easiest muffins ever

sometimes you just want to make something delicious. well this will help you with that. i ducked into the pantry and pulled out the simplest ingredients that resulted in fluffy, nutritious blueberry muffins in 25 minutes (including preparation). just follow the steps below: 

ingredients

1 cup of flour

3/4 cup of flax seed meal

1/2 cup of sugar

1 tbsp. of baking powder

1 tsp. of salt

1 cup of milk

1/2 cup of oil 

1 egg

1 cup of blueberries

optional: 2 tbsp. of pure cane sugar

preparation

preheat the oven to 350 degrees. spray a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray. 

combine all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. add the milk, oil, and egg to the dry ingredients. using a large spoon, mix the dry and the wet ingredients until just combined (the batter should be somewhat thin). add blueberries to the bowl and cover completely with the batter. 

pour the batter into the tin until  each muffin is almost full. bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes until lightly brown. optional: dust the tops of the muffins with sprinkles of cane sugar. if not, allow muffins to cool completely before removing from the tin. 

enjoy! these muffins are really filling, but not too sweet! a great snack or addition to your breakfast!

so easy and so good!

winter chic by jillyt featuring salvatore ferragamo handbags

Tunique à imprimé varié, $24
Old Navy Womens Jersey Turtleneck Tees, $15
Surface to Air Shawl Coat, $675
APC Madras Jacquard Tights - Grey, 42 GBP
Steve Madden 'Troopa' Boot, $100
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO - SAFFIANO CALF BRIFCASE, 851 EUR
Charles-Hubert, Paris Gold-Plated Mechanical Pocket Watch, $115

You know the saying "out with the old and in with the new"? Well, this does NOT hold true for your winter clothing. Please, keep the old. Actually, keeping the old is the most savvy way to keep your clothing looking as good as new. Simply layer some new pieces, like this cute striped tshirt turtleneck from Old Navy, under a jumper from your summer wardrobe to instantly spring you into the winter months. For your legs, get into a pair of thicker stocking tights and chic biker boots to get you to and from places comfortably and fashionably. This butterscotch colored overcoat is the perfect way to cozy up against cold. It is practical with the long length, formal enough for the office and fancy enough for a date out at night. A neutral colored bag will help tie your outfit together. Think about a larger carryall so you can slip a cute pair of flats inside for dinner after work or class. This pocketwatch adds a feminine flare to the menswear look, I have an antique one from my Nana. Winter is always a good time to keep the warmth of your loved ones close to you. 

'tis the season

The holiday season is full of great cheer, where nonstop Christmas music is played on every corner, Chanukias are lit for eight glorious nights, and Kwanzaa begins for a full week on December 26th. However, it can also be a struggle to find the right gifts for those you love. But don't fret, this Holiday Guide in NEW YORK Magazine takes the gold for the best, most diverse and well rounded treasure map. Check it out Here! The Gift Finder '10 will steer you in the right direction, even though, in the end it's just the most thoughtfully thoughtful thought out thought that counts.

timeless beauties

See?? Blue and black is OK. You can even call it royal. 

timeless beauties

brace for winter

keeping it cozy by jillyt featuring flat heel boots

Impulse, $795
Slubbed Stripe Top, $22
Blue Gwenevere High Waisted Skinny Jean by 7 For All Mankind, 164 GBP
Classic Argyle Sock, $8
Frye Paige Tall Riding, $348
American Apparel OS Denim Lam? Tote Bag, $24
Candy Bar Scarf in Nougat, $25

This is a great way to be practical, despite the impractical weather. Freezing temperatures can tend to freeze your ability to stay chic while functioning normally despite the onset of winter. But this doesn't mean you have to lose yourself to the snow. Tight legging jeans, in a dark wash can transition you from work to evening to nighttime effortlessly. No matter the occasion, these somewhat pricey bottoms will be a staple in your winter apparel, giving you a second skin to bear the chill. A longer sweater-top, like this striped one from Forever21 looks cute just like this, or with a skirt and tights for a dinnertime look. Wrap it up with a cozy scarf in a neutral color and a puffy downcomforter-like coat so you feel like you never even left your bed. Fun brightly colored accessories can add a pop to your get up, even when your'e feeling not so sparky. Staying warm doesn't mean you have to give up sexy and sexy doesn't mean you have to bear all.

