Helen Ficalora - STORIES

Mother's Day Contest 2017!

2017-04-11T15:43:00-04:00

We are celebrating by holding a contest! Enter below to win a 14k Yellow Gold Mom Disk Charm With Diamond on a 14k Yellow Gold 18'' Fine Chain.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

* This giveaway is set to end on May 14, 2017 at 11:59 PM EST. One (1) winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted by Helen Ficalora Press within two (2) weeks of giveaway end date. This winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim the prize. Failure to respond will result I another winner being randomly chosen. Helen Ficalora will fulfill shipment directly to winner. No P.O. Boxes. Winner must be 18+ and reside in the U.S.

VALENTINE'S DAY CONTEST!

2017-01-14T12:00:00-05:00

Valentine's Day is almost here and we are celebrating with a contest! Enter below for a chance to win our brand new 14k Yellow Gold Large Twisted Heart Charm on a 14k Yellow Gold 18'' Fine Chain. Valued at $330

\hThis giveaway is for US Only, 18+ and will end on February 14, 2017 at 11:59 P.M. EST. One (1) lucky winner will be randomly selected and Helen Ficalora Press will reach out directly within two (2) weeks of giveaway end date. Winner will have 24 hours to respond and claim prize, failure to do so will result in another winner randomly drawn.

The lucky winner has been announced! Congratulations Carol N. (pictured below) and thank you for sharing this photo with your new beautiful Twisted Heart Necklace!

Thank you everyone for entering!

Look out for our Mother's Day Contest coming SOON for another chance to win!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS

2016-12-23T09:00:00-05:00

CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS

Who doesn’t love dressing up on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in festive pajamas?! We sure do! Whether you are spending this holiday alone or with your family, there is a huge array of Christmas pajamas to choose from. Try some of these ideas for your Christmas pajamas this year:

MOOSE FAIR ISLE PAJAMAS

BUFFALO PLAID PAJAMAS

‘THE GRINCH’ SHORT PAJAMAS

FIRESIDE THERMAL LONG JANE PAJAMA

WHAT THE ELF TEE AND BUFFALO PLAID SLEEP SHORTS

IF IT’S SNOWING I’M NOT GOING

SANTA! I KNOW HIM!

LONG JOHN PAJAMA PANTS DEER PATTERN

DEAR SANTA I CAN EXPLAIN

GRINCH FLANNEL PAJAMA SET

CHRISTMAS NAIL ART

2016-12-22T09:30:00-05:00

CHRISTMAS NAIL ART

Paint your nails with some beautiful shades of red, green, blue, white, and even gold! Paint designs that resemble candy cane stripes, Christmas trees, and a string of Christmas lights. Add glitter, snowflakes, and matte polish, too!

HANUKKAH NAIL ART

2016-12-22T09:00:00-05:00

HANUKKAH NAIL ART

Paint your nails with some beautiful shades of blue and white with stars, glitter, matte blue, sparkles, and even a Hanukkah sweater print! Everyone will be sure to compliment you on your beautiful nail art.

DIY CHRISTMAS CARDS

2016-12-21T09:00:00-05:00

DIY CHRISTMAS CARDS

Try making this easy Gemstone Christmas Card! All you’ll need is cardstock, oversized gemstones (could use giant sequins or buttons, too!), white PVA craft glue, and permanent fineline marker.

Using just solid kraft paper cards, a couple sprigs of boxwood from a wreath, and a hot glue gun, you can make these inexpensive Wreath Cards to add a little greenery to brown paper!

These Reindeer Christmas Cards are fun and easy to make! Using a thumb or finger for the reindeer and red felt for the nose makes them extra adorable.

HANUKKAH CANDLES AND MENORAHS

2016-12-20T09:00:00-05:00

HANUKKAH CANDLES AND MENORAHS

Make a homemade menorah this year! Try making this Branch Menorah. The branch needs to be at least 16 inches long and have a raised knot (for the shamash—the candle used to light the other candles). Make nine dots evenly spaced with pencil and one on top of the knot. Drill holes with a 3/8 inch bit. Paint it with craft paint and let dry.

