tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69221553038296055442024-02-20T04:47:09.882-08:00Live Beautiful RecipesA spoonful of creativity, a dash of zest, and a pinch of panacheAli Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-56181100078939052332011-06-08T08:28:00.000-07:002011-06-08T08:28:51.508-07:00Mid Week CrisisFood shopping. Personally I think it's more fun then buying a dress (which if you've seen my closet, this is a big deal)! But there are always dilemmas: when is the right time to go during the week, Saturday is free but it's Wednesday and I have no food, my recipes require too many ingredients, and it's hot as hell and I don't feel like cooking! COOL YOUR JETS PEOPLE I HAVE SOLUTIONS! The Hollywood Tans in Flourtown, Pa happens to have a great selection of magazines, so while my sister worked there I "borrowed" a few and came across Real Simple magazine. For those of you that have never heard of it I suggest you start, cause everything in it is....REAL SIMPLE to do. So on to the food dilemma, I bring you:<br />
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A collection of recipes that only require a trio of ingredients! Thats right THREE. Take that 5 Ingredient Fix! So for the next few weeks I'll give you two recipes every Wednesday that should make your mid week crisis vanish. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrP5iuRkGBk/Te-RgHqJ_II/AAAAAAAAAQY/Op1-iNmor9Q/s1600/IMG_1251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrP5iuRkGBk/Te-RgHqJ_II/AAAAAAAAAQY/Op1-iNmor9Q/s320/IMG_1251.jpg" /></a></div>Shrimp with Ginger Sauce<br />
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Total time: 15 minutes/Serves 4<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
3/4 cup apricot preserves<br />
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger<br />
1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp<br />
1/2 tsp salt*<br />
1/4 tsp pepper* <br />
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*(like 5 Ingredient Fix these are freebies)<br />
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In a small saucepan, cook 3/4 cup <b>apricot preserves</b>, 1 tbsp <b>grated fresh ginger</b>, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until melted, about 2 minutes. Place 1 lb peeled and deveined <b>large shrimp</b> (about 16) on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 3 tbsp of the apricot sauce, and season with 1/4 tsp each kosher salt and black pepper. Broil until browned in spots and opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with the remaining sauce.<br />
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Total time: 30 minutes/serves 4<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 1/2 lbs chicken wings (about 8)<br />
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce<br />
1/2 tsp sesame seeds<br />
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Halve 8 <b>chicken wings</b> through the joint; cut off and discard the wing tips. Grill over medium-low heat, covered, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 20-25 minutes. Brush with 1/4 cup <b>teriyaki sauce</b> during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp toasted <b>sesame seeds</b> and serve with additional teriyaki sauce for dipping if desired. <br />
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So on this extremely hot day, I hope I've made dinner less stressful!<br />
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Happy Eating!<br />
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LBRAli Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-80327207359307774282011-05-26T09:42:00.000-07:002011-05-26T19:58:37.226-07:00The Joyful Heart Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2f6u4vwaXBY/Td6CwjJLbxI/AAAAAAAAAQE/OCxdCPxnHEg/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-05-26%2Bat%2B12.41.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="152" width="202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2f6u4vwaXBY/Td6CwjJLbxI/AAAAAAAAAQE/OCxdCPxnHEg/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-05-26%2Bat%2B12.41.02%2BPM.png" /></a></div><br />
I realize that I have an extremely low subscriber rate, and most of what I write about is silly girl stuff to pass the time, but this is the most important post I have written and possibly will write on Live Beautiful Recipes. The cause that this organization represents hits very close to home. All it takes is one person to further educate someone else and thus the chain of awareness begins. Please take the time to read this post, I took it straight from their website so you would understand their message perfectly. <br />
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Their Story:<br />
When Mariska Hargitay started playing Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit over a decade ago, the content of the scripts, as well as the work she did to prepare for the role, opened her eyes to the epidemics of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. What she learned was staggering:<br />
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One in three women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.<br />
Every two minutes in the United States, someone is sexually assaulted.<br />
Nearly four children die every day in this country as a result of child abuse and neglect. And up to ten million children witness domestic violence each year.<br />
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But what really opened her eyes—and subsequently, her heart—was the fan mail she received. The letters didn't say, "I love your show. Can you send me an autographed picture?" They said, "I was raped when I was fifteen. I'm forty now and I've never told anyone." Victims were disclosing their stories to her, many for the first time.<br />
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Mariska founded Joyful Heart in 2004 with the intention of helping survivors heal and reclaim their lives. Today, Joyful Heart's mission is to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.<br />
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Since 2004, over 2,000 survivors have participated in Joyful Heart's pioneering retreat and wellness programs, thousands more have taken that first important step to get help through our website, and our participation in national educational and media awareness campaigns has planted the seeds of a changed awareness in the lives of millions. This year alone, the Foundation will directly serve over 2,000 survivors and the professionals who care for them.<br />
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Their Vision:<br />
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Everybody knows that rape, sexual assault and child abuse happen. Society is willing to look at this reality from time to time, but is just as willing to forget the horrible truth about how many survivors are walking among us. The Joyful Heart Foundation is working to build a community that is strong enough not to push this reality away, a community that acknowledges the dark side of this issue, but endeavors to turn toward the light of healing, the path to possibility and the clarity of honest dialogue.<br />
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We envision a community that says to a survivor "We hear you. We believe you. We feel for you. You are not alone. And your healing is our priority."<br />
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I implore that if you are male or female, 10 or 85, to please pass on this knowledge and encourage others to promote awareness not ignorance. One encounter of sexual violence and abuse can change a person for the rest of their life. If you know of anyone that is or might be a victim reach out to them or the authorities, no one should feel that they are alone in this. <br />
