Christmas Cinema.

With 5 days left until Christmas, I thought I would share my top 5 favorite Holiday films. A roaring fire, cozy blanket, hot chocolate and Christmas movie is a sure fire way to fill you with holiday spirit. So from top to bottom, here are some of the greats....

#5- How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (animated version)....What's Christmas without the Grinch? There is a little Grinch in all of us, who get stressed out during all the holiday hoopla, but at least we don't flip out and steal people's trees. Best part of this holiday staple....the timeless song..."Your a mean one, Mr. Grinch"

#4- Love Actually...a wonderful display of the different types of love as shown through several interlinking characters. This movie really proves how connected we all are, and we really don't know the circumstances in other people's lives. And who doesn't melt when Mark silently professes his love via posters to Juliet?!

#3- Home Alone.....Kevin Mcallister- master of allusion. What other 10 year old could beat the living hell out of 2 thief's with household items? Almost every kid dreams about what they would do if they were left alone in the house, and Kevin's junk food binge and sledding down the stairs isn't too far-fetched. To sum it up....."Merry Christmas, you filthy animal."

#2- A Christmas Story... a true classic. The Bumpkiss' dogs stealing the turkey, The infamous leg lamp, Red Ryder Bebe gun, Schwartz's tongue stuck to the flagpole, washing Ralphie's mouth out with soap, and of course the pink bunny suit. You can catch this one all Christmas day on TBS...Fa ra ra ra ra, Ra ra ra ra....

.....and the #1 Christmas movie of all time (at least in my mind)...... It's A Wonderful Life. Every year my family and I watch this movie before heading off to Midnight Mass. This film carries such a beautiful message, reminding us that the Holidays aren't really about trees, presents and lights....but about spending time with our family and friends. My favorite quote of all time comes from this movie- check it out in the book inscription in the last few minutes. It says, "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." Truer words were never spoken.

So that's my list, what are your favorite holiday movies???

Tis the season....

.....to booze. Big ups to Emeril Lagasse for making a holiday cocktail that doesn't involve milk.

Poinsettia Cocktail

Ingredients

nocoupons

• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup Champagne
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• Crushed ice
• 2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long

Directions

Combine the vodka, Champagne and juice in a large-stemmed red wine glass. Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.

*Be careful, a few of these and you will be stumbling towards the mistletoe......

Guy Gift Guide Vol. 1

My friends tend to come to me loaded with questions on what to get the men in their life for Christmas. One of the best gifts I've ever given was a monogrammed money clip from Tiffany's. The sterling silver is streamlined and classic. Adding your guy's initials to it really makes it one of a kind. Plus he will always be reminded of you when pulling out money, which could inadvertently lead to unexpected gifts......a girl can dream right?

*It takes about a week to get the engraving done (you can personalize your message and font)....so make sure to allow enough time for that in addition to shipping.

BRILLIANCE.

Like previously mentioned, I am truly cracking down on my eating habits in preparation for the eating overload known as Christmas and Christmas Eve. My family is Italian and therefore takes eating and tradition very seriously.....and Christmas Eve is no exception. For as long as I remember we go to my Grandma's house and FEAST on her world famous Lasagna. (It is truly other-worldly, I have never had anything better...even in Italy). So in recent weeks I have been cooking out of Kathy Freston's Quantum Wellness Cleanse book, and the recipes are surprisingly delicious. Many of them involve herbs, which tend to wither rather quickly. Prepara to the rescue....this Herb Savor is a water filled base/plastic shell combo that keeps herbs fresh for up to 3 weeks! Herb fans rejoice!

The Gift that Gives.

I love giving personal and unusual gifts to people, but sometimes you have to find things for co-workers or people you only know on a semi-surface level. And lets be honest, nothing screams I don't really know you that well more than scented lotion. So if you are in that situation, why not give a gift that gives back, that way it can take on a more personal meaning. This necklace by On U Jewelry is just that. The pendant says 'Hugs and Kisses' in braille, with 10% of proceeds going to the Virginia Association of the Blind. Obviously you wouldn't give this to a stranger, that would be creepy, but this would be perfect for a cousin or girlfriend. According to the website, this is an extremely limited piece, so grab yours soon. Here is the link.

King of Hearts.

Is it weird that I love Doug Heffernan? Nighttime TV is the best part of my day, and the 1-2 punch of King of Queens and Family Guy cannot be beat. Carrie and Doug kind of remind me of my parents....a huge sports fan who loves food and his east coast wife who loves shopping and speaking her mind. Obviously my parents arent exactly like them but trust me there are some parallels....and please believe my p's are more hilarious than any sitcom. But back to Doug....I can't help but notice my obsession has manifested into my life....I find myself being overly friendly to UPS delivery guys. Not normal, people. Just not normal.

