Holiday Gift Guide

 

With much enthusiasm, I give you my Holiday Gift Guide!

I've been beyond excited about this post all day, but I absolutely wouldn't allow myself to post until I covered at least half of the material for my exam on Thursday.  When the halfway point came just a few moments ago, I practically closed my fingers in my book because I closed it so quickly.  You are probably wondering if I recognize the fact that I basically created a reward system for myself, with the reward being blogging.  The answer is yes, and I absolutely concede to the fact that this makes me a nerd.  So be it.

After begging my older sister to use her photoshop skills to make this for me, (thank you Krissy!) I put together several fabulous items that I've come across in my cyber shopping recently.  I tried to pick a few house related items, hobby related items and trend related items so that there is a gift for everyone.  Happy holidays!

1. John Robshaw journals for Barnes and Noble $16.95

2. Room by Emma Donoghue $11.99

3. Alice in Wonderland glasses - Urban Outfitters $5 each 

4. Knitted sloucy stitch jumper- Topshop £40

5. Skinny leopard print belt - Forever 21 $2.50

6. Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Platform - Nasty Gal $130

7. Wire Quartz Ring - Topshop £6.50

8. Afternoon Fete Tea Set - Anthropologie $16 - $48

9. Rihanna's new album Loud $19.98 

10. Knitted rose sequin tunic - Topshop £120.00 

11. Premium black corset waistband trousers - Topshop £45

12. Fur Earmuffs - Nasty Gal $30

13. Cape Dress - Topshop £46 

14. MAC Nail Lacquer in Jade Dragon $15.50

15. Chiffon Oversized Button up - American Apparel $58  

 

Nicki Minaj's Wild Style

Fairmart library makes for a very uninspiring environment, so I needed a post that would wake me up.

While clicking through some of my favorite sites (procrastination isn't always bad you see), I came across Nicki Minaj and her newest do: bright orange hair.  That did the trick!

Nicki Minaj is a huge hip-hop artist packaged in a tiny 5'2" frame.  She's known for the many alter egos she likes to encompass when performing.  She has worked with Usher, Kanye West and Lil Wayne in an effort that has proven she can keep up with the boys.

Minaj is a wig-wearing wild child and her outfit choices always make a statement.  ELLE.com put together a slideshow of Nicki Minaj's Wildest Style Moments (which can be seen here).

If your tired eyes are in need of some awakening, her bright outfits will surely do the trick.  Needless to say, I adore Minaj and always look forward to her music and outfit choices.  A girl that can keep up with the boys while donning colored wigs is without a doubt a girl I admire.

Minaj is an artist in many facets of the word.

Hair problems? Wrap it up.

It's safe to say I have been cursed blessed with a full head of hair.

Unfortunately, I'm not that great at waking up to my alarm and I'm often rushed in the mornings as a result.  On the rare occasion that I do wake up with socially acceptable hair it's a great day, but most of the time I don't.  I usually have no time to make my messy bed head look somewhat controlled.  I throw it back in a bun, braid or something pretty lame; a turban is really what I need a lot of the time...

I've always been a fan of headbands as they cover my hair if I decide to go a day without washing it.  They're an accessory that tricks the world into thinking you've made an effort, but usually they're a girl's way of covering up her messy/dirty hair.

Lately, I haven't been able to find any headbands that are different.  The same little bows, feathers and sequined embellishments keep appearing on headbands.  I was frantically searching for a new trend in headwear when I finally came across the headwrap.  And guess what?  It's turban inspired - how perfect?

Let me start by saying a sincere thank you to whoever invented this fine headwrap.  It's effortless, covers the hair, can be worn with messy hair while looking cool, and did I mention it's actually the coolest hair piece I've ever come across?  No joke, I NEED to get my hands on one of these.

Headwraps have been around for a few years (WhoWhatWear did a piece about them in 2007 which can be read here) so I don't know where I've been on this trend.  I'm pretty disappointed with myself as I could have been wearing this awesome trend for three years now.  Better late than never?

Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies

[My brownies - don't you just want to take a bite?]

As far as baked goods are concerned, cookies are far and beyond my favorite.  I almost always choose to bake cookies over any other sweet, but as I grocery shopped with my older sister yesterday I spotted a tiny package of brownies that practically had me drooling. 

As I got closer to the package I noticed the brownies had small swirls of peanut butter intertwined in the rich chocolate layers.  The swirls truly looked as though they were painted through the chocolate, and I could smell the aromas of the peanut butter and chocolate through the packaging.

When I got home I researched a recipe for this peanut butter brownie and came across a Good Housekeeping one that seemed delectable.  (You can get the recipe here)  I didn't have the time or energy to make brownies from scratch, so I used a hershey's mixture and then made the peanut butter swirl from scratch with the recipe.

The brownies were truly amazing.  In fact, the taste was so irresistible that my mom had a piece with her breakfast this morning!  She wouldn't stop carrying on how they tasted exactly like a 'Funny Bone'.  I don't know what that even is so I told her she was aging herself- poor mom :(

Holiday Decorations

Yesterday was Black Friday, the day that promises some of the best shopping deals of the year.  Believe it or not, I didn't want to go shopping.  My stomach was still full with turkey and mashed potatoes, and I was more than content to sit at home with my family watching a movie.  Nevertheless, my sisters and my mom wanted to do a bit of Christmas shopping (the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree), so I agreed to tag along.

Several stores had some holiday decorations that were pretty neat.  Not only were they creative and festive, but some of them are easy to re-create at home.  My favorite was a wall layout created at our local Anthropologie store.  It was made up of disposable Solo coffee lids.  Luckily, I had my camera with me and I was able to snap some shots of all the decorations that caught my eye.  I also snapped some photos of little items in the stores that I liked too!  Watch my flickr slideshow to take a peek at the decorations and items that I found fun and festive.

Forgione Wins

[Foodnetwork.com]

This probably doesn't come as a surprise to many, but I am a reality t.v addict.  In fact, when choosing a topic for my blog I was extremely close to a blog concerning reality t.v.  You're probably wondering how I have so much spare time for all my addictions (fashion, food, reality t.v), but somehow I manage.

Last night was the season finale of the Next Iron Chef, one of my favorite programs in the world of reality television.  I was rooting intensely for Marc Forgione, a chef from New York City.  He has been my absolute favorite competitor from the very beginning of the season, and his dishes always have me drooling from the other side of the screen.

Not only do his dishes look delicious, but they're always crafted into beautiful works of art.  I think this really won him the competition last night as the judges were amazed at the colors and beauty he brought to life in a non-traditional Thanksgiving feast.

I couldn't wait to post the images from last night's kitchen stadium competition.  Forgione's calmness in the arena translated wonderfully into his picture perfect dishes.

[All images come from Foodnetwork.com]

See you later Short and Sweet!

[Maxi skirt by NastyGal]

[Mary Kate Olsen in a simple maxi skirt ensemble]

It's about time, the mini is out and the maxi is in!

Although I very much enjoy a mini skirt, I've been looking for a change in the skirt department for a while.  Don't get me wrong, leg bearing is fun and great but I'm fickle and needed a change.

I've always been a fan of the maxi dress so when maxi skirts started popping up recently I was beyond delighted.  Floor length dresses are very figure flattering and maxi skirts can have the same effect when worn properly.  Maxi skirts are a great combination of glam and grunge, a look that I always strive for.

The best tip I can offer when wearing a maxi skirt is to keep the ensemble simple and minimal.  Skirts with pattern or detailing must be paired with very basic tops.  Skirts on the simpler side can be combined with a little more detailing up top, but the maxi makes such a statement that it's better to keep it understated.

My favorite look is a neutral maxi skirt paired with a plain crop top and leather jacket.  Since I'm a bit partial to all things leopard, I love a leopard maxi skirt as well as long as it is worn with a simple white t-shirt and some plain gold jewelry.