Springtime

  

J. Crew's Collection, a line of limited-edition, high-end luxury clothing, is debuting next Monday and as you can see it is gorge-ous! I know that Fall is usually my favorite of all shopping seasons but I can't help but smile when the spring collections launch. Bright colors and warm weather are just around the corner. And, wowza there are a few piece that I have my eye on this spring, that green sequin skirt, (where I would wear, I have NO idea but I have to have) that all yellow outfit, and that blue striped skirt paired with a chambray shirt, I die. But one item that is at the top of my color-coordinated list is that green purse. I don't how I've lived my whole life without it? A little dramatic, yeah, so what.

J.Crew's Collection may not be on my frugalista list but also launching next week on Sunday, February 5th (Superbowl Sunday for you fellas) is Jason Wu's collection for Tar-jay. With the whole Missoni fiasco (me mistakenly showing up at noon on launch day thinking there would still be something left...sob) I am getting it right this time and setting le alarm clock for early. Move outta my way ladies, I'm out for blood woman's fashions.

xo,

L

LSL {Foodie Friday} - Bake 'em Eggs

Happy Friday! I have been in one of those comfort food moods lately and have been especially craving the breakfast kind. I am of the type that believes cereal should be a food group and will eat it at any point during the day or night. However, it's nice to change up the simple cereal routine and have a nice hot breaky now and again. This recipe seems to me to be a perfect combination of easy and delicious. Extra emphasis on the easy.

Baked Eggs

{via Use Real Butter}

Ingredients

1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened


1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated


1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, minced


1/2 tsp fresh thyme, minced


1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced


8 eggs

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled


1/4 cup kale, sautéed and chopped


salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Heat oven to 375°F. Butter four ramekins. Combine the cheese and herbs in a small bowl. Crack two eggs into a bowl or cup, taking care not to break the yolks. Pour the two eggs into a ramekin and repeat until all four ramekins have eggs. Sprinkle bacon, kale, and the cheese-herb blend over the eggs. Finish with a dash of salt and freshly ground pepper. Bake the eggs for 10-15 minutes until the eggs have achieved desired doneness: less time for runny yolks, more time for firm yolks. Keep in mind that shallow ramekins will cook faster than deeper ramekins. Serve immediately.

 

How very simple. Keep in mind the above recipe is gluten free and could easily be personalized with different ingredients. I think mine would include spinach, mushrooms, bacon, and some light cheese. What combination would you conjure up? 


Whew, this post is making me hungry! I can't wait to wake up and make this for myself tomorrow morning. Yum!


Bon appetit and happy weekend lovelies!


xo,
L


*Credit - recipe and photo via Use Real Butter

Laughternoon break

So these 'Sh*t Girls Say' videos are all over the web and they are hilarious. I think I'm actually kind of addicted to watching them and love that people keep coming up with new ones. Some of the highlights are 'Sh*t SF Girls Say,' 'Sh*t LA girls say,' 'Sh*t New Yorkers Say,' but hands down my favorite out of the bunch is, 'Sh*t Fashion Girls Say' Part I and II. (I won't tell you how many times I've watched them, but you can probably count it on two hands) This "lady" seriously makes this video. Check it out for yourself, it's definitely a nice laughternoon break

Part I

Part II

Dont' you think it's like so chic? Like mega chic. 

And if you feel like going back for one more, check out the blooper reel. Again, it's hilarious. Thank you to the person or persons that started this trend, it has been a big fantastic time suck for me.

xo, 

L

*Credit - youtube.com

Seeing Double

I love how fashion and interiors seem to go hand and hand, one can easily inspire the other and vise versa. While going thru my, much overdue for a serious cleaning, closet to figure out what to wear for work today, I found a top that I hadn't seen in a while. Hiding in the very back was my black and white silk patterned blouse that I have always thought was sometimes just too beautiful to wear. I then got to thinking how it would look so pretty as an inspiration piece in a future home.

So, I dashed took to my favorite site, Pinterest, and decided to play a game of doubles. It was fun seeing this early morning thought come to life and finding pieces that compliment each other come from the street and take life in the home.

Have you ever found something in your closet that you would love to use as inspiration for a color palette for your new bedroom design? Or thought to yourself how your favorite cashmere sweater would make a fabulous throw? Just me? Well then, does anyone other than me need to seriously tackle their closet?  (NY's resolution I'm going to eventually work on.) 

