Happy birthday to the best mom, friend, person I know… thank you for all you do and for always being there for me. I’m so lucky to have such a strong and gorgeous role model in my life. I love you!
With the holiday season in full swing – hello?! it’s Christmas Eve, I’m fully embracing relax mode… but with the hours until present opening, I still have a few errands to run (and a few more hours to put in at the office), and what better way with a cozy and casual outfit?!
As I’ve said time and time again, the J.Crew Minnie Pant are my new obsession. They are super comfortable and I love that they can transition in and out of the office.
I also got turned back onto Old Navy as of late and really love their soft tees and fun sweatshirts. I have a few of their graphic ones, but am loving this jeweled one (which I scored for $10!!!).
Paired with some relaxed sneakers and off I go!
Old Navy Sweatshirt, Cabi Top, J.Crew Minnie Pant, Converse Sneakers, J.Crew Baubles
Happy Christmas Eve to everyone 🙂
Scrounging for some last minute present ideas?! Forgot one of your coworkers? Need a gift for your gardener? Look no further! I love the DIY approach to holiday gift giving and often find it best to make a little artisan or gourmet treat…
Last year I made homemade vanilla and while it does take a little planning (or at least waiting on the recipient’s end – it takes 3 months to really ferment) it is SO worth it.
This year I went with an infused simple syrup route. I made my famous (to myself) Ginger Simple Syrup, and attached a homemade ginger ale recipe for the 21 and younger crowd and a Ginger Bourbon Fizz recipe for those that like to imbibe!
Super simple (aside from the sticky mess that your kitchen is bound to fall victim to) and so delicious! Plus infused syrups are now like $12-15 a bottle at the store nowadays… and you easily can whip these up (bottles and all) for around $3!
Other quick/less involved gift ideas:
- wine (BevMo $0.05 wine sale!)
- gift cards (Starbucks, Jamba, iTunes)
- candles (I’m telling you… by them on sale when you see them!!!)
- books (I love a great cookbook or coffee table book – Costco has great ones with CRAZY markdowns)
- a beautiful frame with a picture of you and gift recipient (girls love pictures)
What are some other quick and easy gift ideas!?
With the influx of Meyer lemons at my disposal, they have taken center stage in my cooking (can you tell? Lemon Bars, Petrale Sole in Lemon Sauce, Kale Salad with Meyer Lemon Dressing…) AND bar-tending.
Tom Collins
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Meyer lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 tsp of Marashino or Luxardo Cherry syrup
- 1 Luxardo Cherry
- 1 orange slice
Mix gin, juice and syrup in an ice filled cocktail shaker. Strain into an ice filled glass and stir in some cherry syrup and garnish with a cherry and orange slice!
Marashino syrup will result in a more pink colored drink, but the Luxardo syrup is just as a tasty!
Cheers!
Gone are the days of “Around the World,” “Jungle,” and “Jersey” as a dress code theme appropriate for a night out (college party reference) – but I do long for the days when I actually knew what to wear, without calling the hostess or consulting any other attendees. With holiday party invites in full swing and attire “levels” on the full spectrum, I wanted to create a little cheat sheet to help break down “what exactly is causal chic?!?”
*double click to enlarge image