Simply Irresistible

a list of happy

2012-03-02T04:58:00.017-06:00

Life has been crazy lately - a really good crazy though. The days have been going by so quickly and I am in complete awe that it's already March. I'm not quite sure how that happened. It feels like it was JUST January. When life is moving at such a quick pace, sometimes it's necessary to stop, think, and take it all in. Here is a list of a few of the {little} things that are currently making me happy.

1. I'm slowly learning to be a city driver. It's amazing how much you miss in the backseat of a cab.

2. Warmer days. Spring is coming!

3. A free day on Sunday. I'm dreaming up an afternoon of cooking + movies on the couch.

4. 85 days until our wedding.

5. I'll be "home" in New York at the end of the month. Flight is booked!

6. yt let me sleep in on Wednesday instead of waking me up for my workout.

7. Date night tonight!

8. Daylight savings is next week. Sunshine after work!

9. The feedback from my recipes on The Everygirl has brought me so many smiles.

10. The Adele Pandora station. I'm convinced I'll find our first dance song here.

11. It's Friday.

What's making you happy today?

Two Things I'm Loving.

2012-03-01T04:59:00.001-06:00

ONE - {My New Kate Spade Planner}

This was my birthday present from yt - let's all applaud the man for a job well done. I got the classic black, which I love, but every color is pretty perfect. I know that this planner is above what any normal person might spend on a {gorgeous} calendar, but I love it and think it's well worth the investment. The quality leather will last for years to come and I'll get to update it with new inserts every January!

Tudor City Debora - Large - $198

Tudor City Debora - Small - $168

Green is on sale!! - $84

Another {affordable!} Kate Spade item to help you organize your busy schedule...

I've heard rave reviews about this planner.

find it here!

TWO - {J.Crew's Entire Spring Collection}...

J.Crew needs to stop coming out with clothing like this. Or I'm going to spend every single dime I earn on pretty colored, awesomely textured, and oh so preppy items - like the ones below. It's dangerous stuff. {Enter at your own risk}. Keeping my fingers crossed for some BIG sales in the near future.. or a winning lottery ticker. Either or ...

Are ya with me?

bushy brows.

2012-02-29T05:12:00.000-06:00

I was born with thick, dark, huge, eyebrows. I do not use the term huge lightly. They looked like two mustaches had jumped off of a mans upper lip and landed smack above my eyes. Growing up, I hated them. They were "manly" and needed serious taming. Now that I've trimmed, and plucked, and waxed them away I want them back. Don't get me wrong, I still have thick, dark, sizable brows, but they are nothing like their original splendor.

Well, I'm trying to grow them back in, and let me tell you, its not an easy or pretty thing to do. Every little hair sticks out like a sore thumb begging to be removed. I'm using the below images as inspiration. Every time I want to reach for the tweezers, I'll look at these beautiful women with their beautiful brows. I'm hoping that after a month or so of being untouched, they will be ready for a professional to clean and shape them into perfection. Such a silly thing isn't it? That we groom our eyebrows?

Anyway... a question for my lovely readers.

What is your method of upkeep?

Tweezing? Waxing? Threading?

Do you have thin brows you wish would grow in?

Thick brows with a mind of their own?

Do tell.

Homemade Basics: Taco Seasoning

2012-02-28T05:08:00.007-06:00

I'm so excited to share the first post of a new series here on the bog. "Homemade Basics" is all about making easy, quick, tastier versions of the things you would normally grab at the grocery store. Once you switch to your own versions of sauces, seasonings, and dressings - you'll never go back! First up...

Here's what you'll need...
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Here's what to do...
Mix it all up! Use 2 tablespoons of the spice mix + 2 tablespoons of water for one pound of meat, chicken, or veggies.

this is the leftover taco seasoning + my new jar + a corn tortilla.

yt and I decided we hate corn tortillas (flour tortillas only).

then we used them as frisbees like six year old boys.

after five minutes of trying to hit each other with tortillas

this happened. so mature. yes, we're getting married in may.

bye spices.
see ya jar.

at least the seasoning was delicious!
I repeat ... flour tortillas only.

dress up.

2012-02-27T05:20:00.000-06:00

I love enlisting your fashion advice because a) you're all so fashionable and b) I'm so indecisive and outside opinions are always helpful. Below are some dress options for my upcoming bridal shower in New York. I've never used Rent the Runway but I think I'm going to give it a try. I want to wear something special without dropping the big bucks. Hopefully I'll walk away a satisfied customer!

Let me set the scene for the party: mid afternoon tea party with champagne, sandwiches, and pastries. It's at the end of March so it's the awkward time of year where it's technically Spring, but there's still a small chance of snow... As you can tell, I'm going more with the Spring vibe.

1. Milly - Poppy Fields Sheath

2. Shoshanna - Blush Wedding Lace

3. Tibi - Lily Cap Sleeve Dress

4. Milly - Tea for Two Dress

I'm also slightly obsessed with this dress - AND I'd get to keep it for only $89

which is your fave?

{adult} birthday cake.

2012-02-24T05:45:00.001-06:00

Yep, I turned 25. I also recently discovered wrinkles around my eyes and a few gray hairs. Getting old kind of sucks. I decided that to celebrate this birthday I would make something a little more gourmet and fancy for my adult palette. No funfetti cake this year {although, lets be honest, I'll never be too old for that}. I dug into my mom's recipe book and found this recipe. It's definitely a special cake and everyone seemed to love it! You don't need to be celebrating to bake this cake - it's kind of a celebration in itself.

Here's what you'll need...

Cake

3 cups grated and peeled zucchini

1 cup ground walnuts

1 cup flaked coconuts

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Frosting

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1/2 tsp vanilla

4 cups confectioners sugar

Here's what to do...

Cake

Grease and flour two 9 inch baking pans. Combine zucchini and coconut, set aside. Beat together the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Beat in sugar. Gradually add dry ingredients. Stir in zucchini mixture. Pour into pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

Frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Add remaining ingredients.

What is everyone up to this weekend? Baking cake? I highly recommend it. My weekend involves a Friday movie night {Sarah's Key.. anyone seen it?}, a barre class, a bit of work, and a Sunday trip to Ikea. Even though I was only in the office three days this week, it's seemed like a long one. Happy Weekend ... xo!

P.S. I'm over on Christin's blog sharing 5 seriously random facts about me. If you're interested in learning.. go over and check them out!

recipe planning {for everygirl's}

2012-02-23T08:14:00.000-06:00

Part of the reason that I'm so excited for the launch of The Everygirl is because as a contributor, I get to share some my recipes on this amazing new site! My first feature is on weeknight cooking. It needs to be fast, easy, painless, inexpensive, and of course, delicious! Check out a few of my favorite budget friendly weeknight meals here. I promise that you will be satisfied with how easily you can whip up a tasty dinner.

{turn this short list of simple ingredients...}

{into a simply satisfying chicken and veggie flat bread}

P.S. tomorrow I'll be back with some regularly scheduled blogging.
I'm sharing my birthday cake recipe from this year...
Coconut Zucchini Cake with Lemon Buttercream.

a special announcement

2012-02-22T06:59:00.000-06:00

The day we've been waiting for has arrived

The Everygirl has finally gone live!

I hope that you find that the new site inspires

and speaks to all of your dreams and desires.

Please look for a feature on Thursday by me

I'm as excited as one could be!

Be sure to check out the new site right now,

Danielle and Alaina, please take a bow.

happy birthday to me.

2012-02-21T03:21:00.001-06:00

today is my twenty fifth birthday!

the celebrations will include

time with friends and family

a visit to vera wang

champagne

candles

cake.

I couldn't ask for anything more.

quote of the day.

2012-02-18T09:44:00.000-06:00

it's that simple.

have a {perfect formula} weekend

2012-02-17T05:28:00.002-06:00

there's a formula to the perfect weekend. it goes a little something like this:

productivity + relaxation = the perfect weekend

too much of one and you're likely to feel like

a) a big old bump on a log b) you didn't have a weekend at all

of course there are some exceptions to this rule. but for the most part, it works like a charm.

{this is the kind of breakfast I'll be indulging in this weekend}

this weekend my grandma, mom, and sister are visiting

and instead of a two day weekend, ill have a whole 5 days to spend with these lovely people

I'm praying to the dress gods that my first fitting goes smoothly

and that the beautician can navigate my bone dry skin and locks for my hair and makeup trial

besides that, our weekend will be filled with shopping + eating.

the two things I do best.

And now some link love:

I'm obsessed with this scarf. Birthday present anyone?
I'm dying to try roasted chick peas. This recipe looks awesome.
Too expensive for our wedding, but I plan on splurging on these for our (much smaller) rehearsal dinner!
In case you missed it, I shared our engagement story on Valentine's Day
(here and here are some of our engagement pictures)

last but not least...
the winner of the pom flair tassel garland giveaway is:
viviana {fashion truffles} please email me to claim your prize!
thanks to all who entered.

wishing you all a lovely weekend.
xo

on the edge

2012-02-16T05:42:00.009-06:00

I don't really think this is a new trend, but rather one with a little lasting power. It's obvious why. Scalloped edges make everything a little cuter, a little more feminine, and a little more special. I wanted to call some attention to a few of my favorite items below, but I seriously cannot choose.

I can see myself wearing..

those blue scalloped silk shorts with a white tee and some sandals on a summer night

those lace scalloped shorts with a black blouse and some fabulous pumps

that mint green scalloped vest with just about anything and everything..

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Don't even get me started on the lower section of this post...

scalloped shorts from Kohl's and a scalloped tank from Target - I know you never would have guessed.

And those Chloe flats may be a bit on the pricier side, but let's be honest, they are perfect in every way.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

yes, yes, and yes again.
do you adore?

Also, don't forget to enter yesterday's giveaway! I'll be choosing a winner Friday.

garland giveaway!

2012-02-15T04:27:00.000-06:00

How adorable are these Pom Flair tassel garlands?

I first fell in love after seeing something similar on Cupcakes and Cashmere.

They add the perfect feminine touch to an office space or a dressing room.

I will absolutely be purchasing one for my bachelorette party!

Pom Flair is giving away a tassel garland so that one of my readers can do just that!

here's how to enter:

1) follow simply irresistible, visit Pom Flair and leave a comment here letting me know which color combo you like best

2) for a second chance to win, leave a comment letting me know how you would use your tassel garland

I'll choose a winner this Friday.

You have until then to enter.

Good luck lovelies!!

a valentines day story.

