Mixing Prints

Photos courtesy of Sung Shin

Blouse-H&M

Jeans-Gap

Scarf-Louis Vuitton

Bracelets, ring-David Yurman

Shoes-Vera Wang Lavender Label

About a month ago, I decided to take the plunge and buy this leopard print scarf I've been eyeing for the past year. It came with a hefty price tag but it's been something I've been wanting to buy for over a year. It's luxuriously soft, the animal print is so chic, and I see it as something that will rotate in my closet for many years. Scarves are such a great accessory to have in general because they can uplift an outfit from plain to interesting and this one will easily become a favorite of mine that will do so.

I'm usually not one to mix prints in my outfits but I thought it would be fun to go outside my comfort zone this time to try mixing my new purchase with this polka dot blouse. I wanted to keep things somewhat uniform and not go too crazy with mixing prints which is why I chose the color black to be the common factor, along with wearing leopard shoes. 

Readers, do you have any fun ways of mixing prints in your wardrobe?

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend I...

1. Dined at Coastal Flats in Virginia because I had a craving for their pecan crusted trout which execute oh so well. The mango martini was equally delicious.

2. Made a pimento cheese spread for a couple of good girlfriends since we were getting together to catch up. They enjoyed it (success!) and I couldn't stop eating the leftovers this weekend. I ate it with chips and even spread it on my breakfast bagel. So, so good.

3. Went shopping with the boy to update his spring wardrobe. He's not one to gravitate towards bright colors on his own so we're taking baby steps to do so by starting with these two purchases.

4. Was treated to some "dinosaur steaks" courtesy of a good friend. Her husband happened to be working from home on Friday so he graciously grilled our steaks for us. The taste of a delicious grilled steak in combination with catching up with good friends equates to good times in my eyes.

5. Stopped by TJ Maxx to return something and in return I found and bought a Bodum water kettle! I've recently been looking for an electric water kettle and was so excited I saw one from Bodum. I've been a fan of this company ever since I started using their french press so this was a great find for me. I also love the simplicity of the shape so that it doesn't take up much counter space and it also adds a pop of color to my kitchen;)

How was your weekend?

NomNom: No Cook Chocolate Pudding

You know those days when you come home from a long day of work and look through your fridge to see if there's anything good to snack on? Okay, maybe that's just me but I've had plenty of days like that recently due to long hours at work. Sometimes I just like to have something that's ready-to-eat-no-heating required-kind of food in my kitchen so I can take a bite of whatever deliciousness that is readily available while standing in my kitchen. Yea, standing. Is that weird? I dunno.

When I was younger, my mom would often times pack me those Jell-O pudding snacks for lunch and I would devour it because that would satisfy my sweet tooth. Now that I'm much older and more ahem "adult like" I figured it's due time to try my hands on home made chocolate pudding.

You know how they say the book is always better than the movie version of it? I apply that to food as well. Homemade versions are always, always better. This pudding is easy (NO COOKING required people!!), decadent, and not overtly sweet because it uses both bittersweet chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder.

With the warm weather we've been having, how perfect would a refreshing bite of chocolate pudding sound to you?

Have a great weekend.


Ingredients: Yields 4 (Adapted from Fine Cooking magazine)
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
8 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (1-1/2 cups)
2 oz (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into four pieces
2 Tbs granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch table salt
Sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

Procedure
1. Have ready six 4- to 6-ounce ramekins or teacups. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan or microwave until just boiling. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cocoa until smooth.

2. Add the chocolate, butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt, and whisk until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into the ramekins or cups. Depending on the size of your ramekins, they’ll be filled about two-thirds to three-quarters of the way. Cover with plastic (not touching the surface of the puddings) and refrigerate until chilled and thickened, at least 6 hours or up to three days.

4. Serve with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and a few chocolate shavings, if you like.

Spring Trends:Florals

Photos courtesy of Sung Shin

Blouse-DVF

Shorts-Forever 21

Shoes-Pour La Victoire

Bracelets, ring-David Yurman

Sunglasses-Stella McCartney

Growing up, I've always been a fan of colors and interesting prints on clothes and this blouse is the perfect example of my affinity towards that. I bought it last year because the floral designs on the blouse reminded me of a Monet painting and the vibrant colors made the blouse stand out. I find it funny that one of the big spring trends currently is floral anything because what I bought over a year ago plays perfectly into this current trend. 

Trends can be tricky because what might be 'huge' now may not necessarily be popular next season/year and it could very well end up sitting in your closet collecting dust. My feelings towards clothes is that you should buy something that you love and makes you feel good whether it's trendy or not. Things that might be trendy now may not necessarily be right for you and that is completely okay. Don't fall into the trap of buying everything that's trendy--pick and choose what ultimately suits you.

Do you have any clothes that are trendy now that you're able to recycle?

Weekend Snapshots

This weekend I...

1. Stopped by Panera Bread in the morning to grab some coffee and was told I had a free pastry waiting to be claimed! If you ever eat at Panera, make sure you sign up for their My Panera card which basically racks up point every time you purchase something. I rarely go often so I was surprised I had enough points for a free pastry. Score.

2. Dined at Kushi (again). What can I say, I love that place. Pork belly ftw.

3. Bought the latest issue of Test Kitchen and went post it crazy with so many appealing recipes I want to make soon. I recently made a Filipino adobo chicken dish from that magazine and it tasted SO DELICIOUS. In face, the boy requested if I could make it again next weekend so hopefully I will have my camera ready to share with you guys.

4. Bought a new nail polish because the color reminded me of Spring. It's a beautiful coral color from Revlon called "Marmalade" and I coated it with Essie's "Set in stones." I also bought a blemish balm (BB) cream from Garnier. For those of you not familiar with BB creams, it's a hugely popular in Asia and the US is starting to pick up on the rage. Sephora explains it as "One of Asia's biggest beauty sensations, B.B. cream—short for "blemish balm" or "beauty balm"—is truly an all-in-one skincare wonder. Their lightweight, multitasking formulas provide SPF sunscreen protection and work to moisturize, conceal, and treat skin in just one simple step. The silky, tinted lotions effortlessly blend with your natural tone, minimize the need for concealer and foundation, camouflage lines and imperfections, and serve as a skin-perfecting primer." I've tried a sample from Clinique's and had lukewarm feelings towards it so I wanted to try Garnier's version since it's also much cheaper. I believe Dr. Jart+, Bosica, and Two Faced are the other companies getting on the BB cream rage.

5. Wore a recently bought necklace from Neiman Marcus this weekend. Love the rose gold against gold.

How was your weekend?