Celebratory Coupons

One of my favorite Birthday traditions is spending the coupon that Anthropologie sends :)  Although their clothes are rarely my style I love a lot of their house & home items.  The books this year are fabulous!!!  Here are some of my top choices...

1. Foiled Dot Napkins
2. Eiffel Tower Ring Dish
3. Parisian Chic: A Style Guide
4. Fleur De Lys Teapot
5. 100 Years of Fashion
6. Tall Mercury Glass Jar
7. Monogram Keychain
8. French Flair: Modern Vintage Interiors
9. Hobnob Parlor Smoke Hurricane & Parlor Smoke Hurricane

So many fun options!!!  What to choose??? 

Duchess Envy

Today in church Darren asked us to contemplate some questions... one being "What do you daydream about?"  Besides asking James when I can be a stay at home wife, I usually daydream about being a princess.  Not the Disney kind, the Kate Middleton kind!!  I'm not usually the type to follow celebrity gossip or read those flashy magazines (no judgement), but I am in love/envy with the Duchess.  Mainly because she is able to find beautiful clothes with sleeves....  Still a mystery to me & I live in a climate where I need them!!  I am ardently happy she is bringing back classy style, our generation's Audrey.

While perusing one of my favorite blogs What Kate Wore I saw a link to Australian Vogue's article Kate's Best Looks of 2012...  Enjoy!

Here are some of my favorites :)

I guess the downside of being a Princess is being photographed everywhere... Ooopsy!  To my knowledge nobody documents my Lame Outfits!

One of the reasons that I love/envy Kate is she reminds me of when I was little & watching the Princess Di Biography special with my mother & hearing her tell stories about the Wedding. Mamma Kay- by the way- looks a LOT like Diana.  (Remember in the '90s when we thought William was the hot prince??)  I think when Lady Di passed away my love of royals went with her.  Until now :)

Sneak Attack

Guess who didn't realize it was Christmas?  Me!

I was scanning through Facebook on Monday and saw a friend's post "I can't believe Christmas is next week." and I thought "She means week after next."  Nope.

Luckily I had a head start on some Christmas presents & my tree up.  But it was a mad dash the last few days to get everything ready!

Here is our tree!

I had some goodies come in the mail!!!  Definitely helped cheer up an old sick gal! 

Upper left:  3 new pilates videos

Upper right: Glossybox

Bottom: Birchbox

Time to get some laundry done before our trip to Chicago!!

Hot Toddy

What a long week ~ ever since Sunday the 9th (the day we went to the symphony) either James or I or both of us have been sick!!  According to the Urgent Care James had strep, while I had the ever elusive "virus" that just has to take it's course.  Nasty.  There was a 4 day stretch (Fri-yesterday) we were both home, lost our voice & spent the whole time laying around, saying "What? I can't hear you!"...  Perhaps a preview of when we're 80! haha

Mamma Kay said I need a stiff Hot Toddy!  Maybe she is right, I bet it will kill my virus.  If I do resort to self-medicating myself I want to try this recipe:  Hot Toddy with Tea

My sickness is slightly complicated by the 9 fillings I got on Tuesday.  I decided to "get it over with" and have them all filled on the same day instead of coming back multiple times.  It seemed like a great idea at the time; however, I now cannot chew food without pain.  I have been consisting on soup (which is the only thing my sick self wants anyways), greek yogurt & mashed sweet potatoes.  Silver lining ~ my clothes are fitting looser!  I should start eating more soup!  :)

On Sunday I was feeling well enough to venture out to Target & finally spend some of the Birthday money that Mamma Kay sent me.

1) Sweater Dress
2) Set of Mirror Frames

3) Kitty Cat Slippers

4) Light Leopard Pajamas

It is always so nice to get out of the house when you're finally feeling a little better!  The best part of the trip was that it was in the mid 50's! In December!  Crazy ~ but at least I got to wear flip-flops :)  And my pedicure with the new Skyfall OPI polish actually saw the sunlight!

Color: The World Is Not Enough

Girls' Night Out

So it's 12.12.12  ~ the last day of it's kind in our lifetime.  That is sadly creepy until you realize it is also Girls' Night Out at Kendra Scott!!