Paperless Paperback.

So when thinking of things to ask for this Holiday season, for some reason I can't seem to eliminate the thoughts of a Kindle. I love love love that it is paperless, therefore eliminating the need to cut down trees, but there is just something about e-books that I'm not crazy about. Reading from a screen kind of takes away the romance of a book in my opinion. I love holding a book, the action of flipping a page, and looking at the cover. And think about the satisfaction you feel once you finish a book and finally close it shut and flip it over.....what happens when you finish a book on the Kindle....you turn it off? Not as satisfying. But the Kindle is a thin as a #2 pencil, therefore not weighing down my work tote, and holds over 1,500 books. The pro-con list here is pretty even and I'm stuck at a deadlock. Regardless of my thoughts, this is a very thoughtful and functional gift for any avid reader. And you could really up your game by uploading some of the receiver's favorite books onto it pre-gifting.....trust me this is a baller move.

*Amazon Kindle- $259

Sole Mates.

Winter always signals a huge switch in footwear. Boots, pumps that are versatile with tights and shooties are on my radar this season. I just got an unreal pair of mauve tights and these shoes would be the perfect ying to their yang. The closed toe allows them to look great under dress pants for work but the modern structure of the heel adds an unexpected twist when shown off with dresses and skinny jeans.

Dolce Vita Suede 'April' Pumps.

Berry Beautiful.

One of my favorites, Natalie Portman, was seen rocking a beautifully rich fruit inspired lip at her Love and Other Impossible Pursuits premiere in Toronto. Your skin tone will ultimately choose the depth of your berry shade, but most of the colors work on everyone! If you're unsure, can start out with a light raspberry shade and gradually progress to more of a blackberry. The exact color Miss Portman is rocking is Forbidden Burgundy #12 Rouge Volupte from YSL, and it looks like the perfect extra to add to your winter makeup routine.

Other great shades:
Lancome L'Absolu Rogue Lip color in Berry Noir
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry

*Photo from Life.com

Bumble Ball.

I'm constantly losing hair ties or stretching them out and having to throw them away. This ingenious band-ball from Bumble and Bumble put a cute and creative spin on the rubber band ball and keeps all your hair ties in one place. Another positive, the bands are the perfect mixture of stretchy and tight (an oxy-moron, I know) and are great for throwing your hair up anytime, anywhere.

Mixed Reviews.

I am Italian. My family is from New Jersey. Naturally I heard all the hype about MTV's newest 'reality' show Jersey Shore and I had to check it out. Before the show aired, there was tons of controversy surrounding the show. The Italian American community, more specifically the group UNICO, thought the show perpetuated negative stereotypes and glorified the word "Guido" which is considered by many to be a negative term. Politics aside, I go to Jersey at least once or twice a year and those stereotypes exist for a reason.....Jersey is pretty much everything you expect it to be, but with better food. So of course I watched the show.....it walks a very thin line between hilarious and douchey, so obviously I loved it. Jersey Shore has some very important ingredients that help it to be trashy reality TV at it's finest....these include copious amounts of hair gel, people so tan they look dirty, tons and tons of booze, blaring techno, raging hormones, and fist pumping to the max. This will totally give me and my friends something to laugh about during the break from Real Housewives (OC doesn't count, they are the WORST). Case in point: the pilot had perhaps one of the dumbest girls I have ever seen say one of the dumbest things I have ever heard...."I'm a bartender, I do like GREAT things"...says the girl who showed up with her stuff in garbage bags. Check out this train wreck for yourselves and try not to laugh at Snookie who they all call Snickers. Jersey Shore airs at 9pm Central time on MTV.

*If you and the show are like totally vibing, you might want to check out this Jersey Glossary to understand what the hell any of them are saying.

Wrap It Up.

No, not like that....get your mind out of the gutter. I'm talking about the most essential winter accessory....the pashmina. Some people collect shot glasses or weird little spoons but I on the other hand, am a pseudo-pashmina collector. After living in Italy, my compulsion reached a peak when I bought no less than 10 in 5 months. They go with everything, add pizazz to your dreary winter layers and keep you warm....it's a truly functional purchase. Only problem here is that all of my pash's are solid colors. I never really jumped on the printed scarf bandwagon....until I spotted this gem from Yarnz. I love the black and pink colors, the pretty paisley print and the length. This is definitely going on my Christmas wish list.

Literary Ladies.

