{things i learned} test kitchen
[pepper + parmesan frittata]
[pull-apart corn rolls]
[tomato sauce with meatballs]
[the start of fresh basil pesto]
[double chocolate sea-salt cookies]
It's no secret that I love to cook and bake. Other than fashion and all that goes with it (I'm looking at you shopping), making food is my absolute favorite hobby. Though a lot of people ask me how they can kick-start their culinary life, I don't have a magic formula (I've never taken a cooking class or read a cook book). My best piece of advice? The only way to start to start cooking is to start cooking. Get your recipes wherever you can, try them out, taste and share the finished product, collect opinions (your own included), and repeat with edits. There's no need to be afraid of 'making a mistake' because anything that goes wrong can always be tweaked for the next time. You'll be surprised by how much and how quickly you can learn: before you know it you'll have a collection of dishes–like these photos of ones whose full recipes I have not yet posted here–that you can proudly call your own.
(PSST…FEELING LUCKY? CLICK HERE TO WIN THIS:)
{things i wore} printed tank
With everything finally in bloom–I'm crazy excited to see trees with ever-thickening leaves–it seems more appropriate than even to wear this brightly colored floral shirt from the Prabel Garung for Target collection. I wrote all about my shopping experience months ago here, but long story short, this tank was the piece I wanted most from the designer's line. Today's outfit explains why: it's hard to find the perfect shirt to pair with a maxi skirt but this one's so versatile with its contrasting color, sheer panels, and fun print that it works as well here as it would with jeans.
(PSST…FEELING LUCKY? CLICK HERE TO WIN THIS:)
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Tank: Sleeveless Blouse in First Date Print, Prabal Gurung For Target [$27, no longer available]
Skirt: Silk Maxi Skirt in Black, Zara [no longer available]
Bag: 'Caterina' Purse in Black, c/o Cuore & Pelle [$385, available here]
Shoes: 'Mali' Sandal in Black, Miz Mooz [$90, available here]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Gold Cuff with Spikes, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o; Ettika [$45, available here]; Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Russian Roulette'
{things i covet} oracle cuff bracelet by lanvin
[Photos from Lanvin - in Brass - $780, available here]
It's funny how the weather affects my jewelry choices. When temperatures rise, I always find myself wanting to wear pieces made of brightly colored stones or lots and lots of shiny gold (and the bigger the better for both). This bold Italian-made bracelet by Lanvin falls in the latter category (obviously) and, as cuffs go, it's pretty perfect. Sported by celebs like Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lawrence, the width and length are just right but divided nicely by its geometric cut-outs. I love the highly polished surface most–it has just the right amount of shine to catch the sun and set off a good tan.
Don't forget to ENTER my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
Want to get the look for less?
[Photo from Forever 21 - Layered Gold Cuff, Forever 21 - $6.50, available here]
{things i made} asparagus raviloi
I love filled pasta dishes–whether plated in a restaurant, store-bought, or completely homemade they always make my mouth water. However the do-it-yourself variety is definitely a 'sometimes' endeavor–making dough, rolling out pasta sheets, mixing a filling, and assembling the finished shape can never be a quick and easy job. Although I've never tried it personally, buying and using wanton wrappers can reduce some of the prep-time. It's worth it if it's the only way you can try this filling: bright, green, and savory, its asparagus and lemon combination is perfect for spring.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
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2 lb. thick asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups ricotta
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
2 tsp. anchovy paste
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon cayenne peper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup olive oil
1 cup blanched almonds, chopped
Finely grated lemon zest to taste
Fresh pasta sheets or pre-made wonton wrappers
1. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil; have a bowl of ice water set aside. Boil the asparagus tips until tender but still bright green, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer to ice water. When cool, transfer with slotted spoon to a small bowl and set aside. Cook and cool asparagus spears in the same way; dry on paper towels.
2. In a food processor, chop 3 cups of the spears and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the remaining spears to the tips and set aside.
3. Add the ricotta, Parmigiano, anchovy paste, garlic, and cayenne to the chopped asparagus; mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Arrange pasta dough on a well-floured work surface. Put 1 Tbs. of the asparagus filling in the center of the dough. Moisten edges with water. Top each with dough, pressing edges firmly to seal and expelling any air bubbles.
5. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add the ravioli; when they rise to the surface after about 2 minutes, use a slotted spoon to transfer to serving bowls.
6. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the almonds, shaking the pan. Cook until the nuts brown and immediately transfer to a small bowl. Spoon mixture over ravioli. Top with reserved asparagus pieces, a grinding of pepper, a sprinkle of Parmigiano, and some lemon zest. Serve immediately.