2012-02-14T05:03:00.001-06:00

As I sit down to write this, I cannot believe that it has been a year since our engagement. It's crazy how quickly time flies by. In a little over three months I will be marrying my best friend. I will not be a girlfriend or a fiancee - but someone's wife. Woah.

Before I get to the events of the evening I need to preface the story with a few notes:
a - yt is in his last year of med school. we had of course discussed our engagement and marriage but had always agreed it would happen after his med school graduation.
b - yt had told me for years that "he knew exactly how he wanted to propose". turns out that was a lie.
c - yt is a good liar and really sneaky. this worries me a little.
d - this is a really long post. sorry.

Okay so here it goes...
It was Valentines Day {2.14.11}. yt told me that we were going out to dinner to celebrate the holiday, reservations were at 6pm, and the location was a surprise. I got stuck at work and called yt frantically:
me: "There's no way we're going to make it to dinner by 6pm"
him: "No worries, I'll call and push back the reservation. Take your time and I'll see you soon."
I didn't think twice that it was Valentine's Day and changing any reservation was probably virtually impossible {foreshadowing of events to come}.

I came home to change for dinner and to my surprise, yt had been cooking up a storm. Apparently the location of our dinner was our apartment. yt NEVER cooks. I do not use the term "never" lightly. He had literally never cooked dinner - and since this day, has not cooked once. This was a special and welcomed gesture! He had printed out a dinner menu, set our table with candles, and purchased our favorite wine.

Our bedroom door was closed and yt told me that I couldn't go in there because my Valentine's day present was in there. I was so excited to see what it was.

We sat down for dinner and began talking about our days.. normal chit chat. Then this happened:
me: "Samie {one of my good friends} thinks we're going to get engaged tonight. I told her she's crazy."
yt: "Lara, stop. We've talked about this. It's not going to happen for a while babe."
me: "I know! I wouldn't want to get engaged on Valentine's Day anyway. That is so cliche and you would just be killing two birds with one stone. When you decide to do it, definitely don't do it on Valentine's Day, okay?"
yt: "Sure, Lara."

.... I am such a huge asshole.

Anyway.. we move on from this conversation and finish up dinner. Then it's present time! yt makes me face away from our living room and close my eyes. I hear a lot of commotion and then he says that I can turn around and open my eyes. There is a huge wrapped box before me {images for reference below}. He tells me to open it. At this point I start thinking about what could be in this huge box. [I had mentioned wanting weights for working out... did he get me weights for Valentine's Day!? I'll kill him. Nah he wouldn't do that.. bar stools maybe? We do need those but that's not very romantic..]

I open one side of the box and realize that it's empty.
me: "it's empty"
yt: "well you have to go inside of it to get your present"
me: "you want me to crawl in this box... you've got to be kidding me."
yt: "well if you want your present you have to"

So I proceed to get on all fours and crawl into this box, which upon entering I realize has been fitted with a light fixture on top. At this point I'm thinking [when the hell did he do all of this!?]. On the far end of the box there is a door and a note that reads "open this door your destiny awaits you."

WTF is going on.

So I open the door and there is yt. on one knee. ring in hand.

The poor guy didn't get to utter a word before the screams ensued and I fell to the floor. Finally after a few minutes of screaming (and rolling around on the floor like a crazy person) yt said "do you want to say yes?" "do you want to see the ring?" It was the best surprise ever.

Needless to say, if yt had done this on a random day, I would have absolutely known that something was up. Valentine's Day was the perfect distraction. I later asked yt if after my dinner time asshole comments, he had thought about not asking me. He said that he had come too far to turn back now. It's funny how nervous he was even knowing I was going to say yes!

Some closing comments:
a - I am so happy we were in the privacy of our apartment when this happened. My reaction was not appropriate for the public.
b - Looking back, Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to get engaged (especially if it's unexpected).
c - I'm so lucky yt still loves me. I can't make anything easy for him.
d - Please don't judge the below photos too harshly. This is the first time they are being shown to anyone.

{this is the most attractive picture I have from the night... awesome}

{"mom, are you kidding, you knew all about this?}

{the infamous box that makes telling this story so very confusing}

{the bling}

the end.

made with love.

2012-02-13T03:17:00.004-06:00

I wanted to make something special and sweet for Valentine's Day but I didn't want to ruin the recent health kick I've been on with a calorie packed baked good (although with my birthday just a week away, I'm sure there are some indulgences in my future). I was also being particularly lazy and didn't want to spend an entire afternoon in the kitchen. I opted to attempt a homemade jam. This was a first for me and with a three ingredient recipe and less than a half hour of effort, I know it's something I'll be doing again.

This is the perfect sweet treat for a Valentine's Day breakfast in bed.

Spread a little jam on toast, croissants, scones, or an english muffin!

Now I'm dreaming of homemade croissants with homemade jam.

So much for that health kick.

here's what you'll need...

1 lb strawberries, hulled

1/2 cup of sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

here's what to do...

place the strawberries in a food processor or blender and process to your desired smoothness

put strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a non stick skillet and bring to a boil over medium high heat

leave liquid boiling until reduced and thick in consistency, about 10 minutes

pour into a jar and allow to cool to room temperature

cover and store the fridge for up to three weeks

***

are you making any sweet treats for your valentine?

better yet, is your valentine making anything for you?

have a {pre valentine kind of} weekend!

2012-02-10T03:08:00.001-06:00

and now some links from around the web...

This is absolutely ridiculous. Are we really that dependent on our phones that we cannot get through a meal without them by our side!?

Read these Real Simple reader's secrets to a happy marriage. My favorite answer "wine."

This recipe has me dreaming of summer barbecues (but it's made in the oven!). Must try this next week.

This probably isn't news to everyone - but it was to me... Anthropologie has wallpaper and it's fabulous! These are some of my favorite designs: composed city wallpaper, luxe shine wallpaper, whistling thorn wallpaper

As many of you know from the not so subtle hints on this blog - I want to get a dog the day we get back from our honeymoon. I came across this Illinois shelter and this amazing puppy and I cannot stop obsessing. Stupid timing. Also a question for my readers: Did any of you get a puppy while also working full time? How did you manage?

Completely in love with these chrome colored nails. So cool.

Feel better about eating pizza with an awesome recipe for whole wheat crust: here.

Have a happy weekend lovelies!!

thank goodness...

2012-02-09T05:11:00.003-06:00

... it's Thursday.

It's one of those weeks that feels like it has about twelve days in it instead of five.

Ever have one of those? Not fun. Not fun at all.

Moving on to happier and prettier topics. I'm kind of obsessed with the below polishes.

So obsessed that I might just treat myself to a pastel purple manicure this weekend.

Fun fact: Purple is my favorite color.

In addition to these pretty pastel polishes,

I'm sharing some of my favorite "P" things over on Carly's blog {a simple affair}.

Head over there and peruse my picks :)

p.s. I forgot to add pizza - and that IS favorite "P" item.

and another "P" item... PRIZES!

the winners of my wine tote giveaway are:

ashley {this city girl}

christin {the real mean girl}

wedding wednesday

2012-02-08T05:36:00.004-06:00

I don't usually participate in Wedding Wednesdays, but with only 3 1/2 months until our wedding, I want to soak it all in. Next week I'm going to get my hair and makeup trial and I'm so excited to get an idea of what I'm going to look like on our wedding day. Some of the below pictures will serve as inspiration.

I want something simple,

but special.

I want to look

like the best version of me.

And most of all,

I don't want to be fussing

with my hair all night

so cue the bun.

thoughts? how did you wear your hair for your wedding day? any favorite styles?

go green... with a giveaway!

2012-02-07T06:16:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I talked about green drinks - and today I'm all about drinking green. If you're a wine lover, I cannot think of a more green way to transport your bottles than with one of the awesomely adorable below totes. Towne9 bags are made from 100% recycled cotton canvas, naturally colored, and re-useable. They are perfect for bringing your favorite vino to a byob restaurant, for carrying wine to a friends house, or for a trip to the grocery store.

Towne9 is giving away TWO of their totes - to TWO lucky Simply Irresistible readers!

To enter this giveaway:

1) Make sure you are a follower of Simply Irresistible, visit Towne9, and leave a comment letting me know which tote design is your favorite

For extra entries:

2) Like Towne9 on Facebook

3) Follow me on Twitter

4) Tweet about this giveaway
& make sure to leave a comment for each extra entry!

A winner will be chosen on Tuesday 2/9. You have until then to enter - good luck!!

go green.

2012-02-06T05:28:00.001-06:00

When it comes to new things, my motto is "don't knock it 'til you try it". That is unless that new thing is something like roller coasters, sky diving, or anything that involves speed & height. Then definitely knock it right away...

Anyway, I have been seeing green smoothies everywhere. It's often referred to as "the green monster smoothie". I'm assuming this is due to it's frightening appearance. At first I thought "that looks absolutely disgusting, there's no way I'd drink something that color" and "I'm not quite sure why anyone would drink leaves, seriously gross" but then I read up a bit on green smoothies and decided "hmm maybe it's not so bad".

So, I gave the green drink a try - and it really is good! Spinach has such a mild flavor that it can hardly be detected, and the sweetness of the fruit takes the spotlight. Also - SO many nutrients, barely any calories, zero fat, and it's filling! No wonder this drink is all the rage. I made two versions: (1) strawberries and mango (2) banana and mango. I preferred the addition of banana. It made the drink a bit sweeter and creamier; however, any combination of fruits would work. Keep in mind that if you add darker fruits - your drink may be a bit more brown in color, but the taste will still be great!

I also tried to give up coffee and substitute this drink for my morning cup of joe.

That was a huge fail.

I'm thinking it's more of an afternoon drink anyway :)

have an {unseasonably warm} weekend.

2012-02-03T05:26:00.006-06:00

First and foremost - Happy February! Sure, I'm a few days late ... but better late then never, right!? February is always a good month for me (knock on wood), so I'm confident this February won't be any different. Speaking of February - yesterday was Groundhog's Day and word on the street is that Punxsutawney Phil saw his little groundhog shadow. This means six more weeks of winter.. but with this lovely winter I am NOT complaining. Here in Chicago we're in for another week of above average temps and a snow-less forecast. I think that the trend is similar in other parts of the U.S. - so cheers to that.

And now some link love from around the web...

A super easy {but super pretty} Valentine's Day treat - pictured above.

So many pretty pink roundups in the blog world: Check out Alaina's, Liz's & Danielle's. Also check out my pink drink collection from last week!)

