Friday, December 30, 2011

'Steel'-ing the Scene.

{essie}

A precious shade of molten steel, so hot you can almost hear the sizzle! {pretty much the perfect shade for New Year's in Palm Springs}

Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right this time. Goodbye 2011, hello 2012!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Baked Brie with Dried Cranberries and Pistachios.




My mom made this tasty appetizer before Christmas dinner and it was de-lish! So decedent, it's practically dessert.

Ingredients:
8-ounce wheel Brie
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios
1-2 tablespoons honey

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the Brie on a rimmed, ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with cranberries and pistachios. Bake 10-15 minutes, until the cheese starts to ooze out the bottom a little. Let cool for a few minutes, then drizzle the honey over the cranberries and nuts. Serve with toasted baguette slices.
Serves 6-8.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

3 Things.



It's hard to believe it was December in Santa Cruz with how gorgeous the weather was. After 5 days off relaxing with family, I can’t help wish I was still waking up at the beach. Christmas in Santa Cruz is the best, but I can’t help look forward to heading down to Palm Springs for New Years. Until then, here are a few {of so many} reasons why the holiday was especially fabulous.




 1. Beach Christmas.

2. A trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium followed by a picnic overlooking the water.

3. Ziggy playing in the sand {probably his #1 favorite thing to do} and now I have one tired pup to show for it.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry, Merry.

{last year's Yreka table setting}

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~Coco Chanel
I wish you all a wonderful holiday with family & friends!  x

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Pear Bruschetta with Goat Cheese, Honey & Almonds.


Seems I’ve found myself enjoying these delectable treats {so good it’s practically dessert} at Barbacco quite a bit lately and was inspired to come up with my own variation. Keep on getting engaged, girls. I’m loving all the celebrating going on!

Ingredients
  • 8 slices crusty bread of your choice, toasted lightly
  • 2 ounces Goat Cheese
  • 1 Pear or Apple, sliced
  • 1-2 tablespoons Honey
  • 2 tablespoons sliced Almonds, toasted
Directions

Lightly toast slices of bread in 350 degree oven for 5-6 minutes. Spread each piece of bread with a thin layer of goat cheese. Fan 4-5 slices of pear over the goat cheese and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle the top of each with the sliced almonds.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Infused Water.





Herbs like basil, lemongrass, parsley or rosemary can add intense flavor {and aroma} just by steeping in a pitcher in the fridge for two hours.

Citrus wedges – Pick your favorite & squeeze away! {Honeydew melon satisfies that sweet tooth}

Lavender, rose petals and other edible flower petals can stand alone or contrast with herbs and fruits.

Ginger, if you like spice is a great way to add a "zing" to your water; spicy & exotic {If it is added to boiling water it is also a great way to clear your throat and sinuses during a cold}
Acrylic pitcher with infuser from Crate & Barrel.
Mint is delicious alone or with juices like pineapple or in cucumber or cucumber-citrus combinations. Very refreshing!


Hibiscus leaves, steep for a south-of-the-border flavor.

Herbal tea. Yes, you can brew it in cold water.

Sliced cucumber or lemons - just like a day at the spa.

P.S. Happy (belated) Birthday, Dad. I would have posted this on the actual day, but didn't want to ruin the suprise :)

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Fancy Delancy.


An elegant creamy fuchsia with purple undertones - fun holiday alternative to this {which I love too!}

Monday, December 19, 2011

3 Things.



{Hana & Sumo rolls}

I woke up this morning earlier than usual, like 4 hours earlier…Curses, I seriously hope my sleep cycle can go back to something more "normal" soon after the holidays. Until then, here's some of my favorite relaxing moment I have been able to sneak in.
{Archipelago candled gifted from my boss}


The Wedding Planner//He's Just Not That Into You//Along Came Polly


1. Dinner at Akiko's with my dad - BEST sushi ever.

2. The tart & fruity scent of currant that currently fill my apartment.

3. Sunday chick flick-a-thon {all the girls were there}

Friday, December 16, 2011

Domino.










Zara lace top
Tory Burch booties
The Treasured Secret ring
Tiffany & Co ring
JCrew starburst necklace (similar style)

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Minor Obsession.


It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with shoes {see here, here, here and here}, but have especially grown partial to the Dolce Vita brand. How can I resist something as comfy as they are stylish? I’m in love!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Lavender Hot Chocolate.


I’ve never tried to deny of hide the fact that I love all things lavender* {proof here}; the aroma is too delectable for words.

