Citrus Pomegranate Spritzer

I am popping in to share with you a recipe for a citrus pomegranate spritzer, the perfect way to begin your New Year. I love that citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits and clementines are in season and provide a burst of freshness and sunshine to a cold day.  This drink is incredibly healthy and light, if you would like to incorporate it into New Years Eve, add a dash of vodka to spice it up.  I hope that everyone is having a great week, I will be back in full force next week. Until then, enjoy!

Spanish Flare

 This editorial of Kate Moss shot through the lens of Mario Testino appearing in Spanish Vogue are just exquisite, framable.  The blurred lens and the matador-esque fashions are just breath-taking. I have also had my eye on her new book, Kate: The Kate Moss Book since it arrived stateside. Have you checked it out? It is amazing.  

Little Bits of Happiness:: Christmas Celebrations

 (Radio City, such an iconic New York landmark, especially when dressed for the holidays)

I hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I really tried to slow down and revel in the past few days, spending time with my boyfriend and his family, since I couldn't make it back to visit my own family.  Here are some little bits of happiness that are making me happy during one of my favorite times of year.  Enjoy!

 (The Rockefeller Christmas tree, up close and personal)

 (Our beautiful Christmas dinner table created by my boyfriend's sister)

Lounge Here, Wear That:: A Rustic Ski Lodge

Today is the first day of winter, can you believe it? It is in the next few weeks that I really wish for snow.  Something is so peaceful and magical about spending this time of year with your loved ones while a blanket of snow begins to cover the landscape.  Another big benefit to snow is skiing, a winter sport that I finally convinced myself to try last winter. I had a blast!  Being from the east coast, I usually head up to Vermont to escape the city, breath in the fresh mountain air and see snow-capped mountains, but I have always wanted to venture out west and how lovely does this resort look?  The Rustic Inn in Jackson Hole boasts quaint log cabins and a cascading view of the mountains. I am ready to pack my skis and go! I hope that everyone has a great weekend.   

Mohair Mix Sweater / Boyfriend Corduroy / Bootie

Knitted Check Coat / Ski Hat / Gloves

* Image from the Rustic Inn, Jackson Hole

Guest Post:: Cream Wafers

There has been so many good things happening around here lately. I feel like I am really getting immersed and welcomed into the wonderfully supportive blogging community.  I was very flattered when I was ask to share some of my go-to holiday recipes on some of my favorite blogs during the month of December.  Yesterday, I posted on the talented Alyssa's blog, Glossy Musings, where I shared another holiday favorite - cream wafers.  I like to call this cookie the equivalent to a French macaron. Sorry to overload you guys with sweets the past few weeks! January will be about healthy eating and detoxing - hello, Vitamix!

*Photographs by Alison 

Holiday Gift Guide:: For the Culinary Gifted

You know and love them - the culinary gifted. This person can spend all day in the kitchen and they are at their happiest when they are mixing, beating or blending confections for others to eat.  They are constantly tuned into the Food Network or Cooking Channel and they save every issue of Bon Appétit.  Why not spoil them with something like a tortilla press or pasta dryer?  Here are some of my picks for the cook in your life.  

Treats Truck Baking Cookbook / Provencal Stripe Apron

Hedgehog Measuring Cups /Pasta Dryer

Staub Mini Round Cocottes / Cupcake Boxes

Goldentouch Nonstick 3-Piece Cookie Bakeware Set

Fluted Cookie Cutter Set / Sanding Sugar

Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles

Oftentimes it is when you combine very few ingredients that are high quality that is when true magic unfolds.  This is definitely the case for the chocolate truffle, which combines the best quality chocolate with heavy whipping cream to form a rich ball of cocoa goodness.  Continue for recipe...

Crafting the Holidays:: Handmade Wrapping Paper

Before I begin my post today, I just want to take a minute to send my deepest prayers to the parents, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands and friends to those affected by one of the most tragic stories that I have ever heard. The shooting in Connecticut brought me to tears Friday, it is unthinkable and incomprehensible.   

It breaks my to change the subject, but today I wanted to share with you a creative way to treat the people on your list this year by making your own wrapping paper.  It is incredibly easy, not to mention fun and the options are limitless. Here, I created a Greek key in homage to our trip to Greece in May. Continue for directions...

