Brunchin' this weekend???

Head over the Lokal!! Located in WIlliamsburg/Greenpoint directly across from McCarran park this Mediterranean Bistro is now on my top 5 list of best brunch spots.

Photo Credit: Shake it app for iPhone

This place is in a great location and has a really nice vibe. They pull back all the windows and doors to create a super relaxed open and airy ambiance. My boyfriend and I both commented on how we sorta felt like we were on vacation, Being so close to the park sitting outside with all the other brunchsters. Def not a typical brunch experience. I'd highly recommend this place and I will for sure be back! I think I'm actually going to have to try this place out or dinner one night as well! A recommendation on food I'd give the french toast an 11 our of 10!!! It was just to die for!!  Its Slightly crispy on the outside and amazingly soft and sweet on the inside. I don't even like french toast usually but this was absolute heaven!! if your in Manhattan this pretty close to the L train stop and most certainly worth the trip!

LOKAL
905 Lorimer St. (near Nassau Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11222

3:00 Pick me up!!!

When I blogged about The Cosmo-Tini Sorbet I realized that most glamourous city gals dont have room for giant kitchen appliances like an ice cream maker!! Then I remembered these Wine Cellar Sorbets I disovered back in November in a small organic shop on Bedford ave in Brooklyn. SOOO yummy and SOOO refershing and Ridiculously GLAMOROUS!!!! Check out where you can find them near you here www.winecellarsorbets.com

Chill out with CHINCHILLY

Weathers heating up now so chill out with "Chinchilly"!!

Photo Credit: "Shake It" App for iphone

My new obsession nail polish!! It's an awesome cool grey color that works with all skin tones! Its like right in the middle of Essie's "Playa Del Platinum" (which after a trial run with this color did NOT look good on my olive toned skin, but if your fairer it works) and OPI's "You Dont Know Jaque"

xx M

HAVE SOME COSMO-TINI SORBET!!!!

Photo Credit: Epicurious.com

In Honor of SATC 2, and the un-official start of summer memorial day weekend of course!!

Its really such a shame my ice cream maker (yes I have one) is being stored at my parents house or I'd be making this asap!!! But if you happen to have one handy here's the recipe I found on Epicurious

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 5 1/3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (not thawed; 24 oz)
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Cointreau or other orange liqueur

Special equipment:

• Special equipment: an ice cream maker

 

DIRECTIONS

Bring sugar and water to a boil in a 3-quart heavy saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add cranberries and simmer, uncovered, until berries are collapsed, 8 to 10 minutes. Pour through a large sieve into a bowl, gently pressing on solids to extract liquid (without forcing pulp through), and discard solids. Cool syrup, then chill, covered, until cold.

Stir in vodka, lime juice, and Cointreau and freeze in ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden.

Cecilia Cassini

A friend of mine sent me this link Cecilia Cassini

Im still loving these little tween trend setters!! It shocks me how ridiculously advanced this whole generation is!

What a talented little trenderella!!

xxM

ALTER - Brooklyn

This weekend while taking a lil walk around my hood I finally went into this store. Its def def def my new go to spot when I'm dire need of a new outfit....or just when I want to spend some $$. Its very trendy without feeling like everyone and their mom will be wearing what your wearing. They offer obscure brands and also some main stream ones.

Cheap Monday dress Photo Credit: Alterbrooklyn.com

They are located at 140 Franklin street in Greenpoint Brooklyn and directly across the street is Alter Men 109 Franklin street. Check out their site here www.alterbrooklyn.com

xxM

How to throw the most GLAMOROUS Sex and the city party!

         Tomorrows the big day ladies!!! SATC2 comes out finally!!! I've already got my tickets and a bunch of us fabulous ladies will be venturing out in our most glitzy glam SATC inspired outfits grabbing some cocktails and then enjoying a much awaited 2 hrs with our 4 most favorite gals! The weekend is sure to bring some great SATC inspired girls nights and so since SATC is all about sparkles and glam here are some tips on how to throw the best SATC 2 pre-Game Party!!1. PAINT IT PINK!!! - Decorate in Pink, silver and white. Cover as much as you can in sparkles! The more glitter the better!!! Here are some ideas White cocktail serving tray surrounded with clear bling!! from www.zgallery.com
bling coasters www.zgallery.com

2. Glamorous Yummies -  The girls (aside from charlotte) usually dine out, or order in. Miranda and Carrie have their signature Chinese so it would be ok to do so accordingly!! You can also keep it in the containers as these real SATC girls would just eat it right out of them! If chinese aint your thang you can also order sushi. Chop stick are a must! If you're a charlotte and plan on serving up some home-made finger food (how super glam of you) keep it sassy and arrange your food in shiny silver bowls and platters. In front of each dish use a fancy table place holder to display a cute name of your dish like "Samantha's sassy seven layer dip" and be sure to use hot pink paper! These are cute from zgallery.com
GLAM TIP: arrange tea lights around your bowls and platters of food to keep a sexy ambiance

3. COCKATAILS!!! COSMOS OF COURSE!!! - These are imperative!!!
Make a large pitcher (make sure to put it in a super sexy pitcher) before the party so you have reserves.  You also will need champagne! This is going to have a big play in the second movie so make sure to pick up some Moet. You can glam it up by adding some fresh raspberries to each glass or just add a splash of cran to make it pink.

