Cookies for Santa

Each year on Christmas Eve kids from one to 92 spend the day making cookies. Whether they be for Santa, family or just your own personal enjoyment, nothing says Christmas like homemade cookies fresh from the oven.

When it comes to cookies one of my favorites has always been Oreos, so when I saw this recipe featured on Cupcakes and Cashmere I had to try it out. You know what they say, once you go homemade you'll never go back.

 As always, I went to start the recipe and forgot to leave out the butter so that it was room temperature. A quick and easy tip I have learned is that if you forget this step, as I do, cut the required amount of butter into small cubes and let it sit out. In about 15mins you'll have room temp butter.

 I easily scooped out uniform cookies using a tablespoon. Leave each tablespoon a little rounded on the top. Once you have a pan full, press each scoop out with your fingers to about the size of a silver dollar.

 MMMMM!

 The finished product. They seemed time consuming at first but they were actually really quick and well worth the little bit of extra effort. They are the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Trust me Santa will thank you! :)

Carrie Underwood- Concert Fashion Review

Earlier this month, I attended the Carrie Underwood concert at Chaifetz Arena. Aside from a few technical glitches, the concert was great... the fashion, not so much. As we all know Carrie is gorgeous, so even though she has had some fashion mishaps in the past (shorts under cut-away ball gown skirts), I expected her wardrobe to be amazing. The fashion overall was underwhelming to say the least. Not that she should have come out looking like Britney Spears circa 2000, but a little wow factor and a tad more style would have helped.

 Cowboy Casanova

Above is the first look she wore. I really didn't get what the tuxedo had to do with anything. Especially, since she kicked the show off with Cowboy Casanova. On top of that, the pants were ill fitting and the shiny material made her tiny legs appear much larger than they are. However, the hair was phenomenal as always.

 This hat was one of the fashion highlights. Love the feathers.

Just a Dream

When she first appeared from the back of the stage this outfit looked awesome. From far away it looked like layers of white eyelet and yellow chiffon. Then she got closer and it got tragic. Up close it looked like Tweety bird had gotten stuck in grandma's crocheted table cloth and left feathers all through it in an attempt to get out. It was a nice idea for a look just poorly executed.

 All-American Girl

This look was the dullest of them all. I get that she was trying to go for the casual all-American look, but when you are major country star headlining a stadium tour that is a pretty large production, dark denim Rich and Skinny skinny jeans and a denim top is just not going to cut it. Total snoozefest.

 So Small

This was the definite showstopper of the night. Again, it was not figure flattering because the top had to maintain a flat look for the screen, but the effect was totally worth looking a little wide up top. This was like Katy Perry's LED gown at the Costume Institute Ball taken to the tenth degree. The entire dress was an LED screen that was synced with the image on the back drop so that she became part of the changing background that included starbursts and skyward flying doves. It was amazing, obviously the best look of the show.

Undo It

This look was decent. In addition to the look above, it was a look that was appropriate for the scale of show she had. It was fun and sassy and went with the upbeat songs she sang with it on. The only issue I had with it  was the large belt of bronze sequins that went through the middle wasn't very flattering. For someone who is always concerned with figure flattery this was the second look she wore that did not flatter. I also didn't like that it was the same outfit she wore in the Undo It video, only she added pants to it since for one song she went floating above the crowd in the back of a pickup truck, so pants were needed. On the bright side, the shoes were to die for: black leather over-the-knee boots with a crystal covered heel. Looooove.

Last Name

This dress started out as a long evening gown with a chiffon skirt that was removed after a few songs. This dress was one of the worst of the show in my opinion. It looked like a cheap prom dress. For someone who tried to stay classy throughout the entire show the tight fit and high unnecessary slit made this look somewhat trampy. Not a fan.

Overall, the performance gets an A-. Wardrobe gets a C-. Looks like Carrie needs to ask Santa for a new stylist this Christmas.

Fireplace Upgrade-From Drab to Fab

 Before

 Candles at Crate and Barrel

After

This year my home makeover project for the fall/winter was fixing up my dull drab fireplace. I have lived in my current apartment for almost a year and not once have I used the fireplace. It just seemed like too much work to go get the logs. Then I wondered how easy they would be to light, would it smell up the house, etc. etc.. So I just left it as an ugly drab hole in the wall. With winter rolling around I decided something had to be done about it.

