The Illinois Nut and Fantasia Chocolate Company is offering a ½ box of assorted Sugar Free Chocolates for one of our readers! Entering is easy! And make sure to check out my review, where I praised the Sugar Free Peanut Butter cups and the Sugar Free Caramel Squares.

- Giveaway ends on February 13 2012

We’re trying out rafflecopter! It should make it loads easier for you to enter this giveaway. This way you only have to be logged into facebook and twitter, and then you can complete the entries just with simple clicks that don’t take you off the page until you’re done.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Side Note – Celebrities Who Don’t Eat Sugar:

1. Selma Blair (nor gluten)
2. Gwyneth Paltrow
3. Kelly Osbourne
4. Yvonne Strahovski (though she had a birthday at the Sugar Factory)
5. Jessica Biel (while working)
6. Jewel

Leaving sugar behind is sad, so opt for high-quality stuff. I got to sample the Sugar Free Mixed box of Sugar Free Chocolates. And there were several strong winners in this box according to my reputable taste buds.

Here is what there was:

• Sugar Free Chocolate Peppermint Patties
• Sugar Free Chocolate Truffles
• Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups
• Sugar Free Peanut Butter Squares
• Sugar Free Amaretto Truffles
• Sugar Free Caramel Squares

By and far, I loved the Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups and Sugar Free Caramel Squares the most. The PB cups were the perfect shape, size and texture and I would gladly eat a box of these. There are also Peanut Butter squares, which are not quite as good and who knows why! The Caramel Squares have a different constancy than most caramel that you know, but they are chewy (a little softer than you’d think) and really good. There was the addition of salt on the bottom, which was really delicious. (Salty + Sweet is a good combo and you know it – or are you going to pretend you have never mixed peanuts with a bag of M&M’s?! Now that’s what I call gourmet baking! …Oh, maybe not? Heh!)

I didn’t love the peppermint patties because I don’t like any kind of peppermint patty. The chocolate truffles were okay, but I also don’t like the taste of amaretto so the green striped dessert was really pretty but also not for me.

This was a great way to taste an assortment. I definietly recommend the sugar free peanut butter cups and the sugar free caramel squares. If you like those other flavors, you’d likely enjoy them too.

Illinois Nut and Fantasia Chocolate makes gluten free candy, kosher candy, vegan, sugar free candy and organic candy. Whatever you’re voluntarily or not so voluntarily avoiding in your food, they’ve found a way to get it to you anyway.

And we have a giveaway!

Disclaimer: The chocolate box provided for an honest review.

As I walked away, debating this one curtain, I kept thinking bout how I’d always know the vibe of the curtains were Martha Stewart, and I’d feel hopelessly lame for it. Because what I want is something … kind of hip. I’m still young! What I want is curtains like an Anthropologie. They can even be from Anthropologie – but only if they’re on sale. I’m also interested in World Market, Pottery Barn, West Elm (although that’s a bit too modern) and Pier 1. Or anywhere if they look nice, really. But, I suck at making decisions. So I’ve come to you guys for help.

We’re looking for curtains like urban outfitters – curtains like pottery barn – curtains like anthropologie.

My room has green-blue walls and my style codewords would be: romantic, antique, cottage, artistic, sweet, warm, Victorian, french, floral, cozy.

What my room is not? Modern, Bright, Asian, Minimal,  Exotic, Stuffy, White (my current window treatments are white blinds and white sheers, so I missed the mark and have been lazy…because my previous look was very pastel/Monet/airy.)

Here are some curtains I like, with the one on the bottom right the Martha Stewart ones I almost bought:

• Taupe Accacia Curtain $44.99 to $54.99 – World Market, here
• Midnight Courtyard Curtain – Anthropologie
• Wandering Pleats Curtains – Anthropologie
• Neutral Luster Window Panel On Sale $31.96 Orig. $39.95 – Pier 1, here
• Brown & Blue Ombre Damask Panel On Sale $31.96 Orig. $39.95 – Pier 1, here
• Martha Stewart Living Floating Dahlia Panel $20 each – Home Depot – Good Review, here (Larger image here)

That last one is the one I almost bought. And it has this Black Tab thing which I guess means it helps keep light out (so I can sleep in, score.) But from far away it looks (and I know part of the reason is the wooden window in the picture) so hopelessly country dining room! My bedroom of luxury is not… a country dining room in the suburbs! But on the pro side… up close it looked better, it has great reviews, the material was good, the colors are right, and the price is perfect.

