Holiday Glitter & Gold

Holidays, friends, and shiny things go hand in hand. 

I held a somewhat impromptu holiday party (2 week notice..eek). Immediately after sending out the invite I realized there was absolutely nothing festive about my home. I had a few days to get it in gear...and I didn't want to spend much money.  As a kid I used to make ornaments, wreaths, etc. so why not now? I surfed Pinterest and found a few good ideas that I tweaked, once combined with string lights the mood was set. Full on holiday festivities!

Gold folded paper trees, lights, and ol' school fold & cut gold painted snowflakes that were hung from metallic foil ribbon for a shimmery winter wonderland feel.

I had a lonely cakestand that I filled with ornaments and placed on the serving table.

I am not sure.

I am not good at grudges, I either want to fix it or move on from the offender.
I am not good at pretending to be mad when I really don’t care.
I am quite sensitive.
I am sarcastic, it maybe a mechanism. I am not sure.
My jokes are corny and I’m always laughing hysterically before I finish them.
My dreams change, they’ve never had just one component, but instead mixed parts and alternate options.
I’m learning to trust myself more, trust my knees to keep me standing.

Gnocchi for me

I'm a "picky" eater...I don't eat anything with a face, I'm sort of a vegetarian, but not strict. The truth is I just love veggies. On  a kick I tried to give up dairy and learned that good cheese is my weakness, I can get a little uppity over my cheeses.

This lovely dinner is the result of researching recipes, cutting out everything I didn't want, and  making it exactly the way I prefer. 

There are no rules in cooking-as long as it turns out delicious.

I was initially going to make my own gnocchi from scratch, then decided to use the fresh prepared from the market. I quick-steamed & blanched the brussels and prepared the gnocchi per the package. Next I blended everything together with gruyere, fontina, and a little parmesan.  Perfect.

 

If you try this use whatever cheese you prefer. Also, I'll roast the brussel sprouts next time for a bit more texture against the the soft gnocchi, perhaps even sprinkle a lil faux bacon. I served it with a spinach salad and sauteed kale...told you, I like my veggies!!!

psst...what's under that dress?

I got this dress at the beginning of autumn, it reminded of piece of art work as the print looks like it was initially a watercolor painting. 

As soon as I got it home I tried it on (that's the fun part) but couldn't quite figure out how I was going to make it work. I have never worn pants under a dress because it just seemed oddly redundant, but with the right dress it works, quite comfortably. Perfect for dinner with the girls. 

Have you tried this style? 

watercolor print-H&M/boots-G.Marciano

Turban Beach

I recently escaped Hurricane Sandy by hiding out in beautiful Barbados. I was literally stranded there for a few extra days since all of the New York area airports were closed.  

When paradise makes it impossible for you to leave, why fight it?

I have been wanting to try a turban all summer but never got around to it, so this sunny escape allowed me to try it out. I must say I really liked the look, and will definitely rock it again.

turbanscarf-UO/coverup-Romeo&Juliet/bracelets-kels & whistles

Neon Gone??

Say It Ain't So!
I was slow to get on board with neon colors, but then I saw how much they make an outfit pop, call me convinced! I always thought of neon as something for the kids like Bubble Yum & glitter,  but well tailored pieces or classy neon adornments are quite grown up. Let's keep it real, clothes should not just last one season, nor should they arrive with triumph and fade out quickly. It is my goal to drag my few pieces of neon well into Autumn!










































This Friday I went to a friend's screening at a film festival (and the film won!!!), so I was going for after-work casual, but sexy-cool. I had to work that morning, so I made a few adjustments such as switching from corporate-comfortable flats before heading to the event. 



blazer&bag-Zara/pants-Gap/heels-PelleModa/blouse-SilkWear

DIY...Open Back T-Shirt

Here's another t-shirt DIY...

This project was quite simple. 

1. cut a two inch verticle strip out of the back  of the shirt

2. gently poke holes along either side

3. string t-shirt yarn through the holes

Easy!