Cover the top halves of 8 small jars with masking tape. Using etching cream, etch bottom halves according to product directions. Remove the tape. Fill the jars halfway with water. Add 1/8 inch olive oil. Drop floating wicks into the jars (cork side down). Use a birthday candle in a small, narrow-necked bottle for the shamash. Now you have Olive Oil Lights!

Try making Bead Blocks for something modern and creative. Glue together 9 square wood beads with the holes up. Top the center bead with a second bead for the shamash. Hold together with a rubber band until the glue dries. Cover the top half of the beads with masking tape and paint the bottom halves. Remove the tape.

Create a Modern Wooden-Block Menorah together as a family. Make a contemporary menorah using wooden blocks, cheery paint colors (like yellow), and shiny candleholders.

Here is another branch idea: Candlelit Branch and Ribbon Star. Spray shimmering silver and trim with star-shaped bobeches.

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

2016-12-19T09:00:00-05:00

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES

There are so many fun and enjoyable activities for Christmas! The list goes on and on, but we’ll just share some of the basics of Christmas activities. Try some of these:

DRINK HOT CHOCOLATE

BUILD A GINGERBREAD HOUSE

MAKE CHRISTMAS CARDS

SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS

BAKE COOKIES

DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE

ATTEND A TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

READ CHRISTMAS BOOKS

WATCH CHRISTMAS MOVIES

WRITE A LETTER TO SANTA

HANUKKAH RECIPES

2016-12-18T09:00:00-05:00

HANUKKAH RECIPES

If you like meat, try this Pomegranate-Braised Short Ribs recipe. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper and top with pomegranate seeds!

Serve these Matzo Latkes with a dollop of horseradish cream and a salmon rosette. Garnish with chives.

This Noodle Kugel recipe is a little sweet and a bit savory. Perfect as a side dish or a treat for breakfast!

Make this Challah recipe by hand! It’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Try this creamy, rich Chicken-Liver Mousse with Raspberry Jelly. If can be served as a starter for your meal. Spoon jelly over the top and serve with crostini and pickled veggies.

CHRISTMAS TREE DIY'S

2016-12-17T09:00:00-05:00

CHRISTMAS TREE DIY’S

Do you love Christmas trees as much as us?! Try some Christmas tree DIY’s to decorate your home this year. They add a festive touch to any room.

DIY PINECONE CHRISTMAS TREES

DIY WINE CORK CHRISTMAS TREES

DIY RUSTIC FELT CHRISTMAS TREES

HOLIDAY PARTY STYLE

2016-12-16T09:00:00-05:00

HOLIDAY PARTY STYLE

Holiday parties have already begun! Try some of these styles at the holiday parties you attend this year.

LONG SLEVE VELVET WRAP TOP

HOLIDAY BEAUTY HACKS

2016-12-15T09:00:00-05:00

HOLIDAY BEAUTY HACKS

With the holidays, it seems we’re always in more of a rush and trying to create new beauty looks to make our makeup pop. Try these 15 Holiday Beauty Hacks to make getting ready in the morning before work (or getting ready for a night out or holiday party) a lot easier!

PEACE JOY LOVE DIY'S

2016-12-14T09:00:00-05:00

PEACE JOY LOVE DIY’S

If you love crafting, try these DIY’s that have the words (or symbols) in the craft! They make easy and beautiful decorations for your home.

DIY PEACE SIGN WREATH

DIY HOLIDAY CRAFTING WITH WINE BOTTLES

DIY LOVE SIGN

PEACE JOY LOVE HOME DECOR

2016-12-13T09:00:00-05:00

PEACE JOY LOVE HOME DECOR

Decorate your home with PEACE JOY LOVE in different shapes and sizes!

Hang a sign saying: WISHING YOU Peace JOY AND Love on your fireplace mantle! Add some acorns and evergreen; some ornaments, candles, and reindeer to make it more beautiful.

Place a sign like this JOY sign outside your home on the porch!

Hang PEACE JOY LOVE ornaments on a Christmas tree.

Get some frames that spell out LOVE and hang in a square on your living room wall!