Update: I have actually found curtains that I love. They’re sold at JC Penny, where her line is. Oh, did I not mention who they’re by? Cindy Crawford. I know, I know, almost as bad as Martha Stewart, but these work as being simple without being boring, they’re cozy, they’re a little French, and they’re a color that doesn’t fight with my dark walls. While I never would have gone, “Oh, yes, I totally want to buy curtains that have Cindy’s name on them!” I actually find these to be very worthy of a look. Her entire collection has some really nice pieces that might make you think you’ve found curtains like Potter Barn stocks.

Each panel is normally $40.00 but I had a major sale advantage and got four for $20.00 each! That’s half off! Even I can do math that easy.

Cindy Crawford draperies wrap your home in an aura of luxury with the Palais grommet-top window collection. Available in Green, Rust, Shitake and Ivory. I opted for Ivory.

• elegant scroll pattern in sophisticated natural tones
• chenille fabric for a soft, rich texture
• lined for beautiful draping
• grommets are brushed nickel
• available in lengths from 63 to 120″

Shown is the “Nine Drawer Chest” by RSH Catalog. Constructed of dark mahogany, you’d never guess it. “Awash in blue and cream, the artwork is a rendition of an ornate Louis XVI dresser. Ball feet complete the look.”

I think this is kind of a shabby chic look without being too dated as a Martha Stewart kind of deal. It almost looks like it was limed, in fact. I love that it’s transformed into a really playful, sweet piece of furniture by having the Louis XVI dresser painted on the bulky dresser. I have no clue why (and this will sound a bit weird), but it reminds me of the feelings (of magic and beauty!) that I get when I think of The Nutcracker.

You can find the page with this piece of furniture here. However, the price is well over $1,000. So how could you practically achieve a similar look?

Creative Dresser Ideas

1. Take an old dresser and paint the entire thing in a pale wash of blue. You can experiment with paint techniques to give it an aged look, like the sponge off or rag off way. Then use stencils of something sweet like birds in different sizes or a damask pattern, using an off-white color that almost fades into the blue. (Hint: for dimension you could spray paint the stencils with two differnet colors, or use the paint on technique but with two different colors. Stencil images are from Stencil Cafe) If you’re feeling brave, use a pen to sketch emphasis around the birds with some shadows. Or, fill in details of the wings if you’re a good artist.

2. Do the same paint technique I mentioned above, and then actually copy the Louis XVI idea. I suspect you’d want to find the outline of this online and then blow it up several times (ask a pro or a librarian how to best do this) until you are able to trace the image. Because this would require some artistic talent, you might see about hiring someone to do this part. If you do the initial painting, and already have the wooden piece, the price won’t be too expensive. The artist could then paint the Louis desk on just the front, or the front and sides. But skip the back unless people will actually see it.

> If you don’t want to do blue and whites, try peach background and gold.

> There are actually a lot of Stenciled Dresser Ideas I want to share, suddenly! It all gives the same kind of romantic, antique feel. Try stenciling just the sides of a dresser or just the top.

Also, try painting against a matte color in the same color – but as a metallic. See that at work here. That’s a metallic white over what appears to be  a light beige color and it looks so elegant. Stencils used there are by Cutting Edge Stencils.

The colors are monochromatic so they look quite serious here. But you can be more playful…

3. I’m inspired even just by the ornate key spaces and hardware, so you could against take to a stencil and spray paint those types of images over each drawer on a dresser.

P.S. What can you do with a dresser without drawers? You can turn it into a cabinet!

The black. The ruffles. The tulle layering. The plunging v neck. The sculpting. The sheerness. THE EVERYTHING OF IT! If you wore that you’d strut around and feel powerful and maybe a little bit wicked. Can’t you see just about any evil queen in a fairytale wearing this dress? Like Lana Parrilla on Once Upon a Time, for instance?

Cherie Sposa Website: Here

And do you want princess dresses for women? Well, I think this particular one is beyond perfect. I could see it in a fabulous movie. These would obviously make for really stylish dresses or stylish halloween costume dresses if you can afford them!

This is all jewelry under 10 dollars, which means it all very affordable! And look at this grouping, is this not Hanna Marin’s style of jewelry? It’s glitzy and glam.