Well, hope you enjoy this game of doubles.

xo,

L

*Credit - 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12

LSL {Foodie Friday} - Individual Seven-Layer Dips

The big game is this Sunday and even though I am not a huge football fan I will be cheering, loudly, for my home team Niners to a (very hopeful) victory this Sunday. Along with the cheering and how excited everyone seems to get (like they are actually playing in the game as opposed to just watching and supporting from afar) I think my favorite part of football Sundays is the food. You know, next to the commercials come Superbowl Sunday.  


This foodie Friday is a great twist on a dip classic. I love seven layer dip as much as the next girl and seem to have a little bit of an issue of knowing when to stop shoving it in my face. So, when I saw this recipe on Pinterest and was completely intrigued. Individual Seven-Layer Dips? Yes, please. 

Individual Seven-Layer Dips

{via The Girl Who Ate Everything}

Makes about 8 individual dips

*Note: All measurements are approximate. Depending on whether you want thicker or thinner layers you will need more or less.

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans

1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning

1 cup guacamole or make homemade guacamole

1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

1 cup chunky salsa or pico de gallo; or make homemade pico de gallo

1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

1/2 bunch of green onions, sliced

1 (2.25 ounce) can of sliced olives, drained

9 ounce plastic tumblers

tortilla chips

Directions:

In a small bowl mix taco seasoning with refried beans.

Here's how the layers are assembled:

Layer 1: beans and taco seasoning

Layer 2: sour cream

Layer 3: guacamole

Layer 4: salsa or pico de gallo

Layer 5: cheese

Layer 6: tomatoes

Layer 7: green onions and olives

In each plastic glass, layer about 2 Tablespoons of the beans, followed by 2 Tablespoons of sour cream, 2 Tablespoons of guacamole, 2 Tablespoons of salsa or pico de gallo, and 2 Tablespoons of cheese. Make sure you drain your salsa or pico to get the excess liquid out before you pour it on. Then top with about 1-2 teaspoons of tomatoes, olives, and green onion (If making ahead of time, wait to add these toppings until shortly before serving).

Garnish with one tortilla chip. Store in the refrigerator until serving and serve with chips. 


What is your favorite part of football Sundays? Any favorite recipe you would like to share with me? Also want to see what I'm dreaming up on fashion, food and fun?


Bon Appetit and Happy Weekend!


xo,
L


*Credit - Photo and recipe via The Girl Who Ate Everything

LSL {The Lovely List} - Rather Be...

The cold weather has caught up with us here in Nor Cal and I again am caught daydreaming of being anywhere else other than work today. I really think being a lady of leisure would suit me so well. Sigh. 

I would rather be wearing this

while snuggling here

with this cozy blanket and these lovely candles

while reading this

In a perfect world, what would you rather be doing? Or wearing? Or reading today? 

xo,

L


*Credits - Wrap via ModCloth; Flannel + socks via Natty By Design; Dog on Couch via Coco + Kelley; Pendleton Hudson Bay blanket via Wit + Delight; Jo Malone candles; The Perfectly Imperfect Home via Amazon

LSL {Foodie Friday} - Vanilla Pear Muffins

So happy it's finally Friday. This week has not only dragged but my work days have been on overload, I am so looking forward to relaxing with my TV friends this weekend. This Foodie Friday I was craving something sweet, but not in the chocolate cake kind of way, but in the muffin or tart kind of way. I was looking for something that had pears in it, to which I have been eating a lot of lately, but once ripe don't last for too long. Why not put them to good use in The Pastry Affair's Vanilla Pear Muffins.

Vanilla Pear Muffins


{Adapted from The Pastry Affair}

Yields 12 muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 


1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 


1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 


Pinch of salt 


2 large eggs 


1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract 


1 tablespoon lemon (or orange) zest 


1 cup packed light brown sugar 


4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 


1/4 cup vegetable oil 


1 cup unsweetened applesauce 


2 large ripe pears, thinly sliced 


Granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, mix together the eggs, vanilla, zest, brown sugar, butter, oil, and applesauce until well combined. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined; do not overmix. Distribute the muffin batter evenly between 12-13 baking cups. Stick 3 thin slices of pear directly into top of the muffin batter. Sprinkle granulated sugar onto the muffins, if desired.

