When I first started teaching myself how to cook, adjectives like comfortable, enjoyable, and confident would have been the last words I used to describe my time in the kitchen. Fast forward a few years and I can say without a doubt that not only do I enjoy being in the kitchen and cooking, but I am comfortable; a feeling in which I doubted would ever come as I would try, and many times fail at, new dishes. While I still have a ways to go in the confidence department, my time spent in the kitchen everyday has become invaluable, as it's the one place where I can slow down, think, focus, and create. Subsequently, as my love for cooking grows, so does my affection towards light, airy kitchens that I find myself dreaming about daily. Here are a few that recently caught my eye:Senin, 29 Agustus 2011
Dream Kitchens
When I first started teaching myself how to cook, adjectives like comfortable, enjoyable, and confident would have been the last words I used to describe my time in the kitchen. Fast forward a few years and I can say without a doubt that not only do I enjoy being in the kitchen and cooking, but I am comfortable; a feeling in which I doubted would ever come as I would try, and many times fail at, new dishes. While I still have a ways to go in the confidence department, my time spent in the kitchen everyday has become invaluable, as it's the one place where I can slow down, think, focus, and create. Subsequently, as my love for cooking grows, so does my affection towards light, airy kitchens that I find myself dreaming about daily. Here are a few that recently caught my eye:
Minggu, 28 Agustus 2011
Through the Storm
Hoping all of our East Coast friends are safe with family and friends as Hurricane Irene passes through. Enjoy a few cups of coffee, read a book you have stacked on your nightstand, sneak in a few yummy snacks, and once it's all over, take out your wellies for a rare, late summer appearance. Stay safe :)
Sabtu, 20 Agustus 2011
Weekend Pretties: Kate Moss' Great Gatsby Wedding Photos
There really aren't enough words to describe the way I felt when I saw Kate Moss' wedding in Vogue. With a code name GG - short for The Great Gatsby - coined by Moss herself, the 1920s inspired affair was dreamy and elegant, to say the least. Held at St. Peter’s Church in the Cotswold village of Southrop, the decadent ceremony and reception was attended by the likes of Stella McCartney, Kelly Osbourne, Jude Law, and fellow model Naomi Campbell, just to name a few. 
Kamis, 18 Agustus 2011
5 Staples for Easy Entertaining
While spur-of-the-moment visits from family, friends, or neighbors can be fun and exciting, they can also be equally as stressful when you're suddenly left scrambling, trying your best to play double duty as joyful attendee and hostess extraordinaire. Here are 5 simple staples to keep on hand to assist you when any spontaneous visits come about.
A simple appetizer: assorted nuts. Keep a bag or two of assorted nuts in the back of your pantry. Place them in a festive bowl, add a few shakes of sea salt, and voila. Simple, pretty, and your guests will enjoy them just as much as any fancy tray of appetizers.
A bit of bubbly: sparkling water. Depending on who your visitors are and what time of day it is, a glass of wine or a cocktail might not be appropriate. While your guests will be just as appreciative with a glass of ice water, it's always nice to have a little something sparkly on hand like Pellegrino or mineral water. Add in a squeeze of lemon, orange, or lime for some extra pizazz.
A little glow: tealight candles. Lighting a few unscented (to assure all guests are comfortable) tealight candles can immediately add warmth and charm to your gathering. Tealights are great year-round, and can be quickly dressed up by placing them in a mason jar or small votive.
photos by KT Merry Photography via Dreamy Whites
A few laughs: a game to play. Games tend to be overlooked when entertaining, but they can be a great way to get everyone talking and involved. Whether it's a box of trivia cards to keep the conversation flowing, or it's your favorite go-to board game to liven up dull moments, having a game or two in your storage closet readily available will surely result in a good time had by all. Suggestion: Apples-to-Apples
Good tunes: a guest-friendly playlist (or CD). Adding music to your get-together will immediately energize the room and may be just the thing to keep your guests entertained the entire time. Create a playlist on your iTunes with a variety of genres to appease all tastes, or use genre specific CD's like Putumayo's French Cafe or Italia.
A simple appetizer: assorted nuts. Keep a bag or two of assorted nuts in the back of your pantry. Place them in a festive bowl, add a few shakes of sea salt, and voila. Simple, pretty, and your guests will enjoy them just as much as any fancy tray of appetizers.
A bit of bubbly: sparkling water. Depending on who your visitors are and what time of day it is, a glass of wine or a cocktail might not be appropriate. While your guests will be just as appreciative with a glass of ice water, it's always nice to have a little something sparkly on hand like Pellegrino or mineral water. Add in a squeeze of lemon, orange, or lime for some extra pizazz.
A little glow: tealight candles. Lighting a few unscented (to assure all guests are comfortable) tealight candles can immediately add warmth and charm to your gathering. Tealights are great year-round, and can be quickly dressed up by placing them in a mason jar or small votive.
photos by KT Merry Photography via Dreamy WhitesGood tunes: a guest-friendly playlist (or CD). Adding music to your get-together will immediately energize the room and may be just the thing to keep your guests entertained the entire time. Create a playlist on your iTunes with a variety of genres to appease all tastes, or use genre specific CD's like Putumayo's French Cafe or Italia.
