add more seasoning (if necessary)
...SERVE & ENJOY

lovely lace

There is nothing more romantic and feminine than delicate lace... especially when it is paired with soft blush tones. I adore this look for any occasion, whether you're going to a work function or out on a date - it is sexy and classy all at once!

{photo courtesy of Pinterest... click here to visit my boards}

five fall favorites

Oversized Sweaters - LOVE this look for Fall! Whether it is a poncho (here), a long duster (here), or a slouchy sweater coat (here), this is an easy and comfortable choice! Pair with jeans or leggings for a casual look or dress it up with black skinnies or a skirt and tights... no matter how you wear them, you're sure to turn heads!

Leather Jackets - this is a timeless piece and a staple that every girl must have! One of my favorites is seen here in both tan and cognac.

Slouchy Scarves - I am a big fan of scarves because they are both fashionable and functional... they can dress up a t-shirt and jeans while keeping you cozy and warm at the same time! My favorite type is the infinity scarf, as seen here. Another trick I often use is to tie the two ends of a scarf together to create the illusion of an infinity scarf... now just wrap it around your neck a couple times and go!

Ballerina Flats - Simple, comfortable and understated. While probably not practical for colder weather climates, they are the perfect shoe for fall in Southern California! My favorite flats are the Tory Burch Reva Flat (here) and the Tory Burch Eddie Flat (here).

Oxford Heels - I love this feminine twist on a masculine shoe! They are perfect for work with slacks, or out on the town with a sweater, black skirt and tights! My favorite is the Frye Naiya Keltie (here). 

remembering 9/11

I can't believe it has been ten years since the tragic September 11th attacks. I still remember it like it was yesterday - it was my 15th birthday.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families whose loved ones were lost. My heart is filled with the deepest gratitude for the heroes that sacrificed their own lives to save the lives of others on that terrible day. Time has passed but the memory lives on.

my true love... boots.

If I were asked to choose my favorite fashion item, it would be simple - BOOTS! I love all shapes, styles and colors. I love them with every outfit - pants, shorts, skirts, dresses - and in every season (of course, depending on the time of year, the style or color may change slightly). When I moved to Palm Desert, the girls at work laughed when I told them I would wear boots all summer, despite the 115 degree heat... but I have since proved myself as a true boot lover, wearing cowboy boots with skirts and dresses all summer! Steve Madden is a great choice for quality boots at an affordable price-point... Some of my favorites include: Steve Madden Ranchh (here), Steve Madden Intyce (here). However, if you're looking for a great boot and you're willing to spend a little more (look at it as an investment - they last forever), Frye is my company of choice. My favorite boot in the whole world is the Frye Melissa Button (here). A close second is the Frye Carmen Harness (here). Both of these options are extremely comfortable - I have worn my Frye boots for 12+ hours without a problem. Furthermore, they tend to look better the more you wear them, so don't be afraid to wear them to death!

mango pomegranate guacamole

this guacamole is the perfect balance between salty and sweet... and so simple to prepare! I had it at a friend's house recently, and could hardly pull myself away!
... chop avocado, mango and onion, mix together
... add pomegranate seeds and fresh cilantro, mix together
... drizzle lime juice on top and add a hint of salt
... serve with tortilla chips

butternut squash ezekiel pizza

A while back, a friend of mine brought a butternut squash pizza to a holiday party, and I've been thinking about it ever since. I looked up a few recipes online, but of course I decided to put my own twist on this delicious treat! This is a VERY simple recipe - and takes less than thirty minutes from start to finish!

... drizzle olive oil on butternut squash (Trader Joe's has pre-cut and pre-washed squash), season with oregano, basil, garlic, ground pepper, sea salt... microwave mixture for three to five minutes, until soft
... cut one sweet onion into rings, drizzle with olive oil and grill until brown around the edges
... place an ezekiel tortilla (can be found at Trader Joe's or any other health food store) onto a pizza pan or cookie sheet
... spread pesto sauce on tortilla
... smash butternut squash onto tortilla, add tomato slices and grilled onions
... top with feta and mozzarella cheese
... add additional pesto if desired
... bake at 400 degrees for eight to ten minutes, until tortilla is brown around the edges
... ENJOY!