Guest Post:: Dark Chocolate Mousse Tart with Peppermint Crème

Hi Everyone! Today I am guest posting on Meg Biram's blog and sharing an amazing recipe for a Dark Chocolate Mousse Tart with Peppermint Crème.  One of my favorite winter pairings is chocolate and peppermint - so rich, yet refreshing at the same time.  Hop on over!  Happy Friday and I hope that everyone has a great weekend. I will be doing some heavy holiday shopping and baking this weekend. Do you have anything exciting planned? Continue for recipe....   

Dressed to Impress

It is officially holiday party season! From now until New Years Eve, the social calender can get pretty hectic, which is why it is important to have that special dress that can be used in rotation from your office holiday party to your friend's annual holiday soiree.  This editorial features all of the elements that a party dress should have - a dash of sparkle, a bit of glamour and of course a golden touch.    Do you have your dresses all lined up?

Holiday Gift Guide:: The Eternal Hostess

You know her, the eternal hostess who is always ready to throw a soirée.  She has a knack for sending out beautiful invitations, creating an inviting ambiance through heavenly scented candles and knows how to create the perfect cheese plate, not to mention an amazing cocktail. This holiday spoil the hostess in your life with one of these ideas!

Voluspa Candle / Vintage Cocktails / Bird Glasses / Stationary / Cocktail Napkins 

Jadeite Mixing Bowls / Butter Dish / Thanks Card / Slate Cheese Board

A Guest Post & Gingerbread Men

I am very excited to be guest posting on Courtney's blog, Girl Avant Garde today, where I am sharing a fabulous recipe for one of my favorite seasonal cookies, Gingerbread Men with Royal Icing.    Hop on over to see!

*Photograph by Alison 

Valentino: Master of Couture

If you are venturing over the pond, make sure that you check out the Valentino: Master of Couture exhibit at the Somerset House in England. There you will find a collection of the couturier's finest pieces that have been worn by the likes of Grace Kelly and Penelope Cruz.  I can't seem to take my eyes off of that first dress, it is just stunning.  

Holiday Gift Guide:: For the Crafty

You know her, she always has a glue stick in hand and glitter trailing somewhere behind.  You might refer to her as the next Martha Stewart since she is as clever as her in coming up with brilliant crafts that make you say, 'You Did That?' Make the crafter in your life happy this holiday season with stamps, DIY paper flowers, colored pencils and glitter.  Happy Friday!

Stained Glass Paper Punch

24 Piece Glitter Pack

Oil Pastels

Gold Leaf Set

Decorative Paper

Mechanical Colored Pencils

Poulain Tape Dispenser

Sweet Treats Rubber Stamp

Bakers Twine Gold & Black and Natural & Gold

Mosaic Coaster Mold Kit

Lotus Flower Paper Kit

A Luxurious Life: Lily Maddocks

The Hampton's home of swimwear designer Lily Maddocks is really up my design aesthetic alley.  She infuses just the right amount of color and texture. I particularly love her dining area - I mean wouldn't you love to eat in such a brightly colored room?   I also love the subdued tones in her bedroom that mimic the same shades found by the sea.  

Baklava

The highlight of my year was definitely our trip to Greece (you can see the photographs here, here and here). I love taking trips that make you feel like a completely different person -  trips that expose you to new walks of life, history and amazing food.  While we were on the island of Paros, we drove up winding mountainous roads to Lefkes, a charming white-washed village with pockets of Byzantine influence.  It was there that we had the most amazing baklava on our trip. We were wandering the narrow roads when we came across a little shop run by an elderly Greek woman.  She sliced us both two large pieces of baklva that we decided to eat once we got back to our hotel - it was divine.  The flaky phyllo dough layers melted in your mouth while the sweetness of honey and aromatic cinnamon made you close your eyes to relish the moment.  It was since that very moment in May that I have wanted to make this pastry, so I finally did and it just so turns out that baklava is very appropriate to the season, as it infuses honey, cinnamon and cloves.  I used this recipe and was blown away by the results.  The only thing that was missing was a caffè freddo (a Greek specialty) and a view of the Aegean Sea.  

Styling the Home:: Deck the Halls

Garland, tinsel and twinkling white lights - these are just some of the elements that make me happy this time of year.  Up until last year, I couldn't wait until we had a place of our own so that we could decorate for the holidays.  This is our second year in our apartment and the thrill is still there.  I love incorporating festive elements that make you want to sip hot chocolate, sing Christmas songs and sit around your tree until the wee hours of the night.  This is the time of the year that you want to relish, don't you?

