Have a dreamy holiday!

 

I can't believe Christmas is almost here! I am so excited. Our parents flew in from Miami on Wednesday, so we're having a classic New York Christmas. Lots of yummy food, watching Christmas classics (my personal fave: Christmas Vacation, pictured above.) We also have some friends who will be joining the festivities, which I'm so thrilled about.

I plan on making three giant loaves of bread and buying yummy cheese from Murray's. Everyone is bringing a goodie, so I'm looking forward to seeing and photographing the giant spread (which will be shared!) And I really hope it snows! Although it might be unlikely. But what better way to wake up on Christmas morning than seeing a bed of snow covering the streets...sigh.. :)

How about you guys? What are your plans for the holiday? Making any delicious dishes?

Also, shout out to Charlie's family in Long Beach, who I will miss very dearly this holiday! xoxoxoxo

Have a merry holiday, all!

Matching Tattoos.

(source unknown)

Isn't this a cute way to have matching tattoos? Kind of a fun variation to commonly seen initials. Just thought I'd share. :)

Pretty shower curtain.

This shower curtain by LEIF is officially added to my "wanted" list. What a fun way to add some color to a bathroom without the commitment of painting. Wouldn't mind that hamper too. :)

Brian Williams loves music!

Brian Williams with Deer Tick

I found out this weekend that Brian Williams is a total music nerd! This was news to me until I heard Williams drop a Kendrick Lamar reference during an interview with Tim Cook. I've always known Williams to be a straight laced news anchor who is pretty funny when not in the anchor chair. But it's an added bonus that I can refer to him for good tunes! Just check out his site BriTunes, where he champions emerging artists and often does more laid back interviews with them. Trust me, you'll be happily surprised. :)

Ballet flats are the new working girl sneaker.

I recently started a new commute from downtown to uptown. And one thing I have learned is that it's probably a good idea to wear a pair of comfy shoes for the trek, otherwise, my feet are in big trouble! And from what I've noticed, I'm not the only girl with this idea. I often notice other lady commuters wearing great work outfits with ballet flats. So I started looking around, and of course, my first thought was Repetto, which I've been eyeing for years but never bought. Thankfully, we're not living in the 80's anymore when Reebok sneakers were the working girl trend. Yikes!

Who knew? Top Chef is good!

I am so late in the game. I am just watching Top Chef for the first time. Sure enough, I'm addicted! I have friends who have talked about it's worthiness of watching, but I never got around to it. But then I heard the season was being shot in Seattle, a place I love to pieces, so I just had to watch. They did a quick fire at Pike Place Fish Market and it totally lived up to the hype. So far, my favorite contestants are Sheldon and Kristen. I like their styles of cooking the most. How about you guys?

It airs on Wednesdays on Bravo, but I usually on demand the shows for weekend watching. :)

Time to get in the spirit!

And the Julian Casablancas version. :) I listen to this song every Christmas. It was first featured on SNL with Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, Horatio Sanz, and Tracy Morgan (whose facial expression throughout is amazing.) But Julian Casablancas also made his own version because the song is that good! We're buying a Christmas tree tonight. Might have to play this on loop!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

(photo via 100 Layer Cake)

We are just a few days from the much anticipated festivities! We are so excited. Charlie and I are leaving for Long Beach tomorrow (where he's from) and will spend a few days with his family and friends. Our vacation will be jam packed with the holiday, lots of eating, and partying, of course. :) And if there is a need for an extra side dish, I might make this. 

How about you guys? Are you staying home for the holiday or heading somewhere else? I have a few friends who are celebrating together, which sounds like so much fun! Do you get together with friends, too? I came across this article which is pretty helpful checklist if you're a host/hostess! 

Have a delicious + fun + and safe holiday, lovelies! And here are a few links to get you through the last hours before the fun begins! Enjoy. ♥  

Instead of Black Friday, try Black Saturday, which supports small businesses!

This sketch with Louis C.K. on SNL still makes me laugh! 

Delicious looking Thanksgiving cocktails

A.P.C. Fall collection. Yes!

The perfect heel. 

Mint cubes. Such a good idea.

Gwyneth collabs with Butter London nail polish. Want them all. 

Beautiful initial necklace.

How not to get sick from flight travel! 

I can't wait to see Hitchcock! Love this trailer for it. 

Love this look. 

It's not too late to send out some invitations!

And in case you missed it: Thanksgiving table settings. 

There might be another Earth!

             
I thought this was so fascinating -- I just had to share it!