perfect necklaces

There is nothing better than simple, delicate jewelry, as it can make the most basic outfit seem effortlessly romantic! One of my favorite jewelry lines is Dogeared. Their creations are delicate and feminine, and they have so many different designs and charms that everyone is sure to find one they love! For a limited time, you can receive 50% off some of their best selling pieces online. My personal favorites are the pearls of love necklace (here), the lucky horseshoe necklace (here) and the whispers gold cross necklace (here).

refreshing raspberry beer cocktail

This delicious and refreshing cocktail is perfect for all occasions... whether you're out at the pool or hosting a dinner party, this simple treat is easy to make and sure to tickle your taste buds! I made this cocktail at a baby shower I hosted last week, and I received lots of praise (if only they knew how simple it really is)! I made a few minor changes to the recipe (listed here), and mixed the following: six cans of light beer (I used Coors Light), one container frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate (thawed), one half cup vodka and ice. Garnish with frozen raspberries and lemon/lime slices.

simple paleo banana dessert

Since I was a little girl, I have loved any food containing fresh bananas - banana bread, banana peanut-butter toast, banana smoothies... or just plain bananas! Therefore, I was a very happy girl tonight when Davey surprised me with this scrumptious (and healthy) dessert!

....Cut bananas into halves or quarters - if you’d like, you can insert a skewer or popsicle stick into one end of the piece 

....Submerge (or coat, depending on consistency) each piece in almond butter - my favorite is Trader Joes Almond Butter with Roasted Flaxseeds

....Add toppings of your choice... some of my favorites include dark cacao pieces (80% cacao or above) or shredded coconut!

....Freeze bananas for 12-24 hours 

....Remove from freezer and enjoy!

delicious paleo pizza

Sundays are for relaxation and quality time with family and friends... and today was a combination of both! Normally by the time Sunday evening rolls around, Davey and I are too lazy to cook, and order in from one of our favorite restaurants. However, tonight we had a bit more energy, and opted for a healthy twist on a delicious classic - paleo pizza!

We looked up a recipe online from one of our favorite paleo blogs, EveryDayPaleo, and headed to Trader Joes to get the ingredients. For the crust, we followed the directions (listed here), but made our own variations to the toppings, including a tiny bit of cheese... making it ALMOST paleo pizza! 

i'll take love on the bad days over no love on the best days

One of my sorority sisters from Arizona State got married a couple weeks ago and posted this wedding video (click here to view)... I watched it over and over and got teary-eyed every time! What a stunning couple and beautiful bride!

ten beauty must-haves

Clarisonic Brush - The first and most important step to a fresh and flawless face is to start with a smooth and beautiful canvas - your skin! Having worked in the aesthetics and anti-aging industry, I now know more than ever how important it is to develop a skincare regimen, and take care of your skin every day. Though everyone’s specific needs are different, we all have one thing in common - we need to start the day and end the day by thoroughly cleansing our face! A few years back, Oprah had the Clarisonic Brush on her “Oprah’s Favorite Things” show, and for good reason. This brush is an absolute necessity! It does such an amazing job of gently scrubbing off the makeup, dirt, oil and free radicals that cause breakouts and blemishes... and the best part is that it can be used either wet or dry, so you can store it in your shower and take it out just to re-charge the battery (every 2-3 weeks). 

     There have been numerous cheaper knock-offs developed, but the Clarisonic is in a league of its own! Similar to the SonicCare toothbrush (another one of my absolute favorites), the brush head moves back and forth at a fast pace rather than around in circle... so it scrubs your skin without stretching or damaging it! If you’re looking for a less expensive version, try the new Clarisonic Mia... the smaller travel version which still uses the same size brush as the full sized original.

The Body Shop Body Butter - Just like you want the skin on your face to be beautiful, you want your body to have that same youthful glow! I have found that applying Body Butter immediately following my shower (when my skin is still damp) locks in the moisture and leaves my skin feeling smooth. My favorite brand is The Body Shop... it comes in a ton of delicious flavors that are sure to leave you feeling moisturized and happy!