Pepperberry & Birch Wreath / Stocking / Berry Garland

Hot Cider Candle / Gilded Tree Topper /Stargazer Lights /  
Mason Jar Snow Globe  / Pom Pom Ornaments

Lounge Here, Where That:: Resort 2012

I can't believe that we are already into December! This time of the year always seems to creep up on me and then goes by in the blink of an eye.  We haven't started winter yet, but boy is it cold here in New York and this year they say we are in for a real winter. After last year, I was starting to not mind the months of February and March as both greeted us with much warmer temperatures than in years past. Even though we are decking the halls and have shopping lists that long, it is nice to drift off into resort land, as most of the collections are hitting stores now.  Wouldn't you love to escape to the Maldives?  This five-star resort located on a tiny private island is brimming with all of the alluring details that make me want to close my eyes and just appear there.  If that were to happen, I would like to be wearing these pieces below from the latest resort collections.  Happy Monday!

Silk Dress / Printed Tee / Striped Dress / Flat Sandal

Reversible Swim Suit Top & Bottom / Yellow Flats / Floral Platforms

Coral Lipstick / Bronzing Powder / Sunscreen

Image from Hotel Angsana Ihuru - Male, Maldives

Italian Dream

Happy Friday everyone!  I am definitely glad that the weekend is almost here. Starting a new job can be a lot of things, exciting is definitely one of them but I am a also bit tired, I think I just need to get used to getting back into the routine.  I thought I'd share with you an editorial that really makes me want to jet off to Lake Como, if only for the weekend.  With that said, have a great weekend everyone!

Colorful Pick-Me-Ups

Do you have anyone on your holiday shopping list that loves coffee?  Well if you do, these bright little caffeinated contraptions will make someone really happy. Don't you just love the fun colors?  

Color Pop Coffee Maker
NESPRESSO Pixi

Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Spiced Buttermilk Glaze {I HAVE MOVED TO ROSE & IVY JOURNAL!)

To discover more recipes and beauty please visit Rose & Ivy Journal by clicking here!

I had intended to post this recipe for Pumpkin Spice Donuts  with a Spiced Buttermilk Glaze last month, but time seemed to have gotten away from me! Well better late than never, because these are delicious.  I made these for my boyfriend's dad's birthday, as he likes nothing better than a donut served alongside his morning coffee, so I think that he enjoyed them.  I am not that big of a donut fan (I know that is strange), but this recipe might have me thinking differently, as they are that good.  Continue for more...

A Day at the Christmas Tree Farm

For the past three years, my boyfriend, his parents and I have had a tradition of heading up to rural Connecticut to cut down our Christmas tree at Maple Row Tree Farm.  We drove up last Saturday through the winding wooded roads with our dog in tow to find the perfect tree.  This is my favorite time of the year so it is a ritual that I definitely look forward to all year round.  The past two years have been particularly exciting, because we have been able to pick our own fir tree for our apartment.  The air was brisk and the clouds were billowy and moody, allowing for some snowflakes to swirl past us as we found our tree.  

I Love This Look: Blue Textures & Yellow

I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  Did you brave the stores and hit up the sales on black Friday?  I opted out of the madness and wandered into a few vintage stores in Williamsburg instead.  

Now onto the fashion - I love this look because it has one statement piece that makes the entire outfit - here it is the cobalt blue fur that is tousled over her shoulders.  I also love the contrasting combination of yellow and black.  When turning this look into an interior, I wanted the sofa to be the star (I mean isn't this sofa is so pretty?) and added floral, yellow and black elements.  

On another note, I am starting a new job today after having two months off between jobs (it has been nice, I am not going to lie).  I will still be keeping up with all of my favorite blogs, but I might be commenting a bit later in the day.  

Yellow Lamp / Sofa  / Gold Leaf Bird I & II / Leather Chair / Floral Rug 

Yellow Pouf Pillow / Royal Blue Ottoman / Yellow Pillow / Side Table / Lacquered Box

*Image from Stockholm Street Style

The Magic of the Holidays in New York

I hope that everyone had a wonderful (and filling) Thanksgiving with family and friends! The food was delicious and I believe that I slipped into a food coma around 4p.m.  yesterday, but that has since thanks to a green juice from the Vitamix (more on this amazing appliance later).  

