Fashion Fridays...Haute Goat Clothing

I am super excited to share this with everyone! My friend and co-worker at DivineCaroline is pretty awesome, for more reasons than one. But her clothing site, hautegoatclothing.com, is just more proof that she's got it goin' on. Her shirts, which are hand crafted and printed using silk-screen, contain clever sayings and play on words. My favorite is the peanut butter and jelly fish. But I also love the subtletee ... absolutely fantastic.  Another great thing about these shirts ... they're only $30!! You can get a hand-crafted, one of a kind, kick-ass t-shirt for only thirty dollars...say what?? Pretty amazing, I know. (And I know her!!!) 

Photo source: hautegoatclothing.com

Photo source: hautegoatclothing.com

What do you think? Artistically perfect or not so much? 

Munch Through Monday...Sausage Squares

I have come to love breakfast as I've gotten older. When I was younger, I was pretty content with a bowl of Lucky Charms and chocolate milk. Even in college, yogurt or a shake would suffice. But recently, I find myself wanting to indulge in breakfast a little bit more. There's something about a hearty, warm, comforting breakfast that makes the day seem a whole lot brighter. This recipe screams hearty, warm and comforting. And it's super easy. If you don't like sausage, try chicken or turkey. Any type of meat with the combination of pastry, cheese, and cream cheese is sure to be mouth-watering.   

Photo source: Aggieland Mommy Cooks 

Sausage Squares
Recipe source: Aggieland Mommy Cooks

Ingredients:
2 pk crescent rolls
1-2 c cheddar cheese, shredded
8 oz cream cheese
1 lb. ground maple sausage

Directions:

1. Brown meat. Meanwhile, layer 1 pk crescents on bottom of 13x9 baking dish.
2. Drain sausage. In a med. bowl combine sausage & cream cheese. Spread over crescent rolls.
3. Sprinkle cheese over top.
4. Cover with remaining crescent rolls.
5. Bake according to rolls directions.

In my opinion: These are so delicious I could eat the entire dish! Make them-OFTEN!

Do you prefer a healthy and light breakfast? Or is your guilty pleasure (like mine) diving into some rich and tasty breakfast foods?

Swarovski Elements Let it Sparkle Campaign: Tweet to Win Swarovski Jewelry!!

Photo source: Swarovski.com 

I'm SO sorry I haven't been able to post all week ('tis the holiday season for things to be super busy!!)

But, have I saved THE best for last...

Swarovski Elements is holding an extremely exciting campaign! For their Let it Sparkle Campaign, they are asking everyone and anyone in our merry world to send a holiday greeting tweet with the hash-tag #letitsparkle. If you don't have a twitter account, no worries! You can also text your holiday greeting with the word SPARKLE to 877877. Big celebs such as Jessica Alba, Versace, Armani, and Roberto Cavalli have already tweeted so they can partake in this amazing offer.

When you've tweeted, you'll be entered to win jewelry from Swarovski Crystallized!! Swarovski Elements will choose 3 of their favorite tweets every Friday for the whole month of December and those three lucky people will win a beautifully sparkly Swarovski piece of jewelry. 

But it doesn't stop there...the greetings that come in will be displayed on a custom sign on Rodeo Drive for all to see! Either on the street in LA or via a live stream camera that will be showing until January 10, 2012 on Swarovski Elements Facebook page! You'll almost be as famous as Santa ;)

And for Swarovski fans located in Los Angeles, Swarovski has a free app with GoldRun that you can download, play with the products in the Let it Sparkle collection, and win a free gift with purchase at participating retailers!

So whether you want to give Mr. Claus's popularity a run for his money this holiday season by having your name up on Rodeo Drive, or would love to add a bit of sparkle to your holiday season with free Swarovski crystals...(and what girl doesn't. Hint, hint guys too!), all you have to do is tweet your holiday greeting NOW with #letitsparkle or send a quick text!! 

And you're in luck...because today is Friday! So three lucky girls or guys will be picked today to win a piece of jewelry. Good luck!! This deal is sweeter than any sugar plums that can be found dancing around in your head. 

Photo source: Swarovski Facebook Page

Fashion Fridays...Forever 21 Sequin Stripes Dress

You gotta love Forever 21's dress collection—not only do they have so many dresses to choose from, but it feels as though they can read our minds and know exactly what we're looking for right now: holiday party dresses.


