Food

Our family food tradition for Christmas Eve is paella, an amazing Spanish dish that can be made with or without a ton of seafood.  I was first introduced to this tradition 10 years ago and fell in love.  Living in the desert southwest can present some logisitical issues in procuring the ingredients; this year I went to four different groceries in search of exactly what I needed.  In our house, we opt for seafood and that is the most difficult to find.  Last year was my first attempt at making the paella, to which I added lobster and it was fabulous. This year's addition was Moët & Chandon Imperial, making the entire paella experience more amazing!!

The preparation is not quick, nor it is easy, but the final paella is so worth the time. I usually start prepping 2 days ahead of time waiting until Christmas Eve morning to buy the mussels and clams. It takes no less than 3 different grocery stores (this year it was 4) to find the perfect ingredients for this dish. The seafood is the most difficult of all the ingredients to find, mainly because we live in the desert southwest.  Although I can not share our family paella (it is 3 pages long), we include chicken, chorizo (Goya, of course), mussels, clams, shrimp, lobster and a plethora of veggies.

As always, dinner was followed by a festive martini. This year we celebrated with the Christmas Cookie:

• 1 ounce of Bailey's Irish Cream
• 1 ounce of Kahlua
• 1 ounce of Goldschlagger
• Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice, shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick to be a bit more festive.

This year, I was fortunate to share our family tradition with my family and a very dear friend.  Here's to many more years of paellas together. Chink, chink!! 

~c~

Fun

I've always loved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.  I remember being fascinated by the bottle labeled "Drink Me" and have always been drawn to little bottles ever since.

This past weekend, I found adorable little glass bottles in the jewelry department at Hobby Lobby. It cost $1.47 for two tiny glass bottles and cork tops. I thought these bottles would be the perfect, whimsical solution to the problem of loose gemstones and pearls from broken pieces of jewelry that I have accumulated through the years.

I placed several stones in the bottle, sealed it with craft glue, and in a matter of minutes I had my own little bottle to rival Alice's. On a silk cord, it was a sweet little necklace that made me smile. Later that day, I found a more expensive, less wonder(land)ful version at a store in the mall, filled with plastic rhinestones and crystals. It was bigger, clunkier, and much less muchier than mine (a Mad Hatter reference).

For someone who isn't particulary crafty, I have to admit I fell in love with this idea.

Now, if I could only find that rabbit hole... ~m~

               

Fabulous Finds

I'll admit it. I'm a total sucker for packaging. Slap a sticker that says "Rainbow Connection" on a bottle of overpriced nail polish, and I'm there. Well, apparently, the geniuses at OPI have done such a thing. A cross promotion with the new Muppets movie, OPI has released twelve bottles of nail polish bearing such awesome names as "Meep-Meep" and "Warm and Fozzie." Unbearable cuteness aside, a lot of these colors are really pretty for the holidays, which might be the only time I would wear glittery green nail polish.

A word of caution to all Muppet lovers/ makeup lovers/ OPI fanatics out there: many of these colors are selling out quickly (especially the glittery ones). Seems like I'm not the only one who's a sucker for packaging. ~m~

Fun

Chink, chink, it's time for another festive diva-tini.  This one is called Frosty's Going Down:

• 1 part vodka
• 1 part chocolate liqueur (it's a good excuse to buy some Godiva liqueur)
• 1 part Irish cream
• splash of cream
• chocolate shavings for garnish

Put all of the liquor into a cocktail shaker over ice and shake.  Strain into a chilled martini glass.  Gently drizzle the cream onto the drink and shave chocolate on the top.

I found the original recipe on the bottom of this adorable Lolita martini glass (since retired), but I had to tweak it a bit. 

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
~c~

Fashion

Style Channel used to have a show, featuring Elisabeth Hasselbeck, called The Look For Less.  Seemingly normal women on a budget would choose one of two runway looks to duplicate in one hour for $100 or less.  I loved this show, and I loved the concept (other than the 60 minute part).
It started for me last Christmas, when I caught a glimpse of the Saks 5th Avenue Christmas catalog.  I fell in love with this top:  

It was paired with rather casual khaki pants rolled up a bit to reveal cute brown laced up ankle boots.  It doesn't look like much here, but I knew at that moment that I had to find a knock off version of this outfit, especially for the holidays!  One Saturday afternoon, I walked into a local consignment shop and found a similar gold and black shirt, not sequined, but still flashy, just waiting for me to try it on.  I was pretty excited about my find.  As I continued browsing, I saw a cute pair of gold cropped pants, a bit less casual than the khakis pictured, but perfect for my upcoming Christmas party.  Fortunately both were in my size.  I opted for a gold pair of slingbacks instead of the boots, again for a less casual look.  The best part??  I put together the entire outfit for $60, 10% of the Saks price.  The top alone was retailed at $295.

