Date Night

In an effort to cook more and avoid the cold weather, I am bringing the “date night” home.

Usually, once a week, Tats and I will make an effort to go out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in NYC and have a great meal with good wine. What usually ends up happening is we stay within a 3 block radius because of true obstacles (the weather! the subway’s taking too long! no cabs! 2.5 hours for a table?! midtown is not so bad, you know!) yet we always have a great time. There’s no reason we can’t take this experience home though, is there?

Have you ever tried to recreate date night at home? Well if you did, and you live in NYC, you may have found it difficult. Most apartments (at least the one we live in and the ones we have visited) lack an actual fine dining table with chairs, good linens, flattering lighting, etc. Hahaha… that I am even bringing it up is cruel. Anyway, after a terrific brunch at one of our favorites, DBGB, today and taking notes of the wonderful atmosphere, I went home and vacuumed the floors, wiped our “dining table” (coffee table), fluffed up the couch and pillows, created a simple yet delicious and nutritious menu, went grocery shopping, visited a wine shop and purchased some wine we enjoy, and set to work!

Luckily (or unluckily) Tats had to work today, so I had plenty of time to fix everything up.

On the menu~

From the Bar
Green Cerignola olives
Marcona almonds
Traditional Bloody Mary

To Start
Kale Parmesan salad (I told you I would make this often!)

Main Course
Chicken Cacciatore

Dessert
Seasonal fruit (who I am kidding, sliced apples)

To Drink
Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir
Mionetto Prosecco
Coffee
Tea

Yes… this is kind of ridiculous… but fun

For the items from the bar, I set some good olives and my favorite almonds in pretty serving bowls on our table. I wanted to light a candle but the last time I did that, Gizzy the cat stuck his face over it and toasted his own eyebrows. For the Blood Mary, I got the recipe from one of my favorite blogs, ever.

For the appetizer, you will find the recipe in my last post, and you will probably be as addicted to it as I am!

For the main course, the recipe is below.

For the drinks, I just bought my favorite brand of prosecco and a particular wine we have enjoyed in the past.

I often don’t like to label meals as “healthy” or “nutritious”  because immediately they become less delicious or enticing to eat. But really, this meal is healthy and very, very delicious – they can coexist! I am on a mission to merge the two concepts and to do so at home. I believe there is no better way to enjoy food than to plan an entire meal, shop for it, cook it yourself, and enjoy with friends or family. Or maybe just yourself!

Chicken Cacciatore
Adapted from the New York Times

2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
6 to 8 skinless chicken legs and/or thighs (thighs can be boneless)*
1 medium yellow onion, minced
1 medium carrot, minced
1 celery stalk, minced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh minced Italian parsley
1 heaped teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1/2 ounce Portobello mushrooms
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup red wine
2 cups homemade chicken broth
1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes in juice

*Note that I had some shredded chicken thighs in my freezer after making a pot of chicken stock I used that instead.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown, in batches, for 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken pieces to a bowl as they are done. Pour the fat off from the pan and discard. If you already have cooked and shredded chicken thighs, simply do the same.

2. Turn the heat down to medium, add the remaining oil and the onion, carrot and celery, as well as a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes and salt to taste. Cover, turn the heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes, until the mixture is soft and aromatic. Stir in the mushrooms, turn the heat back up to medium, and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms are just tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the wine and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, for a few minutes, until the wine has reduced by about half. Add the tomatoes and salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down a little and smell fragrant. Stir in 2 cups chicken broth.

You want your onion, celery, and carrot mixture (soffrito) to be caramelized in color and taste.

3. Return the chicken to the Dutch oven and stir so that is well submerged in the tomato mixture. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Taste, adjust seasoning and serve. You can serve with rice, pasta, or alone (as we did).

Here is the Chicken Cacciatore resting nicely on our coffee table. In the background is a magazine tree I made from a Martha Stewart Arts & Crafts section! Also you can see Gizzy’s white paws We enjoyed our dinner along with a movie, “Taken” (so classy… it was playing on TV plus the other options, believe it or not, were worse). I hope you guys are inspired to do your own “date nights”, and if you do, please leave a comment and share your own experience!

Here’s to DIY!!!

Love,
Ting

Battle of the Bulge

Someone recently asked me what workout regimen I follow, and I realized that this would make a great topic for my blog! I actually have a lot of… interesting experiences… when it comes to working out. Since I was getting married in late September last year, I trialed different classes, workshops, gyms, etc. till I found the perfect workout for my personality and schedule.

Here is a full list of all the workouts I tried and my personal take on each one. Note that everyone responds differently to physical movement so just because it works for me doesn’t mean you will feel the same. Also, please don’t be offended if I slam one of the places you go to: it’s just my own preference!

Equinox ($$)
Hmm… I really wanted to like it but I couldn’t get into it. I did a free trial and while it was a great, clean facility that offers things like coat check, child day care (??), eucalyptus scented towels, zumba/ barre classes, plenty of elliptical/ treamills/ other fancy equipment, and Kiehl’s products, I didn’t feel a personal attachment to any of it, which is a problem because I’m less likely to come back. I’m definitely into personal instructors and enjoy feeling part of a “community”, which I felt was lacking. Also, I’m not one of those people who will just go the gym on my own and get on a treadmill and run for an hour. There’s just no motivation and it’s boring! So I tried a zumba class, and again, just not for me. It wasn’t a great work out as I didn’t sweat, and I didn’t feel a connection with the instructor. However, if your company sponsors memberships (most do), it’s the most affordable option of the places I checked out. There is an initiation fee that is waived if you have corporate sponsorship and monthly fees vary from $129 – $179 (based on the companies Tats and I work for).

Soul Cycle ($$$$)
Oh man… soul cycle… I went in a moment of insanity and paid $40 to ride for 45 minutes. Actually more like 35 minutes if you subtract the time it takes to set up your bike, clip in your shoes, and stretch in the last 5 minutes of class. It was the craziest thing. So I went right after hurricane sandy to the West 77th Street location and walked into a wall of people, literally, all standing slightly tilted on a backwards diagonal (the cycling shoes you wear force you to stand in this awkward position). This was a very diverse group of large men, tiny women, old people, young people, etc. Just a crazy mix. Then the doors inside opened and tons of sweaty people walked out and we had to shift diagonally out of their way and work our way into the studio. Prior to class, you have to register for a cycle spot online. I picked an obscure back corner as the front row is typically reserved for those with more experience.

