Style: New Year's Eve Attire

I was flipping through a copy of the December Vanity Fair recently and was struck by an image in the "Fairground" section. This is my favorite section because this is one of the few places that features party pics of "regular" (I use that term really loosely) people other than celebrities. I am always way more intrigued by what non-celebrities wear than perfectly styled red carpet looks.

The image that caught my eye and has been on my mind ever since is of Lauren Santo Domingo (LSD) in her sleek black jumpsuit. In a sea of short cocktail dress (albeit fabulous ones), she really owns the room with this confident look. It is a little reminiscent of the 70's, but I think she makes it really modern with her minimal accessories (not sure she has any jewelry on) and polished hair and makeup.

I have not taken the plunge on a jumpsuit purchase yet, but this image just may convince me to finally do it in 2012 (yes, yes....like two years late!).

sorry for the fuzzy image!

This did strike me as a great choice for a New Year's soiree and I think it would work for a fancy bash or for a more low key dinner party. Happy New Year's Eve!!

Style: Winter Whites, Part 2

Right now, I am not only finding white exteriors inspiring, but also white clothing. Nothing embodies clean and crisp more than a white button down shirt. I have a few that I purchased from Brooks Brothers several years ago and I have been pulling them out of my closet to wear more frequently the past few weeks.

Just as a white exterior can look right on so many different architectural styles, a white shirt really works with anything.

White shirt + blue jeans = an American classic

via Le Fashion Image

via Pinterest

via Vanessa Jackman

via Pretty Little Fantasy

Dressed up or dressed down with shorts + statement necklace(s) = keeps it fresh

via Shut up, I love that shirt on you.

via google

via google

White button down + skirt or pants + key accessories = perfect office attire

via Vanessa Jackman

via Glamour

via Pinterest

 

Worn with a skirt or tuxedo = a great party look!

via Saks POV

all via google

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Some of my favorite images from this season...

My Christmas card garland

Design: Winter Whites

I don't know if it is thinking about the New Year and a clean slate or if it's because my brain is on holiday overload, but I am really drawn to white exteriors right now. I love that white  looks right for a contemporary or traditional home, for a cottage or for a town house. It is so versatile but can be distinctly unique at the same time.

I am particularly fond of white homes with black shutters and doors. It's like a tuxedo for your house!

via Blueprint Bliss

via Lolalina

via Pinterest

via Marcus Design

I think this is a store, not a home, but still beautiful!
via Pinterest

via Country Living

via House Beautiful

A little creative Christmas Cheer via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle

via Chameleon Interiors

via Pretty Stuff

via Shelter Interior Design

via Pinterest

Taste: Holiday Treats

I have had so much fun making and wrapping holiday treats this year for neighbors and friends. Homemade Christmas gifts are my favorite to give and receive.

In past years, I have made oyster crackers, but this year I decided to change it up a bit and give toffee and peppermint bark.

Toffee Recipe
This recipe came from my mom, but I sure you can google a similar recipe. Super easy, just make sure you let the sugar and butter mixture turn a dark amber. I made the mistake of not letting it boil long enough one time...not a good result!

2 cups butter
2 cups white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup finely chopped almonds

In a heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted.

Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color, and the temperature has reached 285 degrees.

Stir occasionally.  As soon as the toffee reaches the proper temperature, pour it out onto a baking sheet covered with aluminum foil (non stick kind is best).

Sprinkle the chocolate over the top, and let it set for a minute or two to soften.  Spread the chocolate in a thin even layer once it is melted. 
Sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate and press in slightly.  Putting a plastic bag over your hand will minimize the mess.

Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set.  Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.  Servings depend on number of pieces you get
when you break it.

Peppermint Bark Recipe 

12 ounces (about 2 cups) dark chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips

12 ounces (about 2 cups) white chocolate, chopped, or white chocolate chips

8 peppermint candy canes

Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a food processor. Pulse on/off several times for 5-10 seconds each, until the canes have been crushed into small pieces. Alternately, place the candy canes in a large Ziploc bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to roll/smash the candy canes until they are the size you desire.

Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with smooth aluminum foil.

Melt or temper the dark chocolate. Pour the chocolate onto the prepared cookie sheet and use an offset spatula or knife to spread it to an even thickness, a little more than 1/8" thick. The chocolate does not have to reach all sides of the sheet, as it will be broken up later anyhow. Place the tray in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the white chocolate.

While the dark chocolate hardens, melt or temper the white chocolate. Stir in most of the candy cane bits, reserving about a quarter of the mixture to put on top.

Remove the tray from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate in an even layer over the dark chocolate.

While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces over the entire surface evenly. Press down very slightly to ensure they stick. Place the tray back in the refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes.

Once the peppermint bark bark is completely set, break into small, uneven pieces by hand.

Both are so incredibly easy to make. The hardest part is not eating them all before you can get the wrapped and out the door!

Style: Sofia Coppola

I just realized today that I keep pinning one person over and over again onto my Pinterest "My Style" board...Sofia Coppola. She never looks like she is trying too hard and always stays true to her style. Plus, I love that she wears flats on the red carpet.

I imagine that she doesn't have an overstuffed closet with every major trend spilling out, but, instead, a very edited selection of timeless pieces. She definitely strikes me as someone who appreciates quality and craftsmanship over quantity.

Here are some of my favorite Sofia looks.



via Pinterest



via Pinterest



via elle.com



Source unkown



via The Pessimiss



via Fashionista



via WhoWhatWear

via Fashionista

 

Taste: Foodgawker

I have no idea what convoluted internet path lead me to foodgawker, but it is now one of my daily reads. If you are a visual person like me, you will love this recipe site. The site describes itself as "a photo gallery that allows you to visually search and discover new recipes, techniques and ingredients to inspire your culinary adventures."


foodgawker homepage


The recipes are submitted by food bloggers, so they are often accompanied with the blogger's personal account of making the recipe, which I find really helpful when I am trying to gauge how difficult something is to make. I have also discovered some great food blogs through foodgawker.

Here are some of my favorite recipes posted today:


Posted by Holly's Helpings



Posted by Mel's Kitchen Cafe

Posted by Roti n Rice



Posted by Elly Says Opa!

I also love Pinterest for recipe inspiration. What are your favorite sites for recipes? I would love to hear about them.

Style: Festive Attire Guest Post at M. Steffens Interiors

Wondering what to wear to all your parties this holiday season? Check out my guest post at tasetmaker Missy Steffens' blog: M.Steffens Interiors. If you love stylish living, you will love her blog!

Design: Winterberry

It's not very often I get to create two flower arrangements in one week. This week has proved to be an exciting exception with Thanksgiving and now my dad's birthday. 

Winterberry abounds at florists and grocery store flower sections right now and it looks great with white. Some of my favorite arrangements using winterberry include...

via From A to Zeny

via The Grumpy Gardner

For our arrangement, we mixed one bunch of winterberry with one bunch of freesia.

                                 Snips and clippers for the flowers.

A florist frog to place in the container and hold the flowers. I had never used one of these before and it made a HUGE difference. If you want a more casual, looser arrangement like we were going for, I definitely recommend one of these. You just stick the flower stems and branches through the opening and it helps everything stand more upright.

And the final product. Happy Birthday Dad!!