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Archive - April, 2010

fantasy friday: david yurman.

April 30, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion, Obsessed with 6 Comments

If I could wear one jewelry designer for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be David Yurman.

There is something about his pieces that are just eternal to me. They’re classic without ever looking tired, and they seem to go with just about everything. I actually did a summer internship in the DY Corporate Offices when I was in college, so I learned a lot about the story behind the jewels and Mr. Yurman himself, of course. I loved my experience there; everything happened in the same building, so on some floors, jewelry was actually being made – and on the top couple of floors, was the office space. Getting a sneak peak into those forbidden floors where the jewelry was created was like a little taste of heaven; imagine bin upon bin overflowing with candy-like stones, and the constant possibility that just maybe some new iconic piece was being created right there, in front of your eyes. And then there was Mr. and Mrs. Yurman’s private office, of course, which was breathtakingly beautiful. It was clean, open, and modern, and had a gorgeous staircase that led up to the rooftop terrace, where – as I’m sure you can imagine – countless fabulous parties took place.

The above photo features Kate Moss in an old ad campaign for DY. I love Kate Moss, but even more I love her as a spokesperson for this brand. She epitomizes everything it stands for. Do you see how she looks in this photo? Stunning – but almost in a disheveled way. This is DY, in a nutshell – pure elegance, with a tiny bit of roughness around the edges. I will never forget the picture he painted in my head when he described the woman who wears his jewelry. He said it was jewelry that you can throw on with jeans and be glamorous, in a cool and casual way, or you can wear it with your ballgown to your next gala. That is the David Yurman woman. She always looks perfectly put-together, but never in a I-tried-way-too hard kind of way. Always alluring, she probably just rolls right out of bed looking totally glam. She’s the woman you love to hate.

The rings – I D.I.E. for them. Always. I have a giant cocktail ring with a pale green stone, trimmed with diamonds, that I always throw on whenever I want to feel glam or sexy, even if I’m only wearing cutoff shorts and a tee. I also adore their more casual pieces; there’s nothing like rings of layered rope or crossover bands {they may or may not be lined in pave diamonds} to take your everyday jewelry up a notch. Or three. And I am also loving these hoops – hoops are always a favorite staple of mine, and these them to the next level. LOVE the black pave diamonds.

Ah yes, and there are always the bracelets. You already know he’s famous for that striking combination of silver and gold and the cable rope, of course. Today the cable bracelets are made in endless varieties, from diamonds to gold to buckles, but the original was the silver cable with the jewels and a touch of gold on the end caps. Now, I did say these pieces were timeless, and this is what I like to call an investment. I still have an amethyst cable bracelet that my grandmother once gave me from years ago, and I still wear it all.the.time. Perfect on its own, but I’m partial to wearing it piled high with other bangles, some DY and some not. Yes, everyone is into the layering right now, but mixing DY in with your layers just adds something that no other piece can. You know – it’s got that je ne sais quoi factor.

I have to know – do you love DY as much as I do? Who makes YOUR favorite baubles?

Images via David Yurman

my {first} date with jillian michaels.

April 28, 2010 in Work It with 11 Comments

Yep, it’s true.

This morning I cheated on Shaun T.

{I have to say – I’m a little jealous if you don’t know who he is. That would mean that you don’t currently torture yourself multiple times a week doing his totes insane workouts, like I do}

Just kidding, Shaun T. Kind of.

You may or may not know that right now I’m in the midst of working out like a pycho more than usual. For me, that means, like, 4 or 5 times a week. Lately I’ve been working late hours at the office, so this means I’m squeezing in my morning dates with Shaun T at 6am roughly 3 or 4 times a week, and then – if things go right – going for a nice long 4-5 mile run on the weekend.

I should probably also tell you that I’m only on my second week of this schedule.

That’s okay though – because I know I’m going to keep it up. Why, you ask? Well, for one simple reason: I have a goal. Not a goal of like, I want to lose 5 pounds. Which, of course, I do. {Don’t we all?} But that never seems to keep my hand out of the cookie jar for long. What I’m talking about here is an event-based goal – which for me, seems to be the only thing that really gets me going. This could be a wedding, a reunion of some type, or any other big event that requires you to be at the top of your game. For me, it’s a photo shoot.