She is one of my favorites & although I am not in Texas anymore to visit her cute boutique, I do find cute pieces at Nordstrom & online.   I ordered earrings for my bridal party, they were so gorgeous, trendy & classy all at the same time!  Love!  Modeled by my dear friend Elizabeth, the Elle Earrings in Chalcedony.

Sign up for the email list & you get a code for 15% off!!   Girls' Night Out is 20% off favorites, so hold that coupon ;)

I have been kicking myself since the wedding that I should have ordered a pair of the Elle earrings for myself & just so happens they are part of the favorites on sale!  I did choose 'green' instead of the chalcedony due to Emerald being named Pantone's color of 2013! I am so excited to get some great use out of them! :)

I also have my eyes on these... but now that I'm married I have to space out the jewelry purchases :) 

The Maxine long earrings in Starlet.

Santa Baby

Here are the gifts topping my Christmas wish list!!!  Especially after James surprised me with a fab jewelry box I need to fill it up! :)

1.  Tall Wellington Boot by Hunter in Aubergine

2.  Crystal Stud Big Pink Earrings from Etsy

3.  Personalized Stationery from Etsy

4.  Monogrammed Necklace from Etsy

5.  Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Pouch in Damier Azur

So my love of Etsy dominated my Christmas list this year.  I doubt I'll see any of these lovelies as James asked me a few weeks ago very confused, "So... are any of your presents actually in a store?"   My bet's on the wellies :)  I wonder how James is adjusting to married life, I took him to a *store* (Nordstrom) to see them in person & when the sales associate explained he just had to get the sock liners his face was priceless :)

Christmas at the Symphony

James & went to the Sunday matinee of the St. Louis Symphony performing Handel's Messiah.   It was lovely & Christmasy.  I loved seeing Powell Hall all decorated up :)  It was beautiful!!

It has been many many years since I've seen Messiah in person.  I love the Symphony!!!  I remembered the choral parts being beautiful and written very close to scripture.  It was such a beautiful experience because scripture was printed in the program & as your reading the gorgeous music is amplifying the beauty of the season.  I did not remember the soloists who sang straight up Opera style.  They were not my favorite.  Especially when James decided to speak in opera vibrato all night....

AND ~  I almost forgot!!  The conductor was the same conductor at Will & Kate's wedding!! I felt so royal!   All I was lacking was a nice fur :)  (and perhaps a castle or two).

As you may or may not be able to tell James was less than thrilled at my surprise photo shoot while driving :)  I asked a lady to take our picture during intermission on the big staircase.  She promptly ran to the bottom of the staircase & yelled up "I'll take your picture from down here so you look really tall!"...  Because that's a problem I often have... not looking tall enough.  I wish more people knew about flattering photo angles!

Here is a link to the Hallelujah Chorus !

Time Well Spent

With all my free time not wedding planning I am wholeheartedly enjoying getting back to my favorite hobbies (notably reading, cooking, shopping & entertaining).

Reading ~ 

These two books I've read recently I would say are a must read!

The Paris Wife by Paula McClain:  written as mostly historical/biographical with fiction filling in the cracks.  It is about Ernest Hemmingway's first wife Hadley & their years in Paris.  Beautiful & tragic at the same time.

My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud'homme:  Autobiography based on letters written by Julia & her husband during their time in Paris.  The book focuses on her love of all things French & her journey of being an acclaimed chef who pioneered the revolution of cooking in the US (away from TV dinners).

Both of the books were wonderfully inspirational.  Especially since both ladies found the adventures of the lives in their late 20's/ early 30's.   And I am now obsessed with Paris.  Trip anyone?? :)

I would not say it is a must read because everyone does not appreciate Russian novels (the Russians don't like them either), but I am re-reading Anna Karenina after seeing the movie.  I would not say the movie is a literal adaptation, it was beautiful and fascinating in its own way.   If you do decide to read it, do get the P&V translation!

Cooking ~

Thanks to Julia Child for the inspiration & for my sweet friend Erika for getting me a new cookbook (a good friend finds a classy way of finding a birthday present for you that says "I know you like to eat, enjoy!" haha).   I made a recipe from Sunday Brunch by Betty Rosbottom.

Berries with Lemon Creme Fraiche!  (it's French & fabulous)
The bacon is there because I live with a man now.  Apparently fruit & creme isn't "breakfast".