Grab some buckets and a chalk pen and spell out JOY. Put some evergreen in them and add ornaments and whatever else you’d like! Tie a ribbon around the bucket and place on your staircase or outside your home!

HAND STAMPED SILVERWARE

2016-12-12T09:00:00-05:00

HAND STAMPED SILVERWARE

If you like to personalize gifts—or even just have personalized items for yourself, try making hand stamped silverware. It’s adorable and can be punny, too! ;) You can stamp spoons, knives/spreaders, forks, whatever your heart desires.

FOOD GIFT WRAPPING

2016-12-11T09:00:00-05:00

FOOD GIFT WRAPPING

Do you love baking for other people? Try gifting food this year! Bake a few different kinds of cookies or gourmet marshmallows and give away in cellophane bags. Tie a gift tag around it and/or a ribbon or other embellishment. You can also gift baked goods in a plain paper bag and run it through your printer to have a cute typed up script on the front. Place a candy cane, evergreen, or even hand stamped vintage silverware (read tomorrow's blog post to see how to make these yourself) under some rope twine. If you want to gift some hot cocoa, you can place it in a jar and use a printable tag to stick on the cap of the jar. Add some embellishment to the jar and viola! You now have some cute ways to wrap your baked goods to give as gifts.

DIY ORNAMENTS

2016-12-10T09:00:00-05:00

DIY ORNAMENTS

Make some homemade ornaments with family and friends! Try a DIY Decoupage Glass Ornament for a vintage feel, a DIY Fingerprint Snowman ornament (for if you’re decorating your tree with a bunch of ornaments the kids helped make), or a DIY Photo Transfer Ornament for a more mature yet crafty feel.

TRAVEL STYLE

2016-12-09T09:00:00-05:00

TRAVEL STYLE

During the holiday season, people travel to see family, friends; to have a weekend getaway and some even travel for work. Everyone dresses differently when they travel, especially depending on the type of travel (plane, car, train . . .) and their destination (cold weather or warm). If you’re heading to the airport this holiday, pair some jeans with sneakers and a peacoat or trench coat. It’s comfortable while remaining fashionable. You can remove the coat if you get warm or use it as a blanket if you get chilly. If you’re traveling for work, you can wear dark wash jeans with a blazer and a warm blanket scarf. An outfit perfect for traveling in the car would be some leggings paired with a flannel shirt, warm and fuzzy socks, and a hat with mittens to stay warm. You can also wear leggings with a denim shirt under an oversized sweater and complete the look with a pair of boots (like black leather or even UGG Boots).

TRAVEL SIZE BEAUTY

2016-12-08T09:00:00-05:00

TRAVEL SIZE BEAUTY

During this time of the year everyone is traveling! Whether going home for the holiday or doing a stay-cation, here’s some information on where you can get some great travel-size items! If you travel often, try and get some miniature versions of your favorite products that will make it through TSA. The essentials you can get at Target or your local drugstore or even a beauty supply store like ULTA. They are: toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, and a cleanser. You’ll also need a razor, chapstick (or a gloss), moisturizer, makeup remover, face mask, foundation, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, powder, body lotion, perfume, and a hair product like dry shampoo or leave in conditioner.

DIY GINGERBREAD HOUSE GIFT BOX

2016-12-07T09:00:00-05:00

DIY GINGERBREAD HOUSE GIFT BOX

If you love getting creative/decorative with gift giving, make these DIY Gingerbread House Gift Boxes to package your gifts in this year! All you need is a white Painters marker, cardboard boxes (can be different sizes), and a glue gun. You can draw whatever design you want for the gingerbread house (including windows and doors, of course!). Then just add tissue paper!

HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING

2016-12-06T00:00:00-05:00

HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING

This time of the year we wrap so many presents. Try making them more decorative by paying attention to the details! Use gift paper or wrapping paper that has reindeer or stripes on it. Add rope twine or ribbon to wrap around the present. Tie a gift tag to the rope twine and write a little personal note to the person you’re gifting it to. Place evergreen, pinecones, little red berries, and/or bells at the twine. Now you have a super decorative, modern, gorgeous gift to give out!