A huge component when it comes to seeing change in your physique is variety; you always want to shock your body, and you never want it to know what’s next. And yes, it also helps ward off the boredom factor. So, this morning I decided it was time to walk over to the little stack of {unopened} workout DVDs on the floor and give Jillian a try.

The Skinny:

The DVD is made up of three workouts: Levels 1, 2, and 3. I was still sore from doing the Insanity “Recovery” DVD yesterday morning (yeah, I know, I don’t get it either), so I went with Level 1. And it’s definitely wise to start there – it was pretty intense! Each workout is only 20 minutes long, so it was about half the time I’m used to doing with the Insanity DVDs, but it was still a solid workout. Each one is comprised of rotations of 3 minutes of strength moves, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. This is *the* recipe for weight loss, ladies. If someone tells you it’s okay to just do cardio – stop listening immediately. They don’t know anything. (What you eat, however, is the single most important piece of the puzzle – for more on that, click here.)

There are no breaks at all in between, so you’re constantly moving the entire time. Think of it this way – you could spend over an hour at the gym, but between chatting, drinking water, resting between sets, texting, etc. – how much time are you really working it?

What I like:

Short and sweet – I mean, who can’t find the time to wake up just 20 minutes earlier?
Minimal equipment needed – just a pair of dumbbells (mine are 5 pounds, I think) and a mat if you’re on a hard surface.
Good strength moves – my upper body is unusually weak, so the weights used here were a nice addition.
Totally reasonably priced – you can get it for less than $10 here.

The final verdict –> Shaun T is still my #1, but I will definitely be seeing Jillian again.

What do you think, ladies? Would you give Jillian a try – or better yet, have you already? Are there any other workout DVDs you swear by? I’m also looking to get into some yoga and pilates, so I’d love to know if you have any recommendations.

does it get any easier?

April 26, 2010 in Fabulously Simple, Healthy Eats, Starters with 8 Comments

{It’s a rhetorical question}

Because clearly, the answer is no – it doesn’t get any easier. Or healthier. Or more delicious.

Why complicate things? I must give credit to Meg {Dan’s fabulous mother} who put all of these great platters together for us. She’s been doing this for years, and she knows better than anyone that simple – when it’s done right – is often the best way to go. Just chop up a bunch of fresh, colorful veggies and serve it all up with an easy, healthy dip. I promise – your guests won’t be disappointed.

Here we did sweet peppers, celery, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini. And this fabulously simple blue cheese dip.

Blue Cheese Dip

8 ounces lowfat cottage cheese

4 ounces blue cheese

4 tablespoons light mayo

1 teaspoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons chopped red onion

And right now, I’m pretty much drooling remembering how delicious this was. And the best part – no recipe needed! Just cut up all of your favorite fruits {or whatever looks good at the store – market, if you’re lucky} and serve with yogurt of your choice. We used a mixture of lime and vanilla, and it was heavenly.

Yes, I know. This {slightly} detracts from the “healthy” factor here, but this little antipasto sampling rounds out the rest of this spread perfectly. Again, good ingredients and simplicity are key – we just set out sliced capicola, salami, and prosciutto and served them alongside these little balls of mozzarella goodness (extra points for being pre-packaged already soaking in olive oil and herbs).

So, what do you think – do these look easy enough? Any other no-fuss favorites you have in your arsenal that we need to know about?

fantasy friday: in a {floral} state of mind.

April 23, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion with 3 Comments

Was there ever a time when floral prints weren’t perfectly chic for spring? Just sayin’.

Still, I must say – the floral pieces the designers are coming with this season are defiantly vibrant and fresher than ever. This collection of fabulousness {all via NET-A-PORTER, who else?} showcases the season’s passion for blooms in a way that harnesses the NOW - with the addition of sequins, updated silhouettes and shapes, and even the once-offensive method of mixing prints.

{thakoon floral-print silk-blend dress}

{dkny sequined silk-blend playsuit}

{thakoon printed silk double-layer top}

{stella mccartney spring linen-blend dress}

{missoni zagara sequined silk gown}

Would you not D-I-E for each and every one of these pieces? I die.

put your best {face} forward.

April 21, 2010 in Product Junkie with 2 Comments

A couple of weeks ago when I wrote about all of the beauty products I can’t live without, so many items in the make-up category came to mind that I figured it best to give them their very own post.

