December 2011
20 posts
6 tags
The Friday Cocktail: French 75
I’ve previously written about my favorite champagne cocktails, but I felt the French 75 was worth revisiting just in time for New Year’s Eve! My first time trying this cocktail was at Mandrake in Los Angeles a year ago just before the new year, and I was instantly hooked! I love that this cocktail isn’t overly sweet, and just boozy enough with the addition of gin.
French 75
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4 tags
Rules to Live By
We love Martha! I may have made that clear before, but I thought it was worth mentioning again.
There are many reasons to love this amazing woman, and you can add these tips to the list. Martha’s rules for “Household Preventive Care” are indeed words to live by. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” I believe this to be very...
5 tags
Glitter and Gold
I haven’t solidified my New Year’s plans yet. Is that bad? It seems like people plan this kind of thing in advance. I haven’t given much thought to how I’d like to celebrate, and honestly, I’d be perfectly happy staying home and maybe having a few friends over. I’ve decided that no matter what we do or where we end up, I am going to wear a dress and something...
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The Friday Cocktail: Bourbon Bramble
I’ve been convinced for a few years that bourbon was not for me. “It tastes so manly and stings on the way down” was my common complaint. While it certainly warms you up on a cold winter night, I’ve always passed on it. Enter the Bourbon Bramble from Saveur. A (of Certain Ladies) sent me the recipe a few weeks ago and since I had everything on hand, and I trust her taste,...
8 tags
TechNotes: Chefs Feed
Chefs Feed has been my favorite app for the last couple months. The concept is simple: the best chefs in each city recommend their favorite dishes at their favorite restaurants! I’ve been using it to help myself order at new restaurants, and it’s always fun to read a chef’s quick review about why they love a particular dish. Another great feature is the “Feed Me...
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My Favorite Beauty Gadget
I love my Clarisonic!
It seems that everyone has been talking about this gadget lately, and I’m here to confirm the hype. I’ve had mine for several years now and I actually forget about it from time to time. Sometimes it sits unused for a few months until I remember it’s there, and that only makes it more apparent that I should be using this thing regularly. With daily use...
7 tags
Noteworthy: Visit to a Paris Market
I came across this video last week and felt like I had to share it. David Lebovitz takes you through an outdoor market, picks up ingredients for a meal he’s planned, then makes cooking it look like a breeze. Doesn’t that sound dreamy? Maybe only if you’re really into food, or really into France. I’m really into both.
A glimpse of France and a promising menu will always...
4 tags
Christmas Playlist
I am fully in holiday mode these days, and one of the best ways to set the holiday mood is music. I’ve been listening to this collection of classics while baking and drinking hot toddies. Listen along and get in the spirit with me!
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
White Christmas - Bing Crosby
Last...
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The Friday Cocktail
It might go without saying that the ladies here enjoy a good drink every now and then. While a glass of wine goes well with dinner, and champagne is never a bad idea, sometimes a cocktail is more exciting. We all have our favorite spots for fancy drinks but sometimes we want to mix one up in the comfort of our own homes. Amateur mixologists that we are, we like to test different cocktail recipes...
3 tags
Creative Gift Wrapping
During the holidays, I like to spend my money on gifts rather than wrapping paper. So instead of the traditional paper with snowmen and reindeer, I resort to more creative methods. My favorite way to wrap gifts is with old catalog or magazine pages. This year I’ve been using old issues of Artforum to wrap my gifts. Here are some tips:
Pick pages that have contrasting visual elements or...
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Wish List: A's Colorful Picks
With my shopping for others complete, I’m now turning my thoughts back to things I wouldn’t mind receiving. I already have a list compiled of things I plan to buy for myself if Santa doesn’t bring them. Here are just a few:
Kate Spade Thermos, $35
Cuisinart Mini-Prep, $40
Kate Spade Living Colorfully book set, $35
J Crew bangles, $35
Marimekko coffee cup, $16
A
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7 tags
Stocking Stuffers
I like to keep an ongoing list of great gift ideas so when this time of year comes, I’m not totally caught off-guard. Since it’s gift-giving season, I figured I’d share some of my list. I am excited to be giving some of these items as stocking stuffers, and would be just as happy to receive any of them.
L.A. Burdick Dark Hot Chocolate Hickory Wood Coasters A Shiny Bike Bell...
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A Perfect Winter Gown
Rachel McAdams is adorable all the time, but she is perfection in this silver backless Marchesa gown. This look would be perfect for an incredibly elegant and ritzy holiday party. I also imagine it would also make a stunning, and unexpected, wedding dress. How dreamy!
A
Original Article
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Friendly Gifts
It’s my favorite time of the year, and part of that includes gifts! In the spirit of giving, here are some gift ideas for the ladies in your life that are both wallet friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Steven Alan Shopping bag, $68 Lace glove, $20 Zodiac Mugs, $6 English Lit by Jane Mount, $20 Food Sign by Bryan Schutmaat, $20 Ferry from Ardrossan Harbor by Laura Bell, $20 tier 3 bowl...
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Charitable Giving
Although I try to give back throughout the year, the holidays are generally a time when we are reminded that giving a little extra can make a big difference.
I love buying gifts that make people happy and this is definitely one way to make that happen. In addition to the requested gift (godzilla figurines) my nephew asked for this Christmas, I gave to the Santa Barbara Zoo on his behalf. ...
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Cookie Party
I was thinking about hosting a big holiday party this year but I was slow to commit, and suddenly all the good dates and times have been claimed by other parties (that I am happy to attend). I’ve decided to host a very small cookie decorating party instead. It’s going to be a breeze compared to the fancy soiree I was thinking of having. The only hassle is that I don’t have...
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More Holiday Drinks!
…because it’s just that time of year.
I recently found the amazing Martha Stewart cocktail app for iPhone and iPad. For a few bucks you get 20 classic cocktails with 5 bar snacks to accompany them. Once downloaded you’re also able to access several other collections of drinks including holiday cocktails, modern cocktails, mocktails, summer cocktails, and even regional...
6 tags
The Winter Hat
I first started wearing hats during my time in New York, which was more out of necessity than personal style. I’d be the first to admit, that I am not considered a “hat person.” However, recently I’ve been expanding my collection from practical to personal. The Janis Hat from Steven Alan happens to fit both. Although it’s not particularly cold out here in Los...
6 tags
Paperless Post
I love a good hand written note. I can spend unhealthy amounts of time getting lost in a stationery store looking for the right cards or invitations. And while I do think nothing beats pen and paper, there’s an electronic option I’m a huge fan of: Paperless Post. You can design greeting cards or invitations any way you’d like; they can come in envelopes and you can even add...
4 tags
Gentlemanly Gifts
It’s that time of year when we rack our brains and browse sites for hours searching for the perfect gifts. I always find it hard to come up with unique gifts for the gentleman in my life, so I end up sticking to classics that he’s sure to love. If you need a few ideas to start your gift hunting this year, check out the tried and true brands below. From traditional New England prep to...