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I’ve officially decided that my favorite dessert is the cupcake. I mean it’s not too big, not too little, not too rich and not too bland- it’s simply perfect baked goodness! Yes, there are times when I feel like an ooey gooey rich chocolate torte or something small and light like a cookie. But I’ve realized the one thing I will never turn down is a small freshly made cupcake! Especially the yellow cake with chocolate frosting kind. I mean, whoever came up with yellow cake is a genius! I imagine that Betty Crocker was in her kitchen cooking when her annoying ex, Duncan Hines called and taunted her saying, “My white cake is better than yours!” And Betty said, “You’re white cake is crap, I’ll show you!” As she entered into a baking frenzy, she suddenly remembered her dear Aunt Jemina (or maybe it was Mrs. Butterworth?) reminding her as a child, “Betty, everything is better with butter.” So she threw some butter into that boring white cake mix and voila! A cake masterpiece was created! And of course after Duncan tasted that cake, he begged for Betty back, they made up and lived happily ever after (and then had a son together and called him The Pillsbury Dough Boy)….wow, sometimes my creativity impresses me and sometimes it scares me. That was one of those scary times! Anyway, I had a baking drought recently and until I made cupcakes last weekend, I forgot how therapeutic baking is. It makes me feel relaxed and domestic in a good way, I love it! I want to do it more so I’m thinking of a few items that will spruce up my kitchen time a little, like this adorable apron from Anthropologie and these Silicups from Williams Sonoma that I’ve always wanted to try. I’ll eventually get around to purchasing the grand-daddy of them all, a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer, just looking at them makes me drool in the same way a fabulous pair of shoes does… sick, huh? Now my last task is to find the ultimate make-it-from-scratch cake recipe, I’ll let you know when I find it!
January 19th, 2007
nicky
For my fourth wedding anniversary, my hubby and I are planning a weeklong trip to one of our favorite cities, Chicago. My parents lived there while I was in college and I discovered it’s definitely my kind of town! I love the architecture, the shopping, the museums, the food, the shopping, the sporting events, the nature…did I mention the shopping? The Magnificent Mile is beyond words but there are even more places like State Street, Oak Street and Armitage Ave. to browse around and enjoy. Hopefully, I can convince Adrian to devote at least one afternoon to exploring around boutiques and fab flagship stores. A couple places that are on my must-visit list are: Habit, an eclectic boutique featuring up and coming designers; Jayson Home and Garden, a beautiful store with vintage housewares; p.45, a sleek shop with items from established, emerging and local designers; Endo-Exo Apothecary, a fabulous beauty store with hard to find labels and of course the always chic Active Endeavors. If you’re in the Chicagoland area or are familiar with Chi-town, then feel free to give me a heads up on any other places that may strike my fancy!
January 4th, 2007
nicky
Only days left until wrapping paper will be flung around the family rooms of the world…but what do you do if you still need to purchase a gift and you are fresh out of ideas? Never fear! Hit your local big box stores for sure-to-please gifts that aren’t damaging to your already blown budget! Here are a few options that I turn to when I am in a gift jam. If I need to pick up a gift for a hostess of a party or for that co-worker or friend that gave you a gift but you didn’t get them one (I feel sooo bad when that happens!), throw together a pampering basket! Head over to any department store or even Target and pick out cute slippers or super soft slipper socks, a nice beauty product like sugar scrub, bath soak or a facial mask, a pretty nail polish and toe separators or a nail file. Then toss in her favorite magazine and some quality chocolate and you’ve got a no-fail basket that will please pretty much every woman! Onto a speedy gift solution for guys (or less girly girls!), I usually create a movie night gift. Grab a bog bowl (some stores even sell retro popcorn bowls) and fill it with classic movie treats like Goobers, Milk Duds, Junior Mints, Raisinets or Sour Patch Kids and of course microwave popcorn! Bed Bath and Beyond has a set that has all these items put together for you! Then, put in a gift card for movie rentals or a must have DVD to add to their collection. So those are my two no-fail, last minute gifts that I turn to when I’m in a rush! I hope you’ve enjoyed my gift guides for this holiday season and I hope your holidays are stress-free, full of joy and focused on all the things that truly matter!
