Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Gift Guide: It's All About Location

A fun and personal gift for anyone is something to remind them of their hometown, vacation spot, or location of their first date. Try a location gift.


1. Home State Stamp: I love this gift for someone who just bought their first place, rented their first apartment or a newlywed.
2. City Coasters: I have bought these more than once. Each coaster is different and there are a bunch of major cities to choose from.
3. Home Town: How sweet is this simple print. Pick the town and zip code and hang it anywhere.
4. Typography Map: A fun and colorful way to illustrate your home state. 

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Gift Guide: Get Tails Wagging

Today's gift guide is for the dog lover. This one was pretty easy to put together because I would love any and all of these items.


1. Bulldog Cocktail Shaker: Because, how did I not own this already?
2. Picture Your Dog: Submit a photo of your pooch and get this Presidential print personalized.
3. Metallic Dipped Bowls: I love these chic gold and silver dipped food and water bowls.
4. Reindeer Sweater: Ralph Lauren knows it all, and apparently he also knows adorable dog sweaters.

Be fabulous today!

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.