I am trying this approach again this Christmas season with this outfit:

This time, however, I didn't have time to go out to duplicate. I pulled from what I already have in my closet.  My dress isn't identical, but it has a similar feel, minus the sleeves. I have decided to layer it with a black long sleeved t shirt (thanks to Target) and steel gray ballet flats instead of solid black.  I always love a fashion challenge, especially on a budget!! ~c~

Fun

A few years ago,  I was leaving the El Paso Art Museum and saw It's a Wonderful Life written on the Plaza Theater's marquee. I absolutely love this movie and Jimmy Stewart, so I was beyond excited. My friends and I scrapped our plans for that night and decided to see the movie instead. Beautiful. After the movie, we walked through San Jacinto Plaza to look at the Christmas lights. It wasn't Rockefeller Center with its glorious tree and ice skating, but it was lovely in its own way. That night started a tradition that signals the true beginning of the season for me and my friends.

On December 3 and December 4, the Plaza will once again be showing It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story.  If you haven't seen a movie at the Plaza, you need to... this weekend. I know some people may not understand why you would pay money to see movies that are constantly on during this season (and, yes, even shown 24 hours consecutively), but seeing a movie in this renovated Art Deco theater is such an incredible experience. The seats are a little uncomfortable for those of us over 5'4, but that pales in comparison when you can sit under the stars and feel like you are in different time.  And, really, who doesn't want to see Ralphie leering at the infamous leg lamp on the big screen? ~m~

It's a Wonderful Life - November 3, 7:00 p.m.  $5

Swoon.

A Christmas Story - Novemeber 4, 2:30 p.m.  $5

Triple Dog Dare

Fun

If you are looking for a family adventure, a bit out of the ordinary, during the holiday season, you need to travel to Williams, Arizona to experience The Polar Express. WOW!  After seeing the movie, The Polar Express, some genius at the Grand Canyon Railway came up with the idea to create their version of this magical train.  The best part?  Everyone is encouraged to wear their pjs for the trip to the North Pole!  The Grand Canyon Railway employees have every detail covered: the hot chocolate served by chefs, the snickerdoodles made lovingly for the passengers by Mrs. Claus herself, the songs and, most importantly, a visit from the big man himself, Santa.  As we traveled to the North Pole, we were treated to a reading of The Polar Express.  It set the mood for what was to come.

We were delighted to be taking our trip to the North Pole in a vintage train, similar to those that have been traveling to the Grand Canyon since 1901.  The velvet seats, wooden aisle, and beautiful brass trim throughout the car made us feel as if we had jumped back in time one century. 

Now, the North Pole set up was a bit cheesy, but that wasn't the point. The kids on the train ooohh-ed and ahhhh-ed as the train inched up to Santa's village.  As we pulled through the North Pole village, Santa and his lead elf, Bernard, were standing next to the tracks waving at the train as we passed by.  The kids on the train could hardly contain their excitement.  The train stopped briefly, due to reindeer on the track, but the next thing we knew, Santa was visiting our train car.  It was simply magical to watch Santa greet each child on the train and hand each one a large silver bell from the strand of bells on his reindeer sleigh.

This was an experience that every child (and adult) will remember for the rest of their lives.  It is definitely something that will create special family memories and will make adults feel just like children again.
~c~

Fabulous Finds

Last year, I fell completely in love. It was a website that inspired such passion, but no matter. I had this idea that I would give only really unique gifts to my friends and family. Not being crafty but being an enthusiastic shopper, I turned to Etsy. I spent hours perusing the endless website, but I finally came away with some incredibly awesome gifts, including some that combined the world of Star Wars with the Day of the Dead from the Esty store MisNopalesArt:

Leia and Han Calaveras Totebag
($10)

This year, I decided to go the same route. But the one bad thing about writing a blog post about the gifts you want to give your friends is the microscopic chance that they might actually read it. But I have decided to throw caution to the wind and write about a few of the lovely things that are making my Christmas gift list.