I had no idea how to clip my shoes in so one of the helpers came and clipped me in and adjusted my bike. Then the lights dimmed and our instructor introduced herself and started to play “Lose Yourself” by Emimen and asked us all to close our eyes, start cycling, and think about Hurricane Sandy, which surprisingly, I think everyone did. At this point, I tried to unclip my shoes and get out but I couldn’t figure out the mechanics. I just ended up finishing the class to wierd mantras and bad music. They say it is a full body workout but I have a hard time understanding how that can be because you aren’t really doing proper “push ups” on a bicycle and the arm weights included on the bike are only used sparingly. I DEFINITELY will not be returning but I understand that a lot of people truly love it. It’s true, you do sweat a ton, but honestly I don’t understand how this is any different than cycling on any bicycle available to you at any location for a far lower price. The class itself is $35 plus $3 for shoe rentals (free if you’re a first timer) so the total comes out to about $40 including tax. Also, they do not have packages scaled for price, therefore it’s approximately $40/ class everytime. You can buy shoes (retailing around $80 – $100) to avoid the $3/ rental fee.

Tracy Anderson Method ($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)
To be fair, I only tried the DVD, I have never been to her studios in NYC. I actually rather liked her DVD, it’s mainly cardio and dance (which if you’ve seen me dance… oh man… but I was doing it in privacy). However, I like getting out of the house and being around people, since I was working from home for half of 2012, so I couldn’t only do the DVD. Plus, the sequences were often times hard to follow and I wasn’t sure I was doing them correctly to maximize effectiveness or if I was just flailing my arms around for the hell of it. I really wanted to go the studio and ask these questions to an actual instructor, but studio membership is actually quite exclusive, not to mention prohibitively expensive, far more than any other place I’ve seen. Monthly fees alone are over $1,000 and the initiation fee is literally thousands of dollars. I think actual celebrities go, so maybe that’s why? I have no idea. Either ways, it wasn’t sustainable for me given my preferences, lifestyle, and oh yeah, my budget. I do know that it is extremely effective based on a personal review from a friend whose body was literally transformed (she looked Amazing!) but I think Tats would lock me out of the house if he knew I was spending >$1,000/ month on working out. As I would do to him. Not that he would ever work out. Haha.

Physique 57 ($$$)
I took my first P57 class in January 2012 and haven’t stopped since. It’s a barre-based full-body workout that uses isometrics to isolate certain muscle groups. It also incorporates some yoga and classical pilates, and I have to say, it is the single most effective workout I’ve tried. The instructors are totally awesome: very nice, knowlegeable, encouraging, and realistic. They are single-handedly responsible for helping me get into shape for my wedding (I mean if you’re going to wear a strapless, low-back, mermaid dress with a heart-shape neckline, you’ve got to consider back fat, muffin top, tricep fat, lower abdomen bulge, etc….. what fun!) and after 4 weeks, I literally already felt “tightened” up, if you will.

Most importantly, I feel a real sense of community here. I see the same people all the time, the same dedicated, hard-working girls (and boys!) who leave work not to go straight home and eat and watch tv or facebook, but actually head to the studio and realllllly work out for an hour, and it’s just really encouraging. It’s probably the best hour (and hardest hour) of my day.

The cost is definitely there, but it’s worth it. It’s $35/ class, but for first timers, it’s buy 1 class get 1 free. After that, you are offered 10% off a package of 10 or 20 classes, or you could purchase an unlimited month of classes for $275 (I think that was the going price… don’t quote me). The price for an unlimited package goes up after your first purchase (about $350). I’m currently on a 3 month unlimited package (approx. $330/ month, slight discount if you buy multiple months) and I go every day that I can. I have so much more energy than the Ting before P57, so much that I stopped DRINKING COFFEEE!

Also, if you’re still thinking that’s a lot of money to spend on working out, you have to also consider the lifestyle changes you’ll go through. An hour long class doesn’t mean you’re only spending an hour at that class and then going home. It takes me at least 15 minutes to get there, and another 30 min to recover and go home. Think about what you would have been doing during those 2 hours (shopping? happy hour?) Also, because I am dedicating so much of my time and energy into working out, I no longer go out and waste money on eating and drinking because I just did something good for myself and don’t want to undo all of it. I end up cooking, staying home, and playing with Gizzy the cat, so actually, overtime I found I have been saving money. Except on those dang Lululemon outfits…

PS: If you do end up taking a class, I highly recommend Cassie, my favorite instructor

And, here is some really cute and functional workout gear I recommend!

Victoria’s Secret Sports Bra Tank (On sale for $34.99)

Lululemon Athletica Free to Be Tank ($58)

Lululemon Athletica Wunder Under Pants (my absolute favorite, must have, wear forever! $82)

Fila Toning Resistance Capris ($50)

Plus, Mila Kunis apparently loves these toning capris and has been seen wearing them all around town!

Anyhow, hopefully this post gives you some idea of where and how you should spend your money on an active lifestyle, should you choose to have one, in 2013. If you end up trying one of these workouts or another really interesting one, please post a comment and let me know what you think!!!!!

Happy 2013!
Ting

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! We made it past 12/21/12 after all and I’m so glad because I have big plans for myself this year. One big thing I am keeping secret (no I am not pregnant, mama) but will share in due time.

I’m not really a  ”resolutions” person because I feel that if something needs to change, it’s needs to change right away rather than conveniently squared away until 1/1/20XX. That being said, you might be laughing right now if you know me because some of my most commonly used phrases include “I’ll look at it later” or “Not now, leave me alone. I mean it this time.”

Anyhow, if I did have to state one big resolution for the year of 2013, and presumably every year thereafter, it would be that I want to focus on my health, both mental and physical. Staying active is already a big part of my life, so for me this means cooking more and eating out less. I’ve been quite disappointed lately whenever I eat out in NYC. Tats and I used to eat out 3 or 4 times a week and it’s crazy looking back how much money we spent on food we could (mostly) replicate at home (okay, not even close).  Anyway, my goal is to cook all of our meals so that every day of the week, we have healthy, delicious food to eat and can avoid the lure of dining out! And of course, another goal is to document and share these meals on my blog!

By healthy, I mean to say foods low in sugar and refined carbohydrates and high in fiber, protein, antioxidants, etc. I have no problem with fat or salt (maybe I should?). Mainly sugar though, is a culprit for me, especially gummy bears. Oooh, Haribo gummy bears… Throughout the year I’ve been pinning and bookmarking recipes that are not only quick and delicious but meet these criteria. I cannot wait to get started!!

 

 

Also, these two gems recently arrived in the mail and they will certainly provide massive inspiration. Enjoy the recipes below, and bon appetit!

