Stella Wishes

My name is Ann Marie (or "AM" for short). I am the Chicago jewelry designer behind Stella Wishes, a jewelry line meant to inspire others to follow their dreams. This blog is about beauty, fashion, art, fun and all the things that inspire me. Check out www.stellafinds.com for great fashion finds!

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Peaceful nightstand...chamomile tea, good reading, and a burning candle (pink magnolia, best scent!) (Taken with instagram)

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Lately my boyfriend and I have been barreling our way through old Mad Men episodes and just finished season 4 last night. I'm sad that we've finally caught up to the current season, but have been too obsessed to stop watching!

All of the recent swimming and California pool scenes have me wishing for summer days spent poolside…how perfect then is this Kate Spade clutch that channels both 60s ladylike style and features a pool reflection print, complete with a ladder-into-the-pool clasp?! 

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A happy Tuesday morning arrival...my order of fresh veggies and fruit from Door to Door Organics! Can't wait to cook later!! (Taken with instagram)

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Midweek motivation. 

(via) 

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It's the little things that make Mondays brighter - a delicious desert for breakfast with tea, a refreshing walk with the puppies and….a J.Crew sale :). I've been keeping an eye on the above J.Crew jean jacket after Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere wore it (picture2). With 30% off the sale price it was an easy decision! Hope your Monday is going great! 

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Über-healthy and delicious for dinner tonight - butternut squash, red quinoa and beets! (Taken with instagram)

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Spring linens! Nothing says spring/summer like lovely lightweight linen clothing. This little Gibson blazer looks perfect for those slightly cooler days that you still want to look pulled together and season appropriate for - and at $88 this one is a steal (great reviews and feedback in store). I can't wait to wear mine (I got white)! It's such a classic piece, that will look great with fun accents (like this Stella vintage necklace)! What are you looking forward to wearing this spring/summer?

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Inspiring prints from the lady that inspires me, Jess @ JessLC! I love the idea of having these bold, inspirational messages around the house!

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Happy Friday! I want to share the easiest recipe ever -- perfect for making last minute, or for beautiful spring/summer nights that you don't want to spend in the kitchen. I saw the instructions on Pinterest originally, but it was called 'lemon bars' -- mine just ended up looking more like a cake :)

This took me less than 3 minutes from start to placing in the oven. 2 things - box of angel food cake mix and 1 large (or 2 small) cans of lemon pie filling. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9" x 13" baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix and the lemon pie filling well. Pour into baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until the top is slightly brown. Cool on a wire rack. I left mine plain, but this would be great with fresh berries, powdered sugar or a light lemon glaze. Fresh, delicious and easy! 

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The Stella Lace-Up Leather sandals…given the name alone (the pretty colors and style help too!), I think these need to join my collection ASAP. 

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Blond-spiration! I started the process of going blond last week (re: stripping the dark out of my hair and adding highlights) and am completing the process today. Can't wait to see how it turns out! Pics to come :)

P.S. - my hair is much lighter already than the picture at right!

(Top image via Anthropologie; Bottom image via Sugarlaws)

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Remember this quote! 

Found via.

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Did you watch Frozen Planet on the Discovery Channel last night? I highly recommend checking it out -- it was really one of the best shows I've seen recently! Watch some behind the scenes clips here. 

Image via

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Happy Monday! These cranberry orange muffins are making my morning! Ps - they're fat free too!

(Taken with instagram)

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Spring in a clutch. Love it, AND the beautiful weather that is making me very excited for a real Spring Summer weekend in Chicago (despite it being technically Winter still)!

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Stella and Mojo taking a break from enjoying this beautiful day to share some water :)...hope everyone is having a great day! (Taken with instagram)

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If I didn't have to work today, I'd be making these popsicles for sure…upper 70s in Chicago in March!!