Skinny snacks for Superbowl Sunday? Yes, please {Baked Zucchini Sticks, Skinny Beer-gartias, BBQ Chicken Bites, Mini Zucchini Pizzas and a collection of 100+ skinny snack options!} What are you making this Sunday?

I purchased this awesome chevron tray {in a slightly larger size} from Tilly Maison for card collection at our wedding. I'll find a place for it in our home after the big day :)

Read this story about a surprise wedding where not even the bride knew she was getting married! Umm cute idea, but my type A personality would NOT be able to handle that kind of surprise.

Simply put: a must read.

Having a romantic dinner at home this Valentine's Day? Mr. Bright Bazaar {aka Will} put together this lovely guide for a tablescape for two!

20 Valentines for your Valentine. I wan't to order each and every one.

THE dress I've had my eye on since December is on sale... decisions decisions.

images {1,2,3}

Baked Truffle Fries.

2012-02-02T03:49:00.000-06:00

Both of the above statements are absolutely true. If I had to choose a favorite food it would be french fries (pizza would be a close second). Unfortunately, french fries tend to have one big flaw and it's right in their name - they are fried. There's an easy solution to that problem - bake them!

potato

olive oil + truffle oil

a few herbs + a few spices

perfection.

Here's what you'll need...

2 medium potatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons truffle oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley

Here's what to do...

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Wash and dry the entire potato (do not peel!). Cut off the top and bottom of the potato so it lays flat on a cutting board. Slice potato length wise into 4 even sections. Then cut each section into strips (about 1/4 - 1/2 inch, depending on your preference).

Place potato strips onto baking sheet and coat with both olive oil and truffle oil. Sprinkle spices over potatoes and gently mix so that potatoes are evenly coated. Make sure not to overcrowd baking sheet (this makes for soggy fries).

Bake for 20 minutes and then turn. Bake for additional 20 minutes or until fries are nicely browned and crispy.

Enjoy!

On another note... the winner of the stationary giveaway chosen using random.org is Haley {champagne toasts and besos}. Please e-mail me to claim your stationary + sparkly push pins!!

mini muffins {two ways}

2012-02-01T05:13:00.000-06:00

I had the taste for lemon baked goods of some kind, but I couldn't decide what sounded better - lemon blueberry or lemon poppy. I love the sweet but bitter taste that comes from mixing lemon and blueberries, but I also love the unique texture that poppy seeds bring to the table. I decided that I wouldn't decide at all - and made both! ONE batter - TWO muffins. Sign me up.

Here's what you'll need...
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
2 eggs
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/2 cup blueberries

Here's what to do...
Preheat oven to 350 degrees (325 for dark or non stick muffin tins)
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of a standup mixer (or in a larger bowl), mix together yogurt, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil and sugar and blend until combined. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet until completely incorporated.
Divide batter into two bowls. Add poppy seeds to one and blueberries to another. Stir to combine. Pour into greased muffin tins and bake until golden brown (about 20 minutes).
Makes 2 1/2 dozen mini muffins

Of course if you prefer blueberry over poppy or vice versa -

just don't divide the batter and double the add ins.

Enjoy!

stationery giveaway!

2012-01-31T05:03:00.003-06:00

Personalized stationary is a must have item. It's perfect for a quick "thank you" note, "thinking of you" card, or for when you just want to say "hello" to a friend. A stationery set would also make a wonderful gift. I'm loving all of the fun and bright options below - via the etsy shop When It Rains.

I'm partnering with When It Rains to giveaway one personalized stationery set (10 cards and envelopes) of your choosing. Stationery can be customized using these colors and these fonts. I'm also giving away one of these awesomely sparkly thumb tack sets. You know you want them in your work space... I sure do!

To enter just visit When It Rains and leave a comment below about their shop!

I'll choose a winner on Thursday. You have until then to enter.

xoxo

San Diego.

2012-01-30T04:50:00.003-06:00

a few pictures from our recent trip to san diego.

pretty flowers.
my first close up of the pacific ocean.
so many sun bathing seals {they look a bit dead but they were just soaking in the sun!} ..
thanks taylor for the perfect seal sighting spot.
its crazy how quickly it gets hot, I went from a t-shirt & a button down & a cardigan & a scarf at 9am ...
to dying of heat at 10am.
yt and I over looking the pacific.
he also took about 101 photos of a squirrel, they didn't make the cut.
the san diego zoo was amazing and HUGE!
we also got to meander through the city and enjoy a few delicious meals.
all in all, a wonderful couple of days on the west coast.

such a beautiful city.

have a happy weekend.

2012-01-27T05:11:00.006-06:00

a [not so] new concept for friday posting...

instead of writing an entire post

I'm going to start to dedicate my friday post to

things from around the web

that i've stumbled upon &

that have me inspired

because maybe

they'll inspire you

too!

be happy.

Did everyone see the list of Oscar nominations? I'm going to try to watch as many nominees as possible before the big show. So far I've only seen The Help & Midnight in Paris.

I'll absolutely be making this pasta for dinner this week and this loaf on Sunday morning.

I absolutely love these DIY Valentine's Day decor ideas. The hearts cut from paint samples is my favorite.

I'm still on the fence about what color to get these shoes in - yellow or pink?

Has anyone ever used Rent the Runway? I'm considering trying it out and renting this gorgeous dress.

I love that the blog Green Wedding Shoes always asks their featured couples what songs they used in their ceremony. I'd love to do something a bit unique. Did any of you walk down the aisle to a non traditional song?

After reading this post and this one, Victoria got me thinking about a few purchases (50mm lens & photoshop elements). I can only finance one at a time and I'm leaning towards the new lens - bloggers who have both, what would your reco be?

Loved this Alt Summit recap - so many good lessons about blogging and life.

many x's and o's to you. Happy Friday!

drink pink.

2012-01-26T05:21:00.011-06:00

When it comes to cocktails, I'll be the first to admit that I usually stick to wine. Of course at a sporting event I'll have the occasional beer, and margaritas with Mexican food is one of my all time favorite combinations, but wine is what you'll likely find at my house and in my glass.

But sometimes... special occasions call for a special drink. One such occasion is Valentines Day. I cant think of anything better than sharing one of these perfectly pink drinks with your Valentine. They kind of scream "I love you"... or maybe it's just the alcohol talking :)

1. petal pusher 2. grapefruit margaritas 3. apple cider & cranberry cocktail 4. pomegranate & champagne cocktail 5. blueberry infused gin & tonic 6. skinny cranberry and vanilla cocktail 7. cranberry ginger fizz

p.s. the winner of the we love citrus $25 gift card has been chosen using random.org and is:
morganleathers! - please contact me to claim your prize.
thanks to all for participating. xo

Primary Picks

2012-01-25T05:20:00.001-06:00

I know that there's been lots of talk of neon, and pastels have been all the rage, but I couldn't help but do a quick roundup of Tory Burch's perfectly primary shoes, bags, and accessories. Those sunny yellow loafers would be simply stunning in any spring wardrobe. Don't ya think? There's something so great about the pureness of these colors. Bright, bold & beautiful.

red: flat, bag, necklace

yellow: loafer, coin purse, scarf

blue: sandal, tote, cuff

In other news, I'm headed to San Diego tonight! First time there and first time in California!
Any recommendations on what to do, where to eat ... ??

Don't forget to enter THIS giveaway if you haven't! I'll be picking a winner tomorrow.

GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-24T04:57:00.002-06:00

I have a new obsession.

It's we love citrus - a shop with so many goodies that I want them ALL.

Seriously, everything.

It all started with those bags of confetti.

I first pictured them at our wedding. But now...

I'd also like them at every birthday, new years, anniversary, etc.

from this day forward.

I also want the little gift boxes and twine for wrapping sweet treats,

the cloth heart bags to gift something small and special,

the grey striped straws to sip a refreshing cocktail from,

and everything else.

Seriously, everything.

And so you can get your hands on some of these goodies

I'm partnering with this wonderful shop for a

You sure can buy a lot with $25!

To enter:

please follow simply irresistible & visit we love citrus

leave a comment letting me know how you would use your $25 gift card

For extra entries:

follow me on twitter

follow we love citrus on twitter

tweet about the giveaway!

I'll announce a winner this Thursday (Jan 26th)

Good luck lovelies!!

I need you.

2012-01-23T10:37:00.002-06:00

Yes, you.

Hello, Mr. Darby.

I love the way you sparkle.

I love your glittery exterior.

I love the pure comfort

that I'm confident you will provide.

While before you seemed too good for me,

with your $215 price tag.

You're now more than 50% off,

making you more beautiful then ever.

See you soon, Mr. Darby.

Now $99 at J.Crew! Happy Monday to me.
Update: J.Crew is running 40% off on all sale items so $60! Go get yours...

as promised...

2012-01-23T05:23:00.006-06:00

Happy Monday Friends! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.

Mine was quite nice. Our Friday night dinner plans were cancelled due to a bit of a snow storm here in Chicago. So instead, yt and I ventured to a new restaurant down the block that we had been wanting to try. We got drinks and burgers - the perfect comfort food on a snowy night. Saturday night I worked as an assistant wedding coordinator at a gorgeous wedding. Both the bride and the groom were bakers, which I thought was adorable. Sunday I went to a barre class nice and early (I'm hooked) and met some friends for a late lunch at Ralph Lauren.

Then I finished up these bad boys...

HOMEMADE SAMOA COOKIES (AKA CARAMEL DELIGHTS).

these were the obvious favorite

So, before I get to the recipe a few things to note:

If you're just looking for a cookie to eat, I would track down a Girl Scout and order some cookies. BUT, if you're looking for a challenge in the kitchen and you also want a really delicious cookie, then continue on...

This isn't a hard cookie to make, but it does require some time and a bunch of steps. Patience is definitely needed. Also, the original recipe had a recipe for homemade caramel candies. If I was making homemade Samoas there's no way I was also going to cook caramel candies from scratch - c'mon now... let's not get crazy. But, if you're up for the challenge, I say go for it!

adapted from: the little epicurian

15 cookies

Here's what you'll need...

