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!

DIY...Weave Back T-Shirt

I'm so glad I finally got around to this project, it's been on my to do list for a while now. I recently received a huge bag of t-shirts from a friend who knew I'd get crafty with 'em. Let the fun begin! For this project I used a simple t-shirt (men's xl), I cut and weaved strips on the back and sew the sides closed. I then cut off the neck line, rolled and sew the sleeves. So simple, yet so cool! If you want to try it, this blog provides step by step instructions.

specs-RayBan/jeans-Gap

DIY...Sewing, High Waist Pants

I recently got a new, mini sewing machine. I figured I'd use it and if the sewing thing became something I'd stick with, then I plan to upgrade to an adult model. My first attempt was pajama pants, the came out huge and far from perfect, but that project let me know I wanted to improve and keep at this new found hobby. Next I made these pants out of Chinese screen printed cotton. While they came out better than I expected with no pattern  and just a few youtube vidoes; I wouldn't wear them out of the house, but I will show them to you. Check em out...before I change my mind and remove this post.

Good Apps!

"Apps" as in...Appetizers!!!

I recently had a few friends over and tried out this recipe I found on Eat, Live, Run via Pinterest. It came out perfectly and so yummy! 
I suggest you try it and it's so simple...roasted tomato, toasted whole grain bread, hummus, and avocado. I think a fresh basil leaf would be a great addition or even a smear of pesto and/or a little feta.

Another Thursday

It might be cool to be a full-time blogger, but I am not. Most days I head to work like everyone else, in a very traditional sense, luckily I like my job. I work in the Fashion District part of the city surrounded by  fashion wise creativity, some of the worlds most renowned designers have their offices within a few blocks radius of mine. Luckily my job is not a black suit, sensible heels, and knee length skirts type of place...is there any place that still is, hope not? I threw on my white pants, white has been in heavy rotation because, yes, I'm one of those people that doesn't wear it much after Labor Day.
I was feeling a little under the (beautiful) weather this week, but a girls gotta work! I'm humming Dolly's "9 to 5...."

necklace-Etsy, Kels and Whistles/clutch-Zara/peplum-H&M/pumps-Prada/bangles-StreetValue

Birthday girl

Another page has turned...assuming pages represent years in ones life. I had the most amazing birthday surrounded by some of my closest friends that traveled from up and down the east coast to celebrate with me. I haven't had a birthday party since elementary school, I typically just do dinner, drinks, and partying with my local close friends. On my 30th birthday I went to Bahamas with the girls, outside of that I am pretty low key on my day. I have a fear of planning a party and no one showing up-but this year I learned that is not the case and I am much loved. I am so blessed.  Next year I'll be 35 (no shame) and I plan to do a big trip, not quite sure where yet...but I'm already thinking about it. 

Here is a picture from my birthday night at Maritime in NYC, the picture is kind of hazy...but so was the night ;-)

pants-Dolce&Gabbana (white trousers with a jean print-so cool!)/fools gold necklace-etsy, Kels&Whistles/sequin bag-Christiana

DIY....Colored Chalkboard Painting

I finally got around to a project that I have been wanting to tackle for weeks...

my chalkboard painted wall!!!

I painted a small wall in my kitchen where I previously placed a useful, but eyesore wall decal chalk board. I used the same color paint that is in my living room/common room, so that the space would be cohesive. I found the recipe on Martha Stewart.com and tweaked it just a lil bit.

Only Two Ingredients
-Any Color Paint (3/4 cup)
-Unsanded Grout (2 tbsp)

Mix, Paint, Dry, Sand (if lumpy), Wipe, Paint 2nd coat, Dry, Chalk it up!

This would be awesome in a kids room,  bathroom, office, or foyer.  It's also cute for parties as you can place the menu on the board, silly party rules, or even a special message.

Let the Fairs Begin

One fun thing about New York is you can be walking down a random block and POW, your in the middle of a street fair! Grilled foods, yummy margaritas, live music, and people just out enjoying one another. Well this weekend was my neighborhoods turn and they did not disappoint...my fingers still smell like Mexican grilled corn as I type. 

skirt-H&M maxi/clutch-Banana Republic/bangles-StreetValue

three words to live by

Casual day for running errands. This outfit looks like Autumn, but thats because it feels like Autumn outside, and it's beautiful. The weather is a huge factor in determining what I am going to wear. Sunshine, birds chirping, flowers blooming.... I was feeling extra positive this week and decided to wear my "Three Words to Live By" inspirational t-shirt.

 


 jacket-Anoname/cargos-H&M/sneaks-SM Believer

DIY.....I am Dyeing...with a Vengeance

When I was younger I remember tie-dyeing a t-shirt, unfortunately I can not recall whether it was an epic fail or a piece of art. In the notion of creativity and keeping it OOAK* I tried it again.  This time I used a silk t-shirt that I had made awhile back for another project. (I still have a bag of silk fabric waiting to be turned into something fabulous and have no doubt that will occur soon). Here is my first adult try at dip dyeing a shirt & necklace. The silk held the color a bit better, I think I will re-dye the necklace so that the color is more dense. Im definitely going to be dyeing more, and perhaps I will further home my skills and post a tutorial.

*OOAK="one of a kind", an acronym I have picked up from the crafty.

DIY.... Dip Toe Flats

I am dangerous with paint (not to mention messy).

Extra Paint + Goodwill Bound Skimmers=Dip Toe Flats!
 I like them, what do you think?

I simply cleaned off the shoe, and dipped them in paint and hung them to dry. This was my first dip paint experiment, I like how they turned out. I'd definitely use a more durable paint next time, I simply applied a sealer this time to ward off scrapes & scratches.

Back to work

Another beautiful Monday, back to work and I definitely wanted to keep the bright colors going...

blouse-Lovely Squared/cardigan Forever21/slacks-Zara/peep toes-BCBGMaxAzria/bracelet-H&M

Its getting warm(er)

I must say it is lovely to have brunch outdoors with a good friend. Brunch date!

bell bottom jeans-Gap/blazer-WalterBaker/clutch-Zara/booties-Rachel Roy/spike ring-ASOS