Something Blue

These are the cutest shoes ever! And to top it all off they are probably the most affordable shoe I've ever purchased! Oh and also really comfy! It all started while I was stalking the Internet for wedding shoes (I did find a pair but I'll have to keep that hush hush for now) I stumbled upon these at DSW and the price was just incredible, so I went ahead and ordered the black and the blue just to see which ones I liked better...... Well of course I'm keeping them both, they are too adorable not too!!

Lulu Townsend Romy Pump in navy.

Shopping Goodies

Every time I go to Europe I give myself a little budget to get a few things for the upcoming season. Here's a little taste of what I brought home with me.

 

A beaded silk tank in a gorgeous peachy blush pink

 

Rhinestone embellished sandals from my favorite Shop - River Island

 

A scalloped hem top, and a crystal collar necklace

 

A trio of printed chiffon blouses

And now I think I'll have to refrain from shopping for quite some time! ha!

I see London I see France!

I'm back from my super quick work trip to London and Paris. Super jet lagged but it was a great trip. We shopped the trends and I'm excited to work on our spring season and some other awesome side projects. Things are going to get busy! Of course while shopping for work I always have to mix in a few things for myself, which I will let you in on tomorrow. For now here's are some shots of what I saw...

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!

xoxo

Friday Favorites

My new necklace from the hubby to be! :) My monogram initials, which he kindly reminded me will change in 8 months!

I'm off to London and Paris for the next few days for work. Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! I know I will!

Almond Milk

I don't know what's been with me lately. It's like I've been embracing my inner hippie or something. Quinoa for dinner, spelt flour cookies, and now I'm making my own almond milk. In my defense I am slightly lactose intolerant. I say slightly because it's not consistent. Sometimes I'll have cheese and be fine, other times I'll have a spoon full of ice cream and dear god it's a total nightmare! Maybe it's more of a lactose irritation. Never the less, I have to have non-dairy milks in the fridge for tea, and oatmeal and anything else that is enjoyable with traditional dairy milk. I'll be honest soy is not my favorite. I do love almond milk but homemade VS boxed is like a world of difference. Here's how to make your own:

Ingredients:
• 1 cup of raw fresh almonds
• A Nut milk bag (I got mine here)
• A high speed blender
• A pitcher
• A jar to store the milk

Directions:
Cover your one cup of almonds with water and let soak for 8 hrs. (I like to do this part in the morning so it can be ready when I'm home from work) When you get home drain and rinse your almonds. Put 4 cups of water into your blender, add the almonds and blend thoroughly. Now put your Nut milk bag into your pitcher, make sure its secured around the top enough so that when you pour your blended mixture in, it doesn't fall in as well. Once its all in, pull out the nut bag and squeeze out all the juice. Pour the milk into your favorite jar/jug (mine is from here) and there you go! Home made almond milk! This can be done with any nut not just almonds. I prefer to add a little cinnamon and vanilla extract to mine for a little flavor, but its just as good on its own too. Now I have to figure out how to make this Rice Dream Horchata and I'll be all set for my non-dairy beverage options!

Taste the rainbow

I love love love rainbow cookies. I could eat a whole tray and not even realize what just happened. So I'm not really sure how I stumbled upon the Spoon Full Of Sugar Etsy shop, maybe Pinterest, most likely yes. But when I saw this Valentine's day version of rainbow cookies I just ordered them without even really reading the fine print. See when it comes to rainbow cookies I don't really think, I just do. And I'm so glad I did because after I ordered, I realized these cookies are gluten free. I don't have any allergies to gluten (as I know of). Aside from a mild lactose intolerance I really don't have any food allergies.  But even without the gluten these rainbow cookies did NOT disappoint. There really was no decipherable difference between these and regular rainbow cookies, (and I have had my share of rainbow cookies!) The customer service Chris offers is also one I would put at the top! They came super fast and all wrapped up in such pretty packaging. Even a little hand written note!  To top it all off she's local in Brooklyn! If anyone is looking for gluten free goodies I highly recommend Chris's shop! I hope to try out her other goodies as well!

Friday Favorites

These new bangles I purchased at a little boutique in midtown by my office. This new arm party tastes much better than the giant black and white cookie I attempted to get before I spotted these in a window and got distracted. Oh well, at least I saved myself the calories!

Have a happy weekend everyone!! xoxo

Currently Lusting

1. Swing Top
2. Red Skinnies
3. Earrings
4. Bowler Bag
5. Glitter Jelly Heels

Sweet Potato Coconut Bisque

I love coconut, and I love sweet potatoes. Whats better than the 2 combined? Seriously? Can it get any better? Well yes it can, if your actually tasting it right now!
    So this all started when I decided to combine my newly rekindled love for sweet potatoes, and this  product I picked up at the organic market called "Coconut Manna".  I came across this recipe and decided to try it with a few variations. It came out perfect!

Ingredients
• 4 sweet potatoes
• 1-2 cups of sliced baby carrots
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups reduced-sodium tomato-vegetable juice blend or tomato juice
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 15-ounce can vegetable broth
• 1/2-3/4 cup of coconut manna (or peanut butter)
• Generous sprinkle of crushed red pepper
• Chopped fresh green onion for garnish
•  Raw unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Peel your sweet potatoes first. The original recipe calls to prick them and microwave them THEN peel and I did just that. WHAT A NIGHTMARE! My hands were scalded even though I let them cool for 20 min! and the skin was so difficult to peel off. Next time I'll do it the way my gut told me to do, and peel first. You can cook them in the oven till just cooked or microwave for 7-10 min. Your choice.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until it just begins to brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Stir in juice, carrots, salt, red pepper, ginger and allspice. Adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently; cook for 10 minutes.
3. Chop the sweet potatoes into bite-size pieces. Add half to the pot. Place the other half in a food processor or blender along with the Veggie broth and coconut manna. Puree until completely smooth. Add the puree to the pot and stir well to combine. Thin the bisque with water, if desired. Heat until hot. Pour into your favorite bowl, add garnishes and enjoy!

Just a side note about Coconut Manna. This stuff is incredible. If you are as much of a fan of coconut as I am, you'll be putting this stuff in EVERYTHING. Oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, ice cream, spoons....OK yea fine I'll admit I've been eating it by the spoonful out of the jar. It's just THAT good! And it's really good for you and completely raw, no additives, sugar or anything! It may be a bit pricey, but it's worth it!

Friday Favorites

Please excuse my lack of posting this week. I've been working on some wedding related projects. Save the Dates which are done!  I can't wait to share them with you all. Unfortunately it will have to wait till all my guests receive theirs.
      This week while I wasn't working on wedding things or at work I was putting to use some holiday gift cards. I know I know, a bit early, but I couldn't help it! The 60 degree weather on Wednesday here in NY got me in the shopping spirit. Here are some of my favorite purchases from this week...

    It's Friday and I cant wait to relax and enjoy the weekend! Hope you all do too!