Friday, November 29, 2013

2013 Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of year! As promised, here is my 2013 super-specific yet awesome holiday gift guide.

For the lady:

Pieces Comet Gloves from ASOS

For the gentleman:

Dapper Dopp Kit from Izola

For the New Yorker at heart:

Fairmont Park Salt & Pepper Shaker Set from Kate Spade

For the apologetic extrovert:

NYFW Tee from Milly

For the forgetful friend:

Outer-Pocket Tote from Kate Spade Saturday

For the beauty:

Must Have Metallics in Rose Gold from Smashbox

For the pastry chef:

Black and White Pudding Towel from World Market

For the post-modern toddler:

Set of Three Hand-Painted Houses from ANAMARKO on Etsy

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Kale Fried Rice with Scallions

Hi everyone! I was on Pinterest, as I often am, and came across a recipe I was curious to try. I personally pin only recipes that are feasible for me to make, based on my skill level in cooking and baking. I knew I could definitely handle this awesome recipe of Kale Fried Rice with Scallions, from the book by Gwyneth Paltrow, My Father's Daughter. Here is a look at the recipe:

Ingredients

1/2 lb kale, stems discarded
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and very finely minced
3 large scallions, cut into 1/8 inch diagonal slices
2 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

Cut the kale leaves in half lengthwise and then cut crosswise into very thin ribbons (chiffonade). Steam the kale for 7 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic. Raise the heat to medium and add the steamed kale and scallions. Cook for 2 minutes and then add the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring. Add the soy sauce and cook for 30 seconds more.

Image and Recipe c/o Huffington Post

I topped mine with a fried egg. Here's how it turned out.


Delicious!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Shopping is my cardio

I found this super cute shirt at Nordstrom that displays my philosophy on working out. However, it is $148.00! As much as I believe in the saying, I can't rationalize spending that much on a shirt. Luckily, I found its less expensive twin at another favorite store, Target.

Nordstrom pick, by Wildfox Couture, $148.00


Target pick, by Target, $19.99


Friday, November 15, 2013

Beauty Guide - What I Love Right Now

After the Pinner's Conference, I was inspired to upgrade my cosmetics and beauty collection. Here are my top picks for beauty right now:

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner


c/o Sephora
I've been using Wen for two weeks now and my hair is less frizzy and I can go longer between washes. It's pricy, but it substitutes as shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner. Plus, you don't have to use as much as they recommend to get the same results.

NYX Wonder Pencil


This pencil is perfect for highlighting smaller areas of your face. It also works as an excellent concealer!

CaudaliƩ Make-up Remover


c/o Sephora
I love this makeup remover because it is tough enough to remove any mascara, but is not oily at all. I've found that most of the removers I've tried leave a layer of residue after use. This one is perfect.

MetaGrip Premium Bob Pins


These pins are light yet have an excellent hold. I have super-thick hair and I've found I need to use less than the previous brand I was using to achieve any style.

Cover Girl Flamed Out Shadow Pencil


I searched for years (no joke) for the perfect gold eye shadow. The others I tried were either too glittery or I had to layer on like crazy to even see the color. This pencil is bright and goes on silky smooth.

What are your favorite products? Comment below!