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour

1/8 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tablespoon whole milk

10 oz caramel candies

2 tablespoons whole milk

3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

4oz dark/bittersweet chocolate

Here's what to do...

one: Cream together butter, sugar and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture. Add milk and mix until dough has formed. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

two: Preheat oven to 325 degrees (300 for dark pan or nonstick pan). Spread coconut onto a baking sheet evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring and rotating pan every 5 minutes. When coconut is golden in color, remove from oven and set aside.

three: Roll out chilled dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out circles using 2 1/2 inch round cutter. Punch out an inner circle with a smaller cutter. Lay the cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until firm and have a slight color to them. Let rest on cooling rack.

four: Unwrap caramel candies and place in microwave safe bowl with two tablespoons of milk. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring caramel between each increment, until caramel is completely melted. Set aside about 1/2 cup and mix remaining caramel with coconut.

five: Once shortbread cookies are cool, dip one side into reserved caramel sauce. Then spread coconut caramel mixture on top of cookies. Let cool on rack until caramel mixture has set.

six: Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl. Once caramel is set, dip the bottom of the cookie into the melted chocolate (if this is too messy, use a small spoon to spread chocolate on bottom side). Let cool upside down on rack (caramel side down) until chocolate has hardened completely.

seven: Once chocolate side is set, turn cookie right side up. Transfer remaining melted chocolate to a pipping bag (or a small baggie). Cut a small tip and drizzle chocolate over the tops of the cookies. Let set and then enjoy!

phew, that was a lot of typing. and a lot of baking.

totally worth it --- if you don't have another means by which to get Samoas that is!

For some other Girl Scout cookie recipes click below:
Tagalongs: 1, 2
Thin Mints: 1, 2

an important question (kind of).

2012-01-20T04:56:00.009-06:00

I was thinking the other day about Girl Scout cookies and how much I'd really love to eat some (and by some, I mean several boxes). I did something that only a real Girl Scout cookie lover would do and googled "how to order Girl Scout cookies online". Turns out - you can't. If you don't have access to a real live Girl Scout, you can't have any cookies. SO sad, I know. (And in my opinion this is a really stupid decision. These Girl Scouts are missing out on an entire market of the cookie selling business and could be racking up tons of dough. I mean think about it: a cookie that's only available seasonally and that everyone loves, is a high commodity... but I digress)

After all this googling, reflecting on poor business decisions, and calling my mom to see if she knew any Girl Scouts who could hook me up, I had a fabulous idea ... I'll make myself some Girl Scout Cookies!

I found quite a few recipes for all of my favorites and they look fairly simple.

I'm going to test out one of the above cookies in my kitchen and then report back so that you can all make your own Girl Scout cookies & impresses someone with your awesome baking skills.

So the question is:

WHICH COOKIE SHOULD I BAKE?!

1. Samoas

2. Tagalongs

3. Thin Mints

Leave a comment letting me know your preference.

If one of the above three isn't your favorite Girl Scout cookie - I would get your taste buds checked out immediately. Okay fine, maybe an argument can be made for the shortbreads, simple sugar and buttery goodness - but I draw the line there. Everyone knows these are the best options.

I'll tally up the answers this weekend and get to work!

crushing on caps

2012-01-19T11:12:00.000-06:00

These fun flats are a trend I'm absolutely smitten with. The distinct toe (whether it's another shade, a bit of metallic, or a pop of color) is such a great way to bring some visual interest to an otherwise boring flat.

While The Lavin pair (#2) are my absolutely favorite (they have another version with an orange toe that screams sorbet) they are WAY out of my budget. The Old Navy Pair however, is such a steal that you can likely afford to buy them in a few colors! That yellow toe is so bright and cheery, isn't it!?

1,2,3,4,5,6

What are your thoughts on this trend?

Will you be sporting a flashy toed flat this spring?

Blushing.

2012-01-19T05:17:00.002-06:00

I am absolutely loving this soft pink color. It is the perfect compliment to darker shades like black, navy, and slate - and it is so wonderfully feminine. Here are some items I'm eyeing.

The scalloped edges of that clutch!? - to die for.

one - two - three - four - five - six - seven - eight - nine - ten

I also have a huge huge obsession with blush pink peonies right now. I'm crossing my fingers that my Valentine brings me a beautiful bouquet of these on February 14th (a not so subtle hint to the one male who reads this blog!)

get your greens.

2012-01-18T05:08:00.001-06:00

It's such a wonderful feeling when your body craves a healthy food. Of course my cravings for sweet and salty snacks are more prominent and often hard to ignore, but every once in a while I crave something that's actually good for me. This weekend I had the biggest craving for broccoli - odd, but I went with it. Here are two broccoli recipes from my kitchen.

one

Here's what you'll need...

1 store bought pizza dough

1 small head of broccoli (about 1 cup when chopped)

6-8 kalamata olives chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon white truffle oil

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup fontina cheese

Here's what to do...

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Roll out pizza dough onto pizza stone or baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and add minced garlic. Bake dough for 10 minutes or until slightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook broccoli in microwave for 60 seconds (just enough to soften the broccoli).

Remove dough from oven and top with cheeses, broccoli, and olives. Drizzle white truffle oil over pizza and sprinkle pepper over pizza. Bake for 10 additional minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is nicely browned.

two

Here's what you'll need...

4 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 medium onion, chopped

3 tablespoons flour

2 cups half and half

2 1/2 cups chicken stock

2-3 cups of fresh broccoli, chopped

1/2 cup carrot, shredded

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

8 oz grated sharp white cheddar

salt and pepper

Here's what to do...

In large pot, saute onion in 1 tablespoon of butter. Once onion is transparent, set aside.

Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium high heat (about 4-5 minutes). Stir constantly and add half and half and chicken stock. Simmer for 15 minutes.

Add in the broccoli, carrots, and onion. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes.

Add in salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat. Use immersion blender/blender to puree soup (leave some chunks of broccoli).

Return to heat and add cheese. Stir in nutmeg and serve.

Maybe next time I have a craving for broccoli I should just eat the broccoli...

but what's the fun in that!?

Bikram vs. Barre

2012-01-17T04:42:00.008-06:00

Some regular readers of this blog may know that my usual form of exercise is running. I actually really enjoy running (many people are completely unable to understand this statement - but it's true!). With that being said, I find it really hard to get motivated for a run in freezing cold temperatures and with a snow covered ground. So hard in fact - that I barely run in the winter. Sure there are treadmills, but that gets old really quickly. I needed a new workout.

Enter the Bikram Yoga Groupon.

One of my friends texted me "Did you see the Bikram Yoga Groupon? We should totally get it and go together and we'll both sweat ourselves skinny." I still hate her a little.

Basically the class went something like this:

after very clear instructions not to leave the room under any circumstances, I left about halfway through the class (to puke). I had to return to the class to collect my belongings and leave again, absolutely mortified. The majority of the time I spent in that room was me trying not to pass out, and I barely even attempted a yoga pose. Needless to say, I still have 19/20 classes left on that Groupon that will ~~likely~~ never be used.

Moving on... I needed a new workout.

Enter Barre Bee Fit (recommended by Lesley)

I attended my first Barre class this weekend and it was fabulous. The perfect combination of cardio and toning at a reasonable pace. I feel sore, a sure sign that I had a great workout. Yet, I never once felt like I was going to die, pass out, puke. I know where I'll be working out the rest of the winter - see ya later, yoga.

Keep in mind, this is completely based on my personal opinion.

I'm sure other people have had very different experiences. But here it goes -

Bikram vs. Barre Bee Fit:

Have you been to either class?

Do you have a preference?

a tiny appetizer.

2012-01-16T05:09:00.000-06:00

Often times, less is more.

When you have a get together where ten girls bring ten appetizers, this is one of those times.

You want to taste everything (unless someone makes sour cream and onion dip and it's your weakness, and then you prefer to just hover over the bowl) without feeling awfully full. After searching for the perfect appetizer for such an occasion, I came across the below idea. It was a winner.

(packaged in perfect serving size shot glasses)

Here's what you'll need...

You'll also need:

1/2 cup of each ingredient

12 shot glasses

2 bags of tortilla chips

cellophane bags with ties/ribbon

Here's what to do...

You can make your own ingredients (salsa, guacamole, queso dip) or you can buy the already made version from your grocery store. The only thing I made was the guacamole because I love homemade over store bought any day.

For that you'll need: 2 avocados, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, salt and pepper to taste.

Layer each ingredient in the order seen above, starting with the refried beans. You can use a pipping bag (or a baggie with a hole) for precision.

You can make up to 3 hours before serving and refrigerate.

Serve with individual bags of tortilla chips - or one big bowl!

this is the perfect appetizer for any super bowl party you may be attending in the near future. the men may not understand (usually for them, more is always more) but the women in attendance will surely be impressed!

exciting!

2012-01-13T04:51:00.004-06:00

So ...

you know when you have something really fun to look forward to...

so you spend a lot of time thinking about it...

and how awesome it's going to be...

and then it's over...

and it's kind of depressing?

Well, I have A LOT of really fun somethings coming up

and before they are all over and done with

I want to relish in the excitement that is my life right now

for soon it will be over!

thanks for sharing in the excitement with me :)

january

a trip to San Diego & my FIRST TIME in California - hooray!

february

valentine's day - which marks 1 year of being engaged (perhaps I'll share that story... it's a good one)

my birthday - the big 25. mid twenties? wtf... where did you come from?

a weekend with my mom, grandma, and sister, filled with wedding and birthday awesomeness

(hair and makeup trial, dress fittings, eating at my favorite restaurants, and obviously some shopping)

march

match day - yt finds out where he's placed for residency and in turn where we live for the next 5 years ... life changing stuff right there!

bridal shower in NY - reminder: need a dress for this

april

possible apartment hunting depending on match day - please see above

bachelorette party in Chicago!! paaartayy.

may

wedding

honeymoon

possible moving

possible hunt for new job

appointment at doctor to get anxiety meds & treat nervous breakdown (optional)

june

breathe.

just kidding...
get a puppy.

yep, it's going to be awesome.

Also, happy Friday everyone.
For many it was the first full week back to work ... cheers to that being over!
Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.
xoxo

make this.

2012-01-12T05:38:00.006-06:00

the only point of today's post is to try to persuade everyone who reads it to make this salad

because its really good

and really easy

so instead of rambling on for any longer than is necessary

here's how you turn

these ingredients

into this phenomenal salad.

here's what you'll need...

here's what to do...

boil asparagus for 2 minutes, drain and rinse with cold water

mix asparagus with the remaining base ingredients

whisk together dressing ingredients until combined and pour over base

toss to combine

it's that easy.

I fell in love..

2012-01-11T10:48:00.001-06:00

with that Marc by Marc Jacobs snakeskin polka dot bag below.

Since it wasn't in the current budget I did what any girl would do...

I wore it around the store contemplating what else in life I could sacrifice to make it mine...

food,

shelter,

cable?