I love this dress for a night out on the town or for a cocktail night with the girls, but it's also perfect for the holidays. Sequins, glitter, anything that sparkles screams "festive fun". And the empire waist makes it much easier to eat and drink the whole night long (pah...that makes it for me.) My favorite part? How the dress hangs a few inches longer than the slip underneath, showing off your gorgeous gams. 

Photo source: Forever 21

Photo source: Forever 21

What party look are you going for this holiday season?

Water Marble Nail Polish

I know the name is a bit confusing, but this nail trend is super hot, and extremely easy! And lucky for us, the awesome blog, Hey, Nice Nails! takes you through a guided tutorial on how to get these marbled, magic fingers in your own home.

Photo source: Hey, Nice Nails!

Supplies:
Orange stick or toothpick, shot glass or cup (the smaller the circumference, the less polish you end up wasting), room temp. water, nail polish, tape (optional, but it helps with the clean up)

I like to begin by prepping my nails with base coat and one coat of polish. Here I used China Glaze Innocence for a nice neutral base.

Steps:
1. Fill your cup with some warm or room temperature water. If the water is too cold, the nail polish will seize up. 

2. Choose the polishes you want to work with; keep in mind the opacity of the polish you are using, if its too sheer, it might not look right. 

3. I like to begin with the lightest color. Load up the brush and let a big drop of polish fall into the water. Continue with the other colors until you have a fewconcentric circles of polish in the water. 

4. Using the toothpick or orange stick, drag through the polish from the edge toward the middle. Continue to drag the stick through the polish until you find a design that you think looks pretty.

5. Optional: tape around the edge of the nail to protect your finger from becoming covered with nail polish. Scotch tape works perfectly for this. 

6. Holding your finger horizontally, dip your fingernail into the glass, making sure it is completely submerged. 

7. Use the toothpick/orange stick to trace around your finger, gathering up all theunused nail polish in the glass. 

8. Lift your finger out of the glass, and let dry before taking the tape off.

9. Continue with your other nails until you have a full set of beautifully watermarbled nails.

10. Slick on your favorite top coat and Voila! All done!

Most importantly, have fun! As with any type of nail art, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. 

Do you adore this trend as much as I do??

Munch Through Monday...Broccoli and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

With the cold weather approaching (or settling in), it's always nice to have a big, warm bowl of yummy comfort food for dinner. For some, that's mashed potatoes, for other's, it may be pasta. For me ... well ... it's both. But, this pasta dish just about does it for me: with white cheddar and broccoli (two of my favorites!) along with perfect macaroni, I'm ready to snuggle up on the couch, pop in Forrest Gump and chow down on this warm, delicious food.

Photo source: Pinterest

Broccoli and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Recipe Source: The Craving Chronicals
Ingredients
3 cups frozen baby broccoli florets

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/3 cups milk
4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
2 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated
salt to taste

DirectionsMicrowave broccoli florets in a large, microwave safe bowl according to package instructions until tender (usually 4-5 minutes). Drain off any water and set aside.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add elbow macaroni. Boil according to directions until al dente. Drain.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a paste (roux). Cook 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk, whisking briskly to remove lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until milk mixture thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in shredded cheese. Add salt to taste.

Add drained macaroni back to pot. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni, add broccoli, and stir to combine. Devour.

Munch Through Monday ... Pull Apart Cheddar Bacon Ranch Bread

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share a recipe that is oh-so-delicious, but not oh-so-nutritious. Why you ask? Because food is supposed to taste good!! There are many healthy recipes that are delicious and it's super important to eat healthy ... but you're also allowed to indulge on mouth-watering, greasy, cheesy foods as well, sometimes. It's all about eating in moderation, right??


This recipe has four words in the title that already guarantee it's goodness: Cheddar Bacon Ranch Bread. 'Nuff said, I'm sold. And if you are too, read on to score a recipe for this addicting snack. 