 

Kale Parmesan Salad

1 bunch Lacinto kale,  stems removed and leaves cut to 1/4 inch pieces
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 Parmesan cheese (or to taste, I used a little less)
Pinch red pepper flakes (or to taste, I uesd a bit more)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Combine lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to emulsify and pour over kale, reserving a moderately small amount. Toss with your hand until kale is evenly coated. You may notice that the salad is sufficiently dressed or you may prefer more oil; adjust accordingly. Let sit, uncovered, in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Then, add Parmesan and toss again with you hands. Taste and adjust for seasoning.

I’ve made this twice this week already. The kale lends a rustic, earthy taste to the dish while the lemon opens all of the flavors, and my favorite addition of Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful smokiness. Make this now!!

  

Cream of Tomato Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cups homemade chicken stock
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes (I used San Marzano)
1/2 cup sour cream (or to taste)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven and add onion and garlic, stirring constantly, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add contents of tomato can and stock. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes. Pour a ladle full of soup into a medium sized bowl, add sour cream, and combined with a spoon until smooth and well blended. Pour soup with sour cream back into dutch oven and simmer another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust for seasoning.

I had this for dinner yesterday evening again for breakfast this morning! Note that these are crabcakes in that photo, the recipe for which I will be sure to share later this week.

 

 

French Apple Cake
From Baking from My Home to Yours, by Dorie Greenspan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and adjust the oven rack to the center of the oven. Heavily butter an 8- or 9-inch springform pan and place it on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Peel and core the apples, then dice them into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy then whisk in the sugar, then rum and vanilla. Whisk in half of the flour mixture, then gently stir in half of the melted butter. Stir in the remaining flour mixture, then the rest of the butter. Fold in the apple cubes until they’re well-coated with the batter and scrape them into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top a little with a spatula. Bake the cake for 50 minute to 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edge to loosen the cake from the pan and carefully remove the sides of the cake pan, making sure no apples are stuck to it.

Note that this isn’t exactly a “healthy” recipe per se, but it sure makes one hell of a gift for your neighbor or doorman who helped you carry up a bunch of packages and groceries I made this cake twice this week, once for just such an occasion and once as a gift for a wonderful new year’s eve dinner party. I recommend serving in warm wedges with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of creme fraiche.

Bon Appetit!

Knitting

Alas, my favorite holiday of the year has been ruined by Hurricane Sandy! I was going to dress up as a zombie and my sister was going to go as Winnie the Pooh (a nude leotard and a red shirt) but with all the people stranded without power, cell phone service, or a place to live, it is definitely not the right time.

We were very fortunate as we did not have to evaucate and did not lose power. There were some moments when our lights were flickering, and then there was the crane that snapped right outside our window. I actually witnessed it happening as I was looking out the window for signs of rain, but I didn’t think anything of it. I thought cranes were supposed to “dual” ended, i.e. can swing back and forth, and then I saw on the news a few minutes later that it was actually a bad thing! Very terrifying.

I’ve been working from home these last couple days, and besides cooking up everything in my pantry, I’ve been knitting scarves. I came back from our honeymoon with a hankering for deep cleaning and ended up removing everything from our closets, laying them out of the floor, and creating piles of “keep”, “repair”, and “rubbish” for clothing, shoes, make-up, etc. Sixteen straight hours later, we had what felt like a new apartment! And in the process, I unearthed three massive bundles of yarn.

Knitting has got to be one of my favorite pasttimes. If you have never knit before, Lion’s Brand offers a wonderfully detailed learning center with videos and tutorials to get you started.

Let me just address what you are thinking right now if you have never knit before and are scratching your head, reading through the long tutorial wondering why the hell you would ever do this if you could buy a scarf from H&M for $10, and say it is absolutely worth it to learn. Friends, if you are ever stressed out, need some kind of light mental therapy at the end of the day that doesn’t involve exorbitant amounts of money or harrassing your friends, knitting is completely it. Actually, any form of arts and crafts will do it, but knitting is my chosen activity because I happen to LOVE cold weather accessories. Especially when I know I made them myself and get to spend hours and hours at a yarn store inspecting the different colors and textures, imagining what I will make and for who. And by the way, they make amazing gifts any time of year for all stages of life.

You will have to invest in some basics before you get started. In my mind, here is what you need in your basic knitting arsenal. A huge disclaimer is that I am by no means a professional, I am an amateur at best, so please read this and then go consult actual professional resources.

• Size 8 circular knitting needles:
  This is a thicker needle and good for basic projects, especially your first scarf (the thicker the needle, the chunkier your knit and the faster you will be done). Circular needles refer to two needles that are connected by a transparent cord. They are used primarily for knitting caps, socks, etc. as you have to knit them on the circular, whereas with scarves you do not. They are typically more expensive than traditional, straight knitting needles. However, I would recommend investing in the round needles as they can be used for everything, and also because if you are anything like me you are guaranteed to lose the other half of your straight knitting needles. I like the bamboo circular needles by Clover, on sale for $6.74 through JoAnn’s Fabrics. I recommend bamboo over metal needles as they have better traction and tend to slip less.

• Chunky Yarn:
  I would recommend getting some cheap yarn in the beginning to practice with. The more you get into knitting, the more the you will be tempted to splurge on alpaca and cashmere yarns (upwards of $80 to make one scarf!), which is by no means necessary when you are starting out. Michael’s and JoAnn’s Fabrics offer a very affordable, wide ranging selection of good quality yarns. I like Martha Stewart’s Extra Soft Wool Yarn, which comes in lovely, soft colors and is currently on sale for $5.61 for a bundle (25% off). Depending on the width and length of scarf you want (I love long ones that you can wrap several times around your neck to keep the wind out), you will need at least 4-5 bundles. Generally speaking (and again, I am an amateur), chunkier yarn is preferable to thin yarn when you are making scarves. Once you graduate from “scarf university” and are making caps, socks, sweaters, etc. you will begin to use all kinds. Exciting!!

• Big Container/ Bag
  Seems kind of like a “duh” moment here but really, I didn’t keep all of my projects organized in one unit. They were kind of sprawled everywhere for Gizzy the cat to attack, for people to shove aside and make room for a seat, etc. I ended up with tangled yarn that I couldn’t untangle and had to cut and re-tie. To keep everything organized, never, ever unravel too much yarn, just free up a couple of feet, and when you are done, wrap a rubber band over the bundle of yarn, secure your knitting needle with another rubber band, put in a ziplock back (and if it’s a complicated pattern, make a note of the date and which “row” you ended on), and put everything into either a shoe box or bag. You know that neverending pile of recyclabe cloth bags you get from boutiques and grocery stores? This is a perfect use.

The project I am working on now is considered a quick and easy pattern. If you are experienced, you could probably do this over a couple hours. I found it on the Lion’s Brand site, which in addition to housing a great learning center, also has thousands of free patterns.