The fireplace is on the small side so my first idea to put one of those fireplace candelabras in there failed. My second idea was to make a "fire" out of pillar candles. I started by cleaning out all of the soot and cobwebs. Then I added some black river rock that I got from my mom's house, but you should be able to find some at Michael's or maybe even Lowe's. Next up was a trip to Crate and Barrel where pillar candles were surprisingly cheap. I grabbed four white votive pillars to make up the first row, two small wide, one medium wide, and two medium narrow pillars for the second row. For the third row I ran over to World Market for four large narrow pillars. For these I was able to use one of their $10 off $30 coupons that come in the mail, so I basically ended up with a free one. If you don't get the coupons in the mail you can sign up for their rewards program and they will send you one via e-mail.

I arranged them in the fireplace with the river rock around it, lit the candles and viola! My drab ugly hole in the wall became a fab cozy nook for cold winter nights.

Website of the Week

Before

After

I was crushed when I tore a 4 inch hole in my favorite pair of William Rast jeans (note to self do not attempt to do cartwheels in fitted jeans with no stretch, it does not end well). I knew they were ruined but could not force myself to toss them. Thankfully I didn't, because a few week's later I stumbled on this week's website of the week: Denim Therapy.

Denim Therapy is an online site that specializes in denim repair. All you have to do is go to the website fill out the repair form and send in your jeans via trackable UPS. Denim Therapy will send you a repair estimate for you to approve. Once approved your jeans are repaired and sent back to you. The whole process takes less then three weeks.

Instead of just patching over the holes in your jeans, Denim Therapy actually reconstructs the original denim, making the tear almost invisible. The estimated repair cost is $7/inch for holes and tears, repair to back pockets is $10, zipper replacements are around $25, and shipping to and from with tracking will cost around $12 each way.

As you can see my results were great, you can hardly tell the tear was there. The only complaint I have is the backing used to reconstruct the denim is a bit rough at first but softens after a couple of washes.My jeans were about $10 to ship and $41 to repair and send back to me for a total of $51 as opposed to the $120 it would cost to buy a new pair. Now that's what i call a deal!

Black Tie Bedding

Tuxedo Bedding from Anthropologie

Last night I was watching the genius that is David Bromstad make over a couple's bedroom on HGTV. After I got over the heart palpitations I had over a 19th century French dresser that had been painted a pale turquoise, I noticed the bedding. The bedding was from the Tuxedo Bedding line from Anthropologie. I think the great thing about this bedding is that it has a feminine look with the ruffles, but the cream color, brown trim and the resemblance to a men's tuxedo shirt from the 70's give it a masculine look at the same time. On the show they used a few pillows with the standard shams along the back. Next they layered a couple of pillows with euro shams in with a few textured teal pillows. Then finished it off  with a couple cream and brown printed pillows, and it looked amazing. It's a great look that really adds a lot of style to the room. So if you'd like to make every night a black tie night at your house the bedding can be found at Anthropologie for $268 for a queen duvet, and $88 and $58 for the shams.

Splurge-Worthy Find

Tequila Sunrise necklace by Irene Jung

Whether you purchase it for yourself or ask Santa for it, this necklace is definitely wish list worthy. This vintage meets modern necklace is by jewelry designer Irene Jung who makes her own beautiful pieces out of her home in San Francisco. Each necklace is handcrafted, one of a kind and is adorned with a vintage broach. Each necklace in her current 26 piece collection is gorgeous but this piece with it's bright greenish yellow beads is the standout for me. It would be fabulous dressed up or down. At $218 it is definitely a splurge item but it's vintage feel and wear-ability makes it a must have that you will certainly get your moneys worth out of for years to come.

