20's chic

Have you guys been watching HBO's Boardwalk Empire? After a bit of a slow start, this show has gotten really good.

(image courtesy tv series online)

I'm loving the period piece costumes and the overall 20's vibe. Flapper chic, daddy!

(image courtesy on sugar)

This Coat of Arms Mirror seems like it would be the perfect place to pin curl your hair, no?

(image courtesy anthropologie)

I'm loving the antique design of this mirror. I think this it would look perfect above our dark chest of drawers.

I'm pretty sure Mrs. Schroeder would agree.

(image courtesy clatl)

chicory = magic

My fella is pretty fabulous.

I could list a thousand reasons why, but let's just say this. Any guy who wakes up early on vacation to sneak out and get you breakfast is pretty flipping awesome...especially when said breakfast comes in the form of beignets and chicory coffee from Cafe Du Monde. Yummmm.

(image courtesy katie w)

To make chicory coffee, regular coffee grounds are combined with ground chicory (the roasted root of an endive-like plant) to create a smooth almost chocolatey flavor that will knock your socks off.

No plans to head to New Orleans anytime soon? Don't fret! Cafe Du Monde's website has you covered.

(image courtesy the cosmetic market)

I'm currently intrigued by the thought of making these Coffee Chicory Macarons spotted on the rocking food site tartelette.

Wouldn't these make rad holiday treats? I certainly wouldn't object to finding a batch in my stocking.

(image courtesy tartelette)

Check out the recipe here.

gobble, gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

S and I went straight from New Orleans to Mississippi. We will be celebrating this great day of turkey with a week long visit to my parents' house.

Old friends, family, a television tuned to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and my Mommy's home cooking? Yes, please!

(image courtesy amanda slh)

Cheers to a happy, hearty holiday!

P.S. I'll be back to posting regularly next week...in the meantime, have a happy, nap-filled weekend!

fancy (sweat)pants

Have you guys spotted the fancy sweatpants trend? Yes, it sounds like an oxymoron, but they do exist. See the evidence below.

(images courtesy stylelist and refinery 29)

My friend L and I always joke about our latest qualification for any new clothing purchases-they should be soft and comfortable. Surely, these pants meet such requirements?

(images courtesy j. crew)

While visiting my parents, I took advantage of the chance to hit up Target and scored...you guessed it...fancy sweatpants!

While I love the hip cut, I'm pretty sure these cuddly trousers will be reserved for lounging about our apartment and watching movies. Still, I'm really happy about this find! Who says your lounge attire can't be fashion forward?

(image courtesy cheap chicas)

NOLA bound

(image courtesy taylor bruce story)

In only a few more short hours S and I will be en route to New Orleans. So very excited for a much needed (late anniversary) getaway!

Ready for delicious Southern food

(image courtesy blog cdn)

fantastic music

(image courtesy stormgrounds)

and tasty cocktails.

(image courtesy flickr)

Can't wait to visit with family and some old friends too.

Happy (early) weekend!

i love this outfit...

(image courtesy amatuer couture)

How rad is this swan dress from Paul & Joe? I love swans!

I would pair it with these saucy suede Elizabeth and James pumps. LOVING the ankle strap.

(image courtesy shop bop)

Bright red lips and

(image courtesy the luxury spot)

Temperley London's swanky clutch?

(image courtesy shop bop)

Looks like it's martini time.

"Yes To..." products

Have you guys spotted the Yes To brands at your local Walgreens (or Target if you are a truly lucky duck)?

This all natural beauty brand has fruit and veggie-themed hair and face products that get great reviews. You can say yes to their carrot, tomato, blueberry or cucumber-themed concoctions.

(image courtesy the beauty counter)

While these products have intrigued me before, I've yet to check them out. Maybe I'll try Yes To Cucumbers' line of facial towelettes.

How wonderful would these be to keep in your gym bag?

(image courtesy bella sugar)

Check out Bella Sugar's review here.

pretties

Since it is Monday and we're all easing back into the work week, here are two pretty things to brighten your day!

First, Alexis Bittar's gorgeous gold/smoky quartz necklace from the Miss Havisham collection. How wonderful! Need this necklace in my life-ASAP.

(image courtesy alexis bittar)

Second, Scarlett Johansson's Marilyn-esque bob spotted on this week's SNL. How cute is she?

(image courtesy videogum and cdn)

Bloody, Bloody Mary

Yesterday afternoon, S and I met some our dear friends for brunch at Brother Jimmy's. Among the delicious snacks we all gobbled down-shrimp and grits, home fries, BBQ and even chicken and waffles!-the shining star of my meal had to be the bloody mary (pictured above).

Served with a lemon wedge, a lime wedge, 3 olives and pickled green beans, this tasty cocoction was filled with enough vegetable goodness to be a meal in its own right.

My photo above was taken after I nibbled on all the garnishes. Here's a photo of the fully loaded variety.

While I can't stop singing the praises of my cocktail, one of the most interesting drink options offered in the "Eye Openers" section of the menu has to be the Bloody Beer.

