Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Capital Ken: Travel Accessories


Hello! I’m happy to be back doing another guest post for Kelsey. This week, I have concentrated on pieces for your man who is “on the go.” The first items are briefcases. I like this first one as I believe it is a classic look – not too casual but not too stuffy.

Kenneth Cole, A Brief History, $70


With this next one, you can be right in style, but still stand out from the crowd. These are showing up in a lot of ads, probably due to the popularity of the television show, “Mad Men.” Instead of the typical black, why not consider aluminum? 


Aluminum Notebook Laptop Computer Travel Briefcase Executive Attache, $39


I wanted to include this next one because these “loose” handles are very popular right now. This one is a simple design for nearly any professional. 


Mercury Luggage Signature Portfolio with Shoulder Straps, $43


Finally, for a little color and for those of you who might be looking for a bag with less structure, this is a terrific option with several color options. I like the saddle color, as I feel it goes with almost everything. 



As an added feature, I wanted to add a few travel accessories. If your man is on the go a lot, as I am, there are a few items that might make his life on the road a bit easier. The first is a travel tray. It might not sound like a necessity, but it certainly helps in a strange hotel room to keep change, keys, wallet, etc., in ONE place. This one unsnaps at the corners to lie flat for packing.


And finally, this is a great piece to pack just in case the loafers are expected to trudge through any climates with bad weather. Road salt can ruin even the finest leather. And, this mini kit won’t take up too much room.   



Friday, December 23, 2011

Friday Foodday

Happy Christmas Eve Eve lovebugs! I hope you don't mind but The Capital Barbie will be taking a vacation until Wednesday. So see you next week. I hope you have a safe and happy holiday this weekend.

Chocolate Peppermint Marshmallows
c/o Table for Two
Ingredients
Large marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Peppermint candy canes

Directions
  1. In a small pot, fill halfway with water and bring to gentle boil. Put a glass bowl on top and melt your chocolate chips, make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
  2. In a plastic bag, put your candy canes in and take a rolling pin or the back of a wooden spoon and crush the candy canes into pieces.
  3. Poke the lollipop sticks through the middle of each marshmallow.
  4. Take the marshmallow and dip it in the melted chocolate then sprinkle the candy cane pieces on top of the chocolate. Set aside to cool completely.
Roasted Onion, Garlic, Peppered Almonds
c/o Kitchen Bellicious
  Ingredients
3 TBSP oil
1 TBSP parsley
1 TBSP onion salt
1 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tsp black poppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cups of unsalted almonds

Directions
  1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and carefully add all ingredients except the almonds. Cook stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes add the almonds and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels until cooled completely. Spoon nut mixture into a plastic bag until ready to serve. Makes approx 3 cups.
Sugar Donut Muffings
c/o Annie Bakes
 Ingredients
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup milk (low fat is fine)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar, for topping


 Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray (I used a mini-muffin tin).  In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and egg until light in color.  In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.  Pour into egg mixture and stir to combine.  Pour in vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract.  Divide batter evenly into the muffin cups (I used a small ice cream scoop), filling each about 3/4 full.  Bake for 12-14 minutes (15-18 minutes if using large muffin tins).  When muffins are done, lightly brush the tops with the melted butter and dip into a bowl of sugar.  Cool on a wire rack.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Holiday Jammies

I'm feeling cozy and warm today because I'm thinking about what I wear on Christmas morning.  Pjs, pajamas, jammies, the ultimate outfit. How do you style Christmas morning? Here are some of my picks.

Gotta love a comfy flannel pj set. Target does this one just right.

Nordstrom, Ugg Rylan Knit Slipper, $99
I believe in investing in good slippers. Otherwise you have 85 pairs of cheap poor quality ones.

These are so cute, the lining is unexpected and playful.

Aerie, Striped robe, $39
This is so adorable and perfect for a Saturday morning coffee and bagel.

What do you wear for Christmas morning? Sweats, pjs, real clothing? Whatever it is I hope it's comfy!

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Crystal and Baubles

Hey there lovebugs,
Today I'm feeling glamorous but on a budget which means costume jewelry! What is your favorite spot to shop for baubles and jewels? Here are some of my favorite pieces.

These are perfect for jeans or an LBD, they also come in a darker color.


Flashy and fun, perfect for all year-round!

This is so funky and glamorous at the same time. 


This is so timeless and classic. I love it.

So where do you hunt for deals for shiny things? Etsy? Vintage?

Be fabulous today!