A few of my favorite things...

No, I am not channeling Oprah (those were some good episodes, btw) with my favorite things, but it's that time of year again where I genuinely feel it's always better to give than to receive. As I peruse the sites on the World Wide Web, I can't help but do a little "window" shopping for myself while I put others' gifts in the proverbial basket! Here's a few treasures, big or small, that I have my eyes on ~let's see if the elves at the North Pole have taken note!

My loves of skulls.... translated in this dainty necklace on silk cord.

http://www.vivre.com/product/crystal_skull_pendant_necklace

Yum... lobster or crab mini pot pies ~ Seriously?

http://www.deandeluca.com/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=160213356

Oscar de la Renta multi-color stone bracelet adds instant sparkle and exuberance to a simple outfit. Love this alone or layered with other baubles and bangles. The more the merrier, eh?

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/106964#

A part of me just died... Put a piece of jewelry INSIDE this jewelry (box). Literally. Weeping for this quartz gem!

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=093577&catId=HOME-BATH-JWLBOX&pushId=HOME-BATH-JWLBOX&popId=HOME-BATH&sortProperties=&navCount=70&navAction=middle&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=095&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=D

Who doesn't love 2-in-1 performance kithenware?

http://www.surlatable.com/category/id/102071.do

Happy feet! These are deliciously optimistic, tacky, fun and bold. New Years Eve begs for a statement stomp!

http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Shoes/Heels/Make+Way+Heel

Chic and perfect. Size medium. Thanks.

http://mangoshop.com/ficha.faces?id=34439567&state=she_400_US

Because I've been obsessed with your scribbles that I duplicate it in every piece of artwork I attempt to do....

http://www.amazon.com/Cy-Twombly-Catalogue-Raisonne-Sketchbooks/dp/3829604858/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1292640517&sr=8-15

Santa baby, now hurry down the chimney tonight (or arrive in a Panamera Turbo with a big bow on it for moi)!

Fashion's Night In...

While I'll be one of the unfashionable "staying in" this evening (t-shirt, cozy pants, blotchy makeup, hunched back/baby in tow -what an unfortunate visual, ok maybe not that bad)... I will for sure be watching live streams of the fashion shows over the next few days! Great sites to see the shows along with times/dates are posted on the House of Lavande blog http://houseoflavandeblog.blogspot.com/!!

A new discovery that I'd like to share in honor of fashion week:

Framed collages out of newsprint done in fashion, animals, chairs, etc. By Paste: pastesf.com

Fashionably Late

Life is about to change tomorrow... I can feel it. Will keep you posted on delivery, hormones, pain, meds, and the beauty of bringing baby girl into the world! 

Wouldn't this make an exquisite push present?

Flora and Fashion

Some exquisite highlights from the Dior Fall 2010 couture collection... Get ready to dress as pretty as a flower this season, and package yourself up like the lovely bouquet of creativity that you are!

Get inspired....!

Photos courtesy of www.style.com

Tuesday's Tongue Waggers...

Here are a few things that I have been obsessed about lately and just can't get enough... I apologize that half of this list is made up of food. I mean, at 39 weeks pregnant, I've quipped that I've been eating like I'm about to be executed and I treat each feeding like it's the last supper. Well fear not...this list isn't about Suzy Q's or cheetos or anything like that.... It's more of finding the pleasures in the small things in life ...since I am feeling like a rather "BIG" thing right now.

For starters... this makes me feel pretty and I am almost of out of this hot '09 color (hey, it's still current) for nail polish... I've worn this consecutively for the last 4 months (as well as last year) at every nail appointment. Not too orangey or pink... it's the best color in my opinion.

Since I have an OCD when it comes to coral or pink lipsticks and glosses... I splurged on a few lip products the other day  - with this being one of my faves:

Chanel Fluo lipgloss...Laser or Pop (I got Pop since it's more coral-y). They are both gorgeous and leave a subtle tint but with max shine!

Let's talk food... I told you I've been eating a lot lately, but I have been conscious of what goes into my mouth afterall. One day it's an apple fritter from Publix (tearing the bag open in the car on the way home... you've done it, bitches... don't lie), to discovering every day can't possibly be a day in the life of Willy Wonka and the all-you-can-eat-factory..So I reign it in with a nitrate-soaked turkey sandwich on a Toufayan 100 Calorie Smart Bagel (Everything flavor)! O M G... these things are the greatest thing since sliced bread (bad joke). It's like scooping out the guts of the bagel and just eating the top and bottom. Genius!