(images courtesy ny barfly and the gotham palate)

Our pal LD tried one and I must say two thumbs up! It's light, unexpectedly fizzy and pretty darn tasty.

Check out the recipe for making your own below.

Brother Jimmy's Bloody Beer (recipe via ny barfly)

Build in a Pint Glass –
Handful of Ice
½ Glass of Budweiser (or your beer of choice)
¼ Glass of tomato juice
Dash Tabasco
Dash Worcestershire
Juice from half a lime

*Worth noting? This recipe leaves out that the pint glass is rimmed with a salt/BBQ dry rub combo which makes the cocktail super tasty.

Cheers to sodium overload!

know any good reads?

(image courtesy sean bonner)

I'm terribly afraid of flying. While I'm looking forward to getting away next week, I'm already getting that all-too-familiar nervous feeling.

One thing that always helps to keep me calm (besides sweet S's priceless airplane observations... seriously, Larry David's got nothing on this guy), is having a GREAT book.

On that note, any suggestions???

Last week, we caught David Sedaris's reading at the Apollo and he highly recommended the book of stories Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned by Wells Tower.

Ironic title for a terrified flyer to read on a plane, no? AHHHHHHH!

(image courtesy cdsporch)

Here is an excerpt from the New York Times review (full review here). This book sounds pretty awesome.

"His syntax, though always easy to follow, is supple enough to wrap itself around several shades of meaning in the same sentence. His understanding of previously under-recognized feelings is rich in detail and passionate in utterance."

lovely lace

I heart this season's lace trend. Pair a little lace with stripes and a cute cap sleeve? I'm officially in love.

(image courtesy net-a-porter)

I should have guessed this was Tibi!

Check out these romantic lace bits for fall.

This lace top would be perfect with dark skinny jeans and brown leather riding boots.

Make a subtle statement with these black lace tights,

or top off a simple black dress with this fancy necklace.

(images courtesy real simple, j. crew and anthropologie)

These lacy trends remind me of the ornate iron balconies in New Orleans. Maybe I'll wear one of the frilly pieces above on our anniversary getaway to go ol' N'awlins next week.

Laissez les bons temps roulez!

(image courtesy inetours)

anniversary

"Sexiness wears thin after awhile and beauty fades, but to be married to a man that makes you laugh everyday, ah, now that's a real treat."- Joanne Woodward

Happy anniversary to the world's best husband. You somehow manage to make every day better than the one before it.

xoxo

popping corn

How cool is this high speed video of corn popping? I'm embarassed to say I watched it three times!




This video was discovered on the awesome food blog frites and fries (via ANOTHER awesome food blog eat your chow).

lucky

I love this letter press poster from Lilco's Etsy shop (spotted a few weeks ago on that's happy).

When life is as hectic as it's been lately, I think this adorable print's message serves as an excellent motto.

Keep working it... and Happy Monday!

fireworks!

Aren't these pics of fireworks neat?

S and I were having dinner in last night when we heard giant echoing "booms" coming from outside. Luckily, we were able to catch a tiny bit of the show from our fire escape!

The fireworks were coming from Central Park where a pre-marathon celebration was underway. Apparently, the fireworks were set off from the finish line.

We can't wait to head out shortly to support our friend AK who is running in this morning's race. So excited!

(image courtesy fit to wed)

scented candles

Have you guys read about White Castle's burger scented candle? Ohmygosh-siiiick.

(image courtesy refinery 29)

Click here to read a bit about the most repulsive candle fragrance of all time. Most disturbing line in Refinery 29's coverage? This candle apparently promises "notes of burgers and onion." Want one yet?

I think I will stick with Tocca candles. My current favorite scent is Colette. With hints of "warm incense, musky vanilla and amber," it's perfect for fall.

Want to know what else is great about Tocca's yummy scents? No college late night flashbacks. Bonus!

(image courtesy tocca)

orange crush

Have you guys ever tried orange lipstick? This trend has been hot for awhile and though it's a bit bold for my usually neutral palette, I really, really like it.

(image courtesy bella sugar)

The look is in the the same vein as the bold red shades that have taken over the past few years, but... well...better!

Two shades getting lots of praise? MAC's Matte Lipstick in So Chaud,

(image courtesy newsok)

and NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heatwave (spotted in this month's J. Crew catalog).

Kink-y

I can't stop listening to The Kinks. A few of my close friends have been singing the praises of this classic, beloved band for some time, but to be honest, I'd never really given them much thought.

I, like everyone else, love "Lola" and even "Waterloo Sunset," but that's where my Kinks knowledge ended...until recently.

While listenting to the soundtrack for the 2007 Wes Anderson movie The Darjeeling Limited (which is totally underappreciated, by the by), I realized that some of my favorite songs from the movie were all by...you guessed it. The Kinks! Who knew?

The soundtrack includes the tracks "Powerman," "This Time Tomorrow," and my personal favorite "Strangers" (check in out below).

P.S. I'm still obsessed with the Whitman brothers' luggage in the film which was custom created by Louis Vuitton. I want my own leather overnight bag with a palm tree and giraffe design. Flashy!

(images courtesy bradoweb, wikipedia telegraph, high snobiety)