Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Monday, December 6, 2010

Time lapse video of a little girl (over 10 years)!

Time-lapse video: From birth to 10 years old

Natalie's father took a picture of her nearly every day for 10 years. Just thought this was so cute!



Art Basel Miami

Very, very busy weekend at Art Basel in Miami. Will be posting pictures tomorrow!

Artist in action... #AlecMonopoly #TeamMonopz #ABMB #ArtBasel on Twitpic

Friday, December 3, 2010

Christmas season has now arrived

After finally hearing Nat King Cole's The Christmas Song I now can feel the Christmas spirit.  His voice...I can't even put into words.  More than just moving, more than touching just indescribable. I can't even listen to the remakes and remixes that came out every year.  Along with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, they are the best.  I sometimes feel like I have an old soul.  Perhaps I was born to late in time.  But I digress, I dare anyone to listen to The Christmas Song and not smile.  Have a wonderful holiday.


UMKC picture

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Black Friday Window Shopping





Black Friday was another window shopping day for me.  My friends and I did paruse the mall at a more decient hour (was not one of the 4am shoppers).  We bought a few items from Macy's, etc. But what caught my eye was this pair of Chanel Ballet flats at Nordstroms.  Very comfortable and very unafforadable but very nice to try on.

Faux Fur Coats Wishlist


Lola Faux Fur coat - Spanish Moss

































Jane Faux-Fur Jacket
Jane Faux-Fur Jacket - NastyGal








 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 

I have loved these gorgeous faux fur coats from afar. Actually there are many many more that I have researched but ran out of room to put in this blog.  Maybe this should have been called "Faux Fur Coats Wishlist I."  With the many designs, lengths and textures it is hard to narrow it down to one.  My husband might just find me snuggling the coat instead of actually wearing it outside.  Part of me believes that these coats (or at least the one I pick) will stand the test of time and will be able to be passed on to my future children.  If I do end up splurging I will call it an investment. Yes, an investment!

Real Cool Cat Jacket - ModCloth



















Wink Leidy Faux Fur Coat
Wink Leidy Faux Fur Coat - Shopbop.com


Monday, November 29, 2010

Jeffrey Campbell Rock Pink Shoes


Love everything in the boot esp the rockin pink Lita boots!

The W list

Salvatore Ferragamo's creative director, Massimiliano Giornetti, launched the company's first viral social media campaign, entitled "The W list" after the brand's iconic W bag. We are asked to share inspiring stores of memorable destinations.  Quoting Giornetti: “With the technology of today, the W List was created to share stories that inspire ourselves and inspire others digitally as we travel the globe at a second’s thought.”


The contestant who ends up on top will receive a one-of-a-kind W bag, inspired by her story and locale. I would love to win and share my story with others.


My entry:


"When I travel the calm sapphire waters of the Nile, breathing air fresher than any beach I know, I spy the vast golden desert sand embracing the horizon. In Alexandria I see the stars shine brilliantly against the deep blackness of the sky. The thriving streets of Cairo remind me of NYC – a place that never sleeps. The sun kisses my skin as I visit the Valley of the Kings, and I am overtaken by the majestic pyramids that overwhelm the eternal white sands of the desert and whisper the passion of a world from long ago."


TO VOTE:


1. Just go to: http://wlist.ferragamo.com/


2. Scroll down to “Iris Saleh Inspired by: Cairo” (the more votes I get, the higher I’ll be on the list) and click “Vote”.

3. Please vote for me and pass this on to all your friends to vote for me! Its more than just a bag - I love writing about my country.

Thanks!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Celebrate Ylang 23's 25th Anniversary

Must Have Outfit

Pearl Milk Tea Dress



Refined Living Coat

Timepiece

Image 2 of ASOS Soft Cotton Mix Tights



Image 1 of Blakegodbold Crystal & Embroidered Ruffle Neckpiece


Coach Product

Holiday Sale Romantic Ivory Flower Ring


1. ModCloth Pearl Milk Tea Dress $119.99
2. ModCloth Refined Living Coat $94.99
3. Nine West Timepiece $89.00
4. ASOS Soft Cotton Mix Tights $13.79
5. ASOS Blakegodbold Crystal & Embroidered Ruffle Neckpiece $65.51
6. Coach MADISON LUREX ZEBRA SLIM ENVELOPE $218
7. Etsy Holiday Sale Romantic Ivory Flower Ring $8.00


Love it all!

Thanksgiving Celebration

Thanksgiving is a time of family and thanking. This is my idea of a great Thanksgiving!