Mistake Rib Knit Scarf

What I like about this scarf is that there is no front or back side. Because of the way the stitch is developed over time, it is completely reversible. And while it looks very complicated, I swear to you, it is absolutely not!

Materials:

Size 8 needles
50 inches of chunky yarn

Instructions:

1. Cast on 15 stitches
2. Row 1: K3, *p1, k3; rep from * to end of row
3. Row 2: K1, *p1, k3; rep from * across to last 2 sts, p1, k1
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 till scarf is at desired length (if you use up most of your yarn, you will end up with a 60-65 inch scarf)
5. Cast off

Glossary:
K = knit
P = purl
* = When you see asterics in knitting patterns, it means for that row, only repeat the instructions within the asterics until you finish the row; when you start the next row, you will start fresh

Look, I have probably confused the hell out of you. Just… read the tutorial, learn how to do the basics (casting on/ off, purl/ knit) and when you are done, give this scarf a try. In fact, if you can master those basics, the entire world of knitting is open to you. So give it a try, see how you like it, and leave a comment or post a picture of your final product. You may just end up with an amazing new hobby and your friends and family will thank you for it!

Also, please note that there is a donation drive with Lion’s Brand Yarn Studios in NYC. They have teamed up with Hats 4 the Homeless and together are collecting handmade hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, etc. in time for the cold weather. Please consider donating some of your handmade goodies!

Love,
Ting

P.S. I have watched Hocus Pocus two consecutive times tonight. I can’t help it, they keep playing it on ABC Family and everything else is not allowed in this house while I am home alone (Jason, Halloween, Stephen King’s It… why do people make movies like this???)

Hurricane Food

As I’m sitting on my couch in the living room watching E! news and typing on my laptop, I am vaguely aware that Hurricane Sandy is slowly (or quickly?) making its way to NYC. The MTA has decided to shut down transportation in the late afternoon, and truly, I couldn’t care less because I have zero plans to leave my comfortable spot on this couch with the sky looking as threatening as it does. I’m perfectly happy wasting away my brain learning about how much Justin Timberlake spent on his wedding ($6 million, so true/ so false?) and whether Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are engaged (are they/ aren’t they?)

But alas, I need to eat! Especially with warnings of power outages and restaurants shutting down early, I should probably cook what’s left in my fridge and make a nutritious, stick to your ribs meal for my family! I basically spent the entire day in front of the stove – and happily so, since I had good music and wine

In my repetoire are two Asian dishes and a western one I enjoy making because they are nutritious, delicious, and soooo easy to make. Plus, most of the ingredients may already be in your pantry – a few extra dollars and one quick trip to the grocery store and you’re set!

One thing I wanted to mention is that I picked up a few good things from TJ Maxx this weekend, including a wonderful stir-fry oil! It’s made with stir-fried onions, ginger, safflower seed, etc. and adds a great flavor to all pan fried dishes!

Chicken Broccoli

Ingredients
5 tbs soy sauce
2 tbs rice wine/ mirin
1 tsp potato starch/ corn starch
2 heads of broccoli, cut into small florets
1 pound boneless chicken thighs, sliced into 2 inch chunks
10 thinly sliced button mushrooms
1 thinly sliced onion
2 tsp grated ginger
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Vegetable oil for cooking

1. Mix starch, rice wine, and soy sauce in a small bowl and set aside
2. Set a medium sized wok over medium heat and add a healthy pour of vegetable oil
3. Fry grated ginger and minced garlic for about 1 minute, till fragrant
4. Add onion and stir frequently till softened and translucent, about 5 minutes
5. Add chicken and mushrooms and stir fry until chicken is no longer pink and mushrooms release their liquid, about 5 minutes
6. Add starch mixture and stir fry till sauce is slightly thickened, about 3 more minutes
7. Pour into a big serving bowl and serve with rice. Enjoy!

Chicken Curry

Ingredients
1 lb. boneless chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic
2 tbs grated ginger
1 carrot, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 russet potato, cut into bite-sized chunks and bathed in water for 10 minutes and rinsed (to remove excess starch)
1 package of Java Curry roux blocks (I know, I know: cheating… but, but… so EASY!!! And it’s my fav brand For the real thing, go here)
4-5 cups water
Vegetable oil

1. Mix chicken with ginger and garlic until well combined and set aside
2. Heat a dutch oven or medium heat and add a healthy pour of vegetable oil; when properly hot, add chicken mixture and stiry fry until chicken is no longer pink and ginger and garlic are fragrant
3. Remove chicken mixture with a slotted spoon and leave remaining oil; add onions and stir fry until translucent and soft
4. Add carrots and potatoes to dutch oven and salt and pepper to season; stir fry another 5 minutes
5. Add chicken mixture back to dutch oven and continue to stir until everything is well combined, another 2 minutes
6. Depending on how thick you like your curry, add between 4-5 cups of water (you can always start with a lesser amount and add more water as later); bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer for about 20 minutes
7. Add 1 box of roux blocks and stir until blocks are melted and well combined; lower heat to lowest setting and let sit for another 15-20 minutes
8. Serve with fresh, hot rice and beer. YUM!!!

Turkey Chili

Ingredients
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 28 oz. can whole, peeled plum tomatoes (I used Muir Glen)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tbs cumin
2 tps oregano
2 tps paprika
2 15 oz. cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup red wine
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

1. Heat a dutch oven over medium and add a healthy pour of olive oil
2. Add ground turkey and stir fry until browned, about 5 minutes
3. While turkey is frying, combine all the powdered spices and mix well in a small bowl and set aside
4. Add onion, bell pepper and carrots and stir fry until translucent nd softened, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper
5. Add garlic and stir fry until fragrant, about 1 minute
6. Add red wine and simmer, stirring constantly, until all the alcohol has evaporated and liquid has virtually disappeared
7. Pour liquid from plum tomatoes to mixture and stir until well combined
8. Tear tomatoes by hand into bite-sized pieces and add to mixture
9. Add turkey and their collected juices and kidney beans to mixture
10. Bring mixture to a boil, then lower to a simmer for approximately 2 hours. Serve with sour cream, scallions, beer, and a GOOD movie! (such as Mean Girls!)

Last but not least…. I went to Brother Jimmy’s at Union Square yesterday for a Michigan football game and we ended up ordering so many ribs that we brought them home to make a broth. It turned out to be a DELICIOUS broth that made our apartment smell like the south and I am so happy we made it! I decided to roast some vegetables in the oven first as this is my favorite way to enjoy vegetables. Roasting adds a nice, smoky, caramelized flavor to vegetables and creates a wonderful sauce. I wanted to experiment and thought it would be interesting to add roasted vegetables to a broth. It turned out wonderfully! Here is an untraditional twist on the everyday, essential broth!