sparkle.sparkle.sparkle.

do you date me? by jillyt featuring suede pumps

Steve Madden: BEESTOW Black Suede Pump, $80
Basic Stretch Ring Watch, $15
Kissing Foxes Ring, $6.99
Alex and Ani Initial Ring, $1.99
John Lewis Pashmina Shawl, Cream, 89 GBP
Lipsy: Rose Sequin Tunic
Vince: Cowl Neck Leather Jacket in Elephant
Louis Vuitton Epi Pochette Accessories

I mean hi. This number is classy, but has a little punch that will keep people's eyes fixed on you. Keep yourself wrapped up with a neutral colored pashmina, and a longer dark cardigan in an updated material. Suede pumps and a red handbag keep this seasonally appropriate and festive for any holiday party. Watches don't have to be restricted to your wrist, opt for a ring watch so you never have to look too far to see when the clock strikes midnight.

sorry for the delay...

...but I'm back. The fall has a tendency to take over your life. Reuniting with friends, getting into the swing of things, bracing for the cold weather, there is a lot of autumnal adjusting. New things coming up this week like some cute ideas for your snuggly winter clothing.

a really easy, simple, normal ingredient (thankkk youu!) recipe for vanilla buttercream frosting cupcakes. enjoy! 

PS: the cupcake liners used are from Michael's, you get 75 of them for $1.99

here it goes...

Ingredients for Cupcakes: 

1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature

2/3 cup granulated white sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk

Ingredients for Icing: 

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

2 tablespoons milk or light cream

Cupcakes

**Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, then line the cupcake tin with the cupcake liners**

Start by creaming the butter in an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy

Gradually add in the sugar, and beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time to the bowl, mixing well between each new egg added to the bowl. I highly suggest cracking the eggs in a separate bowl and then adding the egg, this way you ensure that there are no stray shells. beat in the vanilla. 

this is what mix should look like after eggs and vanilla are added to the bowl 

Now onto the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and the salt. Measure out milk in a measuring cup. On a low speed and in three different additions, alternating between the dry mix and the milk, add ingredients to the bowl. If need be, scrape the edges of the bowl to ensure that all of the ingredients are completely mixed into the batter. 

completed batter will seem thick, so don't worry 

With a small spoon, divide the batter evenly over the cupcake tin by filling each liner about 2/3 full.  You will have just enough batter to make 12 cupcakes so don't let any of it go to waste!

fill 'em up!

now, with the tip of the spoon, you will need to even out the top of the batter. this takes some finesse, but you will get the hang of it. swirl the spoon in consecutive circles so that the top eventually is even and comes to a tip in the center. 

not too too hard, but this way the top is nicer for applying the icing

pop the cupcake tin in the oven and bake for about 18 minutes. be sure to keep an eye on them just in case they take a little less time. when the time is up, test the center of the middle-most cupcake and check to see that it comes out free of crumbs. let the cupcakes cool for at least 15 minutes. in this time you can finish up the icing. 

cupcakes

Icing 
the icing is super simple. I doubled the recipe. usually when you choose to pipe icing as opposed to spreading it requires significantly more icing. in the same bowl of the electric mixer (now free and completely clean from batter),on high speed, beat the butter until it is smooth and creamy. lower the speed, and add in the vanilla and continue to beat until it is completely blended (you may need to use a spatula to scrape the butter down the sides of the bowl). In the meantime and in a separate bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Gradually and on the lowest speed possible, add the powdered sugar. once it is all added it will appear somewhat sticky. add the two tablespoons of milk or light cream and allow the frosting to beat for 3 minutes. 

yummy vanilla buttercream frosting, it should be rather stiff
now it is time to frost these puppies. it is going to be ok. it takes a lot of practice using a frosting piper, if you'd you prefer it is completely acceptable to just slather on the icing. it will taste delicious either way. but if you choose to pipe the icing use a large tip and bag. 

this is the tip used, fill up the bag and twist the top so that it is tight

beginning in the center of the cupcake apply pressure to the bag by squeezing frosting in a swirl until you have reached the edge of the cupcake. you will have some extra frosting, so if you mess up, it is ok, just start over! pipe the frosting onto all of the cupcakes. 

