2013

Both Photos: Angelica Glass Photography

         This New Years eve we decided to have a low key gathering with my Sister, Brother in Law, and some close friends. Slowly this smallish gathering has evolved into something just a wee bit bigger. Never the less, I am so so excited to ring in 2013 with our friends and my new Husband. I'll be spending the day prepping food and drinks and day dreaming of my first new years kiss as a newly wed. 2013 is going to be magical and I cant wait!
Happy New Years to you and yours!! xoxo

Santa's NEW favorite cookie

I don't think I've ever met a cookie Santa wouldn't like. But these just take the cake, err cookie...
The combination of bacon, no not regular bacon, CANDIED bacon is unreal. For real. I followed this recipe to a T. I'm so not gonna hide the fact that I literally ate these cookies for breakfast the next day. They are THAT good. My Husband took some to work with him and I heard I am now a bit of a celebrity over there (not that I'm complaining). When, not IF, but when I make these again, I'll sprinkle just a dash of sea salt on top to amp them up.
       
Note: To candy my bacon I laid them out on this handy bacon making tool, smothered them in brown sugar and popped them in the microwave for about 4 - 5 min. You can also bake them on a wire rack for 20 min...but really, when your anticipating eating possibly one of THE best cookies ever, who has 20 min to spare!

OK now I dare you make these for Santa and NOT eat them all. Go on I dare you!
Have a happy Christmas!! Be back after the holidays!
xo

Christmas Boozing with Jello Shots

White Chocolate Peppermint Jello Shots

These are super yummy! And they make any holiday party festive and fun!

Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup Skinny Mixes in White Chocolate Peppermintini flavor. (if you don't have this please see my note below)
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 envelopes Knox Gelatin
• 1/2 cup Godiva White Chocolate liqueur
• 1/2 cup Vanilla Vodka (reduce to 1/4 cup for a slightly weaker shot)
• 2 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
• Crushed candy cane
• White Chocolate Chips (optional)

To prep your molds or pan lightly spray with oil. Then wipe away leaving just a light unnoticeable film. 

Pour the Skinny Mixer and water into a sauce pan and sprinkle the gelatin over the mixture. Allow it to soak up for about a minute. Turn the heat on to low and mix until everything is dissolved, about 3-5 min. When its ready add the peppermint extract, all the alcohol and mix well until everything is incorporated. Pour into molds (I used a mini muffin pan) leaving a little bit left over for later if you want to add the chocolate chip filling. If not then use up all the mix and let it set over night.
             To add the chocolate chip, let them set for about 1/2hr till it's just sticky to the touch. Place a single white chocolate chip in the middle and push it into the shot with a tooth pick. Carefully spoon over a little of the leftover jello mixture to cover up the hole. Let it set over night or for about 8 hours.
           Before serving garnish with some crushed candy cane (do not add garnishes till your ready to serve as they will melt, even in the fridge). Then get ready to get a bit tipsy!

Note:
You can cub Skinny Mixes with:
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk and adjust the peppermint extract to your liking.

Dear Santa... {Gift Guide}

1. Inka Books
2. Frends Taylor Head Phones
3. Nikon D3200 DSLR
4. Kate Spade Ipad Sleeve - ON SALE!
5. ONA - The Palma Camera Bag
6. J. Crew Pave Link Bracelet
7. Kate Spade Trixie Flat
8. Audrey The 60's Book

A Day to Reflect...

{Via}

My Heart is heavy today. As I'm sure the entire nation is still feeling the emotions after the horror that took place at Sandy Hook elementary school in Newtown Connecticut.  On this Monday when the rest of us are getting up, going to work, sending our kids to school, there are 20 little people and 6 adults who don't get to do that. Who's families lives are forever changed. I cant even fathom what they must be going through. But today I will think of them and I will pray for them. For the little lives lost, and the Heroes who risked it all. Their families and friends and the entire community of Newtown. Today my heart is with them.

A Friday Find

Remember this little Kate Bosworth ensemble? Sure you do. You must have been as obsessed with it as I and every other fashion obsessed female was. Well, After a quick stop in Old Navy to buy some little doggy stocking stuffers, I passed their table of these critter crews and noticed the sign, $15! Now if that's not a steal I don't know what is. They are super soft, and have a really great fit. Unfortunately they are no longer available on line, Although it seems people are selling them on ebay for double the original price! So if your out and about this weekend doing some last minute Holiday shopping, do stop in Old Navy and snatch some up. I can tell you the Old Navy on 34th street has quite and abundance of them right now and I'm thinking they will make some really great gifts! Happy weekend and happy shopping!

