Monday, December 31, 2012

3 Things // Happy New Year.



2012 was a great year. Actually, it was my favorite one yet. I’m so grateful for all of your support and I’m looking forward to all good things to come in 2013. Happy New Year. xx



1. Bright, sunshiny view from the Yacht Harbor

2. Lost in thought looking handsome in a stylish Nantucket collar.

3. Celebrating the Niners NCF West win, 2nd year in a row.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Better Late Than Never



So simple, but spectacularly lovely and festive….even if technically the tree wasn’t decorated until after Christmas – what else can I say but it was a quick and busy holiday. Now I look forward to spending some relaxing time at the beach with my favorite and Ziggy. Happy weekend! xx

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Sweet Thing.

JCrew ring

Lucky for me, my little Ziggy has great taste.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Candied Rosemary.

 
 Talk about the winter garnish and soo easy to make.

Ingredients:

2 C. boiling water
3 sprigs fresh rosemary, washed
1/2 C. sugar
3 springs fresh thyme, washed

Directions: Bring water to a boil and pour over thyme* and steep for 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, place the sugar in a bowl and dip sprigs of rosemary into the hot water one at a time. Using a spoon, sprinkle each sprig generously with sugar and set aside to dry. Use as garnish and enjoy!

*For a sweetly fragrant alternative replace the thyme with rose petals.

Monday, December 24, 2012

3 Things.



Needless to say, the past few weeks have brought a mixture of emotions over people and is setting a much different tone to this Christmas as the nation still mourns.  Tonight I head back to Santa Cruz to continue celebrating the holiday’s with my mother and grandma and then tomorrow my favorite will arrive, and then my father later in the week. The older I get, the more I appreciate this time of year knowing how fortunate I am to have my family and friends. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday filled with love, health and happiness xx


1. The stirring seas of the Yacht Harbor

2. Hiding out from the rainy day at the Nick – something I haven’t done since college

3. Spending quality time with my main man.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Matchy Matchy.


Bebe coat//Anthropologie shirt//Zara pants//Rebecca Minkoff MAB

In love with the fact I've had this coat for over 15 years and still get butterflies each winter when I put it back in rotation. This houndstooth honey gives any look an instant pick me up - it's magical.



Thursday, December 20, 2012

Surprises & Delights.


William-Sonoma Wine drip ring, $14.95
See's candy
Starbucks gift card
Pottery Barn Cable knit throw, $99
Apple iPad mini, from $329
Grace Coddington Memoir, $19.77
Tiffany & Co. journal, $50

With the holiday’s just days away, I’ve done my best to stay clear of the malls – I’m just not a fan of enclosed spaces that pump in oxygen, which is why I’ve always gone out of my way to shop at Stanford Shopping Center, a curated collection of boutique shops set outdoors with gorgeous landscaping. A place that I find solace through the madness of holiday shopping. What makes the experience all that much better are the extra “surprises & delights” Stanford has set up for shoppers experience even more rewarding and enjoyable.

Shoppers should be on the lookout for mall management staff that is eager to introduce themselves and thank you for shopping at the mall and may even give a holiday treat without warning. These gifts will vary by mall - holiday revelers could find themselves with a voucher for free coffee, a coupon for a free appetizer at a mall restaurant, or some candy to satisfy that sweet tooth!

I myself encountered and indulged in a few of the “surprise & delights” myself:

Surprise gifting to holiday shoppers: mall management staff on the premises, eager to introduce themselves and thank shoppers for visiting the mall - they may even give a holiday treat without warning. These gifts will vary by mall, but holiday revelers could find themselves with a voucher for free coffee, a coupon for a free appetizer at a mall restaurant, or some candy to satisfy that sweet tooth!

Help carrying packages to vehicles: shoppers needing help carrying packages to their vehicles will find assistance readily available at busy mall entrances. Easily-identifiable security personnel will be happy to ‘lighten the load’. This service is available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the holiday season and on Christmas Eve.

Available staff for finding the right shops: friendly mall staff will be stationed near mall directories during holiday weekends and on Christmas Eve ready to give directions, answer questions, and distribute the popular ‘Retailer Showcase’ with the mall’s best holiday offers and deals. These holiday greeters will be available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the holiday season and on Christmas Eve.

Holiday Entertainment: shoppers will also want to grab a schedule of the many entertainment offerings on mall during the holiday season. From school choirs singing holiday favorites to dance troupes to local musicians and theater groups, the mall, as it has been for generations, is the perfect place to catch the holiday spirit.

Happy shopping! xoxo

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Chocolate-Dipped Stuffed Figs.


Decedent and delicious (& beyond easy to prepare). In love.