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Please visit The Joyful Heart Foundation <a href="http://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org">website</a> for more information on how to help.<br />
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Best of Love<br />
LBRAli Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-28850769274754287882011-04-12T14:26:00.000-07:002011-04-12T14:26:15.989-07:00Bridal Week 2011: Monique L'huillierMonique L'huillier take romance to the next level with her gowns. She introduced the colored sash trend on wedding gowns and the backless all lace sheath gowns. Her style is soft, feminine, and luscious. So whether it be a ball gown with mountains of layered tulle and lace or a fitted mermaid gown with structured satin, her designs are a brides dream come true.<br />
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Monique L'huillier Bridal 2012<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaVuQpIK98E/TaTDYga9KRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/MBO4xbsplM8/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-12%2Bat%2B5.17.36%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="152" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaVuQpIK98E/TaTDYga9KRI/AAAAAAAAAP0/MBO4xbsplM8/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-12%2Bat%2B5.17.36%2BPM.png" /></a></div>Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-34925129288517597952011-04-11T18:17:00.000-07:002011-04-12T14:14:44.147-07:00Bridal Week 2011: Vera WangOne of my favorite times of the year is Bridal Week. And this year it's on steroids due to the upcoming nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Brides already have a hard enough time picking their wedding dress form whats in the stores already, then Bridal Week comes along and Spring of next year's designs are walking down the runway and suddenly BAM your current dress isn't good enough. So this week I'm going to be posting designs from some of my all time favorite designers who were a part of this years Bridal Week. These gowns are for their Spring 2012 line.<br />
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Vera Wang. The QUEEN of the Bridal world. Anyone tries to argue that is just oblivious and very misinformed. Here are her designs for the Spring 2012 line:<br />
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I love that she's fearless when it comes to using color in the bridal gowns. Her pallet is so perfect because it introduces color without it being out of place, they're soft romantic and sophisticated. The nude color gown are my absolute favorite, especially the corseted mermaid gown with the ruffled skirt. They are not available on her website yet and probably won't be until early or late summer. Good things come to those who wait!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-10858931712954676762011-04-06T08:02:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:02:02.881-07:00Complexion SoupJust to go off of the Glamour Magazine recipes that seem to work wonders, here is one that works wonders for your skin! This is another excerpt from the book 100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know .<br />
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Complexion Soup is Carrot Soup with Ginger. Glamour's beauty editors call carrots "the friendliest skin food around." They know carrots are packed with beta carotene, which repairs the skin, and loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant that battles free radicals. It's a delicious way to get your skin fix and is perfect with a salad for lunch. <br />
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Complexion Soup<br />
serves 2 to 3<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ts-IVl5DTkI/TZyATY-yE8I/AAAAAAAAANM/h4E2tumjXAc/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-06%2Bat%2B10.59.56%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="198" width="203" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ts-IVl5DTkI/TZyATY-yE8I/AAAAAAAAANM/h4E2tumjXAc/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-06%2Bat%2B10.59.56%2BAM.png" /></a></div><br />
2 tbsp. olive oil<br />
1 tbsp. butter<br />
2 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1 medium white onion, diced (about 1 cup)<br />
3 tbsp. minced fresh ginger<br />
2 stalks fresh lemongrass, chopped into 1 inch pieces (or zest from 1 lemon)<br />
1 tbsp. ground coriander<br />
1 tsp. ground cumin<br />
1 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />
2 1/2 lbs. carrots peeled and chopped<br />
3 1/2 cups water<br />
4 cups vegetable stock<br />
1/2 cup orange juice<br />
1/2 cup light sour cream, plus 2 to 3 tsp. for garnish<br />
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste<br />
1 tsp. minced chives, for garnish<br />
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1. In a large stockpot, heat the oil and butter over high heat. Add the garlic, onion, ginger, lemongrass (or lemon zest), coriander, cumin and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the onions soften, being careful not to let the mixture burn.<br />
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2. Increase the heat to moderately high. Add the carrots and 2 cups water to the stockpot, and cook, covered, for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.<br />
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3. Add the stock to the stockpot, and simmer for about 30 minutes. <br />
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4. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Discard the pieces of lemongrass. Working in two batches, ladle the soup into a blender or food processor, and puree.<br />
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5. Pour the pureed soup back into the stock pot. Add the orange juice, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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6. Heat the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes over medium-low heat; you can also serve cold. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish each with 1 tsp. sour cream and a sprinkling of chives. <br />
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And enjoy your new glowing skin!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-43960234247285312652011-04-05T10:03:00.000-07:002011-04-05T13:46:21.723-07:00Engagement ChickenYes that's right, Engagement Chicken. Girls if you have been living under a rock then listen up. I have heard of this recipe for maybe 1 1/2 to 2 years. This "magic" recipe where when any girl cooks her boy friend this chicken she is engaged very soon there after. It all started with Glamour Magazine's Fashion Editor Kim Bonnell who gave this recipe to her assistant Kathy who made it for her then boyfriend Jon Suder. A month later he was down on one knee and the story is history. "It's a meal your wife would make. It got me thinking," said Jon Suder, who now has three children with wife Kathy. It inspired three other women from Glamour to try out the recipe on their boyfriends who are now all married! Just this morning on the Today show there are now 72 known stories from couples who this incredible recipe worked for. <br />
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So I am obviously obligated to pass this along to my readers in hopes that this works for all of you.<br />
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Engagement Chicken<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm22bBqs-9o/TZtKsGltceI/AAAAAAAAAMc/dFJbKeEXVNc/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-05%2Bat%2B12.54.18%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="257" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nm22bBqs-9o/TZtKsGltceI/AAAAAAAAAMc/dFJbKeEXVNc/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-04-05%2Bat%2B12.54.18%2BPM.png" /></a></div><br />
Serves 2 to 4<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 whole chicken (approximately 4 pounds)<br />
