Baked Shells with Winter Squash

I'm going to make this for Sunday dinner! It looks DIVINE! Here's the recipe.

Dry Shampoo

If you're like me and don't like to wash your hair every day (shhh!), I recommend using T3 Orlando Pita Dry Shampoo when/if you start to get a little oily. Some dry shampoo's can leave a white-ish tint, but the T3 comes in different shades to match your hair color. It's the best, and you can get it 20% off right now on Sephora.com with the friends & family discount!

New Polish

I need a mani/pedi today (desperately), and I'm pretty sure I've already decided that I'm going with Merino Cool, one of Essie's new fall colors. Purple is my FAVORITE, and merino cool is more subdued than your typical purple, adding a soft grey hue. Can't wait!

The Sweet Beet

My friend Sarah K sent me this blog and it's pretty fascinating and informative . It teaches you all about what foods are good and bad for you, along with interesting little facts and figures about foods you intake every day and foods you should stay away from. I recommend checking it out!

New Cookbook

My wonderful friend just got me this great cookbook for my birthday and I can't wait to try out some of the recipes! Thanks Laur!!

Sephora Friends And Family 2010!

Sephora is offering 20% off on all products online now through November 3rd. And free shipping over $50! Enter code FF2010 at checkout.

Best.Lip.Balm.Ever

This lip balm is a must! Keep one in your purse, on your bedside table, and in your office at all times! I swear by it and can't live without. If Bobbi ever discontinues I don't know what I'll do. I ask every time I stock up - we're safe for now...But if you don't want to spend $20 on lip balm, I highly recommend using Aquaphor (thanks Ju!) because it is also awesome!! And you can buy the small tubes too and throw them everywhere!

So Fun

I love these shoes by Camilla Skovgaard (she makes some pretty funky/fab footwear) that were on Gilt.com today. They're sold out though, so sad! I did however book my ticket to the YSL sample sale tomorrow :)

Ciao Roma!

I just found out I am going to Rome for work in January! And they're putting me up at an awesome hotel - I'm thrilled! Now let's hope they fly me first class :) Thanks Economist!

Wildwood BBQ

I had din on Friday night with a group of friends at Wildwood BBQ (same resto group as Blue Water Grill, Dos Caminos, etc). We had to wait almost an hour for our table (place was packed), so they brought us a bunch of apps on the house including the Jalapeno Bottle Caps (eat these at your own risk!). We were all starving and about 4 vodkas in by the time the food came, so we took those apps down. I had the Buffalo Shrimp wrap as my main and wow was it salty - would have been great otherwise. The table shared a bunch of sides including the cheddar grits, brussels sprouts, baked beans and aged mac & cheese which were all fantastic. Would go back for the sides alone.

3.5 Stars

Mexican Night!

Last night we had our friends over for Sunday "family" dinner and I made vegetable enchiladas and a black bean salad. I went to the market and bought all of the freshest ingredients, which I think makes all the difference. Here's how I made them...

Enchiladas:

corn tortillas

mozzarella cheese

red onion

broccoli

mushrooms

red & green peppers

jalapeno

tomatillo sauce

sour cream

rice

chicken broth

black beans

Chop and saute your mushrooms and broccoli in olive oil, garlic and salt. Cook for a while until soft. In a separate pan, saute the peppers in olive oil, garlic and salt until soft. Boil 2 cups of chicken stock and add rice, cook for about 20 minutes covered, on low. Grab a 9x12 glass pan (pyrex) and spray it with a cooking spray.

Cut up the red onion and jalapeno, cover with olive oil and salt and roast on 400 for about 12 minutes. Once cooked, set aside half of the onions (you will add these to the peppers). Add 1/2 onions and jalapeno to a food processor along with about 2 cups of the tomatillo green sauce and a 1/4 cup of sour cream, then process.

Stack the corn tortillas layered with a paper towel between each and microwave for about 45 seconds. Heat the oven to 350. Place all of your ingredients in an assembly line to create the enchiladas. Grab a tortilla, fill with rice, beans, peppers, onions, mushrooms and broccoli. Then place each in the pyrex. Once you have all of the shells in place, add the green sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake it for about 15 minutes.

Black Bean Salad:

Can of black beans, drained and rinsed

Can of corn, drained

2 vine tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup diced green onions (scallions)

1/4 cup diced pineapple

Handful of cilantro (bc i love it)

1 jalapeno, seeded and minced

4 tablespoons sherry vinegar

Juice of 1/2 lime

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Pinch ground cumin

Throw all of the ingredients in a bowl, mix, and chill.

For dessert we had a pumpkin cream cheese puff pastry, unfortunately this is my secret recipe and I cannot share ;)

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

When I indulge from something at Crumbs Bake Shop, I usually get one of these whoopie pies because they're oh-so-good. The key to these heavenly little pies is to make sure the cookie/cake is moist and fluffy. Then fill 'em up generously with some cream cheese frosting and its like a little cake sandwich -what's better than that!?

If you want to make them at home, here's a recipe

Cheese Ball Goblin

A festive, yet spooky h'orderve for your Halloween get together.

Here's Paula's recipe

Love Them!

I absolutely love these Loeffler Randall boots and must find a way to get them.

Ikat Fabric

Just like clothing, fabrics and furniture can be trendy. One trend that's fun and popular right now are ikat fabrics. When I was home last, my mom and I went to a fabric store and picked out an awesome ikat fabric. She made me two large 24' pillow cases out of it and they now sit on the sofa in our second bedroom.

The ikat print really spiced up the room, adding a great pop of color and texture.

My Next Bedroom

This picture is taken from an East Hampton home decorated by Pheobe Howard (who has an incredible eye). This room looks so light, airy and fresh. I may have to re-do my bedroom after seeing this...sorry Mike! I need those linens!
Check this amazing home out here.

Pretty Preserved Flowers

I love having fresh flowers in the apartment, but I hate how quickly they die. I've turned to really good fakes like this one from gracious home. They're a little expensive, but totally worth it in the long run. Of course go for fresh flowers on occasions, but these are perfect to have around every day.
Recently, I've discovered Save-On-Crafts which has all kinds of things for the home at great prices. These beautiful flowers pictured above are natural flowers, but preserved so they wont wilt or die!

Lovely Little Room

I saw this sitting/dining area and love its freshness. The light, clean colors paired with the floor mirror really open up the room, especially when working with a small space (like an nyc apt!). I love everything about it.

Look out Fashionistas!

It was confirmed this morning that Lanvin will be designing a luscious, budget friendly line for H&M! Thrilling, but I would get in line the second the collection hits stores On November 23rd as the pieces FLY off shelves and will likely sell out within a couple of hours.

William Sonoma Home Sale

If you're in the market for new towels, these look ultra soft, absorbent and warm for the winter - can't beat that at $12.99!

I would hurry though, these will probably disappear fast.