Ingredients
15 figs
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup brandy
walnut pieces
6oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

Directions: Cut small slits in the bottoms of each fig. In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium hear until sugar dissolves. Stir in brandy and fig, bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain figs, cool and dry. Stuff walnuts into each fig.
Heat up chopped chocolate on medium until almost melted, stirring often. Remove, and stir until melted. Hold stem of each fig, and dip in melted chocolate. Place figs, stems up, on wax paper-lined tray until chocolate sets.

Enjoy! 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Gift Guide: Splurge.




I think the above picks speak for themselves - all classics that will last a lifetime. Hello, fashion bucket list..

1. Burberry scarf, $395
2. Dannijo necklace, $417
3. Chanel handbag, $53004. Missoni pillow, $235
5. Cartier love bracelet
6. Rolex watch
7. YSL rings, $2908. Louboutin's, $795

Monday, December 17, 2012

3 Things.



The holidays have been in full swing for me the last few weeks, so it felt good to take a quiet weekend with Ziggy before things really kick it up a notch. After this week, family will start to arrive and I'll be shuttling up and down the peninsula to make sure family and work are covered. I have a feeling it's going to be a bit hectic at times, but look forward to some to disconnect over New Years with my favorite.



1. Hiding from the rain cozy indoors

2. Epic cheese garlic bread

3. Catching up on zzz's with Z.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Winter Shift.

Thakoon dress//JCrew jacket & scarf//Eileen Fisher leggings//Madden Luxe boots//Chloe handbag

Even with a chill in the air, a sunny day always makes me happy. Happy weekend! xx


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Beer & Bacon Braised Greens.


Growing up, I didn't enjoy greens at all, but as I get older I notice my palate has matured. Then again, add bacon and beer to just about anything and I'm in. Now that sounds refined, doesn't it?

Ingredients
  • 4 bunches collard greens (stems removed & chopped)
  • 6 slices thick cut bacon, large dice
  • 1 diced onion 
  • 1 bottle beer (brown ale)
  • pinches of cayenne pepper 
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • salt and pepper, to taste


  • Directions: Place the bacon in a pot and cook over low heat. Add the onions after 10 minutes and continue cooking until bacon is crispy and onions have caramelized, stirring occasionally. Turn the heat to medium high and add half the collard greens and bottle of beer. Stir and let wilt some before adding the rest of the greens. Stir until the greens are mixed with the liquid and add the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Turn down the heat, cover, and let cook for 30 minutes or until greens are tender. 

    Enjoy! 

    Wednesday, December 12, 2012

    Everything Emerald.

    Everything Emerald.

    Reiss sheer cocktail dress//Marc by Marc Jacobs cableknit sweater, $380//Elizabeth and James leather shirt//M Missoni collarless coat//TIBI knee length pencil skirt, $1,060//Vanessa Bruno black lace pants//Coach heels//Jil Sander genuine leather handbag//Drop earrings//Cole Haan bow glove


    Last week the Pantone Institute announced the 2013 color of the year - emerald. Looks like it's going to be a gorgeous year, lovies.

    Tuesday, December 11, 2012

    Gift Guide: Under $100.



    Here are some more great gift ideas, all for under $100. I have to admit, every day at work when a new package arrives at my desk I get a little excited as though they are really my own.

    1, studded iphone case, $48
    2, Ted Baker cufflinks, $70.36
    3, tassle necklace, $65  
    4, poster, $60  
    5. Rag & Bone sweater, $69.99  
    6, Ted Baker cuff, $86.19
    7. Portable turntable, $75  
    8. bow earrings, $61.57
    9. Star headband, $78
    11. Leather gloves, $78  
    12. Ted Baker stripe scarf, $79.16

    Monday, December 10, 2012

    3 Things.



    It's finally starting to click for me that it's December and Christmas is right around the corner. As it happens, this year has been the best one yet, but has flown by so fast; I guess time does fly when you're having the time of your life.



    1. Kicking the holiday's off at Drag Queens on Ice in Union Square.

    2. Attending the annual Holiday party - special thanks to the gracious hosts, they sure know how to throw a good shindig.

    3. Sunday evening dinner at The Grove with my main gal, my mom.

    Friday, December 7, 2012

    Heart On.

    JCrew ring

    Spotted and hearted.

    Thursday, December 6, 2012

    Potato & Green Bean Verde.



    Simple, easy and tastes delicious - how have I never had this until now?!

    Ingredients:
    1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    1/4 cup minced chives
    1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
    2 tablespoons finely chopped mint
    1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
    2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    1 large garlic clove, minced
    Salt
    1 1/4 pounds new potatoes (preferably red), cut into 1-inch cubes
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed

    Directions: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil with the chives, parsley, mint, lemon zest, lemon juice and garlic, season with salt. Let the salsa verde stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Now, in a saucepan cover the potatoes with cold water and bring to a boil. Cook potatoes over moderately high heat until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and return them to the saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon butter and toss to coat. Season with salt. Boil the beans and cook about 4 minutes and drain. Return beans to the pot and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Season with salt. Add half of the salsa verde to the potatoes and half to the beans, stirring to coat. Transfer the beans to a serving bowl. Top with the potatoes. Enjoy!.

