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A new take on the French Manicure My nails are usually bare, but if I do get a manicure, I generally choose a very pale pink or just opt for clear nails. With New Years Eve upon us, I thought it would be fun to add a little sparkle to my nails. Essie has a…
Party dresses are all about sparkle, sequins and tastefully showing a little skin. With New Year’s Eve simultaneously being the last and first party of the year, you could probably justify spending twice your normal budget to ring in the new year. However, with the plethora of great options at reasonable price points, you don’t have to break the bank to look fabulous. Below are just a handful of great New Year’s Eve party dresses for under $100.
Did you ever mail a Christmas list for Santa? I sure did. I see no good reason why I should give up hope that he’ll bring me cool stuff now that I’m an adult. So, even though I could be on the naughty list, what do I have to lose? Santa, if you read chick blogs, feel free to place any of these items under my tree. My closet and I thank you.
Sequin midi skirts combine two hot fall trends: sequin and midi skirts (I mentioned the sequin trend earlier this week). A midi skirt, if you aren’t familiar, is much longer than knee length, but not full-length either. Midi skirts tend to hit around mid-calf and they can turn frumpy if not paired with the right…
I love chocolate in almost anything, but not that many Christmas cookies are chocolate-based. I’m always on the hunt for a Christmas cookie recipe I haven’t tried, so I was excited to find these Chocolate Snowcap cookies that combine chocolate and a wintry look.
Everyday Sequins in Your Everyday Wardrobe Sequin is not just for New Years Eve party-wear, as you can now find it in everyday fashions. Sequin pieces bring sparkle into otherwise gloomy and cold winter days. Of course, I definitely approve of wearing a sequin party dress for New Years Eve or carrying a sparkly clutch…
If money were no object, what gift would you want to receive for Christmas? With that question in mind, I compiled 10 outrageously expensive Christmas gifts. Many of the items I found left me puzzled or laughing, but I wouldn’t mind owning a few of these. It’s hard for me to fathom receiving such an opulent gift, but I could definitely imagine these items elegantly wrapped underneath someone’s gold-plated, diamond-encrusted Christmas tree.
I’m sort of in shock about how quickly Christmas snuck up on me this year. Just in case you aren’t already overloaded with all things Christmas, I compiled some last minute Christmas tips, ideas, and website links to help make your holiday extra special.
Ginger is one of those flavors that immediately conjure images of Christmas Trees and sitting by the fireplace. I’m definitely a proponent of homemade cookies, but I have been known to buy a tube of that gingerbread cookie dough at the store, roll them in sugar, and make quick and easy ginger snaps.
I love the idea of DIY Christmas gifts, which I previously mentioned in a DIY Christmas ornaments post. Homemade gifts have the allure of being personal and are more thoughtful than a store-bought gift. There is just something sentimental and intimate about a homemade gift. Below are nine unique and creative DIY Christmas gift ideas. They all seem doable, even for the not-so-crafty girl like me.
The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years are prime time for holiday parties, and the one time of year when sequins on your clothing is a prerequisite. I generally don’t endorse buying items that aren’t versatile, but I fully support buying one special party dress per year that you can wear to a holiday party (and New Years Eve, if you pick wisely). We all deserve to feel special on these special occasions.
A quintessential Christmas cookie is the peanut butter kiss cookie. This year, I wanted to try something new, so when I found this crinkle recipe, I thought it might make a good base for chocolate peppermint kiss cookies.
Shopping for the men in my life always seems harder, somehow, than shopping for women. With that in mind, I’ve rounded up 12 unique Christmas gift ideas under $25 that should satisfy a broad range of men in your life.
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy a long weekend with your family, friends and good food.
DIY Christmas ornaments hold a special place in my heart. The Santa whose mouth opened when you pinched the sides, and the clothes pin reindeer, were always my favorites, and both were homemade.
Deciding how to dress for Thanksgiving can be chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Thanksgiving is synonymous with family, food, football and passing out on the couch after one-too-many slices of turkey, but there is no reason you can’t be stylish and fashionable even if you’re having a more low-key celebration.
