Monthly Archives: March 2011

Light as a Feather

Posted on March 16, 2011 | Leave a comment

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Inspiration can come from anywhere, a song, a season, and as we’ve seen here a dress.  Lately I have been piqued by the Beyond Vintage Feather Dress; in silk and dove gray it might be the perfect dress for spring and it would transition seamlessly, with the ease of a feather, from day to night.
Beyond Vintage Feather Dress at Barneys New York
Let’s see how a feather inspires an entire wedding scheme.  With the hues of dove gray, creams, golds and the softest shade of pink the look is elegant, sophisticated, soft and airy. 
Dove Grey Feather Wedding
 
Here are some key items that stand out and are easy to replicate for any space: the sweet gilded bird cage for cards, or best wishes; the long table shrouded in twinkle lights and branches; soft and feather light peony flowers; the soft glow of candle light; a feather detail on a boutonniere; the wisp of silk chiffon on a wedding gown; dainty feather earrings as a gift for the girls.

Inspiration can come from anywhere – I hope you are surrounded by things and people that inspire you.

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Posted in Her Weddings + Events, Wedding Inspiration

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A Fashionable Reality

Posted on March 15, 2011 | Leave a comment

So, last night brought us the conclusion of Bachelor Brad’s search for his forever.  Whether or not he found forever is yet to be seen.  What we did get to see over the last few weeks was the unique and very different styles of the contestants on the Bachelor.

As I mentioned to Julie last night, these girls are marketing themselves from day 1; they all have an angle, a story, a voice, a look and the wardrobes they assemble for the show are meant to highlight all of that.  
Here are the sartorial standouts from a season of “real girls” looking for reality love.
From L – R: Michelle Money’s favorite brand, Wildfox; Every contestants favorite accesory the drapey scarf; Shawtel’s ridiculously short Las Vegas shorts; Chunky turquoise jewels as seen on Michelle and Emily; Replicas of the Christian Louboutin pumps that Emily wore with a Forever21 dress; Michelle’s favorite accessory (besides a black eye, and sass) a purple zip up; Silk shirt dress a la Emily’s last day date in South Africa; The infamous Red Bikini, as styled for the Sports Illustrated shoot.

For an episode by episode run down of what the contestants wore and where to find similar items (the show was filmed months ago, many things are sold out) you have to visit The Possessionista, she has been a Bachelor fashion fiend.

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Posted in Her Closet, Shopping

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(Texas) Pecan Shortbread Cookies

Posted on March 14, 2011 | 1 comment

I watch the Bachelor.  
I watched when Trista met Ryan, the formerly chubby comedian, Jen, the football player, the actor’s brother, the British guy, Brad, Deanna, Jason – paused after Jason because it was so gross – Ali, and now back to Brad.  
I watch with my husband and my sister.  It has become something of a Monday tradition; three otherwise normal people completely engrossed in some producers’ idea of fantasy dates, and hanging onto every clue giving goo-goo eyed look, and promise of “I’m here for the right reasons”.
Mark likes to call it from the very first episode and on more than one season he has been right.  Julie and I watch for the subtleties (if you can call them that) in each date.

Tonight is the finale, and tonight Brad will follow his heart back to Texas with one girl as happy as can be, and another girl heartbroken – or at least reality tv broken.

Texas Pecan Shortbread Cookies
*Did you know that the Pecan Tree is the state tree of Texas?
1 stick of butter 
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup pecans (ground up in a food processor after 45 seconds)
3/8 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinammon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips


First I poured the flour into a pan and sort of toasted it a la Dorie Greenspan’s Roasted Flour Shortbread cookies.  Whole wheat flour tends to have a nutty flavor and fuller texture than traditional flour but the 5-8 minutes of “toasting” on medium heat seemed to really highlight that flavor.
With the flour off the heat add the the salt, cinnamon and processed pecans.  Pecans add even more flavor, they’re a good source of antioxidants and are low in cholesterol.  Hey, when you’re making cookies you look for the goodness anywhere you can.

In a medium size bowl cream the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla.  When the butter is sweetly yellow and fully incorporated and smooth add the flour mixture. 

When the flour and butter are fully blended form the dough into a ball and wrap with plastic and refrigerate for about an hour.  Truly, I don’t think an hour is necessary – it was late on Sunday night so 40 minutes worked just fine.

With the dough out of the refrigerator is going to be firm and perfect for cookie cutters.  Here is a tip, layer the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and first use your hands to massage it flat and then use a roller to make it thin (about 1/4″) and uniform.  The heat of your hands will warm the dough a bit, the roller on the dough, when it is right from the fridge, will crack it up too much.

I chose hearts, you know, Bachelor finale and all.  Set the oven to 300 degrees and bake for about 18 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Allow to cool.  Then you can dip into chocolate, drizzle with chocolate or eat plain. 