I am one of those people that can't really think about Christmas until after Halloween and Thanksgiving. Anymore I feel like these three days are getting crammed into one another not allowing you to enjoy each day when it arrives.  Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I can now get into full-on Christmas-mode, but believe me a few weeks ago I was giddy with excitement when the tree arrived in Rockefeller Center and I have been biting at the bit to play holiday music.  In my opinion, New York is the place to be during the holidays. The city streets are magical and it is one of those times of year that you want to become a child again, whether walking down Fifth Avenue and or ice skating in Central Park.  One of my favorite elements during the holidays are the windows, in particularly the Bergdorf Goodman windows. I have said this before, there is talent and then there is talent.  These windows just like every other year are spectacular.   Click to continue to see the awe-inspiring Bergdorf Goodman windows...

A Day of Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! There is so much that I am thankful for this year, I am not exactly sure where to start, but here it goes:

*My boyfriend, family, friends - I would be no where without their love and support

*I am going to be an aunt (!!) - I am elated that my older sister is pregnant

* A more centered self - It was a hard year in a few ways but things are ending on an incredibly high note

* You - Thank you for your continued support. It wouldn't be the same if I did not receive your encouragement on a daily basis and for that I am so grateful:)

Unfortunately I am not celebrating with my immediate family this year but I love and miss you and  especially to my sister Chelsea in the Peace Corps in Guyana,  I miss you and love you and I can't wait to see you in the spring:)

*Photograph from Martha Stewart

Thanking the Host & Hostess

I have only cooked Thanksgiving dinner once, it was with my sister in Boston and boy, it was a lot of work. By the time the last potato had been peeled, the turkey sliced and the gravy poured, I was almost too tired to even enjoy dinner. It was then that I had a true appreciation for the effort and time that my mom put in each year to ensure that all of the dishes were served at the same time and tasted delicious for that matter.   I hope to host Thanksgiving again, but this year we will be heading to my boyfriend's aunt and uncle's house who will be the gracious host this year.  I will not be arriving empty-handed, but if I were I would love to bring one of these items to thank them for all of their hard work.  

French Spice Stack / Brass Spice Spoon / Chalkboard Message Board 

Imperial Cheese Knives / Preserved Lemon Syrup / Italian Sauces

Frankies 457 Olive Oil / White Truffle Salt / Bellocq Afgani Chai Tea / EAT Napkins

A Thanksgiving Appetizer:: Fig and Ricotta Crostini with Honey & Thyme

It is only Tuesday, but my mind and stomach has switched to full-on food mode, after all Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I have an idea of what desserts I am going to make - I am thinking about a chocolate ganache tart and a classic pumpkin pie.  But for starters, if you are looking for a simple yet delicious appetizer, I recommend you make this Fig and Ricotta Crostini with Honey and Thyme. It is incredibly simple, but delivers a heavy dose of flavor for your guests to munch on before the Thanksgiving table is set.  Continue for recipe...

Blooms & Style:: Oxblood and White

Oxblood is the color of the season, but I have yet to write about it!  I really can't think of a shade that works better for fall, especially as the colored leaves slowly descend from the trees and the air has a certain crispness to it.  Not only does this shade look good in just about every fashion piece that I have seen, but it also stuns when arranged in a bouquet.  I love the addition of the burgundy artichokes and purple basil paired with the white roses, stunning and perfect for Thanksgiving.  

Pants / Boots / Blouse / Bag / Liquid Lipstick / Sunglasses

Image from Style Me Pretty

The Dinner Table:: Pumpkin Ricotta Ravioli with White Wine Sauce

I do not have one bit of Italian in me, but sometimes I think I do, if only for my love of Italian food - hazelnuts, cappuccino, olives, bread and pasta.  I oftentimes think that I could trade the big city for a small town in Italy where life is simple and pleasures like food are greatly appreciated and celebrated.  

When it comes to pasta, typically I eat store bought whole wheat pasta, but recently on a crisp fall night, I had my mind on making ravioli filled with pumpkin and ricotta cheese.  Making your own dough is a labor of love, but definitely worth the effort.  I made this pasta dough recipe and filled it with this pumpkin ricotta filling and this white wine sauce - it was divine, absolutely heaven.  If you are looking for a great fall meal to celebrate the season, this should do the trick and then some.  Continue for more...