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - I forget what my life was like before I found this amazing product! Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a lighter counterpart to traditional liquid foundation, but still gives you the coverage and smooth base you need to apply the rest of your makeup. This product comes in a couple variations... so you’re sure to find one that is perfect for your skin type. My favorite is the oil-free version because I find it to give a tad bit more coverage than the others, and it stays on my skin throughout the day. Set it with the Laura Mercier Loose Translucent Setting Powder, and you’re ready to go!

Lancome Definicils Mascara & Lancome Booster XL - This deadly duo is an absolute must-have! I have tried SOOO many different types of mascara over the years, and keep going back to Lancome Definicils Mascara in deep black. While the mascara on its own does a fabulous job, if you want to give your lashes an extra boost, all you need to do is apply a very small amount of the Lancome Booster XL to the tips of your lashes prior to applying the mascara (I personally don’t wait until the booster is completely dry). Another great thing about the booster is that it acts as a barrier between your delicate eyelashes and the mascara, which can dry out your lashes.

Trish McEvoy Eyelash Curler - Can you tell I love eyelashes? It has been said that long and full lashes are a sign of youth (look at Allergan’s new campaign for Latisse) - and I couldn’t agree more! If I don’t have time to apply makeup before leaving the house, the one step I never go without is beautify-ing my lashes! 

     For years, I was hooked on the Shu Unumera Eyelash Curler... but on a recent shopping trip to Sephora, I was sadly disappointed to find out they no longer carry it! I spoke with one of my co-workers who used to work for Trish McEvoy, and she informed me that the Trish curler is identical to the Shu one! I was still skeptical when I purchased it, but I am pleased to inform you that she was correct - it still gives you that perfectly curved look, rather than sharp/stiff curl that others create. 

MAC Pink Swoon Blush - Since I was a young girl and started to “experiment” with makeup, I was always drawn to bright pink blush - maybe it was (or still is) my love for Barbie all those years. For a long time, I used MAC Dollymix on the apples of my cheeks, but when all the Southern California MAC vendors recently ran out, I opted for a lighter and softer blush - Pink Swoon - and I love it! 

OPI Mod About You & OPI Over the Taupe - Living in sunny Southern California, it is a definite necessity to have perfectly polished nails and toes - my Mom always said there’s nothing worse than chipped polish! My two favorite colors are OPI Mod About You (which I am wearing at this moment) and Over the Taupe. Whenever I stray away from either of these colors and choose a different hue, I am over it within a week, and go back to one of these on my next trip to the nail salon! I have a weird thing about my fingers matching my toes (unless my fingers are french), and both these colors look perfect for a mani or pedi!

Kenra Volume Hairspray - Our motto at Arizona State University was “the higher the hair, the closer to heaven!” While I still believe this statement holds true for certain events, I have toned down my teasing for everyday affairs. However, no matter the goal, a great hairspray is a necessity for every hairstyle... and it is difficult to find one that is light and allows movement but still holds your hair in the style that you’ve worked so hard to achieve. I have been using Kenra since my ASU days, and though the style has changed, my love for Kenra has not faltered. 

LORAC TANtilizer - This “Body Bronzing Luminizer” is the perfect product to give you that sun-kissed glow we all strive to achieve, without spending your day in the damaging UVA and UVB rays. Before a night out on the town, I always apply a dime-sized amount to my arms and legs (or any other exposed skin)! Side note: make sure to apply moisturizer prior to using this product, as it will spread more easily and eliminate the possibility of streaking!

Perfume - The last step in the beautify-ing process is to smell delectably delicious! This step is very unique, as people are attracted to individual smells, and one perfume can smell different on two people. I recently started wearing Alien by Thierry Mugler, and have received numerous compliments! Some of my other go-to scents are Flowerbomb by Victor and Rolf, Issey Miyake’s L'Eau d'Issey, Miss Dior Cherie by Dior and a new take on an old classic - Chanel’s Chance Eau Tendre.

first for everything...

Welcome to Push-Ups & Pearls! After spending countless hours reading blogs about fashion, fitness and food, I decided to start my own... to share with YOU the things that inspire and motivate me! Thank you in advance for reading... and sharing your comments and feedback!

xo, Sue