My girlfriends and I took a page out of Oprah's book, literally, and started a book club. After many times of 'paying it forward' with different books we enjoyed, we finally developed the genius idea to read the same book at the same time. Our first selection was 'Her Fearful Symmetry' by Audrey Niffenegger (also wrote The Time Traveler's Wife). So after a month of reading we met at a local coffeehouse and got our discussion on...... no seriously, we actually had discussion questions printed out (Nerd alert I know). For anyone who reads, I absolutely recommend forming a book club or just reading a book simultaneously with someone you know. It keeps you motivated to read and the book takes on a whole new level once you hear the way others viewed the story. Even though we dipped into our loser side, we all had a really good time. The book however, was kind of creepy. I enjoyed it, but didn't LOVE it. But that's the point of book club, to help you step outside of your literary box. If your into death, ghosts and cemeteries, you're kind of a Debbie Downer, but Her Fearful Symmetry is perfect for you....buy it here.

Mad Menswear.

Menswear shoes have really peaked my interest lately. I love the dapper, old school feel oxfords and loafers exude, and now girls have tons of fabulous options to decorate their feet with. I particularly love Repetto's 'Jackson" patent leather loafers. Kate Moss really pulled off the trend (naturally) with an all black ensemble and black skinny pants which really let the shoes shine. This is a really fun and edgy trend but beware....you could end up inadvertently looking like this.

SATC Overload.

First we find out there will be a sequel to the movie, and now this?! I absolutely CANNOT wait to read "The Carrie Diaries", AKA Carrie Bradshaw's life Pre-Sex and the City. Among the juicy details to be revealed? Her first love, how she became a writer, and her ever elusive relationship with her mother. All we really know about Carrie's family life is that her dad jumped ship when she was little. The movie also reveals how the girls met each other in the 80's. It will be so interesting to see what past events helped to shape these characters that we have all grown to know and love. The cover art is great too, the typescript looks just like the Louis Vuitton Graffiti handbags....no doubt an homage to Carrie's fashion obsession.

“The Carrie Diaries” will be published on April 27, 2010

Watch Me.

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

THIS. VIDEO. IS. AMAZING.

Love love love it. Beyonce fierce per usual, and look at Lady Gaga toning down the crazy and upping the diva. She holds her own dancing with Miss B, which not many people can do. Kudos ladies, this video is on POINT.

Lovely Lonny.

Domino magazine was amazing. It combined the creative layout of Lucky magazine with design tips to equal a truly great read. Well, thanks to the crumbling economy, Domino folded and for the past couple months I have mourning the loss while blindly trying decorate my room. Well have no fear design lovers, my friend Brittany has come to the rescue, introducing me to Lonny magazine. This online magazine is the brainchild of former Domino Market Editor Michelle Adams and photographer Patrick Cline. I like this magazine for several reasons... the main is that it's green. Online means less paper and more trees being saved. It's also really easy to flip the pages and I loved the four pieces that combine into the living room and decorating tips splashed throughout. While it will still take me a while to get over Domino, this E-zine will help to groom the amateur designer within me.

WTF?!

What in the world happened to Facebook? When I was a freshman in college, the popular social networking site was unleashed and was IT. Everyone loved it, and it spread across college campuses faster than H1N1. Facebook was, I repeat WAS a fun place to upload drunken photos and write inside jokes on your friends walls. Now it has turned into the cyberworlds version of Jerry Springer. What is wrong with people that they feel the need to upload photos of them spread eagle giving birth, or document that they are constipated :( (yes I HATE the over use of emoticons). Also, why do people insist on airing their dirty laundry out for all their 7680386 "friends" to know? Do I really need to know how <3 in looooove <3 you are, or how some loser who didn't call you back after a one-night stand broke your heart? The answer people is NO. Also, stop playing Farmville or taking quizzes about what Golden Girl you are most like. Why don't you volunteer, pick up a book or maybe call a real friend instead of creep on a cyber friend (aka some guy you had a crush on in grade school). Honestly, it scares me to think of how people waste their days and brain cells. Any normal and cool person has blocked their pictures and their info from the eyes of the Facebook vultures lurking on their newsfeed. They know that their real friends know their phone number and their favorite movies already.

Oh, and by the way...Kissing in the rain is not an interest. When is the last time you ran outside during a monsson and made out with your boyfriend? Lets be honest here. You don't have a boyfriend....you spend your Saturday nights on Facebook.

Bring on the Bling.

This sequined blazer is phenom. And it makes Bebe relevant again. What a win-win situation.

Woah Baby.