I have my favorite in tonight’s finale, but I’ll tell you what these cookies taste a lot better than a rose and come with a lot less heart ache.  Enjoy the show and the cookies (they can both be a guilty pleasure!)

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Posted in Baking, Dessert, Her Kitchen, Holiday Food, Valentine's Day

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Bright, Left: Bright Shoes Make a Statement in Spring

Posted on March 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Carrie, Dorothy and Carly all have an affinity for bright colored shoes.  Carrie’s pair went down the aisle, Dorothy’s went down the yellow brick road and my pair went everywhere.

Yellow Slingbacks via J. Crew, Photo 1313blog.com

For spring I am seeing a variety of bold and bright colorblocked shoes, let’s look at the favorites presented in order of boldness!

There are not for the faint of heart, they are wild, and will definitely turn heads.  Luckily, they are also under $100, so if you’re ever in the mood for a wow statement making shoe, that will only be worn a few times, let me introduce you to Jessica Simpson.
Vadio by Jessica Simpson at Macy’s
I spotted these yesterday and I was in love.  They have a tropical feel to them, a la Miami Vice, and I really appreciate the sturdiness of the heel.  If you’re wearing shoes like these you need to be able to walk, dance and show them off without breaking an ankle.
Wide Heeled Satin Sandal at Zara
These shoes by Nine West caught my eye in an ad in Glamour while killing time in CVS – with all of that sensory overload they still stood out.  I again like the sturdy heel, thick straps and what looks like soft leather in sweet, fun colors.  Do these colors remind anyone else of a belini, mimosa or margarita?  No?  Just me?  Moving on…
Stylin at Nine West

I have been admiring this pair for a little while now.  These are so simple.  A short heel, a black patent leather t-strap.  Oh, but what is that?  Peeking out in the back?  Hot PINK!  These are perfect with the season’s maxi dresses and skirts and a fabulous pedicure.
Dacia by Dolce Vita at Bloomingdale’s

Spring is looking fabulously bright!  Have a wonderful, fashionable weekend!

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Posted in Accessories, Her Closet, Shoes

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Rainy Day Cravings: PB + J AAF

Posted on March 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

Welcome to Day 2 of rain in Washington, DC.  Here is the thing, when it is raining I feel like blech.  I don’t want to run, I don’t want to think about how my hair is growing (wider/frizzier) by the moment, and I don’t want to get wet (and in DC, cold).  All I want to do is read, watch, eat.  

Some might say this is the perfect weather for grilled cheese and soup.  Even that sounds too time consuming…  I want salty, crunchy, nutty peanut butter and sweet, fruity jelly.  

Here are some hometown favorites:
 
Please note, if you are ever making a PB + J sandwich, treat yourself right and do the trick my dad taught me: Toast some fresh Challah,  egg bread/brioche, and then slather both pieces with peanut butter and then both pieces with jelly.  The warm bread ups the flavor and out of this world comfort of this food and pairs amazingly with a cold glass of milk.

Bite courtesy of yours truly
How about this for breakfast?

 Pillsbury Waffle Sandwiches are nothing short of brilliant.  We do this a lot for breakfast or a mid afternoon/night time snack.

Lunchtime!
This clever design comes from  Serious Eats and NY’s Peanut Butter Co – a restaurant that serves up so many PB & J sandwiches that they created one for every day of the year.  Photos of the clever creations are now on display at the Nutropolitan Museum of Art!
High Class PB & J?
This clever idea come from Bon Appetit’s new blog the Kookery.  The clever concept was for choosy mom’s with ever choosier kids.  Frankly, I think this works for 26 year old kids too..

Decadent PB & J
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups might be the most brilliant thing ever.  The deliciousness of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?  Heavenly…

What do you crave for comfort foods?  How do you like your peanut butter and jelly time?

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Posted in Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Her Kitchen

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Denim Days in a Variety of Ways

Posted on March 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

Denim is perhaps the most ubiquitous part of the American wardrobe; Marilyn and Jackie both wore denim, and today the style that the president wears gets attention and critique.  Denim also played a major role on the Spring 2011 runways, with a heavy influence from the 1970’s.

Elie Tahari Spring 2011 via Harper’s Bazaar
While denim is truly seasonless I am excited by the crop of fun ways to wear it into Spring and Summer.  Here are my top picks.








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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

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Potato Crust Mushroom and Swiss Quiche

Posted on March 8, 2011 | Leave a comment

Sometimes it is a Monday night and you realize you have like 12 mushrooms in your refrigerator and two random russet potatoes – both of which were purchased at some point with another recipe in mind.  But now you don’t care about those recipes.

So what to do?  Potato Crust Mushroom and Swiss Quiche probably does the trick.  I am a quiche fan – it is easy, filling, and completely customizable.

