Happy {Bow} Friday!

Every girl loves a good bow. They add a feminine touch to any outfit and are a timeless accessory. Bows come in so many shapes, sizes, patterns, textures and styles. From hair clips to shoes to skirts to bags, bows are elegant and classic. Here are some bow inspiring pictures to start your weekend off on the right foot. Happy {Bow} Friday!

I'm off for the weekend, enjoy!

Haymarket Designs: One of a Kind

Haymarket Designs is one of my absolute favorite online home decor stores. Each item is customizable, unique, and personal. Founded by Hillary Ross from Richmond, VA, Haymarket Designs offers trays, pictures frames, wastebaskets and tissue box covers in a number of adorable patterns and colors.

Simply pick your favorite design and color and then add a monogram to make it more personal. If Haymarket does not have the exact color that matches your home, they will even accommodate custom orders. 

Any item from Haymarket Designs is the perfect gift for any occasion. I recently ordered a tray for a friend's birthday in coral chevron with a navy monogram. There are so many fun color combinations and patterns, it is difficult to choose! The prices range from $35 for a catch-all tray to $75 for the largest size tray. Adding a monogram is an additional $10. The pictures frames range from $40 to $55, wastebaskets are $65 and tissue boxes are $45.

Here is a picture of my friend Jennifer's Haymarket tray. I love the blue and white with gold! Hope that you enjoy Haymarket Designs as much as I do!

Greek Yogurt Chicken

After a long day at the office the last thing I want to do is cook something complicated for dinner. I always look for recipes that have a small number ingredients and only a few steps. Lately I have been cooking what I call "Greek Yogurt Chicken". A friend of mine from work suggested it to me as a healthier alternative to your typical breaded chicken.

Ingredients:

Greek Yogurt (only 1 small container is needed)

Boneless & Skinless Chicken Breasts

Rice Krispies

Whole Wheat Melba Toast

To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. To make the "bread crumbs" combine the rice krispies and whole wheat melba toast {a 50/50 mixture} in a food processor or blender. The consistency should be the same as if you were using bread crumbs and the amount you make will vary upon the number of chicken breasts. I added salt, pepper and paprika to my mixture for some seasoning but you can really add any spices.

Next, coat your chicken breasts with the greek yogurt and then dip them in the rice krispy and melba toast mixture. 

Place the chicken breasts on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken. 

The chicken will turn a slight golden brown when done but I always cut into the middle to make sure it is fully cooked. I paired the chicken with a salad and some Israeli couscous but it works with any side of choice. I brought leftovers to work the next day which was perfect for lunch. 

The perfect combination: easy and delicious!

It's In the Bag

I am always on the lookout for new tote bags.  I constantly seem to be carrying an unnecessary amount of random items and a smaller purse just does not cut it. I recently found these R. Williams quilted totes while shopping online and loved the simple navy with a touch of color. 

R. Williams is based in New York City and their navy bag is known as the "School Colors Tote". When placing an order you can specify the color choice on the strap for your alma mater or your favorite colors. These bags are perfect for the gym, going to work, or just running errands. There is an interior pocket, a clip for your keys, and it can even fit a 15 inch laptop. 

The bags are $85 and are perfect for fall. I especially love the orange and blue UVA bag! 

James Farmer III Book Signing: A Time to Plant

I could not be more excited to announce that James Farmer III will be in NYC tomorrow night for a book signing at The Corner Bookstore on Madison Avenue. James has published his wonderful new book, A Time to Plant: Southern-Style Garden Living, which takes you from gardening to entertaining. He also is a regular contributor for Southern Living Magazine. Although I am not from the south, I love James' book and he has an incredible eye for style. In addition to his book, he has a beautiful blog, All Things Farmer. Be sure to come by the book signing tomorrow to meet James from 6:00 to 8:00pm at 1313 Madison Avenue. I hope to see you there!!

And the winner is...

Mimi Montgomery!

Please send me your shipping address to particularityblog@gmail.com so that I can send you your new bracelet from The Ropes Maine! Congrats and enjoy! Be on the lookout for more upcoming giveaways!

The Ropes Maine Giveaway: Last Day to Enter!

Today is the last day to enter the bracelet giveaway!! The bracelet up for grabs is the classic navy with tan {pictured on the right}. To enter, simply "like" Particularity's Facebook page. If you have already liked the page, you can comment on the Ropes Maine post. I will be announcing the winner on Monday!

Happy {Cashmere} Friday!

Today officially marks the first day of autumn! There is nothing better than wearing cashmere when the temperatures start to drop and the air becomes crisp. From cashmere socks to cableknit sweaters to throws, I love cashmere in all shapes, colors, and sizes. So cheers to a great fall and Happy {Cashmere} Friday!

Don't you just want it all? Have a great first fall weekend!

A Birthday Toast

Here's a birthday toast to my amazing friend Jill! Hope all your birthday wishes come true! xx

The Ropes Maine Giveaway!

Remember those slip-on white braided rope bracelets that you used to wear as a kid? Well, those just got a major upgrade thanks to jewelry designer Shana Alrich and one could soon be yours!

I have always been drawn to anything nautical inspired thanks to my top-notch sailor Dad. I immediately fell in love with Shana's unique designs when my friend Emma sent me a picture of her bracelets. She said that her hometown store, Spaces, had them flying out the door. 

To give a little background, Shana is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and worked in fashion design after graduation. She realized that she wanted to bring her design skills back to Maine where she has always been inspired by her love of the ocean and the beach. She subsequently founded The Ropes, which combined her fashion talents with her home.

Shana's hand-made accessories are constructed from marine ropes and hardware in various styles and colors including bracelets and necklaces. Her jewelry can be bought at various stores in Maine, including Spaces, or you can see a list of stores on the website. 

Luckily Shana has been kind enough to offer one lucky Particularity reader one of her bracelets!!

The bracelet up for grabs is her classic navy with tan and white accents {pictured on the right}. All you need to do to enter is "like" Particularity's facebook page {link provided}. If you have already liked the page, just submit a comment on this post. I will draw the winner next week! Be sure to check out The Ropes as these designs cannot be missed. Get them while you still can!