all done! add some little sprinkles onto the top to make it a little more special, but trust me they are going to be so yummy, whoever is eating them won't even notice

 stick them in the fridge for a little later in the week, or eat them right away.have fun with these, they are a classic recipe that will be helpful to know off hand. 

sheer goodness

american apparel has revamped some of their styles and is now offering new looks in more sophisticated materials. there is only so much jersey that you can own. i stepped into the store and was pleasantly surprised when i was greeted by blissful sherbet colored tanks, shirts, skirts, and dresses. take a peek at their updated items, especially The Lawn Tank (shown below), by clicking here.

SALES! in store there was a great deal going on for back to school shopping: buy any 3 colors of the same style and you get 15% off of those particular pieces of apparel. they're offering other specials online, like 35% off certain online-only packs of clothing. yippeee!!

the lawn tank

you're a star, flower girl

don't make me blush by jillyt featuring TopShop dresses

this outfit just makes me smile. its femininity is almost palpable and it will swirl around you like a dense cloud. especially if you spritz on the chanel chance eau de fraiche, you'll feel like you have flowers growing out of your head. this outfit is just perfect for a friday night out with friends for a quick drink, a casual date with a new potential, or brunch with grandma. it's just so fresh that it can really take you any which way. this blue denim flowered dress from topshop looks like you dunked yourself in elmer's glue and then rolled around in a field of wild flowers. it evokes innocence, but its sexy silhouette doesn't make you look like Jo from The Little Women either.  a neutral colored sweater like this sparkly one from missselfridge.com will have whoever you're with starry-eyed. simple gold leather flip flops from j.crew paired with a tobacco-colored envelope clutch keeps you on the straight and narrow road to chic county (my new idealized land of chicness). these $4 gold studded earrings from forever21 makes everyone who pounced on the tiffany and co. train a few years ago look silly, sorry if that's you (all my love), but these are such a bargain! (they come with 3 different sizes, and also silver and pewter styled friends) a gold ring, like this one from anthropologie, which looks like some sort of magical sea-creature, is perfect to finish off your look with a little something different and fun. it's also awesome to string on a long necklace if you tire of wearing it on your hand. take my advice. this lipgloss in Petite Peche from CHANEL will be the best thing you ever did for yourself. it is the ultimate shade, and once applied is a mix between nude and pink and looks as if you dipped your lips in fairy dust. you'll be turning heads in this outfit, and trust me, they will blush. 

cut the ship

there are a lot of places where you can find discount codes, but freeshipping.org is a super reliable website to find tons and tons of free shipping codes for some of your favorite online stores, including big ones like Macy's and Victoria's Secret. you never know, you may be able to save, so check it out by going here. 


P.S. they also  created a list of "The Top 14 Back-To-School Student Discounts", which could be really helpful. follow this link here to get full explanations of each offer. 


SOFTWARE AND COMPUTERS
1. Amazon Free Shipping and Textbook Discounts
2. Adobe Software Savings
3. Apple Products
4. Dell Laptops
5. Microsoft Software
6. HP Hardware
7. Sony Hardware
8. Academic Superstore
CELL PHONES
9. AT&T Service Discounts
10. Verizon Wireless Service and Accessories
11. T-Mobile Service Discount 
12. Sprint Service Discount
CLOTHING
13. J. CREW Discounts
14. Club Monaco

h a p p y b i r t h d a y

to me!

no more CHANEL-ing rays

use protection. let's be honest, we hear this day to day in our now more than ever sexually-accepting culture and throughout college campuses; however, there are many other extremely important things we need to protect ourselves against like SKIN CANCER. According to an article published in the New York Daily News, "Doctors expect 68,000 new cases of melanoma in 2010, and 8,700 deaths. For young patients between ages 25 and 29, melanoma is the leading cause of death by cancer". Professor Helen Shim-Chang, a research professor at Mt. Sinai Hospital, gives important tips on how to avoid sun damage in the article published on 8/18. Find it by clicking here. so ladies...leave the tanning oil behind and stick to savvy ways to getting your spf on. Chanel's Teint Innocence foundation has SPF 12 and I will tell you, it does the trick. if you keep your brushes clean (more on this later)this little bottle will last you atleast four months, plus no more oily residue from facial sunblocks and stick to this all-in-one product for $47. it is pricey, but there is no price you can put on your skin health. trust me I know, I may or may not be the daughter of a dermatologist. 

