For The Love Of Cheese
May 15, 2009
I ♥ cheese. I truly do- and during my last shopping adventure I was fortunate enough to taste some lovely cheeses to take home and indulge in. Wow, these are exceptional… two of which make a magnificent dessert!
From rich and creamy to crumbly and potent, these are some wonderful cheeses to love.
First up on our plate is the Bucherondin, a cheese made from Goat’s milk that is truly exceptional. The gentleman working in the cheese section stated that he would have this cheese as a dessert- simply put on a plate and drizzled with some orange honey.
Wow, I can only imagine how it would be with the honey- but honesty it is magnificent on its own! Don’t let the brie like appearance fool you- though it has a creamy coating (that can be eaten by the way) the cheese itself is quite chalky in texture, much like feta.
But it is rich enough to where it dances between chalky and creamy in the mouth- it is heavenly and a delicious treat. This is a mild flavored cheese, nothing too intense to frighten away or alarm you, I think the balance is just perfect here.
This gorgeous, creamy, delicious cheese is a cow’s milk cheese from France called Delice De Bourgogne from Licet. It is a Triple Cream Soft Ripened Cheese (oh, I do love the tripple creams… they can be very potent though mind you). Let’s look at it again, shall we?
I know, I know- it looks like butter:
And the consistency is rich and satisfying like butter- wow this cheese, along with the bucherondin, are new favorites of mine that I cannot get out of my mind. They are lovely.
This one in particular has a lovely character of sweetness and just the slightest tang or sourness to keep things interesting. It is a subtle bite- so subtle you might even miss it, nothing overpowering just a beautiful melting of flavors.
The flavor is more distinct than the Bucherondin, as is common with triple creams. If you ever run across this little gem, you surely will not be dissapointed.
Up next is the Campo De Montalban, a Spanish cheese with a very distinct taste and surprising texture. What distinguishes this cheese most from the others is the tripple blend- a marvelous blending of cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, and goat’s milk. On appearance, it resembles a Manchego and slices with a similar consistency and texture. But once you place it in your mouth, it becomes creamy with a distinct but wonderful flavor.
Something about cheeses from sheep and goats have this distinct taste- some call it gamey, and it can vary in potency. This one here was perfect- just subtle enough to give intrigue and satisfy and not overpower at all. The blend works perfectly to create an amazing balance and texture.
I highly recommend this cheese as much as I do the two above, if you are new to being adventerous with cheese this one may be a good cheese to start with. Truly a treat- indulge when you are able to.
I saved the potent cheese for last- the Roth Kase Gruyere Surchoix. This is unlike most gruyeres which are mild in taste and texture- this one is *extremely* sharp!
It is called “Surchoix” meaning top choice because after nine months of aging, the celler master hand selects the finest ones.
This hard cheese is very robust and highly concentrated with flavor- it is nutty, earthy, and just the right hints of sweetness to bring it all together. This one is strong- and for the stinky cheese lover.
Wow, what wonderful cheeses, I cannot get them out of my mind they are all so lovely. Any of these would make a fine choice and I highly recommend tasting them for yourself.
Much love and a great love of cheese- xx
Absolutely Charming, Absolutely Decadent
May 13, 2009
I love a charm with a secret, and when the glamorous touches of vintage are involved a beautiful look is created. The latest from this charming collection are ones to love:
I adore LOVEMADDS, and when I was looking through her latest collections my eyes were instantly drawn to the Samantha necklace- a pendant case complete with a vintage manicure set. This is a necklace with a secret! I love how vibrant the red is on the handles of the set- so bold and bright yet hidden in the delicate golden case dangling on a gold strand. Beautiful!
It is feminine, delicate on the outside and powerfully armed on the inside- very real and glamorous in presentation. This is something I would love to have dangling around my neck.
Ah, the charm of charms… aren’t they lovely?
They inspire us with past memories and create a place for new ones to come.
I’ve been loving the decadence of gold jewelry this year, and with bold pieces like these they just scream rich and luxury. The details are right and ready to be worn.
I can see single piece bold charms making a great appearance especially towards the later part of the year- with a simple cocktail dress, a large and magnificent golden charm delicately resting from the neck makes a beautiful and fashionable statement.
These golden charms also make for a lovely touch to a casual day outfit- adding the extra elegance and femininity to make a casual outfit all the more inspiring.
Don’t you just love these new pieces? There are even more gorgeous items in her collection you will have to see for yourself.