Look to Love-Polka Dot Tights

Photo by In Style.com

Aside from a couple small things I am in love with this outfit. What I don't like is the bag is a bit heavy looking for a cocktail look and the dress could stand to be a couple inches longer (not that SJP doesn't have the body for it, but there comes a time in life when you have to start lowering the hem just a tiny bit regardless of your shape). What I absolutely love is the polka dot tights. They give a fun romantic feel while contrasting nicely with the sexy edginess of the necklace and dress. Urban Outfitters has a couple of great polka dot styles that you can try for $14 a piece. You can find them here.

Eva Does it Again

Photo by In Style.com

Eva Mendes is on a red carpet fashion hot streak. Although she regularly looks great she has stepped it up even more as of late. This flowy pink Christian Dior is gorgeous and the low cut neckline and gold embellishments give it a fabulous hint of sexy glam. Loooove it!

Modern Humor for Your Dining Room

Raise Your Glass Lower Your Standards by Thom Filicia

I spotted this piece by interior designer Thom Filicia on Gilt this morning, and while I love the piece $439 on Gilt is still waay more then I can afford. But looking at it gave me a great idea to get the look plus take it up a notch for someone on a budget, as long as you have empty wall space in your dining area which I do not. If you are one of those people that have the space and are looking for a fun modern way to decorate the walls this could be the idea for you. I think it would look best in a dining area, since that is where most people do their entertaining, but any area will do.

Start by painting the wall you would like for your feature wall a dark black to get the exact look of the piece, leave the other walls white for a minimalistic look.  Of course you can choose any color combo you'd like if you want to change it up a bit.

For the next step, practice perfecting your handwriting or enlist a friend to do it for you. Since it is a little more difficult to write with a paint brush then it is a pen try the cross between cursive and print that the piece has to keep the look interesting and legible. Also, be sure to incorporate the tall l and t to complete the look.

Once you have it mastered on paper it's time to put it on the wall with white paint. You want the phrase to take up a good majority of the wall so depending on your wall size you will either want to start just below or a foot or so down from the ceiling and end just above the floor. Measure out how far across the wall the want each line to go and mark it with painters tape being sure to keep the left aligned diagonal going. Start each word or phrase from the painters tape and don't worry about writing in a straight line. As long as you are not writing with a huge down or up slope it will add character to the look. And if you mess up you can just paint over it and start again.

To get the black and white look of the text from the piece make sure each word is completely white with no black showing through. You can fill in sparse space with a smaller brush. Then dip a medium sized brush into the black paint and brush it onto a scrap piece of paper to get off the excess paint until you get a dull swipe of color. Lightly run the brush diagonally down the phrase to leave a light accent of black brushstrokes. And viola! now you have a great modern looking wall of art that will provide a great conversation piece and a little bit of laughter for your guests at a great price.

Shoe Love

Sam Edelman Sutton Boot

The chilly weather that we had a couple weekends ago finally gave me a reason to wear the over-the-knee boots that I bought at the end of the season last year, and I was absolutely in love with them. I loved them so much that now I have my eye on another pair, these Sam Edelman's. I love that they are a nice leather since my current ones are suede. Things to keep in mind if your on the fence about the over-the-knee style is to look for a pair in a brown, beige, or grey, this keeps the look a little more casual. There are also a ton of flat options that will tone down the look, but if your like me and can't quite bring yourself to wear flats, you can go for a shorter heel like this one that will give you a little bit of height without looking like Vivian from Pretty Woman. Over-the-knee boots go great with jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses, although again to avoid the Vivian look make sure the skirt or dress is not too short or fitted and stick to more of a casual look then a night on the town style. The boots above are available at Nordstrom for only $150!

Switcheroo

Spa Day 3

I am constantly changing around the art in my house. I find that it is one of the easiest ways to update a room, and just like the clothes in your closet every once in a while you just need to change things up a bit. I am currently obsessing over the framed print above from Z Gallerie to switch with the current framed black and white photo of Marilyn Monroe that hangs in my bathroom. Nudes are showing up everywhere in decor and I like how this one is a nude without showing too much. The layered tones in the background and rough outline give this print a high art feel for the price of a print. Since sadly we lost our only Z Gallerie you can order the piece here.