WINTER ACTIVITIES

2016-12-05T09:00:00-05:00

WINTER ACTIVITIES

There are so many fun things to do during the Winter season! Here’s a list of some activities you should try out this year:

SNOWY HORSEBACK RIDES

SLEIGH RIDES

HOLIDAY APPETIZERS

2016-12-04T09:00:00-05:00

HOLIDAY APPETIZERS

There are so many different dishes you cook during the holidays, especially with family gatherings or parties. Try cooking some of these holiday appetizers!

If you love meatballs and have a lot of mouths to feed, try making these Spicy Cranberry Barbecue Meatballs. They can be made on your stovetop or in a slow cooker. You only need three ingredients to make this recipe!

For those who love asparagus and bacon, this Garlic Butter Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus is perfect for you! This is quick and easy to make finger food; perfect as an appetizer.

Who doesn’t love tiny, yummy Smokies Sausages! These Spicy Blood Orange Lit’l Smokies are a mix of sweet and spicy.

Baked Parmesan Fingerling Potato Fries have a crispy outside and buttery inside. You won’t be able to stop snacking on these!

Here’s another recipe for the bacon lovers out there: Bacon Bombs. They’re a cheesy snack that work great as appetizers.

FUZZY WINTER DIY

2016-12-03T09:00:00-05:00

FUZZY WINTER DIY

Get creative this Winter and make a pair of sliders yourself (you know, the fuzzy shoes that are like slippers seen on celebrities). Try these DIY Fluffy Sliders and make them as gifts for your friends (#SquadGoals)! They cost less than buying them in the store or online and take only 15 minutes to make!

If you love the fluffy heel trend like us, then try these DIY Fluffy Heels and make them for under $30! Any color would work, but the most used colors for this trend are black and pink.

WARM AND FUZZY WINTER STYLE

2016-12-02T09:00:00-05:00

WARM AND FUZZY WINTER STYLE

We’re sharing some of our favorite trends right now for this Winter season that will be sure to keep you warm and trendy! Velvet can be found anywhere currently and it’s used on shirts, shoes, etc. Faux fur is also another trend right now that can be seen on shoes, jackets, and so much more. These fabrics are also seen on all accessories and home decor!

FAUX FUR SLIDERS

VELVET GLOVES

FAUX FUR COLLARED JACKET

VELVET HEELS

FAUX FUR JACKET

VELVET FOLDOVER CLUTCH

HIGH ANKLE BOOTIES

VELVET WRAP CHOKER

FAUX FUR SNOOD

PEPPERMINT BEAUTY

2016-12-01T09:00:00-05:00

PEPPERMINT BEAUTY

An easy gift to give for the holidays would be Fizzy Peppermint Bath Salts. They smell like you’re bathing in candy canes (and they’re pink)! You can fill the bath salts in airtight containers (like glass) and wrap some decorative trim around them.

You can also make Peppermint Body Butter as a gift or for yourself. This is perfect for the Winter season. It’s moisturizing and smells amazing.

Peppermint Shower Cubes are a great beauty DIY and gift. If you’re gifting these, make some cute labels to place on your containers that hold the sugar scrub bars! If you want peppermint sugar scrub already made and packaged, try buying one like this.

Peppermint Bath Bombs are yet another wonderful gift to make for this upcoming Winter season. You can package these in cellophane bags, use gift tags with a personal gift message, and tie some ribbon around it.

You can gift warp Peppermint Soap using cellophane bags and ribbon. Who wouldn’t love to receive one of these as a gift? Give it a try!

WINTER DIY

2016-11-30T09:00:00-05:00

WINTER DIY

Mugs are perfect for those cold nights you want to just cozy up and drink a warm cup of hot chocolate. Decorate some plain white mugs to create a DIY Painted Mug using markers that are food safe and don’t wash away. To decorate a snowman, just draw small black dots for the eyes and mouth, then use an orange marker for the nose.

You can write cute sayings on it like “I’d melt for you” or “I like warm hugs” in black marker. To make the mugs more special, you can give them as gifts. You can even write their name on the mug, too!

Just place a packet of hot chocolate inside and make some DIY Peppermint Candy Spoons to go with it.