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in Mat Black – This is my go-to black eyeshadow for dramatic smokey eyes. It’s totally matte, which I’ve been really into lately, and it blends really well.
Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation – I used to be a big fan of Chanel foundations, but this stuff has totally crossed me over. It has great coverage but doesn’t feel heavy at all, and just has the perfect finish. For daytime, I usually just use a tinted moisturizer and then dab a tiny bit of this over any problem areas. It’s that good! I rarely wear concealer, and believe me – my skin is far from perfect.
Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder – This is an invisible powder to set your foundation. I don’t normally use it during the day, because I like the natural, dewy look of the foundation on its own – but if you’re going out and want everything to really last, this stuff works wonders.
Dior Addict Lip Polish Radiance Expert in Sheer Beige – Every girl needs to own a perfect nude lip gloss. You can add it to any lipstick to give it some shine or tone down the color a bit, and of course – it’s beautiful on its own. I really like the texture of this gloss in particular.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat – I’m pretty sure everyone already knows about this little magic wand, but just in case – here it is. It’s so much more than a concealer – it’s a miracle product that makes you look like you’re totally rested and rejuvenated when you’re, well, not. My only complaint is that because it’s so popular, they are sometimes out of my color – so in case that happens to you, Chanel makes a similar one that’s just as good.
Lorac TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer – Another thing you should probably know about me {if you don’t already} is that I am addicted to bronzer. But you have to be careful here – the color has to be right, or it won’t look natural. I know I’m doing good when people keep telling me, “You look so tan!” and I know I haven’t been in the sun for weeks (which is also a product of my favorite fake-bake product I wrote about here). I love this bronzer because the color is perfect – not too dark, but still shows up on me when I do have a tan. It also goes on smoothly, is made out of minerals {love}, and even has an SPF built right in. I apply it with a big fluffy Kevin Aucoin brush lightly across my forehead, down my temples and through to my cheekbones, and then a little on my nose, chin, and neck/décolletage area. So, basically everywhere.
Nars Blush in Amour – I never used to wear blush. Like, at all. I remember when everyone raved about Orgasm – I went out and bought it, was super excited about it – but, nothing. As in, it disappeared right onto my skin. For all of you fair-skinned beauties out there, I’m sure it’s gorg – but for me, I needed something with a little more pigment. And that’s when I found Amour. This color is like a deep peachy-pink, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. But be careful, because a little goes a long way. I definitely don’t use it everyday, but for a night out or other occasion I just use a tiny bit of this blush right on the apples of the cheeks, after I apply my bronzer.
Chanel Les Quatres Ombres de Chanel Quadra Eye Shadow – Another staple in the world of cosmetics is your neutral/brown/beige eye shadows. I love Chanel for eye shadow, and every season they come out with a new set of colors that I think I have to have. They’re a little pricey, but I think it’s worth the splurge when you’re getting a neutral palette that you’ll get seriously mileage out of. Love this set of colors, called Kaska Beige.
YSL Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss in Golden Petal – I’m also a self-professed lip gloss addict. Maybe moreso than bronzer, because with bronzer I {generally} only buy and use one at a time. Not so with lip gloss. Lip gloss is just one of those little purchases that feels so good to buy – I mean, who hasn’t bought a sparkly new lip gloss and felt instantly better on a bad day? Sparkly is exactly what this one is, and it’s another type of gloss that I think a girl should always have on hand. This one is the perfect shade of shimmering pinky-gold.
Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude – One of my new favorite things to do is buy lipsticks and glosses at the drugstore. This is pretty much the only thing (along with mascara) that I’ll buy at my local CVS, because when it comes to things like foundations and eye shadows, you’re getting into blending issues – and I think high-quality is important there. But lipsticks and glosses are something you can have fun with. I bought this to wear for a – shocker, I know – nude lip. I happen to have naturally darker lips, so when I apply my nude gloss on its own, it’s pretty but doesn’t make much of a statement. When I want a super-nude, more dramatic look {paired perfectly with a smokey black eye} I apply this lipstick under my gloss.
Stila Sheer-Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 Oil Free – This is one of the best tinted moisturizers I’ve used, because it has great coverage – but still feels so much lighter and more natural than foundation. I love this for beach days, because the SPF is high and lasts me longer than the usual 15. I also have one by Lorac that I love, which feels even lighter but does have less coverage.
Smashbox Cream Eye Liner in Caviar – Save for the occasional smokey eye, I normally don’t wear eye shadow. I’m much more of an eyeliner kind of gal. I’ve been using this one for years; it comes in a little pot and you apply it with a tiny brush. I’ve also used Bobbi Brown’s similar gel version, which lasts longer, but dries out more quickly. This one is creamy, but has surprisingly good staying power.
Max Factor Volume Couture Mascara – I’m really not sure why I’m even mentioning this mascara, because I’m pretty sure it’s discontinued. I do, for the most part, prefer to buy mascara from the drugstore because to me, they dry out quickly whether you’re spending a lot or a little – and since I like them fresh and new, it’s best to spend less and buy more often. That, and I’ve used virtually every popular high-end mascara and I don’t find them to be any better. This is partly due to my strange eyelashes – they’re super-long, but straight – and when I apply mascara they tend to get very spidery and gross, so I’m ultra picky. (Yes, I do also curl them with a Shu Uemera). At one point I also loved Clinique’s Full Potential mascara, and I think that’s gone now, too. Maybe you should think twice about telling me which one you like, because I’m starting to see a pattern here…In any case, right now I’m using all kinds of mini versions that come in the LashStash Mascara Deluxe Sampler I got at Sephora. So, wish me luck – maybe I’ll find a new one to curse into discontinuity I love.
Cover FX Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation – I’m not a compact person, per se – but I do like to carry one in my purse so that I can do touch-ups when I’m out and about. Living in South Florida, the humidity doesn’t allow any foundation to be very long-lasting, so it’s kind of necessary. I like this one because it’s made out of minerals, but doesn’t make my skin all ashy-looking the way other mineral-based products do. The coverage is also excellent – but there is a lot of it, so if you’re looking for something lighter, you may want to go with a basic pressed powder.
Chanel AQUALUMIÈRE GLOSS in Party Red – From time to time, you may catch me wearing an all-out red lip. I think it’s fun to switch things up once in a while, and there’s nothing more glamorous than red. I do, however, understand that not everyone can pull it off (or at least you may not feel like you can – I bet you’d totally own it, if you tried). The good news is – this lip gloss is the perfect way to sort of dip your toes into the trend, without jumping in head-first. It’s red, but sheer – so the more red you want it, the more layers you add. I like to use it both on its own and on top of red lipstick (love MAC’s Russian Red). This gloss also has such a perfect texture – it’s literally the smoothest gloss I’ve ever used. And it is made in lots of other gorgeous colors, if red’s just not.your.thing.
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner in Mat Black – Although I usually prefer to use the eyeliner that comes in a pot, there are just certain times when you need a pencil. I love these pencils – they stay on better than any others I’ve tried, and they’re made in all the colors in the rainbow. I also have a navy blue and a green one, which I love.