Teint Innocence in Cameo: compatible with a fair-to-medium skin tone

look, I'm dashing

cool runnings by jillyt featuring Adidas bags

sometimes you're not up to changing your outfit every time you work out. let's be honest, our life is not the academy awards and we don't always have time for wardrobe swaps. allow yourself to look (and smell) decent before and after you're at the gym. first off, stay stink free with a quick swipe of secret clinical strength deodorant, which is my savior (sorry if that's TMI). secondly, if you have got the stems to flaunt athletic shorts all afternoon, then by all means go for it, but for some of the world's more bootylicious friends (again, me) if you slip on a pair of tight calf length leggings,  like these ones from nike, you'll feel a little more comfortable walking around in society (especially in the winter). a sparky colored sports bra, i.e. this yellow one from adidas, gives your outfit a little fun. layer over an inexpensive old navy tank, racerback and pocket ones give you a little style, and you've got it made. don't give up your comfort for fashion. keep it cool and also smart with the super comfy air max+ running shoe from nike. accessorize in a way that fits your needs with a sports bag, this one is from adidas, and fun ear buds which you can find at yesstyle.com. for those of you who do outdoor activities, you can slip on this fun watch from freestyle which is equipped with a stopwatch to help you out during your jog. throw your hair back with a fun braided headband from topshop and my ultimate go-to hair ties from scunci. allow yourself to feel good about the way you look even when you're sweating like a fool and have to step out into the real world. 

rolling in style...

who wouldn't want a bike adorned with candy colors? you can design it all by yourself at urbanoutfitters.com. customize everything from the wheels to the handlebars, the chain, to the seat. you are the artist. the plato design (shown below) looks as if it slipped out of a 1950's novel. it's lower key counterpart, the aristotle design, is also available for construction online. it's so unique,that now all you need is a basket and a bell (which you can purchase on the website), along with a somewhat pricey $399, and you're ready to roll, literally. 

daring.

feminine.

patriotic.

isn't she lovely?

recently released photos of Marylin Monroe are from the set of her film The Misfits, which she taped during the early 1960s. Photojournalist Eve Arnold snapped these during her most candid moments. Featured on the InStyle website, you can browse more of the gallery by clicking here.

a berry good read

night owl by jillyt featuring Stuart Weitzman shoes

finding the right outfit can be hard, especially if you're trying to impress. but here's the thing, there really is no wrong or right answer. whoever said that you can't wear navy and black or black and brown has some undiscovered colorblindness. Also, white after labor day is OKAY. as long as you wear something with confidence no one is going to question you, because you just look that cool. mixing and matching separates(which is my new favorite  hobby) allows for instant chicness with endless possibilities. Pairing two warm colored pieces from your wardrobe like this slouchy La Petite S***** blouse and berry-hued bandage rib skirt(which you can find at largarconne.com) gives you instant gratification. toss it with colorful gem earrings like these faux turquoise ones and a chunky owl ring from Urban Outfitters and you'll look like a pro. Kate Spade's new 'Book of the Month' collection brings back literature's most famous pieces of work and transcends the limits of fashion by turning them into chic and completely versatile clutches. the color, canary yellow, and the concept can't get any better than the Great Gatsby one shown above. A simple black wrap in case it gets cold and gold bangles that clink when you walk, gives you a feminine flare. And, one last thing: Who would have thought that owning one pair of shoes could change your perspective on uncomfortable heels? having these pumps in black changed my life, and i can only imagine what it must be like to slip your feet into these maple frosted donut colored 'Stilt' pumps from Stuart Weitzman. they channel Lady Gaga, and make you feel all sorts of bad romance. 


mascara, yay for Bobbi Brown(!), and you're set. 