If you want to start decorating your home and make it look like a Winter Wonderland, try these DIY Sparkle Branches. All you need is a tree branch (can be real or fake), silver (or whatever color you want) spray paint, silver glitter, colorful accents, white glue, spray glue, and a paint brush. Once the branches are made, they are very sparkly and will add a pretty touch of Winter to your home!

Another great DIY addition to your home for this holiday season would be Snowy Pinecone Candle Jars. They look like they have fresh fallen snow sticking to them. You can place them on a table, mantle, or wherever your heart desires!

If you’re looking for a more colorful candle holder, try making this Rustic Wood Candle Holder. They can be made for a simple table setting or placed on a coffee table. The wooden candle holders can be different heights and shapes to add dimension. Place some evergreen and red berries around the candle holders and set on a white tray. So beautiful!

WARM AND FUZZY WINTER DECOR

2016-11-29T09:00:00-05:00

WARM AND FUZZY WINTER DÉCOR

Now that Christmas is coming, Winter is full-steam ahead. Decorate your home with warm and fuzzy accents to come home to after a long day. Here are some ideas you can consider for making your home extra warm this season.

BLANKETS:

Having a variety of blankets spread out all over your home adds an element of coziness. Try some like these:

Invest in a mohair throw in a neutral tone or in a warmer shade like pink! They’ll be sure to keep you warm on those cold Winter nights.

Get cozy in the perfect faux fur throw blanket.

A chunky merino wool blanket adds texture wherever you have it in your home.

WREATHS:

Add a pom-pom wreath for a Winter Wonderland feel in your home.

Try a faux fur and pine wreath for something unique!

Place a pinecone wreath on the outside of your front door.

For a woodsy feel, hang a homemade wreath of antlers and twigs, pine and beads of cranberries!

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS:

Hang some stockings in your home for each member of the family (including any pets)! You can hang Christmas stockings in your home even if you don’t have a fireplace. They can be pinned on the wall, hung from the fireplace or staircase, or even hooked on a doorknob or your bedroom door. Try a warm and fuzzy faux fur stocking, chunky knit stocking, or a red buffalo check stocking.

CANDLES:

Place a bunch of candles of different sizes/heights on a tray (can be circular or rectangular depending on where you place it). Add some ornaments (also different shapes and sizes) and other accents (like twigs and pine or other textures) to create a warm and woodsy Wintery feel!

HOLIDAY CONTEST

2016-11-28T09:00:00-05:00

Solid 14k Yellow Gold "SNOW" Disk Charm with Diamond on a 14k Yellow Gold 18" Fine Chain. Value: $350.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest is for US Only, 18+ and will end on December 31, 2016 11:59 P.M. One (1) winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted by Helen Ficalora Press within two (2) weeks of giveaway end date. This winner will have 24 hours to respond to claim the prize. Failure to respond will result in another winner being randomly chosen. Helen Ficalora will fulfill shipment directly to winner.

WINTER ESSENTIALS

2016-11-28T08:30:00-05:00

WINTER ESSENTIALS

With Winter coming, there are some things we consider to be essentials for this time of year. Check them out!

SOCKS:

Slipper socks are super comfy and great for a lazy day at home. Cable knit socks are also a great addition to your lazy day socks!

Cabin boot crew socks are perfect paired with boots, having just the top part of the socks showing above the boots. Another great pair of socks to wear with boots are marled crew socks with lace, because the lace will show outside of the boots for a girly look!

Fuzzy socks work great if you’re planning on going outside and want to keep your toes nice and warm.

PULLOVER SWEATERS:

Try a sweater with front lace-up detail or a tie back this Winter!

Get yourself a trendy knit sweater with a choker cut out.

Wear a v-back sweater in a neutral or warm color.

MUGS:

Go out and get a travel mug to take with you on those cold mornings when you’re in a hurry!

A mug with your initial on it is perfect to use for morning tea or even as a gift for a friend or family member!

Santa mugs are a great way to get into the spirit of the holidays.

Mugs with cute Christmas sayings are perfect if you want to take Instagram-worthy pictures of your hot chocolate.