So, I’ve shown you mine – will you show me yours? What products are forever in your make-up bag?

{Sidenote: I worked as a make-up artist during the summers in college, so I know a few things. If you ever have any questions about products or how to apply them, give me a try – I’d love to help!}

chicken with forty cloves of garlic.

April 20, 2010 in Dinner Party Worthy, Main Dishes with 7 Comments

This is one of the meals that I’ve been wanting to cook for *who knows* how long. I first saw the recipe from the Barefoot Contessa, but over time I’ve seen different versions pretty much everywhere. All I really have to say is, if the idea of 40 cloves of garlic scares you…

Don’t let it.

Please. Because the cooking of the garlic mellows it out in such an unbelievable way – I honestly wish I’d put more in there. And the sauce – the sauce is just so absurdly decadent and delicious – and it’s not even all that bad for you, considering you’re only using a couple tablespoons of cream. The rest is just white wine and a splash of cognac – and if you’ve never cooked with cognac, you simply must. It brings such an amazing dimension to the dish. And really, the shining star here is also the chicken itself – which can be tricky to do, since chicken doesn’t have much flavor on its own. Leaving the bone in helps with flavor, of course, and the brown-then-braise method is always a surefire way to ensure perfectly moist chicken. Still, I think this may just be the moistest chicken I’ve ever had.

Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic

Adapted from Barefoot Contessa

3 whole heads garlic, about 40 cloves
2 (3 to 3 1/2-pound) chickens, cut into eighths (I used 1 whole chicken and 2 more breast halves)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons good olive oil
3 tablespoons Cognac, divided
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 loaf good bread, I used French bread

*Don’t be afraid of the whole chicken! If you don’t want to cut it yourself, you can usually find it already cut and packaged in the grocery store, and if not, you can ask the butcher to do it for you. And as far as this sauce goes, it is the most heavenly stuff in the world – so if you’re a sauce person {like I am} you may want to double the wine, heavy cream, and flour so you can double to sauce! It’s that good.

