Bella Russa Style

What would YOU do with extra 30-40 hrs per week?

2010-01-26T05:11:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I sleep, sometimes I don't. This past year has been crazy and it has become the norm to always have an unending list of tasks. Some of them are silly, like reading a certain magazine or making a new recipe (yes I put such things on my to do list). Regardless, there is ALWAYS a to do list lol. I can never say that im bored and really don't understand people that are. So there are nights when I just stay up when I feel super motivated and just get to them! And I constantly wish i had more time to get to everything I have on my list. Tonight was one of those nights and this is what got done between 12am and 5:30am:

-got grocery shopping done
-stalked some of you on facebook (this was not on the list but usually something that happens daily ahhaha)
-roasted some butternut squash with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter
-made a dish with lentils, garlic, red peppers, and spinach
-ate some of the previous two (food is always better hot! lol)
-wrote a couple rather long emails to some old neglected friends
-made a new friend
-cleaned my kitchen and put up my valentines day towels (barff i know ahaha)
-put away laundry -gave some time to http://www.TheCollegeGiftBox.com
-gave myself a manicure
-aaaand wrote this blog post

But also the new friend shared a link

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/10/polyphasic-sleep/. The idea is that you sleep in half hour increments every 4 hours and in end have extra 30-40 hours a week! How about that? I would love to have the extra time! But cannot at this time conduct the experiment. I wish i was just a vampire and never needed to sleep hahaha. I wonder if then I could get rid of my to do list eventually? Doubtful lol. Kk...back to the list. Could you use the extra 30-40 hrs a week?

Till lata!

xoxo,
Anya

Its all about the ATTITUDE

2010-01-15T02:54:00.007-05:00

Soooo I learned something yesterday that made me feel like a complete moron, as I obviously was not in the know! One should NEVER plaster his/her sun glasses right to the face! It's all about attitude ladies and gentlemen; so wear them playfully a bit lower. And I was informed by the owner of Park Ave Optical, Vito E La Rocca, the bigger the better people! The shades above are STATEMENT and oh so SASSY! I am dying to be the owner of these Jimmy Choos!!! Better start saving I suppose lol.

xoxo,
Anya

P.S. Vito, thx for getting me up to speed on all eye wear dos and don'ts!

s a s s y women clean in HEELS!

2010-01-13T03:51:00.007-05:00

Wow...this blog is suffering some serious neglect. To be honest, I really have been rather uninspired lately. I don't know...a lot has been going on...work...life...sickness...some decisions needing to be made...BLAAHNESS basically.

So it's 4 am and I cannot sleep (my sleep schedule is a mess!). Omg, I am a HOT MESS! Regardless, I have actually been catching up on some things around here and doing some house cleaning. Here is a fun fact: I like to clean in HEELS! I don't know if it makes me a weirdo, but it sure makes it more fun. Tonight was the first time I have done it in awhile, and I actually forgot the spin it puts on the task. Ladies, I challenge you to SPICE up your cleaning routine :) I love my shoes! And I don't get to wear them often enough; so might as well rock them during cleaning ahahah. Women can never have too many. The pic is just a sample of my favs. I think i am due for a new pair actually. Somebody take me shopping, PLEEEASE!

That's all for now muffins.

xoxo,
Anya

2010 will be filled with good EATS!

2010-01-07T01:37:00.004-05:00

Wow! We definitely fell off the blog world for a bit here. I don't know what happened lol. Oh yes i do, we got caught up with the holiday CRAZYNESS. Back to normality finally!

You know, I am not one to make New Year's resolutions but today, 7 days into 2010, I decided, I am going to make one. The goal is to make more time for cooking DELICIOUSNESS! I love to cook and I think working in multiple restaurants over the last few years, has definitely inspired me to be more creative in the kitchen.

I have this huge binder full of recipes I have torn out of sooo many magazines, that I have never even tried making. Well, I want to change that! Today, I made some incredible french toast and baked eggs with diced tomatoes and spinach. Not gonna lie, I think I impressed meself haha. Aaaand the best thing is, it was sooo EASY! So yes, 2010 is going be filled with good eats. I am excited! Dinner parties...woot woot!

xoxo,
Anya

Santa, we want it ALL!

