Thursday, January 31, 2013

Himalayan Salt.

Off Street Market salt block

Over Christmas I was introduced to Himalayan salt and have intrigued ever since. Throw a block on the barbecue, pop it in the over or directly on your stove top and make your favorite dish that much more savory. Talk about the perfect gift for your favorite hostess!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Statement Sweaters.


Statement Sweaters.



Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cotton shirt / Markus Lupfer graphic sweater, $505 / Joie anchor sweater / Markus Lupfer pink top, $400 / Wallis stoner shirt / Miss Selfridge jumper sweater / Dorothy Perkins navy sweater / Graphic sweater, $24

A cute patterned sweater makes such a fun, playful statement.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

New Nude.

Butter London flawless base coat

Natural nails are currently having a moment (again) and I'm loving every second of it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy fun, colorful nails with the best of them, but there is something so fresh and sweet about this particular lighter shade - it's like foundation makeup for your nails!

Monday, January 28, 2013

3 Things.


If you don't already know, I'm especially close with my mom. She's the best person I know and I truly enjoy spending time with her. This weekend she visited me in the city and did all the things we do so well - shopping, pedicures, wining & dining and saw some improv at SF Sketchfest. And of course, Sunday evening was spent watching the SAG Awards red carpet tweeting with my favorite gals, Val and Emily. All in all, fantastic weekend.



1. Discovering my own little slice of heaven right here in San Francisco at the Nordstrom spa. This will be the only way I have pedicures going forward, it was that amazing of an experience.

2. The outstanding view from the Leatherneck Steakhouse.

3. Lavender mint loose leaf tea from The Grove is simply divine and my new favorite.

Friday, January 25, 2013

All Wrapped Up.


 Everlane tee & cashmere wrap//Eileen Fisher skirt//Steve Madden Luxe boots//Julie Vos necklace//VonZipper sunglasses//Chloe handbag

Just because it's currently fuh-reezing in San Francisco doesn't mean I only turn to my standard winter uniform of skinny jeans, sweaters and boots. Rather I trade the jeans for a long skirt (this skirt from Eileen Fisher is my new love) and swap the sweater for a cashmere wrap. Be sure to bundle up and keep cozy - it's gonna be a cold one out there!



Thursday, January 24, 2013

On Repeat.


Currently, this tassel necklace from Julie Vos has been on constant repeat - I just can't get enough!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Lentils & Veggies.


One of my favorite things about going back to the South Bay are the home cooked meals, especially since I'm not much of a cook. I enjoy trying out different sides, sauces and salads, but only have a handful of recipes that I consider my "go-to". Last weekend, my mom made the lentil veggie soup I loved so much growing up. After one bite, I asked my mom to share her recipe so I can make my tiny San Francisco apartment smell just like home.

Ingredients

1 pound French green lentils
3 large onions, chopped
2 leeks, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp minced fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp ground cumin
8 stalks celery, diced
4 large carrots, chopped
3 quarts chicken stock
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions: In a large bowl, cover the lentils with boiling water and allow to sit for 15 minutes, then drain. In a large pot saute the onions, leeks, and garlic with the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and cumin for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are translucent and very tender. Add the celery and carrots and saute for 10 more minutes. Add the chicken stock, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until the lentils are cooked through. Add the red wine vinegar and serve hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

3 Things.


Another great weekend filled with friends, family, laughter and fun. Oh, and another Niners win - we're going to the Superbowl baby!



1. The 49ers continued quest of six.

2. Late night cookie making with my mom

3. Ziggy cuddling up to this new Pottery Barn bedding

Friday, January 18, 2013

Home Sweet Home.



Everlane oxford//Burberry scarf//Gap jeans//Steve Madden boots//Jimmy Choo handbag//Julie Collection bracelet

After the long week, I'm ready to head back to my hometown and cheer on the 49ers with my friends. Of course, I'll raid my mother's closet as per usual. I managed to snag her Burberry scarf for just a few hours...as long as I promised not to eat, drink, breath, or do pretty much anything while wearing it.

Happy weekend and GOOOO Niners!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Black//White.

Light or No Light.

M Missoni knit dress, $675 // Metallic dress, $4,870 // Lanvin boat neck dress


Black with a hint of white, white with a hint of black or an equal division of the two - black & white are having a moment right now and I'm all about it. Currently, I'm looking for a b&w dress with classic lines for my upcoming trip to New York.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Simply Sensational.



A roasted garlic clove is a delicious way to add that extra something to your average cheese plate or bread & butter. The best part is, all the recipe requires is cloves of garlic and olive oil. Simply in love.