Delicious Broth a’la Brother Jimmy’s

Ingredients
Leftover bones from spare ribs
1 onion, quartered
5 celery stalks, cut into chunks
2 carrots, cut into chunks
1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 lb. button mushrooms, quartered
1/2 Napa Cabbage, cut into large pieces
5 cups water
3 tbs. thyme
3 tbs. rosemary
Olive Oil
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. To a large mixing bowl, add cauliflower, mushrooms, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper and a very healthy pour of olive oil (pour and count to 5, that’s how I do it!), and use hands to combine; pour mixture onto a baking tray and roast in oven for 15-20 minutes, until top of cauliflower are golden brown
3. In the meantime, add a healthy pour of olive oil to a large pot add onions, celery, and carrots; stir fry until mixture is caramelized and browned, about 10 minutes
4. The vegetables should be done roasting at this point. Take out of the oven and pour directly pot; add water and bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 1 hour. About 30 minutes into the simmer, skim off any scum that floats to the top. Add napa cabbage and mix well to combine.
5. After an hour of simmering, remove from heat and strain broth through a sieve. Toss vegetables and enjoy broth with noodles, rice, etc. So many possibilities!!

A happy customer

Baby, it’s cold outside

I don’t know where you are, but here in NYC, it is freezing.

I just came back from wedding venue shopping (some amazing options!) and had to walk from point A to point B to point Z because every cab in the city was taken!!! The minute I came home, I ran my hands under a hot tap and thought about what to make for dinner. Something yummy, something rich, something hot, something QUICK. I went through the recipes bookmarked in my iPad (very gently though, it is still recovering from ICU) and found a recipe I happened to have all the ingredients for (sort of): brussel sprouts, butter, olive oil, broth, white wine, shallots, dijon mustard, salt + pepper, and 20 minutes of your time.

After cooking and defrosting my entire being, I turned on the tv and guess what, my favorite movie in the entire universe was playing: Training Day! Twas’ a good day after all. Recipe below, enjoy!

Dijon-Braised Brussel Sprouts
Adapted from smittenkitchen

1 pound brussels sprouts
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine*
1 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
2 to 3 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced**
2 tablespoon smooth dijon mustard (or more to taste)***

Trim stems of sprouts and cut in half lengthwise. Heat large skillet (12-inch) over medium heat and melt butter with olive oil. Swirl pan till evenly coated (smells wonderful suddenly, doesn’t it?). Spread sprouts, cut side down, in a single layer and sear till bottoms are lightly browned, about five minutes. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper to taste.

Add broth, white wine and shallots and bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low heat. Place lid on skillet and braise till sprouts are fork tender (about 15 minutes). Remove sprouts, add dijon mustard to skillet and stir till well combined with reduction. Taste and season with more salt & pepper. Turn off heat and pour sauce over brussel sprouts. Enjoy with your remaining wine and movie of choice!

*I used prosecco, no white wine on hand, worked brilliantly
**Or onions if you don’t have shallots on hand
***I found that 2 tbs wasn’t enough for my taste, I will use more next time. Use your discretion!

And, if you’re out of ideas as far as what movie to watch (I know I am, so do share!) here are some favorites that I always fall back on.

Movies Worth Wasting Time On

-Match Point (oh that Jonathan Rhys Meyers @_@)
-The Royal Tenebaums (I’ll watch anything with Gwyneth)
-Training Day (or Denzel)
-Beautiful Mind (or Russell)
-Hard Boiled (or Chow Yun Fat)

Yeah I have really random taste. Anyway, stay warm and happy 2012!!!!!

Project Wedding! + iPad Disaster

Hello hello hello!!

It has been a LONG time since I last updated and I am so sorry! I’ve been so busy traveling and visiting family + friends that I just haven’t had the time. First of all, Taipei was a blast. I don’t think I’ve had such an awesome vacation with my family in a looong time. Usually the first two hours of any family vacation are spent hugging, kissing, and complimenting each other, and at exactly 2 hours 1 second someone always gets pist off, for no conceivable reason (usually me). This time, nobody got pist off and everybody was in a good mood for 2 weeks straight!!

Also, Toronto wasn’t so bad either. Even though I now know what it feels like to live in Antarctica (seriously, how do people live there?), NYC wasn’t so different when we got back. Today literally felt like walking around in a FREEZER.  It didn’t help that my iPad inexplicably BROKE forcing me to walk to the 5th Avenue Apple in midtown which closely resembles a bomb shelter before an acopalypse, only with more people, and wait 2 hours in line to ask a “genius” what the HELL happened. I told him exactly what happened, that one minute it was working and the next it wasn’t. He asked what happened in between, and I said, well I was browsing the Apple store online to see how much an iPad 2 cost and it immediately shut down, so maybe it sensed it was getting replaced. He stared at me, asked for my iPad, and went to consult other “geniuses”. 30 minutes later, he said that my iPad was DROPPED and that there was an indentation on the side, which is why the screen wasn’t responding. He said I could “swap” it for half the price of the original or buy a new one.

I said, no thank you! and went home. And you know what? As I was mourning over my dead pad, Tats fixed it! More genius than those Apple “geniuses” And I couldn’t be happier because this iPad repair man is my fiance!! Yayyy!!! We got engaged on 12/14/2012, right before I went to Taipei, at the skating rink in Rockefeller Center. I was totttaallllllly shocked and extremely, extremely happy Very, very, very lucky

So NOW: I have a wedding to plan! I’m actually veerrrry excited about this planning process and have already enlisted the help of several talented friends, who do photography, floral arrangements, and make-up as their professions and have offered to cover these ticket items for my wedding, gratis!!! So now, with these items squared away, my main task is to locate an awesome venue for both the reception and the ceremony and find a caterer/ stationer/ wedding dress. I’m sure I’m missing a bizillion trillion things but that’s all I can think of for now. And, given that we are both recent graduates and want to save $ for the important things in life, we want to do this thing on a budget. An ugly word, never to used in the same sentence as “wedding”, but a MUST, given this economy. Doesn’t have to be a downer though, I’ve found some really awesome sites that cater to DIY weddings, and wanted to share $ saving ideas and sites below.

Bake. Your. Own. Wedding. Cake.

That’s right. Bake it! I’m going to “try”. My mom and sister said I was crazy to even try this, but then I found this site and I an truly convinced it can be done without sacrificing your sanity. I’m going to test different flavor combinations this month, have people try and select the best combination, bake a “test” cake, and make a post out of it. And probably consider backing out half-way through.

Buy Your Own Booze

I got this idea from my main gal, Martha Stewart. Buy your own wine by the crate and provide to your caterer for a corkage fee. Even though you are getting charged a corkage fee, it still costs less than what your caterer is charging you per bottle of their wine. A good source? PJ Wines (at least 20% off retail, often sold at close to wholesale) or Cameron Hughes Wine (ultra-premium wines at $10-$30/ bottle).