December 19th, 2006
nicky
Part of me loves digging through my stocking even more than opening presents on Christmas morning. As a kid, I loved finding little toys, Lip Smackers and candy in there. Today, my husband and I don’t have any children yet but we still stuff stockings for each other and it’s fun trying to get creative beyond the usual chocolates and gift cards that can easily fill them. I’ve discovered a few online stores that have unusual or even down right wacky items for stocking stuffers. The first is the ever popular Urban Outfitters, their site has an entire stocking stuffer section with tons of great ideas. I would love to find the delicate Filigree Leaf Earrings or a pair of cute Sparkle & Fade Skinny Rib Sweaterknit Tights in my stocking! They also have funny products like the Poo Poo Santa candy dispenser or the Hangover Chill Pill eye pack. Another store, Fred Flare, also has a whole stocking section. Fred Flare takes first prize in unique, full of fun gifts! To see what I mean, check out the Crazy Cat Lady action figure or the Mod Edie Clutch. They have lots of smaller items too like keychains, from the adorable Yummy Donuts to my favorite, the Sixteen Candles talking keychain. Lastly, another site Wishing Fish features their own great stocking stuffers. Wishing Fish has a wide selection with everything from silly kitchen helpers like the Butter Boy to useful Gardens-in-a-bag to wonderfully girly lip balms from Spain’s Perfumeria Gal. Their products are so diverse and interesting that there is sure to be something for everyone on your list. That’s it for stocking stuffers from me! Next week will be the last Gift Guide before Christmas arrives, can you believe it?
December 11th, 2006
nicky
So I know that guys can either be the easiest to shop for or so difficult that you’re at a loss for words. In my case, my hubby is very easy to please and likes most everything I get him, but he will NEVER tell me what he wants and if he does it’s something hugely expensive like a 52 inch HDTV or something really boring like, “Well, I need new socks.” But maybe the men in your life let you know exactly what they would like, if so, count yourself lucky! For the rest of us, here are a few ideas for our other halves, amazing fathers, crazy brothers and the male species in general! When it comes to men’s fashion, usually comfort is number one. Keep it simple with a graphic tee, check out these sections at GuyShop, Nordstrom or the even more unique and one-of-a-kind designs at Threadless. We all know that guys love gadgets, here are a few techno savy options: the USB beverage chiller, the iDJ, or the Solio solar universal charger. For the businessman in your life, how about uncommon cufflinks like paperclips, a stylish workbag from Kenneth Cole or a cool desk accessory like the Atomic Bonsai, Rorshock cards or Swiss pen. Men also can be sports obsessed and besides tickets and merchandise from their fav team, a couple options are the statistical nirvana of the book Best by Number, the NYC map baseball or Table Foosball. And when all else fails? Buy him some meat!
November 27th, 2006
nicky
Here’s the second installment of my gift guide for the upcoming Holidays. This week will be devoted to finding unique presents that won’t burst your budget! Maybe you’re trying to cut back on spending or have so many people to buy for that you can’t shell out a ton on each person. Whatever the reason, I hope these ideas get you in the shopping mood! For coffee lovers like me a wonderful gift would be a classic stove top espresso maker and a set of artistic coffee mugs. At the online shop of Typhoon, you can choose from different colors and designs that are a welcome change from the ordinary. I also love the Beveled Mirror frames and boxes from West Elm, they are so elegant and go with almost any decor. A nice detail is that you can monogram them with your recipient’s initial too! Another unique option is the variety of themed journals available at UnCommon Goods, they are an awesome way to organize and document info on interests and hobbies. Choose from: Wine, Recipes, Film, Restaurants, Readers, or Dinner Party. If you’re looking for something more focused on fashion, the cable knit cowl neck sweaters from Gap are so cute and affordable. I also like the Lace Boyshorts from Hanky Panky, pairing them with a soft tee or cami would make any homebody happy! A couple accessories that make perfect presents are Rachel Leigh’s Ribbon Charm, Uptown Studio’s Leaf necklace or any one of the trendy fabric headbands from ShopIntuition. As for beauty gifts, you already know that Sephora has the ultimate gift guide but don’t miss items not available at Sephora like the LaLicious Holiday Set, H2O Plus Spa Set or Jemma Kidd’s Glamour Palette. That’s all I have for this week, check back next week for another gift guide feature!