I absolutely love the Etsy store Brookish, where you can find various objects imprinted with the beautiful words of Jane Austen. I am eyeing the scarf with Darcy's famous marriage (or better yet, infamous?) proposal imprinted on it. It's a bit pricey for screenprinted jersey, but I think it's also a bit cool. I am also loving the small journals from LiteraryLuxe. For only seven bucks, they would make really unique stocking stuffers.

Audrey Hepburn Journal
($7)

Emily Dickinson Journal
($7)

e.e. cummings journal
($7)

Darcy Scarf
($24)

I also love the artwork from RobOsborne and SayItAgainDesign. These prints are clever gifts for the pop culture fanatic. And each of the prints is under twenty dollars. Amazing.
  

Star Wars Yoga
($19)

Wonderwoman Print
($19)

Anya Quote
($15)

Harry Potter
($15)

My list could go on and on, but it's not even Thanksgiving and the Christmas shopping season hasn't offically started.  It also occurs to me that the person who would most enjoy any and all of these gifts is me, which basically means I still have many hours left of trolling Etsy to find those perfect little gifts for others. 'Tis the season! ~m~

Food

Just in time for the family gatherings, another delish Diva-tini, perfect for autumn weather:

Caramel Apple Cooler

2 1/2 oz apple cider, apple juice or sparkling apple cider

3/4 oz vodka 

3/4 oz apple schnapps (Berentzen Apfelkorn is perfect) 

3/4 oz butterscotch schnapps

apple (sliced, garnish green or red)

caramel sauce for drizzling

• To a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the apple juice, vodka, apple liqueur, and butterscotch schnapps; shake vigorously.
• Drizzle caramel inside a chilled martini glass and pour in the Caramel Apple Cooler.
• Make a small slit in an apple slice and use it to garnish the edge of the glass.
  
  I first heard about this refreshment from Cosmo Radio. I made a few tweaks to their recipe and voilà, the Folie Fabulous Caramel Apple Cooler. Santé!!
  
  
  
  
  ~c~
  
  
  

Fabulous Finds

There's nothing worse than being out with family, friends, and significant others who are constantly texting, facebooking, and skyping on their phone, giving you the oh-so-subtle feeling that the person on the other end is slightly more important than you, the actual, breathing person in front of them.

Clearly, I'm not alone in my thinking. While reading an article about unique Christmas gifts on geeksugar.com, I came across the Phonekerchief. How awesome is this? Designed by a student at Parsons, this clever little pouch is lined with silver threads that block any incoming texts or calls. Sold at uncommongoods.com for a mere $15, I can think of no less than twenty people I would love to give this to come Christmas morning.

One caveat: I don't think the Phonekerchief comes with helpful instructions on how to give this gift without offending that special person in your life who would save their phone before another human life if their house burned down. What witty or clever thing do you say when they open a beautifully wrapped Christman package to find a gift that basically calls them on their bad behavior? There's definitely some potential for some awkward Christmas morning silence. However, chances are that they'll be on the phone when you give it to them, so you may not have to worry too much about what to say. ~m~

Food

I love food!  I love to look at it, smell it and, of course, eat it.  Every once in a while, I venture out with a friend to a local cooking class with a professional chef. I started to do this several years ago and that was the inspiration that I needed to venture into the world of cooking.  Most nights, my family is treated to a home cooked meal.  I am fortunate enough to be able to cook almost anything, my family is not too picky.

My most recent cooking lesson included roasted beet and shallot salad, beef tenderloin with a drunken mushroom sauce and crostinis with blue cheese, bacon and a Cabernet Sauvignon sauce, delish! These are not dishes that I would typically prepare on my own, but going to these classes inspires me to be more creative in the kitchen and to be confident enough to share these dishes with my family and friends.  As I prepare these different dishes, I find myself contented and comfortable.

Pictured here: Green Curry Chicken on basmati rice with a red onion and cucumber salad.  Beautiful, tasty and full of inspiration. 

A gorgeous plate of Miso Orange Salmon over soba noodles with carrots, red bell peppers and green onions. Delish!!

Tis the season to start feasting! Try something new!  And don't forget to accessorize...a martini glass goes nicely with every ensemble.
 ~c~ 

Fabulous Finds

There is nothing that fills me with burning anger/half-assed inspiration as much as an Anthropologie catalog. Let's deal with each emotion accordingly...