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 3 whole lemons—including 1 sliced for garnish<br />
1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper<br />
Fresh herbs for garnish (4 rosemary sprigs, 4 sage sprigs, 8 thyme sprigs, and 1 bunch fl at-leaf parsley)<br />
1. Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the giblets from the chicken, wash the chicken inside and out with cold water, then let the chicken drain, cavity down, in a colander for 2 minutes.<br />
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2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken breast-side down in a medium roasting pan fi tted with a rack and pour the lemon juice all over the chicken, both inside and out. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper inside and out.<br />
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3. Prick 2 whole lemons three times each in three different places with a fork and place them deep inside the cavity. Chicken cavity size may vary, so if one lemon is partly sticking out, that’s fine. (Tip: If the lemons are stiff, roll them on the countertop with your palm before pricking to get the juices flowing.)<br />
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4. Put the chicken in the oven, lower the oven temperature to 350°F, and roast, uncovered, for 15 minutes.<br />
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5. Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Using tongs or two wooden spoons, turn the chicken breast- side up. Insert a meat thermometer in the thigh, and return the chicken to the oven and roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the meat thermometer reads 180°F and the juices run clear when the thigh is pricked with a fork. Continue roasting if necessary. Keep in mind that cooking times in different ovens vary; roasting a chicken at 350°F takes approximately 18-20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15 minutes.<br />
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6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. And here’s the secret: Pour the juices from the roasting pan on top of the sliced chicken— this is the “marry me juice.” Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.<br />
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Want more recipes that’ll change your life? Get Glamour’s cookbook, <b>100 Recipes every Woman Should Know.</b><br />
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Read More <a href="http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2006/07/engagement-chicken#ixzz1IfxfqYvp">http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2006/07/engagement-chicken#ixzz1IfXfqYvP</a>Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-37915457355220248512011-02-07T17:56:00.000-08:002011-02-07T18:22:56.883-08:00A Royal WeddingSince the announcement of Prince Williams engagement to future princess Kate Middleton all of the major designers have been vying for the most prestigious honor of designing her wedding gown. Not just any wedding gown, but THEE wedding gown that will be the most talked about garment since Princess Diana's very own elaborate gown. Her's set the trend for the ball gown style wedding dress. <br /><br />I have some of the sketches that have been released from designers. Not sure if they are the official designs being suggested to Kate but perhaps we an see what direction they're going in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCoM8jDEQI/AAAAAAAAAMU/AAX3NqX7NlA/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.03%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCoM8jDEQI/AAAAAAAAAMU/AAX3NqX7NlA/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.03%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571137679422329090" /></a><br /><br />“The royal wedding will be magical. Kate’s dress should be a modern mix of the traditional and contemporary.” — Monique Lhuillier<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCoENFQP1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/KfTsfqwEC3k/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.15%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCoENFQP1I/AAAAAAAAAMM/KfTsfqwEC3k/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.15%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571137529241943890" /></a><br /><br />“I think that there will be so many comparisons to the late Princess Diana that her dress should almost be the opposite of what Diana’s was—modern, simple and very elegant.” — Tom Mora, vice president of wedding and special occasion for J. Crew<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCn8xh-gCI/AAAAAAAAAME/CksAGJ7xTLQ/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.38%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCn8xh-gCI/AAAAAAAAAME/CksAGJ7xTLQ/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.38%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571137401587138594" /></a><br /><br />“I admire the balance Kate Middleton strikes between elegant and contemporary with her unmistakable style. For her wedding dress, I had in mind clean lines, soft shapes and classic touches such as the boat neckline and distinctive train.” — Frida Giannini<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCnzTLL2SI/AAAAAAAAAL8/-95_aHtfYxE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.49%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 313px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCnzTLL2SI/AAAAAAAAAL8/-95_aHtfYxE/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.43.49%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571137238819658018" /></a><br /><br />“I imagine a wedding dress that is romantic but not flamboyant, an embroidered, fluid silhouette dress in precious fabrics that will help her make an everlasting impression.”<br />— Alberta Ferretti<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCnq1TV2jI/AAAAAAAAAL0/_hCWklZFo34/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.44.02%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCnq1TV2jI/AAAAAAAAAL0/_hCWklZFo34/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.44.02%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571137093361850930" /></a><br /><br />“We designed a ‘blossoming’ dress because we imagined her as a new Botticellian Venus.” — Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, Valentino<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCng2KeYOI/AAAAAAAAALs/alXUZUowwFY/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.44.21%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TVCng2KeYOI/AAAAAAAAALs/alXUZUowwFY/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-07%2Bat%2B8.44.21%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571136921794404578" /></a><br /><br />“The tradition of intricate hand-pieced lacework in the high-necked bodice with elbow-length sleeves, together with the voluminous skirt of a mixture of stiff and soft silk tulle, feels regal, yet poetic.” — Vera WangAli Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-80669575778705998912011-02-04T10:43:00.000-08:002011-02-04T12:34:18.836-08:00Passport to Wedding WearLooking for inspiration for you wedding fashion? Why not look to fashion inspired by different countries? Here are some ideas:<br /><br /><br />Cote D'azure<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxNq84MkII/AAAAAAAAALU/aT9Hu6nHmY0/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.40.14%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxNq84MkII/AAAAAAAAALU/aT9Hu6nHmY0/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.40.14%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569912239442137218" /></a><br /><br /><br />New York City<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxNhnwRbJI/AAAAAAAAALM/kAuZcyX1rZQ/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.39.47%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxNhnwRbJI/AAAAAAAAALM/kAuZcyX1rZQ/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.39.47%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569912079152934034" /></a><br /><br /><br />Switzerland<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxNa0DUF4I/AAAAAAAAALE/ar3b1Kdt8aE/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.38.30%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxNa0DUF4I/AAAAAAAAALE/ar3b1Kdt8aE/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.38.30%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569911962194941826" /></a><br /><br /><br />Mexico<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxM-SENV5I/AAAAAAAAAK8/nxHzlnUcQqM/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.37.47%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxM-SENV5I/AAAAAAAAAK8/nxHzlnUcQqM/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.37.47%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569911472035551122" /></a><br /><br /><br />Bermuda<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxMr-elWLI/AAAAAAAAAK0/AEACbCgGc-w/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.37.31%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxMr-elWLI/AAAAAAAAAK0/AEACbCgGc-w/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.37.31%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569911157539821746" /></a><br /><br /><br />Far East<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxiIGUuXgI/AAAAAAAAALc/4tnohAo9VjU/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.37.03%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxiIGUuXgI/AAAAAAAAALc/4tnohAo9VjU/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.37.03%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569934730426473986" /></a><br /><br /><br />Cairo<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxiQsRD9oI/AAAAAAAAALk/-sv3f0jtdc4/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.35.11%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUxiQsRD9oI/AAAAAAAAALk/-sv3f0jtdc4/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-02-04%2Bat%2B1.35.11%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569934878050612866" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />For specific dress information and more inspiration visit <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/gorgeous-gowns">Martha Stewart Weddings</a>Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-16376039025040375572011-01-31T13:39:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:35:01.251-08:00How to avoid Blasé Wedding Decor- Tables and CenterpiecesSo your planning a wedding. Congrats! The I'm engaged buzz is gone and its time to focus on the big day, which you've been dreaming of since you were a little girl. Well weddings were a whole different ball game back then and times are changing along with whats currently IN on the wedding scene. <br /><br />One thing that drives me up a wall is that couples aren't aware of their wedding resources, and wind up going to their local florist and paying and arm and a leg for something that's been done already! If your a traditionalist don't run away just yet, theres nothing wrong with white linens, red rose centerpieces and babies breath,...well I lied about the babies breath. Get creative! You want your guests to walk in and not dissect everything because it's all obvious. These are a few tips I've learned from my past weddings that you should keep in mind for any event situation, wedding or large gathering.<br /><br /><br />The first thing your guests see are the tables. And whats worse then putting all this effort in the perfect linen and centerpieces that completely clashes with the decor of the room. Instead of boring white linens, pick a different solid color, even a darker one because the items on the table will pop out more and give the room a richer feel. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUcyfPRpALI/AAAAAAAAAKI/7mvEAZUmAV4/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-30%2Bat%2B12.20.53%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUcyfPRpALI/AAAAAAAAAKI/7mvEAZUmAV4/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-30%2Bat%2B12.20.53%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568474976524763314" /></a><br /><br />Next play around with varying centerpieces. Cookie cutter clone tables are out! Take advantage of the height of the room and use tall cylinder vases and candles on some tables and smaller clustered flower arrangement and votive candles on others. Same for rooms with low ceilings, create 2 or 3 different kinds of centerpieces using the same items in different configurations. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUcyNxEkypI/AAAAAAAAAKA/fijaVnd0k8U/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-30%2Bat%2B11.40.54%2BAM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUcyNxEkypI/AAAAAAAAAKA/fijaVnd0k8U/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-30%2Bat%2B11.40.54%2BAM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568474676359121554" /></a><br /><br />Want your room to really pop? Skip the idea of using 4 different colors for your "wedding color palate" and pick one! Monocramatics are great because you use shades of one color. It's very clean, and bold when you pair a soft blue next to a navy blue like flowers in vases. Even this flower arrangement, that doesn't include any leaves, just flower heads in hues of red/pinks. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUcwnbgNvbI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/zDpP_WsfWtc/s1600/monocramatic%2Bflowers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUcwnbgNvbI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/zDpP_WsfWtc/s320/monocramatic%2Bflowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568472918222814642" /></a> <br /><br />What not to neglect thats totally unexpected? The chairs! Not into the look of chivari chairs but can't use the huge fabric cushion chairs found in hotels? Not a problem. Lose the sash idea and get a little couture! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUc3HqthArI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/ULslsJzm8Ho/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-30%2Bat%2B9.44.22%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUc3HqthArI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/ULslsJzm8Ho/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-30%2Bat%2B9.44.22%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568480069130715826" /></a><br /><br /><br />So thats a little taste of some simple tips to consider. It's just about making different choices in linen colors, or using your centerpieces in different ways, also not neglecting the details. Once you've got a hold on that your on your way to one hell of a party!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-8618869672443169452011-01-27T14:17:00.000-08:002011-01-27T14:52:49.076-08:00Snow Day 2 Recipe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUH3MJ1-yTI/AAAAAAAAAJw/5U0W0taMvXs/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-27%2Bat%2B5.51.59%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUH3MJ1-yTI/AAAAAAAAAJw/5U0W0taMvXs/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-27%2Bat%2B5.51.59%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567002402579466546" /></a><br /><br /><br />So it's snow day number 2. The Velvet Chicken Soup day 2 is even better than day 1's version, since all the flavors have melded together over night. I Die. So naturally because there's snow on the ground, the sun sets and you cuddle up in front of the fire and you instinctively crave Hot Chocolate. Well instead of a mug of Swiss Miss, why not grab a piece of Chocolate Velvet Cake [the recipe I promised you all yesterday]. Another Helen Corbitt classic from the Neiman Marcus Taste cookbook.