Another favorite discovery are these things call Vitatops! They are muffin tops in your freezer section that are only 100 calories, have lots of fiber, and full of great taste! They are individually wrapped and you can defrost them on your counter top, or pop them in the microwave or toaster.  I love the cranberry bran, blueberry bran, and double chocolate. Great for on the go...or when a sweet tooth attacks!

Apple crumb, now? Are you kidding me! I have to get on that!!

Since I love granola, a friend of mine turned me on to these amazing granola crisps by Yogi. They are so good that before you know it, you've devoured an entire bag in one sitting.  Strawberry and blueberry flax are the best! They are a must try! (Found in the cereal aisle at Target).

Another favorite thing of mine is to make reality star Bethenny Frankel's Booboo banana bread. I've made it at least seven times if not more during this pregnancy. It's fiercely delicious and relatively healthy. Don't let the health component scare you from thinking it's code for dry or flavorlesss. Fear not... I've eaten this loaf for breakfast, lunch and dinner and still can't get enough. I tweet Bethenny every time I make it and she still doesn't grasp that I am her #1 banana bread fan.

1 cup raw sugar
1 tablespoon butter (regular or nondairy)
1 cup mashed over ripe bananas (2 or 3)
1 egg
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 cup oat flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips


Preheat  the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix  well.

Cut a  piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom of a loaf pan. Put it in the bottom  of the pan and spray it with cooking spray. Pour in the batter and cover it  loosely with foil.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, then bake for another 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean (moist crumbs are fine). Cool completely, then slice and serve.

Banana Bread recipe from this book which has a lot of great recipes utilizing simple techniques and offers tons of alternatives and substitutions to recipes using what you have in your pantry or don't.

ONE MORE WEEK TO GO.....!!!!

Epitome of Elegance

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden couldn't look more regal and refined than at her glorious wedding (I presume it was glorious, I mean, she's a princess for crying out loud)!

Roger Vivier shoes she wore... I wish I was thinking about these when I got married. I had lacy Christian Louboutin heels but these are...well....more fit for a Princess I think ;) And probably easier to dance in!

Photos from www.instyle.com

Whole Foods Flowers!

When looking for flowers to either give or arrange for yourself or an event... I love browsing the selection at Whole Foods. Believe it or not, they have great flowers in amazing colors and selections. Your creativity is your only limitation. When at home, don't be afraid to use unlikely objects to place your blooms, such as glass water pitchers, trifle bowls, and other pottery (just insert a liner for water). Here are some arrangements I've made for various tablescapes over the years. They've all been in clear glass vessels but sooner or later, I'll do something spectacular in a painted bowl or other ceramic object. I can take credit for all the arrangements except one - seen at the bottom! 

My most recent arrangement done today: Mini calla lilies with daisies. I couldn't resist the deep eggplant hues and the white callas w/purple centers!

A Thanksgiving arrangement of protea and greens... can't recall what I used. 

Maybe it's eucalyptus? 

An extra floral ensemble

Another Thanksgiving centerpiece that is beaming with autumnal colors. I loved this arrangement because of how evocative it was of a harvest occasion.

Thanksgiving centerpiece of hydrangeas and mums I think. This was one of my favorite tablescapes because I got to use my china for the first time. I love the colors!

Light blue hydrangeas and white mums placed inside trifle bowl. These large bowls require many full flowers to fill up the diameter. I like tight fitting arrangements!

My girlfriend Katherine made these small floral arrangements from Whole Foods flowers for my baby shower and lined them down the center of the table. 

So exquisite with the mums, daisies, peonies and roses. 

Lime-Blueberry Tart

Just a few weeks ago, I felt the urge to make a tart because sometimes I stare longingly at all my baking pans and think, "Hmmm I haven't used that in a while." So I was inspired by this recipe in my Bon Appetit magazine to make a delicious tart consisting of lime curd, blueberries and blackberries, my summer favorite flavors. Since it turned out spectacular  - I took a photo and felt like sharing the recipe (even though you can easily go to the magazine's website and see a pic for yourself along w/recipe). The next pan that keeps staring me in the face: madeleine pan... those will in the running next, or a chocolate cake! We'll see...  I am trying to stay away from sugar (and salt) due to the bloat that has taken over my prego physique over the past two weeks. Not too much longer till my little "Sugar and Spice" creation is welcomed into the world. I think she'd rather stay in my tummy and eat my yummy desserts in the meantime! Enjoy!

Ingredients

Lime Curd

• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

Crust

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 large pinch of salt

Topping

• 2 6-ounce containers fresh blackberries
• 1 6-ounce container fresh blueberries
• 1 tablespoon blackberry jam

• 
  
  

  Test-Kitchen Tips

  Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the lime curd makes sure that a skin doesn't form as the custard chills. Brushing the berries with a little blackberry jam gives the fruit topping a shiny, pastry-shop finish.

