Easy on the Eyes.

Just because its getting colder, doesn't mean its time to put the sunglasses away.

Sunglasses are one of those things that can last a lifetime (you know, if you don't sit on them or leave them in a cab or restaurant). My current favorite pair is going on 3+ years but I think that I'm ready to add another pair into the rotation. Here are a few that I have been eyeing...no pun intended! The fact that #5 is called the Perfect Day makes me want them even more.

1. Burberry London Aviators 2. Kate Spade Darryl 3. Tom Ford Bachardy 4. Oliver Peoples Emilita 5. Karen Walker Perfect Day 6. Tom Ford Sabrina 7. Nicole Miller Retro 8. Persol Wayfarer Cat

This weekend I'm headed back to Michigan with the girls for a football game. There will be some early morning tailgating on the golf course (mimosas and bloody mary galore), dinner on Main Street, some Sunday shopping and a pit stop at some Michigan wineries on the way home. The weather is supposed to be perfect so I'll definitely be packing my shades! Hope you all have a lovely weekend too. 

And while you're here... it's the last day to enter my giveaway for one of Leigh Viner's amazing prints. Don't miss out! 

Fall Inspired Dinner & Dessert

If you are looking for a dinner that tastes and smells like fall (and of course that's easy and quick) then this is for you. Two years ago we started having weekly Gossip Girl dinners as a way to get our group of friends together every Monday. The idea has really stuck and we still rotate apartments each Monday, drink some wine, eat dinner, watch Gossip Girl and chat. As the hostess for the season premiere, I made this menu:

salad

To make the salad you'll need...
1 bag of mixed greens
1/3 cup off candied pecans
1/4 of one red onion, sliced
1 pear, sliced

For the dressing you'll need...
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

penne with sausage and pumpkin sauce

This is one of those times I wish I could add taste and scent to my post because holy pumpkin did this smell and taste amazing. I used this recipe with a few changes. I used half an onion instead of a full onion, a little less nutmeg and cinnamon than the recipe called for (it just looked like a lot) and about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Also, remember to take out the bay leaf before you serve so no one winds up with that in their bowl! One note: the sauce seemed a little soupy at first, but after reducing it and then adding it to the pasta it was extremely creamy and not soupy at all.

salted caramel brownies

After seeing this recipe in Cooking Light, I was dying to try it. It definitely did not taste light! The salt and the sweet caramel/chocolate was an amazing combination. Absolute perfection in every single bite.

And... if you happened to have left over ice cream from when you made this, you might just want to put a scoop (or two) of that beside your slightly warm, just out of the oven brownie, maybe... just saying.

As for the season premiere of Gossip Girl, that was some serious stuff. B pregnant!? Well, at least there's no chance of her walking down the aisle with carnations (that would have been awful).

Only two days left to enter my giveaway! I'll be announcing the lucky winner on Monday. 

I Love My City - Toronto

For this week's I Love My City post, I'm branching out of the United States and heading north - to Canada. Jacquelyn Clark is the writer of the beautiful blog, lark + linen. She works in Toronto as an interior designer but she doesn't stop there. Her blog is filled with recipes, peaks into her personal life and oh so much style and inspiration. I do recommend you check it out. But first... some Toronto love.

I've lived in Toronto for 18 years.

Toronto has so many amazing restaurants, but my favorite spots to dine are:

Grace or Auberge du Pommier for a date night

Mildred’s Temple for a night with the girls

Gilead cafe for Sunday brunch & you're likely to find some version of french toast (stuffed, preferably!) on my plate.

{grace}

My favorite shopping spot: for furniture and home goods is Flick & Company; they have a great selection of incredibly unique items.

One hidden gem in Toronto is Farenheit coffee. I was lucky to have stumbled across it not long ago. It's a teeny little place off the beaten path that always promises a cheery attitude (even at 7 am) and a great variety of quality loose leaf teas.

When I have visitors, three places I insist on taking them are Pizza Libretto for the most amazing pizza this side of Italy, drinks on the rooftop patio at the Drake and meandering through the shops and art galleries in the Distillery District.

{distillery district}

{drake patio}

If I have a free day in the city you'll likely find me meeting a girlfriend for brunch and spending the afternoon strolling through the shops in Leslieville, tea in hand.

One neighborhood I'd love to live in is the Annex because it's chalk full of beautiful old homes, hidden gems, great restaurants and young, artistic families.