4. BACKGROUND SOUNDS - Def pick up the first movies sounds track and a copy of the DVD and play both. Obviously the DVD on mute.

5. DRESS THE PART - pick your favorite starlet from the cast and dress as she would! Don the highest of heels, and chicest of bags and don't forget to remind your guests, send a super sexy, super girly evite!!

6. Glamorous sweets!  - My favorite most glamorous treats are cupcakes!!! Follow the recipe HERE below for some super yummy Cosmo cuppys!! (a twist on my pink lemonade recipe) If your short on time just use regular boxed vanilla cake and substitute the water with Cosmo Mixer and top it off with Comso Pink butter cream! see my recipe HERE.

GLAM TIP: serve them in fancy martini glasses like the image below SOOO cute!!!


7. Finally your ready to leave for the show make a few treat bags for your guests to take with you into the theater. Put your favorite girlie snacks in a little pink cellophane bag and label it "Miranda's munchies" and "Carrie's candy" etc....

8. LASTLY have a blast! There's nothing like a girls night out, so enjoy!! Be Giddy Be Girlie Be GLAMOROUS!!!

xx M

Cosmo Cupcakes (revised Pink Lemonade)

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour1/2 tsp. baking powder1/4 tsp. baking sodaPinch salt1/2 cup granulated sugar1/4 cup vegetable oil2 egg whites1/3 cup cosmo mixer  OR thawed frozen Pink Lemonade Concentrate1/4 cup buttermilk You can sub this with rice milk or soy milk or regular milk, but I'll be honest the buttermilk does them just right!Pink food coloring (or a little bit of red)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line muffin pan with liners (makes 12 cupcakes).2. In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, egg whites and lemonade concentrate.4. Alternately whisk in flour mixture and buttermilk, making three additions of flour mixture and two of buttermilk, beating until just smooth.

5. Add just enough food coloring to turn the batter a light shade of pink.6. Scoop batter into liners (fill about three-fourths full).

7. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched.

COMSO Buttercream Frosting (or Pink Lemonade:

2 & 3/4 cups icing sugar1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature1/8 tsp. salt3 - 5 tbsps. comso mixer (or pink lemonade concentrate)

Pink food coloring

Directions:

1. Add the butter, confectioner’s sugar, salt, lemonade concentrate, and a few drops of food coloring to the stand mixer and mix on low until combined.

2. Turn the speed to med-high until the buttercream is fluffy.

3. Frost your cuppy any way you like!

GLAM TIP: If you have limes slice them and use them a decor for the cupcakes!

I made these "lemonade style" last summer for my family and they were gone the same day!!! Super Yummy!

DIDI COLLEY

LOVE LOVE LOVE this line of jewelery! The organic shapes of these stones remind me of that rock candy that comes on the stick! SOOO yummy looking!! I especially love the multi stone rings!!Photo Credit : www.didicolley.com

Spike Lee + Absolut + Brooklyn = Stoop drinking

Now that I am a Brooklynite I always get a little excited when I see something representing the borough that I reside. I'm dyeing to try this new Vodka by Spike Lee for Absolut. The vodka is flavored with apple and ginger (which might be amazing in the fall!!). The Bottle is designed with an image of the brooklyn brownstone stoop, "stoop life" is such an iconic Brooklyn thing!! I might have to pick one of these up for my Dad for Fathers day Since hes a true Brooklyn Native he might just <3 this!!!Happy Drinking!xx M

Sunday Stroll....Leads to shopping!

I seriously have a weird addiction to make up pouches. I have so many its a little unnecessary. And While taking a little Sunday stroll on Franklin street in Greenpoint with my <3 (yes I said it!!!) we Stopped in this cute little boutique ("Julia James" 200 Franklin Street) on the way home from brunch. I fell in love with these make up bags By Stephanie Johnson. Photo Credit: stephaniejohnson.comThe images I pulled off the site really don't even do them justice! I purchased the medium Orange one from their website because they had just sold the last one in the boutique. Check out more of their fabulous bags here www.stephaniejohnson.com

"Justina Leigh" is born....or reborn....