Just to be fair, I will focus on the anger that comes with perusing the catalog, not the desperation/depression that comes from visiting an Anthropologie store. There is not a true sense of anger in the store, as there is a SALE area that forces me to scour high and low for something, anything, regardless of fit, color, or usefulness (desperation). There is also a sense that the little girl who once envied the kids living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in  From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler has now become a slightly shallow woman who would rather live in an Anthropologie store than in a magnificent museum, timeless art and sculpture be damned (depression).

Anyway. Whenever the catalog comes in the mail, I ready myself for the anger that comes around page 2.  The skinny, boho-chic girl wafting around in a gauzy skirt in some exotic locale? I hate her. (And why isn't she smiling? Why is she pouting like she has the weight of the world on her size 0 shoulders?) The fact that I want that gauzy skirt that costs the same amount as my car payment only exacerbates the fact. By the time I have finished the catalog, the anger is still directed toward that sullen skinny model (damn her), but now it's also directed toward my decision to become a poorly paid educator, the fact that I care way too much about pretty things, the reality that the aforementioned gauzy skirt would not look like that on me, and then back to the smug waif. Anger. It's not pretty. Which is probably why Anthropologie doesn't sell it.

But after the anger is repressed, I usually feel a short-lived burst of inspiration and creativity. Those dinner plates with Marie Antoinette painted on them? I can find them at a flea market for less than ten bucks. Heck, I can probably even find the plates Marie had her cake served on for less than what Anthropologie is charging! That adorable purse with a bird print that costs more than a family of four's grocery bill? I can make that!!

Well, I didn't find the Marie Antoinette dishes, but I found an amazingly beautiful dish that looks like it did come straight out of Versailles for only $3 at a local thrift shop. And I went straight to Hobby Lobby and found a felt clutch and iron-on bird applique that has now become my new favorite purse for the fall, all for under $7.

So, FU Anthropologie catalog. Clearly, I'm doing fine without purchasing your overpriced albeit stunning goods. But please don't ever take me off your mailing list. ~m~

    

Fun

I spent this weekend with some truly hilarious and intelligent women on my iPad. Although I've had a lady crush on Tina Fey forever, it grew even more intense when I finished reading her book Bossypants. Hilarious and intelligent, the book itself is worth the price for little gems. While recounting her time at the University of Virginia and how her Greek heritage interfered with dating the Caucasian men she was really into, she writes, "Thomas Jefferson-another gorgeous white boy who would not have been interested in me. This was my problem in a nutshell. To get some play in Charlottesville, you had to be either a Martha Jefferson or a Sally Hemings." And her chapter entitled "The Mother's Prayer for Its Daughter" is touching and freaking hilarious. I plan to someday cross-stitch it on pillows and give them to every one of my friends who has a daughter.

Mindy Kaling's book Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?(And Other Concerns) is also awesome. How can you not like a book with chapters entitled "Someone Explain One-Night Stands to Me" or "The Day I Stopped Eating Cupcakes"? I also plan to someday cross-stitch her "Best Friends Rights and Responsibilities" on pillows and give them to every one of my best friends.

These women remind me so much of my own fabulous female friends, who are some of smartest, sharpest, and most sarcastic people I know. They may not have book deals or tv shows, but that's the world's loss, not mine. ~m~

Fabulous Finds

Halloween is over.  There is a slight chill in the air.  I absolutely love this time of the year.  The upcoming festivities, spending time with family and friends.  Pulling the scarves and cute hats out of the back of the closets.There is nothing else like it.

This week is the official kick off to the holiday shopping season!  I cannot describe how much I love to shop for other people. I really do love to see the faces of gift recipients. Is that cliche or what?  In order to avoid the debt and guilt of holiday spending, I opened a Christmas Club account several years ago.  In essence, I get "free money" the first week of November and can spend it as I see fit.  No guilt, no credit cards, just the freedom to spend. Lucky for me, this Friday, I get to spend for my friends, with my friends!! Chink, chink, mes amis!!
~c~

All Things French

The third Thursday of November is quickly approaching and that means that the 2011 Beaujolais Nouveau is almost here!  By French law, this young wine is not permitted to be released before 12:01 am on the third Thursday of November.  It is an annual event and throughout France where there are dégustations for the release of this wine.  I love the anticipation of the release; it is almost like Christmas for me.  My favorite, to date, is from the "King of the Beaujolais," Georges DuBoeuf.  It is a staple at my Thanksgiving table and is best served slightly chilled.  ~c~

All Things French

In February, my family had a four-legged beast wander into our lives.  Timing is funny; her arrival came months before the loss of Tache, the best four-legged friend a girl could ask for. Our new baby thinks she is a chihuahua and loves to cuddle on the couch, so when the time came to finally give her a name, it was perfectly logical to name her Coco Chanel.  Did I mention that she is the most adorable, slobbery St. Bernard that I have ever met? 