According to researchers, they have found a planet that has similarities to Earth and that might be habitable. The question is: could there already be a species inhabiting it? The super-Earth is called HD 40307g and may even have water on it...

"The longer orbit of the new planet means that its climate and atmosphere may be just right to support life," study co-author Hugh Jones, of the University of Hertfordshire in England, said in a statement. "Just as Goldilocks liked her porridge to be neither too hot nor too cold but just right, this planet or indeed any moons that it has lie in an orbit comparable to Earth, increasing the probability of it being habitable."

Isn't that nutty? Can you imagine if there is already life on this new planet? What if there is another you? What would you hope your alternate person would be like? Creepy and exciting at the same time! It'd be just like the movie Big Business. ha.

Baskets for everything

Found via Dull Diamond at African Basket

CS Post & Co. 

I love the idea of having a pile of eclectic baskets by the doorway for shoes and maybe some magazines, particularly if placed below a coat rack. I think it feels cozy! And now that it's officially snowing here in New York, we have no choice but to leave our shoes at the door, otherwise, it's going to be a slip n' slide showdown in our apartment. :)

Afternoon Snack: Pomeganate

The other day I was in the supermarket and came up to a bunch of pomegranates. I always buy pre-peeled seeds at Trader Joes, but I wanted to buy the actual fruit. And man, was that a good decision! Not only was it less expensive to peel my own, but you also get way more seeds. It's such a refreshing snack, I'm amazed I didn't eat these over the summer! I would love to try them in a salad or maybe a fun cocktail.

Want to know how to peel a pomegranate? I used this on the Pom Wonderful site!

(photos my own)

Gorgeous Table Settings x Thanksgiving

Source unknown (but I know it's Brooklyn!)

via Sadie and Stella

Came across these table settings and just had to share -- just in time for all the holiday festivities. :)

Happy Voting!

Wether you're a lefty or righty, go out and practice your constitutional right to be heard! Happy voting, all. :)

Learn more:
Barack Obama 
Mitt Romney

In case you missed it!

Here a few posts from the past to keep you entertained through the weekend. :)

Dreamy Weekend Escape

Curried Cauliflower Soup

Baby Back Ribs

Dreamy Dame: Patti Smith

Awesome cookbook

Movie to Netflix: Adrift

Couples that look alike

Living room inspiration

Dreamy Dancers

Tracy Anderson workout

Lisa's thoughts on Sober September (easily applied to any month!)

Early Autumn Pie

Lady film directors

Have a safe weekend.

Lower Manhattan loses power.

Without question, this has been a trying week for lots of New Yorkers and anyone who was in Hurricane Sandy's path. She came and went, and left behind a disastrous trail that has left many without homes, food, and power (not to mention, the loss of loved ones.) I've been watching the news pretty much nonstop, and it's shocking to hear the experiences of so many, especially since we barely felt any of the effects of it living in East Williamsburg, which is a relief but has also made me feel a little guilty.

Tons of friends have been posting their photos on Facebook or found ones that are so gripping and emotional. Here are a few I came across that I feel speak louder than words.

(Stay safe, everyone. And for those who are looking for ways to help, visit Manhattan's helpful user's guide.)

Domino Potato Chips!

(photo via Steamy Kitchen)

What a fun alternative to store-bought potato chips! Found on Steamy Kitchen, this version uses real potatoes and slices them thin enough so they get all yummy + crispy. Wouldn't this be a great snack for get togethers? And to any Mom readers out there, I'm sure this would be a total kid pleaser, too. 

Check out the recipe on Steamy Kitchen. 

Dresses for Thanksgiving

ASOS, $79.16

Madewell, $165

All Saints, $225

ASOS, $43.98

ASOS, $38.70

J.Crew, $238

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I just came across a few of these gorgeous dresses that would be perfect for the festivities. Eyeing the Madewell dress. Aren't those flowers pretty? ♥ 

Your Vote is Your Choice

This video speaks for itself.

Quinoa Energy Bowl

This recipe was born from not having many ingredients in my pantry, but sometimes that's the best way to come up with new and inventive recipes! I'm naming this one a quinoa energy bowl because it has everything you need to stay pumped throughout the day! Especially if you're the type that has a late lunch (this makes a great lunch meal as well!) 