Photo source: Pinterest

Pull Apart Cheddar Bacon Ranch Bread
Recipe source: Plain Chicken
Ingredients
1 unsliced loaf of (round is preferable) sourdough bread
8-12 oz cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
3 oz bag Oscar Mayer Real Bacon bits
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 Tbsp Ranch dressing mix

Directions
Using a sharp bread knife cut the bread going both directions. Do not cut through the bottom crust. Place slices of cheese in between cuts. Sprinkle bacon bits on bread, making sure to get in between cuts. Mix together butter and Ranch dressing mix. Pour over bread. Wrap in foil the entire loaf in foil and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Fashion Fridays...The Perfect New Years Eve Dress

While perusing Pinterest this week, I was delighted to find a plethora of adorable outfits. Anything from cute, warm and comfy winter wear to a gorgeous work getup.  One dress in particular, however, caught my eye; mainly because I immediately identified it as the perfect New Years Eve dress. I know that New Years Eve is pretty far away, but it's never too early to be thinking about a sexy dress and about looking hot for the New Year. You want to seal the deal on that New Years Eve kiss, don't you? ;)

Photo source: Shop Bop

What do you think? Perfectly understated or too plain Jane for ringing in the New Year?

Munch Through Tuesday...Nutella Pudding

You really can't go wrong with Nutella. It's tasty, healthy, you can pair it with pretty much anything—you can even have it for breakfast on toast! Hazlenut and chocolate goodness for breakfast ... need I say more? So when I came upon this recipe for Nutella Pudding, you can see why I immediately pressed print and hung the recipe up on my wall as a reminder that I must try it. In college, a nearby coffee shop had Nutella hot chocolate and it was extremely hard not to down a large cup everyday before class. I can only imagine this will be just as good, if not better. What do you think? Yay or nay to Nutella?

Photo source: Minimally Invasive

Nutella Pudding
Recipe source: Food52
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup whole hazelnuts
2 cups whole milk
1 cup half and half
1 vanilla bean
6 extra-large egg yolks
3 tablespoons cornstarch, sifted
1/2 cup sugar
1 large pinch salt
4 oz bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons butter


Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes. Let cool. When cool, put in a clean towel and rub vigorously to remove skins (you can also just use your fingers). It's okay if some skin is left on -- you're going to strain later.

2. Chop the cooled hazelnuts to a coarse crumb in a food processor.

3. Make the hazelnut-infused cream: Put the milk and half and half in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape out the seeds and add both the bean and seeds to the milk. Add the hazelnuts and heat to scalding over medium-low heat. Remove from the heat and set aside to infuse for 20 minutes.

4. In the meantime, whisk the egg yolks, cornstarch, sugar and salt together in a large bowl until thick and pale yellow.
5. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.

6. Strain the milk-hazelnut mixture into the egg yolk mixture, half a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until you've added about a cup and a half. Then strain and whisk in the rest of the milk. Return to the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the custard is thick and starts to bubble, about 3 minutes.

7. Strain the thickened custard into a clean bowl. Stir in the melted chocolate-butter mixture.

8. Optional, but highly recommended: Scrape the entire pudding into a blender or food processor and process for about 30 seconds, until silky-smooth. I learned this from Dorie Greenspan's pudding recipes, and it really gives the pudding a wonderful lightness.

9. Spoon the pudding into small ramekins or dessert cups, cover with plastic wrap and chill, overnight if possible. DO NOT eat it unchilled—right after you make it the flavors will not have blended and will taste a little off.

Music Musings...

I love music. I really, really do. It always has my back, never lies or sneaks, always trusts me, can make me happy when I'm sad or sad when I need a good cry, keeps me company on long walks, helps me stay motivated during runs ... I don't know what I would do without music. At work, I listen to Spotify whenever I can and today I've been listening to Foster the People on repeat. I love their indie sound and today I came upon one song in particular I love. It's called, "I Would Do Anything For You" and it just makes me so happy (it also makes me want to see Brian and give him a big smooch). So for all you hopeless romantics out there, check this song out. I promise it'll be love at first listen.

 

 Video source: YouTube

What do you think? Share with me ... let's talk music.

Munch Through Tuesday...Healthy Sweet Potato Skins

Hi Everyone! Yesterday I was sick and therefore not truly in the mood to talk about yummy food. Not to worry! I'm back today with another awesome recipe. A healthy recipe, nonetheless!

I absolutely love sweet potatoes and there's something about fall, crisp weather that makes them that much more enjoyable. I found this recipe for Sweet Potato Skins on Pinch of Yum, a new website I found that I absolutely adore. This recipe is just as yummy but much healthier than normal potato skins that pack on sour cream, bacon and chives (too much of a good thing ain't always so good). So munch away! This is one recipe you won't need to feel guilty about indulging in. 