I really like kale, but its bitter bite makes it a hard sell to my husband. With this soup, however, I figured the longer cooking-time would mellow the bitterness.
The pale pink trend is a must-wear color this season. Referred to as blush, rose, ballerina or pastel, this pink color can be a fresh addition to any wardrobe if you choose the pieces that work best for you.
Winter accessories for women have more style and panache than ever. A knit hat is no longer just a knit hat, but features rhinestones, gems or interesting prints. Scarves come in all shades and textures and prints. Gloves and mittens have interesting hardware or cutout details. If your winter jacket is the standard gray or…
This delightful project not only adds a sweet touch to your festive decor but also connects you with the rich history of peppermint candies and the reason they are so readily available during the holidays. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll discuss the history of peppermint candies and why they are so universally available during the holidays. Then, I’ll share a really cute DIY Christmas candy dish by melting peppermint candies.
Starting traditions for my own little family is my favorite part of the holiday season. One tradition that unwittingly started a few years ago is baking these tasty glazed pumpkin cookies every fall.
What was the first interview suit you bought for your first real job interview? For many of us, it was a standard issue black pants suit – practical, versatile and boring. It takes effort to bring an outfit from boring to chic, that’s why many of our black suits don’t often make it out of…
Color blocking is so 2013. I’ve previously talked about color block purses, but new for fall 2013 is the idea using neutral colors to color block. I like the inclusion of neutrals because they are much easier to wear and more subtly fit into a stylish wardrobe. Both of these color block coats introduce neutral…
Finding the best concealer for your face can be arduous, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple rules and guidelines, it’s not just easy, but fun. I’ll walk you through these rules and how I applied them to products I tested. 1. Determine if you need foundation or concealer. If you want…
Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you enjoy some time trick-or-treating with your kids, get dressed up yourself, or make room for a few extra pieces of candy today. This is Rocco’s second Halloween, but the first time he’ll be in a costume. I can’t wait to see how he reacts to his giant pumpkin costume. Everyone should be a pumpkin once in their lives.
I decided to make these scrumptious apple blondies bars because October is national apple month, and they are my go-to fruit — especially pink ladies. I’ve tried my hand at baked apples and apple pie, but that has been the extent of my use of apples, other than eating them raw with a little peanut butter.
Fall is here and I am amazed by the vast selection of stylish and affordable coats available this season. At these prices, you may not have to choose just one. Check out some of my favorite finds under $100 and under $200. Fall Coats Under $100 Gap – $98.00 Asos – $71.71 Old Navy –…
For Rocco’s first birthday cake, I set out to find a healthier alternative to the ‘smash cake’ tradition. I was overweight as a young adult, so introducing my son to healthy foods and building a solid foundation of good nutrition is very important to me. Since beginning solids six months ago, I’ve all but avoided giving him processed foods or foods high in sugar.
Tomorrow is Rocco’s first birthday. We are keeping it cozy and intimate because we are in the middle of yet another move.
A friend recently asked me to do a post on work wear. I got to thinking about traditional office attire and remembered the first suit I ever purchased for an interview. I was 22; it was black, ill-fitting, and boring. At the time, I didn’t know the power of a good tailor to help even…
A few chic, spooky finds I'm coveting this Halloween, from a deceptively elegant spider cup to vampire-fang jewelry.
During both of my pregnancies, I’ve had this strange obsession with all things lemon. There are nights where I drool just thinking about a tall glass of lemonade. For someone who was never really that into lemons or lemon products, this pregnancy ‘craving’ is quite the newfound obsession.
The J. Crew return policy is awesome! A retailer’s customer service is measured when a purchased item breaks or you have trouble locating an item.
Animal prints never really go out of style. Sure, pink neon leopard might only last one season, but timeless prints tend to hang on. This fall is no exception. I admit I’m not a fan of all-over animal print in clothing, but I like adding subtle touches in shoes and accessories. Snakeskin or python print…
I’ve tried a lot of creams, gels, lotions and cleansers in my day, everything from La Mer to Walmart brands. Although I don’t doubt that some of the fancier and more expensive options can do wonders for our skin, I have found a few reasonably priced drugstore beauty products that keep my skin clear (expect…
Sixty-three years ago today, Charles Schwartz introduced the world to the “Peanuts” comic strip.