The Holidays are right around the corner, and to me that only means one thing. FOOD. It is so incredibly easy to forgo everything that you know and have worked for during the year and just pig out on the holiday treats that lurk around every corner. Instead of becoming complacent in the diet area, I'm coming prepared this year. For my birthday, my incredibly thoughtful mom had cupcakes from BabyCakes NYC flown in. Now, these cupcakes aren't your average run of the mill dessert. They are all-natural, organic and delicious.... free from the common allergens: wheat, gluten, dairy, casein and eggs. That's right you heard me correctly. Not only were they delicious, but I didn't feel guilty indulging. Now thanks to genius founder, Erin McKenna anyone can have BabyCakes. I recently purchased BabyCakes: Vegan, (Mostly) Gluten-Free, and (Mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes from New York's Most Talked-About Bakery and plan on bringing healthy cakes and cookies with me. No one likes a hefer during the holidays. You can pick one up at your local bookstore or at Amazon.com.

* Sidenote- Don't the sight of the cookie sandwiches just make you drool on impact?

Hint of Print.

Cheetah print is uber fun for cold weather months, and I am loving it right now. The best way to wear it (in my opinion) is a hint of print here and there to spice up an otherwise boring outfit (ahem, work clothes take note.) I love these flats from J Crew, worn with skinny black jeans and a black turtleneck. For those who don't know me that well I once wore a black turtleneck for roughly 4 months straight, that's how versatile I think they are. This belt also looks great with a white blouse and black pants at work, or you can throw on this scarf and hit the road. So let out your inner she-wolf out of your closet and incorporate into your wardrobe now!

Faux-lex.

What is it about watches that are so great? Lets be honest, they aren't really needed anymore...everyone and their grandma has a cell phone (clock included) that they are checking non stop.... so a timepiece isn't truly necessary. But if you are a 'watch person', the old adage "I feel naked without my watch" rings ever so true. I had never really been much of a watch person until my BFSL Greg (here's your shouout finally) gifted me with the most amazing Armani stunner ever to hit a wrist. Since then I've been hooked. Well a couple months ago with birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, I made a truly fantastic purchase. During a shopping blackout in Nordstrom I came to and realized that among many other things I had bought The Michael Kors 'Gold Catwalk' Chronograph Watch. It has been one of the greatest purchases I've ever made. Not only does it go with literally EVERY outfit in my closet including dresses, but I have never gotten more compliments or inquires on anything I've ever worn. No less than 20 people have grabbed my wrist and been like "Ummm how in the world can you afford a Rolex?" So I've got all the luxury, half the price tag. I like to pair mine with gold bangles and a woven bracelet...I find that when layered it really shines. Check it out here.

Celebrate.

Well, everyone today is a very special day. Today we celebrate one of the greatest inventions ever to grace our fair Earth......the Sandwich. Yes, today...November 3 is National Sandwich Day.

To celebrate this glorious occasion, I thought I might provide you with some history on the Sandwich. Per Information week, here is how this glorious 2 breaded wonder was conceived:

--Nov. 3 is the anniversary of John Montagu's birthday. It's believed that this 18th-century English noble, better known as the fourth Earl of Sandwich, wanted to eat with one hand during a 24-hour gambling bender. So, he instructed his servants to serve him his lunch meat between two pieces of bread. To celebrate the occasion, Nov. 3 is officially "National Sandwich Day."--

So today skip the salad and get down on your favorite Sandwich. As long as it's bookended with 2 hearty slices of bread, it doesn't matter what you put in the middle...hence the glory of the Sandwich! I am going to indulge in Billy Grant's Lobster Grilled Cheese this afternoon....aaaannnd I've included the recipe so you can all follow suit. Check it:

Ingredients: Serves 1

2 slices of thickly sliced country white bread

4 ounces chunked fresh lobster meat

2 slices Havarti cheese

Unsalted butter to butter both sides of the bread

Toast the sandwich on the buttered side until golden brown on both sides.

Place in a 400° oven for a few minutes until cheese melts.

Allow to cool a minute, then enjoy!

MaltiPoodleDoodleSchmoodle.

I have never really been a fan of designer dogs. It always seems like they are so cute when they are puppies and then grow up only to have their fur get stringy and smell bad. How wrong I was. This heart melting 2 month old Malti-poo was brought into my work by a rescue shelter....and lets just say an all out biding war broke out over the St Louis metro area to get their hands on her. Instead of driving to the shelter to plead my case as to why I absolutely and completely deserved her, I put my application in the pile and headed up to Chicago. Needless to say, I didn't get her and have been devastated and consumed with getting a dog to fill her place ever since. And not just any dog. My searches are only yielding dogs ending in -poo, -doodle, or -tzu. One chance encounter has forever changed my idea of dogs, but lets be honest, who could say no to that face.....

I have been looking at Petfinder.com in hopes of finding a pooch to replace the void left in my heart, but have been unsuccessful. If you know of any kooky hybrid like dog that needs a home, you've found your girl.

*pic from ksdk.com

On My Radar.

