Posted 12.30.2011 by Sandy a la Mode in In Style :: 7 comments
Is anyone else super excited for Sandy to become a mama? Its such an incredible experience and I can’t wait for her to be able to him!
There were so many fun trends in 2011! Its always fun to see a trend cross over fashion and interiors:) My personal favorite was the black and gold frenzy that has hit the styling scene everywhere! Its a great color palate to bring in the new year!

Sources: 1., 2., 3., 4. 5.
What were your favorite color schemes this year?
- Anna of In Honor of Design
Bonjour
Sandy à la Mode readers, I’m Shea from Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique. I’m so
excited to be able to guest post for Sandy while she’s enjoying her time as a new
mommy (or while she’s enjoying her last few weeks of pregnancy…depending on
just how cozy baby à la mode is)!
I thought I’d share with you all a favorite go-to outfit and dinner idea for a chilly day. I
don’t know about you, but for me, having a few easy ideas at my fingertips is essential this
time of year. Adding holiday parties, gift shopping, and family get-togethers
to an already busy schedule leaves little time to spend on outfit coordinating
and meal planning.
Sweater: Isaac Mizrahi for Target (old); camisole: Old Navy; jeans: Express; scarf: Loft; shoes: Merona, Target
One of my favorite cold-weather combinations is a bold colored sweater, a contrasting
scarf, jeans, and a fun pair of flats or low heels. I always stock up on
solid-colored sweaters, especially during sales, so that I can do several
different versions of this combination. A scarf keeps me warm and toasty, but
it can easily be removed if someone has her heater working overtime.
When it comes to weeknight meals, my philosophy is the simpler the better this time of
year. When it starts getting dark at five, I’d much rather spend my evening
sipping hot cocoa than working in a hot kitchen. That’s why stir-fries are a Godsend.
This version, Spicy Tangerine Beef from Guy Fieri, is quick and easy, but
elegant enough to impress your friends. And it’s easy to swap out the
ingredients to make this meal fit what’s on sale or what you’re in the mood
for.
So, what go-to recipes, for style or for food, are you relying on this time of year?
-Shea
***
P.S. The winner of the $50 ShopKempt giveaway is Leah from Leahmariev! Congrats girl! Please send me an email at sandyalamode(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your prize and I’ll get you in touch with ShopKempt!
Posted 12.26.2011 by Sandy a la Mode in In Style :: 32 comments



Dress: Tea & Tulips | Cardigan Sweater c/o Maple Boutique | Belt: Forever 21 | Tights: TJMaxx | Shoes: Blowfish
As my belly gets bigger and bigger (40 weeks, 3 days today), I can’t help but to live in big comfy sweaters (like the one I’m wearing from Maple Boutique) and tights. Oh, and sweat pants too. It’s kind of funny that this past weekend whenever anyone would ask me when my due date was… I’d say I’m past due haha. I’ve also gotten plenty of comments about how I look like I’m ready to pop, yes, I sure am. We actually were able to get in A LOT of sleep this Christmas weekend, we finally got a glider for me and baby to use, and I just keep adding more things to that hospital bag (which I’ll probably not end up using half of it).
Hubby and I exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve… we just couldn’t wait until Christmas Day! He seriously showered me with gifts, as usual. I got a new pair of earrings, a new point and shoot camera (Canon S95), Lightroom, and pink earbuds! I’m seriously such a lucky one. I just can’t wait to see how he will be with our little A, he’s going to be the best Daddy ever.
We got showered with gifts throughout the past few weeks from hubby’s family in package form (LOVE getting packages at our doorstep) too. And then on Christmas Day, my parents came into town and they are staying for awhile to help take care of little A once he decides to arrive. They brought us a ton of gifts from my brother’s family and it was fun to have a gift opening session on Christmas night! We’re so blessed to have our family here to help us through this exciting and sure to be trying time as new parents!
What was your favorite Christmas gift that you received this year?