Chic Coral Hidden Treasures: Collection Disovery Part II
May 12, 2009
If you loved the first entry on Sonia Kashuk’s Coral Reef Hidden Treasure Brush Collection from TARGET, you are really going to love this!
My fiancee is wonderful and always thinking of me- after making a quick visit to TARGET to pick up a couple items for us, he brought me back a surprise. Look and see how lovely it is:
This is the Highlighter Brush, a continued piece to the limited edition Coral Reef Hidden Treasure Collection from Sonia Kashuk, a TARGET exclusive. Another beautiful gem to add to your collection!
It is very soft like the other brushes from the collection, with the same coral detail as you can see in the photos. We stopped by TARGET again today to see if there were other brushes or pieces to the collection, however this was the only notable addition I could see.
There is a highlighting powder available with the same box decor, but the actual piece itself does not match the coral. The case it is in is just a smooth silver triangle with smoothed edges- nice but doesn’t grab me nearly as much. I’d just as well keep my brushes and use them with my existing make up collection I have at home.
I thought this was fabulous- gorgeous brushes at affordable prices at one of my favorite shopping locations. I love this!
Child’s Play In Mirrored Elegance
May 6, 2009
When was the last time you played with a rocking horse of your very own? Maybe its been too long… fortunately now there is an elegant and fashionable alternative!
From YesStyle, one of the designer brands offered is Sweet & Co♥. With adorable and creative designs, some child-like and colorful, others subtle and elegant- the opportunities are playful and beautiful.
My latest purchase is this absolutely adorable rocking horse ring! It is mirrored and just the right size to make it noticeable but not overbearing. It has a delicate and feminine look that speaks memories of childhood now all grown up.
I like the idea of wearing this playful and youthful ring with a cocktail dress when going out with the girls- how much will this dazzle in the dim lights looking gorgeous against my cocktail or wine.
I love that subtle shine that bursts with the right light- and this ring will do it gracefully.
And the packaging is perfect, also- it comes in an pretty pink little pouch enclosed within an adorable pink envelope- ready to be received as a gift. I think my kitty, Aveline, thought so too- right when I opened the package she went for the pink envelope first!
Adorable, isn’t it? And as you can see there were other items I had purchased as well- but shhh, those are to be revealed soon! Enjoy your sneak peak, for now I’ll be playing with this marvelous new ring!
Now This Is Absolutely Wild, Roar!
April 23, 2009
Who else loves matching their nail polish to their shoes or favorite accessory? It makes a bold and beautiful statement, and an otherwise simple outfit incredibly fabulous. But take a walk on the wild side with me for a moment- this is a look that is certainly wild!
Now, I’ve posted on my nails that purr before, and even with different variations- but this takes the look on a whole new spin. I had completely forgotten about these adorable heeled booties until I started going through some of my old shoes.
My nails were already painted with the print- I am going to be doing a bit of traveling for the next few days, and the beautiful thing about this look is that respond well to travel, meaning that when they chip it is very subtle and almost looks like a rustic version of the look. Very low maintenance for a fabulous look.
Anyway, with my nails painted the way they are, the instant I saw these booties I knew it was time to bring them out!
I am packing some wintery clothing items- and I think these boots and my nails are just the wow factor I am looking for. Even with an all black outfit (tights and all) these two items will really stand out together.
The shoes I think are Bertini if I am remembering correctly- the name inside has worn out but the shoes themselves are still pristine. I found them for under twenty dollars at one of my shops in Miami, I love finds like that.
Here’s to matching on the wild side- rawr!
Style- Oh, Yes!
April 22, 2009
What are your styleobsessions? You’ve seen quite a few of my own inspirations and I love to keep my collections growing. Everything from unique and creative dresses and accessories to beautiful shoes- you name it! We all love our style companions, especially discovering the items that meet the best of our personalities.
It is with that in mind that I am incredibly excited and honored to announce the Pretty and Fabulous sponsorship from YesStyle!
They are my latest obsession, and with great and fabulous reason; there is something for everyone and for all of my moods and attitudes. For the times I am feeling old hollywood glamor to the times I am feeling like I am five again, they have the style that meets my needs. Not to mention a pretty and fabulous price, very affordable with items ranging from around $20 up to the bigger designers. I love it and cannot wait for you to take a look and see for yourself. I want to know what you like the most.
The Accessories section is like a candy store- sometimes very literally! With designer brands like “Fit-To-Kill” and “FairyTales” it is like a fashion wonderland! Even the names are spectacular.