I placed it back on the display, told it that one day I would be back for it, and we parted ways.

I've been thinking about it every day since.

I also discovered a new found love for polka dots.

scarf, bracelet, nylon tote, leather belt, ipad case, iphone case, leather bag, wallet

1 (splurge!), 2 (save!), 3, 4, 5, 6

Lighter Cooking

2012-01-11T05:29:00.001-06:00

I'm really bad at dieting, but with a wedding in a bit over four months, it's something I need to work on. I don't want to go crazy and lose a ton of weight, but who doesn't want to look & feel their best on their wedding day!?! I hate dieting because I love food, and putting restrictions on what I can eat just seems stupid. With that being said, I'm a firm believer of portion control and attempting lighter versions of my favorite foods. While sometimes the full fat/calorie version is obviously tastier, other times the lighter version wins with better taste and less of the bad stuff. These three recipes are perfect examples. Thank you Cooking Light.

1. When I saw this recipe in the most recent issue of Cooking Light I knew it was a must bake. I have a strong love for both coffee and chocolate, so this muffin was right up my alley. I won't feel guilty eating this delicious muffin with my morning cup of coffee this week.

2. I forgot the shredded cheese in this pic - but don't worry it was there! A loaded baked potato in liquid form is basically the gist of this soup. The use of lower fat milk in this recipe did not alter the taste at all - it was simply delicious and oh so comforting. Here's the recipe.

3. This recipe for truffle mac and cheese is far better than any full fat version I've tried. I don't know what it is, but the sauce is so creamy! I added in a bit of cubed chicken pieces and sliced tomatoes on top, but I think this dish would be just as wonderful without these add ins.

What are your favorite lighter recipes?
p.s. sorry for the awful photos via iphone.

Nice and Bright.

2012-01-10T04:57:00.001-06:00

After seeing this post on Six Twelve Place, this post on Look Linger Love, and this post on Atlantic Pacific I was completely inspired. January can be a bleary and gray time - especially in Chicago. The festivities of December are behind us, the decorations have been packed and stored, and what's really left to look forward to but a few months of snow before Spring arrives?

I cannot think of a better way to brighten things up than with a touch of neon. Sure these colors are a bit much for a winter wardrobe, but in small doses it totally works. I've got my eye on so many of these items.

AND

1, 2 (sold out), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

1,2,3,4,5,6

AND SOME

Even J.Crew's Spring preview is JAM packed with these bright colors.
I have BOTH the pink and yellow Sperrys in my shopping cart - which color do you like best?

shop all of J.Crew's spring must haves here.

are you craving some color in your winter wardrobe?

the question is...

2012-01-09T15:13:00.000-06:00

how many bags of this awesomely colorful confetti do I order?

it might be a completely necessary addition to our post wedding ceremony celebrations.

don't ya think?

via

A recipe from my roots.

2012-01-09T05:28:00.001-06:00

a short story:

my dad was born in the Dominican Republic, making me half Dominican. While {unfortunately} I never learned to speak spanish, I spent some time in my childhood with my dad's family, acquiring a taste for what I later learned to be empanadas {at the time, I called them meat patties}. I've always wanted to try to replicate my abuela's empanadas, but never came across a recipe that looked like the "meat patties" I knew and loved. This Christmas, I decided I was going to give it a try. After scouring the internet for a recipe and finding a ton of varieties, I asked my dad to just give his mom a call and ask for the recipe. This is the information I gathered from the phone conversation: "you need eggs and fat" .... awesome.

and the recipe: beef empanadas

Here's what you'll need...

2 1/2 cups of flour

2 teaspoons of salt

1/3 cup + a few drops of ice water

1 egg

1 stick of frozen butter cut into small cubes

1 lb ground beef

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 onion sauteed (optional)

vegetable oil for frying

Here's what to do...

Sift together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Using your hands, cut the butter into the flour mixture by rubbing it between your finger tips until it forms into small pea size balls of butter. In a separate bowl, mix together the ice water and egg and then add to flour/butter mixture. Using a fork, combine. The mixture will be dry. Flour a working surface and knead dough until its smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, salt ground beef and cook through. Drain off fat and set aside.

Roll out dough using a rolling pin until 1/8 thick. Using a cup (about 3-4 inches in diameter) cut out circles. Fill with 1 tablespoon of beef and fold over. Rub a bit of water along the edge and seal dough. Use a fork to press edges and secure. Repeat with remaining dough - makes about 15.

Heat oil (about 1/4-1/2 inch deep) in a large skillet over medium high heat. Fry empanadas 3-4 minutes per side in oil until golden brown.

Kisses.

2012-01-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

kisses are a happy thing.

they are a display of affection, romance, love, friendship.

they are often the topic of conversation between giggly girls,

the most anticipated part of first dates

and the highlight of many Hollywood blockbusters.

because it's Saturday,

I wanted to bring you something simple - something to make you smile.

(and because Valentines Day is the next holiday on the list)

kiss someone you love this weekend.

Lusting.

2012-01-06T12:43:00.000-06:00

I've got my eye on this awesome print... those colors!!

this one too... for after the wedding of course

(and it's in our wedding colors. meant to be? I think so!)

oh, and I'm also obsessed with this happy print.

and one more, because it's too hard to pick favorites.

find all these beautiful prints and more here.

Brush Basics.

2012-01-06T05:01:00.002-06:00

A while back I did a post about all of the cosmetics I use on a day to day basis (here). One thing I forgot to include was makeup brushes - a key component to successfully applying makeup.

When I first started wearing makeup, I was entirely too young. I would put some eyeliner and eye shadow on in the girls bathroom at school, perhaps a bit of lipstick, and then wipe it all off before returning home. I thought I was so sly and I'm sure I looked like quite the fashionista at the age of twelve. Kids.

Once I was given permission to wear makeup, things improved slightly. I actually applied my makeup at home, giving my mother the opportunity to correct any blunders before allowing me to step out in public. At this time, I used my finger to apply eye shadow and I'm pretty sure I sported some shade of silvery blue.

It wasn't until the end of high school, okay fine, maybe college - until I truly understood the necessity of makeup brushes, each with a specific job. I'm no pro, but I think I finally have the basics down. Here it goes.

bronzer: use a thick brush with stiff bristles to apply powder and bronzer. the stiff bristles will hold on to the powder and help avoid streaking. one, two*

concealer: use a small stiff brush to apply cream, liquid, or powder foundation in small areas that need coverage (under the eyes, on the nose, over blemishes) one, two*

blush: use a soft and relatively smaller brush to apply blush. the soft bristles will make sure you don't pick up too much color. the angled brush will help with blending, control, and contouring. one, two* three (double sided)

base: use a basic shadow brush with soft bristles to apply shadow and blend colors. one, two*

smudge: use a smaller brush with stiffer bristles to fuse colors together with precision and control. The smaller tip fits perfectly into the crease of your eyelid to bring in darker colors. one, two*

smoke: use a small angled brush to line upper and lower lashes and draw out darker color for the perfect smokey eye look. one (double sided), two

line: use a super thin and stiff brush with a shorter handle to apply liquid liner. here

brush: use this brush to shape your brows and prevent clumps in your lashes here

* I've starred the brushes I actually own. Everything listed can be found at Sephora.

I hope that you never had any of the above experiences as a teen - silver eye shadow is not a good everyday look. If you have any other go-to gadgets for makeup application, please fill me in!!

Chicken Tortilla Soup.

2012-01-05T05:09:00.008-06:00

Sometimes I get cooking cravings. Yes, you read that right - cooking cravings, not cookie cravings (although sometimes I get those too). It's not just that I want to eat something, but I really crave the actual act of cooking something. The chopping, the mixing, the measuring, and then of course the eventual eating. I've had a cooking craving for chicken tortilla soup for about a year now - and I finally got around to making it. I'm so thankful I did as I'm sure this [healthy] soup will be a staple in my home this winter.

Here's what you'll need...
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large red onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
1 green pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
2 1/2 teaspoons cumin
2 tsp salt
7 cups chicken broth
4 oz can of green chilies
20 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
16 oz can of hominy
juice of 1 lime
14 oz can of diced fire roasted tomatoes
2 flour tortillas
avocado and cilantro for garnish

Here's what to do...
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Salt and pepper chicken breast on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through (about 30 minutes).
Heat olive oil over medium heat in large soup pot. Add onion, jalapeno and green pepper to pot. Salt with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is transparent and peppers have softened. Add garlic and cook for addition 2-3 minutes.
Add chili powder, cumin and remaining salt and stir to coat the vegetables. Add in chicken broth and remaining ingredients through diced tomatoes. Bring soup to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
While soup is cooking, shred chicken using the prongs of two forks.
Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. Put tortilla strips on baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Bake until strips brown (about 10 minutes)
Add chicken to soup and serve. Garnish with tortilla strips, chopped cilantro and avocado. You may also add shredded cheese (optional).

I could definitely go for a bowl of this for lunch every single day. So comforting.

P.S. Thanks to all who gave feedback in yesterday's wedding attire question! My bridesmaids all decided that they would like to wear shoe #1, the beautiful Badgley Mischka sparkly number. I know they are going to all look phenomenal :) I'm one lucky bride.

Wedding Detail: Bridesmaid Shoes

2012-01-04T05:21:00.005-06:00

I'm interrupting today's normally scheduled programming (which was supposed to be an awesome chicken tortilla soup recipe) because I need your help lovelies. Before the holidays I asked for your help here, in choosing shoes to go with my rehearsal dinner dress. Your responses were so helpful that I'm soliciting your opinion again. This time deciding on....

I've been back and fourth on whether or not to have them all match, have two or three shoes in the mix, or to let them all go with a shoe of their choosing. I'm leaning toward having them choose from two or three pairs. This way they will match somewhat, but each lady can have a shoe that best fits their style. Here are the current favorites:

1, 2, 3

That is their J.Crew bridesmaid dress, for reference.

Also shown, are some of the flowers that will be in their bouquet.

Two questions:

Which shoe is your favorite?

Would it look nice to have all three pairs worn together across my six bridesmaids?

Thanks for being my personal fashion consultants - you're the best.

Awesomely Chocolate

2012-01-03T06:03:00.005-06:00

This cake reminds me of the chocolate cake in the movie Matilda (click here for a reference). It's actually a slightly disgusting portrayal of chocolate cake - but if you only have a slice or two, and not the entire cake, you should be fine. If anyone has a recipe for chocolate cake perfected - it's Hershey's. The chocolate buttercream frosting is one of the best I've ever tasted and resulted in lots of spoon and finger licking while assembling this beauty. I hope for my birthday someone bakes this for me!