<br /><br />Intro:<br />"The name Helen Corbitt gave this cake made me want to try the recipe, and I can vouch that chocolate lovers everywhere will not be disappointed. It is not your typical chocolate cake-it is dense and a little chewy but not too intense. It travels well; the frosting sets up perfectly and looks, well, good enough to eat. These qualities make it the perfect dessert to take along for a party or dinner event. Over recent years it has become a favorite of our guests at Neiman Marcus, especially for birthday celebrations."<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />For the Cake:<br /><br />1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for the pans<br />1/2 cup cocoa powder<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda<br />1 teaspoon kosher salt<br />1 1/4 cups sugar<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1/4 cup milk<br />1/3 cup vegetable oil<br />2 tablespoons vegetable shortening<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />2 large eggs<br /><br />For the Frosting:<br /><br />1 3/4 cups heavy cream<br />1/3 dark corn syrup<br />16 ounces semisweet chocolate chips<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Preheat the over to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 8-inch cake pans. <br /><br />To prepare the cake, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Combine the sugar, sour cream, and milk in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and add the oil, shortening, and vanilla. Mix on low speed for about 2 minutes, until well incorporated and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and then add the eggs, 1 at a time. Scrape down the bowl again and add the flour and cocoa mixture in one-third increments, waiting for each addition to be incorporated before adding the next and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. <br /><br />Transfer the mixture to the prepared cake pans and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes and then turn out onto a work surface to cool completely. <br /><br />While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. Place the cream and syrup in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Place the chocolate chips in a bowl and pour the cream mixture into the chocolate, whisking until smooth. Let cool and then transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat for about 4 minutes, until fluffy. Spread the frosting between the 2 layers and then frost the top and sides of the cake.<br /><br />Serves: 8<br />Simplicity: +++<br /><br />*add in different flavoring like espresso, or extracts for even more depth<br /><br />Hope you all enjoy!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-29763475562882567222011-01-26T09:35:00.000-08:002011-01-26T09:58:31.799-08:00Snow Day Recipe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUBgBJIQWMI/AAAAAAAAAJI/5x77F1XoPfY/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-26%2Bat%2B12.33.29%2BPM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/TUBgBJIQWMI/AAAAAAAAAJI/5x77F1XoPfY/s320/Screen%2Bshot%2B2011-01-26%2Bat%2B12.33.29%2BPM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566554712176613570" /></a><br />I LOVE to cook, if it isn't obvious enough. Last year I was given a copy of Neiman Marcus Taste cookbook for Christmas. I have yet to actually use it, but seeing as today in Philadelphia there's 10 inches of snow on the ground and still climbing I thought I would spend some time in the kitchen. The recipe I've chosen, which was sooo difficult to pick cause EVERYTHING looks incredible, is Chicken Velvet Soup. In case anyone else out there feels the need for a hot creamy soup to warm you up today I wanted to share the recipe:<br /><br />Chicken Velvet Soup<br /><br />Intro: "Reading through Helen Corbitt's recipes from forty and fifty years ago, it's exciting to realize she was ahead of the paradigm shift that has occurred in American food. She paid considerable attention to texture and enjoyed creating layers of flavor, a goal sought by many of today's leading chefs. The velvety smoothness of this soup is a quality she also sought in her chocolate cake [ I'll be posting that recipe soon!]. When you taste the rich and creamy but simple-looking soup for the first time, you'll find it surprisingly light and refreshing."<br /><br />Ingredients:<br /><br />1/4 cup olive oil<br />1 frying chicken, about 3 pounds, cut into pieces<br />1 large onion, finely chopped<br />1 large carrot, finely chopped<br />1 celery stalk, finely chopped<br />2 garlic cloves<br />1/2 cup dry white wine<br />3 chicken bouillon cubes, crumbled<br />3 sprigs fresh thyme<br />1 bunch fresh parsley (6 to 8 sprigs reserved for garnish)<br />2 dried bay leaves<br />8 black peppercorns<br />1 tablespoon all purpose flour<br />6 cups heavy cream<br />salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste<br /><br />Instructions:<br /><br />Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them, turning occasionally, 2 or 3 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the same saucepan and saute for 3 or 4 minutes. Add the wine, bouillon, thyme, parsley, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Add the flour and thoroughly mix together. Return the seared chicken to the pan and mix well. Add the cream and bring the soup to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for about 1 hour, or until the chicken meat falls off the bone.<br /><br />Strain the soup into a clean saucepan, reserving the chicken (discard the vegetables). When it is cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat (discard the skin and bones) and add it to the soup base. Return the soup to a simmer and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.<br /><br />Chefs Notes: the bouillon cubes add an element of flavor that cannot be replicated with stock or other ingredients. it's a <span style="font-style:italic;">truc</span>, or "culinary trick", the great Paul Bocuse taught me."<br /><br />Serves 6 to 8<br />Simplicity: + + +<br /><br />Please leave comments so I know how well the recipe worked out and any adjustments!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-55054572005450390582010-08-06T11:20:00.000-07:002010-08-06T11:39:52.161-07:00Coming up!So, I have noticed that I haven't given very many recipes for you to live by. Yes we've covered some fashion here and there and some good shows and books, but no real recipes for how to make your life more beautiful. Over the next few weeks I'm going to be gathering some projects that you can do at home, or day to day tips that will put a smile on your face and inspire some good change! <br /><br />What to look forward to:<br /><br />2 new books for the Book Club that I've finished<br />At home Spa treatment<br />Elegant and easy brunch menu<br />Rev up your work space ideas<br />Wow your guests entertaining ideas<br />Fall Fashions<br />Easy and delicious three ingredient dishes<br /><br /><br />Stay Tuned!<br /><br />Ciao!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-72800062772592588402010-04-26T15:10:00.000-07:002010-04-26T15:46:52.427-07:00Blogs to Watch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S9YPixz-vdI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sRniEndW94s/s1600/Glee.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S9YPixz-vdI/AAAAAAAAAHY/sRniEndW94s/s320/Glee.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464572288022003154" /></a><br /><br />Just to throw a shout out to one of my favorite shows on TV currently, Glee, someone has created a blog to showcase the fashion styling of Americas favorite Obsessive compulsive neat freak High School Counselor: Emma Pillsbury. The site highlights her preppy, or as I call it "Librarian Chic" wardrobe. The clothing on the blog is actually really great stuff, and I think everyone should check it out. It's called:<br /><a href="http://wwepw.blogspot.com/">What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S9YPmtoQt9I/AAAAAAAAAHg/Pu_tcm2l_2E/s1600/Emma-emma-pillsbury-8484441-1280-800.