November 20th, 2006
nicky
You know how I was talking about wanting to be less selfish? The very next minute I spot something that I want so bad but when I think about it, it is completely ridiculous! Do I really need another set of steak knives? No. Do I really want to spend $98 on a set of steak knives? No. Do I really need colorful, made in France, stamped with Napoleon’s bee crest steak knives?? YES, I have to have them!! Good thing Anthropologie is a good 40 minute drive from my house or I would have a lot of problems controlling myself with that store. They have an amazing holiday guide right now, I’m sure I’ll write more about it later. (And Jina, this extra post is for you!) Seriously though, I need help.
November 15th, 2006
nicky
One of my daily goals (and struggles) is to become less selfish and more focused on the needs of others. An amazing young man from West Africa became a part of my family last year through a series of events that could only be described as miraculous and my life has never been the same. He taught me so much about the world that I cannot see or experience in my protected box of America. I am so thankful for the lessons, laughter and brother that I will always have in my heart. Because of this experience, I am looking for ways to apply this awareness that I feel within me both big and small. I found out about a website called Nest that I think is a beautiful example of the good that can be done through the internet. Nest is a nonprofit organization that helps women in developing nations create sustainable businesses through interest-free loans for the purchase of supplies and materials necessary to complete their art or craft. To generate funds, Nest sells unique fashion, jewelry and home accessories made by up and coming designers as well as the women around the world receiving funds from Nest. The site says it best, “When you buy from Nest, you have not only have purchased a unique and beautiful item for yourself or your home, you have participated in a proven effort to better the lives of women all across the globe. Through our work, and your participation, women all over the world are able to plant their roots in a refuge filled with warmth, solace, comfort and joy.” My favorites so far are the Lotus Journal, Miss Owl Shirt, and the Lemon Teardrop Earrings. Check them out!
November 15th, 2006
nicky
With only 42 shopping days left, it’s time to start brainstorming gift ideas for the people (and pets!) in your life. Every week until the Holidays, I am going to highlight some gift options that can suit a variety of budgets and tastes. Hopefully it will help you to find something special for your loved ones! This week is focused on presents for the girl who has everything. We all know her- she already has plenty of clothes, handbags, jewelry, beauty products and her home is completely and stylishly decorated. What do you get for the friend who is not only hard to shop for but has seen it all? It’s best to stick with things that are unique and play to her interests. If your friend is a makeup junkie, get her a gorgeous cosmetic bag from Stephanie Johnson. This site is loaded with every shape of cosmetic storage imaginable and also has beautiful and fun fabrics to choose from. My pick from her collection is the San Sebastian Cargo Case. If your friend is a clean freak, get her the new Dirt Devil KONE. At only $40, it is a functional yet attractive hand vacuum that can go from table to cleaning duty in no time. They also come in many colors to match her decor and are so practical but make tidying up a little more fun! For the pal who is a little less domestic diva, check out the Take Out Menu Organizer. You could go one step ahead and fill it with menus from local restaurants and even a gift card to her fav dining spot. For your fashionista friend, get a designer Ipod case from Coach, they are affordable and will also fulfill her love for labels! If she’s more into accessories, try a fabulous necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane, my favorite for the winter is the Acorn Necklace in Amber. As for your foodie friend, a good idea is a high quality slate board for cheeses, and a set of specialty cheese knives. Throw in a bottle of wine to complete the gift! Well, I hope these tips give you some solutions to your shopping needs. If you need more ideas for a specific situation, feel free to email me on the contact form link!
November 13th, 2006
nicky
So I’m having kind of a down day and I’m not in a very creative mood. I don’t have much to say today as far as shopping, beauty or fashion news except I went to Pier 1 Imports and bought a bunch of candles and holders for super cheap because they are having a big sale through this Sunday. The golden clover scent smells sooo good that I bought 2 of them! And I am eating up all the Britney and K-Fed updates, I am one of those rare people that has a soft spot for Miss Brit and I hope this change brings some positive things for her. Plus, I just read K-Fed filed for sole custody and spousal support, is he crazy?? And if you’re blah like me and need some entertainment, awhile back I got a forward with this crazy slogan generator. You type in your first name and receive a phrase for your personal marketing campaign:) Mine is the title of this post. Put a comment below with your unique name slogan (use the first one it gives you!) and give me something to laugh at! Until Friday!
November 9th, 2006
nicky
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