Spring Fever

1.31.2012

SALLY HANSEN smooth and perfect nail polish in 'sea', AMERICAN EAGLE faded chambray shirt, OLD NAVY tote ,  GAP broken in straight khakis, DKNY rose gold watch 

In scrolling through my Facebook timeline today, my friends status couldn't describe the weather today any better: "Last day of January feels like the first day of spring." With this winter being exceptionally mild, with only ONE snow day, its hard for me to not be thinking ahead to spring and spring purchases. 


How is the weather where you are? Are you looking to spring and spring shopping just yet?


Wardrobe Staple: Scarves

1.28.2012

I truly believe that an "essentials only" trip to Target is a myth.  An urban legend. The limit does not exist.

Anyway, on Thursday, since I had to pick up some first aid items for my mom and a binder for my classes, I figured I would stop into the Target that is inconveniently on my way home. I was determined: stuff for mom, binder, nothing else. Well not even 30 seconds into the store, I was greeted by a large sign stating 50% off, with a display of beautiful scarves underneath it. I just couldn't pass up this Mossimo scarf at just $7.48. 

Depending on the situation, I call scarves my "beginner" or my "finisher." Sometimes I base my outfits around a scarf, the way some people base their outfits around a bag or a pair of shoes (the beginner), and other times if I feel like an outfit needs a bit of oomph, I'll add a scarf (the finisher). Their versatility from season to season make them an absolute staple in my wardrobe. 

If you are a scarf lover like I am, than you simply MUST watch this video of 25 ways to wear a scarf, by Wendy of Wendy's Lookbook. After seeing it on The Purse Forum last spring, I made sure to bookmark it and every time I watch it, I find a new and fun way to wear my scarves. 

What is your favorite accessory? Are you a scarf fanatic like I am?

Turkey Bacon, Egg, and Toast Cups

1.26.2012

Breakfast can be my favorite and least favorite meal of the day. During the week, I often loathe it since I eat the same thing everyday and I'm usually in such a rush to get out the house, I don't even remember eating. But on weekends when I have time, its my absolute favorite meal of the day, and I love to take the time to actually prepare something.

I got inspired for these egg cups by model/food blogger and enthusiast Chrissy Teigen's baked eggs in ham cups (recipe here). I love these egg cups because they are not just simple, but a full breakfast meal in one. And because they use turkey bacon, which I absolutely love. 

Ingredients:
-1 slice of bread
-1-2 strips turkey bacon 
-2 eggs

also:
-Cooking Spray
-Cupcake or muffin tin

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (I even used my toaster oven), and pray your cookie/muffin tin with cooking spray.

Taking your slice of bread, make a circle the size of the well and place it in.

 Next, take a strip of bacon and wrap it around the side of the well. You can either cut it so it fits around just one time, or you can use the whole strip and just tuck it in.

After the bacon is settled, crack the egg over top. Make sure not to get any shell in!


Place the tin in the oven (I used the toaster oven), and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the egg and bacon are to your liking. (Runny yoke, less time, more crisp bacon more time, so on, so forth. )

Remove from the oven, plate and serve.

"Cruising is Safer than Flying."

1.24.2012

The wonderful captain I had the honor of sailing with last August, Captain Olav, navigating the ship out of Bermuda's reefs with the pilot. 

The events in the past few weeks of the Costa Concordia have been absolutely devastating. It angers me to know that the captain made so many extremely poor decisions, which in turn has cost the lives of many, and ruined trips that so many planned and had their heart set on taking. 

As you may know, I absolutely love cruising. When I hear so many people say they will never go on a cruise as a result of the Costa Concordia, it makes me sad since cruising is such a wonderful experience and way to take a vacation. In my last few years cruising with Royal Caribbean, the two things that were emphasized more than anything were safety and fun. I have always felt at ease knowing I was in great hands as everyone on board was trained for any and everything.

So it is with my great love and passion of cruising and my experience of the last few years, that I present to you a few ways I believe you can not just feel safe on your cruise vacation, but be prepared and ready, in the event of an emergency.

ATTEND MUSTER DRILL.
I had no idea this was an optional/prolonged thing, since all my cruises on Royal, muster has been conducted approximately an hour before departure, and everyone had to check in and be checked off for being in attendance. Make sure that you are in attendance not just physically, but mentally as well. Yes I know, it may seem boring, but as they always say, its better to be safe than sorry.

Get Acquainted.
Know your ships layout. This goes from knowing where your muster station is, the accessibility to the life boats and other emergency routes, as well as the location of the life vests in your cabin. In the event of an emergency, you will know where to go as well as the quickest way to get there.

Pack Warm Clothing and Closed Toe Shoes.
Even when I'm cruising to the Caribbean in the middle of summer, I always pack these items in case of an emergency (or being diverted to Canada because of a hurricane). A sweatshirt and warm pants will make sure you stay warm, and closed toe shoes will protect your feet from any debris, like glass.