Preparation

Lime Curd

• 
  
  
  Set fine metal strainer over medium bowl and set aside. Whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in another medium metal bowl to blend. Whisk in lime juice. Set bowl over large saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk constantly until curd thickens and instant-read thermometer inserted into curd registers 178°F to 180°F, about 6 minutes. Immediately pour curd through prepared strainer set over bowl. Add butter to warm strained curd; let stand 1 minute, then whisk until blended and smooth. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of curd, covering completely. Refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours. DO AHEAD Lime curd can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Crust

• 
  
  
  Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in medium bowl until well blended, 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg yolk; beat to blend. Add flour and salt and mix on low speed until mixture resembles large peas. Using hands, knead in bowl just until dough comes together.
• 
  
  
  Transfer dough to 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Break dough into pieces, then press dough evenly up sides and onto bottom of pan. Cover and chill 1 hour. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
• 
  
  
  Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover crust and bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack.

Topping

• 
  
  
  Remove sides from tart pan and place crust on plate. Spread lime curd evenly in baked crust. Arrange blackberries in 2 concentric circles just inside edge of tart. Mound blueberries in center of tart. Place jam in small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave until jam is melted, about 15 seconds. Whisk to loosen and blend, adding water by teaspoonfuls if thick. Brush jam over berries. DO AHEAD Tart can be made up to 8 hours ahead. Chill uncovered.

Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/06/lime_tart_with_blackberries_and_blueberries#ixzz0ruJano95

Be still my beating heart...

Enough said.

Some words to the wise...

A couple random thoughts for a Wednesday....

Some things you just don't say to people are:

(1) "You look tired" - That is my least favorite statement someone can make.  It's a statement that someone else recognizes that you aren't as refreshed and attractive as usual. At 8am, I have a pallor that would mistake me for being a cast mate on True Blood in desperate need of a hemoglobin transfer. No, I don't wake up with a complexion only found in my Nars Casino bronzing powder. I am thinking of dousing myself from here on out with St. Tropez dark tanning lotion however. I've lost my "glow" in the mornings. And my Cabo tan!

(Ok, so this was a tan at it's extreme! I blended w/the natives in Mexico!)

I mean, seriously...who goes to a cosmetic surgeon and asks for "the tired look"? So don't tell someone something so horrible! 

"Um, yes, Doctor, with your 15 blade, please make small incisions around my eyes for a less than refreshed look this go around. Oh, and while you're at it, can you lighten my skin so I look paler than usual because that seems to be the trend now." 

Second rant: Try carrying around a 6 pound watermelon and storing water like a camel traveling through the Arabian dessert. You'd have a touch of exhaustion in your breath, too. Or just exhausted from everyone pointing out the obvious to you...

(2) "You look like (insert celebrity or widely known individual)..." - Unless you are about to tell someone they look like Brad Pitt or Giselle Bundschen (or some other universally attractive person), don't do the

 " you know who you look like" thing to someone. Chances are - unless you're giving the person the compliment of the century, the recipient will not be as flattered as you think. Case in point: I've gotten Anna Kournikova many moons ago... not bad, I'll take it. I get Cameron Diaz ALOT. I'll take it, though I know she's not universally appealing. Back in my former life, I've gotten Daniella Pestova (former Victoria's Secret model)... I think the person who said that to me was roofy-ed but I'll take it and put it in my back pocket, thank you. The ones I've gotten and despise: Jennifer Garner... Ok, on Alias they could make her look hot. In real life, she's plain. No one ever wants to be compared to plain. Second, and this one kills me... is Kate Winslet. I wanted to cringe when someone told me that. She's not unfortunate looking in the least, and nor is Jennifer Garner. It's just not the type of comment someone is clamoring to hear. Case in point: to make someone's day: tell them they look like a real foxy movie star or model (and of course, mean it). To break someone's day: tell someone they look like an ordinary person, and in most cases, don't we all? 

(3) "How far along are you?" - Well in my case, this is an obvious question because I DO look pregnant now. However, in general... one must never ask the question to a stranger about when they are due, or other things pertaining to someone appearing pregnant. Face it, there are body types walking around daily that look like they are "with child" but you dare not say anything or else you could end up with a foot inserted in your trap! Second, there are several body types walking about that have just given birth, too, and probably can't stand the question "when are you due" when they have just birthed an 8 pounder a few weeks ago. So the safe bet is to keep your mouth shut. Always.

I think I am done with Wednesday's rants. So when in doubt, close your pout. 

That's all for now. More glamorous things to discuss later ~ xo.