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S9YPmtoQt9I/AAAAAAAAAHg/Pu_tcm2l_2E/s320/Emma-emma-pillsbury-8484441-1280-800.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464572355618584530" /></a>Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-33563558085934058292010-04-20T07:29:00.000-07:002010-04-20T10:54:07.480-07:00J'adore Couture!I was watching The Devil Wears Prada last night and I realized I haven't posted about any fashion yet, aside from my side strap purse dilemma and Lilly Pulitzer Charity Shift dress. I put together some of my favorite RTW (Ready to Wear)and Couture looks.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://nymag.com/fashion/designers/">New York Magazine</a> website to see downloadable images of the runways hottest collections.<br /><br />Ellie Saab Spring Couture 2010<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83iYsorwiI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Ys297WKVOfg/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83iYsorwiI/AAAAAAAAAE4/Ys297WKVOfg/s320/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462270836996817442" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83ie8rKl0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/cnzStQt9i3c/s1600/7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83ie8rKl0I/AAAAAAAAAFA/cnzStQt9i3c/s320/7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462270944381409090" /></a> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jH5aQZ_I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/7IsJJQ4_KOM/s1600/14.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jH5aQZ_I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/7IsJJQ4_KOM/s320/14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462271647879817202" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jSSQtImI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Q8t2WczJvSI/s1600/20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jSSQtImI/AAAAAAAAAFY/Q8t2WczJvSI/s320/20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462271826349335138" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jhn_HcII/AAAAAAAAAFg/WeRqhX0W_eY/s1600/22.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jhn_HcII/AAAAAAAAAFg/WeRqhX0W_eY/s320/22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462272089879179394" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jyq0uZXI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ns-bIe0emQY/s1600/23.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83jyq0uZXI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ns-bIe0emQY/s320/23.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462272382698677618" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83kLdYhryI/AAAAAAAAAFw/K_TmGu6X47I/s1600/27.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83kLdYhryI/AAAAAAAAAFw/K_TmGu6X47I/s320/27.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462272808587472674" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83kTb8V94I/AAAAAAAAAF4/ahFEkUGAySc/s1600/38.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83kTb8V94I/AAAAAAAAAF4/ahFEkUGAySc/s320/38.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462272945639782274" /></a><br /><br />Chado Ralph Rucci Couture Spring 2010<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83k49zTylI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mH6k-2DXqyk/s1600/36.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83k49zTylI/AAAAAAAAAGA/mH6k-2DXqyk/s320/36.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462273590383856210" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83k_ip-_TI/AAAAAAAAAGI/OsMv8NqFKjs/s1600/38.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83k_ip-_TI/AAAAAAAAAGI/OsMv8NqFKjs/s320/38.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462273703356071218" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83lHU29g2I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/yvenOrlaVAI/s1600/41.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83lHU29g2I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/yvenOrlaVAI/s320/41.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462273837091357538" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83lNm95zGI/AAAAAAAAAGY/uvNUokJxE8k/s1600/42.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83lNm95zGI/AAAAAAAAAGY/uvNUokJxE8k/s320/42.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462273945031527522" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83lYuHgGfI/AAAAAAAAAGg/NknQaHckVfA/s1600/43.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83lYuHgGfI/AAAAAAAAAGg/NknQaHckVfA/s320/43.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462274135929395698" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Christian Lacroix Spring Couture 2010<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83mBVnvkGI/AAAAAAAAAGo/VPHubQmv7Ss/s1600/13.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83mBVnvkGI/AAAAAAAAAGo/VPHubQmv7Ss/s320/13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462274833728376930" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83mIC8VnaI/AAAAAAAAAGw/5shKj9EO2OM/s1600/37.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83mIC8VnaI/AAAAAAAAAGw/5shKj9EO2OM/s320/37.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462274948973567394" /></a><br /><br />Givenchy Spring Couture 2010<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nA48SisI/AAAAAAAAAG4/WTNCb_DfApI/s1600/22.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nA48SisI/AAAAAAAAAG4/WTNCb_DfApI/s320/22.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462275925541554882" /></a><br /><br />Vivienne Westwood Spring 2010<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nd-pfBpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/4XGuRbnnw28/s1600/03r_size_0.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nd-pfBpI/AAAAAAAAAHA/4XGuRbnnw28/s320/03r_size_0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462276425289500306" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nosRiwCI/AAAAAAAAAHI/4c7xj72cfCA/s1600/018r_size_0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nosRiwCI/AAAAAAAAAHI/4c7xj72cfCA/s320/018r_size_0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462276609335803938" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nvCfWN9I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/_hJ8mt72mVE/s1600/028r_size_0.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S83nvCfWN9I/AAAAAAAAAHQ/_hJ8mt72mVE/s320/028r_size_0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462276718378498002" /></a><br /><br />Valentino Spring Couture 2010<br /><br /><a href="http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2010/spring/main/europe/couturerunway/valentino/#">Valentino</a> BY FAR had the best Spring Couture collection that I can't even pick out my favorites. Click the link to check out the collection!<br /><br />Ciao!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-68050866106495627252010-04-19T14:16:00.000-07:002010-04-19T19:04:40.414-07:00Book ClubOne of the ingredients to Live Beautiful Recipes is having hobbies. One of the most important is READING! Screw the tv and pick up a damn book! Granted I fail at that phrase constantly, but when I have a good book to read trust me nothing on the tube is as captivating as what I've got in hard copy. So I've decided that towards the end of each month I will reveal the latest book I've read. Aprils is none other than Social Climbers, written by Beth Dunn. It is THEE guilty pleasure of the year and a must read. I had the pleasure of meeting Beth at a Bloggers Lilly Pulitzer dinner back in the winter and scored a signed copy of her book. Sadly it took me this long to get around to reading it because of the backed up books on my list, but it was well worth the wait!