So far, her wardrobe consists of her raincoat, a bargain that we found on the sale rack at PetSmart (little did I know that doggy raincoats came in XL).  Sadly, in the desert southwest, she does not have much of an opportunity to wear it out. I am still on the hunt for the perfect pearl collar and little black dress for her, but I know that one of these days I will stumble on them, perhaps in the corner of a little junk shop, tucked behind a perfectly polka-dotted dress.
~c~

All Things French

I find a martini glass to be a perfect accessory to any ensemble. I adore a good "Diva-tini" and found this recipe two years ago when I attended a friend's martini party; it is called "The French Kiss":

1 1/2 oz. vodka (I try to use Grey Goose or Absolut if I can)
1/4 oz Chambord
1/4 oz pineapple juice
a twist of lemon and a strip of lemon rind to garnish

Pour the first 3 ingredients into a shaker over ice, shake well and strain into a martini glass. Add a twist of lemon. Drop the rind in the glass and enjoy!  Santé!!

~c~

Fashion

Fashionista Weather Woes

Living in the desert southwest can sometimes be a real issue for a girl who loves coats, jackets and cold weather accessories. Although I have lived here for quite some time, I continue to yearn for the crisp, cool October days that a northern fall brings.  Every morning, I look at the faux fur vests sitting on their hangers,where they are almost begging to be worn.  I flip through autumn issues of Lucky, Vogue, W and see the most adorable sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves and coats and I ache a bit because I know that here, in our corner of the world, most of those items are more or less useless.  My sweater collection has become quite dismal since living here.  I have come to the conclusion...A fashionista really needs to have 4 seasons in order to satisfy her wardrobe needs.

I finally couldn't take it another second and busted this out this morning; it had to be done.  So cute with a brown shirt, denim skirt and the most amazing chocolate brown boots.  Of course this morning's weather was ideal, but how will I look this afternoon when it is 85 degrees outside?  But really, does it matter?  I will suffer in the name of fashion. It is so worth it.
~c~

Fun, Fashion, All Things French

In the November issue of InStyle, there's a fashion spread that features the most glamorous icon of them all: Miss Piggy. Oh my, the worlds of Muppets and high fashion colliding.  I completely squealed (no pun intended) with glee when I saw the photographs. Am I the only one who remembers loving those pink satin elbow gloves as a little girl? Something tells me there are quite a few of us out there, those who thought Miss Piggy talking about herself in the first person and in French was actually quite awesome, those of us who admired the way she could show off her karate moves, those of us who could totally understand why Kermit would fall for such a porcine beauty. And now, dressed in the creations of Jason Wu, Opening Ceremony, Brian Atwood and others, there's no chance that anyone would ever question again why Kermit lost his heart the first time he laid eyes on her. ~m~

Fun

In certain situations, a few of my personality flaws start to rear their ugly head. I'm an enthusiastic eye roller. I'm fluent in sarcasm. Sometimes the only word I want to use is "the mother of all curse words." On days when I'm shopping at Walmart or reading a quiz answer that  says "Accticus Flinch* was a murderer who practiced economy," it seems that there is no way to win the battle against these incredible forces of evil, and my eyes just need to know that they are in for a work out.

So, imagine my happiness when I found a cool little find on Etsy that reminds me that victory is possible over Walmart and teenagers uninterested in reading relevant literature.  In an Etsy shop named Piper and Rory (http://www.etsy.com/shop/piperandrory?ref=ss_profile), you can find cheap little bracelets ($5) with phrases from literature and pop culture. I bought the Expecto Patronum bracelet, which I think will keep the Dementors who wander the aisles at Walmart and the hallways of middle school at bay. I also bought the bracelet that is inscribed with a phrase from Le Petit Prince in French: On Ne Voit Bien Qu'avec Le Couer. L'Essentiel Est Invisible Pour Les Yeux (translated: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly. What is essential is invisible to the eye"), which might make me pause before rolling my eyes to the heavens, blurting out a sarcastic comment, or letting the F word fly out of my mouth.  Maybe. ~m~

*This is exactly how the student spelled Atticus Finch. It truly adds a whole other dimension to this spectacularly mind-blowing answer.