For the garlic, I’ve actually been buying those big containers of pre-peeled garlic. I’ve heard they can sometimes be more fresh than the heads, as those heads can sometimes sit there in the grocery store forever. So, I just counted out 40 cloves from there. If, however, you want to do it the old-fashioned way, use this trick to peel them easier: Separate the cloves of garlic and drop them into a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds. Drain the garlic and peel away.

Brown your chicken:

Dry the chicken really well with paper towels. Season liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. I like to salt it as far in advance as possible to get the chicken more flavorful (and I do this with all meats). I also take my chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes to an hour before I want to start cooking so that it comes to room temperature, which helps the meat to cook evenly and keeps it nice ‘n moist.

Heat the butter and oil in a large pot or Dutch oven {I use my Le Creuset, of course} over medium-high heat. In batches, saute the chicken in the fat, skin side down first, until nicely browned, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Turn with tongs or a spatula; you don’t want to pierce the skin with a fork. If the fat is burning, turn the heat down to medium. When a batch is done, transfer it to a plate and continue to saute all the chicken in batches. Remove the last chicken to the plate and add all of the garlic to the pot.

Now for the {love} sauce:

This is where it gets fun! Lower the heat and saute for 5 to 10 minutes, turning often, until evenly browned. Add 2 tablespoons of the Cognac and the wine, return to a boil, and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pot with the juices and sprinkle with the thyme leaves. Cover and simmer over the lowest heat for about 30 minutes, until all the chicken is done.

Remove the chicken to a platter and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sauce and the flour and then whisk it back into the sauce in the pot (I’m not sure why this extra step is necessary, but I always listen to Ina!). Raise the heat, add the remaining tablespoon of Cognac and the cream, and boil for 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste; it should be very flavorful because chicken tends to be bland. Pour the sauce and the garlic over the chicken and serve hot.

I served this with good French bread and roasted broccolini.You can really serve it with anything – rice, pasta, roasted potatoes would be nice – but really you’re just looking for something else to soak up more of that delicious love sauce.

Yum.

the POSHest.

April 19, 2010 in Fashion, Obsessed with 11 Comments

In honor of her 36th birthday this past weekend, I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you how full-on obsessed I am with Victoria Beckham.

{I’m actually a little weirded out that I haven’t told you yet}

Where do I even begin? She is literally just THE most stylish person I know. Period. (Well, I don’t know her know her, but I’d like to. I was actually talking to Daniel about this the other day and he fully agreed that she would totally be my friend – if she knew I existed, that is.) She’s all about simplicity, elegance, and perfectly-tailored clothing. She knows how to work a trend into her look and still look utterly classic – which is a rarity, these days. Not to mention she’s also the type of girl that doesn’t mind matching her shoes to her handbag every now and then. I’m into that.

I absolutely adore *everything* about her, so – let’s also discuss her hair. I love it. She pulls off anything, although I must say, I am partial to her with shorter hair rather than long. I think my favorite look is when it was a tiny bit longer than it is now, like this. There are days when I am SO.OVER. the upkeep of long hair and highlights, and I very seriously consider this super-sleek bob – but it only lasts about as long as it takes me to discuss it with Daniel, who promptly tells me there is a time for me to have hair above the shoulders – and that’s when I’m over 60.

I kid, I kid. {Well, kinda. He actually did say that – but I know deep-down that if I *really* wanted to do it, he’d support me. Right, baby?}

On another note, I’m also obsessed with Victoria because of her persona. Yes, she’s been known not to smile for the camera. And a lot of people find that obnoxious/rude/downright insolent – but I happen to like it. I watched a special on her once and she totally admitted that she does it, and it’s quite on purpose – it’s her “thing.” It’s kind of a joke in her family, she will watch herself on TV with her children and they will all be like, “There’s Mummy, what does Mummy look like?” And then do a stern face, all joking and laughing about it. I’m not sure why I like it, I guess it amuses me – and I like that she is just herself.

Take it or leave it. Love that.