We tried to make our own copy-cat recipe for the BLT & Peppercorn salad at Pi Pizzeria!  It turned out really good despite James' heavy hand with the red onions ;)  

Entertaining ~ 

On Friday evening some lovely ladies came over to eat desserts, drink champagne & watch Liz & Dick.  Yes I DVR'd a Lifetime movie... but I really love Elizabeth Taylor!!!   The company, cookies & champagne were fabulous... the movie was lacking (probably acting ability).  But I did love all the fur coats :)  And I do feel inspired to use a red lip / heavy eyeliner look soon!   I used my new Neimans + Target dessert plates!!!  And made Laura Bush's Cowboy Cookies.  Always delicious!

Shopping ~ 

... more to come soon!! :) 

Birthday Love

Monday I turned 28!  I always have loved my Birthday!  Yes, with a capital "B" it is a holiday after all.  I think having a December birthday made me cling with extra devotion to my day of birth.  No, it is not fair to send a kid a Christmas present with a card that says "Happy Birthday & Merry Christmas" nor is it ok to wrap a birthday present in Christmas paper.  Wrapping paper is cheaper than toilet paper.  Seriously?

Luckily I have a wonderful husband & very sweet friends who never make me feel slighted on my Birthday :)

The highlight of my day was being able to take off work & do whatever I wanted!  Translation ~ spend all day in my new lulu wunder unders taking it easy :)  I caught up on a few episodes of Fashion Police!  I ate a meatball sandwich from Subway for lunch!  I organized two bookshelves in the 'hoarder room'! I read a book on my Nook! I perused the many Christmas catalogs I've got in the mail! I took a nap!  Just some of my fun birthday activities :)  For an introvert ~ it was the best self present!

In the evening my dear friends & I went out to eat at Pi Pizzeria.  It is a favorite of James & I ~ very delicious pizza!  And James surprised me with a mint chocolate chip ice cream cake, a childhood fav!

Hello Lover!

Today was a day I've been waiting for.  Waiting is not the right word.  Yearning maybe more accurate :)  The second I found out about the Target + Neiman Marcus collaboration I was thrilled!!!  Little girl on Christmas morning thrilled!!  I kept following, checking & re-checking both of their websites, Facebook, social media, etc.  This was the perfect opportunity for me to buy some fun designer items without killing the budget.  After my recent marriage to a man who is great at sticking to a budget, gone are my days of falling in love with something at Neiman's and eating oatmeal until the next paycheck :) AND... the debut is Dec 1st, two days before my Birthday!  Clearly this is fate! :)

I was so excited that I woke up at 2:45 am and -yes again- stalked the social media sites.  Neiman's was selling out of items fast... and I was getting worried.  I am not the type to wake up early on a Saturday or talk much the first hour I'm awake, so James had no idea what to make of my early arise at 7 am (on my own, no alarm!) and uber excitement.  I strategically drove to the Target further out in the 'burbs (hoping that less soccer moms would be beating down the doors) and it proved to be an excellent strategy!  There was no line out the door, no drama... except me & the security guard there to watch shoppers of the collection.  I had a few quick minutes to walk around & look at everything in person before a group of about 20 ladies came.  I grabbed the three items I most wanted and left at 8:08 am before it got too busy.  I picked up some Starbucks for James & I (today also happens to be our 3-monthaversary) to celebrate.  All the while chatting with my bestie in Texas as she was in her Target.   :)   I wish we lived closer so we could lunch with our matching Tory lunch box & thermos!!!

Here are the pieces I adopted into my family:

Tory Burch Beverage Container & Lunch Box
The beverage container packaging calls it a "flask" I told James I'm going to use it to carry wine wherever I go! hehe  Found at Neiman Marcus or at Target.

Tracy Reese Set of 4 Dessert Plates
These are even more gorgeous in person & the box comes with proper foam & padding for great storage.  It has already found it's home on my new buffet table.  Now time to get desserting!  Who wants to come over? Found at Neiman Marcus or at Target.


Shop the entire collection at Target or at Neiman Marcus !  What are your favs?

For Everything There is a Season

For everything there is a season,

     a time for every activity under heaven.

~Ecclesiastes 3:1

A time for eating lots of of delicious holiday food,

     a time for getting back on the wagon.

As lovely as Thanksgiving was, I certainly do not want my stomach to get accustomed to pie & stuffing at every meal :)  I was blessed with taking Friday off and having the long weekend as the perfect opportunity to make a few new recipes & try my new yoga DVD! 

