Gaga's Workshop

Oh, Lady Gaga. Your antics and wardrobe choices often drive me insane, but nothing can deny the fact that you are incredibly talented, generous, funny, and creative. Since Barney's announced the collaboration with Lady Gaga, I just knew Gaga's Workshop would be the holiday attraction.

The workshop in Barney's was a very creative and elaborate space, filled with lots of Gaga-esque art pieces and (expensive, but for a good cause) merchandise. It was the windows however, that I completely loved; they were on a whole other level. The combination of art, music, and of course fashion, were done so well, and in true Gaga fashion, that no matter who passed by, fan or not, it was sure to bring on the "oohs and the ahhs."

Gaga's Crystal Cave

Gaga's Boudoir, made of real blond hair.

Gaga Machine

Ladurée

I have been wanting to go to Ladurée since they opened in August. You see, the first time I had a macaron (I think) was over the summer in St. Martin. The thing is, by the time I got around to eating them, they had been in my bag for a few hours, and were a bit crumbled, and not so delicious. I figured if I was going to give macarons a proper second try, I had to go to Laduree.

To celebrate the end of finals yesterday, Gabriella and I decided to take a trip uptown to Ladurée. I read online that the wait was about 15 to 20 minutes, and figured we would be in and out. Wrong! We were on line for a total of 2 hours! I guess neither of us took into consideration that it was not just the holidays, but the first day of Hanukkah. Ladurée made the wait worth it as they came out not once, but twice, with macaron samples. It was divine. Literally. I'm certain I had an out of body experience after sampling the chocolate macaron. I think its what the angels in heaven eat for a snack. Yeah, it was amazing. 

My "starter" pack: pistachio, chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, cassis and coconut 

I came to the conclusion, that I do in fact like macarons, but only certain flavors. Ladurée will definitely be a treat every now and then, especially as I dream of and plan a future trip to Paris... 

Festive in the City

I absolutely cannot believe Christmas is less than a week away! Since I had a final bright and early at 8am this morning (which I finished in a record 5 minutes), I decided I would head into the city after, to get a move on my holiday shopping. 

While I was HIGHLY unsuccessful on the shopping front, everything and everyone in such festive moods, made the trip worth it all. As I was browsing the holiday market, this guy walking out the Union Square train station said it best : "There's no place like New York during Christmas." I couldn't agree more. 

DIY Vanilla Extract

With the holiday season just around the corner in full swing, I noticed quite a few recipes pop up for homemade vanilla extract. While I thought it was a great idea, I didn't give it too much thought since I  had no idea where I would even get vanilla beans.

On one of my daily trips to Trader Joe's last week, I did my usual stroll of each aisle to see what new items were in. There, in the baking aisle, in mass abundance, were vanilla beans! It took everything in me not to add them all to my cart, (like in that Snickers commercial) but did purchase enough to make some extract.

2 vanilla beans for $3.99 at Trader Joe's

Making the extract couldn't be simpler. Split vanilla beans lengthwise, throw them in a jar, add vodka and voila! Its the waiting 6-8 weeks for the final product that is the hard part. Which will be perfect because if the winter is going to be as bad as they say, I will have fresh vanilla extract for cakes and cookies while snowed in...

I used 3 vanilla beans per 8oz of vodka. It looks like more because some are cut in half. 

In keeping in line with DIYgift ideas, try this vanilla extract for your (patient) baking/cooking enthusiast. A little ribbon, and a fancy bag and your good to go. 'Tis the season!