{annex}

My favorite season in the city is autumn because there is a freshness in the air, people genuinely seem happier, and you can get away with walking practically anywhere without worrying about being a sweaty mess when you arrive! (attractive, I know!)

If I could describe Toronto in three words they would be busy, exhilirating & beautiful.

My favorite thing about Toronto is it's incredibly multiculturalism. There aren't too many places in the world where you can get authentic Indian food on one corner, and delicious Thai on the next.

{toronto}

Although I love Toronto, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be San Fransisco. There's something about it that intrigues me. I have yet to visit, but it's definitely at the top of my list!

Check out some of the past posts from this series:
New York
San Francisco
Chicago

There will of course be more city lovin' next week. If you'd like to participate, please email me at lara.matos1@gmail.com.

Also, if you have not yet done so, please enter my Leigh Viner giveaway for a lovely print!

Pure Comfort

As the cooler days start to set in and the hours of daylight slowly decrease, I begin to crave a little extra comfort. It can come in so many forms - like a big wool sweater, snuggling up on the couch with a blanket, a nice warm cup or tea of coffee, or certain foods that just taste like home.

For me, chicken noodle soup and chocolate chip cookies are pure comfort. They make the cold much more bearable and early sunsets a little more welcoming. 

My absolute favorite recipe for chicken noodle soup comes from Cooking Light. It has the basics, like carrots, celery, onion and garlic; the necessary elements like big chunks of chicken and wide egg noodles to slurp up; and it has some special add ins. I love the addition of evaporated skim milk because it gives it the perfect consistency. The flavors of the roasted chicken and the thyme are wonderful together and the addition of potato gives it a little added substance (aka carb overload). I do cut the amount of potatoes in half, but other than that, do not make any changes to this recipe. 

I'm constantly switching up my chocolate chip cookie recipe. I like to try different add-ins and I'm always trying to get that perfect texture - a slightly firm exterior and a chewy middle. I came pretty close this time by making a few tweaks to this recipe. I cut the recipe in half and reduced the amount of flower by about 1/4 cup. I also always add a pinch more salt than the recipe calls for because I think it makes such a great contrast to the sweeter elements. 

Like I said, pure comfort. 

Make sure to enter my giveaway for some amazing art. You have until Friday to enter. xo. 

Walk Like a Man.

Or just dress like one. I love mixing traditionally masculine pieces into my predominately feminine wardrobe. It creates a nice balance and it seems to be quite the trend. I do get the occasional comment from yt  - like him asking why I'm wearing my dads shoes when I wear loafers or calling my blazers man coats, but what does he know?! The below proves that I'm not totally off.

1. BoyFriend Blazer Topshop 2. Boyfriend Cardigan Jack Willis 3. Perfect Chambray Shirt Madewell

4. Tortise Wayfarer Ray Ban 5. Leopard Print Loafer Miu Miu 6.Suede Moccasins Tod's 7. Gold Watch Michael Kors 8. Pencil Tuxedo Pant Philip Lim 9. Boyfriend Jean Topshop 10. Boyfriend Corduroy Current/Elliot

Also be sure to enter my giveaway for a Leigh Viner print! They are all so beautiful. 

A Lovely Giveaway

I thought that I would start this week off with something very fun (because everyone needs something to smile about on a Monday). Today I'm partnering with an amazing artist for my first giveaway! Most of the artwork hanging in my apartment is my own, so I don't often shop for artwork. When I came across Leigh's amazing collection, via her blog Create, I knew it was special. Her huge list of exhibitions, press and features confirms that I'm not the only one who thinks so.

The giveaway is for any one of Leigh's standard prints, featured on her etsy shop.

To enter the giveaway you must follow Simply Irresistible on Google Friend Connect (found on the right side of my blog), visit Leigh's etsy shop and leave a comment letting me know which print you would pick!

For additional entries you can:
Follow Create, Leigh's Blog
Follow me on Twitter
Follow Leigh on Twitter
Tweet about the giveaway

Make sure to leave a comment for each additional entry.

You have until Friday 9/30 to enter and the winner will be announced on Monday 10/3.
Good luck & happy Monday!

Red is Right

First and foremost, Happy First Day of Fall and Happy Friday!

I'm switching things up a bit on the blog and doing away with Foodie Friday. Recently, I've been sharing recipes a couple of other days throughout the week (I get too excited and can't wait until the end of the week) so it seems silly to force another recipe on Friday. I will definitely be continuing sharing lots of delicious stuff every week here, so don't fret. On this particular Friday, I'm posting about a color I'm finding so very hot - red.