Photo source:  Pinch of Yum

Healthy Sweet Potato Skins

Recipe source: Pinch of Yum

Ingredients:
2 medium or large sweet potatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, minced
1 bag fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup light sour cream
2 ounces light cream cheese
1 cup chickpeas
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Bake sweet potatoes at 350 for 45-60 minutes, or until fork tender.
2. Cut sweet potatoes in half and let cool for 5-10 minutes. While sweet potatoes are cooling, saute the shallots with the butter over medium heat until translucent. Add fresh spinach and heat for 2-3 minutes, until spinach has cooked down. Set aside.
3. Scrape the sweet potato out of the peel, leaving a thin layer inside with the peel so that it can stand up on its own. Mash the sweet potato with the cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in chickpeas, spinach, and salt and pepper.
4. Coat potato skins with a drizzle of oil and bake for about 5 minutes to get a crispier outside. Remove from oven and fill each skin with the sweet potato mixture and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake again for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and filling is heated through.

Fashion Fridays...Tory Burch Corey Mid Calf Flat Boot

Lately, I've realized that I am in desperate need of a flat, black boot. Okay, maybe not desperate ... I just really, really want one :). Yesterday I took a trip to the mall to help a friend pick out sneakers, and found myself getting swept away in Bloomingdale's' shoe section. Lo and behold my eye spotted a beautiful, black Tory Burch boot. It was leather mixed with suede, only came up to mid calf, and had no heel. It was perfect! ... until I looked at the price. (wah wah) Oh well! A girl can dream, right? And maybe Santa will think I've been extra good this year. Tell me what you think about it! What does your dream boot look like?

Photo source: Tory Burch

Beautiful Table Set-Up...

As the date of my move-in draws closer (only 6 weeks/42 days left...but whose counting??), I can't help but look around the internet at awesome home design ideas. I keep thinking of crafty and elegant ways to lay things out with the room I have, and how to take some things I already own and transform them into something else. I also have just enough room to put a little table in my kitchen, which I'm so thrilled about. So when I saw this picture, I just knew I had to try to re-create this with the space I've been given. 

Photo source: Pinterest

How precious is it? I adore the contrast of the blues and browns against the white wood and I really love how one side is a bench and the other side is chairs. I also thoroughly enjoy the hanging lantern. What do you think? Do you have any other brilliant ideas (I know you're full of them ;)) on how to decorate for a smaller space? If so, please feel free leave a comment and help a sister out!

 

Much Through Mondays...Baked Zucchini Chips

Although I tend to love baking yummy, sweet things, I'm on a huge health craze right now and am constantly looking for healthy snacks. I found this recipe and knew I had to try it because it has two of my favorite things: baking and zucchini and chips...okay, so maybe three.  Zucchini is by far my favorite vegetable, and baked chips beats fried chips any day. So here is the recipe for baked zucchini chips! I hope you savor them as much as I will. ;)

Photo source: Natalie's Killer Cuisine

Baked Zucchini Chips

Recipe source: Natalie's Killer Cuisine

Ingredients:

3 Zucchinis, rinsed

1/4 cup Parmesan, shredded

1/2 cup Bread Crumbs

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Dried Parsley

1 tsp Black Pepper

1/2 tsp Paprika

2 Egg Whites

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees

1. Slice zucchini as thinly and uniform as possible (this is when having a mandolin comes handy).

2. Place on a paper towel for at least 10 minutes to let excess moisture drain. Mix together all the dry ingredients. In a bowl whisk the egg whites until frothy.

3. Place the zucchini in the egg mixture, then coat in the bread crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet and when the baking sheet is full, bake for 5 minutes. Pull out the baking sheet and flip over the zucchini chips. Return to the oven for another 7 minutes.

4. Serve warm with fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Fashion Fridays ... Forever 21 Lace Yoke Dress

Living on your own is amazing. You have a new found freedom, added responsibility (which believe or not, can be fun), but sometimes it's easy to run away with these added bonuses and my bank account feels the burn. Luckily, I am pretty smart with my money (and very aware I still need to eat), so it's the best when I can find something cute and cheap as well. Today, while browsing on Forever 21, I came across this gem. I really like the lace, but even more so I adore the ruffled shoulders. It adds a little pizazz to your ordinary-little-black-dress. And it's only $24.80!!