If you havent already, you must, MUST check out the musical stylings of Emily Wells. This violin protege merges her classical style with hip hop....GENIUS. Her music is so original and utterly necessary to add to your music portfolio. First and foremost, get her cover of Notorious B.I.G's Juicy, it merges so many musicalities.....electronic, acoustic, classical...just truly the definition of how to cover a song and make it your own. Next, proceed to download the enitre 'Dirty' album, it's totally unreal.

Happy Listening, you can thank me later!

Umm Can I Be You?

There is always that one celebrity that guys and girls absolutely LOVE. This type of love is unwavering, especially in the case of Britney Spears fans (Jackie, she's got hair now!) and usually stays with you for a lifetime. My one, true all time celebrity love is none other than one Miss Penelope Cruz. She's talented, interesting, multi-lingual and so so so beautiful. Don't worry, I'm not about to bid on her half eaten waffles on EBay, but what can I say...the girl has got IT.

Anyways, I have been Overdosing on Vicki Christina Barcelona lately and loving PC more than ever, when I happened to stumble across the November Vanity Fair. Love the article, love the photos, love everything.

To sum all this swooning up.....Ummm Can I be you?!

Art Attack.

I have been having a real and serious Art Attack lately. Current works have been flip-flopping between different Warhol's. I loved how he took the basic, mundane things you encounter in your everyday life and transformed them into something beautiful and provoking. The background of my I-phone is currently the genius 'Knives' (Date: ca.1981-82), and oddly enough, my computer background is emblazoned with 'Triple Dollar Sign' (Date: ca 1981). Both look totally surreal if I do say so myself. Mac lovers feel free to follow suit. If you are unfamiliar with Andy Warhol, read up via Wikipedia and then do your self a favor and rent Factory Girl.

Here is a quote from the Factory Boy himself to inspire you at work today:

"Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art."

Bond. Eco Bond.

Bond No. 9 perfumes are so phenomenal it is impossible to write a short blurb about them, but I will try to be as concise as possible here. OK these 39 women's, men's, and unisex eaux de parfums are true works of art. Each bottle is a true work of art, marking different New York neighborhoods with a truly unique scent and design. With one sniff, you can travel from Little Italy to Uptown and back over to Gramercy Park. Well friends, this superb perfumery has just out fabuloused itself. Now you can bring your old perfume bottles, regardless of brand to your nearest Bond counter (Saks and Neiman have them) and get a purse sized sample for free. (I recommend Bryant Park). So you do something good for the Earth, and expand your scent portfolio.

Makes Scents, doesn't it?

Label Lust.

There are a few things to do on my list once I strike it rich (either by work, marriage or lottery, beggars cant be choosers after all)
1: Travel the world to places I can only dream of now
2: Spend hours and hours devoting my time to charity works
3: MAJORLY upgrade my closet

Annnnd, if I had things my way, my clothes would largely consist of duds by my favs, MK and Ash Olsen. I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything Elizabeth and James, and would DIE for some of the chic pieces from The Row. I have a pair of gray trousers from EJ that I got from Gilt and have been starving myself for months to do them justice. Anyways, EJ had teamed up with Robert Lee Morris to do a jewerly line, and they shut it down once again. My fav piece is this necklace. Its affordable, gorgeous and helps a great cause. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and what better way to show your support than a conversation starting bauble? Pick one up at Shopbop.com now.

Where In The World Is.....

OutKast? This morning as I was getting so fresh and so clean I thought about my favorite ATL rapping duo and wondered why they are withholding their creative brilliance from the world recently. Perhaps Ms Jackson finally exacted her revenge after they made her daughter cry?

I know Andre 3000 is a huge movie star after a starring role in Semi-Pro, but really... set asdie the scripts and pick up the mic, the world needs some Stankonia asap.

Perfect Pants.

My friend Kyle works at J Crew and is constantly tempting me with catalogs and talk of cashmere hoodies. So one day while perusing through one of said catalogs... I came across them. The perfect pair of fall pants. Clearly, I could only be talking about the Vintage Matchstick Cords. The comfort of corduroy, with a streamlined skinny leg. Lets just consider some of the possibilities here. With sweaters and flats for the weekends, heels and a boyfriend blazer for nights out, or with cardigans at work.....Please believe, these are a must. Now all I have to do is choose a color. Shadow or Soft Ochre? Shadow or Soft Ochre? Let the debate begin.

Tea-rific.

You must, must, must try this tea. The Peach Momotaro blend from Teavana comes in little bulbs and when you steep it, it develops into a chrysanthemum and jasmine bouquet. You then keep the bloom in your teapot and can re-brew up to 4 times. It kind of looks like a sea monster after the third use, but deal with it. The tea tastes unbelievably good and is chocked full of antioxidants (so says Teavana's tea guru) and is low in caffeine so you can drink it anytime of the day. Another trick? Recycle your plastic cups from Starbucks, add ice and use it as a refeshing iced tea. I drink mine post workout for a little pick me up. You can find Teavana at your local mall or buy some here.