Tory Has Read My Mind

Tory Burch suede and leather satchel in PINE

My Skin Care Picks

1. Clarisonic Mia2
2. Thayers Cucumber Witch Hazel
3. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Acne Treatment Cleanser
4. Bye Bye Blemish
5. Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Night Cream
6. Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Eye Cream
7. Tanda Zap
8. Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Intense Serum
9. Boots No.7 Protect & Perfect Day Cream

Butternut Squash Frittata

This weekend my brother-in-law came to visit. Whenever we have visitors my favorite thing to do is to prepare a special breakfast. Typically I make it indulgent, and sweet. Like pumpkin pie pancakes, I've posted about here. This time I wanted to cook up something a bit more savory. I had a fridge filled with butternut squash from my husbands butternut squash soup he made earlier in the week, so I knew I wanted to use that up somehow. After a quick search I came across this recipe and it sounded interesting enough to try out. I made a few adjustments to the recipe and it really turned out super! Everyone even went in for seconds.

My adjustments were:
Sub Kale for Spinach
Omitted the mushrooms (My Husbands hates them, sigh...)
Omitted the sage
Sub the gruyere for goat cheese
I used almond milk instead of a diary milk

Fa La La La LIPSTICK

Stocking stuffers have to be my favorite part of Christmas morning. Any of these Too Faced La Créme super creamy lipsticks would make any girl swoon. These 4 colors are in my weekly rotation right now.

Bacon & Maple Pancakes

 Happy Friday!
 This weekend I intend to do a lot of indulging. And I'll start by making these perfect, crunchy, salty, sweet pancakes.

 I use this recipe for the base of my pancakes and they always come out perfect. Just add super crispy pork bacon or turkey bacon and top with more crumbled bacon, and drizzle the best maple syrup you can find! A Perfect way to start a Saturday morning. Have a wonderful weekend!

All That Glitters...

I have a serious obsession with anything gold. So it will come as no surprise that most of the gifts I will purchase this year will be of the gold variety. I apologize in advance.

1. Gold Piggy Bookends
2. Ceramic Mugs with Gold dots
3. Ceramic Gold Storage Can
4. Gold Egg Crate
5. Rocks Glass
6. Gold Kiss Print Mug
7. Gold Heart Demi Spoon
8. Crosshatch Cylinder Decanter
9. Gold Mercury Glass Candle
10. Gold Feather Jewelry Tray
11. Gold Heart Mug
12. Elephant Bookends
13. Gold Glitter Tart Server

Storybook Wedding Invites

It's been quite some time now. I can honestly say I do not feel guilty for neglecting my blog. These have been the busiest months of my life! Wedding planning is hard work! Not only is it just time consuming in itself, but adding so many DIY projects to the mix is just crazy. One of my DIY projects were my wedding invitations. Being someone who works in fashion and graphic design on a daily basis I really could not find anything remotely close to what I wanted for my Invites. I had a very specific vision and I was determined to see it through. Since all my guests have gotten them and by now have RSVPed I figured I'd share them...

 

I designed all the artwork and the entire invite using Adobe Illustrator. My wonderful Fiancé wrote the little story we had inside, and the amazing team at Proof 7 printed them. More importantly they dealt with my psycho picky-ness over every tiny detail. They were wonderful to work with!

   John and I spent a few nights putting them all together (which was more work then we will ever admit!)  Regardless of how time consuming this project was, I have to say it was worth it. I loved the end result! My wedding favors will be the next DIY project I can share...but you'll have to wait a month for that one :) 

UPDATE: If you are interested in this invitation it is now available for customization in my Etsy shop! :)

Something Blue

These are the cutest shoes ever! And to top it all off they are probably the most affordable shoe I've ever purchased! Oh and also really comfy! It all started while I was stalking the Internet for wedding shoes (I did find a pair but I'll have to keep that hush hush for now) I stumbled upon these at DSW and the price was just incredible, so I went ahead and ordered the black and the blue just to see which ones I liked better...... Well of course I'm keeping them both, they are too adorable not too!!

Lulu Townsend Romy Pump in navy.

Shopping Goodies

Every time I go to Europe I give myself a little budget to get a few things for the upcoming season. Here's a little taste of what I brought home with me.

 

A beaded silk tank in a gorgeous peachy blush pink

 

Rhinestone embellished sandals from my favorite Shop - River Island

 

A scalloped hem top, and a crystal collar necklace

 

A trio of printed chiffon blouses

And now I think I'll have to refrain from shopping for quite some time! ha!

I see London I see France!