4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the muffin tops are lightly browned and bounce back to the touch. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Bon Appetit and Happy Weekend!


xo, 
L


*Credit - Recipe and Photos via The Pastry Affair

Bursts of Bright

This Northern California winter has been ridiculous in the best possible way. This past weekend was in the 70's! Seriously ridiculous for a January. And I really am not trying to brag to my East Coast and European friends, but it gives a whole new meaning to California dreamin'. Sadly there has been no rain here in months and absolutely no snow in the Sierra's. But, I am a sunny kinda gal, so I am loving the chance to bust out my spring(ish) clothes, if only for a couple of weeks.

With all this bright beautiful weather, it makes me want to add some bright beautiful color to my waredrobe. For inspiration here are some bright color options to add to your winter duds, whether that be for your 70 degree winter weather or your -20 degree winter weather. 

Great bright pink and turq combo
via Atlantic-Pacific

Love the pops of red to a winter coat
via Brooklyn Blonde

via Stockholm Street Style

I like all her dark layers, but she still makes room for color
via Brooklyn Blonde

via Lookbook.Nu

Such lovely coat color options
via Net-A-Porter

I die. This may be my new all time fav look...
which, of course, I can definitely picture me rocking
via Court and Hudson
This girl has style!

Even the fellas can get into it

Such a statement that aqua can be
via Pinterest

via Schmegga Tumblr

Wishing you sunny days and pretty pops of color, wherever you may be.

xo, 

L

LSL {Foodie Friday} - Orecchiette with Rapini & Goat Cheese

In trying to keep to my eating right NY resolutions for at least the week, I thought this Foodie Friday would be good to show off how to make a light and healthy(ish) pasta dish. I am a BIG fan of goat cheese and Rapini, so this recipe had me at hello. 

Orecchiette with Rapini and Goat Cheese

{Recipe by: Saveur}

Serves 2 – 4

INGREDIENTS

Kosher salt, to taste

1 bunch rapini (about 1 lb.), roughly chopped

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

6 cloves garlic, crushed

3/4 tsp. crushed red chile flakes

12 oz. orecchiette 

2 tbsp. lemon zest

4 oz. goat cheese, softened

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring an 8-qt. pot of salted water to a boil. Add rapini and boil until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer rapini to a large bowl of ice water; chill. Drain rapini, pat dry, and set aside.

2. Heat oil in a 12" skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add chile flakes and cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds. Add rapini, toss, and remove pan from heat; set aside.

3. Meanwhile, bring a 6-qt. pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta and transfer pasta and lemon zest to reserved skillet over high heat. Toss to combine and season with salt. Divide pasta between bowls and add a dollop.




In my opinion, I think this would be great paired with a light pinot noir in these colder months and a light white wine (my fav pinot grigio might be nice) for those summer months. How are your resolutions coming along so far? Is anyone else out there a sucker for goat cheese like I am? It's. just. so. good.


Bon appetit and happy weekend!


xo,
L


*Photo credit - André Baranowski via Saveur

Resolving to...

While attempting to be productive reading my email (thank you Matchbook Magazine for the NEW January issue, it's lovely!), I realized that this wonderful magazine has summed up my resolutions quite beautifully. I especially like numbers 1, 5, 6, 11 and, most of all, 12. 

Now just need to hit print and live up to these babies. What are your 2012 resolutions? And, not to forget, I do still have on my list from last year to: drink more water, exercise more, less sugar more veggies, and don't over-think so much. Guess I still need to work on those, it's hard being so practically perfect. (cue sarcastic laughter from all my friends)


xo,
L


PS. If that was too subtle of a hint, you should really check out Matchbook Magazine's new issue, it's live as of TODAY.

Cheers to 2012!

If you remember this post, you know I don't normally do NY resolutions. I like to do my reevaluating in August, my birthday month. But this year I am actually looking forward to making plans, thinking about what I want to revamp, and really focusing on sticking to them. My theme for this year is change. I found the above quote and thought it was perfectly fitting for my 2012 year. 

Wishing you all a wonderful, fulfilling and lovely new year. 

Cheers to 2012!

xo,

L

*Credit - glasses