Saaaaaaample Sales

January seems to be THE time for wedding gown shopping. Here are some upcoming sales:

The Aisle
January 10 – 11, 2012
By appointment only, no walk ins.
RSVP to rsvp@theaislenewyork.com.

Up to 70% OFF gowns from Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Angel Sanchez, Elizabeth Fillmore, Rivini, Amsale, Jenny Yoo, Romona Keveza, Jenny Packham and more.

Vera Wang 
991 Madison Ave., at 77th St.
212-628-3400

Trunk show/ sample sale between 12/22/11 – 1/7/2012. Run, NOW!

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier
110 E. 55th St., nr. Park Ave., 8 fl.
212-319-6778

Up to 80 percent off gown samples and stock by designers like Monique Lhuillier, Angel Sanchez, and Oscar de la Renta. By appointment only. Scheduled sales below.

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show
December 8 – 11
Oscar de la Renta
December 15 – 17
Vera Wang
January 4 – 5
Junko Yoshioka
January 12 – 14
Lela Rose
January 26 – 28
Elizabeth Fillmore
February 2 – 4
Carolina Herrera
February 9 – 11
Monique Lhuillier
March 1 – 3
Anne Barge
March 8 – 11
Rivini
March 15 – 17 

Good sites:

Green Wedding Shoes

This site showcases real weddings, but not just any. Photographers submit them based on their taste and experience, so these weddings are always very artistic and top notch, and a vast majority of them were either DIY or fairly budget oriented. Lots of inspiration here.

A Practical Wedding

Though I found this site somewhat limited in content, it does have about 2 dozen or so great DIY projects that will get your energy level up (build your own letterpress, anyone?) plus a bunch of free spreadsheets to help you track and plan the details of your wedding and save you time from creating your own.

Martha Stewart Weddings

The consummate elegant hostess/ party planner/ wedding planner/ organizer of all things/ phenomenon/ my hero: Martha Stewart! I bought her Winter 2012 wedding guide magazine already it is dog-earred/ littered with bright post its. Her budget tips are not BS (“ask a friend to help!”; “don’t hire a planner, plan it yourself!”), they are legit. The booze idea above is one example. Check out her website for more!

Okay everyone, that’s all I got for now. I’m seriously cracked out, have NOT slept a wink since I got back to the states (curses, jet lag!!), but will update soon with more tales of sample sale scouting and wedding cake baking!!

Happy 2012!! XOXO

Winter Coats

Probably the single most important wardrobe investment a person can make is in a quality winter coat.

And now that it’s finally winter, it’s time to go through your coat closet and assess if you need an update. I don’t how it is where you are, but this past week in NYC has been cold!! But there was still aplenty to do, including dining out with friends (Cacio e Pepe is a must try), pop-up store shopping (did you check out the Lady Gaga curated pop-up @ Barneys?), and enjoying hot apple cider with bourbon @ the Bryant Park Holiday Shops (go, NOW!)

I also couldn’t help but notice how snug yet fashionable everyone generally was in their winter accessories and coats. Winter coats are something you keep for the long-haul, something you wear every single day for 30-40% of the year (unless you live California) therefore you have to be prepared to make an investment. Kind of like a car. Except in New York nobody owns cars, it’s too inconvenient/ expensive, so consider your coat and your shoes your “car”, but no insurance or gas, see? It’s a great deal. Welcome to Ting’s world of convenient logic.

I scoured Soho, 5th Avenue, Christopher Street, and Century 21 this weekend (lots of cardio) as well as some online sites, and gathered my all favorites here.

Mara Hoffman Shawl Coat ($671)

Unfortunately this coat is basically sold out on most shopping sites because of it’s uniqueness and versatility. It a true classic, can be worn 5 different ways, and can carry you easily from day to night, work to happy hour to par-tay. Not to mention it’s extremely flattering and feels like you’re wearing a cashmere campfire blanket. For those who live in NYC, Albertine in the West Village (13 Christopher Street) is carrying them now!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Penn Trench Coat ($299, originally $600, on sale now!)

I looooove long coats and this one is fabulous and at a reasonable price point. I really like the faux fur collar, it feels very Russian winter, and it’s removable so you can wear it throughout all of Fall and Winter. I am also really digging the cute striped inner coat lining. And though nobody generally notices your coat lining, you know it’s there & it’s little details like this that make the experience of buying, owning and wearing a luxurious coat everyday so enjoyable.

Burberry Fur-Trimmed Puffer Jacket ($895)

This is the sort of coat you WILL own and wear over and over again! And considering that the $700 Mara Hoffman coats are FLYING off the shelves like hot cakes, this seems like an equally solid investment. I’m not one to encourage spending money for brandsake (I almost always go the alternative route), but after a lesson well learned from owning a crappy Old Navy puffer coat, let’s just say that the price difference exists for a reason. This coat has a beautiful silhouette, gorgeous creamy beige color, comes with a detachable fox fur collar and contains pure down. Drool!

Opening Ceremony Quilted Leather Coat ($779, originally $1,300 on sale now!)

Do you ride a motorcycle? I sure wish I did, when I laid eyes on this coat. It’s got the traditional elegance of a quilted puffer jacket but made far more interesting with sleek, black leather. And though it might not look as warm as a puffer or long wool coat, leather jackets are very snug and wind proof, and this one comes with a silk lining. And note that it’s basically half off right now!

Patagonia Downtown Loft Down Parka $349

I have a brown version of this that I wore for 2 straight winters when I was in grad school in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And I still have it! Granted, I only break it out when it’s seriously unbearably cold (and it hasn’t happened yet) but when it does, this coat will pull rank. Not the single most glamorous looking coat but it’s reasonably figure forming and a good coat to throw on when in a pinch.

Burberry Wool and Cashmere-Blend Double-Breasted Coat ($837, originally $1,395, on sale now!) 

This is a perfect classic overcoat that you can wear on your daily work commute. You can wear it as is, without the belt, or you can add the belt and tighten it for a sleeker silhouette. The wide lapels make it stand out from ordinary wool coats, and the gorgeous beige colored wool and cashmere blend will keep you fashionably warm. Plus, I think anyone who puts this on will look instantly smarter and classier – don’t you think?

Theysken’s Theory Monaz Wool-Blend & Brocade Coat ($268, was $895, on sale now!)

I love the shape of this coat! It might look a little frumpy and baggy, but it falls quite lovely along the figure and sits in all the right places. Plus I love the contrast of the silver brocade with the charcoal gray exterior. Though not entirely appropriate for work, you can definitely wear this coat every where else.