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8zLZg9FtLI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Grdo16wPCY0/s1600/social-climbers-cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8zLZg9FtLI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Grdo16wPCY0/s320/social-climbers-cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461964087296898226" /></a><br /><br />Welcome to a world of designer clothes, committee meetings, glamorous events and the best gossip of the ages! This is Mean Girls grown up! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S80LWCez6RI/AAAAAAAAAEw/w5VwKTBkk-k/s1600/25883_649529056506_10514762_37041405_5487487_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S80LWCez6RI/AAAAAAAAAEw/w5VwKTBkk-k/s320/25883_649529056506_10514762_37041405_5487487_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462034396321409298" /></a><br /><br />Me, Beth Dunn and Chelsey at the Blogger Lilly Event at Bahama BreezeAli Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-67806503040734430952010-04-10T09:05:00.001-07:002010-04-11T20:26:13.307-07:00Carrie On!So, it's been a few weeks since my last post but I'm getting back into the swing of things. First up, anyone who isn't living under a rock has hopefully seen the previews for the Sex and the City 2 movie, which looks BETTER than the first movie. Well I was informed that there is an extended verison of that commercial! <br /><br /><a href="http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/sex-and-the-city-2.html?showVideo=1">Sex and the City 2 Extended Commercial</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KCdWoaomI/AAAAAAAAAD4/6q1rzJZa0_E/s1600/phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KCdWoaomI/AAAAAAAAAD4/6q1rzJZa0_E/s320/phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459069139129377378" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KCnFFMDNI/AAAAAAAAAEA/a0Mf2w2acSY/s1600/Sex-and-the-City-2-0012.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KCnFFMDNI/AAAAAAAAAEA/a0Mf2w2acSY/s320/Sex-and-the-City-2-0012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459069306216910034" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KCx8DSAuI/AAAAAAAAAEI/-HQ_uwwuwa8/s1600/sex_and_the_city_2_12-535x356.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KCx8DSAuI/AAAAAAAAAEI/-HQ_uwwuwa8/s320/sex_and_the_city_2_12-535x356.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459069492771554018" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KC4zFKu1I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/k83oJ4gBudI/s1600/Sex-and-the-City-2-450x300.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KC4zFKu1I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/k83oJ4gBudI/s320/Sex-and-the-City-2-450x300.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459069610622630738" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KC-zuaueI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LlNCdR66chc/s1600/Sex-and-the-City-2-0013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KC-zuaueI/AAAAAAAAAEY/LlNCdR66chc/s320/Sex-and-the-City-2-0013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459069713874860514" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KDGy16KyI/AAAAAAAAAEg/2GXT6JGA-Og/s1600/Sex-and-the-City-2-001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S8KDGy16KyI/AAAAAAAAAEg/2GXT6JGA-Og/s320/Sex-and-the-City-2-001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459069851076799266" /></a><br /><br />More to come this week!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-13273793207916552302010-03-22T16:37:00.000-07:002010-03-22T20:02:26.274-07:00Spring is in the air!It's Spring!!! So you know what that means? This is the second most exciting time for fashion aside from the fall issue of Vogue. Time to pack away our puffy coats and clunky winter boots and make room for all of the beautiful pastel and vivid hues! Today I gladly spent the first day of my spring break neatly packing everything in my Spring clothes bin plus about 12 dresses (which is about 1/5 of the amount of dresses I won) in a suit case and drove back to my apartment to switch out all of my winter clothes. No longer do I have a closet of black, charcoal, brown and plum, it has been replaced with every color of the rainbow, including my steal of a purchase my Lilly Pulitzer Charity Print Shift Dress that my wonderful sorority sister Chelsey snagged for me at the employee discount price of $100, initially around $328. <br /><br />My current spring fashion mission is to find a chic cross strap purse for spring/summer. See, while I love the over sized hobo bags and the sexy clutches, neither one are always conducive to a night at the bar. So these are the ones I have found so far:<br /><br />Marc Jacobs <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gkV2V2teI/AAAAAAAAADI/qCCts58SpIo/s1600-h/marc+jacobs+bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gkV2V2teI/AAAAAAAAADI/qCCts58SpIo/s320/marc+jacobs+bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451647306715018722" /></a><br /><br />Anthropologie Bags<br />Empanada Mini Bags<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gken3lQ4I/AAAAAAAAADQ/dDjXarJLhjo/s1600-h/empanada+mini+bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gken3lQ4I/AAAAAAAAADQ/dDjXarJLhjo/s320/empanada+mini+bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451647457448772482" /></a><br /><br />Just Knot my Bag<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gknvXZ8dI/AAAAAAAAADY/o6K-cFS23ZE/s1600-h/just+knot+my+bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gknvXZ8dI/AAAAAAAAADY/o6K-cFS23ZE/s320/just+knot+my+bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451647614080119250" /></a><br /><br />Molten Folds Bag<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gku5cbdlI/AAAAAAAAADg/_IlcU1LikAA/s1600-h/molten+folds+bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gku5cbdlI/AAAAAAAAADg/_IlcU1LikAA/s320/molten+folds+bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451647737044629074" /></a><br /><br />Small & Mighty Bag<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gmEazZvJI/AAAAAAAAADo/fNp0ZzDp6dM/s1600-h/small+%26+mighty+bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gmEazZvJI/AAAAAAAAADo/fNp0ZzDp6dM/s320/small+%26+mighty+bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451649206288235666" /></a><br /><br />Woven Pendulum Sling Bag<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gmQZfvt8I/AAAAAAAAADw/OFrBvKeE_AQ/s1600-h/woven+pendulum+sling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6gmQZfvt8I/AAAAAAAAADw/OFrBvKeE_AQ/s320/woven+pendulum+sling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451649412095784898" /></a><br /><br />I'm still on the search for more. Any suggestions?Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-45948334506548866882010-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:002010-03-18T12:23:51.148-07:00Study or Redecorate?So as of today I have completed: one senior thesis paper, one group project, one final. Still to come: two finals, one online group project. My group project that I completed already was voted by my entire class to be the best Hospitality Concept Presentation which I'm SOO proud of. <br /><br />During this week I've spent countless hours in the library, and decided to finish the rest of the week in my living room studying just for a change of scenery. Well in doing so I've realized how much "guy style" has taken over my apartment. Granted I moved in with a guy who had already been living there with another guy, but you would never know a girl lived there now until you saw my Cosmo's and Sex and the City DVD. <br /><br />I started to browse online for living rooms that Live Beautiful Recipes would deem acceptable and they all involve BOLD color options! How could you not be happy sitting in a room that was so alive with color?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4GIo37pI/AAAAAAAAACg/eTRMd-VkU9c/s1600-h/large_image.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4GIo37pI/AAAAAAAAACg/eTRMd-VkU9c/s320/large_image.