Look to Love

Photo: In Style.com

I am in love with this look from Rachel Bilson, a woman who rarely goes wrong when it comes to fashion. I love how she manages to look sweet and edgy at the same time. The booties are amazing and the leather shorts are so on trend, then she tones the look down with a ruffled floral chiffon top, pink lips and romantic curls. Loooooooove it!

Deal of the Day

Old Navy button-front cable-knit cape

Today's deal of the day is another great find from Old Navy. This cable knit cape is also available in black, white and purple. I love how the buttons on the bottom give it a slightly more tailored look so you don't look as if you are wearing a tent. It's perfect for that fall weather where a coat is too warm but a long sleeve tee is too cold. Throw it over a long sleeve tee and pair with skinny jeans tucked into knee high or over the knee boots and you have the perfect casual chic look for fall. Best news is it is on sale for only $20.00! You can order it here.

Dress to Die for

Photo from In Style.com

Just had to share this beauty that turned up in my inbox this morning. The always stylish Eva Mendes was In Style's Look of the Day in her Andrew Gn gown and Cartier diamonds at the Toronto International Film Festival. Gorgeous, sleek, edgy, slimming, fun and comfortable, heaven personified in a dress.

NYFW: Derek Lam

Photos from Vogue.com

Lately, I have been so busy I haven't had time to partake in one of my favorite pastimes of browsing through all of the fashion week shows online and picking out my dream wish list. Of the few that I have had the opportunity to browse through one of the best has been Derek Lam's collection. I love all of the flowy printed fabrics and the look of easy modern comfort that each style gives. When it comes to effortless chic Derek Lam is one of the best. Below are some of my favorite looks from the show.

Crêpes: etc.

The sudden close of Crepes in the City left me scrambling to find another establishment to get my crepe fix from. Luckily for me I didn't have to go too far to find it. Crêpes: etc. specializes not only in crepes but all things sweet and yummy.

Located next to sister restaurant Scape (also a must try), Crêpes:etc. blends the look of French cafe and market with a touch of American diner creating a warm cozy atmosphere for diners to enjoy the many delicious delights offered on the menu. Just inside the front door is a small market area that carries wine, fresh local produce, cookbooks, baking mixes and spices among other things. However, you may actually miss all of this due to the distraction of the bakery case filled with all sorts of goodies made both at the restaurant and from other local vendors. My personal suggestion from the case would be the banana cream pie tart. It has the most amazing tasting graham cracker crust I have ever had. The crust is super thick almost like a cookie so it doesn't completely disintegrate as soon as you stick a fork in it, thus allowing you taste the buttery crunchy crust along with the creamy sweet cream and caramel. I'm telling you it's heaven. The fun continues with more baked goodness located next to the cash register. There you can pick up some of their chocolate chip cookies that are said to be the best in town (I have yet to try them but they are on my list). If you are feeling a little nostalgia for the carefree days of being a kid you can bite into one of their huge Captain Crunch Crunch Berries treats, Crêpes: etc.'s take on the Rice Krispie treat that is overloaded with gooey marshmallow. If you are having a bad day this is sure to perk you up.

As for the main event they serve both sweet and savory crepes and all are delicious. My personal favorites are strawberries and cream for sweet and the Skinny Californian for savory which is roasted chicken, avocado, bacon, Swiss and tomato with mornay sauce, mmmmmm. Crêpes: etc. also offers other breakfast and lunch options in addition to their namesake and are open until midnight on Friday and Saturday to satisfy your late night cravings. Bon appetit!

Home Envy-Nanette Lepore

Photos By William Waldron for Elle Decor

This morning I was hit with some severe home envy when I came across these photos from Elle Decor that were featured on the blog Habitually Chic . The photos are from the home of fabulous designer Nanette Lepore. I am absolutely dyyying over the bright fun colors, mix of modern vintage and art deco furniture and fun eclectic mix of accessories. And as for the pirate ship chandelier I love it so much I have no words. Check out more of my dream home here.

Rue

For those of you who mourned the demise of Domino the magazine you are in for a treat. Rue, an online home and decor magazine has just launched. As you can see from the picture above it is filled with fabulous looking interiors and articles that include where to buy the items shown or similar items. The best part is like Domino they include items from both the high and low end of the design spectrum so whether your budget is Ikea or Jonathan Adler you're sure to find something that fits your budget and style. You can check out the premiere issue here. Happy reading!