{It may or may not have something to do with the fact that I’ve been told from time to time to “smile more – you have such a pretty smile” and the like – which I may or may not have found to be annoying. It’s like, sometimes you don’t feel like smiling at a strange man as you’re walking through the grocery store – and it doesn’t have to mean you’re a bitch. Sometimes you just want to smile on your own terms, you know? I feel you, Posh.}

So – basically, it’s like this: she’s got more style, confidence, and swagger than most could ever imagine. She’s the designer of {arguably} one of the most amazing couture collections launched in years, has two beautiful children, oh – and her husband’s not too bad, either. And do we even need to mention the Spice Girls? So, yeah. I think it’s fair to say that the woman can smile whenever she feels like it, thankyouverymuch.

{This is just ridic. And the fur is faux, if you happen to care}

{Effortlessly chic}

{Show-stopper}

{Because she makes jeans and a baseball cap look like that}

{This is everything I love about her style, in a nutshell}

What do you think, lovelies? Who’s YOUR style icon?

*Images courtesy of JustJared, a fabulous site for celeb stalking.

happy birthday to us.

April 16, 2010 in All We Need Is Love with 11 Comments

Today is a very special day.

Two years ago today, I went on a first date with {who I now know as} my future husband.

Who wants to know how we met? Well, I’m going to tell you. For one, because it’s a cute story. And for two, because I really like telling it.

A while back I used to work for UBS, in a training program for financial advisors. Yes, I know – doesn’t sound like me at all. Well, it wasn’t. But it paid pretty good for a first job out of college and looked good on the resume, so – that was that. Anyway, one day I snuck into was sent to a big meeting for all of the top advisors in the region to share thoughts/best practices {insert ridiculous and/or cheesy sales jargon here}. It was basically a big room filled with men, mostly older, and a few power women scattered about who took themselves way too seriously. Well somehow, amongst all of this awfulness, I managed to be placed into the same “breakout” group {yes – there’s the jargon again} as the hottest guy I’d ever seen. And better yet, he sat down right next to me. He worked in the Fort Lauderdale office, and I could tell he was a bit older than me; he was mature, well-spoken, intelligent, funny, charming, and – did I say gorgeous? I hung onto his every word – and his deliciously thick New York accent – and in my head {you may want to sit down for this} I actually thought to myself, “This is the kind of guy I want to marry.” I wasn’t being a creep, I wasn’t saying I knew I wanted to marry this guy right here and now – but I was saying that he had everything I never knew I always wanted.

Well, when the meeting was over for the day, I thought I had a pretty good chance that he would ask me for my number, ask me out, something – anything. But guess what ladies? He didn’t. I wasn’t sure why – but my first thought was that he had a girlfriend, or maybe – he just wasn’t that into me.

Turns out neither of those were the reasons, I would later find out.

{Thank God I would later find out}

Because for a hot minute, I couldn’t get this guy out of my head. I remembered his last name from his name tag – it was an unusual last name, I thought. I think I actually went back to my office and searched for him in our inter-office contact system, which is kind of embarrassing (did I ever tell you that, babe?) – mostly because I knew I wasn’t actually going to do anything about it once I found him. And I may have done it more than once. Just sayin’.

Fast-forward about 6 months later. It was now April 2008, and I was still working in the Miami UBS office. There was a guy named Sean in my program who had become a close friend of mine. He used to travel back and forth between the Fort Lauderdale and Miami offices, and one day he told me that he wanted to set me up with someone he knew. I was pretty skeptical, to say the least, but he wouldn’t let go of it. He said to me, “Listen. I know you pretty well now. There’s something here. I think this guy would be absolutely perfect for you. I don’t know how I know, I just do. You guys are meant for each other.” Pretty convincing, don’t you think? I did. So I agreed. And then, he hit me with the bullet.

“He says he’s met you before. At some meeting. He’s actually been harassing me about you for months now, but you were dating that guy so I never said anything – but since you’re single now, I figured…”

I’m pretty sure he was still talking. But I didn’t hear anything else. Immediately – I asked, “Sean, what’s his last name?”

{Insert most ridiculously amazing moment of my life}

Well, suffice it to say, that was the last name I told you about. You know, the “unusual” last name of the most ridiculously amazing man I’d ever met. So, it was pretty much a done deal. Dan soon called me and asked me out, and as the old adage goes, the rest is history. We were 1000% in love from that first date on. We were, are, always will be, totally *obsessed* with each other. I’m not even going to lie – I thought that at first, part of it had to be infatuation, because it we were SO intensely into each other. But here we are, 2 years later, exactly – and somehow more into each other than ever before.

