Advent No.16: Anneka's Treats

Hey there Styled by Ryn readers! I’m Anneke (pronounced On-ika) fromThe Fresh Lime, an Essential Oil blog where I share my passion for reinventing healthcare and living a healthy lifestyle!

I met Lauryn last year at a trade show in Texas where I was selling doTERRA essential oils. I was immediately drawn to her bubbly personality and keen eye for fashion. We spent an hour talking about the greatest places to shop and the newest trends. Every day a little part of me prays that my husband will get a job in Texas so that Lauryn can be my personal stylist! Needless to say, I have loved reading Styled by Ryn ever since I met Lauryn and I obviously jumped at the opportunity to be a guest blogger!

One thing I love about the holiday season is the opportunity to try out new recipes and share them with others! When I was younger my siblings and I would each pick a different holiday dessert recipe and we would have a bake off! Once we had completed all of the goodies, we would separate them onto plates and deliver them to our friends and neighbors. This is a holiday tradition that I plan to keep throughout the rest of my life!

At The Fresh Lime, I seek out new and exciting ways to use essential oils in everyday life! This year a friend of mine shared an amazing wild orange honey butter recipe and I could not think of a better way to spread some holiday joy than by delivering a fresh baked loaf of bread with a jar of honey butter to those I love.

Bread has always been intimidating to me, so believe me when I say I was extremely surprised at how easy and delicious it was!  Enjoy!

Wild Orange Honey Butter

Ingredients

1 c. butter
1 ½ c. honey

2-3 drops of dōTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil

Instructions
Beat ingredients together with a hand mixer for at least 10 minutes. It will be a bit runny at first but it should thicken up and get nice and fluffy as ingredients are mixed together.

French Bread

Ingredients

¼ c. warm water (105-115 degrees)

1 pkg. dry active yeast

1 tsp. sugar

3 ½ - 4 c. flour

1 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 c. plus 2 tbsp. warm water

1 egg white and 1 tbsp. water (combined)

Instructions
Combine water, yeast and 1 tsp. sugar into a bowl.
Allow mixture to stand for 5 minutes (until yeast is bubbly).

Add in 1 tbsp. sugar, 1tsp. salt, and water. Mix well!

Add flour 1 cup at a time and then knead for 5 minutes or until dough is smooth.

Allow dough to rise until double (about 15-20 minutes).

On a lightly floured surface, roll out with a rolling pin. Dough may be divided into two pieces for two smaller loaves.

Roll dough up jelly roll style and turn ends under, placing the seam down on a greased cookie sheet. Cut 3 diagonal slits (about ¼ inch deep) into each loaf.

Mix together egg white and 1 tbsp. water and gently brush mixture onto the loaves.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Boil a pan of water and then put the water into a shallow dish.

Turn the oven off and place the pan of water on a lower rack and the bread on the shelf above the pan of water.

Allow the loaves to rise until double (about 20 minutes).

Remove the pan of water and turn the oven to 425 degrees.

Bake bread for 10 minutes at 425.

Reduce oven to 375 and back for 8 minutes or until bread is golden brown.

ENJOY!

 

Advent No.15: Ryn's Favorite things

Hey y'all! I hope you're having a fabulous time celebrating with friends & family this season! Here are a few of my favorites...

1. What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas means to me, time to spend with loved ones. To look at Christmas lights, Go shopping in neatly Christmas decorated stores, Starbucks Peppermint Mocha's, giving gifts & celebrating our Savior's Birth!


2. What is your favorite thing about Christmas?
The weather! I was born in Kentucky, they have four seasons there. I love the snow & cold weather! also strung lights everywhere. My fave!
And my church's candlelight Christmas eve service. It's lovely. I love it!
Enjoying spending time with my friends and exchanging gifts with them too.


3. What is your day to day "uniform" for winter?
Layers. Comfy Cozy & chic layers. I have found myself wrapped in cashmere lately. skinny jeans & boots! I'm also loving beanies right now. slouchy ones.