No I didn't have a baby, my GOODNESS no!!!A few years ago I had a small love affair with jewelry making. I spent my spare time searching for unique stones, and thick chunky chains, and creating tough looking and at the same time feminine jewelry!!My lovely Sister (who's middle name is Leigh, you can guess who's middle name is Justina) wore her piece that I made her some 2+ years ago to work recently and, well her boss asked her to have one made for her, I've been wearing mine to work and have gotten tons of compliments as well!!...And so the love affair continues...I'll be starting up my jewelry line again! This time with fresh new takes! "Justina Leigh" is born! Visit my Etsy shop here www.justinaleigh.etsy.comOh and bracelets too!!

Cutest Chambray Dress!

Victoria's Secret got it right this time! Loving this adorable chambray corset dress Photo Credit: victoriassecret.com

I Love NY...

So much so that I might need this ring to show just how much I really do love NY!Seal of NY insignia Ring set in 14K gold with abstract NY seal etched in sterling silver.By: Ken & Dana Design

Grillin' and Groovin'

So since the weathers been heating up all my neighbors have decided to make me insanely jealous of all the delicious BBQ they've been cooking up on their terraces. Since I'm no glamor girl in the kitchen I didn't even think I could handle BBQing esp b/c I grew up in a household where this was a "mans job" not that my dad minded of course! But I shouldn't have to deny myself the satisfaction of BBQ because I don't have a man readily available to flip my burgers!!!I decided Charcoal was just too messy, and electric was.....well that's just a stove!! I need a gas grill! SO on my search for the perfect most Glamorous grill for the single, city gal, one that was easy to use and easy to clean up. I stumbled upon this little gadget! The miGrill. Not only does it grill It grooves too!! It has a built-in speakers and an MP3 connector! Grilling could not be more glamorous!! I just really hope it grills as good as it looks!! I managed to find it for $99 at www.us-appliance.comHappy Grilling!!XOXO M

i <3 rebel yell

Some brands we just cant help but fall in love with. and right now Rebel yell is one of em. I Fell in love with this "love makes me high" tee I spotted on www.kitson.com. Super Glamorous!! I might have to add it to the wardrobe!

3:00 Pick me up!!

Low Fat brownie sundae!!! Photo Credit: Shake it app for iPhoneSo I made these for dessert last night and they were amazing! Using the Fat free No pudge fudge brownie mix (original), some ice cream (I'd say stick to a low-fat low cal one to keep this treat "skinny") My fav. Ice cream (unfortunately not low-fat, but organic!) happens to be Coconut Bliss. As I've stated before I LOVE coconut and this non dairy non-soy, gluten-free ice cream is made from delicious organic coconut milk! And Last but not least my new fave topping: Photo Credit: Shake it app for iPhoneChocagave - this stuff is amazing! A good for you twist on chocolate syrup made from agave nectar, also gluten-free, dairy free, vegan and low fat. It tastes amazing!! It was the perfect ending to this decadent (not so fattening) chocolate treat! Now for those of you in an office don't get huffy bc you think these must be made at home bc...hold your breath!....No Pudge fudge can be made in single servings too!!! Just put two Tablespoons of mix into a small container with 1 tablespoon of fat-free vanilla yogurt mix well and microwave for one minute! Now that's really perkin up that 3:00 lull!

What's for dinner?

Broiled Salmon with white wine dijon dill sauce. MMMM Yummy!! Photo Credit: Shake it app for iphoneMade this for dinner last night and the consensus was, it turned out great! Here is the recipe I used from Real Simple. The asparagus I can't take credit for, but I believe they were just sauteed in olive oil with some sea salt and pepper for about 5-8 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin removed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnishing
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Set broiler on high.
2. Place the salmon on a foil-lined broiler pan and season with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. Broil until the salmon is the same color throughout and flakes easily, 7 to 10 minutes, depending on thickness.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter until it melts. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and whisk in the mustard, dill, pepper, and the remaining salt. Remove from heat.
4. Cut the remaining butter into pieces, add to the sauce, and whisk until incorporated. Place the salmon on individual plates, spoon the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with additional dill.

Olivia Bee

Photo Credit: www.Oliviabee.comI love photography, esp those old vintage prints that evoke nostalgia. This little tween trendsetter has creativity wayyyy beyond her years. At 15 yrs old Olivia Bee (or Olivia Bolles) has put herself on the map among those great creative souls! you can see the passion in her work and the exploratory nature she approaches photography with. I'm absolutely loving her work right now, being 10+ years her senior, and it's still igniting a little creative fire in me!!! Check out her other work here www.oliviabee.com