Directions: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel away the outer layers of each garlic bulb skin while leaving the skins of the individual cloves intact. Cut off about a 1/2 inch off the top of the bulb exposing the individual cloves of garlic. Place the garlic heads in a baking pan* and drizzle olive oil over each head ensuring each clove is well coated. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cloves feel soft when pressed. Allow garlic to cool to the touch and cut the skin slightly around each clove.

Serve warm and enjoy!

*muffin tins are a great alternative to the baking pan

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

My Favorite's Favorite.


No joke, this Everlane oxford is the BEST white button down I've ever come across. While I ordered one for my favorite for Christmas, I couldn't help trying it on myself and thrilled that I did. After all, it was hanging there in the closet all alone with no attention paid to it so it was bound to happen at some point. And now it's mine, all mine. At least until he gets here.

Monday, January 14, 2013

3 Things.


Things over the weekend were calm and quiet (with the exception of the 49ers game - for that, I was loud). I had dinner with my parents, did a little yoga, went to a movie matinee, stayed in my pj's until noon, and spent some time spreecasting on the Golden Globes red carpet with my favorite girls, Val & Emily. All in all things were good, but I can't wait until I finally shake this cold.




1. Saw Les Miserables. Finally. A definite must-see.

2. My Niners did it again! Saturdays game was a big win for San Francisco giving us lots to celebrate. I'm bummed they won't be playing at home this weekend, but sure did not want them play Seahawks again.

3. Homemade chicken soup by my mom. She takes extra special care when I'm sick.



Friday, January 11, 2013

TGIF.


For a girl whose been under the weather all week, I do have to admit I've been pretty lucky to have this sweet little guy taking care of me. Here's to a weekend of rest, recovery and Oscillococcinum!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Quinoa Heaven.



Holy quinoa! I'm in love with this recipe - healthy & tasty.


Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2tsp canola oil
1 chopped onion
1 4oz can chopped chiles
2 cloves minced garlic
1 can of chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup toasted pepitas
3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
2tbsp lime juice
1/4tsp salt

Directions: Toast quinoa in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often until it crackles, about 3 to5 minutes. Transfer to a fine sieve and rinse thoroughly. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add onion and cook until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add chiles and garlic and cook for 30 seconds then add quinoa and broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until the quinoa is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Add pepitas, cilantro, scallions, lime juice and salt to quinoa. Mix gently and fluff with a fork.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Creature Comforts.

Plaid scarves have been on constant rotation for me lately, but only softest and coziest will do. As I'm feeling under the weather this week they are especially comforting to me. Oh, the little things in life..

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Winter White.


Winter Whites.


Armani Jeans long sleeve knit dress, $200 // Boutique by Jaeger button shirt, $120 // Stella McCartney wool jacket, $1,500 // Yves Saint Laurent highwaisted pants // Moschino winter white skirt // Dareen Hakim oversized handbag // Scarve, $175 // Coach hat

There is nothing more sophisticated than an all white ensemble with gold accents. Nothing.

Monday, January 7, 2013

3 Things.


It felt great to wake up Saturday morning with no where to be and spent the day taking advantage doing things on my own schedule, one that was slow moving but surprisingly productive. Now, I'm left feeling refreshed for the week ahead.



1. Some quality time spent catching up on Made In Chelsea. I'm talking hours spent watching...

2. Making another step towards more balance in my life by attending yoga.

3. Now I realize this isn't breaking news to anyone in San Francisco, but I finally went to the new Trader Joe's in Nob Hill. Beyond thrilled for the upgrade in the neighborhood.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Happy Medium.



I've never been one for New Year's resolutions - setting unrealistic goals impossible to attain just defeat the whole purpose to me. Yes, I want to eat more veggies and go to the gym daily, but for a gal with a major sweet tooth that hates to work out I need to think within reasonable terms. Rather than putting this type of pressure on myself, I'm challenging myself to find a work-life balance which includes better eating habits and working some yoga to keep zen during 2013. Plus it's a good excuse to shop new designer, Ward76.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

New Year, New You.




There is nothing like tradition to start off the new year, especially when that tradition is to bring good luck. Black-eyed peas are thought to bring prosperity to the new year and with something this tasty, who am I to break tradition?

Ingredients:
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
4 cups peeled & diced cucumbers
1 14oz can black-eyed peas (rinsed)
2/3 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup slivered red onion
2 tbsp chopped black olives
ground pepper to taste

Directions: Whisk oil, lemon juice, oregano and pepper in a large bowl, until combined. Add cucumber, black-eyed peas, bell pepper, feta, onion and olives; toss to coat. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Back to Life.


After a week at the beach it’s a bit of an adjustment getting back into my daily routine. Although looking ahead to all the great things to look forward to, it should take no time at all.