Because they have so many styles available, this is also a great place for getting gifts for that finicky fashinista- they are bound to have something clever that caters to their individual personality. I already have things in mind for some of my friends that I know they are going to love and be the envy at every party they attend!
Here are some looks I am loving right now, one from Dodostyle and another adorable dress from Spring Girl, I think they are perfect for spring’s feminine image.
Sophisticated classy dresses, girly frilly looks, even casual wear with sweaters and jeans- there is a look for you and this is why I love it so much and am presenting it to you!
This is how much creative they can be- and since I am a sucker for an adorable charm bracelet, let alone candy influenced designs, check this one out:
Sooo adorable, ha- very fun and girlie. You will do best to take a look through their styles and see what you love best, you will be amazed at all they have, I have such a list compiled already!
They have designer items too, and I will leave you with the one that is on my wishlist, I am seriously obsessed with this jacket… I may even drool… and admit to it! How gorgeous is this? Ah, go look and comment back to me! Much love!
Feminine Soft Curls and A Big Red Bow
April 21, 2009
So I woke up this morning feeling especially girlie and feminine, it is such a beautiful day outside perhaps it is the sunshine coming in that is inspiring me. Looking into my closet I knew exactly what I wanted to wear- a white frilly dress, and my hair in soft curls with a bright red ribbon.
I have my curls very subtle, I like them that way with this type of look. They become more noticeable in the wind or when I walk- and I like that. With my dress being very simple and white, I wanted to add a bold color into the mix and thought the red ribbon was just the thing, and still keeps true to the girlie theme I am playing with here.
I also added a little bit of a puff to the pony tail portion of this look, I rarely wear my hair half up and half down, but when I do I like the subtle puff since otherwise it can feel to flat on top. I find it keeps a beautiful balance as it transitions into the curls or waves below.
And the dress- I love a simple yet frilly dress. Love it. If it makes me want to twirl when I am wearing it then I instantly want it. It’s the child in me, and I like to keep it happy (only child, naturally).
I found this dress some time ago I believe at forever twenty one, I haven’t worn it yet this year so I am delighted to be playing in it now.
Oh, did I mention it has the most adorable pockets on the sides? What makes me love this dress in particular is that the uneven hem is longer on the sides rather than the front and back. It is just slightly different and makes it all the more unique and wonderful.
It also has a very vintage look and feel about it, as if it once belonged to an old doll or was hand made from mom.
Even the pockets are larger than normal, giving that feeling of being a child and wanting to fill them with candy! This is certainly a fun one.
A Chic And Coral Hidden Treasure
April 19, 2009
Hidden treasure never looked so fabulous- and for something as common as this, I love when a designer has fun and adds a bit of luxury into the most simple items we use. Suddenly getting ready in the morning has a much more glamorous feel, and I know I am excited to be using these lovelies.
And possibly the best part, beyond their gorgeous appearance and feel, is the price and location of these gems… Target! They are only 19.99, and are a limited edition so be sure to pick them up while you can. This is an incredible deal for brushes of any kind, let alone fabulously designed ones such as these. It is definitely a steal I had to act quickly on myself, and wanted you to be aware of them as well.
The collection comes from Sonia Kashuk and is called the “hidden treasure” limited edition brush set, the name is perfect. It includes six beautiful brushes and a travel case to match. All the brushes are very soft against the face and very nice, especially for the price. Love it!
Playing with my make up in the morning has a whole new look and feel; fabulous brushes? Can’t go wrong there, a beautiful and stylish move from Sonia Kashuk for Target.
Don’t You Just Love It When This Happens?
April 16, 2009
Some days I chose my shoes before I decide on an outfit, and revolve the clothes to my shoes… this is one of those days. But I decided to keep the outfit simple, and make it about the accessories- and wouldn’t you know, I find a gorgeous Ferragamo bracelet I haven’t worn in ages that exactly matches my shoes?
Love it.
My fiance had given me this bracelet some time ago as a gift, though we discovered very quickly that wearing it was more than a style statement, it was also a weapon. Those corners seemed to always be casually hitting him while I was none the wiser. So now I only wear it occasionally, and with caution!
But I never thought to match them with my Vince Camuto heels. It was a delight to discover their beautiful matching styles. I love it when that happens, don’t you?
I kept the outfit simple- some beige/khaki shorts and a loose black top; very casual chic for an afternoon of running around (but still looking and feeling fabulous). Neutral shades are beautiful, and can especially be dressed up with accessories that match!