I can see her wearing the Pamela earrings and Elise bracelet with a  strapless red dress for a school dance.

The Miranda pendant would be for a school day when she’s trying to be more boho like Aria.

The Billy earrings are perfect to be worn any day, especially with skinny jeans and a black leather jacket.

Isn’t dressing with Pretty Little Liars style so exceptionally fun? Every day you can be a new character!

• Up to 80% OFF Guy and Eva Bijoux Blitz jewelry
• From December 26, 2011 – January 2, 2012
• See the wonderful jewelry pieces on guyandeva.com/shop

For more pieces like this Hanna Marin Jewelry one check out our Dress Like a TV Character tag.

• Up to 80% OFF our Bijoux Blitz jewelry
• From December 26, 2011 – January 2, 2012
• See the gorgeous pieces on guyandeva.com/shop

For more pieces like this Aria Montgomery one check out our Dress Like a TV Character tag.

Those Tammy earrings are made of mother of pearl, which means they’re super shiny and will show up well, especially if you have dark brunette or black hair.

• Up to 80% OFF our Bijoux Blitz jewelry
• From December 26, 2011 – January 2, 2012
• See the gorgeous pieces on guyandeva.com/shop

Check it all out at guyandeva.com/shop today before the pieces you want are sold out!

Taylor Swift is a fan of Guy and Eva jewelry as part of her own jewelry style. So what pieces might she pick?

This isa collection of looks that is very bright, kind of spring-like. There’s some enamel florals  in the bracelet which are very sunny. I’ve picked up that golden color with the earrings and the necklace, but let the bracelet be the main attraction so nothing is too overpowering. Taylor can pull off delicate jewelry.

The necklace I used isn’t the one that exactly matches the earrings, but either of them can really be used. And you might be wondering why I didn’t try to match the bracelet as well, and that’s because I think three matching pieces of jewelry can look … it’s not you having a style, it’s you just wearing something off of a mannequin. Two pieces that match is always fine, though. It’s just a third piece that will make it look over the top. So here, the metal tone is the same so it does “match” – just not in any exact way.

And again, because the bracelet is powerful and draws attention, you don’t need huge earrings or a thick bracelet. I can see Taylor wearing this all with a white sundress and wedge sandals.

The Guy and Eva Sale Pieces I used:

Rebecca Bracelet
Item #: 30083
HAND PAINTED ENAMEL. STRETCH BRACELET
Price: $39.00
Your Price: $12.00

Cameron Earrings (There is a matching Cameron Necklace)
Item #: 20173
1.25″ PIERCED EARRINGS.
Regular Price: $14.00 Your Price: $5.00

Veronica Necklace
Item #: 10226
GENUINE CARNELLIAN. 37.5″ NECKLACE.
Price: $47.00
Your Price: $15.00

Here are the pieces I recommend:

Janelle Necklace
Item #: 10192
STERLING SILVER .925 OVERLAY. 16.5-19.5″ NECKLACE.
Regular Price: $42.00 Your Price: $13.00

Bailey Earrings
Item #: 20252
Genuine Light Champage Crystals. 2″ Pierced Earrings.
Price: $27.00
Your Price: $9.00

Addie Earrings
Item #: 20238
Genuine Jade and Amethyst Quartz. 1.9″ Pierced Earrings.
Price: $19.00
Your Price: $6.00

Pony Earrings (The Connie Earrings are the same but in silver tone)
Item #: 20013
2″ Pierced.
Price: $15.00
Your Price: $5.00

Adelaide Earrings
Item #: 20239
Genuine Mother Of Pearl. 2.3″ Pierced Earrings.
Price: $24.00
Your Price: $8.00

Adah Earrings
Item #: 20237
Genuine Mother Of Pearl. 1.875″ Pierced Earrings
Price: $19.00
Your Price: $6.00

ALSO on sale, and approved by us: Freida Necklace, Alana Necklace, Hailey Necklace, Marilyn Necklace, Sharon Necklace, Veronica Necklace, Alyce Earrings and Quinn Necklace

Your Need to Know Details:

• Up to 80% OFF our Bijoux Blitz jewelry
• From December 26, 2011 – January 2, 2012
• See the gorgeous pieces on guyandeva.com/shop starting December 26.
• Celebrities like singer/songwriter/icon Taylor Swift love Guy and Eva!