Happy Halloween

I hope that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween! Thank you all for your sweet comments regarding Sandy.  We walked around yesterday and saw a lot of damage - trees down, cars crushed and sea grass that was brought onto the sidewalks when the tide dramatically rose in the East River.  Brooklyn didn't get hit nearly as bad as Long Island and New Jersey.  My hearts go out to those people that incurred so much damage, I hope that they all receive the help that they need.  

Image from here

Interior Elements:: Southwestern Rugs

Well we made it through Sandy. Her winds were incredibly powerful but luckily we did not loose power, just our internet and cable.  Once the rain stops I plan on going near the East River, sadly I heard that Brooklyn Bridge Park is under some serious water.

Now back to the good stuff - Until I saw these two interiors, I had never been one for a Southwestern style rug; before, I always thought that they looked very dated, especially in muted colors. However, seeing these images I am now humming to a different tune. I love the bold geometric color and how it has the ability to make a statement in both rooms. Below are some that I currently have my eye on, in particularly the pink and grey option - it is so pretty! Do you like this style of rug, or do you like to play it safe when it comes to home textiles? 

Ottawa Rug / Black and Pink Rug / Jewel Tone Rug / Pink and Orange Rug 

Cinnamon Rug / Blue and Cream Rug

Images from architecturaldigest.com

I Love This Look: A Leather Dress

We have buttoned down the hatches getting ready for hurricane Sandy to hit New York today.  Preparing for a tropical storm has become an annual tradition. We waited in lines at least 20 people deep at various stores in Brooklyn to make sure that we had enough food, water, fruit and vegetables to last us if we were to loose power. We even got to squeeze in a trip to the dog park, since our dog Mickey probably will not get the long walks that she loves if the winds really do get up to 70 miles per hour.  I really hope this storm isn't as bad as they say it will be. It always scares me a bit when they close all mass transit.  

Anyways, now back to fashion. I love a black leather dress.  It is sophisticated and can be dressed-up or dressed-down.  I love how in this look how she did the latter by layering a black tee underneath and added black ankle boots.  I absolutely love the Rag & Bone boots I choose below - they are the perfect combination of bohemian glamour.  Just add a trench coat and this is the perfect look to hit the town. 

Dress / Tee / Boots / Sunglasses / Hand Bag

Image from here

A Baroque Portrait

I loved the baroque pieces from the Fall 2012 Dolce & Gabbana collection, however this editorial featured in How To Spend It Magazine takes it to the next level.  These photographs are absolutely works of art.  The makeup, the clothes and the floral elements are an amazing way to begin a Sunday! 

Weekend Breakfast::Caramelized Banana Muffins with Browned Butter Glaze

I love bananas, they are healthy snack and always provide just the right amount of energy before my runs, but I can never seem to eat them quick enough to prevent them from ripening too quickly.  Fortunately when you have a few ripened banana's laying around on a Saturday morning the only thing to do is to turn them into some sort of banana treat. I stumbled across this recipe in the October issue of Cooking Light dedicated to quick and easy breads that are on the lighter side - meaning they are not loaded with a lot of oil and butter.  I decided to make Caramelized Banana Bread with Browned Butter Glaze and let me tell you, they were out of this world.  

Fall Beauty:: Defined Brows and a Matte Red Lip

The makeup at the Spring 2013 runway shows was nothing short of beautiful. One of my favorites was the look at Jason Wu where matte skin was paired with highly defined brows, contoured cheeks, stained red lips and mile-long lashes tinted black.  Even though this was a look for spring, this can definitely translate very well into a fall/holiday look.  

The key here is to have a blank canvas to work with, which is why prepping with a moisturizer, primer and finishing with foundation will help you achieve a flawless finish.  The second step is to define and accentuate. Here, the brows and the lips are the main focal points, as they are finely traced and filled in with pencils.  Finally this look is finished with a matte red lip, cheeks that are highly contoured with a matte bronzer and a neutral brown eye shadow.  Do you like this look, or do you prefer to only highlight one area with makeup?

Fresh Soy Face Cream
Givenchy Mister Mat Matting Foundation Primer
Nars Sheer Matte Foundation 
Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
Dior Celebration Collection Eye Palette
Diorshow Iconic Mascara
Stila Long Wear Lip Liner
Nars Pure Matte Lipstick
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder

On another note:  You all know that I love food, fashion and interiors, but one thing that you probably didn't know about me is that I am a beauty junkie. I haven't shared too much information about my professional background or one of my true passions, but beauty has been 'it' since I was about fifteen.  Beauty is the reason that I went to college in New York and the reason I moved back after continuing college in South Carolina.   I had two beauty editorial internships at two national magazines during college and have since worked at three large beauty companies.  However, up until recently I wasn't allowed to write about anything relating to beauty. My situation has changed and I am so happy that now I can!  I plan on sharing with you on a weekly basis products that I cannot live without or the newest launches that have caught my eye, so stay tuned!

Image from style.com

Interior to Outfit: Doses of Color

When it comes to decorating, I might have said this before - I love color, which is why I love this room.  I particularly like how the two cerulean blue chairs are the focal point, while vibrant shades of orange, red and green anchor the room's white base.  Do you prefer a muted interior or a room with bright and vivid colors?  

Blazer

T-Shirt

Guerlain Rouge Automatic Lipstick - Fleur de Feu

Leather Panel Pants

Hangbag

Boots

Image from elledecor.com

Spiced Apple & Ginger 'Cider'

One of my favorite fall drinks, besides a chai tea latte is apple cider.  I just love the intense apple taste paired with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg. Since I am still coming up with creative ways to go through my delicious bag of apples, I decided to create a Spiced Apple & Ginger 'cider' that ended up being the perfect drink to sip on a crisp fall day. This drink is subtly sweet, thanks to the honey and provides a bit of zing due to the fresh ginger.  Continue for recipe...  