2009-12-24T22:04:00.004-05:00

I think we are definitely GUILTY for wanting it all but frankly we are rather THANKFUL for what we have! Everyday, we come to realize what is truly important and what really matters. In our case, it is the people in our lives that make it richer and happier. Thank you ALL for being part of our world and we wish you a very, very Merry Christmas!

xoxo,
Bella Russa

all W R A P P E D up

2009-12-17T14:48:00.002-05:00

I would love to say I had all of my Christmas shopping done weeks ago but that would be a flat out lie. I'm still behind... This may be the most unorganized shopping venture I have ever had! Even though I am freaking out because there is less than a week till Christmas... the one thing I am proud of are my amazing wrapping skills. I don't mean to brag but I would consider it one of my special skills. To me wrapping presents in a coordinating theme is one of my most treasured holiday traditions. Last year I used all silver wrapping with large red and gold ribbon. This year I used paper that looks like a brown paper lunch bag, but paired with a beautiful gold or green ribbon it combines both traditional and modern styles. A combination that best describes my overall style. GET WRAPPING!

I heart ACCESSORIES

2009-12-16T04:55:00.004-05:00

Accessorize...accessorize...accessorize!!! Any fashionista knows the importance of accessories. They just always seem to pull an outfit together and provide options.

Take this purple sweater for instance (such and oldie btw). It's pretty "plain Jane" on its own, but after adding belts and a broche, I instantly have a few different snazzy looks to play with. And as you know, playful cats, need an abundance of playful options. Youuu know it!

Takeaway: ACCESSORIZE to get the most from your pieces! Anyway, sleep i suppose...

xoxo,
Anya

ROCs Latest and Greatest compliments of Wegmans

2009-12-11T02:29:00.008-05:00

Ladies and Gents! NEXT DOOR BAR AND GRILL, Wegmans newest restaurant, opens its doors to the public TODAY!!! BELLA RUSSA has been all over this one and let us assure you, it is maaad SEXY and is definitely going to become the hottest place in Rochester! The cocktails are delicious, food is exquisite, atmosphere is spicy, and did we mention they are going to play TECHNO at the bar after 10? Ohhhh yes, this is where its at!

QUICK FACTS:

-Serving dinner 5:30 PM till 10 PM everyday. Lunches will start in January

-Menu: upscale casual with New American, Western European, and Japanese cuisines

-Decor: farm inspired with raw elements, modern

-Executive Chef: Chris Brandt

-Sushi Chef: Satoshi Yamaguchi

-Open kitchen that features a ROBATA grill, only one in Rochester, and Sushi Bar

-Horseshoe bar with plush leather couches, lounges (one has a DISCO ball!), and impressive wine list and craft beers

-4 private rooms, one being a Test Kitchen aka party room which is designed to be a home-away-from-home demonstration room

-2 patios for the summer

People, check out the pics and go experince for yourself! Make sure to call for reservations ASAP, as they are almost to capacity for this weekend! Who is in for New Years? :)

xoxo,

Anya and Jenna

Falling in L O V E when everyone else is falling in DIVORCE

2009-12-09T13:27:00.004-05:00

Getting engaged the same week Tiger is busted for cheating on his gorgeous wife with a bunch of fame seeking hoes can be a discouraging thought. Trust is hard to come by these days. It has become way too easy and acceptable to cheat! What is going on in this world?! Ok well, I guess it is asking a lot to find one person who is special enough to spend the rest of your life with... but I'm pretty positive I have. Even if years from now I'm chasing him with a golf club for being slut, I'll never forget how amazing it has been falling inlove and taking a huge leap of faith! I guess this is one point for team love. P.S. Tiger way to be a D-BAG

Love, Jenna

V e r s a t i l i t y is the SPICE of life

2009-12-09T00:26:00.004-05:00

Most of the time i shop these days, i think VERSATILITY! For some reason it gives me great pleasure to be able to play around and find different ways to use or wear items. It's like a game every time I shop. Can this sweater be worn as a dress or backwards? Can it be belted or wrapped around another way to give it a new look? This though process mostly applies to apparel but does tend to cross in other areas, such as accessories. Take the above headband for instance. One can obviously wear it as intended (but with various interpretations, as you saw in previous post) or can use it as an accent in ones home to add some extra flare to the decor! Who would have though to stick it on a lamp??? But it work BEAUTIFULLY! . And I am all about that!

xoxo,
Anya

Celebrating one AMAZING year t o g e t h e r

2009-12-06T15:23:00.014-05:00

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good EGG even though she knows that you are slightly CRACKED." - Bernard Meltzer

...baahhahahaha...we both agree that the two of us are definitely slightly cracked! Regardless, we are happy to have met each other little over a year ago and be able to share some incredibly FABULOUS times together! It's not where you are, what you are doing, but WHO you are WITH!!! It's the s p e c i a l people that bring joy and ENRICH our lives!