Here's what you'll need...

2 cups of sugar

3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

1 cup strong black coffee

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Frosting

2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 cup of butter, softened

3-4 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoons vanilla

Here's what to do...

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9 inch round baking pans.

Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking power and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for two minutes. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.

For frosting, combine sugar, butter, milk, vanilla. Beat until creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add chocolate. Add more milk if necessary to reach desired consistency.

This is another one of my favorite chocolate recipes from Hershey's. Chocolate Lava Cake made oh so easy. For a night of entertaining it cannot be beat. Your guest will surely be impressed.

P.S. Sorry if your new years resolution is to diet, eat healthy, avoid chocolate, etc...

I'll have a healthy recipe up tomorrow for you peeps.

Hello 2012

2012-01-02T09:59:00.001-06:00

2012 is here.

I rang in my new year with yt and a bunch of friends at a Chicago bar. Our night was filled with lots of drinking, eating, and dancing (perhaps a bit too much of all the above ... but sometimes it's necessary to indulge). New Years Day we slept in and (after a bit of recovery time) spent the afternoon playing some games (apples to apples & scattegories) and ordered in some pizza.

I think its safe to say that I've had just about enough time on the couch, sleeping in late, days and nights filled with eating & drinking, and overall rest, relaxation, and plain old laziness.

Time to get back to reality.

I hope however you welcomed 2012, it was wonderful.

A big thank you to all my readers for reading this little blog of mine, commenting, supporting, and most of all, befriending me.

Cheers to an awesome year ahead.

Reflecting.

2011-12-29T13:25:00.000-06:00

The changing of the year is both a time of reflection and a time to look forward. Similar to how Thanksgiving reminds us to take some time to consider our fortune, our heath, and the simple things that we often take for granted, New Years forces us to reflect on the year as a whole and consider what changes we might make in the year ahead.

2011 was an incredible year for me and I'm hopeful that 2012 will top it in more ways than one.

This year I...

started this blog, met so many wonderful people, and fell in love with the blog world

got engaged and planned (most) of our wedding

followed some of my passions by working with an event planner and teaching art classes

started a savings account (due to some unexpected dental work, theres not much in there - but it exists!)

I've also probably been to over 50 dentist appointments in 2011 - no joke, no exaggeration.

ran two races - a 10K and a 15K

traveled to Las Vegas and Mexico - my first time in both!

cooked and baked a whole slew of things - favorites included: pumpkin pasta & gnocchi, prosciutto pizza (inspired by my favorite Chicago restaurant), soft pretzels, and oreo cake balls.

biked along the Chicago lakefront (an accomplishment... I have bad track record when it comes to bikes)

This year I...

Tried to soak it all in.

Tried not to over analyze the little things.

Tried to roll with the punches, embrace change, and deal with the unexpected.

Cheers to the future.

Thank You Santa.

2011-12-28T22:16:00.000-06:00

I'm stopping in {to say hello!} & to share some of my gift goodies from this holiday season. This week has been filled with cuddles with the pup on the couch, lots of cooking and eating, and lots of time with family and friends. It's so very relaxing to have this time to rest and recharge.

On top of a sunny vacation and a week with my family (seriously the best gifts EVER right there) I got a few other items on my wish list. I am so excited to sport some sparkles on New Years Eve with this clutch, dive into my new design book & protect my toes from the Chicago chill with my new amazing Hunter socks. I'm also in love with my new necklace. Seriously one of my favorite pieces of jewelry.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

I hope everyone else made it onto the "nice" list this year.

I'm going to soak up the rest of my time in New York before I head back to Chicago to bring in 2012. Getting back to the real world after three weeks away is going to be ROUGH.

Good thing it's still 5 days away...

P.S.

This weekend I wandered into C.Wonder, a new NYC store that screams preppy & chic and had me thinking "I want" & "I need". The new retail endeavor, which launched in October, is the brainchild of J. Christopher Burch - no other than Ms. Tory Burch's ex husband. The similarities in design are apparent and the prices are so reasonable (even better!) While you can acquire some of this amazingness online here, the site is still a work in progress. The store will be branching out with over 30 locations nationwide throughout 2012. I'll definitely be looking out (and saving up) for the Chicago location to open it's doors! Cue the wish lists...

Merry Christmas.

2011-12-25T11:59:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning with my sisters + brother.

We tried to include Reese in the family picture, but she was a bit excited about her Christmas gift.

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday with family + friends! I'm spending the day relaxing in comfy clothes, watching movies + later cooking dinner for the family. I'm making my first attempt at empanadas to go with a delicious paella ( a bit less traditional of a Christmas dinner but I'm excited!)

xoxo

Holly + Jolly.

2011-12-23T09:02:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures to get you in the spirit of this weekend... just in case you're not quite there yet.

My family was nice enough to leave their tree bare in our living room for 2 weeks so that I could help decorate it when I came home - or in my mother's words "we knew you would just rearrange all the ornaments anyway so we waited" - I'm a tad OCD.

We still observe many of the same traditions we did as children.

At the age of 24 (soon to be 25 + married) my mom insists that we write letters to Santa.

I'll be sharing some of my old ones on the blog this weekend - they are pretty funny.

And as a result, we still receive gifts from Santa under our tree and in our stockings.

We always start with our stockings, which may be my favorite part.

And we always read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve.

Do you have any special traditions?

I hope that everyone celebrating Christmas has a wonderful weekend +

for those not celebrating, I hope that you get to enjoy a few relaxing days off from work!

xxoo

Home From Mexico!

2011-12-22T09:14:00.000-06:00

Last night we flew back from Mexico & today I'm flying to NY.

I'm a busy girl - who could not be more excited for Christmas with her family!

Here are a few more pictures from our beach vacation.

unpacking, repacking and then off this afternoon!

Hope everyone is gearing up for time with their loved ones this holiday season.

xoxo

Cheese + Vino

2011-12-21T06:12:00.003-06:00

December is filled with all kinds of parties.

Christmas Parties, Chanukah Gatherings, New Years Celebrations & Cocktail Hours Galore.

As a host - serve one of the below combinations.

As a guest - bring one of the below combinations as a gift for the host.

Either way, your tummy will be happy.

Especially if you're a wine and cheese lover like me!

And if you plan on hosting a wine & cheese party here are a few awesome serving items:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

What are YOUR favorite wines and cheese!? I don't think I can choose. It's just too hard.

a wedding detail.

2011-12-20T06:28:00.002-06:00

I haven't shared any wedding details in a while (likely because all the big things have been decided so I'm out of fun things to share). It's crazy that our wedding is only five months away. I know that after New Years, things are going to fly by (which frightens me a little... cue the anxiety/stress).

Anyway... I stumbled across this dress last week and thought it would make the perfect rehearsal dinner dress. Our rehearsal dinner is going to be at yt's parent's house (picture: tent in the yard, lots of flowers, lots of candles, intimate), but I'm having trouble deciding on shoes.

1, 2 (sale!), 3, 4

Which is your favorite? I need help deciding.

I love the simple nude.. but wow are those pink ones fun!

Cookies for Santa

2011-12-19T06:31:00.004-06:00

When it comes to cookies, sometimes less is more. While I like to attempt recipes that seems a bit more complicated (like these Rainbow cookies), I appreciate the simplicity of a flavor combination like cinnamon and sugar. They are undeniably a match made in heaven.

this cookie is

crispy on the inside

chewy in the center

and coated in

cinnamon sugar.

pair it with hot cocoa

your favorite tea

or a glass of milk.

good luck

trying to stop.

Here's what you'll need...

2 3/4 cups flour

1 cup butter, softened

2 teaspoons cream of tarter

1 1/2 cups sugar + 3 tablespoons

1 tsp baking powder

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 tablespoon sugar

Here's what to do...

Sift together flour, cream of tarter, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, or standup mixer, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and almond extract until mixed. Slowly add flour mixture until well combined. Chill dough for at least two hours, or overnight.

Once dough is chilled, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll dough into small balls and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture until coated. Place on cookie sheet and flatten slightly (I used the back of a measuring cup). Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer to baking rack.

I think Santa would totally love these. Don't you?

Hello From Mexico.

2011-12-18T18:52:00.000-06:00

So far Cancun has been wonderful. Lots of sunshine, relaxing, and fun. The food and drinks have been unreal and the ocean and pools are absolutely gorgeous. A spa session and a swim with dolphins have just been icing on the cake.

Here are a few pictures of this paradise.

Coming back to the cold is going to be difficult!

P.S.

I was the only one with a carry on that was too large and had to be checked (of course)

I've been taking extra good care of my skin and wearing SPF 50 daily (trying hard to remember to reapply)

I am now a dolphin training pro - and have mastered the "kissing", "handshake" and "foot push" tricks (those are the technical terms)

There is a bar here with swings instead of bar stools - I'm thinking this is a concept I need to bring to Chicago - so relaxing!!

xoxo

Gift Guide - Under $40

2011-12-16T06:57:00.003-06:00

A list of

little somethings

for someone special on your list

that won't cost a fortune

I love getting a little gift for special friends and co-workers but a lot of little gifts can add up quickly. It's the thought that counts in these instances, but that doesn't mean the gift has to be lame.

Here are my favorite "little somethings" for any gal on your list.

1. Kate Spade Ring - $38, 2. Kate Spade Bag - $39, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Bangle - $38, 4. J.Crew Holiday Socks - $25, 5. J.Crew Earmuffs - $39, 6. Julia Knight Bowl - $38 (originally $50!), 7. West Elm Mug - $8 (pick up a few!), 8. Tiffany Playing Cards - $30, 9. Z. Gallerie Votives $18 (set of three), 10. Anthropologie Coasters - $32, 11. Herb Kit - $16, 12. Le Creuset Utensil Crock - $35

Christmas is just around the corner!!

Two Obsessions

2011-12-15T06:00:00.003-06:00

Sometimes it's just the little things that make me really, really happy.

This week, it's two little things that are making me really, really happy.

(one)
a new lipstick
NARS Heat Wave is the perfect orange-red lipstick
I'll surely be wearing it all winter long.
Do you have a favorite red?

(two)
a new nail polish combination
essie licorice or essie red label + sephora for opi spark-tacular
I love the varying sizes of the sparkle in this fun topcoat
Which combination do you like best?

what are the little things making you happy this week?