True Grit Bonded Quilted Long Coat $97.46, originally $129.99, on sale now!)

I love winter whites! This coat is a fun and elegant, off-white puffer coat you can wear over dresses for evening events. It will definitely stand out against a sea of black coats and it’s under $100. @_@

Cole Haan Signature Quilted Hooded Coat ($279.95, originally $555, on sale now!)

This coat jumped out at me, first for its color, second for classic wearability. I love how it has a hood – SO important because if you live in a city where rain is completely unpredictable, this can be a lifesaver! And because it’s so wearable and non-fussy, you can roll out of bed in the morning, throw on your sunglasses + this coat and run errands all day long and look semi-put together. Not that I would ever do that.  

Anthropologie Dipped Nougat Coat ($299.95, was $428, on sale now!)

Yum. I love the name of this coat and how comfy and warm it looks! And it’s very “forgiving” in all the right places so you can enjoy your holiday meals without looking too… bloated. And you can wear it different ways, either with the belt for a more fitted silhouette or without for a more relaxed and on-trend look. Plus it looks like a much more expensive designer brand when really it’s less than $300 from Anthro. Awesome!

Anthropologie Chevron Canyons Coat ($249.95, was $428, on sale now!)

Wow. Does this coat make a statement or what? It’s pretty much sold out online but you can try checking local Antrhopologie stores for this beauty of a coat. Wool & cotton make this coat super warm and snug, and the earthy tones make this coat a piece you’ll want to wear every single day of the year.

Welp, that’s all I got folks. Leave a comment if you have your eye on some pretty coats/ know of some good deals and share!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Winter Skincare

Winter can be super harsh on your skin. I left my apartment and joined human civilization for a whole 20 minutes today and could barely stand it! Wind, rain, sleet, blah!

I spent the better part of my youth hanging out at department stores, beauty counters, drug stores, Target (the list goes on) trying on different moisturizers, toners, eye creams, mascaras, body lotions, etc. I was a really wierd kid. Anyway, an undisclosed amount of time and money later (I can’t even confront how much money I threw into this product junkie habit) I’ve identified several really amazing products that truly protect my skin. And not even during the winter time, but year-round!

I’ve taken some photos of my bathroom cabinet so you can see what products I use day to day. Since I’m “working” from home over the next two weeks I have a lot of time a bit of spare time on my hands and I plan to make this a series: Skincare, Haircare, & Bodycare! Let’s begin with the most important category.

Skincare

From left to right, we have:

• Sana Nameraka Foaming Facial Cleanser ($10) - An amazingly rich, soy-based, natural face wash that truly removes every trace of make up and oil with one small dime-sized squeeze. Work into a lather with tepid water, gently spread over face, and rinse off. This cleanser also works very well with a Clarisonic.
• Shiseido Tiss-Off Oil-Based Facial Cleanser ($15) – This is an oily facial cleanser that I use before my Sana facial cleanser. I never felt I had to use both an oil-based and foaming facial cleanser, but a facialist once told that even if you can’t see any make-up after cleansing, there are almost always some trace amounts and using both types of cleanser will ensure a truly clean face. I don’t have an allegiance to any brand. I’ve use cult favorite Shu Uemura ($50) and I’ve used Ponds Cleansing Oil ($6) and they’ve worked equally well for me. If anything I like mixing things up every now and then (cutest packaging!), so currently I am using this brand.
• Clinique Moisture Surge ($34) – I actually really Dislike Clinique with a capital-bold D. Something about their crappy & cheap packaging and useless formulas really piss a person off. So why am I promoting their product?! Well, they managed to get ONE THING RIGHT. This moisture surge product is something my mom has used forever and she is a seriously beautiful lady who looks like she’s 35 when she’s… well she is a subscriber and might be reading so we’ll just leave that undisclosed. Anyway, this really works! I keep a spare in the fridge and use it after cooking. It really cools your face down and tightens skin instantly.
• Mario Badescu Flower and Tonic Mask ($18) – This is the stuff of legends. Legends, people. Twice a week, usually Thursdays right after I get out of a 3 hour flight, I wash my face and pour on this refreshing, minty, pore-clearing mask and leave it on until it hardens. After rinsing it off, I swear I’ve not only washed out any built up pollution/ residue buried in my skin but I’ve also uncovered a fresher and more radiant complexion. And if you haven’t already noticed, it is cheap!! I also highly recommend getting a facial (just $60) at their mid-town east location. You can get 15% of all products and services after your first visit!
• Clarins Hydra Quench Moisturizer ($49) – Unfortunately the pink Clarsonic is blocking the image of this moisturizer, because actually, this is my single favorite item out of everything you see in that cabinet. I’ve used it since I was growing up in Fremont so the scent reminds me of home. And I don’t care if it’s a humid day in dead heat of summer or a snowy, blisteringly cold night – this moisturizer adapts to your skin regardless of the temperature or climate. It’s never too heavy or too light, and the texture of it leaves your face smooth, soft, and radiant. And a little goes a long way – just a dab on both sides of your face will be enough.
• Clarisonic ($119) – My sister first introduced this me. I borrowed hers and was amazed by how exfoliated and clean my face felt. The next day I bought one for my mom, and she too recommended it to all her friends. This is definitely something you have to commit to – it’s a 60 second routine every morning, and that sounds like a ridiculously small amount of commitment, but if you’re continually late to everything and lazy in the mornings and exhausted at night, well then, those 60 seconds might really cost you! But trust me, it is worth it. In the 2 years I’ve been using it, I have truly noticed a difference in the overall health of my skin.  I also believe regular use allows you to skip the $60-$100 facials and have just as brilliant skin. Personally I like the travel size “Mia” as it’s smaller and more effective at targeting problem areas.
• Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum ($45) – I recently started using this (since I turned 29, AUGHH!!) and realized I didn’t have any anti-aging products. My facialist at MB recommended it to me as a good introductory product. It improves collagen production, skin firmness & elasticity, and radiance. It is actually very drying though, so after applying 2-3 drops, you need to immediately follow up with a good dose of moisturizer. I use it twice a week after cleansing and toning my face.
• Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion ($15) – Noticing a trend here? I need MB intervention. But really, their products are super effective and affordable, and Charlize Theron and Jennifer Aniston are both clients! But I digress. This cleansing lotion reminds me of an adult version of Seabreeze astringent. I use it after cleansing and apply by drenching a cotton ball and swiping it all around the face.
• Clarins UV Plus High Protection SPF 40+ ($38) – I once read an interview where Lucy Liu was asked to share her skincare regimen. She said, you know what my secret is? I don’t wear sunscreen! I thought that was a really strange and wrong answer. You must ALWAYS wear sunscreen! It SHOWS if you don’t! Dark spots, dry flaky skin, uneven skintone, these are all symptons of unprotected sun exposure. I like Clarins because it is a physical block and not a chemical one and it’s incredibly fast absorbing and does not leave behind a milky white residue.
• Kate Somervile Quench Hydrating Face Serum  ($65) – I started using this a year ago after I noticed some dry patches along my cheeks. After applying 1 pump, those dry patches were completely gone! I use this serum right after my toner and let it “melt” or settle in before applying moisturizer.
• Aveda Hydrating Lotion ($33) - I originally got this for Tats, it’s actually more of a men’s moisturizer, but when I’m in a pinch and don’t have to time to do basically everything I just listed, 1 pump of this comes pretty close! It immediately makes your skin baby soft and has that signature Aveda scent, which is just wonderful.
• First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Eye Cream ($28, not pictured) – This is not pictured because it’s still in my carry-on luggage and I was too lazy to dig it out and find a place for it in this photo. Anyway this was recommended to me by a friend. Dark under eye circles are a perpetual battle, at least for me, and this eye cream is fairly legit. It absorbs quickly so you can wear makeup shortly after applying. I also leave it in the fridge and put it on right before I go to bed, it’s very relaxing.
• Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage ($26, not pictured) – Not pictured for the same reason. And I guess I should retract my statement – Clinique got all of 2 things right out of millions. I still Dislike them but I have to say, this eye serum, which you apply with a metal roller ball: WOW. I also leave this in the fridge and the instant it hits your under eye area, you feel instantly relieved. And I swear after one use, you will already see a slightly brighter under eye area. After a week of use, it will be noticeable to other people. And at this price point, it’s hard NOT to give it a shot (but stay away from everything else they make).