This being our first video post, we only were able to get the small version on the site. If you love us more, and wish to view the video full screen, check it out on YouTube and watch full screen if your heart desires :)

xoxo,

Definite Cheeseballs aka Bella Russa

Got FASHION b a l l s?

2009-12-01T02:12:00.003-05:00

One of the latest fads are embellished headbands. I have to admit, they seem a little ridiculous at first, but let me assure you, once you try one on, you will be SOLD! Reason being: they are soooo versatile, unique, and fun! And I am all about that. Check out all the different ways one can rock this vintage inspired accessory. This is definitely a statement piece that can make a simple outfit very noteworthy. Perfect way to spice up this seasons holiday look with some glam! Prices range anywhere from about $5 to over a $100, depending on where you shop. In my opinion, lower end ones are the way to go. DARE to wear?

ALSO, visit us back in a couple days to check out other creative ways to use this fabulous accessory.

xoxo,

Anya

C A R D I O does the BODY gooood

2009-11-26T23:37:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving…a day to be thankful. I feel incredibly fortunate for endless things in my life: loving family, great friends, abundant opportunities, jobs, cozy apartment, etc. But one thing I am particularly thankful for right THIS minute is that I LOVE CARDIO! Just like the average American, I consumed a ridiculous amount of calories today (can I mention this girl sampled 6 different desserts! Mooo! lol). Yep, its like that! I love food…

Regardless, I am thankful that I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow morning and bust a serious sweat at the gym. My favorite part is when the tops of my hands begin to glisten and I feel the first drop slide down my lower back. The music pumps me along and all I can do is just keep up with the beat! Sometimes I loop the same song, just to keep the same mood and energy.

Routine workouts build stamina and keep one fit, mentally and physically. Intense cardio sessions produce results fast! So even though I over did it with the feasting today, I know that by intensifying my workouts for the next few days will put me back on track. I want to encourage everyone, to find time for some cardio starting TODAY (well first thing in AM), as I promise, it will make you feel better about yourself and help keep you mentally sane during this holiday season. Step up your gym sessions, if they are already part of your daily routine, or start a new workout plan today, as tomorrow becomes never…

xoxo,
Anya

Just for T W O

2009-11-25T22:14:00.010-05:00

For all those nights out, we can't forget the memorable nights at home...

It's cold outside, and what better way to show someone that you care about them, then to prepare a delicious night at home. Tonight that's what I did for my boyfriend. He's always taking me out and buying me flowers and I wanted to show him how much he means to me...

so I made him dinner, baked some cookies, and finished the night with a movie and hot cocoa! I couldn't think of a better way to show someone I care!

xoxo, jenna

Our ROC-trepreneurs

2009-11-22T14:45:00.010-05:00

We always hear that Rochester has a hard time keeping young talent around, as jobs are just not readily available or might not be as glamorous as what big cities have to offer. Hmmm dilemma: love Rochester but can’t find a job? Well, how about starting your own business?

Friday, we were able to attend FANSHOES FIFA International Fashion Show. This event was put on by a local start-up composed of young entrepreneurs, who are striving to supply fans world wide with environmentally friendly canvas shoes with licensed sports/university logos. It’s a pretty awesome idea that has already won the hearts of many. The show previewed the World Cup 2010 Country-Inspired Fanshoes and brought together a lot of young professionals, as well as featured another local start-up, Vital Energy. These guys came up with a non-carbonated beverage, enhanced with lots of caffeine and vitamins to ensure a healthy boost. Great, great evening!

I guess what makes this noteworthy for us is that we are proud to have one of the founders of Fanshoes, Nicholas Rovisa be a friend of ours. He is young and ambitious, like ourselves, and is out there making things happen. Besides Fanshoes, Vital Energy, The College Gift Box (Anya’s business), there is one more local biz to take note of. KKBB apparel is a huge favorite of ours. Founded by Michael Banos, this local apparel company offers some fun product! And they actually just had had a new t-shirt release party. Sooo if your are hearing about any of these young ROCHESTER START-UPS for the first time, check them out, spread the word and get inspired! Get to it!

xoxo,
Bella Russa

giving T H A N K S

2009-11-20T14:28:00.015-05:00

There's nothing quiet like having friends over for dinner. Especially when you are running behind with a turkey in the oven and 7 different side dishes! Since we spend thanksgiving with our families, we decided to have our own thanksgiving the week before with friends!