The "Soup-er Cleanse"

(recipe from the Eat Clean Vegetarian Cookbook by Tosca Reno)

This recipe was the classic example of Julia Child's attitude that mistakes in the kitchen should not be hidden but used as learning examples!  Despite taking the recipe with me to the store I came home without chickpeas & substituted quinoa instead.  My sweet husband helped me with prep work the day before; however, I did not mention the celery & zucchini needed to be separated because they are added to the soup at different stages.  That took a while to separate!  I also failed to abide by my food processor's "max liquid" line...  But I managed to save my soup & use an immersion blender in the stock pot :)  After 2 hours of cooking & cleaning up after the food processor incident, I was able to enjoy this soup! 

Taste Test ~  the soup had a very fresh, sharp taste due to the lemon, garlic & ginger.  It was a great light meal (yet the quinoa made it filling). However, if I was not eating it as a cleanse I would prefer other soups.  For a cleansing soup though it was one of the best detox-type foods that I have eaten!

Sassy Water

(recipe from Pinterest)

After being very confused at the strange language I did manage to find the recipe at the bottom of the blog entry in English (friendly tip!).    I used my infusion pitcher (which I LOVE! because I don't like floaties in my drinks) from Bed Bath & Beyond, perfect for adding fruit to water or tea.  This has been a great impulse purchase! Back to the sassy water, it was a very simple recipe, I just layered the ingredients & voila!  I had about 1/3 of the lemon slices that did not fit, so I left them whole & floated them in the pitcher.  

Taste Test ~ After letting the sassy water "infuse" overnight I can say... It was perfect!  The flavors were not too strong, very refreshing!  I might make this all the time, not just for "sassy" detox time.  

A.M. P.M. Yoga

(Rodney Yee & Patricia Walden by Gaiam)

DVD thoughts ~ I loved A.M. yoga!  I like my yoga to be straightforward with not a lot of fluffy / new-age type of talk.  I find it more relaxing that way.  Rodney has a great & pleasant voice that is very soothing for the morning :) The A.M. is a quick 20 minutes and focused on stretching & opening up joints than some of the more challenging poses.  It's the perfect morning wake up :)  Maybe I can convince myself to get up 20 min earlier for work...  

James & I did end up going to BestBuy (not at midnight, but at 7:30 on Friday) and the recipe pictures are taken with my new camera! :)  I am sooooooo excited!

     

Thanksgivings

For a holiday without presents, I sure do love Thanksgiving :)


On a domestic note...

The first Abarquez Thanksgiving was pulled off above my expectations!  After hearing every year the horror story Mamma Kay tells about her first Thanksgiving, I was not getting my hopes up.  The food was delicious & I pulled out our china/crystal for our first fancy meal  (I mean that literally~ in my tiny kitchen we have no room for china/crystal so they are still in original packaging stacked in the corner near the buffet table... it is like jenga getting out the pieces you need)!  We made a spicy pepper rubbed Turkey breast from Bon Appetit, green bean casserole, my sister-in-law's stuffing recipe, rolls & a marvelous Pumpkin & Pecan Pie from Paula Deen. I'm glad everything was yummy because we will be eating leftovers forever!  All in all it was a lovely day!

On a scary note...

My dear husband is convinced he's going to BestBuy at midnight...  I am NOT a "Black Friday" shopper.  I do not want to go.  I told James if he makes me go then I finally get to replace my camera that I loathe.  I have never been.  Correction- I have never been shopping on Black Friday.  My years of employment at Bath & Body Works had me working 12 hour shifts (6 am to Noon, home to sleep, 6 pm to midnight).  I don't feel my time working has embittered me.  Most of my convictions are simple ones.  I love football.  I love shopping.  They should be all mixed up.  Shopping should not be a timed-contact sport.  Thank you!  Maybe that streak will be broken tonight... who knows?  I do hear James softly snoring on the couch :)

On a sentimental note...

During this time of thanks I have been reflecting on the year and come to realize that big life events magnify the importance of true friendship.  I am so thankful to have so many great people in my life that show love, support, encouragement & wisdom.  When I think of so many people who have touched my life and helped me grow... When I think of the laughs :) the fun times, the hard times, and everything in between ~ I am blessed beyond belief.  Thank you :)