Keep All Medications and Important Documents at the Ready.
Again, in the event of such an emergency, having these essentials in an easy to grab place, (and in a protective pouch) would be essential in case of an emergency.

Have the recent events of the Costa Concordia put you off from cruising? Do you have second thoughts?

Makes Scents

1.23.2012


When it comes to perfume, I am extremely picky. I often get sick from them, so when I find a scent I love, I stick to it. Forever. These are my tried and true perfume favorites: 

Moonlight Path is my absolute favorite scent from B&BW. I wear it everyday since its nice and light and in no way overpowering.

I call this my "feeling sassy" perfume. It is very sexy, but then again, it is Gucci! I love the blend of spicy and feminine, floral notes. 

This is my special occasions perfume. When I first started working at Nordstrom, I was helping a SA from fragrance wrap gifts and she was wearing Flowerbomb. It literally stopped me in my tracks, it smelled so heavenly. We bonded over the fragrance and the UK (her home) and before my shift was over, she brought me a generous amount of samples. It's been a love affair ever since.

This one is very near and dear to my heart. When I need a bit of a confidence boost or a pick me up, I wear it and imagine Diane von Furstenberg giving me some of her words of wisdom


What are your favorite scents? Light and floral? Strong and Musky?

Back to Business

1.22.2012

OY! This week ended up being A LOT busier and hectic than I anticipated. Between going back to school, my mom having surgery, and not being able to sleep as a result of migraines and stress, I just couldn't bring myself to blog. I mean I could of, but I like to put 110% into things, and these posts would have been 10%, if that. 

Rambling, I know. I can't help it!! I hope you all are having wonderful weekend, and have a relaxing Sunday before the week ahead. And if you are fortunate to have a team in the playoffs, enjoy the game! 
my first time having kale, a very wanderlust inducing Ruben Toledo sketch, an ad on my train from Alitalia.
I love the look of adding just half a strip of false eyelashes, yummy cake batter, I loved my makeup and "details". 
the view one morning on the train, my finance homework: kakuro puzzles, yummy soup for the first snow of the year.

Positive Affirmations

1.16.2012

(my new DVF phone case, Gap Inc.'s founder, Don Fisher, "Look for the silver lining" idiom bangle by Kate Spade, Bethenny Frankel's amazing book, A Place of Yes. )

I will admit, in the past I have been quite the (excessive) Negative Nancy. Why, oh why, is it so easy to slip into that frame of mind? Especially when being positive is so much more fun and much better for your health? Since its no secret that the more positivity you have around, the more positive you become, I try and keep things around me that keep me focused on my goals and remind me of what's truly important in life. 

“It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.” 
– Claude M. Bristol

What about you? What keeps you in a positive frame of mind? 

Food Must Haves for Winter

1.12.2012

via 

Even though there are no major storms on the horizon, as the winter months approach (I say approach because its been very mild lately...) there are some food items that I simply must have at home at all times. As you know, I like to be prepared with only the most necessary of essentials. Whether its because I'm too lazy it's too cold to brave frigid temps, or because I'm snowed in, here are a few things that must be on hand at all times during the winter: 

Nutella
This is a year round given, but vital in winter.
From hot chocolate, to cookies, to crepes, Nutella is a MUST! I usually stockpile it.

Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate and winter just go together. I usually stockpile this too. (Here's the proof.)

Chocolate Chips
Pancakes, cookies, by the handful. 

Turkey Bacon
Protein for when I shovel...(I don't shovel.)

Caramel and Cabot Whip Cream
Just because.

Wine
Pinot Grigio. No exceptions.

Are there any foods you simply must have on hand when winter rolls around? 

Bloomability

1.10.2012

It never fails that when I get into conversation with people and the subject of travel comes up, I often get asked why and what exactly makes me want to travel so much, and so badly.

From whatever age we start recording memories, travel has always been a part of my life. Even before I could remember, I was traveling. When we were on break from school, my parents would always make it a point to take my sister and I on trips away. (Now I am the sole reaper of these benefits :) ) From England to Canada, Cape Cod to Grenada, travel was always a big part of us. Even in the summer camp I attended, we traveled. So at a very young age, that travel bug was instilled in me.  

I will never forget a book I first read in fifth grade. I still remember that day, when the shipment of new books came into our school library, and I saw Bloomability. The cover featured a passport, travel photos, and the tag line "It's inside each of us". I'm certain I read that book 100 times. (I know I read it twice in the time I had it checked out initially.) Whenever I saw it was available, I read it. And it has always stuck with me to this day.