Hints of Turquoise
I've long loved the color turquoise. Whether it's incorporated subtly like the chair above, or used as a paint color on your bathroom walls, it is one of the most stunning hues to add within a space. I've yet to find a way to integrate it in our house, so I've been looking up photos for an added dose of inspiration. These are some of my favorites thus far:
Rabu, 17 Agustus 2011
The Perfect Red Lip - How to Find Red Lipstick for Your Skin Tone
Having rather fair skin, I've always been somewhat intimated by red lipstick. Finding a shade that looks appropriate yet effortless can be a challenge, to say the least. However, I recently found Love That Red by Revlon, and it completely changed my makeup wearing ways (and it's only $7.99- a win-win). While I've only worn it twice, it is so nice to have finally found a shade of red that fulfills my idea of a great red lip. Here are some tips to finding a red lipstick for your skin tone:
Selasa, 16 Agustus 2011
Toasted Coconut Marshamallows - Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free
As these last few weeks of summer quickly approach, I'm feverishly working my way through a list of seasonal recipes that won't be of much use come fall's new produce selection. While these toasted coconut marshmallows can certainly be made any time of year, my intention was to pair them with chocolate and graham crackers for the ultimate summer-associated dessert: s'mores. Sadly, I've yet to find gluten free graham crackers without soy, so my allergy free, s'more eating dream came to an abrupt halt. However, these marshmallows are so delicious on their own that they truly don't need to be roasted in the slightest, nor paired with chocolate (although a little piece of such never hurts).
the key players: I loved that this recipe only called for vanilla, gelatin, honey, water, and a pinch of salt.Simple and delicious.
Senin, 15 Agustus 2011
Laundry Room Love
A few years ago I posted about my love for laundry rooms right here, and while I still find actually doing said chore to be my least favorite, there is just something about a neatly organized laundry room that I find appealing. These are a few of my favorites that make me kinda-sorta-maybe think that laundry and I could repair our relationship at some point in the future.
Jumat, 12 Agustus 2011
Everyday Looks for Shoulder Length Hair
A few weeks ago I mentioned cutting my hair a significant amount, and while the change took getting used to, I have to say, for the first time in my life I'm not disappointed with a decision having to do with my hair. In the past I've made hasty decisions and asked my stylist to chop off my hair out of pure frustration, only to regret it days, even hours, later. But this time it's different; I'm actually having fun trying new looks with my shorter do. So far, these have been my two favorite looks to wear.
1. Boar's hair round brush like these 2. Bumble & Bumble styling lotion Brunch at Saks is now on Facebook! Click here to visit our page.
Kamis, 11 Agustus 2011
DIY: Homemade Beauty Recipes - Allergy Free Hair Mask, Face Mask, and Body Wash
Do-it-yourself beauty treatments can be a great, inexpensive way to enjoy all the benefits of a day spent at the spa without the expensive price tag. I often use homemade recipes that work wonders for skin; my favorite being a dash of table salt + olive oil as a quick exfoliator for my hands after cooking and washing dishes. Recently, I decided to expand my beauty recipe making ways and tried a few treatments that were simple yet made a noticeable difference once finished. These were my three favorites:
{Lavender recipe here. Avocado & Pumpkin recipes are a result of various ingredients from a few recipes I found}
Brunch at Saks is now on Facebook! Click here to visit our page.
{Lavender recipe here. Avocado & Pumpkin recipes are a result of various ingredients from a few recipes I found}Brunch at Saks is now on Facebook! Click here to visit our page.
Rabu, 10 Agustus 2011
A Guide to Hanging Curtain Panels - Choosing Your Curtain Style, How to Measure for Curtains, and more
I had always thought hanging curtain panels would be a daunting task, that is, until I actually took the time do so and figured out they were much easier than I ever imagined. Not only do they transform a room instantly, but they're a rather inexpensive way to spruce up the designated area without going over your budget. Here is a quick guide on how to choose your look, measure for the amount of curtains needed, and hanging your curtain panels.
Step 1. Choose your style. Narrow down your search by deciding upon the color, pattern, and fabric before heading to the store to avoid being overwhelmed with the infinite amount of choices. For modern spaces you may want to choose bolder colors or patterns, while traditional spaces may call for subdue hues and fabrics like burlap or satin.
Step 2. Determine the function of your curtains. Will your curtains be for decorative purposes only, or will they be functional curtains in order to keep things like sun light out and enforce privacy? Knowing the function of your curtains will help you determine the amount of panels you will need in the following steps.
Step 3. Measure window and determine width of rod. Now that you've decided on style and function, the next step is to measure your window in order to calculate the amount of panels you'll need. Measure the width of your window and add 2 to 4 inches to each side to determine the length of your rod.
Step 4. Calculating the amount of panels needed (width). For functional curtains, calculate 2 to 3 times the width of your window and use that number to determine the amount of panels needed. For decorative curtains, determine amount of panels based on desired fullness.