Next week: HAIRCARE!!! Isn’t it great to be a girl!?!?

Cocktail Party Countdown

It’s officially December! And I couldn’t be happier

The holiday season means a lot of things to different people; to me, it means giving back to those less fortunate and being with the people I love. It ALSO means parties & flowing bubbly!

If you’ve got a lot of office parties, cocktail/ dinner parties, and New Year’s Eve parties to attend this month, I’m guessing you’re madly sorting through your closet to find multiple dresses that you can still fit into/ haven’t already worn a dozen times/ aren’t stained with wine. If you’re like me, this is tough.

I spent the better part of my weekend going to different sample sales, retail stores, and on-line sites to find flattering & affordable party dresses. To my surprise, I actually found several great outfits I wanted to share. ENJOY!

Office Party

One of the first office parties I ever attended after joining the workforce was at San Francisco City Hall. I used to be a tax accountant (deep sigh) and I worked for a regional public accounting firm that was struggling to come to terms with being second tier and suffocating from bad (perverted) management. I remember one of my fellow colleagues, who was also new to the game, wore a very revealing halter dress and had her ass grabbed by two partners. I brought my younger sister as my date and wore a turtleneck. Nobody bothered me or talked to me, which was terrific. I think with office parties, you have to be exceptionally careful and always err on the side of caution. On the other hand, you also want to enjoy yourself and get to know your colleagues outside of a corporate setting. Here are some dresses that strike a nice, appropriate balance.

Outfit 1

This first dress has nice details to it (beautiful draping, defined waist, falls nicely along the figure) and looks more expensive than what you’re paying for. It’s also very flattering without exposing much. The color palette is very warm and inviting, and fits nicely with the season. And because it’s one simple tone all the way through, you can accessorize with sparkle.

 

Alice + Olivia Craven Bell Sleeve Dress, $297

 

 +

 

Sequin Gold Linear Bracelet, Target, $16.99

 

 +

 

Erickson Beamon for Bauble Bar, "Pearl Jam" Earrings, $82

 

 +

 

Enzo Angiolini, "Smiles", $99

 

 = Sophisticated and smart

   

 

Outfit 2

 

Pencil Dress with Cowl Back, ASOS, $81.81 (steal!)

 

+

 

Danielle Nicole, Lily Pleated Clutch, $78

 

+

 

Jessica Simpson, "Fionnah", $98

 

= Fun and cute (but not “grab my ass” cute)

 

 

 

Cocktail/ Dinner Party

I’ve attended some cocktail/ dinner parties in which I was way overdressed. Sometimes I felt self-conscious, most of the times I didn’t. If you want to avoid such a situation, check with the hostess beforehand to get an idea of what the dresscode is like. Either ways, here are some outfits that can easily go from day to night, casual to dressy.

 

 

Outfit 1

 

Anthropologie, Pointelle Variations Sweater Dress, $89.95 (on sale now!)

 

+

 

Lodis, Brooklyn Deco Buckle Belt, $48

 

+

 

Colin Stuart, Strappy Ankle Wrap Sandal, $78

 

 = Comfy and effeminate

 

 

Outfit 2

ASOS, Wrap Dress with Ruched Front, $63.63 (steal!)

 

+

 

Jessica Simpson, Colorblock Slingback, $89 (steal!)

 

+

 

Tinley Road, Chevron Chain Drop Earrings, $24 (steal!)

 

= Ladies night out! 

 

 

New Years Eve Party

 

Ahh - my favorite catergory! Anyone who loves dressing up as much as I do looks forward to NYE as one of the best nights of the year. And it’s not the party itself that makes it fun. It’s all in the process – picking out your outfit, doing your make up, accessorizing, drinking, and getting ready!! 

 

Outfit 1

 

Anthropologie, Lace & Light Dress, $258

 

 +

 

Tinley Road, Retro Stretch Bracelet, $34

 

+

 

Colin Stuart, Rhinestone Sandal, $108

 

= Belle of the Ball

 

 

Outfit 2

 

Victoria's Secret, The Multi-Way Dress, $49.95 (steal!)

 

+

 

Kate Spade, Fishnet Tights, $28 (steal!)

 

+

 

Kenneth Cole, Gold Cuff Bracelet, $38 (steal!)

 

+

 

L.AM.B., "Apollo", $285

 

 

=Sexy!

 

 

Outfit 3 

 

Victoria's Secret, Foil Animal Print Dress, $98 (steal!)

 

+

 

Dana Kellin for Target, Multi-Color Beaded Cluster Earrings, $16.99 (steal!)

 

  +

 

Colin Stuart, Tassel Sandal, $98

 

= Golden Girls

 

 

 

Okay, enough of these dumb names for outfits, I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough.

 

And in case you’re wondering, what’s up with all these heels? How come no flat alternatives? Well, I firmly believe that flats are for quitters, as are yoga pants. If you’re going out for a night on the town, GO ALL THE WAY or don’t bother going at all. Thank you.