One of my favorite trends for fall is leather accents.
Pumpkin is everywhere, so it must be September. Starbucks brings back it’s famed pumpkin spiced latte. Pinterest is bloated with pumpkin recipes, and I’m totally fine with it. I make some pretty darn yummy pumpkin cookies (coming soon), but I wanted to try something new to kick off autumn.
I love it when the weather is cool enough to start wearing boots. Mine are patiently waiting for me in the back of my closet until the Southern California weather is cool enough to break them out. The thing that I love most about a short boot, or bootie, is that I find them more…
A few things I'm loving right now, told through the lens of my favorite shows and stars from Emmy night.
One of my dear friends from high school tied the knot in Brooklyn NY last weekend. Sadly, I was unable to attend, but her festivities had me daydreaming about what I would have worn should I have made the trip.I love a fall wedding; there is just something about the changing seasons and the colors…
We left Phoenix for Lawrence, KS while my husband attended law school. Lawrence has tons of small-town charm, but I missed the variety and volume of bigger city dining options. Despite being small, the Lawrence culinary community did do a few things very well. For example, our proximity to Kansas City gave us access to some of the best BBQ in the world. Also, I’d put the French toast at Milton’s Café up against anyone’s in the country.
I love summer, but there is a point where I get sick of my sandals and long to break out my boots and chunky sweaters. A good pair of boots can last for years, which is why I tend to invest in classics like those found at the Frye Company. I have had a few…
Round two of flying with an infant: what actually worked, what I'd skip, and how to survive a long flight with a baby.
In my late 20s, my skin started to show signs of sun damage, like age spots and broken capillaries. Pregnancy gave me melasma, which causes more discoloration on my face. My skin, suffice it to say, is starting to show its age. I thought it was time to try one of the many products on…
Various shades of green seem to be everywhere in fashion right now, and the fall lines are no exception. You are wrong if you think you are one of those people who can’t wear green.
I’ve never made a tart before. Given it was Labor Day weekend, I wanted to create something new and a bit more challenging. Since I almost always choose to bake sweet things, I thought it would be fun to try something on the savory side. I originally wanted to make an heirloom tomato tart, but I was underwhelmed by the selection at the Farmer’s Market. I found this recipe while searching for tomato and onion tarts, so decided to change up the filling a bit, but used this recipe as a base.
Each September, as the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, I remember what the weeks leading back to school felt like. I always looked forward to back to school shopping. Even picking out notebooks and pencils seemed fun. I mean, what was cooler than the trapper-keeper?
Comparing a splurge and a budget quilted leather bomber jacket: what the price difference actually buys you in leather quality and construction.
The moment a stylist spins the chair around to reveal your newly coiffed hair in the mirror is one of life’s lesser appreciated emotional crossroads. A good haircut gives you confidence; a bad one can bring you to tears. I recently got the worst haircut of my life. I got absolutely butchered. Gone were six…
How did I come up with Oatmeal Molasses Cookies with Apricots? Awhile back, my friend Pam sent me a picture of some tarts she had purchased from a nearby bakery that they looked ridiculously good. They were from the Blackmarket Bakery in the Camp. I finally made my way over there a couple of weeks ago. Most everything inside the bakery looked delicious, but the one item I couldn’t pass up was their ‘Blackstrap Betty’, which is a chewy molasses cookie with chunks of dried apricot.
Upon arrival at the Center for Living Peace, a soft-spoken woman, who exuded an unquestionable Zen vibe, greeted me. She gave me a quick tour around the center, indicated where to park my stroller, and introduced me to group of women waiting for the class to start.
I can’t guarantee I’ll ever have the patience to make these cheese crackers, but I love the idea of making these homemade instead of buying the processed version.
The taxi driver failed to realize that 83rd was one way, so we had him drop us off at the corner and decided to hoof it the half block to Nicole’s Upper East Side apartment.