Bloomability is about a young girl named Dinnie, who after spending most of her life moving around the US as her father changed jobs, goes with her aunt and uncle to a boarding school in Switzerland that they are now in charge of. (It wasn't until recently did I realize her boarding school was in no other than Lugano, Switzerland.) Her aunt and uncle give her a year, after which she can decide to stay at the boarding school, or move back home with her family, wherever they may be settled now. Knowing this, Dinnie really makes the most of her time in Switzerland, by seeing all she can and learning from her friends and fellow students at the boarding school, that come from all over the world. Dinnie's life in Switzerland is full of adventure, lessons, and inspiration.

While I didn't know what it was called at the time, I want to believe this was when my wanderlust was sparked. I started to seek out new places I wanted to see, and visit and immediately fell in love with Italy and France. (I even started to learn French soon after.) Bloomability and Dinnie's adventures always served as a constant reminder to me to be open to new experiences when traveling, to always want to see and do more, and to always learn whatever I can, wherever I am. Even when people scoff at my want to travel, I always remember: It's inside each of us. 

What ultimately sparked your love of travel? Did you read Bloomability?
*image via Amazon

Music Monday: January

1.09.2012

You all know that I absolutely love fashion, food, and travel. But one of my biggest loves in life is music! So once a month, I will be doing my take on "Music Monday". From playlist, to artist or songs that I can't get enough of, I will be sharing them with you. Make sure you check out (and like!) my Facebook page, as I will be posting a song/video for Music Monday every week.  

As much as I try, I just can't workout unless I have music. A great playlist is as mandatory to me as sneakers are. Since its January, when many place an emphasis on exercise and getting fit,  I figured I would post a few of my favorite songs from my workout playlist. These songs get me moving, keep me motivated, and ensure that I finish my workout feeling strong. 

Ghosts N Stuff- Deadmau5

Animal (Punks Jump Up Remix)-Mike Snow

Beat Goes On-Madonna

Wolfgang Gartner (featuring Will.I.am)-Forever

Circus-Britney Spears

Moves Like Jagger- Maroon 5


When I think I'm going to pass out:
I Gotta Get Thru This-Daniel Bedingfield

And when I'm ready to cool down:
Breath-Télépopmusik



What's on your workout playlist? 

Bellini

1.05.2012

oooh, bubbles!
To ring in the new year, I wanted one thing and one thing only: a Bellini.

To say I love Bellini's would be an understatement. Whether its a celebration, vacation, brunch, or a good day, its the perfect and probably my favorite cocktail.

Being anti high fructose corn syrup, and other additives in food, finding a high fructose-free peach puree was basically impossible. So I opted for the next best thing; a DIY peach puree. Using a jar of peaches from Trader Joes's, I was able to enjoy my favorite cocktail, guilt free. 

Ingredients:
-About 1 to 1 1/2 cup of peaches. The halves from the jar in Trader Joe's equalled about 2 peaches.
-1/2 cup sugar
-1/2 cup water
-Proseco, or other sparkling wine. For a non-alcoholic alternative, use sparkling cider (like Martinelli's) OR seltzer/Pellegrino.

To start, you will need to make a simple syrup. In a saucepan,  over medium high heat, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the mixture is clear again. Remove from heat, and set aside to cool.

Once the simple syrup has cooled, combine the peaches and the simple syrup in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. Strain if desired.

To make the Bellini:
Place 3 to 4 tablespoons of the peach puree in a glass of your choosing. Slowly pour in the Proseco (or sparkling cider or seltzer). Stir gently, garnish if you wish, and enjoy!


Travel Wishes for 2012

1.03.2012


When I saw this quote from Anthony Bourdain, I couldn't help but save it, commit it to memory, and just really want to put it into practice this year. 2011 was a great travel year, and I really do hope 2012 will be too. With graduation this year, I feel compelled to travel even more this year, as who knows how much time I will have once I *gulp* get a grownup job.

My 2012 travel list includes:

New Orleans, Louisiana
As I stated before, New Orleans is probably my number one place to visit this year in the States. Ideally, I would like to make this trip during football season, but summer wouldn't be bad either.  I just cant wait to soak up all the culture the Big Easy has to offer. 

Cape Cod, Massachusetts
It has been YEARS since I last visited the Cape, but its hands down my favorite place in New England.  From the beaches and the stunning scenery, to the abundance of seafood, I hope to head up there for a relaxing weekend come summer.

Paris, France
I have always wanted to go to Paris, but lately it feels more like more of a must, than a want (that is two different things, right?) It seems like not a day goes by without some sort of reference to Paris. From literature, to music, to adventures (Hello, Ladurée!) they all feel like signs that all roads lead to Paris in 2012.

In a dream world, in 2012 I would love to travel to:
Morocco
Morocco encompasses everything I love in one place: rich history and culture, beautiful scenery and one of the most unique and distinct cuisines in the world. While I know that it may be awhile till Morocco is in fact a reality, it is hands down one place I would go to in an instant.


Have you thought about where you would like to travel to in 2012 yet? Where?