4. What are your top 3 beauty/makeup essentials?
LIPSTICK! I adore lipstick! (Mac lipstick & Tarte Lipsurgence matte chubbies are my absolute favorites!)
Mascara (Smashbox)
Bronzer (Bare Escentials)


5. What is your favorite Holiday food dish?
Hmm, i do like green bean casserole! and those butter cookies you get in a tin box, my Nana loved those! and peppermint mochas of course!


6. What is/are your most favorite Christmas tradition?
Going to Neiman Marcus for luncheon.
And cozying up on the furniture under blankets with candles lit & kindle in hand!
Also waking up Christmas morning, having coffee, eating homemade fruitcake with breakfast and giving & opening gifts.

7. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies you like to watch?
1.) Elf
2.) Miracle on 34th street
3.) White Christmas
4.) Santa Clause (all three movies)
5.) Hallmark & Lifetime movies

8. What gets you in the mood for the holidays?
Shopping!, listening to christmas tunes And watching the thanksgiving parade!

9. Describe your worst fashion faux pas?
Awe guys, I have alot! even though i am a stylist, I've had a few faux pas! one that is instilled in me are overalls! not just overalls, corduroy overalls! they're not my fave, but I wore them with a turtleneck.. Terrible just terrible! and I though I looked so good! But in my defense I was only 12 or 13... Awkward stage for sure!

10. Which do you prefer, velvet or corduroy? Explain why.
I prefer velvet. Rayon velvet to be exact! it moves so lovely on your body. 
I don't mind corduroy either, i like it too! It styles nicely!


11. Name 3 items on your Christmas list?
Madewell transport bag
White Converse High-tops
Anastasia eyebrow waxing from Nordstrom


12. What makes your home extra cozy for winter?
Cozy blankets
Candles
Hallmark movies
(I would say flannel sheets, but I currently don't own any.)


13. What are your top 3 things you've been eyeing this season. (Housewares, fashion, beauty, etc.)
Beanie hats
Tarte matte lipsurgeance
Merona Men's Stag sweatshirt (adorable!)


14. Name 3 things you are gifting others with?
Coffee
A stag
Socks


15. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you're receiving?
Um, I'm a little bit of both! I like to know, but then I like surprises too! I'm an over thinker, so I usually can guess what I'm receiving before they actually give it to me just by what they've said...


16. What is/are your favorite store(s)? And why?
Madewell (i adore their shoes & accessories!)
Nordstrom (I just have a wonderful time in that store, from the coffee to the cosmetics to the purses to the clothes!
Anthropologie (can we say cute housewares? And of course, they have cute clothes too!)
Oldnavy (I buy most of my jeans from here, and I really like they're clothes. they're well made.)
J.crew (They have amazing outfit ideas and gifty items.)
Free people (Because I really like boho type clothing)


17. Describe the perfect outfit?
Wool floppy hat
Baggy t-shirt
Cashmere Cardigan
Black Skinny Jeans
Black Chelsea Boots
And Maude C. Jewels
LV Speedy Carryall


18. What is your favorite perfume/scent?
Keihl's Original Musk Perfume
Philosophy's Pure Grace Perfume
I wear these the most! I really like them!
and for scent i like almond and woodsy scents.


19. Do you prefer to light candles or use battery operated candles? Which scented candles do you like at the moment?
Um, when I remember to light them, Candles. I really like the scent Volluspa Baltic Amber. But I also like to light my Lampe Berger and it kills bacteria in the air while it sets off a great seasonal scent!


20. Do prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?
Um, I like flats. Right now I really like my ankle boots, but I enjoy wearing my madewell sidewalk skimmers when it's a bit warmer in temps. i don't like when my feet are cold. oh and I really like my uggs. yes they're not very cute, but they keep my toes warm & toasty, just the way i like it!


21. Do you have any blogs you like to read?
Yes i do!
I read: Hello-homebody.com
AbeautifulMess.com
Gustoandgrace.com
Psimadethis.com
Momentsofstyle.com
Cupcakesandcashmere.com
Vivianna does make-up
Lilypebbles
Sprinkle of glitter
withCaitlin.Blogspot.com
Young house love


22. What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Any albums that are on repeat this year?
Not really, I usually have Pandora set to Christmas songs. But I do like Faith Hill, Brad Paisley & Lady Antebellum Christmas albums...