    Wednesday, December 5, 2012

    Touch of Tartan.


    Touch of Tartan.

    Vivienne Westwood Anglomania cowl neck dress, $760//Dolce&Gabbana roll neck sweater, $820//Tagliatore long coat, $730//Vivienne Westwood tartan skirt//J.Crew ballerina flat//Vivienne Westwood//Barbour leather glove, $54

    Whether it's a little bit or a lot-o-bit I love me some Tartan. Rich prints in luxe fabrics to carry you right through winter - how can you go wrong?

    Tuesday, December 4, 2012

    Gift Guide: Under $50




    Whether buying for him, best friends, parents or my Gammy - I love finding gifts that fit the recipient to a T. It also doesn't hurt that I love to shop. So you'll understand why I was thrilled to find great gifts all under the $50 price point.

    1. Gold heart ring, $40  
    2. Holiday stationary, $24  
    5. Weiner dog olive oil/vinegar, $24  
    7. Glassybaby "believe" votive, $44
    8. xoxo bangle, $38  
    9. Dessert plates, $39.99  
    10. Happy hot dog pillow, $38 each  
    11. State cutting board, $48  
    12. Star studs, $25  

    Monday, December 3, 2012

    3 Things.


    I spent the entire weekend indoors hiding out from the rain except to bundle up to grab take out or a quick walk with Ziggy.  Although I loosely blame the rain for this heightened level of laziness; after traveling so much in November it just felt good to be home. This weekend called for oversized sweaters and over-the-knee socks - comfy, perusing magazines, compiling my Christmas shopping list and talking on the phone with my favorite. And after the storms finally passed, there were a few rays of sunshine to enjoy before the weekend was over.




    1. Ziggy all cozy for a weekend indoors

    2. Love note from my favorite.

    3. Untitled (Love Song) that makes me so happy.

    Friday, November 30, 2012

    Sunshiny Day.


    anthropologie shirt//Vertigo sweater//Tinseltown pants//JCrew bracelet, booties & scarf//Charming Charlie hat

    I think it's pretty apparent I'm a sucker for a sunny day, even if I have to layer it up to enjoy - I just throw on all of my favorites. Speaking of favorite, check out the ipad case my favorite picked for me. Besides being cute with its red self, the keyboard inside makes blogging life on the road soo much easier. Always thinking, that one.

    And these booties. I'm loving them something fierce.







    Thursday, November 29, 2012

    Eagle Eye.

    Eagle Eye.

    Lanvin / Lanvin chain necklace, $1,435 / Zara gemstone necklace

    Something has definitely caught my eye. And that is BIG eagle statement necklaces. Tucked under the collar of a simple white blouse adds a certain patriotic edge. I swoon.

    Wednesday, November 28, 2012

    Just Rosie.

    Free People jacket//Everlane tee//Tinseltown pants//JCrew scarf & booties//Chloe purse

    Tuesday, November 27, 2012

    A Little Diva.



     Suede shoes with a patent ankle strap and wedge - I'm in heaven.

    Monday, November 26, 2012

    3 Things.



    There's nothing like spending the holiday with my two favorite gals. This year my mom and I took the show on the road and visited my Grandmother in Texas for Thanksgiving. The trip itself wasn’t all too eventful, but the time spent together was priceless. As I get older, I find more and more it’s the simple things that matter most.



    1.      My mom & Gammy enjoying after dinner warmers

    2.      Shopping for accessories and sparkly baubles at Charming Charlie

    3.      Coming home to my sweet boy

    Wednesday, November 21, 2012

    Thankful.


    From my mom and dad, to my gorgeous grandmothers, to my fantastic godfather, to my best friends, my favorite, my little Ziggy and everyone those who support this blog, I'm so grateful for the guidance, support, honest and love you give my life. I truly have so much to be thankful for.

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving! xo  

    Tuesday, November 20, 2012

    Wild Child.


    Betsey Johnson Rese wedge

    Suede pop of color with a glittery wedge - what more can a girl ask for? These shoes make me smile. They make me so happy I just want to do a cartwheels...Betsey Johnson-style that is.

    Monday, November 19, 2012

    3 Things.


    Another great weekend with some of the best people I know and tons of time with little Ziggy. What can I say, I'm a lucky girl and have so much to be thankful for.
     


    1. Ziggy looking handsome in his holiday sweater.

    2. Carolina-style pulled pork sliders from Cin Cin (almost as good as the ones made by my favorite)

    3. Pure brilliance - my latest addiction

    Friday, November 16, 2012

    Cuffed.




    Mossimo onesie//H&M blazer//Julie Collection necklace//Heather Belle cuffs//VonZipper sunglasses