In case you were wondering, he never asked me out at that first meeting for two reasons. For one, he was trying to be “somewhat of a human being and not attack the hot chippy in the professional environment” we met in, even though he wanted to. And additionally, he had just gotten out of a relationship and was not in a place to explore anything seriously yet. Was I disappointed that day when it happened? Sure. But would I change it for anything in the world? No way. You know what they say – timing is everything. And good things come to those who wait.

Oh, and if you were wondering about the title of this post – we call our anniversary our birthday. Because we never lived until the day we fell in love. Yep. That’s how sick it gets. So - happy birthday to us! Tonight we are off to Rosa Mexicano, where we went on our very first date. Then it’s off to the Viceroy, because there’s nothing we love more than a good hotel pool day. I cannot wait to celebrate the day our lives began, how far we’ve come – along with everything the future holds, and EVERY single moment in between.

{Over several pomegranate margaritas, of course}

LOVE OF MY LiFE: 2 years {in pictures}

{may 2008} in vegas for dan’s 32nd birthday.

{june 2008) dan visiting me in cali, where i was sent to work for 3 months right after we met.

{february 2009} on a cruise for my 24th birthday and valentine’s day.

{we like to have fun}

{april 2009} celebrating our 1 year anniversary birthday in mexico.

{may 2009} dinner for baby’s 33rd birthday.

{december 2009} new year’s eve. very us.

{february 2010} valentine’s day by the fire.

From my heart to yours,

xxSAS

obsessed: theory.

April 15, 2010 in Fashion, Obsessed with 1 Comment

I’m obsessed with Theory for quite a few reasons.

Like this one.

And this one.

Especially this one.

And this one, too.

Why? Because Theory has a *serious* knack for the basics. And I tend to get kind of obsessive-compulsive with good basics. They’re the backbone of any wardrobe: they can be totally casual or dressed up with the addition of a great pair of shoes and jewelry, but most importantly they’re easily mixed and matched with every other item in your closet.

Theory’s aesthetic is always clean and modern, and the fit is to-die-for. They’re about designing basics that always look fresh – but never overly trendy. Which equals pieces you can feel comfortable investing in, because they have staying power. I literally don’t know what I would do without my Theory tanks, tees, and separates – for me they are absolute wardrobe essentials. I’m not even being dramatic – I’d be lost.

Their crisp button-downs and impeccable suits are crucial for anyone who works in an office and needs to, well, dress like it. And if you’re looking for something a bit more fun, they do that, too. For instance, right now they have a ton of cute dresses for spring. I am particularly smitten with this one. At first glance it looks like a basic polka dot print, but when you look up close the dots are a little rough around the edges. This is what I love about Theory – they take a classic print like polka dots, and totally reinvent it in a modern way. I’ve personally never been a huge fan of polka dots, but throw in an asymmetric one-shoulder, and an ikat-like spin on the dots? Yes, please.

What are YOUR favorite brands for basics? Anyone else who gets it right, every time?

weekend brunch: scrambled egg quesadillas.

April 13, 2010 in Weekend Brunch with 4 Comments

There’s nothing better than a good weekend brunch.

{Except for sharing it with even better friends}

I decided to make these breakfast-friendly quesadillas after seeing them on one of my favorite blogs. I owe you a back-story here, as this was the very first food blog I ever discovered – and partly what inspired me to start my own. I was watching Ina on the Barefoot Contessa one day, and she had a special guest on the show. Her name was Phoebe, and she was was a writer for a fabulous food blog all about cooking in the quarter-life. I didn’t really know what a food blog consisted of at that point, but the idea seemed really cute so I went to check it out online. I probably don’t have to tell you that I have since fallen in love – but I will anyway. I was so into all of their great recipes, and most of all the fact that it was solely dedicated to cooking for women in this stage of life. After exploring more food blogs, and eventually other fashion and lifestyle blogs, I had an idea.

I thought, wouldn’t it be great if there was a blog that combined all of this *fabulousness* into one place for women exploring this stage of life? I thought about the quarter-life, and how so many call it a crisis – and I thought about how I couldn’t disagree more. I wanted to share that. And thus, 20something cupcakes was born.

I digress. But you did desperately want to know, didn’t you?