23. Do you shop on etsy? If so, can you recommend 3 shops you like?
I do! I try and support other artists just like me.
My 3 are+ one more:
Greythread
Foxandthefawn
RaynaJaye 
& TealAnnie


24. Do you like Pinterest? If so, what do you pin more of: Home, style or cooking?
I like pinterest so much! and I pin clothes mostly, but I don't have difficulty pinning home or cooking either!


25. What is your signature color for nails/lips this season?
For Nails: I'm liking oxblood, taupe & dark grey
For lips: Nude Or Red! MAC Reds: Lady bug, Lady Danger & Russian Red


26. What is your favorite scripture?
Matthew 5:14 (MSG) "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bring out the God colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept We're going public with this, as public a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, You don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket. do you? I'm putting you on a hilltop, on a light stand--Shine! Keep open house; Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in Heaven.
This scripture was dropped in my heart about three months ago and i haven't let it go yet! I even designed a piece of jewelry around it too!

27. What is your ultimate Christmas carol?
Silent Night & Joy to the World


28. Do you prefer to give or to receive more?
I love to give! I give throughout the year. but it's more magical during December. I love to see the faces of people receiving. I mean i don't mind receiving, but I just love to give!


29. What has been the best Christmas gift you've ever received so far?
Hmm, it wasn't really a "Christmas gift" per Se, but my dog Graycie. We did get her around Christmas and I just love her!


30. Any charities you're giving to this year?
I always give to salvation when out shopping....


Merry Christmas Y'all! -Ryn

Advent No.14: Christmas with Ruth

Ryn Here, I love this girl so much! Her name is Ruth, and we've actually never met in person! We met through a #coasttocoast challenge on instagram. I have only seen pictures of her, but She's just gorgeous! She's just a stunner! Is it weird to say, I want to be like her? err probably! But I just love her heart and I want to get to know this girl more! and hopefully I'll make it up to Seattle soon to meet her in person ; ) Here are her answers to my Christmas interview!

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

To be honest I’m not exactly sure, and mostly because it feels like it changes every year. This year it means that I get to go back to see my family in the Midwest and we all get to be together, which has become more meaningful to all of us after losing my brother in 2012.

2. What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Since I was a child my favorite thing about Christmas was getting to see loved ones that I might not get to see often. Whether its cousins or friends who come back into town for the holidays, it’s always been something I’ve looked forward to.

3. What is your day to day "uniform" for winter?

Layers! You can find me wearing thermals, chunky sweaters, scarves and hats during the cold winter months. I love being warm, so the more layers the better!

4. What are your top 3 beauty/makeup essentials?

    1) Urban Decay Eye Primer

    2) Dior skin Nude Concealer

    3) Clinique Mascara

5. What is your favorite Holiday food dish?

I’m probably more of a weird one, because I’ve actually never really liked “holiday food” except for the treats. I do always look forward to a little peppermint bark every year.

6. What is your most favorite Christmas tradition?

Since I was a kid I’ve loved going to the candlelight Christmas Eve service at church. There is just something special about a room full of candles and everyone singing Christmas carols that I have always enjoyed.  

7. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies you like to watch?

Not sure if all of these count as Christmas movies, but I seem to watch them around then.

1. The Holiday
2. The Nutcracker (there is an old movie version I’ve loved)
3. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
4. Lord of the Rings
5. Elf

8. What gets you in the mood for the holidays?

I’d have to say putting up the decorations. As a kid I loved it when my mom would get all the decorations out of the attic and help decorate. My brothers and I would fight over who got to decorate the fireplace mantel every time. I still love doing that and finding new ways of creating decorations every year. Pinterest has been great for inspiration.

9. Describe your worst fashion faux pas? 

I’m pretty sure I’ve had a few, but the one that comes to my mind has to be my phase of wearing a dress over jeans, flare leg jeans at that. I look back at those photos and wonder what I was thinking.