Whipped cream:
  • 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or seeds from 1/4 of a whole vanilla bean pod
  • 1/2 tablespoon granulated white sugar
Hot chocolate:
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao)
  • 1 ounce milk chocolate
  • 1/4 teaspoon lavender buds
For whipped cream, add cold cream, vanilla and sugar into a cold mixing bowl. Beat the mixture with a whisk or mixer until stiff peaks form; refrigerated until ready for use. For the hot chocolate, heat milk and lavender over medium heat, whisking occasionally bring the milk to a simmer. Remove from heat and let lavender steep for 5 minutes. Strain lavender and return milk to saucepan. Over medium heat, add chocolate and mix until chocolate is melted and incorporated. Whisk milk mixture for 10-20 seconds until frothy. Pour into mugs and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy!

*Since lavender is quite fragrant, adjust amount according to preference. For a creamier hot chocolate, a 1 to 1 ratio of dark to milk chocolate can be used. Makes 2 servings.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Fishnet Stockings.


A spicy dark crème red. And quite appropriate as I spent the greater part of Saturday traipsing around Union square in search of the perfect natural fishnets {eventually located on the 5th floor at Macy’s Union Square}.

Monday, December 12, 2011

3 Things.



This weekend was nothing short of fabulous. After the past few long weeks at work, an impromptu happy hour with my co workers was exactly what was needed to kick off our holiday excitement amongst the office. Actually, I think it was Drag Queens on ice that officially kicked things off {I mean, going to the ice rink at Union Sq sipping mulled wine while watching drag queens ice skate screams holidays, don't you think?} Saturday night I attended the holiday of all holiday parties - snow in SF? It can happen. Followed by a day of Christmas shopping with my mom. For how crazy busy it was, we covered a lot of ground. Needless to say, this holiday has already been fun-filled and overly indulgent, but you know what they say...'tis the season to be jolly.



1. Move over Michelle Kwan and Brian Boitano. When it comes to San Francisco's holiday skating rink in Union Square, drag queens rule the ice.

2. Rudolph the red-nosed ice luge reindeer.

3. The beautiful plaid loving do-gooders who did it all for Toys for Tots.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Daydreaming.







Doesn't this just look like a dreamy escape?

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Linked In.






Linked In.

 With all the glitter and sparkles the holiday bring, I like to balance my look some heavier statement pieces. I'm especially loving all things chains and links.

1. J Crew gold jewelry, $118
2. Yves Saint Laurent black jewelry, £1,105
3. BCBG Max Azria chain necklace, $128
4. Rebecca jewelry, $225
5. Kenneth Jay Lane choker necklace, £271
6, Yves Saint Laurent lock jewelry, $1,059
7. Mango stone necklace, £70
8. ASOS steel jewelry, $18
9. MICHAEL Michael Kors linking ring, $55

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Have You Ever...


Loved something so much it hurts. I LOVE this dress. Wish I had it to wear right now....and the appropriate weather to wear it in.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Brisbane Bronze.


{opi}

Whether it be Brisbane CA or Brisbane Australia {although I think it’s fairly obvious the latter is preferred}, I’m ready to get the heck out of dodge and onto some holiday celebrating with family. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a TON of stuff needed to get done before then, but wish I could speed it all up. I. Am. So. Excited.

Monday, December 5, 2011

3 Things.



Girls weekends are always fun and this past weekend was no exception. Spreading holiday cheer with good friends, walking ALL over the city with the cutest pup around, finding an amazing deli that was right under my nose for the last few years, and an all-in-all gorgeous weekend all helps get me ready to face the busy week ahead. Did I mention I love the holidays? Especially that part where you get to relax and enjoy your family; where is that part again??



1. I’m finally ready {and excited} for the holiday - bring it!

2.  Indulging in yet another top 3 contender for best grilled cheese sandwich ever at Cheese Plus

3. Pretty much chocolate flavored anything; this week especially loving Starbucks salted caramel hot chocolate {who am I kidding, I love anything salted caramel flavor too}

Friday, December 2, 2011

Latest Love.


{Wyatt by Dolce Vita}

 Some things that make me smile. Have the best weekend!



{except this video is some weird Lost Boys shit}









Thursday, December 1, 2011

Holiday Dream List.


Choice ideas for gift giving. A girl can always dream, right?

1. Cartier Trinity bracelet
2. iPad
3. Missoni pillows
4. JBrand twill pant
5. Zara boots
6. long striped skirt
7. YSL rings
8. Zara dress
9. Gucci carry on duffle
10. Colorful calculator
11. Brian Atwood heels
12. Alexis Bittar gold link necklace