So. The quesadillas. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to make them. Not only am I a huge quesadilla fan, but I’m a huge breakfast fan, so the combination is kind of ridiculous. And what’s even better is you can totally play around with the ingredients. That’s what I did on the second variety – they had used caramelized onions (which is always delish and since I usually have onions on hand, easy) and mushrooms, and as Daniel doesn’t eat mushrooms, I decided to throw in some prosciutto and switch up the cheese to Gouda. Still, I totally recommend making the first one just as they did. SO yummy. D-I-E for the chipotle crema.

Note: In case you’re interested, “crema” is a Mexican version of sour cream, kinda like the French have their version called “crème fraiche.” It can be difficult to find, so you can easily use regular sour cream, like I did.

I made 4 servings of each of the below quesadillas for a total of 8 servings. We had one couple over, so there were only 4 of us, but extra food is better than not enough (and we happen to love leftovers in our house). Quesadillas aren’t the greatest for large groups, as they’re best when made to order, but you can always keep them warm in your oven (at 200 degrees) if you want to make them ahead of time.

What’s brunch without the perfect cocktail? We enjoyed my deliciously spicy Bloody Mary’s with our quesadillas, of course. And it was pure perfection.

Scrambled Egg Quesadillas with Cilantro Chimichurri and Chipotle Crema

Recipe courtesy of Cara & Phoebe, the Quarter-Life Cooks

Makes 4 servings

6 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch cayenne
4 8-inch tortillas*
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the chimichurri:

2 cups cilantro
2 garlic cloves
1 lime, juiced
2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
Olive oil
Salt

For the crema:

1/3 cup sour cream (I use light, always)
2-3 small canned chipotle chilis, minced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can (I may have added a little extra – I like it hot)
Pinch of salt
Hit of lime juice

Combine the ingredients for the crema in a small bowl, set aside. This can be done days in advance.

In a mini food processor, pulse the cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and vinegar until roughly chopped. Add the olive oil in a stream until the mixture becomes a finely chopped paste, but not too thin. Taste for seasoning and add salt accordingly. This can be stored in the fridge for a day or so.

In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the salt and cayenne. On a cutting board arrange the tortillas side by side. Slather the chimichurri on each round, just enough to cover them with herbs but not make them soggy (you may have leftovers). Divide a 1/2 cup of cheese between two tortillas.

In a small non-stick sauté pan, scramble the eggs over low heat until just coming together (they should still be pretty wet and gooey). Spread half the eggs between the two tortillas, cover with another 1/2 cup cheese, and fold them in half, pressing down so they are glued together.

Clean out the pan and return it to the stove over high heat. Get the pan hot, then toast the tortillason both sides, until dark and crispy with cheese oozing out the sides. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of chipotle crema and some extra cilantro leaves for garnish. Repeat the process with the other 2 tortillas.

Scrambled Egg Quesadillas with Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, and Prosciutto

Makes 4 servings

2 cups chopped cremini, white button, or portobello mushrooms
4 ounces prosciutto, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
6 eggs, beaten
4 8-inch tortillas*
2 cups Gouda cheese, shredded

For the caramelized onions:

2 onions, thinly sliced (I like to make extra and use for other things like burgers or sandwiches)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar

Caramelizing onions is super easy, it just takes a few minutes. Melt the butter in a heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add your onions, brown sugar, and vinegar; sauté until onion is golden brown, stirring frequently, about 25 minutes. Try to keep them spread about the pan as they’re cooking. Remove from the heat, and let them cool to room temperature.

Add the mushrooms to the pan with a little additional butter or olive oil and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the onions back to the pan, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a couple more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Now your filling is done.

In the meantime, arrange two tortillas side-by-side on a cutting board. Divide a 1/2 cup of cheese between them. Add the eggs to the pan and toss until just combined—they should be very moist. Spread half of the egg-onion mixture over the two tortillas in one layer. Sprinkle another 1/2 cup of cheese over the top and fold in half, pressing down so the sides adhere.

Clean out the pan and return it to the stove over high heat. Toast the tortillas on both sides, until dark and crispy with cheese oozing out the sides.

Repeat the process with the other 2 tortillas. Serve immediately, and enjoy.

*Note: I use Mission Carb Balance Plus Flour Tortillas. They taste absolutely identical (we did a taste test to prove it) to regular flour tortillas, only they have 5g of protein and 11g of fiber per tortilla. Kind of obsessed.