Sale Alert

Tart Veronica Dress

Tart Infinity dress worn two ways

Today is another great sale on Gilt.com. One of today's sales include fabulous dresses from Tart like the Veronica dress above for $89. Tart is known for their stylishly chic and comfortable jersey knits so you can look great while feeling like you are in your pajamas. What's not to love?!?! They also have their long Infinity dress on sale for $119, which is their version of the multi-way dress. It is absolutely gorgeous but the only downfall is the top leaves no room for undergarments so if you are one of those that are blessed with the ability to go without I highly suggest you purchase the dress immediately it is that great. Once again remember Gilt is members only but membership is free. Let me know if you need an invite. Happy Shopping!

Online Sale Alert

Helena de Natalio - Giselle XL Handbag

Today the website Billion Dollar Babes is having a sale on Helena de Natalio handbags and clutches. You can browse through a small selection of fabulous handbags and ranging in price from $59-$179 dollars, including this beauty above for $74. But you better hurry because they are going fast. Billion Dollar Babes is a free membership only website so email me if you need an invite. Happy Shopping!

Deal of the Day

Old Navy Linen-Blend Open-Front Vest

Today's deal of the day is this knit vest from Old Navy. It's a great layering piece that can be worn now with a white tank and jeans or with white jeans for a slightly dressier look and thrown over a long sleeve tee in the fall. Also, the grey color assures that it will still be a closet staple well into spring. It comes in purple and cocoa as well which also look great. My favorite part is the surprise of a fun little ruffle that goes across the back and the fact that it is only $22.50. :)

Sale Alert

INC International Concepts

In case you missed out on last week's Labor Day sales, here's a great one for tomorrow. Macy's once again has their $10 off $25 dollar sale or clearance purchase coupon for this Saturday. You can only use the coupon from 9am until 1pm on Saturday. You can get your hands on the coupon here. So get up early, go have brunch with the girls and have fun sorting through all those sale racks. I of course will be there to scope out the Rachel Rachel Roy, shoes, and this super cute dress from INC. Happy Shopping!

Deal of the Day

It's never too early to start holiday shopping. If you have any foodies in your family Borders is a great place to kick off your holiday spending spree. I was there last week and found some great cookbook buys in their bargain books section. The Oprah Magazine Cookbook is on sale for $3.99, Bobby Flay Cooks American is $5.99, and Nigella Lawson Feast and Katie Lee Joel's Comfort Table are both $7.99. All four would make great additions to any cook's collection for a super cheap price.

Love for Loft

Recently Ann Taylor Loft has revamped their style in favor of a more youthful and trendy look that still stays with the sophistication and all ages style that Loft is known for. I for one am a huge fan of the new look. Before I mostly shopped at Loft for their work appropriate knits but now they have really stylish wearable pieces that can go from work to play and their accessories line is fabulous. It's the perfect place for those that think a lot of the trendier styles out there are too overboard or unwearable for them. Their pieces now allow you to look fashionable, sexy and on trend while also looking subdued.

This look was put together for the store by stylist Kate Young who works with Maggie Gyllenhaal (my future sister in law :) hahaha), Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman. I looooove absolutely everything about this look. It looks super cozy and a the mix of blue, black and brown along with the different stripes paired together give it a stylish fashionable feel that makes it look like you put a lot of thought into it when really you just threw it on. The best part about this outfit is that you can mix and match, wearing just the dress, the dress with the cardi, the cardigan with jeans or pair it with a skirt. The cardigan is definitely a staple piece that you will get a lot of mileage out of.

Although I am not a fan of flat boots since they usually make my feet look like skis I think I am going to have to give these a try. They look great with this outfit and would look super chic worn with tucked in skinnys and a blazer.

All three pieces are available here and are priced at $59.50 for the cardigan, $79.50 for the dress and $198 for the boots. All are a bit steep but if you sign up for their emails they frequently send out coupons for up to 40% off regular price.