Potato Crust Mushroom and Swiss Quiche Ingredients
5 eggs
2 egg whites
3/4 cup skim milk
2 large russet potatoes
1 onion
10 – 12 mushrooms
10 stalks skinny asparagus 
6 slices Swiss cheese, or shredded Swiss
1 tbsp of grated parmigiana cheese
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste

 I know there are quiche enthusiasts who will say a good quiche has to be with a proper pie crust, and usually that is true.  However, in the pursuit of healthy living and delicious eating, this is a fast and quite good alternative.

Slice the potatoes crosswise into 1/4″ coins. In a colander drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper -this is a tip, place the colander over the pan you’ll be baking in to catch the oil. Then neatly layer the potatoes in a to cover the base of the pie pan. I sprinkle a tablespoon of grated parmigiana cheese on to the potatoes and then set in the oven for 25 minutes at 375 degrees.


While the crust is baking chop the onion, mushrooms and asparagus.  In a large nonstick pan saute the onions and when they are softened add the mushrooms and then when the mushrooms are just a moment from being down add the asparagus.

Cooled vegetables with the Swiss cheese on top
While the vegetables and crust cools – this is very important – prepare the egg mixture.  I used 2 egg whites and 5 whole eggs and I think you could adjust that to your liking. Whisk egg, milk and salt and pepper and then add the cooled vegetables and cheese.


Bake in the 375 degree oven for 30 minutes – at this time the egg should have a slight bounce but be firm and an inserted knife should come out clean.  This is beautiful served with a fresh salad or on it’s own because it is filled with delicious and nutritious vegetables – and yes, in our house it is breakfast, lunch or dinner!


Enjoy! 

P.S. Mark and Carly secret: During a bridal shower game I had to guess what Mark’s favorite food was that I made.  Not lasagna, or crab cakes, or cookies, quiche. 

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Posted in Baking, Breakfast/Brunch, dinner, healthy, Her Kitchen, Holiday Food, Jewish Holidays, Passover, Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur, Seasonal, Spring

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Work Out Bright

Posted on March 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

This weekend was my first six mile run in preparation for the 10 miler in less than a month.  Normally I train in my neighborhood or in the gym, but on Saturday Mark joined me for a run around the National Mall.

We were joined by many other runners and it got me thinking about running/fitness attire.

I really do believe you have to feel good to look good and look good to feel good, and that extends to working out as well.  To paraphrase our favorite yogi, Eoin Finn, there is a difference between surfing in a 3mm wetsuit and surfing in board shorts, your movement is better with less constriction/bulk.

So in search of work out inspiration we go to the runways.  The Spring 2011 runways showed a variety of pieces in a bold variety of neon colors.  

Photo by Imaxtree, via Elle
The goal is to look fashionable and still very fitness ready, keeping in mind you’re running not strutting the runway.

Workout Bright From L – R: Michael Kors Sport Chronograph at EBAGs; Nike Dri-Fit French Terry at Zappos; Sporty Shorts at Adidas; Run Performance Short by Stella McCartney at Adidas; Classic Nylon Slim at Reebok; Stella Cotton Towel at Net-A-Porter
On trend – bright for spring and perfectly functional.  See you at the finish line!

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

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Dress for Success (for Less)

Posted on March 4, 2011 | Leave a comment

You probably know by now that I looove spring/summer.  I love warm weather, flip flops, big hair and sunglasses (yes Summer means big hair for me).  But, then I stumble a little bit.  You see, I am not really, truly a dress girl…

I love looking at dresses; gowns, cocktail dresses and sweet sundresses, but, I don’t really own too many.  I am a jeans girl.  In DC, and frankly in most places during the heat of summer, skinny jeans can be well stifling.  

So, here were the rules: fun dresses that could be worn to brunch, a game, dinner, or just out and about, nothing black and nothing over $100.  

Fashion tip: when exploring a fashion category or color you’re less than confident about, start slow and inexpensive.

See Row 1 for work; row 2 for social hour; row 3 for running around.
Okay Spring, I’m ready – where are you?

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Posted in Budget, Her Closet, Shopping

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Red Carpet Inspiration: Jewels

Posted on March 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Again, I loved Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress, hair and jewels. 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein via InStyle

I thought she radiated.  In fact when watching the pre-show with my sister I kept noting the man/intern/earring showcaser who relentlessly adjusted Paltrow’s hair to show off these:
Louis Vuitton Earring via People.com

Those earrings are to die for, and I am fairly certain the originals fall under the category of “would kill your bank account”.  But all hope is not lost. The idea behind the earring is a cluster of multicolor stones in an organic shape (not specifically round or square).

Here are my top picks for the look for much, much less:
From L – R: Rachel Leigh Nico Shooting Star Cluster Earrings at Charm & Chain; Gas Bijoux Faux Turquoise and Quartz Gold Plated Cluster Earringsat Ylang23; Wing Studs at Top Shop; Sorrelli “Wild Meadow” Earrings at Endless; Oscar de la Renta Multi Stone Drop Earrings at Net-A-Porter

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Posted in Accessories, Budget, Her Closet, Jewelry, Red Carpet

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