Nail Envy.

Nail polish is such an easy and quick way to polish (pun intended) your entire beauty routine. And fall is really the time to be bold about your nail choices, because really anything goes. I have been changing up my color pretty frequently. Do you have any favs, you may ask? Why yes I do.

Loving the following on short nails:
Revlon #680 Revlon Red (amazing with a topcoat)
Chanel Le Vernis in Vendetta
OPI Russian Navy
MAC Seriously Hip


But of all the current nail trends, I am completely and utterly obsessed with Minx Nails. Minx is not a polish, but instead a flexible film.. so you can basically get any design or color imaginable. Best part? They last for at least a week with no chipping. I desperately want the Silver Lightning... it's bold and futuristic, and impossible for me to get. No seriously. Minx are only available at registered salons....and there are NONE in my area (at least that I'm aware of). I could buy the trial kit online, but it is a whopping $75 and knowing me the film would end up all over the place. So for now I will just have to settle for Stardust from the Lipmann Collection, which looks like a suitable alternative. But until then....NAIL ENVY.

Mi Dispiace.

Sorry faithful followers, I have been out of commission for a while. First I was recouping from Miami, then some career dramz all followed by a faux case of H1N1 and I forgot all about updating! So Mi Dispiace lovers, and Im baaaaaaaaaack!

Ruminate Me.

A big thank you to my friend Danny Byrnes. I have officially wasted half my day.


http://www.ruminations.com/site/


TGIF.

Cuban Cuisine.

So being in Miami, naturally we wanted to try some Cuban food. Well we heard from several sources that Gloria Estafan's restaurant Larios was the place to be. Ambiance gets an A+ here. A live DJ, salsa dancing and bright colors really set the tone. After being sat at a long table decorated simply with candles and daisies, we were ready to dig in. Most of us weren't well versed in Cuban food, so our friend Tara took the reigns and helped us to eat as the Cubans would. We started out with Tostones, which are fried Plantains served with a butter garlic sauce. These were so unique and delicious. For those of you who don't know, a plantain is in the banana family.....super scrumptious. Continuing on the Cuban food train, Tara and I split the dish featured above....it was essentially Paella, served with a side of rice with sweeter fried plantains on the side. This dish was BEYOND AMAZING. The seafood was so fresh, the flavors were explosive, and it was very filling.

The only downside of Larios? The service was TERRRRRIBLE. Our waiter forgot drink orders, mixed up entrees....the works. But whatever, it just gave us more time to enjoy their mojito infusions. If you are ever in MIA and have about 3 hours at your disposial, Larios is a must.

Im In Miami Bitch.

Ok so I recently went on a fabulous vacation with my friends to Miami. Having never been to MIA, I was really excited to check out the city. We stayed on South Beach, and it was everything I expected and more.

My favorite part of MIA has to be the extravagant hotels. Seriously, this city is home to some of the most unbelievable hotels I have ever seen, one is more unreal than the next. By day or night, a hotel is the place to be. During the day, we went to pool parties complete with DJs, bottle service and large beds and couches to lounge on. And at night, some of the hottest clubs in the city lie inside of these hotels.

The Delano, The Shore Club, the Fontainebleau, The Gansevoort and The Mondrian (just to name a few) are some of THE places to be. The decor at these places is typically supre crisp and streamlined...... it makes me want to totally re-decorate my apartment to reflect the beachy Miami vibe. Bright colors, Swanky service and phenomenal pools? Sign me up.

To String or Not to String?

That is the question. What is it about string cheese that is so bizarre? I find it absolutely disgusting when people take a big bite out of Mozzarella string cheese. But why? It's a solid block of cheese just like any other variation......you don't have to string up Colby Jack or Brie before digging in. Then why is it if cheese is packed in a tube like shape and packaged in a peel back package does it have to be pulled apart before eating it? I know I'm not the only person who feels this way. Maybe I am just a cheese sheep and follow the masses in how I consume my favorite dairy product. But regardless, it just TASTES better when pulled into strings, don't you think?!

Think about it........

*Picture from Wikipedia.com

What's In A Name?

How much does your name really define you? If you could change your name, would you? I was recently faced with this question when I was asked if I wanted to take a stage name at my new job. And before you even ask, No, I am not a stripper.....It's a media thing. A little known fact to many is that famous celebrities....who's names are on marquees and blazed on the cover of magazines were not born with their stage names..... Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jean Baker), Natalie Portman (Natalie Hershlag) and my personal favorite Portia De Rossi (Amanda Lee Rogers) are some great examples. Norma Jean Baker sounds like a dumpy farmer.....not at all like the iconic Marilyn Monroe.....great career move on ol NJB's part.