I'm back from my super quick work trip to London and Paris. Super jet lagged but it was a great trip. We shopped the trends and I'm excited to work on our spring season and some other awesome side projects. Things are going to get busy! Of course while shopping for work I always have to mix in a few things for myself, which I will let you in on tomorrow. For now here's are some shots of what I saw...

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!

xoxo

Friday Favorites

My new necklace from the hubby to be! :) My monogram initials, which he kindly reminded me will change in 8 months!

I'm off to London and Paris for the next few days for work. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! I know I will!

Almond Milk

I don't know what's been with me lately. It's like I've been embracing my inner hippie or something. Quinoa for dinner, spelt flour cookies, and now I'm making my own almond milk. In my defense I am slightly lactose intolerant. I say slightly because it's not consistent. Sometimes I'll have cheese and be fine, other times I'll have a spoon full of ice cream and dear god it's a total nightmare! Maybe it's more of a lactose irritation. Never the less, I have to have non-dairy milks in the fridge for tea, and oatmeal and anything else that is enjoyable with traditional dairy milk. I'll be honest soy is not my favorite. I do love almond milk but homemade VS boxed is like a world of difference. Here's how to make your own:

Ingredients:
• 1 cup of raw fresh almonds
• A Nut milk bag (I got mine here)
• A high speed blender
• A pitcher
• A jar to store the milk

Directions:
Cover your one cup of almonds with water and let soak for 8 hrs. (I like to do this part in the morning so it can be ready when I'm home from work) When you get home drain and rinse your almonds. Put 4 cups of water into your blender, add the almonds and blend thoroughly. Now put your Nut milk bag into your pitcher, make sure its secured around the top enough so that when you pour your blended mixture in, it doesn't fall in as well. Once its all in, pull out the nut bag and squeeze out all the juice. Pour the milk into your favorite jar/jug (mine is from here) and there you go! Home made almond milk! This can be done with any nut not just almonds. I prefer to add a little cinnamon and vanilla extract to mine for a little flavor, but its just as good on its own too. Now I have to figure out how to make this Rice Dream Horchata and I'll be all set for my non-dairy beverage options!

Taste the rainbow

I love love love rainbow cookies. I could eat a whole tray and not even realize what just happened. So I'm not really sure how I stumbled upon the Spoon Full Of Sugar Etsy shop, maybe Pinterest, most likely yes. But when I saw this Valentine's day version of rainbow cookies I just ordered them without even really reading the fine print. See when it comes to rainbow cookies I don't really think, I just do. And I'm so glad I did because after I ordered, I realized these cookies are gluten free. I don't have any allergies to gluten (as I know of). Aside from a mild lactose intolerance I really don't have any food allergies.  But even without the gluten these rainbow cookies did NOT disappoint. There really was no decipherable difference between these and regular rainbow cookies, (and I have had my share of rainbow cookies!) The customer service Chris offers is also one I would put at the top! They came super fast and all wrapped up in such pretty packaging. Even a little hand written note!  To top it all off she's local in Brooklyn! If anyone is looking for gluten free goodies I highly recommend Chris's shop! I hope to try out her other goodies as well!

Friday Favorites

These new bangles I purchased at a little boutique in midtown by my office. This new arm party tastes much better than the giant black and white cookie I attempted to get before I spotted these in a window and got distracted. Oh well, at least I saved myself the calories!

Have a happy weekend everyone!! xoxo

Currently Lusting

1. Swing Top
2. Red Skinnies
3. Earrings
4. Bowler Bag
5. Glitter Jelly Heels

Sweet Potato Coconut Bisque

I love coconut, and I love sweet potatoes. Whats better than the 2 combined? Seriously? Can it get any better? Well yes it can, if your actually tasting it right now!
    So this all started when I decided to combine my newly rekindled love for sweet potatoes, and this  product I picked up at the organic market called "Coconut Manna".  I came across this recipe and decided to try it with a few variations. It came out perfect!

Ingredients
• 4 sweet potatoes
• 1-2 cups of sliced baby carrots
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups reduced-sodium tomato-vegetable juice blend or tomato juice
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 15-ounce can vegetable broth
• 1/2-3/4 cup of coconut manna (or peanut butter)
• Generous sprinkle of crushed red pepper
• Chopped fresh green onion for garnish
•  Raw unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Peel your sweet potatoes first. The original recipe calls to prick them and microwave them THEN peel and I did just that. WHAT A NIGHTMARE! My hands were scalded even though I let them cool for 20 min! and the skin was so difficult to peel off. Next time I'll do it the way my gut told me to do, and peel first. You can cook them in the oven till just cooked or microwave for 7-10 min. Your choice.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it just begins to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in juice, carrots, salt, red pepper, ginger and allspice. Adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently; cook for 10 minutes.
3. Chop the sweet potatoes into bite-size pieces. Add half to the pot. Place the other half in a food processor or blender along with the Veggie broth and coconut manna. Puree until completely smooth. Add the puree to the pot and stir well to combine. Thin the bisque with water, if desired. Heat until hot. Pour into your favorite bowl, add garnishes and enjoy!