10. Which do you prefer, velvet or corduroy? Explain why.

Corduroy. I’ve always liked it and velvet reminds me of bad childhood outfits.  

11. Name 3 items on your Christmas list?

1) Patterned socks

2) Polaroid film

3) Subscription to Vogue or Allure  

12. What makes your home extra cozy for winter?

Candles. I love how a warm a sent like hazelnut or vanilla candles can make a home seem cozy, and add some yummy smells too.

13. What are your top 3 things you've been eyeing this season. (Housewares, fashion, beauty, etc.)

1) J Crew coats

2) Pretty paper goods from Rifle Paper Co.

3) A pair of 70s flare leg jeans

14. Name 3 things you are gifting others with?

1. Gift set from Sephora

2. Clothes

3. Favorite treats

15. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you're receiving?

I think surprises are the best, but at times there is part of me that wants to know what I’m getting.

16. What is/are your favorite store(s)? And why?  

1) Ruche

They have so many lovely and affordable pieces

2) Forever 21

They have the best sweaters and jeans

3) J Crew

Even though I can’t really afford to shop there, I love its classy style and how well fitting the clothes are.

17. Describe the perfect outfit?

To me the perfect outfit is one that is comfortable, yet stylish. It should fit well to flatter your body and be something that makes you feel amazing while wearing it.

18. What is your favorite perfume/scent?

I’ve always had a thing for either Clinique Happy Heart or DKNY Green Apple, but sadly a few years ago I developed sensitive skin and can no longer wear perfume.

19. Do you prefer to light candles or use battery operated candles? Which scented candles do you like at the moment?

Definitely lighted candles and this time of year Hazelnut and Vanilla are a favorite.

20. Do prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?

I tend to wear more flats than heels. I have found BC footwear and Steve Madden to be a favorite shoe brand.

21. Do you have any blogs you like to read?

Clementine Daily, Esther from the sticks, A Beautiful Mess, Lala Lovely and Talia Fuhrman.

22. What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Any albums that are on repeat this year?

The Civil Wars or Sleeping at Last’s Christmas albums can be found on repeat in our house from the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas.

23. Do you shop on etsy? If so, can you recommend 3 shops you like?

I do from time to time and the 3 shops I have enjoyed are.

1. Esther from the sticks
2. Pie n the sky
3. TopHome

24. Do you like Pinterest? If so, what do you pin more of: Home, style or cooking?

I definitely enjoy Pinterest and mosty pin style inspiration. At times I go back to my style board when I can’t figure out what to wear and it can sometimes help give me an idea to try.

25. What is your signature color for nails/lips this season?

For nails my go to is either red or dark grey and lips I tend to stick with coral or rose colored pinks.

26. What is your favorite scripture?

I have a few, but in the current season of life I’m in Ecclesiastes 3:11 has been a favorite. “Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”

27. What is your ultimate Christmas carol?

O Come O Come Emmanuel or O Holy Night  

28. Do you prefer to give or to receive more?

I prefer to give more. I love getting to see the reaction when someone receives something they’ve been wanting or that means a lot to them.

29. What has been the best Christmas gift you've ever received so far? 

My engagement ring! Even though my husband proposed the day after Christmas, it still counts as the best gift to me.

30. Any charities you're giving to this year?

I haven’t picked one yet, but I try to find something to give to in memory of my brother Daniel. He was always giving to people, and I think he would have wanted that.


I hope you all have an amazing holiday & enjoy every minute of your loved ones!
-ryn

Advent No.13: Favorites with Melina

 

 

 

1. What does Christmas mean to you? It’s my favorite holiday season!  Cause it sparks the HOPE of Jesus into the darkness & chaos of the world and makes everyone pause, turn from themselves and gaze on-- JESUS. That’s what Christmas mean to me that Christ-Love- was born in the earth and it changed everything!

2. What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

I love fireplaces, snow, but mostly families coming together!!