Studs, recently, are as ubiquitous as vampire love stories. I featured studded pumps a few weeks back and fall fashion remains stud-centric. Now it’s black leather gold studded bags. When I saw Saint Laurent’s new Betty style handbag, I fell for the interesting turned-up corner flaps and the unique shape of the studs.
I’ve been leery of wearing shorts since I was in high school and I became self-conscious about my thighs. Like most girls, I have my areas that I prefer to keep covered. But in recent years, I’ve realized that my insecurities about my thighs were unjustified. No, I shouldn’t be rocking the 2013 version of the 90s daisy dukes I avoided back then, but my legs are plenty worthy of a walking short or a mid-thigh length.
A roundup of the pieces I'm crushing on: the bag, the barware, and the little upgrades worth the splurge.
As I once again prepared to pack up my belongings for yet another move, I sat back to count the number of times I’ve moved since leaving my parents’ house for college.
It was our first time in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It was a lovely Saturday in May, a little more than three years ago. The weather was in the 70s, the breezes were light, the perfect kind of day to spend an afternoon sipping really good beer, munching salty bar food and catching up with my besties.
Studs, recently, are as ubiquitous as vampire love stories. I featured studded pumps a few weeks back and fall fashion remains stud-centric. Now it’s black leather gold studded bags. When I saw Saint Laurent’s new Betty style handbag, I fell for the interesting turned-up corner flaps and the unique shape of the studs. The shimmer…
I start jonesing for citrus fruits when the temperature rises. When I’m thirsty, I think lemonade (“that cool refreshing drink”). At the farmer’s market, I get all buddy-buddy with my favorite grapefruit vendor, which means laughing at his reoccurring jokes about the clash between morning toothpaste/mouthwash and citrus.
Most summers, I go back home to visit my parents, old friends and extended family. This summer, I’m bringing Rocco with me so I can introduce him to everyone. The thought of lugging an infant and all of the things he needs so I can take care of him while away (diapers, formula, baby food,…
Nothing says summer to me quite like a crisp white dress. White is one of those colors that fashion police have almost made a crime any other time than between memorial day and labor day. This hard and fast “no white after labor day” rule is a bit antiquated, and white can actually be quite…
For a few short weeks each year, it is stone-fruit season. As I previously highlighted the peach, when I saw these plums at the Farmer’s market, I couldn’t help but pick up a bunch and feverishly search for an interesting recipe to use the lovely purple jewels. Ironically, I found another UK dessert, so had to translate it like I did for my brownie recipe. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this cake made for a nice ending to a summer-night.
Like most new moms, I’m sometimes insecure about my mothering skills.
With its bold purple, striking pink highlights and faded yellow center, this flower actually began my inspiration for this series of posts, as I found it only a few steps from my front door, climbing up a neighboring patio. With this flower in mind, I chose this DVF dress for its deep and rich purple…
The other day, I decided to walk to the CAMP, which is a funky, “hipster”- friendly, little outdoor mall near my house. As I was walking through my neighborhood, I noticed gorgeous flowers in practically every direction. I often notice trees, flowers, insects and nature in general. Maybe it’s my Midwestern roots, spending summers on…
I never really understood the need for sunglasses until I moved to Phoenix back in 2004. With over 300 days of sun and the glare from the desert, they were a must. Now that I live in sunny southern California, I still wear sunglasses every single day, so I don’t mind spending a bit more on a nice pair.
I just recently joined Pinterest. The thing I like most about Pinterest is the rush of creative ideas, interesting recipes and DIY projects I have at my fingertips. When I saw a ‘Phish Food’ brownie recipe, I immediately thought about my sister’s upcoming birthday. She isn’t much for sweets, and usually opts for carrot cake on her birthday, but she has always had a thing for Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food frozen yogurt. I can recall our early twenties when we lived together in Minnesota, every now and then a pint would spend a few days in our freezer as she’d savor a spoonful at a time. I thought home-made Phish Food-inspired brownies would be a perfect little something for her birthday.