• 
  

• 
  

no longer crooks about books

THANK YOU! According to The USA Today, a newly passed law, which is fittingly named "The Higher Education Opportunity Act", is going to require professors at colleges and universities to post the titles and prices of textbooks that will be required for their classes. This way, when students are registering for classes they can immediately begin to have their eye out for the best deals. If you want to check out the article, which was published in late July, click here. Go out and maybe spend a little more money this Saturday, well, cause you can. 

more love from George.

can I get a woot woot?!

if you're one of those bargain shoppers and it doesn't take you a long time to make a decision on something you really love (that's me), then woot.com is for you. it is a "one day, one deal" website that offers great savings on one particular item all day long. some days it's good and some days it's bad, but if you think you like what the day brings, you should snag it, because you only have until the clock strikes 12 to make a choice. no, there aren't any glass slippers, but still click here to check it out. 


also, in addition to: woot.com has other related sites like shirt.woot.com, wine.woot.com (awesome) and kids.woot.com to narrow their products down a little more specifically

too cute to eat.

orrrrrr maybe not too cute to eat, because you'll be even more tempted to eat your delicious baked treat when it is dressed in a dainty polka dot, gingham checked or leopard cupcake liner. it will add a festive punch that will have others envious of your creative find. 


i especially love the green polka dots, can't go wrong. 

edgy

feminine

fun

keepin it comfy

on the go with the flow by jillyt featuring J Crew

take the time, even if you're running around doing errands, or going to the library to get a little glammed up. it doesn't have to be hard, just throw together a long jersey dress and some bejeweled sandals and you're good to go. a grey heathered dress paired with these pewter Sam Edelman shoesies are sure to be just what you need to waltz into fall, while still keeping it summery. take your reuseable canvas totes (traveler from J.Crew, bicycle from One Language)into the grocery store or use them to schlep around your computer in this adorable Trompe LOeil composition notebook laptop case from urban outfitters. throw on your favorite necklaces, these ones are special finds from Temple St. Clair and Tiffany and Co. keep your lips glossed with Smith's Rosebud Salve and your tootsies shiny with polish from Essie in Mucho Dinero. Slip on a pair of dark plastic framed glasses, like these throw back specs from Oliver Peoples and you're ready for a busy day wherever it is you go or wherever it may take you. 

berrybuzz is all the buzz...

this is by far the coolest Blackberry app that i have downloaded to date. leave the annoying RED BLINKING LED notification light behind, and join the BeBuzz club. for a one time fee of $5.99, Bebuzz allows you to pick from a spectrum of colors and customize your Blackberry light for any other application on your phone. Pick one for sms text, another for mms, another for facebook, another for incoming calls, another for low battery, blackberry messenger, email, alarm and the list goes on and onnnn. you may also choose to customize your contact list with individual lights (maybe keep the annoying red light to warn you of less-than favorable people).it comes with a large selection of default options i.e. turquoise, hot pink, yellow, and orange. you can also choose between bright, normal, and dull versions of every color. decide how long the light blinks and how many times it blinks, you are simply the mastermind behind that little exciting blinker that makes you jump out of your seat when you see it go off. no need to stare and stare waiting for that red light to go off any longer, now you will be pleasantly greeted by spunkier colors every time you're popular. 


ps. there is also a disco one, which is so fun it makes you wanna dance. 

you can choose your poison by selecting it on the sliding color bar

magenta, and turquoise, and purple..oh my!

indicative of my fall (not fair) weather clothing friends

indicative of my fall weather clothing by jillyt featuring J Crew

just a little sneak peek at what fall clothing has in store. dark wash jeans (rolled up, yes please)and less than bulky comfy sweaters from J.Crew, and delicious leathers for ballet slippers and purse. the watch is way too much to handle, and adds some funky glam to an outfit. This one by ToyWatch has all the right notes with the two-tone black and gold look with the chronograph face. Carrera Eyewear (which you can find at Nordstrom)offers a fun, zippier alternative to Rayban aviators. smudge on a tulip-y pink blush to make your cheekbones pop and brighten up your face as we trudge toward the colder months like Dior's Shimmer Star, or a favorite cheaper option from Loreal in Rose Silk. hairclips galore! pull your locks back into a messy updo or a half-up half-down look with a sparkly clip to make it look like you tried harder than you actually did. it's perfect for those days when you oops, didn't wash your hair.