Monday, November 25, 2013

Gift Guide: Beauty and the Gift

I absolutely love doing gift guides. I pride myself on being a really good gift giver, so while it sometimes can get stressful, I just love finding THE perfect gift. We'll do a couple guides this week and a couple next week and then feel free to email me with any specific questions. I'm happy to help.

Today's gift guide is for the beauty gal. The one who has the perfect cat eye and the best lip color.

1. Pink Himalayan Bath Salts: Have her relax with these rose and vanilla scented salts. And then keep the gorgeous vase.
2. Wine Soaps: Cab sauv, chardonnay, pinot grigo, and pinot noir. What more does she need?
3. Glitz & Glam Bag: The perfect day to night makeup set with great brands like Nars, Stila, Josie Maran and more.
4. Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Lavish Luxe Brush Set: Grab this beautiful gold set for yourself and your best girl, 10 pieces in all. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday, November 22, 2013

Friday Foodday

You know what I forgot to tell you? Where I've been all week on this work trip. Details. Well it's New Orleans. So this Friday Foodday is aptly inspired.

Hurricane
c/o The Kitchn
Ingredients
1 bottle (750 mL) dark rum
1 1/2 cups passion fruit syrup
1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 cup of ice


Ingredients

Combine all ingredients, including the ice, in a pitcher. Stir to mix the ingredients. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the ice to melt into the drink. Prepare for a good party.







Quick Jambalaya
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
3/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes with juice
1 cup long-grain rice

Directions
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Cut into 3/4-inch pieces; set aside.
Add vegetables to pot. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes. Add sausage; cook 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in stock, Old Bay, tomatoes, and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil. Add rice and chicken. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Cover; remove from heat. Let stand until rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, 30 to 35 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Bananas Foster
Ingredients
  • medium bananas 
  • 1/4 cup butter 
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar 
  • 1/4 cup crème de banane (banana liqueur)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup dark rum
  • 2 cups vanilla low-fat ice cream 

  • Directions
  • Peel bananas; cut each banana in half lengthwise. Cut each half into 2 pieces.
  • Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, liqueur, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes. Add bananas; cook for 4 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Add rum to pan, and ignite rum with a long match. Stir bananas gently until flame dies down. Serve over ice cream.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Conference Room AC

You know what you can always count on when you're on a work trip? Cold conference rooms. I guarantee it. You know what those call for? Cardigans.

A great pop of color to layer over an lbd or with navy pants.

Anthropologie, Isis Cardigan, $88
A lambswool and cashmere blend is just the right amount of cozy for work.

So simple and chic. The small panels are eye catching without being distracting.

Ann Taylor, Chain Trim Cardigan, $79
Just beautiful detailing on this cardigan. I love the merlot color as well.

Cardigans are essential for work trips. You never know when you have to sit in a freezing conference room, car, train, plane, or hotel room.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Flat Footed

Shoes! The all important shoes for long meeting days. Let's discuss. I envy women who can walk around in these all day, but I'm totally ok with never being that woman. Until then, these are my go to.

Nordstrom, Steve Madden Envd Flat, $98
In my opinion these are worth every penny. Detail, color and texture will save your feet after a long day. Also comes in black, red, or plum.

This is a great day or evening shoe. Picture it with a navy suit or a LBD.

A short little heel with a big print. Just great for a long day of meetings or a conference.

Macy's, Calvin Klein Nicki, $99
If you looked up standard heel in the dictionary, this image would appear. Every women needs one of these in her closet.

For my trip this week I will be enjoying 14 hour days of standing/running, so these shoes would be just perfect for me. 

Be fabulous today!