Gilded Tableware

Over the weekend I walked into Crate and Barrel and mistakenly thought that we had fast-forward to December. There were Christmas decorations everywhere and sleigh-ride music was playing throughout the store. Did I miss something? It isn't even Halloween! What ever happened to enjoying the holiday that is coming up next?  Regardless, the next big holiday that I am already thinking about is Thanksgiving, especially table settings and of course, the menu. Right now, One Kings Lane is featuring gorgeous tableware that I would love to incorporate into my favorite holiday. I am dreaming about a white and gold setting with a rustic feel.  Hop on over!

Bread & Butter Plate / Salad & Dessert Plate

Leaf Pitcher

Napkin Rings

Two-Tier Serving Tray

Salad Bowl

Leaf Cheese Serving Set

Placemat

Leaf Salad Serving Set

Image from here

I Love This Look: The Classic Jumpsuit

Perhaps it is due to the fact that I am a child of the 80's, but I love a classic jumpsuit.  It is effortless to wear - all that you need is a great pair of heels and accessories to finish-off the look.  I paired this fabulous navy Rachel Zoe piece with the rich color of the season, oxblood.  I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! Thank you so much for the sweet birthday wishes and for making my day even more special!

Jumpsuit / Heels / Hat / Satchel

*Photograph from here

Little Bits of Happiness & The Start of a New Decade

(I finally had the time to run over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan from my apartment - something so wonderful about running over a bridge)

Today I am starting a new decade, yikes, I turn 30! I have been a little hesitant to kiss my 20's goodbye, as when I was younger I thought, wow, 30 is so old.  I guess that is true about any age though, but really, all age is just a number and it is really how you feel and luckily, I still feel like I am twenty-two or twenty-three. I am excited about the future!  I hope that everyone has a great weekend!  

(The concord grape has arrived)

(Made my way into Mast Brother's Chocolate - if I could have only eaten the air.  Everything is made in their Brooklyn shop. I love how they had burlap bags of cacao sitting around waiting to be used)

The Beauty Cabinet: Hair Powder

Hair powder is one of those genius product inventions that I cannot live without, especially if you are short on time, and aren't we all?   I have tried so many over the years, but there are always a few that I come back to again and again. I prefer options that do not impart a color, but I find that pretty much any of these options has the ability to really brighten up your, ahem (dirty) hair.  

Oscar Blondi Pronto Dry Shampoo 

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo

Bumble and bumble White Hair Powder (comes in a few colors)

On another note, I just wanted to say happy birthday to my little sister Janie, I love you and miss you!

Through the Streets of Paris

Healthy Apple Cinnamon Granola

I currently have an over-sized bag of apples sitting in our apartment from our recent apple picking excursion.  I can guarantee that they will be gone before too long, since I have been eating about three to four a day and I keep thinking of ways to incorporate them into meals.  I love granola, but only when it is homemade. I feel that store bought has way too much unnecessary sugar and fat.  I decided to bake healthy Apple Cinnamon Granola to eat for breakfast layered between Greek yogurt or just to nibble on as a snack. Continue for recipe...

The Perfect Transition Jackets

My love for a leopard jacket definitely stems from Kate Moss.  I love how this print adds a bit of understated glamour, especially when paired with more subdued pieces.  

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Tough and chic at the same time, I love a well-worn leather motorcycle jacket.  I especially love how it can be dressed-up or dressed-down with ease.  

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A feminine jacket is an essential piece for the colder months. I love incorporating this type of jacket in a bright color or with ultra-feminine touch like a Peter Pan collar.    

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All images from here

Opulent Capiz Shell

Capiz shell is one of my favorite materials. It is lustrous and opulent and has the ability to make quite a statement, especially in the home.  I inherited a gilded coffee table with a capiz shell inlay from my great grandmother that I absolutely  cherish.  It is from Palm Beach, Florida circa 1950. This material is still readily available and can be found in many pieces for the home like a lamp shade, coffee table or place mat.    I hope that everyone has a wonderful Monday!

Accent Table / Cabinet / Placemat / Chandelier / Mirror / Lamp Shade / Garland

A Day at the Orchard

A day is the country is always welcomed after weeks in the city. The noise, the people, the smoggy air, it is necessary to escape somewhere that you can actually breathe.  A few weekends back we ventured up to Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, New York for our annual apple picking adventure.  The weather was perfect - sunny with just a whisper of a fall chill.  I have a bunch of apple related dishes coming your way, so stay tuned.  I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

A Luxurious Life: Jill Stuart

I love the serene simplicity of Jill Stuart's Long Island home.  I adore how there is a great amount of white that really allows for the small amounts of color that she incorporated to to really stand out.  Continue for more..

Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies

Until this Deep Dark Chocolate Cookie, I had never found a rich chocolate treat that delivered such an intense chewy chocolate taste, without the addition of butter or flour. When you bite into a cookie, it is like biting into a lava cake with a molten center.  The chocolate practically melts in your mouth.  Continue for more...

Romantic Charm

 I came across these pretty images and just had to share them. I absolutely adore the soft, romantic color palette with a subtle hint of English charm.  I love the layered look of patterned plates, lace napkins and the gold utensils   This makes me want to slip on a dress that is suitable for a tea party and sip endless cups of tea.