I Love My City - Adelaide, Australia

2011-12-14T06:00:00.005-06:00

When I think of Australia a few things come to mind: kangaroos, koala bears, and sexy accents. Maybe it's just me? Not that I wouldn't travel across the world for those three things (again, maybe just me?) but Gabrielle is here to show us that Australia is home to so much more!

Hello Simply Irresistible readers, Gabrielle from Savvy Home here, thrilled to be sharing the best of Adelaide with you all!

I've lived in Adelaide for 2.5 years.

Adelaide has so many amazing restaurants, but my favorite spots to dine are:
Bistro Dom for a date night & you're likely to find a duck two-ways on my plate, a glass of rosé in my hand and a salty chocolate egg on my dessert plate.

Mesa Lunga or Grace the Establishment for a night with the girls. The Grace has a beautiful courtyard and live bands most nights.
Queen St Cafe or Jones the Grocer for Sunday brunch & you're likely to find a smoked salmon potato rosti with avocado and Hollandaise sauce on my plate. Mmmm.

My favorite shopping spot is Magill Road for all the gorgeous Antique shops. It's truly the best place to go to furnish your house. Not too far away, One Rundle Trading Co. is also an amazing furniture and homewares shop.

One hidden gem in Adelaide is The Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit trail (ok it’s not really a secret). It's the most beautiful 8km hiking trail surrounded by waterfalls, amazing scenery and often populated by a few Australian friends like koalas and echidnas.

When I have visitors, three places I insist on taking them are McLaren Vale, The Barossa & the
Adelaide Hills. Is there anything better in life than touring wine regions filled with rolling hills, quaint antique shops, farmers markets and the most delightful gourmet restaurants? I think not!

If I have a free day in the city, you'll likely find me running down the beach in Semaphore or Henley Beach, shopping at the above-mentioned locations or having lunch with my girlfriends.

One neighborhood I'd love to live in is North Adelaide because it's a stone's throw away from all the best restaurants and shops, the tall trees arch over the streets and the houses look like this:

My favorite season in the city is Spring because it’s not yet 40 degrees celsius, yet you can still wear shorts and t-shirts, it means summer is on its way and everything is in bloom!

If I could describe Adelaide in three words they would be sunny, delicious & beautiful.

My favorite thing about Adelaide is the fact that we have the wine regions, the hills and the beach all a short drive away and the weather is beautiful year-round!

Although I love Adelaide, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be back home in Montreal.

Thank you so much for having me Lara! Hopefully I'll see some of you in Adelaide soon! X

If you missed any of the past posts in this series of cities... now's your chance to check it out!

San Diego, CA (1) (& 2)

And a question... Where is the best place you have EVER traveled?

Just curious...

I'm Off

2011-12-13T14:22:00.001-06:00

...which is a good thing because tomorrow I'm leaving for Mexico!
(no more work until 2012 - hooray!)

I'll be trading in my boots for bare feet...

and the cold city of Chicago for beautiful beaches.

pictures via my pinterest

I'll be back just in time for Christmas in New York.

This is going to be a good December!
I've got lots of fun posts lined up while I'm gone and
I'll try to post a few sunny pictures from our vacation!

xoxo

Winter Essentials

2011-12-13T06:00:00.002-06:00

I absolutely love the idea of giving a gift basket as a holiday gift. Instead of picking one up, assemble it yourself. I think its best to pick a theme. Maybe you have a friend who is a coffee lover? Grab a Starbucks gift card, a cute mug, and a bag of coffee from the best shop in your city. A boyfriend who's a music buff? How about a subscription to Rolling Stone, an iTunes gift card and new headphones? The options are endless.

This one is for a friend living somewhere cold. Grab a few items on the below list and call it:

Anything on this list would definitely make the Chicago winter more bearable.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

...and 8 you can find at your local liquor/grocery store!

what's on your list of winter essentials?
my personal picks would be some hot cocoa + kahlua, a candle, and those cozy socks!

cake balls + a party

2011-12-12T06:08:00.002-06:00

I came across this recipe a couple weeks ago on Pinterest and it immediately made my mouth water. I thought that they would make the perfect treat to bring to a friend's holiday party. I made them a bit more special with some gold shimmering sugar from Williams Sonoma - glittery gold sprinkles make everything better! I also added a bit more cream cheese than the original recipe called for and used regular Oreos in place of the double stuff variety. They were a huge hit! I'm already brainstorming other cookie varieties - I'd imagine any cream/cookie option would work. You could also sub in sprinkles or Oreo crumbs for the shimmering sugar if that's more your style!

(also if you don't burn your first batch of white chocolate and have to go to the grocery store at 11pm, they only take about 30 minutes to whip up and are a great no bake option. read: double boil your chocolate)

Here's what you'll need...

1 - 5 oz cream cheese, softened

2 - one package of oreos

3 - shimmering sugar/ sprinkles

4 - 14 oz of white chocolate

Here's what to do...

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Add entire package of Oreos (minus one or two if you need a snack ... it happens) to food processor and process Oreos until they are finely crushed.

Put crushed Oreos in a medium bowl and add softened cream cheese. With a spoon, mix until well combined. The mixture will be loose.

Roll mixture into 1 inch balls (you will need to press mixture together with your hands as you form the balls). Place onto cookie sheet and then freeze for 15 minutes (you should have about 25 cake balls).

While the balls are in the freezer, melt chocolate. (I highly recommend using a double boiler rather than the microwave).

Remove the balls from the freezer and dip into melted chocolate, garnish with shimmering sugar immediately (before the chocolate sets). Let chocolate set completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

... and some pictures from our evening

I seriously have the most wonderful friends.

two more days of work in 2011... counting down the hours...
P.S. you can find me on Savvy Home sharing a gift guide today!

Bundle Up

2011-12-09T06:01:00.004-06:00

it's beginning to feel a lot like winter.

not sure about the south or california, but here in chicago, it's cold.

boots have become necessary, thicker coats are on the rise, and gloves and scarfs are most definitely recommended.

warm can sometimes = ugly

it's bound to happen with all of those layers and a larger concern for frost bite than fashion

here are some of my favorite (cute) winter finds.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

is everyone else starting to feel the chill?

the WINNER of my nescafe giveaway is mommyblogger!

please e-mail me to claim your coffee machine. congrats!
thanks to all who entered.

Just Go Nuts.

2011-12-08T06:01:00.009-06:00

the perfect hostess gift. the perfect cocktail party snack. the perfect DIY stocking stuffer.

smells amazing. tastes phenomenal.

a wonderful mix of sweet, salty & spicy.

for all of the above reasons and more I bring you....

Here's what you'll need...
3 tablespoons maple syrup (grade B)
3 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
a pinch of cayenne pepper
1 lb whole raw cashews*

Here's what to do...
Heat the oven to 350 degrees (325 for dark or nonstick pans). Spray baking sheet or roasting pan with nonstick cooking spray.
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, rosemary, brown sugar, paprika and cayenne pepper until smooth. Add cashews and mix to coat.
Pour the nuts onto the baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 20 minutes or until the nuts are golden brown. Leave to cool. The nuts will crisp and harden as they cool
*Substitute cashews for almonds, pecans, or any mix of nuts.

five minutes of hands on time is well worth it!

I Love My City - Glasgow, Scotland

2011-12-07T01:47:00.004-06:00

Scotland is probably one of the most beautiful countries I've ever been to. Period. Much of the country has the quintessential old city feel with it's small towns and tiny streets PLUS some gorgeous mountain views. I can just picture myself there, taking advantage of the freezing cold winter with a hot cocoa in hand in front of a fire - can't you? I'll hand it over to Megan who is here to tell us all of the reasons she loves her Scottish city - Glasgow!

Hi ladies and ladies!

I am Megan from Across The Pond

I am here today to talk to you about the current city i live in..

which is Glasgow, Scotland..

although I am originally from Los Angeles California..

and ive only been in scotland for a few months..

and moved her from Nottingham England..where I finished my post grad degree.

confused?

Lets talk about Scotland..

I've lived in Glasgow for 3 months.

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

*Bovine for a date night

via

*The Corinthian for a night with the girls

via

*Tribeca (an american style restaurant) for Sunday brunch

& you're likely to find an omelette the size of my head on my plate

My favorite shopping spot is Zara...I mean, thats a given right? Are we talking about stores? If its locations then I prefer going to an indoor mall rather then taking a sub into the town centre..which is okay when the weather is nice..but id much rather the door to door service of the car to the indoor mall...I am American after all...

One hidden gem in Glasgow is Loch Lomond. Its not a hidden Gem..and technically its not IN Glasgow..but its just a short drive outside the city and it.is.breathtaking...

via

When I have visitors, three places I insist on taking them are Kelvin Park,
The University of Glasgow and The City Centre...specifically George Square.

just a small portion of the university. its like harry potter up in there.

If I have a free day in the city, you'll likely find me at Americandy...to get all my overly prices imported american goods.

My favorite season in the city is Spring, Summer, and Fall...anything but winter really..but Spring is pretty dang magical..I have a thing for cherry blossom trees.

If I could describe Glasgow in three words they would be Urban, Cold and Lively.

My favorite thing about Glasgow is The country of Scotland..the city itself is a bit bleh..i mean, its no Edinburgh..but it does have some great restaurants. But Scotland as a whole..is so stunning.

Although I love Glasgow, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be Edinburgh OR back home to Los Angeles (but only if i won the lottery and could buy a home in that over priced market).

So who is gonna move to Scotland now? anyone? anyone?

Thanks so much for stopping by Megan! Americandy sounds like one amazing place. Rows of pop tarts and macaroni and cheese? Yes, please!
Check back next week for another non U.S. city.

And if you haven't yet, enter my giveaway for a one cup coffee machine here.

It would make a great gift for anyone on your list!

You can also find me on A Lovely Escape sharing a few of the items on my Holiday wish list!

The Gift of Coffee - Giveaway!

2011-12-06T06:00:00.013-06:00

I can't think of many things better in this world than the perfect cup of coffee in the morning. It's a really necessary element in the start to my day. Of course you can put on clothes and shoes (maybe even run a brush through your hair) and head to a local coffee shop, but that seems like a lot of effort when you can make the same amazing drink - at home! This would make the PERFECT gift for anyone on your list (valued at $100). I own one of these machines and gave one away a few months ago - I promise it makes a phenomenal coffee (and I'm a tough coffee critic). The one cup function is great to make sure everyone gets their favorite (lattes, cappuccino, flavored coffee, etc).