Monday, November 22, 2010

Loving Sky High Heels

This weekend I broke out my new Jessica Simpson's Dany shoes.  These shoes definitely gave me height (which I need) yet were very comfortable. They are the highest heels I have ever owned.  I have to thank Carol Han from Milk and Mode for opening my eyes to Dany shoes.  So loving them!


Disney Minnie + Forever 21

Disney World brings up such fond memories for me. Spinning endlessly on the Teacup ride or wandering through the Magic Castle made my imagination swirl. The best part were the pictures with Mickey and Minnie. Holding Minnie's outstretched gloved hand just made me happy. So I was happy to hear about the Forever 21 and Minnie Mouse collaboration. Forever 21 is an amazing store. From cute cropped coats to summer dresses, anyone can look cute on a budget. So we can dress up as a kid again - actually a stylish kid.




Minnie Muse Bow Sweater





Scattered Minnie Sweater



Demure Minnie Muse Rhinestone Top

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Sequin Skirts!



Showing my wild side by searching for a great sparkly skirt!  Totally loving the varied trends happening this year.  Everything from the military jacket to the western style boots to sparkly skirts and shorts.  Everyone out there can express themselves any which way possible.  No matter your skin tone, size or financial status.  Here are a few sequined skirts that have caught my eye:

Fandangle Copper Sequined Mini Skirt  - Click Image to Close
Lulus - Fandangle Copper Sequined Mini Skirt
$39


J.Crew Joey sequin-embellished skirt - J Crew
J.Crew Joey sequin-embellished skirt
$275 (Polyvore.com)


It's In the Stars Skirt
Modcloth - It's In the Stars Skirt
$59.99





Love Aldo

Aldo is an AMAZING site for shoe hunting!  I snatched up these gorgeous Wizard of Ozish shoes at my local Aldo. The SKOCZEN shoes are much more sparkly in real life - picture does not do the brown sparkles justice. They have become my go to shoes with every outfit.  Maybe next time I will take a picture of them ON my feet!


Aldo
SKOCZEN


Slim Thin Mint Cookies


My two favorite foods: mint and chocolate! So I found a great Thin Mint Cookie recipe on Chow.com (an amazing Foodie site) written by Amy Wisniewski . A very long process but the cookies turned out well. Note: I was not able to find "Couverture" chocolate so I substituted baking chocolate, which may have changed the taste just a bit. Still chocolate and mint - can't go wrong with that!




Ingredients


For the cookies:

1 large egg yolk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint oil

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon fine salt

2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces



For the coating:

Ice

2 pounds semisweet chocolate couverture, separated into 1 (24-ounce) portion and 1 (8-ounce) portion



INSTRUCTIONS

For the cookies:

Place egg yolk, peppermint oil, and vanilla extract in a small bowl and whisk to break up the yolk.

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment and pulse a few times to aerate and break up any lumps. Add butter and pulse until the mixture looks like sand, about 25 1-second pulses. Add yolk mixture and pulse just until the dough forms into a ball, about 15 1-second pulses.





Turn dough out onto a clean work surface and roll into 2 logs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until just firm but still pliable, about 1 hour. (The logs will flatten slightly while chilling. If you have a paper towel tube available, cut it in half lengthwise and nestle the cookie dough in there; this will help the dough keep its cylindrical shape while it chills.) Reshape the logs so they are perfectly round and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour more.

Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Remove a dough log from the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap, and slice the dough into 1/8-inch coins. Place the cookies 1/2 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. (About 30 cookies will fit on 1 sheet.) Rewrap the extra cookie dough in plastic and refrigerate until ready to bake the second batch. Bake the cookies until the edges are firm but the tops are still soft, about 9 to 11 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough. (You can use the same piece of parchment paper.)



For the coating:

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with 2 inches of cold water and adding 3 to 4 ice cubes; set aside.

Bring a medium saucepan filled with 1 to 2 inches of water to a simmer over high heat; once simmering, turn off the heat. Place 24 ounces of the chocolate couverture in a dry, heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and has reached 118°F. (Make sure the chocolate does not come in contact with water or exceed 120°F. If either happens, start over, as the chocolate will no longer be usable.)




Remove the bowl from the saucepan. Add the remaining 8 ounces chocolate and stir until all the chocolate has melted and the temperature has cooled to 80°F. To speed up the cooling process—but only after all of the chocolate has melted—place the bowl over the reserved ice water bath.

Once cooled, return the bowl of chocolate to the saucepan and stir until the chocolate reaches 88°F; immediately remove from heat. Do not remove the thermometer from the bowl; check the temperature periodically to make sure it stays between 87°F and 89°F. (The chocolate must remain in this temperature range while dipping the cookies or it will not set properly.) Keep the saucepan of water over low heat and, when needed, set the bowl of chocolate over it to reheat.