This season, I’ve been on the search for a black gold bracelets – black leather bracelet with gold accents – which I first fell in love with at Saint Laurent. When I first saw it, I almost lost control and blindly charged it, but I managed to regain my senses. My fiscally savvy-self could not justify the purchase, even though I consider a piece like this completely worthy of the splurge since the iconic brand makes it something of a collector’s piece.
I’ve never been a huge fan of air travel. I love traveling, but being squished into a metal petri dish for hours has never been the highlight of my trip. But the worst part of air travel has always been the bad luck of being seated by a screaming infant or a young child with unruly behavior.
When it comes to shopping for fashion, some people really enjoy the process – browsing stores, strolling through malls, trying things on, etc., while others would skip all of that just to find a good deal. I tend to fall somewhere in the middle. I actually prefer using the internet to find items and then hit the mall to see them in person.
Each morning, as I walk into work, I have to dodge snails as they slowly move across the stone block path toward the greenery that flanks the patio. I’ll admit that I used to find them an annoyance. Many of them would meet an unfortunate end, crushed – accidentally, I hope – by other passers-by.
I’m always on the lookout for comfortable and stylish black pumps. I have a patent leather pair with a rounded toe and a thicker stacked heel that have come in handy for many work meetings. It’s rare to find a pair of conference room-friendly pumps that also look great for evening. These Black Leather…
Fashion is cyclical. What’s old is new, and the 50’s style, retro beach look of swimsuit is apparent in this one-piece as well as the many high-waisted two-pieces seen this season (like this one). I was immediately drawn to this retro vibe of this color-blocked one-piece with sweetheart neckline. The seaming at the chest…
My husband’s first Father’s Day was the perfect excuse to make his favorite summer dessert, peach cobbler. There is no shortage of peach cobbler recipes online, with endless variations on the theme. My husband reassured me that recipes, in general but especially for this dish, were guides and not the gospel, as his “Big Mama” pretty much went by taste. I decided to adapt this recipe. It had a strong rating even after over 1400 reviews. How could I go wrong?
There is no handbook to motherhood. Sure, there are literally tons of books written on child-rearing and the internet is flooded with motherly advice, from pediatricians to “mommy bloggers” and everything in between. But, over the last month, I was left perplexed by my son’s disinterest in solids. Simply, my baby won’t eat solids.
When I moved to Orange County, I quickly realized that the need for swimwear had become a year-round necessity. When I stumbled upon this t-shirt style one-piece, I immediately fell in love. As I get older and the sun-spots start to appear, I have finally embraced sunscreen and sun protection and curse my high-school tanning-bed…
I am seriously into purses (and shoes)—you could almost call it an addiction. Sprawled on the couch with my laptop, chances are good that I’m browser-window shopping for handbags. What started as a minor obsession to find a Marc Jacobs STAM bag, back in 2005, has become a weekly, if not daily, obsession to find the…
The Jacaranda trees are blooming all around us in Southern California and I’m in love. I point them out whenever we are out and about. I can’t help myself.
Did you know there are better months than others to buy everyday items like frozen food, TVs or luggage? Me neither. I saw this video and it got me thinking, what are the things you should buy March?
Besides floral prints, one of the most feminine trends for spring is the full skirt. Most women can wear a full skirt, but the proportions can be tricky. I’ve talked about the midi length skirt before, and the same rules apply for fuller skirts whether they hit at mid-calf or at the knee.
I know you’re probably going to think I’m nuts. I’m sure you’re thinking, a 3 day water fast sounds crazy. Why would you do that? Well, I decided to do a 3 day water fast because after I got back from New York I just felt bloated, unhealthy, and not my best. I’d read some interesting studies about the health benefits of fasting, so I figured why not give it a try? Also, this year, I’m all about breaking out of my comfort zone, trying new things, and pushing myself.
The beauty of the sunrises and sunsets in Arizona is unlike anywhere else I’ve lived. When I first moved back to Phoenix, I was surprised that I hadn’t remembered just how breathtaking the Arizona sunsets and sunrises can be.
Tucked away in the heart of Montmartre, Espace Dalí is one of Paris' most underrated museums. From surrealist sculptures to a peaceful gallery experience and the perfect Montmartre itinerary, here's why I think it's well worth a visit.