So anyways I had this interesting situation placed before me. I could totally and absolutely re-create my moniker to totally define the essence of me. A glass of Pinot and a few doodles later, and nothing was speaking to me....aaaand I started to get indignant. I LOVE my name. I never want to change it. Everyone calls me by my last name and I couldnt imagine portraying myself in any other way. So I remain the same. For better or worse, I am now permanetly stuck with my birth name .....and could not be happier.

*The front runner for first names were Vala (pronounced vah-la) or Lia.......bizarre, possibly blacked out when considering those.
**This is also a great conversation piece. Its fascinating to see what some of your friends would name themselves if given the chance......
***If you get bored, google baby names. This WILL take up at least 2 hours of your time, so plan accordingly.

*pic from wikipedia.com

Meaningful Mondays.

Mondays can be such a buzz kill. You just had a fabulous weekend with your friends, Sunday is spent relaxing or maybe running some necessary errands and before you know it....back to the grind. Well leave it to Oprah and co. to inspire us all to make Mondays count and really set a good tone for your week. She has developed a new program called Make Mondays Matter, and it is very easy. These little ideas take no more than 20 minutes and are definitely worth trying. Some examples: Stopping junk mail and turning off your tv (both very eco chic). This week, we are asked to write a letter to a member of our military service. These brave men and women are the reason we live a free life, and they need to and should feel our gratification. We may be annoyed that our weeks start with meetings, angry customers or an exam but it is better than dodging roadside bombs or fighting insurgents. Sending this letter is not advocating war, but simply brightening the day of a selfless person who loves our country.

Here are Oprah's suggestions on how to get your letter out:
Select a soldier you know or one who is related to someone you know.

1. If you don't know a soldier, ask a friend, fellow student, co-worker, pastor, or military chaplain to help you make a connection. Make sure they provide proper mailing instructions.
2. Grab some paper, an envelope, and a pen.
3. Write a letter from your heart that expresses your gratitude, shows your support, and provides encouragement. Share a little bit about yourself and ask questions. Avoid such topics as death, killing, and politics.
4. Include your e-mail or mailing address in case the recipient wants to write back. You could even include a self-addressed envelope.
5. Send the letter.

My family has been sending care packages to a family friend who was in Afghanistan and trust me, your small act of kindness can really impact a soldier's time served. Get your friends involved, and before you know it....you may even be looking forward to Monday. For more ideas on how to Make Mondays Matter, go to Oprah.com

Nostalgia.

Sooo I finally took the plunge and got the I-Phone. Let me tell you something, this phone has more applications and random things on it than one person needs, but all the games and Apps got me thinking about a past time, a simpler time when we kids had one gaming opportunity.....Nintendo. Now I am talking old school, gray box Nintendo not its cooler younger brother, SEGA. When we were kids, Nintendo was Boss and the best part about it? Duck Hunt. Don't tell me you disagree, because your 6 year old self will definitely call you out. Being a byproduct of Mario Bros, you knew it was going to rock. I think my fav part of Duck Hunt glory wasn't the jazzy 80s music, the siren song of the gun shot or the way the screen would flash black once you shot. No, it was the little dog who would hold up your victim. Remember that? The dog popped out of the bushes hold a dead, limp duck. How morbid/amazing. If you have the IPhone I recommend downloading Sheep Launch. Its a happier, less violent version of our old favorite that is guaranteed to waste hours of your precious time.

Great Kate Vol 2.

Also on my radar..... Kate Earl. Her song Melody is currently the free download on I-Tunes and it is fantastic. She reminds me of a Sade/Fiona Apple/Corrine Bailey Rae cocktail. Her music is in the post work, "Im de-stressing with a candle and Kate Earl" genre.

Other notables include....Nobody, All I Want and my personal fav...Cry Sometimes.


Download some of her jams now....

Great Kate Vol 1.

Kate Somverville is my new idol. No joke, I want to be her. A younger, less drunk version of myself once paraded into college as a pre-med student with dreams of being a dermatologist.....but, sorority life prevailed and now here I am.

For those of you unfamiliar with this genius, she is the skin guru to a bevy of Hollywood stars like Debra Messing, Eva Mendes and Jessica Alba. Anyways, I LOVE her products....the Gentle Daily Wash, Clarifying Toner and Goat's Milk is my new 3-punch daily routine and I swear my skin has never looked better. I also use the clearing mask every Sunday as a nice detox from the weekend. To top it all off, all Kate products have these amazing push tops that allow you to get just the right amount every time you use them.