Red is not normally a color I'm drawn to. It can easily overwhelm any look, but recently I've really been loving this color.

I don't know if its the recent gowns on the red carpet, or the feeling of fall that's in the air, but I feel the need to put a bowl of crisp red apples on the table, light a red candle, throw on a red scarf - anything to bring this bold color into my life. Here are a few items I think would work perfectly:

1. West Elm Lacquer Tray 2. Voluspa Candle 3. Kate Spade Statement Necklace 4. Hunter Wellington Boots 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Bag 6. J.Crew Edie Purse 7. Essie Fifth Avenue 8. Alexander McQueen Flat 9. CB2 Throw Pillow

Lastly, I just wanted to say a big, huge, thank you... because this little blog hit 100 followers this week! So thank you to all of my lovely followers for your sweet comments every day. And another thank you to all of the bloggers that have been so kind showing me the ropes these past few months. Huge smiles over here.

Mexican Caramel Sundaes & Guest Blogging

Today I'm guest posting on Fashion Truffles about one of the best meals I've made in a while (if I do say so myself).

It started with Chicken Enchiladas and Cilantro Lime Rice. Both recipes, along with some of my weeknight cooking tips can be found over on Viviana's blog.

It ended with Mexican Caramel Sundaes aka heaven on a plate tortilla. This dessert takes literally five minutes to put together and is worth every one of them.

See what I mean?

I used this recipe as inspiration but switched things up a bit. If you know Rachael, she does not bake. If you know me, I love to bake but... there is nothing better than an easy weeknight dessert for quick entertaining (or just for yourself. I won't judge). 

{brushing on the butter}

{sprinkling with cinnamon, sugar and cayenne pepper}

{then topped with ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream and spanish nuts}

I used Ben and Jerry's Dulce Delish and Karamel Sutra (yes, two different pints of ice cream and I didn't judge you so you can't judge me either). I used whole wheat tortillas and sugar free caramel sauce, you know to be HEALTHY. Ha! I made three tortillas with 1 scoop of each ice cream on top, but otherwise followed the directions per R. Ray. The tortillas bake into one big cinnamon sugar crisp and I basically used that to spoon the ice cream/whipped cream/caramel sauce into my mouth.

Like Nike says, JUST DO IT.

I'm also contributing to a post on Breakfast at Toast where a bunch of bloggers are sharing their favorite fall Essie shades. Go check it out!

I Love My City - New York, NY

I'm super excited to share this weeks city post. New York holds a very special place in my heart, as I grew up on Long Island... just a short train ride away from this amazing city. Julie and Lauren are living quite the stylish life (if I could shop in either of their closets I would in a heartbeat) and they're sharing it all on their fabulous blog, Born and Bread. I highly recommend you check it out. And now.. why these gals are loving NYC. 

We were so excited when Lara from Simple Irresistible asked us to come by and share all the reasons why we love NYC. It is one of our favorite subjects, after all! With so much to share, so little time-- we hope this gives you a glimpse as to why we love life in the city that never sleeps.

One of our favorite views from Central Park

Julie: I've lived in New York for 4 years.

Lauren: I've lived in New York for forever! Born and raised.

Julie: My favorite shopping spot is Otte NY in TriBeCa.

Lauren: My favorite shopping spot is Intermix and Lower East Side boutiques.

Julie and Lauren: One hidden gem in New York is—the Odeon’s ice cream cart—I can’t get enough!

Julie and Lauren: When I have visitors, three places I insist on taking them are dinner at a Mario Batali restaurant, a walk through Central Park, and cocktails near the High Line.

We love the Waverly Inn-- especially that crazy Mac 'n Cheese! www.sipchatchow.com

Julie and Lauren: If I have a free day in the city, you'll likely find me at SoulCycle and shopping in SoHo or Meat Packing.

Julie: One neighborhood I'd love to live in is the West Village because of the adorable tree-lined streets and great shopping and restaurants. A true neighborhood feel.

Lauren: One neighborhood I'd love to live in is Brooklyn- amazing spaces and views of the city!

An amazing Tribeca loft. Hey- a girl can dream, right?! www.chapmaninteriorsblog.com

Julie: My favorite season in the city is summer because the city clears out on the weekends and you can get any res you want on a Saturday night!

Lauren: My favorite season in the city is Fall because the weather is gorgeous and everyone is back in the city. Such a fun time to explore!

Julie and Lauren: If I could describe New York in three words they would be enigmatic, vibrant & fresh.