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450050545865191058" /></a><br /><br />The combination between this yellow colored sofa and the purple in the floor to ceiling French memo board backgroup is very cool, and they really bring out each other. Then the balance of the colors in the frame behind the couch make the room casual and upbeat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4Os5DcoI/AAAAAAAAACo/Nx_bhfW1zU8/s1600-h/liven+up+a+lone+corner+window.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4Os5DcoI/AAAAAAAAACo/Nx_bhfW1zU8/s320/liven+up+a+lone+corner+window.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450050693035684482" /></a><br /><br />The turquoise corner wall is such a statement and such a beautiful color, it reminds me of Carrie Bradshaws apartment at the end of the SATC movie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4UjS7UxI/AAAAAAAAACw/nQBk-qg6TEk/s1600-h/living+with+color.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4UjS7UxI/AAAAAAAAACw/nQBk-qg6TEk/s320/living+with+color.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450050793539064594" /></a><br /><br />Instead of using an expensive wall paper, I love that this room just adds accents of colors on the walls so it's not overpowering with the variety of colors there. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4artBamI/AAAAAAAAAC4/KYwIjUueN7g/s1600-h/fire+up+the+design.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4artBamI/AAAAAAAAAC4/KYwIjUueN7g/s320/fire+up+the+design.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450050898875214434" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4pTp6yhI/AAAAAAAAADA/crIcCzxevbY/s1600-h/inside+swing+bench.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6J4pTp6yhI/AAAAAAAAADA/crIcCzxevbY/s320/inside+swing+bench.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450051150117784082" /></a><br /><br />I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of this really romantic and playful bench swing in the living room, because not only is it a reinvented sitting piece, but it acts as a divider between where the bedroom ends and the living room begins. Plus the graphic and colorful pattern on the seat cushion is so inviting.<br /><br />Tomorrows well deserved Walnut Street shopping spree will probably inspire a fashion post. CiaoAli Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-87907316672312536272010-03-17T12:47:00.000-07:002010-03-17T15:57:24.069-07:00Julie & Julia saves my sanity during finals :)So with one final paper down and three final exams and a group assignment due I thought I would ease the stress with an appropriate Live Beautiful Recipes classic: Julia & Julia!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6E4TDLzn7I/AAAAAAAAACA/OF3mwtHReJE/s1600-h/julie_and_julia_ver2-794203.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6E4TDLzn7I/AAAAAAAAACA/OF3mwtHReJE/s320/julie_and_julia_ver2-794203.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449698924018507698" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately this is now making me hungry and all I have is the pasta salad with lemon vinagrette and capers in the fridge (hard life, lol). All I want right now is a some summer vegetable salad and iced green tea (both of which reccommended by Skinny Bitch) which is another Live Beautiful Recipes classic which I am currently in possession of and LOVING, minus their attempt to turn us all vegan. I'm sorry but meat and dairy are just too wonderful to let go of!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6E7BmyEyZI/AAAAAAAAACI/tHakHpHKVdg/s1600-h/skinny_bitch.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6E7BmyEyZI/AAAAAAAAACI/tHakHpHKVdg/s320/skinny_bitch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449701922871495058" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Speaking of wonderful, my newest addiction in the entire world is currently Flowers Uncut which follows Paris's Four Seasons Hotels Visual Director Jeff Leatham as he takes over New York City with his stunning flower displays. My recent career path might have been inspired almost completely from watching this show. Tons of tv appropriate drama and setbacks always results with him transforming these locations into works of art. Follow this link to <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nvw-hPaR6l8/Sv8DL1EpgTI/AAAAAAAAAKI/A_akuuYHuxc/s320/flowers%2Buncut.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.triedandtrueweddings.com/2009/11/flowers-uncut-on-tlc.html&usg=__HM4zOz9WOANesM2X2GWYIY-r4U8=&h=227&w=320&sz=27&hl=en&start=7&sig2=V4oV4ucfhALknv0nqpp8bA&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=_GjEamwo53SyXM:&tbnh=84&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3DFlowers%2BUncut%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26rlz%3D1G1GGLQ_ENUS274%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=rDuhS_XEM5jsNcW80JkL">Tried and True Blog</a> to see some of his displays!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6E-x_IzfkI/AAAAAAAAACQ/bDFW3XNmnNA/s1600-h/Flowers-uncut.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6E-x_IzfkI/AAAAAAAAACQ/bDFW3XNmnNA/s320/Flowers-uncut.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449706052577885762" /></a> Lastly, only because this has now turned into a list of way today has been so wonderfully unstressful during the week that I'm losing my sanity, small but awesome, Firefox has created these "themes" for their internet windows and Lilly Pulitzer has a theme. The best part is that they have a theme in my favorite dress pattern the Charity Shift Dress pattern which is made up of all the patterns from the Spring/Summer 2009 line. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6FHTNvFrOI/AAAAAAAAACY/GOFpmgA28k0/s1600-h/Chairty+Shift+Dress.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 221px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f08_FMuE0JI/S6FHTNvFrOI/AAAAAAAAACY/GOFpmgA28k0/s320/Chairty+Shift+Dress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449715419525262562" /></a><br /><br />Now after all of this I now want to go buy flowers, cook dinner and wear my Charity Shift dress while doing all these things. Instead I'll study for my Beverage Management, Contract Food Service Management, and Marketing finals, ew :(Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922155303829605544.post-10177940117869235872010-03-14T11:48:00.000-07:002010-03-14T18:58:01.644-07:00First postWelcome to my blog Live Beautiful Recipes! <br /><br />I'm a huge fan of fashion, cooking, event planning, books, photography, and all things aesthetically pleasing. I try to surround myself with things that are beautiful and truly make me happy. <br /><br />I'm studying to be an Event Planner, for specifically with Weddings, and currently considering going to grad school for interior design so I can work for an Event Design firm. Eclatante, Colin Cowie, Evantine, Fete are all Event Planners/Companies that I have found to be incredibly inspiring and would be grateful to work for either company. Stores like Anthropologie, JCrew, Lilly Pulitzer, Joan Shep have such beautiful visual displays in their stores that I've also taken note to. The restaurant scene in Philadelphia is very eclectic and growing to becoming more plentiful. We are home to world class chefs and restaurateurs such as: Stephen Starr: Buddakahn, Continental, Morimoto, El Vez, Cuba Libra, POD, Butcher and Singer, Stella, Jone; George Perrier: La Bec Fin; Jose Garces: Amada, Tinto, Distrito, Chifa, Mercat, Village Whiskey, Garces Trading Company; Marc Vetri: Vetri Restaurante, Osteria; and many more.<br /><br />So I will periodically showcase some pictures, and reviews of places and things that I've seen that I think are recipes for living beautifully!Ali Caitlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656956096400904856noreply@blogger.com0