To enter the giveaway for a Nescafe Titanium Piccolo please follow Simply Irresistible on Google Friend Connect and leave a comment letting me know who on your list you would give this to! Nescafe will make their best efforts to have this delivered before 12/25.

For extra entries you can follow me on Twitter and/or tweet about the giveaway!

Rainbow Cookies

2011-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

Holiday time is signified by so many things. The cooler temperatures, the decor in every home and store, a slew of holiday parties on the calendar, sparkly lights, even sparklier dresses - and cookies! Everyone has a favorite, a family recipe, or one that is made every year as a tradition. Rainbow cookies are an Italian almond cookie with a special place in my heart. They take some time, a little bit of TLC, but the end product is so worth it. If you whip up a batch, I suggest wrapping a few with some pretty ribbon - cookies make a great gift!

Here's what you'll need...

7 ounces marzipan paste or almond paste

1 cup sugar

3 sticks unsalted butter, softened

4 large eggs, separated

1 teaspoon almond extract

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (sift before measuring)

1/4 teaspoon salt

10 drops green food coloring, or to desired color

10 drops red food coloring, or to desired color

12-oz jar seedless raspberry jam

6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Here's what to do...

I use this recipe. If you search around on the web, there are a few similar recipes. I do make a few changes. I add a bit more coloring to both the green and red dough (as noted above) to deepen the color. I don't have three 9x13 pans (only one), so I cook each dough separately. I let the layers set for about four hours before adding the chocolate, and then let it cool over night. I cover the sheet of cookies and then cut the next morning.

what's your favorite holiday cookie?

Lighten Up

2011-12-03T10:56:00.000-06:00

When yt and I first moved into our apartment, we went for the cheapest and most practical options for lighting. While our simple black floor lamps are still fully functional, they aren't the prettiest addition to our home. We're definitely ready for an upgrade. Enter - Arcadian Lighting. Arcadian Lighting is a wonderful source for lighting fixtures (the options are seriously endless), and the prices are right! They have a ton of decorative lighting fixtures in so many styles - lamps, chandeliers, track lighting, etc. Check out some of my favorite finds here:

pendant lighting, ceiling lighting, chandelier lighting & more

What kind of fancy lighting have you incorporated into your home?

Give More, For Less.

2011-12-02T07:00:00.007-06:00

Happy Friday! After a fun filled night with Kayne and Jay-Z, I'm ready for ~~some coffee, water and Advil~~ a restful weekend. I'm doing a lot of baking and cooking - food always gets me into the Holiday spirit! I'm also taking a Bikram yoga class, which should be interesting. Fingers crossed I survive the (literally) hellish 90 minutes.

I won't go crazy with the gift guides but I do have a few I want to share...

One of my go to gifts is cosmetics. Many of the popular (and normally higher priced) cosmetic lines package their goods into little, lower priced, and gift wrap ready packages during the holiday season. These are the perfect goodies for any girl on your list, they make a wonderful stocking stuffer, and you might as well pick up a few treats for yourself while you're at it (you can never have too much lip gloss or nail polish, right!?) Here are my favorite finds:

1. Sephora OPI Polish ($38 value for $28)

2. Stila Gloss ($110 value for $25)

3. Deborah Lipman Polish ($54 value for $42)

4. Philosophy Grace ($72 value for $50)

5. Chloe Perfume ($144 value for $115)

6. Lancome Gloss ($61 value for $30)

7. Sephora Brushes ($128 value for $34)

8. Smashbox Gloss ($96 value for $30)

9. Jo Malone Collection ($150 limited)

I have my eye on that Jo Malone Collection.
Why do I always pick the most expensive thing on any given list?!

Holiday Ready

2011-12-01T06:00:00.003-06:00

Even though I'm only in town for two weeks before heading to Mexico for a little R&R, I couldn't resist putting on some Christmas music and putting up our little (and slightly tilted) Christmas tree. Having white twinkly lights on at night makes our apartment so very cozy - so the hour of work is most definitely worth it. I also indulged in a small purchase from the seasonal aisle at Trader Joe's. Those little dark chocolate star cookies are additive (and surely not helping me get my body get bikini ready!)

twinkle lights, ornaments, star cookies (my favorite!), a little tree.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

1a & 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

I seriously cannot avoid browsing the ornaments at Crate and Barrel and Anthro each year. They are too pretty and too sparkly to resist. The Anthro wrapping paper pictured above is calling my name! I think I love wrapping gifts more than actually opening them - maybe :)

I Love My City - Barletta, Italy

2011-11-30T05:00:00.002-06:00

My "I Love My City" series is back this week and we are FAR from any of the cities we've covered in the past. We're on another continent - Europe! Marissa from the boot is sharing all of the reasons she loves the Italian city of Barletta. She's also making me extremely jealous of her life...

let's just pretend this is a picture of Italy, and not the U.S., thanks

I've lived in Barletta for 3 1/2 years.

Barletta has so many amazing restaurants, but my favorite spots to dine are: La Stradina for a date night, (fastest pizza in town!), San Giorgio al Pomodorino for a night with the girls, and Bar Lara for aperitivo on Saturday afternoons. (This spot is your namesake Lara!)

My favorite shopping spot is Modem, my friend Francesca’s store.

One hidden gem in Barletta is Coco Cafe - it’s a French inspired coffee bar with WiFi (literally the only place that has it in town) and tea from Mariage Freres and amazing seasonal decor.

When I have visitors, three places I insist on taking them are the
medieval castle, the palm tree lined seaside and the outdoor market.

If I have a free day in the city, you'll likely find me having cappuccino and a croissant at Caffe 57 (a favorite bar) and then window shopping with my favorite girls, and maybe a trip to IKEA with Manu.

One neighborhood I'd love to live in is the historical center. (It’s actually where we live already!) The cobblestone streets, preserved ancient buildings and yellow lamp lights all make for a magical spot in the city.

My favorite season in the city is spring because once May rolls around it’s already summer here!

If I could describe Barletta in three words they would be lively, colorful and warm.

My favorite thing about Barletta is the people; they are so outgoing and friendly and always want to talk or say hi as you walk around. The people here make the city feel more like a small town.

Although I love Barletta, if I could move to one other city tomorrow it would be Boston so I could be close to family and friends and experience American city life!

Check back next week for another non U.S. city! Thanks for stopping by Marissa!

the BEST kind of pie...

2011-11-29T06:29:00.006-06:00

... is a pizza pie! Pizza is one of my go to meals and one of my favorite foods. While I love all of the amazing pizza that Chicago pizza joints have to offer, there's something about homemade pizza that I usually can't go too long without. We never tire of pizza because there are so many different toppings and sauces. The possibilities are truly endless. Here are six of my favorites homemade pizzas and some basic pizza making tips.

basic dough

1/3 cup of barbeque sauce (I use Masterpiece Original)

1 large chicken breast, seasoned with salt and pepper, cubed and cooked through

1/4 red onion, chopped finely

2 cups of Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded

Roll out dough, cook without toppings until slightly browned (5-10 minutes). Top with barbeque sauce, cheese, chicken and red onion. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese has melted.

basic dough

1/2 cup of pizza sauce (Trader Joe's brand is my favorite because of the thickness)

approximately 25 slices of pepperoni

1 cup of fontina cheese, shredded

1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded

Roll out dough and cook without toppings until slightly browned (5-10 minutes). Top with pizza sauce, cheeses, and pepperoni. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese has melted.

basic dough

2 cups of fontina cheese

2 cups of arugula (topped with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, salt and pepper)

6 slices of prosciutto

Roll out dough and cook without toppings until slightly browned (5-10 minutes). Top with cheese and prosciutto and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and top with dressed arugula.

basic dough

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon oregano

1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup of ricotta cheese

Roll out dough and top with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook until dough is slightly browned (about 5-10 minutes). Top dough with mozzarella, ricotta and oregano and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese has melted.

basic dough

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup of feta, crumbled

1/2 bell pepper, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

1/2 cup of artichoke hearts, chopped

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

dressing: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp oregano, juice of half a lemon

Roll out dough and top with 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic. Cook until slightly browned (5-10 minutes). Top with mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, bell pepper, red onion, artichoke hearts and black olives. Pour half of the dressing over pizza and cook for additional 5 -10 minutes or until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and top with remaining dressing.

basic dough

1/2 cup of pizza sauce

10 thick slices of fresh mozzarella

1/2 teaspoon of italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder

Roll out dough and cook without toppings until slightly browned (5-10 minutes). Top with pizza sauce, cheese and spices. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese has melted.

A few tips:

1. Start with a HOT oven. I set mine to 450 degrees and wait until it's completely preheated before placing any pizza inside. It's how you get the perfect crust - chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

2. I always cook my pizza dough for a few minutes before adding my toppings (especially for saucy pizzas!). It prevents the dough from getting soggy and makes a nice durable base for all of the toppings.

3. Get a pizza stone! I know that a baking sheet also works just fine, but this pizza stone really changed my life. No sticking, even cooking and best of all - easy cleanup!

4. My favorite homemade pizza dough recipe is this one (but I use regular all purpose flour). If you're looking for the store bough variety, Trader Joe's and Pillsbury are my favorites.

What's your favorite kind of pizza?
I'm always looking for new combinations to try!

I caught the BUG.

2011-11-28T06:00:00.004-06:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing weekend and a fabulous Thanksgiving. It is officially Holiday time! I'll be spending the day traveling back to Chicago and the night decorating our little Christmas tree.

I caught the bug. The shopping bug that is. It all started with a pair of skinny cords. I had been on the hunt for the perfect pair all season and they were on sale. So I bought these. The purchase of my perfect skinny cords led to also buying this adorable ring, the perfect J.Crew shimmery shirt for Thanksgiving, a Christmas-y smelling Anthropologie candle, and this scarf. I figure if I share the rest of my wish list with you... maybe you'll go buy it all and I can live vicariously through you. Otherwise, I'm in trouble.

1.scarf, 2.dress 3.shirt 4.clutch 5.watch 6.lipstick 7.bag 8.sweater 9.loafer 10. earrings

1.book, 2.nailpolish 3.tote 4.candle 5.boot 6.bracelet 7.sunglasses

8.perfume 9.perfume 10.owl 11.beret 12.glasses

1.vest 2.skirt 3.bangle 4.loafers 5.candle 6.pajama pants 7.bra 8. book 9.lipgloss 9.lipgloss

Consider this the first of many Holiday wish lists...

Did anyone get any great snags over this big shopping weekend?