Julie: My favorite thing about NY is the endless opportunities.

Lauren: My favorite thing about NY is the amazing people on the streets- such personal style and different walks of life.

Julie: Although I love NY, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be LA! Hands down. Or Tokyo if I was feeling really adventurous!

Lauren: Although I love NY, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be possibly London! But it would be hard for me to ever leave NYC!

Treasure seeking at an NYC street vendor www.layeredpaper.com

Hope you love our city as much as we do! Come visit!!

XOX

Chocolate x2.

"There’s more to life than chocolate, but not right now." - Anonymous


Today I've posted two recipes - both involving chocolate. (one) Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins & (two) Indoor S'mores. Both recipes are great, but if you make indoor s'mores - invite some friends over, take some to work, cut the recipe in half, hide them somewhere so good that even you may forget where they are hidden. Do whatever you need to do and don't say I didn't warn you. I did none of the above and yt and I ate the entire 9 x 13 pan over the course of several days. Dangerous stuff. 


But first.. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins. 

What you'll need...
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup flour
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon 


What to do...
Preheat oven to 400 degress. Combine first 5 ingredients. Sift together dry ingredients and add to wet. Mix lightly. Turn into greased or lined muffin tin and bake 25 minutes.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup chocolate chips to above
Oatmeal Apple: Add 1 cup shredded apple to above
Oatmeal Banana: Add 1 pureed banana to above


And now for the crack indoor s'mores I was referring to above. 

What you'll need... 
2/3 cup light corn syrup 
2 tbsp butter 
11 1/2 oz Nestle milk chocolate
1 tsp vanilla 
10 oz Golden Grahams cereal (about 8 cups)
3 cups miniature marshmallows


What to do...
Grease a 9x13 pan. Heat corn syrup, butter and chocolate to boiling in 3 quart saucepan, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla. Pour over cereal in large mixing bowl; toss quickly until completely coated with chocolate. Fold in marshmallows, 1 cup at a time. Press mixture evenly in pan with piece of waxed paper. Let stand until firm, at least one hour. The recipe says "makes 48 squares." In my case, "makes one large square to be eaten over the course of a week." 

Fall Style: Hair Trends

Meet Jason Berg. He's one of my favorite men in Chicago and has been my hairdresser for the last 2 1/2 years. He's adorably funny, sarcastic, and honest and today he's sharing some of the most popular hair trends for this fall season. You can read more of Jason's "what i would/n't do" here on his blog. 

one of the biggest trends for hair this fall is definitely red. red can be a tricky color and isn't suited to everyone. personally, i'm a big fan of natural looking hair color, which is why i'm excited that reds for this fall are a little softer and subtler than some of the reds we've seen more recently (i'm looking at you rihanna). dramatic shades like this are fun and look good on the right skin tone, but can go clownish/goth really easily. and last time i checked, neither look was a big hit. but it seems like even rihanna has taken the hint, because her new look is toned down and even a little classy. take a look:

she's gone from ronald mcdonald to redheaded bombshell. she looks great: the auburn color is striking, but not in a bad way. her old red, on the other hand, was more like a slap in the face. a couple of famous blondes have recently gone red as well. take a look at drew barrymore: 

girlfriend was looking pretty rough for a little while there (can we officially declare the SJP - rooty look over?), but i think this copper looks great on her. it's vibrant, but not obnoxious, and is really believable with her skin tone. same for emma stone:

 emma is a natural blonde, and went super light for the new spiderman film. i think the blonde looks fine on her, but this ginger color does wonders for her complexion and helps her stand out in a sexy, subtle way. it's a nice alternative for blondes, especially those with freckles and light eyes. on the flipside, one of her recent costars just committed a definite "don't." ryan gosling is definitely a dream celebrity boyfriend of mine, and just showed up in "crazy, stupid love" looking like this: 

ok, so i get it's for a role. but this is seriously hideous. this kind of raw-looking bleach color is a no for EVERY season and EVERY reason. i will admit to having this color when i was 15, but i also had a bowl cut that i gelled into place every morning. so... not a fashion plate, is what i'm saying. hopefully he'll be hot again in time for winter. fingers crossed! 


See why I love Jason? 


One hair question - while we're on the subject and all. 

I had bangs a while back (when I first got them yt hated them - but now he says the look is growing on him ... no pun intended). I let them grow out last year and then decided to bring them back this week. They are subtle and can easily be swept to the side, but I do love the way that they can frame a face. What are your thoughts on these celebrities? Are bangs a do or a don't for you?