To test if the chocolate is properly tempered, spread a thin layer on parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator for 3 minutes to set. If the chocolate hardens smooth and without streaks, it is properly tempered. (If it is not properly tempered, let the melted chocolate harden and start the tempering process over again: Bring the chocolate up to 118°F, then down to 80°F, then up again to 88°F.)

Using a dinner fork, dip the cooled cookies one at a time into the chocolate until covered. Lift each cookie out of the chocolate and tap the fork several times on the edge of the bowl. Scrape the bottom of the fork against the edge of the bowl to remove any excess chocolate.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets by tilting the fork so that the edge of each cookie touches the parchment-lined pan, then pull the fork out. Repeat until all the cookies have been dipped. Let sit at room temperature until completely set, about 20 minutes.

Recipe written by Amy Wisniewski.

Rachel Roy Pakistan Tote

Unfortunately, they are so many horrible things happening in the world.  That is why I love that Rachel Roy developed a tote specifically to help raise funds for 10 million children affected by the recent floods in Pakistan.  The "Pakistan Tote" is a cute canvas tote (45% Linen and 55% Cotton) with "Kindness Is Always Fashionable" and celebrity signatures on the reverse side.  The totes are currently unavailable but can be preordered for early January.  Rachel Roy will be donating $20 to UNICEF's disaster relief for each tote sold.  I just put in my order!


Pakistan Tote

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Cute Kitty candles

Etsy is an amazing site! Kittybblove (Kitty Baby Love) is a new discovery.  Sara makes this adorable Kitty shaped Beeswax candles! I think it’s wonderful that she is helping her family and her local community while making beautiful home pieces.  Such a beautiful, unique gift for a homeowner or any cat lover. Kitty Egg Beeswax Candles set of 3 for $24.



Kitty Egg Beeswax Candles - Set of 3
Kitty Egg Beeswax Candles - Set of 3


Monday, November 15, 2010

Just B, Kipling and Polyvore Giveaway

Really expensive sweatpants

Found an interesting article on Dailycandy about "stylish sweatpants."  I am all about trying to sneak comfort into dressing up but a few designs went to far.  Here is an example:

3.1 Phillip Lim Wool Flannel Lounge Pant
3.1 Phillip Lim
Wool Flannel Lounge Pant
$395

These pants are the most beautiful and comfortable sweatpants.  I love love love everything to do with Phillip Lim.  His style is amazing and classic.  One day I might be able to afford something at a 3.1 Phillip Lim sample sale - eyeing everything in his Fall 2010 collection. 

Just a thought.

Chronicle Books Happy Haulidays Book List




Instead of posting my much loved outfits today I will be writing my favorite books! I am a voracious reader so I was excited to hear about Chronicle Books Happy Haulidays Giveaway!


Post a list of Chronicle Books valued at up to $500 that you’d like to haul in, and you’ll be automatically entered into a drawing to WIN your list of books! And, one of your readers who comments on the post will win the list too!

It was so hard to keep the list under $500. Here is my list:



The world's preeminent environmental organization began with a layer of soot on the windowsill of a Greenwich Village apartment. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) founder John H. Adams, a pioneer of environmental action, was working as a lawyer for the U.S. Attorney's office when he and fellow lawyers teamed up to form a grassroots environmental advocacy group. Since 1970, NRDC has grown into an international powerhouse with 1.2 million members and a staff of scientists and lawyers whose mission is to safeguard the planet. This inspiring memoir tells the story of the NRDC and the environmental movement it sparked.






Anna Sui’s trendsetting rock-and-roll looks have made her one of this decade's top five fashion icons (Time). Here, in the first book to cover the entire scope of Sui's twenty-year career, fans get rare access to the designer's creative process. This richly visual retrospective celebrates her influence, from her first show that snared the support of supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Kate Moss to the role she's played in making the babydoll dress one of fashion's most iconic silhouettes. With more than 400 photographs from legendary photographers, this exquisite tome—with a shimmering foil-stamped cover—is essential for all fashionistas.

 

This book explains the particular qualities of different fabrics and how to get the most out of them. Providing a mix of practical information and the industry vocabulary, Fabric for Fashion will help students gain a clear understanding of how to work with fabrics as an integral component of the fashion design process. With stunning color photographs that show how fashion designers, both past and present, have worked with fabrics, the book’s prime objective is to stimulate creative exploration of the relationship of fabrics to fashion.