3. What is your day to day "uniform" for winter?

Booties, jeans, fashionable scarfs and warm hats! I am a great fan of hats 

4. What are your top 3 beauty/makeup essentials?

A good covering makeup, brown eye-pencil, blush

5. What is your favorite Holiday food dish?

Starter: Chicken soup with egg and lemon, Main Dish: lamb with potatoes in the oven.

6. What is your most favorite Christmas tradition?

The Christmas carols that children sing knocking the doors (greek tradition), but of course decorating the Christmas tree with family while listening to Christmas music!

7. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies you like to watch?

Home alone, Narnia, Serendipity, Oliver (Charles Dicken), Nativity Story

8. What gets you in the mood for the holidays?

Christmas lights, Christmas tree, carols, kourabiedes-melomakarona (traditional greek sweets)

9. Describe your worst fashion faux pas? 

I don’ t like fashion that looks too fake…

10. Which do you prefer, velvet or corduroy? Explain why.

Velvet, cause it’s more feminine..

11. Name 3 items on your Christmas list?

a) outfit for New Year’s Eve b)new christmas music c)gifts

12. What makes your home extra cozy for winter?

Fireplace, comfortable warm pajamas, christmas decoration (not too much though)

13. What are your top 3 things you've been eyeing this season. (Housewares, fashion, beauty, etc.)

Variety of Christmas decoration, stylish hats and boots.

14. Name 3 things you are gifting others with?

Earrings, blouse, perfume…

15. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you're receiving? 

I do like surprises 

16. What is/are your favorite store(s)? And why?

I like a lot european fashion like… Zara, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, Berskah, Quaso… are my favorite. They are stylish and always have variety in their style.

17. Describe the perfect outfit?

Boots with skinny jeans or tights, long knitted blouse and a cool hat.

18. What is your favorite perfume/scent?

Body (Burberry)

19. Do you prefer to light candles or use battery operated candles? Which scented candles do you like at the moment?

To light candles… I like vanilla & cinnamon.

20. Do prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?

Flats mainly…heels on special occasions. I like shoes from Zara and Stradivarius.

21. Do you have any blogs you like to read?

My friend’s Janice Olivia blogs and Timothy Generation.

22. What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Any albums that are on repeat this year?

Absolute Favorite Christmas, Wow Christmas, Christmas (Jaci Velasquez)

23. Do you shop on etsy? If so, can you recommend 3 shops you like?   

I don’t really like shopping online, I like the traditional way of trying things 

24. Do you like Pinterest? If so, what do you pin more of: Home, style or cooking?

It’s a creative idea but haven’t used it much..

25. What is your signature color for nails/lips this season?

Nails: grey, brown, red

Lips: Shimmer lip gloss, red lipstick

26. What is your favorite scripture?

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18)

27. What is your ultimate Christmas carol?

“Fall on your knees”

28. Do you prefer to give or to receive more?

I believe we receive to give back. It’s a circle that must be flowing all the time. There is joy in both when there is no selfishness.

29. What has been the best Christmas gift you've ever received so far? 

Some years ago…When I was able to fly back and see my family after being one year away in Australia for Bible College…

30. Any charities you're giving to this year?

There is an organization that we started with my family named “Hopespot” after seeing so many needs caused by the economic crisis….The main goal is to give hope in desperate situations, as to gather and give out food and clothes to poor families in Greece, to provide temporary shelter for abused women, to organize creative time for young kids that come from these families. I am pouring into that for this season.

Advent No.12: Meshali's Merries

Meshali is a fabulous photographer, looks like she walked out of a Madewell catalog, a dear friend, has a big heart and is a southerner. You can check out more:http://meshalimitchellphoto.com/bio.html#2

1.What does Christmas mean to you?

Christmas is like no other holiday to me.  Celebrating the birth of my savior, Jesus Christ means numerous things. His birth and His coming to the Earth is what has saved me and gives me Hope today in 2013.  For me, Christmas is a celebration of Grace invading Earth.  The focus of family and friends is my favorite aspect of the Holiday.  Getting together with family is one of my most treasured parts of life.