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cooked quinoa

3/4 slivered almonds

1 lime

1 can chickpeas

1 tsp Extra virgin olive oil

Cayenne pepper (to taste)

Salt (to taste)

1 tbsp roasted flaxseed

1 large brown egg

Directions:
In a small pan, add olive oil and chickpeas. As they brown, add cayenne pepper and salt to taste. Once thoroughly cooked, add lime juice and set aside. In a separate pan, cook egg in 1tsp of olive oil and 1tsp of water (healthier version.) Do not flip, let cook through. In a bowl, add pre-cooked quinoa.
(I usually make a large batch of plain quinoa for the week, simmered in vegetable broth and water only, most boxes have directions on the back,) and sprinkle crushed almonds and roasted flaxseed (available at Trader Joes) over the bowl. To finish, add chickpeas then your egg. Enjoy. :)

(photos are my own)

Music Videos We Love: Woodkid "Run Boy Run"

   
I am in love with this video. It's so beautifully shot and epic. No other way to describe it. Just love the inventive plot directed by Yoann Lemoine. Enjoy!

Have a dreamy weekend!

(photo via this amazing blog, Wild Things)

Alas, the weekend is here. What are you guys up to? We might see the new Mike Birbiglia film, "Sleepwalk With Me," which I hear is hilarious. But I also feel a cold coming on, so hopefully I won't be confined to my couch! If that's the case, I would love to eat this.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Here are some links to get you started. :)

I've been wearing this Fall lip color. It'll make you feel sexy. :)

This made me laugh out loud.

I want to make this pasta and these scallops (obsessed with recipes that have lemon.)

Saw these boots in person. Officially added to my "wanted" listed.

Do your makeup in 5 minutes!

I want to go here someday...

My new favorite show, without question, is The Mindy Project. Watch full episodes here!

Pinboard that melts my heart.

Awesome dish rack.

I recently chatted politics with some girlfriends and we started talking unions. Somehow, it reminded me to rewatch Norma Rae, a great film starring Sally Field about factory workers. It's inspiring and worth a watch! Here's a trailer to pique your interest.

Growing Out Bangs.

(Penelope Cruz)

(photo via A Beautiful Mess)

I've had bangs a very long time (close to nine years!) On occassion, I've managed to grow them out (somewhat) and do the side swept look, but it's been so long since I've been able to effortlessly part my hair whichever way I want without using a pound of shaping spray. But now, I've decided to really make the commitment of growing them out. So far, it's been a little hard. My hair gets in my eyes constantly and I feel like I just never have enough bobby pins on me. But then I see inspiration photos of parted hair and girls without bangs, and I get repumped to grow them out. Hopefully in the next few weeks I can try these hairstyles. :)

Ever had a hard time growing out a hairstyle? How'd you get through it?

Me, on the right, with my bangs.

Homemade Hummus: You'll Never Buy It Again!

A few weeks ago I went to a friend's birthday potluck picnic in Prospect Park. The food spread was so impressive! People went above and beyond to make their most delicious recipes. But one that really stood out for me was this hummus, made by our friend, Sogol. It was seriously the most amazing hummus I've ever tried. So good, I nearly finished it all! I just kept on dipping some toasted pita -- it was heaven. And Sogol, the brilliant maker of this perfect hummus was nice enough to share her recipe! So here it is. I promise, you'll never buy store bought hummus again. :)


Ingredients:
3 medium sized cans of chickpeas (you can get away with 1 or 2)
8 oz. Tahini
2 garlic cloves (sliced)
Lemon juice to taste (about 4 should do if you like it extra tangy)
Olive oil to taste
Parsley leaves
Paprika (optional)
Coarse sea salt

Directions:
Add the chickpeas, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil (both to taste) in a food processor. Once blended, add tahini to taste. Then it's just a process of tasting and adding more lemon juice, tahini and salt.

To top it off put some parley leaves and olive oil in the processor and blend them up to make parsley oil and drizzle over hummus, add some paprika, lemon juice and coarse salt on top of it all.

Thank you, Sogol!

(photo via Smarter Fitter)

The Perfect Parka

It's official. This Relwen Fall/Winter Parka would make me very, very happy.

Do you have a bad habit?

Let's talk about bad habits. Nobody really likes to admit they have them, but we're all guilty of some form of it. 

I have a bad habit. Sometimes I start to clean at the end of a party, which makes people feel like they have to leave. But on the contrary, I'm trying to provide a clean space so people can feel comfy and relaxed! But I've been causing the exact opposite. Since I first noticed this about myself, I have made a conscious effort to leave the dishes in the sink and the broom set aside, which makes me wiggly in my seat. But parties are meant to be messy, right? 

How about you? Any nail biters or knuckle crackers? What are you doing to improve your bad habit? Let's share!

(photo via Vanity Fair)

Easiest Flatbread Ever.