{things i wore} boyfriend jeans
I love pairing a polished piece (like this faux-leather trimmed blazer) with a more relaxed one (like these boyfriend jeans). It's a look that can go from casual to more polished with just your choice of handbag and shoes. I dressed things up this time with my dream DVF clutch–I had been browsing the brand's color/material combinations for ages until I fell in love with this black and white beauty–and my new go-to heels from Zara.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
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Top: Scalloped Sleeveless Chiffon Tank in White, The Conscious Collection at H&M [$25, available here]
Jeans: Slim Boyfriend Jeans, H&M [not available online]
Jacket: Blazer with Faux-Leather trim, Anne Klein [was $179, available here]
Shoes: Leather Sandal in Black, Zara [$80, available here]
Bag: Lytton Tweed Clutch in Black and White, Diane von Furstenberg [$295, available here]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Gold Cuff with Spikes, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; ]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$675, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Metallic Black Intertwined Gold Chain Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$40, available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Russian Roulette'
{things i learned} my week through instagram
1. great finds @thelimited #shopping #retailtherapy #whatsinside #spring
2. gorgeous day in the city #nyc #newyorkcity #love #spring #instadaily
3. salted chocolate chip cookie pot #yum #dessert #latenight
4. kinda obsessed with these neon accessories at @jcrew #blogger #love #jewelry #fashion #shopping
5. april showers bring may flowers #spring #nofliter #love
6. shrimp bisque #yum #latelunch #food
7. pepita crusted salmon #yum #food
8. lemon fresco + french twist #hisandhers #drinks #cheers #saturdaynight
9. short rib tortellini with shaved parmesan #appetizers #datenight
10. sea bass with a lobster and spring pea risotto #dinnertonight #yum #food
11. warm chocolate pecan tart #dessert
12. cuban food #dinnertonight #food #yum
{things i learned} i know a place where the grass is really greener
[a sun-dappled street in early morning light]
[marimekko for avon eye shadow palette that's still too pretty for me to use]
[a fresh pitcher of iced herbal tea]
[vanilla & chocolate cupcake from georgetown cupcakes with a signature fondant daisy]
[so excited to see this year's 'snow cap' flowers blooming]
I don't know if it's just me, but it seems like May (and spring) is flying by. The season doesn't exactly feel like it did during my childhood either, when temperatures felt like they inched upwards daily, when plants came to life everywhere you looked, and when people's wardrobes completely shifted over to warm-weather gear overnight. Nowadays when the weather oscillates so does my mind, and before I know it a month has ended while I was busy trying to decide whether or not I needed to wear a jacket over my outfit. At least I can safely say that we're safely out of the winter doldrums now–everywhere I look I force myself to see the welcome presence of greenery and flowers.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
{things i wore} tie-front shirt
When I was younger–insert '90s fashion alert here–I used to love tying the front of my shirts in knots at my stomach. It was win-win in my opinion: you instantly got a custom fitted top (nothing nips in the waist better) and through some semipermanent D.I.Y. you were able to alter a piece enough to bring a sense of variety to your wardrobe. This shirt brought back those memories, with something of an upgrade. This time around, the tie-front is built in, the pattern is elegant (love the pale blue stripes), and the feel is luxuriously soft.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
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Shirt: Stripe Front Tie Blouse in Blue and White, The Limited [was $40, available here, different colors available here (on sale!)]
Jeans: Skinny Leg Cropped in 'Coolidge Wash,' Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Jeans [were $79.50, available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Shoes: Chantal Sandals in 'Cuoio,' Luxury Rebel [$130, available here]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Classica Medium Bangle in 'Beige Stone', $22, available here]; Gold Bar White Bracelet, Pura Vida [$20, available here]
Nails: Essie "Bachelorette Bash"
{things i liked} blake lively + floral skinny jeans
[Photos from The Fashion Spot]
I've wanted a pair of floral-print skinny jeans for forever, so this outfit Blake Lively sported while running errands in NYC really caught my attention. Blake gets it right, right, right: simple black pumps, a simple black tank and a simple black bag to offset the wonderful business of the printed pants by Mother. In my opinion, florals are always a fashion "do" during spring and I really can't wait until I get a chance to intepret this look with pieces from my own closet.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
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SHOP THE LOOK
[Photos from Nordstrom - 'The Looker' Print Skinny Jeans in 'Kissed Me Floral', MOTHER - $295 $109 (on sale!), available here and here]
{things i made} graham crackers
I should not have attempted this recipe–it's dangerous…dangerously good. The last thing me–or my health or my waistline–needed were quick access to amazing homemade 'smores. But a part of me always wanted to attempt to make graham crackers, just to see if it was doable. I never cook with butter–and hardly ever bake with it–so I relished the challenge of making such a uniquely textured cookie butter-free. Turns out it was more than possible. The dough was easy to work with and the end-product was tasty, soft, and perfect to layer with ooey-gooey chocolate and marshmallows.
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1 cup + 2 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp salt
5 tbsp sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp maple syrup or molasses
1/4 cup oil
2 tbsp water
1. Combine dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl, then mix together.
2. Form dough into a ball, place on a piece of wax paper, then place another sheet on top and use a rolling pin to flatten.
3. Cut into rectangles, place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and pierce to form decorative holes. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, careful to avoid overcooking
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