3. What is your day to day "uniform" for winter?  

I’ve been known to be a “comfort dresser”.   Because I’m a photographer, most work days include being outdoors shooting or inside editing.   I’d say my average daily wardrobe in the winter is a comfy pair of go to Levi’s and a sweater.  This year, my comfy suede ankle boots from GAP or my LL bean duck boots are what you can find me in most.  

4. What are your top 3 beauty/makeup essentials?

Its so hard to narrow down to three!!!  Hmmm….lets see.  If I HAD to say 3 of my favorite beauty essentials, I’d have to say my Clarisonic for washing my face, NARS blush, and Enzo Hair Wand.

5. What is your favorite Holiday food dish?

I am a chip and dip FANATIC.  It’s sad really.  An addicion possibly?   I am a chips and salsa/queso lover.  I know many people would have fancy “Christmassy dish” to write, but for me….this is what my family is sure to have at every family party for me.  Another holiday favorite of mine are the peanut butter balls my Mom makes.  

6. What is your most favorite Christmas tradition?  

We have a tradition of going to a candlelit Christmas service on Christmas Eve together and singing Christmas songs.  During this time, the pastor prays for the family as a whole at the altar as we take communion together.  He blesses our upcoming year.  Its always a precious time with family.  This year, weve thought about throwing Christmas Caroling or giving gifts to charity into the tradition mix.  We will see!

7. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies you like to watch?

​Polar Express, Home Alone (1 and 2), Santa Clause, Elf, also love old Christmas movies. ..old classics!

8. What gets you in the mood for the holidays? CHRISTMAS MUSIC!  One of my favorite things…truly.  I may or may not listen to it year round.   Cold weather and winter wardrobes!   Bundling up with coffee and hot cocoa and watching Christmas music!  I’d also say that hanging lights and decorating with loved ones is a sure way to bring the Christmas Spirit!  

11. Name 3 items on your Christmas list?

​New Gianni Bini heels Im drooling over currently, New Levi Jeans,  Perfume.

​

12. What makes your home extra cozy for winter?

Candles!  Lots of smell good stuff!  I love firewood and pine scents.  Fire places always set a great holiday mood, too!  Christmas music and old quilts!

13. What are your top 3 things you've been eyeing this season. (Housewares, fashion, beauty, etc.)

​All of West Elm’s Christmas seasonal decorating has been my favorite.  

15. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you're receiving? 

​Definitely definitely love surprises!  Makes it fun!  Our family gives “wish lists”…this helps with the surprise aspect a little while still getting what you want.

16. What is/are your favorite store(s)? And why?  

I love a good mix of different styles, so there are several stores that I would say I go to most.   Top are J Crew, Madewell, Anthroplogie, and Ralph Lauren.

18. What is your favorite perfume/scent?  

My Favorite perfumes of all time are Gucci II and Givenchy Ange Demone.

19. Do you prefer to light candles or use battery operated candles? Which scented candles do you like at the moment?

Nothing can replace a lit candle to me!  My favorite scent is made by Henri Bendel “FIREWOOD” Scent.

20. Do prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?  Ohhhh, this is a little humourous right now because my sister and I have a running joke about it.  I am usually a flats person, but am working on branching out a bit.  I recently got a pair of oxblood Steve Madden heels that I absolutely love.  

22. What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Any albums that are on repeat this year?  

Best Christmas album…and my go to every year is the Mariah Carey Christmas Album. Also love Josh Groban, Frank Sinatra, The Winans…I love a good music mix, too!

25. What is your signature color for nails/lips this season?  

​I usually go with neutral colors.  Nude, light pink, light blues.  I have a light brown on my nails right now…kind of a sandstone color that I really like.

26. What is your favorite scripture?

​​

​Around Christmas time, I love to dwell and meditate on this verse.  Luke 2 (The greatest news planet Earth has ever received)

Luke 2: 9-11 “And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened.

But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people.  For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord!”

​

30. Any charities you're giving to this year?

​Our church gives to Angel Tree every year.  Members draw a childs name and gift needy children with Christmas gifts!  So rewarding and beautiful!  

-Meshali