A lavishly illustrated and beautifully designed book that celebrates the work of the great fashion illustrators from late-19th century to the present day. The book covers the work of fashion illustrators, such as Rene Gruau and Antonio Lopez, fine artists such as Boldini and Warhol, and graphic designers such as Tony Viramontes and Bob Peak.

 

The book encourages creativity, with illustrations to color in and designs to finish off, as well as simple ideas for making and doing (how to make a sari, turn a napkin into a headscarf, dye a T-shirt, and so on). Covering clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, and other accessories, the illustrations span both vintage fashions—drawing on beautiful and interesting objects from past ages—and contemporary designs from the illustrator's own imagination.

 

This one-of-a-kind collection celebrates the age-old bond between dogs and their people. Featuring happy and clearly beloved pets in more than 100 portraits taken in photobooths over the last 80 years, these images are a testament to the devotion people have felt—and will always feel—for their dogs.

 

"When cats are happy, people are happy and the Earth is happy," says beloved wildlife photographer Mitsuaki Iwago. In this irresistibly adorable collection, Iwago has chosen his favorite cat photos—and proves that the nuances of a cat’s life are indeed as magical and glorious as the most exotic wildlife. Curious Cats is a captivating exploration of what makes felines such incredibly stunning creatures.

 

A young Rebecca Lepkoff, camera in hand, navigated the streets of the Lower East Side of New York City in the 1930s and 1940s capturing the lives and times of a vibrant, close-knit, and functional multiethnic community. Available now in a paperback edition, Life on the Lower East Side, the first monograph of Lepkoff's work, highlights the lost neighborhood between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, from the Bowery to the East River. With more than 170 beautifully reproduced duotone photographs, the book reveals the dynamic community of Italians, Irish, Jews, Greeks, Spaniards, Chinese, Puerto Ricans, and African Americans. Lepkoff's images uncover a forgotten time and place and reveal how the Lower East Side has both stayed the same and changed forever.

 

Cute-as-can-be, buttery macarons capture the whimsy and elegance of Paris, where they're traditionally served with tea or wrapped up in ribbon to give as a gift. But the secrets of making perfect macarons have long eluded home bakers—until now! In I Love Macarons, renowned Japanese pastry-maker Hisako Ogita brings her extensive experience to the art of baking macarons with fully illustrated foolproof step-by-step instructions. This charmingly designed guide is sure to have pastry lovers everywhere whipping up these colorful confections at home, using ordinary baking equipment and simple ingredients to create myriad flavors of perfection.

 

What's short and sweet and cute as a button? Cupcakes! And everyone loves 'em! Trusted favorites at picnics, potlucks, and bake sales, cupcakes go equally well at relaxed and informal gatherings or at elegant parties. Here are 50 scrumptious ways to bring smiles and those nostalgic memories back faster than a kid can lick the batter off a beater. Try a Cinnamon Sugar Puff Cupcake—they go from mixing bowl to oven to one happy taker in less than an hour. Who needs a peanut butter cup when there's a peanut butter cupcake in the house? Ethereal Lemon Angel Cupcakes soar even higher when served with some fresh seasonal fruit. With tips and techniques for perfect cupcake-making, basic "head-start" recipes, and gorgeous photographs, it's time to get out the baking pans and join the cupcake craze. These diminutive cakes may be small but they stand tall in the world of sweets.

 

Creative, Inc.

As the hipster classic Craft, Inc. did for crafters, this book will teach all types of creatives—illustrators, photographers, graphic designers, animators, and more—how to build a successful business doing what they love. Freelancing pros Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho explain everything from creating a standout portfolio to navigating the legal issues of starting a business. Accessible, spunky, and packed with practical advice, Creative, Inc. is an essential for anyone ready to strike out on their own.

 

All My Friends Are Dead

If you're a dinosaur, all of your friends are dead. If you're a pirate, all of your friends have scurvy. If you're a tree, all of your friends are end tables. Each page of this laugh-out-loud illustrated humor book showcases the downside of being everything from a clown to a cassette tape to a zombie. Cute and dark all at once, this hilarious children's book for adults teaches valuable lessons about life while exploring each cartoon character's unique grievance and wide-eyed predicament. From the sock whose only friends have gone missing to the houseplant whose friends are being slowly killed by irresponsible plant owners (like you), All My Friends Are Dead presents a delightful primer for laughing at the inevitable.

 

 

Kitchen Sticky Notes

This handy portfolio of sticky notepads lets busy home cooks keep track of recipes, write shopping lists, and flag cookbooks with notes and reminders.