Ombre Manicure

I'm constantly changing my nail color to either reflect (or help change) my mood.  Sometimes it can be hard to decide what color to use... Luckily, you don't always have to choose: just pile on the colors!

For this look, pick two similar colors to create an "ombre" effect; I used Essie polish in "Smokin' Hot" and "Merino Cool" 

First, apply two coats of the lighter shade on the entire nail:

Next, apply darker polish on 1/2 to 2/3 of the nail to create the look.  The best part?  Your application does not have to be perfect for it to look good :-)

To finish off your nails with a professional glossy shine, apply Seche Vite top coat - it  is simply the best, and will also help your manicure last longer.

All Dressed Up

It's not too early to start picking out the perfect outfit/s for all the Holiday festivities to come.  I have my eye (and a major crush) on this stunning dress from Urban Outfitters - it would be perfect and versatile for  so many events!  The low cut back and chiffon skirt make the dress both sexy and romantic all at once.  I adore the simple yet elegant design, making it a timeless piece for your wardrobe.

KNT by Kova & T Champagne Dress from Urban Outfitters (part of their Holiday Dress Collection)

Stock me up...

I have always been a stockings girl, but when the season changes, they become an even more appropriate and essential part of my wardrobe... So much fun too!

1. - Donegal Nep Kneepad Stockings from Need Supply

2. - Textured Chevron Tights from Forever 21

3. - Pointelle Over-the-knee sock from Urban Outfitters

4. - Pretty Polly "House of Holland Superstar" Tights from Nordstrom

5. - Spanx "Double Take" Tights from Nordstrom

6. - Solid Sheer Stripe Tights from ASOS (on sale!)

7. - Gypsy Bondage Tights from ASOS

8. - Dot your Tights from Modcloth

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

This recipe marries two of my most favorite things: pumpkin and bread pudding.  My excitement starts to build every year once Starbucks re-launches their Pumpkin Spice Latte - let the season of pumpkin treats begin!

Cubed baguette coated with butter

Bread mixed with pudding mixture, ready to bake!

Mmmmmm.....

Welcome to the Jungle

How great are these mugs from Pier 1 Imports?

They are nice and big and add a bit of cheer to start the day...

Magic Marker

I've long been a fan of Loreal's Voluminous Mascara - this Voluminous Mistake-Proof Marker eyeliner is a great option between using a pencil liner and liquid.  

I'm traditionally a pencil liner kind of girl, but enjoy the precision and polished look of a liquid liner.  I love this pen because a.) it seriously looks like a marker, and b.) it's so easy to use with great results...  

                                                                  

Soup Season!

One of the many things I love about the change of seasons is the relevance of soup in one's diet.  This quick and easy recipe from Trader Joe's is the perfect fix for a no-fuss yet satisfying weeknight meal.  

A good friend taught me the trick of throwing fresh ginger in my soups for an added level of flavor, amazing aroma, and not to mention the extra health benefits! I substituted fresh baby bok choy for the spinach and low-sodium vegetable broth in the place of chicken broth (just for fun) :-) 

Bootie be mine...

My favorite new Fall bootie "Mavenue" by Nine West is on sale - 50% off!
I am a sucker for the gold detailing and glossy wooden heel...

Designer Chocolates

I'm always buying crazy colored eye shadows from MAC, but in the moment, I never think them through for everyday applicability & most remain sadly unused....

In search of an everyday palette, my go-to lately has become Maybelline's eyeshadow quad in designer chocolates.  I love the easy instructions for creating the perfect subtly smoky eye.

To prime my eyelids, I swear by Urban Decay's primer potion - I can go all day without a crease in sight.  Now available in shimmery shades too!

Panna Cotta

On our first night out in Paris, we discovered a fantastic little restaurant called Birdie Num Num (love the movie reference).  We actually ended up dining there on our last night there too!  While initially determined to eat only all things French, I soon bent my resolve to order the most appealing dessert on the menu: Panna Cotta.  

Upon our return, I tried my hand at it using this recipe from David Lebovitz and was very pleased with the results...  For all its deliciousness, it was surprisingly easy to make! Perfect for entertaining, it must be prepared at least a few hours prior to serving.

Serve with fruit or topping of your choice.

I topped mine with agave nectar...

Lavender fleur de sel Caramels

Ever since we returned from our vacation to Paris, I have been trying to re-create my favorite things from our visit.  One of the many delicious experiences we had was trying fresh caramels from Jacques Genin... The salty buttery sweetness (in a variety of flavors) was unparalleled by any caramel I had ever experienced...  

Since I had never made my own candy before, first things first, I bought a candy thermometer.  A word to the wise, many are not calibrated correctly (hence my first batch of caramels turned out rock hard) - so you may need to boil some water to see what your thermometer reads (it should register 212 degrees Fahrenheit- adjust your recipes accordingly).  I used this recipe from Epicurious with a few modifications: add  1 tsp of vanilla extract to the cream and butter and infuse it with about a tsp of dried lavender...

Voilá!