Here's what made it a memorable dinner party...

Music - Vicky Christina Barcelona Soundtrack (the perfect dinner music)
Food - Turkey and all the trimmings
Wine - started with a little Saneval Albarino and Salice Salintino and kept it going with RELAX riesling

We are always t h a n k f u l for good friends, great wine and amazing food!

xoxo Anya & Jenna

S I M P L I C I T Y

2009-11-18T09:09:00.005-05:00

s i m p l i c i t y I'm not married. I don't have kids. How am I overwhelmed by house work? The reality of the situation is that after a year and a half of living on the farm, I've become completely unorganized. It's all ready mid-november and if i don't pull it together around my house my holiday season is going to be a hot mess! Over the past two weeks I have given away 4 garbage bags of clothing to charity! But now it's time to organize what I do have... which is way too many clothes. Sometimes having a lot make you feel great but having a little is just so much more s i m p l e .

(help! my house is a messsssssss!)

xoxo,
Jenna

Take it H O M E

2009-11-15T14:32:00.005-05:00

We’ve always been fans of Rochester’s night life. People sometimes complain that it’s always the same old thing but we really do think that the city has a good variety of options, plus it is all what you make of it. Nevertheless, one thing we do have to bring into question after going out Friday night is, “why do people in Rochester not like to get dressed up?” Now, more than ever, great clothes are easy to come by at great prices. E x a m p l e : Friday night, both of us rocked classy sassy dresses that cost us together under $40, while others rocked skater designer hoodies that average $60. Really? We weren’t looking for formal attire but how about going for a casually dressy look maybe with a side of chic. The invite said dress well aaand sexy, and this is what you bring to the table? Take it H O M E ! Ironically enough, that was the name of the party…

xoxo,
Bella Russa

Latest Updates to The FARM

2009-11-11T12:19:00.003-05:00

Here is a little fact that some might not know about BELLA RUSSA: we live on a FARM! Ok…ok…ok…lol…not literally. Jenna and I live in duplexes right next to each other and there are a lot of pets around here. As a matter a fact, I am the one p e t l e s s resident and I am frankly ok with that. Anyhow, that is where THE SOUTH FARM originates from.

Latest news at the farm is that I finally got a dinning room table! Woot woot! Over the last year, all the fabulous dinner parties were held at Jenna’s estate, lol and my guests were always stuck eating on the couch, kitchen counters, washing machine, or floor. Well no more!!! I cannot wait to have some of you over for delicious eats and vino. With the addition of the table, I decided to flip my living room. Change is good you know. So after a few feelings of uncertainty, I actually grew very fond of the new set up. I have lived in my apartment for over a year and it was time for a change. Sometimes, something as simple as rearranging furniture can brighten up a home! Check out how it all came out…

xoxo,

Anya

W E L C O M E

2009-11-09T12:38:00.000-05:00

W E L C O M E…The fall season in Rochester, NY, the end to a very short summer and a beginning to a very long winter. But besides the negative perceptions of the season, come great fashion, delicious seasonal food, stylish holiday parties, and decorating our homes for the holidays.

We are the BELLA RUSSA, a nickname that came and stuck from being socially involved as an indestructible duo. From throwing dinner parties to attending social events, we love Rochester, the people that reside here, and hope to share our daily experiences, dilemmas, ideas, and fun that fills our lives.

xoxo,

Anya & Jenna

Bella Russa Style

What would YOU do with extra 30-40 hrs per week?

Its all about the ATTITUDE

s a s s y women clean in HEELS!

2010 will be filled with good EATS!

Santa, we want it ALL!

*all W R A P P E D up*

I heart ACCESSORIES

ROCs Latest and Greatest compliments of Wegmans

Falling in L O V E when everyone else is falling in DIVORCE

V e r s a t i l i t y is the SPICE of life

Celebrating one AMAZING year t o g e t h e r

Got FASHION b a l l s?

C A R D I O does the BODY gooood

Just for T W O

Our ROC-trepreneurs

giving T H A N K S

S I M P L I C I T Y

Take it H O M E

Latest Updates to The FARM

W E L C O M E

all W R A P P E D up