Step 5. Calculating the length of each panel (height). Depending on your liking, place the rod anywhere from 2 to 4 inches above your window frame and measure the length from rod to floor. The higher the rod is placed, the more height will be added to your room. Standard curtains fall roughly 1/2 to 1 inch off the ground for dust purposes. Anything shorter will have look out of sorts (think high-water jeans). For a dramatic look, you can allow the curtains to "pool" by adding 6" to 10" to the length.
Quick tips:
-Rods should extend outward 2 to 4 inches on each side of the window and upward 2 to 4 (or as high 8"+) above the top of window frame
-Measure the width of the window and calculate it by 1 to 3 times to determine amount of panels needed, depending on function and desired fullness
- Standard panel curtain length stops roughly an inch above the ground; pooled curtains extend 6" to 10"
Step 1. Choose your style. Narrow down your search by deciding upon the color, pattern, and fabric before heading to the store to avoid being overwhelmed with the infinite amount of choices. For modern spaces you may want to choose bolder colors or patterns, while traditional spaces may call for subdue hues and fabrics like burlap or satin.
Step 2. Determine the function of your curtains. Will your curtains be for decorative purposes only, or will they be functional curtains in order to keep things like sun light out and enforce privacy? Knowing the function of your curtains will help you determine the amount of panels you will need in the following steps.
Step 3. Measure window and determine width of rod. Now that you've decided on style and function, the next step is to measure your window in order to calculate the amount of panels you'll need. Measure the width of your window and add 2 to 4 inches to each side to determine the length of your rod.
Step 4. Calculating the amount of panels needed (width). For functional curtains, calculate 2 to 3 times the width of your window and use that number to determine the amount of panels needed. For decorative curtains, determine amount of panels based on desired fullness.
Step 5. Calculating the length of each panel (height). Depending on your liking, place the rod anywhere from 2 to 4 inches above your window frame and measure the length from rod to floor. The higher the rod is placed, the more height will be added to your room. Standard curtains fall roughly 1/2 to 1 inch off the ground for dust purposes. Anything shorter will have look out of sorts (think high-water jeans). For a dramatic look, you can allow the curtains to "pool" by adding 6" to 10" to the length.
Quick tips:-Rods should extend outward 2 to 4 inches on each side of the window and upward 2 to 4 (or as high 8"+) above the top of window frame
-Measure the width of the window and calculate it by 1 to 3 times to determine amount of panels needed, depending on function and desired fullness
- Standard panel curtain length stops roughly an inch above the ground; pooled curtains extend 6" to 10"
Selasa, 09 Agustus 2011
Currently Loving: Favorite Beauty Products - Gluten Free Soy Free Make Up, Shampoo, and more
If there is one thing I'm slightly obsessed with, it's beauty products. I could spend hours on the internet researching product reviews, skin care tips, new brands...the list goes on and on. My skin care and make up routine is fairly simple, mostly due to my ultra sensitive skin which cannot tolerate any products containing wheat, dairy, and/or soy. After pinpointing said allergies last year, I became somewhat consumed with finding products that were free of such irritants yet still available at the stores I frequented most. Much to my surprise, I discovered a lot of great (and more importantly, "safe-for-me" - an allergy sufferer's favorite words!) products by brands I'd seen and used for years. Here are some of my favorite products I'm currently using and loving:
1. NARS Larger Than Life mascara
2. Jane Iredale Eye Contour brush & Handi brush
3. Urban Decay Naked palette (Every time I'm in Sephora this is sold out! The colors are gorgeous)
4. NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight & Stila Lip Glaze in Watermelon
5. Jane Iredale So Bronze
6. bareMinerals original foundation
7. Aveda Rosemary Mint shampoo & Scalp Benefits conditioner (I swear by their Scalp Benefits! Ever since I started using it my hair grows extraordinarily fast)
8. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily SPF 30
9. Aveda Rosemary Miny body bar
10. California Baby Super Sensitive lotion (gluten/dairy/nut/soy free) & Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
1. NARS Larger Than Life mascara
2. Jane Iredale Eye Contour brush & Handi brush
3. Urban Decay Naked palette (Every time I'm in Sephora this is sold out! The colors are gorgeous)
4. NARS Lip Gloss in Turkish Delight & Stila Lip Glaze in Watermelon
5. Jane Iredale So Bronze
6. bareMinerals original foundation
7. Aveda Rosemary Mint shampoo & Scalp Benefits conditioner (I swear by their Scalp Benefits! Ever since I started using it my hair grows extraordinarily fast)
8. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily SPF 30
9. Aveda Rosemary Miny body bar
10. California Baby Super Sensitive lotion (gluten/dairy/nut/soy free) & Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Senin, 08 Agustus 2011
kate spade new york - Ads of the Past
kate spade new york is one of the most genius brands of our time. Not only do they produce gorgeous handbags and accessories suited for all aspects of life, but they've created a complete lifestyle arena which exudes glitz, glamour, and sophistication effortlessly. One of my favorite aspects of their multifaceted company is their advertisement campaigns. They are esthetically pleasing with clean, colorful concepts, and often times strike a chord within by highlighting life's simplest pleasures: a good book, a trip to the museum, a child's derby race. These are some of their older ads I just love.
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