Fabulous Finds

Who doesn't love a Fabulous Find?  I am always on the hunt for fashion treasure. Whether it be a navy polka dotted dress hanging in the back corner of a junk shop or a Missoni for Target clutch strategically placed amongst the backpacking magazines for later retrieval, I am always looking for that item that someone else has left behind. I suppose it goes back to my childhood. My parents owned an antique business.  In order to keep me focused (and not whining) while antiquing, they would pay me a quarter for every piece of Heisey glassware that I found.  Even then, I felt like I hit the lottery when I would find the glassware on a shelf... oftentimes covered with several layers of dust and cobwebs.  Now, so many years later and I still can't explain it, but I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I have found what I perceive to be a Fabulous Find.  

My latest find is a most adorable polka dotted, navy dress.  Today, I have decided to channel my inner Coco Chanel and am wearing it with several strands of pearls.  Isn't it great to wear a stunning outfit, with accessories, that costs less than $20?!  
~c~

Fun

It's been a while since a novel truly enchanted me. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is one of those novels that makes you want to live and breathe in another world. With language that is both vivid and beautiful, the novel brings to life a fantasy world that is both dark and magical.  Le Cirque des Reves, or "The Circus of Dreams," opens only at midnight, takes place in stark black and white tents, and promises experiences not found in any other venue.

The sumptuous midnight dinner parties thrown for the performers and investors, a gown that changes color to suit any viewer, circus delicacies such as chocolate bats and spiced cider, a tent that promises a garden completely made of ice... all these images inspire me to throw a themed party based on the book. Wouldn't this be a great book club choice?  Imagine everyone showing up dressed only in black and white, with the occasional red (you have to read the book to understand). Imagine trying to replicate any of the incredible, magical food-- blown spheres of sugar that have to be cracked to taste the cream inside, pigeon cooked in cinnamon, a tiered cake in the shape of the circus itself. Finally, imagine the conversations the novel could inspire. What more could you ask for? ~m~

All Things French

Being tucked away in our particular corner of the desert, it is a gastronomical challenge to find French cuisine. What is a Francophile to do? Buy some (canned) escargot, slap some butter and garlic on them, break out some French cheese and baguette, and imagine very hard that you're in a chic, dark bistro known only to Parisians.  I know some foodies may shudder at the thought of canned escargot, but ,really, few will care if you have enough butter and garlic. Trust me. ~m~

Recipe for Escargots (très simple).

Ingredients - 1 small can (2-4 dozen) escargots, 1 stick of unsalted and softened butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, chopped parsley (to taste)

Materials - escargots dishes (6 places per dish), oven preheated to 450 F, cookie sheet

1.  Open aforementioned can of escargots - or, purchase fresh if you happen to be living anywhere in France - drain and rinse.

2.  As the escargots drain and dry, mix softened butter, garlic and parsley in a small bowl

3.  Place one escargot in each compartment of the escargots dish.

4.  Place a generous amount of butter mixture on top of each escargot.

5.  Set the escargots dishes on the cookie sheet and place in the oven for approximately 15 minutes or whenever the butter is hot and bubbly.

6.  Sprinkle with additional parsley and serve hot with baguettes or crostini to soak up the butter/garlic mixture.

7.  Bon Appétit!

~c~

Fashion

Bravo has debuted a new show, Fashion Hunters, where upscale goes retail.  I saw the first preview in July and I was instantly drawn in.  As I sit here watching it, I love the idea of the show and, more importantly, I love the idea of the shop in NYC, Second Time Around.  What I wasn't prepared for was the amount of pouting and cattiness going on throughout the show.  Show me beautiful clothing and accessories...keep your personal lives (and pouts) out of it.  Will I watch it again?  Of course. I love to see gorgeous couture. ~c~

The show reminds me how much I love to root around our own local thrift stores to find treasures that have been tossed out by women no longer enchanted with items that probably once drove them mad. Will I ever find a Carolina Herrera dress like the one from Second Time Around? Probably not. But I have found items to make the label whore in me very happy (hello, never used Gucci pumps?) as well as unique pieces that are one of a kind (a 1920's dress clip that is now an awesome pendant). ~m~

The Beginning of the Madness....

After some fabulous Cava, exploding escargots, various cheeses, and lots of tipsy laughter, we finally started our blog about everything that we insanely and obsessively love. ~c & m~