Photo source: Forever 21 

What do you think? Is this the perfect addition to your closet? Or do you already own the perfect LBD?

Napa Valley...

I'm not sure if it's the gorgeous fire place, or the amazing view, but everything in the picture has me wishing I could click my red pumps together, say "There's no place like Napa Valley", and end up in this picture. 

Photo source: Pinterest

What do you like about this room? Is it the beautiful rafters, the hidden bookshelf to the right, or the break taking view of the Wine Country?

Munch Through Tuesdays...

So sorry I forgot to post the Munch Through Monday!! Work was quite busy and then I went out to dinner with my sister and mom's boss, Lucia, who is here on business. We went to a Greek restaurant called Kokkari, it was amazing. And Lucia was so lovely!! It really was such a great time, great wine, and great food. Couldn't ask for a better way to start my week :)

Anyway, I still wanted to post a yummy recipe for you to munch your way through the week with. I'm not usually a huge fan of donuts, but these make my mouth water.

Photo source: Pinterest 

Chocolate-Caramel Doughnut Holes
Recipe source: Martha Stewart
Ingredients: 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for work surface 

1 cup cocoa powder 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt 

1 cup sugar, plus more for coating 

3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk 

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted 

2 large eggs 

28 to 30 store-bought soft caramel squares, unwrapped  

5 to 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Directions:
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, buttermilk, butter, and eggs until thoroughly combined. Stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture just until a smooth dough forms. 

On a lightly floured work surface, pat dough flat and lightly flour. Roll out dough to a 1/3-inch thickness. Cut into rounds with a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter (to lift rounds from work surface, use a thin spatula). Re-roll and cut scraps. 

Place a caramel in the center of each round, pinch dough closed around it, and gently roll into a smooth ball. 

Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Fill a wide shallow bowl with 1 inch sugar. In a large heavy pot, heat 4 inches oil until it registers 350 degrees on a candy thermometer. In batches of 4, fry doughnuts 5 minutes, turning once with a slotted spoon and adjusting heat as needed. Transfer doughnuts to prepared sheet; let rest 4 minutes. Roll in sugar to coat. Serve immediately.

What do you think about these delectable donuts? Also, if there is a recipe you want to see or prefer healthier, tasty treats, drop a comment and let me know!! 

Fashion Fridays... 'Tis the Season for Boots

As I was looking through Found it Loved it on DivineCaroline, I came across these awesome boots called Kiboots. They are from the Netherlands and they are part leather and fabric. Apparently, these boots were popular in the sixties when hippies used to recycle rugs and leather to make these boots cheap so they could save money and still look good (best of both worlds!) Of course this bohemian style boot caught my attention and my free spirit immediately needed a pair. What do you think?

 

Photo sources: Kiboots

Do these shoes bring out the hippie in you? If so, also read the About and Projects section on Kiboots' website... it's pretty amazing!

Fall Bucket List...

Fall has inevitably approached us, and I love it. Although we don't really have seasons here in San Francisco, it's been quite chilly the past couple of days and I've loved the crisp air. It reminds me of how cool it's getting back East and reminds me of all the fun things I used to do in the fall and around Halloween time with my parents. As I perused my Pinterest, I found this awesome Fall checklist and immediately wanted to pack up and get started on all the fun ideas that were presented. Print this off and get started on checking off your fall bucket list if you haven't started already! :)

Photo source: Pinterest

Have you done any of these creative ideas? What memories do you have of the Fall?

Living Room...

Today, I signed the lease for my very first apartment.  It was such an amazing feeling, my cheeks started to hurt from smiling so much. On the bus ride home, I started thinking about the other apartments and houses I'll have and how I'll always remember when I signed my first lease.  Then that turned me on to thinking about decorating, and I began imagining my dream house. 

Now I know I'm far from owning a house, but the possibilities are endless when decorating a house, or even an apartment. And that notion of filling a space with parts of you, things you love and connect with, is something that fills me with such excitement, I'm comparably as giddy as a little girl on Christmas Eve.

I found this picture on Pinterest today and had to share it. With the happiness of a new place floating in the air and dreams of many more to come, it felt perfect.

Photo source: Pinterest

I love the color of the rich rafters against the light colored stone. The rafters in general are just beautiful, and although the walls are stone, I still get such a warm, homey feeling when I look at this. What do you love about this living room? What big dreams do you have for your space?