Cauliflower & Prosciutto Flatbread via Tartelette

My flatbread photo

I just tried this incredibly easy and delicious flatbread recipe. I seriously could not believe how quickly I made it (more or less in 30 minutes.) This is definitely going to be a back pocket weapon for some last-minute get togethers! You can either make it really simple with a little olive oil and salt, or add a few tasty ingredients, like prosciutto and cauliflower, which is next on my list! 

I want this cookbook!

Wow. This book looks amazing.

Max Sussman of Roberta's and his brother Eli, of Mile End, have come together to create this dynamic cookbook for the at-home chef who doesn't have a lot of time or a hefty budget. I haven't tried Mile End just yet - dying to - but Roberta's pizza is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in New York,  in fact, the Clintons just ate there! That has to count for something, right? :)

You can buy This is a Cookbook: Recipes for Real Life here. 

Pizza from Roberta's (um, yea.)

And a sandwich from Mile End (yum.)

Fall Style Inspiration ♥

Elizabeth Olsen nails the fall look. (via Design Blossom)

Fall, I welcome you with open arms. In doing so, I thumbed through some style inspiration from ladies who do it well. :)

Song of the Day: April March "While We're Young"

                 
It's a bit gloomy today in New York. So I'm listening to April March on Spotify, which is making the rain a bit more cinematic. Enjoy:)

Panko "Fried" Chicken

I tried this recipe last night and it was delicious. I made enough so we could enjoy it for a second night, but we devoured the entire batch! I used thin chicken strips, which made them more like chicken fingers, and then we used sweet chili for dipping sauce. 

I like fried chicken, but I usually don't eat it because of how dangerous it is! So this is a great and healthier alternative that provides that satisfying crunch. :)

You can find the recipe at The Kitchn. 

Early Autumn Pie

Some friends of mine recently did something very nice for me and I was pretty stumped on how to thank them. Wine and champagne were out of the question because they work in the industry, and it couldn't be too personal since I was planning to bring it to their office. As I love baking, I figured a pie would be perfect. So I did some research and honestly, had trouble finding pies for this time of year. My initial plan was blueberry pie, but that sorta felt too summery, and with the weather here in NY dropping slightly, I wanted it to be a bit more autumn like. But of course when you google autumn desserts, you get a lot of pumpkin, pecan and apple. Those are perfectly fine of course, but I was still looking for something that felt less... Thanksgivingy. Finally, I saw this Plum and Mascarpone pie on my Pinterest feed and knew I wanted to try making it. The result was messy and looked nothing like the photo on the Bon Appetit site, but it was incredibly delicious nonetheless. Take a peek below for more photos. 

Now you can buy Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup.

Well, sort of. As part of Campbell's 50th Anniversary, the brand decided to pay homage to the pop artist by creating limited-edition Warhol cans. Warhol's work, originally titled "32 Campbell's Soup Cans" will be sold exclusively at Target for 75 cents each. Not a bad price to own a piece of iconic art!

(Photo via CSC Brands.)

White after Labor Day: yay or nay?

I'm curious. Do you wear white after labor day? In fashion, it's always been considered a no-no to wear white in the fall. But don't these ladies above look really chic in white? I'm torn. What do you guys think?

(first photo: this tumblr / second photo: Emerson Fry)

Fig season is here!

One of my all-time favorite foods is figs. I love that they can be enjoyed as something savory, like on a flatbread with cheese, or as something entirely sweet. Since they are officially in season, I found a couple recipes I'm dying to try! As always, recommendations welcome. :)

Fig and arugula flatbread.

Fig and walnut biscotti. Wouldn't this be so good with coffee?

Herbed baked figs with burrata and balsamic reduction.

Fig cocktail. 

Yogurt with caramelized figs. 

Wheat berry salad with figs.

Bison steak with fig sauce. 

And, of course, a fig tart. 

PS. Did you know fig is not a fruit but actually a flower?

(fig photo found here.)

Videos We Love: KNTRLR "Kursk"

 I am so excited to share this hauntingly beautiful video for Brooklyn-based band, KNTRLR. The song is "Kursk," and not only are the visuals captivating, but the song is equally as enthralling.

Way to go, Charlie and Mike! You guys did an amazing job.

Imagery. Just because.

Since we're still filming "After the Wedding" in Miami, we haven't had too much down time, especially when it comes to blogging (sadly.) But every so often, I'll take a gander at Pinterest to seek a little inspiration, especially since I'm already thinking about our next project. :) Without description or reason, here are some photos I found awe-inspiring. Enjoy. :)

PS - you can follow our Pinterest boards here. @threecifuentes

 

Stay tuned for more...