Just a side note about Coconut Manna. This stuff is incredible. If you are as much of a fan of coconut as I am, you'll be putting this stuff in EVERYTHING. Oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, ice cream, spoons....OK yea fine I'll admit I've been eating it by the spoonful out of the jar. It's just THAT good! And it's really good for you and completely raw, no additives, sugar or anything! It may be a bit pricey, but it's worth it!

Friday Favorites

Please excuse my lack of posting this week. I've been working on some wedding related projects. Save the Dates which are done!  I can't wait to share them with you all. Unfortunately it will have to wait till all my guests receive theirs.
      This week while I wasn't working on wedding things or at work I was putting to use some holiday gift cards. I know I know, a bit early, but I couldn't help it! The 60 degree weather on Wednesday here in NY got me in the shopping spirit. Here are some of my favorite purchases from this week...

    It's Friday and I cant wait to relax and enjoy the weekend! Hope you all do too!

Friday Favorites

• Nars Blush in Love Joy. I'm also a huge fan of "Orgasm"
• Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer in "Nude"
• Laura Mercier Undercover Pot #3, this is the best all in one concealer pot ever! It even has the translucent setting powder underneath!)
• L'oreal Voluminous mascara- I typically buy this in "Carbon Black" but they were all out so I settled for Original. This mascara is my absolute fav! Makes my lashes look like butterflies, Not to mention it's only $8! Can't beat that!
• Mac lip liner in "Chicory", I love this color, it's like a burnt orange/red. I use it as a base around the edges and then blend with my Smith's Rosebud Salve. I've been into the Minty lately (seen in this photo) but I have to say, they are all awesome!
• Anastasia Brow Wiz. The absolute best eye brow pencil. Smooth and light and even has a spoolie attached to one side!

What are some of your favs??

Have a fabulous weekend! xoxox

Nutella Oatmeal

Anyone who knows me knows I love sweets. Chocolate being the be all and end all of treats for me. So Saturday and Sunday breakfast when we aren't out for brunch, usually is a staple of Chocolate Chip Pancakes. I've also made Nutella Pancakes (recipe to come next week!) I've mastered the home made pancake. They are way better then the boxed kind. But this Sunday I wanted something that could offer me more nutrients if possible. I've been obsessed with this blog and usually I'm left so unbelievably stumped at what recipe to try BC they all just sound so incredible (I also made these this weekend which were insanely good even John scarfed em down!) When I came across her recipe for this I was set on trying it but then decided pumpkin just wasn't going to do it. I thought Peanut butter! But alas I had just finished off my last bit of Better N' Peanut Butter from Trader Joe's so I settled on the next best (actually BETTER) thing. Nutella!

 (this is the peanut butter I ran out of. It's the BEST)

My Version went something like this:

• 1/2 Cup Oats

• 3/4 Cup Vanilla Soy Milk (I've also used Rice Dream Horchata which is out of this world!)

• 1 tbsp Nutella

• 1 tbsp Flax Meal

• 2 tsp Brown Sugar

Bring milk to a boil then add the oats. Allow it to soak up all the milk then transfer to a food processor and add the rest of the ingredients. Blend just a bit, transfer to your favorite bowl sprinkle with a few chocolate chips, a drizzle of more milk and enjoy!

I also made a mocha version to bring to work with me the next morning. It went something like this:

• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

• 1/2 cup Vanilla soy milk

• 2 tsp cocoa powder

• 2 tsp brown sugar

1 tbsp flax meal

Boil coffee and milk, add the oats. Let it soak everything up. Transfer to a food processor add the rest of the ingredients and blend. Delic!!!

 I have a feeling I'll be blending up different variations of oatmeal for many weekends to come. (I see a fruit version in the very near future) I think the key to the flavor is in the blend!

It's Almost Feb 14th!!

 Any of these lovely gifts would make me swoon!

1. Red Bow Bikini
2. Red Heart Tote Bag
3. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
4. Pink Heart shaped Sunglasses
5. Love Poems
6. Felix Rey Clutch
7. Madewell Undie Set
8. Anniversary Number Ring
9. Pink and gold heart shaped teacup set
10. Red Heart Pillow
11. Hot Pink Mini Dianna Lomo Camera