Here is the kicker...have you ever actually seen Kate Somerville? She is on QVC hawking her products from time to time and her skin is IMMACULATE. And her office/spa is exactly what I would want mine to look like if I had followed my Dermatological dreams.....

Like I said.....Can I be you?!?!?!

Fierce.

Who doesn't love Christian Siriano from Project Runway?! He basically coined the term fierce and rocked the Duck Butt hair-do far before that hag Kate Gosselin. Oh yeah and he is a bad ass designer. Well to own a piece from the Christian Siriano collection would cost you may-jah bucks, but fear not friends, you too can own your own little piece of the Runway. The creative genius has paired with Victoria's Secret and developed a makeup line. From the fantastic ruffled makeup bag to the Egyptian looking colors and packaging....Siriano worked it. Grab the shadow called Gilded Fierce, swipe it on and auf wiedersehen....your ready to ht the town.

Baby Statement.

I am on the hunt for the perfect Bib necklace. They are so ornate, and add pizazz to any outfit. You can wear one with a plain tee to go out with your friends, or throw one on under a tank/blazer combo for work. So far, this one from Banana Republic is inching towards my wish list....but the price tag is pretty heinous. I hate spending big bucks on jewelry because I change my accessories up all the time!

Woke Up This Morning.

Ok so I have been having a serious Showmance with The Sopranos. There has been flings here and there with other shows, but my family is obsessed with The Sopranos and I needed to get up to speed. I literally watched the debut through the finale in a 2 month period. Verdict? That may have been the best show ever made. It was dramatic, hilarious and intriguing ....Im super depressed that it's over. And what a lame finale. I know it's artsy and symbolic, but com'on does Tony get wacked? I NEED AN ANSWER DAVID CHASE!

I'm missing my daily dose of Paulie's comedic chops, and have been cruising to my parents house and having my Italian New Jersey mother cook me baked ziti an unusual amount....but overall I'm adjusting to post Sopranos life.

If you haven't seen this show, don't even talk to me....were just not even friends.

Mahvalous Mac.

Keeping with my new animal friendly eating habits, I decided to try a recipe from the follow up book Skinny Bitch In The Kitch. I chose the Macaroni and 4 Cheeses and to be honest, I thought it was pretty good! It was super easy to make, and you cannot really taste the difference in the Vegan cheese. However, some of the ingredients are quite expensive. The recipe does yield a lot of servings though, so you will have dinner for the entire week!

Here is the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil, melted, or safflower oil, plus more for the casserole dish

• About 2 tablespoons fine sea salt

• 1 pound whole-wheat or brown rice elbow macaroni

• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen pureed winter squash

• 2 cups soy or rice milk

• 4 ounces vegan Cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 ounces vegan Jack cheese, shredded

• 4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) vegan cream cheese

• 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered mustard

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 cup whole-wheat bread crumbs

• 2 tablespoons vegan Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 F. Oil a 2-quart casserole dish; set aside.

In a 4- to 6-quart stockpot over high heat, combine 3 quarts of water with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the salt. Bring the water to a boil, add the macaroni, and cook according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the squash and milk, stirring and breaking up the squash with a spoon until the squash is defrosted. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and whisk in the Cheddar, Jack, cream cheese, mustard, cayenne, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of salt.

When the pasta is done, drain it, then return the pasta to the pot. Stir the cheese sauce into the macaroni. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking pan

In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and the 1 tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.

Life Ruiner.

The first time I read Skinny Bitch I was so repulsed that I didnt eat meat for a year. I would probably still be a vegetarian without a snafu in the sports office of my internship last year....but we all fall off the wagon now and again right? Well after discussing my former dietary choices with someone at work, I decided to pick up the book, dust it off and give it another read. Once again....I am completely traumatized. Why did I think I could peruse the pages and laugh at their witty jokes in chapters 1-4 without stumbling into the treacherous "You Are What You Eat" section?! Well needless to say Im trying to avoid meat again at all costs. And milk?? Forget about it.

Synopsis- Skinny Bitch is a life ruiner....it ruins lives.

Superstar.

Last weekend my friend Brittany and I cruised to the Lupe Fiasco concert....and let me tell you, it was SO SICK. Lupe absolutely killed it. Rap concerts can be lame sometimes, without the pyro and dancing of your typical rap or pop show, but his songs and the environment was right on point. All the crowd favorites were accounted for ....Kick Push, Superstar, Go Go Gadget Flow, Paris Tokyo, Hip-Hop Saved My Life....I could go on and on just trust me on the fierceness of this concert. Annnnnddd he was live outside directly under the Arch...how cool can you get Lupe?

I CANNOT wait for his new disc, Lasers to drop. If the first single (Shining Down with Superstar phenom Mathew Santos) is any indication.....it will be epic.